The long, salubrious summer that has favoured the land is drawing to an end. The people of the land are in the middle of harvest. The harvest has been fairly good, though the growing season has been a bit too dry. Overall, the Avatines are happy that things have not been worse.
The roads have not grown any safer, though, and those who travel strive to do so in large parties. There is a certain safety in numbers. Usually a nobleman or merchant forms the crux of such parties, lesser men travelling in his shadow.
This phenomenon can be easily observed at the northern road to Courite. Today, the Banneret of Guidry is travelling to the capital, with an entourage of kinfolk, men-at-arms and servants. He is easily recognized by his coat of arms, which is proudly displayed on his shield and the banner carried by a man-at-arms riding at the head of the entourage. Tagging along behind the Banneret’s men come a couple of minor merchants, who add their guards and wagons to an already substantial entourage. They maintain a respectful distance to the Banneret, bowing whenever he comes near.
The Guidry family members are clearly recognizable by their fine outfit and the deference shown to them by all others in the entourage.
The Banneret of Guidry is mounted on his warhorse, bedecked in well-kept plate armour, whose glory is sadly muted by the dust of the road. His helmet hangs from the saddle, and his face is young, with noble and stern features. He has shoulder-length black hair which brushes over his shoulderplates when he moves his head.
A young woman rides next to him. She wears a fine woolen dress, moss green in colour, with red embroidery, a white velvet mask, to protect her delicate features from the elements, and cream-coloured kidskin gloves with matching bootlets. Her hair is piled up on her head and entirely covered by a tight red cap.
A young man, with delicate, childish feature is riding slightly behind them. He lets his raven hair hang freely. He is wearing a snug, navy blue doublet and even tighter, bone white hoses, with a moderate codpiece. He plays a lute idly and with moderate skill. The well-oiled boots and the broadsword at his side do lend him some credibility as a man of Guidry.
The entourage stops at a roadside inn to water the horses and have refreshments. As the Banneret signals for the entourage to move on, a man approaches. He is clearly a young squire, apparently of rather modest wealth. His armour is plate worthy of a knight, but his horse is not a true destrier, only a mundane riding horse.
The squire is a man of average height. He has yet not learned to wear the plate armor with perfect grace. His face is young, with gentle, unremarkable features. He has brown hair down to his shoulders. By his side is a common broadsword, and his helmet hangs from the saddle. When the party approaches, one can see that he's getting ready to greet them - if one would've got really close, one would see that he tries to keep the stern face that he feels is proper for a future knight. Just before the party is reaching him, he gets out of his horse, and moves towards him. He tries one of his most elegant bows, as he rises, he starts adressing the Banneret. "Greetings Mylord, Armand of the Severeynce family salutes you! I am just a squire who hopes the good lord will deign to let him travel with him to Courite."
The Banneret regards the young man critically, his face stern. He then nods his head once. "Aye. Another member of the company would, of course, be welcome. Do join us Armand of Severeynce. I am the Banneret of Guidry, and this is my Brother André." The other man nods once, clearly a man of few words. The Banneret continues " Also, these are our siblings: Charlot and Charlotte."
The two young noblefolk also nod
graciously. Charlot smiles and states that "It is a pleasure to meet you,
good Armand". His sister remains silent, as befits a woman.
Armand bows again, not as deep as last time. "Sir, I thank the you for the
possibility to join your company. I am honoured to ride with the good lord
and your brother, sir Andre" Armand bows for Andre. "It is a pleasure to meet
you too Sir Charlot, and Lady Charlotte" says Armand as he does his third
bow in a short time. Armand mounts his horse and one can see a relieved expression
on his face as his joins the rest of the company.
After the common pleasantries, the Banneret makes a small gesture to his left. "Do ride with us for a while. The road is naught short of dull, and fresh conversation is welcome." He offers a slight smile that nevertheless fails to reach his eyes as he regards the Squire.
André uses his knees to
directs his destrier to the honour position on the right hand side of Clement.
The riding horses of Armand, Charlot and Charlotte look pitifully small compared
to the two huge destriers.
The Banneret speaks in a hushed voice to Sieur Andre, who raises an arm to
spur the company forward at a leisurely pace. As the entourage are once again
on the road, Clement turns his head to face Armand. His face bears a kinder
expression now, but a slight frown betrays that his mind is partially occupied
with something else.
"So. Armand. Where are you headed? And, for that matter, what is your purpose
when you get there?" Before Armand has time to reply, the Banneret continues
with a slight grin. "Of course, this is no inquisition. In fact, allow me
to inform you that me and my immediate company are travelling for Courite,
on what might be described as Affairs of State." A slight dismissive gesture
with one hand, the other one gently holding the reins of the horse. He waits
for Armand to reply, some of the heaviness of mind obviously having lifted
as they are moving once again. Away from Guidry.