Kingsley Family/Alyssa/The Royal

Details the events following Alyssa's second coronation as Queen of Perdan.

Festival

Revilers danced and shouted in the streets below, in the grand square in front of the palace in Perdan City. The Duchess's call for celebration and cheer for her re-coronation was a relief to Alyssa, the Queen of Perdan. The uncertainty and tension of the past few weeks seemed to be released all at once in a few hours of drunken mirth for the citizens below. Alyssa herself only sipped wine from a palace balcony where many of the other nobles, courtiers, and clerks mingled. The music on the balcony was much more tame and elegant than that down below, and while typically common excitement would normally be absent from a gathering of nobles such as the one on the balcony, but the sight of the Queen seemed to inspire them. Or perhaps it was the ale, but whatever it was Alyssa felt relieved to see that if only for one evening things seemed to be relaxed. May there be many more. She thought, as a gentle summer breeze swept through the city. She heard the tap of wood against stone and turned around quickly, her regal white gown twirling around her in the breeze.

To most others Sir Graham Goldenfields was a monstrous sight, aged and wrinkled, his long white beard and mustache unkempt, the patch over his missing eye warn and faded and left side of his face mangled and scarred, but to Alyssa this old knight who had followed her loyally since her own knighting so long ago was welcome company. She knew they must seem odd companions, Queen Alyssa fair and strong and Sir Graham worn and torn. But he had served and stood with her through countless terrors, and he believed in her.

"Your Majesty." The elderly knight said, trying his best to bend his back into a bow, his wrinkled hand shaking upon the knob of his cane as he pushed his weight onto it. His lips turned upwards into a frightening smile, though Alyssa's typical stoic expression curled slightly downward, her eyes shifting in concern for her old friend.

"Sir." Alyssa replied in acknowledgement, readying herself to leap to his aid if he required. She knew this man would not be stopped from the courtesies he set his mind to, so she made no move, but watched him closely as he completed his respectful bow.

"I am glad you are wearing that crown again." He said, his voice croaking slightly.

"I wear it for the realm."

He gave a challenging look. "I think we both know the real reason you stepped forward, Your Majesty"

She met his gaze with a stern look of her own. Sir Graham held her stare for only a few moments before his lip curled upward again into an ugly smirk. "I think you believe it will impress a certain woman."

Alyssa's eyes softened slightly and she relaxed her shoulders, a very slight smile showed only for a second at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps the thought crossed my mind, but there were many reasons, you know."

The old knight nodded sagely. "I know." He paused for a moment and looked up at the sky, thinking about something briefly before turning his eyes back to the Queen. "You should go find her, I'm sure she'll want to dance with you."

"I think perhaps I will." She replied.

He nodded again, and leaned slightly against his sturdy black cane. "And I'm sure the other nobles may want a chance to mingle with their Queen as well."

"I shall be present for them." Alyssa noted. She raised an eyebrow, and continued with sincerity, seriousness, and concern coating her voice. "Please don't tell me you intend to dance, Sir?"

He croaked a laugh. "No, Your Majesty, I am old and this sort of thing is much more for people younger than me. I'll probably head back to my quarters shortly for bed. I don't have much time, here, I think."

"Alright, then please do be careful on your way back, my Sir." She said taking hold of her dress and moving a step to set off finding her wife among the crowd, or any other noble who wished to visit. She paused for a second before continuing. "And thank you for being here. For always being here."

"Of course Your Majesty."

Alyssa nodded and set off on her course, while Sir Graham Goldenfields watched proudly, his wrinkled hand shaking upon the knob of his cane.

Gillotine

The re-coronation of Alyssa Kingsley, the new Queen of Perdan. Earl Miles Guillotine sits in the courtyard waiting for the new Queen to indeed come down from her balcony. "Well this is the first party I have been introduce to with a new crowning, Lively indeed, lets hope the guest of honor makes it even more interesting." Sipping on some Shadowdale wine, the outfit to once pledge allegiance now ready to pledge loyalty to the new queen.

Everlight

Isana sat uncharacteristically alone outside the Palace entrance in Perdan City. Tucked away from the bustle off to one side, perched up on the corner of a short stone wall, she sat with arms wrapped around one knee tucked up under her chin. Her sea-green eyes were unfocused, staring away above the boisterous crowds in the streets below.

The foot hanging down toward the ground swung slightly in time with the music, its enthusiasm unbeknownst to the newly-appointed Countess. Her thoughts were too far away to be aware of the tune--even as the rollicking music threw itself toward its well-known dancer, tempting her ears and feet to come down off the wall and celebrate. It may as well have been tempting the stone upon which she sat, for all she noticed it.

Back in the Palace. Her thoughts prowled back over the idea. She knew why. I'm worried. Worry that threatened to become anger. They had worked so hard, together, to come out the other side of the political turmoil, to find peace together. It had looked like there would be a new balance and harmony of life. And now it feels like we're being thrown by the tide, and Aly is the one calling the storm...

She let her head fall back, dark hair cascading silently behind, and looked helplessly up at the sky. Oh, my Sky... she keened to herself. They would have to talk, she knew it, and she knew now was not the time. But it had to be soon.

Kingsley

The Queen scanned calmly through the crowd of nobles, many who passed by her offered her well-wishes or kind words. Alyssa exchanged polite words with those who spoke to her, but her attention was focused on the crowd, for the familiar long dark hair and sparkle of blue-green that had become her home. Several minutes of visitors and minor nobles shamelessly vying for favor, finally allowed her a little of freedom to set off once more on her search. She lightly bit the inside of her lip in concern having not seen a sign her Dawnstar in the crowd.

She was stopped again, by one of the minor though not unimportant city nobles, the Palace Castellan Andrew Davenport, who approached her with a knowing smile.

"Your Majesty, Congratulations on your return to the throne. I had always believed we would see you return."

Alyssa looked past him for a moment but met his eyes to address him. "Thank you, Lord Andrew, I do appreciate your support for our realm. I am afraid I cannot speak for long however, have you seen my wife?"

He thought for a moment and shook his head. "I'm afraid not your majesty, but I won't impede you any more in your quest." his smile widened and his eyes sparkled mysteriously. "We will have plenty of time in the coming week to discuss the important matters related to the palace. Best of luck in finding your lady, Your Majesty." He gave her a respectful bow.

"Thank you, Lord Andrew." She considered him skeptically as he disappeared into the crowd.

Alyssa continued her way through the party on the balcony, the crowd moving to let her pass as she stepped back into the palace, meandering alone through the halls. She waved off a lone guard at his post who offered to escort her as she made her way down to one of the palace courtyards in search of Isana. The courtyard was mostly empty, though a few mingled, and near one of the fountains sat a young man in lordly attire, sipping a glass of wine. Though she had never seen the man, a red wolf sigil identified him. He glanced up at her when she passed by him and she stopped and met his eyes.

"Lord Miles, I presume?" She said returning his gaze and glancing briefly at the noble crest. "I heard about your appointment to Clermont. You have my congratulations, and thank you again for your initiative with the treasury."

Gillotine

Seeing the Queen come down from her palisade, and slowly approach himself. Sir Miles gives a widen smile as he slowly sets his wine down on the table and gives full attention to the Queen. "Indeed, I am Lord Miles Guillotine." With introductions out of the way he stands up and then takes a lowered bow with his hand raised to mid chest extended outward. "Why thank you my Queen, while I am here I thought it necessary to show support for the new crown. I look forward to what you will do in the future, though as my brother would say in different land, those who rule, must watch out for the ravens as they watch the watcher."

Saying his peace, Lord Miles stands back and resumes pleasantries. "Tis our first meeting isn't it? Well it seems that from what little I saw you are dying of boredom or looking for something. If I can be assistance I would love to help in the matter"

Kingsley

Her arm twitched at the mention of ravens, as images of war and blood flashed briefly through her thoughts.

"Yes, my lord, I believe it is. I apologize for it not being sooner, but there has been quite a bit going on. I hope you'll forgive a less formal introduction." She thought of the ravens again and a line from a song she once heard popped into her head You'll be blinded by what you done.

She tried to recall where she had heard it and wondered if it was something her herald Maron played at his performances. Shaking the thought from her mind she returned her focus the conversation with the lord in front of her.

"Ah, no. The Duchess's festival is quite a welcome event, everyone seems to be in good spirits, and I count myself among them. I am actually looking for my wife, Isana, the Countess of Brive. Perhaps you've seen her? She is tall and fair, with strong arms and broad shoulders, beautiful long dark hair. Have you seen a woman like this pass by, Lord Miles?

Gillotine

"Your wife you say?" Thinking back on the various people he has greeted not a single one approached with the description. "I am afraid I have not seen the Countess though I will let her know that you are looking for her." Taking a few steps closer to Alyssa, Miles closes the distance to their to faces to almost kissing range before moving slightly ahead to beside her ear. "Though, do let me give you some friendly advice, those who watch are not in the sky but down bellow, I do not believe you will have another chance if you fail this time." Moving away from Alyssas ear he continues to walk past the queen before turning around. "It was a pleasure in seeing you my Queen, If you need any advice please come down to Clermont. Those who are in the guillotine family are avid dreamers and sometimes in the rare few can read your fortune if ever the chance was to come, may the white flames protect your soul." With his speaking done he takes a slight bow and walks off to enjoy the festivities and interact with more noble men.

Kingsley

Alyssa watched the Lord of Clermont with concern as he pulled away from her space and bowed an exit. His words were unexpected and sounded knowing, and sent a chill down Alyssa's spine. She gathered herself and walked out the courtyard towards the palace steps, hoping to find a guard who may have spotted her and at least narrow down to the palace grounds. On her way she spotted a black crow perched on one of the courtyard statues, but she focused instead on her quest, and did not hear the flapping of wings as it departed.

As she turned around a corner in the courtyard on her way towards the main gate, she spotted the love of her life sitting on little stone wall a few feet off the steps towards the courtyard's main entrance. A light summer breeze blew long dark hair gently in the wind, and Alyssa felt the familiar flutter in her heart at the sight of her Dawnstar. She smiled softly, folding her hands in front of her and called out to her.

"Isana, my love?" She said her eyes watching the other fondly, though a hint of concern and curiosity touched her eyes and her voice as she stepped towards her beloved.

Hawk

Ulric walked around the festival, taking in the sights and sounds. It was nice to feel like Perdan was healing again, the Queen had been reinstated, The Duchy of the Grand Court seemed to be in good hands with Duke Daario, and his men were in the process of preparing his caravan he would take to Az Zarqua after so long away from his home.

Ulric walked alone, watching the crowd celebrate, and saw a merchant selling pints of ale. As he strode towards the merchant to purchase a pint, he heard someone behind him.

"Lord Ulric, urgent news from Az Zarqua."

Ulric turned around and saw the young soldier. He recognized him as one of his scouts, a fast reliable man who has proven himself many times in gathering information from the most remote regions. "Monsters again? I will hire more militia as soon as I arrive in a few days time. I will work with the locals in perhaps donating some coin to help boost the infrastructure as well."

The young scout looked nervous, his eyes showing a hint of fear as if he was afraid to speak.

"No sir...the population rose up. They declared themselves a free people, no longer under your rule or Perdan rule."

Ulric froze. Anger, fear, sadness, all the emotions ran through him at once. How could this be? This is where the heroes of Perdan had been buried for years. Az Zarqua had always been a loyal region to the crown, and while it was a poor remote region, the people were hardy, and it was a stalwart part of the Grand Court.

He was at a loss of words, suddenly the celebration and happiness around him disappeared, and he felt very alone.

"Thank you, you're dismissed."

The scout handed a piece of parchment to Ulric with the details before he left. Ulric looked down at his hand holding the letter, trembling. How odd, so many battles, so many wars, and it was losing Az Zarqua which brought him to tremble.

Az Zarqua

Today was supposed to be the weekly festival day. The day that the inhabitants of all the nearby villages gathered and exchanged their goods and coins, shook hands, spoke with each other, shared meals, and enjoyed the graces and of community and each other's company. That's what she had been told by the last remaining officials who had joined the Perdan encampment upon the arrival of the Queen and her knights and lords.

The encampment stood in the edge a little valley that held some of the nearby villages, tents and soldiers spilling out from between two hills at the valley's entrance. A good place for a watch, to keep the people safe. She thought as she had given the order. She had taken a walk up one of the hills while her personal tent was being set up and to stretch her legs from the long ride from the Capital. Upon the hill, overlooking the valley and the villages beyond the Perdanese camp, she spotted a lone figure standing vigil at the top of the hill while the last lights of day began to cross over the horizon. As she approached she recognized him instantly as Ulric Hawk, the true lord of this place. He bowed respectfully as she approached and she allowed him the gesture. She joined him as together they watched the little figures move about in the village below. Like little bugs furiously building their own little colony in the dirt. They watched in silence as a banner pole was raised, a makeshift banner raising up humbly in the distance. Alyssa swallowed.

"There's a voice in my head, my lord." She said quietly.

In her periphery she could see Ulric Hawk turn his head as she read some concern in his eyes. Alyssa did not take her own from the scene down below, her face a mixture of somberness and determination as she continued.

"It says 'You did this'. The voice is a man's, from long ago. Words he said to a little girl as she cringed when he took a step towards her, bottle in hand." Her mouth twitched slightly as she hesitated before resuming. "Whenever I see tragedy or misfortune, I hear that voice in my head. Especially when I know it's right. But even when I know it's wrong, for some reason those words still come to my mind.

"I hear it right now, watching that meager pole being raised. It's yelling at me. Screaming. 'You did this'. And this time, I cannot tell if it is right or wrong."

Silence filled the air as she paused again and turned to look up at the lord beside her. Her voice raised a little bit as she continued on with a hint of determination.

"But I have come to realize that perhaps it does not matter if it is or not. It is just a ghost, after all. One that I have let haunt this realm for far too long. It is you, I must listen to, Lord Ulric." She nodded down to the Perdanese camp, nightfires beginning to be set. "And it is the lords and knights down there." Bright blue eyes wandered through the valley towards the nearby village. "And in some ways, even those poor folk who charge blindly and fearfully into the valley of darkness. Crying out for someone to protect them, where we could not." We are here now, frightened lambs.

She lifted her palm to show Lord Ulric, showing him a small well-healed and barely visible scar near the bottom. "Do you remember this? Before the eve of battle against the North? The ritual knife you gave me? I still have it in fact. I recall at the time that ritual seemed so strange to me, the mixing of blood. But I understand it now, I think. The connection, that our blood is not ours alone. That we are never alone in our fear of what could happen if we fail, or if we make a mistake. That we stand together as one people. One blood. One Lion. Perdan."

A gentle wind swept over the hill down into the valley, blowing the loose ponytail below her golden crown over her shoulder.

"You are not alone, Ulric. None of us are. And they down there are not abandoned from our thoughts and hearts either. Just as I was not alone. I only thought that for the whisper of a ghost. We will return."

Silence hung briefly between them as she finished and looked up at Ulric with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Exchanging a few more quiet words until the booming blast of a warhorn sounded from beyond the canyon. A single bellow marked the arrival of friendly troops, though with the sun setting, Alyssa could not make out the emblem in the night.

"Another lord has arrived, I am going to go to meet them." She turned to head back down the hill before pausing and holding out her hand, palm with the little scar at the bottom.

"Will you follow me, Ulric Hawk?"

Goldwater

"The royal knights, m'lord." The man at arms closest to Wolfram sat back down in his saddle, straightening his cloak.

Wolfram carefully overlooked the camp, sprawling across the valley about a mile in front of them. "The Queen."

"Aye. And a lot of them, too. Two, maybe three hundred judging by the campfires."

They have been travelling through the region through the past few days, sending out scouting parties and acting as a show of force. Searching for southern barbarians, that not even once came within their grasp, within their sight. All was quiet until this evening, when they came across the tracks of a large party, following them into this valley. Although the sun already set some time ago, the endless darkness still unsuccesfully battled with the day's last light, making the retinue clearly visible against the horizont. Distant sounds and commotion hinted that the soldiers, sitting around the fires, already noticed the group of armed riders towering against the darkening sky. 

"Orders, m'lord?"

"Follow me and raise the banner. Not that it would matter much, it will be dark before we get there. And sound the horn."

One by one, the riders spurred their horses and made their way to the waking up camp.

Hawk

It was a somber affair as Ulric Hawk went to his private estate. It was a humble log cabin, surrounded by acres and acres of woods. It was simple, small, and where he came to escape the harsh reality. He had his men wait in the village, this was something he was going to have to do by himself. He opened the door, and looked at his home. The place he could escape the trials and tribulations of war, the weight of command, the horrors of war. It was here that he found peace, where he could listen to the birds, enjoy the animals, hunt the woods by himself, and think back to his childhood in Valldir. Maybe that was why he was so drawn to Az Zarqua and its people, they were hardy and survivors just like the harsh land he grew up.

He walked room to room, taking it in one last time. He only took his most personal belongings, everything else he would leave, and hope the place was not looted and ransacked, and that perhaps it would just be forgotten, another story lost to time.

As he left his residence, he looked back one last time.

Moving on, he headed back to the Perdan encampment where Queen Alyssa and the Perdan Knights who came south to defend the land from the scouting of Yssrgardian raiders.

Ulric was atop the hill, looking out upon Az Zarqua when he heard Queen Alyssa speak behind him.

He listened to her words, and smiled when she showed the scar on her palm. He remembered that night well, when he shared his tradition from Valldir. It was before Bescanon, which Ulric always considered Queen Alyssa's greatest military achievement and he was glad to have fought in that battle, for that was a story that would never die.

"Will you follow me, Ulric Hawk?"

"I will my Queen. Thank you for marching with me one last time to Az Zarqua. It means a lot to me, and I know it still means a lot to these people."

Ulric followed Queen Alyssa away from the hill.

Goldwater

Clinging of chainmail and iron hooves echoed through the camp as the riders passed through, the scarce light from campfires and torches bouncing off of their hauberks and helms, pinned to the saddles. Black cloaks and tabarts, decorated with small Goldwater coats of arms, gave a mysterious look to these rough men, often scarred and used to the hardships of soldiering and mercenary life. They rode through the amassing crowds of perdanite knights and soldiers until they found an emptier spot between the camps of the royal knights and soldiers of the young Baillivus. There the men dismounted their horses and raised the black and golden banner of Sir Wolfram,marking the spot where their camp would soon stand. Some soldiers exchanged a few words with the nearby standing squires of Her Majesty's knights, while the rest began to raise tents and prepare dinner. Fresh racks of lamb hanging off of their saddles, which until recently belonged to an unfortunate local farmer, would soon be roasted above their campfires.

Wolfram stood amidst all this, overlooking his men with a content smile in his tired face.

Kingsley

Alyssa allowed herself to be briefly escorted by the marshal down the hill, holding onto his arm as they stepped down the slope in the dark back towards the camp.  She released him upon reaching the bottom, where two Royal Whiteguards silently took up positions behind them, the only sound they gave the clanking of their plate armour as they followed The Queen and the Marshal back into the camp proper.  Knights and soldiers bowed respectfully to them as she passed, torchlight glimmering off the golden circlet of her position.

The two and her knights made their way back to the royal pavilion, surrounded by dozens of sturdy tents and sturdy knights.  As she led the marshal to the meeting tent and asked for some subtle wine and supper to be brought she spotted several of her staff and one of her knights speaking animatedly with some soldiers dressed in black with a familiar golden stripe upon their crest.  She knew this crest well, though not the man who brought it here.

Alyssa's lips turned to a line and she furrowed her brow at what clearly seemed to be a dispute.  "Lord Marshal, I shall return shortly, please make yourself at home."

Resting her hand idly upon the pommel of the sword hanging at her hip, she crossed the campsite towards the white-caped knight of her royal company.

"Mydame." Alyssa said to the armoured knight as she approached.  "What is the issue here?"

"Your Majesty!" The knight replied with some surprise as she immediately fell to her knee.  "These mercenaries are setting their camp up too close to the royal encampment.  War Doctrine demands that additional campsites be constructed in outer rows extending from the middle, not in the middle of the greater encampment, and certainly not nearly overlapping with nobles of higher rank, and absolutely not with the Queen herself."

Alyssa watched the soldier in black who scratched his beard.  "Mydame is correct.  In the effort to maintain order and quick rallying or retreat lines, campsites should not be set up so haphazardly.  Your lord might want you to keep that in mind in the future, soldier."  She motioned for her knight to rise to her feet as she continued.  "But we are not at war today, and thus the War Doctrine, while followed generally out of habit and preparedness does not specifically apply.  The Peace Doctrine mentions only that camps should be set up neatly and separate from other troops.  So long as you do that, your company may set up where it is convenient.  Mydame, please organize any assistance Lord Goldwater's company may require.  And you soldier, please inform Lord Wolfram that I wish to meet with him in the meeting tent."

The knight saluted and the soldier returned to his camp as the Queen dismissed them both.  She made a quick stop to her personal pavilion, changing out of her riding leathers into a lighter white shirt and black trousers, and re-setting her crown before returning back to the meeting tent, the two guards out front saluting her with another clank of gauntlet to plate as she passed by them through the flap of the tent.

A staff member was pouring a glass of wine for Lord Ulric, who sat at the right side of the table's head, and setting the table for a light supper.

"Lord-Marshal, I am blessed with your patience, thank you.  Lord Wolfram Goldwater should be joining us soon, I hope that is alright.  Though I knew Lord Jacelyn, I have not yet met his brother.  I should be interested to find out what sort of man the younger Goldwater is."  Alyssa said gracefully as she took her seat next to the Marshal, and the two of them chatted as they awaited for the Queen's guest.

Pryde

Pryde

Benjamin walked through the halls of the palace he knew so well with those who followed him to Perdan in his wake. Soldiers escorted them on the off chance that they might go crazy and try to hurt somebody. Or it was a recognition of honor. He could take his pick on the meaning of the escort.

They entered the hall where the sovereign of Perdan held court and Benjamin looked upon the Queen. She had not held that is seat when he left. Now she once again sat upon it, as was right.

Benjamin stepped forward with his companions following, and came before the Queen of Perdan. And then he did what he had not done in a very long time. He went down on one knee and bowed his head.

“My Queen. It has been too long since I served you. Today I bring with me a duchy bereft of land through foul treachery, these people who follow me of their own free will, and myself. I pledge to you my honor and my loyalty, freely and fairly given. My service to you, for as long as you wish it.” The Queen sat upon the Royal Throne, the sturdy, heavy gilded crown atop her head and the royal scepter across her lap. An Everlight green cloak wrapped around her shoulders as the royal court continued throughout the day. It had been long session lasting throughout most of the afternoon as many had come to her for royal decision or arbitration. Mostly to do with the Lordless Bescanon whose courtly responsibilities fell to the council. As Daario was swamped in Aix, it was her responsibility once again to bring justice to Bescanon, a task she was happy to take due to her love for the place and its people.

As the last case came to a close, the nobles in attendance began to shuffle out. Alyssa let out a deep sigh and began to unclasp her cloak and hand it to an attendant when several sets of footsteps echoed throughout the emptying chamber. She looked away from the attendant who took the cloak from her hand to see the new entrant being escorted by several Whiteguards. She straightened herself and rose from her throne as Benjamin Pryde entered the chamber.

The few minor nobles who remained in court all stopped to watch as he stood before Queen Alyssa Everlight-Kingsley and kneeled before her.

“My Queen. It has been too long since I served you. Today I bring with me a duchy bereft of land through foul treachery, these people who follow me of their own free will, and myself. I pledge to you my honor and my loyalty, freely and fairly given. My service to you, for as long as you wish it.”

"Stand." She commanded, neutral in tone.

Alyssa stepped down the steps from the throne stiffly, her visage unblinking and serious, piercing and icy blue eyes staring straight into the older duke standing before her. She walked quickly and with purpose her gaze unbroken as she stepped into the man's space and wrapped her arms around his shoulders embracing him tightly.

"I accept." She said gently, her eyes welling slightly as she hugged her former liege, the man who knighted her, who believed in her and who had started the unbelievable journey she had undertaken. "And I shall have you here for however long I can." She sighed deeply, "My friend."

Pryde

Benjamin stiffened as the queen stepped into his personal space. He was ready for her to slap him. Or to take his hand. He was ready for anything. Or so he thought. He was not at all ready for her to hug him. In public. In court.

He bowed his head to her shoulder as he considered the twisted course of fate that had led to this moment. She had been one of the many knights who had served him over the years. She had served him well and honorably until her fate called her to greater service to the realm. A service she had always fulfilled to his complete and utter satisfaction.

Now she held him in her arms and called him friend. It meant more to him than he could voice, but he would do his best. He started by returning her embrace and holding her firmly.

“Your terms are acceptable, My Queen,” he said.

She stiffened at his formal address.

“My friend,” he added. “As long as life flows through these old bones, my friend.”

Golden Wheat and the State Visit

Laststar

In Nascot it has been a time to renew old relationships between neighbors, and to pursue new flames, for the cold and lonely winter season soon coming to knock on the good people's doors. The vegetation that once glowed across the plains of Nascot has now been harvested, from the blowing fields of golden wheat, to the once forests of tall corn stalks, and the fruits from the beans; pumpkins; and everything else the people kept on their hearty acres.

Idle hands had not stayed bored for long, with the granaries full, villages have transformed into colorful little festivals. The peasants and craftsfolk have donned their flashiest finest of cloth to show off with their friends. Since the harvest had brought more than enough for everyone to eat, there was much cause to celebrate, to get fat and merry after a year long of hard work. It was time for one more final party before winter forced everyone to stay indoors. The villagers of Nascot laughed, drank, and danced all in no particular order throughout these few merrying days. Friendships were born. Love was found, strengthened, lost, and found all over again in all this time.

Though right now the Queen was passing through along with her retinue of bodyguards, and the people viewed her with great distrust. Spines would stiffen at the sight of the armored band on the road which was the royal procession. Their own lord's relationship with the Queen had been strained the people knew; and it was an easy dislike for them to share due to the intense love that they had for their own generous lord—where any time a malady fell on the people of Nascot, they'd grumble or sometimes dare to shout that it was due to Queen Alyssa's own mismanagement, or even failings. When the Queen's guards were not looking, they spat on the path they tread behind them, and other times in conversation when they thought no one else was nearby - they spit again anyway.

Laughter died down when the villagers turned to watch the Queen's band pass through.

Then at the Riverside Villa of the governing lord itself, its mason fence was a peculiarly decadent display of wealth in what would normally be a rustic countryside estate; you were more likely to see such tall stonework and iron fences in the city than out here. Guards were lazing at their post to the entrance of the villa, some had wreaths of flowers draped over them for the festive spirit, but even they were still cold at the sight of the Queen.

They let her through without issue and onto the courtyard. Where Captain Aldred, past the withering autumn gardens of the Villa's front, the old greying warrior—was sleeping at the door to the estate who was supposed to be ready to greet the Queen in place of Oliver. He was enjoying a snooze in one of the last good sunny days of the season.

Kingsley

Alyssa could feel the cold stares of the Nascotians as she and her knights crossed up the road from Water Town into the verdant Nascot Valley, now picked clean as winter began to set in. The Queen herself was bundled up in a large white cloak over the thick embroidered wool tunic and leggings, the tunic in the green of her wife's house. The stares were not new. While the people of Bescan adored her, she had never spent much time in Nascot and old Eponlli attitudes during the years-long occupation still influenced the people here. The mood was heavy despite the brightness of the sun as the Queen's retinue approached the Riverside Villa of Oliver Laststar.

The guards at the gate said nothing, but opened the gate for her party without hesitation. They dismounted in they courtyard where equally silent grooms saw to the Queen's horse and those of her guardians. She ensured her circlet was straight and followed alongside her cadre of mailed knights and standard-bearers, and as usual, Maron the royal herald as they passed through the autumnal courtyard up towards the front door, where an old man who reminded her of her own Graham, the nominal Captain of her Whiteguard, now permanently posted in Brive. Unlike Graham, the man was far from vigilant, as he sat asleep in a chair by the door, his head drooped forward and an obvious snore.

Alyssa caught Maron's smirk at the sight and shook her head disappointedly. Maron cleared his throat loudly and bellowed out the shortened version of her address that she had insisted he began using.

"Before you and the Lord of this fair land stands Her Royal Majesty, Queen Alyssa Everlight-Kingsley the First, Queen of Perdan, the Riverlands, and the Grand Court of Aix."

The old Captain jolted awake, his eyes widened with a start at the sudden rising. Maron's eyes glinted as the smirk turned to a smile. "Wake up good captain, for we each bear a duty here today."

Alyssa's expression, while not severe, was neither so light as her herald's, her countenance focused and saying nothing as she watched the scene unfold patiently.

"The Queen is here for a personal audience with your liege lord, good Captain." Maron began, "It is the request of you as the representative hereby, by the Royal Crown of Perdan that Queen Alyssa be presented to your liege, presently." He ended with a nod and a respectful, yet exaggerated flourish and a diplomatic smile.

Aldred came awake like an old oak that was just shaken by a rudely blowing wind; and no less noisy, with a half-groaning growl that one learns when their stiff spine reaches the age of near 60. His hands immediately start massaging at his joints, while he blinks the bleariness out of his eyes. He was well deep into the good part of his sunny side nap it seems. There was a faint memory of some dream sailing a ship deep into nameless oceans, but it was quickly forgotten.

With another grunt Aldred stood up, an effort spent with no thanks due to the paunch of ale that used to be his hard muscular warrior's stomach. He also gave the queen's herald, Maron, an unamused look at the man's flamboyant posturing. Clearly Aldred was not impressed.

"Ah. Of course." He hacks a loud cough behind his fist, and his eyes whip over to Alyssa on her horse. His expression softening as he punctually bowed with well enough respect. "My lord has been expecting you, Queen Alyssa." Never minding the fact he was fast asleep just moments ago.

"The land of Nascot and this court is overwhelmingly honored to have you grace us with your presence... I believe my Lord Oliver should be finishing up his own courtly duties just about now, so I will lead you personally inside myself." It was all said with experienced voice of years living a life alongside politics. Though Aldred still rubbed at the small of his back, he nodded towards the stables that lined the border of the perimeter wall; where the grooms, who were hidden inside, finally had broken away from their carousing of the festival day and came to do their duty. They had some stink of wine on them and were in enough of a hurry to get back to their gambling.

"You can leave your mounts with my Lord's trusted and loyal servants, your horses will be kept safe in their care. The House of Laststar is well-known back in their homeland for their horsemanship after all."

The old boar nodded again as he waited a moment for the Queen's entourage to situate themselves, then turned around himself and opened the doors to the Villa and its sprawling halls.

Laststar

The interior of the manor was made up of finely sanded wood, and rustic halls. Every pathway to the great hall itself was bordered by rows upon rows of sunny mosaic windows, which filtered in variously colored light.

Quite a few of the Lord's staff were exceptionally pretty and easily handsome to the eyes, particularly to some taste. The maids nearly fell over themselves curtsying when they saw Alyssa, and whispered a frenzy over her now tale-proven beauty come to life before them, when the escort moved away from them.

It can be seen that indeed there were quite a few local personages that had apparently finished meeting with, or were hoping to see the governing lord. A few well-dressed bankers, notable heads of farming families and their sons and daughters who were standing out in the hallways now pressed to the sides with wide eyes at the sight of a royal entourage. They haven't seen anybody of note much more reputable than the Lord himself walk through these halls than the last time Duchess Aila was here, when she had her titles. They nearly all forgot how to bow.

Indeed the Queen passing through caused quite a stir in the manor, there were to be quite a few new rumors started today from the rare level of excitement this visit will cause.

Then after finally streaming past all the bright, sunlit corridors, the party makes it to the heart of the manor wherein lies the great hall itself. A once old dining room that has been expanded to fit a goodly sized court, a number of butlers and maids were streaming through or were waiting on the lord himself. Past all the rows of columns and bracketed torches along the sides of the room towards the elevated steps at the back, was the governor's own throne, where Oliver Laststar was now sitting and smiling at the sight of Queen Alyssa. His own personal retainer Brynja, the tall willow tree of a shieldmaiden, was behind his shoulder.

He stood up and gave a shortly clipped bow towards his royal patron. Barely not much of one at all really.

"Welcome to Nascot, Queen Alyssa. My people are overjoyed to have royalty visit our vibrant little corner of the world for a change..." He waves lazily off to the side of the room where some staff were waiting with pitchers in hand. "Would you like something to non-poisonous to drink after your journey here?" He asks with another sardonic smile.

Kingsley

Alyssa pointedly ignored the stares and whispers through the Nascotian court as she strode purposefully through the great hall. Sunlight glinted off the royal golden circlet atop blonde locks and the gilded hilt of the sword at her hip. She consciously avoided the stares from local courtiers vying for her eyes, desperately curtsying and bowing, instead her own icy blue eyes stuck forward with clear focus towards her objective at the end of the hall. He smiled at her knowingly as she approached and gave half a bow as the Queen and her escort stopped before the lordly throne. Alyssa met his smile with a neutral expression, her eyes still focused on the man in front of her, breaking only to glance for a moment at the warrior standing behind him before returning her gaze to Oliver.

"Welcome to Nascot, Queen Alyssa. My people are overjoyed to have royalty visit our vibrant little corner of the world for a change..." He waves lazily off to the side of the room where some staff were waiting with pitchers in hand. "Would you like something to non-poisonous to drink after your journey here?" He asks with another sardonic smile.

She blinked at that, but did not smile, her expression remained calm and focused. "Yes, something non-poisonous is my preference." She answered in acknowledgement of the joke though without a hint of humor. "Lord Oliver," She continued, "Thank you for hosting us. I have not had the pleasure of visiting Nascot since its liberation from the Alliance. I'm glad to see a prosperous court."

She took the time to look around at the merry local nobles dressed finely for the royal visit, falling over themselves for the opportunity to earn her favor. Her eyes scanned over them expression unmoved as she recalled the grim and gloomy faces of the common people along her way to the Lord's Manor. And only a prosperous court, it seems. She thought to herself.

As she looked back to Oliver, he stood before her proudly, smug smile still worn openly across his face. Though she made no sign of it, she felt a sudden sadness come over her at the sight of his contempt. In his eyes, her own failures watched back at her playfully, waiting eagerly for the next opportunity to pierce her defenses and open a wound. She would not let him. This visit is as much for him as it is for me. She reminded herself. Her wounds had healed, many of them at least.

"My Lord." She spoke in a gentler tone into the full and silent room, all eyes in the hall still watching her closely and unbroken. "We should find somewhere to talk, as there is a lot to discuss, I think." For the first time since she had entered the hall, her expression softened in sincerity. "Is there a nice place to walk near the manor?"

Laststar

Standing in front of his lordly throne, Oliver had dressed in such a way for his clothes to fit tightly to his physique. His silken shirt was a deep blue and slashed over with diagonal stripes of grey, and his dark thin waistcoat held snug over his shoulders. The frilly collar of his shirt was left unbutton to reveal the fair, unblemished skin at his neck. Combined all with a handsome sneer kept on his lips.

She blinked at that, but did not smile, her expression remained calm and focused. "Yes, something non-poisonous is my preference." She answered in acknowledgement of the joke though without a hint of humor. "Lord Oliver," She continued, "Thank you for hosting us. I have not had the pleasure of visiting Nascot since its liberation from the Alliance. I'm glad to see a prosperous court."

It was disappointing that the queen did not fall into his joke. He covered his annoyance with a bored look, and waved a servant forward who was standing beneath one of the tall windows at the side of the hall, scurrying as gracefully as can be with a pitcher and goblet of diluted wine for Alyssa.

At the same time. Taller than even he, Brynja touched Oliver's shoulder and leaned forward to whisper into his ear; barely did the warrior break her suspicious gaze on the queen standing before them. A look as much as one would trust a rattlesnake that made its home in your bed. Without so much a look Oliver gave a nod to whatever it is she said, her fingers lingered familiarly, but that was enough for Brynja to stride away towards some other new task out of the hall.

"Very well." The lord's voice suddenly rasped louder to all in the hall, marked by a clap of his hands. He looked to Captain Aldred standing quietly by the hall's entrance. "The court is dismissed for today, Aldred I shall leave it to you to clear out our visitors so they can go enjoy the holiday."

Then as servants bustled into motion once more, accentuated by the growling of the old captain, Oliver walked down the steps from his seat towards Queen Alyssa with his expression staying carefully neutral. Despite the pity he had sensed in her gaze before, Earl Oliver was not going to let himself be riled just yet, though the condescension Oliver felt of her gaze did much to fan his own irritation.

"I shall lead you from hereon forth My queen. Alone as you wish." He said as he drew closer, and Oliver then nodded towards another exit on the side of the hall. "We can take a walk through my estate and out towards the river, there's a trail my servants had made from all the time they spend walking down to the shoreline."

It could be a mistake of hearing, perhaps even a ploy of Oliver's, but there was a touch of boredom in his voice as he spoke. He flourished a little bow and led the Queen and he's way out into the hallways of the Villa oncemore, through the gardens and past the the stout fences, and towards the beautiful green bluffs that marked the border just near to the northside of the estate.

Oliver stayed quiet, almost expectant, or even bored as he personally walked with the Queen on dirt packed paths and past wilting autumn flowers down to the full sight of the river. He would allow her to speak first, as he strolled with hands kept linked behind him.

Kingsley

Alyssa and Oliver walked in an uncomfortable silence down the paths towards the River. The wilted flowers provided an additional sense of melancholy to the awkward space between them.  It seemed strange, she thought, feeling like this, near the shimmering river which seen so much of her happiness throughout her life.

She sighed and looked to him sincerely.  "I am sure you probably felt that you could not decline my request." She began, her voice steady but gentle, "Still, I thank you for having me.  The River is my favorite place, I am happy to get to see it again."  Another awkward moment passed, Oliver seemed distracted or disinterested.  This concerned her, and she began to doubt her approach.  In the silence she considered a change in order to reach out to him.

"Why did you rush to save me?"

She saw what she thought was some response from that.  "In Eponllyn," she clarified, "when I was returning from signing the peace with Sirion."  She stopped them and she touched the neckline of her tunic, lowering it slightly and inch or so to reveal the long deep scar that crossed the the left side of her upper chest, under her collarbone.  "A draw hoe, I believe the implement is called." She said, returning the neckline to its regular place.  "One of a few hundred such tools that day, repurposed to kill those the smallfolk of Eponllyn had been told to hate.  As you may recall, they attacked my escort as we returned from a mission of peace. And I was struck, here above my heart from mistrust and spite.  My escort naturally were first on the scene, however something I did not expect occurred."

She looked him in the eyes and tilted her head slightly.  "A young knight rushed to my rescue.  Despite orders otherwise and risking his own career not to mention the dangers of meeting a similar fate himself, he set out immediately to my side and protect me as we made our way home.  He saw a person in need of assistance and dropped what he was doing to come to her aid.  I was the Queen of course, but the orders had been issued and it was not anyone else that came to my side, Lord Oliver.  It was you."

Alyssa paused for a moment and glanced briefly out over the river.  "I had always thought that I knew the reason you did that, but I never asked you did I?  I thought I knew you, but never truly bothered to ask, only presume.  I've done a lot of that.  Seeing what I wanted to, instead of who people are.  It's hurt a lot of people, I think."  Her eyes turned back to him, searching his own for answers as well. "So, will you tell me?  What was it that drove you to drop your orders and come to my rescue?"

Our Wintergreen

Kingsley

Alyssa slid the spectacles back up as she leaned over thumbing through the book beside her. Next to the book lay a sword sheathed in a royally engraved scabbard and various gardening implements; trowels, hoes and the like. She sat near one of the smaller flower beds in the courtyard garden of the Brivan Estate Isana had chosen as her seat and that Alyssa had happily joined her in during her time away from campaign and the capital.

She carefully ran her finger over the lines to keep her spot, flipping back to an earlier illustrated diagram to make sure she understood the tutorial. Deciding that she had, she reached carefully into the pot where the pansy plants had been stored and gingerly lifted one, supporting its roots with one hand and guiding it to its new home in the bed with the others. She packed the dirt tightly, securing it as she moved to the next one.

It was then she was interrupted from her work by a bark from across the yard. She looked up to see her loyal Shadow trotting briskly to her. The dog was much older in years now, slower in his age and his eyesight had clearly diminished, but he still rushed excitedly to her, running alongside the brisk pace of Isana, who smiled at Alyssa as their eyes met.

Alyssa smiled automatically as well, it was pure reaction upon the sight of her wife, though as the pair approached she was nearly bowled over as Shadow jumped into her lap and began to lick towards her face.

Alyssa giggled and tilted her head away as Shadow continued to express his excitement by licking the side of her chin. She wrapped her arms around the old dog and gently guided him off her lap to the ground in front of her, giving him an affectionate nuzzle in return and taking her glasses off to keep them safe from the bombardment of canine affection. "You like nuzzles don't you, my dear boy." She said giving the dog a squeeze and letting him. Isana joined them with a smile and Alyssa reflexively reached out to take her hand as Shadow settled down in front of Alyssa.

Alyssa looked up at Isana innocently and gave her hand a gentle tug. "If you sit with me darling I shall give you nuzzles too.". She smiled as her wife sat down next to her and ran her arm through Isana's, laying her head upon Isana's broad shoulder and keeping her promise.

"I'm planting the pansies today. It's a little late, but they should be in bloom by Wintergreen. I was hoping perhaps we could have a little celebration here? We'll have the large event in the city of course, but I want to do something... Just for us. For our family. You, me, Ced, Graham, the others."

"We can have a tree brought in and I'll have the chefs help prepare the taffy. What do you think my morning star?"

Everlight

Isana grinned and hmm'd happily at the enthusiastic nuzzles from her wife. Married life looked good on them, she mused once again, admiring the relaxed feeling and earth-adorned hands of bespectacled Aly enjoying their country garden.

"I'm planting the pansies today. It's a little late, but they should be in bloom by Wintergreen. I was hoping perhaps we could have a little celebration here? We'll have the large event in the city of course, but I want to do something... Just for us. For our family. You, me, Ced, Graham, the others."

"We can have a tree brought in and I'll have the chefs help prepare the taffy. What do you think my morning star?"

A faraway look came to Isana's eyes at this as she gazed out across the yard. Our family.

She gathered Alyssa closer with arms around her waist and nuzzled into her love's golden hair, resting there to enjoy her scent. Happy tears prickled unseen in her eyes. "My love. That sounds wonderful. A happy little celebration with family, for our favourite holiday." She pulled back to meet Alyssa's gaze, smirked a little, and loosened one arm from its place to adjust the spectacles back up her nose before leaning in, slowly, for a kiss.

Kingsley

"Alyssa eagerly allowed herself to be pulled closer, smiling as the arm slid around her waist.  She lowered her own hand to meet her wife's, enjoying the proximity and warmth in the cool winter air.  She sighed contentedly as Isana agreed.

"Then it shall be done."  She tilted her head up to meet Isana's eyes glistening with happy tears, her own watching the other with open adoration.  Her breath caught at the sweet and sincere sight and the little smirk Isana gave her made her giggle, which only grew as Isana gently slid the spectacles back up her nose and leaned her head close.

"Oh!" Alyssa said pulling back quickly and removing the glasses from her face and rubbed the bridge of her nose against the back of her wrist.  "I have to wear these things so often for letters, I forget I have them on sometimes."  She set them down next to the book and leaned back into Isana, her head forwards to meet Isana's, placing a hand on her cheek.

"Now, my love..." She said brushing her lips against Isana's and wrapping her own arm around Isana's waist.  "A celebration..."  Her lips met Isana's, lingering for a few blessed moments before sliding up to her cheek, nuzzling lightly. Alyssa closed her eyes and lowered her head back down to Isana's shoulder.  The shoulder that had always been strong and steady for her, just as it was now.  The pair stayed like that for some time enjoying the time together and the warmth between them.

Finally, she looked over to the book and glanced over at the flower bed, still partially planted.  "Do you want to help me finish here?"

Brive

The rain came down outside, the rolling storm spattering steadily against the window of the private lounge of Foxwood Manor, where the mantle, evening-lanterns, and candles glowed softly around the room, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere in contrast to the downpour outside.

The Queen particularly appreciated the contrast, the Ducal Palace in Perdan City was an extravagant place with the finest furnishings and luxuries in the world at her fingertips; but while the royal trappings in the capital were convenient and enjoyed in their own way, Alyssa did not grow up in the capital, but instead a small tower tucked away in the woods of a forgotten corner of Bisciye and the provincial life she was now able to split her time in suited her.

Slow moments like this one had become normal, something she had never considered possible before. Her third goblet of wine in one hand, her other around Isana's arm as she leaned into her on the lounge sofa as they listened to the rain together in gentle glow of candles and lanterns.

Together, with the help of Isana's young squire Cedric whom they had taken into their household they had spent the evening looking over maps of the capital and the palace planning the details of the upcoming Perdan tournament. Alyssa sighed contentedly leaning her head on Isana's strong shoulder as Cedric pulled up a map of the city square out of the stack to find potential good places for decoration.

"Did you want to have a ceremony, darling?"

Isana turned her head slightly to meet Alyssa's eyes. Alyssa smiled fondly as their gazes met, head buzzing pleasantly from the wine.

"We had talked about it before. I never got to announce to the world how I feel about you. It wouldn't have to be like another wedding of course, though I enjoyed the last one so much I would be happy to do one."

She nuzzled into Isana's neck while Cedric dug through the stack of papers on the table to find another map.

"I just wish to share the feelings I have felt, to make it known to the Continent." she said leisurely, setting her wine down on the table and wrapping her other arm around Isana. "That after everything our people have suffered through, there is light and hope and joy." She closed her eyes and listened to the rain patter outside, secured safely between the warmth of the mantleplace and her wife. "And that I am happy."

Dear Friends

Guile

Riding on his smoldering obsidian steed, Berwin sits at the head of the column of the Nightmare Host leading his men out of Perdan City towards Brive. Whistling a merry tune as the sun sets, the young-ish gaunt Guile seems carefree and unconcerned about life in general.

Not long after crossing the border into Brive, a scout comes running alongside the gigantic Nightmare herself and addresses his master while keeping pace:

"Your Cousin, the Queen, as well as the Lady Isana are in residence. Shall we notify them of your arrival?"

Berwin hums to himself while thinking and shakes his head, setting his unruly white locks to tumbling. "Hmmm...There's no need, Xander, I'm perfectly capable of announcing myself when we arrive," he speaks slowly and softly, yet the depth of his voice sets several evening-hunting birds into flight from the nearby copse of trees. "Or the birds might tell them we are coming anyway..."

Everlight

Isana rolled the parchment closed, a smile playing about her features as she recalled times past with its writer. Sir Berwin: a towering and jubilant fellow to whom she’d gifted one of the few longbows brought over with her from Beluaterra. She remembered sitting in the chasm between him and Sir Rogos (both men of similarly lofty stature) at the tournament down south, several years ago now. What a party that had been. Tales told atop tables, round after round of ale, someone traipsing past the tavern window unclothed…

The Countess of Brive’s expression settled into a pleased smirk. ‘Utmost joy’ was unlikely to be exaggerated. Revelry, why not!

She stood and shook a few clinging leaves from her simple deep green skirts with hem brushing the tops of her boots. A lanky squire was sprawled upon the walltop nearby poring through a few missives of his own. In haste to attend, the tousled-haired young man leapt to his feet, juggling his bundle of scrolls like a riled-up kitten.

“I know that look. What’s afoot, ‘Sana?” the young man queried in a rich tenor.

Isana’s smirk broadened to a sunny grin as she looked up at Cedric Heinz. “An old friend has returned, and someone you might recall. Do you remember Berwin the well-watered fisher-knight from that tournament in the southern mountains, and fishing by the bridge in Bescanon?”

“The big tall fellow? Side by side with Sir V'Orlan? How could I forget! I think I asked him what he ate to grow so tall, and he told me only trout for every meal…” Ced pulled a distasteful expression at this culinary suggestion.

“That’s the one, Ced. He’s here in Brive for a visit, and looking for a celebratory reunion too. I’m going to go find Aly and see if we can’t meet him at the manor gate. Can you see to finding appropriate refreshments and some entertainment? I think you and the Captain--” Isana’s voice halted for a brief second, still catching memories of Henrik, peacefully may he rest, at the title. “--you two were discussing vintages and brews a few weeks back and seem to have a handle on Brive’s brewers and what’s in the cellars.”

Cedric’s ears flushed red at the compliment-commentary. He clicked his heels together with sharp precision that would make any parade ground marshal proud.

“I’m on it, Countess!”

As her squire disappeared toward the barracks, Isana turned and began a sauntering walk back to the manor house. Blue-green eyes peered in the lantern-lit panes trying to guess which room her lady-love might be inhabiting. Her path was toward the formal front yard on the off chance that their incoming visitor may be arriving anon.

Kingsley

The Queen sighed as she poured over the stacks of letters from the Perleone High Court that now covered most of her desk. After several hours of reading and organizing a response, the letters had begun to blur together even with her spectacles. She removed the metal and glass instrument from her face and tucked the hair the arms had loosened back behind her ears. Folding them and setting them upon the desk, Alyssa leaned her elbows forward and placed her face in her hands, gently rubbing her temples.

Her office chambers at Foxwood was quiet, much different than in the capital, where there was always some hum of the city that reached even the Ducal Palace, here in the country there was nothing but silence, one of the only things she did not prefer about the country. The quiet let her mind wander, and when her thoughts left to wander they often turned to dangerous and painful thoughts, so she was glad at least for the work to distract her, even if it was somewhat tedious to parse through numerous letters about wildly different subjects. The quiet also, however, allowed her to hear the crunch of leaves outside. Her eyes immediately darted to the sword leaned against one side of her desk before she shook the instinct and stood to cross the room and look through the window to see what had made the noise that she might distract herself with for a few moments.

It had turned out to be quite the welcome distraction as she looked through the window to see Isana smiling brightly at her through the glass. Alyssa returned the smile though mixed with a look of curiosity as she opened the window to greet her wife who leaned forward onto the sill outside watching her fondly.

"Now dear Countess. I quite fancy meeting you like this."

Isana let out a little giggle and Alyssa's hand found Isana's easily as she leaned forward to kiss her. "To what do I owe such an auspicious appearance?"

Isana hmm'd happily and gave her hand a light loving squeeze. "Sir Berwin is making his way here."

"Ah. I had heard he arrived in Brive, so he is paying a visit after all." She considered for a moment. "I suppose I will need to make a change to a more formal dress in that case. This is not the capital with pomp and ceremony, but I believe Sir Berwin deserves to be greeted by the Queen as well as his cousin. I'll send Thea to go find dear Ced to arrange some entertainment and refreshments in the meantime."

Alyssa's smile brightened as her Morning Star told her it was all already handled and to go change and that she would meet her shortly. She gave a nod and the pair parted at the window, Alyssa closing it and straightening the papers on her desk into neat piles before heading upstairs to change.

Alyssa met Isana in the foyer, in a formal blue dress with gold trim, the gold royal circlet crowning her head, and a ceremonial blade at her hip secured with a gold sash. She gave a little twirl for her wife, earning a smile for the effort. Pleased with her reward, she took Isana's arm. "To tell the truth I was hoping for a little distraction. It's been quite a while since I've seen my cousin, your cousin now too. I've also gone ahead and directed Thea to inform the rest of the staff and the kitchen. Sir Raymond has been tasked with organizing the honour guard for Sir Berwin's arrival." She looked up in thought as she continued her extensive report to the Lady of the House. "I ran into dear Ced as well and he has picked out an excellent vintage for refreshment. Though I am told he also wrangled that rascal Maron into a performance for tonight. Oh yes, I also had the butler prepare quarters for him. The corner room on the East wing I believe, the one with that painting of Smiddich that we all received as a Mystery Gift that one Wintergreen. It has a nice view of the Goldenfields."

She looked thoughtfully back at Isana whose hand she still held dearly. "Did I forget anything?

Guile

Approaching Foxwood at a rather lazy pace atop the Nightmare, the former-Duke of Alexandria is dressed as formally as he ever has been. Black trousers tucked into supple black leather riding boots with silvered buckles, a finely cut shirt of emerald brocade, and a rather jauntily angled cap adorned with a pheasant's plume. On his thick, articulated silver belt, an ornamental rapier with full basket hilt and a sapphire pommel hangs easily, and looking far too small and toothpickish for the over-tall Guile.

Nearing the grounds of Foxwood, a dapper looking gentleman steps out of a large contingent of highly organised and well-equipped soldiers under the Queen's Banner, to stop the Nightmare Host on the roads before the estate line.

"Ser Berwin of House Guile?" he asks, quicly receiving a nod from the gaunt giant.

"Finally, Ser! It's taken far too long for you to rea... I mean for us to meet with your august personage! Uhm, I'm Raymond, of the Queen's Honour Guard. If you would be so kind as to have your men fall in at the rear of the column, we can begin the procession to see the Queen and her Beloved Morning Star. Both are awaiting your arrival." the captain of the guard looks at the white haired fiend-of-fish with a wary eye, not knowing what to expect from such a strange man.

"Naturally, Good Raymond! Fear ye not of these men, they are loyal to our Queen and all." Berwin says as he leans down from his steed and pats the captain on the head gently. Turning around in the saddle to face to the 91 Soldiers and assorted bannermen, healers, and scouts of the Host, a shout emerges from his cavelike mouth; "Oi! Jorg! Display Rank Seven! Hop To!"

Immediately, the Host sheathes all arms, attaches securing straps so they cannot be quickly drawn, and present their bell-topped kite shields at a 30 degree offset, setting them to jangling with every step as they follow along after their Lord, the Captain Raymond, and the Queen's Guard as they enter the grounds of Foxwood proper.

Kingsley

The Queen stood regally in the main courtyard of Foxwood Manor as Sir Berwin Guile's party approached led by loyal Sir Raymond, Captain of the Royal Whiteguard.  Behind her and Isana a procession of officials both Brivan and royal staff and guard.  Alyssa was instantly alarmed at the Nightmare's devilish appearance, and the Whiteguards immediately marched forth to meet Sir Berwin and his black steed.  Hands clasped as they often were, Alyssa gave a quick concerned glance to Isana before the pair stepped forward to meet the Knight.

Alyssa watched the dread horse carefully as she approached, though her gait was purposeful, and her posture straight and strong as the rest of the Queen and Countess's party followed.

Maron, the Queen's royal herald stepped up from the procession and despite some initial hesitancy at the sight of the Nightmare, he carried on and cleared his throat dramatically (earning a subtle sigh from the Queen) before making the introductions.

"Welcome noble Sir to Foxwood Manor, the seat of the Brivan Court, the eternal watch over the Brivans, the great crossroads of Perdan, and the Goldenfields."  Maron turned his head slightly to meet the eyes of the elderly knight Graham who stood with some of the Whiteguard who remained in the Queen's escort, hunched over a sturdy cane. He gave the old knight a mischievous wink before continuing.

"Sir I have the unquestionable honour of making your introduction to the ruler of this fair land:  Her Majesty Isana Everlight, Queen-Consort of the Kingdom of Perdan, Countess of Brive, Dawnstar of Perdan." Both parties bowed respectfully in reverence to Isana at the introduction.

"I also present to you Her Royal Majesty Alyssa Everlight-Kingsley I, Queen of Perdan, The Riverlands, Greater Oligarch, and the Grand Court of Aix, Shield of Holy Leandra, the Queen in White, Patron of the Guild, Imperial Elector, the Wolf of Bescanon.." Alyssa closed her eyes in exasperation, taking a deep breath as Maron rolled off the newest list of overly indulgent titles, most of which she had never heard of and some of which made no sense or otherwise did not exist.

"... Defender of the True Faith, the Queen of Hearts, Protector of the Hope of the People of Perdan, Light- " the herald continued with an amused smile on his face.

"Maron." Alyssa interrupted sternly, bringing the royal bard's performance to a close.  Maron smirked and nodded reverently to his Queen and gave Sir Berwin a wink before continuing.

"All hail the Queens of Perdan!" He announced, bringing the royal introductions to a close.  At his call, the entirety of the Queens' party saluted in unison.

Alyssa stood motionless, playing her part in ceremony as the attention and expectation of formality turned to the visitor.  Alyssa watching him expectantly.

A Worrying Night

Guilotine

Rushing through the crowd streets, the large crowd making way for a bourse drawn cart making haste with the person on top steering the bourses yelling out to then round, “Make way! Move out of the way,” repeatedly as the cart makes it way to the palace ground.

Meanwhile inside the cart blood can be seen everywhere as who can be only Ambassador miles himself holding onto his side as blood gushed through the wound. His aid Xever trying to tend to his masters wound as well as trying to keep the Young master calm.

Xever says to Sir miles will helping him keep pressure on the wound, “sir, we are almost to the gates of the royal palace we should be safe there, I.. I can’t believe they struck when we thought we were safe,”

Weak in strength Miles looks to his aid tenderly, “Xever, I don’t believe it as well.. we need to tell Alyssa..” The cart suddenly stops as in mid speech Sir Miles falls to the cart floor with a thud as blood comes rushing through his mouth only to see the door opening and one of the palace guard looking in horror.

”W..what Ambassador Miles! Open the gates! Open them now hurry. Someone go inform Queen Alyssa that Miles is hurt!” The palace guard yells out to his unit with the gates slowly opening as the cart resumes its path to the front doors. The captain of that unit rushes with the cart to directly inform the Queen of what has transpired.

Kingsley

Alyssa slept fitfully, as sometimes happened, dark dreams loomed over her, vague in their threats but clear in violent imagery. She had woken up a few times, partly due to the city sounds which carried on throughout the night, something that she had expected to be a boon as she often found the silent nights in the Brivan countryside allowed her mind to wander more freely than the hum of the city below the Royal Bedchamber of the Ducal Palace in Perdan City.

Alyssa had tucked herself under Isana's arm, nuzzling close to her beacon of light in the hopes of dispelling dark thoughts. A knock on the door interrupted her weak slumber. She turned her head around to face the door glancing at the sword by her bedside. Isana slept soundly as Alyssa pulled herself from her and threw on a dressing gown, grabbing the sword from beside her bed.

The knocking came again as she approached the door, sword in hand, on full alert, ready to pull the blade from its scabbard if need, when a voice called from the other side, familiar.

"Your Majesty," Sir Raymond said gently through the door. "An urgent matter."

Alyssa opened the door skeptically, resting the sword's tip against the floor, her hand still resting on the pommel as she cracked open the door. Sir Raymond quickly averted his eyes from his Queen in her nightclothes while she watched him intently, focused and ready to act for whatever urgent matter was at hand.

"Lord Miles has returned."

Alyssa raised her eyebrow. "Very well, find Thea tomorrow morning and have him schedule a meeting."

"He is presently in surgery, Your Majesty."

The additional information struck her and she paused for a moment. "I see." She replied taking in the extra context. "In that case let me know when he is awake, we have a lot to discuss."

Sir Raymond nodded, and Alyssa closed the door, walked back to her bed, and set the sword back down at its place by the bed, sliding under the covers. Isana stirred slightly, rolling over towards Alyssa who slid her arm around her instinctively as she looked over at the window to the dark outside. She knew sleep would be elusive as thoughts rattled around her head of letters and mysteries far away and so near at once. Of conspiracy and knives in the dark. "I shall stand vigil tonight my love." She muttered softly.

The sun was barely shining through the window when the knock came again. Alyssa had dozed off into a light slumber when it came and Isana stirred slightly too, giving her a sleepy look she answered with the squeeze of a hand as she got up and opened the door to receive the update on the Ambassador's condition. Nodding and closing the door, Alyssa returned to the bedside where she sat and explained the situation to her wife, gave her a kiss and got up to dress and make her way to the infirmary.

A private suite had been set aside for Lord Miles' recovery. As the Queen was led there, she spotted several minor clerics of the Flame tending to a handful of sick staff. Alyssa did not expect that, but was ushered to Lord Miles' suite where she found him lying in recovery. He looked up at her as she entered, and a staff member pulled a chair for her to sit down at the bedside. She looked at him carefully and spoke with gentle regality as the sunlight from the windows glowed around them.

"I am glad to see you have returned. Your letter gave quite the fright, My Lord. Do you have the strength to tell me the full tale?"

Guilotine

From the soft early morning light slowly arousing from sleep, Sir Miles awakens to see Alyssa looking over him from his bed with dread. “My..Queen I truely apologize” Slowing arising with a look of pain on his face, Miles slowly rises to look her directly into the eyes. “I truely meant you no worry… the blame is all mine for letting my guard down…” Looking down with sadness to see the state he has become.

“They came out of nowhere.. and before I knew it most of the men I took with me most of them already died without a sound, only the lucky few managed to live to help me escape.” Continuing to look down, he feels his still get tender and fresh wound slowly as each touch brings a bit of pain. “I called myself a warrior for a time.. and I was powerless to do anything, I couldn’t even save my own men…” Clenching his fists he looks to Alyssa. 

“I… I need you to help me find these people. They… they were specifically targeting me for somthing.. they.. they burned down my family estate.. kill the dog… I.. I don’t know what happened to them.. it was all so sudden” Shaking nervously from the repressed memory as his eyes slowly start to water. “It all happened late that night, four days before I wrote you the first letter, I was about to head back to perdan with all my things everything was normal and quiet (before the fire nation attacked) before too long a horn sounded right outside the estate and before I knew it the wiff of burning smoke already filled the guest room as these people set ablaze the estate.”

Taking a deep breath as both his hands are shaking and gripping on the bed sheets while starring downward at his feet. “All… all I could hear was endless screaming of the servants stuck inside the house… and being killed one by one by..by these assassins, I … i.. I had to take action and leave while before they found me… I, I don’t know if my family is okay but I have great faith that the flames will watch over them.. but I still don’t know.. I shouldn’t of abandon them in the estate… I..I couldn’t do much but flee as a coward..”

Tears start to flow down as Miles slowly sobs before quickly stopping and trying to keep himself together. “My..apologies, it’s very hard for me right now.” Wiping off his tears he continues with the story.

”After leaving the estate I sent word to you about the attempt on my life as I slowly booked multiple different transports to leave Braga to get to friendly territory. This assassin was definitely after me as they continued to chase me all over, and nearly ending up dead before I reached to you. It seems though they still got me at the end where they killed almost everyone except my only aid and the carage driver. This person got me at the bridge before reaching the city to perdan.. we took a pit stop to finally rest our wearily bodies before I knew it a dagger was stabbed through by torso by a masked man standing in front of me and at almost the same time vanished as I slowly passed out to the blood loss.”

Finishing up the story Miles continues to look down as yearly slowly fall from his eyes at his own thoughts of worthless.

Kingsley

Alyssa felt a strange mix of emotions as Miles told his tale. She sat up straight in her chair, listening silently and intently as tears rolled down his cheek. As he finished and looked dejectedly downward, light sobs accompanying the tear drops that slipped from his chin to the bedspread. Alyssa could not help but feel a strong instinct stir within her.

Before her was a gentle soul, and a victim. A person whom great and unjust cruelty had been inflicted upon. Her thoughts flashed back to a day long ago, she had pulled herself from her own recovery bed, the clawed scars having formed across her back, well enough to pick up her sword once more. The memory of that day played out as Miles sobbed softly. She knelt before the castellan of Bisciye, as he placed a sword upon her shoulder. Her words came back to her.

I will protect the innocent.

Her stiffness faded and she moved easily from the chair to sitting on the bedside next to the wounded man. She hesitated for only a moment before sliding her arm around his shoulder and gently pulling him to her in an effort not to agitate his wound.

"You are not to blame for this, Miles Gillotine." She paused before continuing. "You are a victim, of violence and cruelty and that is not your fault." She gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "What these people did to you are their own actions, and have nothing to do with your choice or your strength. Being harmed does not make you a coward. I am glad that you are safe now. You are under my protection, and these people will be brought to justice. I will not allow a villain to harm any of my nobles. I promise you, the investigation shall begin immediately. I will also send a messenger to Braga to check in on your family."

She looked at him with concern. "I will need to know more about these people who attacked you. Did they say who they were, what they were trying to accomplish by hurting you? What did they look like? What do you know about this mask."

She paused suddenly, realizing that it might be a lot for the young ambassador.

"I am sorry." She said standing back up. "I don't mean to debrief you now." She gave him a sincere look. "You are safe here, and I shall be here at once when you are ready to answer more, if that is now or later I shall be here to ensure your safety, as your Queen."

Worries

The solar's fireplace glowed and crackled warmly in the cool autumn evening matching the lowering sun outside the windows. They found easy agreement on the route for the upcoming trip and Alyssa smiled fondly as Isana slipped back into her native accent. It made her feel content, a sign of Isana's own ease and comfort, and the safety and certainty to be their true selves with one another. Alyssa found their marriage, among many joyful things, grounding; a space and a person to disconnect her from the identity as Queen, to allow her to still be a person and not just solely the duty of her position. Alyssa was grateful for that, and grateful that Isana felt that too, even if her duties were not so heavy as rulership.

That evening those duties had indeed weighed heavily on Alyssa, and an evening snuggled with Isana was a welcome respite from that stress. Isana did seem to pick up on it though, as Alyssa set her goblet down and laid her head against Isana's shoulder.

"Mmm? Tired, my Sky?"

Alyssa closed her eyes and took in the moment as her wife placed a gentle kiss atop her head. For that moment she considered, acutely aware on the great effect that little gesture just had on her.

"Yes... it has been... a difficult few days, my Star." Alyssa nuzzled into her shoulder and slid her arms around her wife. "Things have happened quickly, many things; with the tournament then diplomacy across all the realms of the Continent. And I worry, perhaps as I always do, about the future."

Alyssa sat up and slid her hands down Isana's arm to take both of her hands in hers and looked at her with deep love and worry.

"These years of peace have been the best of my life. I wish it could go on forever. I want our people to be safe, to thrive. Our nobles to prosper and raise the next generation of leaders. I want to spend my days and nights with you... I want to raise children with you."

She lingered on the last before adding "If you wish."

"But lately there is just so much happening. War seems set on so many minds, it is quite the effort to address them all. I think this trip will do good to help clear my head."

She shook her head and sighed, lying her head back down on Isana's shoulder. "At least, being with you does that."

Travel

The chair in the Queens' tent was surprisingly comfortable, Alyssa had spent most of her time travelling with an army, and during most of her time as Imperatrix fighting against the Alliance, travelling with a poor army. It was a nice change of pace to travel with some comfort. And while the furnishing was not abundant, (only a writing desk, some chairs, a trunk, a small table and their bed) it was sturdy, the the cushions fluffed, and the linens soft. The warm glow of bright lantern light lit up the space turning a simply furnished tent into a cozy little nest away from home.

The letters however, did not cease. The other rulers of the Continent did not care, it seemed, about their trip, and Alyssa had never allowed her duty to falter. She adjusted her spectacles and sorted through the Alexandria pile, sighing to herself as she lost herself in the situation unfolding on the delta and wracking her brain considering what she could do about it.

It was a distant, rhythmic sound that took her out of the stack about halfway down, almost familiar but faint. She raised an eyebrow and rose, stepping out of the tent and looking out over the baggage train and the camp of her knightly escorts, small glowing flames across the plains of the valleylands. The sound however was coming from a nearby fire, the closest, and she recognized both the voices and the song at once. A little breeze fluttered through the campsite and Alyssa shivered at the cool southern air. This land, once covered by glaciers retained it's chilly climate and Alyssa quickly stepped back in and retrieved a spare blanket from the trunk and stepped into the chilly night air towards the familiar voices.

She arrived to the fireside where several figures sat on a couple of sturdy benches, loudly belting out the final verses an old song Maron, the royal herald had written about her during her days as a knight. Isana, Sir Raymond, Cedrik, Thea, (both wrapped in light blankets) and Maron himself sat around the fireplace above which was a pot containing some liquid and a large wooden ladle. Together they raucously finished the final verses as Alyssa approached.

Oh the lady I love is the Lady in White She's soft and she's sweet as the morning light I watch from afar as she leads and she fights Her blade is so quick, her foes turn afright

Alyssa sidled up to Isana who looked up at her admiringly with a rosy-cheeked smile as they finished the song

Oh the lady I love is so darling and dear Fierce as a lion, she cuts through the drear Gallant yet sweet, her beauty so bright No lady as fair as my Lady in White!

Isana belted out the last line with particular aplumb and wrapped her arms around Alyssa's waist, hugging her. The party around the fire laughed merrily as the song concluded, except Sir Raymond who quickly tried to compose himself, and Thea who merely smiled.

Alyssa gently ran her fingers through Isana's hair and the two shared a sweet loving look as Alyssa handed the blanket to her. "It's getting cold, in case you need it."

"Your Majesty," said Maron with a wry smile from the other side of the fire, as Alyssa took a seat next to Isana. "As I recall, you hated that song."

"Hm." She replied as Isana unfolded the blanket and wrapped one side around her shoulder and tossing the other side lightly around Alyssa's as she snuggled up to the Queen. "I think it was always missing something. It sounds better with other voices." Maron chuckled, while Alyssa put her arm around Isana.

Cedrik poured a cup of mulled cider and presented it a courteously gracious as he could. Alyssa smiled and accepted it and he ladled another into a cup for Isana and then another for himself.

"Well I have to say I agree." He chuckled, "One voice never sounds quite as nice as many, hm? Another song?"