The young woman with long brown hair is waiting around the front of the guild and sees Vesta approach. She lowers the wards for Vesta. Then she waits for Vesta to approach and gives her a soft smile.
"I'll fetch her. Wait here for me." The woman says and then heads off to disappear further into the Guild.
A few minutes pass and both the brown haired woman and E'ni'cala come into the room. They are speaking quietly. E'ni'cala has rings under her eyes and her robe sleeves are pulled up and tied at her shoulders. She is wiping a cloth down her arms to clear off any remaining blood or sick from her hands and arms.
When E'ni'cala sees Vesta, her expression turns worried and she rushes away from the woman beside her and up to Vesta. She starts to reach for her friend's hand but stops herself short.
"Vesta! Are you okay? You..." She looks Vesta up and down. "What can I do for you, Vesta? I want to help you however I can."
E'ni'cala presses her lips together in a firm, determined line.
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Official Proclamation from the Seat of Dalefaer
Dated: 19th of Xaraxia, Year 426
Let it be known by all within the bounds of Forsetidale and the Empire beyond:
I. Regarding the Cessation of Private Courtship It is with a spirit of mutual respect and continued dedication to duty that I announce the conclusion of the private courtship between myself, Baroness Charlotte Greyshield, and Knightmaster Sir Fallin, Seneschal of Forsetidale.
Sir Fallin’s service to the barony is, as ever, invaluable. He shall retain the title of Lord Seneschal. However, the path of the heart and the path of the state have diverged. We return now to a relationship defined solely by our shared burden: the protection and prosperity of this land.
II. Declaration of Intent Regarding Suit With the weight of the Barony settling squarely upon my shoulders, it has become clear that the future of House Greyshield requires a partnership not merely of affection, but of fortitude.
Therefore, I declare my hand open to suit from those of noble standing or proven merit who wish to petition for marriage.
Let potential suitors heed this warning: I do not seek a decoration for my court, nor a placeholder for my lineage. I have recently disposed of those who treat titles as privileges rather than jobs. Do not bring me gold; Forsetidale has trade. Do not bring me armies; Forsetidale has steel.
Bring me competence.
I seek a consort who understands that to rule is to serve. I seek a partner who will stand beside me in the mud as readily as in the manor. If you cannot carry your own weight, do not expect to share in mine.
Petitions may be delivered to the Lord Protector’s office for initial vetting.
Signed and Sealed,
(Signature) Baroness Charlotte Greyshield Baroness of Forsetidale
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Writ of Severance and Abrogation
Issued from the Seat of Dalefaer Dated: 19th of Xaraxia, Year 426
By the hand of Her Excellency, Baroness Charlotte Greyshield Under the Auspices of His Majesty, King Vlastimir Daggerheart
TO THE FORMER LORD, TRISTAN AND CITIZENS OF THE REALM:
It is written in the founding tenets of Forsetidale that "power, like burdens, should be distributed amongst us all". You were given a share of this weight, a sacred trust to uphold the balance and protect the community. Instead, through gross negligence and a willful abandonment of your station, you have let that burden fall upon the shoulders of others. You have sought the privileges of the Gauntleted Fist without respecting the Scale it holds.
Therefore, in accordance with the laws of the Ariadnian Empire, which designate the Nobles as the Eyes, Ears, and Voice of the King , and with the direct ratification of the Crown, I hereby enact the following Noble Order:
Stripping of Title: You are hereby stripped of the title of "Lord." You hold no rank, no station, and no privilege within the peerage of Ariad.
Abrogation of Lineage: You are severed from the House of Greyshield. You may no longer bear the name, display the crest of the Gold and Blue, nor claim kinship for the purpose of succor or status. The history of the Greyshields is no longer your history.
Exile: You are hereby branded an exile within the borders of Forsetidale. You have three days to cross the border. Should you be found within these lands past that hour, you will be treated as a trespasser and subject to the judgment of the Baronial Court.
Seizure of Assets: All lands, estates, and assets previously held in your name within this Barony are reclaimed by the last living heir of the Greyshield estate and Baroness of Foresetidale, Charlotte Rose Greyshield.
So Ordered,
(Signature) Baroness Charlotte Greyshield Baroness of Forsetidale
(Royal Seal) Ratified by King Vlastimir Daggerheart King of the Ariadnian Empire
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A few days after escorting Lord Tristan through town, the heavy doors of the Foresetidale Embassy burst open and an entourage of troops file out.
At their point, is a man with short, neatly trimmed salt and pepper hair. He is wearing gleaming heavy platemail that is decorated in medals with the Foresetidale favor hanging down the front of his waist. On his hip is a sword that glistens brightly in the sunlight.
The remaining Foresetidale knights, equally as polished and neatly organized, form a sort of diamond around a young man in the center. He is wearing fine silk clothes of yellow and blue with a bag on his hip, a common sight for a courier.
The soldiers march across town and into the tavern, all eyes forward and not stopping for anyone. People part around them like the sea parting for a ship.
When they enter the tavern, they approach the missive board. The leader of the knights steps aside in a sharp, curt step with his hand resting on the pommel of his sword now. The courier steps forward, pulling a scroll from his sack.
In a few short moments, the young man has it pinned to the board. Then he reaches into his sack for a second scroll which he unrolls and posts to the board as well. He takes a second to make sure they are perfectly placed at the center of the board, nods once with satisfaction, and looks to the lead knight.
The soldiers shuffle and reform their diamond around the courier before marching back across town and back into the Foresetidale Embassy.
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The guard on the left clears his throat. "I know you. I can let him know you came to see him. Next time I see him anyways. But I'm not sure when that will be to be totally honest."
The guard on the right dips his head to her. "Have a good evening, ma'am."
The guard on the left releases the pommel of his sword and relaxes his arms at his side again. "Safe travels, miss."
They watch her go and then return to their conversation.
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There are two guards posted by the portal as usual. They are chatting with one another until they notice Vesta approaching. As soon as they see her, they stop talking and straighten, putting hands on their swords but not drawing them.
"Good evening, ma'am." The guard to the right of the portal says. "Unfortunately, that won't be possible. The portal is locked. No one goes in."
The other guard stares at Vesta silently.
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E'ni'cala smiles. "I would be happy to stay. We still have a book to discuss."
She squeezes Vesta's hand in return. "I think you're right. I think they will work things out. He's probably right, honestly. You two were gone for so long... I imagine his sister is just worried and wants to check in. And you know nobility... They always have to make a scene."
She smiles but it doesn't quite reach her eyes, like she isn't convinced of her own words.
"Anyways, tell me more about your book. I'd love to hear more." She sets her other hand over their joined hands and squeezes reassuringly.
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E'ni'cala watches them walk away as well but then turns and follows Vesta back inside, shutting the door behind her. She takes a seat across from Vesta and stretches her hand across the table, an offering.
"Vesta..." She clears her throat. "Would you like to be alone? Or do you want company?"
She gives Vesta a hesitant, but friendly smile. "I'd be happy to be a distraction if that's what you need."
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A young woman with long pointed ears in white and gold robes steps out of the guild of light. She has a few books tucked under one arm and a big smile on her face. She smooths out the favor on her hip and then sets off from the guild porch, heading towards the city's gates chasing after rumors of a vardo parked outside.
As the familiar colorful vardo comes into view, the elf's smile grows wider and she picks up her pace.
Once she reaches the door, she knocks gently and waits patiently.
A few seconds pass and the door opens, the elf steps inside.
~A short while later~
The heavy doors of the Foresetidale Embassy swing open. Five knights in gleaming, plate armor and wearing favors of blue and gold exit the Foresetidale Embassy. They walk in perfect formation, one at point while the other four flank them with practiced ease. They march through town with clear purpose and citizens quickly scramble out of the way as they pass.
As they reach the gates at the edge of town, they march up to a colorful vardo parked right outside.
As they reach the door, they frame it, blocking it entirely.
Then metal sings as they all draw their swords in unison.
The leader steps up to the door and gives it a hard knock with their heavy gauntlet.
A moment passes before the door opens and Vesta stands on the other side.
“Good morning. I am Captain Sir Garrick Ironborn.” The leader of the knights states. “I am here on orders from Baroness Charlotte Greyshield-”
“What is this about?” Tristan asks over Vesta’s shoulder, setting a hand on her shoulder as he looks out at them.
Sir Garrick turns his attention to Tristan.
“Lord Tristan Greyshield, you are hereby commanded to return to the capital by order of Baroness Charlotte Greyshield.” Sir Garrick locks eyes with him. “Please, come with us.”
There is a moment of hesitation as Tristan stares at the knights gathered before the door. In the end, he leans down and presses a gentle kiss to Vesta’s cheek.
“It’ll be okay, darling. I’m sure my sister is just upset that I was gone for so long. I’ll be back soon.” And steps around her and out the door.
As soon as he is on the ground, the knights converge around him. With Tristan at their center, the knights turn in unison and begin heading back into town with their swords drawn. Tristan looks over his shoulder at Vesta and gives her a wide, confident smile then waves to her and blows her a kiss before turning forward.
E'ni'cala rushes to Vesta's side, glancing from her friend to the knights as they walk away. "What in the planes just happened?! Vesta, are you okay?"
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Storm nods, catching the not so subtle hint in Vesta's statement. "Alright. We'll leave you two to it. I'll get Nill a bath and some new clothes. See if the barber is still awake too."
She looks at Nill and smiles. "Welp. Let's get out of here, Nill. Get you all cleaned up and all."
She gives Vesta a nod. "Thanks for the.... Thanks."
She stands up from her seat and heads for the door, tapping Nill on the shoulder as she passes. She exits the vardo.
Tristan visibly relaxes when Storm announces they are leaving and then lets out a sigh of relief when Nill exits.
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Storm gives Nill an encouraging nod when Vesta asks for her hand and then watches quietly.
Tristan tenses as he watches Vesta, his attention now entirely on her.
After Vesta does her thing, Storm lets out a sigh of relief. "Well, sounds like we've got some time then."
Tristan relaxes as Vesta comes out of the vision and sets a gentle hand on her thigh.
Storm tilts her head as she examines Nill. "Maybe if we get her some new clothes and stuff, they won't even recognize her." She shrugs. "Well, either way, I'll probably be with her. So I'll keep an eye out for anything unusual."
Storm looks at Vesta. "Thank you for looking. I know it's a risk every time you do. So I appreciate it. I'm just..." She looks down and chuckles half-heartedly. "Saige would help her. If she were here. Saige wouldn't just leave someone in need."
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Storm shrugs. "She likes black." She looks over at Nill and sighs. "I feel kinda shitty actually. I should have gotten you some better clothes already. I'm sorry, Nill. You're probably freezing too." She quirks an eyebrow. "Wait. Are you cold?"
Tristan clears his throat. "She needs more than new clothes. Look at her hair. And her nails." He makes a face and then shakes his head. "I think a trip to the bath, a barber, and the tailor are definitely due."
Storm finishes her tea and sets the empty cup on the table. "I can see to it. Don't worry about it."
Tristan nods, sipping his tea now that it has cooled. "I imagine Queen Sofira may be able to help find a tailor that specializes in winged people."
Storm shrugs. "Or...I can cut little slits in the back for her. It doesn't take a specialist to do something that simple." She twists and flaps her wings, showing off the tears in her top that allow the wings to fit through.
Tristan makes another face. "But without proper stitching, that shirt is going to fall apart. Quickly. If you don't want to go to a queen for help, I can ask around and see if I can find someone."
Storm groans. "Sure. Fine. Just nothing uppity. I'm not made of money." She looks at Vesta. "Lets take a peek then. If you think you can do it safely. Make sure we don't run into extra trouble or anything. Sounds like a good idea to me."
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- The winter was harsh and cruel. Food was more scarce than usual. The cold bit deeper than it should have. A lot of familiar faces are missing after this cold and hungry winter. Not everyone was lucky enough to see the snow thaw...
- A group of new heroes has been achieving the impossible in villages and towns around Ariad. The group, known only as, “The Vanguard” has taken down an army of over a thousand goblins on their own. They saved an entire village from a bandit raid, not a house was burned and no one died. They help the common folk in many more ways as they travel around Ariad. People are saying they may be the solution to their many problems since the current heroes seem to be… erratic.
- Baroness Jade, a Ramtovi woman, and Zuiigri of the Artisan’s Guild had an explosive argument in the Seshtau Embassy and none of them have been seen since. The heroes are falling apart. Is there any hope left for the kingdom? Perhaps “The Vanguard”….
- Terrified whispers amongst the townsfolk of Imyr speak of werewolf sightings in the bog on the outskirts of town. Trade has trickled to a stop and the townsfolk are frightened to leave the city even in search of food.
- Lord Tristan Greyshield, who has been frequently seen with a Ramtovi woman, has been practically inseparable from her. Students of the Academy whisper about how much class he is missing and Foresetidale is aflame with rumors that they have run away together as Lord Tristan was seen accompanying her out of town, where no one has seen them for weeks now. The Baroness, with rumors still circulating about her own romantic affairs, clearly has no control over her twin brother. Is this the end for the Greyshield’s?
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Tristan relaxes a little more when Vesta gives his hand a reassuring squeeze. When she sees his shoulders loosen, Storm also relaxes a bit more.
Tristan leans forward and adds a spoonful of sugar to his cup and stirs it gently. "Apologies, Nill, Storm." He looks at them each in turn before lifting his cup. "I'm just a bit... Well. I'm sure you can understand why I'm a bit nervous."
"Not really, honestly. Nill hasn't done anything to you. And she's not a relative of Saige. Unless..." Storm's smile turns wicked. "Is it me you're afraid of?"
Tristan sighs. "No. I'm not afraid of you, Storm. It's just that you... Have a tendency to surround yourself in chaos." He blows on his cup of tea very gently before taking a sip.
Storm shrugs and reaches for her cup of tea. "Eh. That's fair enough. Chaos does tend to follow me." Her wings twitch behind her and she flicks her tail. "Obviously."
Then she turns her eyes to Vesta. "To be honest.... I don't know if you should look either. Originally, I wanted to see what she should do. If anyone was looking for her. That kind of thing. Just a peek to see if helping us is the right thing for her." She lifts her cup of tea and takes a drink without bothering to blow on it. "Now though... I don't want to accidentally poke the bug bear, ya know? And if Nill doesn't want to look yet anyways..."
Storm sighs and gives Nill a reassuring smile before taking another drink of her tea. "I dunno. She's been a slave. I just don't want her to end up back there so I want to try and help her."
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Storm nods to Nill after hearing her answer and then heads inside the vardo. She finds a seat and takes it then turns to watch Nill.
When Nill recoils and falls out of the chair, Tristan startles as well with a yip and tenses in his chair.
Storm watches Vesta and Tristan carefully and then chuckles, peaking a little too loudly. "I don't mean to laugh, Nill. I just think it's kinda funny that you touch metal and flinch but you've got all those piercings."
She chuckles awkwardly, looking at Vesta as she is clearly trying to relieve the tension in the room.
Tristan, however, remains tense and is focusing entirely on Nill. Which draws Storm's attention once more.
"If Nill is going to make you two this uncomfortable, I can take her home." She says with a slight growl to her voice. Then she clears her throat and sighs. "She's not going to hurt you. She's just lost. And looking for friends."
Storm looks at Vesta, forcing her to make eye contact while she ignores Tristan. "She's a good person."
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