Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/1018/August
1st August
Winter Day -- Poryatu
Bennet Selemnir
Bennet walked through the doors of the Suzerain's palace. Several knights passed by on their way out. He did not know their faces. They all bowed in deference, which was appropriate.
He crossed the hall, as silence descended. The tension in the air was as palpable as it was unnecessary. He looked at his boots, and at the trail begind him. So much mud. He should have checked that. An embarrassment to be apologized for later. But the front was muddy, and at least it was not blood.
Suzerain Emperor Nicholas sat the throne. He crossed slowly, the man was being whispered to by an attendant, and had not noticed him. He noted the man looked a little tired. Not an unfamiliar look, his duties had drawn him to the here and there for months, and the weight of the crown could not be easy. It suited him though. In a way Bennet did not anticipate. He hid his smile, as he always did.
A hush fell over the court. Bennet was aware his lack of declaration for one party or another in the upheavals had made him popular to some, and less so to others.
He made eye contact with his friend. There were few he considered that, but this was one. They both knew that; whatever else.
The gaze lingered. The breath in the hall was held. Bennet put his hand on his sword.
A gasp from the attendants.
He paused.... and laid it on his knee as he knelt.
Winter Evening -- Poryatu
Veronica Gardarr
She knew is, he had known she couldn’t get up and he had made it quite clear with his words. It seemed to Emperor like to add subtle nuisances to his droning speeches.
She was still glaring at him when a hush fell over the Court. She could hear footsteps approaching from behind, but she locked her gaze on the Emperor. His eyes shifted momentarily towards someone behind her and then back to her.
Veronica smiled slyly.
A Noble had come beside her and knelt in front of the Emperor, he had withdrawn his sword and even though it caused a hush in the court the Emperor didn’t seem concerned. The new arrival had placed the sword on his knee as he awaited a response from the Emperor.
“You Majesty is of course right in some sense, most of us has to stand on our own two feet, but even an Emperor can’t stand alone all the time, and a Lady like myself even less without support of good friends and allies”.
Veronica tugged at her dress until she could get some sort of traction and reaching out she placed her hand on the shoulder of the noble kneeling beside her. Using him for leverage she pushed herself up still glaring at the Empire, she then focused on the kneeling Noble and looking down upon him smiled and gave a small nod of thanks.
Looking back at the Emperor she said, “I enjoyed our chat you’re Majesty, until we meet again” she still held his gaze as she made a small curtsy before she whirled around and headed to the exit of the Imperial Palace.
Let him stew on that she thought to herself as she headed home.
Sturm Attano
Better late than never Sturm thought to himself as he approached the throne room. He wore a deep purple tunic, a black fur coat and grey fur trimmed boots and gloves. It was just his luck to be stuck in a hole long enough to miss the coronation of an Emperor. At this rate he’d wake up to find Luria split in two.
He noted the crowd was thinning. “Fashionably late, I hope.” He muttered into his moustache as he entered the throne room. He stopped to the back of the room, awaiting the conclusion of Lord Selemnir’s audience.
He absentmindedly rubbed his wrists, still sore from the chains the beasts had used.
Nicholas Archival
Nicholas inclined his head in response to Veronica. She will do fine, he decided. There was more strength to her than the first letters and introductions had suggested, though it needed to be drawn out of her. But there was little time to muse on it, for Bennet had knelt to offer his sword.
In response, he rose to his feet and strode across to meet him. The meaning and importance of the gesture was not lost upon him, and he would dignify it as Bennet was due.
"Marshal Bennet Selemnir, Margrave of Askileon Purlieus," he announced, so that there could be no mistake. "I accept your sword and your service; for so long as I am emperor, your rights and rank shall be championed and defended. You are among Luria's very finest and let all hear this and know it to be true. All the Throne asks of you is that you continue your proud commitment to the realm and to leading those under your command; we can demand no more."
With that, he reached down to rest one hand upon the flat of Bennet's blade, a small and brief physical gesture of acceptance. Then, the imperious tone of the emperor shifted and he flashed a smile, while his hand shifted to be offered to the Marshal.
"Stand, Bennet. The hospitality of the Imperial Palace is yours."
2nd August
Winter Day -- Poryatu
Veronica Gardarr
Askileon Purlieus
Now
Veronica knew her temper caused her more problems than she needed in her life. Oh that smug Emperor, sitting on his high and mighty thrown … he did have a nice roguish look to him though … no Veronica shook her head, she was still furious at him.
Yes, and she would show him. Except now she found herself in the “Wilderness” , she was riding a lovely white mare she had named Cloud, the only problem was she hurt all over, her legs hurt her arms hurt her entire body hurt even her nether regions.
Previous Day
Veronica was in a foul mood as she stepped out of the Carriage as it arrived at Chateau Pinean, her day had court had been a Nightmare. The Emperors not so subtle hints infuriated her. She would show him, she was a strong independent woman.
Snapping at one of the guards she said “Get me Captain Mikael, tell him to meet me in the study!” The guard gave her a quick salute and jogged of to find the Captain.
“Don’t do anything hasty child”, Tess called after her while still getting out of the carriage. “Veronica? Are you listening to me?”
Tess found Veronica pacing in the study. “There you are child, stop sulking” Veronica glared at Tess “He thinks me weak Tess, and he all but came out and said so in front of everyone at court. Oh but I will show him, the pompous, loud mouth silly peach wearing Emperor.” She kept pacing and took out her frustration on a waste basket, with one swift kick she send it flying and then the pain shot up her leg.
So that’s how Captain Mikael came to find the Lady Veronica jumping on one foot and uttering the most foul language that would even make a sailor blush.
“Veronica!” Tess shouted, “That’s no way for a lady to talk”
Veronica hobbled to a chair and dropped into it, massaging her foot. She looked up at Mikael. “Captain, ready the men we are going on a trip”
Mikael frowned as he looked at her “A trip Milady?”
“Yes a trip, we will head to this Askileon Purlieu so I can see these Monsters for myself.”
Mikael breathed a sign of relieve “Alas Milady, latest report shows no monster activity in Askileon Purlieu, so there is no need for you to make a trip, it would be but a waste of your time”
Veronica tilted her head as she thought “Oh, well then, we will just have to go looking somewhere else then until we find some. But we are going Captain. I will need a horse of course and provisions and something comfortable to wear”
“Veronica dear, don’t be silly. The Wilds is not place for a Lady of the Court …” That was a mistake, and Tess realized it too late. “Court? Who’s Court? That Snobby Emperor … I’ll show him.”
“No more talking I am in charge here and I decide what we do. Captain we leave at dawn”
Tess just watched as Veronica left the study “Captain, thoughts?” she asked Mikael.
Looking at Tess he said “The safest place for the Lady Veronica would be Ciarin Tut, the road from Askileon through Askileon Purlieu towards Ciarin Tut has been cleared of any monsters as per previous scout reports. It is also the gathering ground for the armies of the Moon Court. It would be an uneventful trip and once we arrive, any local threats should have been taken care of.”
“Very well Captain, you know your duty and it seems you where right about getting her acclimated to the situation in Dwilight. This should be a good starting point. But at any sign of trouble her safety comes first, understood?”
“Understood Milady”
“We better get the Child a Horse … a fast one if you can manage.”
Mikael gave her a quick nod and went to make arrangements.
Now
Askileon Purlieu, she hated this foul place. She shifted her weight around in the saddle, it didn’t help. A cold wind started blowing from the ocean, she sighed as she hugged her hooded cloak closer to her. The Light leather padded armour she wore kept most of the cold out but she still felt a chill. It was getting late and dark and she was hungry.
“HOLD! WE MAKE CAMP!” Captain Mikael bellowed out as the men on March went about their routine of setting up the camp.
Veronica was so relieved she could almost cry. Captain Miakel had dismounted and walking over to her he waited as she swung her leg over the saddle, gently he lowered her from the horse.
She thought she would die.
Myr Arnickles Renodin
Anxious keel of the cog swiftly cut through the brine and the teak wood went grey from the water and salt, so did Myr from the sway as in force jerked the line - plucky botswain who smelled of a treacle and malt. With a wave crashing down on the boat's fearful board came a familiar urge prompting bile out the mouth, on the shaky legs knight mumbled recondite word and his muscles gave in when his senses went out. And the last was the thought, perhaps terse but of weight - would Sir Waldred succeed in the mission he serves? Will the secret find rest in a friendly estate, see the treasure secured and the future preserved?
Weary of dodging monsters on the routes of Grodno, seasoned warrior of respectable age cleaned his chainmail of dust with three mighty slaps, as he approached the Sandstone Gate. Heavy knocks resonated through the walls as he punched the gate.
"Waldred of Askileon, former captain of the Redmanes, in service of Sir Myr Arnickles Renodin to Her Ladyship, Countess Tyra Andrasta Bluelake. I do not seek audience, I merely ask for a small amount of Countess' time. I shall await here."
3rd August
Winter Day -- Poryatu
Veronica Gardarr
Ciarin Tut
It was a cold winter morning that greeted the troops of House Gardarr as they approached the mustering grounds in Ciarin Tut. The locals came out and stared at the marching men, some in celebration others with skeptic looks on their faces.
Veronica didn’t notice, her hood was pulled up and her head bowed, she was in a daze. Her red hair was slick with sweat and clinging to her face, the occasional cough escaping from her hooded cowl.
Mikael kept glancing to her as her horse kept pace with his. He was worried, they had not made arrangements for a healer to accompany them on this trip, it didn’t seem necessary at the time, but that decision now came back to haunt him.
Mikael noticed his scout galloping closer, pulling his horse up him gave a quick salute “Captain, orders and dispatches from command” he gave Mikael a sealed pouch. “I have also been informed of our camp site, it not too far”
Mikeal glanced at Veronica again, her head was still down and she was swaying lightly in her saddle.
“Lead the way then”
Mikeal spurred his horse and the men silently marched on. The Scout led them through the amassed men and banners at the mustering grounds. Mikael didn’t have to time to look closely, but the camps where set up in an orderly fashion, each displaying banners indicating the Lord or Lady in command.
“Captain, from what I am to understand the army’s of Luria Nova are split in the camps, our camp ground is with the Emperors Will division. Ah here we are now it’s just up ahead” the scout told him.
“Take ten men and get the Lady Gardarr’s tent up fast” he told him. The scout gave a quick salute and spurring his horse forward he motioned some men to follow him; they broke off in a jog and followed after.
The men where efficient when it came to setting camp, by the time Mikael arrived with Veronica, her tent and the command tent had both been set up. The men spit and started their duties, a latrine area being dug, cooking fires set up, sentry duties assigned and so on. Mikael let them to it; he had more pressing matters to concern him.
Dismounting he led Veronica’s Horse closer to her tent. She had not made a lot of sound except the occasional cough, handing the reins to a guard at the tent; he slowly reached up and carefully pulled her out of the saddle, gently cradling her in his arms he carried her in and laid her on her cot covering her with some blankets.
Stepping out of tent he motioned to one of her guards. “I want you to discreetly ask around for a healer and escort them here, tell them they will be greatly rewarded.”
The guard nodded and set off, Mikael went back into the tent pulled up a chair and waited.
Kiran Mir-Ashtan
Cairin Tut
Winter was tough as always, most crops wouldn't grow which led to the depletion of the Autumn crops that were stored away. To Kiran however, the low temperature was not such an issue his families background burying deep within their own mercenary force of course lent to outside work.
Unlike most of the fellow Lurian Nobility whom preferred to follow through with constant "freedom celebrations" morning and night. Kiran had the preference towards civil work, sure in some nobles view it was not the way for a proper noble to behave and Kiran's response to any such comment would be that he did not give a damnation about their opinion of the matter.
Kiran was more than happy to get his hands dirty alongside his retinue. After all he had always been involved in such activity before his families ascension during these times of chaos, he believed it smarter to keep his retinue and himself fighting fit rather than throwing drinks around and risking your retinue not being in fighting shape. Furthermore, himself and his troops could see to making repairs to fences, mills and the like allowing them to better understand the lay of the land. His healers could keep their skills in shape by treating and aiding the locals and his scouts they would do their normal duties, of course keeping their forces alert for beasts.
His men had suffered casualties but with their healers they had not lost a single soldier that had survived the battle with wounds and his scouts had kept their luck and no scout had gone missing.
Winter Evening -- Poryatu
Andrasta Bluelake
As Waldred waited for reply at the manor's entrance, the desert garden behind him with full view of the Palm Sea, he heard a commotion, and a messenger arrived. The man pulled a rope to the right of the gate and a melodious set of bells rang. A guard's head immediately popped out from a window on the guardhouse to the left. "What do you need?"
"I was sent for Duncan, her ladyship was wounded and is being take to the Fox Hall for treatment."
The soldier nodded and disappeared inside. The messenger considered his duty fulfilled and left. A few minutes later, the guard's head resurfaced.
"You're not with him? What did you want?"
Waldred sighed and repeated.
"Waldred of Askileon, former captain of the Redmanes, in service of Sir Myr Arnickles Renodin to Her Ladyship, Countess Tyra Andrasta Bluelake. I do not seek audience, I merely ask for a small amount of Countess' time. I shall await here."
"Well, you heard the man, she's out for Tor knows how long. I'll tell Duncan. Wait here."
Waldred held himself from fidgeting from frustration and waited with the dignity his master commanded. Soon an older man opened the door, grey haired with a kind demeanour that showed some concern, and was followed by a teenage lad and a younger girl, carrying large knapsacks. He looked at Waldred, measuring him and motioned them on. "Go on, take this to her healers, I'll be right along."
As the children left, the man offered his hand to the captain. "A pleasure to meet you, Waldred. My lady Tyra mentions your master quite often." He decided to keep to himself what exactly those mentions consisted of. "I'm Duncan, her... steward. Used to be her tutor. Can I help you, or do you need to see her personally? I can offer you lodgings within the estate if you wish to wait for her recovery. She's a hardy one, shouldn't take more than a day." star [reply to sender] | [reply to list] | [ignore] | [userdetails] [character details] | [give medal: Trust medal Roleplaying medal Fun medal] | [vulgarity]
One day later
She had been inside for the whole day and was going crazy. Duncan finally finished updating her on the region statistics and praising the good work of the Suzerain Emperor in production and morale, to which she couldn't help smiling. He also told her only 19 of her 84 men were left, 9 still being treated at the Fox Hall, which made her just want to leave and see them. Or train the 10 that were fit. Drink to get that damn pain out of the way. Her shoulder had been dislocated and it had taken them three attempts to get it back into place, now it was still very sore. To add to that, she had to stay inside and go see an envoy. At least it was someone coming from Myr. Maybe he had already found a new type of monster and was sending her their heads? Whatever it was, she was sure she would be able to find a way to tease him about it later. That lifted her up a little, as she walked into the hall where Waldred was waiting for her.
4th August
Winter Day -- Poryatu
Myr Arnickles Renodin
Waldred thanked the steward for his offer and pointed that he will need another bed for his companion, waving for a lady in her early teenage years to come over from the doorway.
"Good day Sir!" - said the young lady, confidently striding forward - "I am Alya..."
"Alya here is my travelling companion and a great help with the letters. I've never had time or use to learn." - Waldred cut her off - "Would you be so kind to show us to our lodgings? The travel was exhausting."
A day later
Waldred awaited Countess in the hall since before dawn. Not wavering in his duty. When Lady Tyra finally arrived, he stood straight and bowed his head soldierly.
"My Lady" - he waited for permission to continue and seeing the glint of it in Tyra's eyes he did - "I served Sir Myr for nearly three years as his captain. Now I am a man of singular duty - one of a guard and protector. I came here to deliver this letter, for Your Ladyship's eyes only." - he slid out the piece of folded and sealed parchment, that was tucked underneath his breastplate.
But the letter was too enigmatic to immediately understand what was it that it spoke of.
That very moment a young lady entered the hall. Yawning, she glanced over Tyra and said to Waldred:
"Waldred, would you stop courting the wounded soldier lady already? I want to practice fencing..." - her stomach rumbled - "... oh, but I need some food first. Excuse me, miss warrior, would you bring me some bread and cheese?"
Tyra Andrasta Bluelake
Tyra looked at the soldier warmly as he greeted her, bowed and offered her Myr's letter. She remembered him leading the Redmanes to battle and she always had fondness for those she had shared the battlefield with. As the countess read the letter, she started feeling like Myr's gift went as far away from monster heads as possible. For starters, it wasn't a gift. It was a request and a responsibility, linked to a name she couldn't refuse. She shook her head of wild strawberry hair, wondering what could it possibly be, but before she could open her mouth, a young teenage girl entered the hall, like she owned the world. Yawning, she glanced over Tyra and said to Waldred:
"Waldred, would you stop courting the wounded soldier lady already? I want to practice fencing..." - her stomach rumbled - "... oh, but I need some food first. Excuse me, miss warrior, would you bring me some bread and cheese?"
Tyra wanted to bend over laughing but didn't dare to. She remembered all too well being laughed at by adults when she had been dead serious. "Well, Miss Little Lady, you shouldn't fence with a full stomach. Let's go outside and fence first, then Miss Warrior can call for lunch." She saw one of the servants outside run to the kitchen with the new plans. And yes, she was going outside to fence! Life was getting better.
"As for Waldred here, he wasn't courting me..." Tyra looked appreciatively at the man "... though if he did..." She smiled with intent, Waldred actually blushed!, she grinned and continued, as they exited through the door. "Tell me, Miss Little Lady, do you have a name?"
Of course the enigmatic letter was now miles away from the Countess' mind.
5th August
Winter Day -- Dantooine
Veronica Gardarr
It had been a tension filled few days for Mikael, he was pacing outside Veronica's tent waiting on a report from the healer they had acquired from the Camp of Kiran Mir-Ashtan, Knight of Poryatu. The healer had approached his Lord with the request and the Knight had immediately ordered the healer to take on the care of the Lady Gardarr.
Mikael kept pacing, the guards eyes following him, they gave him a wide berth. He came to a stop at the rustle of the tent flap; the healer ducked out caught his eye and approached him.
“She is over the worst of it, the fever broke last night” Mikael drew a sigh of relieve. “She will need to stay in bed for a few more days at least, but I will still make my rounds until I am sure there is no chance for a relapse.”
Mikael clasped the healers shoulder gave it a slight squeeze and stepped past him into the tent.
The healer watched the Captain step into the tent, picking up his supplies he headed back to his Camp to report to his Lord.
Matthew Coffey
Another volley of arrows passed overhead. The scant group of slavering creatures fell, peppered liberally by Luria's finest. The disappointment from the young men and women that Matthew had hired in Askileon was almost palpable. True Lurians to the core, ready to show their worth at the tip of steel and fang. It was safe to say that the rotund King did not share their enthusiasm, but he didn't show it openly. Once the 'battle' was up, the troops dragged their feet back to the royal encampment. This was their lot in Ciarin Tut, and no amount of merrymaking with the locals was going to satisfy the gloryhounds among them.
It had been two days since he had arrived, and the army assembled in the region was formidable indeed. With half a thousand warriors at their backs, and over a dozen noble families, it began to occur to Matthew that this was only a sliver of their forces. He hadn't been on the field for four years, and forgot that since then, Luria had grown considerably in its strength. Before he had arrived, this would have perhaps been all of Luria's forces assembled. Now it was less than half of that. The thought still frightened him of the civil war that could have been.
"Captain Dietrich," the King broke his silent pondering abruptly, something that his new captain was still getting used to, "I leave for the Imperial Marshals camp. The guard is in your charge until I return." A dismissive wave had the captain depart his presence. Now alone, surveying the assembled banners arrayed outside the remains of Countess Kaguyas home, Matthew chartered his course. He didn't walk with much purpose, instead taking a convoluted path through the camps present, eyeing up the various soldiers and nobles he could catch a glimpse of. Nor was he unsociable about it, should any of the assembled aristocracy wish to stop and converse with him. His dawdling probably made him look out of place; an aimless meandering bureaucrat among hardened, scar-bitten warriors. It didn't bother him particularly, and he seemed quite content on his stroll from the perspective of a onlooker.
Kiran Mir-Ashtan
It had come to Kiran's surprise that one of his retinues healers had approached him regarding runner from another noble's forces had come in search of a healer to treat their Dame. Kiran had at least thought that a retinue commander would neglect bringing a healer along with their forces.
Of course, Kiran would oblige the healers request after all he had left them to their own devises with treating the wounded in the area while they were in the process of reclaiming the region since the beasts had pushed out the resident Lurian Forces that kept it out of criminal hands.
Kiran mused on the small comments made to him by the healer but he did not intend to pry into others medical issues all to much if it was not an incident of plague or the like.
7th August
Winter Day -- Poryatu
Solomon Greybrook
Dear Lady Emily,
Speaking on behalf of Earl of Dantooine, Marshal of Luria's Wrath, his household would invite you to Dantooine to coordinate with us on organising and promotion of the Sea Cliff Keep Ball. Your talents have been acclaimed and suggested by the Grand Panetier - a noble whose opinion's my liege respects and values greatly.
If you are interested, please liaise with me, the Earl's chief scribe.
Regards,
Scribe Harvard. Written on behalf of House Greybrook. House Patriarch
Emyhr le Craint
Sat by the fire, Emyhr was fully immersed into a pile of papers. On many of those, the mark of the earldom of Nid Tek was prevalent. The further Emyhr flipped, the further his faced drop. By the final paper, his face was lost of emotion and feeling, barely keeping himself awake. Shaking himself awake every few minutes returning back to the the papers filling out large segments before falling back into a dozy state.
"Here, I've brought you a drink. Gods know you need it at this point."
Turning around, Gustaf stood behind Emyhr holding two mugs of what can be seen as ale. Emyhr took one of the cups and began to drink, not stopping until he reached the bottom.
"Thanks for that, it seems the work continues to pile up, especially since I am away from the earldom. Hopefully, I will get used to this. I received word that Alfred and the housing staff have now reached the new estate. Additionally, it seems Alfred has put the young woman that I mentioned to work in the kitchen, seems she has an aptitude to cooking, we shall have to test this once we return."
Mid conversation, a messenger came over handing yet another stack of papers. Reading through the first few papers, Emyhr's heart sank and his face dropped once again.
"Remind me once we return I need to hold court. It seems paper after paper is a complaint or a request. Not that I cant understand, a lot of people suffered when the beast came, many have lost their homes. Ive placed some responsibility with Alfred, he has the knowledge that will help the locals so hopefully that will help."
Before long, the sound of the returning soldiers lightened the mood. Previously, Emyhr had sent the men our to interact and celebrate with the locals. Many of whom had lost faith with the Lurian Empire, however the sounds that had come from the local village showed that the locals were feeling better about the hosts. This put a smile on Emyhr's face, he proceeded to put down the papers.
"Come Gustaf, let us join the others. I have done the days work, it is time we join the men and enjoy ourselves. Bring the extra keg, let us make some friends."
Winter Evening -- Poryatown
Turin Erickson
The banquet hall in Askileon sat ready to receive guests. Turin peered into the atrium, many nobles were gathered already, but he did not yet spot any knights or lords. None the less, clad in brilliant red robes he made his entrance with the maid Illyria at his right hand.
Aylwin Gottfried
"My Lord, apparently priest Turin has rented a small banquet hall in your City and invited all nobles. He did so without your permission, should I do anything about it?" Said Chancellor Corban.
"Let him hold his little feast" answered Aylwin, "Most of the nobles are busy with important tasks for the betterment of the realm to be attending banquets at this time, once we have reclaimed our regions I will hold a ball to celebrate that will be quite the spectacle in itself. For now, let us focus at organizing the reconciliation of Ciarin Tut back into Moon Hall." With these words Aylwin moved his attention to the numerous papers that lay on the wooden table in front of him, many of which were for new buildings, recruitment centers and a few bids for the statue depicting Emperor Aldrakar in his youth.
Myr Arnickles Renodin
Young lady supressed a smirk at Waldred blushing. She could not recall his skin colour change ever before. One of those "seasoned warrior" qualities that she found both reassuring and exruciatingly boring.
The warrior lady said: "Tell me, Miss Little Lady, do you have a name?"
"Why of course I do! Why wouldn't I have one?!" - she put a cloak on to protect herself from the morning chill and went straight for the doorway she assumed lead to the courtyard. On her way there she unsheathed her spada da lato and swung it in air several times narrowly missing decorative tureens, plant-pots and armour stands. "I must warn you, I once bested Sir Myr Renodin with my fencing. Easily! Not even breaking a sweat!" - upon expressing her less than truthful gasconade, she walked straight through the doorway in what her not even fifteen year old mind imagined to be a 'confident gait'.
