{"id":2859,"date":"2016-02-15T09:03:35","date_gmt":"2016-02-15T15:03:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/roleplay.devermore.com\/?p=2859"},"modified":"2016-12-01T22:24:14","modified_gmt":"2016-12-01T22:24:14","slug":"rivanon-and-the-witch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2016\/02\/15\/rivanon-and-the-witch\/","title":{"rendered":"Rivanon and the Witch"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"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

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 nice. Please sit if you have time.” She gestured to the chair on the other side of the desk.<\/p>\n

Emmeline found a seat and smiled. \u201cMy lady, I should apologize because after these days I have to come to you on business. The Baron has asked me to attend some things, and at the top of my list is coordinating with you,\u201d Emmeline said. \u201cPerhaps after I explain a little, we could break for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Please. So first, what is it my father wishes of you?” she asked pen still in-hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe asked what I thought should be done for villagers that fled the north valley. I told him, and so he\u2019s asked me to see that it is done.\u201d Emmeline smiled. \u201cI walked right into that didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rivanon smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cOf course, I do like having a chance to try to improve things for people. So I\u2019m seeing the minstrel Raphael about having entertainers go about. No big celebrations, just a distraction for people who have little to do but worry. There is nothing like a good story and a happy song to keep people\u2019s minds off their troubles at night. During the day I proposed organizing parties to venture into the valley to those abandoned villages and survey what\u2019s left. If we include the villagers from those places in this task, with the restriction that these parties visit only those villages that have been cleared as safe by the army, they will have the opportunity to salvage and perhaps even recover needed food stores since they can\u2019t return to their homes until the goblin threat is completely passed. This should give them something to do and help them feel more empowered and in control of their destinies. I\u2019ll be speaking with Sir Guillaume and Constable Bencolin about organizing this for us, but I needed to run this by you first.”<\/p>\n

“The people need to know they can go home. With the storms, this won’t be likely until spring, perhaps in a couple weeks. Go head and organize.” she said while taking out a bag of coins. “This isn’t a lot, but 500 gold should be enough to pay the entertainers and get food, supplies and rent draft animals to begin one-by-one bringing the villagers home. Let Sir Guillaume know if you need more and I’ll approve it. I’ve tasked two of the knights to build a pair of fortified outposts on either side of the river, half-way toward the Icemere lake on the far end of the valley. In theory, that should give you the cover you need. The Constable should be in the loop on who is coming and going from the city walls.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Lady Rivanon. I\u2019ll make sure Constable Bencolin is aware of the entertainers. With a little luck, a pleasant distraction for people will make his job easier, too. If you think it is safe enough to begin sending a few people home, that will help give people some relief, too. Now,\u201d Em\u2019s lips curled into a smile, \u201cbusiness aside, how are you doing, my lady?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Lady Em, it has been busy. While father recuperates, I have been attending to all the affairs of the barony, from strategy sessions with the baronial council, to sitting in judgement on legal disputes, and more. I just now completed a letter for my great-uncle on the security situation and the goblin threat. All with father\u2019s advice of course – though he seems to want to spend most his time with you.\u201d she said with a knowing eye. \u201cYou make him very happy, Em.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline blushed at that. “He makes me happy, too. I’m very glad he wants me to stay here with him. Although I know I have obligations to Cerisey, the Vale and a lot of other things that will compete for my attention, it’s very important to me to feel like I’m building a life if not directly with him, then near to him.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is good.\u201d Rivanon replied. Ana came in then with a light lunch and a pair of letters. \u201cThese came via Bluecap,\u201d she said. After thanking Ana and taking a few bites from her plate, Rivanon pulled out her silver dagger which glittered quite beautifully as she opened the first letter. Placing the blade down, she looked at the letter. She smiled a bit and said, \u201cit is an official letter from the Republic, specifically the Mayor\u2019s office. It seems the Duke nominated me to the position of Councilor for Uzec and the Northmarch.\u201d<\/p>\n

“That’s interesting,” Emmeline said, “but what does that mean for you and for your father?”<\/p>\n

\u201cMe. He knows father is not interesting in such things. Mayor Delacroix is beginning to do what she promised, extending the city\u2019s republic into the provinces. It is an honor to be sure, and a good excuse to go to the Isle this summer. It also means I must speak to father about it and then speak to the Duke. I think I am needed here more than anything.\u201d She placed the letter down, picked up the dagger again, which glistened with reflected sliver light, and opened the second letter dated one-day later.<\/p>\n

Her expression was of surprise with a touch of astonishment. She said nothing, reading the letter further.<\/p>\n

Emmeline waited patiently, despite the curiosity that was pushing her to ask what was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn army of orcs and humans has stormed Estrasia. Another has Storuvan under siege. Adera is overwhelmed with refugees and is under threat. Father has been called by the Thalassan Army to raise a legion of troops from the Northmarch from Derrien to Uzek and surrounding villages, with himself named captain-general and Captain du Triel named his second and cavalry commander. They are to ready to march by high-summer at the latest,\u201d she said, reading the letter aloud. \u201cA core of cavalry and officers detached from the First Legion are on their way and will be here as soon as winter passes; possibly as early as April 1st. Similar actions are being taken throughout the Periphery and the Brentine Shore.”<\/p>\n

Emmeline was immensely unhappy at the news. She said simply, “I’ll be going with him, then.”<\/p>\n

Rivanon sat up and walked over to her friend, comforting her. After a moment she said, \u201cFather once served in the Legion. It makes sense that he and others are being called up. You saw what was happening in the East. It is his duty, and it may not be his decision whether you go or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

“I will be going,” she said with determination. “He is my liege and I am his mistress, both. I owe him service and he said we would have this year together. I’m not letting him out of that, no matter who is ordering him about. Besides, he will need a mage he can trust. And it may happen I know many things of importance — refugees, priestesses, and a Storuvite general that owes me his life. Leaving me behind would be like going to war without his best mount!”<\/p>\n

Emmeline paused. “I didn’t mean that they way it sounded.” She thought a bit. “Or maybe I did. Anyway, I’m going.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do not even know emif\/em he will leave. They are asking to prepare and mobilize. This takes months and hasn\u2019t happened since the days of Haalkhan. And he is not the only one, I\u2019m sure there are others. Who gets sent where, if at all, is unknown to us. Please do not leap to conclusions yet. The timing makes sense though, given what is happening out Eas\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Rivanon\u2019s words were lost for a time, as Emmeline felt Mara\u2019s connection with her return “\u2026are you okay?\u201d the young woman asked. \u201cYou looked out of it for a moment there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emmeline blinked and smiled. “Yes… yes I am. But you said the Baron has been called for this. How could he not go if Thalassa has sent a summons?”<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is possible for him to refuse. That would put him, the Duke, and Thalassa in a difficult position. The youth of the nobility has for years been invited to be part of the Legion to give them experience in leading large forces and integrating them and the feudal auxiliaries with the Republican Legion. However, once a Legionnaire, always a Legionnaire. The only way he could refuse is to step down as Baron and the March Lord. To do otherwise would cause a constitutional crisis in the agreements that hold the League together.\u201d she said. \u201cHe would in effect be withdrawing from the League unilaterally upon refusal.\u201d Rivanon looked pensive.<\/p>\n

“He will go,” Emmeline said. “I’m sure of it. You know how much I despised those places, but I can emhelp\/em him. And strangely enough… I feel like I abandoned Storuvan. It’s illogical, but it still feels that way. But most of all, after so long, I don’t want to be apart from him already. Especially not if his life will be at risk. I can’t stand that.”<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was speaking to Elemix earlier today and has taken lunch with a few of the knights. After that is complete I\u2019ll tell him of the letters and leave him to think it over. But I have to ask you something Em. Do you love my father?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

“Yes, my lady,” Emmeline said without hesitation. She was curious, however, because she thought Rivanon already knew that.<\/p>\n

She smiled a bit, \u201cI know that look. I ask because father wishes to know you and get to know you better as I have. His best friend is dead. He is very alone. I\u2019m his daughter and I hardly know him having been gone the better part of a decade. He is hurting and you are what can help him. More than myself I suppose. He needs a person to love yes, to bear another child yes, but mostly a person to listen to him and be there for him. Right now you have that opportunity, and unlike Lady Millicent you care about him, not his wealth or power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emmeline smiled and nodded. “So you know I won’t give up being with him, my lord Baron, wherever he has to be.” She felt as strongly about it as she did being a witch — Mara’s witch.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me,\u201d Rivanon said. \u201cI have something to show you. She picked up and sheathed the shimmering silver knife, grabbed the letters and locked them in the desk. Leaving the room, she locked it behind her. Looking at the guard she said, \u201cno one is to enter this office under any circumstances save for Ana, and then only to remove the food.\u201d He nodded.<\/p>\n

They moved down to the armory where she said, \u201cI have a gift for you. Since you have been spending every moment with my father, I took the liberty to have some changes make to your armor. Take a look.\u201d She gestured at a set of studded leather armor, bleached white with subtle new brass trim. \u201cI have ordered a matching cloak as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emmeline gasped in astonishment, then moved forward to touch it. “This is incredible! It’s perfect, my lady!” She looked serious and turned to her friend. “But why? I mean… I haven’t gotten you anything and this is so thoughtful and I don’t even know when your birthday is. Is it your birthday? But then you should receive gifts, not me…” She was so surprised she was practically sputtering.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the short time we have known each other, you are the closest thing to a little sister I have ever had. But one who is wise and kind beyond their years. It is a small thing, but I thought you\u2019d like it. Do not think I have not noticed all the little things you have done for me.\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

“Well,” Emmeline said with a big smile, “you’ve had a rather brutally alluring black armor turned into something beautiful that I’d be very proud to wear.” She squinted at it and felt the leather. “I can’t even tell it was holed by arrows and knives.” She turned to Rivanon and performed a half-curtsy, half-bow that was all respect. “Thank you, my lady. I will try to be worthy of your gift.”<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are welcome. It was done by Uzec\u2019s best leatherworkers, Andre Cobb and his daughter Kylie. They do fine work.\u201d she replied. \u201cThe rest of the ensemble should be ready within the week. Now, please my friend so not worry yourself on the letter. Father should be back by now and I must attend him on other business as well. But, when I am done he likely will wish to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

“All right, my lady.” Emmeline looked around to see if they were alone. “May I give you a hug?”<\/p>\n

Rivanon laughed, \u201cof course you may.\u201d The ladies hugged and then began walking back. On the walk she asked, \u201chow are your two ladies working out, Mirel and Amelie?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Very well, I think! I’ve been preoccupied, but after I spoke of the sorry state of my wardrobe, Amelie has swung into action,” Emmeline said. “I had that bolt of extraordinary cloth and she is seeing to it something wonderful will be made of it. And she’s arranged for the same tailor to produce a variety of things to wear. I told her I won’t wear anything boring, so I’m interested to see what she comes up with. I think Amelie is a very good catch for any young nobleman, so my only worry is that I’ll have her only a short time.<\/p>\n

“Speaking of, I’m considering seeing if she might be a good fit for Sir Etienne of Calder. He has struck me as a young man in need of a good wife.<\/p>\n

“My cousin Mirel has been helping. She has some skills with sewing and so she will embroider some things for me, and perhaps work on lace. I’ve begun teaching her to sing — gentlemen like a pleasant singing voice in a bride you know. ”<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. I remember him when I was a girl. He was a few years older than I. My father and his father served together in the Legion. You may not know this but Sir Axiney came here because of my father. The younger Axiney, Sir Etienne, is a handsome and brave man and would be a good match. Amelie is perhaps a year older than me. I used to play with her as a little girl. We were almost twins back then and would play tricks on father and mother. When her family took residence in Gamach\u00e9 when we were back in Derrien we lost touch. I doubt she even remembers me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emmeline smiled. “I would be very surprised if she didn’t remember you, my lady.<\/p>\n

She nodded, \u201cYou may be right. On Sir Etienne, I am considering giving him his father\u2019s post in Calder Keep. He was raised there, has the trust of the locals, and is a hero to many as he fought valiantly during the siege. For now; however, I have other things to do than play matchmaker, as do you. But you should feel free to attend to your courtly duties in that capacity if you wish. You should probably talk to him first before speaking to Amelie. Given her past, it would be wise not to get her hopes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Hm. Yes, of course I should talk to him about it first. Maybe I will wait a little,” she said, thinking of the way he looked at her. It might not be a great idea to speak with him alone for a while. “I have a duty to see my ladies marry well, but perhaps I needn’t rush anything.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose. You know how I feel about that. I know it is tradition and my father believes in it, but if he had his way based purely on tradition, I would have been married off to Sir Kentigern, Baron Reno, or some other \u2018catch\u2019. Instead I am,\u201d she made a pinch gesture with her hand, \u201cthis close to being Baroness regnant. Have you asked your girls what they want? Give them time to explore and learn from you, as I have. As an aside, have you considered your \u2018third\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

“I don’t know about traditions out here. This is new to me. I promised to get my ladies opportunities and I mean to do so.” Emmeline said. “What they do with those opportunities is up to them. But just between you and I, the sooner Sir Etienne is thinking about women other than me, the better.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Rivanon with a rare open curiosity as if she had no idea what Emmeline was speaking of. \u201cHe is thinking of you?”<\/p>\n

“I’m pretty sure,” Emmeline’s look hinted at what she meant. “He hasn’t done anything unworthy, but it would be much better for him to have someone on his mind other than the Baron’s mistress.”<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. You have that way with people. I partially avoid it due to a certain reputation, but you are the Queen of Love & Beauty, genuinely kind, and frankly fairly innocent looking. You and I know the truth, but few others do. Also, in the case of Sir Etienne, he just lost his father, as you lost your lover albeit temporarily. Maybe he was trying to make a connection? That being said I\u2019ll destroy him if he touches you.\u201d she said. Emmeline knew for certain Rivanon\u2019s ruthless edge. \u201cSo, perhaps a short time apart would be good. Lady Amelie did also lose her fianc\u00e9e in the first goblin attack. I doubt she is over that completely.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Yes I think you are probably right, my lady,” Emmeline said. “Maybe he’ll forget about me if I’m not walking right in front of him for a while.”<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t forget about you. Few will. I\u2019m sure you have many broken hearts already pining for you. It is my happiness that the heart you chose is dear to me. Ah. Here we are. My friend, I must attend to father. Once I have given him the news and we and the Council have discussed, he will likely wish to see you. We can talk later.\u201d She gave a kiss on each of Emmeline\u2019s cheeks in the Thalassan style and went back into her study.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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<\/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],"class_list":["post-2859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thalassa","tag-emmeline"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8aqU2-K7","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2503,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/09\/14\/winter-is-coming\/","url_meta":{"origin":2859,"position":0},"title":"Winter Is Coming","author":"Illuminatus","date":"September 14, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Emmeline","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2016\/12\/image-300x300.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2183,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/05\/16\/epilogue-session-7-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":2859,"position":1},"title":"Epilogue: Session 7","author":"Edward","date":"May 16, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Overview To confuse the Assassin, the party split up with each group taking a part of the Aquila. Tiffanie took ship with Jocelyn on the Grey Gull out of Breven bound for Thalassa, while Elemix and Emmeline went overland to Camaret to consult an acquaintance\u00a0of El's about the Obsidian Aquila\u00a0and\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":2859,"position":2},"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":2230,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/05\/29\/emmeline-legal-matters-part-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":2859,"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":2228,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/05\/29\/emmeline-legal-matters-part-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":2859,"position":4},"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. Did he know\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":2452,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/08\/31\/epilogue-sessions-12-13\/","url_meta":{"origin":2859,"position":5},"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":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2859"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2859\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}