Difference between revisions of "Everwind Family/Amelara/Roleplays"

From BattleMaster Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 91: Line 91:
 
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender='''Patriacc Hewitt'''
 
|Sender='''Patriacc Hewitt'''
 
|Recipients=Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-20 05:44:40
 
|Recipients=Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-20 05:44:40
Line 103: Line 103:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender='''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender='''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-20 10:20:27
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-20 10:20:27
Line 119: Line 119:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender='''Patriacc Hewitt'''
 
|Sender='''Patriacc Hewitt'''
 
|Recipients= Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-20 20:01:45
 
|Recipients= Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-20 20:01:45
Line 133: Line 133:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender='''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender='''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-20 23:02:51
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-20 23:02:51
Line 151: Line 151:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender='''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender='''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-25 14:11:55
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-25 14:11:55
Line 165: Line 165:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender='''Patriacc Hewitt'''
 
|Sender='''Patriacc Hewitt'''
 
|Recipients= Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-25 14:32:55
 
|Recipients= Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-25 14:32:55
Line 187: Line 187:
 
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 207: Line 207:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Daario Vulparan'''
 
|Sender= '''Daario Vulparan'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 219: Line 219:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Benjamin Pryde'''
 
|Sender= '''Benjamin Pryde'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 227: Line 227:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 237: Line 237:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Gislin Luitolf'''
 
|Sender= '''Gislin Luitolf'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 265: Line 265:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Gislin Luitolf'''
 
|Sender= '''Gislin Luitolf'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 279: Line 279:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
 
|Recipients=All Nobles in Perdan
Line 301: Line 301:
 
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt
Line 329: Line 329:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Patriacc Hwitt'''
 
|Sender= '''Patriacc Hwitt'''
 
|Recipients=Amelara Everwind
 
|Recipients=Amelara Everwind
Line 355: Line 355:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt
 
|Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt
Line 375: Line 375:
 
{{Message2
 
{{Message2
 
|Width=
 
|Width=
|Type=Roleplay
+
|Type=Letter
 
|Sender= '''Patriacc Hwitt'''
 
|Sender= '''Patriacc Hwitt'''
 
|Recipients=Amelara Everwind
 
|Recipients=Amelara Everwind
Line 415: Line 415:
  
 
She closed her eyes, drifting into another uncomfortable state of unconsciousness
 
She closed her eyes, drifting into another uncomfortable state of unconsciousness
}}</div></div>
+
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Message2
 +
|Width=
 +
|Type=Letter
 +
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 +
|Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt
 +
|Content=(The parchment you receive seems to have a blood-stain in the corner, and the writing is not as neat and professional as the previous letters.)
 +
 
 +
Count Patriacc,
 +
 
 +
Perdan left me and some other nobles behind today.  Our leader's orders to fall back to the capital was received far too late in the day, and by the time my men were gathered there was no chance of us leaving Leibo before you caught up.  We held our own against you, and I am proud that my unit - weary and beaten as they were - witheld the onslaught the longest.
 +
 
 +
The pain I feel in my arm and stomach where I am wounded is greater than I have ever felt, the pain in my mind as I watch and listen the 'heroes' of my upbringing bicker and abandon their own is greater still.  I face the long journey back to Perdan now alone, trying to support the remainder of my men.
 +
 
 +
I almost tore this up to start anew as my arm bled onto the page, but I figured you would not be bothered. Perhaps you would even see it as some souvenir of the blood your people spilled. My blood.
 +
 
 +
And in response to your letter, I understand your reasoning but still it offends me.  My mother is quite happy to live her life as an accessory of my father, I am not.  I believe your real views on women, however, it is a great reason your realm intrigues me so.
 +
 
 +
I am almost falling from my horse - my mind is not clear. I am angry and feel betrayed. If you require a favour from me, name it. Perdan should pay something for its foolishness the past weeks, and I feel powerless here to do anything about it.
 +
 
 +
Name it.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Message2
 +
|Width=
 +
|Type=Letter
 +
|Sender= '''Patriacc Hwitt'''
 +
|Recipients=Amelera Everwind
 +
|Content=Dame Amelara,
 +
 
 +
There is no reason you should be forced to march back in defeat to a Kingdom that has abandoned you.  Regardless of whatever crime you may think Yssrgard has committed upon the world, we do not abandon our battle-brothers and sisters in the field.  Do you really believe that your general and your Queen in her far away castle are deserving of the blood shed by yourself and your men?  Do you truly believe they care that your men have died? 
 +
 
 +
Come and join us in Yssrgard!  You would be welcomed as a warrior who has fought with honor and who did not shirk from their duty, even when they were abandoned.  You would be welcomed to fight beside us in our shieldwall, and though we may be relatively few compared to your decadent kingdom, the strength of will and our cause should be plain to the world by now. 
 +
 
 +
If you wish to return to Perdan City, I wish you safe travels and look forward to meeting you again on the field of battle.  If you wish to do what in your heart is right and follow the warrior's path into Yssrgard, I would be proud to welcome a new battle-sister!
 +
 
 +
Not to mention the opportunity to truly be someone.  Perdan is a bloated realm with too many nobles vying for their positions and little fiefdoms.  Yssrgard is a small realm and the voice of a warrior would have weight and be heard,
 +
}}
 +
</div></div>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:400px; overflow:auto;">
 +
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">===Into the Wolf's Den===</div>
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{Message2
 +
|Width=
 +
|Type=Roleplay
 +
|Sender= '''Amelara Everwind'''
 +
|Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt
 +
|Content=

Revision as of 14:04, 10 January 2021

===The Coronation of Alyssa Kingsley===
Roleplay from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
"Amelara Everwind, Dame of Clermont!"

The young dame swallowed, filled with nerves, the feeling of being announced into such an event seeming incredibly overwhelming! Just as heads were starting to turn, wondering where the just announced attendee was, she stepped forward bravely.

One to usually dress to impress whenever she can, even Amelara felt foreign and undeserving in the elegant attire she wore today. Having sought assistance from Ser Kenneth, it had been a rush to get such attire ready - but Mastercrafter Estelle had been a saviour for her, albeit a rather harsh one.

She tried hard to keep the excitement from her face - she was a dame now! No longer a child dreaming of queens and kings, castles and battles. That was a reality now, and how she was enjoying the opportunity to look beautiful and attend this important event.

Remembering her etiquette lessons clearly, she gracefully moves to take her place
Amelara Everwind


===The Battle of Isadril===
Roleplay from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Leibo (21 Recipients) - 2020-11-25 08:19
Battle of Leibo

How did bards and story writers glorify something like this?

The sound of battle still rang through Amelara's ears, even hours after it came to a close. The agonised screams of her own men. The lifeless eyes of her companions she had travelled with for two seasons now burned into her mind.

She wondered how it went so wrong, finding no other reason than her own leadership. Too late had she realised that her unit were too far forward trying to get better shots, her allies too far behind.

And then suddenly her men had fallen around her, seven to never rise again. She had sounded the retreat, and gone back personally once things had calmed to look for survivors. Thankfully, more than twenty of her casualties had survived, but nothing would comfort her of those dead.

Ashen faced, covered in dirt and struggling to keep tears back, she knew the unit she had spent weeks building and training was no more use here, but still she must continue. She had dreamed of leading them in battle, the deadly aim of their bows as they rained death upon the enemy now nothing more than a faded fantasy - had they even taken down any of them, she wondered?

Every ounce of her wanted to get out and return to Perdan - how could she come back from this? Forget that, how could she face more of that horrible.. chaos. Her morals and honour kept her from doing so - she would do better, and if her surviving men chose to stay with her once all was said and done, she supposed she would know whether they did blame her or not.

For now, not caring who saw, she buried her face into the crook of her arm, no longer able to hold back the sobs that had been threatening to break through.
Amelara Everwind


===Taking place after the second battle of Isadril===
Roleplay from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles of Perdan
This battle wasn't like the others, she felt that before the first arrow was even set loose. She had felt uneasy - maybe it was the wind. The first two conflicfs, the air had been still, allowing the archers to fire unobstructed. Tonight, though, the wind howled - maybe a sign from the Wolf King himself.

For her, it started off similar to the other two battles, except after her first few men fell, the arrows didnt stop. One by one, they fell. Few screams of pain, and those that did survive their fall were silenced as more arrows rained upon their wounded bodies.

And then red hot pain as something slammed into her shoulder, knocking her down to the floor. One of her men ducked down to help her up, beginning to pull her away from the battle, before he too was taken down.

All Amelara remembered then was desperately trying to get away from the battle. Only once escaped did she realise that besides the non-fighters, she was alone.

The arrow was removed now, it hadn't gone deep and was just a distant throb. Scared and feeling alone, she retreated back in the direction of Perdan. She feared it would be an arduous, slow journey, but sadly without any soldiers with her, it was good progress.

She hoped she would come across one of her allies on the way - the thought of being in Yssrgard alone and unprotected was a terrifying one.
Amelara Everwind


Roleplay from Oliver Laststar
Message sent to All Nobles of Perdan
The battle had gone poorly for his unit, as he had opted them to fill out the lines with protective shields to help protect their own archers; nevertheless of his preparations, they all eventually fell to the drawn out exchange of arrows between the two armies. He should have realized this was going to be a poor choice trying to outshoot enemies that had the advantage of fortress walls to hide behind.

It was to his surprise that even as his men all went down, it was the yssrgardian woman from before darting in and out from the field like golden-haired comet, risking her own life to drag away his fallen men. She had followed him like a puppy all the way out to this battlefield, and not knowing what to do with her, he allowed to stick around. Which ended up as a blessing now though as he managed to assemble the rest of his troops. She—turns out her name was Brynja—further surprised him and his men by taking charge of their retreat, she pointed out trails, led them around time-consuming gullies and so on. Oliver had to admit he was impressed, Brynja was earnest to be of use to him, and always seemed to be grinning like she knew some secret joke he couldn't understand, which all meant she quickly had earned the respect of his men as well.


As they're later all limping through the countryside, they run across the first group of Perdans they've seen since the battle. It was not much of a group though, from what he could tell it was just a single noblewoman in the distance with some civilian looking servants, looking just as miserable and beaten as the rest of his men.

When they draw close, Oliver calls out and hails her, eventually recognizing Lady Everwind as the woman who infamously had lost so many of her troops from their first deadly engagement days ago. Did she lose the rest of her men?

"Lady Amelara? Is that you? It's me, Oliver Laststar! I lost track of you at the battle, what happened?!" Unknownst to him, his new yssrgardian companion followed him protectively at his shoulder like a shadow with her axe in hand.
Oliver Laststar


===Letters from Count Patriacc===
Letter from Patriacc Hewitt
Message sent to Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-20 05:44:40
Dame Amelara of Perdan,

I trust this letter finds you well in this season of our extended conflict. I sincerely hope this war has been as enriching for you as it has been for us! I remember well the spunk you showed at our earlier battle and pray to Gods of Aesir you still possess it.

I genuinely look forward to crossing swords with you and your Perdanese brethren soon!
Patriacc Hewitt


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-20 10:20:27
Count Patriacc,

Today I stand stronger than when we first met. Two more conflicts have passed since the initial few battles, and in these two the arrows of my men slew many, and not one of my people fell.

I still carry the axe you so kindly gifted me, and rest assured I am saving it in case such an occasion presents itself that I can coat it with your blood.

You will not see me in disarray and fear next we meet. Depending on the luck of war, you may not see me coming at all...

Yours Faithfully,
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Patriacc Hewitt
Message sent to Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-20 20:01:45
Noble Adversary,

Good! Perhaps now you understand why we of Yssrgard live the way we do! Where would you be without our war? Weaker. Less sure. Just less in all things. It is battle and war that strengthens us, and peace that weakens us.

Bring my axe back to Yssrgard and we can fight once more! Perhaps it will be axe that finds purchase! Maybe a leg as a souvenir? An arm?

Or perhaps the war will end and we will all drink wine and break bread together? Who knows!
Patriacc Hewitt


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-20 23:02:51
Count Patriacc,

It will perhaps disappoint you to learn that despite my share of some of your views, it is the latter option you gave that I hope for.

Although the noble lady in me winces at the thought of your table manners, the curious (soon-to-be) heroine wishes to learn more about you, your ways and your beliefs.

Not that this will stay my blade, axe or bow, of course. I can have that conversation just with your disembodied head on a spike, the conversation will be just as useful and pleasant - and more intimidating to your friends and family than a random leg or arm, no?

It is warming to know that you are thinking of me on this brisk autumn evening, before your blood blends in with the red leaves upon the grass.

Keep your wits about you.
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to Patriacc Hewitt - 2020-12-25 14:11:55
Count Patriacc,

I did warn you to keep your wits about you. I may have been on the defeated side yesterday, but I saw the arrows of my men rain down on yours, sending them running. I did not see one strike you unfortunately, but I do hope I am wrong. I will be honoured if one tore through your flesh, even if only a graze.

I am not the woman you first met those weeks ago. There was something.. special about breaking your unit - it almost made me happy even as my own men fell around me.

Until next time.
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Patriacc Hewitt
Message sent to Amelara Everwind - 2020-12-25 14:32:55
Dame Amelara,

Good! It may surprise you that I hold no ill will toward you for this! Well done and well fought! There is no shame in being being outplayed and outfoxed, bland the simple truth is that your army was outplayed and outfoxed!

My greataxe found purchase in one of your own, a certain Sir Druzil Sharpspeare if my scribes tell me the heraldry correct. I do hope the man is well, he was left a rather crumpled mess after I was done with him.

I am happy to see that you are coming to accept the proper glory of combat and war! There is no need to hide that exhilaration behind some false veneer of honor or some such other nonsense.

I genuinely hope to see you across the battlefield once more soon, and perhaps it shall be my forces that tear your archers to shreds! For now, do be careful on your way home, it is a long way back to your capital!

Delightfully, Your Adversary,
Patriacc Hewitt


===Disheartened by Perdan===
Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
Perdan,

What is happening in this realm? Even as our enemies pillage our lands, murder our innocents and rob from us on two fronts - as our loyal men and women die under our command, we bicker about petty matters when we are meant to be united.

Our enemy will only be convinced that their view of us as petty aristocrats is accurate when they next meet us on the battlefield.

I may be naive, but I grew up listening to the tales of Perdan Knights being honourable and heroic, including many of you. Do not tell me that all those tales that have led me to where I stand today have been for nothing, and that silly quarrels matter more to you all than our homeland and the people we protect.

At least keep these arguments for a time of peace, the messengers that approach me seem to grow wearier and wearier with every dozen letters that reach my way!

Our land, our homes, our people and Perdan is what is important. Let us unite in this time of war.

Yours Faithfully,
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Daario Vulparan
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
((A short missive signed by the Earl and sealed with a waxen stamp of the Fox Sejant of House Vulparan arrives to all of the realm.))

Á Perdana!

Signed,
Daario Vulparan


Letter from Benjamin Pryde
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
A Perdana!
Benjamin Pryde


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
A Perdana! (A small etching of a heart is drawn below this, followed by Amelara's signature)
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Gislin Luitolf
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
A... Perdana???
Gislin Luitolf


Roleplay from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
"My Lady, I have two more letters for you to re--"

"Do they invole Ser Lucius and Ser Apollyon?" Amelara interrupts irritably to the weary messenger.

"I believe so, my lady,"

"Are they apology letters or anything agreeing to end the nonsense debating?"

"...No, my lady, there is no acknowledgement of your letter in either--"

The messenger is interrupted once more as Amelara reaches to take both the letters, immediately tearing them up into sixteen small squares of parchment, allowing them to drift across the battlefield in Leibo.

"That is all, messenger, thank you." Amelara nods, turning and walking away, leaving the poor boy rather confused. "I would rather spend my time mourning the dead who died giving their lives for our realm. A Perdana and all that."
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Gislin Luitolf
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
Good nobles of Perdan,

Before I came to Perdan, I was lead to believe that Perdan was a home to honorable and valorous knights. I was told that you were the home those that protect the weak, and defend those that could not defend themselves. Was told that you raise up against adversity and fought against the evils of the world. Yet, I must say, that if even half of what I have heard is true, I must question the validity of these claims.

Let me start with this. If this Apollyon is so bad, why has he been allowed to remain? I ask this not in defense of him, the lot of you read how I threatened him myself just yesterday, no I ask this in defense of yourselves. I ask the lot of you, here before everyone, if he had done even half of what I have seen him accused of how does he still have a place in Perdan? I have seen Yssrgard ban people over less. The enemy I have, in my short time here, seen you all revile as if you were so far above. How can you be above them if you keep people worse than they will keep?

I do not know the truth. If one would like explain it to me, I will be glad to listen. Regale me with stories of the issues here. For either what I have heard is greatly exaggerated, or this duel could have easily been prevented if a man so reviled was banned when he should have been. If the former, I find it interesting that so many posture so readily, but if the former, I ask what is the real crime? The duel, of the fact that he has been allowed to remain after so many crimes?
Gislin Luitolf


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
Ser Luitolf, Perdan,

I whole-heartedly second your below questions. As much as I loathe to back up your words about Yssrgard, there are certain aspects of their views that show logic. One thing I can say is that they do appear to act when they see issue, and resolve the problem rather than sending hateful letters across the country and back. (They just send them to us instead...)

I do not know enough of the situation to wish banishment on anybody, but whatever Ser Apollyon is guilty of seems to be causing nothing but unrest within our own ranks. I plea that this is resolved - whether it be through removing Ser Apollyon or a firm instruction to everybody to shut up (I apologise for such un-ladylike words) and move on.

Every distraction we face within our own borders is a weakness our enemy could choose to exploit.

Now I shall cease my involvement unless anybody writes to me directly, for I do not wish to add to the issue I complain about.

A Perdana.
Amelara Everwind


===Writings of a Wolf===
Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to Patriacc Hwitt
Count Patriacc,

I hope you are well.

I do not really know why I write to you - logic and my own morals make it a foolish notion, yet I find myself drawn to this parchment. One of your old allies has joined Perdan recently - certainly seems far more humane than most of your people, but only increases my curiosity on some of your ways.

I have instructed my messenger to destroy this letter after reading it to you, so I hope your memory is good. It would not do well to be discovered contacting our enemy for no valid reason.

Again, I do not even know what the purpose of my writing is... see, Perdan is.. not exactly the land of heroes and knights in shining armour that I grew up believing. I find my saddle bags stuffed full with various letters of foolish bickering and quarrels over nothing. Your old ally finds it just as preposterous, saying that the subject of the quarreling would have been instantly resolved in Yssrgard.

Do not get me wrong, I have no illusions that Yssrgard is anything more than a vicious pit from hell - no offense - but I find myself intrigued by some of your views, and wishing to learn more. Wishing that my own people were a bit more.. decisive and sure in their actions, rather than having to jump through hoop after hoop only to find ourselves back at square one.

I became a knight to escape the life of aristrocrats, to wield a bow and blade, to defend my people and my home. I did not do it to take part in political nonsense about the correct and wrong times to have a friendly duel with an ally or discuss the wrong doings of a knight who should have been banished months ago for weeks on end.

I have no idea why I am coming to you in the hope of restoring my own sanity, I plea that you do not betray our.. rivalry, acquaintanceship, whatever this is. Perhaps I am a fool, and perhaps you would remove my head with no more than a second thought.

Perhaps I am a fool to believe you to be more than a murderous mad man my allies would have me believe?

Am I a fool?

(As the messenger reads the signature, he immediately tears the letter to pieces, throwing them into the wind. As he does this, he watches you fearfully, clearly worried you will tear him to pieces before he can destroy this. Assuming he lives, he backs away - still facing you - before mounting his horse and galloping away as if the devil himself pursued him.)
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Patriacc Hwitt
Message sent to Amelara Everwind
Dame Amelara,

It may come as a shock to you to know that I am an educated man. Most in Yssrgard do not take the skald or scholar's path, but a few of us do. Now this does not mean we do not train with the sword or the axe, for we are still children of the Aethir Gods in Valhalla...but I spent a great deal of my youth sequestered with scrolls and tomes, learning poetry and mathematics, architecture and diplomacy. But these things alone do not make a man or woman any greater than the most ignorant fool, as the greatest swordsman or swordswoman alive is no greater than the youngest babe if they do not practice their craft and test themselves.

I do not believe you a fool. In fact I believe you have already discovered for yourself the chief danger of all educated and otherwise brave people: Decadence. Perhaps I can tell you a story from a distant land to illustrate my point...

There once was a small kingdom in a faraway land led by a man named Cyrus. This Cyrus led his people into battle with the greatest nations and kingdoms of their day, and toppled them all, creating an empire than spanned what seemed like the entire world. Cyrus led his people in battle, never shirking from the wicked work of armies, he even insisted he and his retainers wear wooden shoes so that they might remember their humble origins in hardship and struggle. For Cyrus knew that was what led his people to dominance.

Cyrus would go on to have sons, and his sons would begate yet more sons. The great-grandson of Cyrus was a man named Artaxerxes. This Artaxerxes had spent his life in luxury. He had never known what it was to go hungry, or to struggle in the heat of mortal combat. He spent every night with a new woman, never bedding the same one twice, and allowed his advisors to control his empire so that he might enjoy his parties and fineries.

Artaxerxes never wore anything but slippers of the finest silk. He ruled for a decade until another came, much like his Great-Grandfather, a warrior-king who destroyed the bloated armies of Artaxerxes empire and eventually killed the so-called 'King of Kings' while he hid in a field of reeds...

You see the decadence of Perdan for what it is: a poison that shall rot it out from within. We of Yssrgard embrace battle for the sake of self-improvement. I do not think ill of you or any of your kin. In fact, I pity otherwise brave warriors such as yourself that wither in the poison of such a decadent kingdom.

As for Yssrgard, where some see us and our ways as barbaric, we see the truth that it is struggle that brings out the best in men and women, and peace that weakens them. It is in struggle that we find ourselves, or find ourselves lacking. If it is the will of Heaven that we should meet in battle again, I will not pay you the discourtesy or dishonor of mercy. I would do everything I could to strike you down, as their is nothing but glory in such a death! Far from damning you, I would raise your glory into the night, and see that your body stood upon the largest pyre to be burned among the honored dead. And I would hope you would do me the same courtesy.

If providence should dictate that we meet not as enemies, then perhaps we can have a contest of body or mind, a singing of songs or duel of honor, so that we might truly know each other. I shall be glad if such things were to happen.

So in short, no. I do not think you a fool. In fact, I salute for being one of the few of the Lions to possess sense. My previous offer stands. Should you ever wish to turn away from the decadent land of bickering and intrigue, a warrior such as yourself would always have a place in Yssrgard. There is no shame in that, to turn away from an oath to a poisoned Kingdom, as it is only right to pick an unspoiled fruit quickly from a poisoned vine.
Patriacc Hwitt


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to Patriacc Hwitt
Count Patriacc,

I am relieved to see my messenger return in one piece, I have had to use a different man this time so please look after him too. The stories of Yssrgardians is basically a ghost story for many of us growing up. I thank you for your response, which I have also destroyed, and I am glad to see that it only contains one death threat, which almost feels like a compliment.

I can tell from your letters in comparison to your King that you are at least somewhat educated. Rest assured that despite my longing to be free of much of my noble upbringing, I would not be writing to you were you not - tis an annoyance of mine. I agree with your view on education however, for as much as I love them, my family falls into the category that you and I both detest. They are happy to live their entire lives relying on their gold and servants, dying lazy and fat with nothing more than an expensive tomb-stone to be remembered by. I will be more. I already am more. I have near enough just described my own blood as this 'Artaxerxes', no? I hope that I am retelling your story in the reverse order. I will be the Cyrus of the Everwinds - it has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I thank you for telling me this story; for all the books I have read, none relate to my own feelings as much as this.

I do not believe Perdan to be doomed as you so suggest. I believe it can be changed - united as the tales and songs suggest it once was. To become fierce Lions once more as opposed to bickering monkeys.

I truly hope the latter circumstance of matter happens before the first - whichever outcome that may be, preferably your body, of course. But yes, I would do that for you, should you fight with honour and treat Perdan's women with more respect than when we first met. I only ask that should I face you and fail, that you give me a quick death - I would not wish my last moments to be feeling weak and helpless, bleeding to death.

I... am not as repulsed by your offer as I was the first I read those words months ago. But it is not the path for me, for I strive for peace - a notion you no doubt will scoff at, but I do not want peace to grow old, comfortable and fat, I want peace so Perdan can become a strong, powerful and united nation that can withstand any threat. That can only happen if its Lords and Ladies stay strong, after all. But I am only one woman - only eighteen years old, and I have been brought down to reality recently, so that dream may not be possible. The more days that pass, the less Perdanian that I feel at heart. Who knows where my mind and heart will be in a year's time?

I feel conflicted and disheartened, but surprisingly your words have helped stabilise my mind. Thank you.
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Patriacc Hwitt
Message sent to Amelara Everwind
Dame Amelara,

Hold fast to that conviction. Though I know your conviction that Perdan will stand is bound for inevitable failure.

You wish for peace to allow Perdan a time to strengthen itself, but I ask you this: what do you think is going to happen when your kingdom makes peace with mine? If they bicker and infight to this degree during a time a war with a united enemy do you really believe they will unite during a time of peace?

The pit of vipers will begin to consume itself even worse. Do not let the fire of your warrior’s conviction be squelched by this. You will no strength in peace and we of Yssrgard will continue to do all we can to keep us all strong!

As for the matter of women, I wish to say this: battlefield banter is what it is, and we of Yssrgard do so enjoy getting a rise out of our enemy. That is our way, you see. Combine this that we do not find women at all the lesser of men, that stand as equals to us in all things, including battle. I have known women to give such insults at a moot that would surely turn your hide!

Why it isn’t even uncommon for women to court men! I know this is uncommon in lands outside ours, but perhaps that will help to explain my banter in that first battle.
Patriacc Hwitt


===Wounded in Leibo===
Roleplay from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to All Nobles in Perdan
It had happened so quickly. Amelara found herself floating in and out of consciousness as her two healers - a man and woman - floated about caring for her and the seventeen men who lay around her in their makeshift camp. Her scouts and cart driver acted as guards, not that they were at all qualified or equipped for such a role, they were all she had left.

She had ordered her healers when she first hired them to prioritise each of her men's lives equally to her own should this situation ever occur, yet the selfish and desperate part of her now couldn't help but wish they could do more to ease her two wounds rather than focusing on the others. She had been pierced in her upper left arm and slashed across her stomach - nothing life-threatening, no, but certainly painful.

What went wrong? Maybe her men were tired, but the rest of the Perdan army were too far away when her scouts reported there was no way she could escape Leibo without being caught by the faster moving Yssrgardians. To stand and fight was her only option, Amelara hoped that at least saved some of her surviving men's lives. Surely more would have been lost if they hadn't been braced for combat? Surely.

Nobody seemed to have returned for her, thats for sure. She knew she hadn't been alone in the quick battle - Hendrik, Joreb and Scarlett had been there too, facing the same outcome her troops had. She had no idea where they were now, but she hoped they were okay - or at least better off than she was.

Why didn't anybody come for her? Were the rest of the army truly unaware of the separation? Did she not matter enough to risk anything for? Were the Golden Lions not meant to be proud heroes fighting against all evil?

A small voice within tried reasoning with these irrational thoughts - Amelara herself had not gone back for Lady Lorelei or Lord Daario when they each were captured by the Yssrgardians. It was too dangerous and a foolish risk. But then... Amelara herself had lost her entire unit when Lorelei was taken, and was wounded at Daario's fate. What was their excuse now?

The irrational side was winning, and she felt herself filling with anger and hurt - not just physical hurt. Her discontent with her adventuring life was deepening - the fairy tale dreams of grandeur and heroism were moving further and further away.

She closed her eyes, drifting into another uncomfortable state of unconsciousness
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Amelara Everwind
Message sent to Patriacc Hwitt
(The parchment you receive seems to have a blood-stain in the corner, and the writing is not as neat and professional as the previous letters.)

Count Patriacc,

Perdan left me and some other nobles behind today. Our leader's orders to fall back to the capital was received far too late in the day, and by the time my men were gathered there was no chance of us leaving Leibo before you caught up. We held our own against you, and I am proud that my unit - weary and beaten as they were - witheld the onslaught the longest.

The pain I feel in my arm and stomach where I am wounded is greater than I have ever felt, the pain in my mind as I watch and listen the 'heroes' of my upbringing bicker and abandon their own is greater still. I face the long journey back to Perdan now alone, trying to support the remainder of my men.

I almost tore this up to start anew as my arm bled onto the page, but I figured you would not be bothered. Perhaps you would even see it as some souvenir of the blood your people spilled. My blood.

And in response to your letter, I understand your reasoning but still it offends me. My mother is quite happy to live her life as an accessory of my father, I am not. I believe your real views on women, however, it is a great reason your realm intrigues me so.

I am almost falling from my horse - my mind is not clear. I am angry and feel betrayed. If you require a favour from me, name it. Perdan should pay something for its foolishness the past weeks, and I feel powerless here to do anything about it.

Name it.
Amelara Everwind


Letter from Patriacc Hwitt
Message sent to Amelera Everwind
Dame Amelara,

There is no reason you should be forced to march back in defeat to a Kingdom that has abandoned you. Regardless of whatever crime you may think Yssrgard has committed upon the world, we do not abandon our battle-brothers and sisters in the field. Do you really believe that your general and your Queen in her far away castle are deserving of the blood shed by yourself and your men? Do you truly believe they care that your men have died?

Come and join us in Yssrgard! You would be welcomed as a warrior who has fought with honor and who did not shirk from their duty, even when they were abandoned. You would be welcomed to fight beside us in our shieldwall, and though we may be relatively few compared to your decadent kingdom, the strength of will and our cause should be plain to the world by now.

If you wish to return to Perdan City, I wish you safe travels and look forward to meeting you again on the field of battle. If you wish to do what in your heart is right and follow the warrior's path into Yssrgard, I would be proud to welcome a new battle-sister!

Not to mention the opportunity to truly be someone. Perdan is a bloated realm with too many nobles vying for their positions and little fiefdoms. Yssrgard is a small realm and the voice of a warrior would have weight and be heard,
Patriacc Hwitt


===Into the Wolf's Den===
{{Message2

|Width= |Type=Roleplay |Sender= Amelara Everwind |Recipients=Patriacc Hwitt |Content=