Melusine Orlbereth's page

*sigh*

Joren! Stop that whining and get over here!

Oh the affairs of state, they weigh heavy on me ..

Joren still lives, but he is at death's door. Nimora manages to grab him and bring him to the rear to where her mother is working on casualties. Melusine lets out a shreik when she sees her son.

JOREN!!!

She rushes over with her assistants and begins casting curative magics on him.

Melusine sits in her study, inviting over members of Sandreef's noblity and merchants for meetings and receiving reports from spies sent out to discover the nomad's intentions

...And if Joren does a good enough job of winning over the hearts of the nobles then it will not be very difficult at all to get him named as heir to King Orca."

Melusine sighs

While Nimora may be stubborn, our other child is very foolhardy. Hopefully he will come out of this a bit more cautious. Still, I worry about him...

Nerion sighed. "I do not think that she has grown as far apart from us as you think. You are a very forward thinking person, dearest, and you often have a habit of jumping about five steps ahead and expecting others to keep up with you. Nimora is cautious and doesn't like to be rushed. Be patient with her. Let your plans slow down a little. We are elves, there is time. And I think if you do that you will find her much more biddable."

Melusine nods

I knew there was a good reason why I married you Nerion, you are the veritable voice of reason.

Melusine sighs

If only she had agreed to marry Blurghoot then we would have peace for a generation! Plus our house would be tied to the nobility of the Brightwater Clan! Ah well, if wishes were hippocampi we'd all be nomads..

Melusine looks up at Nerion

Has anyone discovered who assasinated Blurghoot and his brothers yet?

Melusine sighs

Aventurnus willing they will arrive in time.

She swims over to a wall mosaic of their family when Joren and Nimora were much smaller. She stares at it wistfully

Nerion, when did Nimora grow apart from us? I swear, I cannot even talk with her these days without an argument erupting.

Melusine smiles tiredly

Well, I think I have things patched up as well as can be expected. Has there been any news from the nomad lands?

And don't you dare blame me for that, Mother. You blackmailed me into a betrothal. And then flubbed the diplomacy badly when you broke it off because you saw richer prey on the line.

Retcon on cross posting

Melusine laughs bitterly

Blackmail! Child you try my last fin! If it was so horrible you should have said NO. Or perhaps, said, the person I was scrying for you is the prince I love? Did you ever think of that? No, out of stubborness you kept quiet, then had remorse later on. So I WILL blame you for all this!

And swims off as before

EDIT: I am going to assume she didn't hear Blurghoot is dead, as then she would stick around

"I should let you know that I am putting myself on the king's schedule first thing in the morning. You've already made enough of a mess of this, Melusine, and the troops have clear orders from their king that they are only to take orders from Nimora or our king while they are here. I intend to get her the military command of the city's forces while I'm at it. I don't care one whit about your politics. I want someone who knows what they're doing in charge if we're being threatened by rampaging nomads. I'm rather fond of my villa and I'd hate to see it razed."

Melusine swells with indignant rage.

I have made a mess? All I tried to do is forge a marital alliance with the most powerful nomad clan, which would have assured peace on our borders for a generation! Plus your great-granchildren would have ruled the Brightwater Clan! I recieved approval from Nimora to advance this allance only to be told after everything was in place that she had a relationship with King Mirathan! Then, after ruining the alliance and humiliating me, she now states that her and Mirathan have no formal engagement?

She glares at Nimora

If you wish to assess blame Nymphaea, look no further than your stubborn granddaughter.

Looking at the troops

Considering that King Mirathan sends us a company-strength troop detachment when thousands of noamds prepare to overrun our city, I have the feeling perhaps he is not too attached to Nimora's wellbeing after all. If you will excuse me, I will leave you all to your own ends...

Melusine swims off, glancing to see if Nerion is following

The smile drops from Melusine's face

Then why would you negate the contract with Blurghoot? Child, what exactly is going on? Has this whole thing been an elaborate ploy to get out of the marraige I had arrainged? Do you even realize the danger you have put all of us in? The Free Companions will be riding to avenge their honor, and I wouldn't be surprised if Blurghoot puts all of our heads on pikes!

Melusine breathes deeply and looks about at the troops

Is this your honor guard? Or a vanguard for the Pearl's forces?

Melusine and Nerion swim out to the troops. Melusine is startled by Nimora and her mother-in-law already there. She surveys the small troop with a slight look of dismay on her face that is quickly smothered. She advances to the front, smile wide

Nymphaea, my dear, you look positively radiant! I don't know how you manage to keep so youthful so long. Nimora, this is quite a surprise! I would have thought you would be in the Pearl arrainging the royal wedding?

Turns to Knight-Captain Velantium and Tempest

And who are these fine worthies?

I can't remember if Melusine has met Tempest before

"I agree that we should be at the forefront, but I think I'll pass on the military dress. It sends the wrong message given that I am the Guildmaster."

Melusine sighs

"As you wish, dear. By all means, wear what you desire. I hope that King Mirathan sent us a good amount of troops."

Melusine gets her handmaid to dress her in a fromal outfit and she awaits Nerion impatiently

"We still might be. But this certainly helps. Should we greet them personally or send a representative? And if the soldiers were looking for Nimora, I presume that means she is no longer in Pearl. However, she is also not here."

Melusine hurries about preparing a formal outfit and panoply.

"I think we need to be at the forefront before anyone else thinks to gain control of the new soldiers dear. Why don't you wear something formal military dress? I think we need to introduce ourselves to their commanding officer immediately."

Nerion looked over at Melusine and raised an eyebrow. "Well, it would seem that the young man is serious in his intentions after all."

Melusine sighs

"Thank Aventurnus for that! If he was deluding her, we would be crushed by the nomads in short order. "

I can hear Nimora's mom counting up the bonus points if that happens. *sigh* ;)

KA-CHING!

"My dear," Nerion said, greeting her with a warm smile. "You are back much sooner than I expected. And without the nomads? Is there something I should know about?"

I am assuming that Nerion is Nimora's natural father ..

Melusine huffs and busses her husband quickly.

Well, I had thought to go and straighten out the contract between Blurghoot and Nimora at the coronation ceremony, but things took a bad turn. It seems the 'Mirathan' that she was swimming off to save was none other than the Heir to the Pearl, the now King Mirathan III! And it seems they have a mutual regard! And your daughter let me swim off and negotiate the marital contract knowing that a prince wanted her hand in marraige!

Melusine breathes in and out deeply

The long and short of it is that I have now insulted those feckless hippocampus riders by arrainging the contract and then bringing word of its negation. Then Blurghoot snapped and publicly humiliated himself at the Pearl's court, threatening the new king at the same time.

Now our new alliance is broken, the nomads rode back to their clans, and the Pearl was subjected to several arcane attacks which were probably instigated by Brightwater shamans! Honestly, I do not understand that headstrong girl sometimes! All she needed to say was, Mama, I am in love with a prince and he loves me and all would be well. Instead she keeps his identity secret! Of all the grouperheaded things to do ..

Melusine pauses again to gather her self control up

Nerion, I fear we shall have to brace for a nomad attack. I shall prepare the temple for casualties. I hold out a faint hope that the Pearl and their new king and your soon to be queen daughter will send us some support. Until then we must prepare for the worst.

The delegation Melusine was a part of returns to Sandreef, noticibly smaller than before. The nomads that accompanied them are conspicously absent

Melusine approaches King Mirathan when she gets a chance

Your Highness, I must beg leave of your fair city. I fear that my home will be subject to much worse than this attack when the Brightwater Clan calls up the Free Companions. I have exhausted my curative magics on the recent victims, and I have nothing else to offer.

Melusine pauses

I know that perhaps this isn't the best time, but if you have honorable intentions towards my daughter I would beg of you that you send whatever forces you can spare to Sandreef. We sit on the edge of the Great Kelp Plains, and we will bear the full brunt of any nomad invasion. Nimora's home and all she knew in her youth stands likely to be razed to the ground.

After the four leave Melusine swims up to Mirathan.

Your Excellency, if I may have a moment?

She whispers in his ear:

Nimora blushes. "I understand, Mother. I am sorry that I did not tell you the whole truth before. I did not think you would believe me."

Melusine huffs

I didn't believe you when you said the barracudas ate the seaweed crab cakes. I would hope I could believe you when you professed your love for a future king! By Blibdilpoolp's claw child, sometimes you amaze me with your thought processes.

Melusine calms herself

I am going to go talk to the brothers. Please try to discover if we can rely on some military assistance should Blurghoot take this turn of events badly .....

Melusine swims off, her ladies-in-waiting hurrying after.

Nimora pales.
"Then there is no honorable way out of this? Is that what you are telling me?"

Melusine sighs and looks at Nimora

There is no EASY way to extricate you from your promised marital contract. There is ALWAYS a way to do anything you set your mind to. As for honor, that is for fools and dreamers. Our family has not got where it is today by being honorable.

Melusine stares hard at Nimora.

I will attempt to void our contract with Blurghoot, but I will need King Mirathan to agree to send troops to our city to prevent any incidents with the Free Companions or the Brightwater Clan. These nomads have a prickly sense of 'honor' and will most likely be aggreived that you have traded up in the marraige game.

"I already told you, Mother, that I love him. I would do anything for him. I hope that he feels the same about me, but that is the most that I can tell you about our relationship. No promises have been made. How could they be? I made a promise to you. I would have promised anything to save him."

Melusine clucks

Oh my headstrong willful girl. If you had TOLD me that you were in love with the heir of the Pearl of the South, rather than 'Mirathan' which is just a name. I would have been most pleased to broker something with his family. Really, child, you must no be so headstrong and impetuous! Now I have committed your hand to Blurghoot, and if we attempt to disengage it is going to cause all sorts of ruckus.

Melusine sighs

I don't need to tell you that the Free Companions of the Depths hold the Pearl of the South in a bit of contempt. They are proud nomad warriors after all, and are very aggressive folk. They do not owe our new king Mirathan any fealty. I'm not sure what I can do. If you had perhaps expounded on Mirathan's identity more ... But that is tideflow over the reef now ..

"Hello, Mother," Nimora says nervously.

Melusine smiles widely and places a double buss on Nimora's cheeks

Dearest Nimora, I had no idea that the person you were rescuing was the Pri ..err King! You should really qualify these matters!

She glances back where Joren and four nomad men in mother-of-pearl armor stand chatting.

I have you prospective husband with me. Unless there is something you wish to tell me about your relationship with His Majesty, Mirathan III?

Melusine looks over Nimora, and her obviously royally-stiched clothing with an appraising eye.

Melusine comes swimming out from the citadel after an hour has elapsed.

My divinations have determined that the soul of your friend Mirathan is trapped in some sort of orb, and is being held in a place known as the Carnival of Shadows. The Priestesses of Discord have made their home there for the moment.

She looks to Nimora.

I am assuming you have to finish your quest. I expect you will fufill our bargain after its completion. I will advance the plans and expect you back here within three tides months. Agreed?

Melusine smiles

Excellent! You may rejoin your friends. I'll need some privacy to do my divinations..

Posting a bit over at OTD OOC re: plot twist

Anything. Anything you like, Mother, only help me save him.

Very well ...

Melusine steeples her fingers

Our clan has recently contracted an alliance with the Brightwater Clan. They desire a marraige to seal our alliance. I would like you to consent to marrying their Clan chieftan's son, Blurghoot.

Help me find the location of these Daughters of Discord. Somehow they are able to protect themselves from ordinary scrying, but if anyone can get past that you can. I know that you have the favor of Aventurnus. Please just help me find the right direction so I can save him, I beg you.

Melusine sighs

Very well. I will attempt it. But, I want something in return..

Melusine ponders Nimora's words

What exactly would you have me do Nimora?

While I was away I joined the armies of the Green. There was a war. I fought in it. There was someone else who fought too. That's what I need to speak to you about. Please, it's very important.

Well, if you must. Follow me ...

Melusine swims into the citadel.

"Yes, Mother. One meets many interesting people when fighting against the Black."

Melusine frowns

Fighting? When were you fighting dear?

"As to your question, Lady, I am a member of the sect assigned to the Pearl of the South. We strive to keep stability amongst the government of that place, or smooth transitions of that government as appropriate. We fight against the chaos that likes to throw itself against order."

Melusine smiles

"It is always an honor to have a member of the knightly orders in our house. Do you know High Priestess Marralaloob? She runs the temple of Aventurnus down in the Pearl of the South. We were acolytes together many tides ago ..."

Melusine bows to the Bard and Sytt. One finely-plucked eyebrow arches.

"Charmed. Nimora I must say you have some ... interesting companions. "

"Yes, Mother. I did not mean to be improper. It is only that it is a matter of some urgency. At your earliest convenience, please?"

Melusine smiles blandly

"Of course Nimora. I am always happy to hear what you have to say."

She turns to Telestial

"So please tell me about your Order sir knight."

Melusine smiles at the introductions

"It is lovely to meet you all. Welcome to my home. Please, Maera, find some accomidations for Nimora's friends."

Melusine looks at Nimora as she asks to talk alone

"Now, Nimora, remember that there is nothing so important that we can ignore proper courtesy."

Melusine looks over the assembly

"If you would be so kind..." She says drily

As Nimora and her companions talk there is a sudden commotion at the front gate. Nimora's mother and Joren enter into the courtyard and swim over.

"My darling Nimora. It has been too long."

Melusine kisses Nimora on her two cheeks in greeting