Tahlim Family

Just a place for me to keep my roleplays safe until I can organize them and my family page.

...

Catherine

Catherine reread the words from the Lady Inquisitor of Summerdale as her servants and chambermaids broke down their camp at the tournament. She had failed miserably, once again, getting knocked down in the opening round of the tournament. Weeks of training, twice a day, and once again she would be returning to Summerdale defeated and broke. Gold which could easily have been used to repair the local regions would go to Asylon. It was enough to crush a young girl's spirits.

Rebecca: "Is there something troubling my Lady?"

Rebecca's voice always had a way of bringing a smile to Catherine's face.

Rebecca: "My Lady faired well at the tournament. She has done her best and one could not ask for more than that."

Catherine: "Thank you, Rebecca, I am sure you are right. I just wish I had something to show for my work, but I suppose the old men have this tournament well within their control. I was quite foolish to think I could compete against them."

Rebecca frowned and placed a reassuring hand upon Catherine's shoulder.

Rebecca: "My Lady should not speak that way. Her determination and might could rival that of a dragon. My Lady knows these tournaments do not always go in favor of the strongest warrior. One needs a great deal of luck in the end to win the prize and glory that these events bring upon the person. Next time shall bode better, I am sure."

Catherine locked herself into Rebecca's eyes, quickly folding the letter away as she leaned forward to embrace her. A blush appears on both woman's faces.

Catherine: "Thank you, Rebecca, it is at least soothing to my soul to know that Summerdale will not look poorly upon me when I return without the prize I promised them."

Rebecca let out a sigh as she stood rigid with Catherine's arms around her.

Rebecca" "Yes, My Lady, I must be going now. There is much to do to prepare for the ride back to Summerdale. It will be good to see our home again."

Catherine relaxed her embrace. Allowing the girl to go free once more, though continuing to keep a watchful eye on her.

Catherine: "Indeed. It will."

...

Catherine rode to the top of a large hill overlooking the realm of Summerdale. In the distance laid the walls of Nifel and within those boundaries the city of Nifelheim. Rebecca stood at her side, her hand placed along the mount's side as she sensed the encroaching sadness in Catherine.

Rebecca: "It is good to be home, it is not my Lady?"

Catherine wiped a stray tear from her cheek as she gazed out across the kingdom.

Catherine: "I am not sure I realized just how much I missed this place. I'm not even sure when I considered Summerdale to BE home. It's been not much longer than a year since we arrived, Rebecca."

Rebecca: "I have not once regretted my Lady's decision to come here. A new life for us all amongst a strong people and an honorable lordship, none moreso than my own Lady."

Catherine blushed a deep crimson as her tears were replaced with a bashful smile.

Catherine: "Quite right... the people here persevere where others would quickly crumble. Constant threats of undead and monsters plague our realm, yet the people remain in high spirits and loyal to the realm. I have seen nothing like it in all my travels."

Rebecca: "They look to their leaders for that strength, my Lady, they find it in you and the other nobles."

Catherine: "I am no hero. It is you and the rest of the Roses that deserve the acclaim. To fight so bravely against foes twice your size and power, and here I am unable to beat another mortal man in fair combat."

Catherine let out a deep sigh as she continued to gaze out across the countryside.

Rebecca: "Is my Lady still upset about the tournament?"

Catherine shook her head, turning once again to Rebecca.

Catherine: "No... I was just thinking how lonely it is atop this horse. I could certainly use some company. Are you not tired from your hike, Rebecca? Would you care to join me?"

Rebecca: "My Lady! To speak of such things. I could never accept such an offer."

Catherine: "And I could never allow you to reject. It's an order, Captain!"

Catherine hopped down off her horse, wrapping her arms around the handmaiden and thrusting her atop the horse amongst her protests.

Rebecca: "My Lady! Stop this! I am not of noble blood. What right do I have to perch upon my Lady's mount?"

Catherine hopped up behind the woman, cradling her arms around the girl's waist and grabbing back at the reigns again.

Rebecca: "My Lady! Please! The others will see!"

Catherine: "So let them see!"

Catherine spurred at the sides of her mount and they trotted together down the hill back to the rest of the handmaidens as they walked down the roads hauling carts of gear and food from the tournament. Amongst them a courier awaited the mounted noble. Catherine outreached for the message with one arm as she grabbed tightly to the blushing Rebecca with the other.

Catherine: "Tis a letter from Sir Bowie. A banquet! What fun!"

Rebecca breathed a sigh of relief.

Rebecca: "Does my Lady wish to divert the wagons or would she rather head alone while I bring our supplies back to the Roses."

Catherine: "The Roses will continue to fare well without our presence, Rebecca, and the Maidens can see Nifelheim from here. It's a straight shot and I have little doubt that they will make it. You may adorn one of my dresses. I will not take no for an answer."

Rebecca: "My Lady! NO!"

Catherine laughed as she gave her final orders to the woman accompanying her on the road. She spurred at the horse once more and suddenly it was too late for Rebecca to make her escape. To jump from a horse at full gallop would be suicide on these roads. The roads to Odenir.

...

I continued to sit at the walls of Nifel, happy to have joined up once more with my Red Roses. Seeing them again at my side was surly an emotion experience for us all. I squeezed tight to Rebecca's hand before setting her off to whip my girl's back into a fighting condition. I've always made active efforts to keep my women soft and fair, but strong. Despite the rugged job of defending a realm from constant attacks of the supernatural, I have not forgotten that inside we are ladies, and just like a Rose we may appear beautiful at first glance, but I would not attempt to pick one less we draw blood with a prick of our thorns.

The thorns of my Roses have dulled in my absence, but it is nothing that a few days of hard-work could not repair. I drew my attention to the north. Reports began to flood in of an attack to the north. Monsters rampaging through the hamlets of people only wishing to make a life for themselves. Lives of innocents that I had vowed to protect. It disgusts me to be sitting on these walls while we wait for stranglers to join up with us. I can almost hear the shouts echoing throughout the hills, though I must admit it is likely just the imagination of a guilty conscious. I continue to wait patiently for the order that we may move out. Summerdale's military may have grown in strength, but I can't help but think that it goes to waste when we camp inside our own walls in hopes that our enemy will come to us.

...

It just isn't right. We shouldn't be here. We should be where we are needed. In Odenir. I kick at a barrel of fruit set out for her Roses, toppling it over and spilling the contents out. Rebecca rushes to my side in a panic.

Rebecca: "My Lady! What is wrong?"

She bends quickly to clean my mess, a pang of guilt runs through me and I join her side to help.

Rebecca: "My Lady, please! Leave this to me! I just ask that my Lady tell me what caused her to do this, is she not well?"

Rebecca is always taking care of me. I do not deserve her.

Catherine: "I'm sorry Rebecca... I let my feelings take hold of me for a moment. It just isn't right... Look around us... Summerdale's nobles are all here ready to move out, and we continue to wait while reports continue to flood in of men, women, and children, slaughtered by the beasts of the north. They need protection and we refuse to give it to them."

Rebecca: "My Lady knows she should listen to those wiser than she about these affairs. The General knows how to run his army, and it is your duty to obey his orders."

I shake my head. Something deep inside me knows that Rebecca is right. She's always managed to remain so much cooler about these situations than I. It's what makes her such a good captain of my Roses. I can always rely on her to guide me in my moments of weakness.

Catherine: "I have no intentions on going against the orders of the General. It's just... those people... Do you not feel their suffering? What honor is there in letting them perish? I would gladly give my life to ease their torment."

Rebecca frowned and stared harshly into my eyes. In all my years with her I had never seen her so angry. It was kind of cute. It made me smile.

Rebecca: "How dare my Lady speak of such things! Her life is more important than all the commoners in Nifelheim. Suffering or not, Summerdale needs my Lady. The Roses need a troop leader that understands them, and I need my Lady to remain strong in even the saddest of times or else hope shall be lost amongst her women."

Amongst my cleaning I found a strawberry that managed to survive not only my tantrum but the long harsh winter at these walls. I placed it to my lips and took a bite. It was as sweet as if it was freshly picked and I got to wondering. If a strawberry can persevere under such odds, then surely the people of Odenir could as well. Deep down, I knew they were strong. Perhaps stronger than I, and when we finally arrived to strike down the beasts that plague them, they will treat us like the king himself.

Catherine: "Thank you Rebecca."

I lean in and press another strawberry to her lips, pressing it inwards before covering it over with my lips. Sucking the berry back into my mouth and biting into it so the juices flow throughout our kiss. It was lovely.

...

The general gave the command and I relayed it to the Roses. We were going to charge the enemy. A hailstorm of arrows soar over our heads impaling into the beasts across the field. An action that seemed to do no more than anger them as they directed their attention on us.

My heart sank as I glanced at their might. To allow monsters to terrorize our lands so long! It was disgusting, but a mistake that would soon be rectified as we strode closer to meeting our opponent. I drew my own sword, taking my position towards the back of the ranks after a promise I made to my captain.

I glanced over at her from the corner of my eye. She was always so meek during my encounters with her, but on the battlefield... she was so strong. So confident. She organized the troops better than I ever could and for a moment I actually wished that she was my Lady rather than the other way around. The Roses loved her and none more than I.

The beasts collapsed against our ranks. The archers had done well in weakening them, their blood loss had left them as easy targets when pitted against our steel. Still their claws were large and their teeth sharp and I watched as many of my Roses were easily brushed aside by their solid swipes. Other Summerdalians closed in around me pushing through to get a chance to fell one of the monsters.

And fall they did. One by one we crowded around them, overcoming their superior size with sheer numbers. Cheers began to echo over the hills with each victory and it wasn't long before the remaining creatures retreated back into the caves from which they came leaving the remainder of the town free from there terror.

I glanced at the remainder of the Roses standing. Each breathing hard after a hard fight, some attending to the wounds suffered by their compatriots. I paid them no heed, making my way directly to Rebecca.

Catherine: "Rebecca! Tell me you are unharmed."

Rebecca turned her head to the sound of my voice.

Rebecca: "My Lady, we have done it. Odenir is saved."

A smile crosses my face as I set my eyes upon her. She never looked more beautiful. The way the sweat glistens from her forehead and the way the blood shines on her breastplate. She certainly was a warrior. It becomes impossible to resist myself, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her in tight as our lips meet. Amongst the chaos of attending to the wounded and the celebration of a victory well earned we go largely unnoticed.

...

I returned back to the capital to claim my tax shares. The Roses were in high spirits. We crushed the threat to our lands and suffered few casualties in the process. Certainly grounds to celebrate, and I would allow just that for my Roses. Perhaps amongst their parties they will find a few other souls who wish to join in on the next campaign. It would be a welcome addition, as the Summerdalian army is still small.

A young girl rushed up to me in the middle of the streets. Her hair was getting long and I could tell she was excited to be given the chance to speak with a noble. She's maybe 11, but there is already enough going on to tell that she will grow into a strong beautiful woman, maybe even become one of my Roses herself one day. Rebecca intercepts the girl and takes a piece of parchment she is carrying in exchange for a few silver coins. I smile at the girl and toss her an idle wave. She blushes red and bows first to Rebecca and then to me, before mincing off back from which she came.

Rebecca: "A letter for my Lady. It looks important. Would she care I read it to her."

I frown for a moment and hold my hand out for the letter.

Catherine: "No thank you, Rebecca. If it is indeed important perhaps I should read it for myself."

I bring the parchment up to my eyes and examine the contents. A new noble is talking of bringing change to Summerdale. My first impression is one of happiness. Summerdale could use some change when so much farmland is still not being put to use, but as I go deeper into the letter's message my smile dissipates.

Catherine: "Rubbish... absolute rubbish!"

I cry out as I pass the note back to Rebecca who immediately begins to read with a fervor. I begin to storm around like a child throwing a tantrum.

Rebecca: "My Lady! What has you so upset?"

I turned my eyes towards Rebecca as she continues to read. The sight of her cools me off slightly, but not enough to make me forget my anger.

Catherine: "Estate Enlargement Program! I spent every gold I received from my father to build my estate into what it is now, and now it is being proposed that the gold I collect with it be used not for my Roses... not to defend Summerdale from the hordes of monsters. No... they go towards the revitalization of estates from those less dedicated than I. RUBBISH!"

Rebecca carefully finished the final words of the letter before folding it up neatly.

Rebecca: "Please, my Lady, Sir Bowie is just doing what he thinks is best for Summerdale. Just as my Lady does."

I take a few steps closer to Rebecca and wrap an arm around her waist, I reach up and brush my fingers across her cheek. She is so cute when she tries to calm me down.

Catherine: "What is best for Summerdale is to protect these people until they have the opportunity to thrive in these lands. We cannot do that if we are siphoning gold for other uses! The Roses fight well, but we are short-staffed and under-equipped to constantly handle these attacks as it is now."

Rebecca blushed under my touch, offering no resistance as she bows her head submissively.

Rebecca: "My Lady is likely right, but please... she should not be getting upset like this in front of the commoners. They need not be frightened any more than they are. It is not Sir Bowie's decision to make anyway. These are merely suggestions for the King to decide on. There is a chance they may not come to pass. Even if they do my Lady can rest well knowing that the King is doing what he feels is best for Summerdale. I know my Lady can understand that."

Being so close to her always relaxes me. No matter how upset or silly I get I know I can rely on Rebecca to bring me back to my senses.

Catherine: "You are right, Rebecca. Forgive me for acting so foolishly. Have you received word on what our tax share is this week?"

Rebecca fidgeted nervously and worry crept into me once more.

Catherine: "You are not hiding it from me, are you Rebecca?"

Rebecca stood straight, twirling the parchment around her fingers as she looked me directly in the eyes.

Rebecca: "N-no my Lady... I wouldn't do that. My Lady was just busy is all and our walk was so nice and... I have received word of our taxes... It's... it's not very much... 30 gold pieces... I think the General wants my Lady to recruit with it. It was a kind offering."

Catherine sneered at the news, throwing her once more into a fit of rage.

Catherine: "30 gold! We talk of reform when my tax share is 30 gold pieces! And I'm suppose to recruit MORE women? This will not even pay the next week's wages for the girls in the Roses right now!"

Rebecca winced as I shouted she did the only thing she could think of to calm me down. She grabbed me behind the neck and pulled me in for a kiss. I melted instantly. Rebecca always knew how to calm me down.

...

I sit back in agony watching the Roses attempt to scrounge equipment amongst themselves all hoping to get pieces of armor that strap together to at least cover their modesty less find pieces that would actually serve to protect them in a battle.

The orders for the day come in, and a sigh of relief comes over me.

Catherine: "Finally, after all this marching, the Roses will at least be able to go into battle where they belong. All of the damage we've gone through. Wintery roads, food shortages, and now equipment malfunctions! At least it will all be worth it when we march against the monsters. Putting them in their place and saving the commoners to the north."

My courier bore the message, reading it aloud so as to save time while I prepped for the move.

Courier: "My Lady Tahlim. Orders from the General. We are to move south."

I scowl in disgust.

Catherine: "South? But the monsters lay to the north? What foolishness is this?"

Courier: "He wishes to refit in the capital. Every noble is to obey."

My outburst jarred my captain, Rebecca, from her business.

Rebecca: "My Lady, allow me to ease your troubles! This angst serves you no good and dips the morale of your Roses even further."

I blush as Rebecca draws in, but attempt to maintain my anger.

Catherine: "Orders are to move a battered army south! Why?! The smiths have been closed since my arrival here. A refit now when the people rely on to work our fields die lie to the north! I will not tolerate such a decision! It is bad enough that we were needlessly late to save Odenir. To allow the monsters to pillage the north as well without so much as an attempt to lighten their numbers? It is not our troop commanders that make us look weak. With proper formations we could easily have dispatched the threat. Our archers alone would have knocked a good quarter of their numbers before the Roses even had a chance to engage, and you know that each of my women fight stronger than any three men that the General can scrounge together."

Rebecca: "Speaking in such a way changes nothings. Orders are not something within my Lady's power to disobey."

I let out another sigh as I wrap my arms around Rebecca's waist. It is hard to stay angry with her so close. Even though I am disgusted. Even though I want so badly to be fed up.

Catherine: "Those people! Imagine something like that going on in Ymer's Fall. I do not agree with this decision. We ended up defeating ourselves. All this marching has done little more than destroy the equipment of our entire army and what is there to do now when we return to the academy but say goodbye to the Roses who not only am I unable to pay, but who will be ill-equipped to fight anything by the time we return to any sort of battle field."

Rebecca shuts me up the only way she knows how. Her lips.

...

Mikara

Mikara reread the message that her father had sent her with.

---

To my dearest Mikara,

It is with a heavy heart that I send you to the Far East. I have watched you grow from a tiny bundle no bigger than the hilt of my sword into the strong capable woman you are today. Please, I beg that you do not think ill of me for my decision. Your brothers are to inherit my estate not because I hold them in greater favor. In fact it is quite the opposite. You are far stronger than they ever could be and it is with that knowledge that I know you will fair well in the Far East by yourself. A strong woman of your caliber, descended from noble blood, should have little trouble finding a lord to serve under. There is nothing I could possibly give you that you could not earn under your own merit. I know you will bring glory to the Tahlim name, my child, just as your mother and I have before you. You know all there is I could teach you. Go, little one. I send you with the strongest men I have to offer you. They have always thought higher of you than they have me. Their loyalty will be unwavering and I have already heard rumors that they eagerly await to serve under your command. Treat them well. I will always love you, now and forever.

Your loving father.

---

Mikara quickly wiped a tear from her eye as she folded the tarnished paper back into her bag. It was unlike her to show so much emotion in front of her men, but somehow she knew at this moment that they would understand. For many of them had also left wives, sons, and daughters of their own behind and were now looking to her for strength. A strength which she quickly reclaimed as she stood before them. No words were needed. Her shear presence was enough to inspire the men into their ranks. Mikara: "We carry with us the will of my father. We are expected to achieve greatness, so great we shall be. Let us make way. We march towards the capital in search of a noble lord who recognizes our potential." The men around her dispersed into action as their supplies were loaded into carts and the horses were harnessed in place. Her first march as a commander was underway.

...

Mikara trudged along the long winding roads of Cathay. So many men pushed down such narrow roads leaving them even worse for the wear as they marched.

Mikara trucked on ahead standing upon a large rock as she watched each of her men march by in double file, the roads not allowing them to stretch much more than that. This hike was going to cost her a small fortune when it came to refitting her men with fresh boots. Thankfully, the very nature of the hike was to prepare her estate in order to earn that same fortune. There will be boots to spare once they reached Insular and collected the first weeks taxes from the commoners.

Mikara: "Quickly now. You are each soldiers of Cathay now. We are expected to act as such. Those in the back! Do not lag behind. You are there to push not to be carried. Steady that cart! Leave that bush alone! Sheath that sword before you cut someone's arm off!"

Mikara felt oddly at ease as she instructed her men into action. Her father had always said she'd make a good leader, but there was never much of an opportunity for her to practice outside her role as Captain in the junior swordfighting circuit. It was said that she single-handedly carried her team and region to victory four years in a row back in her family's realm back in her youth, but those days are long passed. No longer does she fight with a piece of wood, but with the sword of her father. One of the few things she inherited in his death.

Mikara hopped off her rock as the final few of her men marched by her. She took her place att the far rear, admiring the sounds of the men's feet admist the quiet background of the forests. It was just as her father had said. She would soon be Lady of her own Manor in a land far from her father's influence to give it to her. She had earned this on her own prestige and determination, but she was not content to settle. There was more opportunity here. So much ready to be earned, she meerly had to apply her determination in service of her new realm.

...

• • • A diary entry in the journal of Lady Mikara Tahlim, Dame of Isular***

"Welcome to Isular"

A quick cheer from my men marching at the front of the file quickly alerted me to where we were. Passing the sign myself confirmed my suspicions and a broad grin crossed my face. I'd finally made it. It less than an hour's time I would be residing on the tract of land which would be my estate and I would have a chance to meet the clerks and scribes that I would oversee in the day to day running of the region. Some would consider it boring courtier work and that a noble's proper place was in battle, but I couldn't be happier with the station my Lord promised me.

Isular was already in great condition upon my arrival, but as with all governments efficiencies could be found. With a little added support from my guard Isular was running at peak production in less than a day and not a moment before tax day. It's strange how such a minor victory can fill someone with so much pride. Pride to be apart of a realm. Pride in knowing that your position in life is being earned.

Despite my victories against inefficiency, the local commoners are growing restless. With much of Cathay's military away they feel as if they have been left vulnerable to an attack and for good reason. Already reports have begun to filter in of an undead rising in Topenah. That was less than half a day's travel here and I fear that my unit may be the only one in the area capable of dealing with them. It may be good for me to go. Who knows what the undead are capable of if they are not kept in check? They may wonder towards Isular if they are not dealt with and undo all my work since arrival. I just can't tolerate that. The commoners as of yet have no reason to trust me to police their internal conflicts. They seek someone who has proven themselves somewhere outside the East Continent Junior Swordfighting Circuit. They seek a leader. Someone motivated to protect them in their time of need. My father would want me to be that person.

So with the dawn comes my march. With any luck, I will meet the vial monsters in Topenah before they have the chance to cause any destruction. I am not sure if my men are up for the task. My father said he spared the best men he could muster, but we are few in number and the undead rise up as an army.

I pray to the gods for my safety and the safety of the men who I lead in combat. Less my reign as a noblewoman of Cathay and knight of Isular be short-lived.

...

• • • A diary entry in the journal of Lady Mikara Tahlim, Dame of Isular***

"Respect and Honor"

I fear for myself. The men under my command have much to cheer about recently, and I am afraid that I will grow use to their happiness. I have fought in two campaigns against the undead and I have yet to experience the horrors of seeing any of my men die. None have even come out wounded in our battles. With each battle me men's spirits are reassured and they grow more powerful for when the next wave of aggressors passes into our lands.

Word is beginning to spread about my exploits in Cathay. Some commoners have expressed interest in being led into combat by "The Great Lady Mikara". They speak tales of being invincible when on the battlefield with me. I must put an end to such fantastic untruths. I do not want my men getting careless. I fear for their morale when they watch the first of their brethren die. I am still unsure of how I will explain it to them.

I have arrived back in Isular, happy to see that the efficiencies I had made when I left are still in effect and things are running better than ever. I eagerly await the results of the next tax day. It will be nice to pay my men their wages... and maybe treat them to a little festivities as well while the mood is still good amongst them. There is a new problem that has sprung up however.

With Lord Anatole away, and both of Isular's knights off doing battle, Isular has been without guidance. The petty disagreements that have sprung up while the courts have been closed has slowly pushed the region into chaos. It seems I have shown up just in time and the men who have followed me into conflict with the undead have a new task set before them. If Isular is to remain within influence of Cathay, order will need to be restored as soon as possible. My men have already begun the task of preparing to refit into a police force and I can see it in their eyes that they are eager to bring peace to our region. I hope they can help me settle matters in a civilized and respectful way for all citizens.

It is funny how quick I have considered Isular my home. How much personal investment I have placed into insuring that it remains prosperous. Not just investments of money, but investments of the soul. I feel the residents appreciation every morning when I take my stroll through each hamlet. I have already begun to consider many residing in these parts my family.

...

"Fighting on the Homefront"

I have lost track of the battles I have sent my men in against. Everywhere I go it seems there is a looming monster or undead threat that demands the attention of the men I control. There is a great deal of satisfaction one gets from helping commoners with their plights. There is a strong feeling of deserving when you do something that actually warrants the seemingly unyielding faith and respect they lay upon the nobles of Cathay. They lead such simple lives. Lives I do not wish disturbed by demons.

Amongst all my fighting I have lost several of the men under my command. It served a striking blow to us all as one in particular perished in my homeland of Isular. Of all the men my father sent me here with, it was he who I was closest to. When I was a little girl it was he who was always on watch over me. Watching me with honor and dignity as I practiced my sword fighting and learned my literacy lessons from my mother. He has no girl of his own, and I knew secretly he always fantasized that I was his own, though he would never admit it to me. According to my father he was the very first to volunteer himself to my guard when I came to Dwilight. I feel vulnerable without his eyes over me now.

On a lighter note, my Lord Anatole has returned to the home front, and the commoners of Isular spirits have raised considerably to see all of their lords in one place fighting together to preserve peace and protect them from outside threats. I know my Lord will not rest until the citizens of Isular are among the happiest and most loyal in all of Cathay, and I will be there at his side to help him make it so. That is if no looming threats spring up in the area. I have received reports of Hilpur under attack yet again. It pains me to hear their stories of woe. I will leave it to the Acacean knights to deal with their lost people for now, as my previous sacrifices in their lands seems to have gone without notice.

I hate thinking in the ways of borders and lands, but the men who still yet live under my banner should be fighting for Cathay and I will continue to use them as such. There are simply too many threats lurking just outside our borders to send them away at this time. While our armies fight against evil in the south, Isular is left gazing to the north, ever vigilant.

...