Difference between revisions of "JeVondair Family/Selenia"
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{{Quotation| I will rise. I will ''always'' rise. Don't you doubt that even for a second.|Xerarch Selenia of Greater Xavax sometime after she was resurrected}} | {{Quotation| I will rise. I will ''always'' rise. Don't you doubt that even for a second.|Xerarch Selenia of Greater Xavax sometime after she was resurrected}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Who is Selenia?== | ||
+ | The Phoenix Queen is a heroic warrior, living legend of the [[http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/Greater_Xavax/Welcome|Xavax]] peoples, founding Empress of the [[Empire of the Ivory Vales]], and currently the only living person known to have returned from beyond the veil of [[http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/JeVondair_Family/Selenia/Death|Death]] itself. In her, Xavax Endures. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Selenia appears to be about 30 years old and is altogether smaller than her larger-than-life reputation might suggest, standing at 1.68m tall and 55kg. Her skin does not glow gold, nor does thunder roll as she speaks, but there is a spark in her blue eyes, or was that just the reflection of the firelight? Trick of the light or no, her steady gaze is nevertheless unnerving as one contemplates all that she must have seen if even half of the stories about her are true. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The circumstances of her birth in Aurvandil have never slowed her. After marrying into the JeVondair family on Dwilight, she saved the life of the Prophet of Sanguines Astrum Mathurin Hossenfeffer himself and dined with royalty at the [[D'Hara/Dragon Coronation|coronation]] of Dragon Princess Selena Ironsides before earning her patent of nobility and emigrating to Beluaterra. There, she brought down the Dukes of Trent and later challenged Raziella I Himoura of the Nifelleisca clan for the rights to an entire duchy, winning when the other woman could fight no more. When there were no lands left for her to conquer, she sailed East where she was crowned ruler of the new Imperium of Greater Xavax. As Xerarch, she started the war that would consume the continent for decades to come and ultimately cost her throne, her realm, and her mortal life. During this 15-year period, she fought and killed Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard and Noiram Kah, a traitorous member of her own court that challenged her right to rule after she was returned to the living. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Death had the effect of intensifying Selenia in [[JeVondair Family/Selenia/Personality|unexpected ways]]: She is ruthless where before she would be inclined to show mercy. She is patient when before she would dive in head first. She is diplomatic where before she was domineering, and thankful where before she was arrogant. Selenia's physical vitality, despite her advancing age, is due to a Fountain of Youth scroll used on her during the birth of her son, Högni Peredhel, that reversed her aging as well as the Healing Scroll that [[http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/JeVondair_Family/Selenia/Resurrection|resurrected]] her later that same year after she fell defending Xavax City. Her body, suffused with those magics, refused to age any further. An entire religion, the [[http://wiki.battlemaster.org/wiki/Path_of_Paragons| Path of Paragons]], sprung up after stories of her journey through the afterlife spread, though it died with the Old Imperium. Now, after the death of her ward Ayden of Tor (Redhaven's first Duchess of Blades) a decade later, the Phoenix is once again on the warpath. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Woe to any glory-seeker that would cross it. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
== The Serf == | == The Serf == | ||
Age:17 | Age:17 | ||
Line 438: | Line 451: | ||
Words of Fire that affecting the rise and fall of empires. | Words of Fire that affecting the rise and fall of empires. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When the shadow of the moon before the sun fell fully over the Phoenix Court, the Xerarch stood at last, her very movement commanding the silence and attention of the room. She had something in her lap and unfurled it to reveal a Redwing, the first Redwing, sewn for Selenia's banner by the fallen hero Jarvin (THE Redwing) Bedegar himself. It's very presence a reminder of all blood of Xavax heroes that had been spilled in this war. "I have been defeated." She began, her eyes swept back and forth as she spoke, pausing briefly here and there. "Despite the righteousness of our cause, despite the warrior spirit in our hearts, despite the gods themselves sending me back to you from beyond the pall of death. I was defeated. And in defeat, I was ashamed, for who deserves the mantle of rulership over so worthy a people as the Xavax without bringing them victory? Never mind the odds, nor how well we fared against them for so long. Never mind the treachery, the deceit, the sabotage, for what does a Phoenix do if not rise?" | ||
+ | |||
+ | "But after everything, beloved friends and vassals lost to the toll of war, the creeping sickness of betrayal, armies of enemies closing in from ever side, all felt lost. Everything we'd worke to build and maintain for so long against such impossible adversity was slowly being torn from our grasp. Foes closing in on every side, it had never been more clear that I had failed you, failed all of Xavax, and in my weakness, failed in my ultimate responsibility...I failed you, my people. And so I returned here," she said with a gesture that took in the entire city, "to wait for the end. Waiting for the final swing of the blade like cattle, like prey." She said that last with the disgust and vehemence of a frustrated hunter, she paced back and forth along the dais like a caged lioness. Firelight danced in her eyes as she projected her voice. "Until I was reminded of the words I told your countrymen when we breached the defenses in Abadan not long ago. Do you remember? I told them that Xavax is not just some pile of stone or a bit of red splashed on a map somewhere. The Xavax are a people. The Xavax are my people, and the real failure, the real betrayal, would be to continue as I have, quietly resigned to my fate. I thought I was choosing the hard road, going down with her ship as a Captain must." She ran the Redwing flag through her hands, playing her fingertips along the stitching. "In truth, I was being a coward because I know now that simply waiting here was the easier choice. It will be harder by far to keep struggling, to keep fighting, to keep moving forward toward the dream of a peaceful and powerful Xavax." | ||
+ | |||
+ | "I was wrong" she continued quietly as though to herself. Ears strained to hear her now over the pop and crackle of the braziers at her side. At the farside of the room, the sunlight began do grow as the eclipse started to pass. She held the throne room captive with her eyes, locking briefly with Sir Andross Blint and Dame Elessa Raven who had been the first to arrive at her summons. Peppered among the crowd were soldiering women, Captains who'd been invited at the Xerarch's command. They were here because Selenia was the one who had decreed that anyone who can lead and fight should do so. It was because of the Xerarch that there were any female captains at all, and the reminder spurred by their presence fortified her. "It is not going well for our people." She said simply. "There, in the north, they are fractured. Weakened without is, devolving into strife. Months may pass, maybe years, but eventually they will loose themselves to their circumstances, forget who they are, where they come from. They will forget that they are Xavax. And therin lies the true defeat, the final defeat, that which the Southern Alliance longs for. And hear in my self pity, I was about to gift-wrap my enemies greatest desire: A ruined and forgotten Xavax." | ||
+ | |||
+ | "I am done waiting for my fate to come find me. Instead, I will ride out to meet it. So long as there is breath in my body I will fight on." As her gaze swept the room the last shadows of the eclipse were chased away. The noon sun returned, bathing the assembled nobility in its full, golden glory. Selenia basked in the warmth, her expression changing from morose to one radiating the heat of renewed determination. "Prepare yourselves for a journey and battle. We are abandoning Xavax City. We ride north to join our countrymen. There we will continue the fight against the Southern Alliance until we win or until I've no life left to fight with." She held them captive with her eyes, her expression laden with purpose. "I cannot promise you victory. I cannot promise you a new Xavax. I can only promise you a Hard Path. But I can promise you one thing: Hard though the Path may be, it winds through fields of glory." | ||
+ | |||
+ | "Will you choose to follow me boldly into this new and uncertain future? Will you place your faith in me, your Xerach who was raised from the ashes of death and trust me to find a way to raise Xavax from the ashes of defeat?" She'd placed her hand over her heart - and the ugly scar, a visceral reminder of her harrowing tale. "They, our enemies, and I, your Xerarch, for once made the same mistake...we'd forgotten the most crucial symbol that holds the very fabric of Xavax society together...one that has more than once brought our foes to their knees. I summoned you all here to remind you of what that thing is..." | ||
+ | |||
+ | The shadow of the moon was fully gone now, banished, with the sun glowing brilliantly as though it had never been obscured. With deliberate poise, she wraped the Redwing banner as a shawl across her bared shoulders, literally wrapping herself in the flag of her beleaguered nation. "We are the Phoenix," she said, opening her arms to their full span to include all of the assembled nobles. "We will rise. We will always rise. Follow me, and our sacred fires will burn throughout the north." | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Selenia's Last Whisper== | ||
+ | {{Quotation| | ||
+ | |||
+ | I have no gift to celebrate your Union, | ||
+ | |||
+ | I have no advice to guide you along your Path, | ||
+ | |||
+ | I have no power to guide you through the Maelstrom, | ||
+ | |||
+ | That which we all must face. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I have nothing, No lands, no titles, no gold, no relics of power, | ||
+ | |||
+ | But I do have blood. | ||
+ | |||
+ | And in blood there is magic. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Should your union bear fruit, then the blood of my blood shall be a guardian | ||
+ | |||
+ | To keep and protect for the dark times to come | ||
+ | |||
+ | Until the fire I started burns again.|Selenia, Royal of Rogues}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Exile== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quotation| Half the world Slanders Selenia. She promised to burn the entire world. One cannot expect this to not have any consequences. She took me under her wing. She protected me, she elevated me. She knew what kind of situation she created. She made herself large and menacing, a great target to be shot at so we wouldn't be shot down. See it for the sacrifice that it is. Allow her to serve us once more. We never believed the dark magics and we have never yielded this fact. Neither have I to anyone nor in any negotiation.| Asher Renodin}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Remembrance== | ||
+ | {{Quotation| Letter from Hector Serpentis Tandaros (11 days, 13 hours ago) | ||
+ | message to all nobles of Redhaven | ||
+ | Rejoice! Our capital's halls are now protected by a Stronghold. Our foes will have a horrendous time trying to seize this city and corrupt it with democracy. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There is a stone carved for Xerarch Selenia at the cornerpiece near the main gate. Long may our people remember her, and the history of our people, namely our exile. In the block beneath, the masons have listed the Paragons who have given their lives in the war and Path of Ashes for Xerarchy and Xavax. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Eight-meter banners depicting the Redwing have been crafted by special order and shall be hung high from the parapets and battlements, raised high in defiance of our enemies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Long Live Xavax, Long Live Xerarch Aramon, | ||
+ | Long Live Redhaven! | ||
+ | |Hector Serpentis Tandaros | ||
+ | Ambassador of Redhaven | ||
+ | Duke of Coimbra | ||
+ | Margrave of Krimml}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==Return of the Phoenix== | ||
+ | 11-21-2018 | ||
+ | With the death of her Ward, Ayden Torarrin jeVondair - The Duchess of Blades, Selenia was at last moved to end her self-imposed isolation and rejoin the realm, and war, she'd had a hand in starting. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quotation| | ||
+ | Great bells toll slowly, methodically, the boom of their ringing like an abrasive thud upon the ears. Murders of crows cackle their racuous cries over a realm subdued. A realm in loss. A country morning the loss of one of it's heroes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dusk barely settles before the dark tales whisper in from the front, how in the Battle of Bescannon, peasants rose up in their thousands and killed the Duchess, who had once been one of their own. Before long, the tales become mournful tunes hastily cobbled by poets and performers to earn a coin or two. The cities and forests of Redhaven, especially in Krimml, reeled at the sudden death of their hero. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Duchess of Blades... | ||
+ | |||
+ | A child of Xavax left without a mother... | ||
+ | |||
+ | A JeVondair... | ||
+ | |||
+ | News travels fast, but bad news travels faster still. And for one person, one woman, this news traveled fastest of all. From an overheard conversation in an unnamed forest, she heard of the fall of Ayden Torrarin JeVondair, adopted daughter of Godric Torarrain, beloved of the Phoenix Queen. Like the lance that had taken her heart, Selenia felt the words pierce through her, felt a little part of her light, herself, vanish forever. Like a river, her life since accepting her self-imposed banishment flowed: Building her cottage deep in the woods, hunting like when she was a girl in Aurvandil, raising and training Högni, to occasionally advising the young ward she'd left to tend to the fortunes of her people...the Xavax. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Selenia remembered. Itor bass had just revolted against Alara. She'd just declared war on Robb Starfall and he, vile man that he was, had his equally vile general Brack Magdelin order the butcher and rape of the peasants in Itor Boss. Selenia was riding at the head of her army, the Xavax having just chased the cowardly bandits from the region when her trusted vassal Godric cantered up beside her with a scrawny, disheveled little child in his arms. He'd grunted something about this or that, but Selenia had seen right through the old grizzly and smiled at his relief when she accepted the girl to serve as a page to the women of her unit, Fearless. Ayden, who had lost her entire family and scantly escaped being slain eaten by their reanimated versions before being rescued by Godric and his men, had been quiet at first. Clumsy, but diligent. She never stopped trying, and when the time came, Selenia encouraged a young Ayden to follow in her won footsteps, seek out a life of adventure, and avenge herself against the undead and Alarans alike. Ayden took to the hunters arts as though she'd been born to it, only ever truly herself and free when she was on the trail, so when one day she found herself before Selenia on one knee, accepting a knighthood into the Phoenix Queens household, it was more change than she had ever dreamt of. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Too much Selenia thought, her heart heavy, as she readied her horse. It was all she could think of to do now but return to Court. She did not know what she would find their, nor what she sought. Was it vengeance? Forgivness? Absolution? All of these? Perhaps. But above it all was the mountainous weight of sadness, the abyssal pit in her stomach at having lost a daughter, and the need to bury her family. In no time at all, she and Hogni arrived in Oligarch to await the return of Ayden's body...and the explanation of her comrades... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Thus did the Phoenix Queen return to the Xavax.| Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair | ||
+ | Message sent to all nobles of Redhaven (10 recipients) - 5 days, 23 hours, 54 minutes ago}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quotation| Two banners appear over the horizon with a single horseman, those of the Mounted Toren and the Phoenix Hussars. A third of a league behind him the mass of horsemen trots slowly. A sombre drum sounds as one voice sings. At the front Godric walks alongside his horse; tied to the saddle, the veiled body of Ayden Tórrarin. One hand on the reins and one hand gripping his spear, Godric moves with half-closed eyes, his voice murmured and hoarse, occasionally his men will join in the songs as an attendant brings him ale to soothe his throat. He then continues, men occasionally adding their voices when they've heard the saga. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Captain Honana nods as they approach Krimml and men at the flank break formation to continue at comfortable speed. A dozen soldiers are left to accompany their þegn in the funerary march. One man will continue on to deliver a letter to Lady Selenia. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The messenger, however, did not have to travel far. Selenia herself stood alone at the gates of her ward’s former fief. The road from Bescannon was long and word of Godric’s arrival had traveled far afield of him. Selenia had waited there for Redhaven’s army to return, and for the terrible burden they would bear to her. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Mounted Toren were the first to reach the city, fierce warriors all, but Godric stood above the rest. As the Old Torren cantered into view, he locked eyes with the Phoenix for the first time in a decade. Rather than a wounded mother, he saw a women geared for war: She wore the elven mail that had been a royal gift to her from a Caligan King, twin kukris hung belted on either hip their dark mahogany handled worn further with age and use, and around shield strapped to her back completed the kit. She was exactly as Godric remembered her, but unlike the woman she was after the Path of Ashes and more like the firebrand that had defied the will of a continent. Indeed, she had not appeared to age a single day, though that was no surprise to him. Indeed, his heart might have swelled to se so perfect a reminder of the glorious days of the old Imperium…but he knew her too well. Years apart could not overcome years and years spent fighting shoulder to shoulder. He had seen her triumphant, he had seen her crushed, but he had never seen the cold, hard look she wore now. Though she smiled at him now in greeting, though the warmth of it was genuine, he recognized the deep vault behind it. That vault held it all: The bitter, ironic shame of Ayden being killed by peasants, the volcanic fury of it, the dauting sorrow of a mother that failed her child…All of it bottled in a glance as thought it might explode at any moment. He saw the same controlled, abyssal rage he’d seen looking back at himself in the mirror more than once. He noted the iron will it took for her to be here, to be seen now as calm when he knew the virulent Maelstrom that stormed, straining at its chains, within her. And some part of him rejoiced at the promised of blood, death, and vengeance in his former Xerarch’s eyes, for he had always cautioned her against mercy, against compromise, and now in her eyes he at last saw none. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Selenia strode up next to him, holding her hand out to his massive warhorse. The beast sniffed, taking in her scent, and huffed, its ears going flat as they would before a charge. Perhaps it could scent the promise on her as well. Selenia moved her hand and, when the horse made no objection, stroked its necked. It huffed again at her touch, but leaned into ere long. Selenia smiled, and Godric could see the sadness in it then as she looked up at him. She made to speak, but her eyes slid from him to the draped form being drawn behind him and the words died in her eyes. Instead she merely patted his armored thigh, she leaned on him for the briefest moment and then spoke without looking up. | ||
+ | |||
+ | “Let’s lay her to rest, my friend,” seeming like nothing so much as a wildcat pacing through a cage that was much too small. Selenia finally tore her eyes away, and then the horns sounded announcing the arrival of the Xerarch. All around, young northern soldiers that had never known the fields and cold wins of Xavax bowed their heads in deference at the approach of their liege... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Aramon rode his horse at a slow walk with his head bowed, his armor and clothes and braided hair dusted with ash, and his bandages dried to his skin with blood. The Moaning Saber of Redhaven sat drawn across his lap, broken and forever silenced. Never before had he seen peasants fight so organized, and he was sure he had spotted proper arms and armor among them. He stopped at the gate into Krimml and motioned to a few soldiers to approach. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "My Xerarch?" said one as he bowed. "Send word to Lady Selenia, Arbiter Godric, Talon Lionel, Baroness Eliza, and let it be known to any Redhaven nobles who wish to witness. After the ceremonies for Duchess Ayden Tórrarin JeVondair are complete, I will open the Court and will hear the Arbitration of the Case Arbiter Godric brings against Baroness Eliza. Until then, that is were I will be found." The soldier bowed lower and set off to deliver the messages, shouting at a few of his companions to assist. Meanwhile the Ruler of Redhaven set off slowly to the court. | ||
+ | |||
+ | So great was the burden he carried that he barely seemed to notice when his horse stopped, snorting, at a crowd of mounted warriors milling about. At the sound of the horns announcing him, they turned and bowed to their Xerarch, forming a path through their ranks. He recognized them as the Arbiter’s Mounted Toren. So big were they that Aramon had not seen the source of the obstruction until they cleared a path. He saw Godric first, the old man’s mountainous form was unmistakable, as was the covered form of his ward, the Duchess of Blades. But what held the Xerarch’s attention was the form of the armored blond woman at Godric’s side. Selenia smiled when she saw him, and Aramon saw all that Godric had seen and more. She beckoned him closer, and when he drew near, she smiled up at them, and the both saw the expression for what it really was: Armor. | ||
+ | |||
+ | “Help me,” she said simply, her voice breaking, revealing the dam that was barely holding her overflowing emotions in check. It was not a command, it was not even a request, but lost somewhere between them. It struck both men at once that this was the first time either of them had seen her truly grieving. Godric and Aramon shared a look and nodded, both men swinging down from their warhorses. Selenia wordlessly took them both by the hand and the trio of legendary Xavax crossed through the gates of Krimmel with Ayden's body behind them.|}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==New Kingdom, Same Crown, Same War== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quotation| A most compelling message, King Stanmore. Allow me to enumerate all the reasons why it is one of the more foolish...suggestions that I've ever heard: | ||
+ | We aren't scared of you, OR your Empire. This war was going to end shortly anyway, at long last. By sticking your nose in, you will only prolong it and exacerbate the Butcher's Bill by unnecessarily adding Perleone dead to the list of the fallen. | ||
+ | You offer us nothing and clearly take us for fools. | ||
+ | Your ignorance of the history of this war and the nations involved apparently suffers from criminal neglect if you think you've any right at all to dictate such terms to us. Our gains have been bought by the blood of our dead since before your family even came to the nobility. How dare you suggest we dishonor their sacrifice. | ||
+ | The arrogance you display by recognizing ancient Caligan borders, as if those lands are not already theirs by no right of yours. | ||
+ | The willful disrespect you show by not even deigning to acknowledge our fallen King by name, the only Royal to have fallen in this conflict. | ||
+ | The fact that Kellan Dodger and Kay Peregrine have been negotiating with you almost since the day of his return while you said little and nothing to us. AND that you have been secretly gathering your army in Partora with the express intention of attacking us anyway. | ||
+ | The fact that you accuse Redhaven of subterfuge after your own democratically appointed Ambassador and Duke of your capital came to Krimml not a month ago to ask for my help rebuilding the Imperium of Greater Xavax, as if its lands were yours to give or your right to deny us. I wouldn't be surprised now if you'd sent Greybrook on purpose, knowing how close his family is to mine that I might heed him. | ||
+ | The fact that you view US as the aggressors when it was Perdan, Vix, and aye even Perleone who entered this war against us of their own accord. As if we would ever forget. | ||
+ | The fact that if you ever had any true intention to be known as a peacemaker, you would have begun this as a King would have...by mediating peacetalks instead of creeping with an ultimatum like a bandit. | ||
+ | You lack both the honor and the prestige for us to believe you carry the unchallenged will of your people. And democracies, fickle and unreliable things that they are, have been known to change their minds, and their rulers, on a whim.... | ||
+ | For these reasons, I categorically deny you and will urge my fellows to do the same. We cannot and should not deal with an uneducated Kingling with delusions of grandeur and narry a battlescratch on him. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Now it could be that I've got you all wrong. I very much think I pegged you, though, on the offchance I was mistaken, here's my official counter proposal: | ||
+ | Back off and the North will allow you to continue playing Emperor in your southern sandbox. Up to and including the annexation of all lands held by Vix and Perdan to do with as you please. | ||
+ | You will have your peace, and Perdan and Vix will even be allowed to survive, and even expand, so long as they do so away from the lands the North has bought, paid, and sown in blood. These lands include: Perdan, Perdan Mines, Brive, Bescanon, Nascot, Mulhouse, Meuse, Domus, Hamadan, Mashhad, Supra, Winkamus, Scio and Askesh Temple. | ||
+ | We'll forget you attempted to mistreat us as you have. | ||
+ | You should know that the only reason Perdan especially has consented to your demand is because they know the North will soon win. The same must be true for Vix as well. One more month would have done it. But . Of course, if you don't feel like negotiating, then let me make one thing perfectly clear: Now that you've threatened us, If you ride north at the head of your army as a King should, I will meet it with mine. If I survive, I will find you, challenge you, and add you to the ever-growing list of people I used to know. Then I will hope that your democratically elected successor is open to hearing the North's side and has studied the geopolitical history of this conflict and its major players before unilaterally making decisions for peace that, ironically, require war. Again. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I, [[JeVondair Family/Selenia/Personality|Selenia JeVondair]], [[Greater Xavax/History|Xerach of Redhaven]], [[JeVondair Family/Selenia|Conqueror of the Ivory Vales]], Hero of the North, Honorable Matriarch of the Black Swan and [[JeVondair Family/Selenia/Resurrection|Phoenix Queen of the Xavax]], hopes that the South is as tired of this soon-to-be-ended war as we are and will do what is right: Back away, slowly. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Xavax Endures, |Lady Selenia JeVondair | ||
+ | Xerarch, Xenophon of Redhaven | ||
+ | Royal of Redhaven | ||
+ | Duchess of Oligarch | ||
+ | Margravine of Oligarch}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===CAPTURED=== | ||
+ | 6/1019 | ||
+ | Age 70 | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quotation|Letter from Godric Tórrarin ka Habb | ||
+ | Message sent to all nobles of Eponllyn (28 recipients) - 7 hours, 26 minutes ago | ||
+ | I have seen the Phoenix Lady escape from the clutches of Death himself: something only Tor promises us. She will return. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |Godric Tórrarin ka Habb | ||
+ | Chief of Justice of Eponllyn | ||
+ | Knight of Oligarch}} | ||
+ | Hours later, and a mere half day after being captured, Selenia, Wiley as ever, escapes her Perdanite captors. |
Latest revision as of 06:31, 6 June 2019
Contents
- 1 Who is Selenia?
- 2 The Serf
- 3 The Corsair
- 4 The Rebel
- 5 The Ivory Empress
- 6 The Duchess
- 7 The Xerarch
- 7.1 Campaign
- 7.2 First 100 Days
- 7.3 Assassinations and Espionage
- 7.4 Perdan and Vix Intervene
- 7.5 The Warqueen
- 7.6 The Feast of the Black Swan
- 7.7 Fallangard's Betryal / Selenia's Betrothal / Birth of a Bastard
- 7.8 Half a Century of Service and Power
- 7.9 The Blood Debt
- 7.10 The Phoenix Court
- 7.11 Fall of the Xerarch
- 8 The Phoenix
- 9 Welcome Message
- 10 The War Continues
- 11 The Path of Ashes
- 12 The Day of Black Sun
- 13 Selenia's Last Whisper
- 14 Exile
- 15 Remembrance
- 16 Return of the Phoenix
- 17 New Kingdom, Same Crown, Same War
Selenia | |
![]() | |
Continent | East Continent |
Family | JeVondair Family |
Class | Warrior / Hero |
Age | 108 years |
Honour | 174 |
Prestige | 27 |
Rank | Knight |
Region | [[]] |
Duchy | [[]] |
Realm | Perleone |
Character Description | |
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The Phoenix Queen is a heroic warrior, living legend of the [[1]] peoples, founding Empress of the Empire of the Ivory Vales, and currently the only living person known to have returned from beyond the veil of [[2]] itself. In her, Xavax Endures.Selenia appears to be about 30 years old and is altogether smaller than her larger-than-life reputation might suggest, standing at 1.68m tall and 55kg. Her skin does not glow gold, nor does thunder roll as she speaks, but there is a spark in her blue eyes, or was that just the reflection of the firelight? Trick of the light or no, her steady gaze is nevertheless unnerving as one contemplates all that she must have seen if even half of the stories about her are true. The circumstances of her birth in Aurvandil have never slowed her. After marrying into the JeVondair family on Dwilight, she saved the life of the Prophet of Sanguines Astrum Mathurin Hossenfeffer himself and dined with royalty at the coronation of Dragon Princess Selena Ironsides before earning her patent of nobility and emigrating to Beluaterra. There, she brought down the Dukes of Trent and later challenged Raziella I Himoura of the Nifelleisca clan for the rights to an entire duchy, winning when the other woman could fight no more. When there were no lands left for her to conquer, she sailed East where she was crowned ruler of the new Imperium of Greater Xavax. As Xerarch, she started the war that would consume the continent for decades to come and ultimately cost her throne, her realm, and her mortal life. During this 15-year period, she fought and killed Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard and Noiram Kah, a traitorous member of her own court that challenged her right to rule after she was returned to the living. Death had the effect of intensifying Selenia in unexpected ways: She is ruthless where before she would be inclined to show mercy. She is patient when before she would dive in head first. She is diplomatic where before she was domineering, and thankful where before she was arrogant. Selenia's physical vitality, despite her advancing age, is due to a Fountain of Youth scroll used on her during the birth of her son, Högni Peredhel, that reversed her aging as well as the Healing Scroll that [[3]] her later that same year after she fell defending Xavax City. Her body, suffused with those magics, refused to age any further. An entire religion, the [Path of Paragons], sprung up after stories of her journey through the afterlife spread, though it died with the Old Imperium. Now, after the death of her ward Ayden of Tor (Redhaven's first Duchess of Blades) a decade later, the Phoenix is once again on the warpath.Woe to any glory-seeker that would cross it. |
I will rise. I will always rise. Don't you doubt that even for a second.
– Xerarch Selenia of Greater Xavax sometime after she was resurrected
Who is Selenia?
The Phoenix Queen is a heroic warrior, living legend of the [[4]] peoples, founding Empress of the Empire of the Ivory Vales, and currently the only living person known to have returned from beyond the veil of [[5]] itself. In her, Xavax Endures.
Selenia appears to be about 30 years old and is altogether smaller than her larger-than-life reputation might suggest, standing at 1.68m tall and 55kg. Her skin does not glow gold, nor does thunder roll as she speaks, but there is a spark in her blue eyes, or was that just the reflection of the firelight? Trick of the light or no, her steady gaze is nevertheless unnerving as one contemplates all that she must have seen if even half of the stories about her are true.
The circumstances of her birth in Aurvandil have never slowed her. After marrying into the JeVondair family on Dwilight, she saved the life of the Prophet of Sanguines Astrum Mathurin Hossenfeffer himself and dined with royalty at the coronation of Dragon Princess Selena Ironsides before earning her patent of nobility and emigrating to Beluaterra. There, she brought down the Dukes of Trent and later challenged Raziella I Himoura of the Nifelleisca clan for the rights to an entire duchy, winning when the other woman could fight no more. When there were no lands left for her to conquer, she sailed East where she was crowned ruler of the new Imperium of Greater Xavax. As Xerarch, she started the war that would consume the continent for decades to come and ultimately cost her throne, her realm, and her mortal life. During this 15-year period, she fought and killed Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard and Noiram Kah, a traitorous member of her own court that challenged her right to rule after she was returned to the living.
Death had the effect of intensifying Selenia in unexpected ways: She is ruthless where before she would be inclined to show mercy. She is patient when before she would dive in head first. She is diplomatic where before she was domineering, and thankful where before she was arrogant. Selenia's physical vitality, despite her advancing age, is due to a Fountain of Youth scroll used on her during the birth of her son, Högni Peredhel, that reversed her aging as well as the Healing Scroll that [[6]] her later that same year after she fell defending Xavax City. Her body, suffused with those magics, refused to age any further. An entire religion, the [Path of Paragons], sprung up after stories of her journey through the afterlife spread, though it died with the Old Imperium. Now, after the death of her ward Ayden of Tor (Redhaven's first Duchess of Blades) a decade later, the Phoenix is once again on the warpath.
Woe to any glory-seeker that would cross it.
The Serf
Age:17 Date: 04/09/2013
Aurvandil Beginnings
Selenia's personality is shaped by her experiences. She was not born a JeVondair, and her features were quite the opposite of that exotic, desert-bred bloodline. She was a blond-haired, fair-skinned, plain-featured serf of a brutal Aurvandilan minor noble. A realm on the other side of Dwilight from the great sandy dunes in the JeVondair's home province of the Desert of Silhouettes. The man was arrogant, as all Aurvandil nobles were, but even among them, he was the worst sort and he viewed his serfs as property, not people. It was Selenia's great misfortune that she was his bastard. Her mother died bringing her into the world for a 'noble' man that raped her; who did not care and hardly noticed her trouble. Selenia was barely past her girlhood when a swaggering, swarthy-skinned adventurer, Lion'El, a disowned scion of the JeVondair Clan, came strolling through town and took notice of her. Pretending to be a Lurian Noble, he bartered for her release upon the promise that the Lurian Queen, Alice Arundel at the time, would hear of it as an example of Aurvandilian fair credit and goodwill. The foul nobleman later died, she'd learned, when the Titans finally destroyed the witch-king of Aurvandil, High Sovereign Mendicant Anhanger and his orvando-saxons after a long, just crusade waged against him by the united realms of Dwilight.
Murdered Husband
Selenia, suddenly free of a lifetime of burden and fear of her father's eye, felt that surely she must have entered into a dream. Unfortunately, that dream would soon become a nightmare. The couple spent their first few weeks together happily. They were swiftly married and Lion'el spent a great deal of time teaching her skills he had learned alone in the wild. How to hunt, how to fight, how to survive. Little did she know that he was preparing her to endure without him for a time. Lion'El informed her that he was leaving to become a knight. This seemed a grand thing to Selenia, who busied herself with thoughts of homemaking and children. But Lion'El never came back.
A week past, then two, until finally the new bride could stand it no longer. Picking up her pack, she set out after him, tracking him to the D'Haran warcamp in Madina where he'd recently sold a relic to one of the D'Haran lords. But it was another adventurer named Markus who directed her to Madina City, where the sight that greeted her would haunt her nightmares for years to come: Her husbands broken and rotting corpse hanging aloft in a cage from the city walls. Her screames aroused the brutal city guard, and she was swiftly taken into custody. Fully expecting to be maimed and murdered as her husband was, she spare no restraint in berating her husband's killers. Curiously, she was released by Judge Carmine of the The Falkirkian Freestate without so much as a word.
In mourning, she began wearing her hair in the intricate tribal braids ascribed to the sandborn clans of the Desert of Silhouettes to honor her dead husband.
The Corsair
Age: 18 Date: 4/2013
D'Haran Service
Knowing her time in the South was over, she traveled north to make a name for herself in her Husband's homeland of D'Hara. She joined Great House JeRavosi as their first Corsair (an adventurer rank) and pledged herself to serve it's Crown Prince, Rynn JeVondair of the Desert of Silhouettes, Duke of Port Raviel and also, she would learn, younger brother to her late husband. But she did not press upon the Duke, preferring instead to go her own way far from the lives and cruelty of noblemen. In due time, she found herself a small hovel and hard work as dock crew in Port Raviel. But upon the Eve of Dragon King Machiavel Chernier's Coronation and Wedding to Dragon Princess Selena Ironsides, Selenia's life would change forever. See the Dragon Coronation.
Astroist Sheriff
Selenia saving the life of the Prophet of Sanguines Astrum Mathurin Hossenfeffer himself, and her subsequent invitation to meet, dance, and dine with the most elite nobles of Dwilight in one of the highest-profile gatherings in history, changed her life forever. She gained powerful patrons like Ghandan D'Espana Family (who's kindness she never forgot), Katrina Dragul Family (who took her on as something like a daughter) and others. And for the first time in her young life, she found religion in Sanguis Astroism, joining the Church as a fervent believer after she'd encountered it's founder. She was a woman of some means now, and left the dock work of Port Raviel to dive back into adventuring. This time with the purpose of protecting the weak in the name of the Bloodstars as a Sheriff of the Church. Her travels lead her from one side of Dwilight to the other, visiting every nation and becoming an expert swordswoman and huntress in the process.
But her world had begun to change yet again. D'Hara was at war, the Prophet disappeared, and in his absence, the Church Selenia had come to love began to shatter. She watched, horrified, as secular interests tore the Church asunder. Greedy nobleman seeking only power and not caring one whit for the spiritual well being of the common man and woman slowly eroded Seleneia's faith. She shouted against them, argued, pleaded for sermons. But her cries were only an annoyance to the masters of the Church...who eventually excommunicated her for daring, as a commoner, to question their noble intentions. It was in that moment that Selenia knew the Church had ruptured beyond saving. And she also knew that she would be damned before she let someone else tell her that her opinions did not matter. She had her three letters of recommendation. She KNEW that Lion'el had been the brother of no less a personage than Duke Rynn JeVondair himself. In a matter of days, she was on board a ship leaving D'Hara and Dwilight behind for the Colonies where she joined the Assassins briefly, learning their lethal trade but never feeling as though she belonged. In short order she boarded ship again, this time bound for Beluaterra, where the JeVondair family had recently suffered the loss of Duke Rynn's sister, Duchess Kalixta of Agyr.
The Rebel
Age: 35 Date 1/2015
Selenia arrived in Beluaterra off the coast of the Ivory Vale of Fheuvenem and quickly presented herself to King Trent of Fhuevenam and his brother Duke Trent of Iato. She was greeted in a perfunctory fashion...that is to say barely at all... by the Trent brothers. Selenia was alarmed to learn that they had consolidated all of realms major ducal and council positions to themselves. So when the position of banker came up for election, she ran for it. It was by pure stroke of luck that she found an ally to her 'new' family name in Greatjon Mormont who had been a personal acquaintance of both Mavia and Kalixta JeVondair, he helped get her the votes she needed to wrest control of at least one council position from the Trents. But when the ruling brothers became irritable, they used their power to simply banish a noble without any account to trial or explanation. One day he was there, the next he was gone.
The Trent Tyranny
Outraged at their crass and cavalier attitude, Selenia organized a protest alongside Greatjon Mormont, his newly arrived cousin Uthred Mormont, Rythan Songslayer, and Novus Ironson. Together, they forced the King from office and forced Duke Trent from his position as judge. Knowing they could not win an election, Duke Trent instead broke the Duchy of Iato away and formed the illicit realm of Trenton. Selenia, newly crowned Queen of the IVF, immediately set about reorganizing the IVF into the Empire of the Ivory Vale, penning down it's first laws herself to ensure that nothing like the seditious Trent Tyranny could ever happen again. Then, she declared a war of reunification to get rid of the Trents once and for all, who had even attracted the notice of the Titans themselves by this time. It was at this time that Selenia experimented with espionage for the first time as a ruler. Rythan and Uthred Volunteered to infiltrate Trenton and deliberately destabilized the nascent tyrannical government while Selenia, aided by Novus and Greatjon, solidified her control of the Ivory Vale and completed a ritual that sent an appeal keening through the ether to rouse the Titans themselves.
The Titans judged the Trents and banned them to points unknown. The Trents were defeated, but the lands that would ultimately form the Empire had yet to be reconquered. She never wanted to be a queen, she never wanted responsibility, really. Frankly, the idea of a girl who'd been born a peasant in nation that no one remembered becoming a Queen was laughable. But after the Church and the Trents, she trusted no one else to do the job right. So Selenia, the self-styled 'Ivory Empress,' set to it with a will.
The Ivory Empress
Age:39 Date 5/2015
Over a dozen noble families heeded Selenia's international call to action, including her cousin-in-law, the displaced and defeated former Duchess of Fronepu Mavia of the Eastersand JeVondairs, who joined Selenia's court (unwillingly but choiceless) as a courtier and administrator. Mavia, a dusky-skinned and exotically beautiful woman of true noble birth, looked down on Selenia. Mavia felt no love for what she saw as a pale-skinned, plain-faced, common-born brute of a woman that claimed the JeVondair name. But, being the political animal she was, Mavia knew better than to try and usurp Selenia's momentum. Other notable supporters included Katalynfae Dragul and Ravyn Coquard who, together with the Mormonts and D'Espana's, had established themselves as family allies to the JeVondairs. Very slwoly, what had been the IVF was building itself into a true realm. Despite her arrogant enmity, it was Mavia who took Selenia aside and discreetly taught her how to truly be a noblewoman: How to write, how and when to speak, how to manage her court and how to be royalty. Selenia would internalize these lessons, and carry them with her.
Raziellan Reunification
There were challenges to the reunification, of course. One of these challenges took the form of Raziella I Himoura of the Nifelleisca family who became the next ruler of Trenton. Raziella had traveled from the other side of the continent from Spearhold, having left as soon as word had reached her that the Titans had struck the Trents down and a throne was available. It was to the Empress's immense irritation that the Himouran interloper managed to take the throne of Trenton in time. Curiously, Selenia never saw Raziella as an enemy, merely an obstacle. So, rather than waste her limited resources on a costly battle, she challenged Raziella to a fair duel wherein the winner would bow to the demands of the looser. Raziella arrived with her hammer and magic helm, Selenia in her white on white outfit and bone-breaking dual kukris. The two warrior women fought and it seemed that Raziella, swinging her hammer wildly, might have had the upper hand when Selenia took a nasty bump to the head from a fall.
It was not so, however. As an adventurer, Selenia had seen a lot of bad things. She yet carried many of those dark memories deep within her, which trigger from time to time in bouts of hysteria. One moment, she saw Raziella with her hammer raised...the next it was an undead lych that had very nearly claimed her life in northern Madina...the same Islet where Lion'el had lost his. The frenzy that followed stunned onlookers, and a sobbing, screeching Selenia had to be pulled bodily off of Raziella's limp form before she bashed the other woman's head in with her own magic helm.
The duel was won, and Trenton was absorbed into the Empire as the Ebony Vale of Iato under Duke Uthred Mormont alongside the original Ivory Vale of Fheuvenam under Duchess Mavia Eastersand. Although it took some time, Selenia did finish building her Empire, adding the Pearl Vale of Shifgrethor headed by Duke Novus Ironson and the Jaded Vale of Ete City by Duke Owain Bolton. By this time the Empire boasted over 20 nobles with a full ruling council and 16 regions divided equally among 4 Jewled Dukes. It was a fine, fine legacy. As a gift commemorating the Unification, Duke Bolton presented Selenia with Obsidian Sword of Flames...an elegant and powerful relic that she valued greatly as a symbol of her achievements.
It swiftly became her most prized possession.
Retirement
Selenia had just crossed into her 40's when she began to feel the wanderlust start to smolder in her again. In a few short years, she'd turned the IVF into a sprawling Empire with the might to challenge any other power on Beluaterra short of Thalmarkin itself. At the height of her power, she cut all diplomatic ties with Riombara, one of the original IVF's founding realms, and continued to court a closer relationship with Nothoi. She ignored troubles beyond her immediate borders and focused on developing her own lands and knights.
With no more enemies to fight, lands to conquer, or goals to achieve, she was ready to step down and hand over the reigns. She felt that she'd accomplished everything that a noblewoman could in life, far less a commoner! Thereafter, the denizens of the Ivory Vale commonly referred to her as the First Empress, since both of her successors (Syl Marlboro and Rosalia Maxwell) were also female.
Selenia found herself looking forward to an easy sort of retirement, a chance to rest on her laurels and perhaps start a family of her own with someone worthy. After a quiet conversation with Mavia, Selenia made her farewells and took volunteers who would leave the Empire with her, her Ivory Guard, that would serve her in the new world. Among them was Novus Ironson, Uthred Mormont, Jacqueline Coquard, and Roose Bolton. When she felt confident that her legacy would be secure, she chartered a captain and crew. She left quietly, making her arrangements and boarding a ship to the East Continent...and Xavax.
The Duchess
Age: 43 Date: 12/2015
A call had gone out to all the nobles of Battlemasteria that whole continents were sinking...which somehow had an effect on the frozen southern reaches of the East Continent, melting ice that had buried entire regions in impassable snow for years, revealing 3 whole cities that were soon to become nations in their own right. Dozens of nobles were forced to take ship, many of whom went East. Selenia saw her chance for a quiet retirement, and a chance to contribute to the development of a new realm; an activity she'd learned to enjoy while building up her Empire in the Ivory Vale. Selenia was not alone. Several members of her Ivory Court followed their Empress on this new adventure including: Uthred Mormont, Novus Ironson, Roose Bolton, and Jacquline Coquard.
Selenia was the 5th noble to make the city of Xavax her home (choosing that city because she liked its name and location) and the members of the Ivory Court that had followed her ensured that she already had a powerful voting bloc that she could use to control the politics of the nascent realm that would become the Imperium of Greater Xavax. In fact, her arrival was marred only by a sudden squall that lost her the Obsidian Sword of Flame. It would not be long, however, before 30 families had sent their representatives to be a part of the new nation. Selenia's goal was simple: She wanted to become the Duchess of Xavax. Duchess was a title she'd never held, and she was certain it would allow her to retire comfortably. When the time came to choose a ruler, many looked to her to throw her name in for consideration. Selenia, however, had had enough of crowns and instead used her influence as a bartering chip to ensure she be made Duchess. Her gambit succeeded, and when a young man named Magnus Aurea was crowned Xerarch of Xavax, his first act was to ensure she be named Duchess of Xavax, commanding her to found and sponsor the Phoenix of Xavax, the realms' first army.
With the flaming Phoenix motif emblazoned on her ducal circlet, Selenia felt that she could finally get to the business of settling down, starting a family, and perhaps allow other members of the JeVondair family a chance to take the spotlight. Her very first order as duchess was to subsidize the establishment of vineyards throughout her holdings. Wine, she'd learned, was the most effective way to keep her personal demons at bay. As soon as her affairs were in order, and after leading the conquest of nearby provinces, she took a vacation traveling north to Sirion in hopes of meeting real live elves of whom she'd been told stories of ever since she was a little girl. Things seemed bright. She even participated in a continent-wide tournament of sword fighting. She lost, but the winner, Dame Kin Hyral, was a vassal of hers and brought the banner home. Selenia was so pleased that she renamed the Xavax Academy into the Hyral Academy as a reward, and Champion Kin made her liege's safety into her personal business. Selenia made new friends among the Xavax, and broke a heart or two (Novus Ironson and Magnus Aurea). She would not, however, have the chance to enjoy her 'retirement' for very long.
First Xerarch
During the ruler election, there were two main candidates: A former Atamaran queen named Viridiana Sovari, and a young upstart knight named Magnus Aurea. Selenia, knowing Magnus did not have enough honor nor prestige to his name to be considered, backed Viridinia. Both women were surprised when Magnus somehow DID get his name into the voting booths, and the young man waged a very vocal and successful campaign. His energy was undeniable, and his passion was unmatched. The fading Atamaran queen simply did not keep up. Selenia, however, had grown cunning in the ways of 'realpolitik' as the Ivory Empress. When it became plausible that Magnus might win on the merit of his own rhetoric, Selenia allowed him an audience and struck a deal that was never made public to ensure that no matter who won, her bid to become Duchess of Xavax would be assured. Selenia did, however, have concerns. Energy and passion were all well and good, but the East Continent was a viper pit of deep and interconnected politics that a teenager like Magnus couldn't possibly have the experience to deal with. Her premonitions would become unfortunate fact far sooner then she would have liked.
From the moment he took the Crown, Xerarch Magnus started making mistakes, the sort of mistakes that an older, more experienced noble like Viridinia would have avoided. He was sensitive, volatile, and his decisions were often made unilaterally. In his effort to please everyone, he made a hasty alliance with Xavax's nearest neighbor, Fallangard, and did his best to do the same with Alara. However, his designs diverged from that of his people. Xavax was crowded with 30 noble families packed into barely 10 regions. The desire to expand was overwhelming, and Magnus stood against that tide, doing his best to exert his will over his court by force, and only succeeding in alienating them further. It was not long before Selenia, then the most powerful noble in Xavax by far, was approached by seditious elements proposing rebellion in order to get Magnus off the throne. She tried to placate them, promising her support if only they showed restraint, and meanwhile reported this to her Xerarch, citing that anonymous sources were growing agitated and that he needed to amend his behavior if he meant to keep his Crown. But Magnus either could not or would not understand, and the situation at home worsened.
Xavax Civil War
Selenia, still in Sirion at the time, turned around, worried by worsening events in Xavax. She requesting passage through Caligus from High Queen Teniel Whyte, herself barely out of girlhood. The High Queen greeted Selenia personally as she passed through Domus, the Capital Seat of Caligus. Selenia took the opportunity to evaluate the young queen, forming, if not a friendship, than at least a mutual understanding. By this point, Magnus's foolishness had caused Teniel to accept an alliance from Alara, rather than peruse better relations with Xavax. A mistake that would have dire consequences for the people of Xavax for a very long time...
The High Queen and the Duchess were into their fifth cup of wine when a courier of Xavax burst into the sitting room, very nearly getting beheaded by the High Queen's personal bodyguard and lover, Ramon Fontaine the Duke of Domus. He reported that Civil War had broken out in Xavax, led by Duke Iuz Crownguard of Isadril, but instigated by the Xavax general Kellan Dodger. Selenia excused herself, promising friendship to her young host as she made ready to depart.
By the time she'd arrived in Xavax, battle had already scythed its fiery path through her city. Both sides called for her to join them, and Selenia was faced with the toughest decision of her life. The separatists were right, Magnus had to go. But Selenia had developed a personal dislike for Kellan Dodger and she'd be damned if anyone would malign her as a traitor. Still, Magnus HAD TO GO. The majority of her vassals, that is to say the majority of Xavax, was waiting to see what she would do. So she brokered a compromise whereby she would side with the loyalist if only Magnus would step down from his throne and retire while promising full pardon and reinstatement to the rebels if they withdrew their armed forces from the capital. Magnus agreed, as did Duke Iuz, but a few were happy with Selenia's compromise. Some choose to leave the realm rather than cooperate with traitors, others, like Kellan Dodger, did not believe that Selenia would keep her word and fled the country. But all of them agreed on who the next ruler should be. And with no one else that she could trust to do the job, Selenia once again stepped forward as the next Xerarch of Xavax.
The Xerarch
Age: 44 Date: 2/2016
Campaign
There was no man or woman that dreamed of challenging Selenia's bid for the Phoenix Throne, and if they did, they kept quiet about it. After the Civil War, many felt that Xavax was a sinking ship. Its nobles were at each others throats, the weaker among them electing to leave Xavax altogether, foreseeing its swift demise. Selenia, however, was having none of it. She realized immediately what Xavax needed in order to come together: A strong ruler leading a reliable government, and a war. A war with an adversary that the Xavax would want to fight more than they wanted to fight each other. Selenia would satisfy these needs. She made a few simple promises. The first and foremost of which was that the rebels would be forgiven and welcomed home. Anyone who disagreed was welcomed to run against her. The second was a clarion call to war. She chose Alara as her target, blaming the Alaran King Robb Starfall for interfering in Xavax politics, misleading her predecessor, and ultimately playing a passive role in the events that lead to the Xavax Civil War. Moreover, she sited the web of alliances that Starfall was building, as well as the whispers of King Sardomin Warchief of Minas Nova (who at the time desperately wanted an alliance with her so that he might claim a piece or two of Alara when it fell) in addition to the noted testimony of Gustav Kuriga, the former and first Captain-General of Alara and Earl of Itor Boss who chose to defect after being banned for defying King Robb.
On a flat Map, Xavax is situated at the southeastern tip of the East Continent. To the East and South: Open ocean. To the West, Alara and further Minas Nova. To the Northwest: Pereleone, now an Alaran ally. To the North, Fallangard, an ally of Xavax that is dwarfed by Caligus, an Alaran ally, just one step removed from Xavax. Selenia described it as a clear attempt to check the power of Xavax and potentially set the stage for an attack on Xavax itself. It had to be nipped in the bud quickly. The sooner this threat was neutralized, the sooner she could retire and focus on her personal life as planned.
First 100 Days
Diplomacy
Selenia won in a landslide and immediately set about her work as Xerarch. Despite her transparency, there was outrage when she really did pardon all the rebels, including their leader Duke Iuz himself. Even more when she returned his duchy to him as a show of faith. Many nobles called her naive, even foolish...until she invited the loudest ones to settle their disputes by challenging her to a duel. Her lethal skill as a swordswoman was well known, and that she was backed to the hilt by Kin Hyral, who had recently proven to be the deadliest weapons master on the continent via the tournament, reinforced the notion of challenging Selenia as being a Bad Idea. Even the opponent candidacy put forward by Aramon Abjur was token in nature. The reunification of Xavax proceeded smoothly after that. Her second act was to invite the rulers of Fallangard and Calligus together (a feat no one had thought even remotely possible as they were bitter rivals) to join her for a feast in honor of the reunification. As Xerarch, Selenia's policy was to never discuss or agree to important matters of diplomacy unless she'd broken bread and supped wine with the person across the table. And so it was that both King Edvaard and High Queen Teniel arrived at Selenia's request, sat together, and enjoyed a feast. Facilitating that meeting actually lead to the opening of a dialogue between the two monarchs that, while ultimately unsuccessful, was still quite unprecedented and endeared Selenia to both of them.
War
Now with her northern borders 'secured,' all she needed was a proper Casus Belli to declare war against Alara. Despite her background as a huntress, patience was never one of her virtues and she could not wait for Starfall to instigate her on his own, considering how volatile her Court was, nor could she allow him the time to cement his web of alliances. So, Selenia decided to manufacture a reason to go to war. And it just so happened that she had brought the perfect tool with her from the Ivory Empire...[Described Further Down]
Selenia behaved with increasing, purposeful arrogance and aggression toward King Robb in front of the Eastern rulers. She poked him, prodded him, and ignored him when it suited her. In no time at all, he'd taken the bait hook, line, and sinker. In due course, he eventually called her, among other things, a common-born coward. Fighting words no matter where you come from. The grin on Selenia's face when she dropped the gauntlet, declaring war, was absolutely wolfish. The Phoenix of Xavax, under the command of Strategos Lionel Kinsey, swept in from the East. Lionel had been a Magnus-appointee to the General slot and it was some time before Selenia could address him without seeing her dead husband, Lion'el. Kinsey was efficient, and no one expected much resistance until, to Selenia's surprise, Minas Nova declared for Alara and joined them in an alliance against Xavax. While annoying, not to mention irrational, Selenia was unperturbed. Both nations together could not match her might. But shortly thereafter, Perleone declared for Alara as well. While short on manpower, Perleone commanded great wealth, and their participation equalized the scales from a war she was certain she could swiftly win into a drawn out slugfest. Daily, Selenia was thankful that she had met and impressed High Queen Teniel, because if Caligus had joined the mix then, the outlook would have been bleak indeed. Instead, Caligus settled for neutrality on the soul condition that their old enemies, the people of Fallangard, also remained out of the war. As it was, the Phoenix won every battle, taking all but Alara's capital, the Black City of Itorunt. Unable to crack it with ease, Selenia commanded Strategos Lionel to instead sack Semall as punishment for their impudence in betraying Selenia by joining this war. Unfortunately, however, she was unable to actually conquer either city, and both enemy realms used the time it took her army to refit to raid deep into Xavax land...and that's when it went from a war of business to a war of hatred...
Robb the Defiler
Robb Starfall was a desperate man. His army was defeated and driven back, his kingdom had been all but taken from him, and his enemy was overwhelming. So, to combat Xavax he whipped his people into a frenzy of hatred, demonizing the people of Xavax and Selenia in particular as infernal, less than human. This would not have bothered Selenia if not for the atrocities this dehumanizing effect allowed the desensitized nobles and soldiers of Alara to commit: The systematic rape and genocide of commonfolk of every Xavax region they could reach. Every time the Phoenix fell back to refit, the raiders would pour forth from the Black City together with their Minas Novan allies and new reports of terror and debauchery would reach Selenia's Throne. Selenia, who had been a serf to the type of nobleman who could do this sort of thing. Selenia, who had been the unwanted result of a nobleman who could do this sort of thing.
To say that the Xerarch of Xavax was enraged would be a small, understated thing.
When she could see other colors besides red, Selenia immediately wrote the other rulers of the East, denouncing Starfall as a dishonorable rapist and murder not fit to wear a crown, swearing that she would take the crowns of Alara and Minas Nova and wear them re-sized as anklets, declaring her everlasting hatred for Minas Nova for joining in persecuting these travesties upon her people. She commanded into Law that the names of Alara or Minas Nova never be spoken again, forcing her subjects to instead refer to them as the bandits of Itorunt and Semall respectively. She called upon her fellow queens of the East to rise up and denounce him with one voice. Most of the rulers, however, were content to sit and watch silently. Most, but not all. First Lady Catherine of First Oligarch publicly answered Selenia's call (and earned Selenia's respect), and, eventually, so did High Queen Teniel of Caligus. Not publicly, but she did threaten to withdraw her restraints on Fallangard which would allow Xavax's only ally to enter the war and thereby grant Selenia the strength she needed to take the Black City once and for all. While Starfall had been foolish enough to insult Selenia, he was smart enough to realize that Fallangard entering the war would be his doom. And sure enough, the reports of rape and genocide stopped. A relieved Selenia met with her people, the victims. Who, incidentally, were mostly former Alaran's that she had conquered. She stayed among the women and girls in particular, promising that their needs would be taken care of, that she would accept them into her personal service at the capital if they so desired. To the boy-children who were also victimized, she made certain that they knew of her offer, she tried to relate to them. But few responded to her the way the women had. Many, male and female alike, would take their own lives within months, and few of the survivors would ever achieve normalcy again. So instead of protection, Selenia gave them swords. She trained them and empowered them to take their dignity back in blood with steel. To be Fearless (The name of Selenia's fighting unit).
Assassinations and Espionage
Meanwhile, she put another piece into play. Roose Bolton, a member of the Ivory Guard that had escorted Selenia from Beluaterra to the East, as an infiltrator of some skill. Given Xavax's strategic superiority at the time, Selenia felt he might be of more use elsewhere. Together, they hatched a plan whereby Roose would attempt to assassinate Selenia. There was some risk involved, as the attempted needed to be as real as possible to fool her own nobles. She relied heavily on her own renowned skill with the blade, and was able to fend Roose off sucessfully, and convincingly. Roose, feigning the role of a rejected suitor, was tried and banished from Greater Xaax immediately, with no one in the phoenix Court none the wiser. With his cover story in place, Roose successfully infiltrated the Alaran Court and ingratiated himself to King Robb, skillfully passing all important bandit communications directly to Selenia while avoiding suspician. Thanks to his work as an informat, Selenia was able to outmanuever and outfight the bandit armies at every turn, taking all of their regions from them save the Black City of Itorunt itself. When it seemed to her that he could do no more good in Alara, she ordered him to Minas Nova to serve King Warchief as an adviser. The backwards people of that country were so impressed by the savvy Bolton that he swiftly rose through their ranks to become Judge of Minas Nova...much to Selenia's great delight. There as in Alara, Roose performed as ordered, passing information and sowing dissention in the ranks. When Selenia felt it was time, she authorized him to assassinate King Warchief and rid her of a rival. His attempt failed, but in an amazing turn of events, Roose used his quick wits to turn Warchief's own nobles against him. The King was voted out of office and, in shame, disappeared entirely. Roose, meanwhile, used his powers as judge to ban every member of Minas Nova in a delightfully insidious coup de grace. Roose eventually returned to the Imperium as a celebrated celebrity for his wildly successful espionage.
Perdan and Vix Intervene
While the Phoenix continued to enjoy success, Selenia became aware that time was against her. The longer these pissant realms defied her, the more likely that other powers would come to see her as weak; to test her and Xavax. Knowing this, she drew King Edvaard and Fallangard even closer, binding them in a Federation that presented a united Southern bloc of power to the rest of the world. What this resulted in, however, was the rest of the world seeing Selenia as even more of a threat. It came not long after Selenia's 45th birthday that the mid-northern realm of Vix Tiramora lead by Lord Vixir Jeames of the Dacara Family. Seemingly out of the blue, the Lord Vixer lowered relations from peace to neutral. Selenia knew, intuitively as any but the lowest fool might that this was a prelude to an attack upon her people. She called the Lord Vixer out immediately, but the man weaseled around her direct questions, providing lukewarm, furtive answers until his army had finished mustering in Moyale, far beyond the range of Selenia's scouts...or so he thought. The attack she'd long feared was suddenly very imminent, and the rest of the world held its breath to see what would happen next.
Now, Selenia's tests as a warqueen would begin in earnest.
The Warqueen
Age: 45 Date: 5/2016
The effect of the Entry of Vix and Perdan into the Phoenix Wars cannot be overstated. Together, both realms brought a combined force of over 30,000 additional fresh fighters to support King Robb's southern alliance. In a matter of weeks, Greater Xavax was flipped from aggressor to desperate defender. But for the skilled generalship of the Imerpium's Strategos, Lionel Kinsey, all might have been lost. Kinsey, a Magnus-appointee, came from a long line of successful military leaders and Selenia leaned heavily on him. Kinsey knew that to let the enemy's disparate elements combine into a single force would spell death for Greater Xavax, so he employed Selenia's army, the Phoenix of Xavax, as a surgeon would a scapulae with precision cuts that destroyed one enemy army after another before they could link up. The enemy generals, who themselves were trying to coordinate the movements of 5 armies far from home, were unable to match Kinsey's tactical mobility and Imperial soldiers, even outnumbered, could often be relied upon to fight harder against the Invaders.
Selenia, however, was not content to merely subsist. She needed to show her knights, and the rulers of the east, that she could win. And so she twisted Kinsey's arm until he agreed to conquer Ibladesh for her. Despite being invaded from all directions, Kinsey managed the task and Selenia awarded him the title of Talon - an honored general of Xavax. As she'd hoped, she received letters of praise from the far corners of the East. Nivemus was watching, Sirion was watching, even mighty Caligus complimented her on the skill of her warriors and the fortitude of her people to overcome such tremendous adversity.
Retribution, however, came swiftly. Selenia's ambition tied her army down in one place, Ibladesh. And for the first time since the war began, Perdan, Vix, Alara, Perleone, and Minas Nova were able to launch a combined attack against her position there. Her army was shattered. A third of her nobles were wounded or captured, and the untouched rurals of Xavax's home regions were left exposed. Unopposed, the bandits swooped in, raiding and pillaging as they went. Even the capital city of Xavax was sacked, as it would be several times more before the wars end. For her folly, it took Xavax years to recover, and the economy that fueled their war machine was decimated.
Selenia, however, gave meaning to the word Dauntless. She had yet another idea that would change the course of the war forever...
The Feast of the Black Swan
Age: 49
Date: 9/2016
Selenia's bright idea would go down as the single largest mass-knighting in the history of the world. Knights win battles, knights win wars. Selenia knew that in order to survive and thrive, she would need more knights. But Xavax would find no more allies in the East, no more sources from which to draw scions of tenured noble families. But Selenia had only to look to her own origins to know that Knights are not simply born, they are bred. And so she sent messenger to every corner of her domain. Every Woodland, every pasture, every hut and village would hear of her Call to Arms where, in exchange for fealty and loyalty, the Monarch of the Phoenix Court would author a new patent of nobility for each family that sent one of its own to serve Selenia in her wars. Over 30 families answered that call and were Knighted all at once during a private celebration hosted by Duchess Beck in a popular, large tavern in Isadril known as the Black Swan. The building was flooded with masked attendees, one in particular who came a very far way from Sirion at the urging of Prime Minister Ivo Mersault at Selenia's behest...
Selenia's power doubled overnight, rocketing from 20 noble families to 50 under her command, and she leveraged it in her diplomacy over the next year by forging an agreement with the new young ruler of Perdan, King Caspian, securing a peace with him in exchange for her hand in marriage and promise of defense against Caligus should the latter war on Perdan. Perdan's withdrawal from the war was a great boon to Xavax, and a severe setback for the axis of remaining powers set against her. It was to be her crowning diplomatic achievement. But in what seems to be a classic recurring theme for Selenia, her triumph was to be short-lived.
Fallangard's Betryal / Selenia's Betrothal / Birth of a Bastard
Age: 49 Date: 10/2016
Childe born of starlight
Childe born of war
Childe born through mother’s might
Childe born and more
Magic filled the airMagic shocked the room
Magic light and fair
Magic touched the womb
Hours of pain easedHours of life turned back
Hours of prayer pleased
Hours of hope came back
Birth and rebirth in tuneBirth and a new age
Birth that shown on the moon
Birth and release from a cage
Firstborn of SeleniaFirstborn of the Phoenix
Firstborn of Xavax
Firstborn Högni Peredhel
– ~Cadewyn Thunderborn
Half a Century of Service and Power
Age: 50
Date: 11/09/2016
It is said that there are three prime pillars of power: Wealth, Information, and the Hearts of Men. A ruler, especially an effective ruler, must have all three.
– Selenia JeVondair, Xerarch of Xavax
The Blood Debt
Age: 50
Date: 11/25/2016
The Phoenix Court
Age: 51
Date 12/13/2016
Our Xerarch is not perfect, however she is a power unto herself.
– ~Solomon Steele, Knight of Tota - 12/18/16
Fall of the Xerarch
Age: 51
Date: 12/19/206
Slain by: High Justice Walsh Adams of Minas Nova
Last moments: Selenia was first wounded as enemy force rushed the walls of Xavax. She fought on even as other notables like Lionel Kinsey and Godric Ka Habb succumbed to the overhwelming tide. In the end, she was the last noble of Xavax standing before she finally fell. She is survived by her infant son, Högni Peredhel (age 2). But truly, she was a Mother of Empires.
I have come to learn that as a ruler, there is not always a clear right and wrong.
merely what brings you closer to your goal, and what moves you further from it An answer can be right in every sense, save that it moves you further from your goal. In which case, is it still right?
– Selenia Jevondair, Xerach of Greater Xavax
The Phoenix
Date: 12/20/2016
Resurrected by: Jeroen Ardorson Nifelleisca
Letter from Daedalus Dogsbody
1/2017
Xerarch Selenia...Let it be known that although we are enemies, I respect your leadership ability and your army's military prowess, which is second to none on this Continent.
– Daedalus Dogsbody - Lord Vixir, Prime Knight of Vix Tiramora, Royal of Vix Tiramora, Duke of House Ghrest, Representative of Ar Mosul
I have come to know and love the people of Greater Xavax and I would like to reiterate that if I go to my death, I do so with a full heart and no regrets. I would like to personally thank you. Thank you for accepting me and trusting me. I know it did not come easy and was in large part to my friendship with Sir Hallvar and Sir Tharan. I owe them my life. I would also like to thank you for being an exceptionally kind individual. You put on a magnificently convincing show of being a brutal and calculating ruler, and you are when it comes time to be. But what you are not is cruel. You are vicious and precise and exacting, but never cruel, you are efficient, dangerous and lethal, but never cruel. You are an extraordinary woman. You have my thanks, and my loyalty eternal.
If this mission is not my last, and I do survive than I hope you take this letter as my deepest thanks and gratitude to you. I look forward to serving you in the future.
Your ever faithful servant,
– Leatho Blint, The Xerarch's Hand bids farewell prior to setting out on a dangerous mission
Honorific Title Referendum Failed
Referendum Results (53 minutes ago)
The referendum "Heroic Title Bestowed", initiated by Viscountess Gia Dragonfyre, has ended. Here is the final tally: 29 votes for yes 6 votes for no 4 abstentions 20 votes were not cast.
The top choice, yes, could not secure the required number of votes to win. A two-thirds majority was required, which means 40 votes. As a reminder, the full text of the referendum was: By request of Ambassador Tsubhia The Xerarch Selenia shall be awarded the title of "Phoenix Queen: Mother of Empires.
For her miraculous resurrection and her illustrious personal history.
– Referendum: From Xerarch to Phoenix Queen
Masquerade of Monarchs
Selenia's Description
[...]She was not a tall women, perhaps about 5'4. Blonde hair cascaded, pinned in the back by a golden, ruby-eyed Phoenix whose wings stretched around the the sides of her head like a laurel to rest gently on her ears, holding back her tresses, which were cut to reveal bare shoulders that were no strangers to sunlight. She wore a shawl that wrapped around her back to tuck into the crooks of her elbows and it too was worked with the golden feather motif, like wings, that shimmered in the firelight...A golden mask was razed to her face, intricately worked into a visage resembling a screeching eagle.
Selenia JeVondair, Xerarch of the Imperium of Greater Xavax, whom some were already calling the Phoenix incarnate, allowed herself to be appraised. She was altogether smaller than her larger-than-life reputation might suggest. Her skin did not glow gold. Thunder did not roll as she spoke, but there was a spark in her ordinary blue eyes, or was that just the reflection of the firelight? Trick of the light or no, her steady gaze was nevertheless unnerving as Zinar contemplated all that she must have seen if even half of the stories about her were true. She appeared to be about 30 years old, but Zinar already knew that was due to a Fountain of Youth scroll and that in reality she was quite a bit older. She was no legendary beauty, but not unlovely. Her lips were full and made for smirking, her features were evenly spaced, and there was a dignity about her that commanded respect. It was the bearing of a true Queen, a Mother of Empires. That feeling of her presence contrasted sharply with her otherwise unassuming appearance. Her garments, however, matched her station in every respect. First there was the Phoenix Laurel, which he now realized served as her crown...was the only mark of status on her. Her dress left her arms and shoulders bare, cut in a V-shape in the front.
Even in candlelight, Zinar could tell that she was powerfully well built, indicating to any with eyes to see that she was clearly a practiced swordswoman, and if her tone alone was not enough, the light white of faded scars would reveal her for the warrior she was. Zinar noticed that one of those scars, what he assumed was a sword wound, was still fresh and raw, the newest mar on the canvas of her skin appeared months old, but if the rumors were true, it was less than a week old. By rights, it should still be in stitches, but it was closed and well on the way to being fully healed. It clearly did not disturb her. That must have been the wound that brought her down at the battle of Xavax. A hit like that...maybe the rumors are true...Abruptly, the High King realized the mark was right over Selenia's heart, just above the swell of her breasts. All of this he registered in moments, Zinar was too professional to let his gaze linger longer, but Selenia was definitely not unlovely, possessed of a unique attractiveness all her own. And from the shape of her hinted by the curves and planes of her dress, she was clearly in top athletic form, despite the fact that he new she'd had a son. Zinar was left wondering how much of her aura was due to who she was compared to how she carried on.
– High King Zinar of Caligus meets Selenia for the first time
Welcome Message
Greetings,
I bid you welcome to the Phoenix Court of the Imperium of Greater Xavax. Yours is one of the few-but-growing number of noble houses that are native to this southern land of ours. The territories of this realm were previously covered in ice and snow, miraculously melting upon our arrival 10 years ago. The majority of us were initially migrants, either thrill-seekers or refugees, who came here during the sinking of the ancient continent of Atamara. Now, the Xavax are a strong warrior-caste people.
I am Xerarch Selenia JeVondair, and by the Grace of those here assembled, the elected ruler of the Imperium of Greater Xavax. If you seek to follow the way of the sword, then we have great need of your skills. If the battlefield is not your place, then a place will be made for you. Our laws are strong. Many of our people follow the Path of Paragons, and you may find comfort among the faithful.
In Jan. 2016, We declared war on an insidious neighbor once known as Alara, and now by Royal Decree only referred to as the Bandits of the Black City of Itorunt for their habit of pillaging, raping, and genocide. Either out of fear or sensing an opportunity for gains, we were set upon by four other realms (Minas Nova, Perleone, Vix Tiramora, Perdan) who joined the bandits against us. For years, we stood against the might of 5 armies alone. For years, we have weathered the assault and even though we are battered, we are unbroken. Now, however, the Xavax Wars have grown, and we are joined in battle by our allies: Caligus, Eponllyn, Sirion, Shadowdale, and Nivemus. You will find that the Xavax are very hard to kill.
As your liege, I will see to it that you are added to one of our armies. Our military boasts a growing list of victories that rival and even surpass many of the older realms on this continent and our history continues apace.. We are the Flame of the South, the Powerhouse of the East, perceived as a continental threat thanks to the size and effectiveness of our military. Even so, we are dwarfed by the might arranged against us. Dwarfed, but not daunted.
If you have any questions, I encourage you to ask early and often.
(OOC: There is a green penstroke icon beneath this message next to the REPLY TO SENDER hyperlink. Click to turn it yellow and save this message as a quick-reference for the next 30 days)
Xavax Endures,
The War Continues
4/2017
Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax Wine was a national pass time in Xavax. The nobility of the Phoenix Court took great pleasure in the vintages produced by the vineyards in Tota. Selenia sipped on one of the latest as she sat upon her throne, legs crossed knee over knee, delighting in the metallic jingling as the Royal Crown of Minas Nova, resized and woven into an anklet, clinked against its partner, the former crown of Alara,. Souvenirs taken from the enemy Kings she'd beaten, held for ransom, and tortured.
"It's the simple things." She said allowed to no one in particular as she took another sip...
– Xerarch Selenia during the Fourth Conquest of Leibo
Another Duel
6/2017
Challenged to a duel (8 hours, 58 minutes ago)
Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard, Knight of Hamadan, Marshal of the Army of the Panther Claw has challenged you to a duel of honour till death. You have 3 days to answer the challenge. In order to resolve the duel, both of you have to be in the same region. His challenge was accompanied by these words: Are you truly immortal?Then prove the world right now that you are.I can kill anything.
– Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard, Knight of Hamadan, Marshal of the Army of the Panther Claw
Letter from Polymarchus Polytus (3 hours, 29 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Leibo (45 recipients) Fellow friends and foes,
It's a great day today as Xerarch Selenia's mortality will be confirmed. So many have either called her a phoenix hero or a lich queen but none know the truth. She tricked us into believing she is immortal while in fact she is simply a good illusionist.
Either way, tonight one of us will be left standing. Will it be the imortal lich queen phoenix or me, a regular old champion?
If she is mortal like all the rest of us, she will die tonight. If her super natural powers are real she will prove it to us by smiting me down.
Lets get this over with once and for all.
Duel accepted (25 minutes ago) Selenia JeVondair, Xerarch of Greater Xavax, Royal of Greater Xavax, Duchess of Aeng has accepted your challenge. Meet her in the same region and the duel will be resolved at the next sunrise or sunset.
Yours,– Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard, Knight of Hamadan, Marshal of the Army of the Panther Claw
Roleplay from Polymarchus Polytus (25 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Leibo (46 recipients) The duel was about to start in an hour, Polymarchus and a massive entourage following him where already on their way. By now it consisted not only of his own staff, it also contained nobles from allied realm and their scribes and captains too. Polymarchus marched proudly forward, with his chest majestically leading the way. Allthough he seemed confident, the rest of his staff was not. The healers had brought all their equipment with them on a cart and where preparing for the worse. His scribe and captain where shaking noticeably out of anxiousness, which seemed to increase, each step they took. They did the research on Selenia as Polymarchus requested, but have not been honest about what they found out. They decided that in his hubris he sent his request after he already challenged her, and thus not needed to how well she really fought. They found out that Selenia lived a live as a common rogue hunter and has defeated others before in sword duels, and was in fact very good at it, something they agreed their master shouldn't know about. If she is indeed as good as was written and told, then any information that could have a negative impact on his morale could be fatal. Likewise they knew that if their master would find out what they did, it could cost them their own lives. Much was at stake tonight, and as the group past village and cottage, the bystanders passed, could feel a certain tension in the air growing until they started to emitting this tension them selves, amplifying it even further. The scribe looked desperately at the captain one more time. This was their last moment to intervene, save their master or save them selves. The captain ignored the scribe and continued to stare forwards, blindly following the mass, both in their panic utterly numb and indecisive.
To be continued.
– Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard, Knight of Hamadan, Marshal of the Army of the Panther Claw
Duel (just in)
Selenia JeVondair, Xerarch of Greater Xavax, Royal of Greater Xavax, Duchess of Aeng meets her challenger Polymarchus Polytus, High Marshal of Fallangard, Knight of Hamadan, Marshal of the Army of the Panther Claw for the agreed duel till death.
Polymarchus has decided to use the 'neutral' strategy while Selenia has chosen the 'overrun' strategy, giving Selenia the advantage. The duel goes as planned, then badly for Polymarchus. He suffers several slight wounds, then a final, fatal blow. The healers hurry, but they are too late. Since there was a bounty out on him, Selenia gladly collects. Selenia, although the winner, has also suffered a light wound.
–
Another Duel
Letter from Noiram Kah (2 days, 12 hours ago) message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
Lords & Ladies,
Our queen has led us to ruin and dishonored us all. Accordingly, I have challenged her to a duel to the death.
In Service to Xavax, - Noiram'Kah Noiram Kah Knight of Enubec
star [reply to sender] | [ignore] | [userdetails] | [vulgarity] Letter from Noiram Kah (2 days, 12 hours ago) Message sent to the Rulers of East Continent (14 recipients)
Monarchs of the Eastern Continent,
Selenia Jevondair has led Xavax to ruin and dishonored the realm. Accordingly, I have challenged her to a duel to the death.
Respectfully, - Noiram'Kah Noiram Kah Knight of Enubec
Letter from Noiram Kah (1 day, 5 hours ago) Message sent to the Rulers of East Continent (14 recipients)
Monarchs of the Eastern Continent,
You do well to despise the Queen of Xavax, for she despises her own people. As is the right of any member of the Xavaxian nobility, I challenged her to a duel for bringing terrible hardship and loss upon us. Rather than accept my challenge and meet me in honorable combat, she has sent an assassin in the night in an attempt to kill me in my sleep. Treachery! Cowardice! Under such leadership, Xavax falters.
- Noiram'Kah Noiram Kah Knight of Enubec
Duel (18 minutes ago) Selenia JeVondair, Xerarch of Greater Xavax, Royal of Greater Xavax meets her challenger Noiram Kah, Noble for the agreed duel till death. Noiram has decided to use the 'defensive' strategy while Selenia has chosen the 'overrun' strategy, giving Noiram the advantage. The duel goes as planned, then badly for Noiram. He suffers several slight wounds, then a final, fatal blow. The healers hurry, but they are too late.
The Path of Ashes
Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair (9 hours, 33 minutes ago) message to all nobles of Greater Xavax As the Phoenix Court convened, Selenia was uncharacteristically silent. Even Gia's good-naturedness eventually wore off as more and more noblemen entered the pavilion. She and her wolf Lupa eventually padded off to join the crowd as ranking members of Imperial High Command claimed their seats adjacent to the Xerarch.
Selenia watched and acknowledged a few of those who entered. Dame Serina was one, the wolf prince Hector was another. Before long, the Court was fully convened. Idle chitchat died down as the Xerarch stood. Selenia was not a tall woman, but with so much attention on her, she seemed larger than life. Her gaze tracked back and forth, strafing through the eyes and faces of men and women she'd bled beside for years. There was as much said, in those met glances, as an entire evening of talk might have been. After a long time, the Xerarch spoke.
"Over the years," she began, "I have tried my best to show the world that we were the best." Affirmative sounds rumbled through the court and her voice charged with emotion as she went on. "We have fought, bled, and suffered, aye,. But at one point or other, we've defeated most every major army on this continent, even three or four at once! I was there when we sacked Semall. I was there when we brought Ibladesh to its knees. I was there when time after time we snatched glorious victory from the jaws of imminent defeat."
By now, the crowd of nobles had been charged with her energy. Yes! Xavax was, and had always been, strong. Yes, no other people could do as they had done. And Yes, standing before them was the warqueen that had lead them through thick and thin.
"And yet-" Selenia's voice subtely sank, betraying her inner thoughts, - "And yet I was there to watch Uthred the Undying be cut down. I was there to watch Jarvin cut down, and Jayden, and Gilth. I've seen love blossom only to be snatched away by the deathly pale hands of war. I've seen countless refugees, orphans, victims of bandits and invaders and starvation in equal measure. I have seen Hell itself-" and everyone in that pavillion knew she was referring to the event of her own death. She paused, not for a breath, but to again gaze around the gathered faces.
"-but I have not seen an end. Not one in which your sons and daughters grow up happy beneath the Redwing. Not one in which our many enemies are cast down. Not one in which all learn to walk the Path of Paragons...at least...not so long as we remain here in the South. By now you will have noticed that I had Talon Lionel range the army farther north than has ever been in our history. It is because you are not going back to Xavax."
Immediately there was uproar. Oaths were sworn and voices raised in protest, but the Xerarch carried on. "This was MY decision. Not my idea, no, but my final decision none the less. All my life, I have only ever wanted to create something that would outlive me. I tried once before with the Ivory Vales. I thought to try again with Xavax. For the longest time, wrapped up in all of our power, I thought I had succeeded. But I was mistaken. The Imperium will not be my legacy to this world...you are. Each and everyone of you that has seen what I've seen, felt what I've felt. Spilled blood and been bloodied. Loved, hated, strived, tasted the sweet success of victory and the bitterness of defeat. You've been with me, many of you since the beginning, many more of you I knighted myself. All of you have proven yourselves Xavax time and again. And through you, no matter where you are, for as long as you are together, you are my greatest achievement and lasting gift to this dying world. You are Xavax. Not me, you."
The silence that followed was near-absolute, broken only by the crackling of the central bonfire and the occasional whine from one of the inexplicably large number of wolves in attendance. Selenia, their Empress, surveyed them all and then nodded to herself as though pleased. Taking pride in her people, even at this juncture. "As you may surmise, I have elected to stay behind-" Her words were immediately greeted with graons of denial and malcontent. She stilled these with a hand. "Yes, I have lead Xavax virtually since our founding, and so I will remain to share in the city's fate, when the bandits again come for me, they will find me on the battlements with a sword in my hand and a storm in my veins."
"But don't let that lull you into the mistaken belief that I've embraced defeat. The fight is not over, it is merely...changing. I charge the Phoenix Court with a Sovereign Quest: You will journey to Sirion there to take up residence. You will teach their people our way of life, preserving our culture and faith and traditions. You will teach elves and man alike the ways of a true war, a southern war, preparing them for the sequel we'll all be waiting for. You, my people, will turn Sirion into a war machine that will shake this continent to its foundations. And one day, when you are covered in the glory of victory, you will ride south again and raise this phoenix from its own ashes."
"This is my Will."
And with that, Selenia tossed the rest of her drink, goblet and all, into the fire. The flames shot up in brief, brilliant thanks as the Xerarch left the gathering of nobles. A moment passed after her departure before pandemonium shattered the quiet in her wake.
The Day of Black Sun
The Eyrie was the tallest building in all of Xavax and had served as the royal residence since being built by Xerarch Magnus as a palace in the earliest days of the Imperium. Greater Xavax was new then, filled with hope, and the spire’s architecture reflected this with sound grace. Though surely lovely, it was unadorned save for the most pragmatic of accoutrements as it was not a defensive structure and the martially-minded Xavax preferred military investments over grandiose embellishments. From the arched gateway entrance through the halls and up the many, many stairs is said to take an average man 15,782 steps. Even getting to the Throne was meant as a trial for the strong, the strong-willed, and the stout of heart. After and up all that way sits the Phoenix Throne, a highbacked greatchair worked with antlers to give the appearance of an avian nest and crested with the image of a phoenix reborn wrought in gold flames, was the only chair in the room. The Throne sat upon a dais raised high enough that a seated figure would still be a head and shoulders above even the tallest man and flanked by ever-burning braziers. It was Selenia who added the braziers…believing that any who sat in “The Hotseat” should remain ever aware of the fire’s symbolism as well as the burden of the braziers oppressive heat to prevent the throne from ever being “too comfortable” in her words. The Throne itself was backed by Great floor-to-ceiling windows whose westward faces let in the rays of the noon-to-setting sun and arranged in a crescent arch ringed the entire throne room, which itself was large enough to comfortably fit 100 people. To look at the seated Phoenix Queen was to take in a vista that held the whole of Greater Xavax in view. Beyond the windows were balconies that allowed the nobles of the Imperium to survey their domain just as the winged figure they took as their symbol. The only entrance was flanked by a contingent of the Xerarch’s mountainous, crimson-clad Royal Guards. The throne room took up fully half the Erie spire’s circumference, festooned with trophies from past battles won, the rest being walled off to form the Royal Apartments servants quarters, and gallery that began the long journey back downstairs.
Today, however, was not like other days. Though it was high noon and clear outside, darkness had fallen across the city of Xavax. In the skies above, the moon had blotted out the light of the sun.
The Phoenix Queen sat upon her throne in full regalia beneath the Black Sun, watching as her remaining nobles filed in. She’d chosen a dress instead of the elven chain or dueling leathers she normally affected. It was the same dress she’d worn only once before – an artwork of deep crimson and startling gold that she’d greeted High King Zinar in on the fateful day she’d owon Caligus to the Imperium’s side and briefly changed the tide of the Xavax Wars. Her garb matched her station in every respect. She wore the Phoenix Laurel, which served as her crown, proudly upon her brow. Her dress left her arms and shoulders bare, cut in a V-shape in the front. Her lips were full and made for smirking, her features were evenly spaced, and there was a dignity about her that commanded respect. She appeared to be in her mid 30’s, although it was well known that she was approaching her 60’s. Such was an affect of the many magics that had been worked upon her, for good and for ill, over the years. She was powerfully well built and clearly in top-athletic form, indicating to any with eyes to see that she was clearly a practiced swordswoman, and if her tone alone was not enough, the light white of faded scars would reveal her for the warrior she was even with the shapely curves hinted at by the curves and planes of her dress. One of those scars, faded with time but still a large and ugly mar of her flesh, was situated just to the right of her heart and above the swell of her breasts – a memento from Minas Nova from the lance that had been driven through her chest, killing her instantly. Seeing her now, alive and glowing from the braziers light, it was easy to understand how this woman had mothered not one but TWO empires and killed both generals and traitors in duels to the death.
This was her first public appearance since the Path of Ashes. She had even failed to acknowledge the recent execution of Corvo Attano, who, it was whispered, served as one of her Black Flames. Whispers permeated the Phoenix Court and beyond that perhaps the Xerarch was ill. Perhaps she was dying. Perhaps she had been broken. Even Imperial High Command, it was said, had only heard from her via intermediaries. The truth was that no one really knew what had happened to Selenia, whether she was well or dire. She’d shut herself off from the world and hadn’t left the Erie since the Battle of Abadan some weeks prior. The firelight from the braziers made it harder, rather than easier, to discern her features from far away. But one did not need to see her face to sense her mood. And the renewed determination emanating from her seemed strong enough to replace the missing sun in the sky. It was a subtle thing hinted at by the way she sat immobile upon the throne with her shoulder’s square and her eyes focused on nothing in particular, how she seemed cool or at least resigned to the oppressive radiation of the braziers that bathed her in ruddy-gold light. But for that, she might have been cast from iron for all she revealed.
Nobles congregated, staying a respectful distance from the throne and the blazing heat of its twin braziers, whispering among themselves about the eclipse and the Xerarch’s ominous summons. Those who had female captains leading their units had brought these captains with them, filling up the space left by the nobles who had departed north. None approached her, knowing better than to do so until she said her piece, and knowing that she would not speak until she could be sure her words would be heard by her entire court. Even Sir Andross Blint, the first to arrive and an obvious favorite of the Crown, did to encroach. Hushed murmurs, the swishing of robes and the clanking of steel boots on stone echoed as the Imperium’s noblemen milled about whispering to one another about the Black Sun and its portents on the timing of their Queen’s unexpected summons as they waited on the last stragglers to arrive.
Soon, the black sun would reach its zenith, the total eclipse would align perfectly with the placement of the Phoenix throne as though crowning Selenia in a dark, fiery halo. She was clearly waiting for this moment to speak her words.
Words of Fire that affecting the rise and fall of empires.
When the shadow of the moon before the sun fell fully over the Phoenix Court, the Xerarch stood at last, her very movement commanding the silence and attention of the room. She had something in her lap and unfurled it to reveal a Redwing, the first Redwing, sewn for Selenia's banner by the fallen hero Jarvin (THE Redwing) Bedegar himself. It's very presence a reminder of all blood of Xavax heroes that had been spilled in this war. "I have been defeated." She began, her eyes swept back and forth as she spoke, pausing briefly here and there. "Despite the righteousness of our cause, despite the warrior spirit in our hearts, despite the gods themselves sending me back to you from beyond the pall of death. I was defeated. And in defeat, I was ashamed, for who deserves the mantle of rulership over so worthy a people as the Xavax without bringing them victory? Never mind the odds, nor how well we fared against them for so long. Never mind the treachery, the deceit, the sabotage, for what does a Phoenix do if not rise?"
"But after everything, beloved friends and vassals lost to the toll of war, the creeping sickness of betrayal, armies of enemies closing in from ever side, all felt lost. Everything we'd worke to build and maintain for so long against such impossible adversity was slowly being torn from our grasp. Foes closing in on every side, it had never been more clear that I had failed you, failed all of Xavax, and in my weakness, failed in my ultimate responsibility...I failed you, my people. And so I returned here," she said with a gesture that took in the entire city, "to wait for the end. Waiting for the final swing of the blade like cattle, like prey." She said that last with the disgust and vehemence of a frustrated hunter, she paced back and forth along the dais like a caged lioness. Firelight danced in her eyes as she projected her voice. "Until I was reminded of the words I told your countrymen when we breached the defenses in Abadan not long ago. Do you remember? I told them that Xavax is not just some pile of stone or a bit of red splashed on a map somewhere. The Xavax are a people. The Xavax are my people, and the real failure, the real betrayal, would be to continue as I have, quietly resigned to my fate. I thought I was choosing the hard road, going down with her ship as a Captain must." She ran the Redwing flag through her hands, playing her fingertips along the stitching. "In truth, I was being a coward because I know now that simply waiting here was the easier choice. It will be harder by far to keep struggling, to keep fighting, to keep moving forward toward the dream of a peaceful and powerful Xavax."
"I was wrong" she continued quietly as though to herself. Ears strained to hear her now over the pop and crackle of the braziers at her side. At the farside of the room, the sunlight began do grow as the eclipse started to pass. She held the throne room captive with her eyes, locking briefly with Sir Andross Blint and Dame Elessa Raven who had been the first to arrive at her summons. Peppered among the crowd were soldiering women, Captains who'd been invited at the Xerarch's command. They were here because Selenia was the one who had decreed that anyone who can lead and fight should do so. It was because of the Xerarch that there were any female captains at all, and the reminder spurred by their presence fortified her. "It is not going well for our people." She said simply. "There, in the north, they are fractured. Weakened without is, devolving into strife. Months may pass, maybe years, but eventually they will loose themselves to their circumstances, forget who they are, where they come from. They will forget that they are Xavax. And therin lies the true defeat, the final defeat, that which the Southern Alliance longs for. And hear in my self pity, I was about to gift-wrap my enemies greatest desire: A ruined and forgotten Xavax."
"I am done waiting for my fate to come find me. Instead, I will ride out to meet it. So long as there is breath in my body I will fight on." As her gaze swept the room the last shadows of the eclipse were chased away. The noon sun returned, bathing the assembled nobility in its full, golden glory. Selenia basked in the warmth, her expression changing from morose to one radiating the heat of renewed determination. "Prepare yourselves for a journey and battle. We are abandoning Xavax City. We ride north to join our countrymen. There we will continue the fight against the Southern Alliance until we win or until I've no life left to fight with." She held them captive with her eyes, her expression laden with purpose. "I cannot promise you victory. I cannot promise you a new Xavax. I can only promise you a Hard Path. But I can promise you one thing: Hard though the Path may be, it winds through fields of glory."
"Will you choose to follow me boldly into this new and uncertain future? Will you place your faith in me, your Xerach who was raised from the ashes of death and trust me to find a way to raise Xavax from the ashes of defeat?" She'd placed her hand over her heart - and the ugly scar, a visceral reminder of her harrowing tale. "They, our enemies, and I, your Xerarch, for once made the same mistake...we'd forgotten the most crucial symbol that holds the very fabric of Xavax society together...one that has more than once brought our foes to their knees. I summoned you all here to remind you of what that thing is..."
The shadow of the moon was fully gone now, banished, with the sun glowing brilliantly as though it had never been obscured. With deliberate poise, she wraped the Redwing banner as a shawl across her bared shoulders, literally wrapping herself in the flag of her beleaguered nation. "We are the Phoenix," she said, opening her arms to their full span to include all of the assembled nobles. "We will rise. We will always rise. Follow me, and our sacred fires will burn throughout the north."
Selenia's Last Whisper
I have no gift to celebrate your Union,
I have no advice to guide you along your Path,
I have no power to guide you through the Maelstrom,
That which we all must face.
I have nothing, No lands, no titles, no gold, no relics of power,
But I do have blood.
And in blood there is magic.
Should your union bear fruit, then the blood of my blood shall be a guardianTo keep and protect for the dark times to come
Until the fire I started burns again.
– Selenia, Royal of Rogues
Exile
Half the world Slanders Selenia. She promised to burn the entire world. One cannot expect this to not have any consequences. She took me under her wing. She protected me, she elevated me. She knew what kind of situation she created. She made herself large and menacing, a great target to be shot at so we wouldn't be shot down. See it for the sacrifice that it is. Allow her to serve us once more. We never believed the dark magics and we have never yielded this fact. Neither have I to anyone nor in any negotiation.
– Asher Renodin
Remembrance
Letter from Hector Serpentis Tandaros (11 days, 13 hours ago)
message to all nobles of Redhaven Rejoice! Our capital's halls are now protected by a Stronghold. Our foes will have a horrendous time trying to seize this city and corrupt it with democracy.
There is a stone carved for Xerarch Selenia at the cornerpiece near the main gate. Long may our people remember her, and the history of our people, namely our exile. In the block beneath, the masons have listed the Paragons who have given their lives in the war and Path of Ashes for Xerarchy and Xavax.
Eight-meter banners depicting the Redwing have been crafted by special order and shall be hung high from the parapets and battlements, raised high in defiance of our enemies.
Long Live Xavax, Long Live Xerarch Aramon, Long Live Redhaven!
– Hector Serpentis Tandaros Ambassador of Redhaven Duke of Coimbra Margrave of Krimml
Return of the Phoenix
11-21-2018 With the death of her Ward, Ayden Torarrin jeVondair - The Duchess of Blades, Selenia was at last moved to end her self-imposed isolation and rejoin the realm, and war, she'd had a hand in starting.
Great bells toll slowly, methodically, the boom of their ringing like an abrasive thud upon the ears. Murders of crows cackle their racuous cries over a realm subdued. A realm in loss. A country morning the loss of one of it's heroes.
Dusk barely settles before the dark tales whisper in from the front, how in the Battle of Bescannon, peasants rose up in their thousands and killed the Duchess, who had once been one of their own. Before long, the tales become mournful tunes hastily cobbled by poets and performers to earn a coin or two. The cities and forests of Redhaven, especially in Krimml, reeled at the sudden death of their hero.
The Duchess of Blades...
A child of Xavax left without a mother...
A JeVondair...
News travels fast, but bad news travels faster still. And for one person, one woman, this news traveled fastest of all. From an overheard conversation in an unnamed forest, she heard of the fall of Ayden Torrarin JeVondair, adopted daughter of Godric Torarrain, beloved of the Phoenix Queen. Like the lance that had taken her heart, Selenia felt the words pierce through her, felt a little part of her light, herself, vanish forever. Like a river, her life since accepting her self-imposed banishment flowed: Building her cottage deep in the woods, hunting like when she was a girl in Aurvandil, raising and training Högni, to occasionally advising the young ward she'd left to tend to the fortunes of her people...the Xavax.
Selenia remembered. Itor bass had just revolted against Alara. She'd just declared war on Robb Starfall and he, vile man that he was, had his equally vile general Brack Magdelin order the butcher and rape of the peasants in Itor Boss. Selenia was riding at the head of her army, the Xavax having just chased the cowardly bandits from the region when her trusted vassal Godric cantered up beside her with a scrawny, disheveled little child in his arms. He'd grunted something about this or that, but Selenia had seen right through the old grizzly and smiled at his relief when she accepted the girl to serve as a page to the women of her unit, Fearless. Ayden, who had lost her entire family and scantly escaped being slain eaten by their reanimated versions before being rescued by Godric and his men, had been quiet at first. Clumsy, but diligent. She never stopped trying, and when the time came, Selenia encouraged a young Ayden to follow in her won footsteps, seek out a life of adventure, and avenge herself against the undead and Alarans alike. Ayden took to the hunters arts as though she'd been born to it, only ever truly herself and free when she was on the trail, so when one day she found herself before Selenia on one knee, accepting a knighthood into the Phoenix Queens household, it was more change than she had ever dreamt of.
Too much Selenia thought, her heart heavy, as she readied her horse. It was all she could think of to do now but return to Court. She did not know what she would find their, nor what she sought. Was it vengeance? Forgivness? Absolution? All of these? Perhaps. But above it all was the mountainous weight of sadness, the abyssal pit in her stomach at having lost a daughter, and the need to bury her family. In no time at all, she and Hogni arrived in Oligarch to await the return of Ayden's body...and the explanation of her comrades...
Thus did the Phoenix Queen return to the Xavax.
– Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair Message sent to all nobles of Redhaven (10 recipients) - 5 days, 23 hours, 54 minutes ago
Two banners appear over the horizon with a single horseman, those of the Mounted Toren and the Phoenix Hussars. A third of a league behind him the mass of horsemen trots slowly. A sombre drum sounds as one voice sings. At the front Godric walks alongside his horse; tied to the saddle, the veiled body of Ayden Tórrarin. One hand on the reins and one hand gripping his spear, Godric moves with half-closed eyes, his voice murmured and hoarse, occasionally his men will join in the songs as an attendant brings him ale to soothe his throat. He then continues, men occasionally adding their voices when they've heard the saga.
Captain Honana nods as they approach Krimml and men at the flank break formation to continue at comfortable speed. A dozen soldiers are left to accompany their þegn in the funerary march. One man will continue on to deliver a letter to Lady Selenia.
The messenger, however, did not have to travel far. Selenia herself stood alone at the gates of her ward’s former fief. The road from Bescannon was long and word of Godric’s arrival had traveled far afield of him. Selenia had waited there for Redhaven’s army to return, and for the terrible burden they would bear to her.
The Mounted Toren were the first to reach the city, fierce warriors all, but Godric stood above the rest. As the Old Torren cantered into view, he locked eyes with the Phoenix for the first time in a decade. Rather than a wounded mother, he saw a women geared for war: She wore the elven mail that had been a royal gift to her from a Caligan King, twin kukris hung belted on either hip their dark mahogany handled worn further with age and use, and around shield strapped to her back completed the kit. She was exactly as Godric remembered her, but unlike the woman she was after the Path of Ashes and more like the firebrand that had defied the will of a continent. Indeed, she had not appeared to age a single day, though that was no surprise to him. Indeed, his heart might have swelled to se so perfect a reminder of the glorious days of the old Imperium…but he knew her too well. Years apart could not overcome years and years spent fighting shoulder to shoulder. He had seen her triumphant, he had seen her crushed, but he had never seen the cold, hard look she wore now. Though she smiled at him now in greeting, though the warmth of it was genuine, he recognized the deep vault behind it. That vault held it all: The bitter, ironic shame of Ayden being killed by peasants, the volcanic fury of it, the dauting sorrow of a mother that failed her child…All of it bottled in a glance as thought it might explode at any moment. He saw the same controlled, abyssal rage he’d seen looking back at himself in the mirror more than once. He noted the iron will it took for her to be here, to be seen now as calm when he knew the virulent Maelstrom that stormed, straining at its chains, within her. And some part of him rejoiced at the promised of blood, death, and vengeance in his former Xerarch’s eyes, for he had always cautioned her against mercy, against compromise, and now in her eyes he at last saw none.
Selenia strode up next to him, holding her hand out to his massive warhorse. The beast sniffed, taking in her scent, and huffed, its ears going flat as they would before a charge. Perhaps it could scent the promise on her as well. Selenia moved her hand and, when the horse made no objection, stroked its necked. It huffed again at her touch, but leaned into ere long. Selenia smiled, and Godric could see the sadness in it then as she looked up at him. She made to speak, but her eyes slid from him to the draped form being drawn behind him and the words died in her eyes. Instead she merely patted his armored thigh, she leaned on him for the briefest moment and then spoke without looking up.
“Let’s lay her to rest, my friend,” seeming like nothing so much as a wildcat pacing through a cage that was much too small. Selenia finally tore her eyes away, and then the horns sounded announcing the arrival of the Xerarch. All around, young northern soldiers that had never known the fields and cold wins of Xavax bowed their heads in deference at the approach of their liege...
Aramon rode his horse at a slow walk with his head bowed, his armor and clothes and braided hair dusted with ash, and his bandages dried to his skin with blood. The Moaning Saber of Redhaven sat drawn across his lap, broken and forever silenced. Never before had he seen peasants fight so organized, and he was sure he had spotted proper arms and armor among them. He stopped at the gate into Krimml and motioned to a few soldiers to approach.
"My Xerarch?" said one as he bowed. "Send word to Lady Selenia, Arbiter Godric, Talon Lionel, Baroness Eliza, and let it be known to any Redhaven nobles who wish to witness. After the ceremonies for Duchess Ayden Tórrarin JeVondair are complete, I will open the Court and will hear the Arbitration of the Case Arbiter Godric brings against Baroness Eliza. Until then, that is were I will be found." The soldier bowed lower and set off to deliver the messages, shouting at a few of his companions to assist. Meanwhile the Ruler of Redhaven set off slowly to the court.
So great was the burden he carried that he barely seemed to notice when his horse stopped, snorting, at a crowd of mounted warriors milling about. At the sound of the horns announcing him, they turned and bowed to their Xerarch, forming a path through their ranks. He recognized them as the Arbiter’s Mounted Toren. So big were they that Aramon had not seen the source of the obstruction until they cleared a path. He saw Godric first, the old man’s mountainous form was unmistakable, as was the covered form of his ward, the Duchess of Blades. But what held the Xerarch’s attention was the form of the armored blond woman at Godric’s side. Selenia smiled when she saw him, and Aramon saw all that Godric had seen and more. She beckoned him closer, and when he drew near, she smiled up at them, and the both saw the expression for what it really was: Armor.
“Help me,” she said simply, her voice breaking, revealing the dam that was barely holding her overflowing emotions in check. It was not a command, it was not even a request, but lost somewhere between them. It struck both men at once that this was the first time either of them had seen her truly grieving. Godric and Aramon shared a look and nodded, both men swinging down from their warhorses. Selenia wordlessly took them both by the hand and the trio of legendary Xavax crossed through the gates of Krimmel with Ayden's body behind them.
–
New Kingdom, Same Crown, Same War
A most compelling message, King Stanmore. Allow me to enumerate all the reasons why it is one of the more foolish...suggestions that I've ever heard:
We aren't scared of you, OR your Empire. This war was going to end shortly anyway, at long last. By sticking your nose in, you will only prolong it and exacerbate the Butcher's Bill by unnecessarily adding Perleone dead to the list of the fallen. You offer us nothing and clearly take us for fools. Your ignorance of the history of this war and the nations involved apparently suffers from criminal neglect if you think you've any right at all to dictate such terms to us. Our gains have been bought by the blood of our dead since before your family even came to the nobility. How dare you suggest we dishonor their sacrifice. The arrogance you display by recognizing ancient Caligan borders, as if those lands are not already theirs by no right of yours. The willful disrespect you show by not even deigning to acknowledge our fallen King by name, the only Royal to have fallen in this conflict. The fact that Kellan Dodger and Kay Peregrine have been negotiating with you almost since the day of his return while you said little and nothing to us. AND that you have been secretly gathering your army in Partora with the express intention of attacking us anyway. The fact that you accuse Redhaven of subterfuge after your own democratically appointed Ambassador and Duke of your capital came to Krimml not a month ago to ask for my help rebuilding the Imperium of Greater Xavax, as if its lands were yours to give or your right to deny us. I wouldn't be surprised now if you'd sent Greybrook on purpose, knowing how close his family is to mine that I might heed him. The fact that you view US as the aggressors when it was Perdan, Vix, and aye even Perleone who entered this war against us of their own accord. As if we would ever forget. The fact that if you ever had any true intention to be known as a peacemaker, you would have begun this as a King would have...by mediating peacetalks instead of creeping with an ultimatum like a bandit. You lack both the honor and the prestige for us to believe you carry the unchallenged will of your people. And democracies, fickle and unreliable things that they are, have been known to change their minds, and their rulers, on a whim.... For these reasons, I categorically deny you and will urge my fellows to do the same. We cannot and should not deal with an uneducated Kingling with delusions of grandeur and narry a battlescratch on him.
Now it could be that I've got you all wrong. I very much think I pegged you, though, on the offchance I was mistaken, here's my official counter proposal: Back off and the North will allow you to continue playing Emperor in your southern sandbox. Up to and including the annexation of all lands held by Vix and Perdan to do with as you please. You will have your peace, and Perdan and Vix will even be allowed to survive, and even expand, so long as they do so away from the lands the North has bought, paid, and sown in blood. These lands include: Perdan, Perdan Mines, Brive, Bescanon, Nascot, Mulhouse, Meuse, Domus, Hamadan, Mashhad, Supra, Winkamus, Scio and Askesh Temple. We'll forget you attempted to mistreat us as you have. You should know that the only reason Perdan especially has consented to your demand is because they know the North will soon win. The same must be true for Vix as well. One more month would have done it. But . Of course, if you don't feel like negotiating, then let me make one thing perfectly clear: Now that you've threatened us, If you ride north at the head of your army as a King should, I will meet it with mine. If I survive, I will find you, challenge you, and add you to the ever-growing list of people I used to know. Then I will hope that your democratically elected successor is open to hearing the North's side and has studied the geopolitical history of this conflict and its major players before unilaterally making decisions for peace that, ironically, require war. Again.
I, Selenia JeVondair, Xerach of Redhaven, Conqueror of the Ivory Vales, Hero of the North, Honorable Matriarch of the Black Swan and Phoenix Queen of the Xavax, hopes that the South is as tired of this soon-to-be-ended war as we are and will do what is right: Back away, slowly.
Xavax Endures,
– Lady Selenia JeVondair Xerarch, Xenophon of Redhaven Royal of Redhaven Duchess of Oligarch Margravine of Oligarch
CAPTURED
6/1019 Age 70
Letter from Godric Tórrarin ka Habb
Message sent to all nobles of Eponllyn (28 recipients) - 7 hours, 26 minutes ago I have seen the Phoenix Lady escape from the clutches of Death himself: something only Tor promises us. She will return.
– Godric Tórrarin ka Habb Chief of Justice of Eponllyn Knight of Oligarch
Hours later, and a mere half day after being captured, Selenia, Wiley as ever, escapes her Perdanite captors.