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Colette eases into the bath and smiles to herself. "Thank you Svetlana, I could not ask for greater luxury then I am treated to now." She happily let's the warmth spread across her body and the water support her tired frame. "Is there anything I can do to thank you for all this hospitality?"
"A warm bath would be amazing, wash the dust and grime from the trip off. Past all that, our charter says pacify the bandits, so we will pacify the bandits. I am sure between her sword arm and my skill we can weather anything a few highwaymen can throw at this place." Colette attempts to reassure Svetlana. "As long as there is a spot I can stretch out on overlooking the gate, and a blanket or something I can put down first, I should be able to handle the distraction."
"Let them come, we will show them the error of their ways. Then we will set about taking these lands and making a proper kingdom of trade and laws."
"You are no fun dear. I swear, what is the point of playfully teasing if you are not going to play along? I wouldn't worry about me though, I have enough command of the magical arts that I will most assuredly hold my own against any miscreant we might have to face."
"Oh Daniella, do you not think they would place a scout out here to see what merchants come through? Or do you not believe a youthful beauty such as mine would entice such miscreants? Surely your own fit form will pull quite a few eyes out in these dark lands. It matters not the reasons why, only that they will come and we will be ready for them."
"I am sure they will be along shortly. A noble carriage will draw their greed and two lovely ladies their lust. Do not worry, we will be ready for them." Colette surveys the area with a keen eye towards the construction and possible defenses. "Tell me though, what can we do to help rebuild your home here. It has seen better days I would wager."
"Well met then." Colette says as she comes down from her carriage ride. "Since we are doing introductions here, my name is Colette Orlovsky and my companion here is Jessepi of the Ratfolk. My honored friend at the head of the couch is Mortimer." Colette waits to hear the answer to Daniella's offer.
Hard pressed and unused to the dust of the road, Colette is just happy to see the trading post before her. The journey had been spent mostly conversing with her traveling companions and showing off her ability to conjure into existence every single item she needs during their trek. She is ready to rest her bones and take a proper bath.
"That, and the tendency of small mice to chew through whole granaries and such... the threat of famine has about as much weight as the threat of plague. But, we will burn those bridges when we come to them I think, for now it is off to explore and tame a wild land. What adventure awaits, well... we shall see." Colette seems enthusiastically giddy at the idea of adventure, although not so much on the untamed wilds.
Colette signs quickly to be done with the task and back to the matter at hand. She does wait for Daniella to begin, deferring to the woman in an attempt to build some good will between them.
"Glad to have your services Jessepi. I believe you will prove our confidence in you well founded."
Colette calls in the applicants, a warm smile graces her countenance as she delivers her news. "Thank you all for your interest, it seems we must now give our decision. After strong consideration we have take Jessepi along on this adventure, but each of you were strong contenders. If we meet again out in the wild places of the stolen lands, I will happily break bread with you and share a campfire."
"Water would suffice. Not much to speak of past this I guess, are you ready to head out towards our destination in the morning?" Colette already knew the answer was yes, but she wanted to get the measure of her new companion before they left and would take any opportunity to do so.
"Oh my dear, how were you so hurt by this world. It is not just humans who can act in this manner, but any and all are capable of stupidity and shortsighted fear given half a chance and a large enough majority." Colette smiles, her "sunny" demeanor belying the weight of her words. "What we can count on is the ratlings connection to his immediate family and community, something the other two did not suggest even as an afterthought. All will be beholden to the law, and as long as they keep the law all will find shelter. Those who inevitably break our laws will be broken in turn to the full extent of said codes. I do not assume all will be shining paladins and demure princesses."
"Yes, I believe you have the right of it. Al three have some small skill we may need. For my own council, I would choose the rat over the other two more for the company and the willingness to handle any job given. If we do a good enough job, maybe we can integrate his kind into our lands and have a ready made source of workers and tradesmen willing to be functional members of society. It is better to be feared than loved they say, but we can always try for both, even with your sunny disposition..."
Colette looks expectantly to Daniella after the applicants have left. "What do you think of the prospects?"
"Good to hear, you all seem to have a collection of skills that would be most advantageous, and this will be a hard decision in deed. If you three would allow us a moment to deliberate, I am sure we will come to a swift agreement before too long." Colette turns to her compatriot, making sure she has nothing to add.
"Houndig, Merilee, Jessepe, I will dispense with the pleasantness and come to the brass tacks as it were. We have a small stipend to purchase the services of one who knows the wilderness well enough to serve as a guide within the Narlmarsh. We will be taming the land, if this would trouble your conscience to see untamed tracts turned to civil use I would suggest bowing out of the running before we go any further." Colette looks pointedly at the three, gauging their reactions for any pangs of a guilty conscience.
"I do not think it will be a case of not agreeing on what is needed, more an agreeing on the person themselves. There is a better than negligible chance you will not like someone who fills all the other requirements you have laid out, and so might I. But, we will have to chose someone who works well for both of us, and as you say, we will be spending a long time with this hireling."
"It is a good supplement for her as well, we do not know what kinds of free grazing your mount shall come across. I would rather be able to keep her at peak conditions than watch such a fine specimen wither on unfamiliar soil. Besides, it is always nice to treat such companions every now and then." Colette returns to her seat and watches the door expectantly. "Speaking of companions, how do you wish to decide on one if we can not agree on who should be hired?"
Colette smiles and welcomes her new guest brushing off the terse speech with her easy manners. Working off of her encyclopedic knowledge of the major and minor players within noble society, she quickly assesses the situation and responds as she finds most fitting."Daniella Aldori, Swordlord, priestess of Olheon. Strong arm in a duel, rigid discipline in battle, nonexistent social skills in the court. My opposite it would seem, I can see why they saddled us together." Colette raises to her feet and gives the slow delicate bow of the courts. "How is Celeritas by the way? I do hope your fine equine companion finds our current journey enjoyable. Mayhaps we should bring some alfalfa for the dear."
The clicking of heel on wood precedes the young lady as she enters the room. Hoping to make a grand entrance, she finds the room empty and her the first to arrive. A smirk and a sigh pass her lips, more's the pity. The swish of of skirt and petticoat is barely audible as she crosses the threshold, hard click of of heel rhythmically resounding in the room as her measured step carries her to the table. She finds herself a seat that places her with a full view of each who may enter and settles in to wait. Bright brown eyes search for those who will accompany her to her new adventure.
@Ellioti a little case of daddy issues never killed anyone. ;)
Does help if I remember to paste the backstory to the character... Personality:
Colette is a product of her family name, Orlovsky through and through. A cool headed and balanced individual who carefully weighs all of her options, she can still quickly respond to a situation if an immediate response is needed. She is not cruel, but neither does she have the cares of the individual at heart, balancing the greater good and stability against the needs of the few. Backstory:
Being the second daughter of a senior branch of the Orlovsky noble house, Colette grew up wanting for nothing. Her every whim became manifest, her wants and desires taken care of at every turn. This is not to say she had a good childhood, her mother having long given to neglecting her emotionally, her father away for much of the year at this court or that, only the old butler a constant in her life.
Every time Colette would frustrate yet another governess, old Mortimer would take to one knee and explain to her what she had done wrong and why she shouldn't act so. Every time she was being an unreasonable brat, he would gently chide her and explain why good girls do not act in this manner. And when she would hurt herself, or she would have some setback in life, he would be there to scoop her up and make her feel safe. And so Colette grew into a woman of unmatched beauty, though she did indulge in many a curious dabling with esoteric lore and ancient ruins. She would patron many a dig and purchase many a tome with her sizeable allowances. She could have happily stayed in this nature of life if it wasn't for one event that would change her life forever. Mortimer, the long doting servant and surrogate father figure passed on to the grand vault. Not from some truly tragic event, but to Pharasma's tender mercies and old age. But, being a spoiled woman of means, Colette did not take this news well. Colette spent years putting in for clerics, necromancers, and any other who could give her the ability to reach her lost friend. None could help for it had been his time. Finally, in a fit of desperation and maybe a small amount of madness, Colette did perform an ancient ritual she had found in one of her long forgotten tomes. Making a deal with the gods, Colette bound her soul and her will to the needs of the gods if only they would give her back her long dead friend. As the world seemed to break around her, an emissary of Abadar stepped forth from the cracks she had created in reality and offered her a contract. Though she did look through the whole of the print, she found no clause that she could not abide. And so, Colette is now bound to the soul of Mortimer, and he to her. Now, she only has to fulfill her end of the bargain. Appearance:
Colette is a young beauty, the kind that comes but once in a generation. Sun kissed skin from many days out exploring and a delicate build make her most desirable. But it is the twinkle in her eyes that trap those who stare too long, the promise of hidden gems and treasures uncountable in the keymarks in her eyes. Direction as co-ruler: Fair but stern, an iron fist in a velvet glove.
I know how that goes, didn't want you to drop a character you truly wanted to play.
Or, you could put in the orlovsky and rule as husband and wife if both picked.
One Orlovsky Noblewoman with crunch done. Will work on background today. |
