Kingsley Family/Alyssa/The River

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Alyssa in the Water Town

Alyssa rode through the streets of the Water Town, its old cobbled streets winding and wandering like the river whose banks they were carved into. The Water Town was an ancient settlement, one of Perdan's oldest, built around a motte overlooking the river. The rest of the town sprawled around it as Riverwatch Castle stood atop the cliffside hill watching over the town and the river, a vigilant guardsman against the potential foes from across the mighty river. The buildings of the city proper were built in a Perdanese style, owing to influences from proximity to Perdan City. Meanwhile, simple rickety houses on stilts lined the banks of the river on the either side of the castle by the river, prepared to stand above the inevitable flooding that submerged the riverside districts several times a year.
The castle itself was an ancient Perdanese stronghold. Its angular design was typical of old Perdanese castles, its thick stone walls connected crenelated square turrets, all surrounded by a wide ditch at the base of the hill. Levees on town side of the ditch offered additional protection from the river and assaults on the keep proper, and sluice gates at either end held back the river, which could be raised during emergencies to flood the ditch and further fortify the hill. Alyssa was glad the former Count Alarin had decided against making his residence in the keep, preferring an elegant manse in the Asenian Quarter. The modest walls around the city itself had given her trouble enough, forcing a lord from his keep would have been even more difficult. She would not make the same mistake. The castle would be well stocked and fortified. She had already informed her sergeants to begin organizing a proper garrison for the castle, and to find riverboats to restock the castle's dry dock which hung slightly over the river, reinforced by stone built into the cliffiside and housed a few boats for the lord's use as well as crank and elevator systems to lower and raise them into the river, or to bring up supplies to the castle from below. The Eponlli had taken the boats that were left across the river when they fled.
She couldn't help but feel nervous as she lead Starlight through the city streets, her host behind her and Perdanese soldiers keeping the peace. This was the biggest thing she had ever done. Leading a thousand men into battle was one thing. Now she was responsible as well for nearly 25,000 civilians. These people were not trained, not willing to sacrifice their lives for her. And she could tell that easily from the discontent and suspicious stares she got as the Kingsley host passed through the town's street. They are Perdanese, but they do not know me. I am a stranger in their land. She thought, trying not to look any in the eye. She did not want to provoke them, as well it would do to remain lordly. Instead she focused on Riverwatch, her destination.
Her squire Graham rode by her side and raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing. The old man looked absolutely dismal in comparison to her. He had made certain a brand new set of plate was delivered to her, on the insistence that she appear 'lordly' in front of her people. She protested as she preferred her simple mail as it had served her well over the years but he did it anyway. The armor was not ornate, but it was new and it sparkled in the sunlight, the white cape fastened to it hung over her backed and draped partially over Starlight. The Blade of the Imperator hung at her hip, its ornate grip a symbol of her military authority, while the simple silver chain diadem Duke Smiddich had given her was the symbol of her civic duty. Graham on the other hand still wore the same thin, battered armour, with the fading noble crest of a wheat sheaf decorating the chestpiece. It was a wonder he had not been killed in it given its condition, but the man had always been tough. Shot through the eye by a bolt and his face permanently maimed. The white bandage he still wore over his missing eye matched his whiskers and his thinning hair.
As she reached the gates of the castle, the portculis opened and a white banner with a black wolf was hung over the front of the gatehouse, next to the golden Perdan Lion that hung their already. It was a strange sight for Alyssa. The opening of a new chapter, an uncertain one, but one that with a deep breath she was ready to begin as she passed through Riverwatch's gate.


The Knights of the Riverlands I

Alyssa sat upon the lordly chair at the back of the great hall of Riverwatch. She was still not used to the place. The Ducal Palace was large but her own tower was not that much bigger than the one she grew up in, the one she had left behind. This place was much larger. A real castle, as she was now a true lady. Her work had begun immediately attempting to organize the repair of the walls and holdfasts that had been damaged during the assault, as well as enforce Perdanese law in the outer settlements. There were still many who were fearful of His Majesty's government, and the process was slow going. Still, she was determined to bring peace and justice to Bescanon.
The chair itself was large and made of thick sturdy wood, and sat on a simple stone dais at the back of the hall. She had the old ornate and gilded seat with its velvet cushion removed and the new seat installed after her arrival. It well crafted and painted white. Gold fastenings were replaced with shiny steel. It looked far less gaudy than the previous, simple, yet strong. The old squire Graham had protested, claiming that Alyssa needed to keep up appearances. Instead, she ignored him, having the gold stripped down and the taxes lowered. That will serve them better than a golden chair. She had thought.
Graham entered the hall first, and approached. The other clerks and courtiers were discussing the plans for the coming days while guardsmen stood at arms, her black wolf on their shields. Maron, the singer she could not seem to be rid of, stroked his beard as he spoke with a chamberlain. He met her eyes and gave a wink which annoyed her, but she merely glared and he returned his attention to his conversation. The old squire stepped across the room and appoached the dias, carrying an ornately handled sword in its scabbard. He seemed well dressed enough for a knight, she knew he was not wealthy, what few holdings his family had in Beziers were held by his nephew. Graham had only what she paid him. Still it was enough and he looked perhaps better than she had ever seen him, though he still wore the thick white bandage over his missing eye and his face was still horrifically maimed.
She stood up as he approached and idly straightened the flowing white gown she wore. It was too loose for her liking, but the court ladies said it would be the finest dress for such an important ceremony. The simple silver chain of her ladyship crowned her light golden hair, pulled back in a tightly braided bun. She stepped towards the edge of the dais and Graham took her hand giving it a deferent kiss.
"I mislike that tradition." She said bluntly.
"It symbolizes subjugation and devotion to your ladyship." He replied with a grim looking smile. He is amused by this. She realized, and then frowned.
"I mislike it. I do not require worship, I leave that for the gods."
"Like it or not," Graham replied his smile fading as he held the Blade of the Imperator out to her. "You are responsible now for upholding the laws and traditions of this land. The people need to see you as their noble leader. That includes all the trappings, my lady. Besides, it is respect not worship."
Alyssa sighed and took the sword from him. He was right, though she loathed to admit it. The people here needed strength, and now that she was no longer a simple knight, strength of the sword alone would not be enough.

The Knights of the Riverlands II

It was then that the great hall opened again and her heart skipped a beat as the first of what would be her new knights entered. My knights are here. She considered hoping her first ceremony as Lady of Bescanon went well and standing straight and proper hoping the nerves she felt went unnoticed. Isana gave her a familiar smile and approached the dais quickly. They exchanged a pleasant greeting as Graham stepped back, giving the two ladies space and taking a spot off to the side with some of the other courtiers.
Dustiria arrived shortly after an uncharacteristic smile on her face. No doubt to do with the Sir who had been keeping her busy of late. It quickly faded into her usual professional expression as she approached. Alyssa nodded stiffly as she approached, tapping her finger idly against the scabbard in her hand. One more...
Salem arrived last, he looked remarkably different than their previous meeting, and she was grateful for it. The man looked hardly noble and somewhat frightening. Now his hair was cut and beard trimmed, and true to his word he did not wear his armour. He was as well dressed as any man there, she thought, though she knew little of men's fasion. His eyes remained the same though, focused on her, seeming to betray a hint of some unknown sadness.
Alyssa cleared her throat. The courtiers and clerks stopped what they were doing and turned to the center of the room. Maron cocked his head in interest. The guardsman stood proudly at attention, while the knights kneeled.
She paused and swallowed, holding the sword straight up in its scabbard, her hands resting on the pommel, its tip held lightly against the floor. After a moment of eyes staring at her she began, looking at her elderly squire among them:
"Graham Goldenfields." She called out to him. Somewhat uncertain he glanced around before stepping forward and kneeling at the dais. "My Lady." He offered. Alyssa simply nodded and continued, noting the confused look on his face as he knelt.
"Today," Alyssa began, "you shall all be a part a noble undertaking. You shall bear witness to the tying of the very fabrics of our society. The one steadfast and unbreakable truth we can strive for to make better for our people. That is the honour of a knight. There is nothing more powerful than the honour of a knight. It is not her sword that gives her strength, but her character, her commitment to service, and her true desire to do good and serve the tenants of righteousness and justice. Today these men and women shall undertake that oath, and walk that path of honour.

"As your lady, I swear to provide for you, lands and income, protection, and guidance down the path of the knight. I shall never ask of you to dishonour yourself. I shall fight for you in battle and at court. I shall hear your council fairly and judge fairly any disagreements you may have. I pledge to you my oath of lordship, that all my dealings shall be true and just."

The Knights of the Riverlands III

Silence lingered a beat before she continued, stepping across the dais first towards Graham. Standing over him at the edge of the dais, she pulled the Blade of the Imperator from its scabbard. The ornately carved and gilded blade of Lord Kellan, dulled and ceremonial glittered in the sunlight from the great hall's windows.
"Graham Goldenfields, for your years of faithful service to me, your wise council and your courage in battle, I elevate you to the rank of Castellan of Riverwatch. When I am away you shall manage the affairs and well-being related to this very castle in my stead. Your title will be Sir and you will continue to counsel and advise me as I see fit. You shall raise your shield to defend me and the people of this land, and raise your sword to strike my foes. I also charge you to defend the weak and the helpless, and to do good deeds and conduct yourself nobly, responsibly, and commit yourself to the path of justice and righeousness. Will you accept my lordship and offer me fealty?"
He did, and she touched each shoulder with the Blade of the Imperator. She continued down the line her dress flowing behind her as she walked. "Salmaneous Belmont. For your faithful service to my home of Bisicye and bravery on the battlefield in Bescanon, I grant you the title of Knight of the Bridge. I charge you with maintaing and defending the holdfasts at Bescan Bridge. Your shield shall be the first to protect us all, a watcher of the waters and vigilant protector of Old Bescan. You shall raise your shield to defend me and the people of this land, and raise your sword to strike my foes. I also charge you to defend the weak and the helpless, and to do good deeds and conduct yourself nobly, responsibly, and commit yourself to the path of justice and righeousness. Will you accept my lordship and offer me fealty?"
He did, and Alyssa touched each of his shoulders with the Blade of the Imperator. And so Salem Belmont became the Knight of the Bridge. She took a few steps near the edge of the dais and stopped at Dustiria, kneeling before her.
"Dustiria Noire. For your neverending loyalty and dedication to myself and the realm, and for the saving of my life on the fields of Brive, I grant you the title of Blade of the White. You shall continue to stand as the closest of my guards, protecting my person and offering me council at my request. You shall raise your shield to defend me and the people of this land, and raise your sword to strike my foes. I also charge you to defend the weak and the helpless, and to do good deeds and conduct yourself nobly, responsibly, and commit yourself to the path of justice and righeousness. Will you accept my lordship and offer me fealty?"
She did, and touched each shoulder with her ceremonial sword. And the black-garbed lady of House Noire became bound in knightly service as The Blade of the White.
Alyssa took a deep breath as she approached the last of her knights. Isana knelt before her and Alyssa felt the slightest of smiles cross her lips, remembering the kind words Isana had given her upon her agreement to come. Trying to focus instead on the task at hand, Alyssa stopped before Isana.
"Isana Everlight. For your steadfastness and unyielding optimism in the face of the darkest forces of war and despair that plague the Continent, and for believing in me when I could not believe in myself; for always giving me the courage and the hope to continue on, and to never give up on peace or justice, I grant you the title of Dawnstar, the first light of the morning. You shall raise your shield to defend me and the people of this land, and raise your sword to strike my foes. I also charge you to defend the weak and the helpless, and to do good deeds and conduct yourself nobly, responsibly, and commit yourself to the path of justice and righeousness. Will you accept my lordship and offer me fealty?"
Isana did with a smile, one that Alyssa could not help but return as she touched each shoulder with the Blade of the Imperator, before sheathing it once more in its scabbard.
Standing proudly at the center of the dais she spoke to all of them.
"Arise, Knights of the Riverlands."
The Knights of the Riverlands rose and the court cheered for them all. Alyssa took a deep breath and relaxed for the briefest of moments.