The Other Baron (RP)

"It sounds like we need a small army to get all that done. We send someone to the mayor, to baron Childebert, to the resistance,... I don't see how this is possible, even if we have three more days to get the girl out of here. I also feel that just contacting the resistance-brothers won't help them on their feet. They looked like they needed more guidance. If we could get into contact with that guy from the forest, he might be able to get them in shape."
Norbert feels he is getting too excited again. The mixture of fatigue, fear and the rollercoaster of emotions is taking its toll.
"And the mayors son would probably be the best placed to speak to him. If we can find them we would only need to speak to the baron, should be a breeze."

Roals sighs:" How exactly did we get mixed up in all of this?Our options are:
- find the girl as soon as possible, maybe even toninght,
- or leave first thing in the morning and gather an army to get rid of Chlodomer.
I like our chances best with the first option, there will be a battle anyway, but if we have the girl, there is no time pressure anyore."

Roald ponders for a moment: "how about, we combine the two. We do as Norbert said, dispatch messages to Childerbert and the mayor... maybe to Olaf too, telling them to come in force. With the enemy at his gates Chlodomer will have his guards spread thin and that will give us a window to extract the girl"

"That sounds sensible. Let's send out messages first thing in the morning. In the meantime, we've got 3 days to find and rescue the girl."

Albert turns to Norbert. "Norbert, we can definitely use your, and your dog's, help with this. But it's not something to take lightly. So if you want to back out and return to your flock, this might be your last chance." He tells him, not wanting to push this youngster into danger but seeing the value of his skills.

Norbert inhales to tell them he is all in, but holds his breath for a couple of seconds. "It is definitly not what I expected. Less monsters and more people who behave like monsters. ... But yes, I feel like I can help and make a difference in some situations. But preparing to fight against a man who shares his house with us because we suspect him from vile behaviour is a big step for me."

He looks at the dog, nodds and adds: "How do we find Olaf and his friends? And where is the son of the mayor?"

"Maybe we can walk the hallways for a bit and talk to other servants? Hopefully we can find out more about "the festivities. For all they know, we are here exactly for that event"

"Well, since we couldn't find Olaf or Theo in town or on the road, we can't presume our message will get to them in time. Best to send it to the mayor and the other baron then, I think." Albert tells Norbert. "But you're right, we only have suspicion right now. A little girl might not be the most reliable source of information."

He listens to Roald's idea. "That may be a good way to go. Do you want to stick together or split up?"

"I'm going to go to bed so I can get up early and warn the mayor. Maybe one of you can write a letter, that might have more gravitas than the rablings of a young shepard." Norbert says while supressing a big yawn. "It would do us no good if I were to be turned away."

"Again?!?" Norbert exclaims as the dog whines. "You just went. Ugh. Lets go outside again."

Norbert gets up and goes outside with the dog. He lets her run around a bit and looks happily at her for a bit while she sniffs around. When she comes back he plays a little while with her. Pushing her, rolling her on the floor and hugging her. When he gets up to go inside he feels rejuvinated.

"Lets go look where Roald got to. Maybe he wants some company."

Roald puts on his biggest smile. '' good evening to you all! What are we celebrating?''
One of the guys shrugs, '' jst the 'nd of de day, I spose''
By the slurr in his words he can tell the men are sitting here for some time already.
'' Thank you for your kind offer, but I cannot join you in drinking. Is it ok if I keep you guys company for a bit?''
One of the other men bumps his head on the table and begins to snore heavily. He gets an elbow from the guy next to him Which makes him fall of the bench, looks like he's happy lying there.
whow, this is some party... Better not stick around for too long

A third person on his left is frowning: ''what do you mean, you can't drink, I won't have any of that here! Grab a pint for this adventurer!'' the man shouts at no one in particular, and no one is moving to act on his order.
at least I can understand what he's saying

The man reaches to the other side of the table to get a hold on an (almost) empty cup.

Roald is thinking quickly... What should I tell them? Maybe the truth will do just fine.

'' Listen, I really appreciate your offer but...'' Roald continues in an intriguing whisper ''If I drink, I turn into a violent warrior, last time I punched a random guy half to death, so you understand why I can't join you'' he looks the man straight in the eyes.
The man nods and swallows.

Roald continues:

''say, maybe you can help me out. We are wondering if it is a good idea to stick around for the festivities this week. Is it worth staying for? What exactly is happening?''

Albert agrees with splitting up and decides to go the other way from where Roald went. There's got to be some kind of shrine here somewhere. He thought, looking for any kind of place of worship. He could do with come guidance right about now, and with some luck he'd meet some other inhabitants or guests.

After asking around for a short while Norbert stumbles into across Roald and the drinking men: "Can I join? What are we having?"

The dog sniffs a bit at peoples feet and present itself to being petted. "After his first drink Nobert overcomes his shyness a bit and starts asking about life in a "castle".

"Do you men live here all year round? Can you go to the festivals in town? Can you stay here if you get married?"

Roald is glad Norbert has come in. Hmmm maybe he should have a drink... Just one, wouldn't hurt, would it?
He quickly changes his thoughts and pulls the dog closer.
''We don't need beer, right.'' He whispers to the dog.

Norbert is taken a bit aback by the reaction. "I saw few families here and wondered if people move away to settle on a farm or if there are just not many oppertunities to meet people. Somehow the baron does not seem to entertain many people."

Norbert is definitely not used to being around drunk people or pubs. Somehow his brothers kept him away from the village inn. The hopes he did not upset anyone and people will see that he is just a young friendly guy.