{"id":2503,"date":"2015-09-14T10:26:05","date_gmt":"2015-09-14T15:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/roleplay.devermore.com\/?p=2503"},"modified":"2016-12-01T22:28:13","modified_gmt":"2016-12-01T22:28:13","slug":"winter-is-coming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/09\/14\/winter-is-coming\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Is Coming"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lady Rivanon had asked Emmeline to delay departing even further than the two days the Baron wished, and after some discussion Emmeline had agreed. Something political was going on behind the scenes with Rivanon darting around the countryside back and forth to Derrien. Emmeline knew of a bit of it with her conversations with the Baron, but little in detail. Rivanon had basically for the last ten days been missing from Emmeline’s presence, and save for a brief time at the Glade and when she arranged for armor, they had spoken little.<\/p>\n

\"Emmeline\"<\/a>
Mademoiselle Emmeline de Cerisey, Maitresse en titr\u00ea and witch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One morning, the day Emmeline planned to pack up and get ready to leave Uzec and by extension Cerisey and the Glade, Am\u00e9lie entered and said, “Lady Emmeline, the Lady d’Uzec asks you to attend her in the Baronial Garden.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline was a little surprised. “Thank you, Ma’mselle Amelie. I’ll be right there.” She left her packing and now wearing her new-made reinforced leathers, she proceeded down stairs and out the rear doors to the garden to look for Lady Rivanon.<\/p>\n

Rivanon saw Emmeline and smiled, “Hello Em. I see your new leathers have arrived! Good. I wanted to see how you were doing and if you are still wanting to take this journey. Let us walk and discuss the plan, or if we do not have a plan, perhaps create an outline of one.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline smiled a little ruefully. “Well, it’s not about what I want. We must make this journey. As for a plan, I think you know most of it. First to Portreaux to see the Contessa, then on to Adera and points beyond as we follow the map. Since we don’t know what exactly we’ll find, nor the precise nature of the dangers along the way, we can’t make specific plans. My cousin thinks undead could be involved, so Sister Tiffanie has taken care to prepare for that. Is there something else we need to do?”<\/p>\n

\"Lady<\/a>
Lady Rivanon Maria d’Uzec: Daughter and Heir of Lord Roland d’Uzec. Member of the College of Seers. Member of the Thalassan Bar and Advocates Guild. Grand niece of the Duke of Derrien.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rivanon replied, “Of course. And for my part I am as prepared as I can be. But there are reports of strangers about seeking Tiffanie, not to mention the Tyaanites and those they would hire. We should do our best to mitigate those encounters we know will occur so we have the strength and will to better face those unknowns past Adera. Simply put is there some way for us to keep our enemies from tracking us?”<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as we have the Aquila, the Tyaanites will hound us,\u201d Emmeline said. \u201cThe bounty hunters will follow as far as they can, then we\u2019ll lose them over water, most likely. They\u2019ll probably try to attack before then, but there again, we don\u2019t know their capabilities. We at our full capabilities ourselves. I\u2019m sorry Rivanon. I know you don\u2019t like not knowing. You should also know that the Wizard\u2019s Guild itself is also likely following my every move. I expect they always will.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish it didn\u2019t bother you,\u201d Emmeline said apologetically. \u201cI\u2019m used to being front and center and on stage every night. The fact that I can expect to be spied upon every moment of my life is not a big leap for me. It just means I\u2019m always on stage and I\u2019m always improvising. I\u2019m aware and I can handle that, whether that means being in the light surrounding the Baron, or being tracked to the ends of the earth.”<\/p>\n

Rivanon nodded, “I understand. I can improvise for certain, but like my father I tend to plan and be ready to modify that plan with sub-plans and contingencies. If this, then that, and such. No plan of course survives a real situation, but planning allows one to anticipate the knowns and be prepared for the unknowns; should they occur. I would be better at this if I had attended the War College, but I do have knowledge from history and my father. Suffice to say, we should just do what we can to minimize our exposure to attack.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline nodded. \u201cI agree and I\u2019m open to any suggestions you might have. I can say I do have some new tricks, and I\u2019ll no longer depend on magic for my defense \u2014 thanks to this,\u201d she said referring to the light armor Rivanon had helped her obtain.<\/p>\n

Rivanon smiled, “armor is a good thing. What are your new tricks if I may ask? I’ve also been practicing and preparing for our journey, rereading several spellsong techniques. In fact, I think I’ve finally grasped a spellsong that lets me steal the pattern of a magical effect and make it my own. Once I do so, it is hard to undo it, but not impossible.”<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking control of someone\u2019s spell is handy,\u201d Emmeline remarked with a bemused nod. \u201cMy new tricks? Well, I can sprout wings* and fly, or give someone else the ability, or both. I can lay down an impenetrable fog*, see in any kind of lighting condition, magical or not, including the obscuring fog. And if harm comes to me, I can vanish from this world entirely and appear somewhere else in the span of less than ten heartbeats.\u201d Emmeline smiled. \u201cI\u2019ve sort of specialized in becoming very elusive and I have other magics that help with that, too.”<\/p>\n

“Fascinating. Wings? I heard Magus Elemix is transcribing a flying spell himself. I suppose only the Sister and I will stay to the ground. For my part, I’m specializing in telling people what to do.” she smiled, “I believe I can mimic the voice\u00a0prayer of the Aarithine priests (Command), and therefore force my will briefly on another. That is what I mean by controlling a spell. I’ve witnessed this firsthand on Thalassa during an altercation in the college Temple and recently asked Jocelyn to demonstrate it. She was happy to oblige. I think I can mimic that pattern well enough.”<\/p>\n

“That’s going to come in handy!” Emmeline said enthusiastically. “And don’t worry, I can cast fly on other people.”<\/p>\n

“That’s what a worry about,” she said with a smile. “Flying is not one of my ambitions, unless it was on a pegasus or griffon. But I have a question for you. In combat, you release a blast of energy from the pattern. I’ve seen it several times. It is something I’ve been curious about. I know it is a gift from Mara, but so you think she, and you, would mind if I tried to mimic it?”<\/p>\n

Emmeline shrugged. \u201cMimic away, River. It\u2019s been effective for me. If you can, you might try picking up some other lesser magics, too. I was able to pick up some pretty unusual things, too. Like a spell to turn any hand held weapon into a deadly magical one, one to impress, and a handy little spell that tends to impress common folk quite a bit.*\u201d Em added, \u201cWith minor magics to turn blades, and send little messages, I actually have access to a whole lot of minor magics. I\u2019ll demonstrate any of them if you like.<\/p>\n

“Can you mimic fey talents, too? Like that ability I mentioned to escape if harmed? I can also terrify or enchant with a word. Oh! And can you cast healing spells, too? That would be most helpful of all because I tend to use up half, or all of my magical ability just keep my friends on their feet.”<\/p>\n

Rivanon replied, “Sadly spellsongs cannot mimic natural abilities or certain supernatural gifts, just those that a ‘spell-like’ in nature. In truth, I don’t think I can keep more than a couple in my head. Non-spellsongs are ‘slippery’ and difficult to keep in mind. Now the terrify or enchant with a word is of interest for certain. To answer your question, I do have the ability to heal, of sorts, by preventing damage in the first place by inspiring bravery – which you have experienced, by inspiring during combat, or afterwards encouraging positive thoughts and energy as you rest. In my opinion, strengthening my allies early is wiser than healing afterwards. I can be even more effective if we know we are going into battle ahead of time.”<\/p>\n

“The less I have to heal the more spellpower I can devote to dealing with enemies, so that will be a big help,” Emmeline said. “Unfortunately, most of the time, we don’t get time to plan for battle. Mostly, we have to react. It’s the nature of the thing, you see — we aren’t intending anyone harm. We have taken the fight to the Tyaanites twice and in those cases we were successful, thought Elemix nearly died each time. But he almost dies almost every time there is a battle,” Em amended. “People really love to knock wizards down, and that’s exactly why I’m not wearing any wizard robes. Like, ever. It’s like walking around with a “kick me” sign on your ass all day long. Pardon my language, but when you have enemies actively hunting you down, it’s simply the truth.” Her language and humor were dry, but her tone wasn’t resentful. It was just the way it was, a truth of the world that she couldn’t change.<\/p>\n

Rivanon looked pensive for a bit and then replied, “well, wizards terrify some people and let’s be frank, for good reason. I saw what Elemix did to those goblins at Arissey. Certainly later on he took a pounding, but only after obliterating much of the enemy. He’s proud of who he is. Deservedly so as i believe I know what they go through. That is the price for traveling with him. I doubt either he or the Sister would disguise themselves unless absolutely necessary. Then again, you could ask. I am going incognito and I lose more than them by doing so. At least tone it down a bit.”<\/p>\n

“I don’t hold it against either of them,” Emmeline said. “Let them travel as it suits them because they know the risks and embrace them. I just wouldn’t want to be them; that’s my choice.”<\/p>\n

She smiled playfully as she eyed Rivanon. “You however, my lady, cannot afford not to take some measures so I’m glad you are thinking about these things.”<\/p>\n

“It is a part I intend to play. A challenge, that’s all. I’ve been very thorough with all arrangements,” replied Rivanon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you have been,\u201d Emmeline nodded. \u201cSpeaking of, I know you have been very busy lately. Is there anything I could help with?\u201d Emmeline referred to that political something that was going on behind the scenes. She didn\u2019t know anything about it and didn\u2019t want to stick her nose in where it wasn\u2019t welcome, but at the same time she didn\u2019t want to appear completely ignorant or unhelpful.<\/p>\n

“Sadly no. It is a bit of diplomacy on behalf of my father and somewhat on behalf of the Duke, my great-uncle. My father’s scouts have determined that the there is a larger group of goblins, hobgoblins, and even bugbears gathering in the north. Under who is unknown. You noticed the new defenses going up and the growing number of troops, fiefdoms being granted, etc., yes?” she replied. “I am making arrangements for winter, should that goblin force choose the Calder Valley as their invasion route – there is no guarantee they will. My father and the Duke insist I am out of harms way; and believe it or not, my father thinks myself being with you and the others is safer.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline frowned with concern. \u201cThat makes things here sound rather dire. I\u2019ll have to hope then that winter blocks any passes those goblins might use to get at us here, and the Baron has time to shore up defenses enough he can repulse anything they send in the spring. And by then, perhaps we\u2019ll have returned be able to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Maybe,” she nodded, “but I’ve also heard news the refugees from Malith are pushing in toward the Rift. It could be a dangerous place.”<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Emmeline nodded. \u201cIt could. You\u2019re really worried about your father, aren\u2019t you? I am, too. Now that we are back, it\u2019s not easy to leave again.”<\/p>\n

“Yes, that is true. I’m his heir and I should be here. I could do so much for them; but father is a stubborn sort and I know my duty and will okay.” She mused, “Honestly it is more than that. I love it here. This is home. I didn’t think I would miss it so much given how I left and how young I was, but this is truly home. Thalassa will always be part of me. I’ve lived there longer than anywhere, but I am a daughter of the North.”<\/p>\n

“I think it’s that Uzec needs us. Thalassa really doesn’t. We matter here, but not in Thalassa. For you, there is the added benefit of family being here. For me, it’s where my heart is.” Em smiled. “When it comes to Uzec we feel the same, I think.”<\/p>\n

“Then let us finish this mission and get back here. People need us,” she replied with a smile. “I must prepare for the journey. Is there anything you need? My guard will be accompanying us, plus two of my ladies. One you will recognize, a young bard and former classmate named River.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline shook her head. \u201cI have a ring of warmth, clothes, food for the road, a horse and my fiddle. I\u2019m set. She did quick math and realized Rivanon meant herself and the River personality could pose as ladies while Tiffanie posed as her guard until they left Portreaux. \u201dI like your choice in company,\u201d she said with a smile.<\/p>\n

“Indeed. It will look like myself going on a trip to see my aunt. The girl – Ana – posing as River, then will then pose as me and stay with my aunt until we return. I will then ‘become’ River, you Emmeline, and the others are simply unknowns in Portreaux or Adera.” she added. “I need to convince Tiffanie of this though.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline chuckled. \u201cI doubt she\u2019ll have a problem with it. I think her renown is important to her, and it will only increase as we go, guard or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Very well then. I’ll reach out to the Sister. Otherwise, I’ll meet you in the courtyard tomorrow at dawn.” replied Rivanon. She smiled, nodded, and then departed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lady Rivanon had asked Emmeline to delay departing even further than the two days the Baron wished, and after some discussion Emmeline had agreed. Something political was going on behind the scenes with Rivanon darting around the countryside back and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2],"tags":[4,11],"class_list":["post-2503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thalassa","tag-emmeline","tag-rivanon"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8aqU2-En","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2452,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/08\/31\/epilogue-sessions-12-13\/","url_meta":{"origin":2503,"position":0},"title":"Epilogue: Sessions 12 & 13","author":"Edward","date":"August 31, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Overview From Thalassa, the party journeyed by ship to Breven. During the trip they were waylaid by seahags with intent to capture Emmeline at the very least. Surviving this, the party returned to Uzec where they were drawn into combat at Arresey where\u00a0hobgoblins fleeing their defeat near Faou and foraging\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2430,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/08\/28\/on-the-path-to-uzec\/","url_meta":{"origin":2503,"position":1},"title":"On the Path to Uzec","author":"Illuminatus","date":"August 28, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"That morning a rider arrived at Emmeline\u2019s home from Uzec. He was very tired, took some water and said to Rivanon and Emmeline as he took a knee, \u201cM\u2019ladies.\" Looking to Emmeline he said, \u201cwith m\u2019lady\u2019s compliments,\u201d pointed outside where two riding horses awaited. \u201cI sent him last night,\u201d Rivanon\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2714,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2016\/01\/11\/epilogue-session-25\/","url_meta":{"origin":2503,"position":2},"title":"Epilogue Session 25","author":"Edward","date":"January 11, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Overview\u00a0 The party split up from Rivanon and went up river directly to Uzec while she stayed behind to wait for several score reinforcements she hoped to march over the Eastern Ridge pass. Ren\u00e9e, the daughter of Vorn's friend Captain du Triel, joined the party under Emmeline's tutorage.\u00a0After fighting a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2230,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/05\/29\/emmeline-legal-matters-part-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":2503,"position":3},"title":"Emmeline: Legal Matters Part 2","author":"Illuminatus","date":"May 29, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"The two women went downstairs where de Bruges (correction, not 'de Bruin\u2019) awaited them. \u201cMy dear,\u201d said de Bruges, \u201cyou are perfectly on-time.\u201d Turning to Rivanon he said, \u201cand you are?\u201d \u201cHer proctor in this matter, Lady d\u2019Uzec.\u201d Rivanon showed him the contract and then gave him a note saying,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2859,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2016\/02\/15\/rivanon-and-the-witch\/","url_meta":{"origin":2503,"position":4},"title":"Rivanon and the Witch","author":"Illuminatus","date":"February 15, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"A week after the party returned to Uzec, Emmeline encountered Rivanon working at a desk, going through papers, messages, and more. As usual, Rivanon noticed Emmeline's approach. \"I'm sorry my friend. I've been very busy with tasks my father has asked me to attend to. Perhaps a break would be\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Lady Rivanon Maria d'Uzec: Daughter and Heir of Lord Roland d'Uzec. Member of the College of Seers. Member of the Thalassan Bar and Advocates Guild. Grand niece of the Duke of Derrien.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2016\/12\/Rivanon-213x300.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2228,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/05\/29\/emmeline-legal-matters-part-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":2503,"position":5},"title":"Emmeline: Legal Matters Part 1","author":"Illuminatus","date":"May 29, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Elemix left for the library to begin his research into the aquila as well as other business, leaving Emmeline and Rivanon at the bardic college's inn-of-court. With Elemix gone, Rivanon asked, \"My father acts in odd ways - often, but his motivations are usually true and honorable. 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