Topic: Inglorious league

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-02 17:22 EST
O inglorious league!
Shall we, upon the footing of our land,
Send fair-play orders and make compremise,
Insinuation, parley, and base truce
To arms invasive?
King John Act 5, scene 1, 65?69, Shakespeare

The late night disembarking kept away most of the eyes. Only three pairs watched for them in the courtyard of Seansloe Manor. The carriage and wagon rattled upon cobblestones and stirred servants from their seats waiting out their turn at duty. When Sylvia stepped out of the carriage, shifting Aidan to her left shoulder where he slept sound against her, she searched the windows above them. Like vultures, she felt the dark windows sharp upon her and her family. She was rather certain a few more pairs of eyes watched from those windows signaled by the sounds floating up from below.

Gwen held Beata in much the same fashion as Sylvia had her second son. Keefe stepped forward to meet them, Lyana and Kiema in his wake on either side. His intensity was not hidden by the softness of his voice or the faint lights of lamps low burning. ?Welcome home, Sylvia. The letter advising of your arrival was just in time.?

?Oh?? She was curious what more could have changed to make the man so agitated.

?We received word today that Their Majesties are coming within the next day or two.?

It caused her heart to freeze and her arms went cold and yet she felt sweat start to form as if she were suddenly very warm. ?They as well as Llewellyn? He is still here, is he not?? She flicked a glance over her shoulder to Ewan who was walking with his family, but still close at hand. She knew he had heard even without an indication. It was something in the absolute calm in him.

?Yes,? Keefe continued, ?he is still in residence. Quite a polite guest, but asking interesting questions of servants.?

It was a bitter bile that rose in Sylvia?s throat. The servants who would have known best about her relationship with Hudson were dead. ?Llewellyn is moving faster than we thought.?

Lyana spoke up as they crossed inside, turning down corridors that held the gloom of the hour and the doubt in Sylvia?s heart. ?I believe that may have been my fault, Syl. I wrote Rian about Llew?s return. I did not think she would react this way.?

Rian. Of course she would find Sylvia?s choice a bitter medicine to accept. ?No, Lyana, do not trouble yourself. We know nothing for certain, and we will not. Let us all find our beds and rest. There is time yet.? With only Gwen to her aid with the children, she tried to settle her thoughts and heart at the same time she settled her sons and daughter.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-02 17:25 EST
Sylvia made sure the rooms were vacant. The mid morning sun had not yet reached the windows of the family's room, so light was augmented by a few candles scattered about. With the children out playing in the care of Gwen and Lyana, Keefe had called in Ewan, and with respect to all Storm had done for their barony, Storm as well to meet and discuss matters. He began as soon as all were seated. "I cannot deny I am very concerned about Llew's continued presence here and Maelgwn's coming."

Sylvia sighed, one brow lifted, "That is a bit of an understatement." She rubbed at her bottom lip and, though she frowned at Ewan, it was not he that was receiving the frown, just her thoughts. "Do you think your letter did not arrive in time?"

He shrugged and shared a glance with Storm, knowing she had seen him off to the sending of it. His mind was a torrent of possibilities all streaming out to be followed and analyzed. "I had hoped to learn that today without their arrival so swift upon our heels."

Rubbing at her eyes, she looked at Storm. "Storm, have your talents been more successful this visit?" Then realizing the hour of the day and when they had arrived last night. "My apologies, more than likely you've not had the chance to try."

Storm gave Ewan a single-shoulder shrug as well. She kept from pulling her brows down as she thought over what details she had, and did not have. It did not give her the clearest perspective on the situation. Since there was little she could say to the first subject, she readily answered the second, "They are, yes. It will just be a matter of time and practice for them to flourish more."

"That," Sylvia smiled with a light of wickedness, "could be to our advantage."

Keefe looked troubled by the cryptic exchange. "I'm sorry, to what advantage?"

Ewan sat forward, his head shook back and forth. "I would rather Storm's gifts not be brought into this unless we absolutely have to. Sending voices upon the air to make Llew think he has gone mad is an extreme measure. I do not think we are there yet." He warned and he hoped they understood how much he disagreed with that course of action.

Storm tried not to look amused with Ewan's suggestion, but it was rather difficult. Still, she looked to Sylvia, "I have no objections to being of service in any way I can offer."

"I am not saying it is our first, or even second choice, but it does help to know that it is possible." Sylvia rubbed hands over her face. "We need to make our ties stronger. I think Storm can help there as well, though," she paused and looked at the woman and then her husband, "it may be difficult. She may be able to work with Kiema to draw the Sedlaral to our aid."

To this Keefe agreed with a nod and shifted in his seat. "They are young, but if we were to gain them to our side, a boon indeed."

Ewan held back the rattle inside, the cringing, squirming feeling he had. His body became very still, and even that he knew was a sign to be read by others, and so he relaxed. "As much as I would like to deny it, I cannot disagree with the logic."

Storm cringed inwardly as well. From the natural impulse of their feel of Earth and even more so for the anger that would probably never go away. Still, she remained composed with only a slight frown, "Forgive me, but just how will the Sedlaral be of aid?"

"Communication," Ewan offered. "They can communicate through their minds. If we could get a group of them in different areas, our information would move so much more quickly. Also, they are so in tune with nature and can assist in other ways that we can only hope, but are not certain are possible."

"What abouts Airs?" She fidgeted slightly in her seat, before looking back to Sylvia, "That is something my people can accomplish and there would be no need for convincing in the way you feel you might for the Sedlarals."

Keefe shifted uncomfortably and his head tilted down a little. Sylvia gave him a shrewd glance at his obvious discomfort, but then smiled to Storm. "And would they want to live here forever? This isn't their home or their people. While the Sedlaral are different from us, and we do not fully understand how they manage to do what they can do when no other talent, except yourself, can work well in Palendies, they are still of this land. They have a vested interest." At least she hoped they would desire for peace to be maintained.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-02 17:26 EST
Storm pretended like she did not notice Keefe's response, and shook her head, "No, it would be at best, a temporary solution. Or perhaps something to consider if the Sedlaral do not wish to participate."

Ewan felt some reluctance to add, but obligation as well. "And we are trying to win Maelgwn back, if we have indeed lost his favor, and adding more, to be blunt, and I hope you will forgive me, beloved, foreigners with arcane talents into the land would not be a good stroke in that course."

She shook her head gently, "No, I understand. It was just an idea."

Sylvia tried to soothe her own frustration by sharing a smile. "And a good one. If I were in Rhydin, I would take that up in a heartbeat then have to face a Sedlaral again." She let out a heavy sigh and shook her head. "Will you be able to aid us? I know you cannot stay long this time. What do you think of one being sent to Yearling Brook?" She asked all three who shared this complicated and frustrating task of finding solutions to the predicament.

She didn't hesitate to nod, "I am more than willing to work with one being sent to Yearling Brook. I would like to avoid leaving Kellan for a length of time, yet."

Ewan nodded, fully in agreement with Storm. "Exactly, if Storm is to aid us in this, I want it to be where she can feel at home, or at least get to her home. That would mean Kiema would have to travel to Rhydin again."

"True, I would need to ask her and see if The Circelus approves." Sylvia looked to Keefe.

"Well, with that in agreement," Keefe sat up once more, his arms fell to rest upon the arms of the chair. "We still need to strengthen ties with our current allies and find new allies. If Llew adds his weight to the northern lands already seeking war, we will be in for some dark days."

That certainly did not sound for the better. With the subject back to more murky waters, Storm stole a glance over to her husband.

Ewan shook his head vigorously, "I would rather we wait and see what I can learn today. Whether Maelgwn has turned from us or not, I still have other resources." He caught the glance and gave a reassuring smile.

He continued, "I do think Sylvia needs to keep a low profile for awhile, and Cian should be promoted more, which lands on you, Keefe."

Sylvia rubbed at her eyes, feeling the pressure land more on her son now because of her decision. She looked to Storm. "So, we need more alliances. We have two other baronies certainly on our side. How else do your people make alliances, Storm? You had mentioned in a conversation some weeks ago," a gentle smile with the memory, "of other things that could be done to protect Yransea. Treaties. We have few here to make in Palendies." She hoped the unique perspective might see something they had missed entirely.

"Our treaties." She repeated, resisting the urge to fidget in her seat, "Well, to be honest, they are closely tied to our gifts and services. In exchange comes the benefit of trade, and perhaps unique forms of information. With close alliances, we have something like ambassadors that move to live in the area, such as my original intentions in Rhy'Din."

Ewan sat thinking about what they had not yet done that would even be a viable option. His mind kept turning to Rhydin, which was an impossibility. They stretched that connection to its breaking point. He listened to Storm, to each element of her words, to find something that may be adapted to their situation.

"Hmm, much the same as we." Sylvia nodded, again her fingertips moved to rub her bottom lip as she thought. "Do you have any treaties outside of the Elementals?" It was a formative thought.

Storm?s lips twitched slightly, "Yes, as there are only four realms of us. Each realm has their own treaties, and usually one alliance that is quite close."

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-02 17:27 EST
A thought whispered to Ewan, and sent his mind running rampant with its implications and possibilities. He encouraged each pathway of likelihood until he ran into something that could not be resolved. Eventually he spoke up. "The Sisters."

"No," Keefe was severe upon the very idea. "No, not possible."

Sylvia, realizing that Ewan had been abruptly cryptic provided for Storm's benefit. "The Sisters are just what we call the race of women on an island nation to the west of Palendies. They are something of a religious cult, I suppose is the best way to term it, and have unusual habits."

"I should say so. What kind of treaty can we have with them? Maelgwn would hunt us down himself!" Keefe stood and began to pace, then turned with his arms out in a gesture of apology. "I am sorry, Mistress Storm, I am just...they are not well known except things that make me exceedingly uncomfortable."

Ewan smiled to Storm. "Think of The Sisters as your Elements of Fire." At least, that was the best he could make in comparison based on limited knowledge of both.

Understanding did not fully come until Ewan's clarification. "Ah. Do they? have specific needs? I ask because as Ewan has said, the Fires are rather unpredictable and stable. However, I have found that they have tremendous levels of fixation. So, if you have what they are fixated on, then they are much more reasonable."

"Truly?" Ewan found that fascinating, a momentary distraction from the topic at hand. "I am uncertain if The Sisters have a fixation. That would be good to learn. More they have wild natures. At moments completely civilized, as we would define it, serene, reasonable. Then we will here of some months of raiding parties and outrages done to victims. If, however, they do have some sort of nature as the Fires do, then we could use that."

"I think a treaty with The Sisters goes too far. Too far." Keefe was adamant and flopped down in his chair. "What if we could find another of the northern lords, perhaps."

"And just how likely is that?" Sylvia scoffed. "I do not think The Sisters is too far, depending on how far this presses us." She looked between Ewan and Storm. "Find out what you can should it come that we need that information. Right now, however, I feel it best," her hand went to rest at her middle, "that we work within the realms of Palendies. Cian and Keefe will make overtures to our allies." Again, she paused with the thought of her boy sent to do the duties of a man.

"Ewan, you will find out what you can, particularly about any lords of rank or power you might be swayed to our alliances. Storm, I am most grateful for your assistance with the Sedlaral. I believe that they may respond to you because of your talents, though I can only imagine what you might be feeling." And, evidently, not even the half of it.

Hearing a dismissal in the words as well as the tone, Ewan stood and bowed to Sylvia, his hand stretched out to Storm, and a tender smile to her.

"Certainly." A smile over to Ewan that said she would be more than happy to oblige him with information later. She stifled a sigh, before giving a simple nod, "I will do what I can." She smiled to Keefe and Sylvia, before taking Ewan's hand and standing as well.

Sylvia watched the couple depart and then looked to Keefe. ?I am relying on you, Keefe, to protect and guide my son.? It was impossible to keep the warning from her voice.

With a bow of his head, curt and barely acceptable as courtesy, Keefe said, ?It all could have been avoided.?

Standing with a smooth grace, she smiled with the cool calm of her own guilt weighing far heavier than any could place upon her. ?Remind me of that when you wish to join with Lyana. Now, I think I will go find my children. Excuse me.? She swept past him to capture a rare and precious moment of all her children together, easy, free, and being children amongst the budding blooms of the garden.

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2009-04-03 10:43 EST
Their Majesties arrival had stirred just enough suspicion and rumor to set Ewan's informants in a whirl of activity. Most rumors lay in the area of Sylvia had accepted Lord Llewellyn, but those with keener eyes and shrewder minds knew the truth of the matter. They saw the threat that hung in the air like the scent of a storm.

The phalanx of guards that escorted the carriage and wagons clattered into the courtyard. Ewan had been on hand to be the first to greet Maelgwn and Rian, but just by the touch of a stride or two. Llewellyn and his own personal guard were within the space of his shadow cast by the sun. It gave Ewan some mild pleasure that when he turned to look up them both men hesitated.

In his attentions to the royal couple's arrival, he made no press of his information or his questions, but welcomed them and escorted them to be greeted by Keefe, Cian, and Sylvia standing, wisely, a few steps back in the foyer.

The day slipped by, the manor a flurry of activity that swirled around Ewan's own quieter matters. Notes came and went, directives were few, just to learn more. But one most of all sent out by a young lad on horseback the night before sat uppermost in Ewan's mind: He had called Vetras Miansa, son of Mian, to return to him.

Using the youngest of his operatives was the least of the risks, hopefully the age would make an instant connection between the two, and lessen any threatening feel.

Still, it would be a day or two at least before he heard any word on that account -- most likely by hawk flyer. A most unpredictable form of communication, but the best he could have at the moment. Right now, Ewan noted the dripping of light from the slight window against the walls was a brazen orange. It was time to prepare for dinner.

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2009-04-03 12:29 EST
The stone walls of the great hall of Seansloe Manor reverberated the monstrous din of the conversation at the hall. The long tables that ran parallel to the walls were full of warriors. Members of Seansloe warbands and the troops of King Maelgwyn's escort suffered each others presence with civilized restraint. The slings of jests were just above contempt, but Ewan did not see or feel anything unusual in this.

Most warbands saw others to be lesser in some way, no matter who their liege was at the time. Ewan let their banter lessen in his ears, but still he could not hear what was being said at the table at the end of the hall where Their Majesties sat. With Lord Llewellyn Taransson on King Maelgwn's right, there was at least one message being sent to those gathered -- that man was not out of favor.

Kiema was on his left, his wife, Storm, on his right, and between them Ewan was getting a fair amount of looks himself. It was not unknown in this region that Kiema was a Changling and member of the Circelus, and there were plenty of rumors of Storm's abilities that grew from her actions in the attacks upon the manor not some few months ago. With the suspicions of his own activities already fueling whispers, the ability to keep to the shadows was shattered. It would be impossible to drift closer to the head table and eavesdrop.

"Storm," he turned with an easy smile, though his voice was pitched low so that few if any but she could hear. "What is the likelihood you could hear what was being said between those two men on the end of the head table, sitting next to Queen Rian?"

With the good sense not to look in which way he was indicating just yet, Storm started her gaze in the opposite direction, flickered around to where he meant, but something changed in her expression when she looked back down at her plate and cut at a few tender vegetables there. "Difficult, but not impossible. You will need to divert any conversation that comes my way."

"Try, but do not press yourself." He smiled and with a grin to the fellow who sat next to Storm, one of the lesser land holders in the area who, no doubt hoped to speak with Maelgwn while he was nearby to get his name in the ear of the King. He did not seem inclined to start a conversation with Storm. A claim for power evidently came before a claim of attention from a beautiful woman.

Ewan kept up pretenses with Kiema's aid of light conversation over nothings and everyday things. Enough so that Storm's infrequent reports seemed part of their general conversation.

"They are speaking of the layout of the manor, expressing appreciation for the gardens, a few words to Rian about growing up here. I believe she is telling them of favorite places she used to play. The men have a strong accent." The last was her own opinion on the conversation.

A quiver of anxiety rippled through Ewan's stomach. "Direct words, Storm. Can you give me exactly what Rian is saying."

Storm was having to hide her face a little more, the strain was beginning to be more apparent, and well she knew it. "Gardens were, of course, my favorite in the spring time. There was a lovely tree near the west wall that I would climb in to read. Kieran had it chopped down when it became a threat to security. It had grown rather tall, and I understand the necessity. So I found other places to secret away, but none, my good lords, that I will share with you. Some childhood memories must be kept sacred."

Worry slipped away, he let out a slow breath in relief. Rian still had sense enough not to expose the secrets of her childhood home. With a hand to Storm's leg, just a tender touch beneath the table, he thanked her. But she continued, "The lords laughed at that, but when they lowered their voices to what they thought no one could overhear, they spoke of concerns over some plan they had." She looked up with a slow blink, eyes resting, forehead smooth once more of the faint tension that had been growing there. "They were interrupted before they gave more details."

Ewan nodded and looked to the men. One caught his eyes and he saw in there the hint of a widened eye, the first pulse of concern before the man controlled his emotions. "Thank you, Storm."

He had much to do in very little time.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-03 23:55 EST
Sylvia was thankful for the heady haze of noise that filled the hall as dinner continued in its steady, course filled fashion. That most of the conversations hinted, insinuated, or in other ways tried to disguise the topic of the arrival of the royal couple and the continued stay of Lord Llewellyn was of no matter. At least she did not feel obligated to say much.

Her companions at the table were Keefe to her left, between her and Llew, and Lyana to her right. Rian had given her the barest glance when they all had arrived to be seated. A glance that focused mainly on her bare neck. Her neck felt cool as if bereft of a comfort. Though she knew it was wise not to wear the amulet as if to flash and flaunt her affections in Llew's presence, she still hated that it was no where near her person.

Ewan had deemed it wisest for now that she not present a semblance of that attachment until he knew which way the wind blew with Maelgwn. She could not write to Hudson, not that just a few days away had been such a great suffering of such restriction. In fact, she tried to appease herself that this would soon enough be settled and sketched up her smile and conversation with her companions.

Sylvia felt the strange touch upon her, the one that most people feel when watched often. She looked down the table anticipating it was Llew or Maelgwn, but it was Rian. A smile and nod was sent to the woman, but none was given back. There passed between them several moments of eye locked silence, until Rian pitched her voice to be heard. "What news from Rhydin, Sylvia? How fair my nephews and nieces?"

"Baron Cian and his brother and sister are here, Your Majesty, and will be happy to see you at your convenience." Sylvia felt the tug of a ploy. Rian was laying out the first pebbles of a path to lead her deep into a dark wood.

"I would be happy to see them after dinner, unless you are otherwise engaged." The hint, the insinuation, voices around them grew a little more silent.

Sylvia felt the tilt of the conversation, the downward slope, but she had no way to stop it without being rude. "I am not engaged in any occupation after dinner, and I will be glad of your company."

"Oh? Did you not bring your fisherman with you?" The sweetness into a slice, Rian looked like a wolf stalking its prey with gleaming eyes and a too wide smile.

"Rian," Maelgwn's calm voice broke in before Sylvia could respond at all, and just as well for near half the hall had gone silent and watched the head table. "I fear the journey has over tired you. You should rest."

"I am not over tired." Rian spat back at her husband, though the anger was all for Sylvia. "Again, again she makes this choice. She defies our traditions and our ways. How can--"

"--you are tired." Maelgwn's voice broke through, strong and dark as the rage of a flooded river. "Go and rest, for the child's sake as well as yours."

It was the smallest glance, the barest motion of his hand, and Rian's attending lady came to collect the woman stunted into silence by her husband's rebuke.

Feeling heat in her face and sick to her stomach, Sylvia barely made it through the rest of the dinner. The wine tasted sour, the food like aged bark, and she forced it all down to keep up the pretense that all was fine, and she felt no guilt.

When she escaped to the rooms of the family and the solitary emptiness of her room, the contents of her stomach lurched upward. She let it all go, aching her belly and heating her brow, into the wash bowl. Splashing cool water from the pitcher onto her hands, she patted her face and tried to refresh herself to face her children with an easy smile and ready to read one of their favorite stories written on paper once carried in a letter with a stag's head seal.

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2009-04-05 11:48 EST
Ewan closed the door of their rooms behind Storm after their much needed stroll in the gardens. Without a word he crossed to relieve the nanny of her duties in observing Avery, who was miraculously already asleep. The young girl, just barely into her teens from the timid way and slight figure of her, bobbed a curtsey and left. With the door checked again, Ewan finally spoke. "It looks like Avery had a full day as well." One lift of a brow indicated how much he meant that, and in just the past two hours. Kellan, was, asleep as well, but that had been more expected.

Storm was having more difficulty keeping her dark mood at bay once they were in the security of their room. She paced over to check over Avery's sleeping form, then Kellan's, before pacing over to their room for privacy of voices. Rather than being tired from the use of her gift, she felt energized with nothing to expel it, "How can they allow Rian to be so cruel?"

"Allow? The only one who cannot allow is Maelgwn, and you saw him do just as much as he dared in sight of everyone. Rian has often found Sylvia's freedom," he checked himself with a grin to his wife, "comparative freedom, difficult to bear."

He shook his head and the frown long suppressed was revealed. "What troubles me is that he has kept Llew near his side while hosted in Seansloe's hall. That is a message that troubles me greatly. I have not had a chance to speak to him to know if he received my letter or not." With a deep breath and a slow release, he returned to the person Storm focused the brooding mood upon. "Rian is young still, but she should have been excused from attending if Maelgwn had an inkling of this occurring."

She kept her tongue on hold for her thought of but one man having so much control. "Cian is young, beloved. And he holds his tongue better than she." Sighing deeply, she ran a hand through her hair, tugging at the end to bring sensation to the roots to give her mind something else to focus on, "I am sorry. I cannot fathom that sort of behavior with the only consequence is being excused from the table."

"I cannot say I know what the full consequences are, but one does not particularly scold the Queen. Maelgwn does, and I suppose," Ewan paused. He thought back to an earlier time. "I suppose I could, but I am not sure I would dare in the current climate. I believe Rian was speaking only what a great many at dinner tonight thought.

"Those two men, I know them but little, also men from the northern lands. Whether they came here to support Llew or Maelgwn, or both as this case might turn out to be, I wish I knew. Have you seen them on the grounds much since our arrival?"

The question gave pause to her movements as she seriously considered the amount of times she had seen the men. It was a better focus for her mind than the Queen. Finally, she shook her head slightly, "I cannot say that I have seen them so much as to garner my attention. What was their purpose in asking questions about Rian's childhood?"

A nod, he rubbed his thumb against the open palm of his opposite hand. "Exactly my question. From what you heard and could share, I would have thought they were looking for weaknesses, or ways to move more secretly about the manor. But, their reaction to Rian's outburst was not one of pleasure or even greedy hope. I would have said they were almost as upset as you. Almost -" he grinned just a moment.

"I need more information and our time is running short. Two days only have we been here and we are at this point, and I know little more than I did upon arrival. I must admit to my frustration."

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2009-04-05 11:48 EST
"We can stay, if that is necessary." Finally easing away from her frustrated pacing, she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "I can take Avery back to stay at Phen's for a time and come back if we feel he is missing too much school. How are we to leave, when it is like this?" The greater, unspoken question was what they could do about it.

"I would not ask you to stay, Storm. No, as soon as I have word Vetras is coming or here, you will return with the children. Kiema will hopefully be able to follow soon after, and if things move along more swiftly than they have, then I will not be far behind."

He stood before her and placed his hands upon her shoulders, one hand slid to rest against her neck and massage her nape with his fingertips. "These days have proved beyond measure how much we need to improve our sources of information when I am not around to keep them steady."

"I know you will not ask me to stay, but I will for as long as I am able." At the comforting work of his hands, she leaned forward slightly to rest her forehead against his middle, "Do you have any thoughts of how to perform that?"

"Your work with the Sedlaral will help, to convince them," he sighed and his voice softened all the more, "though they are so young, most of them. Still, perhaps if I crack the whip for a day or two, things will straighten out. I need someone I trust implicitly to act as me, on my behalf, when I am not here. If you can tell me who that is, then you will have saved me an aching head."

A soft knock at the door just reached him. Ewan bent over to kiss her cheek then reluctantly left her side to go see who was there, which was a nervous page with a stack of letters still sealed.

He returned with a grin to Storm, holding up one as evidence. "Well, then, something to be learned. I suppose someone thought it would be better not to trouble me during my meetings and dinner today. Colwyn would never have let that happen." He missed the man greatly, and particularly in such times.

She watched him walk away to answer the knock, a frown creasing over her smooth forehead. Not only did not know anyone well enough to suggest for Ewan's trust, but she had a feeling that such a person did not exist outside of her, and she would not stand to be in such separation.

She raised a brow as he came back, "Do you think it was by possible accident?" It was a question that roamed her mind and was accompanied with a shrug, "Any of importance?"

The first one he read and shook his head. "Other than the alliances we felt were still secure, are in fact, secure; reassuring to know, but not precisely helpful." He went to the fire place where embers still glowed and added the paper to the fire. It gave a dash of flame eating through the parchment while he read the next.

His expression turned cold like stone as he read it over. It was hard to say he was not pleased, and soon that pleasure overrode the first discomforting sensation. "Vetras is coming and anticipated tomorrow." Another letter for the fire and he opened the third, but looked to Storm to see how she felt about that.

She sighed softly, putting an elbow on her thigh to then place her chin in her palm, "I cannot say that I am looking forward to meeting with Vetras once more." Her eyes traveled towards the flames, and was oddly comforted. "I am not sure that I will ever forgive his people. However, I know that I have you now, and whole. It will be enough to sustain me." Her voice hardened with determination.

Storm Divine

Date: 2009-04-06 12:13 EST
"I, too, find it difficult to separate the children of the Sedlaral and the Sedlaral that tried to consume me. I have many events in my memories kept vivid because of that tie to them. But things are never forgotten, even if they are forgiven. What you do will help us create a bond with them perhaps that can keep them from being lost in their homeworld."
He read over the next letter. "Oh, I see," he grinned and held up the letter as if evidence for Storm, but he went on reading. "A bit of news of our two northern friends. They were allied with the rebels and are here to help negotiate a treaty. What that treaty is has yet to be discovered."

That too went to the fire and he stood up, pacing, prowling. "The treaty anticipated? Or another treaty all together? And for what? What could Yransea give them?" He did not anticipate Storm would know the answers, per se, but it helped to speak the questions out loud and hear what thoughts she might have.

Her eyes followed his movement for several paces, before returning to the fire again, "Perhaps it is something Yransea can keep out for them?" She didn't know much about this land, much less than any other in the north. It was a lame attempt for another perspective.

He stopped and looked at Storm. It certainly had him thinking. "Possibly. Particularly if it is trade from Rhydin. Perhaps competitors of their own business that got them the land." He paced some more, thinking over the angles, paths, and possibilities. "They have their own ports, though, still, Rhydin trade mostly goes through Yransea due to proximity. I doubt it could by any sort of arms support or fealty. Too far away for such measures. If either has a child Cian's age, I doubt they would be foolish enough to try with Sylvia's son what she herself would not accept. Though, as we know, there are other circumstances effecting her decision."

She decided to withhold from commenting on his last statement. She shook her head slowly again, to show that she had run out of ideas. Her eyes flickered over towards her children, stretching her gift once more to hear the sounds of their slow breathing. She was about to release her hold on her gift, when there was another sound that caught her interest. Tones in the rhythm of murmured speech with the touch of familiarity. Curious, she pushed her gift further to follow the sound. Her body stood still in her fierce concentration.

The change in her posture, the focus of her expression, it could not have been missed. Ewan stopped his pacing and just watched in silence. He felt his own senses trying to stretch out beyond their mundane limitations, but all he heard was the quiet snap of a dulling fire, his breathing, the occasional wind against the windows, and sometimes the hint of a night bird call.

She absently lifted up a finger for him, even though she doubted he would interrupt. The insides of her brows twitched as she weaved away from other conversations to focus further on the prominent female voice that she was certain was Sylvia's. She caught a few more voices, but words sounded too muffled to get a clear distinction on the topic or the owners. "Sylvia, Keefe... I know the others, but I cannot place it." She frowned, trying to stretch her gift past it's current limitations, and instead found it too exhausting. She frowned in irritation.

He closed the distance between them, his hand moved to rest against the nape of her neck again. "Are you all right?" His voice just a whisper, not sure if she was still working at whatever she had been hearing. He managed to withhold questions.

She nodded dully, closing her eyes to see if she could place any more focus on the sounds. The infliction of the tones snapped at her already flared emotions and her concentration broke. She sighed softly and shook her head, "I cannot make out words, but it does not sound like a normal conversation."

Ewan looked to the doorway and then back to Storm. "So close on the heels of that dinner." It was half a thought followed by a more complete one. "I do not like it. I should go see what is happening. Will you be all right here? Should I send for someone to sit with you awhile?" He did not like leaving her when she had just pushed herself so. Concern sharpened his eyes on her, studying her complexion as well as her words.

She waved her hand absently, looking just a little peaked but keeping most of her complexion, "I will be fine. I might fall asleep before you return, but nothing more." She reached for one of his hands to kiss its palm, "Go and see what is going on." She would not push to hear again if he was going. She trusted him with anything.

He brushed a kiss to her lips and then left with quiet step in search of what latest strangeness was turning the manor upside down.

Storm tried to follow the sounds of Ewan's footsteps as long as she could, before weariness weighted heavily in her body and she ceased the use of her gift. She methodically prepared for bed, her mind racing over ideas while a cloud of exhaustion threatened the clarity of the thoughts. Anger was still prominent within all of her thoughts towards the evenings events. She recalled the few times that such disrespect had been cast around within her own realm, and absently touched the side of her face that had suffered from the flat of a blade. She would never complain again about having power spread evenly between Guardians as opposed to having a King and Queen such as here. To have a dear friend within the midst of this power struggle only added to her ultimate confusion; she might never fully understand the ways of her husband's homeworld.

Now however, was the time to reflect the extent of her feelings and ideas. Her gift made her tired to the bone, but her worry for Sylvia, and now Ewan, kept her mind occupied against sleep. Slipping under the blankets into the comfort of their bed, she cuddled Ewan's pillow close to her front and waited to hear the familiar footsteps once more.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-06 14:44 EST
Sylvia had just started to feel the tension release from her stomach and heart when there was a knock at the door. Gwen rose from the floor where she had been also playing with the children to answer and immediately stepped backwards and dropped her eyes.

King Maelgwn entered with Llew, Keefe and hurried steps behind, Lyana following afterwards. Sylvia?s stomach tightened anew, her hands went cold and her palms began to sweat. At least here, she thought, there would be no handshaking. She might be able to keep her composure and her temper all together. Her hand reached to the rug covered stones and sought the firm foundation there, the strength and wisdom of her late husband. There was no amulet to reach at her throat.

Rising from the floor with Beata in her arms, she curtsied and was gratified that without prompting Cian and Aidan managed bows. Maintaining the stiff formality, she did not speak as Maelgwn moved to take a seat and then patted his leg and gave a grin to Cian. ?Come here, young Baron, and see your uncle and King.?

Cian still felt his mother?s tension, but he smiled politely and walked over to stand before his uncle. Lifting the boy up to sit on his knee, Maelgwn looked up to Sylvia. ?I am sorry that Rian was unable to come and visit, Sylvia, but as you could see at dinner she is distraught over your recent decision.?

?Yes, my lord,? she nodded, quite aware of Rian?s obvious displeasure. The fact he was using first names had not placated her nor kept her heart from darting.

?We must speak, Sylvia.? Maelgwn?s voice was even but brooked no refusal.

Sylvia motioned for Cian to come away and handed Beata over to Gwen. ?Take the children to the nursery. I think it is time for bed.? Cian walked up to her and looked as if he wanted to stay by her side. In some selfish part of her, she wanted him to stay as well, as shield or saving grace to keep her wits about her. It was a kiss to his forehead, a brave smile, and a pat to his back that sent him on his way.

Turning to the other men, ?Will you not be seated gentlemen?? She motioned to the other chairs and took one for herself when Maelgwn nodded his agreement to the idea.

Llew spoke his first words to her since her return when he lowered himself slowly and sat stiffly in the chair. ?Have you lost your token, my lady??

The first volley was a bold one, but Sylvia shook her head and smoothed her skirts to hide wiping away the moisture in her palms. ?I have not lost it, Lord Llewellyn. I felt no desire to provoke a respectable gentleman or feed sparks into flames of rumor and speculation. Though,? she indulged in a flicker of indignation of her own, ?I was surprised to hear you had remained in Yransea when you have been so long away from your own lands.?

?My business was not yet done here.?

Sylvia kept her silence as Keefe took up the banner. He was a skilled diplomat, and the Lord Protectorate, Cian?s voice in matters of the barony. ?My lord, I seemed to have failed in being informed of your further needs. Please, how may Yransea assist you??

?My business is not with Yransea, though some of my northern brethren may think differently. My business is with a bargain broken and my concern for the region that is under the influence of this woman who would see its ruin by dark alliances with mystical creatures.?

Maelgwn laced his fingers together, but stirred the growing animosity into cool correction. ?It has been noted that more, arcane, methods have been used in Yransea to retain its control of the region.?

The floor dropped out from under Sylvia, but it was Lyana that let her temper rule. ?And are we to let the land fall away? The land of my family be torn away by treachery? You did not complain when Sylvia risked her life and people to keep your wife and child safe!? She stood with a glare at Maelgwn and another for Llew. ?And you, you with your bitter resentment.?

?Lyana, be still,? Keefe warned. ?If you cannot, I ask that you leave this room.?

?My Lord Protectorate, I will not sit by and have them accuse Sylvia of things once agreed upon and now when one thing does not go their way, they use as weapons against her.?

Keefe maintained his quiet hold of the young woman?s gaze. The room was still for a moment until Lyana sat once more, but she did not apologize. Nor did Keefe apologize for her. Instead, he smiled, ?Outside of the manner of her words, Captain Lyana speaks the truth. You agreed to her methods. Never once have things been hidden from you or your father before you since the time of the Sedlaral conflict. Why these accusations??

?Sylvia?s choices were once sound, but this latest worries me terribly.? Maelgwn gave a troubled sort of smile. His brow furrowed though his lips curved. ?You risk the safety and security of not just Yransea but all of Palendies in following this dalliance with a fisherman.?

It took all she had to not spit out her venom and correct their assumption of Hudson. She wanted to shout at them that he was a son of a noble man himself, of more grand birth than her own if that was their trouble. But that, she knew, would make things only worse. She was foreign born. Hudson was as well. How much influence would he have over Cian would be Maelgwn?s sudden concern. ?I am well aware of the customs of Palendies. I know the sacrifice Rian made for my and Kieran?s happiness, though that sacrifice turned out very well for you both.?

Her stomach was relaxing as she was given the opportunity to present her thoughts on the matter. ?I look forward to working with Lord Llewellyn, and other lords of the northern lands, to reach mutual agreements in trade and protection. My value is little. Cian is Baron, Lord Keefe his protector. Would it not be best to see my position as the young baron?s mother than split that attention between sons on opposite sides of the kingdom? The trade with Rhydin, though tenuous, is vital to the continued prosperity of many of our baronies, for which the kingdom prospers.?

She felt the approval of Keefe beyond his agreeing smile. Lyana even seemed to calm down, the room seemed to breath easier, the walls no longer like a confining net closing in about her.

Maelgwn shook his head.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2009-04-06 14:50 EST
The world flipped upside down. ?No, Sylvia, too long have I let you influence the workings and dealings of this barony. Too long have you danced on the edge of our traditions and customs. Cian spends too long in Rhydin, his nature distorted by the freedoms there. Will I find a Baron in ten years time even more encouraged to break from his promises to his liege??

?What promises?? Sylvia cried out. ?I was told I had a choice. I was given your instruction to get to know him and make a choice. Was there never a choice, Maelgwn??

?I had hoped you would make the right choice, Sylvia, one that put yourself secondary to the needs of the kingdom.? He gave a signal to Llew who stood and went to the door while Keefe and Lyana both stood to protest.

?My lord, my lord,? they both began over each other, but Keefe took the lead. ?I was sent here by you to maintain these traditions of which we all here in the room value so well. Never have I seen the Baroness act in a manner that would risk this kingdom. In fact, she has sacrificed much from her own people to embrace ours. She drew our difficulties into her own home. Has Lord Llewellyn done half as much as that??

Without a knock, the door opened and Ewan stepped inside. His presence was like ice that sliced into the rising heat of the moment. He remained by the door. Lyana gripped the hilt of her sword, as if she longed to draw it. That she thought between her and Ewan they could make good a threat, though it was folly. Unable to fight with swords, Lyana turned with words. ?Yransea has stood by you, my liege. Yransea has been your foothold of power and all the more so grown in that power for your use under the guidance of Sylvia. Why now are her ways called into question??

Sylvia turned slightly and saw Cian peaking out of the door leading from the nursery. It was a surreal moment. While the words battled around her, she thought on her children. Gwen must have been focused on Aidan and Beata. Cian had come to see what was happening. She would need to explain later. The conversation she would have with him already started in her mind; difficult and halting, she worked on it, until Maelgwn?s voice broke through everything and announced quite clearly.

?Keefe, this must be done. If I do not, then others may follow and what then am I leading? Is it to be civil war of another fashion? Minor defiances that burst into large rebellions?? He did not wait for answer or further argument. ?Sylvia Nightshade, Dowager Baroness of Yransea, you are accused of treason against king and kingdom, and are to be held within the manor of Seansloe until a trial of the King?s Council can be convened.?

?No!? Came a chorus of cries, and Sylvia felt her body go through motions not dictated by thought or reason. She curtsied and bowed her head. She accepted the ruling without words or looks.

"Your Majesty," Ewan stirred and strode forward to face the man directly. "I must protest. Treason?"

"Ewan, I understand your sentiments, and because of that and her connection with my good wife's family, she is to be kept here and not dragged away to the Crow's Tower." Maelgwn softened to the man in front of him, and him alone. "I grant at least that."

It seemed Ewan wanted to say more, protest, or carry out the full trial there and now. Too clearely Sylvia remembered standing between him and a trial, and now he tried to do the same for her, but his influence did not run in that circle which now tightened around her throat.

Maelgwn left with Llew in his wake.

?Sylvia,? Ewan was at her side, ?we will remedy this. We can get you to Rhydin easily enough.?

Sylvia smiled up to him. She felt like water and not iron. ?And leave Cian? Prove them true? No,? she suddenly woke from the floating, lost feeling. Ewan?s intensity stirred her to action. ?No, you and Storm must continue as you have. Information is what we need. Maelgwn is pressed into this. Llewellyn has another agenda, that I can see now.?

?Aye, so can we all,? Keefe grumbled, one hand still restraining a wild looking Lyana. ?Yes, we must follow through this charade.?

Cian was still at the door. Sylvia reached out a hand to him, knowing he was crying from even that distance and dull light. He did not cry with understanding, only with feeling. She crouched down and brought him close. ?We will need to stay here for awhile, Cian. That will be all right, won?t it?? She used her hair to wipe away his tears. ?Aidan may have to celebrate his birthday here, but let?s not tell him just yet. It will be our secret.? She kissed his cheek. ?Do you want to count the flowers on mum?s canopy tonight?? When he gave a nod and snuggled in close, she wrapped her arms about him and lifted him.

The other three still looked at her. She felt empty except for the need to comfort Cian. ?We will do as we planned and work within our means. Now, I must bid you all goodnight. My son needs his sleep.?

She left them dumbfounded, angry, and hurt. Each emotion struggled to rein in her as well, but she lay her son down on the bed, curled up next to him, and they began to count the flowers.

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2009-04-06 17:51 EST
The cage was rattling inside and he clamped it down, fought to keep it at bay with continued thoughts of his family and the plans made to right the now torrent of wrongs piling up. He was careful with the latch to keep it quiet. When he entered, though, he found Storm still awake even in the close silence of their rooms. "Storm?" He went to crouch down beside her.

Her eyes flew open as she heard him opening the latch. Dressed for slumber and in the comfort of their bed, her body wanted to sink further into the comfort and seek slumber. However, her mind was full of angst and worry, and so she was already sitting up in bed as he approach her, "Yes? What happened, Ewan?"

He took her hand in both of his. If he was angry about this, he was rather certain she would be even more so considering how she had reacted to other events. "Storm, we are going to leave tomorrow. You will head there with Avery and Kellan as soon as we are able to get you away. I will be following the moment I can convince Vetras to join me in the journey."

It would do no good to pause or leave her in question of why the sudden urgency. "Maelgwn has determined Sylvia has committed treasonous acts and she is being confined to Seansloe Manor until he and his council can convene for a trial."

"Treasonous acts?!" The lack of energy in her body was quickly replaced with anger, "Over what? Because she did not take Llew?" Her hand curled into a fist within his hands.

"Shh, beloved, I am as angered by this as you, well, perhaps not as angered or there would have been a much more egregious event that happened. I do wonder sometimes if the Fire element has not sparked a bit more brightly in you since." He tried to manage a grin, but it did not last long. The idea of the claim of treason grated over his nerves like course sand. "We have to continue as we are. The only thing that can counter this now is information. I have been given my orders by Sylvia and Keefe for us to continue as we were. Since she cannot return to Yearling Brook, I will need to be there. We may have to stay there for some time so I can keep an eye on matters closely there." He questioned whether that would be a problem in the tone of his statement alone, not in words.

She repeated the movement of running a hand through her hair and tugging on the ends. Her lips twitched at his attempt for a tease, mumbling something about being the creator of storms herself. "That is fine, beloved. Anything we can do, we will. Oh, I feel so helpless." She didn't have to fair the lack of fairness, she was rather sure it was common ground between them.

"But we are not." He sat on the edge of the bed and one hand cupped her cheek. "We are going to do what we can. I am not going to let them hang her, beloved, nor am I going to let this go on too long. We will play their game for now, and we will beat them at it." He tried to share that sliver of certainty in the hopes that sharing it would multiply it.

"Hang her? Ugh." She turned her face into his hand at even the suggestion, before laughing darkly, "If this is a game, they have picked poor competitors. I will not play fair. I will hide her myself if I must. I am," her lips twitched, "the ultimate stealth." She took a deep breath to try and calm herself.

He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers. With a whisper and a smile, "I do not play fair either, beloved. See, we do have common ground." He kissed her briefly and then that same smile, warmth in it for her, but she would see the conviction of his statement in that grin.