Tempest Family/Luna/The-Moon-and-her-Destiny

Fated Meeting

Roleplay from Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Luna Tempest, the Grey Exarch of Shadowdale, found herself wallowing in disappointment while travelling the long road from Nasot to Karbala. Heading home after her campaign to conquer the region ended with failure. However Luna’s failing had nothing to do with her ability to command nor had the loss been caused by the armies of Perdan. The Grey Exarch would have preferred a glorious battle with Perdan to the current predicament. Alas, it seemed fate itself determined the outcome as divine intervention proclaimed the campaign folly. Luna atop her steed pondered the results of the campaign. The Grey Exarch had gained all the political consequences of her actions but none of the benefits. No negotiations would be taking place, no treaties signed, not even a single talk held. This on top of the fact that the true reward, a new region for Shadowdale was stolen away did not leave Lady Tempest in a favorable mood. Hoping to raise her spirits the Grey Exarch would opt to take the road less traveled through the townlands of Viseu. Luna dismissed all her Tempest Rangers to arrive at the capital by the main road leaving Captain Theomona in charge with a sole exception. The Grey Exarch’s favorite lieutenant, Lissa was to join the Lady on the meandering road that bordered both the great forest of Braga and Oporto. The duo rode atop their steeds following the shabby path before them. The road was very grown over making it difficult to follow however the scenery was breathtaking. What should have been a near pitch black forest with only torches to guide the way was a canvas of all that mother nature had to offer. The brilliant full moon illuminated the great green pine tree’s, brook crossing glistened as if diamonds lay within their beds and the ever present peaks of Evora looking majestic off in the distance. Luna reached her hand skyward as if to grasp the very moon itself, “Someday” she whispered to herself while staring at the brilliant white celestial body when a lone eagle flew across the pure moon casting a shadow over Lady Tempest. This feels like an omen, the Grey Exarch thought to herself as Luna brought her pinched fingers to her lips and let out a shrill whistle. Even as an experienced falconer such a gambit would unlikely pay off however something felt different to Lady Tempest as she stared skyward as the great bird turned sharply into a dive with the moon at its tail. As the eagle rose from its dive with wings flapping as if they were destiny itself to land in a nearby tree. The massive king of the sky stared straight down at Luna, it's radiant golden eye staring into her very soul. Lissa could only watch behind in silent amazement as her general Lady Tempest outstretched her arm fortunately still protected by leather armour. As if on cue the eagle swooped down landing beautifully on Luna’s outstretched with talons clasping leather. The eagle had made a near perfect landing but it took all of Luna’s strength to support the massive bird. Now staring directly at each other, Luna’s blues eyes enamored in the eagles ravishing yellow eyes the moment felt frozen in time. The two would be bonded, fate willed it so; however the eagle would never truly be tamed. A master, nay a king of the sky would never be contained as he represented the very essence of freedom. “Apollo,” Luna broke the silence speaking to the eagle. The two looked skyward back towards the full moon as Luna launched Apollo back into the sky. With Apollo’s magnificent brown plumage fluttering in the breeze as he flew above the eagle would circle Lady Tempest once and let out a lone powerful screech before disappearing into the darkness. “Lissa,” Luna called up her lieutenant. “My lady that was amazing” Lissa would blurt out before apologizing “Sorry what do you need my general.” “I need you to ride ahead with all haste. Go to the Grey University of Karbala and have them prepare the largest tower’s solar. Go to the library and gather up every map you can find and any books on great historical battles. I have a date with destiny.” The Grey Exarch commanded Lissa. Without any hesitation Lissa exclaimed “Yes my lady,” and rode off as fast as the steed could take her. Luna took one last look at the moon whispering “You and I Apollo, let’s show East Continent Shadowdale’s destiny” before she again set off down that worn forest path.

Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Solar of the Grey Exarch

Roleplay from Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Luna had finally arrived at Karbala after taking that overgrown path out of the forest then to the main road. Upon arriving she did not waste any time making her way to the Grey University of Karbala hoping Lissa had already prepared everything for the Grey Exarch. It was well into the evening when Lady Tempest was walking through the grand atrium of the university. A large decorative pyre was burning in the center casting shadows against all the walls of the circular atrium. During the day its open roof would act as a sundial upon the floor but now the markings were hardly visible under Luna’s shadow. As she made her way to the spire solar Luna passed by many of her former professors and students. As it was her first time back to the university since her appointment as Grey Exarch most would congratulate her new station. It was a good feeling for Lady Tempest, she had come a long way from that 15 year old girl who found herself in Shadowdale and a lost student in this very university. Reaching the spire solar Luna had debated her choice of quarters, perhaps the library would have been better as it would be closer to materials and involve less stairs. The Grey Exarch however dispatched that thought as the sensitive nature of her coming work required the isolationism of the spire solar. Opening the door revealed the magnificent room beyond. Lissa was still scrambling around arranging books and maps in such a flurry that she did not notice her Lady enter. This did not bother Luna as her subordinate working so diligently was its own sign of respect. Luna studied the room, its tall vaulted ceiling adorned with an astrology orb to help with studying of the stars. All the walls facing outward to the sky were mostly open so that sunlight and a fair breeze could be let in. On the center of the floor a giant crescent moon surrounded by various tables, chairs, bookshelves and even a large bed fit for any noble. Lady Tempest pictured the conversation between a flustered Lissa and the groundskeeper over bringing a bed up all those stairs; piece by piece no doubt. “Ahem” Luna cleared her throat to draw Lissa’s attention. Lissa quite startled, “OH, my Lady I did not see you arrive. I'm sorry not everything is ready yet.” The Grey Exarch interrupted Lissa, “Have you even slept since you arrived in Karbala. Go get some rest. What is left can wait until the morning.” Lissa didn’t even reply as she ambled off towards the door ready to pass out. Luna would do a little work before retiring for the night. Spending a few of the best moonlit hours of the night studying a map of East Continent, looking closely at Shadowdale’s neighboring realms. Lady Tempest awoke to the rising sun and the smell of freshly steeped tea. Lissa was already within the solar to serve her lady some fresh fruit for breakfast. Luna thanked her loyal retainer for her diligence but made her one of the many adjoined balconies first. The rising sun shining brightly over a beautiful morning in Karbala. On the railing the Grey Exarch spotted a lone brown feather and then a shadow quickly overhead. The Lady looks quickly to the sky but sees nothing, not a bird, not a cloud just the vast sapphire sky. Luna would find her way to the largest desk in the solar, a massive marble slab of a table. Upon were history books about past wars and maps of all the realms of the north. The Grey Exarch started her work in earnest, planning and strategizing future wars. Shadowdale had found itself with many new nobles as of late and it was time to expand the realm's territory. Studying the various maps Luna would size up targets with the most potential, Shadowdale bordered many fine cities that were not the realm’s but maybe they should be. As a realm with five neighbors there should have been plenty of choices for conquest however many of them are considered allies. It mattered little to the Grey Exarch, as they were simply strategies that not necessarily be acted on. Luna sized up Shadowdale's enemies and allies alike while studying for avenues of conquest. There was no need to leave possibilities unplanned at this stage, all Lady Tempest had to do was find the best opportunities and present them to the Shadow King. After a full day's work the Grey Exarch had many of her ideas written on parchment ready to be delivered. Luna completed the final touches, rolling up the many parchments, sealing each and everyone of them with a Tempest Family seal and handing them off to Lissa to deliver to the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun.

Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Talon's Nest

Roleplay from Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

The Grey Exarch, Luna Tempest was making her way to the Talon's Nest estate within Krimml at the request of his Majesty the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun to discuss future plans for the realm. The young woman had come a long way from ragged looking teenager that Luna was when she first arrived in Shadowdale more than 5 years prior. As she grew into an adult Lady Tempest had truly become one of Shadowdalian culture. Before where she often dressed in simple un-fine clothes now Luna was standing proud wearing what could be considered the colour or lack of colour of the realm. She wore a black fitted tunic and black fitted pants adorned with silver trim all over with her sword at her hip as always. Finishing the ensemble was a hooded cloak decorated with large raven's feathers blacks as Luna's own hair which she had recently cut to be above her neckline. The only thing remaining of the Grey Exarch's look from her teenage years was the crystal blue gaze of her eyes glaring from behind the ebony hood. Upon reaching the gate to the estate Lady Tempest found it heavily guarded no doubt because his Highness was present within the grounds however Luna did not expect the exchange that happened next. "I'm sorry my Lady I cannot let you in until you have summoned." The guard at the gate would exclaim. "Excuse me..... you are well aware of who I am are you not?" Luna would reply already irate with the insubordination. The guard continued softly, "O..of course Grey Exarch but I am... my orders are not to let anyone in without permission." "Are you one of the Shadow King's own men, one of the Grey Guard?" Lady Tempest would interrogate the squirming guard. "No my Lady" "THEN YOUR ORDERS ARE WHAT I SAY THEY ARE. Now step aside or lose your head." The Grey Exarch would shout at the poor unfortunate man. Both Luna's Captain and Lieutenant made movement to place their hands on the hilts of their swords while Lady Tempest herself made no movement whatsoever while staring down the foolish guard. The situation would be diffused however as the other man guarding the gate quickly pushed his foolish partner out of the way and on to the ground. "That's better." Luna would finish before making her way to the mansion within the Talon's Nest. Finally at the mansion the Grey Exarch would order some staff to inform the Shadow King of her arrival and wait within the library. Surly such a grand estate would have something decent to read while waiting.

Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Roleplay from Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, Royal of Shadowdale

Lindow arrived at the mansion. He had gone hunting in the forests of Krimml that morning. There were rumors of a great white boar in the Krimml woods and Lindow wanted to hunt it down. However, the search was unsuccessful. Lindow gave his crossbow to one of his guards, dismounted from the horse, and approached the entrance. There was his butler Sebas and a servant with a bowl of water and a towel. - Your Highness, the Grey Exarch has already arrived, she is in the library - - Thanks Sebas, bring Lady Luna to the porch and prepare dinner in case she wants to stay - Lindow said while he washed his face in the bowl - This will be done, Your Majesty - Lindow went to the porch and waited for her there. The mansion was an old yellow stone building, with two stories high and a back garden. The porch connected the mansion to the garden and was a place for private gatherings. On the other hand, Sebas arrived at the library and found Luna there - M´lady, the Shadow King is waiting for you on the porch, please come with me -

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, Royal of Shadowdale

Roleplay from Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Luna was busy reading a book on ancient history of East Continent when a butler arrived to summon her. - M´lady, the Shadow King is waiting for you on the porch, please come with me - The Grey Exarch wasted so time slamming the book closed in a small cloud of dust, an ancient tome indeed, Luna thought to herself as she stood up from the table and approached Sebas. "Lead the way most esteemed butler." Lady Tempest motioned towards the door. Sebas wouldn't object and gladly set off down the hall to complete his task. Both would arrive at the porch, which was quite the sight to behold. Luna had missed its splendor as the Lady had made her way to the library as she usually in any new estate rather than take in the grounds. Once a scholar always scholar at heart it would seem. "Your Majesty, I present Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale as requested." Sebas softly announced Luna and then quickly retreated to the shadows within the grand room. Lady Tempest would open with a bow before speaking, "You Highness, it is excellent to see you again. It has been some time since we have had the pleasure of speaking before each other. If I recall correctly it was prior to my trip to Evora for that fateful meeting. I regret missing the Tournament of the New in Karbala but I trust it was a spectacle to behold." Luna would move closer to Lindow and offer her arm, "Please your majesty show me the gardens while we converse. We have much to discuss. Shadowdale might find itself at war within the coming day, talk of a new grand principality and I find it very surprising that the new King of Perdan has contacted you personally. Well perhaps not that surprising as Fontaine has less than regal origins so he seems quite partial to handling things with his own hands. I can respect such ethic regardless of ones origins assuming it is productive to our cause. So, my King of the Shadows, tell me how I might better serve the realm."

Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Roleplay from Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, Royal of Shadowdale

Lindow had Luna in front of him, arm outstretched. Lindow approached her, took her hand, and put it on his arm. - Let's take a walk then, Lady Luna - Lindow said while they started down the stairs to the garden. - The war seems inevitable ... the second day is ending and they have not said anything. Not even Sirion, Eponllyn and Caligus have said something. Everyone is silent - Lindow said seriously. Their steps began to lead them through an area of ​​bushes and jasmine. Then Lindow smiled - There is too much difference between the smell of peacetime and wartime - Lindow said while he brushed his hand over the jasmine, then looked at Luna and said - If we win the claimed territories, we among other plans have the plan to create an archducational vassal of Shadowdale, I am tired of depending on allies that do not respect us ... Shadowdale had to accept them when we were weak, but that time is gone and now we have the possibility of choosing our own allies - In that moment, Lindow saw a messenger approaching - Your Majesty, a letter from ... - the messenger looked at Luna - ....a letter from the Grey Exarch, your Highness - he said seriously and left. Lindow opened and read the letter - humm it seems that your orders have come to me later than your visit - Lindow said smiling - Sebas! inform Captain Rudgar to prepare the troops, we move to Greatbridge! - - Yes, your Highness! - Sebas said. - Well, Lady Luna, tell me, how was the meeting with your friend from Perdan and the pirate duke who is now the king of Perdan? - Lindow said.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, Royal of Shadowdale

Roleplay from Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Luna listened intently to Lindow as he led the duo around the gardens discussing the politics of the revitalized East Continent or at least one would have hoped it was revitalized. A messenger interrupted the conversation to deliver the Grey Exarch's own earlier orders to the Shadow King who promptly summoned his butler from the shadows to see them followed. With the slight intrusion over Lady Tempest would turn to face the Lindow directly, "Well at least Shadowdale can rely on you, your Majesty. Our allies have long been disappointing and I cannot agree more that it is time to find or forge some new allies. As for this archducational vassal of Shadowdale I hope you have some fiercely loyal and intelligent man or woman in mind to see your vision come to fruition." The Grey Exarch would start the duo towards the grand fountain before answering Lindow's question, "The meeting was fantastic, Lady Aila was as beautiful as ever. The Duke looked well for a man of the ship and Baroness Brigdha was as wise as she was mysterious. It seems aside from the gathering it also served our political ends well so I am glad. I do have one regret however... On second thought its not important." The King and his General arrived at the garden fountain, its crystal clear water's glistening as if diamonds lay below the surface. Luna would motion towards the bench, "Shall we sit for a spell and take in one last breath of peace before the tempest of war my King?"

Lady Luna Tempest, Grey Exarch of Shadowdale