Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/1018/June

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Dubhaine Family
Fame 40
Wealth 19485
Home Region Ashforth
Home World East Continent

1st June

Spring Evening -- Poryatu

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

As the drunkard tried to swing at her, Tyra simply laughed and stepped away. After three or four tries, the man fell face down on the ground. Still laughing, and looking at Duncan's horrified expression, Tyra called her captain.

"Otwin, get this man something to do in our unit, he's useless now but maybe can do some laundry, I don't know. Be creative."

Otwin nodded, smirked and took the drunkard away. In a few minutes he'd be seen in his underwear, sleeping in the middle of a 10-men tent, being told an interesting story of how his night turned out and how he'd have to pay for it. Tyra guessed in two days he'd have run away. If he stayed, he'd be perfect for them.

Shaking herself, the knight took Duncan's arm and said, happily: "Let's go, my friend, I think I can face a bunch of Bluelakes now, without trying to fight anyone. Thank you for bringing me that oaf."

The man was still looking sour. She smiled her sweetest smile, not lacking a little mischief. "I know, he treated you so badly. But you picked him. Isn't all well that ends well?"

"Yes, milady..." He sighed "But spitting on my shoe, wasn't that too much?"

"Well, took some guts." she shrugged "Come on, I'm here and in a good mood."

They were standing before the Bluelake manor. It wasn't too large, neither too new. It had that indistinct quality of a house that is cared for, but also slightly disarranged from being actually lived in. A few plants climbed the walls, and in places you could see they had been ripped by little climbing hands and feet. That made Tyra feel happy. Children being children.

Duncan went up to the fence to make the announcement of her arrival.

Tyra arrived to Poryatu with sunrise, and immediately proceeded to... nowhere. She let her men play a few rounds of Skat while she paced back and forth, eyeing the town, then the beautiful hilly fields right next to it. She knew exactly where the Bluelake manor was, but she had suddenly lost all will to go there. What would she say?

Duncan observed his dame and waited. He knew she'd make the right decision because she had promised him. But he had to give her time. In the meanwhile, he wrote a few notes on the journal he kept about her advances.

Tyra paced and paced and got more and more worked up. She couldn't just go in and yell at them, but it was all she wanted to do. She didn't have it in her to arrive with a gift of flowers and offer friendship to the family of that woman. No. Never!

"Duncan!!! I need to blow some steam! Get me a man to fight me, will you?"

Roleplay from Gerald

By the time Duncan got his things together and sent into town to find an unfortunate soul most capable fighters moved on to their errands... the only half capable person left was a brooding drunk mercenary who caught a girl over his knee and was sneaking his hand under her skirt.

"This one will do" said Duncan pointing to the drunk.

Duncan arrived back to camp nearly dragging the mercenary along. He was just happy this time his dame seemed to really want to fight and not do what she referred to as "sparring" or "training", which she usually did with her soldiers anyway. Yet, despite having heard this was one of the best wandering fighters in the region, Duncan was a bit unsure about his condition. He couldn't hide the despise under his usual dignified expression.

Her scribe's face looked so disgusted when he arrived dragging the man, that Tyra snapped out of rage and started laughing.

"What on earth did you find me, Duncan!? Was this the best you could get?! Can he stand straight at least?"

Roleplay from Gerald

The drunken mercenary reeked of booze and garlic so bad that you could smell his presence twenty feet away. But at the insult he got his strength together and strengthened up. This fellow here said he will pay me a week worth of inn stay if I give your lady ass a whooping! He pointed the finger at Duncan whose terrified expression could not be hidden.

"Thats not true my lady! It is not what I said. I told him I will give him a weeks worth of stay if he spars with you. Nothing beyond that!"

The mercenary smiled widely, proudly showing off a few missing teeth through which he landed a nice spit on Duncan's shoe who stepped back in disgust


Roleplay from Tyra Andrasta Bluelake (18 hours, 9 minutes ago)

He really did it! Duncan's expression was priceless. He was usually so unphased! Tyra laughed so hard she was almost out of air. She gave Duncan an apologetic glance but walked over to the man with a broad smile.

"Let me see that ass whooping, man!" she gave him a hearty slap on his back, and he promptly lost his balance. She laughed again. "Well, I don't think there will be ass kicking today. You seem quite useless right now. Come and give me a try."

As the drunkard tried to swing at her, Tyra simply laughed and stepped away. After three or four tries, the man fell face down on the ground. Still laughing, and looking at Duncan's horrified expression, Tyra called her captain.

"Otwin, get this man something to do in our unit, he's useless now but maybe can do some laundry, I don't know. Be creative."

Otwin nodded, smirked and took the drunkard away. In a few minutes he'd be seen in his underwear, sleeping in the middle of a 10-men tent, being told an interesting story of how his night turned out and how he'd have to pay for it. Tyra guessed in two days he'd have run away. If he stayed, he'd be perfect for them.

Shaking herself, the knight took Duncan's arm and said, happily: "Let's go, my friend, I think I can face a bunch of Bluelakes now, without trying to fight anyone. Thank you for bringing me that oaf."

The man was still looking sour. She smiled her sweetest smile, not lacking a little mischief. "I know, he treated you so badly. But you picked him. Isn't all well that ends well?"

"Yes, milady..." He sighed "But spitting on my shoe, wasn't that too much?"

"Well, took some guts." she shrugged "Come on, I'm here and in a good mood."

They were standing before the Bluelake manor. It wasn't too large, neither too new. It had that indistinct quality of a house that is cared for, but also slightly disarranged from being actually lived in. A few plants climbed the walls, and in places you could see they had been ripped by little climbing hands and feet. That made Tyra feel happy. Children being children.

Duncan went up to the fence to make the announcement of her arrival.

2nd June

Spring Evening -- Poryatu

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

First contact

They were standing before the Bluelake manor. It wasn't too large, nor too new. It had that indistinct quality of a house that is cared for, but also slightly disarranged from being actually lived in. A few plants climbed the walls, and in places you could see they had been ripped by little climbing hands and feet. That made Tyra smile. Children being children.

The house was traditionally built, with wings on each side, several rooms. Only one of them looked closed off, but in general it seemed like a lot of people lived there. Facing east there was a glassed section with a winter garden and living space. A fire could be seen from the outside, shimmering through the glass. The dame felt some of the old anger flicker, but remembered the drunkard and kept her peace.

Duncan went up to the stone fence to make the announcement of her arrival. Through the gate, he caught the eye of a serving girl and told her Dame Tyra Andrasta Bluelake was there to see the Head of the House.

They were soon taken into the winter garden. Tyra took place near the plants and waited for Zhou Tai. He never came. Instead, she was greeted by an older lady, blonde, with smart eyes and an easy smile: "Welcome, Tyra. I heard a bit about you, but wasn't expecting a visit..." she looked at the knight with an appraising glance "You are not what I had expected... but it fits you so well, Tyra Thunderborn."

Tyra squinted. Her pale eyes almost bore holes on that woman, trying to perceive the least bit of malice.

"It wasn't a loving epithet, milady...? It just meant I caused great noise and destruction wherever I hit."

"I'm Alice. From the royal line." Seeing Tyra's face was still questioning, she continued "I forget you know nothing of us. Aunt Vanya did a terrible job. I can fill you in on the family heritage later... Just know I'm Alice, and happy to meet you..."

"Where's Zhou Tai? I had business with him."

"Not here, I'm afraid. Overseeing recruits."

Tyra grunted. "I'm leaving, then. He's the one I must talk to."

Alice seemed dismayed. She was a strong middle aged woman, not a whiff of fragility to her, and a hearty voice. "Oh, no! Please don't! It's not always we have a lost family member come back to us, please stay and tell me about you?"

The Andrasta swayed. She almost sat down to tell this woman her story, about the bullying, her come backs, her friends and adventures, how she had learned of true evil in people, and of abandonment... Then she hardened. "I won't stay a minute in here if not to speak to Zhou Tai and ask him to stay out of my business."

The older woman looked sad. "It's your right, my dear. But if write to you, will you answer me?"

The dame considered it, then looked at Duncan. "Write to him. He'll tell me the important bits." after a pause "Thank you, you were nothing like what I was expecting."

Alice just smiled. Such a warm smile Tyra felt her eyes welling up. Her own mom hadn't given her such a smile since... Since Outer Tilog. Cursed Vanya Bluelake. Shaking her head with anger and disgust, Tyra turned and left. She was almost at the gate when she was chased and stopped by a young boy, not even 10 years old. star [reply to sender] | [reply to list] | [ignore] | [userdetails] [character details] | [give medal: Trust medal Roleplaying medal Fun medal] | [vulgarity]

Solomon Greybrook

The Journey Home

Crossing the pastureland outside Askileon, Solomon looked to his left to see Hadroria chatting to a soldier of the guard. However, beyond this face, the Guard were not as friendly. The long campaigns north have meant the inability for messengers to provide the money Solomon needed to pay his men. Without question, Solomon knew it affected the men more and more each day. Going over the brow of the hill, Solomon looked back to see his men. They were not usually men of resentment. However, they really did need this rest in Giask and need to be paid. To Solomon, he really just desired to go home for at least a day and look over the Grand Harbor from his chair.

The journey home took longer than he would of liked.

Perhaps, a good night's sleep for a change.

Emyhr le Craint

Arrival in Giask:

Stepping off the boat into the docks of Giask, Emyhr let out a sign of relief. His men were tired after spending the past couple of days traveling across the majority of the north of Luria. He turned and addressed his men, handed out the pay that was owed to them all and gave them permission to relax and rest for a couple of days. During which, Emyhr knew he had no time to relax and headed straight for the recruitment centre to bolster his forces once again. Followed by the blacksmith to pay for the repairing of the equipment.

As the men dispersed into the city, Captain Gustaf walked back over to Emyhr who was now sat at a table of a nearby tavern unraveling and examining different scrolls and pieces of parchment.

"Hows the situation looking? This is an expensive trip it seems." The captain called over a local barmaid to bring over to mugs of ale to the table.

Emyhr looked up briefly as the captain sat down but immediately turned back to the numbers on the scrolls. Took a big swig of the drinks that the barmaid brought over.

"Its a good thing the taxes should be coming in soon, that will relieve the burden. However, we should be find to accrue the necessary repairs and recruit a few more men. Will have to be careful with the funds until the next tax collection though."

Emyhr took another big swig from the mug finishing off the last of the Ale. Gustaf noticing the stress on Emyhrs face, he handed his drink over and called the barmaid over again for another round.

"Well since we have arrive here before the majority of the others, why not give yourself some time to relax. Lets celebrate our previous ventures with another round of drinks".

The barmaid returns with two more mugs of ale, captain Gustaf hands her a couple of silvers as thanks and proceeds to give Emyhr one of the mugs.

"Its time to celebrate, let us drink for a little while before we move on to the next task"

3rd June

Spring Day -- Poryatu

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake Bluelake

A young voice yelled at her to wait. Tyra almost ignored it, but it was a child's voice. Remembering the climbing marks outside the house, she waited for the boy to catch up. He had dark hair, deep blue eyes, and fine features that reminded her of Alice. She wondered for the slightest moment if her own features were any similar. He also came with a smile, and a young lordling's clothes with the blue and silver colors of the house, and golden trim. There was a rip on his tunic that gave her pause.

"Dame Tyra!" he panted a bit "Aunt Alice forgot to give you this..." he thrust a leather pouch into her hands. "And this!" his other hand offered her a slice of cake.

Tyra was so surprised by the cake, she took the pouch without noticing. "Cake?"

Duncan by her side gave the boy an approving nod. The 8 year old puffed up. "Sharing food or drink will make you my guest, and under my protection."

The Dame laughed, taking the boy by surprise. She quickly recovered, though, and asked seriously, while taking the cake. "And under whose protection am I placing myself?"

"Drake Cedric Tinsley Bluelake, son of Gavin Drake Tinsley Bluelake, son of Queen Ilya Bluelake and King Willem Tinsley of Falasan, royal Bluelake line, Heir of the House."

Tyra fought an urge to spit the cake she had already bit. He was so eanerstly serious, she just nodded. "Thank you, young lord. I don't think I'll need your protection fighting monsters, though."

His eyes shone "You fight monsters a lot?" "Yes, mostly that's what we do." "Can I come with?" "What?! No!" Drake looked disappointed for a moment, before producing a smile and making her a courtsy. "Then we must part, gracious knight. That our meeting today is the auspicious beginning of something good."

With a smirk, Tyra bowed her head slightly and left, ever with the feeling that this visit didn't quite go the way she had wanted it to.

4th June

Spring Day -- Poryatu

Sevastian Schwarzherzig

Mattan Dews

A great bonfire spit sparks into the night, and the ale was plenty. Luria had returned to Mattan Dews, and the celebration was in full effect. Sevastian had ordered the men of Ultima Ratio Regum to leave their arms and armor behind at the camp with a pair of guards, men who had earned punishment, and join the festivities. Drums pounded and the men had mostly paired off with some of the local ladies. Sevastian, a few drinks in, jumped up on a bench and began to sing. His men cheered, for their commander had a fine singing voice. A jaunty tune picked up, and Sevastian's captain, the son of an Asylonian refugee, began to play his pipes.

"Axes flash, broadsword swing, Shining armor's piercing ring Horses run with a polished shield, Fight those bastards till they yield Midnight mare and blood red roan, Fight to keep this land your own Sound the horn and call the cry, How many of them can we make die! Follow orders as you're told, Make their yellow blood run cold Fight until you die or drop, A force like ours is hard to stop Close your mind to stress and pain, Fight till you're no longer sane Let not a one damn cur pass by, How many of them can we make die!

Time and again we'll give them war, Right until the islanders are no more, Trample their feeble walls to dust, Submission to the Hegemony is a must, The Maddening is shining bright, And our lust drives us onto the fight, Drive your bloody blade home and cry, How many of them can we make die! How many of them can we make die!"

Sevastian echoed the refrain, his men joining in, and as the song died, Sevastian stepped off the bench, in search of another drink.

6th June

Spring Evening -- Poryatu

Sharn 'The One Armed'

Sharn awoke startled. She sat upright and studied the room.

A single lonesome candle flickered gently in the far corner, illuminating the space with its dim hue. Nothing seemed amiss.

Nobody here. That voice... I must have been dreaming...

She considered for a moment whilst calming from her jerk awakening. The voice, so femenine and gentle touched her.

It had a message... Be it true nor either, I must inform the Rangers regardless!

Lonnel

A long time since I was so far south of Dwilight. My usual territories are much further north. Whenever I come here I feel like I'm going down in the good sense of the word... that I reach the roots of everything... it's like a feeling of renewal.

I will have to free myself of some weight that I bring with me... and I believe that in here it is a good place to do it.

7th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Matthew Coffey

"Sir Myr!"

The stout young man cantered up to the scene of the melee. A quick affair, one that was not made much easier by the 'efforts' provided by the Black Arrows of King Matthew, save riling up the beasts before they crashed into the lines of Lurian infantry. "I see you have begun your gruesome work, might I suggest perfume or a bouquet next time you wish to provide a dame a present?" His grin failed to subside as another head was torn from its carcass, one would be hard pressed to tell if he was making fun of Myr or of Tyra from his words. As he dismounted, with seemingly practiced ease despite his size, the young King gave Sir Myr a brief look over, before casting his gaze over toward wherever Dame Tyra took the field. Despite his own status, he was merely dressed in a clean white gambeson, with his family crest only visible on his signet ring, no crown or regalia heralded him. A measure of confidence that the beasts would not reach his own lines, perhaps. "I'd offer you both wine in my camp, to relieve the aches, but orders are orders and Marshal Bennet requires your presence soon. I trust we might share a cup another day, in better climes."

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

"M'Lord, it unbefits a noble" - said Waldred overseeing one of the Redmanes sawing on the neck of one of the monsters.

"Would you rather have me deny a Lady? No, Waldred, however gruesome the Lady's wishes may be I would not be worth being called a knight if I failed to accommodate them." - Myr answered his captain.

The sawing continued.

"Sir Myr!"

The stout young man cantered up to the scene of the melee. A quick affair, one that was not made much easier by the 'efforts' provided by the Black Arrows of King Matthew, save riling up the beasts before they crashed into the lines of Lurian infantry. "I see you have begun your gruesome work, might I suggest perfume or a bouquet next time you wish to provide a dame a present?" His grin failed to subside as another head was torn from its carcass, one would be hard pressed to tell if he was making fun of Myr or of Tyra from his words. As he dismounted, with seemingly practiced ease despite his size, the young King gave Sir Myr a brief look over, before casting his gaze over toward wherever Dame Tyra took the field. Despite his own status, he was merely dressed in a clean white gambeson, with his family crest only visible on his signet ring, no crown or regalia heralded him. A measure of confidence that the beasts would not reach his own lines, perhaps. "I'd offer you both wine in my camp, to relieve the aches, but orders are orders and Marshal Bennet requires your presence soon. I trust we might share a cup another day, in better climes."

Tyra got there just in time to hear the Moon King's comment about the wine. She was quite smeared with blood and grime, having been the point of her wedge, and seemed to be in really high spirits. Her chainmail was intact, however, and the white rose pin in her hair was surprisingly clean.

"Thank you, your Majesty! Yes, we must be moving soon. It's a long travel to Mattan Dews. But if you'll have some leisure time, I can offer you one of my bottles of Grodnoin wine, first wine I ever actually appreciated!"

Then she saw what Myr's men were doing and chuckled. Why chop the heads when there wouldn't be time to boil them, use them for anything? She bowed deeply to the knight, with such theatrics that anyone could realize the jesting.

"Sir Myr, this damsel is extremely thankful for your valiant rescue. But you do realize that with half your men we killed 4 beasts and your own killed only 6?"

Myr Arnickles Renodin

"Ah, Dame Tyra..." - young knight beheld the lady, with all the blood on her person her image at the moment resembled more a butcher than a courtly damsel, or rather would've if she weren't courtseying in a truly imperial bow. Myr himself bowed in a knightly fashion and replied:

"Dame Tyra, I... you can count on my rescue whenever you need it. Indeed your men seemed more ferocious than mine, then again my current contingent of Redmanes is freshly recruited. Except for the captain and a couple of veterans they are all green like teak sprouts."

He then bowed to King Matthew, saying: "Your Grace, I will most certainly join you for a cup of wine when the time allows. Now however is not such occasion, entire army awaits my presence in Mattan Dews." - he turned again to Dame Tyra - "M'Lady, I need to know if you intend to deploy in front of the rest of the army again or follow Marshal's instructions. I will not order my men to move behind the archer line unless I am certain that all foolish ideas escaped your pretty head. I would count it my personal disgrace if I allowed you to charge the wild hordes by your lonesome."

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Tyra looked absolutely livid. Foolish ideas from her pretty head! She had already shifted weight to give Myr a well deserved elbow to his chin, when her glance fell on the young King, watching the exchange with a rather humorous countenance. That cleared her head. With a smirk, she replied. "Well, *now* my foolish pretty head is definitely keeping to the same ideas. And *of course* I will need rescuing in the front lines. In fact, we're moving out immediately."

With a nod to King Matthew, she left. Getting to her camp, Tyra instructed her men to misdirect to Matthan Dews. It had been fun to charge ahead with Myr but he shouldn't be getting any ideas that she was a damsel in distress.

Myr Arnickles Renodin

"Very well" - Myr said nodding somberly and proceeded to usher orders to his captain and his men.

When the Redmanes arrived at the battlefield they held like a wall against endless onslaught of rabid beasts. Sacrifice was great and Myr thought so too - "At least it was us that faced such hopeless peril and not..." - he looked around for Dame Tyra and her men but all he could see were some foreign sailor-looking fellows - "... cheeky scapegrace!" - he bellowed and started to laugh heartily.

Kiran Mir-Ashtan

Kiran had been on the march since his first few days in Luria after taking residence in the Estate of Ember Hall in Poryatu. They had successfully brought Cairin Tut back within the Lurian Hegemony and after restocking at Giask had returned to the relative region to begin a re-acquisition of Mattan Dews. Kiran's knowledge of the background of the region was minimal and while it was surely interesting, he had not had sufficient time to do his research into the matter with the constant battling against Monstrous Hordes in the region.

It had been the 2nd day since his arrival in Mattan Dews, returning from Giask with repairs made to his units equipment though he lacked additional troops due to the lack of income and assets at his disposal. Allied scouts had reported that numerous monster herds had formed a horde and were progressing towards the region of Mattan Dews from the Axewilds. Their numbers were high but so were the personnel that Luria had deployed to the region.

Hours before the battle

Some may say that having fears or being worried before battle is the mind of a coward. Kiran at least believed having some worries at least prevented foolish mistakes. His worry however, was the distinct lack of an Infantry mass within their forces, it meant that his retinue and a few fellow lords and their retinues would become the bulwark once the hordes closed in and if the missile forces at their disposal failed to eliminate the enemy they would be on the cutting block to buy time for those forces to whittle the enemy down further.

Kiran spent these hours contemplating and sitting with his retinue. After all the majority were people of service to his house and thus he at least knew them more significantly than their recent additions, he had very little opportunity to interact with his fellow lords due to the current circumstances.

Assisted by a few selected hands, he adorned his armour. Gambeson beneath chest and armpieces of chainmail, Splinted vambraces and grieves and his head coifed with a basinet as his helm. As was expected he carried his shield adorned his family crest, at least the shield was somewhat fine. The armour was rough and scratched it had survived the test of time and experienced patches as his family had built up the equipment slowly over time before it rose in its status recently.

The engagement begins

Kiran as per his orders had set himself and his retinue in the rearguard, they were to march through the ranks of archers as the monsters closed to make a bulwark. Though it seemed a handful of lords had positioned their infantry units upon the front-line.

As the horns of battle begun and the rear seemed secure from the possibility of skirmishing or flanking beasts. Kiran made his orders, placing his hand upon Flavonia's shoulder and requesting her as Captain to signal to the banner man and the retinue to begin marching towards the front. At the sight at least in her reasonable armour for a soldier, Flavonia would at least appear close enough to a adolescent male though obviously her voice would show her gender. At first, Kiran had shown doubts he had preferred not to recruit women to his retinue for worries of the influence on morale and cohesion as well as physical strength. Though he had been convinced to take the woman on as his captain and he still wondered if that was the correct advise to accept.

Kiran could only hope that they would come out intact and alive.

Frontline Clash

Making the frontline, it was immediately obvious that Knight Schwarzherzig and Dame Pavus's units had been decimated by the horde breaking on their forward ranks. Kiran's retinue formed a new frontline as Pavus's retinue was overrun, next would be his retinue as another rain of arrow fire descended upon Monsters shattering and killing more of their number. Kiran's retinue advanced forwards as a small herd enveloped their right flank and a much larger herd barrelled onto their frontline.

Kiran's men took initial casualties even pushing forwards as such and now these large monstrosities bigger than a man and far stronger too outnumbered his infantry. Kiran's initial worry was his retinue and himself becoming encircled by the beasts and diverted those he could make contact with in his immediate surroundings in the chaos of battle aware of his orders to hold a area open if the creatures began to close around their units failing spearline.

It was easy to see after all the creatures filled with wounds and arrows plucking a soldier up within their claws or their maws depending on species and ever ravaging them or throwing them airborne back into the crowd of monsters behind the backline. It was swift and brutal, his retinue's line broken it became each soldier's own fight for survival. Kiran himself was faced with a monster taking his sword in left-hand, he attempted a quick flurry of stabs and slashes against the creature. Though most rather useless causing only minor wounds at most, the creature barrelled down on the Knight with a flurry of its own blows more clawing rends than targeted strikes its sheer strength was more than enough to tear Kiran's shield from his arm, leaving only his sword in hand.

Stumbled from the strikes, Kiran planted his feet and surged his weight behind his blade, it had most certainly dulled and possibly chipped during combat and Kiran had to hope that this at the very least had enough strength within it to cut down a creature baring for his neck as he attempted to use his weight as well as the creatures weight against it. The blade drove deep into the creatures abdomen however when one lacks experience of monster biology a strike not completely true cannot be guaranteed to be lethal. Fire still fired in the creatures eyes as it crashed one of its claws down above his helmet deflecting off and find purchase on his right shoulder the creature easily dislocated it with ease, the weight and force simply enough to knock the knight to his knees. For certainty, the next act of the Knight was an action of sheer survival grabbing a shattered shaft of a spear and attempting to drive it into the creatures face only proceeding to break the shaft further. After all it wasn't his blade that would fell this creature but rather the proficient and well aimed arrows of experienced marksmen and women that fired from the rear-lines.

In the aftermath of the battle, Kiran found his unit scattered the majority of his men immediately dead. As their commander Kiran took the duty of assisting any of his retinue that the healer deemed unrecoverable to swifter demise than the fate that would have awaited them naturally. In total 11 of his retinue had survived with numerous varying injuries most of which had been from his family retinue, It was at least to some relief that his Captain had survived, she wasn't to bad worse for wear.

It would take him hours to find and account for his lost troops through the battlefield. It would mean families left without a bread-earner, Kiran could only hope that the dowry of a dead soldier could at least aid them for a little while at the very least.

Aftermath

Not all of the survivors made it through the night, two succumbed to their injuries leaving only 9 and even Kiran's dislocation while easily fixed his minor concussion was not. They would need to take to the battlefield a short time later as another horde descended on the army, though this time they had the enemy at a significant disadvantage. The monsters cut down like butter through shear numbers was at least a recompense for the loses suffered and all of his retinue made it back alive with only a single injury within their number.

Kiran hoped at the very least his ability with the blade and his respect of command within his retinue had improved but only time would tell. Shattered and tired and without funds to recruit more soldiers. Kiran would have to think of a way forward. Seeing the monsters proficiency within melee began to give Kiran thoughts as he sat within his dug in fortifications, maybe it was worth asking for funds and return to his estate. He could place his current retinue as homeguard militia and seek out his lords permission to build a force to hunt such creatures, they suffered against missile fire but of course archers themselves were weak in the melee. If he was to recruit a force of mixed infantry, he might be able to at least drive more of these creatures into the ground and repay the service of those he had failed to return home.

Only time would tell

Leif Wilkins

Leif lay bare in his tent. The humid summer heat made the air heavy, and a bead of sweat was permanently perched at his brow. He shuffled his body, feeling sticky among two female companions at either side. He stood up, walking towards the table to pour a chalice of wine, casting an odd shadow similar to that of an axe stuck horizontally in a stump.

A pile of letters was pinned by a dagger of lavish design. He wiped the sweat off of his forehead, thinking about the hustle and bustle of the realm. Although highly intrigued and eager to participate, the recent battles and letters from his sick mother have kept him quiet, and unusually quiet.

He poured two more chalices of Fissoan Wine, turned towards the ladies, and approached them with a smile 'In case I don't live tomorrow, please help me create a night worth dying for' he sunk into the pillows.

Isabella Pavus

Isabella led among the pile of bodies on the battlefield, surrounded by those wearing the Pavus colours. Each of those had a mortal wound, though the sword that struck her missed any major organs and was a clean puncture. Blood loss would just as easily kill her if aid was not to arrive swiftly. Her eyes took to the sky to the swooning vultures, waiting for their feast. They were brave to swoon above a battlefield of man and monster, and Isabella admired that. There was something poetic what these final moments. Watching the predators fester above, she utters a final prayer to the ancestors, before closing her eyes.

Then, she awakens. Days have passed, men have been buried, and many letters penned. She was still not truly recovered, though the healers had truly done a miracle. Yet, more monsters were coming. Despite her near death experience and unexpected second chance, she had to be ready again. Her unit had been massacred throughout the invasions. Now just twenty two men soldiers remained active, in addition to one injured and her captain, Alaric.

She would be sure to make the best out of this second chance. For Luria.

8th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Myr Arnickles Renodin

Myr ran as fast as he could and still by the time he reached the frontlines the arms were raised and mouths open - shouting cheerful shouts of victory. Among bloodied warriors were the ones with the golden eagle on their banners.

"Waldred, come here." - Myr beckoned his captain to his side - "Was a knight of Ordo Leonis just out-valoured by a lady?"

Waldred cleared his throat taken aback but chose against diplomatic appraoch, knowing his Lord would appreciate honesty more - "Yes, m'Lord, I believe you were."

Staedtler la Stylo

The footfall of a dozen soldiers ran wet and sodden through the rain-driven walkways of the lower courtyard. Staedtler was leading them down to the main gate as his militia captain strode adjacent, holding his earl’s umbrella above, daintily clutched in his bristled and muscular sword arm. It was a summer rain, light and constant, coldly bleeding through armours of the bowmen atop the walls of the second circle. Needles of sunlight leaked through the clouds and against the mist in the air. It was a still, windless morning, and war was raging below.

A hoarse shout of ‘release’ echoed overhead, and a volley of arrows was loosened westward at a near vertical angle to the moat.

Staedtler swiped a handkerchief from the lapels of his coat and dabbed at the inside of his cheek before putting it away again. It was blood-flecked, and stitched with his initials. The report of the encroaching horde had arrived upon Staedtler’s desk somewhat too sudden this morning in the form of a breathless scout and a fleet-footed botanist. A meeting of coincidence. One was on duty, and the other doing research for the University when they first saw the same thing and began to run. And, with time being in short supply, Staedtler proceeded to wolf down his breakfast, apparently alongside half of his own mouth in the process.

“If I know the man at all, then Titos is at the gate already. He’s probably killed a dozen of the things with the weight of his shadow alone, already,” Staedtler mumbled to his entourage as he began massaging the blister in his mouth with a finger. They reached the steps descending onto the lowest circle of the castle. Staedtler scanned the headline of the gathered formations for sight of the towering behemoth-for-hire, but to no avail. “And Donald is somewhere on the walls, I’d wager.” He blindly waved to the west and turned around to the captain with a smile. He exchanged the umbrella in the captain’s hand for a bloodied handkerchief, somewhat still dripping. He span the thing above his head in a lazy motion as he lorded over the chaotic mess erupting at the foot of his estate, rocking back and forth on his heels.

The oaken gates were roaring with battle; screams; strikes; the barking yelps of a horde yet to break the perimeter, clawing their way across the moat and into the palisades. The gates still held in their frames, so there was little to worry over. Their foundations were shaken, and the woodwork splintering, but the soldiers remained atop the walls in strong formation.

Only occasionally would one disappear from the ranks, plucked from his line by unseen hands and dragged over into the abyss beyond.

“And, I swear," Staedtler shouted, raising his voice over the cries below, "upon the blood in my mouth, that if one of those military peacocks takes claim for my very successful defence of my lands … well ...”

Staedtler stopped.

9th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Solomon Greybrook

Shades of Grey

As Solomon rode down the narrow path the Greybrook Guard had scouted out previously, he looked to Captain Hadroria. The man was older than him by some years and had seen more horrors than Solomon twice over. However, the last few seasons they have got closer. Solomon learnt about the Captain's family, his childhood and the internal conflicts that plague him. As the sun was setting, Solomon knew it was one of those moments: 'Captain!' Solomon shouted to his compatriot, 'Can I have a word?'

As soon as the request was heard, the Captain immediately came to him: 'Sir. How can I help you?' There was a bitterness that came through his words that was awfully hidden.

'Captain,' Solomon lowered his voice slightly: 'Hang back slightly. I need to have a conversation with you.'

The Guard marched on ahead without hesitation which allowed a small gap to emerge so that the two men could converse without issue.

'Captain, tell me, what plagues your mind?' Solomon cautiously suggested.

'If I can speak freely, it is not your doing that this mood has took hold of me. It is fairly complicated.' Hadroria was uneasy and fumbled with his words as he continued: 'I have seen hordes break down houses and slaughter populations sire. I have fought the undead and monstrous by your side and alone on multiple occasions. However, I have honestly never killed a man whom did not deserve to die.'

'What is it that you are trying to say Captain?' Solomon grew far more uneasy than he let on. This was very unusual.

'I have found there is always conflict in the world. However, I have always seen it as those who seek conflict or to pacify it. With this in mind, I have slowly begun to realise that there is a shade of grey between the two. I just do not know whether some of my beliefs are justified just in the name of glory anymore.'

Solomon paused for a second and then responded: 'There is a shade of grey in all that one does. If you look to serving your realm, there is a clear example. One must be prepared to put their realm above their own personal views. However, one must also have a state of mind that allows one to suggest what is best for the realm objectively.'

The Captain seemed to contemplate this for a a significant amount of time. The sun had almost set when he finally replied.

'Promise me that you will do what is best for both the realm and the men that you lead. If you can operate in that shade of grey, my own conflicts will be put at ease.'

Solomon instantly responded: 'Of course Captain. Now, please prepare the troops. There are undead that need to be returned to their natural state of affairs.'

With that, the Captain rode off and readied his men for the coming battle.

However, the Captain did not know the greater turbulence that plagued Solomon's heart.

'Shades of grey are all that some men have.' Solomon muttered to himself as the sun set over the land around him.

Two militia men were hoisting eachother up the staircase, leaning onto eachother’s good leg with clutched arms as they climbed. Crimson was wet upon their brow, helmets torn from their heads, with tears running clean through the dirt on their cheeks. They bowed their heads in respect, managing yet to smile before their earl as they passed toward the barracks. Staedtler stood silent as he watched them hobble away. He turned back to the captain, who was glaring down upon the handkerchief in his palm like it was threatening to plough his sister.

“I'm going to find Earl Donald,” Staedtler said closely. “We will join him on the walls. Go to your men, captain.” With a spit of blood to his feet, Steadtler took to the raised walkways as the captain departed down the steps with a salute.

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Myr Arnickles Renodin

"M'Lord, there's quite an uproar regarding your recent outburst." - plate-clad captain informed his lord.

Myr nodded not moving his head from behind his hand:

"I am... aware. Do me a favour Waldred. The next time I dictate a letter repeat the word Imperial each time I say it. It will take some getting used to this particular marshal being Imperial Marshal."

Myr squeezed his fingers on the vellum so hard it seemed it would almost turn back into calfskin. He expelled all servants from the room, Waldred included. First came the rage, then realization, newfound respect and rage again. Finally he settled for cold acceptance.

He wielded a quill as he would a sword, yet not one you raise for pending battle, but one you hold hilt-up in admission of defeat. The sharp scratching sounds callously pierced the tender skin of silence as he penned the words.

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

In Ciarin Tut

Tyra read the most recent discussion within the army and paced back and forth in her damned tent. It was in the usual disarray, her fur bed to one side with clothes thrown around, a table Duncan insisted she used to the other, the rack where she usually hung monster skulls to dry, now collecting just the sets of fangs from the latest battles. All the movement prevented her from taking anything bigger. The letters were wrinkled from her emotion upon reading them. She wondered, had the Emperor seen it? Taken notice of what she had wanted to surface? That is - if he even remembered what she was doing. She sat down to write, with conflicted feelings.

Emperor,

Most times, no report can be better than a man's own actions. I feel inclined to keep to my original suggestion in the army.

At your service, Tyra Andrasta

Never the wax took so long to dry. Never her soldier took so long to get dressed and ready to leave. He ran to the Emperor's retinue and delivered the message.

11th June

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Emyhr le Craint

The long journey had come to an end as the sight of bloodmoon manor caught Emyhr's sight. A sigh of relief came over all of the vanguard as they got to the boundaries of the estate. A moment of cheering came over the group as the idea of traveling more was not favorable for them all. Emyhr turned to the group:

"We have arrived back, give yourself time to rest and enjoy the peace time. I will be issuing orders at a later time but for now you have all earned some rest. I shall call for you later once my chefs have prepared a feast for us all."

The group dispersed. Some returned to their homes to see their families. Others made their way to the barracks constructed on site. Emyhr, along with Captain Gustaf, headed towards the main entrance of the manor. Before they could even open the door, a dog came racing around the corner followed by a small child. This was the daughter of Emyhr's cousin, someone who had not visited Emyhr since she was young. The dog however recognized Emyhr immediately and began leaping at the Armour clad figure. The young girl stood staring at Emyhr, caught in a moment of confusion, then a recognizable voice came from around the corner:

"Maribella, dont just run off, its not safe for a young girl by herself."

Round the corner came a tall woman, adorned with a finely crafted dress and jewelry, crested with the familiar silver hair of the Le Craint family. The difference was the dress was made more for practicality than style. She stood for a second, looking at Emyhr with a moment of confusion. Before immediately going into an embrace.

"Ah Emyhr, I was beginning to wonder when you would return home. Since our arrival a couple of weeks back we have only had the company of your steward Alfred. Come here Maribella, this is your uncle Emyhr that I told you about." The girl still hesitated but gave a slight bow before rushing off around the corner once again. "You know how young girls are, always shy, especially of those who have grown so much. Come, let us sit and talk, it has been a long time".

They all stepped inside the main doors of the estate, the familiar sight of the dimly lit corridor and smell of freshly baked sweets filled the air. They came to the hall where Emyhr had first announced himself as knight of the region, however the hall was now clean and repaired with new tables and seats set out. A shining new chandelier hung in the centre of the room adorned with countless candles.

"I am glad I invited you to stay here, the place is looking a lot better than I left it. I see you taste for the finer things hasnt changed." A cheeky smile came across Emyhrs face as he sat down at one of the tables. Looking across to Captain Gustaf who was in a state of confusion similarly to Maribella just a moment ago. "Pardon my ignorance, this is Captain Gustaf, the brave man who has been assisting me in leading fathers treasured Vanguard. Captain, this is my cousin, Mariana Le Craint. I invited her before we headed east many weeks ago to stay within my estate."

Mariana procceeded to bow and the Captain began to blush before sitting down at the table.

"Emyhr has told me a lot about you, however I would be interested to learn more during your stay here. For now, let us relax, I imagine your journey here has been a long one and rest would be most desired. Come this evening, once the feast has been prepared, we can talk more about the past."

At which point, a maid comes over bringing three glasses of wine. One which was specifically fancy adorned by streaks of gold and silver, was taken by Mariana. The three remained there for quite some time, talking of the recent travels. After a while Maribella return to the hall with a small teddy bear and the dog in tow. The four of them sat around the table for most of the day, catching up and relaxing before they have to move on to other tasks. Before long, maids came through preparing tables and lighting fires as the sun went down but none of them noticed this. It had been a long time since they had return to Emyhr estate.

13th June

Summer Day — Poryatu

Tohrm Elrath

Tohrm had finished his journey to his home kingdom. Riding through the main gates of Poryatown with his army in tow, he realised this was yet another time it had been over a year since he had been in his own lands. The wars had taken their toll, and anyone who had come to know the knight would notice his normally ponderous and considerate features had been soured by a more stern and dour look about them. He ordered his captain to barrack the men under his command and have them engage in regular training. War was always looming around the corner these days, and he was certain that if it came, he would be ready.

After which, Tohrm searched for the nearest retainer of his direct liege, King Coffey, and had them send word to the king that he had arrived. He meant to speak with him regarding the state of the realm. As the retainer scurried off toward the estate of the king, Tohrm was left with his own thoughts as he took in all the sights of the great port city. Despite the invasion, Earth Hall had remained fairly unafflicted by the ravages of the Beast, so its people were more or less contentedly going about their daily business. It pleased him to note this but his mind was plagued with much darker thoughts of the days that had been most recently.

The realm was in disarray, that much was clear to him. Silence had fallen amongst the nobility. He had not received a response from any of the kings regarding the financial state of the realm, and the Emperor's usually transparent messages with the rest of the rulers of Dwilight had ceased. It boded ill, so much so that it made Tohrm uneasy. What were the other realms planning for Luria... perhaps what was more worrisome, is that he wondered what the Emperor himself had planned for them.

The drought which had been afflicting Earth Hall had somewhat subsided, though the people seemed to care little for its effects regardless. He knew Lady Dubhaine had handled the situation well. As she always did he remarked to himself. It was in that moment, Tohrm understood that Earth Hall had begun to surround itself with competence. If that was the right way of thinking about it. It was a good sign. Perhaps the king had greater plans for Earth Hall. Perhaps... no, those could wait until after his council.

Once Tohrm's summons reached him, he would ride with purpose up to White Hall and endeavour to converse with the king.

Matthew Coffey

Standing atop one of the marble balconies of White Hall, the young King mulled over the many events that had transpired in Luria these past few weeks. Wars with beasts, financial troubles, droughts and now possible conflict with their neighbours. The woes of the world drew ever closer to Luria, and to the Kingdom of Earth Hall. As someone whom grew up here, far away from the capital and the centers of Lurian rulership, Matthew could not help but feel afraid of what might happen to his country, and to his people. The afternoon sea breeze betrayed a sense of tranquility, in a time of dark thoughts and even darker actions.

His break was interrupted by a herald, bringing news that sir Tohrm had arrived. Apparently he awaited the summons to the castle. Matthew dismissed the messenger, giving no such orders. Instead, he returned to his room and adorned himself appropriately to traverse the city streets. Shoes of blue, coupled with a long and dark green tunic that came over the knees. A sword kept in a ceremonially decorated sheath hung by his side, as a servant attempted to fasten a short fitted cloak that draped from shoulder to torso across the rotund mans body. Matthew batted the man away, giving no explanation as to why he refused the formal attire. Instead, seemingly satisfied with his appearance, he left White Hall, without servants nor guards.

The archers that manned the inner city walls and patrolled its streets were soon able to point the youth toward his older peer. The citizenry who called Poryatown their home no doubt knew their King as he passed by, based on his local heritage. No doubt sir Tohrm was left wondering why his retainer had not returned sooner with news, but no matter. Matthew thought he'd surprise the warrior with a personal visit. A walk about the city would do the conversation good, so it did not dwell on dour topics for too long.

Arriving wherever sir Tohrm currently awaited, the young man entered the scene with a spritely vigrour, hailing him. "It is good to see fellow sons of the Empire this day, come, let us not sit in White Hall. It is being prepared still, how about we walk the city? We have much to talk about, of that I am sure."

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Emyhr le Craint

Rise of a Hero

As the battle raged on, the relentless attacks from monsters became overbearing on the forces. The Vanguard held their own as undead after undead clashed with against their shields, paying off as the pile of undead corpses grew with each push by the monster forces. A loud shriek was heard all across the battlefield and the attacks stopped followed by the forces retreating. Loud cheers came from the forces defending against the monsters at the sight of them retreating.

However, celebrations were cut short as Emyhr’s scout approached with a troubled look upon his face.

“Sir, there is trouble. The path the monsters are taking lead to a populated village, I worry they are going there to feed and recover.”

Upon hearing this, Emyhr’s face dropped. He rallied the gathered Vanguard as they celebrated and called upon them all.

“Men, the time for celebration is yet to come. I know you are tired after the battle but the monsters are fleeing towards a village. The threat and damage that could occur to those living there causes great pain to me. I shall not force you to join me, however, I cannot stand by while others may lose their lives. Those who feel the same desire, we must make haste to save the innocents.”

A resounding cheer of support came from the Vanguard immediately followed by a pounding of boots and clinking of plate mail against softened mud as the Vanguard gave chase to the fleeing monsters towards the location of the village.

As the Vanguard arrived at the village, the smell of smoke filled the air as the sight of flames bursting from the roofs of houses. A panic came about the village with men, women and children were fleeing the incoming monsters. Emyhr’s attention was caught by a young woman running through the street with a small child in her arms followed by the sound of a monster behind bursting through a door. The women were running with haste; however, the monster was faster, in a moment of panic the young women fell to the ground tripping on a burning plank from a nearby building. Her face filled with panic and fear as the monster approached, she cradled the baby in her arms protecting the child with all her body. The shadow of the terrifying monster hung over the woman, a cold sweat broke out as she shook was terror, praying for the safety of her child, she prepared for death. However, instead of pain she felt nothing, as she looked up to see a knight clad in armour in-between her and the monster. She could not see his face, only seeing the glimmer of a golden lion crest which she recognised as the crest of Ordo Leonis.

Emyhr, now face to face with the monster, gritted his teeth and pushed the monster back away from the woman. With his might, placing his leg behind the monsters, he pushed against the strength of the monster forcing the beast to the floor. Without hesitation, he thrust his greatsword through the chest of the monster holding it until the beast remained motionless of the floor.

Emyhr stood up, took out a handkerchief from inside his armour and wiped away the blood on his face and armour. He turned around to the women, who’s face was petrified with fear, holding out a hand to assist her in standing. She reluctantly took his hand and attempted to stand, however fear still remained in her legs stopping her from standing. Emyhr, seeing this, placed his shoulder under her arm, bracing the child she was carrying and helped her to her feet.

“How are you feeling, come let us get you inside and safe. I shall have my men prepare a tent to look after the villagers however, we need to make sure you and your child are okay.” Emyhr said, smiling gently attempting to reassure her.

“There is no safety now, the monsters have come..” Her sentence cut short as she looked around, seeing the village now clear of monsters, a line of men in full armour moving buckets of water from the nearby well towards the houses that had caught fire. “What happened, but a moment ago, we were being attacked.” Her legs, still shaking but Emyhr bore her weight as he led her to the house that she had come from.

“We were lucky enough to arrive” Emyhr spoke with care in his voice, “We have cleared out the beast in the village, however we were not fast enough to save everyone.” His voice now solemn, regretting how he could not have gotten to the village fast enough.

Reaching the house, Emyhr carried the women to a chair, clearing space inorder to make sure she was not hurt. However, the woman placed her hand on Emyhr’s cheek, speaking in a calming tone.

“You have saved us; my child and I would not be her would it not be for you brave Sir Knight.”

Emyhr, hearing her say this, smiled at the woman. “I am sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I am Sir Emyhr of Poryatu. I am glad that I was able to reach you in time, how fares your child and yourself?”

Hearing this, she immediately began to stand in order to bow. “I am so sorry for not recognising your magnificence good sir, forgiving my prudence in touching you so freely.”

Emyhr stopped her from standing and got her to sit back into the chair. “Now is not the time for formalities, I came to help so let me help.” He noticed a deep cut across her shins and called for a healing. “We must take care of your wounds, we can deal with the formalities later.” He tore a trip of cloth from his undershirt and proceeded to wrap it gently around the wound, pouring alcohol on top to clean it.

She sat silent, allowing the young noble to wrap her leg. The child in her arms began to cry, the woman began to rock the child back and forwards calming the crying of the child. “My name is Johanna and this young one is called Ottie. While it may seem like it, he is not my child, we are siblings. We recently lost our parents and have been forced to survive by ourselves, it has been tough but I would never abandon my brother.” She begins to clutch the child tighter as a tear began to roll down her face. Emhyr, seeing this, brings out a clean handkerchief from inside his armour and wipes away the tear from her face.

“Now is not the time for tears, it is sad to hear you have suffered so much, I am sure times will get better from here. I will be staying here for a little while to oversee the safety of your village. I will be around to check on you and your child, but I would hope that could join me for dinner tonight, allow me to treat you and your brother, I can see you have not eaten well recently so allow me to ease your burden.”

Once again, her eyes begin to fill with tears, but she was also smiling upon hearing his request. “Sir Emyhr, I do not know what to say, you have honoured me so much already, I could not burden you anymore.”

Emyhr, turned back to face her, one again wiping away the tears. “This would not be a burden, I will arrange for a feast for the entire village, I however would like you to join me at my table with my captain. I wish to know more about life in your village and maybe recount tales of faraway lands with you. And should the other villagers be willing, I would be interested to talk with everyone, make sure that they are all safe.”

She looked at the scarred face of the man before her, the tears had now stopped but her smiling had not. “It would be a great honour and would be more that willing to accept the invitation, however I am sure whatever I shall say would pale in comparison to what you have experienced.”

The child once again began to cry, but this time Emyhr reached out to rub his cheek. At which point, the child stopped crying and wrapped his small hand around one of the fingers that brushed against his face. The child returned to a calm sleep but held on to the finger with all his might, smiling in his sleep.

The woman now looked up at the young knight with admiration. “This child was younger when our parents passed, he has yet to experience any form of paternal love. I am sorry if this bothers you, but I imagine the child is enjoying being around such a caring person.”

Emyhr, taken aback slightly by the comment, smiled brightly. “I am glad, no child should face such hardships at such a young age. The same goes for you, Johanna, but let us forget about that and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere tonight”.

As night descended on the village, the fires had all but gone out with a little bit of smoke remaining. A single large fire in the centre of town remained alight throughout the night, this however was bonfire. The smell of cooking meat and the bustle of cheerful chatter filled the air. Local songs were sung as the villagers celebrate their survival and remembered those that were lost. However most were infatuated by the tales of their saviour, Sir Emyhr, who had brought the meat and ale for them all to enjoy. The festivities continued into the night, the vanguard mixing with the locals, with everyone enjoying the atmosphere of peace. Johanna could be seen sat closely to Emyhr, intently listening to the young knight speaking. The small child sleeping peacefully in the lap of the young knight, small hand still wrapped around the same finger as before.

Tohrm Elrath

Tohrm, having left his possessions in the hands of his band of squires, along with his horse, had made his way by foot through the streets of Poryatown. As King Coffey came into sight, he greeted him with a cursory bow.

"My liege, it is good to be in the home provinces again. I see the realm has been faring well enough in my absence. With the invasion in the south dealt with, it has been markedly pleasant to return to greener pastures. Despite the drought that is..." Tohrm's words drifted off as he surveyed the city around him. He bid Matthew take lead on their walk through the city and as he did, Tohrm would speak somewhat plainly.

"It has come to my attention that your summons bear with them a sense of urgency. Of course, it is not that the realm isn't already under some degree of urgency given the circumstances that have befallen us, but I should like to know more of the matters at hand. What say you of our most recent correspondences and those of the other nobility? It seems desires are split in some regards, between our continued aggressive expansion and that of internal solidarity. I do not presume to know where you stand on the matter but I feel I could hazard a good guess. Perhaps this council you speak of will illuminate this further?"

After allowing Matthew to enlighten him on current affairs, Tohrm would finish by detailing his journey and the retinue he had gathered for the days ahead. "Almost one hundred strong have rallied to my banner. I should be able to fund them for a short while but... As I'm sure you know, funds are scarce, and the debts I've incurred to the realm are by no means small. I hope to remedy this once peace has been achieved. Until then however, I stand ready. Have the rest of the nobility of the land gathered yet? I would deign to speak with all in haste, as it is unlikely that time is a luxury we have."

Staedtler la Stylo

"You know," Staedtler said, leering out of the carriage window, resting onto his forearms. "It's rather comforting to be back in potato country." Steadtler looked above the crowds and colourful store fronts to the east, deeper into Poryatown, watching the gulls flock and swim about the bleach-white towers. "I already feel more awake. More aware of things. Oh, I could not be happier right now."

Staedtler leaned deeper into the city street air, scanning up and down the stoneway roads worming on ahead and trailing off behind with a cheering smile. Beside him, seated in the shadow of a shuttered window, was his captain, Jacinta. She was nestled up against the headrest in an attempt to make up for lost sleep on the lonely, midnight roads by the coastline. With her Lord's personal affects locked up upon her lap, she made sure to keep one eye open, just a slight, until they arrived at the King's doorstep. Just for security's sake. Her attention was swaying between Staedtler and the old jewelry box, painted black and latched with silver. The rattle of the carriage wheels against the stonework beneath played an uncomfortable percussion with the metals inside. At least it kept her awake.

Just a couple more miles, she thought to herself. Just a couple more miles, and then there is a bed, and a bath, and no responsibility for a week.

The young driver was leading the retinue of three coaches at an offhand pace down some of his favourite, familiar streets. With the horses set to a steady trot, Staedtler had ample opportunity to eye up the northern handiwork and common efforts on display by the roadside. Soot-dusted r​atcatchers with chandelier-stalked display wheels of dead vermin, screwed by the tail above their heads in bouquets of black and brown, bellowed about their prices; fruit stalls and rose merchants whistling at ladyfolk and coaxing local school girls to spare with their coppers for a handful of yellows and oranges; a tri-coloured jester, face struck a sickly white with a pearly smile beneath a mask of porcelain paint, holding a fist of knives between each knuckle. Each he threw underarm, overhead, and between legs toward a blindfolded boy infront of a giant dartboard.

"You see him?" Staedtler pulled away from the window. "Him with the knives, and the blindfolded boy?" Staedtler opened a line of sight for his lazing captain to watch as a swirling dirge was flung with a careless, drunken flurry, thudding into the bulls-eye between the child's knees. The three off-work cobblers who were watching applauded absentmindedly, trying not to drop their bowls of stew. "You ... y​ou don't see that in Sun Hall!" Staedtler laughed to himself, half tempted to applaud himself although he thought better of it. Afterall, the boy hadn't moved yet, and looked awfully propped up in a puppetty fashion of sorts ...

"Entertaining," the captain said through her teeth, hands clasped about the corners of the black box. Her eyes were now fully shut.

"'Entertaining," Staedtler parroted, somewhat dejectedly. He returned to the window with a roll of his eyes. "No. Circus is entertaining - jesters are entertaining. This city ... it's enthralling. It's somewhere that people live. Breathe. Risk their lives for a pittance. This is the Luria I miss." He dotted the window frame with his finger tip, glaring through his brow at the captain. "People putting their blood to the soils for the sake of applause and handfuls of copper. Too many high ideals down south, for my taste. I want to see people scratching and digging for their lives, not praying at altars or taking up arms. This is a breathing city: a weird, homely sort of town. It's good to be back, even if it is just a while."

14th June

Summer Day — Poryatu

Matthew Coffey

"My liege, it is good to be in the home provinces again. I see the realm has been faring well enough in my absence. With the invasion in the south dealt with, it has been markedly pleasant to return to greener pastures. Despite the drought that is..."

"Come now sir Tohrm," Matthew tsked mockingly at the knight, "let us not dwell on such, and enjoy the sights of the city together. Come, walk with me."

The two meandered leisurely through the streets of Poryatown, no doubt at a pace insulting to those that toiled hard for their bread. The young King listened carefully as the knight spoke; choosing the mid summer afternoon to have their walk had the city somewhat quiet, the people enjoying a break from the relenting heat. Despite his pale features, Matthew did not seem to mind it so much.

"Perhaps this council you speak of will illuminate this further?"

"Indeed, a great council, one worthy of our heritage. That is why I have summoned you, among others, from across the Empire to attend. We must be ready, for whatever eventuality our Suzerain brings. This requires forethought and plans ready to be executed at a moments notice." He nodded slowly as he spoke, gesturing about the city as if to accentuate his words. "We are a great people, the first Lurians, and no doubt we retain much of that heritage despite the wars, immigrations and simple years that pass. Despite lacking the wealth of lands of Moon and Sky, here on Earth we must be practical and not squander our resources, or manpower. That is why we must all talk."

He allowed Tohrm to continue thereafter, keeping one eye on the path they walked. Back toward White Hall it seemed, over the many bridges and walkways that spanned the cliffside city. A wonder of architecture, skills of which many had lost to time and stagnation.

"Have the rest of the nobility of the land gathered yet? I would deign to speak with all in haste, as it is unlikely that time is a luxury we have."

"Soon. Very soon. They are still assembling, if they have not already arrived. Come then, let us make way to White Hall, and I will send out the summons to the rest of our nobility. We shall convene to discuss the future of our realm."

As Matthew returned to White Hall, with sir Tohrm in tow, the most notable sight was the crumbling walls of the bailey. Hardly a fortress or citadel in comparison to other places in the Empire, Poryatown had only wooden walls and a simple stone castle at the highest point of the cliffsides. Dilapidated, with many stones taken by the local people to build their own homes, it was hardly a palace like what could be seen at Giask or Askileon. Nevertheless, the young King carried himself across the weathered causeway to the gates of the castle with pride. This was his home, he would see it flourish as the stories of old Luria told.

As they entered the castle itself, the main hall had been cleared out of furnishings and trappings. There in the middle was something of a theatre, with many benches placed in a semi-circular fashion to view an open stage. Clearly it was an improvised job, with the furniture taken from the feasting hall and elsewhere. It had an almost comical look, considering the wealth that the nobility of Luria usually flaunted.

Beckoning a herald to him, the rotund man gave a hasty list of instructions. "Have those invited come to the castle immediately upon their arrival, let there be no tarrying. Stable their beasts and have their regiments barracked in the city, if there is no space then have the guard make some. I do not want them and their soldiery camping outside the walls. Order the servants home once they begin arriving, I want no one left in the castle when the talks begin, save those guards and courtiers I have specified. By tomorrow morning we begin."

Matthew did not need to dismiss the fellow, as they were eager to begin their task. Presumably because of the amount of work that needed doing, as opposed to enthusiasm for it.

"Now, we wait. Please, feel free to seat yourself sir Tohrm, we will be joined shortly I reckon."

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Emyhr le Craint

After receiving the letter of summons about the council, Emyhr set out towards White Hall at once. Due to the nature of the meeting, Emyhr had only brought a small retinue of five men to White Hall, any more would prove unnecessary. Riding into Poryatown, the beauty still leaves a great impression on Emyhr.

Approaching White Hall, the mood became a bit more serious. Gustaf was concentrating on the path while Emyhr was thinking about the future. Turning to Gustaf:

"How do you feel about this meeting Gustaf? I feel quite a bit of excitement about this as it decides a lot about our future."

"I am filled with a lot of excitement about this meeting, however I understand that my presence does not equate to much. I trust that you shall address the matters we have discussed in the past."

"I will aim to do this, should I be given the time. I am sure that our gracious king will give me the opportunity to address matters that I wish."

Continuing along the main street of Poryatown, the impressive castle that was White Hall came into view. Standing outside, a pair of guards was posted by the entrance. Telling Captain Gustaf to hold behind slightly, Emyhr approached the guard posted at the entrance of White Hall.

"I have come for the Council, allow me to enter and present myself before his graciousness King Matthew Coffey."

William Fitz Roberts

Returning Home

William watched from the port of Giask as the last of the furnishings and statues from Fox Hall were loaded onto ships. It had taken nearly a week for his brother Leopold to organise the transporting of all of the family’s possessions to Poryatown. First had been the armoury. It contained the most important items to move and so he had ensured that they were sent ahead. He would not lose the hereditary weapons of his house, nor the new weapons that he had been slowly acquiring during his time as Lord of Grodno. Next had been the family portraits, none more important than the great painting of the first Scarlet Fox herself. These were the family lineage, they were its history. They would not be left behind. After that were the more mundane items, the statues, the expensive furniture, the curtains, the candlesticks. All were carefully packed for the journey north. There was much sadness within the household at abandoning the chateaux, only recently rebuilt, that had been their home for so long. However, it was necessary for the good of the realm and more importantly, for the good of the family, for them to return north.

The animals of the menagerie had been the hardest to transport, none more so than the elephants. Many of the ferrymen knew of William’s beasts and had blacklisted him, so he had had to pay triple in order to get his prized animals onto boats headed for Poryatown.

William’s soldiers had been responsible for arranging the transport of their families, but William had paid for their expenses. Many of these soldiers had fully integrated into local society, marrying locals and having children. However, ultimately their loyalty lay with William and so their families were being packed up and shipped hundreds of miles north to a land few of the Grodnoins had seen. His Bravi, of course, were coming with him too. Many of those were Grodnoins and unhappy to be leaving their homes for the ‘uncivilised’ north, but their concerns had been stayed by William’s assurances that Poryatown would soon be a centre of culture and learning unrivalled in Luria.

He looked up as yet another man requested permission to speak to him. There had been many such men that day. All were the same, local merchants or village leaders, begging their lord not to abandon Grodno. Their words lifted his heart a little: he could not have been so bad a lord if they wished him to stay so. But his heart was in the north. His family were Poryatun, it was in their blood. He should never have left the lands of his family. Yes he had made a home away from home, constructing a beautiful chateau and raising his young family there, but something had always been off. He had missed the gruff dialects of home, the boisterous nature of the people, the raw efficiency. He had tried to remedy this fact through hiring only Poryatun soldiers, but it was not the same. He loved the Grodnoin people. They loved him in return. Both parties were sad to see him depart. But he was bringing many Grodnoins with him: servants, artists, bravi, even a few soldiers. All would find a home in Poryatown, the seat of a man he had known since childhood. There was a man he could follow, a man he could truly call king.

He sighed to himself as he waved the man away, unwilling to hear one more petition. He looked up as his brother walked up to him, a note book in his hand.

‘That is the last William, are you sure that you want to do this? You might never be made an earl again.’

‘Our family must come first, brother. I do not need a lordship to protect us, I do not need a title to serve the realm. It is times to look to new horizons, seek new pastures, strive to achieve bigger and brighter things. But first, we have a right bloody mess to fix’. Without a glance back, William stepped onto the last ferry north of that day. By doing so, he stepped into the unknown

Matthew Coffey

Emyhr approached the guard posted at the entrance of White Hall.

"I have come for the Council, allow me to enter and present myself before his graciousness King Matthew Coffey."

The guard would no doubt usher the knight through, if only for the fact he would far outstrip the retainer in attire alone. Whether or not he was for the council, the King would decide.

Allowing sir Emyhr entry, he was invited by the view of a barren 'great' hall. Only relatively plain benches, adorned in their semi-circular array, greeted him. A somewhat short and rotund man stood, presumably conversing with either servants or another knight. At the entrance of Emyhr, the King would approach in his casual dress.

"Ah! Sir Emyhr, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I must say, you're taller than my heralds made out you would be!" He barked a laugh, offering a spritely smile up to the knight, before beckoning him in. "Come, come, sit and talk with us. The council will not begin until the morrow, but that does not mean we cannot speak. What news from the Empire? How fares your exploits?"

Emyhr le Craint

"Ah! Sir Emyhr, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I must say, you're taller than my heralds made out you would be!" He barked a laugh, offering a spritely smile up to the knight, before beckoning him in. "Come, come, sit and talk with us. The council will not begin until the morrow, but that does not mean we cannot speak. What news from the Empire? How fares your exploits?"

Meeting with the King for the first time, Emyhr Immediately got down on one knee and bowed in front of the venerable figure.

"It is a great honour to be invited to this meeting and be in your presence for the first time. I am sorry I have not presented myself before you earlier."

Standing up, he returned with a cheery smile over the comment about his height. He wiped down his chest plate and armor with a white piece of fabric detailed with the Le Craint family crest. Standing tall and proud, he began to address the stout man.

"It has been a long journey these past couple of seasons, I have not returned to Earth Hall is such a long time. It feels nice to stay within the bounds of my estate. However, it has not been all peaceful, as I am sure you are aware, Poryatu has been attacked by small bands of monsters which have been easily manageable. However, this recent attack nearly led to the destruction of a small village. I would never let the people of this great kingdom suffer so I rushed to their defense once the attack had finished. Luckily I arrived in time and the situation was handled swiftly".

Looking around the hall, Emyhr noticed that the room was feeling quite barren but the room was set up in such a fashion that I would enable a large number of people to sit within the room. Emyhr began to image what the room would look like when everyone would be seated. Excitement filled his mind.

"If you dont mind, I have brought along the Captain of my Vanguard. He has played a large roll in my activities in the past couple of seasons. He is a wise man called Gustaf Eriksson. He is a veteran of the battlefield and has proven useful council. I have situated him with the small retinue that came with me, If necessary he can assist in the security for the council."

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

The monsters were finished. Tyra's men were cleansing some heads. These had been boar-like and the big skulls served as good war drums. She sent word to Sir Zyvexus, saying she'd go find the lady Ashley.

It took her about two hours, with the help of a scout, to locate the healers tent. Her healer had done well, hiding away on the lush forest of the Riverlands, disguising it as well as possible to prevent monster attacks as well as enemy incursions.

He was sitting outside smoking a pipe, when Tyra appeared. He jumped, surprised at the barbaric woman, despite her having cleaned herself, her armor and put on a fresh tunic, before heading there. "Hello, sir, I'm Dame Tyra Andrasta. My friend and I have just liberated the region of monsters, so that perhaps your lady can recover with more rest... How is she doing?"

"It comes and goes, my Dame."

"Do you think she can be moved? I want to bring her to my camp."

"It's not really advisable, milady... Though she could use fresher water and food than what I've got." He said, with a renewed twinkle in his eyes. Maybe he was tired of the bad food as well.

"Please help us do it, then."

Tyra whistled and four men came out of the woods. The healer gave instructions and soon the same was ready to be moved in a quaint little litter. Tyra walked by her side the whole way, wondering if the lady would wake up, but it seemed she'd be asleep all the way into the camp and Tyra's healers tent.

Ashley was still wounded, sometimes she would wake up and not recognize people around her, sometimes her healer or her captain would bring her a letter and she would read it, but Tyra never managed to catch her awake.

It was late, days late, and they had been given orders to refit. With a swift walk, she reached Sir Zyvexus' camp where his men were already packing up. She was soon able to locate him, fine nobleman that he was, and greeted him with an open smile. Her pale blue eyes were clear like a pool under a summer sky.

"Sir Zyvexus, my friend, if I may call you that..." she gripped his shoulder "Thank you. Thank you so much for the trust, the company, and the protection you offered. I will remain here a while longer, at least until Lady Ashley is awake and can rally her men."

Zyvexus Vangelis

Given the nature of the order issued by Marshal Bennet, Zyvexus felt that he could not just plainly ignore it, and he was in no mood to write the marshal. He had done enough to be on the marshal's bad side, but he had no intention on staying there.

While the surrounding regions seemed to be clear of monsters, and that Lupa Lapu seemed safe for the time being, Zyvexus reluctantly ordered his men to pack up and head to Askileon Purlieus, going back on his words he had given Lady Tyra. He was sure that Lady Tyra did not mind that as much as he himself did, but nevertheless it left a bitter aftertaste. His late lord father, Kihalin, used to say "A man, or woman for that matter, is only as good as his words", words that Zyvexus strives to live by.

Upon packing up camp, Zyvexus was given word that Lady Tyra was approaching his camp. With a hurry, he spit out the big mouthful of bread he had been chewing on and brushed off breadcrumbs from his coat. Shortly thereafter, a young woman that was no other than Lady Tyra herself, came approaching with a big smile on her lips. Such clear eyes

"Sir Zyvexus, my friend, if I may call you that..." she gripped his shoulder "Thank you. Thank you so much for the trust, the company, and the protection you offered. I will remain here a while longer, at least until Lady Ashley is awake and can rally her men."

"Lady Tyra, what a pleasant surprise! You may indeed call me your friend - As long I may call you my friend, that is!" he flashed a quick grin, and gripped her shoulder back, assuming it was a customary thing to do in Luria. "As for protection, it was the least I could do. Hopefully the region will stay clear until Lady Ashley gets better, and I had hoped to remain and keep you company for a bit longer, but alas, our good Marshal Bennet calls for me - and I can not afford to provoke him further than what I already have done. As for the matter of trust, well, it is earned, not given. So do not thank me, thank yourself for that!" his heavily scarred, almost disfigured face, broke up in another grin while his dark murky green eyes, like that of a forest pond conveyed a vague feeling of genuine happiness.

"You are welcome to stay for a while, if you want, but as you can see my unit is preparing to move out to Ciarin Tut." he motioned towards the ongoing movement in camp with his hand. "Nevertheless, you are more than welcome. Have Marshall Bennet waited this long for me to regroup with the main body of the army, I am sure he does not mind waiting a few more hours. Whether you chose to stay or not, please send Lady Ashley my regards. I wish I could have done so myself, but Marshal Bennet got other plans for me."

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Tyra stopped by the healer and got news that Lady Ashley had already been considered healed, but was still asleep. She left the fellish lady a note.

"Greetings, Lady Ashley,

I hope this finds you healed and ready to gather your men. We killed the monsters in LupaLapu so you could rest without worry. Hopefully it helped. Would you like to come over to my tent and play a game of Skat? Or maybe just tell me what you saw in your travels?

Staedtler la Stylo

Staedtler sharply strode into the shadow of the meeting hall doorway. His chin was raised, right hand cuffed within the lapels of his jacket, yet an unshakable haunt was looming. In the centre sat King Matthew, hunched about a single table with a few other nobles, almost lost in the candlelight murk. This place felt fragile to Staedtler - a hair-breadth fracture from all sorts of hell he had not prepared for. Thinking nonsense of it, he rattled the nerves from himself with a full-frame shudder. The devilish sensation climbed his spine, echoed like a loose moth in his chest, and broke from his nostrils in a whistling exhale. He clutched his notebook to his side under the bow of his arm, and itched at the mane of silver necklaces framing his collar. He was still.

"My friends," Staedtler called out with a force at his throat, bolting across the chamber towards his hosts, boot leather soles rapping against the flooring like knocks at a door. "Earth Hall offers quite the dogs-dinner of a welcome, doesn't she? Rumours. Panic. Disarray. Debts-a-plenty. I am truly humbled by the mess of things, but I never intended to come here for the hospitality. I came here for a hopefully very familiar reason as to all of you." He guides his hand from man to man; knight to king.

Staedtler drops onto a chair across from Matthew, neatly squaring his hefty tome parallel to the table edge with his finger tips. Satisfied with the angles, he leans in close to the conversation,

"I heard that the world was ending." Staedtler rests his chin atop his knuckles. "And I would love to know more."

Emyhr le Craint

"My friends," Staedtler called out with a force at his throat, bolting across the chamber towards his hosts, boot leather soles rapping against the flooring like knocks at a door. "Earth Hall offers quite the dogs-dinner of a welcome, doesn't she? Rumours. Panic. Disarray. Debts-a-plenty. I am truly humbled by the mess of things, but I never intended to come here for the hospitality. I came here for a hopefully very familiar reason as to all of you." He guides his hand from man to man; knight to king.

Emyhr became alerted to the presence of another man, the sounds of leather boot soles rubbing against the floor was a surprising sound which he had not heard for a long time. He was used to the clang of armor. However, the words that followed from the figure couldn't help but make the knight chuckle. He spoke the truth, these were trying times indeed, however Emyhr did not feel the need to comment on the arrival of the man. Instead waiting for the response from the king. He did however give the man, who upon closer inspection, he recognized as Earl Staedtler La Stylo, principle of the University of Dwilight.

Without moving from the seat inorder to disrupt any greeting that the king had planned, Emyhr gave the Earl a bow and a look of recognition and admiration. It was surprising to see the Earl so far from home, but it made the feeling of the council ever more exciting.

Matthew Coffey

"It is a great honour to be invited to this meeting and be in your presence for the first time. I am sorry I have not presented myself before you earlier."

As the knight took to his knee, Matthew couldn't help but chuckle. He accepted it nonetheless, inviting him to stand and continue. It was obvious that he had to crane his neck slightly to meet Emyhr's gaze, perhaps he had some northern blood? Lurian's weren't the tallest folk after all. His mind stopped wandering as the knight regaled him of beasts and battle. If only the time were for a feast, such talk would bring laughter and boasting in equal measure. Nevertheless, he listened to what the knight had to say.

... He is a veteran of the battlefield and has proven useful council. I have situated him with the small retinue that came with me, If necessary he can assist in the security for the council."


"Of course, he is welcome to join the castle guard for now, as are your other soldiers. I would not think to turn them away after the marches you have no doubt endured." Smiling, Matthew gestured for them to take a seat. However, it seems before further discussion could take place, their quiet hall was to become subject to another...

"Earth Hall offers quite the dogs-dinner of a welcome, doesn't she? Rumours. Panic. Disarray. Debts-a-plenty. I am truly humbled by the mess of things, but I never intended to come here for the hospitality. I came here for a hopefully very familiar reason as to all of you."

From his newly found seat, the King leaned back to watch the Earl's approach with a wry grin. He said nothing for now, humouring Staedtler's pointed jibes. As the spindly man took his seat opposite, speaking words of doom and despair, Matthew had no choice but to respond in kind. "Indeed, I have heard that Sun Hall was being ravaged by beasts and all manner of unspeakable things of late. We here in Earth Hall are merely assaulted by the complaints of the common folk. I'm unsure still who has it worse. End of the world, truly." He sighed heavily afterwards, despite the mocking tone of his words, there was clearly something gnawing at the back of the young mans mind. "Tomorrow morning the council will begin in earnest, I trust more will be arriving soon, and then we might speak of the end of something at least. What that is, I leave to the capable minds and words of those assembling. I had hoped that Earl Donald would be joining us, but I am unsure if he will end up coming, he has been offered the invitation after all, albeit later than you."

Solomon Greybrook

Meeting a Prestigious Host

As Solomon rode through Poryatown with his small retinue, Solomon glanced at his surroundings. There was something oddly comforting and at ease this far north that couldn't be placed with the russle of the capital. Discussing among themselves, Solomon's retinue held a similar idea.

Eventually, they approached White Hall. Quickly dismounting and having their horses taken care of, Solomon entered the estate to meet with his prestigious host - the King of Earth's Hall himself.

Donald Augustus Allan

The green pastureland of Nid Tek provided many places for the company to camp; the ground was firm yet malleable allowing for iron pegs to easily be driven in to the ground and for tents to be erected while not far from the camp lay forests providing ample firewood, and a small stream which supplied clean drinking water. It was also not far from the White Hall of King Matthew from whence his invitation had come, a distance easily covered by a single rider in a day. And with the army still gathering in Nid Tek he had time to kill in Earth Hall. And after a pleasant summer ride he found himself in the midst of White Hall, another of Luria Nova's fine collection of Halls.

Today Donald wore a set of fine riding breeches and a silken tunic overlayed by his plate and mail. As a Marshal it was important to look as martial as possible and he had decided to turn up in a shining steel suit of polished mail, adorned with small engravings of curved, dancing patterns in the place of the typical gold gilding. At his side sat his sword, the pommel of which Donald had recently changed to that of a roaring lion - in keeping with the imagery of the Ordo Leonis.

Even from a short distance he could see an array of noblemen and their attending servants and retainers. King Matthew stood among them, looking humble as ever. Two Knights of Earth Hall, Sir Emyhr and Sir Solomon had arrived also and of course Earl Staedtler, another of the King's guests from outside the realm. He strode towards the gathering crowd and called out to his host:

"King Matthew, I thought I'd better make good on your invitation! I'm terribly curious to learn the nature of this meeting"

Matthew Coffey

Quickly dismounting and having their horses taken care of, Solomon entered the estate to meet with his prestigious host - the King of Earth's Hall himself.

"King Matthew, I thought I'd better make good on your invitation! I'm terribly curious to learn the nature of this meeting" - Earl Donald

As predicted, White Hall was beginning to fill with faces from across the Empire. The escalating numbers clearly pleased Matthew, as each noble that joined brought further hope for the Kingdom.

"Earl Donald, it is good to see you again. Come, sit, we are still waiting but there is time for more pleasant talk. And you, sir Solomon if I am not mistaken, though we have not met before. I look forward to our endeavours together." Clearing his throat and looking between the two arrivals, he continued. "I will reiterate the meaning of this council once it begins on the morrow. Hopefully the majority of those invited arrive, and the stragglers make their way to these halls. For now though, share with us talk of the Empire. How fares the Halls?"

15th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Tohrm Elrath

As some hours passed, Tohrm wandered the halls of his liege in Poryatown, having taken note of the state of the rest of the city during his... guided tour. Given the majority of the nobility invited would not arrive for sometime further, he had taken leave from the king to clear his head. More than once a messenger would run up with the latest missive from the debates of the realm. He read it with declining interest as it became clear that some were never to be convinced. No matter. He did take note of the stance of the Imperial Marshal however, a strange and unexpected turn of events. He would have to thank him personally for his uncalled for defence of his family name. Tohrm had toyed with the thought of marching over to the campsite of the Emperor's Will and smacking the Schwarzherzig around personally, but such a response would only lend credence to an otherwise poorly made insult.

A sharp bark of laughter could be heard from the knight, ringing throughout the more or less empty hall ways of White Hall. When he returned to the location of the council that were to take place, he had a particular correspondence in hand and he read it many times over. It pleased him to no end.

As more and more knights began to filter their way into the hall, he would make his presence known to them. Greeting many who he had not met in person beforehand.

Emyhr, Staedtler, Solomon, Donald, his liege Matthew... The list was great, and more persons of repute in the Empire were due. It was to be a great debate, and much would be accomplished here, of this Tohrm had no doubts. After the knights who had already assembled had said their piece, Tohrm would rise and offer a plain bow to the assembled, intoning to them evenly.

"To those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting before now, Sir Tohrm Elrath, at your services. I trust my liege has only invited the highest quality of nobles amongst the Empire here. Because of this, I expect great things to be achieved with those assembled. I look forward to deciding the future of not only Earth Hall with you all, but in a wider sense, the Empire at large. I for one am honoured to be included here." With his introduction ended briefly, Tohrm sat once more and allowed his liege or the other knights to say their piece before the true council had begun.

Emyhr le Craint

"To those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting before now, Sir Tohrm Elrath, at your services. I trust my liege has only invited the highest quality of nobles amongst the Empire here. Because of this, I expect great things to be achieved with those assembled. I look forward to deciding the future of not only Earth Hall with you all, but in a wider sense, the Empire at large. I for one am honoured to be included here."

After Sir Tohrm finished addressing the assembled group, Emyhr Followed it up with a polite applause. Following the pattern that Sir Tohrm had set, Emyhr stood up to address the group gathered.

"I believe Sir Tohrm has the right idea, as a few of us gathered I have not had the pleasure to meet in person. I am Sir Emyhr of Poryatu, it is an honour to join you at such an important event. I for one am excited to hear the thoughts and concerns of everyone here. Hopefully after, you would recount some tales of your experiences."

Finishing the statement with a polite bow, Emyhr sat back into his seat. Giving others the chance to speak should they wish.

Solomon Greybrook

Introduction After Sir Tohrm and Sir Emyhr introduced themselves, Solomon read the faces of the two knights. Both knights of distinguished experience and expertise, Solomon felt at ease that even more nobles of their caliber were due to arrive. After taking a breath, Solomon then stood up:

"I am glad that there are Knights such as yourselves attending this meeting. I truly believe that the agenda that we set can achieve great things for the future of this region and the Empire itself. I am Sir Solomon, Knight of Giask and Vice-Marshal of Iuvenilis Attingas Parvulorum. I am glad to make your acquaintance. I look forward to the outcome of the coming days."

Once Solomon had concluded his introduction, he nodded his head respectfully to the nobles in attendance. After this, he sat down and began to take some notes on some ideas that suddenly came to mind.

William Fitz Roberts

The Marshal’s Arrival

The soldiers of the Tercio marched in neat, disciplined ranks behind William and his household as they rode into the city of Poryatown. While the town itself seemed to be flourishing, the walls were of extremely poor quality, ill-suited to the defence of a great city. The guards at the gates gave him little trouble, having recognised his banner and waved them through, almost lazily. William rolled his eyes at that, clearly all the good Poryatun soldiers had been recruited for active service and King Matthew had been left with the dregs. He turned to his left, where his brother Leopold rode

‘Take our family and servants to our new estate. It is a townhouse in the Little Poryatown quarter’

Anne sniffed at that, ‘From a chateau to a grotty old town house’, she said sulkily

‘My love, by year’s end we shall have transformed the city. I have plans for that quarter, it shall be unrecognisable’. This seemed to cheer Anne up a little. William continued giving instructions

‘Take the Bravi to secure the streets around the townhouse as we move the items in. Most of them will have to remain in storage until we can build our new home, but I will not have them stolen by low-lifes’ William turned to Captain Josef. ‘Bring the soldiers with me, Marc Antonio and Anne shall sit in on this council at my side.’

At this last, William kicked his horse into a gentle trot and rode up to the causeway to White Hall. As he approached, an armed retainer stepped forward, the Coffey Badge clear on his surcoat

‘I am sorry m’lord, but his highness gave strict instructions. No soldiers save those that he specifies may enter’

At his William got off his horse and walked slowly yet purposefully towards the man. The guard clearly had not realised William’s great height while he was on the horse and cowered at his approach.

‘I shall enter with nine soldiers. The rest shall wait at the foot of this causeway. If any of them become suspicious of treachery, they will storm this castle. Is that clear? Are you prepared to face veterans with your pitiful schoolboys?’

At this, a herald stepped forward. ‘My lord, I can assure you that there is no intent of treachery.’ William turned to him

‘I am sure that there is not, but if any of the knights here attempt to send their own retinues to the castle they shall be met by my own’ at this, William pushed passed the guards and the herald. Anne and Marc Antonio followed in his wake, as well as the nine swordsmen that would form their bodyguard. Each man was massive, chosen for his strength as well as his skill, and each carried a zweihander over their shoulders. In truth the weapons would be ill-suited for any fight that might break out within the hall- they had daggers and katzbalger for that purpose- but the massive swords would serve as an imposing deterrent to any who wished to harm their lord. Not only were these men William’s largest, but they were also his most trusted. Not a single man or woman under William’s command would ever betray his confidence, but these nine men were a special kind of loyal that bore a strong similarity to a pack of guard dogs.

At last William reached the doors to the great hall and the nine soldiers formed up on either side of the door. William smiled at his cousin and his wife, before pushing open the doors. Doing so flooded the otherwise dimly lit room with light.

‘Needs better windows’, William muttered to himself, before smiling broadly and bringing his fist to his chest in a military salute

‘My King, sorry for the delay but the ferrymen can be very argumentative regarding the transportation of certain beasts. I’m having to get some craftsmen to raise the height of one of your gates a little to allow my elephants to pass through. I trust that won’t be a problem given that you’re renovating them soon anyhow’. William took a seat near the back, lounging lazily looking around for food and drink

‘I must say, Matthew, your guards aren’t up to much. They let me bring in nine armed men. Be assured that any more that arrive shall face my Doppelsöldners as well as your household guards from now on.’ At this last William looked around the room, ‘I know most of you. Those I don’t know I hope to know better shortly’. William did not bother to introduce himself. While some nobles of Luria did nearly match his height, none besides his cousin Titos came close to his sheer mass, and Titos did not have a Poryatun accent.

Donald Augustus Allan

"Earl Donald, it is good to see you again. Come, sit, we are still waiting but there is time for more pleasant talk. And you, sir Solomon if I am not mistaken, though we have not met before. I look forward to our endeavours together." Clearing his throat and looking between the two arrivals, he continued. "I will reiterate the meaning of this council once it begins on the morrow. Hopefully the majority of those invited arrive, and the stragglers make their way to these halls. For now though, share with us talk of the Empire. How fares the Halls?"

Earl Donald approached the good King Matthew and found a seat on one of the wooden benches: "Well, things could be a lot better that is for damn sure. I hear there is a fresh horde of beasts in Garuck Udor ready to pillage all the way from the Western Sea to Shinnen. I thought maybe the summer would bring some sun but it seems the world is still a little darkened"

"I am glad that there are Knights such as yourselves attending this meeting. I truly believe that the agenda that we set can achieve great things for the future of this region and the Empire itself. I am Sir Solomon, Knight of Giask and Vice-Marshal of Iuvenilis Attingas Parvulorum. I am glad to make your acquaintance. I look forward to the outcome of the coming days."

Donald shared a warm smile with his Vice-Marshal "Sir Solomon may only be a young Knight but he is a diligent and intelligent man, I for one am quite glad he is here to join us. In fact I-"

‘My King, sorry for the delay but the ferrymen can be very argumentative regarding the transportation of certain beasts. I’m having to get some craftsmen to raise the height of one of your gates a little to allow my elephants to pass through. I trust that won’t be a problem given that you’re renovating them soon anyhow’.

‘I must say, Matthew, your guards aren’t up to much. They let me bring in nine armed men. Be assured that any more that arrive shall face my Doppelsöldners as well as your household guards from now on.’

His words were quickly interrupted by the sound of steel-clad boots pounding about the entrance to the Hall. The young Earl craned his neck round to see the Imperial Marshal and a small unit of men loitering about the doorway. He laughed a little at the sight:

"Imperial Marshal, forgive my curiosity but are you here for a meeting or a melee? Perhaps your elephant will also be discussing politics with us? Maybe that beast can solve the latest debate in the Imperial forums - does he believe in claims of blood or paper?" Donald jested as the Imperial Marshal took a seat.

William Fitz Roberts

‘One elephant? You think I have only one? I have a herd of nine. Beautiful beasts they are, though the amount of dung that they produce is a bit of a downside,’ William laughed at Donald’s words. ‘I think we shall make a very good company. Forgive me, but I need the guards to control my wife, she can get a little feisty’. Anne chuckled at her husband’s joke

‘Husband, you know full well that it take at least thirty men to achieve such a feat’

‘Aye and don’t I know it’ William laughed again before looking around, ‘Who are we still waiting on then?’

Isabella Pavus

"Meursault, Raskolnikov, keep close. Captain Heinfried, ride from behind. The rest of you, learn the ostrich, bond with him. He may be near twice your height, but he is a vegetarian at heart. Not that he will not trample and bite our enemies on the battlefield. We ride for Ciarin Tut by sunset, so that we may rejoin the rest of the Will."

And so, two and a half dozen Lurian Ostriches rode off from Askileon Purlieus.

Staedtler la Stylo

William and his small force entered into the hall and Staedtler's head rolled back onto his shoulders with frustration. In his mind's eye, this room was for the nobility of Luria alone. No spies. No servants. No soldiers - nothing but the core of Lurian wisdom discussing a matter of most fearsome importance. If anything was to be said truthfully and with open heart, then those gathered must share that painful burden of vulnerability and stand accountable for their words. Staedtler was told to believe that today was a quiet and close affair, yet here waltzed on in the Fitz Roberts parade, all armoured and clattersome. The Imperial Marshal brought not only a sizable percentage of his finest men, but his wife, as well. Staedtler jumped in his seat as his mind snapped to a panic of betrayal: that the Marshal had brought force to bare, warriors and wife in equal measure. Staedtler knew that her gaze bleeds through those that meet it, and after his jolt, he was caught under its weight, like a head beneath a boot.

‘My King, sorry for the delay but the ferrymen can be very argumentative regarding the transportation of certain beasts. I’m having to get some craftsmen to raise the height of one of your gates a little to allow my elephants to pass through. I trust that won’t be a problem given that you’re renovating them soon anyhow’.

‘I must say, Matthew, your guards aren’t up to much. They let me bring in nine armed men. Be assured that any more that arrive shall face my Doppelsöldners as well as your household guards from now on.’

William began chatting about the room, exchanging barbs with Earl Donald, his massive, cruel form shuddering the ground as he went by. He was carelessly passing off the fact that his men were flanking every side of the table, swallowing every exit. he barely even acknowledged their presence, as if they were but a draught that followed him in. A harmless, invisible gust of nothingness.

Staedtler was not convinced.

"Sir William, my friend, what is this?" he sighed to the Marshal, as he motioned about the soldiers. "Why the need for this? Is this necessary? Do you not trust us, or do you wish for us to not trust you?" Staedtler leans forth onto the table "I came here to speak my mind, to tell my truths - with all of you - and I cannot, nor will not, do so as your prisoner, Imperial Marshal."

Staedtler looked over to Sir Emyhr, recalling the dismissal of his trusted captain.

"Noone else here has any company. Sir Emyhr had his veteran captain leave to join the palace guard. I myself have left my own personal entourage to the city. Even King Matthew is alone in this room. No servants. No soldiers. Noone. What does that say of his faith, William? What does that say of his faith in you? What man would dare speak a uncomfortable truth when it risks bringing your soldiers down upon them?" Staedtler reseats himself and cups his goblet to his mouth, muttering one last sentence before he drinks. "But if you have less faith in myself, our fellows, and your King than of your foot soldiers, then you were a fool for coming and you will stay quiet."

Staedtler takes a long, silent quaff of his drink, resting a hand upon the top of his book.

"Otherwise, dismiss this rabble."

He sneered down the brim to William, awaiting his response.

William Fitz Roberts

William looked up, curious as to what the Earl meant. His men were quite clearly outside the hall, guarding the door against unwelcome intruders. Not one had set foot inside. As soon as the doors were closed, they would be entirely on their own

‘Earl, have you been drinking? My soldiers aren’t in the hall, they’re just assisting the king’s guards with securing the entrance. Not one of my retinue will set foot within this hall, as was agreed. My wife is here as she and I are one and the same. We share everything and she knows many things relevant to what we discuss here. My cousin too will stay as he too has a stake in what is said here. But if you distrust my family so, I invite you to ask either of them to leave’

William leant back in his chair once more, wondering what powders the Earl had taken before coming to the council. Apparently his paranoia was getting worse

Staedtler la Stylo

'But if you distrust my family so, I invite you to ask either of them to leave.’

Staedtler's hand drooped. There were no soldiers, and the room was only three guests more. They were just as William saw them - a cold draught, desolate nothingness. His goblet struck the woodwork in a shaking hand as Staedtler considered the apparitions. He smeared a droplet of ale from his chin with a sniff and glanced up to the arrivals. Anne was pouring her seething malice into him, bleeding his confidence dry. He dodges her and looks down to his rattling hands, sobered and broken.

"Us-,' Staedtler choked, weakly.

The word was pressing at the back of his throat. No longer satisfied with silence, it was eating at his neck.

He lay his hands firmly upon the face of his book before realigning himself with a dignified posture.

Matthew Coffey

"So feisty already, and we haven't even started!" Matthew meandered up behind the trembling Staedtler, placing a hand on his shoulder as if to quiet his nerves. "Come now, the matters of our Kingdom effect all here present. I would not begrudge either of you," the King took a moment to cast his gaze between Staedtler and William, "to bring a little company." Clearing his throat audibly, he continued. "To put the matter to rest, our Imperial Marshal has moved back home, here in Poryatown, so I can understand the extent of the preparations required and extra baggage he might bring. I can assure you all now, he will not be the only one, if I am not mistaken. There are others who mean to join us as peers of Earth Hall, equal in stature and import."

Leaving the scholar's side, and turning back to the entire assembly, Matthew peered over at the doors to the hall, as if expecting a sudden additional guest or two. The sunlight had faded from the windows, announcing that the eve was soon to come. Braziers stood lit about the hall, now illuminating those gathered and casting great shadows over their meeting.

"There are others to arrive, no doubt, but some are already in the city and the urbs of Poryatown, so I see no reason for us to postpone this any longer. If we are a straggler or two, they will arrive before the council is up, of that I can assure you all. Let it be remembered then that the first great council of Earth Hall, and a new era for our Kingdom, begins now."

Gesturing to the seating arrangement, it was clear he wanted those present to be seated if they were not already. Of what few servants remained he ordered out, and to collect anyone who was wandering about the castle or had not arrived yet. With the conclusion of their preparations, the young man took to the front of the stage.

"Sorry for my nonsense. I'm not quite straight, it seems." Staedtler fidgets at his necklaces, twisting a signet ring on his forefinger as he excuses himself. His voice was back to full strength. "Please, please. Come and sit. I will allow our mutual host to discern worthy ... guests. Wouldn't want unwanted arrivals now, would we?"

16th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Kiran Mir-Ashtan

It had been a number of sunrises and sunsets since Kiran had arrived in Poryatu, he had first returned to his Estate and disbanded his remaining Infantry Retinue back into his household guard before he had to head back towards Giask to recruit himself a new retinue for coming times. Finally, he arrived in Poryatown as the sun rose. He had recruited himself a medium sized retinue of Mixed Infantry built up of soldiers from a number of regions of Luria.

However, this was not a time to go into detail about them. He had other business to attend to as he requested his retinue to find themselves entertainment in the city as he made his way to the summons of his King at White Hall.

If Kiran had more time between the limited timeframe between the battle at Mattan Dews, First returning to his Estate, Heading to Giask and then travelling back here he would have considered his appearance further. His boots still had residue mud and he hardly the chance to change from a good portion of his armour. However, haste was a must in the first summons of ones King and he would have to apologise because he was also just behind the expected starting time of the meeting after his travels.

Once he had arrived at White Hall, he would have to profusely apologise for his current state. Though he had at least planned or rather thought over his introduction to the other Nobles of the Kingdom - "It is a pleasure to meet all your acquaintance in person. I am Knight Mir-Ashtan of the Ember Hall Estate of Poryatu, I humbly apologise for the delay."

Tohrm Elrath

[Tohrm would speak aside to the Grand Panetier if she was available at the Council, otherwise this would be sent as a letter.]

"Lady Dubhaine,

Despite the council, our newest orders are to march on Dantooine. I will have to remain present at the council whilst my captain takes my detachment north. If you would kindly reassign my forces to the IAP army, that would be most helpful. If it does not inconvenience you of course."

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Staedtler la Stylo

Staedtler winds his finger within the links of his necklaces, straining the lorded Giask craftsmanship for all its worth. He had spent the last few minutes impishly leering over the discussions of his fellows from a distance. His senses had not failed him before today, his sight not withstanding, but all he heard within earshot encouraged the show of a needlepoint smirk. It was near unanimous agreement upon the most immediate of matters, and proof that Staedtler's mindset was not a lonely one. Mutterings and hearsay had become true discourse; a transformation he welcomed must heartily. He felt little reason to even involve himself in anything. Whenever a brazen opinion was raised in confidence, one that contrasted with even the slightest different shade against Staedtler's own colour of thought, another noble would bring to light a counterpoint that shared Staedtler's own imagination. Consistently, the discussion was balanced back in his favour. It was reminiscent of what he wanted Luria to be, and he was impressed with the civility of it all. Near brotherly, it was. What a shame that he had to be so awful at this - almost predictably so.

Spying a break in King Matthew's involvement, Staedtler broke from his seat and made pace to confide with his old friend, shoulder to shoulder. He left his book at the table.

"I hope, dear friend, that my perspective makes up for my otherwise disastrous first impressions."

Staedtler spoke with an underhanded speed. There was too much in his head, and not enough words to carry it all. He began toeing his boot against the flooring at a nervous pace, almost heartbeat-like. He was pale, noticeably tired, and a second too slow to hide his inner disappointment beneath a mask of charisma. An aching smile stealing away the sickness; self pity exchanged for a feeble pride.

"Stressful days," he said to himself, fishing a fleck of fruit skin from his teeth and flicking it aside before turning back to his host.

"I do not know of what you've heard of rumours, lately. Afterall, if history is anything to learn from, you are more the sort to create rather than catch them." He palmed the back of his neck, massaging the skin beneath his draping hair, and forced eye contact for the first time. "But, I have happened across rumblings regarding Sun Hall, and her future. Just rumblings, however. Little more than an anxious twitch for now. But these anxious twitches could prove ... bothersome. For my plans, and yours."

Staedtler held his sight on the King for a beat, pupils narrow, brow kept low, a warble in his words.

"Power seduces like no woman, and I find myself beneath the whims of both as one."

17th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Matthew Coffey

"I hope, dear friend, that my perspective makes up for my otherwise disastrous first impressions."

Matthew tilted his head over to Staedtler, having been quietly refraining from speaking up as the nobility discussed their views openly. In fact, his influence on the entire debate had been next to nothing. Still, the King said nothing, awaiting the Earl to finish.

"Stressful days," he said to himself, fishing a fleck of fruit skin from his teeth and flicking it aside before turning back to his host.

... Little more than an anxious twitch for now. But these anxious twitches could prove ... bothersome. For my plans, and yours."

The only answer he was given was raised brows from the pudgy facade of his confidant.

"Power seduces like no woman, and I find myself beneath the whims of both as one."

"Oh?" It was clear that curiosity had taken the better of Matthew, as he leaned over somewhat. His attention on the council had switched focus almost effortlessly, as if he was not truly listening to it in the first place, at least that may have appeared to the onlooker as much. His usual soft voice had dropped ever further to that of whispering conspirators."I can't say I've heard much from Sun Hall, that place is quiet, aside from the patterned reports of beasts. Although, given the silent nature of your Queen, I do believe I have an inkling of an idea of what you elude to." Taking a quick glance at the discussions, just to gauge their course, he continued without looking back to his companion. "With that vague idea, I can only suggest one thing. Nothing strengthens authority as much as silence does. Someone has to contend with the growing fear, 'what will become of Luria Nova? What will become of Sun Hall?'. You do not have to have the right answer, just any answer will do, as long as you're the one providing it." He looked back over with a broad grin, almost manic in its appearance; he winked. "After all, isn't the reality of power both horrifying and entertaining at the same time? Embrace the opportunity when you can, and enjoy it. We are all born powerless after all."

Aldrakar Renodin

Meeting an Old Friend

Tents stood proudly around a central spring. A small cluster of rocks that bore from deep within the earth, fresh water. All around a simple yet sturdy pallisade had been erected over time with viewing platforms sporting lookouts. The Rendorian Elite were much diminished in their number and only a dozen, true veterans remains to guard the Emperor. It was a snug little encampment infused with an odd mix of coziness and military excellence. Servants moved about tending to cooking fires, washing clothes and the warriors looked after their gear. Mending shirts and working oil into leather. The inglorious things fighting men often leave out of their tales of bravery.

Among it all. Aldakar sat in front of his pavilion on a field chair. His attention drawn in by a hunting dog which was immensely enjoying the middle aged man's hands as they rubbed and ran through his coat.

Donald Augustus Allan

"With that vague idea, I can only suggest one thing. Nothing strengthens authority as much as silence does. Someone has to contend with the growing fear, 'what will become of Luria Nova? What will become of Sun Hall?'. You do not have to have the right answer, just any answer will do, as long as you're the one providing it."

"After all, isn't the reality of power both horrifying and entertaining at the same time? Embrace the opportunity when you can, and enjoy it. We are all born powerless after all."

"If we're quite finished with the semantics of power perhaps I might weigh in on the matter of Sun Hall" Donald rose from the wooden beach, creaking slightly as some pressure was relieved from the timber. He stood among the nobles in their gathered circle.

"I fully know this is a council of nobles of Earth Hall, but Sun Hall although a world away, would do damn well to learn from the northern example" spoke Donald, clenching his mailed fist at the world 'damn' "I know many of your do no look favourably upon the Kingdom in Shinnen. The towns and villages there may fly Lurian flags but in truth disorder rules, for the benefit of us all this infant Lurian land needs to come of age".

He looked to King Matthew, "Your Majesty asks: what will become of Sun Hall? Well, I can answer that question: whatever we bloody choose" as he spoke he pointed a finger towards the heavens "Should nothing be done then that Kingdom will be nothing, but with a clear purpose and strong will Sun Hall will become as wealthy as Earth Hall, if not more so."

He looked about the room before resting his gaze on the quill-like man that was Earl Staedtler for a moment, before shifting his gaze to King Matthew "Queen Luarin would do well to learn from His Majesty King Matthew, you would never see such a gathering like this in Shinnen"

"This is form where our strength must come: Four Kingdoms working in unison. By providing for each other so does each realm provide for itself"

18th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Matthew Coffey

"If we're quite finished with the semantics of power perhaps I might weigh in on the matter of Sun Hall"

Matthew looked over at the marshal when he spoke, looking somewhat confused. I thought I was being quiet. Shrugging, he turned to face Donald properly, and awaited him to begin.

... "This is form where our strength must come: Four Kingdoms working in unison. By providing for each other so does each realm provide for itself"

His speech was impassioned, yet almost a the cry of a frustrated man pleading for help. Matthew held no ill will toward Sun Hall personally, it's simply that no news came from it unless it came from Staedtler or Donald. Nevertheless, he shook himself to attention and rose, clapping for Donald near mockingly. "Well said Earl Donald, well said. I for one expect great things from Sun Hall one day, and I know the knights who are gathered here from it will see it rise." He paused for a moment, perhaps for effect. "Failing that... We'll always be here to take you in." He barked a laugh, beckoning Donald to come and be seated again, this time next to his person.

If he did, or when Donald was next away from the council at hand, Matthew would slink up to him away from prying ears. This time, he was notably quieter. "Look, I understand your position and your will in the face of adversity. The facts remain though that Sun Hall is devoid of nobility with ambition. I have brought together many here whom might call Earth Hall their home, soon enough. If you intend on taking that Kingdom, or any other here..." He glanced over his shoulder at Staedtler. "You need supporters. Win them over, you are a marshal now. Hoard them for yourself, steal them from King Cador and our Suzerain. Promise them land, gold, glory, whatever it is they seek. Then make sure you provide it, hear them out. You have my support against Sun Hall's throne but I alone will not be enough, and besides, peaceful transitions of power are much easier to manage." He straightened himself up, and offered his hand out to the gallant warrior. "In truth, and glory."

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Luarin Bowker

It was a calm day, suddenly interrupted by a messenger.

"Here, here, I have a letter to the Queen of Sun Hall".

Luarin waited till the maid brought her the letter, opened it and read it, her face changing to express her surprise.

"Girich is part of the Duchy now? I need to write to Emperor Renodin right now."

The Queen sat on her desk to write a short letter and hand it to the maid asking her to send it immediatelly.

Suzerain Emperor Aldrakar Renodin. Girich is now part of Sun Hall, thus, of Luria. What are we going to do about this?

For the Glory of Luria and Sun Hall Luarin Bowker

After writing the letter, she spent time staring into space until her eyes stopped on a blue bracelet, the only memory of her daughter, Sophia. Her memories went back till the day she was born, until the day she left her for the second time. She had Sophia inseide a Sirion prison and asked a noble man to take the baby and give it to someone that could raise the child in peace. The Sultanate were about to be destroyed and she didn't want her daughter there.

Sophia was raised by a couple in Nivemus, where Turgon take her right after her mother asked him for help. Long time passed before she could took a place within nobility, her rightfull place. She had a calm life, not as her mother that loved battles. When Luarin returned from exile, Turgon told her where to find Sophia and mother and daughter could spend some time together. Luarin never told her father's name and she never asked. When the mother, anxious for new adventures, told her she would take the boat for Dwilight, Sophia asked that before leaving she give her blessing for her marriage with a nobleman of Sirion. Soon after the wedding party held in a forest clearance, following the traditions of the Sultanate, Luarin climbed on the boat and stood there waving until she saw Sophia no longer.

A letter received from Sophia's husband years later informed her that a year after her departure Sophia had given birth to Irina, who had her grandmother's black hair and her father's amused eyes. She was a beautiful girl with a strange and rare beauty. Irina had lived with her mother until she died after a long illness. Irina then informed her father that she wanted to be free to look for adventures and that she had then taken a ship to take her to Dwilight to try and find her grandmother. Luarin had never met Irina, though he had searched for her across the continent, secretly.

Shaking her head, she left the desk, taking the blue bracelet with her.

19th June

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Myr Arnickles Renodin

"... seems to think that honour lies in prancing about on a pony and flexing his muscles at ladies while they laugh behind the hands at the fact he still has pimples..."

"Read on..." - Sir Myr instructed as the scribe continued sweating and read aloud:

"These people deserve nothing less than death, the fact that I kill only those guarding their gold is a mercy on my part. You and Myr's continued defence of peasants is making me wonder whether you have family among them..." - scribes voice was breaking, as he tried to gulp down some spit but his mouth was a desert - "should I bring new quill?"

Myr laughed out loud - "I believe insults like that one can only be responded to in red ink..." - and winking he added - "fear not, the basic difference between Imperial Marshal and I is that he is prepared to take life for Luria, I am prepare to give my life for Luria. Both roles equally needed, gods bless his soul, I would not risk the Empire loosing such a brilliant strategist. Should his conduct be a clear threat to Luria, greater people than myself will see it properly responded to."

Leif Wilkins

When The Bullocks Fall

When the bullocks fall, A man can grow tall, A man can wear gear - and ride into war, But war is not all that a man can now do, A man can drink ale, and open legs too, When bullocks do grow, a man can get brave, At times this bravely can make one act like a knave, So hark me oh fellows, grab chalice and booty, Enjoy this one life, and it may taste fruity.

June 20th

Summer Day -- South Divide

William Fitz Roberts

William stood in his black armour, waiting patiently while Manfred buckled the last few straps. The last few days had been interesting to say the least. His soldiers had been having some much needed fun: Nothing raises a Poryatun’s spirit like a skirmish with orcs in the morning and the looting of local strongmen in the afternoon. But now the scout reports indicated a larger horde was at last on its way and a real battle imminent. Orcs, undead and a few angry locals with sharpened sticks. ‘Should prove an interesting evening’ William smiled to himself

At last the youth finished his work. ‘It’s all secure, m’lord’. William examined Manfred’s handiwork appraisingly, before replying curtly ‘better than before but still room for improvement. Weapons next, lad’

Manfred hurriedly went to gather the Imperial Marshal’s weapons: nothing fancy, simple killing tools. First there was his parrying dagger. He doubted that he’d need to use it, but he never went anywhere without it. Next was his schiavona, very simple looking in comparison to the more ceremonial blade that he had worn to the Council of Earth Hall, and yet more decorative in appearance than some of the blades used by his fellow nobles. Finally there was his poleaxe, his actual killing weapon, the ideal tool for a man of his size. He shook his head as Manfred went to pass him the Spiked Lance.

‘I intend to fight on foot today. Bring it with you when we take the field, but I doubt very much that it will see use’

‘Of course, m’lord’

‘Now, go and get your own armour on’

At this Manfred looked up in horror. ‘My armour? Are you expecting me to fight?’

‘Of course, lad. It is time you learnt’

‘No, cousin please, I don’t want to be in a battle’, his whining grated on William’s ears

‘Are you your mother’s son or what? I have Giesla and Helga begging me to let them go fight at the age of nine and you act like a coward at the age of twelve! In all honesty, they would probably be far more effective than you will ever be, but I will not bring children to battle. It is time that you became a man, end of discussion’

June 21st

Summer Day -- South Divide

Myr Arnickles Renodin

The entire regiment of Redmanes counted six men. Such a formidable force inspired awe as they marched in their battered armours, with their broken shields and dulled swords.

"Mah, risen dead are coming! They look like they were killed ten times already!" - cried out a child, giggling. Which earned him a slap on the face with a wet rag and a scornful look.

"Don't you make fun of the warriors, lest they come and take all we have!" - the mother scolded.

With evening aura came the northern wind and with it a smell of sizzling sand. The curious aroma turned Myr around like a hand of a giant. Young knight's eyes glazed over and after a while he said:

"You go on Waldred. Take our men to Askileon. I have someplace to visit before I return."

He acquired a draught horse from a local tradesman for some silver and gallopped north.

Manfred cowered under the anger of his cousin, and hurriedly strapped on his own Cuirass. He looked quite comical standing next to the giant that was William. William doubted that Manfred would even reach the height of his mother. He despaired for the boy in truth: how could this boy be a Fitz Roberts if he could not even fight?

At last both were ready. William’s last act before he left the tent was to place his helmet upon his head, closing its snarling visor. Today was going to be a good day.

June 22nd

Summer Day -- South Divide

Solomon Greybrook

Missing Home?

As the Greybrook Guard continued their support of the friendly takeover of Dantooine, Solomon had taken the time to explore the local area. The battles of the South Divide took a heavy toll on the Guard's now depleted numbers - they only stood half as strong as a week ago. Nevertheless, the Guard have become a more cohesive, elite and drilled fighting force that was not afraid to defend what was right and capably lead by Captain Hadroria in his absence.

Over the last few days, Solomon had begun to learn about this region and what ails it's peoples. The soldiers of the IAP have been received graciously and the population has begun to warm up to the military presence. However, the free alcohol must of helped. The rolling landscape was something of which Solomon was transfixed by. Coming off the mountains of the South Divide are rivers that run to the White Coast and into Poryatu which were ideal for farming as well as for art pieces. Something that Solomon would want to commission. The small farming villages to vineyards dot the landscape while in the distance, the mountains of Southern Dantooine come into view. While nowhere near the size of the South Divide, the landscape was varied.

Through all of this exploration, Solomon began to think about himself - something that had not been on his mind. Thinking to the family home in Giask, Solomon did not miss it. There was something here that he could not put a finger on. Whatever it was, it was settling and peaceful compared to the hassle of the Grand Harbor. He began to wonder what a morning would look like if he wasn't awoken by a house assistant complaining about a rowdy merchant trade deal going wrong. It would even be a potentially exciting prospect to dine in peace. Regardless, what Solomon did seek was a view of the sea once again. Maybe the rumor that the White Coast's water was far superior to the Euschean Sea of Giask could be worth investigating.

That morning, Solomon asked one of his assistants to find a local map of the area. Upon it's arrival, a drawing that has past it's time depicted the surrounding region of Earth Hall as well as key estates of nobles that once lived here. Making a mental note to visit the cliffs in the East, Solomon went into the local village where Captain Hadroria resided for these freedom celebrations.

A good drink was needed. Sitting down in a more secured area of the temporary campsite the Guard had pitched outside the Village, Solomon opened a bottle of white juniper liquor, he personally wrote a message and began to nurse the drink as he looked over the rolling landscape of Dantooine.

Myr Arnickles Renodin

The Sands I

From Blossomer Sea in the north to Sallowcape Drift in the south, bordering three realms and six regions; an endless dunescape terrifying with vastness streaching for hundreds of miles. Such was the greatest region north of the Euschean, such was the land of mirage, the sea of sand, farraige gaineamh.

What sort of tales and legends were burried beneath the sizzling sand? One could walk for months guided by the illusions of the desert, never escaping the thirst of his doom, forgetting everything about his life, all his memories replaced by the disturbing hum of the desert wind. Another could enter the desert by the Shattered Shores, visit maginificent cities inhabited by bipedal tigers and somber men with whirls of blue flame in place of legs, towns made of amber and ivory, bigger than Darfix, richer than Flowrestown; and then after his wonderous travel reach South Divide barely an hour after first disembarking. One could go into the dunescape and exit it as one would any other region, completely unaffected by the wiles of the desert. Another would go in an old man and exit a child, not certain if he was an old man rejuvenated or always a child only beliving to be an old man before. Whatever tales one brought from the desert, they were never believed, and rightly so. The Desert of Silhouettes was not a place to be believed - more people lost their minds and lives to hunger, thirst, heat and exotic toxins of desert plants and creatures than to any war that ever visited the region.

The draught mare beneath Myr neighed fearfully as she refused to go through the sand. Luckily there was no need to travel through the dunescape. Midway House was in the gravelly east border of the desert. As he turned his horse towards more calming ground he noticed a shadow passing by him. After a quick examination he found that it was made by a silhouette dancing on the sand in the setting sun. By the rate at which it was getting bigger he deduced that the what appeared to be a man was running towards him and fast. He decided to delay his travel to see why was he in such a hurry. Young knight didn't need to wait long as several second later another silhouette emerged, it resembled something halfway between a dog and a lion, but bigger than both. "Pachycrocuta" - he thought, recognizing the giant, desert hyena. Myr rode up to the border between the sand and gravel and as soon as the man reached him he hid behind the mounted knight. The short-faced hyena was a dangerous quarry but even this giant predator shared the common trait with his cousins - cowardice. Noticing that the man on the draught horse is significantly bigger the animal gave up on the pursuit and walked back into the duneland, resigned.

"Buíochas leat a dhuine uasail, fáilte romhat a dhuine uasail." - said the man, breathing heavily from exhaution, and seeing the knight in full armour he immediately corrected himself - "Forgiv me'sir! I thank'you fo'rescue and bid'you'well come."

Myr took his helmet off, showing dark face and storm of frizzy hair.

"Gaineamhrugadh" - said the nomad, seeing that the knight bore familiar features. The two continued their dialogue in dialect of nomads for some time. Myr learned that the man was actually a fabric trader that lost his caravan. He offered to escort him to the border with the Divides but the trader said he was heading in the opposite direction, which caused a fair bit of confusion when after bidding eachother farewells both men went the same way.

"East that'way sir!" - said the trader pointing at the setting sun.

Myr looked at him for a couple of minutes dumbfounded, until what he thought to be the sun disappeared and still the daylight remained. Mirages, illusions, reflections and miles of barren land up to and beyond the horizon - such was the nature of the great desert. Myr spat on the ground and turned his horse towards Midway House, this time certain of his direction.

Summer Evening -- South Divide

Emyhr le Craint

The Trails of strength

As the sun went down over the hillside and the camp fires began to light up the night sky. Emyhr Gathered his men once the camp had been mostly set up, standing upon a make shift podium, Emyhr addressed the gathered group.

"Once again we have been given time to rest, this time I propose something different. Tonight we shall return to the traditions of my fathers generation tonight we shall have our first Trials of Strength. We shall compete to find the strongest among us, the man who will lead us as the Vanguard Champion."

Coming from the group, a resounding cheer arose as the men rushed around the form a simple ring in the centre of the fire. Lit up by the camp fire, the flickering light bounding off the faces of the men surrounding the ring with Emyhr standing within.

"Who shall be the first to take on the challenge? I shall be participating in this competition to but within the ring we are all equal."

Emyhr proceeds to take off his armor, placing is gently in the hands of his attendant. With the fire and summer heat, clothes would become a burden in this situation, taking everything off apart from his trouser under armor. Emyhr finally stood in the centre, bare chested with simple bandages wrapped around his fists, The wound major wound from his past battles was in full view, now fully healed it left a monster of a scar across his back. Looking around the group, he awaited someone to step forward.

After a moment of hesitation, Gustaf proceeded to step into the ring. All the eyes turned to face his as he stepped forward. Removing his armor, his muscular physique that was otherwise taken away from by the armor had become apparent. In the ring stood the two most important men of the Vanguard, both with a menacing grin on their face as if they have been waiting for an opportunity like this. There remained a brief moment of silence before the two men clashed together, followed by a cheer from the group. Both men were now locked into unarmed combat, each attempting to break from the lock the other had created. This was cut short when Emyhr made a swift turn and flipping Gustaf over his shoulder slamming him into the ground with an almighty thud.

Gustaf remained dazed and lying on the floor, the crowd stunned into silence but erupting into an astounding cheer. A couple of men came to assist the dazed commander while Emyhr stood in the centre enjoying the crowd.

"Who shall be next to accept the challenge? All are welcome and the night is still young, let us find the champion among us all."

Ciarghuala Dubhaine

The Free Fontanese Guard

Imperial Marshal,

I shall try to enlighten you and the realm as best I can with regard to the path by which the Free Fontanese Guard came to be, for they are not by any means a typical exemplar of Lurian arms.

In my youth I fought with the First Edreun of Niselur where Westgard now rules on the wild northwest frontiers, commanding a fine company of skirmishers drawn from the freemen of the borderlands. Mixed infantry have a reputation as neither fish nor fowl, neither the bowmen you want to cover your charge or the infantry to hold the line. Still, they were good lads and lasses my K'dira Rangers, unswervingly loyal to Niselur and certainly handy in battle when flexibility mattered. The horn bows of the Horse Lords were a fine weapon though admittedly no match for Poryatu rosewood, nor their hunting knives necessarily best suited to the battlefield. For many months we fought damn hard, a rearguard action against the encroaching hordes, numbers dwindling as surely as the frontier homesteads were overrun and the Lords of Niselur forced inexorably towards the Inland Sea.

At that time my mother, the famed jurisprudist Lady Moira, still ranged the Zuma borderlands and attracted many a fellow exile to the free city of Via where she enforced the Laws of Fontan in this alien land. For those with family connections to the East Continent, it was she who founded the once-infamous Fontan Bureau of Irregular Warfare, developing doctrines of war which even today inform House Dubhaine military tactics in all corners of the world, so as you might imagine I had a somewhat eccentric upbringing there beyond the claim of any realm which explains much that follows.

So as the darkness spread eastwards consuming Caerwyn and her neighbours, Via became too dangerous for those with families and many made the perilous trek north to Niselur where I could arrange their evacuation eastwards, agreeing to take those who yet had the stomach to fight as free companions. Thus were my Free Fontanese Guard born, exiles and outlaws and misfits from their very beginnings. Woodsmen, rangers, night-fighters, smugglers, buccaneers and freebooters all have their place in the Guard whether their family hails from Fontan or Luria - so long as they can pull their own weight in battle and hold camp discipline there's no past misdemeanour which can't be forgiven.

Special forces they call us but what does that really mean? Are we soldiers who march in the smartest ranks? If that's the test then the Guard would certainly fail. Ne'er a single one of them would sit well in polite company save my captain Septinia, daughter of Erkenbrand Half-Drowned, so named because his mother hid him in a rain barrel to save him from bandit raiders. They may look like a rag-tag band of ne'er-do-wells in their field kit but I'd pitch them against the best professional soldiers in Dwilight without hesitation.

Initiative and perspicacity are the traits I value and only the most self-possessed warriors will earn the same prized green drab brigandine doublet and field grey uniform I myself wear. Many a knight martinet has thought it inferior to the shiny mail coats of his precious infantry only for the bodkins to start flying and those expensively wrought links to splinter like so much chaff struck by late harvest hail. And then when we're mixing it close in the melee..? Well, those costly swords and spears and pikes so many favour find precious little purchase against our fine concealed plates. Aye, that's the real test of Special Forces when the butchers' work begins at close quarters, work for falchion and cutlass and hatchet and seax.

I well remember the raids on the Tomb Islands not long after the fall of Golden Farrow. So the fine Lords of the North were cowering in their scented chapels having done damn all to aid the Western realms, overcome with the vapours and taking those to be the last days of the West - and maybe even of Dwilight! - but it's an ill wind that blows nobody no good. Many a petty bandit chieftain and necromancer infested the Isles at that time, and few there were brave enough to fly the banner of D'Hara and enforce what pass for civilised laws amongst that people. So naturally my Guards and I took that as an... invitation.

That's the point of Special Forces, they're adaptable to circumstance. We were sailing for Luria anyway to reunite with our King in exile, and to be honest there's nothing so sweat after a painful defeat as finding some kin of those responsible and despoiling them of both their ill-gotten wealth and disabusing their misguided notions of justice. So that's just what we did, striking on sleek keels from Raviel to Sallowwild we brought death to every murdering inhuman settlement we could find. Beaching in the dark we'd make our way silently through the undergrowth in twos and threes, and this is where my Guard like all irregulars excel, taking the battle to the enemy before they even know there is a battle.

The rivers of gold we plundered would later build fine walls for Shinnen Purlieus and fund many other projects sadly brought to nought when the calamity that was Arkady Mayhem broke upon Sun Hall, but that's a tale for another day.

See, the point is that the Free Fontanese aren't soldiers or household retainers, and their loyalty isn't bought with gold. We're a warrior family bound by the kinship of shared history and battle. I trust them with my life and they entrust their lives to me - knowing full well that I won't squander them lightly and am risking as much as they are. Aye, when needs be they're reavers and rough about the edges, as in fact am I. We count our arrows and our kills with the same careful eye as the gold in our purses and the rations in our packs.

I'm not sure we're the company Luria would ever have asked for, but we're here when she needs us.

23rd June

Summer Day -- Dantooine

Donald Augustus Allan

The Lurian camp was cool and quiet. With the sun slowly fading men gathered to enjoy a quiet evening by the fire where they drank, laughed and shared stories. This was not the case under the banner of the red and black saltire where sounds of struggle could be heard, followed by an immense cheer. Donald arrived in time to see Sir Emyhr la Craint soundly defeat his opponent.

“Sir Emyhr!” he said, approaching the victorious Knight “So this is your family tradition? Rolling about in the mud with a bunch of commoners!” jested the Earl, snorting in amusement at his own joke.

“You said you wanted entertainment, well I’ve brought my men along” he waved a hand at the Arbalists, now free of their trappings they seemed more than eager to be involved and quickly began exchanging words with Emyhr’s men “But if you get tired of mud and dirt I have a keg of ale for us to share. No wine I’m afraid, apparently it’s not the country for it”

Trailing behind the Earl came a wheezing servant hauling a wooden, iron banded keg. Which he promptly dumped at the Knights’ feet before shuffling away.

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

In Dantooine

As night fell, he started walking faster and faster. He was tired and hungry but if he had learned anything from all the stories was he should only stop for the night in a place with shelter and water.

He knew where he was going, he had a compass and could use the stars for guidance, but whenever he passed yet another farmhouse and it didn't seem any closer, he lost a bit of heart. Finally, after crossing a ravine and mentally noting the location of a wild, abandoned orchard, he saw it.

The small wooden fort perched on top of a steep hill located in central Dantooine overlooked a small river. The 9 year old knew that, despite being surrounded by fertile lands and small communities, the fort had been abandoned for many years. He paid attention to his geography classes, especially when his tutor was a cousin who could tell a good story about any place in the world.

He climbed the hill, sliding a few times, hindered by the weight of his satchel, and finally arrived to the top, with a lot of mud on his tattered clothes, but a pleased smile on his face. It was easy to find a shelter where he could spend the night, hide the satchel containing his noble clothes and tools in a burrow, but properly making a fire took him some time.

The boy ate a quick, cold dinner of bread and meat, and prepared the sleepsack for his second night alone. He hoped this time the fire would last until morning (it didn't). His sword was under his head and the leather scabbard made for a decent pillow. Drake never felt happier.

24th June

Summer Day -- Poryatown

Emyhr le Craint

“Sir Emyhr!” he said, approaching the victorious Knight “So this is your family tradition? Rolling about in the mud with a bunch of commoners!” jested the Earl, snorting in amusement at his own joke.

Wiping the sweat from his brow with a piece of fabric brought over by Emyhr's attendant, he looked over to see Earl Donald approach the ring.

"Earl Donald Augustus, I am glad you could make it. Please excuse my appearance but I would not want to damage my equipment." Giving a sly grin to the approaching earl, "Mud is but one of the many obstacles we face on our journeys, those that worry about the minor details do not appreciate the finer things in life".

Emyhr, now next to Earl Donald, Offered his clean hand out in greeting. By this time, two other men were already in the midst of another round of fighting.

"Your men are free to parctipicate, I wish to see the quality of the training you provide for you men. Gustaf and I could take some ideas from you I am sure. Please, come sit with me at my table. Your gift of ale is much appreciated, wine is a fine choice but nothing beats a good cup of ale to soothe your spirit."

Leading Earl Donald to the table, he called over to his attendent to bring a fresh top so that he may dress more appropriately. Nodding at another of his men, this one guarding a spit over the fire, the man brought over a simple metal tray with slices of roasted boar and rabbit fresh from the fire. They sat down at the table, facing the ring in the centre. The attendant returned bringing a fresh linen shirt and a small box to the table. Opening the box, two well made glasses resided wrapped in silken fabric for protection. Emyhr took them out and placed on of them infront of the earl. Gold inlaid into the glass fame, not too impressive but gave off a distinct feeling of refinement.

"I realize this is quite a fanciful choice of tableware for being so far from home, but a man of great refine such as yourself deserves to drink out of the best".

At which point, Captain Gustaf returned, he looked more aware now and had also gotten back into his full armor again. The Flicking light of the fire reflecting off the livery of the chest piece. By now, another man had lost and a change of competitors had occurred. This time however, was one of excitement. One of Earl Donald's men had entered the arena, suddenly the competition became more intense with the new fighter.

"It seems we have an exciting show for now, one of your men has stepped into the arena. Let us see how you men match up to mine shall we."

The fight between the two men went underway, it was a close fight. Both men fought with great vigor realizing that this fight had become more than just a friendly bout. The onlookers were looking more intensely than before, a cheer erupted from the crowd as one of Emyhr's men landed with a huge smack on the ground and Donald's man remained standing.

"Your victory was certain it seems, I cannot doubt that your training was of excellent quality. I would hope you agree that my man held is ground well but seems I have much to learn from you. Now, onto other matters. It was good to see you at the council recently, I found it to be very intuitive and I have high hopes for Earth Hall. How fares thing in Sun Hall? Your region did take the brunt of monster attacks, I imagine it left the region in need of repairs?"

William Fitz Roberts

In Dantooine

The two girls ran through a small, abandoned orchard, having escaped the clutches of their fearsome nanny two hours previously

‘Come on Helga’, the one further ahead called back, ‘I saw it from the road when we travelled through, it should be here somewhere’

‘Slow down Giesla’ the other one called back, panting, ‘my leg still hurts from yesterday’

Giesla spun around, but kept walking back, giving her twin a mocking smile ‘you aren’t seriously telling me that Prospy actually hurt you? The boy is a wimp!’ If you were hurt by a wimp that means that you’re a wimp too!’

‘It does not!’ Helga shouted, stamping her foot, ‘You take that back right now or I’ll…’

‘You’ll what? Run to father? Are you a snitch as well as a wimp?’ Helga looked away at this statement, before resigning herself to having lost the argument.

As they left the wooded area they came across a ravine, not too wide but long enough to mean that they would have to cross it rather than go around it. After studying it, Giesla muttered appraisingly

‘We can jump that, sis’

‘Are you sure?’ Helga said quizzically, ‘If we fail to make it, there is no one to help us for miles around. The last farmstead we saw was two miles that way’ she waved vaguely in the direction from which they had come

‘Come on, where is your sense of adventure?’ Giesla laughed, before backing up for a run up. Helga watched as Giesla leapt and landed on the other side. She had not quite managed it and slammed into the side, clutching onto the edge. In panic, Helga made her own jump, easily clearing the distance that her sister had fallen short of and rushed to help Giesla up. Her sister lay on her back on the edge of the precipice, the wind having been knocked out of her

‘See,’ she gasped between laboured breaths, ‘I told you it would be fun!’ It was Helga’s turn to mock her sister. ‘Silly old Giesla, can’t even jump a small crack. Come on, the fort is just up there’

A short while later, they had reached the fort and were examining it appraisingly

‘It’s perfect’ Giesla said at last, ‘You ready, sis?’

Helga had already emptied the small pack that she had been carrying and put on a small sparring helmet, a sallet in design but made of leather. She tossed her twin an identical helmet. The two drew their miniature schiavonas and began to spar. Their skill was already clear to any onlookers. They fought like people twice their age, parrying and thrusting in a complicated pattern, dancing to the dance of war. As Helga performed a sideways roll to dodge a blow from her sister she heard a rustling in the bushes. Instantly she went into an alert crouch and signalled her sister. As Giesla slowly circled round the back of the bush, weapon low but ready, Helga called out

‘Who’s there? Show yourself! Make yourself known or the Imperial Marshal will know why!’

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

A clear, boyish voice sounded from a bit further away: "Hello, there, fine lady!"

From a hole on the fort a few feet away, a pretty boy's face peaked at Helga for a moment before he left the hideout and showed himself. He was wearing commoner clothes from Poryatu, but had made an effort to brush mud and dirt out of them. His face and hands were also very clean, with vivid blue eyes and a finely cut head of dark hair. From his belt hung a smallish sword sheathed in a simple but well made leather scabbard. The only decoration was a golden eagle embroidered on blue background. He gave the blonde girl a friendly smile, noticing the sword and helmet. "Oh, this is so cool! Your helmet's much better than mine! Can I try it?"

William Fitz Roberts

Helga stood, open mouthed at the boy, her sword hanging limply at her side in shock. She could see by the eagle on his chest that he was either highborn or worked for highborn, likely the latter given the state of his dress. She could see Giesla behind him, eyeing the boy warily

"Oh, this is so cool! Your helmet's much better than mine! Can I try it?"

Helga looked affronted at this question. ‘You want to… try my helmet?’

At this Giesla intervened, ‘we ain’t giving you nothing until you tell us who you are and what house you serve’

‘We aren’t giving you anything’ Helga corrected under her breath, smiling back on the boy

‘Hello, let us start again and do this properly. I am Helga of the house Fitz Roberts, this is my sister Giesla. Who are you, what family do you serve?’ Behind the boy she could still see her sister, poised to pounce like a wild cat if the boy made any sudden moves towards either to them.

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake jumped at the second girl's voice, and turned in surprise. A twin! And a real twin at that! They looked just the same!

As Helga introduced herself and her sister, he bowed very deeply, wondering if he should take and kiss her hand, but deciding against it. He'd have to ask his tutor about it. If he'd ever see him again. The 9yo fought back tears for a moment but was clear voiced again when he spoke.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances, miladies. I'm... I... My sisters are twins too! But they look so different, one has dark hair like me, the other has light brown hair... You two are realm twins! Can your mom tell you apart?"

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

William Fitz Roberts

Giesla was getting impatient now.

‘Yes she can, of course she can, she’s our mother. Now,’ she said, real menace now in her voice as she advanced, ‘who exactly are you?’

Helga looked back to her sister and subtly shook her head at her. She doubted that their father would be happy if they ended up fighting and killing the boy. And he seemed friendly enough, if only he would tell them his damn name and they could move passed all this unfriendliness. She liked the look of this boy, and had even giggled as he bowed like a proper little lordling, despite her sister’s obvious reservations.

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake stepped backwards just once as the scarier sister advanced, and looked her in the eyes, considering if those grey pools could be trusted with his biggest secret. "Milady, I can only tell you who I am if we make a pact of secrecy."

Very solemnly, he reached inside a pouch and took a small hand knife, a feather and a piece of parchment. "Do you want to?"

William Fitz Roberts

Giesla was not used to being refused.

‘You dare refuse the daughter of the Imperial Marshal? Come on Helga, let’s teach this rat a lesson’

Helga shook her head. ‘No sister, remember what father said? We can’t solve everything with violence, he said we need to be prag…, prag…, Pragmatic! That’s it, pragmatic’

‘What in all the hells does that mean?’

‘I think it means that we shouldn’t beat him up’, with that Helga thrust her sword in the ground, drew her own small knife and made a cut across her palm. She reached out to the strange boy and smiled

‘I swear that I won’t tell anyone who you are. On the honour of my house’

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake watched the nice twin cut her own palm and almost protested. Secrecy pacts needed just a drop, this wasn't a full blood oath... Well, he wasn't about to make little of her. There were worse people out there he could do a blood oath with. He quickly slashed his own hand, not without a grimace, and clasped Helga's.

Getting a few wet drops on the parchment, he used the feather to write, in red: 'Today a pact is made between: Helga Fitz Roberts Drake Bluelake'

And gave it to Helga, with a smile. Then he looked at the scary twin, lifting an eyebrow. "If you don't wish to make the pact, Giesla, maybe your sister can say if I'm to be trusted or not... And you can call me Dray." After a little pause he decided to add "I left my family home to join the Lurian army... Without their consent. That's why I can't say it."

Staedtler la Stylo

The Purlieus sang like a wet wound. There were dead in the streets, shouldered up against walls or trodden down deep into street muck. The wails of those soon to join them chorused together in the air as healers put their craft to work in idle hope. They may not save the dying, but perhaps they could cease them roaring. Men tend to suffer in silence beneath nightfall, Staedtler had observed. During daylight they will scream to the heavens something rotten. But beyond sundown? Nothing but the Death Knells cry. Perhaps the fear for being heard by a moonlit hunter is greater than the pain it would otherwise help to relieve, even if just for a moment.

If Death were not a regular guest upon Sun Hall roads, the outskirts of Shinnen would still ring hollow and quiet with his handiwork. The posted militia had been slaughtered down to the final man, bowmen and footsoldiers alike. Even Staedtler's own unit fell ill of foreign tooth and claw. All now shared the same shallow graves beneath the mocking warmth of a pure and white, midday sun.

Staedtler endeavored to carry his own luggage back to his quarters. He had ordered his captain to begin making the most of the disarray and start bring together some makeshift labourers from the peasantry: debris lifters, firefighters, gravediggers. Any man with two working legs and a breath in their lungs was put to task cleaning up those that did not. The least the common folk could do was bury the passing of those who died protecting on the streets, defending their doorways.

"This will be an expensive week," the lord hummed to himself, shelving papers in his office and picking apart his jumbled outfits. "My father has remarried." He pulled a sheet from his desk and chair, drawing out the seat with a shriek. "My estate is in near ruin." He dropped his hefty tome onto the woodwork by a portrait of his parents. With a swift step, he made for the window facing the northward coast, and the heights of Shinnen. "And I have a guest coming by. Someone unbefitting of all this uselessness."

He leered down upon the street ways below.

"Ugh, why did you have to choose such a week? Utter abaddon."

Staedtler turned to the table and jabbed a pointed finger at the air between him and his father's face upon the portrait, head in palm.

"And don't you think I've forgiven your horrid timing either, father, you thirsting, old greyhound. The last thing I need right now is a whole 'nother family to get to know, warts and all, half-brother and beyond. I have enough of that on my mind as it is, thank you very much not."

25th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

Solomon Greybrook

Leaving Home

Sitting in the Greybrook Guard camp, Solomon composed a letter that he would of never previously thought he would of made. However, looking over the horizon at the tall stone watch-tower that overlooked the sea, the sea breeze that rushed through his hair gave him purpose as the sun rose. Finishing the letter off, Solomon called over Harvard to dispatch his letter, not aware of it's contents:

'Sire, why is this letter branded with your own personal seal? I don't understand.' The shock was all over his face as he had began to realise the situation that was unfolding. 'I have followed you where-ever you have gone, since you first took up the estate in Giask. I can understand how you wanted to grow out of your father's shadow but this... are you sure?' Harvard was a true man of Giask. Born and grown in the capital, Solomon knew this was a hard decision to comprehend.

'Harvard,' Solomon began to explain softly as he stood up: 'I am not my father. That is the first thing you already understand. The second answer you already know - Giask will always be the root of the Greybrook family. There was a time in our ancient history, as you are very aware, that we participated in the comings and goings of the noble merchant ships that traveled through Giask before our family came to prominence.' Solomon paused for a second to read the man's face. He was only a few years his superior. Yet, there was a bond there that he would not of taken into consideration before his ascendancy. Taking another deep breath, Solomon continued: 'Finally, my home is the realm needs me. I have no wife or children yet Harvard. Hence, until that day comes, the realm and my pledge as a Cavalier-apparent to the Ordo Volpes comes first. Therefore, I can see that there are many Lurian nobles out there whom need to be given a chance to prosper under the wealth of the Grand Harbor of Giask. Furthermore, I can do the most work here in Earth Hall under King Matthew. A man I trust to only encourage prosperity in the regions he rules over.'

Harvard began to truly understand what Solomon was saying. From eyes of woe became eyes of hope: 'I did not mean to doubt you Sire. I just want to ensure that you are making the right decision.' Just as Harvard began to take his leave, he quickly swung back round to Solomon: 'Sire! What about your relatives? What are they going to do?' Harvard asserted.

Solomon began to laugh - something he found hard to do in the recent days. There had been too much to comprehend recently: 'Harvard, Harvard, Harvard... Do you really think they will mind? They continue their business just as before in the ancestral homes of the Greybrook family as they did before I was born. This will be a shock to them. However, I know that they are made of better stuff than to panic and outrage.' Solomon got up and grabbed Harvard by the shoulder while gesturing to the camp: 'Let's get a move on. We need to pack this camp up.'

The sun had truly begun to rise and take on a new day as the news began to spread around camp of their immediate departure.

Tohrm Elrath

Tohrm rode at the head of his beleagured retinue. A week or so away from their homes had turned his men into whining whelps. His company had barely serviceable equipment after the many battles in the South Divide and Dantooine, but those two ventures in the name of Earth Hall had been a great success. Soon enough these men would go back to their families, but for the mean time, they would have to stay prepared to receive new orders.

Tohrm sent his men to camp on the periphery of the town of Poryatu, whilst he and his unruly band of squires, who had had far too much fun during the liberation of Dantooine, made their way to the town square.

The herald was surrounded by throngs of people. A message to the realm at large, Tohrm thought to himself.

"Hear ye of Luria. Tis a grave day for our Empire. Suzerain Emperor Renodin has been missing after an attack on his brigade in the new lands of Girich. There has been no word of our beloved Emperor."

There were many hushed murmurings throughout the assembly, Tohrm's eyebrow cocked. Quite the proclomation to stumble upon. The herald continued louder than before.

"Fear not, as our esteemed royals will manage in his absence. The lands still prosper, moreso than ever under the wise and benevolent rule of our own king, Matthew Coffey. Glory will be restored. Take heart and have faith."

The heralds message ended and Tohrm could not help but laugh. He wondered how much Lady Dubhaine or King Coffey had paid the herald off for the positive addendum. Then again... maybe not at all. "A round at the tavern boys." Tohrm threw a bag of silver to the eldest squire, and the group immediately darted off without a care.

Matters of the realm could wait. Celebration was in order.

For the successful capture of Dantooine, of course.

William Fitz Roberts

Helga looked over the parchment, raising an eyebrow

‘Oh you’re a Bluelake, Daddy has a lot of things to say about your cousin, don’t worry most of it is good’

‘You go against the wishes of your family? You dishonour them with your disobedience? In our family you would be cast out for such action. You would never be allowed to see your mother or father again’ Gielsa said, evidently still not keen on the boy

‘Giesla, leave him alone. If you having nothing nice to say, piss off’ Helga snapped at her sister

‘Fine then’ Giesla said sulkily and went and sat on a rock, taking out a notebook from her own knapsack and beginning to draw. Occasionally she looked up from her work to glare at Drake

Helga sighed. ‘Ignore her, she’s like that with all boys. Now, I think you said you wanted to try on my helmet? Here’. With this last word, she tossed over the leather helm to Drake

Matthew Coffey

'I hope that herald I paid off is keeping the citizens in line.' Matthew stroked his chin, peering over a balcony from White Hall, down at the front gates of Poryatown. A crowd had gathered - which included the colours of Sir Tohrm - listening to what the messenger had to say. He did seem a bit too eager...

His thoughts were interrupted by one of the servants, reminding him in a mechanical drone of all the paperwork he still had to do. Smiling, he shook his head, not really listening to the request. It had occurred to him when he first arrived that the servants here were mostly older than he, and frankly still treated him as some child ruler. "I'm aware, but more urgently." He lifted a finger to halt the wizened bureaucrat. "Prepare a light feast, we are expecting guests. I think fish will do, accompanied with some of the local produce from Nid Tek. Oh, and wine was requested specifically, so get something cheap out." The servant bowed, the slightest hint of distaste on his features as he left. A chuckle hounded him out the door.

Hopefully sir Solomon would not be long to arrive. He looked forward to meeting him in person. One of the Imperial Marshal's recommendations for the region of Dantooine. He pondered that for a moment, since he had not met the knight before but had received pleasant correspondences to this point. He had acted loyally, and efficiently, in reclaiming the land. Perhaps. Maybe today would yield greater insights.

Spying his herald returning to the castle after singing his praises and lamentations to the people, Matthew called out from the balcony. "OI! You're not finished yet! Go let any nobles in the city know that I'll be willing to see them over lunch!" The poor man looked startled at the Kings uncouth shouting from the top of the balcony. Like an old husband caught by their harridan of a wife, coming back from a long night of drinking. Shooing the servant away with a wave of his hand he sighed contentedly, straightening up and casting his gaze upon the city.

It's good to be the King.

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake had turned beet red when Giesla attacked him with such words. Shame and anger flickered through his face, but mostly embarrassment at being told off by an unknown kid in a way he had never experienced at home.

The nice twin was friendly, though, and with a smile he took the helmet and tried it on. It was really well made, comfortable, light. Maybe he should ask Zhou Tai to make one of those for him... He interrupted that train of thought, wondering for a moment if the mean twin was right and he'd never be able to go home. Now he really did have to find Tyra. She didn't like the family anyway. What if she didn't like him?

For the first time in his life, Drake considered that someone might not like him. His world spun. It lasted about two seconds before he laughed it off and returned the helmet to Helga, mid-chuckle. "It's a very good piece of equipment, really, I wish mine was like that. I guess my family does things a little more old fashioned, with an adult sword and a metal helmet even for a child. Do you want to try mine?"

Without waiting, Drake went to the hideout and brought his travel sack out. He started carefully removing the contents to reach the helmet, first a fur, then two small pots, a piece of rope, then his food: the last bread, a sausage, cheese... His stomach growled.

"Erm... I forgot to break fast today, with going down to the stream to wash myself and finding you back here... Would the two of you like to eat? We can add a few fruit from the old orchard... A meal for kings and queens!"

William Fitz Roberts

Helga reached into her own knapsack and brought out the twins’ own food, flat bread stuffed with spiced beef, and added it to the pile.

‘Sounds like a plan’ she smiled and then looked down and stifled a laugh, ‘Is that… is that your helmet? It’s so old fashioned!!!!’

At that Giesla looked up in interest. ‘What even is that? I don’t think daddy even bothers to stock those in the armoury anymore’

Helga stopped giggling and smiled. ‘Tell you what, we have a lot of helmets back home, you can keep mine for now. If you want, you can come back to camp later and Leonardo can equip you properly. You can’t join the army with that stuff’. She picked up the metal helmet and put it on her own head, laughing at how ridiculous she knew she looked

Solomon Greybrook

My King

Hopefully sir Solomon would not be long to arrive. He looked forward to meeting him in person. One of the Imperial Marshal's recommendations for the region of Dantooine. He pondered that for a moment, since he had not met the knight before but had received pleasant correspondences to this point. He had acted loyally, and efficiently, in reclaiming the land. Perhaps. Maybe today would yield greater insights.

As the mid-day sun peaked, Solomon saw the towers of Poryatown through the townsland of Poryatu glimmer in the sun. While the heat was no stranger to Solomon due to a similar band of weather occuring in the south, the welcome sea breeze that rushed through his hair made the journey from Dantooine easier than imagined. Nevertheless, the scenery of Dantooine had really taken Solomon by surprise. Growing up in Giask, Solomon felt more at home in this rural region than his childhood home. In particular, the friendliness of the peasants to the moments of quiet scattered across the rolling hills were blissful.

Trotting through Poryatu, the amassed forces were easily recognisable. The IAP had just returned from it's expedition in the north and the colours of the various highborn whom served in the army were travelling, resting or attending their own business here. The forces of the Imperial Marshal Sir William, Sir Tohrm and Sir Ulrik of Poryatown, Margravine Ciarghuala and Sir Emyhr of Poryatu were all seen. While Solomon would of liked to talk to his comrades in arms, his summon to meet King Matthew was long expected and desired. However, he had made a mental note to see to the recruitment centers of Poryatu upon his departure. Their service in the Greybrook Guard had ultimately saved his life and fought with tremendous honour on numerous occasions.

Nevertheless, Solomon continued through the Townsland until he reached the fortification that protected Poryatown. Signalling to Harvard, whom had traveled with him along with Captain Hadroria and two others from the Guard, Harvard spoke aloud to the soldiers protecting the gate:

'Guards of Poryatown, Vice-Marshal Solomon Greybrook of the Iuvenilis Attingas Parvulorum has arrived!'

There was a quick reply from the wall as a guard responded:

'Vice-Marshal! The King has been expecting you! Please proceed!'

Many a man has fallen where they have not observed tradition nor pleasantries. Something that Solomon had learnt from a young age. As he entered through the front gates of the city, Poryatown was heaving with life. His correspondence with King Matthew and the Imperial Marshal spoke of how the city obtained the ability to capture one's imagination - perhaps it was a feature of the whole of Earth Hall. Despite visiting very recently, the atmosphere was starkly different from the Capital where he had grown up. Spotting White Hall in the distance, Solomon got off his horse and spoke to his group:

'While you are here Harvard, please visit the Harbor. I would like to ascertain what fish the White Coast has to offer.'

Turning to Hadroria, Solomon ordered:

'Captain, your men will have themselves a rest. However, please can you visit the Banner Manufacture and order some designs first.'

With a nod and grin from the Captain, the group dispersed with Solomon began the almost familiar walk to White Hall. Only visiting a short time ago, Solomon was eager to meet with the King and enjoy some highborn company in a more... relaxed setting than in the field. Solomon had finally changed into his more formal wear rather than his usual travelling attire. However, it was instinct to continue to wear his Breastplate depicting the regalia of House Greybrook.

Regardless, Solomon reached the steps of White Hall and spoke to the closest guard:

'I am here to see King Matthew. I believe he is expecting me.'

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Ciarghuala Dubhaine

My portion of the South Divide proceeds have been used to repair the walls of Poryatu, gift the Grand Pantry guildhouses, allow the Guard a much-deserved refit, and to undertake some beneficial construction projects Poryatu.

Firstly as Dean of Economics at the University of Dwilight I'm pleased to announce a campus for Earth's Hall students so they no longer have to travel to Giask to enrol and undertake their studies. It is also a commitment to education within our Kingdom at the highest levels known to our race. There is also an attached medical school providing suitable training at a new Houses of Healing and at a later date I'll endow an alchemical research centre which will hopefully support a Demolition Workshop.

A less well known institution which I've brought to Earth's Hall is the Limpin' Knight Tavern which enjoys the personal patronage of the Chancellor of Swordfell. I came across the Tavern during our journey into the mountains and it seemed a worthwhile addition to Earth's Hall regardless of whether we ultimately end up on good terms with our northern neighbour or not. Both the students at the University Campus and the soldiers of Poryatu's garrison will doubtless become regular patrons.

What little is left from this projects should tide me through until next tax day.

Tohrm Elrath

Once his retinue had been stationed and his squires had scampered off toward the nearest tavern, Tohrm exchanged his horse at the Old Delvings' stable and began to ride toward Poryatown. Celebrations were in order, and who better to celebrate with than the King of Earth Hall. It was their land they had been retaking after all.

The city, hanging above the cliffside of the White Coast, was somewhat of a marvel. Despite the degredation of the city walls and its defences, the inside of the city itself was bustling with activity. The streets were packed, merchants plied their trade on every corner. It truly felt like the realm was on the upward turn. Even with recent events somewhat souring the mood of the populace, work needed to be done, cargo hauled in from the bays below and... drinks needed to be served. Particularly port, and hopefully at his liege's expense. Otherwise a nice bottle had been picked up in one of the mine overseer's house during the venture into the South Divide, but that was being reserved for a particular occassion. Perhaps today would prove to be that day.

After Tohrm was clear of the sweltering street life below, he began his steady ascent up to the looming White Hall, which his liege called home. It seemed he was not the only person of noble stock that decided to give the King a house call, judging by the coats of arms displayed about on squire and servant alike, but such was the state of things. With the armies in total reform and news spreading about the Emperor, Tohrm imagined it would be hard for the chubby King to find a moments peace to enjoy a nice bit of salted pork. At least, he imagined that is what he would be doing in his spare time.

Upon reaching the main doors of the building, whether there were any other guests at the time, he would question the steward or captain available as to whether the King was busy. "Sir Elrath, of Poryatu. I wish to speak to King Coffey. Is it possible to see him now, or, shall I entertain myself in the city until he is free to see me?"

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake turned red again. The generosity went along with mockery he wasn't used to. Still, he accepted.

"Thank you, you can have mine to... play with." He said, feeling his cheeks burn. To divert the attention, he started slicing the sausage and cheese to make sandwiches. "What sort of other equipment do you have back at camp? And what are you doing here?"

26th June

Summer Day -- Poryatu

William Fitz Roberts

‘We came to get away from Prospero. There’s only so many times that we can put him on his back in training and him still not admit that we are better than him that we can take. So we came here to practice in peace’ Helga leaned in with a mock whisper ‘also Henriette wanted to teach us arithmetic today’. Helga gave a small shudder

‘Daddy has almost anything you can imagine in the family armoury back in Poryatown, but on campaign he has only a selection of the most important weapons. Swords, halberds, pikes, arbalests, cuirasses, burgonets, morions … everything we need to keep going in the field. And he lets us play with it all, so do the soldiers. They can be quite silly sometimes, Ruben especially is terrible at hide and seek’. Helga bit into an apple as she said this last, ‘want one? We picked some earlier’

Giesla sighed, thinking that her twin was giving too much away, and continued to work on her drawing.

Matthew Coffey

Regardless, Solomon reached the steps of White Hall and spoke to the closest guard:

'I am here to see King Matthew. I believe he is expecting me.'

Upon reaching the main doors of the building, whether there were any other guests at the time, he would question the steward or captain available as to whether the King was busy. "Sir Elrath, of Poryatu. I wish to speak to King Coffey. Is it possible to see him now, or, shall I entertain myself in the city until he is free to see me?"

"This way, sir, your presence is welcomed by our gracious King of Earth Hall." This was the greeting both would likely receive, whether they arrived at different times or not. Once ushered in, the two were met by the household of the King. It appeared far more populous than the previous councils scant assembly suggested, and even a few relatives of Matthew could be seen. Or at least, judging by the size...

"If you could please follow me to see the King." An enormous woman waddled up to greet each knight as they entered. Dressed in the fineries of any respected elderly courtier, she bore the same regalia as the King, save for far sterner features. Beckoning for those arrivals to follow, the woman would plod through the halls, a heady scent of lavender wafting from her person and clinging to the walls as she passed by. Soon enough however, they found themselves at the door to a great bedroom. At the other end, past some transparent muslin curtains was the King, slouching on a chair and presumably enjoying a break with some wine.

Gesturing inside with the slightest inclination of her head, the courtier took a measured step back, before returning the way she came. Once out of sight, the portly King rose to greet his guest - whichever arrived first - with a broad smile. "Welcome, come and sit, let us toast to the successes and health of the Empire in these trying times. Surely we have much to discuss, so let us get started."

No doubt the second knight would arrive to a scene of light merrymaking on the balcony of White Hall, two nobles enjoying the sea breeze and bounties of Summer.

Solomon Greybrook

The Sea Breeze and the Bounties of Summer

Once out of sight, the portly King rose to greet his guest - whichever arrived first - with a broad smile. "Welcome, come and sit, let us toast to the successes and health of the Empire in these trying times. Surely we have much to discuss, so let us get started."

With the heady scent of lavender stuck in his nose with some irritation, Solomon introduced himself to his fellow highborn with a slight bow followed by a firm handshake:

'King Coffey, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. While we have been in each other's presence recently, this is the first time we have met in person. I have eagerly awaited this meeting - and some decent wine I hope!' Solomon gave off a grin as he found himself a seat opposite the portly king on the balcony.

Taking a second to appreciate the sea breeze for a moment and the view that it oversaw, Solomon turned back to the King to continue the conversation:

'My King, I must apologise for the delay of this meeting first and foremost. As soon as the IAP took Dantooine, I have been either travelling or dealing with my household migrating up north. Luckily, our connections in the Grand Harbor of Giask made it easier to ship most of the furniture and essentials with ease. However, dealing with other branches of the family are another matter...' Again, Solomon slipped a grin as he began to relax into his chair. It had been a while since he had been he rested and his surroundings only accommodate his feelings on the matter.

'Nevertheless, my household has taken up temporary lodgings in the Duchy while an estate can be sorted. This is one of the reasons of which I wanted to meet you my King. I want to personally commit my oaths as your subject as well as reach a arrangement regarding a suitable estate for my household. Through the correspondence that we have shared, you are very aware of my attraction and fascination by the Dantooine region and it's people. However, I do want to emphasise to you my King that it is the way that you conduct yourself, engage with your nobles and your manner of rule regarding Earth Hall as a whole won me over. For example, travelling through Poryatu, the Aestian Arbalests appear to be the best soldiers I have seen straight from the recruitment camp! The IAP could use more soldiers like them. Furthermore, the nobles that serve you are a class above what I am used to. Engaging and passionate individuals, they can be a pleasure to interact with both socially and professionally.'

Solomon paused, turned to the balcony's view and then returned taken on a more serious tone:

'I thoroughly believe that the work that you have done here in Poryatown and the whole region can achieve great things. Therefore, I would want to offer my services to you as your subject. You will have my word as a Greybrook and my physical commitment to your defense. I may only be 20 years of age. However, my experience of leading troops, the many scars and wounds I have suffered in the name of Luria would not be put to waste in your name my King. Furthermore, my involvement with the Ordo Volpes can only be a testament to my honour and commitment to just cause...'

A thought had occurred to Solomon while he was discussing these matters with the King:

'If I could be so bold my King. Would it be advantageous for the Ordo Volpes to set up a guild house in Poryatown? Nobles of Earth Hall can join it as a way to spread both moral code and commitment to the realm? With the military reforms that are currently ongoing and your own personal renovations within the city, this would be a great chance for such a addition to the vibrant culture that already exists here?'

Noticing the wine bottle on the table, Solomon relaxed once again and suggested to the King:

'I have been talking far too long. Is there anything that you would want to ask of me? I am happy to assist in anyway I can. Nevertheless, may I be bold enough to ask if you would like another glass of wine?'

Donald Augustus Allan

"Your victory was certain it seems, I cannot doubt that your training was of excellent quality. I would hope you agree that my man held is ground well but seems I have much to learn from you"

Donald clapped and cheered as his man emerged victorious, leaving his opponent lying about the sodden earth. The victor embraced his fellows and a drink with thrust in to his hand, after a short celebration men called out for a new fight to begin. As two more men stepped forward the barely conscious infantryman was pulled away from the ring and attended to.

"Weapons of range take much strength to wield. Despite what many believe archers and arbalists often have greater strength of arm than many in the infantry, or even elite units" said the Earl, rolling the glass in his hand.

Now, onto other matters. It was good to see you at the council recently, I found it to be very intuitive and I have high hopes for Earth Hall. How fares thing in Sun Hall? Your region did take the brunt of monster attacks, I imagine it left the region in need of repairs?"

Donald nodded in agreement, "It was good of King Matthew to invite me, particularly as I'm not even from Earth Hall. I do hope my words weren't quite too out of place, but they felt quite... natural"

He looked over towards the gathered warriors once more. Two more men had stepped forward, one a huge bald man with an ugly, weathered face locked in to a toothy snarl. And the other was shorter, less muscular but seemed filled with eagerness and activity, hurling insults and taunts at his foe in an attempt to entice anger to consume him. This worked excellently, and the bald man clenched both his fists and dashed towards his opponent with surprising speed.

"As for Sun Hall, well" he chuckled a little "Things are improving, I daresay. Of course monsters are in no shortage but the Kingdom seems to have attracted some diligent nobles"

The shorter fellow was quick and deftly evaded each blow, each attempt to grapple. At one point he seemed trapped and defeated, but by some magic he slipped right out of those meaty hands and appeared right behind the other man, taking him by surprise. This brawl would last much longer and neither man appeared to be ready to back down.

"I intend to return home, back to Thar Gortauth and oversee the repairs myself it has been far too long since I have been away" Donald then finished the glass, then turned to Emyhr and away from the fight "What about you Sir Emyhr? Any ambitious plans for the future? A Lordship to claim? Perhaps a young lady to win over? There must be more to Emyhr la Craint then simply a scarred face and the occasional, heroic tendencies"

Emyhr le Craint

Glancing over to the victor from the previous fight, now with a drink in hand, intermingling with both Earl Donalds men and Emyhr's men. This put a smile on his face to see these two groups of men able to relax and enjoy themselves. The new competitors were putting on quite the show, with cheers from both groups of men. The strength of the bald man against the dexterity of the smaller man, with no clear winner in sight the excitement continued to build. However, Emyhr's focus was elsewhere and Earl Donald's response caught him off guard slightly.

"I intend to return home, back to Thar Gortauth and oversee the repairs myself it has been far too long since I have been away" Donald then finished the glass, then turned to Emyhr and away from the fight "What about you Sir Emyhr? Any ambitious plans for the future? A Lordship to claim? Perhaps a young lady to win over? There must be more to Emyhr la Craint then simply a scarred face and the occasional, heroic tendencies"

"I am glad to see that Sun Hall is progressing even with the destruction caused by the monsters. It has been a while since I was last in the south, Im hoping my next trip would be a lot safer and hopefully more productive. I myself find myself often caught in a moment of thought about the future. Earth Hall has been a wonderful place to start and both King Matthew Coffey and Margravine Ciarghuala have given me many opertunites as a young knight. However, I find myself constantly seeking out ways to better myself. I often wonder whether I could provide more help to other regions, like that of Sun Hall, that have suffered."

Emyhr takes a final swig of ale and looks down into the empty cup, staring intently at the small pools of remaining liquid.

"My ambition is my down fall it seems and I cannot find myself comfortable within the certainty of Earth Hall. Maybe in the future I will find myself traveling around Luria Nova. Honestly, I wish to offer my hand in assistance to the duchies. Perhaps my drive would find better use in other duchies? Earth Hall has now encompassed such a large amount of nobles and knights, that I feel it is my duty to move on and assist those in need."

The sound of a large thud catches Emyhr out of his thoughts as he saw the both the bald man and the smaller man lying on the floor. It seems that they could not best one another in this fight and had caught a hit from each other that knocked them to the ground.

"What do you suggest? You have counciled me on matters before, I realize that this is not the same as last time but I value your opinion none the less."

Turin Erickson

Turin meditated in the tower of his manor bathed in the light of the Maddening star which shone full even as darkness veiled the others. The Maddening had always been the star he felt most often attuned to though for some reason fate never permitted him to serve as its light. Suddenly his eyes snapped open, and he spoke aloud.

"I had a vision of the prophet. He lead me to a chamber deep beneath the Earth. It had a mighty gate, but the way was shut. We circled along the dome checkered with transparent stone until at last he showed me a side door to a great realm. Within dwelt dragons and serpents. I leaped above a wyrm with jaws that could swallow a sailing vessel whole. A flying drake swooped from above, yet I made it clear to the other side..."

"And then you awoke,"

The reply came from the deep clear and seldom heard voice of Illyria. At her breast suckled the sacred babe Severina prophetess of Sanguis Astroism, as yet unrecognized.

"The Maddening calls you to enter a place of great danger," she stated.

"Indeed and I know that place well," Turin replied.

Summer Evening -- Poryatu

Aldrakar Renodin

A Fieldbed and a Wheelbarrow

Opening his eyes the very first thing he beheld was a grinning old man. Old because has older than he was himself and grinning because the old goat never thought for a moment that his master had given up the ghost. Your morning parcels Emprah. And he promptly unloaded the contents of a very big wheelbarrow right on the ground next to the bed. Aldrakar groaned and rolled to his side. A hand rummaging through the pile. Working through the letters one by one.

Esteemed members of the Realm,

Let this letter be a first sign of life.

Wounded I was in the fields of Girich and it seems that some bureacrats were eager enough to set things in motion that they could have delayed a day or two should they have been overly concerned with my health. Yet, the health of the Empire comes first. I'll not give them the evil eye.

With some help I've skimmed through the mountain of letters that I've been provided with, near half a thousand, bear with me. And I am mostly gladdened. Be that what it may, most of the matters have seemed to resolved themselves, ran their coarse or will require my immediate attention. The latter is the smallest group yet it will take ome time to attent to all the individual matters at once. Rest easy, I yet draw breath. As they say.

Now, I see the Imperial Marshal has went ahead with a reform. An ancient one I might add and I will allow him his time and chance. Four armies can work and they have but with time, four became two. As the ocean ebbs so too does the military.

Where it concerns my Imperial Crown. It seems some have thoughts, designs or even raised voice towards it. I smirk and then I work it into a smile. You do not know what it is you ask and want until you bear the burden and reason its demands. Should the Realm desire me to return to the Imperial Throne, I shall. Despite what some bureaucrats think or write up. Hold no ill will to contenders I ask all you Lurians. Merit we hold dear and you must not shoot it down. Let that gravitate in more ways than one.

King Matthew has done some good in bringing about unity and with his closing words I shall leave the matter of the South Divides. Know that my council was not sought and my approval was not given.

In closing, my eyes are bright when I read about the new faces that have joined our ranks. I bid you welcome new Knights of the Empire. Highborn of Luria. If you wondered about the confusion and the upbeat nature of fellow Nobles. Worry not, we are a lively bunch and you are invited to participate. If a realm if not buzzing, it is not worth fighting for.

Lurians, a wound and a pause in Imperial Rule from my hand aside, I ask you to grand me your faith once more so we can continue upon our path. What say you?

Turin Erickson

Turin gazes over his letters puzzled. The Emperor had announced his return mere hours after Turin had made his announcement, yet in that time he'd still received several condemnations and accusations of usurpation and lust for power.

"What was the point of this?" he asked aloud, "I've no chance of winning this election and may have even made a few enemies. Scribe, begin a new letter on official bureaucratic parchment, 'After my name and titles message reads I herby withdraw-"

"Do not close your heart to the Maddening," Illyria interrupted, "the prophet shall lead you clear to the other side."

Turin took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Scribe discard that parchment and begin a new,"

Myr Arnickles Renodin

The Sands II

Atrabilious tune could be heard from within the chamber, full of broody notes. Pale fingers strummed the cords of the harp and each motion released a doze of melancholy into the air. Myr crept up slowly, not to startle the player; he conjured up an ocarina from his side pouch and started to blow notes of his own. The sounds of the harp wavered for a second but never stopped, and soon they were back to full strength. While the harp insisted on keeping the melody on the sad and cosy side, the whistles of the ocarina pushed it more and more into pompous regions, not sparing grandiloquent tones. The acustic squabble lasted another couple of minutes until young knight decided to find a middle ground. With a cheery tune he dominated the score and young lady had no choice but to follow in tune. Concluding the low-key concerto both musicians got surprised by a loud clapping that could be heard from downstairs. "Keep at it, kids! Keep at it!" - shout of aunt Maya elicited unrestrained laughter from the both of them.

"Well Alya. I see your music tutors were not dillydallying." - Myr said through his smile, attempting to pat his distant cousin on the head, but she twisted from under his hand before he had the occasion.

"They were not and I'm not a kid anymore and you're not that much older and you're definitely not allowed to do that, hey!" - Alya replied on one breath and jabbed Myr on the soft spot in his armour.

Young knight took a look at her, she should be around fourteen summers, she was definitely a couple of inches taller than the last time he visited. Her beautiful blonde braid was now almost reaching her waist and she lost most of her girly moodiness. "Tell me" - he said - "are your other tutors equally assiduous?"

"They are definitely ass..." - Alya muttered something under her nose but Myr couldn't quite make it out. "What was that?" - he asked but she waved off his inquiry. Myr lifted his eyebrow in a practiced fashion and continued on the subject of her study:

"Come on, show me some of your embroidery, or show me a courtly bow, or show me..."

"I'd rather show you something else!" - Alya interrupted him and took a peculiar, thin sword from under her bed.

Young knight's eyes widened as he watched bewildered at his cousin waving the sword in air, none of her swings failing to produce a woosh.

"Swordplay?! Really?!" - he asked - "And what kind of sword even is that?"

"It's fencing thank you very much. And they call it spada da lato but I call it Vestri." - Alya smiled roguishly and pointing the sword at her cousin exclaimed - "En garde!"

"En what?" - Myr asked dumbfounded, which caused Alya to roll her eyes and clarify - "Let's train! Come on."

The Sands III

"It's fencing thank you very much. And they call it spada da lato but I call it Vestri." - Alya smiled roguishly and pointing the sword at her cousin exclaimed - "En garde!"

"En what?" - Myr asked dumbfounded, which caused Alya to roll her eyes and clarify - "Let's train! Come on."

"That's preposterous, I'm a knight!" - he said.

"Don't tell me you're scared of a girl, Sir Knight." - she retorted.

"And you're a kid..." - he argued, which only earned him a tap on the forehead from his cousin's sword - "You can't possibly presume to..." - another tap - "... that is not a proper occupation for a young lady..." - and another one, forceful this time. Myr unsheathed his shamshir and dropped it to the ground, after which he pulled the bastard sword from the sheath on his back.

"En gralt." - he said. "It's en... nevermind" - Alya gave up with a sigh and not waiting for invitation tapped her opponent's sword several times, pushing it aside. Myr raised his blade up and swung it down but Alya sidestepped it effortlessly and slapped him on the hand. Thanks to his steel gauntlets he barely registered the hit and swung his sword sideways but his cousin ducked below it. Myr's surprise was obvious, so was his cousin's mixture of pride and amusement. Another several swings Alya evaded, so Myr started to mix some thrusts in, but then he noticed that Alya parries them even more effortlessly than she would evade the swings. He was using his sword with one hand, with both hands, swung, thrusted, slashed and pivoted and each time his sword found either air or a brief contact with the "fancy sword" parrying the thrusts. In the meantime Alya struck the mark five times, though none of the hits were more than annoyance for armour-clad knight. Myr quickly found that even though his training partner lacks experience, the technique she's using is clearly superior. The longer the fight lasted the more tired he was and finally, with a shout of victory Alya thrusted her sword into her opponent's chest. But her joy was short-lived. Knight's armour easily repelled the jab and now Myr was holding the blade of her sword with his left steel-clad hand and bringing to it the heavy bastard sword wielded in his right with a mighty force. The impact violently torn spada de lato from Alya's grip and launched it into the chamber wall.

"Ouch, not so hard you dimwit!" - young lady exclaimed.

"Oh, so you were holding yourself back, trying to skewer me with this... thing?" - Myr smiled cockily.

"I almost bested you." - she said.

"Almost." - Myr's answer stung the girl a little but before she could retort he added - "Your fancy is certainly interesting. I have never seen a swordplay like yours. Who taught you this technique?"

"Auntie drafts all sorts of people here to tutor me. One curious man from Darfix came here to teach me geometry and architecture but when I saw him train with this." - Alya pointed to her spada da lato - "Let's just say I learned no geometry whatsoever."

"So... what do I earn for almost kicking your knightly behind." - Alya asked raffishly, but Myr was immersed deep in thought.

"Manners, girl!" - aunt Maya appeared in the chamber's entrance but Alya was undeterred.

"Perhaps some respect?" - she said mockingly.

"How about a visit to Askileon?" - Myr said and both women froze in shock.

The Sands IV

"So... what do I earn for almost kicking your knightly behind." - Alya asked raffishly, but Myr was immersed deep in thought.

"Manners, girl!" - aunt Maya appeared in the chamber's entrance but Alya was undeterred.

"Perhaps some respect?" - she said mockingly.

"How about a visit to Askileon?" - Myr said and both women froze in shock - "More than a visit. How about you come live in Heir's Gate?" - he continued and silence followed, long minutes of it. When Maya finally shook the shock off she exclaimed:

"Out of the question!"

"Auntie, please..." - Alya pleaded, her eyes glazed over in hope, her cheeks red in joy. The pleading continued until the old woman relented.

"She will be safe." - aunt Maya said, looking Myr menacingly in the eye.

"Of course, I will send Waldred for her and he will always accompany her henceforward. He was my captain for the past two years and he was the best one I could ever wish for." - the knight vowed.

"You will check on her." - Maya's demanded.

"Every time I'm in the city." - Myr assured.

Maya nodded in approval and seeing it Alya launched herself into a hug so tight she had the old woman gasping for air.

"Let's go!" - she shrieked - "No, wait, I must pack. No! Let's go now, I'll buy new things in Askileon."

"Not so fast, m'Lady." - Myr calmed her down - "I'm travelling alone, it's not safe for you. I will send back Waldred with a proper entourage as soon as I'm in the city." - he informed, to Alya's obvious chagrin, so he sweetened the news saying - "Train your fancy. Perhaps you'll best me next time we meet."

Young lady decided against correcting him and just said:

"I'm sure the next time we cross swords I will kick your noble a...", "Alya!" - Maya cut her off.

They supped together and bid their farewells. Alya may have gone to bed that evening, but it was only another day's setting sun that saw her go to sleep.

On his long ride back Myr stopped at the verge of the desert, beheld terrific dunescape and decided to stay a while. He recalled the meeting with the trader chased by hyena and tales of the desert both told and untold. He closed his eyes and furrowed his brows, hum of desert wind made it impossible to tell wether he stood there for seconds or hours. He dismounted, unsheathed his curved sword and knelt on the sand. He clutched the shamshir in his right hand and a fistful of sand in his left. He guided the blade onto the sand and slid it with force - a trickle of red sand escaped his left fist upon leisurely unclenching.

"I will once lord over this desert. From Sallowcape to the Blossomer, from Sallowwild to the Divides. Every acre of land, every eery hum of the wind, every grain of sand. This I vow on my blood, the blood of the Myriads, the blood of the Renodins, the blood of the Empire, the blood of the Desert. This is my legacy, this is my birthright. Though it is owed - it will be earned."

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

In Girich "You wrote what?!" Duncan flinched at his lady's exasperated tone. "You know I'm not evading unless he is!"

The older man smiled. "But how will you know, my dear?"

"Well, you should have ordered him to evade, like I told you to!" "You don't order an Emperor around." "You don't. I would. Now it's no use. Get Otwin out of the healer's tent and get him ready to fight."

Tyra burst out of her camp. Otwin was the last one standing from her unit and had been wounded every round of fight since they'd left the Emperor's Will. Maybe today was the day he died. She went to the healer's and exchanged one long glance with him, sharing the knowledge and allowing the dread and exhilaration of battle to grow inside them both. Her captain smiled. Tyra smiled.

She was finally able to walk again. Her healers said it hadn't been too serious, just a few cracked ribs, possibly not even broken. Her body, however, looked and felt like she had been overrun by a two wheel carriage.

Otwin had died for her. His arm had gotten in the way of that monster's bite, and all that had hit her was the impact, which knocked the air from her chest, cracked her ribs and left a rainbow of contusion on her torso. The beast and her captain rolled on top of her and her last sight had been his arm getting ripped off his body, before passing out.

As she caught up on letters and reports, pretending she was fine, Tyra saw her Duncan following her with his eyes. She fervently hoped the Emperor was safe. He was the one she came here to protect.

It had been two days and no news of the Emperor. Rumours from Court said he'd be considered missing and elections would be held in the morrow. Tyra cursed at her scouts who found nothing but monsters, and despite the pain, went out looking herself.

Duncan and the scouts were left behind in her hideout. Tyra was almost happy. It reminded her of her childhood in Beluaterra, walking among the beasts and diverting their attention, avoiding them. Every so often a gasp from a sharp pain on her ribs would draw the monsters in. The undead were worse, they'd follow her scent, even more so because she was wounded.

After a couple of hours, she had to stop. It hurt a lot. Her sight was full of little black dots, and every breath made it hurt more. Tyra was looking around for somewhere to hide when an Alpha wandered into sight. She tried being silent but her painful breath intakes were too audible. He was coming... She moaned and got up to run.

Goriad Gabanus

The past few days had been troublesome for Goriad. Just as he had arrived at the royal camp of Aldrakar, a great number of foul beasts overran the region. Some minutes before they arrived one of Goriad's scouts entered the encampment and warned them of the impending danger. What remained of Aldrakar's guards quickly formed formation to protect their Emperor, but the beasts were too many according to the scout. Some of the guards were hesitant, but Goriad assured Aldrakar that there was no deception. The small group of men quickly fled from the encampment into the small forest in the north of Girich. He knew that scent in the forest would be shrouded in part by the other wildlife, making it easier to hide from the monsters. As they made their way towards the forest, they came accross some of the beasts and while the guards held them off, Goriad moved to secure the Emperor.

They ultimately managed to arrive at a small creek and Goriad smiled at Aldrakar "They say mud does wonders for your face Emperor," and a small chuckle escaped him "but if it's not, at least it will mask our smell. The region is overrun."

some days later

One of the scouts, he too covered in mud, arrived back at the small cave like structure they had found to hide in. "Milords, there is a wounded women, dressed in armor, 2 minutes away from our location. I do not recognize her." Goriad stood up, ordered the scout to show him the way. When they finally arrived, an big beast was approaching the lady, one of noble birth so it seemed. Without hesitation Goriad took the bow from his back and fired at the Alpha beast. While he managed to hit him, the beast did not go down but rather changed his direction towards Goriad and the scout. Before the beast reached them, he managed to hit him twice more, which allowed the two men to relatively easily overpower the beast in the ensuing fight. As the beast laid slain, Goriad commanded the scout to gut the creature and remove access part.

As the scout began, Goriad himself, his body and cape all covered in mud, walked towards the lady. It would no doubt have been difficult to distinguish the emblems on his cloack, but the mix of clothes and the mud must have appeared strange.

"Greetings milady, what is a lady like yourself doing in these woods all alone, in such a monster infested land?"

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Tyra was impressed at the man's skill, but she couldn't help but smirk at his knightly greeting. "I suppose I was trying to do something above my skill set, milord."

She inhaled slowly not to give any sign of pain and leaned back on a tree for support. Her pale blue eyes, mark of the Andrasta family, weren't as piercing as usual, but she looked even more wild. The chainmail battered from the many monster battles of the last days, the braids which removed the hair from her face were nearly undone, and the rest of the pale strawberry hair was haphazardly loose. It was a fine match for the man's mud covered clothes. She couldn't see the sygils but from her scouts descriptions from the last few days, the man under his command, and the speech... this could only be one man.

"I came here to protect the Emperor." Her hand unconsciously went to the single trace of civility in her, a rose of white agate pinned to her hair. "Managed to fight a few battles with him, but when the horde came..." She tried to shrug but gasped in pain. "... as you can see I got a little gift from them. Cracked ribs they say. Should have learned how to shoot a bow, apparently." With a small smile, she continued. "I'm Tyra Andrasta, Earl Goriad. Any chance perhaps you succeeded in doing what I couldn't?"

Drake finished making three sausage cheese sandwiches as the nice twin spoke, then he matter of factly put one of them on a clean kerchief next to Giesla, while trading the other for an apple from Helga, and sitting down on the grass, close to the scary twin. She didn't look so scary as she drew and he was feeling safer now.

"Come, sit, Helga. This all looks very interesting! I also play with the family's soldiers, well, that is, the Bluelakes train the recruits in one of the centers from Poryatu... Apparently that's a family tradition, that and horses. So we go there sometimes. I'm decent with a sword... But not good enough to face monsters, my father says. Auntie Alice would let me, Head Zhou already let me once... Well... I meddled in a small battle really... But I got to wound one!" His eyes were sparkling with pride. "Now I'm off to find our cousin who is serving as a knight and be her squire!"

27th June

Summer Morning -- Poryatu

Tohrm Elrath

"My liege."

A courteous bow proceeded Tohrms entry. He took in the sights of the room for but a moment, only to gauge the situation of his King. To be expected in the lavishness of the area but not so overboard as he may have imagined.

"I hope you have a diligent messenger boy from the pigeon coop. I believe I will be receiving quite a number of letters in the next few days, you included. And I have much work to do. Perhaps more so than yourself, or dare I say, anyone in the Empire." He let his words sink in as he himself found a seat near his rotund King. Taking a glass of wine proffered by a servant, Tohrm continued.

"Quite the list of topics to discuss eh? I was actually expecting you to be so caught up in the politicking right now that you would be unable to receive visitors. No matter. There is something I will inform you of my liege before we court words on the state of the realm." Tohrm took a sip from his glass. He swirled it idly as he regarded the sunshine through the balcony window. It was a pleasant day afterall.

"My liege, I intend to put down my sword and minister to our realm in quite a different manner. Probably in a way that has been long forgotten in Luria. Given the inclinations of nobility and commoner alike, I understand that our lack of faith is disturbing. I might offer to remedy that, if you would care to hear..." "Not only that, I would like to engage you in the recent debates at hand. I am sure you have been keeping up. You seem to be quite embroiled in politik after all. Particularly the most recent stance of our Emperor..."

Tohrms words trailed off, steadily the glass emptied and no doubt the King would be busy with other matters. If he had his attention for just a short while though, there was much to say. Of grand importance.

Matthew Coffey

Sir Solomon's Arrival

'King Coffey, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. While we have been in each other's presence recently, this is the first time we have met in person. I have eagerly awaited this meeting - and some decent wine I hope!' Solomon gave off a grin as he found himself a seat opposite the portly king on the balcony.

Matthew smiled pleasantly, casting a sideways glance at the cheap wine that was being poured. His expression didn't falter as the knight continued.

... Furthermore, the nobles that serve you are a class above what I am used to. Engaging and passionate individuals, they can be a pleasure to interact with both socially and professionally.'

The King couldn't help himself but nod along, basking in the praise of this knight whom he'd just met. He allowed him to continue uninterrupted, so that he might soak in the total severity of his words. Measuring the young knights tones, his wistful gazes over the balcony, his sober requests.

'I have been talking far too long. Is there anything that you would want to ask of me? I am happy to assist in anyway I can. Nevertheless, may I be bold enough to ask if you would like another glass of wine?'

"Of course! Pour us another." He grinned, gesturing to his empty glass. "What you say about Earth Hall is true. I was given it as shell of what it is now. It is full to the brim with talent, honest and vigourous. They do not fear to tell me that I am wrong, and good I say! I am barely a few years older than yourself." Throwing his arm out in a mock grandiose fashion to the city of Poryatown he continued. "It is no wonder you would come here seeking fortune, there is much to be had. But, onto the business you speak of." Facing Solomon again, the King continued. "Dantooine will be given a lord post haste, and with it there will be estates for you to take up. There will be land reformations soon, so you might be given your fair share of territory and afford yourself properly. As for Ordo Volpes, I plan on building a guild house to each Ordo in Poryatown, but personally have yet to join other as my hands are tied here looking after the city until the realm is reformed as a whole. This is tiresome business, but the unfortunate situation we are all in." Taking a moment to drink his wine, purely to whet his tongue, he continued. "Know that you are free to do as you please here, within law, as any Lurian ought to. We are equals in this Kingdom, peers of the Empire, and your title means little in the grand scheme of things. Do what must be done to see Luria strengthened, and strike any down who would seek to do otherwise. That is all I can ask, and promise you that your ambitions will be made manifest here in Earth Hall."

Waving over a servant, he ordered for some writing utensils to be gathered. "Now, to make that estate free for you..."

Matthew Coffey

Sir Tohrms Arrival

"I hope you have a diligent messenger boy from the pigeon coop. I believe I will be receiving quite a number of letters in the next few days, you included. And I have much work to do. Perhaps more so than yourself, or dare I say, anyone in the Empire."

"Certainly, no rest for the wicked, or so they say."

I was actually expecting you to be so caught up in the politicking right now that you would be unable to receive visitors. No matter. There is something I will inform you of my liege before we court words on the state of the realm."

Matthew sighed at that, waving the topic off. He didn't want to talk about the realm right now, but otherwise allowed Tohrm to continue.

"My liege, I intend to put down my sword and minister to our realm in quite a different manner. Probably in a way that has been long forgotten in Luria. Given the inclinations of nobility and commoner alike, I understand that our lack of faith is disturbing. I might offer to remedy that, if you would care to hear..."

"Oh?" The King responded, seemingly caught off guard. "I did not expect to be hearing of this until much later." He leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine about. "Do continue, I'm intrigued what you have to say, but know that much is happening in the Empire now and I may not assent to what it is you might think. But I will give you the courteousy of an open ear."

Solomon Greybrook

A Lord's Cup of Wine

Waving over a servant, he ordered for some writing utensils to be gathered. "Now, to make that estate free for you..."

The servant hurried over as the King began to deliberate his actions and the potential estates of Dantooine. Solomon made no secret that the rolling hills of Dantooine were in his mind's eye. The land was so new, different and gave a opportunity for Solomon and the people who lived there to only grow and prosper.

Silently gesturing the cup of wine of which he had poured himself, Solomon had a taste. One of the many lessons his father taught him was to appreciate hospitality when it was due. This was after all, a lord's cup of wine.

Despite this good motion, a thought bounced in his head, Solomon knew - so did the King.

Nevertheless, Solomon drunk some more of the wine that he had been served and spoke to the King:

'I appreciate the efforts and the trust that you are placing in me. When the western front has died down and my family have settled into the new estate, it would be my honour to host you and other nobles of this land. I will have to investigate some of the vineyards that I saw the peasants tend to in the west for before the occasion.'

With a pause and smile, Solomon nearly finished his glass of wine and put it down on the table that was between them:

'How do you feel having all of your household here? It has been a while that I have sat with mine. However, no matter the great companionship that you can create with you comrades in arms, there is always a place for your family I argue. Regardless, with the travelling that I have endured recently, there has not been much time to even consider arranging a marriage for myself and a beautiful bride...'

That thought took the enthusiasm out of Solomon's discussion and sat back with the remains of his glass, awaiting the King's thoughts and processes.

Summer Evening -- Nid Tek

William Fitz Roberts

Giesla snatched the sandwich, opened it up, removed the cheese grimacing at it in disgust and tossed it over her shoulder before eating the sausage and bread. She then returned to her drawing.

Helga sat and smiled as she listened to Drake. ‘Is your cousin the Countess Tyra? She used to be daddy’s vassal. I am sure that if you come back with us to camp he can help you find her more easily. But before that, do you want to see how you match up against me? I can be the mighty Fulchritter of the Ordo Volpes and we can say that you are Sir Myr the Inept!!!!’

Matthew Coffey

When the western front has died down and my family have settled into the new estate, it would be my honour to host you and other nobles of this land. I will have to investigate some of the vineyards that I saw the peasants tend to in the west for before the occasion.' - Sir Solomon

"I would not turn down such a visit. To be honest, I have never seen Dantooine myself, for it has always been in the hands of rogue elements until recent during my lifetime. I shall make a note of it."

... Regardless, with the travelling that I have endured recently, there has not been much time to even consider arranging a marriage for myself and a beautiful bride...'

As Solomon continued, Matthew took the moment to snap a servant to attention, shooing them off to go and fetch something to snack on. As the conversation drifted to matters of family, and even that of weddings, the young King couldn't help but smirk. "Come now, a fetching young bachelor such as yourself shouldn't be thinking so soon of marriage and settling down." He shook his head, tutting. "Think of all the other women you have yet to meet! We're both young, and I remember not too long ago when I would sneak out of the manor at night with a few bottles of wine. Me and the other squires would have such fun, getting into fights and chasing young women." Matthew sighed wistfully. "Now, I just have to host some local nobility and the women are fawning all around. It's just for the position mind you, why else?" He laughed gaily, finishing his cup and awaiting food to arrive. "Did you not do similar? I think when things have settled down a bit, us junior nobles should all take to the streets of Poryatown one week and tear it up good and proper. Alas, they know my face and know me to be the King now! Although..." Trailing off for a moment, he paused. "Maybe that means they wouldn't chase us off when we've caused too much trouble."

28th June

Autumn Day -- Ciarin Tut

Solomon Greybrook

Giask's Baths and Memories

"Think of all the other women you have yet to meet! We're both young, and I remember not too long ago when I would sneak out of the manor at night with a few bottles of wine. Me and the other squires would have such fun, getting into fights and chasing young women... "Did you not do similar?"

All of this talk brought back memories of Solomon's youth. Messing around with his cousins and elder brother around the family's townhouse or in the alleys of Giask playing games, those were moments that he remembered with fondness. With a rather large grin on his face he continued to listen to the King...

"I think when things have settled down a bit, us junior nobles should all take to the streets of Poryatown one week and tear it up good and proper. Alas, they know my face and know me to be the King now! Although... Maybe that means they wouldn't chase us off when we've caused too much trouble."

This truly earned a laugh from Solomon - there was not too much he could laugh about these days:

"I do not remember the last time I went to the local taverns! I came to possess the Grand Harbor estate a few days after my 18th birthday! I am not sure how we could get away with a true tavern exploration, with our titles and all. Regardless, I would be more than happy to accompany you!"

Pausing for a second to wet his mouth with the remainder of the wine he possessed, Solomon continued:

'I do remember one time with my cousins in Giask where we were near the Public Baths and one of my cousins got involved with the wrong section if you understand what I am saying!'

With a small laugh, Solomon continued:

'The next day, he comes back round to the family townhouse at first light with a bright red mark on his cheek! However, what I remember very clearly was the grin that he held afterwards and stated to us all that it was all worth it. Being rather young at the time, we saw him as a brave man whom dared to do the unexpected and the incorrect. Nevertheless, the chase was something I have only ever experienced once in my life. A childhood sweetheart that was taken away from me after her family moved down south. To me, it was her eyes and charm that truly won me over. We were too young then to realise to rather enjoyable intimacies relationships could bring. Looking back, I should of urged her to stay. Now as the Marshal of the IAP and grown into a man, there is less time for leisure. Regardless, one would like to forget his responsibilities once in a while to explore what beauty is out there...'

Seeing the King finish his cup of wine, Solomon took the nearly empty bottle and poured it for the King and then himself. Just as he finished pouring the last drops of the wine, the King's servants came into the room with what appeared to be their food.

Autumn Evening -- Ciarin Tut

Donald Augustus Allan

"What do you suggest? You have counciled me on matters before, I realize that this is not the same as last time but I value your opinion none the less."

As both men were dragged away under the pale light of the burning fire Donald grinned a toothy grin and poured himself another cup of ale. He savoured the dark brew for a moment before taking a long, exaggerated swig of Dantooine's most accessible ale.

"Well" he mused, the glass dancing between his fingertips "It is the nature of ambitious men to forge their own path, rather than to be simply be handed orders and tasks. Perhaps you would be better suited elsewhere? I know Sun Hall is always looking for daring young Knights"

He turned away from the combat. Undoubtedly more men were anxious to prove themselves, but now the Earl was concerned with only one. He stood and faced the Knight directly "Earth Hall is a lovely place, rich, prosperous and full of life. It is however, just a tad small and not likely to really get much bigger"

He placed an arm of Emyhr's shoulder and lead him a little distance away, talking as they walked "Sun Hall has need of young warriors such as yourself. Men not burdened by intrigue and politics. Men who can see a clear, honest goal" he drank more then gestured at Emyhr "Shinnen has estates in need of occupation, southern lands in need of liberation and gold in need of a thick purse. Sir Eymhr, come south and you can aid in the building of a great Kingdom not seen for decades, it would be a real opportunity to bring glory to the House la Craint"

He removed his hand from Emyhr's shoulder and said "That is my suggestion"

29th

Autumn Day -- Mattan Dews

Tohrm Elrath

Tohrm would drink from the cheap wine without much of a care. It was good to just be away from the field, even if the realm was still somewhat tumultuous. Having somewhat missed Solomons entry, due to being in quite the deep discussion with the King, he stood and offered his hand with a well meaning smile.

"Sir Elrath, of Poryatu. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance. It seems I am not the only one with rather pertinent realm issues on my mind."

He would take a moment for his introduction to sink in before addressing the two men there.

"The realm has quite a lot of work ahead of it if we are to become stable once more. If I may, what is on my mind may hold importance to the two of you. Indeed, it is likely to affect Earth Hall the most directly of anywhere in Luria."

He would let the two men continue to speak with eachother until a point that he had their attention fixed. He would continue...

Matthew Coffey

"Now as the Marshal of the IAP and grown into a man, there is less time for leisure. Regardless, one would like to forget his responsibilities once in a while to explore what beauty is out there...' - Solomon

"The realm has quite a lot of work ahead of it if we are to become stable once more. If I may, what is on my mind may hold importance to the two of you. Indeed, it is likely to affect Earth Hall the most directly of anywhere in Luria." - Tohrm

"What!" The King roared in laughter at Solomon's tale. "You have not ever once interested a young woman since then? By whatever deities you hold man, it is decided. A royal decree!" He continued to laugh, motioning over a servant. "Let it be known that all peers of Earth Hall are invited to White Hall, once the realm has reformed. We will celebrate on the town, the King and his entourage!" Dismissing the grimacing individual, he continued. "What fun we shall have, I will not let you leave the night without at least two... No three! Three women on your arm." He grinned, twisting his head to look at Tohrm. "What say you? Will you honour your Kings decree and accompany us? No doubt you have some tales to spin of your exploits. I'll hear no talk of business just yet. Spin your words and then perhaps I'll entertain an interruption to lunch. Speaking of which..."

The servants arrived with an open platter to be picked at. Three large pies that oozed a tomato sauce, smelling strongly of seabass. Fresh summer fruits and a second pitcher of wine. Still cheap and watered down.

"Shall we?" The King rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

In Dantooine, on the abandoned fort

Drake looked at his half eaten sandwich and sighed, putting it aside. "Ok, we can do that. But I don't want your father to know me, what if he thinks like Giesla and sends me back? Or worse?"

Getting to his feet, he picked his new helmet and offered it back to Helga. "It's only fair that you fight with what you brought."

William Fitz Roberts

‘My father will do what I want, he always listens to me, I won’t let him send you back’, Helga waved the helmet away, ‘I can fight even better without restricted vision’. She went over to a hazel tree and used her knife to cut two staves. She tossed one at Drake

‘Let’s use these, I haven’t used a staff for a while and it’s good to practice with lots of weapons’

She stood in a guard position, waiting for Drake to make the first move

Tyra Andrasta Bluelake

Drake gallantly bowed and positioned himself as well. The boy was happy. He could see she was good. As she was clearly waiting for him to move first, he did, stepping sideways with the simplest attack, aiming for her arm. A swift, precise movement, meant to get a reaction and get the match started. From then on, they were dancing. Drake always loved to see other people fight. He smiled the whole time.

Emyhr le Craint

He removed his hand from Emyhr's shoulder and said "That is my suggestion"

Emyhr stood there for a second, pondering that Earl Donald had just offered. The thought had crossed his mind to travel south however this was the first time being offered this kind of opportunity. After a moment of thought, Emyhr turned back to the earl.

"Your suggestion is very interesting. Not only does it solve my need for travel but it also presents me the opportunity to help in a time of great change. Being offered the opportunity to not only move there but to play a role in its rise to greatness, this would be a great honour and a way to discover my purpose in these lands. It has been a while since I have been to Sun Hall, but it looks like I could be returning sooner than I thought."

Emyhr let out quite a big smile as he held out his hand to the Earl.

"Once again, it seems you have come to help and provide answers in my time of need. I would happily take upon this opportunity that you have offered. Doing such would provide not only a great way to serve Luria Nova, but gives me the experience and challenges I so desire. I will make preparations for this transition, however, I currently have duties to serve for Earth Hall so my move will not be too soon. It will not be long, that I can promise."

Shaking hands as the night came to a close, the crowds around the ring began to disperse as the fire began to diminish. For a little while after the conversation, Emyhr and Earl Donald returned to the table to further discuss his movement down to Sun Hall. Excitement about the move filled the mind of the young knight and the more discussions they had about the state of Luria Nova, the more the conversation was brought back to Sun Hall.

After the fire had completely gone out, the two men stood up and shook hands once again. The Earl set off back towards his camp with his men in tow, many of them covered in bruises and minor scrapes, but moral was high among the group. The same could be said about the Vanguard, hauling themselves back to their tents to rest up before the morning travel. Emyhr, packed up the glasses the two had used and returned back to his tent, smiling all the way.

Autumn Evening -- Mattan Dews

Bethany Birkenhead

...I will answer personal correspondence concerning my person and all unsolved affairs with Jeffrey as soon as humanly possible, I am drowning in leftover and badly done paperwork at the moment.

Regards,

Bethany Birkenhead

No drop spilled or misplaced, a sharpened quill is put into a flask of ink. A letter written with immaculate handwriting sits on top of an old yet ornate desk, a piece of art rather than simple furniture. The letter gets picked up and folded by gentle yet firm, dexterous hands.

"Copy this letter and forward it to every noble of relevance in the realm. Hurry!" Bethany barks. The short and chunky scribe flinched, but lost no time.

"As you wish, my Lady," he responds before scurrying off.

She runs her fingers through her waist-long wavy copper-coloured hair and sighs.

"Why, why does my dreamer of a cousin have to be such a horrible romantic and just disappear on everyone because he 'has an identity crisis'... Andara, get me something to drink. Some of that Udorian Ale."

A maid, previously silently standing in a corner of the room, nods and runs off. Bethany steps outside onto a balcony and takes a deep breath. The salty winds from the nearby sea blow over her athletic figure. Even her light, loose dress cannot hide her muscular frame.

The maid returns, with a cup of ale, and places it on a small table on the balcony.

"Send for a courier.", Bethany casually orders without looking at the maid, who silently darts off again; soon after a courier arrives.

"The Betulaceae move tonight, we will be headed to Giask. Tell the troop to prepare, and ensure there is a capable bureaucrat hired for all of that paperwork... Now off with you!"

30th June

Autumn Day -- Ciarin Tut

Tohrm Elrath

Tohrm was amused at the response of the King. Had he really expected anything else? It was so, that business could be dropped for the time being.


"Of course my liege, these past years I have only had the amusement of my retinue and squires. It has been long since I have had the rightly proper company of the other nobility with which to enjoy myself. Poryatown is a better place than any to do that."

He took a moment to inspect their lunch. The wine had begun to lose his interest given its... less than amicable qualities, but nevertheless, the food seemed quite appetizing. Of course, when would King Coffey have anything but appetizing food.

"Ah, a hearty fish platter from the White Coast? I always enjoyed a good fresh fish. Reminds me of when my family was sea bound for oh so many years. Now if there's exploits, my liege, that you would like to hear, there is a plenty from my youth aboard that vessel on which the Elrath's resided. Yes indeed, the sea was a harsh and rewarding master for my earlier years."

He sat and began to tuck in, remarking as he did.

"But of Sir Greybrook's tales I would hear more if he would speak them. 'tis a better time to acquaint oneselves in true fashion. Despite my love for finding a brother-in-arms on the field of battle, I think we can all agree that battle has been the nature of our exploits for just a little too long already. I welcome the opportunity to relax in noble company."

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