A Squire's Training

[Gernot Squire of Lord Rainald]

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is somewhere in the Castle, and says to ALL:

All day so far, from 5 O'Clock in the morning, he has been scrubbing the floors of the hallways yet, to learn humility, as the Master Sergeant had said. "PAH! I know humility and you are a pompous Ar- ...."

He closes his mouth and scrubs more furiously as a maid comes scurrying along. When she is gone, he looks around, then spits on the floor, scrubbing the floor with his spittle. "Heh, now the floor will really be clean!" He sighs and keeps scrubbing and working his way upwards towards the Great Hall.

[Gernot Squire of Lord Rainald]

(Sigh, could someone please change the thread title to "A squire's training"? Thankee!)

[Gernot Squire of Lord Rainald]

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL:

**When it came to chores and foul weather, the Master Sergent showed the squires and pages no pity whatsoever unless conditions were genuinely unworkable for man and beast. Anything less and the boys and young men would be out at their chores under watchful eyes. They would have to face nasty qweather and much worse things all their lives as Knights, they had better start getting used to it, was the Master Sergents philosophy. Though not usually involved directly in training, he did oversee the process generally, and would step in when needed. The youngest pages were given chores within the stables, courtyard, and the castle itsself, a little sheltered from teh worst but still basically as miserable as the squires. That was anotehr favorite philosophy of Gerben's...make 'em all equally miserable, they'll band together against the source of misery and learn to cope with it....another critical lesson for a knight**

Some of the grizzled veteran's favorite moments in lif were when a group of lads got together and launched a revenge attempt. Success or punishment hinged entirely on success....success might be lauded...failure would find the lads soundly thrashed with the flat of a sword and back to scrubbing the privys. On the whole Sofia heartily approved of these notions and methods, knowing that he would never let any of them truly get hurt. And that was a comfort, when it came to Gernot. As uprooted and traumatized as the lad was by recent events and De Sennis's stark raving insanity and everything else, Sofia was certain that time in a regular routine, and a strong stable steady man to butt heads and bounce off of, would do him all the good in the world. Leter, in some few weeks, he would be stabilized a good deal more, and ready to settle into a family life. If the marriage proceeded as seemed to be planned, he would have the lovely Jessica for Mamman and the rightful love and acknowledgement of his father. Sofia smiles at that thought...the coming changes could only be good**

**She can still hear Gernot's scrub brush working on the stones down a long dark cold hallway. The occasional Gallic mutter can also be heard, but give the boy proper credit he was doing his chore diligently despite anger and misery. She knows he hurts and is cold, there had been a long conversation earlier this morning with Gerben about what had happened yesterday and waht discipline the boy had received. As Gernot had been getting more and more out of hand for days, and the training of squires was the Master Sergents domain and not hers, she had simply expressed acknowledgement, and thanks for his entra attention to the boy**

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL:

Having scrubbed the floors all the way to the Great Hall, Gernot finally gets up from his knees, looking down on himself. He is full of sud and dirt, and he wipes his brow with his sleeve. "Now you can eat from your damn floor, Sir!" He yells but immediately looks for cover. He looks at the bucket with dirty water and sighs- so knights do this instead of chasing dragons and Norse?


Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord :

*THWAP!* the hand smacked the back of your head just hard enough to ring your 13 year old bell, the voice behind you sharp* None of such language, boy!

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL:

He is hungry, and thirsty... there is food on the side table... and water... and ale! If he has to work like a grown up, he might as well get the reward of a grown up! Justice was important, Lord Rainald had said!

"HEY!!! Ouch!.... Milady!" He quickly bows.

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord:

**A small hand grabs hold of your left ear very firmly and the tiny woman tugs you straight toward teh Great Hall Door*

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"AuAuAu.... let go... please, what have I done wrong? I scrubbed the floors!" He knows Sergeant also still will give him the latrines before going to bed....so what's a bit of food doing wrong?

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

And then you used of foul language and made to start for food before exchanging of customary greetings, and being filthy besides **She stops, releases yoru ear, and gently straightens you up, speaking quietly** Gernot, you will be having more privelage, but, with this also is coming duties and responsibilities

Oh yes, and in your shouting, showed defiant disrespect for most honored Master Sergent, and showed no thought for those who may be sleeping yet

Gernot
Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"Milady!" He sighs, knowing she is right. "I'll get changing then... and... may I get some bread from the kitchen then?" Lowers his head

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

That is much better...go change and wash hands and face, then you may eat here int eh hall with me **her tone softened a bit, nw that you were behaving properly*

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

*Softly* Some do patrol all night while we may sleep safe and warm, we are owing them the respect of consideration and quiet in their sleeping times, dont you think?

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

Bows deeply and runs to his chambers, changing his clothes and washing his face and hands. He looks into the mirror... certainly Lord Rainald never had it that bad, and he never had demanded Gernot scrub floors either! Well... being all cleaned up, gernot runs back to the hall, skidding to a halt just in front of the door to be able to walk garcefully into the hall. "Is this better, Milady?"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**In the Ambassador's absence, she was watching over your education and and moral character development with scrupulous care. Part of this involved leading you to think of others, somethign a knight must always do. Watching you dash out she grinned where you couldn't see, and went to the kitchen for two breadrolls hollowed out and filled with a thick meaty stew, takign them back to the hall along with two cups of cider. These were waiting as you came back in and bowed, and she nods** Yes, much better. I hope you are being well this day? *this time the polite pleasantries were expressed...the invitation to sit was not yet given**

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

Sees the bread rool and a light comes across his face... he takes a step forward, but then stops, looking at you, thinking. "I am... well, Milady! And how are you?" He doesn't feel well, though, so he was lying, but if he told her he wasn't well she would accuse him of whining....this was so hard!!

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**The slight smile said you'd answered correctly** I am well thank you. Please, do be sitting down here near to the hearth **gesturing toa chair between her own spot and the warm fireplace*

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He bows again and slowly walks to the table, taking the chair indicated. he looks at the rolls hungrily, then at you, then back at the rolls. He doesn't dare grab one.... but licks his lips. "You... want one of the rolls, Milady?"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**She laughs* Now I must apologize, I should have offered now. Please to be having one, Gernot, I brought them from the kitchen only moments ago, to be eaten

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He nods butr has already learned a bit of curtesy when it came to women. "But... ah... I spoke the wrong question.... May I have one, Milady?"


Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

AH, much better. Yes, you may indeed

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He reaches for a roll, and then eyes the mug with cider. "And may I have a mug with thecider as well, Milady?" Takes a bite, his mouth full now

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

Yes you may, and very nicely spoken *partaking of her own food**

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

Grins and washes down his first bite with some cider. "This is good, thank you Milady! I haven't eaten anything but gruel this morning, it's... gruelsome!" He laughs at his pun

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

Much of your life will depend on your manners, you know. You will find that having nice ones will get you much further much faster, most of the time. **She grins* and certainly it is less trouble...well...mostly *thinking of recent clashes**

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"I know, Lord Rainald also is very polite... when he is in the right ....I mean, he is a gentleman, i have seen him at the FRankish court....and boy is it gentlemanly there!" He grins and stuffs his mouth with another bite. "IMilady... did that Norse catch you last night? I wanted to help you... as a knight should help a lady!"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**Chews and swallows a bite washing it down with some of the slightly fizzy cider** No, but he was so busy chasing me for salting his ale, that I had not opportunity to inform him you think those vile hellbeasts...err...those goats...are actually pretty...and he was too busy trying to kill me, to listen to such

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d: *mutters* vile hell beasts

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"Noooo, his goats are pretty... but their owner is vile! I'm glad you escaped him. Why is he so ... strange?"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

I have nooo idea *she shrugs*

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"And Gerben... he thrashed me, for HELPING you! And...and...." His look becomes sad, and he places the rest of his roll onto the plate before him

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

For leaving of training, actually **She replies after swallowing another bite** Your place is to worry about your training and duties. If I am needing of assistance, ther eare many about who may lend me aid

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He hears your words, you don't value his help. He swallows hard. "Aye, MIlady! You are much sought after"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d: *She chokes* What?

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He shakes his head. "I just mean you are a lady many want!"

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He offers an explanation for what had happened last night. "Mebbe... that Norse wants you also?"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**She was pretty sure she lost something in the translation, some nuance of english rearing its head** That i not what I meant, but you are kind to say so. I only mean that you need not fear for my safety

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"Ah... then I will nae longer, Milady!" Still, there is something troubling him. "Lady Sofia, if... someone insults your name... what do you do?"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

Oh yes *she nods solemnly* I am absolutely certain he wanted to kill me for salting his ale ...

First you be certain your name is good, knowingof your own mind and heart that all is true....and also admitting honestly when there is blemish. If hte name be pure, go settle the score

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He looks down at the table. "Then I will give Ragnar a good thrashing!" His voice is grim and determined

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

But if the accusation be a just one, then you must own up to it as a man, and work to remove the stain and give of much honor for family name

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

He looks down at the table. "Then I will give Ragnar a good thrashing!" His voice is grim and determined

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

Study hard from your teachers of fighting skills, and I believe you shall indeed do so

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

Looks at you, straight into your face. "He called me a frog eater! I never in my life have eaten a frog! " Makes a face. "And then he threw mud at me and Gerben was there and chased them away and I couldn't give him a beating right there and then!"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d: **She shrugs* So, seek other means of vengeance

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**Privately she thought that the taunts of the other boys your age were just exactly what you needed, for you were indeed being galvanized to greater action and determination**


Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

But ummm...learn first who will go running to snitch *wrinkles her nose* always avoid such action when known snitch is nearby

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"But...how? hmmm...." I could paint a silly face on their ship!"

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

First watch your prey for some time, Gernot. learn its habits and ways, and you will see when and where a chance for action will present itsself

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"Like Perin? I think he be one... a goody two shoes... yes, paint their ship.... with mud from the mire! Good?

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d: naw, Perrin is a stand up fellow he'd never tattle unless someone got hurt. Millie and Mollie however, are the castle gossips and will tell everything about anybody to everybody

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

Draws up his nose. "Well, they won't be near the ships when I paint them!" Grins...." What do Norse hate most?"

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

" A CROSS!!!! YESSSSSS! Curse their Odin and Thor and Balder.... they will go apeshit!" he is so excited that again he forgets his language


Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

Deiter and Ulbrecht are definitely a goody two-shoes and would no doubt stop you themselves in an instant and bring you back to the hall for discipline....Kyle is a fair fellow most times, he's ok for fun but too uptite for any serious revenge

*THWAP!*

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

"OUCH! Sorry, Milady!" He grins nontheless....fully involved now in planning and scheming

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d:

**But her look of shocked reproach is real** Gernot! You gave of your word you would not use such language again. For shame, you are breaking your word!

Gernot - Squire to Lord de Sennis is in the Great Hall, and say to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds:

Looks at you, also shocked by your shock...remorseful looks to the floor. "I forgot... forgive me, I shall, nae do it again" In your presence, he thinks

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Great Hall, and say to Gernot - Squire to Lord d: I think it best you return to the Master Sergent now and your duties for this day **She spoke quietly. You had just broken your given word, this was a serious matter** (I have to bail and get some sleep in real life hun *hugs*)

[Gernot Squire of Lord Rainald]

With much concentration Gernot sits in his room and tries to learn a poem by heart. It is from a man from the east, he was told. Again he reads through the poem, tehn lays aside the parchment and closes his eyes, trying to recall the words:

Humble of spirit, lowly of knee and stature,
But in fear and awe abounding,
I come before Thee.
And in Thy presence to myself appear
As a little earth-worm.
O Thou, who fillest the earth and whose greatness is endless,
Shall one like me laud Thee,
And how shall he honour Thee?
The angels of heaven do not suffice,
How then one like me?
Thou hast wrought good and hast magnified mercies,
Wherefore the soul shall magnify praise of Thee.

[Gernot Squire of Lord Rainald]

This time his chores were dedicated to cleaning the armour of Sergeant gerben. His weapns also, and those of all the soldiers here in Windstorm. the whole armoury needed to be done, polishing, sharpening, cleaning away any speck of rust and mending any blemishes....it was a task Gernot rather liked despite its tediousness. Armour and weapons - those were his love. And horses of course. Sitting at the table with a sword in his hand, the wetting stone running over the blade, he hummed a tune from Frankia, a tune about the birth of Christ. It was the season!

[Gernot Squire of Lord Rainald]

It had been the day of his birth yesterday. Actually, a day like any other. One week before Christ was born, Lord Rainald had told him, a good day to have been born and he was a blessing to the world, so his Master always had insisted. Gernot counted 14 years now....many children never made it that far, he knew. He went to the chapel and lit a candle for the safe retrun of Lord Rainald and for another year he may live and bring honor to his new family.

After that, he went back to his books. Mathematics was on his lesson plan today, counting, subtracting, keeping books proper. Boring stuff. Why in God's name did a Knight have to know these boring things?

[Gernot de Sennis]

(11:27:37) Gernot de Sennis is in the Gardens, and says to ALL: is digging in earth to plant some new apple tree sapplings, and some tulips and daffodiles

(11:34:25) Gernot de Sennis is in the Gardens, and says to ALL: His hands, his arms, his knees, his face bear the signs of digging and are covered with dark-brown streaks of soil and clay. Once in a while Gernot takes his sleeve to wipe away the sweat from his brow, only to deepen and extand the brown band of dirt on his forehead

(11:39:58) Gernot de Sennis is in the Gardens, and says to ALL: The sun is on its zenith by now, burning down onto Gernot's head. even though it is only spring, the power of the sun's rays is already quite strong .... strong enough to awake new life from the eath ... and in young men!

(11:40:49) Gernot de Sennis is in the Gardens, and says to ALL: Shyly, the young Frank stops in his planting activity and looks over to a young lass who is taking care eliminating some weeds from a planting beet

(11:41:40) Gernot de Sennis is in the Gardens, and says to ALL: Gernot doesn't know her name, he has never noticed her before in Windstorm. - "Who is she?"