New Frontiers #114
Elcadan:
King Victor the Seventh and Duke Vanarkus have reached Elcadan. Sir Acerion and Sir Corley and the knights squires ride close to the duke and the king. Their arrival does not go unnoticed given the size of the procession once you include guards and retainers. The citizens of Elcadan take notice and start to gather along the streets as the riders pass. The faces of the crowd seem more curious this day as opposed to the looks of open distrust many had yesterday.
“Tell all to gather at the gates of Old Town,” the Duke calls out to the gathering crowd. “I travel with our king and we have important words to speak.”
Some in the crowd respond and go off to alert others. Most just watch or continue to go about their business. The riders move along the High Road and deeper into Elcadan. Soon the procession is crossing over the bridge to the island holding the wall enclosed Old Town and the less secure New Town. The gate into Old Town is wide open at this time of day.
Just inside the gate, the riders come to a halt and dismount. Duke Relon speaks to several of his retainers and each man rides off on a specific task. The rest of his men he orders back to the Sallavarian Estate. Her Grace wished to come into town today and they will accompany her on the short ride to Elcadan.
That task complete, Duke Relon and King Victor climb up into the gatehouse and reach the top of the wall surrounding Old Town. Down below the Citizens of Elcadan begin to slowly arrive. In time more guests join the King and the Duke in the gatehouse tower. Mother Elspeth arrives from the nearby Temple of Azrella and is greeted warmly by the Duke.
“Thank you for coming, Elspeth,” the Duke says. “May I present King Victor Vaughn the Seventh.”
“Your Majesty,” Elspeth says in surprise with a bow. “Congratulations are due to both of you. May your rules be long and prosperous.”
“Thank you, Elspeth of Azrella,” the King graciously responds. “But there is much work to do before we get to those prosperous times.”
More priests of the local faiths begin to arrive, having been summoned by the Duke's men. Warton and Crysania of Heironeous, Strum of Helm, and Galfrey Kaarne of Mystra. Along with this group of now familiar priests, there are two others representing the other two temples here in Elcadan.
The first of these newcomers is a handsome and dashing man in wearing leather armor. He was of average height with brown hair and blue eyes. “Well met, Your Grace and Your Majesty,” the man said with a grand bow. “I am Killian Thalamar, representing Tymora.” Tymora is familiar with most adventurers as the Goddess of Luck.
The other man wore chain mail armor and carried a shield with an owl emblazoned on it and a mace. “Hail,” this older man said in greeting. “My apologies for not announcing myself yesterday, Duke Vanarkus, as I just returned to town this morning. I am Baskus Latine, High Priest of Mortidus.” While not as well known as the other deities represented here, Mortidus was alligned with both Helm and Heironeous and stood for common sense and wisdom.
“Welcome gentlemen,” the Duke responded. “Good to have you here.”
“We have made a clean sweep of Elcadan Castle, Your Grace,” Warton of Heironeous reports. “Our combined priesthoods searched for both magic and any traps those vile demons left behind. A few were found and appropriately dealt with.”
“It appears that the demons only were interested in the ground floor of the castle,” Galfrey states. “The upper levels were mostly just left as they were before the demons arrived. Much cleaning will need to be done, but it won't be hard to make it habitable once more.”
“Very good,” Duke Relon says. “After we speak to the people, we shall deal with the Alexander Deville matter.”
New Frontiers #114
New Frontiers #114
Try it and find out!
Page 2
The Ladies Gather:
In the sitting room of the Master Suite of the Sallavarian Estate, Duchess Lysandra Vanarkus has just completed the dark tale of the day of her older sisters wedding. Her Grace lost much that day, but because of those same events she also gained a great deal.
“That is a notion that you need to let go of right now. The behavior of a noble is no better, or worse, then regular people. There are kind and generous nobles and there are those whose mere presence makes your skin crawl. They are just like regular people with the same range of emotions and desires. The only difference is their station in life.”
“The best way for each of you to be a noble is to simply be yourself. You don't have to learn a whole new pattern of behavior. Having said that, there are things you should know and learn when it comes to dealing with your subjects. Just how well you learn these lessons will determine how your reputation as a noble will go.”
“I have found that the hardest part of being a noble is what seems it should be the easiest. Listen to your subjects. Just listen. Their problems might seem trivial and insignificant to you, but to them its the most important thing in the world. If there is something you can do to solve their problem or lessen their weight than do it.”
“Just look at the situation here in Elcadan before the discovery of the demons involvement. The nobles here had seemingly forgotten their own subjects and those subjects grew to resent not only the nobles here, but all nobles. Contrast that with what you all saw in Pyris. It was almost the exact opposite. The people of Pyris loved their nobility because their nobility cared about their people.”
“In someways dealing with your subjects is like dealing with a child. Be kind and compassionate to them. Be stern when you need to be. But above all, be as fair as possible. Follow this advice and you all should do well.”
“In contrast to that is how you deal with other nobles. Unlike your subjects, other nobles are your equal or maybe even your superior. Best behavior is advised when dealing with a noble you are unfamiliar with.”
“There is one final piece of advise that I will give you this day,” the Duchess states. “Now that you are all important, be wary of those who wish to use you to elevate their own positions in life. Strangers who wish to do things for you for later favors and people of that ilk. There will be those who will seek your trust for their own gain.”
Speaking directly to her daughter, Her Grace adds, “That is something that you need to be very aware of when we go into the city. Social climbers will be targeting you for your friendship and favors.”
The Duchess rises to her feet once more. “I've probably lectured you all enough for one day. We can talk again in the days to come in a gathering like this or in private. The guards should be back by now. Let us ride into Elcadan and pay our respects to Mother Boelle.”
In the sitting room of the Master Suite of the Sallavarian Estate, Duchess Lysandra Vanarkus has just completed the dark tale of the day of her older sisters wedding. Her Grace lost much that day, but because of those same events she also gained a great deal.
“Thank you, Lady Ivy,” the Duchess responds. “It seems that I strayed somewhat from what I originally wished to speak to all of you about. The mistake that many who are new to the nobility make is that they think nobles are unlike regular people. That they are somehow different.”Ivy wrote:“I cannot imagine having to live through such tragic events,” Ivy will finally say. “Most would have been crushed by them. It is a credit to your own inner strength that you not only survived them, but lived a full, rich life because of it.”
“That is a notion that you need to let go of right now. The behavior of a noble is no better, or worse, then regular people. There are kind and generous nobles and there are those whose mere presence makes your skin crawl. They are just like regular people with the same range of emotions and desires. The only difference is their station in life.”
“The best way for each of you to be a noble is to simply be yourself. You don't have to learn a whole new pattern of behavior. Having said that, there are things you should know and learn when it comes to dealing with your subjects. Just how well you learn these lessons will determine how your reputation as a noble will go.”
“I have found that the hardest part of being a noble is what seems it should be the easiest. Listen to your subjects. Just listen. Their problems might seem trivial and insignificant to you, but to them its the most important thing in the world. If there is something you can do to solve their problem or lessen their weight than do it.”
“Just look at the situation here in Elcadan before the discovery of the demons involvement. The nobles here had seemingly forgotten their own subjects and those subjects grew to resent not only the nobles here, but all nobles. Contrast that with what you all saw in Pyris. It was almost the exact opposite. The people of Pyris loved their nobility because their nobility cared about their people.”
“In someways dealing with your subjects is like dealing with a child. Be kind and compassionate to them. Be stern when you need to be. But above all, be as fair as possible. Follow this advice and you all should do well.”
“In contrast to that is how you deal with other nobles. Unlike your subjects, other nobles are your equal or maybe even your superior. Best behavior is advised when dealing with a noble you are unfamiliar with.”
“There is one final piece of advise that I will give you this day,” the Duchess states. “Now that you are all important, be wary of those who wish to use you to elevate their own positions in life. Strangers who wish to do things for you for later favors and people of that ilk. There will be those who will seek your trust for their own gain.”
Speaking directly to her daughter, Her Grace adds, “That is something that you need to be very aware of when we go into the city. Social climbers will be targeting you for your friendship and favors.”
The Duchess rises to her feet once more. “I've probably lectured you all enough for one day. We can talk again in the days to come in a gathering like this or in private. The guards should be back by now. Let us ride into Elcadan and pay our respects to Mother Boelle.”
Try it and find out!
Page 3
The King Speaks:
Back in Elcadan, the King and Duke are standing on top of the gatehouse giving access to Old Town. Down below on the High Road a large crowd has gathered. Mixed in with the King and Duke are various priests of the Elcadan temples and Sir Acerion, Sir Corley and their retainers.
The Duke steps forward, raising his hands for silence. Once it is quiet enough, the Duke says, “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I realize that events have been happening at far too rapid a pace as of late. The discovery that your old rulers had been replaced by demons and having new rulers arrive just yesterday. There are new concerns for all of us to face this day. But first I must present our new liege, Victor Vaughn the Seventh, King of Cynalon.”
The Duke gestures towards the the King and steps aside when he steps up. The crowd below isn't really sure just what to make this this announcement and whispers can be heard. With another gesture quiet is restored.
“People of Elcadan bid you welcome” the King starts. “For far too long you were ignored by your old rulers and this once great city suffered for it. But no longer. A new day has begun and there are new standards that I will hold not only to myself, but to all the nobles who rule in my name and for all the citizens of Cynalon.”
“My plans for the future of our nation are grand. Not only will I oversee the restoration of Elcadan to its rightful place, but the recovery of all those lands that we lost. We owe that much to our ancestors and to all who fought to protect our lands. This is not a task I can do alone. All of Cynalon needs to unit to make this dream a reality!”
The crowd begins to cheer and applause.
“But as promising as this all sounds, the job will not be an easy one. Even as I speak, there is a mad man back in Alexandria who wishes to stop what we have set into motion. A man who is gathering his forces and commands an army. This army is on the move right now! They claim they are coming forth to 'restore order' as if Elcadan was some wild beast to be tamed! Unless we rise up and fight for what is right, these men will come here and undo all the good that you've seen done. This mad man wants things to go back to the way they were. Is this something that you want?”
The gathering almost universally cries out, “NO!”.
“Then we need to raise an army to fight those who would oppose us,” the King continues. “Anyone who can fight should report to the Duke's Garrison. I cannot be sure when the enemy will arrive, but they will arrive far sooner than we want. We must be ready to hold them back and protect our way of life. For Elcadan! For Cynalon! For glory!”
The crowd cheers wildly at the kings speech. Some head off towards the Duke's Garrison right away. Before the crowd has completely separated, the Duke adds a few more words. “We will be providing shelter for the young, the old, and those who cannot fight on the Dukes Island. Be prepared to evacuate when the time comes.”
With that task, the King and Duke start to make their way to Elcadan Castle where other problems await them.
Back in Elcadan, the King and Duke are standing on top of the gatehouse giving access to Old Town. Down below on the High Road a large crowd has gathered. Mixed in with the King and Duke are various priests of the Elcadan temples and Sir Acerion, Sir Corley and their retainers.
The Duke steps forward, raising his hands for silence. Once it is quiet enough, the Duke says, “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I realize that events have been happening at far too rapid a pace as of late. The discovery that your old rulers had been replaced by demons and having new rulers arrive just yesterday. There are new concerns for all of us to face this day. But first I must present our new liege, Victor Vaughn the Seventh, King of Cynalon.”
The Duke gestures towards the the King and steps aside when he steps up. The crowd below isn't really sure just what to make this this announcement and whispers can be heard. With another gesture quiet is restored.
“People of Elcadan bid you welcome” the King starts. “For far too long you were ignored by your old rulers and this once great city suffered for it. But no longer. A new day has begun and there are new standards that I will hold not only to myself, but to all the nobles who rule in my name and for all the citizens of Cynalon.”
“My plans for the future of our nation are grand. Not only will I oversee the restoration of Elcadan to its rightful place, but the recovery of all those lands that we lost. We owe that much to our ancestors and to all who fought to protect our lands. This is not a task I can do alone. All of Cynalon needs to unit to make this dream a reality!”
The crowd begins to cheer and applause.
“But as promising as this all sounds, the job will not be an easy one. Even as I speak, there is a mad man back in Alexandria who wishes to stop what we have set into motion. A man who is gathering his forces and commands an army. This army is on the move right now! They claim they are coming forth to 'restore order' as if Elcadan was some wild beast to be tamed! Unless we rise up and fight for what is right, these men will come here and undo all the good that you've seen done. This mad man wants things to go back to the way they were. Is this something that you want?”
The gathering almost universally cries out, “NO!”.
“Then we need to raise an army to fight those who would oppose us,” the King continues. “Anyone who can fight should report to the Duke's Garrison. I cannot be sure when the enemy will arrive, but they will arrive far sooner than we want. We must be ready to hold them back and protect our way of life. For Elcadan! For Cynalon! For glory!”
The crowd cheers wildly at the kings speech. Some head off towards the Duke's Garrison right away. Before the crowd has completely separated, the Duke adds a few more words. “We will be providing shelter for the young, the old, and those who cannot fight on the Dukes Island. Be prepared to evacuate when the time comes.”
With that task, the King and Duke start to make their way to Elcadan Castle where other problems await them.
Try it and find out!
Page 4
The Ladies Separate:
Back at the Sallavarian Estate, the gathering hosted by Duchess Lysandra is breaking up. The door to the hallway is now open and those inside can see that Sir Belfor is still on guard.
“Who among you will be joining me on the trip to Elcadan?”, the Duchess inquires. Her Grace was unsure of the plans of Lady Allonica, Dame Sharl, Serena of Mystra, Lady Sherra and Lady Argent. Lady Sallavarian, Lady Ivy, and her daughter Rachel were going into town.
“I have other duties that I must attend to, Your Grace.” Dame Sharl announces. “We will be making our final preparations for the mission to the Order Hall this afternoon and then departing near dusk.”
“I understand,” the Duchess states. “Good fortune on your mission of mercy.”
“My services are required for the mission as well,” Serena of Mystra adds in passing. “In fact, you could say that they are vital. I thank you for the pleasant conversation, Your Grace. It was most interesting.”
“Sherra and I are going on the mission as well, Duchess,” Argent states. “My best wishes on your trip into Elcadan.”
“Thank you, Lady Argent.” Duchess Lysandra says. “May both of our endeavors meet with success.”
Lady Allonica is next in line, her loyal retainers following behind her. “Will you join me, Gabriella?”
A mild look of surprise plays across Lady Allonica's features, but are quickly erased. “I admit that I had planned on staying here at the estate this afternoon, but given that the others are preparing for their mission, I doubt I would have anything to contribute to that. I would be pleased to accompany you, Your Grace.”
“Splendid. my dear. I think you'll find the trip most educational,” the Duchess says as she departs the room. “Join me out front as soon as you can.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Gabriella answers with a curtsy.
Several minutes later, out in front of the Sallavarian Estate sits a fine carriage surrounded by numerous guards on horseback. Sir Belfor is in command of the procession and Virian of Heironeous is close by already on top of her warhorse. The carriage belongs to Jallarzi, as the one the Duchess was traveling in earlier was heavily damaged in the attack where the Blackhawk was captured.
The Duchess, now wearing a heavy winter coat, climbs into the enclosed carriage along with Jallarzi and her daughter Rachel.
Seeing Ivy walking towards a waiting horse, the Duchess calls out, “Lady Ivy! Won't you join us in the carriage?”
Back at the Sallavarian Estate, the gathering hosted by Duchess Lysandra is breaking up. The door to the hallway is now open and those inside can see that Sir Belfor is still on guard.
“Who among you will be joining me on the trip to Elcadan?”, the Duchess inquires. Her Grace was unsure of the plans of Lady Allonica, Dame Sharl, Serena of Mystra, Lady Sherra and Lady Argent. Lady Sallavarian, Lady Ivy, and her daughter Rachel were going into town.
“I have other duties that I must attend to, Your Grace.” Dame Sharl announces. “We will be making our final preparations for the mission to the Order Hall this afternoon and then departing near dusk.”
“I understand,” the Duchess states. “Good fortune on your mission of mercy.”
“My services are required for the mission as well,” Serena of Mystra adds in passing. “In fact, you could say that they are vital. I thank you for the pleasant conversation, Your Grace. It was most interesting.”
“Sherra and I are going on the mission as well, Duchess,” Argent states. “My best wishes on your trip into Elcadan.”
“Thank you, Lady Argent.” Duchess Lysandra says. “May both of our endeavors meet with success.”
Lady Allonica is next in line, her loyal retainers following behind her. “Will you join me, Gabriella?”
A mild look of surprise plays across Lady Allonica's features, but are quickly erased. “I admit that I had planned on staying here at the estate this afternoon, but given that the others are preparing for their mission, I doubt I would have anything to contribute to that. I would be pleased to accompany you, Your Grace.”
“Splendid. my dear. I think you'll find the trip most educational,” the Duchess says as she departs the room. “Join me out front as soon as you can.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Gabriella answers with a curtsy.
Several minutes later, out in front of the Sallavarian Estate sits a fine carriage surrounded by numerous guards on horseback. Sir Belfor is in command of the procession and Virian of Heironeous is close by already on top of her warhorse. The carriage belongs to Jallarzi, as the one the Duchess was traveling in earlier was heavily damaged in the attack where the Blackhawk was captured.
The Duchess, now wearing a heavy winter coat, climbs into the enclosed carriage along with Jallarzi and her daughter Rachel.
Seeing Ivy walking towards a waiting horse, the Duchess calls out, “Lady Ivy! Won't you join us in the carriage?”
Try it and find out!
GM Notes
GM Notes:
Those on the Blackhawk over Alexandria are still in the same situation as last post. Since the ongoing story with the Duke and Duchess take place before the Blackhawk stuff, I'm going to be advancing this part along as there is much more ground to be covered here.
Now what?
Those on the Blackhawk over Alexandria are still in the same situation as last post. Since the ongoing story with the Duke and Duchess take place before the Blackhawk stuff, I'm going to be advancing this part along as there is much more ground to be covered here.
Now what?
Try it and find out!
Sir Corley
Sir Corley:
Sir Corley notes the gathering crowd as the procession rides into Elcadan. He tries to keep alert to any potential danger, but sees none. The Duke speaks to the crowd, urging them to gather at the gates to Old Town.
Once at Old Town, Sir Corley will dismount just inside the gates with the everyone else. He'll have his squires take his horse and the Duke's horse off to the side. The knight is content to guard the entry to the gatehouse and does not follow the King and the Duke inside.
Not long after that a familiar face is seen approaching and a smile comes to Corley's face.
“Lady Elspeth! It gladdens my heart to see you once more.” Sir Corley says to the gentle healer. “Duke Relon awaits you up on the battlements.”
Some more priests arrive, including a few that Sir Corley was unfamiliar with. Each is directed to join the Duke and the King on the battlements. Not long after that, Duke Relon speaks to the crowd and then the King. His Majesties speech is rousing and the coming of the civil war is announced to all.
The talking is soon done and the rulers return to ground level. Mounting up once more, Sir Corley follows the King and the Duke towards Castle Elcadan.
Sir Corley notes the gathering crowd as the procession rides into Elcadan. He tries to keep alert to any potential danger, but sees none. The Duke speaks to the crowd, urging them to gather at the gates to Old Town.
Once at Old Town, Sir Corley will dismount just inside the gates with the everyone else. He'll have his squires take his horse and the Duke's horse off to the side. The knight is content to guard the entry to the gatehouse and does not follow the King and the Duke inside.
Not long after that a familiar face is seen approaching and a smile comes to Corley's face.
“Lady Elspeth! It gladdens my heart to see you once more.” Sir Corley says to the gentle healer. “Duke Relon awaits you up on the battlements.”
Some more priests arrive, including a few that Sir Corley was unfamiliar with. Each is directed to join the Duke and the King on the battlements. Not long after that, Duke Relon speaks to the crowd and then the King. His Majesties speech is rousing and the coming of the civil war is announced to all.
The talking is soon done and the rulers return to ground level. Mounting up once more, Sir Corley follows the King and the Duke towards Castle Elcadan.
We fight for King and Country!
Ivy
Ivy:
Ivy listens as the Duchess talks about what it takes to be a noble. In hindsight, much of what she says makes perfect sense. Given that she grew up here in Elcadan, Ivy was predisposed to dislike most nobles. The idea of her becoming a noble herself never did sit all that well. But the way the Duchess speaks of it makes it seem almost like an appealing prospect.
“I know how to deal with children,” Ivy notes to herself. The advantage of growing up in an orphanage.
The rest of Her Grace's advice makes a great deal of sense. There will always be those who wish to ride on the coat tails of others instead of working for something on their own.
The meeting comes to an end as Duchess Lysandra is ready to begin the journey into Elcadan.
“Thank you for this meeting, Your Grace,” Ivy will gratefully say. “You have given me much to think about. There seems to be much more involved with being a noble then I ever realized. I think I would be grateful for us to speak again on this matter.”
After leaving the sitting room, Ivy gather her coat and wish her comrades good fortune on their rescue mission. Then she'll make her way to the front of the estate for the ride into town.
Ivy listens as the Duchess talks about what it takes to be a noble. In hindsight, much of what she says makes perfect sense. Given that she grew up here in Elcadan, Ivy was predisposed to dislike most nobles. The idea of her becoming a noble herself never did sit all that well. But the way the Duchess speaks of it makes it seem almost like an appealing prospect.
“I know how to deal with children,” Ivy notes to herself. The advantage of growing up in an orphanage.
The rest of Her Grace's advice makes a great deal of sense. There will always be those who wish to ride on the coat tails of others instead of working for something on their own.
The meeting comes to an end as Duchess Lysandra is ready to begin the journey into Elcadan.
“Thank you for this meeting, Your Grace,” Ivy will gratefully say. “You have given me much to think about. There seems to be much more involved with being a noble then I ever realized. I think I would be grateful for us to speak again on this matter.”
After leaving the sitting room, Ivy gather her coat and wish her comrades good fortune on their rescue mission. Then she'll make her way to the front of the estate for the ride into town.
Once more, Ivy is surprised by the kindness of the Duchess. “It would be my pleasure, Your Grace,” Ivy responds as she steps into the carriage. This should be far more comfortable than riding a horse!Duchess Lysandra wrote:Seeing Ivy walking towards a waiting horse, the Duchess calls out, “Lady Ivy! Won't you join us in the carriage?”
For the glory of the Blue Lady!
-
Jallarzi Sallavarian
- Sorceress
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2003 8:48 pm
- Location: Elcadan
Jallarzi
Jallarzi:
“Elspeth has replaced her as Mother of the temple,” Jallarzi continues. “All are mourning Boelle's loss.”
Jallarzi notes how hard this hits Argent and her annoyance at her former apprentice does soften. In spite of her flaws, Argent is a good person. She just needs a bit more grooming.
“As I recall, you two really needed to be yelled at.” Jallarzi whispered back. “All that pointless bickering and forsaking your own family just made me angry. You didn't realize how good you had it.”
Aunt Lysandra finishes up her speech for today by going over some tips to be a better noble. This is a lesson that most here will need to learn and hopefully not that hard way. As with many things in life, it was easier to say then to do. The gathering breaks up and Jallarzi's takes a moment to speak to Argent in private.
“Do you remember what I said back when you met the real me? That Lyra was the real me, as more often than not as Jallarzi I had to maintain the air of being a noble? I guess what I am trying to say is that in formal gathering of this nature, you need to be better behaved. Being a noble is serious and you need to take it seriously. Aunt Lysandra may not have minded you speaking up in the manner that you did, but it did bother me. She is the Duchess of Streel and should be treated with respect.”
After the meeting is over, Jallarzi will go to her suite and dress for the ride into town. She'll give Hanna her instructions for the evening. Jallarzi will wish the others well on their mission into Alexandria before heading to the front of the estate. There she joins her aunt and her cousin on the carriage.
“That seemed to go well, Aunt Lysandra,” Jallarzi noted. “All things considered.”
Aunt Lysandra wrote:“I had heard of Mother Boelle's passing,” Her Grace whispers back. “It is a tragic loss. She was a fine woman.”
“Elspeth has replaced her as Mother of the temple,” Jallarzi continues. “All are mourning Boelle's loss.”
Aunt Lysandra wrote:“It's quite alright, Jallarzi,” the Duchess says as she rises to her feet. “I left the opening and your former apprentice was brave enough to ask that question. Never be afraid to respectfully speak your mind in my presence.”
Jallarzi doesn't say anything to interrupt Her Grace as she is speaking and just rolls her eyes and looks away at Argent's smug smile. Her for apprentice is going to need a talking to.Argent wrote:Argent is surprised at Jallarzi's response and responds with a look of “what?”. The Duchess brushes off her nieces concerns.
“Yes, Your Grace,” Argent answers while flashing a smug smile to her mentor.
Jallarzi has heard the story before, of course. But it was never easy to listen as involved her parents and the grandparents she would never meet. Much of this happened before Jallarzi was born or when she was just a small child so to her it was in the past. A past that she didn't really talk about much, with the exception of that one time when she yelled at her former apprentice.Argent wrote:Much to Argent's surprise, the Duchess goes to consul the grieving Ivy. That all leads to a horrific tale of how she lost most of her family on day of her older sister's wedding. Argent's actually at a loss for words. She's never had to endure any hardships like that in her short life. The invoker is sobbing by the end of the tragic tale. Wiping away her tears, Argent whispers to Jallarzi, '”I haven't cried like that since you yelled at me-- at us-- at Karn's Keep. Such senseless tragedy.”
Jallarzi notes how hard this hits Argent and her annoyance at her former apprentice does soften. In spite of her flaws, Argent is a good person. She just needs a bit more grooming.
“As I recall, you two really needed to be yelled at.” Jallarzi whispered back. “All that pointless bickering and forsaking your own family just made me angry. You didn't realize how good you had it.”
Aunt Lysandra finishes up her speech for today by going over some tips to be a better noble. This is a lesson that most here will need to learn and hopefully not that hard way. As with many things in life, it was easier to say then to do. The gathering breaks up and Jallarzi's takes a moment to speak to Argent in private.
“Do you remember what I said back when you met the real me? That Lyra was the real me, as more often than not as Jallarzi I had to maintain the air of being a noble? I guess what I am trying to say is that in formal gathering of this nature, you need to be better behaved. Being a noble is serious and you need to take it seriously. Aunt Lysandra may not have minded you speaking up in the manner that you did, but it did bother me. She is the Duchess of Streel and should be treated with respect.”
After the meeting is over, Jallarzi will go to her suite and dress for the ride into town. She'll give Hanna her instructions for the evening. Jallarzi will wish the others well on their mission into Alexandria before heading to the front of the estate. There she joins her aunt and her cousin on the carriage.
“That seemed to go well, Aunt Lysandra,” Jallarzi noted. “All things considered.”
Edwina! Stop that!
Re: New Frontiers #114
Gabby:
Gabriella sits back in her chair and is content to observe the goings on. It's clear to her that there are several powerful nobles in this room and as group these ladies are a potent force here in Cynalon. The future queen is here, the Duchess of Streel and the renowned Lady Sallavarian. While the newly raised noble adventurers here may not realize it, The Duchess is laying the ground work for a powerful alliance by simply offering them advise and friendship. Duchess Lysandra is clearly a master of this sort of thing and the way she works the room is most impressive. There is much for Gabriella to learn here and she's not one to waste the opportunity.
Unlike most here, Gabriella's mother was not born in Cynalon. She hailed from the Land of Fate to the far west and her name is Samia. While mother was a wonderful parent, she wasn't your typical Cynalonian Noble. Gabriella learned many things from her mother, but how to fit in as a noble was not one of them. Her family, the Allonica's, were not landed nobles, so they did not rule. Once married to her dear Validar, Gabriella would be the Baroness of Pyris and would aid in ruling. This was going to be a new challenge to her. Now she would have the chance to watch her future mother-in-law in action and could learn from a master.
Upon reflection, the flaw in Gabby's strategy thus far when dealing with Ivy and those like her, was that she as approaching it as a business negotiation. As if it was a deal that had to be equitable to both sides. Clearly, that was a mistake. Friendship was offered and accepted with seemingly no strings attached. Of course it is easier to be kind when dealing from a superior position, but the result was eye opening to say the least.
Gabby is understandably moved by the horrid tale what happened in Tenobar so long ago. Nothing that has happened to her thus far in her short life can even compare. From there Her Grace speaks of what is needed to be a successful noble. Much of it is know to Gabby, but the method of going about it gives her much to think about.
The gathering comes to an end and Her Grace spares each a few words on their way out. She inquires who will be joining her on the trip into Elcadan.
Turning Gabby quickly speaks to the friends following her. Jamid is to exchange her dress for her armor for the trip ahead. Breeanna is to acquire coats for the ride into town while Gabby says her goodbyes to Baron Validar.
After locating the Baron down on the ground floor, Gabby gets his attention and motions him over. After a hug, Gabby says, “Beloved, I have been asked to accompany your mother into town this afternoon and have accepted. I have to admit that I am in awe of just how Her Grace handled the proceedings. She made a friend of Ivy in just a few minutes, something that I have yet to accomplish. I am just beginning to comprehend how great the shoes I shall be filling are. It seems that I have much to learn.”
After exchanging a kiss, Gabby will say, “Be safe on your mission. Until we are united once more.”
Meeting up with Breeanna in the foyer, Gabby will put her coat on and then walk outside to the carriage. She joins Her Grace, Lady Sallavarian, Lady Rachel and Lady Ivy inside.
Gabriella sits back in her chair and is content to observe the goings on. It's clear to her that there are several powerful nobles in this room and as group these ladies are a potent force here in Cynalon. The future queen is here, the Duchess of Streel and the renowned Lady Sallavarian. While the newly raised noble adventurers here may not realize it, The Duchess is laying the ground work for a powerful alliance by simply offering them advise and friendship. Duchess Lysandra is clearly a master of this sort of thing and the way she works the room is most impressive. There is much for Gabriella to learn here and she's not one to waste the opportunity.
Unlike most here, Gabriella's mother was not born in Cynalon. She hailed from the Land of Fate to the far west and her name is Samia. While mother was a wonderful parent, she wasn't your typical Cynalonian Noble. Gabriella learned many things from her mother, but how to fit in as a noble was not one of them. Her family, the Allonica's, were not landed nobles, so they did not rule. Once married to her dear Validar, Gabriella would be the Baroness of Pyris and would aid in ruling. This was going to be a new challenge to her. Now she would have the chance to watch her future mother-in-law in action and could learn from a master.
This confirms what Gabriella was suspecting, that Duchess Lysandra had intended to use the tale of woe from her childhood as a message of hope in our current circumstance. Lady Argent took the bait and thus gave the opening Her Grace was looking for. Gabby couldn't help but wonder just how much of this talk was worked out ahead of time? One thing was for sure, Gabby was always going to be respectful to Her Grace.Duchess Lysandra wrote:“It's quite alright, Jallarzi,” the Duchess says as she rises to her feet. “I left the opening and your former apprentice was brave enough to ask that question. Never be afraid to respectfully speak your mind in my presence.”
Duchess Lysandra does something in just a few moments of time that Gabby had yet to accomplish. Really connect with Ivy on a personal level and seemingly won her over. All Her Grace had to do was be nice and kind. Who knew?The Duchess crosses the sitting area and much to everyone's surprise takes a seat beside Ivy. The priestess is just as surprised and manages to say, “Your Grace?”
Duchess Lysandra reaches out and takes Ivy's hand. “My condolences on your loss, Lady Ivy,” the Duchess says in a soft and compassionate voice. “Mother Boelle was a remarkable woman. The likes of her do not come around often.”
“Thank you,” Ivy manages to say, still greatly surprised by this personal contact. “You knew Mother Boelle?”
“Yes,” Her Grace answers easily. “The dark times I spoke off happened when I was just a teenager. In the aftermath of that dark day, I was emotionally devastated. I as angry. I lashed out at all those around me. Boelle, long before she was a Mother of Azrella helped me over come all of that. She made me realize that it was alright to grieve, that it as alright to be angry. But that I should not be consumed by such dark thoughts. I owe her a great debt, one that I doubt I can ever repay.”
The Duchess thinks for a moment and then says to Ivy, “I think I should pay my respect to Mother Boelle after we finish up here. I had planned to go into town anyway, so we can do this task to honor her. Would you like that, Lady Ivy?”
“Very much so,” Ivy answers tearfully.
“But for now I have a tale to tell. The story of how I came to need Mother Boelle's help and how even with the dark times I lived through my life was better for it.”
Upon reflection, the flaw in Gabby's strategy thus far when dealing with Ivy and those like her, was that she as approaching it as a business negotiation. As if it was a deal that had to be equitable to both sides. Clearly, that was a mistake. Friendship was offered and accepted with seemingly no strings attached. Of course it is easier to be kind when dealing from a superior position, but the result was eye opening to say the least.
Gabby is understandably moved by the horrid tale what happened in Tenobar so long ago. Nothing that has happened to her thus far in her short life can even compare. From there Her Grace speaks of what is needed to be a successful noble. Much of it is know to Gabby, but the method of going about it gives her much to think about.
The gathering comes to an end and Her Grace spares each a few words on their way out. She inquires who will be joining her on the trip into Elcadan.
A mild look of surprise plays across Lady Allonica's features, but are quickly erased. “I admit that I had planned on staying here at the estate this afternoon, but given that the others are preparing for their mission, I doubt I would have anything to contribute to that. I would be pleased to accompany you, Your Grace.”Duchess Lysandra wrote:Lady Allonica is next in line, her loyal retainers following behind her. “Will you join me, Gabriella?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Gabriella answers with a curtsy. “Most educational indeed.”Duchess Lysandra wrote:“Splendid. my dear. I think you'll find the trip most educational,” the Duchess says as she departs the room. “Join me out front as soon as you can.”
Turning Gabby quickly speaks to the friends following her. Jamid is to exchange her dress for her armor for the trip ahead. Breeanna is to acquire coats for the ride into town while Gabby says her goodbyes to Baron Validar.
After locating the Baron down on the ground floor, Gabby gets his attention and motions him over. After a hug, Gabby says, “Beloved, I have been asked to accompany your mother into town this afternoon and have accepted. I have to admit that I am in awe of just how Her Grace handled the proceedings. She made a friend of Ivy in just a few minutes, something that I have yet to accomplish. I am just beginning to comprehend how great the shoes I shall be filling are. It seems that I have much to learn.”
After exchanging a kiss, Gabby will say, “Be safe on your mission. Until we are united once more.”
Meeting up with Breeanna in the foyer, Gabby will put her coat on and then walk outside to the carriage. She joins Her Grace, Lady Sallavarian, Lady Rachel and Lady Ivy inside.