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.

Aldrakar Renodin

Question from the Blind

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?" ~Dorian Pavus

The mellow feeling that had grown over the course of the day waned as Aldrakar took in the words from the young Noble across from him. Leaning back against the structure of the gazebo Aldrakar licked his lips before responding. "Some men lose fingers in battle." The delivery rather matter-of-factly. His eyes sought those of the young man. "Others lose a limb." A near imperceptible shrug. "I've seen ears torn from heads and eyes plucked from sockets both by the hands of other men and by beasts." He shifted his weight and pointed a shoulder at the youth as his head aligned with said shoulder. "Did they despair? Sure they did." A thin line of a mouth and raised eyebrows were offered. "They also kept going. Life is never fair and often cruel. If we are gambling men we must play the hand that is dealt Dorian."

Aldrakar watched the man in front of him. Observing as the words sank in and what they did to him.

Dorian Pavus

The mellow feeling that had grown over the course of the day waned as Aldrakar took in the words from the young Noble across from him. Leaning back against the structure of the gazebo Aldrakar licked his lips before responding. "Some men lose fingers in battle." The delivery rather matter-of-factly. His eyes sought those of the young man. "Others lose a limb." A near imperceptible shrug. "I've seen ears torn from heads and eyes plucked from sockets both by the hands of other men and by beasts." He shifted his weight and pointed a shoulder at the youth as his head aligned with said shoulder. "Did they despair? Sure they did." A thin line of a mouth and raised eyebrows were offered. "They also kept going. Life is never fair and often cruel. If we are gambling men we must play the hand that is dealt Dorian."

Aldrakar watched the man in front of him. Observing as the words sank in and what they did to him.

Dorian waits a moment in silent ponder, before opening his mouth to reply. "But rid the soldier of his sword-arm, and what fate awaits him? The eyes are the doorway to the world. The way that I must study with no ability to do so. To lose a finger or an ear or a tongue or even an arm or leg wold be bearable. I would perhaps even choose all of those over blindness. I have faced my despair, and I have accepted it. There will be no counter." he sighs, closing his eyes momentarily. "What is a soldier without his sword? A lord without his land? An empire without its emperor? Equally, I am the scholar without eyes. A lost sheep that cannot return to the flock. Nor is there another flock to go to. The gambling man will always play the hand he is dealt - but when the wager will affect those beyond just him is all too many ways, is the situation not different? He cannot raise, he cannot call. He cannot check, and he lives the bluff. All that is left to fold. My mentor always taught me that studying board games and card games was useful in the life of the warrior. My sister is a 'mistress of war', and I am to be blind in my early twenties."

He looks down, before slowly looking back up to Aldrakar. "If there is a way to play this hand, I do not think I can do it alone. I would like to, but perhaps it is the hand that should not be played? Perhaps the cards do not align with the game I am playing."

2nd April

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Aldrakar Renodin

The Emperor's Words

He looks down, before slowly looking back up to Aldrakar. "If there is a way to play this hand, I do not think I can do it alone. I would like to, but perhaps it is the hand that should not be played? Perhaps the cards do not align with the game I am playing." ~Dorian Pavus

Straightening his back Aldrakar could do nothing to prevent the slightest of frowns to mark his facial features. "Melodramatic" A word whispered ever so softly. His deep blue eyes locked with the orbs belonging to Dorian. A new found rigidity seeping into his posture. "Do not debase yourself with pathetic mewling. Not a season ago you proclaimed yourself a prophet." The look he cast the boy man was withering. "You are a Highborn. If you want to wallow in the black pools of pity join the ranks of our neighbors. You will have a spine and you will behave accordingly." An arm stood poised to lance a viciously accusing finger right through Dorian's chest. "Stolen of Sight, Sound and Sanity you still stand a mountain among the pebbles of the world. Rid yourself of this self pity and adapt. Do you understand?" If Dorian was a sandcastle, the ocean of words was thrown at him relentlessly.

Dorian Pavus

Straightening his back Aldrakar could do nothing to prevent the slightest of frowns to mark his facial features. "Melodramatic" A word whispered ever so softly. His deep blue eyes locked with the orbs belonging to Dorian. A new found rigidity seeping into his posture. "Do not debase yourself with pathetic mewling. Not a season ago you proclaimed yourself a prophet." The look he cast the boy man was withering. "You are a Highborn. If you want to wallow in the black pools of pity join the ranks of our neighbors. You will have a spine and you will behave accordingly." An arm stood poised to lance a viciously accusing finger right through Dorian's chest. "Stolen of Sight, Sound and Sanity you still stand a mountain among the pebbles of the world. Rid yourself of this self pity and adapt. Do you understand?" If Dorian was a sandcastle, the ocean of words was thrown at him relentlessly.

"I know now what I must do," said Dorian, in a sincere and passionate tone. "A Hero dies a hero's death, and I must plan accordingly a journey to the west. First, however, I need to write my life's works. Create a legacy where the Hero Dorian, he of religious truth, will be immortalised. The ultimate adaption." he pauses a long moment, a smile finally coming to his face. "This is not the burden I once thought it was. It is perhaps the greatest gift that I have been offered since becoming a knight of Luria Nova. I finally understand the words of the sacred texts" he pulls out a copy from his pocket, gazing at the paper disappointed. "I cannot read to remind myself, but it speaks of immortality. This is it. Weave your own story. The power of life and death is my own." He sighs with great relief, the great boulder resting upon him gone. "Do you think I am mad? I think not." he answers his own question, without giving Aldrakar a chance to reply. "I am rid of pity and have adapted. Unless this is not what you meant?" he flexes, proud of himself once more.

Aldrakar Renodin

Resolution

"Do you think I am mad? I think not." he answers his own question, without giving Aldrakar a chance to reply. "I am rid of pity and have adapted. Unless this is not what you meant?" he flexes, proud of himself once more. -Dorian Pavus

As the words flowed from the young man Aldrakar listened calmly. "Each man makes his own mark. You decide what that will be for you and how you give it shape." A slow nod followed. "You're not mad Dorian, simply trying to find purpose. Make sure whatever it is you settle upon is truly what you want. Go now. And let the world know who Dorian Pavus truly is."

With that Aldrakar relaxed again, allowing a gentle breeze to play with his golden hair. Allowing the young man to depart first.

Dorian Pavus

As the words flowed from the young man Aldrakar listened calmly. "Each man makes his own mark. You decide what that will be for you and how you give it shape." A slow nod followed. "You're not mad Dorian, simply trying to find purpose. Make sure whatever it is you settle upon is truly what you want. Go now. And let the world know who Dorian Pavus truly is."

With that Aldrakar relaxed again, allowing a gentle breeze to play with his golden hair. Allowing the young man to depart first.

"I..." for a moment, Dorian seemed lost for words. A first for him, by all means. "Thank you, Emperor. I see with clarity unrivalled by my own vision now. This is exactly what I needed. I fear I will not see your face again after this. Perhaps I will. I will write up my life's works and send them to you. It will be you who decides what happens to them." he stands, preparing to leave. "Whether they will be published and endorsed by perhaps the greatest emperor - two times - Luria will have, or the urban legend of the outskirts. For now, I have a job to do. As I am sure you do also, Emperor. It has been the greatest honour of all to serve."

He turns, bowing. "Where the realm will lose a Pavus, I will ensure another comes, be it a cousin or a brother or family even more distant. The Pavus family owes fealty to you and this realm. Always." He walks away, back straight with his shoulders back.

3rd April

Autumn Day -- Poryatu

Giovanni

Spitting out his broken teeth in Hvergelmir, Ranger Giovanni grins despite losing many of his teeths. His face has been hammered by monsters and undead so many times now that he gets used to it. Gripping his left hand on knife and his right hand on dagger, he looks like any seasoned adventurer seeking fame and glory. Noone know how much motivated he is or for what reason he fights on tenaciously against fate. Perhaps he is destined to die on unmarked grave. Perhaps he will be remember for who he is.

Panting as Ranger Giovanni makes another escape from close death in another monster hunt, he recollects his belongings. One more Book need to be collected and he would be able to hunt down even the strongest monsters on the lands.

Bandaging his left ear, he groans slightly in pain. There is a long slash of monster claw, his latest scar addition. After his left ear is bandaged, he turns to look at his left foot which is bleeding. He smiles slightly thinking of his Ranger badge as he bandages his left foot which is missing two fingers. He remembers well how he loses his foot fingers. He remembers telling the undead champion off whether the champion wants a piece of him, and this is what he gets.

Walking limply to the tavern, he ties up two smaller knives around both his ankles. These knives help him in many close fights, these are his close friends against the threat to the lands. He would use them before long.

Arriving at the tavern, he nods at the tavern keeper as he orders a mug of ale. Suddenly a sword is drawn against his back.

"Do not look back. Give me your money" a stranger speaks quietly enough for him to hear.

With a lightning reflex that betrays his current condition, Ranger Giovanni puts down his left hand knife and his right hand dagger on table. No sooner he withdraws his knives from his ankles, the would-be robber fall down and breaths his last. The tavern folk nods in respect of Giovanni swordsmanship skill, a few patrons bow their hats in appreciation and none dare to challenge him. He returns to his drinking.

Autumn Evening

Raine Gildre

Raine stepped from the gangplank of the ship which was moored in the harbor and let the sight of Giask flood over her. It had been years since she had last set foot in the capital. A young bureaucrat then, she now returned as... something else.

She looked back at the ship with distaste. The journey had been terribly long, and she rejoiced at having her boots back on solid ground. She grinned, adjusted her rapier, and strode off to speak to the porters.

After a brief discussion, she submitted papers to take over the Market District of the city, and the porters began towing her effects to the estate.

With a nod, she headed towards the recruitment center.

7th April

Autumn Day -- Dantooine

Aldrakar Renodin

The Hunting Party Gathers

The gravel under foot crunched under the weight of heavy boots and hooves. "Saevio" Aldrakar said warmly as he traced the fine beast's mane with a gloved hand. Gathered outside the Golden City's perimeter was a fully fletched hunting party. Outriders knowledgeable with the local terrain eyed the Nobles they otherwise would never see. Dog-handlers strained to keep the packs in check. Baying, growling and excited yelps abounded and dared diligent hands to slacken for but a moment. Aldrakar looked over to a round faced man. Too short and actually rather ugly but none let on that they thought so. "Sir Irona, how goes the shipping business?" The Emperor asked with measured friendliness. The rather confident, unseemly man inclined his head as his lips all but wiggled out a pouting smile. "Quite well your Imperial Highness. The D'harans have been hard hit of late so they're willing to pay more which is good. Never liked their Islander ways." The swishing of the fat cheeked man painfully obvious as he spat out tiny little droplets of spittle. "Hmmmm.." Aldrakar affected interest while he continued admiring his steed. The creature had been with him for a long time. Its father before it and its father before it again. "Can't argue with good bloodlines." He mused to himself. "What was'h that?" Sir Irona asked. "Ohh nothing, some wine?" A gesture from the golden haired Emperor saw a servant rush to Sir Irona's side with a cup of the bordeaux liquid.

Riders were still joining the party and each tried to outdo the other with the size of their personal retinue. Some even brought their own trumpeters. Several foxes however, dreaded what the future had in store for them. If their present situation was anything to go by their fates were already sealed. Bars of Iron kept them where they were but a single lock was all that stood between them and fanged freedom.

Emyhr le Craint

It had been quite the Journey from the north once again but the retinue of Emyhr Le Craint finally arrived at the gathered hunting party as they prepared to depart. However, the group that arrived was small, with Emyhr, his personal attendants and a few armed guards which compared to the larger more sizable numbers that had came with the other nobles. Emyhr, however, was happy to be invited to the hunting party.

Upon his arrival, Emyhr headed straight to the location of the Suzerain Emperor. "My honorable and respected Emperor, your kindness in inviting me to this wondrous hunting trip has not gone unnoticed. I apologies greatly for my lack of entrance, my Vanguard are hard at work within Dantooine, working with the local population to convince them of the greatness of Luria Nova."

With this statement, Emyhr gave a great bow in awe of the figure standing before him. This would be the first official meeting between the two, Emyhr had wanted to meet him sooner but duties had called him north with the Emperor's Will.

"To be in your presence is the highest privilege. If you have no objection, I would be greatly honored to join your personal retinue on this trip."

Holding his head down, he waited for a response. The Emperor's aura commanded great respect, to which Emyhr would uphold all formalities throughout the trip.

Donald Augustus Allan

Without his the burden of his company the journey from Thar Gortauth to the location of the Emperor's hunt was a far more relaxing event, and being a lone rider meant he could cover twice, even three times the ground in one day. But even Donald was loath to travel without servants or retainers, and so some were organised to come down from the family home in Askileon and meet him prior to the hunt. And by the time of the Viscount's arrival, they had already prepared some temporary quarters for the Viscount as well as anything he might need for the hunt.

As his horse trotted towards the gathering hunting party he observed the gathered array of knights, nobles, retainers, hunters, squires and of course the Emperor. Aware of the status of the gathered individuals Donald had taken his time to pick out suitable, but still fashionable attire. He wore a deep brown gambeson, held in place by some small iron straps that fitted tightly across his chest. Of quality make it was practical yet comfortable. As well as this he had a pair of strong breeches and a most excellent pair of black boots, polished and studded they had been specially made for the Viscount by an expert cobbler in Shinnen. As he dismounted his steed the hobnails clicked on the cobbles ever so lightly. About his shoulders hung a cape of deep burgundy which was lined with a narrow layer of grey fur and held in place just above his left breast by a golden broach cast in the shape of a solar disc; the frowning face of House Allan.

Handing the reigns of his horse to one of the party's retainers he walked confidently towards the centre of the camp where the Emperor was located. Before the Emperor stood a Knight unknown to Donald, even with his face obscured by a low bow he did not recognise the figure nor the heraldry of the man. A Knight of...Earth Hall? he wondered. "To be in your presence is the highest privilege. If you have no objection, I would be greatly honored to join your personal retinue on this trip." Stepping forward he took up position alongside the Knight, dropping to one knee and arcing his head he conducted a respectful bow towards his Emperor "Your Highness" said Donald "I am honoured to be in your presence once more"

Emyhr le Craint

Without moving from his position, Emyhr's eyes looked to his right where a Knight of unknown origin had approached. From his attire, it could be assumed he was a respectable man and like himself he had arrived without the company of his normal retinue. However, he was also giving off a experienced aura to which Emyhr could recognize. Thinking to himself while waiting for a response from the Emperor;

"I wonder if I could get some time to talk with him, while he does look young, he gives off an aura of experience. It would also interest me to learn more about where he comes from within Luria Nova and how things fare for him."

However, this would have to wait and immediately following the thought, his attention went straight back to the Emperor.

"Matters of formality have the highest priority and fraternizing comes later during the hunt."

With this, Emyhr's eyes returned to the ground beneath the Emperor. Waiting diligently for a response or recognition, excited for his first hunt and meeting with the Emperor himself.

Nicholas Archival

"Loras, do you remember what I told you?" Nicholas asked, calling the youth by his name to capture his attention. "This is your first outing, so I shall expect you to act as befitting a member of our family. I've been told to relay your behaviour to your father... and you know how he gets."

The boy to his side, no older than sixteen, shuddered astride his courser and nodded. The austere personalities of House Archival's older scions was well-known among the young. They continued on their way with but the smallest retinue of guards at hand; it wasn't necessary to bring a sizeable contingent, just enough to deter potential bandits. This time they were not passing through the gilded streets of Giask, instead travelling the roads coming in from the west. As they went, the Earl took several minutes to watch his cousin, to ascertain he would be ready for the presence of the Emperor - and whoever else deigned to attend. Loras was nervous, to be sure, but was handling it well.

Before long, as the Golden City loomed overhead, they arrived at the hunting party. His own hounds began to yap at the scent of unfamiliar dogs, as eager for the coming excursion as their owner. Nicholas cast a glance across the gathering thus far, quickly finding Emperor Aldrakar amidst the din. A youngster was knelt before him and Viscount Donald was moving to join him. He did not recognise the former, but the latter was of no surprise - Sir Donald could never resist an outing. He wondered who else would arrive after them.

Tugging on the reins of Storm, his stark grey courser, he led him over to where the party's steeds were being handled. He smoothly dismounted and waved over several grooms to attend his - and the others' - mounts. Once on foot, he looked over his attire. He smoothed the creases on his cloak, a golden sunburst of Autumnal light; it would be well-suited to the season and the browning of the leaves. The White Chevalier of House Archival was proudly displayed upon his breast, on his sturdy gambeson. Loras was soon as his side, fretting more nervously over his choice of clothing. It took all he had not to smirk at the boy; had he been the same way, on his first visit to Giask? Probably, he decided with quiet mirth.

Beckoning with a gloved hand for his cousin to follow him as he made his approach. Soft footsteps brought Nicholas closer by to Aldrakar and those on their knees, but he hung back for a moment. He wouldn't want to upstage either of them - unlike, he suspected, the good Viscount - and so he waited, observing with a piqued interest. However, the herald had taken note of him and seemed to be about to announce his arrival, but Nicholas silenced him with a short shake of his head and a small gesture towards the pair already presenting themselves. The man got the message and patiently returned to waiting for his cue. Nicholas did the same.