NarniaMUCK

Lancelyn Road
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The road wends gently along the edge of the open and scattered woodlands that
can be seen encroaching upon the eastern part of this region. To the west,
the more open country of the plains can be seen rolling gently in low hills,
and you can make out the telltale rooftops of the town of Lancelyn Green.
The road here turns toward it.

The Sun and Moon Inn can be seen to the east here, neatly nestled into the
trees. The structure looks to be quite old, but it has the proud gleam of a
structure reclaimed and refitted, and it appears to be a pleasant place to
pass the night. You can smell the pleasant aroma of something cooking in the
pub. The road continues north to the Northern Path here.
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You can go: The Sun and the Moon Inn <E>, Into Town <W>, Toward the Northern
Path <N>

Astor is taking a break outside in the cooler air, standing a few feet from the Inn's door in case someone needs him within.

Astera follows Priya and Ast on horseback. She shifts with some agitation and looks relieved to see the Inn come into view.

Astor looks up, and seeing the movement in the distance hails them with a wave.

Priya and Lord Ast ride at the front of a small group. Priya rides with her son in front of her, and she holds on to him carefully. When they approach the Sun
and Moon Inn, Lord Ast dismounts first, then assists Hart and Priya as they dismount. He then goes over to Astera's horse and offers to assist her as well.

Astera takes Ast's hand with a grateful expression. She dismounts, looking eager to hand over the reins.
Astera's stomach rumbles.

Asa ambles along a fair ways behind the travelers, stopping now and then to examine a plat here or there, watching the group as they reach the inn.

Astor waits politely until Lord Ast is finished to bow to the nobility and give him a brotherly hug with a grin. He urges, "Come inside, please. We have been expecting you all."
Astor says, "There is hot food waiting."

Arael helps to guide the pack animal she walks beside to a halt, grinning as she watches the greeting out of the corner of her eye.

Astera makes a bee-line for the Inn at the mention of food, brushing past her older brother.
Astera's stomach rumbles.
Astera walks into the inn.

Priya waits as Ast returns the brotherly hug. Ast says, "Thank you, Astor. It has been a long trip." Priya smiles and nods her agreement. She picks a very sleepy looking Hart up and holds him against her hip. "Indeed, thank you, Astor." They make sure the horses are seen to and then join Astera inside.

Astor nods to Arael and Asa, last of all. "And you are more than welcome within as well."

Astor greets Arael fondly. "It's been some time."

Asa chuckles, "Thankee mi'l.. er, "he chuckles again and shrugs, "Ai'nt nothing I kin do jus yet, "Have ter get some herbs on th stove."

Arael smiles cheerfully and returns the greeting, leaving the pack animals to the manservant with her. "Aye, that's so. I've missed you, to be sure."

Astor shrugs, "Then I hope you have a good night, Asa."
Astor says, "You're missing some good cooking."

Arael lifts her hand and gives the older man a little wave.

Asa chuckles and nods, "Aye, No doubt." and ambles on his way
Asa walks westward along the road to Lancelyn Green

Astor watches Asa leave a distance with a chuckle before turning to Arael. "It is good to see you. Is Winnbyrt still in Carmichael? I was surprised not to see him in Andale."

Arael nods. "Aye, last I heard, he and Ary were still in Carmichael. I've a notion it may have been too cold still for Bern to make the journey."

Astor nods with a smile, "Well, we should head in as well. After you."

Arael grins her thanks and turns toward the door.

Astor passes under the archway, into the tavern.

Tavern
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The atmosphere of the tavern is warm and cheery. A few well-placed lamps
hanging from the ceiling, accompanied by a glowing fireplace, attempt to throw
light into the somewhat dim room. Serving wenches bustle in and out of the
kitchen door to the north, clearing tables and serving food briskly, calling
out orders to each other occasionally over the din. Prinn, the barman, polishes
a rather antique-looking counter idly when he is not speaking with customers.
There is a menu on the wall behind him, along with several bottles and glasses.
There is a door to the south that leads back out into the Anteroom.
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You can go: Kitchen <N>, Anteroom <S>

Astera stands and curtsies. "Good night my lord and lady, young master." She smiles fondly to Hart.

Astor enters at last and bows once again. "I hope you found everything delicious?"

Arael comes in just behind Astor and steps to the side of the door, bobbing a curtsey.

Astera nods, taking a seat. She looks rather flushed from the journey. "Indeed."

Priya and Ast turn to exit, when Astor joins them. Priya holds a now sleeping Hart and nods. Ast says, "Indeed. If you'll excuse us, we need to put Hart to
bed and we should retire as well."

Astera gives Astor a mildly agitated look.

Astor nods and more quietly, "I understand. Lord brother, Lady Priya, Master Hart, have a good evening and let me know if there is anything I may do for
you."

Arael curtsies again to Lord Ast and Lady Priya as they make ready to retire.

Priya says, "Thank you, Astor. We will." Ast smiles and then escorts Priya out of the tavern.

Priya walks out to the anteroom.

Astor bows and moves to the side so that they can pass him. Then he approaches his sister with another bow. "Is the food to your liking? I added several
things to the menu that I remembered seeing in Brosie's cookbook."

Astera smooths out her skirts and nods, "Yes. It is good as always. I did like the egg."

Arael moves toward where Astera sits as well.

Astor anxiously inquires, "And did you try the bacon and buttered rum?"

Astera shakes her head, "Not yet. But I shall be sure to."

Astor nods, letting it go. "Well, there's always the morning, I suppose. I can wrap up some bacon for you. It would be easy to eat on horseback."

Arael grins and shoots Astera a mildly puzzled look as she listens to the conversation.

Astera chews on her lip. "Yes. That would be nice." She fidgets and then fans herself, shifting.

Astor raises an eyebrow at her behavior. "We have a garden. It's cooler outside, if only a little."

Arael furrows her brow and tilts her head a little to the side.

Astera says, "I think I should like that."

Astor says, "You're welcome to walk around it or sit on the swing. And guests aren't allowed there usually, so it's private."
Astor offers her an arm.

Astera decides to follow Astor.

Arael moves to take a seat at one of the tables, smiling as she watches the brother and sister together.

Astor nods to Arael, "Would you mind allowing me to talk to my sister privately? That way you can eat as well, Arael."

Arael nods brightly to Astor and curtsies to Astera. "Aye, of course. I'm sure you've quite a lot to catch up on."

Astera smiles a little to Arael and nods.

Astor smiles, "Thank you. Have a good meal." He leads his sister from the room.

Arael gratefully takes her seat at the table as the others turn to go.

---Traveling--

Simetra's Garden
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The flower garden looks less tamed then the kitchen garden, but it is obviously
tended with a loving hand and a careful eye, and its slightly wild nature has a
very appealing effect. In the middle of the flower garden is a venerable old
oak tree, with a wooden swing hanging from one of the larger branches. A few
cracked benches are scattered conveniently throughout the garden, some hidden
amongst rosebushes, others in more open spaces, with a good view of the rest of
the garden. Its a peaceful little spot, a sort of haven from the bustle of the
inn.
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You can go: Up <U>, Kitchen Garden <N>

Astor offers her the wooden swing.

Astera eases onto the swing.

Astor moves behind her to push her gently. "Remember when we used to do this in Carmichael?"

Astera smiles a little, "Aye." She closes her eyes, keeping her grip on the rope. "It is much nicer out here. Perhaps its just that the insides are now
stuffy from being locked up all winter."

Astor admits, "It was a little warm in there, although not as warm as it could be this time of year." He gives her a boosting push.

Astera chuckles at the boost. "It's been a long time since I've been in a swing."

Astor cautions, "Don't fall off. Your husband won't thank me if I give you a broken bone."

Astera chuckles lightly, "I never fell off a swing--or a tree for that matter."

Astor chuckles, giving her a higher boost. "Still, The Emperor forbid, there can always be a first."

Astera laughs at this. "Indeed.... Indeed."

Astor glances around to make sure no one's listening before saying softer, "Do you mind if I tell you a secret?"

Astera hms softly and looks over her shoulder, clearly interested.

Astor chuckles, boosting her even higher. "Well, I haven't quite figured out the trick to cooking the bacon right. I mean, I love a crispy bacon the same as
any other man, but well, this is crispy beyond that. It's become a bit of a laughing stock in town-that kind of bacon. So, don't let anyone try it until
you leave, and let me know what Ast says, alright? I only wish I could be there when he tries it."

Astera chuckles in a good natured manner. "All right."

Astor rubs his hands with glee, "I can only picture his face as he politely tries to eat it. I'll let you warn our sister-in-law discretely."

Astera giggles. Suddenly she drags her feet, bringing the swing to a halt.

Astor frowns, suddenly concerned. "Is everything, alright?"

Astera asks, "Astor... would it be all right to try some of that bacon and buttered rum now?"
Astera says, "It sounds rather ... appetizing about now."

Astor appears confused, "Sure, but...what's the rush? I mean, didn't you just eat?"

Astera furrows her brow, "No rush I suppose it just... sounded good." She traces a small circle in the dirt with her toe.

Astera smiles, "Thank you Astor, that would be wonderful."

Astor asks out of habit, "Is there anything else you wanted with that?"

Astera pauses. "Maybe another egg?"

Astor nods and disappears inside.
He comes back.
Astor hands Mug of Buttered Rum to Astera.
Astor hands Fried Bacon to Astera.
Astor hands Scotch Egg to Astera.

Astor says, "Travel must have made you famished."

Astera taps her foot on the ground lightly, her hands folded on her lap. She smiles, eagerly accepting the food. "Yes." She gives a light laugh. She still
seems a little flushed. "I do believe it is this whole business of Tyren going north." She eagerly sips the buttered rum. "I've been all out of sorts since he
left."

Astor hmms, looking her over. "I hope you didn't catch a fever. Would you like me to call for a healer?"

Astera's stomach rumbles.
Astera chuckles and shakes her head, eagerly laying siege to the food. "A fever? Oh Astor, I've had a fever many times before I'm fine. It's just... being cooped up all winter and how stuffy it is and travel. Well, and my nerves." She gives an agitated sigh, "I'm becoming more and more of a Chesterton Lady every day. I /shan't/ be such a nervous nelly. I simply shan't.""

Astor eyes her curiously, "No one ever said you were nervous. I've just never seen you act this way since the last you had a fever....except then..." He
pauses, "...then, you didn't want to eat..."

Astera says, "It is a very long journey Astor."
Astera says, "And there was hardly time to eat on the way."

Astor frowns. "Perhaps I should speak with our brother. I think sometimes he forgets ladies are not an army and not even an army can march on an empty stomach."

Astera laughs softly and nods. "Perhaps. But we were all eager to reach the inn."

Astor munches on his bacon thoughtfully.

Astera munches on the bacon thoughtfully. "I say Astor, this is rather good. Especially with the buttered rum." She dips a piece into the drink. "It takes off the edge."

Astor questions her again, not to be distracted with compliments in his concern, "Are you certain you don't want me to call a healer? Asa may be a commoner,
but he's a master healer for certain. He even cooked up something for Sir Tyren's sore muscles a few days back."

Astera immediately looks distressed. "Tyren was hurt?""

Astor shakes his head with a chuckle. "No, just saddle sore."

Astera calms, "Ah. I see. I am glad Asa took care of him." Her expression softens, "The poor dear. And still such a distance to ride."

Astor mentions, "He hadn't said where he was riding."

Astera looks uneasy. "North."

Astor says, "I assumed Carmichael."

Astera bites her lip, chewing a little. "To Narnia. More business with those wretched thieves."
Astera sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Do you see why this has put me into such a state? I am worried sick."

Astor raises his eyebrow, eerily like Tyren. "I thought you said you met their Majesties in the north and that they were good and wise people."

Astera says, "It is not the Royals I am concerned of. But he has business with those rogues that managed to seek asylum there."

Astor nods with understanding, he leans against the tree. "Still, I would think they have their own guard on the rogues, it they are wise anyway."

Astera sighs, "I know.... I know... I just intensely dislike them. They trouble him so."

Astor sighs, "Worrying about the problem does nothing. I think you may be right. They've been keeping you cooped up in the castle for too long and it's
taking its toll. A rest in Carmichael may do you some good. Plus, you will see your husband sooner." His eyes pity her.

Astera smiles at this, looking greatly relieved. "Thank you Astor. I do feel a great sense of comfort in Carmichael.--I've never stopped seeing it as home. I'm sure I'll be much better once Tyren joins me." Her eyes brighten. "And I will have young Master Hart to play with."

Astor smiles, himself. "And Lady Priya to visit with."
Astor says, "But promise me something."

Astera hms softly, looking at him with interest.

Astor says, "If that fever...and I still think it may be the beginning of one...gets worse or something strange happens, you will allow me to call Asa or else you will have Arael call for a healer there."

Astera smiles warmly, "If it keeps up or gets worse, I promise to send for someone. We do have good healers and herbalists in Carmichael should the need
arise. But I do think it is the travel and general agitation. I thank you for your concern."

Astor nods, his stormy eyes lightening. "Good." He chuckles, shaking his head. "As your brother, you know I'm concerned."

Astera stands and wraps her arms around him in a hug. "I know. You always take such good care of me."

Astor embraces her in return. "Just don't be as stubborn as father could be. I'll never forgive myself if something happens because I didn't..." He falters. "...if I didn't say anything."

Astera's expression flickers. She nods, her voice gentle. "I promise to look into it if it gets worse.--After all, I don't need to worry Tyren."

Astor nods and pulls from the embrace first. "Feel free to come out here if you need the air during the night. As I said, it's private. I need to make sure
things are ready for the morning."

Astera gives a small nod, looking a little tired. "Yes. I should turn in myself. Thank you Astor."

Astor smiles and falls into an easy bow. "You are welcome, Astera."

Astera nods to him. "good eve Astor."

Astor says, "Good eve."
Astor leaves first, allowing her to her thoughts.