All times are UTC [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
  Offline
 Post subject: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 25th, 2015, 5:15 pm 
User avatar
Duke

Joined: May 30th, 2015, 8:19 pm
Posts: 1150
Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
"She is quite bold isn't she..." Yùick stands holding a scroll which seems to be passing through towns all across the empire. "Not even the kings have done something like this, yet she a serf sends out criers to every town in our empire?"

"Bold is an understatement m'lord" Jared spoke his brow furrowed looking at a map of Wysteria. "I believe it unwise to allow these acts to continue until we understand her full intentions. It wouldn't do well to have the few people who have began to migrate to the southern lands begin to turn to the east."

"Hmmph." Yùick replies distractedly reading the scroll. "Incredible..."

"Sir, I have to agree with Jared. She would ask our best scholars and skilled men to head to her lands." Silvy was anxiously pacing back and forth. "We need these men and women for the Southern expansion!"

"I agree with both of you, in that we cannot lose these fellows. But I also assure you they won't leave. The lady in fact has given them almost no reason to. She speaks of work yes but its likely that the people who she wants are esteemed workers in their own countries, they would be comfortable already. She asks them to uproot themselves for almost no reason other then the honour of serving her!"
He sighs. "Though for some reason it is intriguing..."

Both advisers have stopped to look at him, slowly they begin to nod. "I suppose you could be right m'lord, but it wouldn't hurt to speak with her and understand why she is doing this." Jared spoke beginning to show him the map. "Wysteria is a simple route to the east."

Yùick waves his hand. "I've already sent a messenger to her asking her to reach out to me immediately." He grimaces staring out at the waterless fountain to the south. "She seems to need reminding that she is only yet a serf."

_________________
Gimpy/The Italian Stallion

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door, You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." -Bilbo Baggins

Duke of Kaine


Last edited by Gimpy V on November 26th, 2015, 12:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 25th, 2015, 5:55 pm 
User avatar
Count

Joined: June 23rd, 2015, 8:57 pm
Posts: 508
Location: Ontario, CA
Duke, I was most happy to receive word from you, although I am used to your Mother’s warm letters and pleasant visits rather than summons. Speaking of, please accept my most sincere condolences. your Mother was a great Ruler and a dear friend of my House. I do hope we will continue this friendship, especially since Wysteria and Kaine are such close neighbors.

I would be delighted to visit Kaine, as I promised you Mother I would, but I am afraid it isn’t quite possible right now. I am sure your messenger will be able to confirm this, I am elated to announce that my first child is now well under way! I dare not undertake any kind of major journey at this stage, and there is much preparations to make regarding the child’s arrival in addition to the energy I spend working on Chester-le-Ford’s recovery. You will be happy to learn that the town is once again expanding with renewed vigor. Trade has picked up, settlers are coming back and construction resumed.

Still, even if leaving Wysteria is not an option for me at the moment, I am nevertheless most curious about the nature of your summon, and I wouldn’t dream of dismissing any concern of yours on the account of my personal life’s recent events. I would be honored to receive your visit in Chester-le-Ford, for you to witness by yourself the revival of the town to to discuss any matter your heart desires.

Your faithful ally,
Miss Liserett of the House O’Kleefe, Mayor of Chester-le-Ford, Citizen of Wysteria

_________________
Lady Liserett of the House O'Kleefe
Countess of Chester-le-Ford, Wysteria
Deputy Minister of Hermertian History
Appointed Minister of Wysterian Architecture


Last edited by Liserett on November 25th, 2015, 6:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 25th, 2015, 6:17 pm 
User avatar
Duke

Joined: May 30th, 2015, 8:19 pm
Posts: 1150
Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
Dear Liserett, my mother was dear to me and I thank you for your condolences. I understand your reasons for not accepting my invitation and am ecstatic to learn of your child, I however am also too busy to visit your in Chester-Le-Ford. I have many matters at hand to deal with, including my settlement program in the southern reaches of Kaine. So I hope you understand that I cannot make the visit to you. I bless your child, and should you need anything feel free to contact, me.

_________________
Gimpy/The Italian Stallion

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door, You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." -Bilbo Baggins

Duke of Kaine


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 25th, 2015, 6:45 pm 
User avatar
Count

Joined: June 23rd, 2015, 8:57 pm
Posts: 508
Location: Ontario, CA
Dear Duke Yùick, I was under the impression you wished to discuss something important. Either that or your messenger was quite misinformed, but I doubt you would send summons to other nations' citizens without an important reason. If you wish, you could send a diplomat to meet with me and I shall give my full attention to whatever the matter at hand is. I would send someone myself, but undoubtedly you are aware that I do not have a diplomat to send.

If, on the other hand, you judge your initial concern does not require follow up, then I will not insist further and wish you health and prosperity. I shall honor our Houses' relationship should you need anything from Chester-le-Ford.

Sincerely,
Miss Liserett of the House O'Kleefe, Mayor of Chester-le-Ford and Citizen of Wysteria

_________________
Lady Liserett of the House O'Kleefe
Countess of Chester-le-Ford, Wysteria
Deputy Minister of Hermertian History
Appointed Minister of Wysterian Architecture


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 25th, 2015, 6:53 pm 
User avatar
Duke

Joined: May 30th, 2015, 8:19 pm
Posts: 1150
Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
Dear Liserett, the matter was and still is of importance however a diplomat will not due, I myself need meet you with.

However, recently a shipment of wool was attacked and lost to a band of pirates in the northern sea. Thankfully my crew is safe and my warships are on route to try to find the robbing barbarians. What this means is that I am in need of wool for my southern projects. My advisers have informed me that Chester-Le-Ford is known to supply wool, or atleast Gallen is.

I plan to take the trip myself along with a few a sturdy mules, my guard and a few travelers who have been there before, I will plan a stop for a night or two in Chester-Le-Ford and we can meet on this issue, I hope that this letter finds you in good health and that in the future we can create many deals between our lands.

From, Yùick Thanort ~ Duke of Kaine.

_________________
Gimpy/The Italian Stallion

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door, You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." -Bilbo Baggins

Duke of Kaine


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 25th, 2015, 7:03 pm 
User avatar
Count

Joined: June 23rd, 2015, 8:57 pm
Posts: 508
Location: Ontario, CA
Dear Duke, I hope the attackers are found and brought to justice, our trade routes are already at risk with the various night crawlers that plague our world. Chester-le-Ford currently only export about 60 bales of wool per year, but this number should quadruple during the next decade. I will be happy to discuss a contract with Kaine, I am sure we can become close partners and greatly mutually benefit eachother.

I look forward to your visit Duke, travel safely.

Your faithful ally,
Miss Liserett of the House O'Kleefe


EDIT: waiting for a visit with impatience doesn't mean the same as in French apparently, so I changed that >.>

_________________
Lady Liserett of the House O'Kleefe
Countess of Chester-le-Ford, Wysteria
Deputy Minister of Hermertian History
Appointed Minister of Wysterian Architecture


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 26th, 2015, 9:03 pm 
User avatar
Count

Joined: June 23rd, 2015, 8:57 pm
Posts: 508
Location: Ontario, CA
The Duke and his entourage thread carefully the trail supposedly leading to Chester-le-Ford. It is hard to believe that any kind of settlement worth mentioning truly stands at the end of such an unkempt path. The mules are good beasts though, and the procession steadily makes its way East.

Sure enough, there it is, the gate tower suddenly appears behind a small hill, just as described by his Mother. A couple of guards, obviously expecting him, stand to attention as he advances on the bridge. They greet him by his title and bow deeply as he passes them. If nothing else, people here show better manners than many other provinces.

In the city, a strange sight awaits the Duke. There are a handful of fairly imposing buildings, seemingly scattered across the land. there is an inn large enough to house the whole town’s population, stables fit for a King, a three story Villa, all seemingly out of place in this country side of shepherds, weavers and miners. Despite this, many foundations are being laid, and much ground is covered with stone piles, lumber, various carts, work benches and makeshift sheds. It is undeniable that the town is expanding.

As a couple of stable hands take on unsaddling, brushing and feeding the mules, a young woman walks out of a group of stone masons near the stables. Even though she wears simple white cotton trousers and shirt and she carries a long roll of parchment, but her gait, her high chin and her rounded abdomen betray her as the bold woman he corresponded with, Miss Liserett.

“Good afternoon, Liserett I assume?”

“Indeed, and you would be Duke Yùick undoubtedly! I am most pleased that you arrived safely. Please excuse the road’s condition, a proper cobblestone road is to be built, but I am afraid I have more plans than stonemasons!”

“Ah yes, it is always troublesome completing roadwork. Indeed I have a few settlements within Kaine that have very little roadwork about them. If you would, my men could use some water to quench their thirst.” He extends his hand to her in a pleasant manner.

With a warm smile, Liserett delicately takes the offered hand and bows. “Of course Duke, please allow me to direct you to our inn for refreshments. I also had rooms prepared for you, you are expected. I hope it is not too crowded for your liking, many of our workers are currently housed there. The servants will arrange bathing tubs for you, I am sure you will appreciate these after such a journey. Unfortunately, the bathhouse is still under construction, so I hope the inn meets your expectations.”

Duke Yùick appreciatively nods and waves his men along towards the inn. “We shall all freshen up a bit and then the two of us can speak about a trade deal.” His eyes tracking his men as they wander through the street. “And about other such ordeals.” He adds almost as an afterthought, his eyes snapping back to her.

Still smiling, her eyes having never left him, Liserett replies “Certainly, Duke. When you are ready, please notify the innkeeper and he will have you escorted to the villa. We shall meet in my study, I had wool samples brought up for your perusal.”

Smiling, he holds her stare for a few seconds before following his men. As they settle into the inn and begin to clean themselves a peculiar feeling begins to settle over Yùick. He isn’t sure what it is, but something about Liserett has both disturbed and intrigued him. “Interesting…” He mumbles to himself as he gazes out onto the small, yet oddly big feeling town.

Before long, his men have finished the ordeal of cleaning themselves and have settled down within the inn, some begin to order drinks and become relaxed for the night. Yùick himself, however, speaks to the leader of his guard; The Ra’oole. They set off together towards Liserett’s villa.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Duke Yùick resists the urge to close his eyes and rub his temples. Miss Liserett is an aggressive, but fair negotiator. After more than an hour of discussion, examination of samples and compromises, they finally have a deal that makes them both entirely happy, much to his surprise.

He glances at The Ra’oole who’s standing to attention near the doors. He appears to be, incredibly enough, still perfectly alert. “You’ve done well Gale, my mother’s training shows. However, I need a moment alone with the mayor, if you will.” The Ra’oole nods and swiftly steps outside, shutting the door behind him.

Duke Yùick stands to inspect the maps and plans on the walls for a few moments before turning back to look at Liserett. Her eyes have not left him, and she offers him her usual warm smile. He suddenly laughs, his laugh a gruff and loud sound in the silence between them, and fully smiles before calmly clearing his throat.

“Tell me, friend, who is the father of such a lucky child?” He asks a smile still on his lips.

“Ah, dear Duke this is rather an indiscreet question isn’t it? The father’s specifics are of little concern to Kaine, surely? Rest assured, my progeny shall be well provided for.”

“I do not worry whether the child shall be well kept, it’s obvious you can take care of the child yourself. And no, you’re right, the father is of little importance to Kaine itself. However, it is a curious topic and I for one am a slave to my own curiosity. Besides, much of our world respects blood and its lineage.”

Liserett’s face suddenly freeze, her smile looking uncertain for the first time. She silently mouths a few words, then laughs, holding his gaze. “Dear Duke, remember curiosity killed the cat. But thank you for letting me know I can use yours as leverage if I need.”

The Duke raises a single eyebrow his brilliant blue eyes sweeping over her. “A cat is also a predator, one who kills and eats birds, do not forget that.”

“Hmm, yes, I shall take note of this Dear Duke.”

“Now, as I said before, blood lines are important in many circles of our empire.”

Liserett leans back in her seat, waiting for the duke to continue.

“So tell me Liserett, with whom have you made this child?”

Liserett laughs again. “Duke, your insistence tells me you know something that I perhaps do not, if it is the case, I beg you to let me in on the secret! My child shall be an O’Kleefe and his blood shall be O’Kleefe. I am afraid the local… liberal customs may have influence on the settlers including myself. You’re not so old fashioned as to shun a pregnant woman because she lacks a husband, are you?”

Yùick’s eyes search her face silently for a few moments. “Maybe you didn’t know, so I shall forgive your ignorance for suggesting such a thing, but I am a bastard myself. My mother never married, in fact she had a variety of lovers over her lifetime. Some men, some women. She was an interesting woman indeed. So no, I do not wish to shun you because of your choice.”

Liserett gets up to her feet and approaches the Duke. “She was a wonderful woman, and I see she raised a great heir. Blood isn’t that important then, I’m sure you’ll agree.”

The Duke smiles and emits a short laugh. “Blood is not important for how a child grows, in that you are correct. However, blood is that which creates potential. Potential which a child needs to be strong, with the right guidance.”

“Few are familiar with my genealogy I believe, but my mother was in fact the granddaughter of an emperor. Duke, blood is meaningless, unless we’re breeding horses. But had it significance, I assure you, a father or another would make little difference to my child’s potential.”

The Duke realizes her eyes have not met his once during this whole statement. “Liserett, you’ve just proven me right! You are of royal blood, you were trained from a young age. You were taught many things, you’ve taken what you’ve been taught and now look at you. You act a noble, not because of your situation, for as a serf your nobility is limited. But because it courses through your veins.”

“My mother was a single minded architect and my father a horse breeder. I practically raised myself Duke, because I have a duty toward this town as mayor. Regardless, I am sure this is not the issue you truly wished to discuss, as you did not know of my pregnancy when you sent for me.”

“Both the issue I have yet to bring up and this one have similarities, yet I will drop this one, out of respect.” He says kindly, his piercing gaze, however, speaks of the issue as unresolved. “Now, I must ask you, why is it that you send out messengers to my towns, my people, people all over Hermertia and ask them to come to Chester-Le-Ford.”

“Duke, if you read well, I request the highest qualified personnel available. Available being the keyword here. I want this town to grow and shepherds can only do so much.”

“Let me rephrase, why do you ask my people to abandon my lands and come work for you? I mean it not as an affront, but as a worried friend.”

“Your people? You said yourself I sent this message all across Hermertia. Do you think Kaine has all of the highest qualified personnel in all Hermertia? Better stablemaster than Perth even? You told me yourself Kaine is knowing some expansion, in which case your people will have plenty of work and will not come here. Why is it you feel so threatened?

“Stop deflecting my questions. You understand me.”

“Duke, with all respect due, isn’t Hermertia a land of free men, a land of equal rights, a land of incredible potential for all? As the mayor of a town that came so close to fall in decay and oblivion, as a mother, and as the daughter of the town’s founder, I owe my people, my unborn child and my mother’s legacy to make this city flourish. Can you blame a mother for working hard to ensure her progeny’s future?”

“I do not blame you, no. But I find that reasoning all too easy. There is more here at hand then you speak of, this act is not only for benefit of those around you but also for your own. On one hand you have new scholars and workers flocking here who believe they could be of use. On another, you have also now the attention of the empire, they know who you are. Never has something been done like this before, in fact some may see it as a problem. I warn you to not continue…”

“Very well, the concerned mother act doesn’t work with you, but I am sure this will. You see me and you see a rising threat. You feel my hunger and it concerns you. Perhaps you wish to crush me before I become a problem. Allow me to be frank with you Duke, if you choose to view me as a problem, then I already am one. I do not get crushed, I don’t have it in me.” She is now inches away from the Duke, her smile is gone, as though it was never there and her gaze is a burning blaze. “Do not hinder me, Duke. I will not be a serf forever and I will remember good allies. Let’s better use our energies and perhaps join sides. I cannot hide my ambitions from you, but neither can you hide yours from me.”

The Duke, unmoving, speaks slowly and quietly “You are not a threat to me, you are not a problem, and your hunger is not concerning to me, concerning isn’t the word I would use. I think a more fitting word is…” He stops to think for a moment still staring her down. “Pleasant.” He suddenly laughs and distills the tension in the air. “I think what you have done is in fact genius! I only wish I had thought of it myself, or my own advisors had let me do such a rash thing. I guess being a singular serf has its benefits. I warned you before, before I saw your tenacity. You are right, we both have a hunger within us which needs to be filled, in more ways than one. Thank you for your hospitality Miss Liserett.”

On these words, the Duke leans over, firmly grabs hold of Liserett’s shoulders and kisses her on the lips.

“Until we meet again, mayor.”

_________________
Lady Liserett of the House O'Kleefe
Countess of Chester-le-Ford, Wysteria
Deputy Minister of Hermertian History
Appointed Minister of Wysterian Architecture


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 26th, 2015, 10:05 pm 
User avatar
Duke

Joined: May 30th, 2015, 6:01 pm
Posts: 1336
Location: Michigan, USA
:O

_________________
Guardian of Casadia
Master of the Slayers Guild
Minister of Hermertian History


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 30th, 2015, 8:06 pm 
User avatar
Duke

Joined: May 30th, 2015, 8:19 pm
Posts: 1150
Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
The Duke stands atop a hill, arms across his chest a scroll in his hand. He stares across the plain before him, workers and settlers have been hard at work and continue to do so. As the sun blazes across the sky its warm airs making the Duke sweat as he stands thinking, watching. The woods to East are full of bird song and a peace which one can only find within the shade of its trees. If one were to look out onto the plain you would many animals in the distance, cows, pigs, sheep, and most importantly horses. In the East before the trees begin it seems the horses have recently bred as many fawn dart in and out from under the leaves of the forest. Soon the people would have a stable and he could begin getting his foot into the horse industry which now rocked hermertia’s economic front.

“My mother was a fool for not setting up the proper breeding stables, she could have done much better.” He speaks aloud to no one but himself, still breathing in the summer air. The scroll in his hand contained city plans, carefully crafted by him and a few of his prized architects, one of which now lived in Wysteria under the rule of Liserett. Along with the architect he had asked 4 separate scholars, all well versed in either mathematics, history, nobility, or linguistics, a martial arts teacher and his personal archery teacher to temporarily move to Wysteria. After speaking with her he had given her these resources, knowing they would be of better use there then they would be here. He also wanted his newest ally to be strong, as strong as she could be for he may have need of her strength in the future.

He looked at the hill about him, a few shades of green from the sparse trees which had lain across the hill, a few flowers here and there. The stone for the monastery, which would be atop this very hill, was on its way from the stone mines of Calos. Faith was important to him, at least that’s what he told those about him, in truth he held very little regard for the gods. He just didn’t have time for such thoughts, instead he put all of his will into building and planning. Once again his eyes we’re drawn to the eastern wood. he sighed and placed down his scrolls atop the hill, and started of to the edge of the trees.

As he approached the treeline the horses became wary of him, and though they we’re further south they all moved as one even farther south when he approached. He passes under the leaves, the shade causing a grateful sound to escape his lips. The forest itself is fairly quiet, it blocks out the sound of the working men in the fields behind him and lets his mind rest to the sounds of wildlife at work in the trees. As the trees grow larger and larger and the space between them begins to diminish the air begins to shift and become more muggy, still more cool than the hot plains but very warm. He continues to walk, however, unabated. Suddenly he realizes, as the water begins to soak into his boots, he has been trekking through a swamp for some time. He had been lost in his own thoughts and barely noticed the change. Out of the steam of the swamp he begins to see a small hut seem to form.

“Who in their right mind settles out here in the middle of a swamp!?” He speaks quietly, suspicions enter his mind as he quietly steps closer to the hut. He can see that the hut is raised off the water, pillars of wood keeping it dry. He steps towards the door when suddenly it is flung wide open, an ancient woman stands in the doorway light illuminating her from the back. She is dirty, he can smell her from here, her teeth are cracked and yellow. She backs into the hut waving him in after her. As he follows her in, his curiosity leading him on, he notices a few cauldrons in the corner, mushrooms grow in small clay pots in the windows and a rabbit freshly skinned in hanging from the ceiling. The woman gazes at him after sitting at a table in the center of the room. He sits across from her and smiles kindly. They sit in silence for a few moments before he asks, “So, what is it you need?”

The woman only shakes her head.

“Do you not speak?”

She nods.

“Are you a witch?” he asks bluntly.

She nods.

“Interesting, do you know who I am?”

She nods again.

“Well what can I do for you?”

She shakes her head. This time however she stands up and leads him to one of her cauldrons. The cauldron is full of a light brown liquid, which bubbles slowly. As he stands over it she indicates with her head to dip his head into it. Unabashed he does exactly what she says, for a moment nothing happens. Then suddenly his world slips away and a flurry of images cross his mind, images of a burning town, a crown upon his head, then the same crown in a fire which slowly consumes it, finally an image of a simple grave adorned with nothing but three letters R.I.P. then, darkness.

Slowly he wakes up, the setting sun reflecting on the water around him. He looks around and sees nothing except the trees. He jumps to his feet a look of wonderment on his face he quickly checks his surroundings once more and notices at his feet a piece of parchment with the word FUTURE scrawled on it. He picks it up and puts it into one of his pockets before setting off west, back towards the new town, the town of Euri.

_________________
Gimpy/The Italian Stallion

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door, You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." -Bilbo Baggins

Duke of Kaine


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
  Offline
 Post subject: Re: Yùick Thanort
PostPosted: November 30th, 2015, 9:24 pm 
User avatar
King

Joined: May 30th, 2015, 10:17 am
Posts: 3862
Location: Stirling - Scotland
interesting....

_________________
Petra Ravnikaar of The Veil


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
Imperium - Modified by Rey phpbbmodrey