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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/11/2009 12:28:35 PM
PostID: 268184
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Illian has left the peaceful cloisters of Corbie Abbey, her home for the past seven years, to head back to her homeland of Albion in the company of Edward of Gascony - who claims to be none other than the son of Edward Longshanks and the rightful heir to the throne of Albion. Edward has a quest - he seeks Excalibur, the fabled sword of Arthur Pendragon, and intends to use it to claim his throne and unite the disparate tribes and petty kingdoms within Albion.
After an eventful trip through Normandy, including a fight with lizard men and an assassination attempt upon Edward, they have crossed the Northern Sea and arrived in the port of Dunwich on the east coast of Albion.
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/11/2009 1:56:16 PM
PostID: 268189
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The new day dawns, and Illian looks out of the window to discover that her first day back in her homeland is grey and cloudy, with the promise of rain. Etienne and Wulfhere between them have kept watch all night, and as they all convene in Edward's room, Illian notices that a full night's sleep seems to have done him good. For her part, she also feels refreshed.
Etienne and Wulfhere report on their findings from the previous day. They have learned that the lord of the town is Baron Henri de Montfort - a Norman, but one whose family has lived in Albion for several generations. His fealty is to the Duke of Norfolk, who in turn holds Edward Longshanks as his rightful King. The Duke is looking south towards the kingdom of Essex, ruled by the Saxon atheling Edmund, and the talk is that soon Edmund will be looking to expand north into East Anglia and that the Duke will have to call his banners.
It seems that wherever they travel in the Western World, the threat of war hangs above them.
As they enter the common room of the tavern, Illian notices the halfling Jerry, who they rescued from the Vikings. He is sitting at one of the tables with a mug of ale and a plate of bread and bacon. When he catches sight of them, he calls out:
"My lady, my lords! Wait!"
He trots over to them, a loaf of bread in one hand and his mug in the other.
"You left the ship so quickly, I never had the chance to say goodbye, or to thank you for saving me. Alessandro told me you were staying here."
He looks up at Illian and Etienne.
"I just wanted to say thank you. I will be travelling on to the Shire, and when I get there I shall tell them of my adventures, and of the Men and Elf who saved me. If you ever get to Hobbiton and I am still there, you will have the warmest welcome. And I won't forget the the coin you lent me. When I can repay it, I will."
This last is directed at Etienne, who just shrugs as if he has no idea what the halfling is talking about. But as Edward and Wulfhere both look at him, his face turns red. He turns away, muttering something about ordering breakfast.
This post last edited on 1/26/2009 3:59:28 PM
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/11/2009 2:08:36 PM
PostID: 268191
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Illian wakes early, rested and refreshed, and makes careful preparations to pack away everything, including her journal and notebooks. In case they decide to leave at a moments notice, I'll be ready when they are. She pulls back her hair into her serious librarian style while she thinks and packs.
Before leaving the room, she will go through a routine of stretching her body, particularly paying attention to her shoulder, before shouldering her pack, grabbing her staff, and heading across the hall when summoned.
When they all meet in Edward's room for the retelling of the previous day's information, Illian is attentive to Etienne, stiff with Wulfhere, and generally unresponsive to Edward. Her thoughts and feelings from the day before, as well as her journaling, are still fresh on her mind. She still mentally debates her own points from the writing, which leaves her with a thoughtful face through the whole meeting. She doesn't sign anything, just listens, but also does not pay attention to how Edward is reacting to her.
In the common room, she'll nibble at some bread and watch the room. When Jerry comes over to chat, she will just nod her head in a friendly greeting but stays silent both vocally and interpretively.
This post last edited on 1/11/2009 2:12:15 PM
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/11/2009 3:35:06 PM
PostID: 268202
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They break their fast with Jerry, and share with him what they have learned about the city. Although she is not really paying attention, Illian can't help but notice that Edward keeps glancing at her, as if uncertain of something, while Etienne and Jerry make most of the conversation.
Beyond the threat of war with Essex, Etienne and Wulfhere heard all sorts of rumours the previous day:
- there was a giant kraken seen off the coast of Norfolk, that attacked a ship from Normandy and pulled it under the waves, with all drowned,
- the daughter of the Baron is to be married to some northern lord,
- the new Temple is completed, and will be consecrated within the month,
- the recent fire in the old library was started by elves, jealous of the people of Dunwich and their learning.
Otherwise, they have seen that the city is doing well, prospering in its position as the main thoroughfare to the mainland.
With breakfast finished, Edward stands.
"Giant kraken and jealous elves, hm? These people certainly have some imagination. Well, now that we have eaten, shall we make ourselves known to the Baron?"
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/11/2009 7:05:21 PM
PostID: 268218
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Illian's attention perks to a particular set of words spoken, but sits on her own thoughts about it for now. But she knows that she cannot remain silent, as eventually Edward would ask her something directly that would demand her response. And because of that thought, she becomes angry with herself for not finding a better solution to the problem at hand.
When the question does come, she is prepared for its arrival, and answers it as she thinks he would expect her to.
We should do that. And I would also like to visit this old library, with your aid. If there really was a fire set by Elves, there could be other reasons than mere jealousy for their actions. Either way, there are a few things I would look at, and if the Baron gives us permission to enter there, all the better.
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/12/2009 4:44:32 PM
PostID: 268341
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Edward nods.
"We will ask him. Jerry, good luck with your journey. May Orion speed your way."
The halfling bows.
"And to you, my lords, my lady. Come and visit me in the Shire!"
Promising to do so if possible, they take their leave. Outside they join the Processional again and head towards the castle. It is early in the morning, but a great many people are out and about already. Dunwich is a cosmopolitan city - as they walk down the street Illian passes Aquitanian merchants browsing the goods for sale in the market, dark-skinned Iberian traders from the Mare Nostrum bartering with East Anglian shopkeepers, Normans, Saxons, Breton halflings, even a few Norsemen. But, she observes, no elves. At one point she sees a beggar in an alleyway who shows some features of her people, but if he has elvish ancestry it is from many generations back. When he sees that Illian has noticed him, the beggar shrinks back into the alleyway and is gone from sight.
A gate guard stops them as they enter the outer bailey of the castle.
"Hold. What is your business here?"
"I am here to pay my respects to the Baron, at his earliest convenience" replies Edward. "My name is Edward Plantagenet, of Gascony. These are my companions and friends."
The guard grins.
"Is that so. Plantagenet, huh? And I am Grand Duke Rene of Lorraine, but today I am helping out here in Dunwich rather than ruling my kingdom. Now get along with you, there are folk who have real business here."
[ooc: Spot roll, please...!]
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/12/2009 4:54:44 PM
PostID: 268345
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I thought that Wulfhere had made inquiries and gotten us more information that might allow us to make our introductions better.
Illian turns to Edward. Perhaps it would have been better to send an introductory letter first and then make an appearance. Exactly what did Wulfhere do to acquire the information he got yesterday? Did he not make for us an introduction?
Secure Rolls:
Spot 1d20(9)+4 = 13
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/12/2009 5:12:48 PM
PostID: 268347
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"He didn't go to the castle, just around the city. I thought we might keep our visit informal" he says by way of explanation, then turns back to the guard.
"Well, Duke Rene, perhaps you would be so kind as to take a close look at this." Edward takes out the ring box Illian saw in his saddlebag the previous night, and opens it to show the guard a large gold signet ring, embossed with six lions and encrusted with small rubies.
"Now I don't expect you to recognise it, but your captain might do. Go and get him, and make it quick. Tell him Edward of Gascony is here, and is being delayed at the gate, and is considering having the reason he is being delayed hanged, when he finally does get to speak to Baron Henri."
Edward is no longer smiling, but is still speaking pleasantly.
The guard looks uncertainly at them, then glances at Illian.
"Wait here" he says, and moves over towards where three more guards are stationed. A hasty conversation ensues, during which the first guard points at both Edward and Illian, then a second man heads off towards the inner bailey.
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/12/2009 5:23:33 PM
PostID: 268348
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Illian is starting to feel self-conscious about her presence there. She begins to fear that she will not be allowed near anything for what she is and not who she is. She attempts to not let show that she feels out of place, and the guards might not notice, but Edward might notice that she is noticeably uncomfortable and letting her shoulders hunch slightly.
Her face starts to turn downward, not wanting to watch the guards stare or sneer at her. She begins reflecting upon the thoughts she had written about hindering Edward's quest by her mere presence, and begins to distract herself with the grain of the burnt wood in her staff.
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/15/2009 3:35:19 PM
PostID: 268718
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Edward murmurs in Illian's ear,
"Don't worry about them. We will be safe enough."
They wait. The gate guards occasionally glance over at them but otherwise leave them alone. After about fifteen minutes, the guard who went to the inner bailey returns. With him is an elderly man, looking stern. Illian notices that he is dressed in expensive clothing and generally well presented - obviously a man of some importance.
"Welcome, your Highness" he says with a formal bow to Edward. "I am Prasutagus, the seneschal to the Baron's household. Your visit has come as something of a surprise to us, but you are most welcome. It has been too long since we have seen the House of Plantagenet on these shores. It is my understanding that you showed the guard your signet ring to identify yourself. May I see it, too?"
"By all means" replies Edward, and shows him the ring. Prasutagus inspects it and nods.
"My apologies, your Highness. One cannot be too careful. Please, allow me to show you and your companions into the castle."
"Of course" murmurs Edward.
Introductions are made and Prasutagus walks with them towards the inner bailey. The guards, Illian notices, are still close.
"Tell me, your Highness - what news of Gascony? It has been such a long time since I was there. How is your father's seneschal, Alfonso? And your little cousin, Katherine? She was sick with the palsy - such a shame. Does she cope?"
Edward smiles.
"My father's seneschal is Odalric, and he is well. Or perhaps you mean his old master of horse, Alfonso? Sadly he passed away two years ago, and his son Berenguer now holds the position. As for my cousin, it was not Katherine but Isabelle who has the palsy. She copes as well as can be expected. It seems you have indeed been away for some time, good Prasutagus!"
The seneschal laughs, and bows.
"Forgive me again, your Highness. Rings may be lost, or stolen. Please, follow me. We will have accommodations prepared for you immediately."
He waves away the guards, and leads them towards the inner bailey. Wulfhere glances over at Illian. He is still on edge, not really sure of this place.
This post last edited on 1/15/2009 3:42:50 PM
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/15/2009 3:47:03 PM
PostID: 268719
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Illian does not ease up in her discomfort when Edward says that they will be safe. In fact, she expects just the opposite. Elves are not seen in good light here, nor anywhere anymore, I suppose. I am not really one of them but everyone will see me as one. I still sit on the intermediary between with no real belonging on either side.
She balks slightly but attempts not to let it show when the formalities are addressed and the niceties exchanged. She is thankful that she is silent, because while she understands body language and speech, she does not trust her words with her naivete to politics.
Instead she watches the scenery as they pass, the history written in the walls and furnishings and people.
She does note Wulfhere's discomfort, and makes a note that when the four of them are alone again that she needs to have a conversation with him, even if she needs Edward to translate for her.
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/18/2009 3:18:47 PM
PostID: 269117
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Illian takes in the scenery. The castle looks newly constructed, an imposing structure with thick high walls and strong round towers. Looking up, she again sees the great mangonels and ballistae they first noticed when they were still out at sea. She has never seen a catapult of this size before - one well placed shot from one of those mangonels and a ship the size of the Flemish galley they came in would be broken in two.
[ooc: Illian can make a Knowledge: History and/or Knowledge: Geography roll to see if she knows anything else about Dunwich]
Prasutagus takes them as far as the castle keep, from where servants show them to guest rooms. Illian observes that neither Prasutagus nor the servants treat her any differently because she is an elf. Prasutagus is polite and courteous and the servants fuss over her in exactly the same way that they do over the three humans, trying to take her cloak (for washing and cleaning) and her staff (for safe keeping) and anything else that they perceive is weighing her down, but nodding and apologising when Illian insists on keeping her belongings with her.
[ooc: which is what I assume to be the case but will edit if not!]
Prasutagus tells them that they have arrived at a most fortuitous time - there is to be a banquet tonight in honour of the recent betrothal of Baron Henri's daughter to Sir Guy of Gisbourne, a lord from the northern city of Nottingham. The Baron would be honoured and delighted if Prince Edward and his retinue would join them, and then perhaps they might meet privately after the banquet? When Edward agrees, Prasutagus thanks him, bids them all farewell and takes his leave.
Illian finds herself accommodated opposite Edward, with Etienne and Wulfhere in a chamber directly connected to Edward's rooms. Her chamber is richly furnished, the walls hung with tapestries and expensive looking paintings. A massive four poster bed dominates the room, and beside it are two soft armchairs and a solid looking oak table on which has been placed a bowl of apples, a flagon of wine, some parchment and quill as well as a surprisingly clear mirror. [ooc: not too common to have a good mirror in the Middle Ages]
The scent of lavender wafts over from one corner, where steam is rising from a hot bath that has just been prepared. At the entrance to the room hovers a maidservant.
"Does milady require anything?" she asks anxiously.
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/18/2009 4:19:09 PM
PostID: 269120
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Illian never lets anyone take her staff nor her bag, gripping the dead wood so tightly someone might have thought it was for her life. And she is visibly discomforted by anything anyone does to attempt to accommodate her, or placate her.
The room itself even made her uncomfortable. Plush cloth, heavy wood, heavy drapes made for her heavy thoughts and longing for trees and flowers and grass. But she will wave off the maid and lock the door behind her, setting an alarm on the door before unwinding.
She does use the bath, letting her thoughts run rampant and wild, like the wind through trees, letting herself relax and attempt to forget the complicated world outside the doors. Again, she cries, letting her tears fall into the water, as she attempts to make some answers to her ever-pressing questions. But when the time comes that her skin is clean if not wrinkled, she has yet to resolve any of them.
When she is done, she puts on clean clothes and sits in front of the mirror playing with her hair. She puts all of it into a number of tight, small braids and secures them away from her face with her tie, then addresses herself to her own face. Why do I bother making myself pretty? It's not for them. It might be for him. But why do I bother? I cannot have what I want and I cannot want what I might have.
She takes the time to smooth out her thoughts to be as clear as her skin, but cannot remove the redness from her eyes. She decides to let it be. If anyone takes the time to notice it, let them notice.
She will release the alarm on the door, grab her staff, and go knock on Edward's door.
Secure Rolls:
Knowledge History 1d20(8)+16 = 24
Knowledge: Geography 1d20(16)+12 = 28
This post last edited on 1/18/2009 4:23:16 PM
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/20/2009 3:23:12 PM
PostID: 269407
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[ooc: Illian doesn't know much about Dunwich's history, which is unusual. She doesn't remember reading much about it at all in the annals at York, which would mean that it must have only recently grown to this size. Certainly when she left Albion eight years ago she didn't come through Dunwich, but a port much further north, which meant her sea journey was longer, an unnecessary inconvenience at the time of year she sailed. All in all, the evidence points to Dunwich having expanded in size and importance very quickly and very recently]
Nobody comes to disturb Illian from her thoughts, and she goes to knock on the door to the room opposite.
"Enter!" calls Edward from inside the room. Illian opens the door and goes in. Edward's room is furnished in much the same style as Illian's, but is almost twice as large and even more richly decorated. Etienne and Wulfhere are already in attendance. Edward has poured the three of them wine from a flagon, but no one has touched it save Wulfhere.
"Well, one thing is for sure" says Edward, with a broad smile. "Namely that the Baron seems to be doing pretty well for himself here. That painting up there is by the Aquitanian master Giovanni di Trappatoni and worth a fortune. This guest room is better than my father can offer. A fact I shall be sure to make him aware of, when I see him next...Illian, what is the matter? Have you been crying?"
He gets up from the armchair he was sitting in, a look of concern on his face.
This post last edited on 1/20/2009 3:24:53 PM
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/20/2009 3:32:44 PM
PostID: 269410
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[ooc: also, Illian would be aware that Dunwich is one of the most convenient ports to arrive at from the mainland at the moment. The southern Saxon kingdoms are going through uncertain times, not at open war with one another yet but heading that way. East Anglia is at peace and a safer prospect, although the journey is slightly longer. Further north than here means a longer journey time in what can be rough seas, with a greater risk of running into Viking raiders. So Dunwich is pretty well placed. ]
This post last edited on 1/20/2009 3:33:47 PM
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/20/2009 3:42:04 PM
PostID: 269414
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Illian takes a seat at the table, setting her staff at her feet, and pays attention to Edward's rambling about the room, if only to seem attentive. What to do, what to do, what to do...I cannot ignore him, but I cannot leave either.
His questions interrupt her thoughts, and instead of looking him in the eye she waves him to sit back down. No, just the steam of the bath, nothing to worry about. She looks for another goblet, pours herself some wine, and busies herself with studying it. I am a terrible liar and I know it. Maybe he knows it. But I cannot forget yesterday...hopefully he'll just let it go.
She remembers that she left her notebook across the hall, so she has nothing to distract herself with. Instead, she chooses to pick up a piece of fruit from the table and start eating, reminding herself that she ate very little at breakfast, her thoughts and memories still fresh on her mind.
[ooc: Trying innuendo to hide that she is lying. It's all I've got, so penalize away.]
Secure Rolls:
innuendo 1d20(9)+7 = 16
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/20/2009 4:48:32 PM
PostID: 269425
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Edward does not look convinced, but does not pursue it.
"If you are sure..." he says doubtfully, and then there is a long silence while he looks at her.
Wulfhere coughs, to end the silence.
"My lord. We still have several hours before the banquet. Is there anything you would have me do before then?"
Edward does not react for an instant, but then briefly takes his eyes from Illian to look at the Yorkshireman.
"I don't think so. Have the rest of the day off. You too, Etienne." He turns back. "Illian, is there anything you want to do before we attend the banquet tonight?"
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/20/2009 5:08:17 PM
PostID: 269435
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Illian tries to avoid Edward's stare, finishing one piece of fruit and considering another. She feels his eyes distracted elsewhere for a moment, but never looks up from the table.
I am not handling this well...And this isn't the abbey, where I can go and be distracted by books, surround myself with tomes and distance myself from others with moldy pages and volumes of history. How do I distance myself here, far from what I am used to, without harming him?
His question to her startles her, and as she is surprised, she knocks over the goblet, its last few drops spilling onto the table. She rights the goblet back on the table, then traces out a doodle on the table with the last droplets until they are absorbed into her skin. She takes a few moments to do this while she considers his question.
She does finally look up and towards him, but still dares not meet his gaze, afraid that he might see right through her. If there is something you need for me to do, I'm sure I can find a way to do so.
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DM-Gibbon
(Gibbon)
1/24/2009 9:24:23 AM
PostID: 269956
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[ooc: sorry for delay, have had a sick wolf to look after, she's all recovered now though...
"There is nothing I need to do, but I thought that we might take a walk around the city" suggests Edward. "Familiarise ourselves with the place, perhaps visit this library you took an interest in. This is the first city in Albion I have set foot in for many years. I would know what its people are like, how it differs from cities in Normandy or Lorraine. If indeed it does."
Wulfhere and Etienne do not look too supportive of this idea, and both insist on accompanying Edward. But Edward tells them both no, stating that he can look after himself and if Illian would care to accompany him, then he will have her and her sorcery with him too. Wulfhere looks dubious and Etienne looks concerned but neither argue further.
This post last edited on 1/24/2009 9:26:00 AM
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Illian The Silent
(Meilandru)
1/24/2009 9:33:57 AM
PostID: 269959
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That kind of foray into the city is probably best done with Wulfhere or Etienne. My presence will only attract more attention to you, and get you less information about what you are seeking than if they were with you.
Additionally, I would much rather have the Baron's permission to enter the library so that I do not cause any trouble. If the rumors circulating about elves setting fire in the library hold even the slightest merit, they are not likely to let me anywhere near it. I would have more success with permission, and then may even be able to have assistance in what to look for. Doing the research myself, in a foreign library, will take considerably longer, and I do not wish to delay your cause.
So, for now, I cannot assist you with either of those tasks. If you still wish to pursue them, take Etienne with you. I think it best for now if I stay here.
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