"You needn't worry, Kaz dekhel, it is not my intention to harass elves that we happen upon, at least, not to a greater degree than you were. And with you on our side, it becomes a non issue. Teyran said, using the nickname he'd given the elf as something of a reminder that she still hadn't introduced herself. If it bothered him, he didn't show it, since his next words were, "Shall we afford ourselves a moment's rest, or head out now?"
"If Lady Sellemius is truly three days away, we should depart as soon as possible so we can make the most of our assistance to her and her people," opines Antha, her concern for their plight plain.
Grendolynn has a grim look on her face. "I too would like to depart as soon as possible. My pa could be with them. I need to find him."
"Gimme an hour and I'll be ready." Morley starts to go, but stops... addressing Swordlord Garess. "By your leave M'lord... I would like to send word to two of my trusted brothers of the Order. They are good men who would pull more than their own weight stationed here, and would be quite helpful in bringing the cavalry back up to snuff, sir."
The elf woman nods to herself as she listens to the comments. Finally, she looks Lord Garess in the eyes.
"As it is now clear that our fates are intertwined - at least for now - a proper introduction is in order."
Ever cautious (or is it paranoid), the elf looks around to make sure strange ears are not present. LoTae then bows to Lord Garess in the elven way.
"I am LoTae Zhao of Kyonin. I hope our travels will be pleasant and the fruits of our cooperation bountiful."
The Swordlord bowed in return to LoTae, "I am Kesten Garess, the Exiled Blade, and Swordlord of Restov. A pity our meeting wasn't on better terms. If any of your kind is out in the Stolen Lands; they will be welcomed and can find haven here for as much as it is worth right now."
"I would feel more secure if you were with the Lady and the Sword Council. Maybe Teyran can keep the Sword Council from doing anything rash while they are coming this way. Lady Selle... Orlovsky will atleast be well protected."
Teyran nodded, "It will be as you ask. He turned to the others and announced, "As Morley suggested, we can take some time to accomplish whatever needs doing, and we will head out in an hours time.
With the others free to do as they chose, Teyran stayed where he was, apparently content to idly wait.
Tad stretches; the bones, muscles & sinew of his Ectomorphic frame almost audibly grinding & popping as he does so. "I'd no' say no ta seein' sis safely here, nae."
"Agreed. I have only known her for a short time, but the Lady Orlovsky's spirit and strength of character were impressive. Her mere presence here would do much to improve morale in these dark times," Arasmes says. "May the Dawnflower light our way."
During the hour wait before moving out again, LoTae spends most of her time sharpening her elven blade. However, at one point she approaches Antha when it seems (to LoTae) that they may be able to speak in somewhat privacy.
"If the subject offends, then I do apologize. I do not know enough of anyone here to make such a judgement yet. I would ask of your parents. Particularly of the one whom you gained your elven blood from."
"I thought that may have been your question. My... sire, was responsible for my Elvish heritage. I was told that he was a court bard with whom my mother was infatuated, but my grandparents expelled him from their 'court'. My mother died giving birth to me, and as he was gone - I never knew either of my parents. Since I know only what was told me - and my family's first and only thought was their reputation so I have no idea whether or not what I was told is actually true. Regardless, I am not sure I would care to meet or know him: surely he knew of me, and had he been interested in being a father he would have found a way to have done so by now. "
As she speaks, her demeanor becomes increasingly cold - speaking in a controlled, clipped manner. Finishing, though, she takes a breath and pauses a moment before resuming normally, even humorously.
"I suspect that's not quite what you were expecting, LoTae. It's not something I care to dwell on: the primary reason I'm here in the first place is because I prefer to seek my own destiny, not live out my legacy."
"I... am sorry. I give you honor and thanks for being willing to share the tale though... and even more so for your reasons to be here. To seek your own destiny... it is something I long for as well, but..." LoTae's hand rests on her elven blade at this point, not threateningly, but lovingly. "...my legacy is something I feel I can still hold on to with pride."
LoTae smiles at Antha, a smile both sympathetic and sincere. After a short moment, she continues.
"I do have a message for you though. Again, I must play the messenger of Queen Telandia Edasseril, of the elven homelands in Kyonin. I will not force action, but I am honor bound to speak it, and I hope you will at least listen to my, and through me, her, words."
LoTae's transition from her own thoughts to the message she is to deliver is not subtle. It sounds somewhat forced. LoTae is obviously not very good at this sort of thing.
"You are welcome within the boarders of Kyonin. We are expanding our horizons, and here within our ancient homeland, you too will find home once more. If you choose to return to us, you will be embraced with open arms."
Her tone returns to normal. Her expression a mix of being flustered at her own delivery, and thankful that it is done.
"I do have one addition to make. This message is for you... but there are some in Kyonin who are still adjusting to this concept of acceptance proposed by our Queen. I have no doubt that should you wish it, you will find a home and acceptance within our homeland, but it might not always be easy. Our borders are also not actually open to all. You would have to go to Greengold first, and continue from there. But given patience and time, this road can be open for you."
"Teyran, a moment of your time." Kesten gave a simple request as he approached the aged paladin. He softly taps the edge of a sealed letter against his hand. "I have composed a letter for the Sword Council, however small that it may be, that gives you the power to speak as my voice. You are an outsider to the Sword Pact so this will be rare, and the Sword Pact is clear that we must answer this injustice against Ioseph with steel. You must persuade the Council that other options exist then rushing headlong into a war that we are already losing..."
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The travel to meet with the refugees on the road is uneventful. The size of the group draws the attention of a group of soldiers as they approach. A dozen of them move to intercept you as you get closer to the travelling refugees.
"Halt! None are allowed to join the refugees by order of Master Varn!"
It only takes a moment for another soldier that is watching the group to get involved. You recognize Kesten Garess emblem on his tabard. "Sergeant Dathan, I recognize several of them... they are under the command of Master Garess."
The sergeant looks the group over again after a glance at the soldier, "What is your business then? Master Varn is currently in charge here. I will take you to him."
Teyran wondered where he would have been right now if that bandit had visited his home a week earlier or later. He nodded, accepting the letter with the proper respect. "Indeed, their priorities are ours: regroup, reinforce, and reassess. I will do as you ask.
Teyran led the group as they approached the soldiers, his sword was sheathed and he carried the crossbow without a bolt. The crossbow was for show, he didn't think he could hit anything with it, but he didn't want to appear unarmed. Thinking about the crossbow made him admire Morley, that he could hit a moving target from the distances that Teyran had seen was no small feat, especially since he was doing it with that ridiculous contraption. Still, it seemed effective.
"We are here to guide the refugees from Restov to the fortress in the Stolen Lands." He announced, thankful that Lady Orlovsky at least had competent soldiers at her command. He made no mention of the letter, expecting the matter to come up with someone of greater influence, perhaps this Master Varn.
LoTae does not speak. Instead, she simply observes. Her eyes are simultaneously cold, calculating, and curious. Every newcomer is appraised with a glance, sometimes longer than others. Their dress, posture, mannerisms... how they hold themselves and how they address others, are all important facets that LoTae watches for. Without being threatening, her hands remain close the the hilt of her sheathed blade, ready for any dangers that may make themselves known.
The leading soldier, a young officer, glances at his companion that spoke for the party. He looks back at them with a dubious look then shrugs. ”Follow me.” He leads them into the mass of traveling refugees without another word. The carriage that makes a steady pace in the midst of the traveling mass is rather ornate, a definite show of wealth; several other people on horses are amassed around it speaking to an robust man with graying brown hair, and a graying goatee. He holds up his hand to cut the man off as he watches the officer lead the group to him...
“Master Varn, these men... and women, are from the border keep under command of Master Garess.”
Master Varn looks over the group as if sizing them up, and then smiles. ”I am Maegar Varn, the Rampaging Blade, and Swordlord of Restov. Who am I addressing?”
Tad eyes the guards & other refugees appraise-ingly.
Maegar Varn is a rather outspoken member of the Sword Council. He would be one of the candidates for Sword Baron with the passing of Ioseph Sellemius, but unlikely to garner enough support because he is also known as brash and has a temper. He earned the title Rampaging Blade because of his battle rage.
Teyran had never heard of the man, which was unsurprising, considering his long years in isolation. When the Swordlord offered his introduction, Teyran unobtrusively offered him the letter that he'd been given by Garess. "I am Teyran Rilskel, a sword for the Dawnflower. These are my companions." He introduced each of them by name, all except for LoTae, instead he added, "And I believe the Elven lady would prefer to introduce herself."
LoTae was nervous and and slightly uncomfortable during their approach and initial conversation and during Teyran's introductions of everyone present... but his forced attention on her shocks her. For a moment she is taken aback, and simply glares at Teyran in a mix of wonder, anger, shock and disbelief. But she composes herself and turns to face the new swordlord.
"A greeting in the ways of my people: Elen sila lumenn omentilmo..." LoTae bows elegantly as she says this, then continues, "...A star bless this meeting. In these lands I am called Kaz dekhel, and it is an honor to be in your presence, Lord Varn." She bows again when saying the swordlords name, then rises and waits. While during her introduction she was calm and reverant, her brow still shows signs of frustration... though she covers it soon after by shifting her gaze out to the horizons, making sure no unknown creatures are nearby or approaching.
Morley nods when Teyran mentions his name, and lets slip a smile... partially from LoTae's discomfort, but mostly at the spectacle. Pompous toad Varn smiling and waving like a festival queen on parade. "Oh well... there are far worse people in the world.."
"Straight down to business then." The robust man takes the letter, and holds a moment as he listens to the introductions, "I have seen an elf or two among our numbers but they are rare. You are a strange sight in the Stolen Lands, Kaz dekhel."
Maegar Varn studies the seal a moment then breaks it and pulls the letter from the envelop. He unfolds it and begins to read over it... You can see the read begin to creep up his neck as he reads it. He finally crushes the letter in his hand, and throws it into the wall of the wagon. "Kesten wishes to play politics. It appears that Ioseph taught him well." He rants to himself for a moment before he looks back to the party.
His look is hardened and he scans over everyone of them as if suddenly he was sizing up a handful of enemies for a battle to come. "You are to represent the Swordlord Kesten Garess in matters of the Sword Council. This is a closed council so only one of your numbers are allowed. I suggest you choose wisely, and the guard will collect them at sunset for the Council meeting after camp is made. Kesten also made demands that I send you to speak with Lady Orlovsky immediately, and I am almost inclined to ignore them." He speaks through near clenched teeth as he holds back from anger.
He nods his head to the guard that brought you to him, "Take them to Lady Orlovsky, and then return to your duties." He gives the party one last glance before he barks an order to the driver to get the carriage moving at full speed again.
As Lord Varn idly comments about denying you seeing or speaking with Lady Orlovsky, the rest of you notice an unusually hard cast come over Tad's features. Fortunately, it passes as the lord chooses instead to expedite your visit.
Once Lord Varn departs, Tad turns to Teyran. "D'you wish ta take part'r would ye prefer Antha'r I ta do't?" Obviously referring to the Council meeting.
Teyran was surprised at LoTae's reaction. Hadn't she made it clear that she did not want her name known by those she didn't choose to inform? Why then, would she react with hostility when Teyran abided by her wishes? It took him a moment to realize that he should have introduced her by the name he'd offered, rather than drawing attention. He decided he would have to apologize when the proper moment arose.
He considered Tad's offer, and seemed to be working at convincing himself to agree to it, before finally changing his mind. "No, I will go. It wouldn't be right to push this off on someone else, I did volunteer after all. I appreciate your offer, but you should see to your. . .sister, was it? I suspect she will want to see you as soon as possible." Teyran seemed to regard addressing the sword council as
akin to going to the gallows, but he took it in stride.
He turned back to Varn and announced "I will speak for Lord Garess."
Watching Varn depart in his carriage, Antha speaks to Teyran, "Swordlord Varn is more bull than man: I've known of him for years and the Rampaging Blade's suit for Sword Baron would be strong if not for his fiery temper and shortness of thought."
She pauses a moment before adding quietly, "You need not take this part, my friend. As much as your being a sword of the Dawnflower my grant you additional standing in council than a bastard and disgraced daughter of Issia," - with a wry smile to indicate she was referring to herself - "I still learned more of the people involved and the motivations for what's been happening despite trying not to than you could have in your home on the frontier. We have the same goal in the end, to guide these people safely to Kest- er, Lord Garess, so there's no reason it must be you."
Speaking more loudly so that all could hear, "Let's visit Lady Orlovsky before we make any decision; she surely knows more of what's going in inside the camp than we do just arriving here."
As they headed toward their meeting with Orlovsky, Teyran couldn't help but nod at the wisdom in Antha's words. "You make a fine point, my lady. I find I cannot help but consider them. To be honest, I do not even know what it is that will be discussed, only that Lord Garess asked me to speak for him, and I promised that I would. And you need not speak of yourself in such a way. We are each more than the circumstances of our birth and the attitudes of our parents. Why, I've seen a devilspawn who was a more ardent servant of the Everlight than the head of my order-" He cut himself off, realizing he'd said too much. That he instinctively looked down at his armor didn't help matters either.
"You know that, as do I - but does Maegar Varn?" she asked rhetorically. "If you insist, then. I will do my best to aid you before the meeting as I can."
Satisfied, Antha wanted to check on their newest member. Moving alongside LoTae, she asked,
The soldier waits a few moments as he leads you through the mass of people still walking down the road. You start to see more and more soldiers near the center of the refugees, several of them you recognize from the road to the Keep, it appears that the core of Kesten's escorts are in the center of the army, and protecting Lady Orlovsky.
The bride-to-be is wearing customary mourning colors for the Swordlord Ioseph. However she is leading her horse from the side a peasant man, and his son sits atop of it. It is clear the man had never ridden a horse before, but the son seems to have fallen asleep against his father.
Alexis' face tightens for a moment as the large group is coming towards her, but then recognition dawns in her eyes. "Bless the Dawnflower. Here, lead this man while I speak with my guests." She says to a soldier as she hands off the reins. She slips a scroll-case from the saddle packs before letting the soldier lead the man off.
"What?! You thought I was gonna let yer strays die again, so you decided ta find new ones?" Tad pipes up at the sight of his sister & her companions before anyone else has a chance to speak, his sardonic smirk concealing a very real filial concern.
"Ea nu a lasă-mă să trăiesc în jos ceea ce sa întâmplat cu catelul..."
Alexis shakes her head at Tad, "The boy was exhausted, and the man was carrying him on his shoulders, but was tiring out quickly. I can't help all of these people..." She frowns, but continues, "It feels like it has been longer then it has, dear brother. Have you been taking care of yourself?" she asks with concern.
"Yeah, lot'r no fun. They keep hoggin' all tha real fun fer themselves..." He quips. Shrugging to indicate Tayran & LoTae in particular in his description.
Arasmes chuckles at Tad's words. "None of us seem to be participate in many festivities, although it seems not many are to be had. Bandits are not ones for such things it seems."
"My lady. I am so pleased to see you. The Dawnflower has lit the way for you, to bring you and yours to safety... Soon, however, we may need to look along another aspect of Sarenrae. But for now, you will be as her light to keep the shadows away from your people."
Tad briefly glances sideways at Arasmes.
Is he clueless or just pushing the joke?
Teyran chuckled at Arasmes's comment as he approached. "Apparently our friend finds fun in leading the charge against monstrous bears, and facing groups of bandits alone." He whispered to the cleric, hoping he was quiet enough to spare any embarrassment the cleric might feel from the others hearing.
As he stepped past Arasmes, Teyran approached Alexis and knelt before her. "My lady," He said, "I was at the wedding when all of this unpleasantness began. I had hoped that it would be under better circumstances if our paths crossed again. My deepest condolences for all that has happened."
Alexis gives a slight smile at the exchange. She watches Teyran as he kneels and gives his condolences. She frowned and set her hand on his shoulder, "Thank you for your words. The Dawnflower gives me strength to keep moving forward." She removes her hand and places the scroll-case in both of her hands. "I have much to discuss with you all, and I don't know where to start. Ioseph had made arrangements after you departed for the Stolen Lands. He suspected that the Queen would make an attempt at his life or push for war."
Teyran got back to his feet, nodding in agreement with Alexis. "I am eager to hear your thoughts. Though first I hope you would entertain a question or two. I fear I have been out of earshot for some time, and I am now ignorant of the names and motivations of people. Why would she do all of this, lust for power, madness over losing her brother? Had I known things would come to this, I might not have been such a recluse for the last century or so."
Alexis shook her head, "The Dawnflower did not shine light upon her motives. I do know that Ioseph did not trust her in the slightest. He was concerned that she was quick to hide the Lord Regent from us and she called for her uncle before the Lord Regent was dead. She claimed that she sent word to New Stetven for healers to come for her brother because she did not trust our healers, but the Lord Regent died before the healers could come."
She looked around and began to unconsciously chew at her lip as she got slightly worried. "My father went to negotiate with her. He is a skilled politician and everyone thought he could make her see reason. He surprised us when he came back..." Alexis begins to fight back tears as she speaks of the betrayal.
"It seemed senseless. I didn't want to believe that he could betray us. I prayed to the Dawnflower to show me why... I thought I saw the glow of magic upon him, but I think now it was nothing more then my mind trying to create some rationalization for the betrayal, because Father has been named the Lord Regent..."
Alexis suddenly begins to sob as she cracks under the weight of the betrayal by her father.
For the most part, LoTae did her best to stay out of the humans way. She does not know their politics, and despite not being comfortable, is making a silent yet concerned effort to pay attention. Attention to not only the going-ons, but to how everyone reacts as well.
She softly replies to Antha in the elven tongue.
LoTae watches the conversation with an ambivalent distance, yet her eyes soften in empathy as Alexis breaks down. Still, LoTae does not interject or interfere, choosing instead to maintain her silence.
As his sister begins to crumple, Tad rushes forward, picking her up much like a child's doll & rocking her as comfortingly as he is able. "Csitt. Ez rendben lesz. Igen, apám egy nyomorult, ez nem jelenti azt, hogy. Ez lesz rendben lesz."
To determine reasonableness of if a spell could have compelled him to betray Restov:
"My Lady, Tad - I cannot speak for what is - but it may be that your father was Enchanted, though such a spell to force him to act as you describe would have to be powerful enough to place it beyond the ability of all but a few practitioners of the Art," Antha tried to console the 'younger' woman.
Political aptitude rolls:
"If he was Enchanted, it would make perfect sense - politically speaking - for him to be named Regent: as the person who appears to have most-benefited from the previous Lord Regent's murder, he attracts all the blame and hate while leaving the true villains to continue freely in their schemes."
Alexis calms down in her brother's arms. She listens to Antha for a moment, and frowns. "Lady Surtova could have enchanted him?" She asks dubiously.
As described before Lord Orlovsky is the epitome of a politician. Always maneuvering himself to come out on top of any situation. He is skilled in what he does too. The entire arranged marriage was a maneuver to strengthen his position against the Lord Regent, but with the death of the Lord Regent then Orlovsky would have no reason for the alliance.
Alexis pulls away from Tad to wipe at her eyes, "Here." She thrusts the scrollcase into Tad's hands. "Ioseph decided to gamble on the you guys in the end..."
Be it so known that the bearers of this charter, having secured the northern reaches of the Greenbelt under the guidance of the Sword Council, are hereby granted the right to rule. The nature and laws of rule are theirs to define, and the wellbeing of this new nation is theirs to protect. In accordance for providing a stable nation to the south of central Rostland, let there be a generous stipend of funds, support, and advice provided to this fledgling nation as a token of Restov and Brevoy's goodwill, such that future relations between kingdoms might be mutually beneficial.
Under this clause I, Ioseph Sellimus and Lordship of Restov, hereby transfer a portion of my personal estate to the leader of this fledgling nation to be used with wisdom to govern the lands.
So witnessed under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and by the authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
Ioseph Sellemius
Eyeing the box leerily, Tad hands it over, unopened, to Teyran. "If this is what I suspect it is, it's all on you mate."
None of Morley's past experience with crying women had prepared him for this awkward moment. Morley eyed Antha for a bit... wondering if she truly believed he'd been magicked, or if it was her way of consoling. He then decided it didn't matter what he thought so why think it?
"What is it?" He subtly shifts to get a better view over Teyran's shoulder.
Teyran watched Tad warily as he accepted the case and opened it. He looked over the scroll, read it, and then read it again as a look of confusion crept across his face. "It is. . .Perhaps it would be best if I simply read it aloud. . ." He did precisely that, and then looked up at the others. "We are to found a nation, and revolt against Natala and Orlavsky, then?"
"Would you prefer Master Varn lead these people?" Alexis asked the aging paladin with an intent look despite the tears a moment ago. "What do you expect would happen once Varn commands the Keep that Master Garess has been preparing. The Swordlords will rally, and there will be open civil war between northern and southern Brevoy." Alexis frowned as she moved to kneel before Teyran, "More lives will be torn asunder, and these people that have suffered enough will suffer more. As the daughter of Lord Poul Orlovsky, I bear witness to this legal act by his Lordship of Restov. I will be the first to swore fealty to this new nation if you will protect these people." She begs from her place in the dirt.
Teyran nodded "You make a fine point my lady, and I apologize if I have spoken out of turn. I had expected nothing of this sort." The more thought he gave her words, the less ridiculous, and the more reasonable, they sounded. He had expected that Garess would remain in charge, as it was his keep. For whatever reason, however, he was considered an exile among the Swordlords, and the others might not respect his authority. Establishing a new nation, and handing over control to the charter members who'd come to the Stolen Lands to reclaim them sidestepped the issue quite nicely.
When Alexis bowed to him, Teyran immediately offered to help her up, looking embarrassed. "Now, now my lady. Regardless of what that paper says or doesn't, I'm no one that you need to bow to."
Shaking his head ever more vigorously as Teyran reads the document aloud, Tad interjects. "Yes & no." As the others turn to him, he continues. "I like tha idea o' 'no laird' as much as any, but piece o' paper 'r' no, you don't set up who's who & what's what toot sweet, fellers like Varn 'n' others 'r' gonna try & do it for ya."