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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Sept 30, 2016 5:23:52 GMT
After a harrowing journey to Robogdii and back again, it appeared that King Valiant had indeed been rescued, and Alined would once more be ruled by its rightful king, even if things would never quite be the same. The land had suffered greatly from war, but the people would recover and rebuild. They always did.
The ship sailed across the sea, towards the western shore of Wessex. There, at a pier just large enough to accommodate Sanctuary, sat a stern looking woman in uniform, short sword on her left side, as she played a melodious tune on a harp. At her right stood Geoffrey, a guard and sailor. They had heard of the ship’s arrival and hurried to its intended destination, after a busy summer traveling across the realm of the Southwestern Traders, from Tir Mor, to Dumonia, and up to Caerleon, before they went back to Wessex. Of course, for them it was just another regular summer, just without a ship. Elyssia was still a little upset about that.
The soft breeze carried Sanctuary close to the pier, and it glided up the rest of the way, ocean waves washing up rhythmically onto the shore. The crew got to work tying the ship up at dock, their silence only broken by orders, as they dared not speak around Elyssia or Geoffrey. Captain Elyssia continued playing the harp as they worked, obviously waiting for someone. She seemed quite skilled, and it helped that the harp was about as exquisite as harps could possibly come.
The first mate walked up to Captain Elyssia and saluted her, and she smiled, giving him a nod in recognition as she continued playing her harp. He stood and listened, before clearing his throat. Elyssia looked at him questioningly, raising her eyebrows as she did so, but kept playing her harp, not wishing to break the sound that her melody carried through the air. It appeared to mesh quite harmoniously with the rhythmic waves.
“Captain Whiterose.” The first mate steeled himself, “It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that Admiral Aethor will not be making it to shore.” He took in a deep breath and finished, “He was wounded in battle and didn’t make it. They brought back his body.”
Elyssia almost snapped a string on her harp and abruptly stopped playing.
“I’m sorry.” The first mate offered his condolences.
She was silent for a while, before she quietly mumbled to the first mate, “Dismissed.” The first mate took the cue from the body language more than the words themselves and returned to his crew.
Captain Elyssia Whiterose silently stared into the waves, her fingers still on the strings of her harp, while Geoffrey rushed onto the ship.
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Post by SouthWestern Traders on Oct 2, 2016 18:40:46 GMT
Some of Aethor's family had approached King Valiant's court, with a petition that they might hold the wake, funeral and ceremony in Alined. The King had gracefully granted the petition, and so arrangements were made for the funeral. The event was fairly well-known in the public sphere, particularly following several decrees from notable realms. Despite the lack of formal invitations, the time and place were public knowledge, so that anyone who might have cared would be capable of attending the various ceremonies.
On their way from the Southwestern Traders' court in Camelot, a number of guild officials were already making their way to the event, including Commodore Victor and Lord Kaegan. The Commodore came in uniform with a black armband on his upper right shoulder, while Lord Kaegan came dressed in a sombre, noble outfit; something that might be suitable at court, but still indicate mourning for a lost friend. Aethor's extended family from Helna and Tir Moreth had also made the journey, and they were the ones chiefly in charge of taking care of the arrangements. Sadly, both Victor and Kaegan could only stay for as long as the ceremonies were expected to last, for they had other urgent business to attend to as well.
Those who might desire to show up were more than welcome to do so.
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Post by Gawant (Martin) on Oct 2, 2016 19:32:47 GMT
A delegation from Gawant attended to pay their respects lead by Princess Megan Canwyn-Lloyd, King Gildenwolf's daughter and her husband Einion.
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Post by Maelgwyn ap Cadwgan (TOG) on Oct 2, 2016 20:04:06 GMT
Maelgwyn, Archpriest of the Temple of the One God was seen to attend in person. He was accompanied by Ealdgyð Cenwalh, the latter with a sad countenance that did not seem to lighten.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Oct 3, 2016 0:31:20 GMT
OOC: Others are still free to join, I just presume I have a lot to write, and so I shall continue writing. Feel free to jump right in whenever!
IC: Captain Elyssia Whiterose attended the functions much as Commodore Victor did, but there was an obvious air of sadness about her. Although she was obligated to wear her naval uniform, she wore a black armband on her right arm just as Victor did, even though she clearly wanted to wear far more black than was appropriate for station and relationship to Aethor. She gave ample distance to Aethor's family, who nevertheless treated her with reserved respect, as she returned the same. The despair in her eyes was clear, though she held back her tears in public.
When she was to stand, she did not stand quite as steady as a captain should. Her crew were noticeably absent, and Geoffrey and his fellows likewise celebrated their late admiral's life elsewhere, as they mourned his death in their own way; a sailor's way.
At some point during the wake, she approached Ealdgyð Cenwalh, knowing that Ealdgyð had journeyed with Aethor, and clearly observing the sad demeanor. It was, perhaps, not the most appropriate thing to do, but Elyssia seemed to be compelled by an innate desire to know more, as she reached a hand out to Ealdgyð to shake.
"Ealdgyð." She said, quite bluntly, "I'd like to talk with you."
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Post by King Oden Sleibhin of Dumonia on Oct 3, 2016 1:39:05 GMT
A sizable delegation of Dumonian nobility were also present to pay their respects, most notably, King Oden Sleibhin himself.
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Post by SouthWestern Traders on Oct 3, 2016 16:57:43 GMT
Aethor's family appears to be quite impressed at the influence the man had in his life. They had never imagined that princesses and kings would attend the funeral of a commoner, even a blooded one, but it brings comfort to them that their son, brother and cousin lived a life worthy of receiving such an honour. They made sure to gracefully thank the attending guests for taking the time to come and pay their respects on this solemn occasion.
Beyond the wake, the funeral itself was planned to take place close to shore, with a grave facing the isle of Helna. As a private man in many aspects, there had been much discussion over what rituals to follow, but ultimately his family had requested one led by a druid of the conclave, more so for their own sake than for Aethor's.
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Post by Ealdgyð Cenwalh on Oct 3, 2016 23:04:08 GMT
"Captain Whiterose," Ealdgyð took her hand and bowed her head, "It is a pleasure to meet you though under the saddest of times. Lord Aethor spoke highly of you on our voyage to Hibernia." With an expression set in stone she locked eyes with Elyssia; "If you so desire I have the evening to speak to you." With a sideways look at the Archpriest the latter nodded and moved away into the crowd leaving them some privacy.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Oct 4, 2016 2:19:12 GMT
Away from the crowd, Elyssia can be seen giving Ealdgyð a slap across the face, while her shout is carried across the wind "You should have done more!"
Moments afterwards, the captain is seen backing away, as she sits down and appears wholly embarrassed.
The crowd briefly looks in her direction in momentary shock.
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Post by Lady Isabella on Oct 5, 2016 4:53:55 GMT
After the wake, where Elyssia and Ealdgyð had spoken (OOC: Apologies if I am being presumptious), Captain Elyssia was still seen at the funeral itself.
Another woman was also present at the funeral. She had brought her son, Daniel, and traveled to Wessex from Caerleon on her way to Camelot. It was quite the detour. She came in a black mourning dress, while her son wore neat sombre clothes. There was a smile on her lips, as she heard various family members and friends speak in Aethor’s memory at the funeral, but there was still some sadness in her eyes.
A short while after the funeral itself, as people were milling about, Isabella was busy telling her son Daniel a story about the a faraway land, shrouded in mist. Captain Elyssia approached Lady Isabella. At first, Isabella was enthralled in telling her story, when suddenly Daniel looked up and recognized the captain, shouting out in joy “Elyssia!” as he ran to embrace her. For once in many days, Elyssia’s whole being smiled, and she returned the embraced, asking him how he’d been, and to tell him all about his summer.
Isabella stood and watched, smiling to herself and at Daniel.
Finally, Elyssia let the kid down, and looked at Isabella. With an opening presented, Isabella moved in and gave Elyssia a tight hug, as she told her “I’m sorry for your loss, Captain. He was a good man.” When they parted ways, Elyssia mumbled, “Yeah… I’m sorry too.”, but she perked up at the sight of Daniel at Isabella’s side, and told him “See you around kid!”
And Daniel beamed at Elyssia, “You’re not coming to the party?”
Isabella shot him glaring looks, “I told you. It’s not a party. And don’t pester Captain Elyssia.”
To which Elyssia responded, “It’s okay. No, sorry Daniel. I have to go now. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon enough kid.” as she waved goodbye to Lady Isabella and went off to get ready to travel to Camelot. Isabella would stay around for the memorial service that would follow, where people could more freely talk about life and death than they might have found comfortable at the wake or funeral.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Oct 23, 2016 19:30:05 GMT
Traveling from Camelot to the guild's court in Dumonia, Admiral Whiterose made a visit to Aethor's grave.
Kneeling before the grave, she planted a number of bulbs in the ground. She stood back, and made a small prayer to herself and to Aethor.
"I know that white roses were your favorite flower, but that's not what I am going to leave you with. Come spring, these affodyles will bloom and herald in a new year. A new beginning. I suppose there's more to the story, but I am not a storyteller like Isabella." She sighed, "You seem so very close, and yet you are so very far." She whispered, as she turned away from the grave and continued on her travels to Dumonia.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Dec 8, 2016 20:46:09 GMT
“Come on Robert,” Elyssia said, as she kicked the man, “Time to get up, we’ve a lot of work to do today.” The poor man grumbled, “It’s too early for this. My head’s still spinning.”
“It’s noon lad,” Elyssia stated, “And it’s most assuredly time to get up. Have a glass of cider if it’ll make you feel better, but not sun, wind nor rain will wait for us. The day will pass us by if we don’t have at it, and then how will we have time to drink tonight?”
“Again?” Robert asked, as he forced himself up, “Can’t we do something else… like not drink?”
“Absolutely not,” Elyssia declared, as she took a swig of cider and offered a cup to Robert, “Hard work and good drink is positively the best way we’ll get people to forget their worries. Come on now, there’s no time to waste.”
And like every other day, she would travel the lands, speaking with craftsmen and talented apprentices. At night, the local inns and taverns would find themselves full of the sounds of laughter and joy. When dawn broke, it would find Admiral Whiterose once more with a cup of ale, cider or something stronger, ready for a new day.
Except for the one day she passed by the grave to see the affodyles in bloom, when she didn't drink, and she wept.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Jan 27, 2017 5:02:25 GMT
After a long day's hard work, the tavern was full of souls and laughter. Where many more noble personas might have retired to their forts or at the very least held a respectable private celebration, Admiral Whiterose was neither noble nor particularly respectable. She was, however, much fun to be around. The drunken singing, music and celebration was not something to be missed, and it brought together the many artisans of the local region to conclude the bonds that had been forged.
It was still early in the eve, with the coming onset of summer, the sun shone weakly on the horizon, but not within the tavern. In the tavern, instead, the light shone from Admiral Whiterose, who was dancing on a table, a cup in her hand, Robert at her side, and laughter the air.
"Come now! One, two, and kick!" Elyssia sang, as she kicked away a half-full cup, and shouted out to the barmaid "Get these lads another drink!" A raucous shout went out from the crowd at the promise of drink, which was not entirely uncommon from the Admiral. She knew how to get sailors drunk, and most certainly could do the same to any other man. Sometimes, it even got her drunk too.
Later, with sweat on her brow, she settled down in her chair and looked at Robert. "See? I told you. Work in the day, drink at night, and tomorrow, these lads and ladies will all work together for the promise of gold... and drink too, of course. Can't forget the drink."
Robert nodded, admitting "I suppose you're right, though I don't know how you manage to do this every night."
"Hard work and aspirations Robert, my lad, you've got to want this to get it, and you've got want it to keep it, and you've got to make others want it to if they're going to share in it." Elyssia explained, "Spark the fire, and others will help feed it. Light the lamp, and others will follow as you guide them. It is simple, and just as difficult, as that."
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on May 10, 2017 1:00:16 GMT
The problem with rumours, as it were, was the uncertainty of what the truth was. For the Admiral's case, it seemed to be that everyone agreed her lover's name was Robert.
The problem? There was more than one Robert.
Some people claimed it was an apprentice peddler from Alined, Robert, who had been a prodigee of the Admiral during Wessex's restoration. He was a bright, enthusiastic lad, who had much to learn - especially from an older woman.
Others said such a lowly apprentice couldn't possibly be the one. They pointed instead towards Robert De Braose. His exotic nature, status as a captain, and the fact that Elyssia had traveled to meet with him? Well, clearly he was the one.
But no, said others, a brave knight from Nemeth, Sir Robert, had taken a liking to the Admiral's demeanor. Strange, to be sure, but even being the mere lover to a nobleman, such as a knight, had its perks. Surely the Admiral was just using the poor knight for her own ends. Then again, so was Sir Robert.
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Post by Robert Cooper on Nov 9, 2017 7:38:25 GMT
Robert, as it were, was a very real person. He had grown in status since the rumours had first risen, but had himself not yet risen much further than handling the business of representing guild interests locally in Wessex - his home province.
He was no knight, sadly for the many ladies who wished for such a romance to one day be possible for themselves. He was also not Robert De Braose, the exotic captain.
He appeared, instead, to be a bright young man with a bright future ahead of him. A legal scholar focused on maritime law and all its archaic concepts, Robert had once been an apprentice cooper, but his master had recognized his potential for greatness and invested in the lad. The master had benefited in his own way, and Robert had become the legal scholar he is today, albeit still young, inexperienced and unproven.
But at Elyssia's side, he might yet rise to greatness.
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