In New Frontiers #63, we had the meeting between the newly crowned King Victor and the Guardians. This is a point where a significant re-write comes in. Gabby and Validar have reconnected already and she was not part of the King's council. Her place would have to be replaced eventually and for now was attributed to Jallarzi. But Gabby would be there and a reference to a moment not covered in any regular post: the Crown Prince had gone to Gateway to give each of the Seekers a Medal of Valor. (This part of the story will occur here and also be fit in to the ongoing New Frontiers in post as well.)
There was also a meeting with Aria about the dwarves prong of the attack. There was some discrepancy about whether it was before or after the meeting with the King and for story's sake, I settled on it happening before. In the case of a message based game, where some actions and conversations happen in a non-liner fashion, things like this would crop up from time to time! This gave a bit of a break for Gabriella and Validar to do some activities associated with their respective duties and then bring them back together.
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As Validar led his lady back toward her ‘office’ in the Duke’s Fortress, the pair came across Lords Corley and Acerion, some distance away. “I have only a short walk remaining and your comrades at arms are here,” Gabriella offers. “I will see you soon.” Leaning in she gives Validar a quick kiss and then waves sweetly to the other lords, as she departs. Validar watches her walk away, a contented smile on his face. She turned to make sure he was watching her depart and he winked in return. Lady Gabriella was just as beautiful walking away, he surmised.
Lord Corley notes the exchange between her and Validar, and his lingering gaze. “A past acquaintance, my friend?” Corley asks, turning to watch her as she disappears around a corner.
"Hardly," Validar responds with a smile. "Lady Gabriella is much more than an acquaintance, if the truth is to be told. And thankfully, quite very present. Is she not... incredible?" he says after a pause.
Acerion glances at both Validar and Corley, noting Validar's response to the discussion about Lady Gabriella. Acerion only smiles to himself and remains quiet.
“In more ways than one,” Lord Corley agrees.
Lord Validar cannot manage to stifle his smile. "Indeed," is all he says in return.
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The above scene was originally a playful exchange when Gabriella appeared in the meeting with the King. Since that didn't actually happen now, I was pleased to be able to edit it somewhat and include it in the updated story. The trio then have their meeting with Aria regarding the dwarves mission. After that, it was time to meet the new King!
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Mid-morning, the Guardians are summoned to see the King. Validar arrives with Gabriella and introduces her to the rest of the Guardians as his lady. The group welcomes her amid introductions, except perhaps for a slightly disappointed Argent. After some moments, the Herald announces the Guardians arrival once more and the group is ushered in. Along with the King, Dame Sharl Harlena and Sir Alon Teramar are also present.
“Welcome brave adventurers!” the King calls out. Validar leads the Guardians into the Duke's Grand Hall. By his side and holding his hand is Gabriella. As the group comes in single file, they then spread out into a line abreast. Dame Sharl notices the casual affectionate gesture between the couple and places her own hand upon that of the King, an unspoken affirmation of their less than courtly actions. Seeing this, Validar steals a glance at his lady, but manages to avoid his usual smile, remaining appropriately reserved for the meeting with the King. Moments later the Lady Sallavarian arrives for the festivities as well.
Standing to address the adventurers further, the King begins, “Lord Validar did tell in great length of your exploits last night. You’ve accomplished many amazing feats in your travels, not the least of which was the significant actions here in breaking the siege of Corunglain." A murmur of thanks rises up from the members of the Guardians. "But before we get to the crux of this assembly, I must take a moment to address Lady Allonica there." Gabriella looks quickly to Validar, unsure of what is happening, but maintains her composure. As the King steps towards her, Validar adjusted their hands, so that her palm now rested on the back of his and raised to waist high level, a proper courtly presentation. He took two steps leading her forward and the pair bowed and curtseyed respectively.
"Your Majesty," Gabriella respectfully addressed King Victor.
"At ease," Victor states, as he looks from one to the other. Leaning in he whispers, "It does my heart well to see both of you again... and together still." He smiles at them and then steps back and regains his stately posture. "Lady Gabriella Allonica. It has come to the crown's attention that you were responsible for the incredibly quick and quite efficient method of tending to the hurt, lost, wounded and downtrodden citizens of Corunglain who suffered the toll of this horrible battle."
"I-it was not just I...," she started to stammer.
The King cut her off, raising his hand. "You showed incredible initiative and the ability to solve a serious problem. Congratulations are in order for you, for the Order of Azrella and for all of the many volunteers which you organized to quickly help our citizens in dire need. The Crown is so impressed that we will require this process be enacted after any and all battles going forward. And therefore the Crown wishes it to be known to all assembled that the appreciation of the Kingdom of Cynalon is yours, Lady Allonica. Please carry the thanks of the Crown to each of your honorable associates in this endeavor.” The King returns to stand before the Duke's chair.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Gabriella responds and she curtseys again. She wonders if she should say more, then thinks better of it.
Validar also bows and the two return to their place. He then switches back to holding hands, this time with their fingers entwined and squeezes her forearm lightly with his other hand. Giving her a quick smile, she responds with wide eyes and by taking in a deep breath, savoring the moment.
The King then returns to the matter at hand. "A grateful Cynalon now wishes to reward the Guardians for your faithful service. I wish that we could hold a great feast and festival in your honor, but current circumstances do not permit it. My own official coronation will have to wait until the spring or even later. Likewise the official ceremonies for what I am about to do will also have to wait until better times, but I can still grant these rewards in the field.”
“Lord Validar, Lord Acerion, and Lord Corley, please approach.” Validar let's go his lady's hand and steps before the King, flanked soon after by Lord Acerion to his right and Lord Corley to his left. Dame Sharl rose and stood next to King Victor, while Sir Alon did the same on the King's left.
“For service and unwavering loyalty to the realm and the crown, I grant you this honor. In a time when heroes were needed, you three have been shining examples of courage and resolve. Cynalon needs men such as yourself. Kneel and accept this honor.” The three lords exchanged glances and each took one knee and bowed their heads before their new King.
According to custom, Validar unsheathed his sword and first held it before the King, then turned and placed it point down, resting his hands in the pommel. The King steps before Lord Validar and with his sword taps him on the shoulders lightly with it. Right, left, right. “In the tradition of our forefathers, I hereby dub thee Sir Validar Vanarkus, Knight of Cynalon and member of the Order of the Griffon."
The King in turn repeated the procedure with Lord Corley and with Lord Acerion. "Now rise, Knights of the Realm and Champions of the Crown. Warriors all! Long may you fight against our enemies!”
An Audience with the King (3)
An Audience with the King (3)
Conquer or Die!
Re: An Audience with the King (3)
The three new knights stand and raise their swords together, tips touching overhead. “For Cynalon!” Validar will cheer and the other two match his acclimation. They then turn and face the rest of their comrades in the Guardians. Striding back toward their proud and congratulatory faces, Validar's eyes immediately search out Gabriella.
Clasping her hands together in front of her, just below a beaming smile, her face was full of pride and joy. She was nearly bouncing up and down with excitement. Lady Allonica takes a deep breath and manages two measured steps forward. Then she is unable to contain herself further and rushes the last few steps into Validar’s arms as he closes the distance. “I am so proud of you, my darling. Mabrouuk!” The last part was a Zakharan congratulatory wish.
He boosts her high into the air, then embraces his lady so that she is almost above him, her arms wrapped tightly about his neck. She kisses him rapidly three times, then leans in, cheek to cheek. Realizing that the rest of the Guardians had begun milling about the trio of newly knighted lords, Validar sets Gabriella down, but keeps his left arm around her, as he shakes hands and accepts the accolades and congratulations of his team. A quick glance toward the King, sees Victor nod and with a slight grin, slowing shakes his head to himself. Validar allows himself a smile in return.
Jallarzi, dressed in a spectacular blue silk gown with silver trim, approaches Validar to congratulate him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Well done, cousin. We're all very proud of you."
"Much appreciated, cousin. We do our best to live up to the family name," he responds, reciprocating the warm friendly hug.
Turning to Gabriella, she'll add with a grin, "And as for you, Lady Allonica, you will most definitely bear watching."
"Me?" Gabriella questions hesitantly. "Thank you, Lady Sallavarian." Later she will ask Validar if he knows just what she meant by that.
"I will volunteer for that task!" Validar quickly interjects, while raising a single finger into the air. This draws an appreciative grin from his lady. Jallarzi then moves on to congratulate the others, along with her apprentice.
Sir Alon will offer a hardy handshake and will kiss Gabby's hand. "Congratulations are in order for both of you."
The Guardians are quite effusive with their plaudits at the grand new titles. Meanwhile, Ivy stops to speak with Gabriella. “I wanted to thank you personally for what you have done here, Lady Allonica. If only I had been able to help you with the children. But I was only able to get out of bed this morning.”
“There is still work to do,” Gabriella asserts. “We would welcome the kind hand of another Azrellan to the task. Your order has been most energetic in their efforts already,” she says with an easy smile. “There have been many volunteers who stepped forward to help in these people’s unfortunate situation.”
“But it was your idea,” Ivy notes. “I'm an orphan myself, but I never even considered what you did here. I'm sure this helped ease fears and reassured many frightened adults and children. You have my thanks.”
“I wish I had been able to do more,” her thoughts drifting back to those poor children who suffered the most. She smiles through the sobering thought.
“Do you know what became of Bella and her baby?” Ivy asks. Ivy gazes back at Acerion, as if trying to determine what thoughts he is having but fails. “My afternoon seems to be free, so after the ceremony I can help out as needed.”
Gabriella's eyes light up at the subject. "Why yes! All is well, in fact. We were able to reunite Bella with her husband, who had been injured in the attack. He is nursing a seriously wounded leg but will make it through. And Bella and the baby were recovering their strength in the Azrellan temple, despite the damage that was done there. They had quite the unusual birthing episode." She looks up at Validar for a moment. "Your sect set up a triage in the Green Valley area and have taken some of the longer term recoveries, like the baby, into their sanctuary."
“That is wonderful news,” Ivy says happily. “Bless the Blue Lady that everything worked out for them. I was the one who helped Bella give birth and carried the baby to safety, so yes it was a most unusual birth. I'll have to make my way to Green Valley to check up on them. Thank you very much for your assistance.”
"Ah, that explains the successful birth under such horribly dire circumstances," Gabriella interjected. "That the mother and baby were in such fine condition, managing a birth on the run, is a near miracle unto itself. I am certain Bella will very happy to see you and offer her own thanks."
While the Guardians mill about, talking about the rewards and discussing various parts of their adventures, the King comes forward, along with Dame Sharl and joins the group. “If I may interrupt,…”
The chatter dies down and someone says, “Of course, Your Majesty!”
“I have something for the rest of you as well, a true gathering of heroes.” Clapping his hands twice, the King signals for a pair of assistants, who step in from the far corners of the hall. “If you would all indulge your King by lining up for me again, I would be most pleased.” The Guardians dutifully agree and the team all sees that the assistants carry baskets filled with rolled up and sealed parchments.
The King greets most of the remaining Guardians: Argent, Chareos, Ivy, Lyonessa and Sherra. He thanks them personally, one at a time. Each is given a parchment designated especially for them. The King then steps back once more and proclaims, “The Guardians of the Light have been a powerful force against the blight and darkness that has befallen our fair kingdom. You have won many battles and defeated many nefarious foes. And your timely intervention turned the tide of the siege here in Corunglain. You are all to be commended as heroes. For your courage and grand assistance to the safety of Cynalon, I grant each of you the title of Lord or Lady of the Realm. Know that the Crown is grateful for your continued service.”
That just leaves Grondar whom the King addresses last. “Since you are not a citizen of Cynalon, I cannot grant you lordship, noble dwarf. However, I will have your assistance in these affairs made known to King Everast. I am confident that he will reward you in his own way. As with your teammates, your heroic deeds are to be commended and Cynalon thanks you.”
The King then speaks the whole group. “My friends, you have two days to rest and prepare for your mission to Fort Fletcher. Enjoy them.” The group then comes together amidst the accolades, exchanging smiles, handshakes and shoulder pats to acknowledge each other’s contributions to the group.
After a conversation with her friend and mentor, Lady Jallarzi Sallavarian, the newly minted Lady Argent approaches Sir Validar and Lady Allonica. She is wearing a fine dark blue dress with silver embroidery that flatters her figure. It's not as fancy as that of her mentor nor Lady Allonica's attire, but until a few moments ago, Argent was not a noble either.
“Congratulations are in order, Sir Validar,” the Lady Argent announces. “It is a most deserved accomplishment.”
"And to you as well, of course, LADY Argent," Validar nods. "We have all done our utmost to serve and protect the kingdom and we are all deserving of high praise."
'You are far too modest." Turning to Lady Allonica, Lady Argent adds, “Well met, Lady Allonica. I'm also from Crossroads. My family runs a store there. Oh, forgive me, I am Argent, an Invoker of no small power.”
Gabriella reaches out to offer her hand. "I am quite delighted to meet Validar's friends and comrades, Lady Argent. Please, call me Gabriella. Likely then our families have done business together." After a moment, she adds, "I certainly hope that it's been a pleasing relationship."
“Gabriella,” Lady Argent responds as she grasps Lady Allonica's hand. “Yes, we've done business for many years now. My parents run Tanner's Goods on Sancona Street, close to Tursoll Road.”
"Yes of course, I do remember it. I have been inside your parents store a few times. A nice variety of goods from around the kingdom."
“All thanks to the Allonicas transporting those goods to Crossroads,” Lady Argent notes. Gabriella smiles and nods at the comment. “Perhaps we'll be able to do more business in the future. At some point I want my parents to be able to retire which means someone needs to run the store. I don't see how I will be able to do that myself, given all that is going on. Maybe someday.”
"That is an admirable goal most certainly." Lady Allonica thinks for a moment, reminded of a story from her childhood. "My grandfather counseled to try and remember that change is always bigger than we expect but also faster than we are prepared for. Our tomorrows are decided by our firm decisions today. That certainly seems to be shown out this day." She looks up at Validar with tender eyes as she says this last part, several implied meanings sprouting from her statement.
After a time, Validar will speak up and say, “Everyone take the afternoon to wind down and recover, should you wish, and deal with any personal affairs. After dinner, later this evening we will have the planning strategy session for the assault on Fort Runnels for anyone wishing to attend. Congratulations and honor to all. We are the Guardians of the Light!”
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Gabby has now been more directly introduced to the rest of the Guardians and so more later conversations will be rolled forward in the posts to reflect this, like the chat between Argent and her about family business.
Clasping her hands together in front of her, just below a beaming smile, her face was full of pride and joy. She was nearly bouncing up and down with excitement. Lady Allonica takes a deep breath and manages two measured steps forward. Then she is unable to contain herself further and rushes the last few steps into Validar’s arms as he closes the distance. “I am so proud of you, my darling. Mabrouuk!” The last part was a Zakharan congratulatory wish.
He boosts her high into the air, then embraces his lady so that she is almost above him, her arms wrapped tightly about his neck. She kisses him rapidly three times, then leans in, cheek to cheek. Realizing that the rest of the Guardians had begun milling about the trio of newly knighted lords, Validar sets Gabriella down, but keeps his left arm around her, as he shakes hands and accepts the accolades and congratulations of his team. A quick glance toward the King, sees Victor nod and with a slight grin, slowing shakes his head to himself. Validar allows himself a smile in return.
Jallarzi, dressed in a spectacular blue silk gown with silver trim, approaches Validar to congratulate him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Well done, cousin. We're all very proud of you."
"Much appreciated, cousin. We do our best to live up to the family name," he responds, reciprocating the warm friendly hug.
Turning to Gabriella, she'll add with a grin, "And as for you, Lady Allonica, you will most definitely bear watching."
"Me?" Gabriella questions hesitantly. "Thank you, Lady Sallavarian." Later she will ask Validar if he knows just what she meant by that.
"I will volunteer for that task!" Validar quickly interjects, while raising a single finger into the air. This draws an appreciative grin from his lady. Jallarzi then moves on to congratulate the others, along with her apprentice.
Sir Alon will offer a hardy handshake and will kiss Gabby's hand. "Congratulations are in order for both of you."
The Guardians are quite effusive with their plaudits at the grand new titles. Meanwhile, Ivy stops to speak with Gabriella. “I wanted to thank you personally for what you have done here, Lady Allonica. If only I had been able to help you with the children. But I was only able to get out of bed this morning.”
“There is still work to do,” Gabriella asserts. “We would welcome the kind hand of another Azrellan to the task. Your order has been most energetic in their efforts already,” she says with an easy smile. “There have been many volunteers who stepped forward to help in these people’s unfortunate situation.”
“But it was your idea,” Ivy notes. “I'm an orphan myself, but I never even considered what you did here. I'm sure this helped ease fears and reassured many frightened adults and children. You have my thanks.”
“I wish I had been able to do more,” her thoughts drifting back to those poor children who suffered the most. She smiles through the sobering thought.
“Do you know what became of Bella and her baby?” Ivy asks. Ivy gazes back at Acerion, as if trying to determine what thoughts he is having but fails. “My afternoon seems to be free, so after the ceremony I can help out as needed.”
Gabriella's eyes light up at the subject. "Why yes! All is well, in fact. We were able to reunite Bella with her husband, who had been injured in the attack. He is nursing a seriously wounded leg but will make it through. And Bella and the baby were recovering their strength in the Azrellan temple, despite the damage that was done there. They had quite the unusual birthing episode." She looks up at Validar for a moment. "Your sect set up a triage in the Green Valley area and have taken some of the longer term recoveries, like the baby, into their sanctuary."
“That is wonderful news,” Ivy says happily. “Bless the Blue Lady that everything worked out for them. I was the one who helped Bella give birth and carried the baby to safety, so yes it was a most unusual birth. I'll have to make my way to Green Valley to check up on them. Thank you very much for your assistance.”
"Ah, that explains the successful birth under such horribly dire circumstances," Gabriella interjected. "That the mother and baby were in such fine condition, managing a birth on the run, is a near miracle unto itself. I am certain Bella will very happy to see you and offer her own thanks."
While the Guardians mill about, talking about the rewards and discussing various parts of their adventures, the King comes forward, along with Dame Sharl and joins the group. “If I may interrupt,…”
The chatter dies down and someone says, “Of course, Your Majesty!”
“I have something for the rest of you as well, a true gathering of heroes.” Clapping his hands twice, the King signals for a pair of assistants, who step in from the far corners of the hall. “If you would all indulge your King by lining up for me again, I would be most pleased.” The Guardians dutifully agree and the team all sees that the assistants carry baskets filled with rolled up and sealed parchments.
The King greets most of the remaining Guardians: Argent, Chareos, Ivy, Lyonessa and Sherra. He thanks them personally, one at a time. Each is given a parchment designated especially for them. The King then steps back once more and proclaims, “The Guardians of the Light have been a powerful force against the blight and darkness that has befallen our fair kingdom. You have won many battles and defeated many nefarious foes. And your timely intervention turned the tide of the siege here in Corunglain. You are all to be commended as heroes. For your courage and grand assistance to the safety of Cynalon, I grant each of you the title of Lord or Lady of the Realm. Know that the Crown is grateful for your continued service.”
That just leaves Grondar whom the King addresses last. “Since you are not a citizen of Cynalon, I cannot grant you lordship, noble dwarf. However, I will have your assistance in these affairs made known to King Everast. I am confident that he will reward you in his own way. As with your teammates, your heroic deeds are to be commended and Cynalon thanks you.”
The King then speaks the whole group. “My friends, you have two days to rest and prepare for your mission to Fort Fletcher. Enjoy them.” The group then comes together amidst the accolades, exchanging smiles, handshakes and shoulder pats to acknowledge each other’s contributions to the group.
After a conversation with her friend and mentor, Lady Jallarzi Sallavarian, the newly minted Lady Argent approaches Sir Validar and Lady Allonica. She is wearing a fine dark blue dress with silver embroidery that flatters her figure. It's not as fancy as that of her mentor nor Lady Allonica's attire, but until a few moments ago, Argent was not a noble either.
“Congratulations are in order, Sir Validar,” the Lady Argent announces. “It is a most deserved accomplishment.”
"And to you as well, of course, LADY Argent," Validar nods. "We have all done our utmost to serve and protect the kingdom and we are all deserving of high praise."
'You are far too modest." Turning to Lady Allonica, Lady Argent adds, “Well met, Lady Allonica. I'm also from Crossroads. My family runs a store there. Oh, forgive me, I am Argent, an Invoker of no small power.”
Gabriella reaches out to offer her hand. "I am quite delighted to meet Validar's friends and comrades, Lady Argent. Please, call me Gabriella. Likely then our families have done business together." After a moment, she adds, "I certainly hope that it's been a pleasing relationship."
“Gabriella,” Lady Argent responds as she grasps Lady Allonica's hand. “Yes, we've done business for many years now. My parents run Tanner's Goods on Sancona Street, close to Tursoll Road.”
"Yes of course, I do remember it. I have been inside your parents store a few times. A nice variety of goods from around the kingdom."
“All thanks to the Allonicas transporting those goods to Crossroads,” Lady Argent notes. Gabriella smiles and nods at the comment. “Perhaps we'll be able to do more business in the future. At some point I want my parents to be able to retire which means someone needs to run the store. I don't see how I will be able to do that myself, given all that is going on. Maybe someday.”
"That is an admirable goal most certainly." Lady Allonica thinks for a moment, reminded of a story from her childhood. "My grandfather counseled to try and remember that change is always bigger than we expect but also faster than we are prepared for. Our tomorrows are decided by our firm decisions today. That certainly seems to be shown out this day." She looks up at Validar with tender eyes as she says this last part, several implied meanings sprouting from her statement.
After a time, Validar will speak up and say, “Everyone take the afternoon to wind down and recover, should you wish, and deal with any personal affairs. After dinner, later this evening we will have the planning strategy session for the assault on Fort Runnels for anyone wishing to attend. Congratulations and honor to all. We are the Guardians of the Light!”
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Gabby has now been more directly introduced to the rest of the Guardians and so more later conversations will be rolled forward in the posts to reflect this, like the chat between Argent and her about family business.
Conquer or Die!