Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/2021/July
| Dubhaine Family | |
| Fame | 40 |
| Wealth | 19485 |
| Home Region | Ashforth |
| Home World | East Continent |
23rd July
Winter Day
Margaretha of Arescod
The Arrival at Shinnen
Amidst all of the choas of the Latinikon Phalangists entering Shinnen, Margravine Margaretha of Arescod held her council on a hastily erected table and chairs. Captain Ilona made her way there, still dressed in her captain armour, a gilded chestplate atop heavy mail. She undid her bascinet and waved her hair that had escaped her knot out of her face. The chief of the doctors had also come, a gentleman named Lukas. As always he was dressed in his green grown which those of higher classes tend to wear. Halfway his sixties, he had a grey head and a magnicifent beard. Her former squire Michael, now a knight joined their ranks, now an officer under her command. He was only eighteen, and had a sporting black hair. He was also armed, albeit his style of armouring was most definitely noble. He gave the margravine a slight bow and sat upon a newly supplied chair. The next participant arrived not a moment later, a camp follower named Irene. Finally, in the background, her new squire by the name of Anna appeared, should any of the gentlemen or women need anything.
"Good." Margaretha said. "Captain Ilona, I want the companions to begin repairing their equipment as soon as possible." She turned to look in her former squire's direction. "Tell her in which direction that is, this city is a verified maze." Both Michael and Ilona nodded, which was a trifle odds, considering that one was a scarred captain and the other was a newly-minted knight. She moved on towards the next. "As for the rest of you, please make sure that we have lodgings for the night for all of our soldiers." She continued, to which both Lukas and Irene nodded. Margaretha nodded, and the meeting was dismissed. Then she turned towards Anna, who seemed a tiny bit rattled by all of this orderly tumult. She smiled, which did little to put the little girl's fear at ease.
"Let's go. I have to prepare myself for meeting with the high lords today!"
24th July
Winter Evening
Elias Calder
Even before entering the city of Shinnen, the pilgrim is unable to miss the magnificent spire stretching up from the temple in the city's center. As she draws nearer to the city, the pilgrim can see the men on scaffolding hard at work upon the city's stone walls. They are so numerous that they appear as dark ants in contrast to the white stone of the walls. The dirt road is slowly becoming gravel, then cobblestone held together by crude cement. Pedestrian traffic is becoming more dense with travelers leading tired donkeys and traders with their overstuffed carts. Within the city itself, the heavy smell of unwashed bodies and horse sweat is drowned out by the smell of salt water and cooked fish. The jostling crowds of the market district fill the air with the sound of merchants and shoppers fighting over prices. As she makes her way towards the temple, the pilgrim is relieved that the deafening cacophony is fading behind her. The stench of the air is lightened by incense being burned within censors along the street. Temple workers can be seen tending to the censers to ensure the path is well purified of the city's stench. The temple itself is made of a red hued stone quite dissimilar to that of the city walls. The temple was characterized by large arches with stained glass windows. The construction gives the appearance of multiple buildings joined together all building upwards towards the base of the spire. The stained glass showed a night sky, and the stonework had ornate reliefs of stone throughout.
Inside the temple the smell of Frankincense seems to permeate the very stone. There are large vaulting ceilings and many chambers full of priests and priestess studying star charts. The pilgrim is drawn ever deeper into the temple. Behind every window there are massive, heavy curtains that could easily block out all light at night. In the center of the main chamber is a shallow pool. The still water over the jet black stone makes it appear like a mirror. The pool is directly beneath the center spire. Far above a focusing lens can be used to concentrate the light of the night sky upon the pool. Beyond the viewing pool is the most breathtaking work of art within the beautiful temple. A mosaic that is 15 yards tall and 60 yards wide spanns the entire back wall of the chamber. There are stars, planets, and galaxies the pilgrim had never seen before portrayed in shocking detail. In the center are three stars. Two are made out of the same red stone of the temple that has been highly polished. The center star is a ruby larger the pilgrim's fist. It has been cut and polished so wonderfully that it seems to glow with a light burning within it. The pilgrim is so lost in awe that she jumps when a gentle hand touches her arm. A robed priest is standing next to her. "My dear child, I must ask you to refrain from entering the sacred viewing chambers tonight," he says kindly. As the hand on her arm guides her away, the pilgrim notices the room's other occupants. She gasps as she sees the Suzerain Emperor speaking to a man in a green robe. Beyond them is Margrave Elias in a rich red hooded cloak. At his side she can see a sheathed stiletto peaking partially obscured by the robe. She attempts to see more who are in attendance, but the priest's body obscurs her view.
Elias stands within the viewing chamber. His guests all minlge about while servants provide wine and hors d'œuvres. With a gentle wrap of his gold ring on the wine glass he holds, Elias silences the group. "Thank you all for coming to the dedication of The Temple of Maddened Beauty. Tonight I wish to honor more than this temple- I wish to honor my teacher for his recent promotion within Sanguis Astroism. Viscount Mandolyn's teaching saved me from the man I was and showed me how to search for harmony within the stars. He has been elevated to the position of Light, and I hope that his leadership will continue to benefit others as it has benefited me. Night is nearly upon us, and the good teacher has agreed to guide our study of the viewing pool tonight. Everyone, please join me in a toast- To Light Mandolyn" Elias took a measured sip of his wine upon completion of his short speech and walked to rejoin the Suzerian Emperor and his teacher.
24th July
Winter Evening
Mandolyn Aurelle
"Luminary Elias, should you not be celebrating your own promotion?" - Mandolyn asks with a light chuckle - "I already have plans for a celebration, so save all that praise for later. This toast should be dedicated to you! This temple is within your demesne, has been built by yourself, and you were the one to invite us all to come and host this event. Humility is a good personality trait to have, but you can afford to have a bit less tonight. So, before we begin, let us toast for the new Luminary of Sanguis Astroism, Margrave Elias Calder of Luria Nova, long may he serve the Three! And another one for the new Margrave of Shinnen, Luminary Elias Calder of Luria Nova, may he rule fairly over this city!"
Mandolyn raises his goblet, turns and looks at the guests around him, and takes a sip. Then, he slowly walks around the pool and positions himself between it and the mosaic on the wall.
"Starlight should soon seep into the room and be reflected onto this pool. Until then, how about we talk about the path our realm is going at the moment? There will be plenty of time to talk about the Three tonight, and I do not want to bore you even before we can watch their reflection. Suzerain Emperor Bruce, do you have any plans or changes for Luria Nova? Swordfell has been a trustworthy ally, but noone expects them to be at war anytime soon, and helping against monster hordes does not take an alliance. Astrum seems to have grown a little lately, and just a little push might get them to do something, and Westgard is right next to them and full of infidels. Just saying..."
25th July
Winter Day
Durk Spartan
Durk's Arrival
Dread and calm waves guided Durk towards his destination. He could not tell whether it was the cold that left him with unease, or the ever-present divine lurking nearby... A torch and pursed lips granting him only a slight moment of solace.
It was not long before the Bastion of Luria began to grow from the horizon. Her walls still chipped and cracked... with fresh bricks peeking from where holes might had been not long ago. An unfortunate reality for the walls of Shinnen, this tale being told many times over far too many moons to count.
Spared from divine intervention... Thought Durk as he passed through the gates.
The hooded man wandered the condensed streets of Shinnen. Admiring the compressed appearance and organization of everything around... Perhaps it was to no one's shock but his own when he found himself truly lost within the walls. Whether it due to the tall structures blocking the horizon, or the lack of visits that Durk boasted... The day grew on, with a gloomy man's dread only growing stronger.
Margaretha of Arescod
Margaretha's arrival
In the end, she'd chosen for her green dress with woollen linings. It was brand-new, washed and cleaned, and was the only item her major domo had taken on this journey to Shinnen. Her squire Anna was wearing a dark blue dress, the symbol of maidenhood, a dress Margaretha had helped her to choose. However, she was behaving a little wild and misschievous now, probably due to the formalness of the occasion ahead. At least she had reason for that, she supposed. This magnicifent Church of Sanguis Astroism stood high and mighty, and both of them did not quite know what to think of it. Certainly, the spread of Temples has brought a lot of good things to their lands, but that wasn't all there was to it. She hoped that this wasn't an attempt at making Luria Nova much like the Theocracy of Astrum. Regardless, she was handed an invitation, and many of the Lurian nobles were here. M%argaretha was planning to enjoy herself.
Ciarghuala Dubhaine
"So Florinia, have the lads stowed everything for the journey home?" Ciarghuala tugged once again at the sleeve of her frock, suppressing an overwhelming desire to ditch the uncomfortable court attire. Being parted from the comforting presence of Shieldbane for even a few hours had grown increasingly difficult with the passing years.
"Aye ma'am, all the gear's loaded and the rigging set. Are you sure you don't want us to wait for the morning tide?"
"Why? D'you think I'm going to get into trouble lass?"
"Erm..." the Captain appeared lost for words.
"Oh! So Lady Em's been giving you orders again has she?"
"Not exactly ma'am. It's just..." her face flushed with embarrassment.
"Well spit it out!" Ciarghuala could barely contain her humour.
"Her Ladyship expressed some concern about your attitude towards... well... you know... clergymen."
"Ah! So she doesn't want me offending the Star Botherers now they've settled themselves here in Shinnen?"
"She didn't put it quite that bluntly ma'am," the Captain visibly relaxed, "But she did say something about 'being on your best behaviour'."
"I'm sure she did!" Ciarghuala roared, the hearty laughter turning to a spluttering cough which took half a glass of sweet wine to soothe, "Tell my beloved if you see her before I do that as a former Empress and member of the Council I wouldn't dream of offending our newfound friends. Not even if by some mischance I drink myself paralytic."
Florinia didn't look at all convinced but whatever she was about to say in response was interrupted by a heavy knocking on the apartment door.
"Oh goody!" Ciarghuala reached for a second glass and filled them both to near overflowing, "That'll be your mother lass, show her in. She must be parched and we've a long night of catching up ahead."
The door opened to admit a handsome, well proportioned woman, past middle age but none the less lively for it, eyes filled with the same mischievous sparkle as her former commander's.
"Wonderful! I see the booze is already uncorked," she took a glass from the Queen's hand and they drained them as one - arms entwined - before a sisterly embrace.
"Still looking as fierce as ever," they separated, laughing and joking as they admired each other's frocks and boots and stylishly coiffured hair, seemingly of one mind and one purpose.
"Good grief, you're as bad as giggling schoolgirls," Florinia sighed, "Just try not to get into any trouble alright?"
"Yes mother," echoed the the two veterans sarcastically.
"I'm going to get so much grief for this," Florinia muttered under her breath, closing the door behind her as she made for her own quarters. Lady Emily would definitely not be pleased.
"So why the hell have you moved back down here to Shinnen?"
"You know how it is. The weather's warm and the boys very accommodating for a wealthy widow."
"Poryatu isn't the same without you you know. Ever since I accepted that damn diadem it's been 'Yes your excellency' and 'No your excellency' with barely a chance for mischief unless I'm on campaign. Even then, half these young whipper-snappers are too damn awed by my 'legend' to share an honest bottle and a crude joke. And Flori's the worst. She won't even let me go in a bloody brothel for fear of the scandal! Where else am I supposed to get a good stiff drink at five in the morning?"
"So the rumours are true then."
"Which rumours? It's not like there's a shortage."
"Oh don't play coy. You deliberately threw that election didn't you?"
"If you mean I voted for the better candidate..."
"Yes, better for you!"
The Queen pursed her lips, a gesture comically at odds with the creasing laughter lines around her eyes.
"Don't get me wrong, I like his Imperial Majesty as much as the next roisterer," Septinia reached for the decanter to refill her glass, "But he's not heroic."
"And bloody good thing too. The last thing Luria needs is to be lead by some damn fool who'll get themselves killed."
There was a brief pause.
"Let's go have some fun."
27th July
Winter Day
Margaretha of Arescod
Temple of Maddened Beauty
Viscount Mandolyn was of course there, as it was a party inside of his temple. Perhaps the exact nature of to whom this building belonged was a question here, but she did not mind. According to the law, it belonged to the Church of Sanguis Astroïsm. So, according to her, it belonged to the Viscount. Margrave Elias was chatting him up, probably about religious things, and she dediced not to interfere. Ware, she might be thrown off by all that religious hogdepodge! Carrying her squire in tow, away from those two worthy gentlemen, she arrived where Imperial Magistrate Durk and Grand Panetier Ciarghuala were arriving. There was a conversation to be had!
Margaretha still hadn't heard how she did not end up against Ser Durk in the Tournament of Golden Farrow. And she mightn't be one of the youngest anymore, but a certain Royal Lady was eager to win a tournament of her own, should one take place inside Luria Nova. Perhaps there was one brewing? Steering Anna towards these two, she announced herself.
"Greetings Grand Panetier Ciarghuala, and Imperial Magistrate Durk. I have longed to see you both! As you can see, I have a new very young guest with me today. It is the first noble gathering that she is going towards, but I would like to introduce my squire Anna Phokas."
She stepped aside to reveal her squire, nicely dressed in a blue dress. It came to Anna that she was staring at the previous Empress, and she made her made her greetings, perhaps a tad too late.
"Uhh... Greetings oh noble emp- eh I mean ehh... Duchess Ciarghuala!" She said with a curtsy. "And Sir Durk!"
Anna was in the process of making a picture of herself, so Margaretha smilingly intervened.
"Besides. I was wondering how we didn't cross eachother's swords at the last tournament at Golden Farrow, ser Durk? I was hoping for that to be the case!"
Winter Evening
Ciarghuala Dubhaine
Ciarghuala leaned in close to Anna and whispered conspiratorial, "Technically it's Queen Ciarghuala but I'm not much of a one for formalities. Ma'am or m'lady will more than suffice."
She draw back and signalled to her own companion, "This is my good friend Mistress Septinia who for many years had the misfortune of being my Captain, didn't you Tinny?"
"Pleased to meet you," Septinia nodded her head to the squire who instinctively curtsied in return, "Don't mind Her Highness, she's not a fan of posh soirees are you ma'am?"
"That depends on the company," the Queen smiled at Durk and Margaretha, "and how are my two favourite protogés doing?"
28th July
Winter Day
Durk Spartan
Temple of Maddened Beauty
Durk eyed the interior as Margaretha approached, his unease so apparent that even the blind could see. A slight jolt signaled a moment of panic as she spoke... Had he been elderly, his heart would have given out long ago from stress... The girl introduced as Anna did her curtsey, and Durk returned a nod before Margaretha cut back in.
"Margravine, a pleasure it is to meet you again." He said, his head sharply turning to the ambience behind, "I must ask you forgive me." then returning to meet her once again, "My resolve was weak... I found myself unable to protect the title I had claimed in good faith... Yet you had kept Luria name true." A smile creeping from underneath his hood, "Though I do think if we'd met upon that finals, that would have been embaressing for the host, to say the least..."
With that, his attention turned to Ciarghuala and her guest, a bow accompanying his words, "I'd dare to say my time has gone far more pleasant than expected..." He began patting his chest, as if searching for something, "I have yet to find myself wounded by divine hands!" A glance to the side, halting his joke for the moment, his graze returning shortly after, "Though I doubt such evil would approach now... Lest it feel our combined wrath..." He nodded in agreement with himself, before turning to the two nobles before him, "How were your trips? I hope you did not face any troubles like I?" The smell of manure resurging from an encounter earlier in the day... Leaving his face slightly twitching as he awaited their response.
Winter Evening
Margaretha of Arescod
Temple of Maddened Beauty
Anna looked mortified at her own mistake, but that was fortunately rapidly forgotten by Ciarghuala. She was shame-red, worried that she had to say anything else, but then what could go wrong with that! Margaretha had trouble not laughing at her own squire. She knew that titles weren't the world for the lady Panetier, but that was with the knowledge of knowing her. Anna'd learn in time.
Hearing Queen Ciarghuala introduce her guest, she nodded her head. "How are you, Mistress Septina? I assume now that it is Winter your boats will be staying in? I heard there were storms in this area?" Margaretha said to her, purely out of interest. "The seas are, and excuse me for my lack of knowledge, not my area of interest." She said with a smile.
Upon listening to Ser Durk she grinned. "That's a shame. I can certainly understand was it is like to not perform at one's best ability. The tournament before that, also in Golden Farrow, I was eliminated in the very first round!" She said to him, reassuringly. "Certes, it will go better in the next tournament!" She promised. "Of that I can assure you!"
She listened in on the conversation for a while, until Durk directed a question at her.
"I was stationed just outside of here, in Shinnen Purlieus. At the first battle I was wounded along with three dozen of my men at least, but for the rest was uneventful. A little action here and there, but nothing more than finishing off a dying opponent." She said shortly. There seemed to be something wrong with her nose, but mayhap that was just her.
"Thereby, when we were talking about tournaments just now, didn't Emperor Bruce talk about organising his own? Then you could participate as well, no?" She said to both of them. Bearing official titles from the Lurian Empire, both had other business to take care of before any talk could be had about doing a tournament a realm and a half away.
30th July
Winter Evening
Ciarghuala Dubhaine
Ciarghuala was finding this soiree more to her liking than she'd anticipated. She'd brought her old companion-in-arms Septinia to keep her spirits up if it turned out to be one of those interminable fund-raisers the Astroists were famed for, and without a doubt the two of them would have had a good time regardless of other company. A good time which would doubtless have spilled over into one of the all-night drinking dens where nobles and rogues could rub shoulders.
"You know me Margaretha, I'm always up for a bit of exercise in the duelling ring. It's a damn shame protocol forbids my taking part in traditional tournaments but I think the Imperial Marshal plans much better events if I'm being brutally honest."
"You're just saying that because you always place in the top three," Septinia interjected.
"That's been more luck than judgement Tini, though I daresay the bookmakers will be shortening my odds in future."
Anna's face was priceless. The young squire was clearly unused to being included in such loose conversation amongst the higher nobility.
"What's the matter lass," the former Captain gave the girl a friendly smile, "Cat got your tongue?"
"N...no Ma'am!" she looked away from the Captain only to meet the gaze of first her mistress, then Sir Durk, and then her mistress again.
