#salmon-duchy-lands-aka-alaska

"Some? A few stories after my Naming. I wasn't expected to be a Falcon."

"That makes two of us," Leslander chuckles.

A tug at the corner of her mouth, a lopsided little smile.

"They were sure I'd be a Fiona at first," he explains with a bit of a sheepish look.

"I can see why," Cambria observes.

"Because I'm fearless?" He smiles.

Dryly, Cambria says "Of certes, let's go with that."

An amused snort.

"Irregardless," Staghorn says, which causes Cambria to wince as he continues, "You've come to the right place. History, Justice, Protocol and more are taught here and Cambria and I can show you. While some of the mentors here ARE stern, others are not, and all intend to offer their wisdom. Also, we talk among ourselves and trade advice as well as trade blows in duels or while having a nice latte or glass of wine. Oh, and sometimes the areas around us seek help and we get a quest. It's great."

Cambria mutters under her breath "Regardless, not irregardless. I swear he does that just to..."

"I certainly won't mind sparring with new people, either." She doesn't comment on the flirting. It's cute.

Besides, she's got her own reminder - the little skeleton songbird is happy and content. Symon is... wherever Symon is. Likely enjoying being unseen, as sluagh are wont.

Indeed, Symon may have infitlrated every place that doesn't have a weaverward on it by now. And a few that did.

"Excellent, fighting trolls is always an experience," Leslander smiles, "Really puts my shield work to the test."

"Shield only works if it's in one piece." A small smirk, gently teasing.

Leslander laughs, "Well, it gives our Dougal Allies a chance to strut their stuff trying to troll proof shields."

Even Cambria chuckles at that, "Do not forget we have an armorer on site."

"I'm not inclined to break expensive gear just for a spar, though. That's just rude."

"Well," Leslander assures, "We don't want you feeling too restrained either. ANd IF I ever fight some Ogre in service to a Rival lord , for example, they aren't necessarily going to hold back so the learning is more important than the shield, but your thought is appreciated. IF I do the shield work right though, it won't atake the brunt. Deflection is key rather than a flat block."

"I prefer the joust to melee," Cambria admits "But no denying a deflection is best for either."

"I like jousting. Defeated a car, once."

"A CAR?" Cambria actually loses her usual composure as the boon rings quite true on that statement, "You're not being metaphorical are you?"

"Well, it was with Flyswatter, and not a lance, so 'jousting' might be generous there..."

"Flyswatter is that your.. ah, immense weapon there?" Leslander asks as he points to the polearm, "Sounds like a story in the name too."

"Halberd, yeah." She grins.

"I chrysalized and this manifested with me. And got into a fight right away with some nasty bug chimera - hence, Flyswatter."

"Bug Guy was an affair honestly."

"Sounds grotesque," Cambria observes, "Come, let's go to the Bird Bath. Coffees , Teas, or wines are on me," She invites, "And you can tell us more?"

"Coffee sounds great, actually." If there were any doubt she was a Rivervale troll....

The Bird Bath (The grumps have given up on changing the name to anything more dignified) has a good feel of top notch pub and coffee house combined. but is less courtly than some might expect. It is a place to socialize informally and reflects that in decor and atmosphere. While there is a lot of green and gold, and welsh love spoons are on the walls, it isn't a place one worries about having to keep their elbows off the table.

Soon the three are sitting at a table, a bit off to the side. Three drinks are soon in their hands and she can hear light chatter all over... most of friendship, some of shared hopes and ambitions, and of course, some frustrations.

"I lost my temper and nearly killed an innocent sluagh... never again... that's why I'm here. I will increase my will until I am fit to go among commoners again.." One fellow says into his ale to a friend.

Another Gwydion, a troll like her, is saying "I don't mind standing at attention, or kneeling... but oratory? Public speaking? Dan forgive me but it's almost a phobia..."

"So AFTER I finally grew a mustache, she seduces me... I wake up and she's shaved it off. I don't know what Beverly wants. She's a pooka and I love her but blast it.." one guy covers his now bare upperlip

"Have you tried NOT screaming 'sword to the head' until AFTER you stabbed?" Tactical advice there in another area.

The coffee is excellent, and to Dagmar's surprise, strong hot plain coffee is referred to as "Brekke Brew". She IS, after all, famous.

Dag breathes, relaxing - this reminds her of home, a bit, even though it's very different. (She also doctors her coffee with milk and sugar, because, well... it is nice that way.)

"Now, about that tale? when you're ready, of course," Cambria says savoring her fancy tea.

"Car-jousting? Sure! So I was out for a pleasure-ride on Star..." She shares that story, with gentle understatement. That it closely resembles a certain ballad, well...

Indeed, Leslander starts to hum it. His hold is big on music.

"Noooo. It didn't get all the way out to Pacifica, did it?"

"It did in twin hills," A grin from Leslander, "Fame and glory have no respect for a toll's modesty, not if it comes with a good jingle."

"Bards!" She sighs but smiles.

"Troubadours," He grins, "Unlike Bards they're allowed to fib more."

Cambria covers her smile with her glass. she must not encourage Leslander. He's insufferable enough as it is.

"We have this rooster pooka.." And more songs and stories to share.

Soon, laughter and sympathies, sometimes sympathetic laughter, are flowing as stories are exchanged all around.

(Fade to Falcon Fellowship)