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 Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:00 pm
A roleplay featuring Lady Sage Estratus, her plague, Sir Sloane, Lord Cathal O'Neill, and his guest, Dame Ursula de Launcelyn. The time is winter, while Sage and Sloane are en route from Gadu, and the place is Sir Cathal O'Neill's manor outside of Freykeep, Shyregoed. The weather is cold and snowy, as usual.
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:30 pm
Though Wickwright Finch was likely only vaguely aware of the fact when he burst into laughter at the sight of Grand Magus Sage Estratus wearing trousers, the fact that he and Lady Sage were both Grimms was only one of two things which they had in common (three if you counted their preference for pants). The second was their mutual acquaintance, Lord Cathal O'Neill, well known Shyregoedian lord and slightly less well known Jawbone Society leader.** Wickwright knew Lord Cathal only as O'Neill, the man to whom he was answerable within his faith. The Estratus family knew him as their neighbour, their lands having roughly bordered each other for generations. While the O'Neill lordship was certainly the lesser of the two, O'Neill and his ancestors were well-respected in the community, O'Neill's religious affiliation not being common knowledge, and his generosity to the Panymisian church not being hindered by the fact that he worshipped there only perfunctorily. While the Estratus family and the O'Neill family had never been on anything but amicable terms, the Estratus family had in recent years, and through no fault of its own, become a source of strife to Cathal O'Neill himself, who had quite enough on his plate with the problems of the Society.
The problem had first been brought to his attention shortly after Lady Sage had abandoned her lands. Loyal tenants had flocked to him, complaining of losing their ancestral homes, of being treated ill, and of contracts cut short. They had asked him for aid, to intercede. He had put the matter aside as long as possible, having fully considered the impertinence of bringing it up to one of a higher status than him, even if Lady Sage was of fewer years, and out of an utter disinterest in involving himself in yet another political imbroglio. However, it was clear enough from events in Auvinus that political instability meant Societal instability, and while he could afford to lose Auvinian Jawbone Men, who were always of a lesser sort, he could ill afford to lose his power base in the North. Furthermore, with Sage's accession to the position of Grand Magus, ill rumours around her person could perhaps threaten the whole peace of Shyregoed.
This could not be tolerated. As a figure central in Jawbone Society politcs, O'Neill's ambitions might operate on a smaller scale, but he was well aware of the value of face, and if Lady Estratus did not realize she was losing his, it was time she become aware. The risk was well worth the possible avoidance of a political crisis. The Fellowship could not withstand another betrayal from the ranks, nor could it lose lordly support. If the Grand Magus had a poor currency of honour, what noble would follow her?
Children these days, he thought, were raised haphazardly. Feilim, abandoned by that blasted Finch, Ursula, who Tadhg had discovered himself, her parents and all her acquaintance but young Yawley, who was equally disadvantaged, dead of Plague. His wife prayed to Panyma for the health of their own children, but whether she was marked, he could not say. He could not pray to a bone, but merely trust in the truth of Tadhg's nobility as token of his heir's safety.
Nobility suffered, but it did its duty. Nobility who acted honourably were thus honoured in turn, with good fortune, fair crop, and loyal vassals. Whatever the truth in this sentiment, whether or not it was enough to keep the pestilence at bay, many in Panymium took this as honest fact.
If Lady Sage did not realize this, her misfortune would not stem from the plague itself, but the backlash she would provoke in others.
**The Jawbone Society were all equal in status. They would argue this point vehemently if anyone ever broached it to them, so long as they got O'Neill's permission to argue it first.
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Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:23 am
A meeting of this regard had been spoken of briefly and agreed upon by both parties roughly two weeks prior. The timing aligned with the Grand Magus' visitation to the Council and so it was added en route to keep their flow consistent. A trip to Freykeep from Gadu would have been a little out of the way on its own but a stop near Ald and Pont some days ago made it a less inconvenient endeavor and overall the Grand Magus was not put off by this change in schedule. If anyone was, it would have been her Sword whom she had not given much information as to why this meeting was occurring in the first place or what relevance it served until the day of and even then it was a sparse explanation that they would be meeting with an old Estratus acquaintance.
Returned to the lands of Shyregoed, the need or want for hiding in plain sight was redundant; both Grimm and Plague came to Lord Cathal O'Neill's manor dressed as would be expected of them, Sage in white finery befitting a Grand Magus and Sloane coated in armor, complete with helmet so as to not put off anyone in the event they were unaware of his status as a Plague. This was, of course, their first time visiting as a pair and Lady Sage's first time visiting on business to be conducted by herself. First impressions were important, but she knew from the letter she received that any impressions on O'Neill's part were already painted. It was her job, now, to mold them into something respectable.
"Grand Magus Sage Estratus and Sir Sloane to see Lord O'Neill," she introduced to the lord's vassals as they were given entrance to the manor's main hall. At her side, Sloane gave a bow of his head in acknowledgement and thanks. As was typical in most Shyregoedian castles, the interior was considerably warmer and well insulated but a far cry from the humidity present in Imisus. It was a relief to feel the crispness of heat and chill again, a comfort not to be shivering and slightly damp at the same time, or to be bombarded by spontaneous rainfall.
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 7:05 pm
Lord Cathal O'Neill was just a minor lord in the scheme of Shyregoedian hierarchy, but his family had Been There since time immemorial, and made up for status with tradition. The O'Neill manor reflected this, and the lodge which the Grand Magus and Sir Sloane were received in was almost archaic. The timbers smelled of pine and woodsmoke, and in the torchlight, you could almost the she shadows of generations of O'Neills dancing along the walls.
The youngest generation of the O'Neill line was duly sent to greet them, and soon, Tadhg O'Neill came bounding into sight, alleviating the somewhat grim stoicism of the architecture with his easy, youthful smile, which was only briefly obscured by his swooping them an easy, youthful bow.
"Good health to you, Grand Magus Estratus," he announced, "And you, Sir Sloane." The second greeting sounded almost like an afterthought, lingering reluctantly on his toungue despite that the tone was just as jolly as with his greeting to the Grand Magus. A boy unused to Plagues, but not to politics, considering that he had included the greeting at all. "My father has prepared a feast for you in the evening to welcome you back to your ancestral home. It's good to see an Estratus again, in all neighbourly spirit." He nodded to the vassals who had followed him in, and they led both the young lordling and his prestigious visitors down the corridor. They stopped in front of a thick oak door, which opened into a spacious receiving hall with a roaring fire. Tadhg bowed once again to his father, Lord Cathal, who bowed in return- not at Tadhg, but at those he brought in tow.
"Grand Magus Sage Estratus, Father," he introduced. Another pause, slightly more nervous than the first he had made, and he added, "With Sir Sloane."
"Thank you, Tadhg. Grand Magus," O'Neill began, "It is a great pleasure to see you again, and prospering so well. I congratulate you on your position in the Fellowship, and I trust that your leadership will bring the North prosperity." For O'Neill, it was a warm greeting. Wickwright, for instance, would have thought him to be in an uncharacteristically benevolent mood. "I was deeply glad when I heard news that you were passing through this way on your business, and I am grateful that you have accepted my humble invitation. If I can invite you to sit down, we have much to discuss." He straightened up and elaborated, "However, I am afraid that in this room, for honoured guests, we allow no weapons, so as to maintain the peaceful camaraderie and hospitality that the O'Neill family is known for." He nodded his head at Sir Sloane.
"My son will gladly accompany Sir Sloane through the grounds and provide him with ample refreshments and entertainment if you so desire, but I must maintain the tradition. Swords are forbidden in the Oak Room."
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:57 pm
The natural scents of the O'Neill manor were well met by both Grand Magus and knight, offering a sense of relief in their travels despite this visit being strictly business. Lady Estratus bowed her head at the young man's greeting, the Plague beside her doing the same. No offense was taken on either party for the near miss, for indeed Sir Sloane had been included in the welcome at all.
"And to you," the Grand Magus returned, though left it simply at that.
The thought of a meal disinterested her for now but she was grateful for its offer and knew it would be beneficial to accept such an invitation for a good number of reasons, least of which would be the biting hunger once they resumed travel should she refuse. Both followed the young lord through the halls in silence, the creak of Sloane's armor offering a slight rhythm to their steps. Upon further introductions, the Infitialis made a clear show of bowing to offer respect. Though he did not fully understand what matters were to be discussed he knew they were of importance and any missteps from either of them would brand them mercilessly.
Lady Estratus, too, dipped her head to Lord Cathal. "I would be remiss to decline," she spoke concisely. When the invitation was received, there was no doubt in her mind that it required acceptance. Old allies from the days of Fort Estratus retained as much importance as the strong bonds the Fellowship was attempting to forge elsewhere. With a look of subdued thanks, the Grand Magus began her approach to the table though O'Neill's following words gave her pause. Sir Sloane stiffened audibly, face still covered by his helmet but his head turned slightly to look upon his Grimm.
"Understood," Lady Estratus glanced over her shoulder at both her knight and young Lord Tadhg beside him. A single nod was given to Sir Sloane and his posture relaxed some. Her eyes met Tadhg's next, "Do as you will," and she resumed her approach to the table, sitting where O'Neill had indicated. It was not desirable to be without the protection Sloane offered in places she had never been during these times but to disagree with such a request would offer nothing. Though she did not assume the worst, she was prepared for it and should any threat come to her there was no ban or suppression upon magic within these walls.
With that, Sir Sloane glanced to Tadhg, giving him the go ahead to lead him wherever was necessary. His apprehension was for reasons similar to Sage's own, though part of him held a disappointment merely for the fact he would not be present the discourse to come and thus would gain no new knowledge on the topic of Fort Estratus from an outside perspective.
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:51 am
O'Neill's eyes followed his son and the monstrous Plague as they withdrew from the room, but the gaze was not hostile or challenging. Rather, it was a measuring glance, and it cut off as soon as the oak doors closed, not a second longer. There would be time to consider Sir Sloane and the Fellowship later, but the business that brought the Grand Magus here was close and personal. In his address to her, he reminded her of that.
"Lady Estratus," he began, steepling his fingers. "There will be time for pleasantries later, I hope. We have prepared a feast as worthy as a lord of my status is able to provide, and our best rooms for you and your Plague to stay in. However, this matter which I have called you here to discuss is not one I feel can wait for longer than it has, now that your political status has been settled and assured. I congratulate you on your success. As Grand Magus, I am sure that you will deftly manage the Fellowship."
He sat down heavily at the table, the creak of his bones betraying his advancing age, despite his imposing stature. "I must, however, remind you that the Fellowship is not the only responsibility you have in Shyregoed. Many of the tenants of Fort Estratus have come to me in the years that you have been absent, begging me for aid and for shelter. Many have asked me to intervene in your affairs on their behalf, to ensure that their own hereditary lands, which are yours in name, are preserved."
He gestured to the door his son had left through. "I understand that your position has come at the expense of great hardship," he continued. "As you know, it is traditional in the O'Neill family not to foster our eldest sons in their knighthood training, and I often wonder whether Tadhg would be so strong as you have been were I to perish. I would hope that he would become a great man, and do our name honour. However, even the greatest men have irrevocable responsibilities to the most base pauper in Shyregoed. I have ignored your tenants' pleas until now, as I did not want to intrude upon your right to that responsibility, which is as much a symbol of honour as the badges of office we wear. But now that you are Grand Magus, I must appeal to your honour." He regarded her carefully.
"You will be a good Grand Magus," he stated, "But I refuse to allow the enemies of Shyregoed to be given the opportunity to say you are not a good lord."
As soon as the oak door closed, Tadhg's nervousness seemed to melt. He regarded Sir Sloane curiously, and quite fearlessly, and asked, "Sir Sloane, you must be one of the most famous knights in Shyregoed! And yet you are a Plague..." He looked thoughtful. "Do you think that Plagues can play such roles? I would that they could."
"Tadhg!" a voice called, and a small girl came running towards him, but skidded to a halt when she saw Sir Sloane, eyes growing round as saucers. It took some prompting from Tadhg for her to recollect herself, and when she remembered why she was there, she demanded, "I have to tell you what Marian says!"
"Marian! You mean Lady De Launcelyn."
"She told me to call her Marian," the girl said smugly. "And she says that if you don't come practice with her, she's going to duel with me. So I've come to stop you from showing up!" She shrieked and suddenly grabbed his legs.
"Clotilde, we have a guest!" Tadhg scolded. "Act more dignified."
Clotilde released her brother reluctantly, curtsied to Sir Sloane, said, "Good health to you, Sir Plague," and then tackled her brother's legs again. Tadhg looked at Sir Sloane helplessly.
"I wonder if you would like to join Lady De Launcelyn and myself in training? If I can drag Clotilde all the way there, I would be greatly interested in seeing the prowess of a Plagued knight." Sheepishly, he admitted, "I've never had a foster father to train me, and Lady De Launcelyn has never been trained at all, so our methods will likely seem rustic to a famous knight such as yourself."
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