Immersive Ink

waysoftheearth wrote:
A Nearby Gully (Gustave)

The old Man appears to warm immediately to Gustave's demeanor and offer of wine. He takes the last few steps toward the bench and then eases himself down, and pats the space adjacent as Gustave approaches.

"The best friends are those unlooked for, they say," chuckles the old Man affably as he sits, then "Well, it has been a good while since I've tasted ambrosia, and these old bones could surely do with a warm draft afore the winter sun sets...".

He thinks for a moment as Gustave covers the last few paces...

"Come to think of it, it's been a good while since I saw travellers out this way," he muses aloud, scratching his chin as he searches his patchy memory, "Might I know your name, good Sir?"

waysoftheearth wrote:

danhem wrote:Ulric looks around the company as if counting faces, "most of you were not there."

Only five present -- Mads, Dieter, Olaf, Ulric and Victor -- recall that night. It seems so long ago, could it really have been just a few weeks gone by?

ehiker133 wrote:
Desmond heads back to the group and tells them of what he found.

tonneau wrote:
"You may indeed, my dear chap", says Gustave, passing the flaggon, "I am call simply, Gustave", he says humbly, executing an extravagant courtly bow, "After all, one should not dwell on formalities when warming ones heart with the water of life, wot?", he grins.

waysoftheearth wrote:
A Nearby Gully (Gustave)

tonneau wrote:"I am called simply, Gustave", he says humbly

What Gustave considers "humble" comes across more "dramatic", but the old fellow laughs heartily for the entertainment and takes a deep swig of the proffered flagon.

"Well met, young Gustave," chuckles the old fellow, "I am called Copernicus -- a humble caretaker, if you please."

The two Men chat happily for a time, sharing what is left of the wine.

When the skin is (all too soon) regretfully emptied, Copernicus says "Well that was a fine drop, young Sir, and I thank you for your wine and good company." he wipes his mouth with his sleeve.

Then something occurs to him. "If you have no place else to bed down for the evening, why not accompany me back to my humble hut? It is barely a short walk over yonder hill, and I reckon I have half a cask somewhere which wants finishing... and a warm fire besides! What say you?"

tonneau wrote:
A nearby Gully (Gustave)

"Sir you are too kind", replies Gustave, standing to bow deeply.
"In truth, I set out looking for a fire to warm my feet - but to share fire, conversation, and a drop of fine drink is a bounty indeed!"
He helps the old man to his feet as the last light beings to fade from the sky.
"I dont suppose you have any pastries in this hut of yours?", he enquires conspratorially as they set off up the gully.

danhem wrote:
Ulric walks along near the rear of the cart making sure that they are not leaving too clear a trail to follow. He does his best to guide the others toward the ravine he recalls seeing the rocky ridge until Desmond returns.

"For all the smell, I'm looking forward to a little stew, mule stew or not," Ulric says as they start their slow march. "Let's hope Gustave doesn't become part of someone else's stew."

mushgnome wrote:
Highbough will help move the cart to the campsite. He stashes his long spear in the cart so to have both hands free for the pushing and pulling.

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

Tramping along, Mads readjusts his pack for more comfort and remarks "Gustave is a queer fellow, but I'm sure that deep down there's a smart man under those silken shirts. You don't wander out this far without having some sense about you." Considering his wounds for a moment, he continues "We might be over-confident though, as of late."

Valandil wrote:

mushgnome wrote:Highbough will help move the cart to the campsite. He stashes his long spear in the cart so to have both hands free for the pushing and pulling.

Andaros

"Please, let me do it, brother. Someone that has seen so many winters should not waste his strength pushing carts: save it for our next battle."

The southerner will insist until Highbough accepts, and then will stoically push the cart.