Open Chronicles The Town of Ravencrest

[Alexandria Viacian]

Shouting and the sounds of angry voices echoed along the canyon walls. The town of Ravencrest sat on a low plateau with the sheer walls of the mountain to the north, forest and the main road to the east, a fatal drop to the south, and an ascending ravine to the west that led up to another plateau where the Viacian keep sat perched like a watchful bird.
The ravine was only just large enough to allow a cart to travel up the winding path to reach the keep. But many paths led to and from both the keep and the village.

The people of this village were working themselves up to revolt. For nineteen years since the righteous execution of the previous ruler these people were content to govern themselves and lived in comparative freedom, when they saw the heir of the tyrant that they spared out of pity returning to reassert her claim to rule... They were unhappy to say the least.

The voices of angry villagers bounced off the mountain walls, through the ravine path, and finally reached the ears of Alexandria Viacian herself. She stood on the castle balcony watching the waving torches in the twilight gloom below.
She was garbed in an extravagant black dress that reached her ankles, hems inlaid with intricate silver thread work. She stood barefoot on the stone floor, letting the cold creep through her soles. Her glossy black hair hung loose and blew freely in the rising wind that caused the backlight of torches, candles and the fireplace to wave and flicker in the conference room behind her. Her dress billowed in the wind and she looked down at the dancing lights below, their glow giving her own dark eyes an almost demonic cast reflected in their light.

The village had them outnumbered. In their hurry and excitement to reestablish the rightful ruler of Viacian and Ravencrest they didn't take the precautions to protect their position.
Messages were sent out, calling for aid, but would they arrive in time?
All they had were about fifty loyalist followers and Alexandria Viacian herself. Her magic was powerful but even she couldn't decimate an army... Yet...
The zealots in the conference room argued strategy while Alexandria did the real thinking.

A preemptive strike sounded like a good tactic, but leaving the walls against that mob would be suicidal. The castle itself was their greatest weapon, fifty men could hold out for a while but of the fifty only a precious few of them were true fighters, former guards and soldiers that served her father.
So even though they had a defendable position, these walls also served as their prison, the corner their backed into with the proverbial boot on their necks.

Anger grew within her. She'd only just returned from a life of slavery that THOSE villagers condemned her to, and as soon as she returned they immediately assumed she would be just like her father. They grew fat under their little counsel ruling for them, representing them, going easy on them. They felt threatened by their lifestyles being at risk by her taking over.
Green fire glowed around her hands as her frustration mounted upon her anger, and this grew on top of fear... Fear that all of this was for nothing, that she will finally die like she had wished so many times as men forced themselves on her while her slave collar seemed to laugh with the rhythmic clatter of the chains.

She extinguished the power gathered in her hands and walked back inside. Options were running out... And it won't be long before the villagers had the courage to bring their torches up to the front gate.

Leonora of Mirapol
Mannelig
Kriegslied

 

[Mannelig]

Messages were nice, but messages with work were better. Above all, however, messages with work and a pouch of down payment were probably the best thing to experience as a sellsword. Sure, he'd never heard of the person who sent it or much of anything about the town or castle in question, but gold was gold and it seemed like a simple enough job. Nothing was ever easy, but plenty was simple when it came to fighting and killing.

He'd gathered up his men, purchased a reliable map, and headed off towards the town of Ravencrest. It wasn't exactly close by, but a few days riding put them where they needed to be. They approached the village cautiously and held back from exiting the main road on his orders. He had perhaps forty or fifty men to hand and no idea who, or what, was waiting for them ahead. The missive had said a peasant revolt, but years of campaigning gave Mannelig a cautious streak a mile wide. He sent a few men ahead to scout the village itself and, perhaps an hour later, the scouts returned.

The village was almost empty, most of the peasants ascending the mountain paths to the keep above. The few left were a few able bodied farmers, women, children, and the infirm or old. Barricades here and there prevented carts from entering the area easily and the natural defenses made it hard for cavalry, but he knew that was more a delaying factor rather than actual area denial. However, taking the village wasn't the issue, it was relieving the castle.

Narrow paths lined the map and, assuming they were more or less carved out of the rock as the map seemed to indicate, he might be able to get two or three men abreast up the paths. Maybe. The issue was that mounted combat was not possible in such confines and he wasn't keen on an uphill fight where shock and numbers went out the window in favor of pure attrition. The situation required a delicate hand and, perhaps, a stern one.

He had his men form up on the road and rode the last mile or so to the first of the barricades. Crouched behind the makeshift piles of wood and debris were some of the peasants left to guard the village itself.

"Clear the road," Mannelig bellowed, riding his horse out front. Dust covered his armor and helm, the visor shut to conceal his face less for intimidation and more to help against the dust of the road. A handful of pitchforks and makeshift spears poked out over the top of the barrier and a gruff voice barked out in reply.

"Turn back and leave, ye brigands, 'fore you find trouble!" the peasant he assumed to be the leader stood up, brandishing his spear. He was clad in simple attire and seemed to be older, but broad and strong.

Mannelig planted his lance into the ground next to the road and nudged his horse closer. Drawing even with the man, the peasant pointed the spear at the mercenary. With a deft, almost languid movement, Mannelig drew his blade and lopped the head off the spear. The peasant took a step back and gazed at his new staff in confusion as the mercenary spoke.

"My men and I are mercenaries in service to the lord of this village. You will send a messenger to the leader of the group heading up the mountain and tell him this: If the people of this village lay down their arms and return to their homes immediately, I will leave this village untouched. If they refuse, I will raze it to the ground. If I have no reply within the hour, my men will torch every structure and kill any who resist before carving a path up the mountain in blood. Is that understood?"

The peasant stood silent for a moment, eyes glaring daggers at Mannelig's helmeted visage, but ultimately turned and barked an order at another villager, a teenage boy, who then set off at a sprint towards the mountain paths.

Content with events as they stood, Mannelig sat in his saddle, his sword across the pommel, and waited.

Alexandria Viacian
Leonora of Mirapol
Kriegslied

 

[Sung Na]

A call for help to suppress uprising, most interesting, and definitely promising. A way to quicken his road to power in these lands, which in turn would help him find his brother. Sung Na was of average size in the two western continents though was slightly above average back east. Since he had secured a trade route through Elbion, he simply had to find a place to set up shop, and trade agreements. This could easily lead to that. So marshaling eighty Ji infantry, eastern halberds, and twenty crossbowmen he set out at the head of his small army and headed for the plateau, which proved close enough to get there before days end.

And so they got there, the drums of war were set, and the drummers took their place, it was time for intimidation. The drums were struck.

While this was being played, the armies marched steadily and slowly into the village, their Ji polearms at the ready, across their chests as they silently marched into the village stopping just short of the mob, with Sung Na at the forefront. The front row of Ji were leveled at the crowd, nothing else happened. They were waiting for their reaction.

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

Alexandria paused on the threshold. Above the shouting of approaching torches she caught something. Faint at first but then growing in tempo... the sound of drums, war drums.
She looked back down at the village in the fading light.
Had help arrived after all?

Two armies. Two armies stood at the borders of Ravencrest village!
One with majority of horsemen, the other a much larger mixed unit with infantry as well!
Alexandria rushed to the railings of the balcony and looked down at the two forces. She could hear nothing but she knew something was transpiring down below, the two armies simply held their positions and waited.
A watchman rushed in to let them know about the armies a bit too late.
"Tell what soldiers we have to prepare to sally forth. Our unwelcome guests may need some encouragement to return home."

Alexandria was smiling and watching to see what the rioters would do...

______________________​

A rugged shop keeper led the mob up the ravine.
"We won't be slaves under Viacian control again! We won't stand for unjust taxation! We won't stand for injustice!"
The people around him took up the cry until the whole mob was echoing his words.
The walls of the castle were in sight, the watch fires were lit and several people were on the walls. Damn Klor Bishop to hell, he went and found the loyalists from the old garrison!
"We won't live under the boot of monarchy! Give us freedom! Give us justice! We won't bow down! We won't give in! We won't submit to unjust rule!"

The boy came running up the ravine, pushing past the torch bearing armed mob to reach the leader.
When he finally reached him he lunged forward and grabbed him by the sleeve.
"Mister Judar! Look to the village, soldiers are here, an army!"
Kelly Judar looked down at the boy, then back at the village.
It was then that he realized the thumping he heard wasn't in his head, but the sound of war drums.
He broke out immediately into a cold sweat.
The boy continued.
"They sent a message; "If the people of this village lay down their arms and return to their homes immediately, I will leave this village untouched. If they refuse, I will raze it to the ground. If I have no reply within the hour, my men will torch every structure and kill any who resist before carving a path up the mountain in blood."

Kelly Judar turned in a fit of rage on the castle and started hurling obscenities... Until the front gates opened and a contingent of soldiers formed a phalanx with shields and spears. The line began advancing.
Disconcerted the mob back away, Kelly bit his tongue. It was hopeless now... They had to bide their time.
"Return home! They won this battle!"
With that the angry mod banked their fires of hatred and slowly filed down the ravine to their houses.

 

[Mannelig]

He'd largely ignored the contingent of new troops that had arrived shortly after his own, primarily because they seemed to be there for the same reason he was. If they became a threat, he could adjust and maneuver against them, but for now they seemed content to beat drums, rattle sabers, and otherwise be obnoxious. Mannelig knew there was value to such tactics, but he'd found over the years that a quiet, blatant threat worked for better and far longer than posturing and noise.

As he waited, he noticed villagers returning down from the mountain paths. They appeared in ones and twos which increased to small groups of angry peasants only to turn into a steady stream of disgruntled country folk angrily returning to their homes or milling around in open spaces within the village casting hateful glares at the two groups of soldiers. The mercenary gave a mental shrug and waited until the stream of bodies became a trickle before waving his men forward. Staying down here meant they could maneuver and react on horseback to whatever the villagers decided to do, but meant they couldn't easily communicate with the village's lord or prevent an angry peasant or two from sneaking in to slit throats or burn down the camp. The castle and mountain paths prevented maneuverability, but offered greater safety, at least for now, and his men, while a greater threat when mounted, were equally capable of fighting as infantry when needed.

He detailed a small squad to guard the entrance until the mercenary company fully entered the path, gave a lazy wave to who he figured was the commander of the other armed group, and then headed up the path at the head of his men.

The path wound back and forth, often narrowing down to barely allow a cart through only to open back up for four or five men to walk abreast before narrowing once more. It was tedious and tiring, which was no doubt partially intended by whoever decided building a castle atop a cliff. In the end, though, he and the first of his men drew in sight of the castle itself and its gates. Mannelig gazed at the structure for a moment before swinging out of the saddle with the practiced movements of someone who practically lived atop a horse. Taking the reins of his horse, and with his men following suit, he headed towards the gates and the sheltered interior they implied.

Alexandria Viacian
Sung Na

 

[Sung Na]

He detailed a small squad to guard the entrance until the mercenary company fully entered the path, gave a lazy wave to who he figured was the commander of the other armed group, and then headed up the path at the head of his men.

Hmm, he thought to himself, another pompous insect to crush underfoot. This is going to be fun.

He gave the signal for his men to return to marching stance, before ordering the march forward, the order given broadly by the drums, something to use as a signal as well as intimidation. The fast, perfectly synchronized marching were drums of their own however, as the highly disciplined, and experienced units of men marched forward, headed by thei guandao wielding Warlord. The bulk of the army stopped and remained at attention just outside the castle gate, just behind the mercenary cavaliers already there, six men aside from himself, armed with diamond shaped shields and long, narrow, double edged swords accompanied him, still keeping perfect March as he strode forward into the keep.

He didn’t even acknowledge the mercenary captain, he was of little consequence, if any, he needed to speak with this land’s monarch.

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

At last, the two armies came up the ravine to the castle gates. She gave the order and the doors were opened wide to accept them in.
The castle was vast enough to accommodate both forces in its courtyard. The few guards present stood at the gates to allow them in, and another pair stood at the doors to the keep to allow the leaders entry. A man in black robes and a white ceramic mask with a somber expression stood on the steps to greet them.
"Our most humble gratitude for your aid, my Lords. I am Klor Bishop. Please follow me and I will escort you into the presence of our illustrious queen."
With a low bow he turned and led them into the keep, through the halls until they were ushered into the throne room.

Alexandria sat regally on the large cushioned throne and realized that this was the first time she'd actually sat in it, but it felt right. She felt a certain power of authority from the ornate chair and could feel that this is where she belonged.
She crossed her legs revealing a good portion of her milky thighs through the cut of her skirt, she all but lounged on the comfortable seat looking like a panther relaxing in a tree.

The doors opened to allow the two leaders into her presence. She regarded them with a predatory smile as they approached the throne.
One she recognized immediately as a foreigner from the Eastern Continent... She had serviced quite a few of his kind during her slavery.
The other was a man undiscernable under his armor, but both had the look of great men of war.

Klor moved along the edges of the room till he came to stand by her right side while a fully armored knight stood to her left.
She lifted her hands in exaltation when they entered.
"Welcome, heroes of the hour! I am Alexandria Viacian, queen of Viacian castle. I offer you the full hospitality of our castle and bid you please stay for as long as you wish!"

 

[Mannelig]

Mannelig hadn't bothered changing out of his armor yet, primarily because he wasn't sure if there wouldn't be more trouble from the peasantry before his men settled in, though also because he wanted to avoid getting stabbed in the back in case someone didn't want to pay. Not that everyone followed that kind of thinking when it came to dealing with mercenaries, but the thin scar on his back between the third and fourth ribs had taught him caution in most things. He carefully removed his helmet and tucked the headgear under a crooked arm revealing a rather plain face with steely blue eyes and a few days worth of stubble.

"Many thanks, Lady Viacian," the mercenary stated simply. "I speak on behalf of myself and my men when I say your hospitality is most appreciated."

The sellsword paused a moment in thought before continuing, drawing on rusty court skills and niceties he rarely used, but remembered all the same somehow. He figured the old saying was true, to an extent. Some things really were like riding a horse: you never really forgot how to do it.

"I took the liberty of posting a few of my men in support of your guards and I've assigned a few marksmen to the cliffs to keep an eye on the village." His men were exclusively cavalry, but most knew how to hunt and a small few of those could easily give the best woodsmen a run for their money in accuracy. "Should a revolt begin again, I've given them orders to ignite key buildings before returning behind the walls."

Alexandria Viacian
Sung Na

 

[Sung Na]

Once the mercenary was done, it was his turn. His feet snapped together and he put his left fist to his right palm and bowed at the waist as was the formal greeting from his home. “Greetings and Salutations to you Queen Viacian. I am Sung Na, Jūnfá of the southern mountains back east, or in your tongue, warlord. I am honored to meet you my lady. Your hospitality is most gracious, and I hope to open negotiations whilst here, and I offer you the support of my armies in the meanwhile.”

Sung Na’s court skills were far more acute than those of this mercenary, as he lived in a court as it were. That wasn’t to say that he was soft or pampered, but he was well acquainted with the court and it’s benefits, and shortcomings.

Upon closer inspection, his armor and the armor of his men, were most unusual. His consisted of a single chest plate that stopped just above his abdomen, but showed under it a knee length coat of mountain pattern armor, a form of eastern brigandine, that protected his abdomen to his knees without sacrificing flexibility, his shoulders were also guarded by mountain pattern. His forearms and calves were guarded by solid steel vambraces and greaves. On his head was an open face solid steel helmet with a blue horsehair tassel.

At his hip was a heavy saber, with his guandao beside him, standing up on its own somehow.

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

A mercenary and a warlord, perfect!
Never in her wildest dreams did she think such opportunity would be given to her.
All through her slavery she kept herself sane by wondering what it would be like if she were the one in charge, if people bowed down to her and did as she wished, served her and pleased her every desire. When she was rescued it was like a dream come true, but now it was like the world was being laid at her feet in an offering.

She could do better than 'Queen of Ravencrest'... If these men of war allied with her, and if others chose to do the same... Could she even pose a threat to the expanding empire conquering in the South?
No, best not to get ahead of herself. Start with where you're at and build up to it.
"I am indebted to you both. The Garrison can accommodate your soldiers and guest rooms will be prepared for you and your officers here. If it's agreeable to you, we can talk in the morning about furthering our relationship and all that will entail."

She uncrossed her smooth legs and stood up, her slit skirt falling about her feet revealing flashes and glimpses of her legs as she walked down the steps and across the floor to them. That same predatory smile regarded them, and those dark eyes scanned them.
Sung Na had the appearance of a noble, like the men that came visiting her father while he was alive. Sharp of mind, but he was also a warrior, so strong of arm and light of foot as well.
As an easterner he had that mysterious stoicism about him, although they were both incredibly stoic.
The mercenary hadn't introduced himself and that was fine with her, he seemed like a man that preferred anonymity on a job. Less chance of grudges forming that way in the line of business. Still, she liked his plain face, she could get used to having these men around.

"My servants will escort you to your rooms once they are ready, until then won't you both tell me how you came at such an opportune moment?"

 

[Kriegslied]

Kriegslied was away after a meeting with his Little Birds. They were taking part in the ramblings and unrest that was occurring within the village around. A few slipped away while the shop keeper was preaching and hollering about slavery and all that. But he still had no clear cut answer as to who would be the leader of this chaos. But he had a few ideas and did not want to strike until he was absolutely sure of the suspects. He wanted to buy his time to ensure that the people thought they were getting away with their crying.

Kriegslied enters the room swiftly and quietly as they were opened to let him pass. He would look at the two new faces then gives them a nod before kneeling and bowing to the queen.

"My Queen, my apologies for my tardiness. I was in a meeting with my Little Birds and they have spoken of much..." He would glance at the two newcomers, "Of recent events." He informs her not sure he can trust the two men and he would look at her to make sure it was okay for him to speak freely.

Spoiler: If the Queen gives him permission

Kriegslied announces that they had suspects and were continuing to look into them and their daily lives. One of them was a guard, the other was a shop keeper and the final one was one of the religious figureheads within the village. "Your highness, we have almost all we need. Just a simple slip up from either one of them other then their preaching is all I need. I also have a few items of least importance in my possession if you wish to cast certain.... magic on these people. And given some of these peoples higher standing in the village, I wish to wait for some so we do not add kindle to the fire. If you would permit it, your highness."

If she does not give him permission to report he would wait for further instructions and would follow those instructions.

 

[Mannelig]

Mannelig regarded the newcomer with a simple raised eyebrow before turning to the woman who claimed ladyship over the castle and land. So far, the simple job was becoming more complex and he wasn't entirely sure on how he felt about such turns of events. Only time would tell, he figured, and if he had to cut his way out of a castle after being betrayed in the dark hours of the night... Well, it wouldn't be the first time.

"My men and I received your message in a town a few days ride south," the mercenary said with a shrug. "It came with a pouch of gold and a letter promising more to respond to an revolt here. My men and I were resting after our last contract and decided to pursue the lead here."

He scratched at the stubble on his cheeks with a gloved hand for a moment before shrugging again. Keeping everything open, simple, and professional was the key to being a successful mercenary. The moment you play sides, break contracts for unprofessional reasons, or betray employers you ruin your reputation and make yourself a target. Petulant nobles have killed more men than any war.

"I'm a simple man, my lady, as are my troops. You need a job done and we do jobs for coin. We can discuss pay in the morning if you'd like, but until then we'll help with guarding the place. If problems arise overnight, my men can be called on. Just ask for Mannelig."

Alexandria Viacian Sung Na Kriegslied

 

[Sung Na]

His ears weren’t as sharp as those of his spies, but he did hear snippets of the newcomers words to the lady, and did not like what he heard, if that man proved a problem, he’d have to do something about him. But he wasn’t going to be openly aggressive just yet.

“Me and my men were resting in camp a ways west of here and my scouts intercepted a messenger holding this message. I assure you no harm was done to the messenger, but he informed us of this issue and I marched a portion of my forces here to help suppress this little issue. I have no interest in pay my lady, my interest lie in trade agreements and small portions of land to build warehouses and trade centers. If it is within your interest, I can also offer a military alliance. Though as you have already said, the details will be negotiated at a later date. While the mercenary’s forces will patrol the streets, my men can man the castle and patrol the outskirts, collecting stragglers and defectors while keeping this castle fully manned. If it pleases you Lady Viacian.

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

The arrival of her spy master was unannounced, but that was simply expected of the elusive elf. He had information for her, but as of right now it would be for her ears only. After the discussions tomorrow morning these two men of war might choose to turn down this opportunity, in which case it was simple prudence to not volunteer information they've no business knowing.
She gave Kriegslied a Curt nod and a short reply.
"Thank you, later."

Then she turned her attention back to their guests and their responses.
Upon hearing them she gave a low chuckle that she imagined was a queenly way of showing approval, and not the shy giggle of pretending to enjoy the company of a fat sweaty noble nearly crushing her under his girth.
"It pleases me very much! So our message for aid caught more than one fish. And now we have an overwhelming force! I am simply delighted at our fortune that you came as well, Sung Na!"
Two servants entered the room and knelt on the floor, remaining silent until they were recognized. Upon seeing them Alexandria held out an offering hand to her guests but had to check herself, she wasn't a whore offering to take them to bed, she was a queen now!
"It appears your rooms are ready. These servants will lead you and care for all of your needs, don't hesitate to ask for anything!"
She clenched her jaw but kept up her smile. First day on the job was almost a disaster, but the crisis had passed for now... Now she needed to fully understand her role here as someone with authority and people who relied on her and people who hated her... And speaking of those who hated her...

After the servants led her guests away to their rooms she returned to sit on her throne, once more crossing her long legs and leaning on the armrest.
She motioned Kriegslied to approach and listened to his report.
A guard, a shop keeper and a priest were the main agitators against her return according to Krieg. He offered some small personal items of those men for her to curse, but her powers were volatile yet, she didn't want to accidentally kill them by messing up the curse.
"Thank you, Kriegslied. This information is invaluable. You have permission to proceed as you see fit, they will tip their hand again and I want you to be there when they do. With our new help they won't try another mob, but it seems their next viable tactic would be sabotage, well poisoning, stealing livestock and the like. This entire rebellion is an affront and I won't tolerate dissenters to my rule."
She secretly hoped she was saying the right thing. It was Kriegslied who finally found her and assassinated her master and brought her home, she felt indebted to him and wanted him to know that his efforts weren't a waste of time. She will be a powerful queen, but sometimes it felt like she was only pulled from her master's bed an hour ago.

 

[Kriegslied]

Krieg gives Alexandria a nod and a slight bow as he understood his instructions, "I will keep you updated your highness." He informs her then looks out towards where the two gentlemen left following their escorts.

"If you wish I can put some of my Little Birds on them as well. We know nothing of them other then they wish to offer you their services." He would look back at the Queen with a serious look. Telling her he did not trust those men at all.

"Not to mention one is offering a mutual alliance and the other is in it for the money. Neither can be trusted fully unless they prove themselves or magically swear allegiance to you." The elf warns her quietly, "They might also try to get in the ways of your plans in the future or plot some scheme."

His ears would flick some as he thought, "Of course that'll all be over my dead decaying body as goes for the rest of us. my queen" He tells her referring to the other fifty zealots and those who remained loyal to his majesty's claim to the throne. They did manage to get her back from that horrible situation. And he still remembered the blood spraying all over his hands as he slit the bastard's throat whenever they took Alexandria away to safety.

There were a great many wounds for her to overcome physically and mentally. But those will take time to heal and start to rebuild.

Alexandria Viacian

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

Alexandria listed to the words of her spy master. Nodding quietly while she considered.

"If you wish I can put some of my Little Birds on them as well. We know nothing of them other then they wish to offer you their services."

Prudence dictated that this was the wisest course of action. It's true, they were unknowns, would they truly stand for the mission that was before them?
Stories around Arethil tell of evil royalty subjugating their villages under the whip of cruelty. Her father did this, but then the people turned into the villains, sent her off to be violated over and OVER and OVER... She took a deep breath, she was getting angry.
But she wasn't the villain here... This is justice for a little girl. And her new allies will either acknowledge this... Or... Or what?
Right now watching them is the best they could do.

"Not to mention one is offering a mutual alliance and the other is in it for the money. Neither can be trusted fully unless they prove themselves or magically swear allegiance to you."

That was an idea... The loyalists who serve her all took this oath, bound by a curse she was taught from one of her mother's spellbooks. Even Kriegslied took the oath. It put a magical inhibitor in the mind of the subject to prevent any action or plot that is not in the best interest of the queen.

"Of course that'll all be over my dead decaying body as goes for the rest of us. my queen"

She smiled at this, again that predatory smile like a starved lion savoring her prey.
"You are all wonderful, Kriegslied. Yes, I think you're right, keep a watchful eye on them until their loyalty is assured. We must look after our own welfare and be prepared for any possibility."
She motioned for him to rise.
"You are dismissed. I will be in counsel with the nobles for a while yet, but put your little birds into motion and come to my chambers with your report."

____________________​

Spoiler: Sung Na and Mannelig

Just post as you guys have time. I'll keep up with the NPC's!

The servants beckoned to the two warlords to follow them and turned in unison down the corridor. The servants were twins with black hair tied up in a sharp ponytail and dressed in fine servants uniforms.
The halls were still relatively bare, with white canvas tarps still covering the sparse furniture and portraits along the way.

The twins even walked in unison as they led the men down the hall. They passed doors along the way and the twins gave them a little tour, also speaking in unison.
"This is the door to the dinning room, you may take breakfast here or request to eat in your chambers...
This is the door to the upper keep battlements, where the former king used to walk in the mornings, and where he was ultimately executed with his wife...
This is the door to the library, where the queen spent much of her spare time with her daughter during her lessons...
This is the door to the washrooms, where servants will tend you and help you wash off all the dust of the road..."

Finally they came to the guest wing of the keep and the twins led the way to the first door, turning to Mannelig.
"This will be your room for the duration of your stay, My Lord. Please make yourself at home. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Then they led Sung Na to the next room.
"This will be your room for the duration of your stay, My Lord. Please make yourself at home. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Spoiler: The rooms

Both chambers were very similar, if not inverse. A cheery fire burned on the hearth, fresh sheets and linens were made up on the bed, a large wardrobe stood in the corner, an end table with a washbasin and towels stood by the bed, and slotted windows gave a defensible view of the vast valley below and the southern half of the village.

 

[Sung Na]

Sung Na didn’t entirely trust the Lady of the Castle, he’d have to be extra careful around her. Should she do anything to exploit him he’d give her one warning, a very clear very blatant warning, and give her a second chance. Should she try again, and he’d put her to the sword. But he was not an evil man, and he’d begin with goodwill and trust before he moved to intimidation and threats.

The room was good, and he was pleased with their hospitality. Before the servant left he asked him to send him one of his soldiers. He quickly wrote a letter in his own language and had his soldier carry the message to the camp they had originally marched from, asking the camp commander to send the silk and jade samples for the Lady to sample and as gifts to begin good relations.

One of the things that left many politicians uncertain about Sung Na was that despite his capacity and talent for deception, he was outright an overall honest and sincere person, only lying when it served his interests best, which usually only happened after his potential ally crossed a line.

He sat cross legged once his business was concluded and started his evening meditation. It would be morning when he came out of the room, by then, a cart with four armed guards with the eastern equipment would come up to the castle gate.

 

[Kriegslied]

The elf stands up and bows to the Queen, “As you wish, your highness. I do hope you have a wonderful night.” He tells her before he turns to leave and as the doors open and close he slaps a finger and four bats manifest from thin air. He whispers to them and they flutter off to their new guests rooms.

With a bat’s sensitive hearing they could hear whispers among other things and were his favorite critters for night time stakeouts. Now he had bats on these two, the shopkeeper, religious figure and a guard. Things were gonna get loud if they all started up at the same time. Particularly with the last three.

Krieg sighs as he walks to his study and then gets nice and comfortable in his chair and he starts to connect to his Little Birds.

The Shopkeeper was sleeping, as was the religious figure... the guard though was moving about and so he would keep an eye in him.

The bats he sent to listen in on the two new guests settled above and below the window. Just swooping down to the wall and crawl to their positions assuming the normal look and behaviors of actual bats.

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

When Kriegslied had left the throne room to carry out her orders she stood up, she dismissed Klor and the armored knight followed her as always. She went to her own chambers, while the knight took up his position outside her door she finally got a good look at the royal chambers, the room where her parents once slept and where she would run to whenever there was a loud storm. She loved storms now, it gave her comfort as if her parents now resided in those angry clouds that always brought them close together.

The time for tears was many years past, and she had spent them well. Maids sat knelt on the floor by her wardrobe and she accepted their ministrations as they helped her change into a light sleeping gown. The maids and servants were the sons and daughters of the loyalists that made up their numbers, they served well to remain in her good graces and to not bring shame upon their families.

Alexandria crawled into the huge bed and pulled the covers tightly around her, letting the perfumed sheets lull her to sleep along with the whistle of the wind outside her shuttered window.

_______________________
​

It was a cool night in the village, and not just from the wind. Everyone had begrudgingly gone back to their homes but few had the courage to sleep. In the morning there will be a counsel meeting to decide what will be the best course of action.
"What options do we really have?"
That was the question of the hour, and one the sheriff asked himself as he patrolled the village. He always thought better on patrol and this required some serious thought. Those two armies that showed up right at the nick of time was just bad luck, before they stood a good chance of getting the surviving Viacian off of the throne, in fact with the mob they mustered it was a guarantee even if the loyalists chose to fight back.
He tried to think critically and logically about where they could possibly go from here. It put a bad taste in his mouth, but it seemed their only viable option would be to approach the "queen" peacefully and determine whether or not she'll continue to rule as her father had, or if her exile showed her a better path.

He had no faith in Viacian blood, him and his men suffered greatly under the demands of King Viacian. If the daughter refused to change, they may have to send for aid of their own, perhaps even a message directly to Elbion to intervene... Such a thing was never possible under the old king, he kept a tight reign on all outside communication. But Alexandria isn't established yet, so they might still have a chance to call for aid if it turns out she's to follow in her father's footsteps.

He was so absorbed in his patrol and muttered musings that he didn't notice the little bat listening to every word he said.

 

[Sung Na]

The following morning, Sung Ana stood outside the castle as the sun came over the horizon and a cart approached the gate. The driver called to him in his own language, a very strange language in the west. He had seen the bat, and had taken note that it was able to get into the castle in the first place, but he didn’t think too hard about it then. He had the people guarding the cart unload the wooden crate that was in the back of the cart and bring it in. He was going to give the reigning queen a sample of the goods he had to offer as trade resources.

The crate was carried into the throne room, and set down off to the side of the main walkway but still clearly visible. He would have to wait for Queen Viacian to come into the throne room to hear his proposition.

 

[Mannelig]

Bats or no bats, Mannelig and his men didn't much pay attention or care. Outside of ensuring his men were secure, he prepared for the next day, and laid out the men's orders for the night. Once complete, he himself slept for a few hours, though he eschewed the room given to him by the castle's owner, instead opting to sleep with the rest of his men in their assigned quarters.

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

With morning light came the need for morning ablutions. Once completed, Mannelig donned his armor once more and checked his men. No trouble in the night meant punctual rotations and a solid night of rest for everyone in his company. A quick check on the horses told him that, while a bit cramped for fifty odd mounts, they were well cared for and fed. His men sorted themselves out and

As he made his way to the keep, he spotted the cart entering the gates driven by a foreigner. Shrugging and leaving the cart, driver, and now the foreign warlord to whatever he was doing, the mercenary captain checked to make sure the roll of parchment was still tucked into his belt and entered the main doors. The scroll outlined what was essentially the bill for his men's services. It wasn't exactly a meager amount, but neither was it inflated. Mannelig quietly prided himself on fair prices for their service, but occasionally someone kicked back. It was inevitable in this field. With luck, however, it wouldn't happen here.

Taking a quiet spot in the main hall, he settled down to wait.

Alexandria Viacian
Sung Na
Kriegslied

 

[Kriegslied]

Krieg's head rang with the voice of the guard while he read when he started his muttering. Causing the elf to wake up in a gasp of panic and then he would calm down. It was his Little Bird informing him.

Holding his hands together he focuses and finds the guard as his muttering continued. A smile forms across the man's lips as he found out who was the one that was really pulling the strings. The shopkeeper was a simple herd mentality victim as it seemed to be the religious figure. Those two might not be much of a threat when he took care of the guards on that particular patrol.

But it seemed this one wanted to ask his queen if she would be like her father. Krieg can't help but laugh some at the mention of that when he had his way with them they would be glad and happy to be in the kingdom of his queen and would speak nothing negative of her. Ever.

But, if it was this one guard then surely some more of them would feel the same way?

He sighs, in the morning he would have to go tell Queen Alexandria about what transpired, he did not want to ruin all the guard or wipe them out for the most part. That would be silly. And he now had a plan for this rabble.

-----

The elf gets up in the morning and heads to the main hall with his hands comfortably entwined together. Once he enters the chamber he can't help but notice the fickle in the middle of the room. A chest.

"Good morning gentlemen."

He tilts his head and looks at Mannelig and Sung Na. "I take it this is your chest tradesman." He says looking at Sung Na, "I do hope those are indeed goods that her highness would appreciate." He smiles knowing that they were goods for his queen be he had a few spells ready just in case they were to harm. But the Mannelig was something he was interested in,

"I see you did not sleep in the room that was provided to you." He chuckles, "No matter, it is good you wish to spend the night with your men. Means a lot to them I can assure you."

The elf looks calm and collected, and a barn owl flies up onto his shoulder which he snaps his fingers and it disappears in a cloud of smoke. A glint of understanding and acknowledging flashed in his eyes for a second from which he simply shrugs and waves his hand.

Mannelig
Alexandria Viacian
Sung Na

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

She awoke fitfully to a maid gently shaking her and telling her it was time to wake up, that her guests are awaiting her presence.
She groaned as she groggily got out of bed and let the maids dress her and brush her long hair while she snacked on some buttered toast and jam.
Being queen wasn't a very restful job it seemed.

However, once she was properly awake and her fake smile once more plastered on her face with mirror practiced precision she was once again ready to face another day.
Her knight escorted her to the throne room and stood by her right hand as she took her seat.
"Good morning, gentlemen. I'm sorry to keep you waiting. It seems you've both slept well as I had hoped."
Her eyes went to the offering and Sung Na.
"What's this, Sung Na?"

 

[Sung Na]

"What's this, Sung Na

“A gesture of good will, and a sample of the goods we have for trade. I said yesterday that I cannot offer allegiance, but an alliance and trade rights were on the table should you want to accept it.” He said, gesturing for his soldiers to bring the chest over. “Is identical are two of our most precious resources, silk and a precious stone we call jade. They are yours.”

He had taken note of what she seemed to prefer when it came to color, and called for black silk as sheets and a blanket as well as a dress in the eastern form, as they didn’t have much else, this included an eastern corset, which was little more than a very wide belt of silk for wrapping around one’s waist, which also held the dress closed, which wrapped around and overlapped in the front, which also allowed for size adjustment, all of this in black with silver trim. The jade was a deep green, smooth stone, four head sized statues of various animals in eastern art included a maned lion, a dragon which was a long snake with legs and a mane, a robed man sitting cross legged and a woman holding a spider.

“I hope that these are to your liking.”

 

[Alexandria Viacian]

“A gesture of good will, and a sample of the goods we have for trade. I said yesterday that I cannot offer allegiance, but an alliance and trade rights were on the table should you want to accept it.”

“Is identical are two of our most precious resources, silk and a precious stone we call jade. They are yours.”

“I hope that these are to your liking.”

Her eyebrows rose at the sight of such rich gifts. She did her best to keep her face passive, but she was extremely pleased and was hard pressed to keep her smile from splitting into a grin like a child on her birthday.
"I am extremely well pleased with this offering, Sung Na. And this is a sample of the trade your people can bring to my kingdom? It seems too good to be true."
She straightened in her throne and motioned for Kriegslied to examine the gifts and confirm their "Safe" as a traditional precaution.
"I believe such trade would please my subjects as well. When the amethyst mine is reopened I believe we may be able to match your offer and reopen the resource trade that Ravencrest once offered, if you find that acceptable."

There was much that Ravencrest was capable of, plenty of materials and resources that could bring quite a bit of coin back into Ravencrest. In addition to the metals and precious stones hidden in their mines this area is also known for magical creatures with a variety of usable and special ingredients that can be sold on the open market if properly harvested. Diplomacy has begun, and excitement was lighting up her expression by the minute.