Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/1018/May

1st May

Winter Day -- Poryatu

Isabella Pavus

Upon her steed, an unconscious Isabella trotted into the city of Giask. As she came through the gates, there was a cheer, waking her up. However, the masses were confused by her lacking unit. Nonetheless, the rough looking warrior rode through to the barracks. She equipped herself with a new unit, 25 mixed infantry soldiers. They had no captain, he had died. She would make do. Fortunately, the lot were capable enough. And she was sure that they would not desert. And if they did, she would surely have their heads. After a quick moment to bathe, she rubs her eyes and rides off, the unit in tow.

Sevastian Schwarzherzig

Sevastian noticed a fresh new unit marching from the recruitment depot, headed in the same direction his captain had his men marching at present. Sevastian rode slowly behind, observing for a moment. Mixed infantry, he mused. He spied their commander and grinned, spurring his horse on, and reigned in beside Isabella. He gave a practiced bow from the saddle, guiding his horse with his knees.

"Lady Isabella I presume?"

Isabella Pavus

Isabella perks up her head, looking to Sevastian. "Given your manner and your admiration, my list is not narrowed down much," she grins, "But I should think Sir Sevastian. The journey from Moon Bay was much longer, much more arduous than the maps led me to believe. I think next winter, I will take up courtiership and stay indoors. Or, at least, not travel around all too much. I was not even attacked and my unit massacred. They deserted, even the captain. I have heard talk of them discussing my lack of funds in the taverns. I had hoped to trample on their corpses. Luria will need all she can get, and my justice will wait. Nonetheless, I have talked quite enough. How are you?" she smiles.

Sevastian Schwarzherzig

"Quite well, working on a composition for the University. It is my ardent desire to see the institution restored to its former glory." Sevastian remarked casually, adjusting his feathered cap.

"Nasty business, desertion. Fickle soldiers! The very privilege of Imperial service should be pay enough, but the ingrates couldn't even appreciate having such a beautiful commander?" Sevastian said, taking her hand and kissing it. "The common folk are always crying about bread. But what of adventure! Of honor, and glory! Surely there is more to life than a full belly." Sevastian said, shaking his head.

"If the men of the Ultima Ratio Regum catch wind of your deserters, rest assured, they will dance their final dance. Nothing quite as stirring as the gallows jig."

Emyhr le Craint

It had been a while since Emyhr had returned to the north and especially near Askileon, he found himself filled with excitement and a warming to be near home. The Vanguard camped in a clearing in a forest between Cairn Tut and Askileon Purlieus, sat around a make shift table made from gathered wood from the local area. The crisp chill of the winter air was felt among the camp, with the majority of the Vanguard huddled around the fire keeping the fire as warm as possible.

Emyhr along with Captain Gustaf were pondering a map of the north, preparing for the journey for the next couple of days. Crude marks along this map representing known Lurian combatants, they prepared their placement for the foreseeable future.

"Sir Emyhr, I fear that it may be a while before we see the sights of Poryatu again and I know the men grow restless, would you allow the men to relax and find entertainment within Askileon? I worry about the moral among some of the men."

Honest concern for the men was showing on his face as he said this, but also a need for relaxation himself. There was an element of anxiety after the combat they have faced in recent times.

"Captain Gustaf, I too feel the strain of this and miss the comforts of the estate back in Poryatu. However, we have orders to protect the realm and the positioning in Cairn Tut provides us with ample coverage of the rouge states. I do agree with you though, while I have needs to attend to when we arrive in Askileon, I trust that you will show the men a good time and allow them to recuperate."

Emyhr now looked upon the face of the man and could see the tired expressions he was making. Emyhr walked over to the tent set up for supplies and came out with two mugs of ale and headed back to the table.

"This journey may be a long one, but I promise you that once we reach Askileon, you shall get your well deserved rest. I cannot afford to let my captain get too tired, I need your experience."

Handing the mug to the captain, they both took a deep swig of ale and slammed the cups down on the table. With this, Emyhr turned to his men who was now looking over at the commotion on the table.

"Men of the Vanguard, I know you are tired and restless. However, it shall not be long before we make it to Askileon. Once we arrive, I will provide Captain Gustaf here with ample funding to enable you all to rest and recuperate. I look forward to seeing the men that can keep up with the captain here"

With a slap on the back of the captain, the men looked upon the two of them. Their previously tired and shivering faces now filled with excitement, many of them began recalling memories they have of times within Askileon. The captain now had a mix of an embarrassed and cheery look upon him as he returned to the table.

"Now Sir Emyhr, I believe we should discuss the matter of the state of the equipment." The Captain said with a cheeky grin on his face as his pointed towards the pile of damaged swords and armor that could be seen from within a tent.

Isabella Pavus

"The university is quite brilliant. I myself submitted a piece, honouring both the realm and my late brother. As well as a stanza implying that Chance Harte as no heart, and Dodger has no... pene. I find myself privileged to serve. I gave my loyalty and my choice in marriage to the Emperor, to better the Lurian Hegemony. It is where my life and loyalty is, no matter the reward. My family has always been ambitious like this. Touches every single Pavus. It is why my cousin is a judge with higher aspirations, why I served as General in weeks past, and why my brother had bold aspirations, to say the least. There is little I would not give in service of the realm. Yet these soldiers and more mercenary than anything. A mistake that will not be made again. I must say, I think highly of the adventuring commoners. Useful assets to any realm."