Dubhaine Family/Brigdha/Roleplays/2020/February
| Dubhaine Family | |
| Fame | 40 |
| Wealth | 19485 |
| Home Region | Ashforth |
| Home World | East Continent |
1st February
Summer Day - Meuse
Maccio Aurelle
From the Cathedral of the Shadows emerges a detachment of well-equipped, rough-looking soldiers, carrying gold, books and various posessions and loading them in carts. A short, thin, shaven-headed lad with tanned skin and a blank, unfocused gaze, dressed in fine clothing, comes out of the state last, and makes his way through the city into the District of The Palaces followed by his entourage.
A woman, wearing armor and a black surcoat with a white lion embroidered on it splits from them, enters the district and asks for an audience between Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, and his lord, Maccio Aurelle, knight of Karbala and future lord of Akesh Temple.
Summer Evening - Meuse
Lindow Moonsun
The Grey Guards opened the doors of the palace district walls, letting pass to Sir Maccio and his unit .
Meanwhile, in the Grey Palace, Lindow was in his office when a servant knocked on his door.
- Your Highness -
- What is the matter? -
- Sir Maccio has arrived and asks for an audience -
- Rally him at the Palace Square -
The Palace Square was the link between the Grey Palace, home of the Shadow King, with the Twilight Palace, a building for the Council and civil officials. It was completely paved with different grey stones that formed geometric shapes. In the center of the square you could see a yellow stone obelisk, an ancient monument of Luciferase Mayhem, the first shadowdale monarch.
Lindow left the enormous gates of the Grey Palace accompanied by a detachment of Grey Guards, in front of him was a formation of men with the emblem of the Aurelle House. In front of these men was Sir Maccio.
- Soldiers of the Casa Aurelle, you carry the emblem of a house that has already participated in several campaigns with the Shadow Legion. You have got achievements in battle and fulfilled the orders given to you. The Shadow Legion needs soldiers like you as part of its main force, for that reason I grant the title of Prime to your unit, so that everyone knows that you form the backbone of the Shadowdale army. - Lindow pauses and looks at Sir Maccio
- Sir Maccio, go up the stairs and get close to me -
Maccio Aurelle
Maccio bows to Lindow, then turns to his new unit and, with his usual blank stare, tells them: "Y'ain't fough sh*te, dun' let tis honor get to ye heads. Tis is a reward for me and Banda Feccia, the mongrels I fought along with. They weren't half as well equipped, trained and paid as ye, yet they earned this. Ye will be expected more."
After his short speech - or scolding - Maccio follows Lindow at a close distance, whilst admiring his surroundings in awe. One would say he doesn't seem used to these kind of places...
"Tis ain't cheap..." - He mutters at some point during their walk.
2nd February
Summer Day - Meuse
Foxen Carmine
Before going to Evora, Foxen takes a horse and arrives at the Grey Palace. He seems sad but and invitation is an invitation. Sir Carmine approaches a guard at the entrance.
Please, tell the Shadow King that Sir Foxen Carmine is waiting for an audience.
Lindow Moonsun
The twilight of the day was approaching, Lindow looked at Maccio who was bowing before him. At that moment, a servant appeared carrying a sword, the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre, a unique sabre that Lindow has wielded in countless battles.
Lindow took the sabre and said:
- Sir Maccio, your loyalty with Shadowdale is more than admirable, you have fought both in the south of the continent and in the northwest of it. Such a loyal noble should be rewarded. That's why Sir Maccio - Lindow poses his saber on Maccio's shoulders - I appoint you Lord of Akesh Temple - Lindow made a little silence and shouted - rise up as Lord Maccio of Akesh Temple! –
On the morning, Lindow was walking through the gardens of the Grey Palace with Daunae. It was an Almond Garden that surrounded a lake, in spring the place is became like a winter landscape because of the white flowers of the almond trees.
Lindow and Daunae were having a conversation when a servant stood in front of them.
- Your Highness, Sir Foxen has arrived and asks for a hearing -
- Gather him in the Throne Room -
- So we will, Majesty - And Lindow continued talking with Daunae.
After a while of that pleasant walk with Daunae, Lindow received a notice of the arrival of another guest. Sir Felipe had also requested an audience, so he was also gathered in the throne room.
The throne room was a rectangular black and white marble room with six black columns that extended from the doors to the royal throne. When you enter, to the left of the room were three large windows with beautifully decorated blue curtains, while on the right were beautiful canvases of past stories. The throne was a white marble structure carved in a complex but majestic way.
Sir Foxen and Sir Felipe were waiting there. The doors opened and a servant announced: - Your Majesty, the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun! - and Lindow entered the room, approached them, climbed the stairs to the throne and sat down.
He looked at both nobles and said: - Well, let's start -
Foxen Carmine
While Foxen was waiting at the entrance Sir Felipe arrived aparently for the same reason so both of them waited together. A couple of minutes later a servant conducted the knights to the throne room but Lindow wasn't there.
Waiting was not a problem, any person in the realm wouldn't say a thing. Some time later the king entered the room and walked to the throne.
Foxen bowed as the Shadow King passed him. Shame could be seen through the face of Sir Carmine.
Lindow Moonsun
- Sir Foxen and Sir Felipe, I have summoned you here to announce something. Don't be scared and rejoice, you are great warriors and Shadowdale is very proud to have you within his kingdom -
Lindow looked at both nobles - Sir Foxen and Sir Felipe, you have taken your units to faraway places on this continent, always following the Shadowdale banner. You have shown so much loyalty and courage for the kingdom that I am obliged, with pleasure, to reward you. For that reason, Sir Foxen, I granted you the Lordship of Al Amarah and, Sir Philip, I granted you the Lordship of Greatbridge-
Lindow made a silence and spoke again
-In addition, Sir Foxen, your forces have fought in many battles, being already frequent in the Shadow Legion. That is why it is my desire to grant the title of Prime to your unit-
Lindow looked at their faces, they had different expressions.
- These new titles are of great responsibility, you will have vassals and lands in your care, as well as the same obligations with the kingdom. I trust in your good job.-
Maccio Aurelle
Maccio stood up after the commendation ceremony, trying very hard to keep a straight face whilst his mouth was trying harder to make him grin, resulting in quite a funny expression.
"Aye, m'liegue! Th' westerners'll have a tougher nut to crack, now that I'll be guardin' it. Those mutts'll learn to be afeard of our walls and hide their maids anytime we set foot on their borders. I thank thee for tis position, and pledge to keep th' realm well defended."
The yound lord bows to and salutes his king once more, then waits for him to turn around, lest he be considered rude or unknowledgeable about proper etiquette - which he actually is.
3rd February
Summer Evening - Akesh Temple
Lindow Moonsun
Lindow was in his office, he was writing letters and reports after the arrival of new nobles to Shadowdale.
At that moment they knocked on the door.
- Your Highness - said a familiar voice behind the door.
- Go ahead - said Lindow.
He was the same servant who had been helping him receiving the guests these two days. He was an old man, in an elegant black suit.
- Tell me, Alfred -
- Majesty, the knight Sir Leonhard of Xeno has arrived and requests an audience. Should we gather him in the Throne Room? -
Lindow nodded and servant Alfred left the office.
When Leonhard arrived, the throne room had a grayish color as a result of the winter light coming through the windows, shortly after some servants lit the torches, giving a warmer color in the room.
After a while the doors opened and a servant announced the entry of Lindow.
- His Majesty, Shadow King Lindow Moonsun of Shadowdale, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala and Marshal of the Shadow Legion -
And Lindow entered, headed for the throne and looked at Leonhard.
- Come closer, Sir Leonhard, and answer me ... what is your Motherland and why do you defend her? -
4th February
Summer Day - Viseu
Leonhard Of Xeno
Sir Leonard was approaching the King's throne somewhat nervous. He stays in the distance and kneels before him.
- My King, I fight for my homeland and my family. Shadowdale is the place where I was born and where I reside. Where I am wielding my sword against enemies who try something against Shadowlade. Because it is my homeland.
After speaking Leonhard this swallowed saliva and ducked his head waiting for Lindow's response.
Summer Evening - Al Amarah
Lindow Moonsun
Once Leonhard finished speaking, Lindow stood up, watched the young nobleman
- Indeed, there is nothing like the Motherland, your home -
Lindow stood very close to Leonhard
- I like what I see in you, young knight. I see loyalty, I've saw it both in these last two campaigns and now, that's why I have decided to appoint you Lord of Negev as well as the Prime military title for your unit. Rise up like Lord Leonhard of Negev! -
5th February
Summer Evening - Akesh Temple
Dawson Lawson
Dawson was growing annoyed at the guide by second day of traveling through the mountain passes of Evora. He was for sure that guide was in fact lost and was just leading him and his troops around until they would starve to death.
But as the sun was falling on the second day the path opened up and a massive citadel was seen on the horizon. The sight of it amazed Dawson. Being built into the side of the mountain like it was looked like it could be defended from anything that was thrown at it.
"There it is my'lord. I told you I would get you there." The guide flung his arms wide encompassing the fortress.
"thank you, you can head back to your village now we can manage from here." Dawson signaled for his captain to give the man his payment. They rode for a few more hours before passing through the gates into the outer walls. "captain see the men into some rooms. Im going to go find an inn with some nobles in it. I havent really gotten to meet anybody yet." The captain salutes and orders the troops off while Dawson continues to ride on towards the sounds of drinking and yelling.
6th February
Summer Evening -- Akesh Temple
Maccio Aurelle
The citadel is being hung with blazons and black, white and yellow garlands, all the while a herald traverses every main street announcing tomorrow's noticeably improvised festival or, rather, a mockery to Perdan in a very poor disguise.
Local minstrels, buffoons and fools are being hired and instructed about their performances, strawmen sewn, sticks straightened, wood collected and gathered in pyres, ready to be lit. Priests of The Shadow also make the most of this event, its notably political undertone helpful in winning over both the authorities and lowborns alike.
At the Aurellian Keep, every leader of the warbands currently lodged at Akesh has, at least, beep accomodated in a room. If they decide to stay or wander around is each individual's decision.
Maccio is currently... Deliberating important matters.
- "We ain't dead to have maggots wriggling 'round us."
- "Sir, that is a very profane insult to direct to other fellow nobles."
- "Tis' perfect then. Now, how 'bout "Came lookin' fer shadows to hide yer faces? There ain't any big and dark enough fer ya." That will sure hurt them."
- "Sir, once again, that is too pr..."
- "Can't tell ye women from ye horses! No wonder the stench, ye dicks must be rotten fer f*cking the latter. Won't blame ya, though."
- "Sir, proper etiquette dictates..."
- "Couldn't make ye uglier even if ye bashed ye heads agains our walls! Would even make ye prettier and smarter! After all, noone would see ya six inches under and, after ye get eaten by maggots, at least ye would have their brains."
The scribe sighs, rubs his eyes and writes everything down as Maccio keeps spouting an endless flood of taunts, slurs, affronts and curses.
8th February
Summer Evening - Meuse
Maccio Aurelle
The citadel was hustling and bustling, due to both the departure of many retinues and the prolongation of the festival.
Garlands and banners still hanging, fools and buffoons still mocking the realm's enemies with improvised performances and puppet shows, bonfires kept lit for strawmen to be burnt whilst children gather together to beat them up with sticks, and sermons still being given aloud by weary priests, all the while dozens and dozens of soldiers visit the shops for last minute repairs or purchases they wouldn't otherwise be able to make whilst on the field.
The men are rallied to the outskirts of Akesh for headcounts and organization, while some locals watch and cheer them up. They know they are their protection, and that many may never come back.
"Aite, how ye doin', lads? Why the long faces? Miss the brothels or the drinking, or ye wetting ye pants, now that we're leavin'?" - Maccio asks his men with a snarky grin, only to suddenly raise his tone and redden - "Well ye better be sorry, WE are goin' to WAR! It is your time to do sumthin' other than eatin' and chargin' me money! Now YOU will make it for ME! First, we wreck those Perdan mutts. Then, we sack, pillage loot and BURN EVERYTHING belongin' to them! If ye find gold, food or whatever, you hand it to me! An' we dun' make prisoners, they're too cumbersome. I want you to be light and movin' from town to village to hamlet to whatever sh*te comes in sight so we can keep lootin', rinse an' repeat, rinse an' repeat! Get it, lads!? You better f*cking do! Now, get ye asses movin'!"
