IC Scene - The Meeting

Subject: IC Scene - The Meeting 12.04.13 17:32

Dawn broke with its usual fanfare: blinding sunlight over the eastern horizon. The slow, but inexorable, departure of winter saw the sun grow more intense by the day. However, unlike other days, an eerie lull had settled over the city. Smoke still clung to the sky overhead, despite a persistent breeze since midnight. It was only a thin veil, but enough to cast an odd pallor over the seemingly inert buildings.

The night had been largely uneventful. No fighting had taken place, except for a few skirmishes near the Duke's Wharf in the south of the city. With news of the meeting and the arrival of the knights, no one was inclined to take major action.

Strangely, there was no sign of Conrad Valdor. At least, not until a stray Eventide knight heard rustling on the far side of a hedge not far from the doors. Beyond it, a well-dressed, goateed man sat at a large table, flanked by a dozen burly mercenaries; Mystmountain tribesmen by their looks. The furniture was the peculiar part. Surely the faithful to Astraea did not leave such things sitting out on the grounds. Was it really carried so close in the cover of the night?

The man waved cheerily, inviting the knight who had happened across him to sit at the various chairs arrayed before him.

Posts : 291 Join date : 2013-02-11

The Eventide knight nodded and walked back to his group nonchalantly. He whispered something into Rayvs's ear and sat down. Rayvs then whispered something into Haroun's ear, and walked off. Stretching, Rayvs walked over to the hedge, and was surprised to see the man and his mercenaries sitting down. He approached the table with Dusk strapped to his side.

"Greetings, stranger. I presume you are Conrad Valdor?"

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 14.04.13 3:00

Mattus woke up early after only a few hours of sleep. He stretched himself and then started to look around the Church. Everything looked so much different than during the night. As he walked by a hedge he heard someone talking.

"Greetings, stranger. I presume you are Conrad Valdor?"

He walked a bit closer to the voice and saw an Eventide Knight in front of a huge table with multiple men sitting at it. Suddenly he remembered the name the Knight mentioned. He just turned around and went back to Morek to inform him that the meeting has nearly begun.

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 14.04.13 8:54

"You presume correctly, Eventide knight." Valdor was slouched in his seat, seemingly relaxed and almost appearing uninterested. "I presume you don't mean to meet with me alone. So many guests have yet to arrive, after all.

"Of course, I suppose I am a guest myself, as these are the church grounds." He smirked at his own observation.

Posts : 291 Join date : 2013-02-11

Rayvs nodded.

"The Dawn have thoroughly reminded me of my 'guest' status. I suppose I'll wait until the rest of the guests arrive."

Rayvs then went over to the chair and sat down, awaiting the arrival of the others.

Posts : 806 Join date : 2013-02-17

Morek was lying in a pew alseep when Mattus found him, the Barclayans having found their own pews and were in much the same position. It took a swift kick in the side to wake him up. However, afterwards Morek had listened as Mattus quietly explained what was going on. He nodded and told Mattus where he was going in the same tone of voice before waking the two Conquistadors with kicks in the side of his own and staggered outside with his helm under his arm. It looked like all he was going to do was relieve himself until he'd cleared the doors and Dawnites outside. After that his stance changed, and he slipped his helmet on as walked normally, not caring as parts of the hedge caught on his armor and were ripped off the plant as he walked around it.

He stopped on the other side of the hedge and looked at Valdor, then Rayvs sitting at the table, then to the Mystmountain muscle that Valdor had decided to bring. He shrugged and sat down next to the Eventide, laying his morningstar on the table in front of him to stop if from getting caught in his chosen chair. He guessed that Valdor was a smart man and would recognize the white cross of the Radiants.

Meanwhile the Barlcayans had wandered out of the Church on their own, and returned to the Radiant Cross party that had set up shop in one of the crags that the architecture of the Church had provided.

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 15.04.13 10:23

Mattus was just behind his friend as he passed through the hedge. Instead of sitting down directly he halted before his chair and greeted their host.

"Good morning Conrad Valdor, my name is Mattus Meraxes and we are the representatives of the Order of the Radiant cross. My armored friends name is Morek Valran and it seems he is no morning person."

Mattus pointed at his friend while saying this and always kept a big smile on his face.

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 16.04.13 11:24

In the morning, the Dawn Knights reconvened inside the Church of Astraea and decided how to proceed with the Conrad Valdor meeting. Sir Lucius instructed several of the Wyverns to scout the grounds surrounding the Church and ensure that nothing was out of the ordinary. Thus the Dawn were informed of Valdor's presence and reacted accordingly.

Lucius headed to Valdor's small gathering, flanked by two of the Knight-Brothers under his command, and instructed the rest of his men to take up defensive positions around the outskirts of the Church. However, he instructed them to keep a distance from the actual meeting so as to prevent any inflammatory casualties. When he arrived, he studied the others as he let them finish their conversations.

"Valdor," he said with a nod once Mattus finished speaking. "I am Sir Lucius Maximian of Amala, Knight of the Dawn. Bishop Gundar welcomes you to the Church of Astraea."

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 16.04.13 12:50

[i]As Seleucia noticed the sun had risen and the various knights had disappeared from the interior of the Church, she and her cohort departed as well. They marched in the same formation, with occasional glances behind them. The small party stopped a short distance away from the table Conrad Valdor had set up, with Seleucia proceeding on alone, without her shield.[i]

"Guildmaster Conrad Valdor of Windholm, it is pleasant to see you again."

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 17.04.13 13:13

As the knights introduced themselves to Valdor, who greeted each warmly in turn, a group could be seen making it's way up the path. Before long, a small contingent of city guard could be recognized by those already in attendance, Captain Jorm at its head. He was flanked by Lord Wulfred and tailed by the Griffons and Dragons meeting with Conrad Valdor.

Wulfred spoke first as they walked the last few meters. "The Duchess desired representation at this meeting. As such, I have volunteered myself to be her voice." He and the merchant shook hands.

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 19.04.13 13:10

Seleucia looked towards Wulfred as Captain Jorm arrived. The Lions were known for what they were: Aristocrats. Cowards who hid behind the deeds of their forefathers rather than their own worth. This one would have to die, as an example to the other knights seeking to impose their will on Windholm. Her otherwise almost expressionless face sneered slightly as Conrad Valdor and Captain Jorm greeted each other.

Posts : 806 Join date : 2013-02-17

Morek's gaze had gone from knight to knight as they appeared. He practically oozed irritability at the moment, Mattus had likely hit the nail right on the head when he suggested that he was not a morning person. The Dawnite wasn't much to get excited over, he seemed like a good enough sort if a tad overzealous. But then again, what Knight of the Dawn was not? As he sat next to the Eventide with the spider phobia, Morek forced himself to mull over what he knew of his situation so far, at least until the Lions arrived. Antiques from another time. Wonderful.

He then turned his head to view the newest of the arrivals. He had to admit he had not expected the Shadow Legion to arrive at Windholm, especially since they had not come through the gates with the rest of the knights. Even more unusual was the fact that this woman was apparently the one in charge of the delegation. She didn't look much like a native Pendorian.

Under the table Morek's hand unconsciously slipped onto the cover of the tome that was bound at his side, taking some reassurance from the dull scrape of the tough heavy leather that he had chosen to protect the knowledge he had accumulated thus far. His thoughts almost strayed to the contents of the rear most chapters, things that should never see the light of day, but only be read in secret, in the safety of the dark night. In the privacy of his helmet he closed his eyes and banished the thoughts before resuming his study of the Shadow Legionnaire.

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Aelos realized that this meeting was for the Thane to have, so instead of stepping forward and introducing himself to the merchant, he stayed back and gave Wulven a signal to use his keen eyes and imprint all the faces of the gathering. Although many were relatively new to him, having seen most only for a short moment, the woman clad in Legionnaire armor came as a suprise.

She was a remarkable sight among the male knights and had the attitude to sneer at their arrival. Captivated by this spectacle, Aelos wondered how the Shadow Legion managed to enter Windholm as they had not been present at the meeting with the Duchess.

Perhaps he would ask her after the merchant had finished with his demands.

Posts : 88 Join date : 2013-04-17 Location : USA

An Eventide Knight, lightly armored with only a rapier at his side, enters the scene. Not keeping his impulses in check, the knight goes ahead and makes his presence publicly known.

Addressing the crowd, he says,"Hail and well met, my fellows! My name is Javier Kristoph Doyle. I apologize for being somewhat delayed, I had to escort a fine young lass to the altar and -"

Javier's welcome trails off as he realizes that some members of the gathering voiced looks of disapproval. Clearing his throat, he corrects himself.

"Business. Of course. I shall be over here then..."

Javier then makes a dignified exit and heads to the Eventide side of the gathering to find himself a seat.

Posts : 291 Join date : 2013-02-11

Rayvs viewed the young Eventide knight with slight amusement, smiling when he realized that most of the gathering included well-mannered knights. As Javier approached, Rayvs pulled a chair from beside the table to accommodate the new arrival.

"Well met Javier. I don't think I've met you; you're a new face to me. Must've been recruited when I was off in Amala."

Posts : 88 Join date : 2013-04-17 Location : USA

Javier welcomes the gesture and takes the seat offered. In response, Javier replied, "That may be accurate, sir knight. I'm afraid my sense of time has been distorted," Javier pauses for a moment before continuing, "all I remember is that my father, who was also an Eventide Knight, was burned at stake by the Dawnites. Some time afterwards I was formally inducted into the ranks.

As for being somewhat unrecognized among the Eventide, that is understandable. As of late I have mainly been away doing field missions, escorts, and other such trivialities. I am sure you would understand."

Javier, feeling the answer given was satisfactory, refocuses his attention on the meeting before realizing who he was speaking with.

"Ah, forgive my rudeness, Ser Rayvs! I've heard a tale or two about your exploits. It will be an honor to work alongside you."

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Morek leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, still looking at the woman Shadow Legionaire but listening to what the new Eventide had to say. It would be good to learn a bit about the Eventide, especially since they tended to be a secretive lot becuase of a certain pyromaniac religious cult.

Posts : 291 Join date : 2013-02-11

Rayvs replied, "Many of us have a similar story. I am sorry for your loss, no matter how distant it may have been. I was born into the Eventide; it is my family."

Hearing Javier's recognition, he waved his hand aside.

"No need to ask forgiveness, we are Brother-Knights after all."

Rayvs raised an eyebrow at hearing about his exploits, however.

"I haven't had any exploits; more likely you've heard about my failures. Amala was a disaster through and through; I lost all my men except for one, and he hung himself after he returned, the experience was too much to bear. Although I hope to be much more successful now, you can't be too careful about precautions. Just yesterday, I was almost assassinated."

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 22.04.13 17:09

Valdor regarded those knights who hadn't introduced themselves with no apparent malice, merely nodding at them. He smirked at Sir Javier's arrival then sat up, improving his otherwise lax posture. "Well, I believe we know each other already. Those of you I don't know I think I have an idea."

He leaned forward on one arm. "Now then, I'm sure you're wondering why I've summoned you here to this meeting on borrowed ground. After all, what could a lowly merchant have to say? I am a rebel, am I not?" He looked to Wulfred and Jorm.

"However, what if I were to tell the men gathered here that a simple rebellion this is not? What if I were to tell them that this is the commons and merchants only recourse against the injustices of an irresponsible Duchess?"

Near the back of the gathering, standing vigilant, Jorm seemed impassive, though a few hints at annoyance made themselves known. Lord Wulfred seemed much the same, his face more inscrutable than the soldier's. Whatever was in his expression was unreadable at the moment.

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Morek finally turned his attention from Selucia to Conrad Valdor and listened to him speak.

"Be that as it may what you've done has caused even more injustice. Incompetent the Duchess might be, and I say this is a might until you give us definitive proof of this claim, you have caused a riot of porportion not seen since the Unification War!

Morek pointed a gauntleted finger at Valdor.

"The people here are just as terrified of what your lot might do as much as what the city guard might! Add that to the fact that a group of men masquerading as the city guard attempted to unlawfully waylay and accost a ranking member of my order to who knows what end." Morek gestured to Mattus who was sitting at his side. "Add this to the damages that this uprising is costing this city and Pendor as a whole. Do you have any idea what you have done and the repercussions that this might have? One of the major ports of Pendor has been closed, completely. That has cut the amount of trade by sea by an entire third! Who knows what will happen when the merchants in the other cities catch wind of this, prices skyrocketing and soon it may not be only Windholm where people are going hungry from lack of coin."

Morek paused and shook his helmed head. "I admit I heard stories of what was happening, but can you honestly sit there and tell us, on the grounds sanctified to the goddess of Justice herself, that this is only way to change things? Your heart is in the right place Valdor but these means are going to hurt Windholm and Pendor more than you know." The entire time he was speaking Moreks hand was resting on the cover of the mighty book that hung padlocked at his side under the table.

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 23.04.13 14:21

The Astraean Knight had quietly taken a seat while the others had spoken, observing each of them in turn and taking mental notes. Lord Wulfred's presence would certainly complicate his plans, but it didn't surprise him that the Duchess sought representation. It didn't please Lucius though.

"And exactly what other means did they have, Sir Morek?" Lucius asked, sounding incredulous. "Pray tell, what are common men to do when their lord acts unjustly without repercussion? You cannot fault the reasoning behind these initial actions, nor would the Goddess. However--" he paused to look at Valdor "--what has transpired since leaves much to be desired. But that doesn't mean we should permit the Duchess to reassert her authority and defy Astraea's Will. All the Guildmaster and his followers need is guidance and true justice will be attained!"

Posts : 142 Join date : 2013-04-02

-And you would suggest burning her alive for "Justice".

Voice came out from the entrance, as Evedas walked in.

-I am not welcomed here, and you are not welcomed outside, Zealot. Unless you speak of something more than Justice, you might get a bolt whenever you exit the Church.

Went toward the other Eventide Knights, he saw a young man. "Complicated" is the word Evedas could think of upon looking at his eyes.

-Greeting young knight, I believe I've not heard of your tale nor that you have heard of mine. I smell something disturbance about you and I hope I'm not part of it.

Turned to Rayvs, he apologized.

-Sorry for borrowing your prisoner, brother. I added something extra but she should be fine for your use.

At last, he spoke to Valdor, straightened his voice.

-I believe the Eventide can work on the solution for this town, but for a price of course, and a favor. I don't like to pretend and so do my brothers. And no clean up for you people.

-----------------
{OOC: Is it too soon? For the solution. I just thought that this will make an argument out of the scene thus making it more interesting.}

Posts : 291 Join date : 2013-02-11

Rayvs turned to Evedas and acknowledged his entrance.

"The prisoner is no matter; I'll see to her later."

He tutted when he heard Evedas brashly offer to help.

"The Eventide as a whole cannot gaurentee it's support. My Grandmaster sent me here with two missions; a search, and to help the city and it's inhabitants. Honorable Guildmaster, you must prove your case. I've heard that the Duchess has been raising taxes and causing a stir in the people, but I do not know to what extent. Would you care explaining to us here the current events, in your view? As it seems to me, you've done more damage than the Duchess has, and her divine right overrides a merchant, no matter how esteemed or valiant you may be. As with the Radiant, I agree that there must be some other way to bring about change. As a Knight, I have to respect the divine right of the Duchess, and I will not raise a sword against her. But if your plight is different from what it sounds, I will bring the issue before her and bring about a meeting."

Rayvs sat up and focused on Valdor, gesturing to the others in the meeting.

"We all know that the peasant rebellion means nothing compared to the merchant one. They are disorganized, with one leader. With him out of the picture, all semblance of 'rebellion' and any notion of an uprising will be crushed. However, you and your merchant kind are a different stock. You have coin; in coin lies power. Truly, you are the one able to bargain. However, this only lasts until a new Guildmaster is chosen. I suggest, and hope, we can reach a solution soon."

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 24.04.13 13:27

"Burn her alive?" Sir Lucius asked when Evedas finished speaking. "You should inform yourself about the Order of the Dawn as it is, not as it was before you spout such ignorance."

The Dawnite listened as the Knight known as Sir Rayvs rambled. He tried to be tolerant of that Order, but doing so merely allowed his disgust to fester; he was grateful that he could hide those feelings so well. "Divine right is from the Gods," Lucius interjected, "And when a lord deviates from the Will of the Gods, as the Duchess has, we knights can no longer support such an unjust lord. I cannot be the only one who sees this."

"Further, the Duchess has shown that 'discussion' will not sway. Don't insult the Guildmaster by assuming that no attempts were made. If she won't listen to her vassals, why would a mere knight, particularly from such an Order, make a difference? They are on the only path available to them and we must support and guide them; doing so will ensure that the peasants follow the path of justice as well."

Subject: Re: IC Scene - The Meeting 24.04.13 13:39

William spoke up saying

"Guildmaster before I or anyone else here should be willing to take up your cause"

He nodded at Lord Wulfred

"Or the Duchesses, I would like to hear what atrocities have been committed against you"

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