“You can’t do that sirrah!” cried a rude voice from behind you, startling your thoughts. Turning about you see the Chief steward of the feast had come up and was shaking a finger at the newly erected tent and the man inside.
“Nobody may just barge in to this gathering without an invitation nor by the leave of those gathered least of all a bunch of filthy…” The stewards irate tone trailed off as the Man uncoiled from the tent and strode outside towards him suddenly.
“And you my good sir are ignorant and without courtesy.” The stranger retorted gesturing at the edge of the tree line. “As anyone with any wits can see I am outside your Gathering, and my masters fiefdom extends to this point, so away with your airs and pettiness sir!”
The steward blanched as he took in the man’s obvious wealth and bearing, but to his credit did not cower. “Neighbours do not sneak up uninvited sir.” he began. “Had your master wanted to attend the fayer he had but to ask as is the long custom of this place”
The stranger fumed “You would do well to offer no insult to your new neighbours least of all those with the wealth and power to buy you petty villages little man. My master is but newly arrived to this area and has hardly time to visit so many petty lords and small holdings to ask. In our lands an honest merchant offering goods and service may pitch tent nd sell their wares without such unneeded petty protocol. Come now then how much for my tents pitch then steward, if I takes money to buy your courtesy I am not lacking in coin!”
By now others had begun to drift towards the shouting. A gruff looking Dwarf stumped up to stand by the steward. “It is not about Money, mercenary this meeting is about friendship. We all have known and traded among ourselves for some years now, its not open to any to just barge in here, you need to be invited no matter who ya ‘re.”