Queen of Love and Beauty

During the ride, Lord Roland spoke to Emmeline, “my lady, I wish you at my side at the summer tournament. Despite this journey, we should be back in time. That said, we will need candidates for this year’s Queen of Love and Beauty.”

“Uzec is gifted with many lovely young women,” Emmeline mused. “It will be hard to give up my crown.” The playful glint in her eye was matched by a smile. “I’d list my ladies in waiting, Kalista, and several unmarried noblewomen as well as a number of women who may have been born common but have uncommonly good looks.” Continue reading “Queen of Love and Beauty”

On the Road

As the party were passing hardby the highlands and woods where the hags were battled, Renée road up to the Baron, bowing slightly and discussed some thing Emmeline not Elemix could hear. Elemix could make out the words ‘danger’, and ‘possible’.

Once she was done, Renée backed her horse off to ride behind Emmeline and Elemix, and beside Typhon, saying, “I can’t really explain it, but something is not right. The more I practice the techniques my mother taught me, the more I sense odd things. I’m still learning, but remember when I felt that undead presence? I’m feeling something similar, like being near the Vale. Kalista is part of it, so I think it is fey, but something else is out there and within a mile of us that is fey.” Continue reading “On the Road”

Social Movement

Emmeline had spent most of the travel riding near the baron. But it was during a break to give horses food and rest she quietly approach her lady in waiting. “Amelie? Can you tell me a little about Lord Arles?”

She said, “the lord is the younger son of the Duke and heir to the Duke’s realm and is just slightly younger than the Baron. He is very much into horsemanship and is a fair soldier. In his youth he was quite the tournament champion. He is married to a commoner from a wealthy merchant family in Breven. Her name is Margarite. They have several children including Maria, Ana, Margot, François, and Louis. Maria is married to a minor noble. Ana serves the Lady Rivanon. Margot is training to be a priestess. Francois and Louis are still very much under age. None are in the line of succession, though their father is.” Continue reading “Social Movement”

Derrien to Thalassa

The Baron was delayed for a time with the Duke. For a short time everyone had to wait outside the audience chamber in the Ducal palace. Elemix got up and stepped out for a moment. Renee was dressed up formally in the military-like yeoman clothing that was made from an old uniform of Rivanon’s from childhood, she was out the window to Typhon’s horse. Kalista had her cloak pulled over her and was sitting in the corner being quiet. Amelie stood at Emmeline’s side. The rest of the entourage waited patiently.

Continue reading “Derrien to Thalassa”

The Lioness, the Witch, and Wardrobe

The following morning, Emmeline was summoned by Magus Alix to her tower. After normal greetings, the magus said, “I know you wish to return as soon as possible to Uzec, but I have some need of knowledge to better teach you and help you protect that which is of import to you. When we are done, you may begin your journey north.”

“What can I do to help you, Magus?” Emmeline asked.

“Let’s start at the beginning. I understand the fey Mara taught you magic and gave you gifts that have in a short time made you formidable. Could you explain those gifts to me? What can you do dear Emmeline?” she said with a disarming smile. Continue reading “The Lioness, the Witch, and Wardrobe”

Meeting Alix

The Magus Alix met Elemix and Emmeline at her tower. It had been almost a year since they were all together like this. Her servant brought tea and then they were alone. “Please report on your mission,” she asked.

Emmeline looked to Elemix, thinking he should speak first being her senior. But then she remembered that Magus Alix had assigned her the mission.

“Yes, Magus. We investigated the woods as you requested, after having met a troublesome reeve, and a gnome prospector working for the Baron of those lands. The gnome was doing his job, scouting a tomb in the woods. We followed him to see what was the focus of interest. An encounter in which we destroyed a couple trolls and some sort of mound made of forest materials, the gnome’s trust was won and he confided the details of his mission to us out of gratitude for handling the trolls. Continue reading “Meeting Alix”

Next Steps

Elemix sat down at the table across from Emmiline. They had finished their discussions with Magus Alix earlier, and had made their way back to the inn to have some dinner.

After they had ordered, Elemix stared the conversation. “Emmiline. Have you thought about coming with me back to Thalassa? Remember my mother was with child when last we heard from her, I am sure she would love to see you. I for one am excited to return and hope to depart within the week.”
Continue reading “Next Steps”