East Continent/An Najaf/Fall Festival 23.09.08/EventProgram/Related

Stories of the Festival

This is Scroll One of the Stories of the Festival

Lady Katalynfae's Departure

Roleplay from Katalynfae Dragul

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KatalynFae quickly through everything she would need into a bag. She had a coach waiting outside and no amount of coaxing would convince Dame Kaylan to ride with her, she preferred to ride her horse, declaring she preferred the open air.

The miles flew by quickly and soon they were in An Najaf...

KatalynFae's brother Zadek was waiting for her, pacing nervously. He smiled at her approach and helped her from the coach. "Count Armstrong has rooms waiting for both of you", he said as he walked toward the Count's estate with Dame Kaylan and Lady KatalynFae.

He looked at his sister, she had such a glow. Hopefully this Jon Paul would be deserving of his beloved sister. Well only time would tell.

Katalynfae Dragul

Marshal of the Flow Administrators

Hero Jared's Distance

Roleplay from Jared Artemesia

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Off in the distance, far to the south, would be An Najaf.

That was the region once governed by his current liege. That was where he once wished to visit, if only to meet his mentor personally.

Jared sat down atop the edge of the Oligarch city wall. A light breeze blew past, making the flags wave lazily. There was a festival. Today, in An Najaf, there would be celebration, and here he was,in Oligarch, about to go back to the battlefield.

"Do you find it tiresome, sometimes?" He said to Marissa, the woman who was still busy going through all the letters from the previous day.

She stared at him with narrowed eyes, "You would think so, right? I mean, how much of this do you get? Most of this stuff isn't even addressed to you but to a general list of people!"

"I meant fighting all the time."

She stopped her rant abruptly. "Oh," Was all she managed to say for the next three minutes. "I suppose. They are certainly bloody, and I wouldn't want to be decapitated or impaled or anything."

The young noble looked down, to the square several meters below. "Say, we never did return home for that long, did we? We were supposed to have our feast for the autumn harvest, but I suppose it's too late now. How about some mooncakes as an afterthought?"

Marissa shrugged but followed Jared as he returned to the walkway.

One day, in many similar days.

Jared Artemesia (Knight of Ashforth)

The Onyxien Summons

Roleplay from Aewyn Onyxien

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Aewyn stood by the window reading her letters, the next letter was sent on behalf of Lady Katalynfae. Without hesitation she opened the letter and momentarily after her lips curled into a smile.

“Fiona,” she cried out as she walked over to the bed where Fiona was going through her mail

“We’ve been asked to walk with Lady Katalynfae at her wedding” her eyes big with excitement

“I love weddings” she walked to the table and stopped

“I’ve never been asked to attend a wedding” she walked back to the bed

Fiona laughed at her while she watched Aewyn pace back and forth, returning to her stack of letters.

“We‘ve?” Fiona looked puzzled moving her attention directly at Aewyn

“Yes both of us request from Lady Katalynfae” Aewyn continued to pace

“ Look through your letters already” she said anxiously

She stood over Fiona’s shoulder and waited, seconds after she ripped the stack from her hands and started going through them herself.

“Here” she said

“From Lady Katalynfae” she opened the letter without hesitation

“See” she handed the letter to Fiona

“Three ladies in attendance, Me you and Kaylan? Fiona replied as she got up to her feet.

“Kaylan? I don’t think I met her yet? Have you?” she looked over at Aewyn innocently

“Yes I have, she very nice, you’ll love her” her lips curled in a nervous smile remembering their encounter

“Good, I love gatherings” Fiona smiled

“Now we need to go get us some dresses my dear cousin” she grabbed Aewyn shoulders giving them a firm shake “And I know just where to go”

“Scribe” Fiona yelled out

“I want you to go to Lady Katalynfae and tell her in person that we would be honored to walk with her at her wedding, that we will be there shortly to meet with her” she flipped a coin

“That’s to make you run as fast as you can” she winked at her scribe

“YES My lady, right away” the boy ran out of the roome

Aewyn followed behind her like a toy Fiona carried around, but she could tell by her reaction that she was just as excited as her. To walk with our Lady Katalynfae on her wedding day was a great honor, to share in such a precious moment! Aewyn smiled under her breath.

“And I have the perfect gift for the couple” she closed the door behind her.

Aewyn Onyxien (Dame of Commonyr)

The Beheading of William the Messenger

This story begins during an intiment moment between the bride to be, Marshal KatalynFae Dragul, and one of her bridesmaids, Dame Kaylan McDowell of Bruck. This conversation was unfortunately overheard by the young William the Messenger, who reported it to his master Sir Hamilton Vita...

Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell

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Her blue eyes twinkled with moisture, “thank you,” she smiled and wiped her cheek. Never had she spoken a word of her desires, for fear that if she uttered a word, they would simply disappear forever. Her bottom lip trembled and she looked up at KatalynFae’s green trusting eyes, she didn’t know why but she felt it was finally time to let some fears go.

“I wish… for freedom, I don’t want to run anymore, I am tired of hiding behind this mask of bravery, I want everyone to see who I really am…” KatalynFae gave a reassuring nod, as if urging her to continue.

“Mostly…” she paused and swallowed. “I don’t want to be alone anymore…”her voice shook, “but I am so afraid to let anyone in…” she closed her eyes, letting the corpulent tears trail on her cheeks. “It is a foolish notion, but I wish what everyone woman desires. Romance... Passion and love…but I fear I shall never know their meaning…”

Kaylan McDowell (Dame of Bruck)

Roleplay from Katalynfae Dragul

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“Those are the same things we all want dear”, KatalynFae took a deep breath and continued “you can have anything you desire, but you have to believe that you deserve it. The running and being afraid even though I am not sure what it is that you run from, must be horrible. I don’t believe that the bravery is a mask though…bravery isn’t the lack of fear, it is taking action in spite of that fear. As for being alone, I have heard that a certain young noble fancies you…so what of Sir Malcolm? Could he be the one that you are seeking? You know the only way to find out, if he is the one you could believe in, is to try. It isn’t without risks, but hmm I believe that the runes gave you a challenge did they not?”

Kaylan nodded thoughtfully. She had to think on this some more…she was still unsure of how much she could tell this woman before her yet, she didn’t want to lose what seemed her best chance for friendship now that it was beginning.

KatalynFae roused her from her musings, “The hour grows late. Day after tomorrow is my wedding. I had a room prepared for you so that you might have a good night’s sleep before you return to your unit. Or if you prefer, you could ask Marshal Malfurion for permission to stay with me and ride to An Najaf as my escort for the wedding. I leave the choice to you, but please, you look as if you could use a good night’s sleep, stay the night. Things often look brighter in the morning’s light.”

Nodding, Kaylan rose and moved to give KatalynFae a hug. “Yes I would love to stay here the night.”

KatalynFae rose as well and called for her faithful aide Jamieson, who seemed to materialize out of thin air. “Please show Dame Kaylan where she may stay for the night. I will see you in the morning dear, we will have breakfast out here in the courtyard, the morning is exceptionally beautiful here.”

Katalynfae Dragul

Marshal of the Flow Administrators

Roleplay from Hamilton Vita

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Hamilton's messenger returned from Marshal Katalynfae with a strange expression on his face.

"Well, out with it!" Hamilton demanded.

"Sir, I do not believe it is proper to speak of." the scribe muttered.

"Tell me now boy! I need to remain aware of events occurring within the realm!"

"Well, sir, it appears I came across a private moment between Katalynfae and Kaylan..."

"Oh, really?" Hamilton interrupted.

"...and it appears she confessed a desire for true romance. Quite sincerely I might add," the messenger boy paused for a bit, "she cried, sir."

Hamilton dismissed the messenger boy. So her romance with knight Malcolm was not faring well. That was unfortunate. Perhaps it was his time to step in. He had heard stories of her beauty. Quickly he called a more trusted scribe for a dictation. Please send this to the lady, Kaylan, at once.

Dame Kaylan,

I must confess that a messenger came across a rather private moment of yours where you confessed something of importance to my marshal. A feeling for loss of love. I wish to console you and am preparing a feast in your honor. Arrange a time after the wedding and I shall meet you in Dulbin with a feast for an important lady such as you. Oh, and do you want me to punish the messenger boy at all?

Defender of Democracy,

Protector of Noble's Feudal Rights,

Former Banker and Marshal of the Confederacy,

Knight Hamilton Vita of Oligarch

Hamilton Vita (Knight of Oligarch)

Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell

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Kaylan followed behind this handsome young man and gave a smile to Lady KatalynFae displaying a small amount of nervousness. She knew it was a festival and a joyous event for the Lady as well and she should be happy. Only she was then reminded there would be a mass of guests and onlookers she hadn’t taken into consideration. That made her tense. She simply couldn’t help herself if she wasn’t careful anything could happen and that made her look over her shoulder, making sure they were alone.

Upon entering the estate she smiled and requested a moment for herself. She was directed to her room, and closed the door behind her. Taking a deep breath she was able to relax somewhat. Now she had to make preparations for the event, she had a dress, but she had a few things that still needed to be done. Looking through her bags, she retrieved her cloak, grateful she had been able to take it before leaving Sir Malcolm. She suddenly wondered how he was and paused. Her hand lingered over the cloak and she reached in the inner pocket. The small geode was still in the small velvet bag and she pulled it out to look at it. Let me be your shield-brother. His voice still resounded in her head and guilt began to creep in and she gave herself a shake. She gave a thought to what Lady KatalynFae said the previous night and sighed. How could she have let herself break down in front of her like that? The promise, a challenge, and everything the runes had foretold were nothing but illusions. How could she have even let herself believe it even for a moment? She knew such things weren’t meant for her. Putting the geode back in the cloak, she tried not to think of it.

There was a sudden knock at the door and she approached carefully. Opening the door slowly, she blinked when she noticed a man standing there. “Yes?” she frowned and he straightened. “Lady Kaylan,” he said confidently holding out his hand and she took the letter offered.

Opening it, she read carefully, at first she inhaled sharply and her eyes suddenly narrowed with anger. Her eyes burned with blue liquid fire and her nostrils flared. She was so affronted she lost control and crumpled the letter in her fist. She should have refrained herself but she was incredibly out of sorts. How dare he worm himself on such a private moment between her and Lady KatalynFae? No matter how he had come around the information, but to flaunt it? She was very unimpressed and looked to the man standing before her. “I believe I need not send a reply, Sir Hamilton will surely hear of my reaction, it seems he has eyes and ears where he should not.” With that she turned around and slammed the door.

Kaylan McDowell (Dame of Bruck)

Roleplay from Hamilton Vita

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A different messenger boy arrives from Dame Kaylan, out of breath, and with fear on his eyes.

Sighing, Hamilton beckons him to talk.

"Sir, she does not wish a response. She seemed quite displeased."

"Very well," Hamilton said, dismissing the boy. "Aide! I want William, the messenger boy from the other day!" William was ushered into Hamilton's presence. "Handcuff him," Hamilton ordered. As this was done, Hamilton grabbed an axe. "As a sign of my mercy, I will afford you a beheading. Something far above your station in life." Quickly, Hamilton beheaded William. "Aide! Drain the blood, wrap it in a soft velvet cloth and deliver it to Kaylan with the following note."

Dame Kaylan,

I do not know what your thoughts were, but I did not invade your privacy. Once I learned of it though I could not ignore such a beautiful dame in distress. I offer the feast, again, to relieve you from such unfortunate thoughts.

In apology for my messenger boy's rudeness,

Hamilton Vita

Hamilton Vita (Knight of Oligarch)

Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell

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Later that afternoon Kaylan was making her way back from her many errands and returned to her room. As she neared the hallway, she paused in mid-step as she noticed a young man looking around, appearing extremely distraught. He was holding something quite uncomfortably and when his eyes fell on her, he practically squeaked. Frowning she stopped, “are you alright boy?” He appeared ready to relieve himself and she changed her expression, giving him a reassuring smile.

“My… my….” he stammered and instead looked away and held up the wrapped package.

Kaylan’s eyes narrowed immediately and she lifted the cover. The odor hit her and she lifted a hand to her nose. Next he handed her a letter and she recognized the seal. Keeping her face impassive this time, she read the note and then folded it neatly. She was a trained soldier, death was an every day occurrence for her, but she did not enjoy being the cause of this boy’s mortality, especially for the desire's of one man.

Pursing her lip, she gave a thought and looked kindly to the aide. How to react without causing another boy to lose his life? “You will get rid of that, and return here with haste,” she ordered.

Kaylan entered her room and paced the room silently. It was a short while and the boy returned.

"You will return this note," she said.

“Sir Hamilton,

I apologize for misinterpreting your intentions and I am grateful that you have reached out so quickly and taken care of this nuisance. I apologize for my rudeness and must regretfully decline. The only person I take offense to is you. Seeing as you are a man of action, perhaps in this case I will await your head instead?

Best regards,

Kaylan McDowell

The boy took the letter and she ruffled his hair. “Make sure to take your time before you deliver it.” She pressed gold into his hand, “enjoy the merriment of the festival first.”

Kaylan McDowell (Dame of Bruck)

Roleplay from Hamilton Vita

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Hamilton quietly unfolded the note as he smiled in thoughts of what it could contain. As he read it, his smile grew. And then it began to sour. Surely, this could not be right. But it's what the note said. And the seal was hers. He had broken it himself too. Hamilton sat there alone, thinking. A tear crossed his cheek. To be scorned and misunderstood by such a fine lady. What to do? Slowly, he grabbed a pen and prepared a letter to the realm. Recent events had been too much for him.

Hamilton Vita (Knight of Oligarch)

And with this letter, Fontan bids Sir Hamilton farewell...

Letter from Hamilton Vita

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Fellow Fontanese,

Today, I have been scorned by the most beautiful of women. Today, I have seen continued bloodshed between friends of mine. It is with these thoughts that I cannot live here no more. I shall make my way to Oligarch and sail for another land. Should you have recommendations I will accept them, but I fear I am too hated anymore for one to bother with a response. Dame Kaylan, I offer my sincere apologies. I leave my heart in these lands for you to mistreat as you wish.

Hamilton Vita (Knight of Oligarch)

Romance of An Najaf

During the gala of the wedding, the relationship between Lady Kaylan McDowell and Sir Malclom Bedwyr grew ever closer....An Najaf is surely a place of romance and passion!

Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr

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Malcolm had given orders for his retainers to meet him in Oligarch, and ridden to An Najaf after he'd dropped his unit in Viseu. He'd arrived with ample time to shop, fortunately, and among all the crafts available at the festival had been something quite appropriate for Kaylan...He'd gotten wind of her participation in the ceremony, which had focused his shopping for something she could display...

Before paying one of the local boys to lead the way, Malcolm quickly changed into a festival outfit, an attractive dark grin with his characteristic silver trim. He imagined it would go well with Kaylan...And...For now...That was part of his plan. Maybe he would regret it later, but...

Malcolm stood, mostly relaxed, while the servants at the Count's estates went to inform Kaylan of his arrival and request for an audience. Now that he had his mind decided, it was easier to handle the situation. And, hopefully, more than just the situation...

Sir Malcolm Bedwyr (Knight of Viseu)

Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr

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After some indeterminate time dancing, Malcolm was starting to feel...A little tired. Not exhausted by any means, but...Ready to take a break. But...He'd been having so much fun...

After the last spin, instead of twirling Kaylan out in front of him, he twisted his hand, directing her in the opposite direction and spinning her...Into his arms...Which closed automatically around her...And, whether it was the drink, the atmosphere, or something more...He grinned and kissed the tip of her nose, and thought nothing of it.

"You're a good dancer..."

Sir Malcolm Bedwyr (Knight of Viseu)

Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell

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Kaylan was having a wonderful time, laughing and smiling. She wasn’t used to relinquishing control but happily let him lead her. He twirled her and caught her in his arms. He kissed the tip of her nose, and she couldn’t help smiling.

His fingers unconsciously lingered over the exposed portion of her back burning her skin and she closed her eyes at the exquisite sensation. Fighting the spellbinding effect, she looked at him, passing her lower lip through her teeth.

Her head was suddenly screaming for her to stop, but her body refused to listen. As if in a dream, she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in closer to his ear. “Only because I have the perfect partner,” she whispered.

Kaylan McDowell (Dame of Bruck)

Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr

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Malcolm's grin widened, as did...other parts of him...The soft skin of her back was very, very tempting...Oh...Why not...He leaned in until his lips almost touched her ear...

"I wonder if you have any idea exactly how...incredibly alluring you are right now..."

He drew his fingers up the curves on her back, tracing the muscles with with his fingertips...And felt her tremble at his touch...

Sir Malcolm Bedwyr (Knight of Viseu)

Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell

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His warm breath tickled her ear and she leaned in seeking more, taking a moment to draw in his scent. “Why don’t you tell me,” she answered softly, ignoring the incessant yelling in her head – the ever nagging voice telling her to stop before she couldn’t turn back.

Kaylan McDowell (Dame of Bruck)

Roleplay from Malcolm Bedwyr

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Malcolm gave a half growl, half groaning sound as his teeth nipped her earlobe.

"I'm...much better at...telling...with my fingers..."

He let the edge of his nails rake softly up her shoulder blades as he pulled her off to the side of the room, heading for one of the doorways dimly visible through his clouded vision.

Sir Malcolm Bedwyr (Knight of Viseu)

Roleplay from Kaylan McDowell

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She didn’t even bother looking behind her to the rest of the people in the room as he pulled her along. Although she did manage to take another glass of wine before she ran out. Cool air, hit her flushed skin and his strong grip held on to her hand tightly. She walked faster to walk beside him but stumbled almost falling into him. He caught her and she giggled. “I swear that rock jumped in my path,” she laughed.

Kaylan McDowell (Dame of Bruck)

This young budding couple then went into privacy. Unknown to the public of the night, and particularly beyond the range of this account, they made it happen!

The stories continue in the next scroll