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With a few hours having passed since breakfast, it does not take much for Corrina to persuade all of you to stay a bit for a late lunch. Soon enough however, the time comes to say your farewells and take to the long road ahead for Malatesta and the Silver Sea. It takes some time for Corrina to exchange her farewells and best wishes with her niece and Yvonne. While they stand far enough away that the rest of you cannot overhear them, their embrace speaks of hope and pride. As your carriage at last pulls away, followed by multiple wagons and mounted guards bearing recurved bows and lances, Corrina calls out, "Go with the gods!"
Upon seeing her old friend, Corrina finally belies the first glimpse of anything other than perfect stoicism since you've seen her. "Yvonne?!" She walks up to mistress d'Calla, an incredulous look on her face. "No, it can't be you must be her daughter..." Her eyes narrow a bit as the gazes of the two women meet. A look almost like that of a young girl spreads across the Countess' face. "By the gods, it is you!"
The stately noblewoman merely smiles to herself. Just like her mother... "Knight-captain, would you care for some tea?"
Corrina merely gives Alis and Lureene an enigmatic smile and says, "I don't know what you're talking about, my dear. Although I suppose if anything interesting happens, the others can tell you when they return..."
Corrina answers on her niece's behalf as she writes out a letter on a piece of parchment, sealing it with her signet ring, "The Golden Drakes keep stables. Unlike the steeds native to Chalësidhea, the horses they keep are more compact in statute, yet make up for it with great speed and vigor." She hands the letter to Malandraenas and says, "You will find their holdings at the opposite end of Caen Carrinac, outside the western gate. This letter will explain the situation and handle their compensation." Seeing that Priyya means to join the corporal, Corrina continues, "Also Priyya?" She hesitates for a moment and removes a weathered old card from her sleeve, "Ask for my old friend, the Lady Yvonne d'Calla. Since we have come out of winter, there is a good chance she may be in the area. Give her this and tell her that, The ardent youth climbs the precipice seeking the light of the old sage."
She smiles gently and says, "Just a running joke between old friends." Sense Motive DC 25: You've got the feeling that Corrina must be calling in a favor. Also, there's something else she's not telling you, but you're not certain what it might be.
"If memory serves me correctly... it's just shorter than one cycle of Darkshoal."
"Alis, dear," Corrina chimes in, "what you are forgetting is that you still must sail south again even if you return to Ilmarond. In fact you would actually be closer to Trull. As for 'sparing a few warships', the entire navy isn't on standby full-time. A force capable of breaking a blockade would take some time to assemble and the few ships that are prepared will be needed here to defend our harbors and patrol river mouths."
Countess Corrina seems none-too-pleased by this news either. "While crossing Ortalok is safe enough, if the Trull really are pushing southward, then I will need to see to Caen Carrinac's defenses. If you will excuse me, I need to confer with my agents to verify that we have such a movement on our hands. If we do, then Alis, I would advise you to seek passage thru Elsmyr Dale with the Golden Drakes. While that might not leave you with enough time to return home, at least arriving in Malatesta will place you closer to your ultimate destination."
With most of the guests either gone or gone-to-bed, Countess Rowan bids you all good night before retiring for the evening. "I have little doubt that this was exhausting for most of you. Thank you for indulging the curiosity and attention of the other nobles, I appreciate your patience." "Please, consider this estate your home while you yet remain in Caen Carrinac. If any of you need to return to the city proper, I have instructed my Major Domo, James, to grant you passes so that the gate guards will readmit you. You will find that there is ample space on the grounds for practicing weaponplays, practicing your spellcraft, or even gaining some privacy. Good night, my friends."
"I'm glad that you enjoyed the party. Thank you for coming and helping Alexis to celebrate. I'm sure the two of you will have a great deal to talk about in a few years when she gets back. In the meantime, enjoy your shopping expedition in the morning. James, please show Ms. Ourson and Ravarath to their room."
After Felmor's quite suitable speech, the Countess calls Alexis to her side and addresses the crowd again this time expounding on how proud she is of Alexis. "Let us toast to Alexis' safety, the success of our new colony, and the renewed power and prosperity that shall benefit our ancient and proud state!" Not to be forgotten, she raises a second toast to Alis and her companions, "Let us also wish Alis and her fine and attractive companions success in their endeavors to sew the seeds of peace and colonial prosperity in distant Dafar. May our noble allies in Ilmarond flourish alongside us!" Following the toasts, there is a general mingling of the crowd as everyone who is anyone seeks to make the acquaintance of the up-and-coming young power players joining in the colonial expeditions to Wildethar and Dafar. Even though Priyya is able to escape briefly, it's only by engaging the Countess and Alis in conversation that she is able to gain some space. "My Lady, you have a beautiful home. I don't think I've ever seen a place half so lovely. Thank you for having me." Countess Rowan smiles graciously at Priyya's compliments. "Why thank you, my dear. If nothing else, this is a comfortable home even if simpler in design than my niece's estate in Silverwake. You are more than welcome to visit me here whenever Alíta's work sees you in Estoria."
While Rath and Lureene's dance isn't nearly as flashy, the closeness and tenderness they exhibit leaves no doubt as to where the monk's passions lie. Still, with Alexis now wearing red, and being joined by a surprisingly graceful giant, there's no question as to where the focus of the crowd's attention is. "Alis, I knew that you could dance like an angel, but I had no idea that Alexis was as skilled as she is. I shall indeed miss the two going off on your grand adventures as you are..." Corrina gives a wistful smile and says, "My big sister would be so proud to see what fine ladies you have both become. I know you are disappointed that the expedition you hoped to undertake for The Academy has instead been superseded by a diplomatic mission to stabilize Dafar." "However," her deep blue eyes meet the indigo gaze of her niece, "any chance to win not only peace but such an important colonial foothold will bring with it great prestige and influence. King Aramandil II must hold your ambassadorial skills in high regard to trust you with such an important task." Alis sighs softly and the two continue to watch the various couple glide across the polished marble floor. After a moment, Corrina places her hand over Alis' and says, "Besides, as enterprising as you are, I suspect that you shall find adventure no matter where life takes you. Remember, be just and fear not." The countess gives her niece's hand a squeeze and rises just as the current waltz concludes. She begins a round of applause for the young princess and her towering dance partner. Once the applause subsides, she addresses the gathered crowd. "My Lords and Ladies, not only has our court been joined by some fine new dancers this evening, but our noble ranks have been increased as well. It is my honor to present to you a man who has distinguished himself in service to both Clan Rowan and to our neighbors in Ilmarond. Possessed of both a strong sword arm, bravery, selflessness, and great skill at the helm. He is also quite the fine dancer as you have just seen. This is a man who now bears the enviable position of being both a Knight of Ilmarond and a Captain of Estoria. A man who saved the lives of the Princesses Alechsularis and Alissariel, and who shall be captaining the flagship of the fleet of cutters we shall build as my dear niece, Alexis, founds for us a new colony in distant Wildethar." "My friends, please welcome Sir Felmor Traker to our ranks..."
The Countess sits stoically hiding her face behind a wine glass casually observing the crowd without displaying even the faintest hint of emotion. Sense Motive DC 32: She is royally amused by the consternation Alis' acting job is doing amongst the gathered guests.
After a while, Countess Rowan joins your group, somewhat amused at the casual seating configuration that has been arranged yet finding no fault. Sitting down with your group, she turns to Priyya and says, "I understand that we would likely be coming together for a funeral rather than a party if not for your ministrations! You have my sincerest thanks. Yet tell me, what is it that distinguishes a... sur-ya-ka-va-haak from the other devotees of Alíta? Alis spoke of sacrifice..."
Countess Rowan smiles graciously as each of your are introduced nodding her head in acknowledgement of the women's curtsies and holding her hand out for the men to kiss. Once Alis has finished the introductions, Corrina says, "Any friends of my beloved nieces are friends of Caen Carrinac. It is my delight to receive such fine, capable and handsome young people such as yourselves in my humble home. Please, make yourselves comfortable, and help dear Alexis to enjoy the party before she embarks for Wildethar. Heavens know we have a busy day tomorrow, don't we, my dear. If you will excuse me..." The countess turns to go yet hesitates for a moment and says, "Sir Traker, I shall have to introduce you later this evening. Perhaps before we begin the formal ball. Estoria prides itself on boasting fine captains such as yourself. You shall have to inform me what sort of naval commission and vessel would suit your fancy." "Now then, Alis if you would walk with me..." With that, Countess Rowan and Alis head off towards some gardens that overlook the water conversing quietly as they go.
"Ah, and these must be your good friends about whom I have heard so many good things." You have to blink and do a double take. For a moment you would have sworn there was a 3rd twin present. It is only after your eyes adjust to the light of lanterns and moonlight that you can tell otherwise. Even with a lace shawl around her shoulder, judging by the way this woman fills out her corset, the lady in the greyish white dress is surely a relation to the young half elves. Though her sandy-blonde hair is mixed with grey and many fine lines reveal her to be well past child-bearing years, she is still quite beautiful and seems to have aged gracefully if nothing else. When Alis would later satisfy your curiosity by revealing that their Aunt Corrina had turned 50 just last year, you were nothing short of amazed. |
