Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/1018/April

1st April

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Kaguya Fujiwara

"Twenty-five hours before we make landfall in Port Nebel, milady."

"Thank you, Alfreid."

With no further orders forthcoming, the captain-butler lingered a few moments on deck beside his liege. Normally there would be a multitude of minutae of keep Alfreid occupied as Kaguya and her retainers went about their duties within the Empire, but stuck aboard a ship on a days-long journey across the ocean... not so.

It made him slightly uncomfortable.

"The ocean is beautiful at this hour, is it not, Alfreid?"

"I suppose it is, milady."

"See, my captain, how the light of the waning sun casts such vibrant colours upon the waters. Feel the breeze on your face. Taste its salt-laden chill upon your lips as day recedes, and dusk draws near."

"Most poetic, milady."

Alfreid shifted imperceptibly, ever so slightly betraying his growing agitation.

"I was rather occupied at thought about our landing protocols, milady."

"Ah," Kaguya turned to face him, her serene countenance replaced with seriousness, though the twinkle in her eyes suggested some amusement. "Always about work."

The Fujiwara heiress gestured in the direction of the cabin, and the two made to return below-decks.

"So, my ever-comprehensive retainer, what do you propose that I shall wear when I am to present myself before the King of D'Hara?"

Alfreid knew that she was humoring him, but smiled slightly nonetheless as the conversation steered towards more familiar waters, at least where he was concerned.

"I was thinking something in blue, or perhaps indigo, milady. Colours that honour the royal arms of D'Hara will surely not go awry with our hosts."

"Very well."

The duo arrived outside Kaguya's accommodations.

"Twenty-five hours, did you say, Alfreid?"

"Approximately, milady."

"You shall bring me parchment and some ink. I must write to our honoured hosts in advance of my arrival."

"Of course, milady."

Dorian Pavus

For a moment, Dorian saw nothing. Nothing in his sight, vision shrouded. It was not the first time had this come to him. And just as quick as it came, it left his eyesight, or rather, lack thereof. He knew the signs, he had read about them. At the young age of 22, could he really allow himself to be subjected to his fate? Though, what choice did Dorian have? He had already tried everything - prayer, medicine, just outright waiting and hoping the situation would improve on its own. But it was not. It was becoming more frequent, lasting for longer. His eyes were becoming commonly red, the pain, the discomfort, the blurred vision. There was only one way this was going to end - blindness.

Aldrakar Renodin

Strolling around the University

Outside, standing vigil around the University grounds were the men of the Renodian Elite. Finely trimmed bushes lined the pathways and crisp looking trees dwarfed the men as either looked suspiciously a lot like the other. Straight backed, regal and unapproachable.

Within the University grounds itself walked Aldrakar. Inspecting the place, conversing with key staff members and generally making up his mind on how well the place had been planned out. So far, he was rather pleased and it showed. He moved about the place with a cheerful demeanor and wore a bright smile upon his lips.

An Audience

Followed by one of his most trusted servants, Dorian walks slowly out to find Emperor Renodin. "My Emperor," he bows. "I thank you for offering me time. Somewhere more private would be fitting. My quarters?" ~Dorian Pavus

Seeing the young man appear before him Aldrakar allowed his lips to form a welcoming smile. In response to the bow he pursed them a little and his hand started to rise in objection but only slightly and he never finished the gesture as Dorian had already finished the bow. "You have quarters at the University sir Dorian?" Aldrkar smirked. "No, that won't do. We're not flirtatious lovers and your, quarters, won't do." Speaking the words Aldrakar began to move away and towards one of the gazebo's offering views of the surrounding water. Passing under a large peach tree Aldrakar failed to glance back to see if Dorian actually followed and rather continued speaking. "What is it that is of such grave personal importance? That you'd have to speak to me in person."

As he had hoped the gazebo was abandoned by people but rich in shelter and privacy. Even without walls it stood far enough away that while they might be spotted by passers by, their words shouldn't be audible from that distance. Taking a seat, Aldrakar visibly relaxed and fixed his gaze on Dorian.

Dorian Pavus

Seeing the young man appear before him Aldrakar allowed his lips to form a welcoming smile. In response to the bow he pursed them a little and his hand started to rise in objection but only slightly and he never finished the gesture as Dorian had already finished the bow. "You have quarters at the University sir Dorian?" Aldrkar smirked. "No, that won't do. We're not flirtatious lovers and your, quarters, won't do." Speaking the words Aldrakar began to move away and towards one of the gazebo's offering views of the surrounding water. Passing under a large peach tree Aldrakar failed to glance back to see if Dorian actually followed and rather continued speaking. "What is it that is of such grave personal importance? That you'd have to speak to me in person."

As he had hoped the gazebo was abandoned by people but rich in shelter and privacy. Even without walls it stood far enough away that while they might be spotted by passers by, their words shouldn't be audible from that distance. Taking a seat, Aldrakar visibly relaxed and fixed his gaze on Dorian.

"No doubt you are right, my Emperor," Dorian nods, following Aldrakar past the tree, and into the gazebo, leaving his servant behind. He sits opposite Aldrakar, taking a breath before speaking aloud: "I am afflicted with something incurable. Blindness. My father faced it, as did his, and I hoped it a coincidence, but now it appears hereditary. Prayers have gone unanswered, medicine has had little effect, and my studies become much more difficult with my sight. I have taken to my servant reading for me, for I can hardly do so myself. I seek your guidance before I speak to the world, or even have such a thing even written." He stands, leaning against the wall and peering out to the university grounds. He looks down to see the Summer flora, before turning his sight back to Aldrakar.

"What do you suggest I do?"

Emyhr le Craint

With the moon high in the sky, the faint sounds of revelries emits from the camp as the men of the Vanguard enjoy a restful evening in preparation for the upcoming battle. As is custom with the House of Le Craint, Emyhr can be seen fraternizing with the remaining warriors around a fire with a drink in hand.

"My Father used to tell me of the stories of his days leading this very vanguard, before we had risen to these ranks, of fights against the monsters. His face always filled with pride whenever he talked about the accomplishments of his generation."

The men looked intensely at Emyhr as he told the story, for many of the men are second generation vanguards and had most certainly heard the same story from their fathers. But they were more interested to hear it from the perspective of their respected commander.

"One specific time comes to mind, with an incident around an ambush within a forest. Where my father's second in command had come up with an ingenious plan to disguise scarecrows as knights and place them within a clearing. Of course, this lead to an astounding ambush with no casualties. But the funniest part came from the three particular warriors during the attack."

With this, the men's interest peaked, with silence across their faces waiting for the answer.

"Of course to make an enticing target, they needed the clothes for the scarecrows. These three men had volunteered to use their clothes, this led to the distracting moment of the naked men charging at the monsters once the ambush was sprung."

Resounding laughter erupted from the men gathered, with particularly embarrassing looked from a certain young warrior who had heard the story, but from his fathers perspective excluding the naked charge. Emyhr seeing this, approached the man, passed him another mug of ale, and gave a hearty grin which cheered the man up.

The conversation continued for some time until Emyhr stood up, wished his men a good rest in preparation for the expedition tomorrow. As he approached his tent, the feeling of nervousness grew stronger for this would be his first major event without his father. But he knew that he should honor his fathers memory. And with that notion, he entered his tent to rest for tomorrow would be a long and exciting day.