I have a story for you! [6/9 - Jacques & Allistair]

[Allistair McGovern]

Allistair had listened carefully to the lords as they spoke the day before, trying to absorb all the information they were hashing out. It was amazing, actually, how quickly certain news travels from other lands. Al never thought about it until now, and it was pretty intriguing to him.

He'd settled into the room he was given and earlier that morning a servant came and told him that sometime around lunch Lord Ashpool wanted to see him. Al put on a cotton tunic and one of the pair of clean pants he owned and combed out his hair. He couldn't look like hell when he went to see Jacques.

After lunch a young woman found him sitting just outside the castle and informed him that Jacques was ready to see him. Al followed the servant in quietly and was escorted half way by her until a knight met up with him to show him to the Lord's study.

When they arrived, Al knocked quietly and waited to be allowed in.

[Jacques]

The knock sounded and Jacques motioned his squire over to open it. "Lord Allistair to see you, M'Lord," the boy said dutifully and Jack nodded. "Leave us. Go see about that saddle."

Jacques turned to Allistair. "Good afternoon. I believe you have much to report? And we'll discuss the matter of your rewards as well... have a seat. Would you care for something to drink? There's wine or brandy." Jacques settled himself in one of the chairs, picking up the goblet he'd already been drinking from as he went over the various letters that had arrived that morning.

"So, a few gypsies survived, and they... willingly... accepted your, ah, assistance?"

[Allistair McGovern]

Allistair bowed to Jacques and requested a brandy while he took the seat he was offered. Lord Ashpool got straight to the point and Al was grateful. He never enjoyed talking about what he'd done after situations like these.

"They really had no choice, to be honest. The ones that actually lived were slaves, most just women and children. It seems they did away with the greater majority of the men, only a few are left."

He received his brandy and took a sip, thankful for the liquid in front of him. "The heads of government, Connor and his lot, they're all dead. The bandits had erected a ... death shrine? I'm not sure what you'd have called it, it was just disgusting." he shook his head, working so closely with all of them he had a hard time thinking they were dead.

"There is only one member of the ... royal family ... that didn't adorn the shrine. As I never found her body I can only imagine she escaped, but where she may be I don't know."

"As for the illness that tore through Tjuvar, it may have stemmed from the large piles of decaying bodies, but we can't be sure. The only evidence we had was that once we gave them all a proper burning and buried the ashes, the illness started to fade. Most of the casualties we experienced were from illness and not really the war itself, though I'll have to say that the armies kept in high spirits and the greater majority went home safely to their families."

[Jacques]

"I'm sure there are a few more. There's always some off in hiding who'll wander in later, once the danger's passed." He nodded at the mention of Conor's fate- the trickster king had always thought himself more clever than he was. Gypsy bravado.

"Final figures and pay issues you can take to the steward. Many of the Harrowmont soldiers will likely be moving out again soon anyway, to reinforce the southern borders. We'll need to keep some of the gypsies left on as scouts and men to help mind the passes, especially the ways to Gyllene. The ships in Utkast we can add to our own fleet... hopefully a few of them are left. I'll get Selidor or Mowbray to look at the port..."

Jacques leaned back in his chair. "Now, we discussed a reward, I believe? The city of Freysa has been under a steward's care for some years now. It's along the western road, in the foothills south of Hsynga- as someone who's used to the area, you would doubtlessly find some comfort in it."

[Allistair McGovern]

"The fleets of Tjuvar were burned, few ships remained, I know this. Though there are the bandit's ships to be held onto, they're in decent condition." He spoke as he took the note Jacques handed him to give to the steward.

"I would, thank you my lord." Allistair returned with a bow. Freysa, his work had finally paid off. Though his life would change drastically, he won't be able to roam free anymore, he wouldn't be on a contract anymore either. He wasn't exactly upset about this change.

[Jacques]

"Ah well, some of their shipwrights are doubtlessly remaining. That can be remedied... I'm not averse to seeing Sankan merchants open up trade with the mountains to help them rebuild. Our architects should be rather well-versed in rebuilding at this point."

Jacques nodded. "Good, Lord McGovern, of Freysa you will be. The maester here can draw up the papers, and we'll see them invested by a scribe and sealed. The stewards in Freysa can appraise you of their status and anything else you need to know regarding the town and castle."

[Allistair McGovern]

Allistair nodded as Jacques spoke, his suggestions were just what the town needed. "The remaining population's spirit has been broken. Something to be suspected I'm sure after the rape, torture, murder, the usual." He tried to sound detached but Tjuvar had been his home for a very long time. Even the old hag that had accosted Edmond was dead, not that he was sad, but the bandits had definitely not let anyone survive. Though if you asked Al, she was probably the most terrifying of the population's whole.

"They'll need help to rebuild as they did just picking up the pieces. We had helped a bit and listened to stories the people had told. They need the kind words and the helping hand of a province lord who cares. The Gypsies are a dedicated people, loyal and hard working. You'll earn a valuable amount of men and women, what few are left."

Allistair thanked Jacques and swept him a bow. "I appreciate the chance you have given me." He wanted to say something more, but honestly he couldn't figure out what to say, he didn't want to make a fool of himself.