Lord Kedehern and his people went to scout the Shadowood in action #3672 (and using information from clue #3635) and discovered a tribe of Abandoned known as Clan Red Snake. They told the group a story about a person named 'Rand' who came on behalf of House Durand. A person that I will gleefully refer to here on out as: Rand Durand. I can't be convinced that's not the full name, I'm not sorry.

In Kedehern's explanation of events to Cristoph, he mentioned that there was also another tribe. Both were willing to bend the knee to House Laurent but were also in the midst of a fight between one another. Cristoph and company will be going to the Shadowood to speak with both tribes.

He'll be aiming to bring them under the Laurent banner before House Durand can corner and corrupt them. He would like to avoid as many Abandoned tribes falling to the Knights of the Swarm as they can manage. Because really, who needs their enemies to make more enemies to fight you with??? Ideally, they'll convince both groups to join them, but he'll settle for as many as he can get.

They also bring a reasonable show of force with them, because that area is pretty dangerous.

Kedehern shall accompany Cristoph and the others on their foray to speak to Clan Thistlerick and Clan Red Snake, doing his best to keep the party from harm should anything happen during the trip.

Jael can be surprisingly charming when she feels like it, and she turns that on in efforts to mediate and settle the existing matter between the two Abandoned tribes so that they will both swear fealty to Laurent. Can't they just all get along?

Norwood's bringing Queensguard, and staying close to Cristoph's heel. Why can't this damn House Durand just GO AWAY ALREADY.

Damn elves.

Shae is returning to the Shadowood to speak with Clan Thistlecrick and Red Snake in hopes to help find some way for them to end their feud with each other, so that they will both join the Compact under House Laurent. Shae is hoping that between explaining to them about the dangers that House Durand is and their connections to darker things. Along with proposing that once they join, they can settle this issue via a duel.

Which is a time honored tradition in the Compact, especially in the Oathlands. In which she would explain its purpose, that it is not to the death. That perhaps there is a way to find a compromise, like a marriage between the two tribes. Such as the offending party marrying into Clan Red Snake to help fill the the loss of the young man. And so on.

Mostly, Shae is just hoping to find a positive way to help both clans to find a way to work through the current issue to some sort of compromise that doesn't involve the death of a person.

Mabelle will use her skills as a diplomat, her personal charm and ability to sway minds in order to convince the clan to join the compact so they could be saved from the claws of house Durand and the crazy Rands. Maybe even convince the other tribe that is mad at them. Maybe if she runs into one of those single minded Rands she can talk him into telling her things, nothing quite like getting into your enemy's head. Since there is only one apparently.

When they return to the Shadowood, Clan Red Snake's chieftain is adamant; she has no interest whatsoever in allowing her clan to bend the knee to anyone, let alone a member of the Compact, until and unless the culprit from Tribe Thistlerick is turned over for execution. Thistlerick is also adamant; or, at least, as adamant as a small tribe-turned-refugees with dwindling supplies can be; they will not bend the knee to House Laurent if House Laurent does not swear a solemn oath to protect them from all dangers, very specifically including the danger of 'having our leader's son turned over to be killed by the tribe that drove us from our lands in the first place'.

At first.

This is before two more Red Snake patrols and an expeditionary force heading deeper into the Shadowood vanish. This is before a small Red Snake hunting party is found four days after they were expected to return staked out on the border of Red Snake land, their bodies so bloated as to be nearly unrecognizable and swarming with so many insects that Clan Red Snake resorts to lighting them on fire with arrows from a distance, rather than the usual ceremonial burial.

This is before Thistlerick's primary negotiator, an extremely friendly, almost fawningly polite young woman, suddenly attempts to stab Cristoph with a skinning knife during a negotation meeting, ranting about the crimes of House Laurent, before being quickly cut down by Norwood's blade.

They're a little more open to negotiation after that.

A little is not a lot, however. It takes the combined efforts of Shae, Mabelle, and Jael, and every scrap of charm and persuasion they can manage, to finally start wearing down Red Snake's resistance. It takes long nights of arguments and declarations and exhortations. And it takes a sudden attack by a number of the missing Red Snake Clan members, howling and raving, that is cleanly repelled by the significant forces Cristoph brought with them for protection, for Red Snake's Chieftain to finally agree to let the matter with Thistlerick go. She agrees to bend the knee in exchange for the same promise that Thistlerick wants: an oath of protection from Laurent on top of the usual oaths, to protect them against any Compact aggression as well as that from the Shadowood itself.

Not all of Red Snake agrees, however. The prominent warrior whose son was killed storms out of the negotiations, and the next morning it's discovered he's left, along with a small but potent group of Clan Red Snake's best fighters. Scouts track their path as going further into the Shadowood, but Red Snake is loathe to send anyone after them given what's happened. Regardless, the day after that, both Clan Red Snake and Tribe Thistlerick bend the knee to House Laurent.

Kedehern has been tasked by Cristoph to travel to the Shadowood with a diplomatic delegation of sorts to speak with the Abandoned Houses that have a presence in the area. The Duke suspects that House Durand has been pressuring them to join or be killed, based on information he's received from Marquis Kael.

As such, he hopes that Kedehern and company can reach out, and foster better relations betweens them, even absorbing them into the Compact if able, under the premise that it's better to make them allies than having them turned into a Nameless army that fights for the swarm. Kedehern will be leading the party, but he knows his strengths, and diplomacy isn't one of them, so he's doing what any good leader does, and delegating to those more suited, and trusting their own prowess to help carry any talks.

Shae of course will help assist Kedehern and her future house. Agreeing that it would be better to reach out to the Abandoned Houses and gain their friendship. And possibly their alliances, and even getting them to join the Compact. To aid in this endeavor, Shae will use her natural charm, and empathetic understanding of others. To gage their initial reactions and help the group adjust how they approach them, so they can hopefully appeal to them on a personal and empathetic level.

Mabelle will be using her charm and diplomacy skills to try to help Kedehern accomplish the mission that was given to him by her Duke, sate and join as many houses as she can to the Compact.

Norwood doesn't have a diplomatic bone in his body and Margerie is way too sick to be able to go. So Norwood is here, Queensguard on his hip. Like he has done for Kedehern's brother, the deceased Duke Edmund, and his nephew Cristoph. If everything goes to pot, Norwood will be there to cut them out of it.

Well, hopefully cut them out of it. That eventuality would be a good glowing opportunity Pimsly, proprietary of glowing be damned..

The Shadowood is a bad place to be, but it's apparent why so many tribes have made their home there; for one thing, while it's a bad place to be, it's a very good place to hide. The first few days are frustrating ones as the group continuously finds signs of human activity and habitation, only to discover these signs are leading them in circles, always back toward the edges of the wood. There are whispers in the night, and strange sightings. There are odd rustling noises that turn out to be old wind chimes hung in trees. Shadows in the brush that reveal half rotted straw figures stood up on poles. Oh, they find a lot of unsettling things in the Shadowood, but what they don't find in the first few days are actual people.

That changes on day four. On day four, they encounter the Thistlerick tribe. Once it becomes clear their mission is a diplomatic one, the Thistlericks are unexpectedly happy to accommodate them as best as can be. As best as can be, as it turns out, is not very well, because the Thistlericks are a fairly small tribe recently driven away from their lands further in the wood, and their supplies are growing sparse. It's surprisingly easy to convince their leader to bend the knee; all he asks for in return is shelter for his people and a solemn oath on top of the usual oaths of fealty that House Laurent will guarantee their protection against other Abandoned tribes and Oathland Houses both--as there are still dark rumors in the Wood about other Oathlands Houses turning on and murdering Prodigals that have bent the knee.

The Thistlericks point them in the right direction, and on days six and seven they encounter several other tribes. These tribes are skeptical and wary, repeating the rumors of Oathlands Houses murdering prodigals and slaughtering Abandoned in their lands as accusations, rather than worries. Eventually the group is able to convince these tribes that their mission is what they say it is, and conversation warms...somewhat. The tribes aren't shy about stating their absolute disinterest in bending the knee, and distrust in the Compact as a whole, but if Laurent wants to better relations, they appear cautiously open to the idea...provided Laurent is likewise willing to agree to leave them be, they'll pledge not to raid Laurent lands, and they're quick enough to reassure the group that they have no more interest in joining up with House Durand than with the Compact.

On day ten, they find the Red Snakes. The Red Snakes are a clan nearly five hundred strong that pride themselves on their warriors, who have successfully defended their territory in the Shadowood for centuries. Most recently they've come under repeated attack by a number of smaller but nastier tribes, whom the Red Snakes claim are insane demon-worshippers probably aligned with House Durand. While they've held against this threat, there's some clear worry that this may not last. Much like the last tribes, many Red Snakes are initially wary and skeptical of the very idea of bending the knee, but this attitude abruptly changes when Tribe Thistlerick is mentioned. The chieftain of the Red Snakes immediately declares that the Thistlerick tribe is sheltering a murderer--who happens to be the son of the Thistlerick leader--and that if House Laurent is willing to turn the young man over to the Red Snakes for execution, she will pledge all of her people to House Laurent's cause and join the Compact. As a sign of good faith, she orders her head scout to brief the group on what they know about House Durand's activities.

This is...a bit of a problem. When confronted, Thistlerick's leader claims his son killed the son of one of the Red Snakes' most prominent warriors in what was apparently a heated, drunken argument that got out of hand, and that the entire thing was an accident. He claims the Red Snakes' pride won't allow the matter to be settled by anything less than death, and reminds the group that he's only asking for protection in exchange for his own tribe's loyalties. He will certainly not agree to bend the knee if House Laurent insists on his son's execution.

With mounting evidence that Lord Aramis Fournier is the guilty party responsible for the attacks on the Prodigal Mercy Hopefuls as well as the dozens of Templars en route to Blancbier, Duke Cristoph Laurent is orchestrating a meeting between House Laurent, House Fournier, House Lyonnesse, House Fidante and House Malvici. He'll be encouraging Count Fournier to assist in apprehending and turning him over to the Templars for them to decide his fate. While he understand this is a difficult decision to make as Lord Aramis is his son and /also/ has a military grip on the duchy, Cristoph encourages him to make the right decision. He also explains that his sister is prepared to encircle the border of the county (JAEL ACTION#3534) and is aided by the Templars themselves. She can swoop in to assist in any military skirmishes that happen as well as ensure Lord Aramis does not escape or attempt to turn the entire county against him.

Additionally, he makes a very strong case for Count Fournier for approach Marquess Davegia about a marriage alliance between their two families to really put this thing to rest. Preferably a marriage between one of his less trecherous children and an eligible member of her family.

After previous success with negotiating with house Fournier, Mabelle is ready to hit the field again and be of assistance. Anythign to prevent bloodshed and bring to justice those who have caused it. She has her own personal reasons to be there, of course, but initially, to help the family's interests as Minister of Population.

Standing in as a representative for Fournier's liege house is Lady Jenessa, Lyonesse's acting Voice serving in Demura's stead. She accompanies Duke Cristoph to the meeting between Houses, offering her support to her own liege lord while also making it clear where Lyonesse stands on the matter with Lord Aramis. Jenessa aligns with the Duke and his encouragement of the Count to turn Aramis over to the Faith, in addition giving her own _strong recommendation_ for a marital alliance between Fournier and Daviega. She offers promises and assurances that nothing ill will befall the County for turning Lord Aramis over, and whatever worst case scenario the Count fears will not be allowed to come to pass. No riots. No uprisings. No people getting up in arms and setting anything on fire..etc.

Coming off the success of a previous campaign with Duke Cristoph and House Laurent, Calista Fidante, gladly accepts the invitation to return to the Oathlands on a diplomatic mission. She is there to fortify Cristoph's suggestion of a marriage between Fournier and Davegia. If anyone knows about marrying one's enemies for a successful outcome, it is the Duchess of Roses who married Inigo Malvici of Southport. Bridging gaps and all that seems to be Calista's jam.

In the interests of the Faith, as their Godsworn Knights of the Holy Templars were proven to be slain by Lord Aramis Fournier and his military, the Legate of Concepts will be attending the meeting coordinated and led by Duke Cristoph Laurent. To aid in their goals to peacefully acquire Lord Aramis and ensure discourse by the Fournier military is kept to a minimum, Ailith will be leading an effort to make it easier on Count Gael Fournier to agree to the set forth terms by Duke Cristoph. And if needed, have the swift approval of the Faith over the marriage contract.

Ailith will coordinate with local seraphs and other faith leaders to conduct sermons and counsel of the Faithful, especially the "Warders of the True Oathlands', of their obligations to the Faith, that the oaths every Oathlands holds extremely dear is held as the exemplar of piety to the Compact. This will be contrasted subtly with what Lord Aramis Fournier and the Warders committed, especially drawing attention to the breaking of Oaths and the direct assault on Godsworn who are, after all, servants of the Gods themselves. She and her associates will lay emphasis on the striking down of Templars, a thing unheard of for an Oathlander to do. Her aim will be to contrast the Faithfulness of the slaughtered Templars and pilgrims with the Oathbreaking and Faith-attacking Lord Aramis. It is her hope, by applying such societal pressure, the grip Lord Aramis has on the Fournier military lessens. That the people, too, will encourage absolution and penance by the Faith, and perhaps, Lord Aramis, himself, as a noble lord, a knight of the Oathlands, will present himself to the Legate of Concepts.

Dipomacy is GREAT. Norwood would really love for diplomacy to go really well. The thing is that diplomacy doesn't always work. So Norwood's presence here is super simple.

Don't say anything.

Stay with Cristoph at all times.

Stab anyone who gets close to Cristoph.

Make sure anything that tries to hurt Cristoph doesn't get a chance to do it again.

Calypso will be along to help present justice for her vassal. She will be working alongside Duke Cristoph to make sure everyone plays nice and follows the rules.

After the first diplomatic mission was a success, this time Martino is joining with Duke Cristoph and the wider Laurent mission with the Malvici branch of the family to work under Cristoph and Calypso’s direction.

He will be supporting the comments and suggestions of a marriage between House Fournier and House Daviega. Martino will be in communication as well through messengers with House Daviega with updates on the potential marriage and progress on capturing the guilty Lord.

Keeping things calm, but also proposing how this is the best solution for House Fournier will be Lord Martino Malvici’s direction and line of communication. Playing on his role last time trying to find peace, to show how this really will give us peace at last.

It is, in a word, tense. Count Gael Fournier doesn't seem thrilled to see either the voice of his direct liege or his banner duke again, nor word of Jael and others leading military forces on his lands, but he is quite willing to listen, and the diplomatic expertise of Mabelle and Calista are critical there, as well as the pressure brought to by Ailith as Shield of the Faith, and the Malvici representatives with the Duchess of Southport and her commander Martino. Despite the clear reluctance on Gael's part, he has little desire to stand alone against Lyonesse, Laurent, Malvici and others, and even his baronies sworn to him are quite obviously manifestly reluctant to back him in a fight with the Faith, particularly when the evidence against Lord Aramis is so strong.

After several days of negotiations, Count Gael decrees that his son shall not be protected by House Fournier forces, and that templars can take him into custody for a fair trial- though he is not aware of his precise location, and the search is left to others. He does agree that his younger son, Lord Erroll Fournier, will wed Marquessa Magdalena Daveiga and they will work out various concessions to Daveiga to have a lasting peace. Gael is almost a little too conciliatory, and it's possible someone had some leverage over him in addition to what was visible.

Having the right now to search in the lands of Cassyl, and House Fournier, for House Durand, Kedehern gathers up some of Laurent's men, and a few other brave souls to seek out the matter of House Durand.

Of course, if while they're there, they just -happen- to come across Lord Aramis Fournier, well, that would be sheer coincidence, wouldn't it? Especially if he happens to be in the company of House Durand. Yes, yes it would.

In any case, Kedehern and Co will be looking for the lands of Fournier, partly for House Durand, and partly for Lord Aramis due to all the strife he has been causing, but officially, this is Durand business only.

Norwood is heartily tired of House Durand. They seem to be at the root of basically everything wrong in the Oathlands, and especially Laurent right now. He joins the effort with Queensguard at his side. He's not looking to be particularly merciful at this point. If they actually do manage to find Durand, he's going to do his best to slice slice slice.

Hopefully there won't be any centipedes. But if there are he is totally ready for that too.

On their way through, Flavien makes sure to check all the places he might have stashed someone if he we doing so. He'll rely on quick thinking and investigative technique.

Miranda is, primarily, going as added brawn to assist House Laurent in their endeavor to make things less dangerous for those going. In addition, she's helped Malvici, in the past, with things relating to Fournier, so as a half-Malvici person, she is assisting there. Lastly, as Voice of Gemecitta, Rubino-Zaffria is helping to assist House Laurent in the hopes of maintaining their good relations. Miranda tends to help in many ways and this is just one of them. In addition, if they need resources such as military and social, etc, they will provide that as well. Ensuring that vassals are at peace means the greater Houses are not fighting small battles while greater battles threaten the Compact.

While Kedehern and the others are look for members of House Durand, Shae will of course assist in this, using her knowledge of the tracking and her dogs, to help with sniffing out any Durand that may be hiding.

Several things help with the search. Shae with her hounds, and a young Oathlander woman and her flop eared dog. Flavien's investigative talents, and Miranda's odd intuition with certain moving shadows in Fournier lands. In fact, they had followed up a lead on some camps that were being used by reported odd men in green surcoats, that also lined up with the men Aramis had used to do the massacre, and they track it down.

Norwood is the one attacked first, managing to get Queensguard free in time to parry an attack by a knight wearing a surcoat with red on a green field, with the green rising above- the sigil of House Durand. They quickly find themselves engaged by a small party, and Lord Aramis is among them. As the melee grows, almost at the same time Gawain, Ahmar and Eddard show on the scene and join in, with Norwood winding up engaged in a single combat duel with Lord Aramis who refuses to yield.

And then the armies arrive.

Hundreds of Knights of the Swarm ride down, but they are pursued by thousands of troops with Esoka and Jael in command, leading a massive force of Laurent soldiers and templars, to surround the knights of the swarm. Lord Aramis is felled unconscious by a blow from Norwood, and the Knights of the Swarm wearing the colors of Durand all fight with an uncanny sychronization to one another- and not a one attempts to surrender. They all fight to the death, and are eventually destroyed.

There's been trouble along the Lycene and Oathlands border for some time now. But with tensions continuing to flare between the warring houses of Fournier and Daveiga as they war with each other, Cristoph Laurent has decided it's time to wander down to the site of the conflict and try to diplomatically stem the flow of blood. And if he can get the road safely opened up again so that trade might resume between the Oathlands and Lyceum in that particular area, all the better. He doesn't go alone, bringing with him a portion of the Laurent army to help bolster the border strength as well prevent any 'funny business' and inviting several key speakers (ie: allies from the Lyceum) to help underline the value of peace talks over war.

Mabelle is a Charming Laurent Lady and a very skilled Physician. In her view of things, the conflict is harming local people which has led to her nursing instincts calling her to help. Her mission is to seek them putting a stop to further conflict. She will be providing her insight and influence as a Laurent Lady, as well as setting up a nearby medical tent for those hurt in the war to seek treatment. She will be applying her social grace, statue and flirtatious nature to woo and win over the hearts of Lords during the diplomatic meeting.

Norwood isn't a key speaker, which is probably not too surprising. Instead he's coming to help lead and partition out those parts of the Laurent Army. His attention is focused mostly on highly mobile Calvary units that can split apart forces with less danger than infantry can. He isn't backwards in wading in when his arm is needed.

Less obviously the Baron is keeping an eye on Cristoph's back. Last time they were out with a group of Laurent's soldiers on a 'diplomatic' mission the enemy turned into centipedes and attacked. Just to be on the safe side Norwood will make sure Queensguard is in the right place if it's the proper time to glow. Whatever that is.

Alongside her cousin, Calista offers her diplomatic expertise to assuage the tensions at the Oathlands/Lyceum border. Where there are open roads, there is business and business brings profits. Surely everyone can benefit from this. Tor has several businesses, including the Apothecary College which is world renown. Offering to assist with the development of new business ventures not only is becoming of the Duchess of Roses but also speaks of her Crown Ministry of Production.

As a representative of the Lycene side of things, Fiora Malvici also favors the stick over the carrot. She makes it clear with her icy demeanor what the facts are. The facts of how this all will inevitably turn out poorly. No matter what intentions are behind this, the result will always be the same. That result is a significant loss of blood, silver, and wine. That's her key tagline and she mentions blood silver and wine a lot, as she quietly and calmly bullies those in conflict towards a more reasonable solution. Where everyone loses less wine, silver, and blood.

Demura is better with the stick than the carrot, but she's understand there's a time and a place for both. So she's going to do her best to go in convince them Fournier to see reason. Well, her reason. His reason is wrong, obviously. And how will she do that? But sitting him down and showing him what the compact, what Arx, what history will think of him. She will go over just how the general populous feels about this-- spinning a yarn in how the faith gets involved, in how the people back the faith, and how the templars and the knights of solace come march on him. Meanwhile, trade will completely dry up because the roads are being blockades, the merchants will go elsewhere, his people will starve, and then riot and... It's not a good luck he's got going on right now, and maaaaaybe he could stop pissing off the faith and the merchants?

Braden rides where ever he is asked to by Duke Cristoph. He was asked to ride for this. He is there mostly to provide safety for the nobles involved. One never knows what will happen on the road, or while at the boarder. He won't be much help for negotiations apart from staying out of the way, but much like on the journey there, he will be ready to ensure the Peers accomplish their task. And if all is uneventful enough, he might even get a chance to flirt with a southern woman or two.

Duke Cristoph Laurent marches with his army to the site of the Fournier-Daveiga war, which at first makes both sides rather nervous- the forces of Laurent are considerably stronger than Fournier's and Daveiga's combined, which is an excellent way to get their attention. Fortunately, there's no violence, or any surprise attacks- Baron Norwood Clement helps a great deal in that regard, and frankly it doesn't hurt that the man has a reputation for fighting Abandoned, which is appreciated by many of the more hardline Fournier troops even if they don't really grasp the nuances there. Braden along with the rest of the troops is able to provide security, and tense moments between Fournier and Daveiga never quite spill over into violence.

Nicia's team was able to get Fournier to the table, and the tremendous work by Duchess Calista Fidante and Lady Mabelle Laurent as diplomats are able to get the two sides talking, aided by Lord Martino and his emissaries. Fiora looks appropriately spooky and intimidating, and critically Marquessa Demura Lyonesse, the direct liege of House Fournier demands that Fournier end this nonsense. Between all of them, Fournier is pushed hard, and Gael is more than ready to make concessions- Fournier was trying to rally other Oathlands houses to come to their aid to 'repulse these invaders', and without this intervention, the war WOULD have spread, and become a wide Oathlands vs Lyceum war. It is good they acted when they did. Between all the efforts, Fournier and Daveiga agreed to a ceasefire in place. Daveiga withdraws their forces to the Lycene side of the border and out of the Wineroad Pass, which frees Oathlands trade to travel again, so it is not purely symbolic, it's agreeing to surrender an important strategic position. Fournier for their part agree to not fortify the pass either, since the temptation would be to hold it in force. Daveiga however will not be satisfied until the guilty party for the pilgrims' massacre is produced, but is willing to agree to a several month cease fire to allow that to happen and some form of proof to be produced.

When the tale of the woman with the garden reaches the Laurents, they decide that they might as well take a little visit. They've been listening for any whisper of Redire or Durand or the Sylv'alfar in general for many months, closing in on a year now. The story of a lady and a man who disappear into the gardens and only flowers can tell you the way certainly seems like some sort of wood elf magic. And this lady has a really awesome garden?! Good place as any to start!

When they arrive at the old woman's home, it's with a request to visit with her gardens. When they arrive, they each come bearing a gift. Cristoph gives her several beautiful hyacinth plants in a variety of colors that are just ready to bloom. Then he requests the opportunity to walk the garden paths.

While they're there, he says a little poem to the flowers, hoping to encourage their cooperation. "Our name is Laurent, from a time long since spent. We search for those lost, but fear for the cost. Because they who must hide, will surely abide by a path that leaves them hidden from our eyes." Then he'll show the plants his ducal ring with the honeybee etched as the heraldry. "Will you help the beekeepers find the lady and the man of the gardens?"

When given a choice between doing a magic ritual to clean more magic and visiting a garden, Norwood is absolutely on the side of the garden visit.

He brings his own gift: Earthworms from Duskshire's newly planted fields. Each of them are plump, wiggly, and ready to get to turning over the earth for a bountiful harvest. (No, Norwood doesn't think that giving a gift of worms is weird at all. Gardens NEED worms. Moreover, worms are way easier to travel with than a beehive.)

The poem part he is a little unsure of and he moves a bit further away from the others to mumble: "Laurent we come, to blossoms in bloom, to ask this crumb, less we assume, and find our doom." Then he'll draw Queensguard and just sit for a bit. Assuming that the sword won't glow because, apparently, that's rude.

Who better to ask to come along on a garden visit to talk to flowers than the Vala? At least, that seems to be what Cristoph thought. She heard the tale before, and again when talking to him and was keen on traveling along with the Laurents to visit this reportedly beautiful garden. He asked that she bring along a gift for the Lady, and a poem for the flowers. As a gift, she offers a small wooden Ladybug Cottage with lots of little holes for ladybugs to crawl into if they so desired. Ladybugs are good for plants, she knows, and there are already some within the cottage as part of the gift. The cottage is painted by Khanne's own hand in spring like colors that should blend in with many a bloom.

The poem is more difficult for her, she's not one for flowery words usually, but she gives it her best if the Lady allows them into the garden. After a look around to see, perhaps, the best flowers to whisper to, she recites; "breath of life and little seed, shall grant this garden what it needs, with gentle soil as water sinks in, let the growing begin. Then will come rain and sun, bringing bright blooms when it is done," and waits to see if the flowers will speak.

It is the start of winter.

The gardens are lovely, but the stunning blooms have given way to wilted flowers, the drooping petals and bare buds heralding the coming frosts. And in the early twilight, there is something ineffably sad in the crisp air, a feeling of loss as the color fades from the garden. And it is there that they speak, as the light of day dies into the early twilight. The poems are read into the evening air, as a lonely wind blows and rustles through the garden, and the silence is only broken by the aching of tree branches of an old oak and the falling of some last leaves.

The last light of day fades, and it seems it's for naught, just another sad garden that was once much more beautiful, but as they consider going, there's the sound of a voice that seems to be coming from Norwood's sheathed sword that just says, "Proper protocol would bid you wait a moment longer."

As the stars come out, and the first moonlight hits the garden, there's another rustling from the wind stronger than before. Petals are blown from dying flowers, and this time the petals swirl about as if caught in the air, hundreds of petals, and they seem to form a faint outline of a female face, "We bid you welcome, House Laurent and Lord Commander." There's a creaking of old branches from the tree, and then there is the outline of a powerfully built humanoid figure covered in armor made of wood, covered with thorns facing inward and piercing the wearer's skin, "We bid you welcome, House Clement and Jonathan Baseborn." A face forms on the tree, moving with slow deliberate motion, "We bid you welcome, House Halfshav and the Blightsbane." The voices seem to echo, as if coming from more than one source, and they seem to ripple- the faces and forms there one moment, gone the next, only to reappear, as if the air is distorted by smoke not quite seen. "Welcome welcome welcome."

"It is difficult to speak." "It is painful to be here." "There's not much time, we hear the call even now." The voice of the one wearing a mail of thorns piercing him, "Only in agony can I block the call of Legion, and we can stay but fleetingly." "We cannot return or we will all lose ourselves." "We would return but if we are not shielded, all would be lost." "Lost." "Lost." "Lost."

"Chains could be broken." "Songs could be sung." "Names could be writ in blood." "And kept dear." They are fading now, growing less distinct, "We weaken." "We must flee." "Before we are lost." "You saved us once." "Once." "We would save you." "But first find..." "Find a singer..." "Find a daughter..." "Find a namer..." "And together..." "Together." "Together."

And then they are gone, and the three are left alone underneath the moon's pale light, as the last flowers wilt in the cold winter air.

As Deputy Warden of the West, Shae cannot ignore the theft of Valardin arms and armor, and certainly not the murder of innocents while masquerading as servants of House Valardin. She will gather what knowledge of the perpetrators responsible such as she can, and taking a pack of Keaton hounds with her, and start the long process of hunting down the offenders, accepting the assistance of those who offer it. Using her knowledge of the Oathlands' geography, she'll start the search in those areas they are most likely to hide, and expand from there, relying on her skills as a tracker to assist her in such, as well as the testimony of those who may have seen persons in Valardin armor violating the orders of Prince Edain, and Princess Alis.

Kedehern is a staunch supporter of the notion that non-combatants should be treated as such, and as such looks unkindly on those who would impugn the name of Valardin by slaughtering prodigals and those that wish to bend the knee, while wearing the markings of the house. While no great hunter of criminals, he recognizes that the type of people who would commit such actions are likely not going to surrender without a scuffle, and so he's there to help ensure the safety of those who are at work seeking them out, and to assist in their subjugation so that they can be brought forth before the High Lord Edain for judgement.

Veronica's likely the best-equipped Keaton to conduct long range hunting and pursuit of criminals and brigands. With her knowledge of the criminal culture of the wilds and her tracking and survival skills, she'll help the team move more efficiently and reduce time wasted turning over fruitless stones in pursuit of clues.

Norwood joins with his step-daughter to go look for the thieves. (Also, bandits suck, okay? Seriously. Go steal from someone else. Or just don't steal. Become a beekeeper instead. It's more fun.) While not an investigator himself he'll add to Shae's tracking acumen with Bayberry (dog!) and Steadfast (horse!) at his side (I love my animals). If it comes to a fight he'll fight, but this time... he'd really rather avoid having to kill anyone. That Butcher of Reaver's Bog really bothers him. Maybe he could reclaim some of his honor?! Or maybe he'll just kill more people (which would be okay, because see above, bandits suck.)

Adalyn goes along, though not to help with the finding of people, but rather to ensure that once found, they're caught. She's not interested in killing anyone if other options present themselves, but if push comes to shove, she'll use force. Until such a time as that's required, she's just going to hang back and otherwise keep out of people's way, except for the occasional bad joke.

Bandits suck. This is known, but sometimes the choices created by them are even worse. It's a case in point as they relentlessly track down bandits, in particular any masquerading with House Valardin arms and armor. The first such group is the Abandoned clan called Clan Blood Oak, up in the hills near the Cloudspine. They seemingly have been completely annihilated. Where there great camp used to be there, there's only ash. Perhaps they just burnt all they owned and went to ground, but it seems odd they would have left some Valardin arms and armor behind.

And then there's an entirely different matter.

Veronica hears rumors of 'men raiding in House Valardin arms and armor' near the Lycene border, which might have something to do with the uptick of banditry in that area. It is surprisingly easy for Shae, Norwood, Adalyn, Kedehern and Veronica to track the group down, and they are a band of outlaws calling themselves 'the Brothers of Sanctum'. Now, technically they are Abandoned in that none are sworn to any house in the Compact, but that's only 'technically'. Each of the men and women in 'the Brothers of Sanctum' are criminals who have fled trials, dodged their sentences, or are wanted for a wide range of crimes or are evading an exile. More often than not, Abandoned often are that group, not necessarily born into it, which often confuses how the Compact feels about them.

Now, when facing 'the Butcher of Reaver's Bog' and his men (and his step daughter), the relatively small group of bandits dressed in House Valardin arms and armor decide not to resist, and instead immediately ask for quarter... in return for revealing just how they came into their arms and armor, which aren't actually stolen from Sanctum or House Valardin's armories.

No, there's a band of Ravashari, this particular clan called the Rataravi, who have been forging very close copies of Valardin arms, armor, banners and surcoats and selling them to bandits. Now punishing them would normally be straight forward, but there are a few issues.

First, the Ravashari as a group are notoriously hated in the Oathlands, because they often are indistinguishable as Prodigal or Abandoned, with their exact status of having bent the knee being an open question. Much of the Oathlands traditionalists consider them traitors who continue to deal with Abandoned, and House Rivenshari who is sworn to Greenmarch certainly catches quite a bit of that bias. Secondly, it sounds like this particular group (the Rataravi), have been operating out of Riva, which is House Rivenshari's domain, and using them to blend in... meaning that any arrests there might justify the worst biases of the biggest bigots and hardline traditionalists in the Oathlands, who are trying to purge Abandoned (and Prodigals) in the Oathlands.

So whether this comes to light is really up to them, and just what they do about it.

Bandits suck.

At the behest of his nephew and liege lord, Duke Cristoph, Kedehern is gathering together a group of trusted individuals to plan and carry out another scouting mission of the border of Artshall and Duskshire, to see if they can find indications of House Durand's hide out.

The idea of the mission is not to attack or engage Durand if they can help it, but get evidence and a better idea of actual location in order to plan an actual strike at them in the near future, in order to bring this to a close. Of course, if the group does find themselves attacked or otherwise engaged, they will defend themselves but the overall idea is to get the information back to Cristoph rather than wage a battle.

If after scouting the border, they fail to find signs, they'll move further into Duskshire to continue their search, expanding the parameters, and failing that, will start look into the border of Duskshire and the Shadowood.

Shae will be part of Kedehern's scouting group, assisting with looking for any sort of signs of members and soldiers of House Durand. Including in sort of tracks or trails that might lead them to where they are hiding. Including using her dog Daegmund to sniff out any possible signs of people, or anything out of the ordinary.

If a Laurent is going to be stupid enough to head out looking for Durand, Norwood is coming along with Queensguard at his side. Maybe whatever Annalise Grayhill did with the sword will only work when the actual lord/heir is in danger. But maybe it'll protect any of the line.

Of course, they're also going to be heading into Duskshire, so Norwood will be their local guide. His years of fighting the malcontents in Duskshire give him a unique perspective on the area, even if he happens to brush off the number of skeletons they're probably going to find there. Of particular note he keeps an eye out for tunnels like the ones under Duskshire's main keep that might hide their elf friends - or even just regular bandits. Because those bastards like to hang around too.

Now, Kedehern might be leading the group, but on Duskshire lands Norwood's going to have a very different view of the chain of command. They killed the Laurent Duke he loved (I mean, Cristoph's pretty cool but Edmund was more like a buddy), and threatens the children of that duke. Screw them. If they run into Durand on Duskshire lands, Norwood's going to attack. Period.

Elsa will be going out with Kedehern and the others to try and find the location of Durand and its people. She will be using a small group of Fine Valley Hounds to try and pick up scent trails to track them through Laurent's and Clement's land as well as her own skill in tracking.

Adalyn's going along in the off-chance that somebody or something needs to be hit. She won't be doing much scouting, more following and providing an extra measure of security. She's going to stick close to Norwood and ensure that the old - hale, hearty - man doesn't get in over his head. If this entails use of force, that's what she'll do.

It's long, difficult work searching all the surrounding territories near Artshall and Duskshire. A painstaking process that takes them into surrounding domains such as the Shadowood as well, with the different scouts all patrolling over seemingly endless, difficult ground, some that for all they know may have never had people pass through it in centuries if ever. In the end, by slowly working tracing some of the attacks, they are able to track back to what should be the source. Should be.

It's not what's expected. The extremely well hidden camp has a scent first caught by Elsa's Fine Valley hounds, and then Shae and Kedehern lead their scouts cautiously towards the camp. The group is almost immediately attacked by three different Durand knights, who are promptly cut down by Norwood (while he is lectured about proper protocol in battle cries) and Adalyn, though that is a surprisingly soft force. What they find is the camp is almost entirely abandoned, and looks like it was in the process of being burned to cover their tracks when they were able to intercept them, and the camp must have been a mere staging ground for attacks upon Laurent lands.

Kedehern is able to rescue a letter that was in the process of burning as they arrive, and half of it is still legible. They can make out, "...and then return to Cassyl." signed with 'GF'.

Cassyl is the ancestral holding of House Fournier.

You have drafted a new action (#2882): Following @action 2878, a precursor to @action 2881, and a part of plot "House Durant #54", Norwood leads a scouting group. They start in Artshall then sweep their way up through Duskshire and then into Keaton's Shadowood. They're on the lookout for anything that Jael's storytellings have managed to stir up. They'll stick away from the main roads and sweep through the forests mainly.

Their primary objective will be to uncover anything they can find about House Redire on the hope that the stories being spread will have encourage them to come out. They'll have numbers enough to move quickly, but also enough to prove to be a deterrent against being attacked by any annoying House Durand or simple Bandit types.

This group has no plan to engage if at all possible, but seeks to learn what they can and then report back to Cristoph.

Faye comes along on this mission to see if she can provide any assistance with her perceptive skills. While scouting isn't precisely her forte, she has a few wilderness and survival skills as well as some experience hunting, which may be useful. If nothing else, she can help keep the party fed along the way. She has an eye for detail and good investigative instincts, and along the way she keeps watch for any trace of House Redire. While she isn't looking for trouble, she has her crossbow and isn't afraid to use it if any aggressive forces attack their party, shav or otherwise.

Amari is going to stick like glue to Norwood, to the point he'll maybe wonder why he ever thought it a good idea to bring her along. The way she'll watch him and seem to take notes on his behavior, actions and decisions may be mildly unsettling, as if she's trying to learn his manners and mindset in order to vanish him in the wood, stick on a fake beard and take his place with no one the wiser.

Less frighteningly, she'll also smile a fair amount, be cheerful and sing on occasion as she rides along atop her faithful old horse, Clopsy. It might all help morale if the scouts start feeling down, or scared. The Shadowood is pretty spooky and full of dangers after all, but she has lived there and knows her way around, roughly, and is familiar with some of the shavs and how to speak their lingo, and not infuriate them in the process.
Above all, she's perceptive. She'll keep her eyes and ears open, alert to danger and any hint of House Redire the party might stumble across.

Scouting in the woods? Now this is something Cullen excels at. During most of the mission, he'll remain on elk back with the rest of the group, looking for signs of House Redire. However, any time they face any dense woods or terrain generally impassable on horseback, he'll use his masterful talent for tracking and moving about the forest, living off the land and counting on his physical hardiness to get him through while slithering through the most difficult of terrain, then report back to the party.

Natalia will be accompanying the scouts, with dogs and Podraig (Sis is being left at home). She will step up diplomatically wherever possible if people are encountered, encouraging non-violent resolution to any encounters the group might have. She will assist in translating, and lean on Podraig for general basic information about the people they run into where it pertains to the Shadowood.

Travel the countryside trying to hear whispers of a lost house? Cristoph is there. He has a strong sword arm to wield if the group gets in trouble, but largely he attempts to remain discreet. If something comes up during the Artshall portion of their tour, he'll chat with the locals and smooth things over. But with Natalia there? He's not expecting to need to step in all that much there either.

It's slow, methodical work, going through the Shadowood, a huge stretch of land that it's easy for even the most seasoned of scouts to become lost in, and one could spend years in it and only grow familiar with a tiny portion of it. Full of valleys and near impenetrable stretches, it's no wonder that Abandoned tribes go for decades before contact with the houses of the Compact, and it's been all but impossible to flush raiders out. Against that, Amari is able to help keep up morale, as otherwise scouts would start to become despirited as they go over area after area, looking for anything.

Faye is the first one to find anyone living in the woods, the small Woodscutter family that's been living isolated for years in an exceedingly hard to find cabin. Though they haven't had much to do with most of civilization, they aren't truly Abandoned but they are still technically sworn to House Keaton. They are obviously terrified and loathe to speak of what they've seen recently in the Shadowood, but Natalia is able to relax them, and the oldest daughter Henrietta speaks of how a few days past they heard terrifying howling in the woods, like a great hound but it was so loud it shook their cabin, and then snarls. Very distantly, they could hear screams and the sound of battle, and some strange buzzing sound, roughly from the direction of Old Hound Creek.

Even with directions, it takes the better part of a day to find Old Hound Creek, with Cullen being the first one to find the trail through wood so thick near every step has to be climbed or cleared. When the scouts follow Cullen's directions and lead Norwood and Cristoph to the creek, it's hard to piece together with what they are seeing.

The creek is still running red with blood, and what might have been humans have been completely torn apart. Armor that might have been platemail has been totally destroyed, chewed into pieces no larger than a hand, and the best preserved corpse is hanging from a tree's branches about fifty feet in the air, half impaled upon the branches that knocked off part of the tree from what might have been an impact of impossible force. That corpse clearly shows a surcoat bearing the sigil of House Durand much like the others whom they've fought before. Piles of thousands and thousands of stomped and torn apart centipedes litter the ground, and most oddly there are giant tuffs of fur scattered around, some about as large as a man's chest.

There's no tracks leading from the carnage, though Norwood is the first to notice that there's no normal wood ambience there at all. No birds, no bugs, nothing.

You know what's a real pain? When people show up to your villages and burn all of the crops just as winter is setting in. It's just so RUDE. In response to the findings in @action 2689 and following the thread of plot: House Durand #54, Cristoph organizes what can best be described as a light military response. They'll be bringing non-perishable food reserves out to the affected villages, but the people bringing them? The Swarm of Artshall (which we're starting to think is maybe not a great army name, totally open to suggestions on that one) along with several notable military leaders from the region. And should any "bandits" turn up, they'll be ready to give them a taste of their own medicine.

Another day, another trip to Artshall. Jael accompanies the expedition sent to protect her people, bringing as much food as she can arrange for and using her position as a military leader and part of the ducal line to charm and reassure the citizens of her family's holdings.

Norwood brings his report back to Cristoph (2882), and then comes along for the rest of it. His sword is ready for "bandits" and he honestly hopes to run into the ones responsible for the murder of Duke Edmund. Norwood really liked that guy, even more than he liked Dave the gardener.

When his Liege informed him of the goings-on, of course Kael was at the ready to stand in service. Marquis Keaton serves as one of the military leaders brought on board, assisting with the coordination with the Swarm of Artshall and also ready with his own blade should trouble arise. Getting wind of the food shortage, he as well detours some goods from Oakhaven for the people of the Duchy.

Alis is tagging along as one of the military leaders that Duke Laurent has requested to assist as part of the response. She brings with her supplies and silver to utilize in offsetting the damage done by the bandits to show Valardin support for Laurent and its affected vassals. And, her trusty shield and flail. Just in case any 'bandits' happen to be run across.

The farming village of Beesboro is under a half day's ride from Artshall, far closer to the heart of the ducal holding than any Abandoned normally dares to attack. True, it's easy for even a significant force of Abandoned to slip amongst the wilds in between ay of the towns and villages, and many of the ancient woods and hillds could hide much, but it's still a peaceful region where those direct vassals to Laurent trust in the protection that the duchy grants them.

Which makes the dozen armored riders wearing gren tabards descending upon the 'food delivery' all the more shocking.

It's troubling for a number of reasons. First, most Abandoned usually aren't in full platemail with silk green tabards on destriers and using lances. Secondly, if one was fighting well equipped, mounted knights, they usually aren't trying to raid villagers. And thirdly...

As the 'defenseless food delivery train' reveals itself to be Cristoph leading the Swarm of Artshall, and Norwood pulls out his sword, and Jael, Alis and Kael all ready for battle, mounted knights usually don't all issue an unholy howling roar that seems to shake the earth as they all scream in perfect, echoing unison, "LAURENT! KILL THEM ALL!"

The fight is short but brutal. Armored and well equipped or no, the dozen raiders are grossly outnumbered. Laurent soldiers rally around the Oathlands heroes, and while a few Laurent soldiers are cut down, the dozen raiding knights are cut down fortunately quickly with all of them fighting with suicidal ferocity. There's clear relief, even as worried murmurs spread as they find the surcoats of the raiders bore the sigil of House Durand. But in the midst of conversation, there starts to be an odd chittering sound.

The armored bodies start to shift. The armor seems like it's collapsing in on itself, with a metallic clanging as if they were being hit by hidden hammers, and there's the sound of snapping bone and sinew. And then the bodies all seem to explode. Teeming masses of centipedes, each the size of a large snake, mill forward and attack. Several Laurent soldiers are buried underneath the writhing mass as Alis is cutting a path free among them, and Kael, Jael and Cristoph all find themselves fighting in a quickly shrinking circle as the hew and cut back the massive horrifying mass of centipedes chomping and trying to tear into them. And then Norwood's sword starts to glow.

There's a flash of light, harsh and blinding, as if everyone unexpectedly caught a glimpse of the sun and had to flinch away in instinct, followed by a great screeching sound that is suddenly cut short. As everyone opens their eyes, all the centipedes are turning to ash and starting to wither away and blow in the wind, as if they had never existed at all.

When the knights of the True Compact surrendered to Marquis Marius Greenmarch after a pitched battle and clever diplomacy won the day for House Greenmarch, it was understood that these outlaws would formally bend the knee in exchange for their continued existence, and that they'd be disarmed and forced to settle in the Greenwood to become more productive subjects - mainly producing timber and bows for export and increase Greenmarch's tax revenue. To see this chapter of bloody insurrection and conspiracy fully resolved, Lord Cullen Greenmarch, as the General of Greenmarch's army, will ride out at the head of that force to see the True Compact fulfill their promise with other members of the family ready to do their parts to make the process as smooth as possible.

A healer and a diplomat, Margret goes to assist Simone in working with the Knights and Villagers to see the Knights settled. She also teaches those villages how to live healthily by instructing them on basic hygiene (put the village latrine away from the drinking water) and basic first aid. This is done not only to keep them healthy, but to solidify their trust. If Greenmarch cares about their health then they care about them.

After convincing the leader of the knights to surrender, Marius will keep working with him. Not content to simply have the knights to be subjects, he wants them to be productive, loyal, members of the march that see a future within Greenwood. He'll talk to the leader about the proud history of Greenmarch, the way of cooperating and how to best settle in to make the best of things for both the march and themselves.

Having helped to resolve the conflict and to get the knights to lay down their weapons though diplomacy alongside Marius, Simone will now go with Cullen to see to the long-term stability of the knights. She will speak to nearby villages until a place can be found where the least likelihood of repraisal or hard feelings is to be an issue. She will work with both the knights and the villages to see them settled and productive and to help them deal with and lay aside previous prejudices that led to the conflict in the first place.

The charm that the Minx of the Marches is known for is on full display here. She is warm and welcoming and spends a good deal of time with the men and women formerly of the True Compact, helping them adjust to their new lives as bondsmen and women of Greenmarch.

Alessandro will be along to see to the accounts side of things. He will be helping secure apprenticeships for the former knights, liaising with Dame Ida to assist her by providing coin for materials for her toolmaking, keeping track of money needed for the venture, as well as how the incomes grow as people settle into their new lives. He will also be figuring out tax amounts and making sure everything is set up for payment to Greenmarch.

Through the last few years as a Ranger of the Silver Order serving his mission as guide and protector for deployed healers, Jamie Greenmarch has worked to protect these very men and in many cases, fought alongside them. After all, their battle prowess is not suddenly lost despite their shift to lumberjacks and fletchers. That comraderie is never forgotten and Jamie will use it to help facilitate the agenda of his family in this area, through building a more trusting and better relationship with the former Knights.

At the invitation of both Lords Alessandro and Cullen Greenmarch, Ida will accompany the party on their endeavor. As a knight herself and, maybe, still well-known pugilist, the smith will talk about her younger years of fixing as many plows as she did armor and how a good days work is still pretty damn rewarding. All that, though, because she's just chatty. The Ida's main focus will be bringing some journeymen from the shop and deliver a number of tools the former knights will need for their new trades. If any show interest in learning how to make such themselves, she will happily instruct them.

Norwood brings his own unique perspective to the soon to be farmer knights - being one himself from ages past. (Albeit with bees.) It's a solid practice run for Norwood's own future of trying to convince people who aren't particularly peaceful to settle down with the compact. He'll teach them what he knows about woodsman arts from his own childhood. It's okay to be a lumberjack!

Marian has gone through the transition from shav to prodigal. She does some volunteering with the Office of Prodigal and Refugee Affairs. She can offer valuable insight to Cullen in how to make the transition go smoother. As well as watch over the party visiting just in case any rogue factions try to derail the transition. While it's clear that Cullen is definitely in charge, Marian will take this opportunity to teach her protege what she knows.

In the Greenmarch, some shav upstarts have been claiming to be the One True Compact. But under the leadership of Lord Cullen Greenmarch they've been brought to heel. Princess Marian, Baron Norwood, Dame Ida, Lord Jamie, Lord Alessandro, Lady Monique, Marquessa Simone, Marquis Marius and Lady Margret all had their parts to play as well. Convincing the shav to bend the knee rather than be slaughtered was the first task, and helping them acclimate as part of the Compact was the second. They succeeded beyond what they could have hoped for, and as a result Greenhaven is more productive and stronger than ever before.

The Laurents are finally putting their money where their mouthes are. 3750 economic resources have been tagged for transforming Duskshire Keep and the surrounding lands into a new barony. They will be ennobling Sir Norwood Clement, who will be known onward as Baron Norwood Clement. Prior to any official proclamation a social campaign is conducted with the Whisper House in order to raise Norwood's esteem with the peerage (@action 2421). Cristoph will be handling the diplomatic feather smoothing and palm greasing that this will entail, while others will be using their own strengths. The Swarm of Artshall and the Laurent Cavalry will also be sent to Duskshire in force, to dissuade anyone that might considering harassing Norwood and Jael while they're down there.

While Nicia is not the sort to go out and pick up a sword, she has paper and writing utensils, and the knowledge to fight battles on that front. So while the rest of the Laurent's have lended far more martial efforts to reclaiming Duskshire, she has lended her assistance in a legal manner. She has fought the battles that have cropped up there, argued and made sure that things are smoothed out. In addition she has aided by making any contracts that might crop up, making sure that those with skills and vocations are protected, and those that have ways to trade are going to profit, thus the profit moving up the chain.

Jael assists Norwood with the reclamation of Duskshire, sending Artshall troops to assist with cleaning up and rebuilding the keep. She will travel there herself on occasion as well, to show the people that one of the Voices of Laurent and the daughter of the old Duke is invested in the project.

No number of years of service could have prepared Norwood for the honor that Cristoph is setting forth, and he isn't backwards about saying so. Norwood meets often with Whisper Amanda to learn what will help him become a good steward of the Duskshire lands. He'll stand for himself with the quiet composed dignity that has been the hallmark of his service to Laurent. Knowing that those who have sway in the peerage are doing their thing, Norwood focuses instead on the rebuilding of Duskshire. He works to show that life out in Duskshire isn't the dangerous prospect it has been for years to entice the right kind of people to take the chance. He guarantees their safety with his own life, swearing that he'll fall before Duskshire does. Woodworkers and stonemasons are sought out, the best that Norwood can find to help rebuild the keep and surrounding areas to be ready for the people who will call Duskshire home.

The news from Duskshire is interesting these days. Duskshire? Yeah, that little bit of land near Laurent lands, where of late the Duchy has been focusing its resources and attention. Under Sir Norwood Clement, the area has been cleaned out and rebuilding is starting. In fact, barely a day goes by when someone from the Laurent family isn't talking about how amazing Sir Norwood is.

They've canvassed the people. They've highlighted his heroic actions - how he saved the Duke's life. How he has year after year of faithful service to the Laurents. How his honor as Sword of Artshall is unquestioned, and how he has been a loyal supporter of his Duchy time and time again, not hesitating to put himself between them and danger for the good of all their people.

It is, then, a receptive people who listen to Duke Cristoph's proclamation that a new Barony is being established in Duskshire, and that Sir Norwood is being elevated to Baron Norwood to govern it well. Duchess Nicia handles the paperwork and details, for the full support of the Duchy in creating this Barony and seeing these lands brought once more under Compact dominion are engaged now. Lady Jael shows her personal support as well, and is the loudest voice in the song that sweeps through Laurent lands lauding the new Baron.

And while there are some side-eyes from the people of the Compact as a whole, many of whom neither know Laurent lands nor care about them, all the diplomatic and social work undertaken - including sending Baron Norwood to the Whispers to acquire the sort of polish a nobleman needs - mean that there is surprisingly little grumbling when the elevation occurs. Oh, he's still new to the nobility. But it's far easier when it's someone that has dedicated their life in leal service and is well known for it, as the exact sort that nobility is usually able to tolerate being ennobled, and when there's a catchy song, well. And as it happens - there is a catchy song.

Who's the good man who is Sword of Artshall?
Norwood! Norwood!
Who's seen demons and hellhounds and slaughtered them all?
Norwood! Norwood!

Who protected the Duke and then all of his heirs?
Norwood! Norwood!
And who fought off Abandoned alone and in pairs?
Norwood! Norwood!

These are reasons the Laurents owe much to this man
Norwood! Norwood!
He does all the things that no other Knight can!
Norwood! Norwood!

This fine fellow's honor is never in doubt
Norwood! Norwood!
So raise up your voices and give him a shout!
NORWOOD! NORWOOD!

**War Pensions**

House Laurent will be taking 1,000,000 silver out of the bank and portioning it out over the next several years to the families of soldiers slain in the fight against the pirate king. Cristoph as well as members of House Laurent will be traveling to Artshall to oversee the initial distribution of funds and touch base with their people. This will include meeting personally with families and stopping in villages to assess their situations and listen to grievances.

Nicia is making certain that, legally speaking, the funds go to the right people, and are protected in such a way that they aren't going to be taken away over the years. She is accompanying Cristoph and the rest, with her mountains of paperwork and making sure that their people are as protected as possible.

Jael helps with money distribution, as someone who can ride around with bags of silver and not require too much guarding.

Norwood comes with the Laurent Duke as he hands out the pensions. Much like he did in Oakhaven, the sword brings a commoner's bent to the venture. He tells stories of the soldiers he served with and leaves the families with tales of valor that he either experienced with their loved ones, or were passed to him by their loved ones. In addition he helps out as he can, helping with some scattered sheep here, a broken fence there, and all around does what he can to help them move on after the trauma of lost loved ones.

Naka travels along with other members of House Laurent to meet with families of slain soldiers. The main commitment from him is time spent in listening and commiserating. There is nothing that can be done to bring back those who have fallen, but it is a genuine rather than a manipulative sentiment that their sacrifice is remembered and respected. When it seems appropriate, Naka will speak up to that effect.

Under Duke Cristoph Laurent, the Laurent family takes a mind-boggling 1,000,000 silver and parcels it out to the families of the fallen in the recent actions against the Pirate King. Duchess Nicia, Lady Jael, Lord Naka, and Sir Norwood travel with Duke Cristoph to Artshall to make arrangements for the distribution of these funds in the coming decade.

The people of Artshall are stunned, and very pleased to see that their ruling family is taking such care of the families of the fallen - not just in the immediate, but over the coming years as well. Their estimation of the Laurents rise, their praises are sung, and many a smug conversation is had in Arx over a drink, pointing with pride to their particular ruling family and how carefully they take their responsibilities to their people. The Laurents aren't just randomly donating to soup kitchens, they point out - they're taking care of their own, just as they're supposed to do.

Princess Isabeau Valardin will be undertaking something of a goodwill tour of the Oathlands en route to Sanctum so that she might be able to advise and oversee the relocation of refugees both from Setarco and Stormwall. She will travel in the company of her sister, Princess Sophie Valardin, and several other notable Oathlands nobles who will likewise attend to their own holdings in a similar fashion. While within the White City, and acting as the Voice of House Valardin, Isabeau will speak with members of the Faith and the Seraph of Sanctum to encourage their charity toward those seeking aid and shelter without bias against those that might take a different view of the gods or still call on the spirits and the old ways.

Ansel will be accompanying Isabeau on the trip, serving as the Telmarine representative in the contingent. He will be helping to coordinate Isabeau's efforts to assist in the relocation of refugees when the contingent makes their stop in the Telmarch lands, or any of the Telmarch's vassals' holdings.

On paper, Norwood has come along for the commoner element. He's there as the man who knows how to talk to people who aren't nobels, and one who can pass up their concerns to those with actual authority to do so. He doesn't mince words and carries an air of one who can be trusted to do what has to be done and say what must be said. More quietly, he has come along as an additional guard to Margerie Keaton. Not that he doesn't think that the Princess' guards could do a good job, but... another set of experienced eyes never hurt.

The 'Auntie Superior of the Oathlands' is on the march through the oathlands, riding into the villages she has known well over the last two plus decades, visiting with injured soldiers, the families of the fallen, and community leaders. Her work with the fallen and their families will focus on morale and compassion. Her work with the community leaders will be focused on finding out their most immediate needs and hopes for the recovery period. Upon completing the visits, she is going to activate the network of aunties and contacts her decades of service has created to work together and begin addressing those concerns, investing her social capital in helping to move the healing process forward and better knit the communities of the Oathlands together.

As a veteran of the Seteraci campaign, Commander Jaerith Keaton will be accompanying Isabeau on her trip along with a contingent of Felhounds (a specialized reconnaissance and wet work unit, built of veterans) to provide military escort, as well a show of unity. Lord Jaerith wishes to work with the people for he is a man that values title little, he would rather be in and around the commoners and helping them as much as he can. He will be the one out there expressing gratitude to those who had family members who served. He will be providing what aid he can during the goodwill tour, working with his hands, helping to build and repair even though he may not be the craftiest person out there. He will provide opportunities for employment in the Keaton navy, as well as the Felhounds for those who are worthy. He will leave most of the negotiation for the movement of refuges to his cousin, Count Kael, but should the count be unavailable, Lord Jaerith will jump on the opportunity to help the refuges find homes around Oakhaven, as well as gainful employment in its forests and farms.

When there comes news of a goodwill tour, Count Kael Keaton is joining it without hesitating to see to those he shares fealty with as well as his own lands. Much like Lord Jaerith Keaton, he is ensuring proper military escort if the party happens to split, or moving in to speak with the people themselves. He will pray with them, work with them, and speak with them regarding their loved ones. His intent is to show strength in leadership and support those that need it.

Following the Faith's missionary trip and the Seraph of Sanctum's charge, Princess Isabeau does not sit idly by. She gathers up a goodwill tour and heads out to the Oathlands, determined to do something to help her people - all her people - know that their ruling family values them, and that the Faith and the Valardin work hand in hand.

Her first stop is Sanctum, where she accepts an invitation from the Seraph of Sanctum to join Father Orazio and High Lord Edain in discussions. She steps from that refreshed and motivated. Some of the priests of Sanctum whisper that she leaves the meeting smiling - but few people ever leave a meeting with the dour Seraph actually smiling.

Then it's on to a tour of the Oathlands - and it seems it doesn't matter where she goes, she is welcome. Greenmarch and Rivenshari alike, Telmar and Keaton and Laurent and Moore - from the smallest Barony to the largest Duchy, Princess Isabeau goes. She brings with her Lord Ansel, Sword of the Telmarch in his official capacity. Sir Norwood, Sword of Artshall goes as well. Lady Margerie Keaton - unofficially referred to as the 'Auntie Superior of the Oathlands' is of course present, and Lord Jaerith Keaton and Count Kael Keaton too.

In short, supported by an array of nobles from across the Oathlands, the Valardin Voice ministers to the people. She speaks most often of Gild and the divine love for civilization, as well as the joy of charitable giving. From place to place they go and they show the Oathlands - whether newly settled and converted, or of an ancient tradition - that the Valardin leadership is fully dedicated to the Pantheon. Her actions speak louder than her words even, and those who were still concerned that the worship of the Pantheon would perhaps destroy their former way of life are comforted, more inclined to view those of the Faith in a good light.

House Valardin has decided that 1/3rd of its cavalry will ride to Southport in order to protect its interests there and to reinforce defenses, should the city be attacked. Duke Cristoph Laurent will be taking the lead on this leg of the campaign, bringing down 1/3rd of ALL the mustered cavalry within the fealty of House Valardin.

These cavalry will ride patrols around the city of Southport, keeping an eye out for trouble as well as looking rather impressive in all their armor. Their focus with patrols is going to be on getting advanced notice back to Duchess Malvici should they spot anything in the surrounding area that looks suspicious or if they should see anything along the Lycene split while patrolling. They will also fight the enemy if it becomes necessary.

Cristoph will be investing personally in the well-being of of the troops and their horses.

1500 military and economic total combined resources: To be used for hiring experienced farriers and those well versed in the care of horses. Several armor and weaponsmiths to take care of equipment repair. Tents, uniforms and other necessary non-edible gear for the knights as well as their mounts. Non-perishable and longer-lasting perishable food items so that there isn't an unnecessary strain on Southport's resources.

500 social resources: To be used on items to keep idle Oathlands troops from getting bored and starting theological/moral debates with their Lycene cousins that are camping outside of Southport. and/or the Abandoned. Cristoph is also going to be recruiting the help of several skilled people in order to produce some pamphlets and other literature in order to help keep his troops out of trouble. There's been some historical friction between the Lyceum and the Oathlands and he's sensitive to what a bunch of heavily armored and trained soldiers might like to people already stressed from their current situation (The Turmoil in Southport + the Abandoned outside the gates).

As an accomplished rider, Jael will be going out with cavalry patrols on her wicked black war stallion of hell, that foul beast from the east, that hulking creature of venom and spite known as...Freddie the warhorse. Anyone who looks suspicious is getting an arrow in the knee...if they're lucky.

Norwood will be going with Duke Cristoph to Southport to assist in leading that 1/3 of the mustered Cavalry. He will be involved with patrols to make sure the Duchess has all the information she needs about advancing troops. He'll be working with Cristoph to stay abreast of the evolving situation and making sure that he is free to go at the drop of a hat if needed, even if Cristoph must remain behind. Keeping the Laurents at Southport like, ALIVE, is also a main goal.

While no commander like Norwood or Klaus, Thorley has been busy with his own duties and assisting with teaching those soldiers that will be participating in the action, training with their blades and skills in combat to keep their minds and blades sharp and on the task at hand. He attends the nightly briefings from Cristoph, the knight is making sure that the information is disseminated to the ranks.

Klaus Speaks nightly with his men and closest under him. His words are encouarging and aggressive at times, enciting some of the soldiers to possess anxious feelings. He enjoys being in command and is attempting to harness the momentum that his duchy has been building.

Eiran is going to Southport with Cristoph and the rest. He's a knight (seriously though, honest!) and he's going to do the respectable thing and knight around with his mace and shield. But he's useful for more than just soldiery: he's a natural when it comes to chatting people up and understanding and/or swaying their feelings, and he's fairly sharp. All of those things will have a place in his efforts to keep a finger on the pulse of what's going on locally - with the knights and with local citizens - and to help things run smoothly, with minimal kerfuffles.

Duchess Calista Fidante is set to use her rather skilled silver tongue when it comes to the matter of assuaging two very different types of military personnel with the hope that both the Oathlanders and the Lycene forces can work and fight together against the common enemy. As a first cousin to Duke Cristoph Laurent (their fathers were brothers) and wife to the former Inigo Malvici (Now Duke-Consort Inigo Fidante), Calista appeals to both parties on a very personal level. Clearly she has everyone's best interest in mind. Sure, the last time fighting broke out among these two groups, it was Duke Leo with the aid of House Valardin and the Oathlanders who took down Count Lucien Malvici in the Tor-Southport War, but with Calista's marriage to Inigo being favorable and Prince Edain's marriage to Caelis Malvici also being widely accepted, all that former bad blood should be water under the bridge. Right? At least that is what Calista reminds the people when she speaks to them. Elegant and graceful, yet strong and passionate, Calista sets out to prove to the people of her beloved family that she is not called The Steel Rose for no reason. Now is the time to put aside any residual feelings and work together.

Margerie Keaton consults with members of the faith and Lycene companions before writing up pamphlets to be distributed amongst the literate set of soldiers heading south to fight. Ideas on activities, cultural sensitivities, how not to get bent out of shape when someone tries to prick those delicate Oathlander sensibilities with licentious displays, diplomatic ways to not tell someone you think they are going to be condemned do the Abyss for all eternity because they looked in a mirror. She's putting her gentle, charming humor and respect for all involved into the pages. Might even find some illustrators to lend a hand.

Reigna is deploying units of healers to Southport under the guidance of an NPC leader who has been thoroughly trained in how to work with Laurent forces. These healers have been trained in setting up and breaking down triage tents and hospitals. The healers have been trained to work within the ranks of the military forces there.

With her work in Southport and her roots in the Oathlands, Archscholar Bianca hopes to stand as a representative of the Faith and further bridge the theological mindsets at play alongside Duke Cristoph, Duchess Calista and Lady Margerie's efforts. She will be enlisting the aid of a small grouping of Arx local Scholars to join her and assist in the distribution of the pamphlets Lady Margerie prepares (200 social). In this act she hopes to stand as an icon of the Faith and bolster morale, offering blessings over the gathered calvary. Prayers to Gild focus on those of the Oathlands troops as they make their way from the North to the South. Prayers to Gloria to uplift a sense of honor in and off the field of war. Prayers to the Sentinel in that their efforts may be just and the righteous guarded. In hopes of not stirring up any contention she strays away from any other sweeping prayers/blessings to avoid riling sensibilities, but amidst the camps and in the quiet of the evenings each grouping is offered private counsel and prayer.

In all of this, as the reports of casualties come in and weary commanders sit down to write letters to the loved ones of dead soldiers, people look strangely at a sizeable force sent to Southport. The Malvici armies stayed in Southport - which, considering there are shav camped outside is understandable - but for some reason some Valardin forces and Velenosan forces also deployed there. With no public reports of the Pirate-King targeting Southport or sending his fleets there why, people wonder, were ground troops sent there at all?

In truth, some in Redrain wonder at the heavy deployment of ground forces in Setarco, what with the entire fleet deployed there too. Some argue that it was necessary for Setarco to be saved so that the chain of cities beyond that initial port weren't vulnerable. But then what about Grayson and Redrain lands? Are they not important too? They look at the destruction of Stormwall and they wonder - why so many?

And they look too to the armies at Southport and they wonder - is there some kind of corruption in the Ministry of Defense, that Compact forces were diverted to the city ruled by the Minister of Defense herself? Or was there some reason others are not privy to that made the deployment make sense? As with any confusing strategy, people start talking about it and become very passionate as they argue one pet theory or another. Overall though, Calypso, Edain, Alis, and Eleyna take some heat with Redrain, Thrax, Darkwater, and Pravus folks for diverting soldiers to a port that was never in danger from the Pirate King. Perhaps, as tempers run high, it's time for a little diplomacy.

For those in the army deployed to Southport though, the people are less concerned - particularly as they were just following orders. And, when it became clear there was nothing to do in Southport and that Setarco was seriously under siege? They high tailed it to the thick of the fighting and did their level best to make sure that they helped keep the Silk City free from the tyranny of pirates. After all, the Lyceum may be full of shenanigans and people of dubious moral character, but they're not pirates. Most of them. They're far too civilized for that.

It’s an uncomfortable partnership for Norwood, the Sword of Artshall, especially since it happens to have a spirit residing in it. They don’t talk much, but it’s still enough to shake Norwood when it happens. Rarely does he actually ask the sword questions himself, and it’s a toss up on if the spirit will actually answer. With the growing unrest though, Norwood has decided it’s time to have a heart to heart with the sword and figure out what it MIGHT know from time past. After some careful crafting he asks, “What do you know about our current evil influences?” (He tries very hard to avoid even mentioning the word demon.) “Are there any authors in your experience who researched these kind of troubles we should be looking at specifically?”

It takes some time to coax the sword into speaking; unsurprising, really, given how often it only speaks at the most inopportune moments. But eventually Norwood's persistence wins out.

The spirit haunting the sword seems somewhat bemused at the question. "I can tell you some about evils, oh yes. Tales of the horrible monsters they fought during the Elven Wars, the druids who helped tear those monsters apart, the knights who rode through the sky on griffonback -- but those aren't what you face, not right now. And as for this pirate king, your current evil? He was hundreds of years before my time, when last he sailed."

"As for the rest? I was a steward, Norwood; I was no Scholar, or follower of the occult. If you want books on proper protocol or heraldry, I can recommend a few -- and you /could/ use a book or two on proper protocol, at that! -- but you'd do better to ask Scholars than to ask me, if you're looking for information on more /esoteric/ matters."

After that, the sword remains stubbornly silent.

Cristoph Laurent is calling for all vassals of House Laurent to heed his call! Raise to arms! He'll be sending out word through the marches for them to rally and raise their banners as well as that of their vassals. He's served as a soldier and commander before himself, so he'll be banking on that experience there to help him rally the men and women sworn to House Laurent.

He doesn't work alone! He petitions the help of family members, house servants and other allies to get the message out as effectively as possible.

The Keatons, as a whole, are doing a GREAT tour of their lands, the Baronies beneath them, in an attempt to rally the troops. However, during their adventure they are moving through Laurent lands as well, and Kael will be speaking highly of the Honey Duke and his skills, not to mention the great need for any and all capable soldiers to go to arms. He attempts to inspire, to command, and to rivet them of tales. Not to mention he might have smuggled some Laurent mead along for the journey to share drink with any and all for camaraderie.

Naka decides to take time to physically travel to key points within Laurent and Laurent-sworn lands. He concentrates his efforts on the population, hoping to convince them to accept the idea of a smaller number of troops for home defense in order to free up additional forces to answer the muster call. These people may not have any say in who actually gets sent where, but Naka hopes that helping to allay their concerns and convince them to keep a determined, positive attitude at home will give the associated nobility a spur towards going above and beyond the least necessary participation.

Nicia is planning to play upon the emotions of the vassals and their men by appealing to their sense of loyalty, and honor. Making sure that they feel compeled to rally and raise to arms, for fear that doing any different would lessen their regard in the eyes of the fealty. She has taken to sending messengers, and putting in visits to those close enough, making it a more personal quest to speak with them.

Klaus has rallied all of his men. Men that do not faulter at their lords command. The sight of men at arms to nearby vassals shows that there is no room for avoiding the situation. Coupled with the respect that his men have for him it should be rather usefull in a quick mustering of troops.

As House Sword, Norwood will be helping Cristoph rally the marches and leaning on his skills in leadership and years of experience.

Aeryn is using her spreading her infectious optimism like a disease, rallying everyone that will stop and listen! She keeps spirits high and morale at maximum!

With all his charmed talents Saedrus willingly steps in to assist Cristoph to help gather Laurent’s vassals to arms. It is with an empathic call that Saedrus helps rally the Duke’s men to the cause. Missives are sent with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their duty, to bolster them in the face of their fears and remind them that great honour is found in their bravery.

While the youngsters rally armies and large speeches and the like, Margerie? She's using contacts. If she's at the speech? She's standing next to the woman that everyone in the holding looks to as the moral center, the one who can give entire neighborhoods The Look about what they know they should do. Or that man who employs half the town, who knows how to train the other half to keep business going. She's going for short walks, buying a meat pie for them. She's a guided missile calling on decades of service to from Oakhaven up to Laurent to know which person needs convincing at their stops in order to keep the convincing going when they've moved on.

Bastien has been hired to assist with matters of propaganda. He writes a series of speeches to provide to Duke Cristoph and various others who are doing the actual traveling in the Oathlands to speak with the vassal leaders, speeches about the nature of history and living within it, of the weight of recognizing the times they live in now. Speeches of honor and oaths and sacrifice. He tailors the speeches to the various houses, trying to include known notes from their histories in order to apply particularly targeted pressure. In addition, he'll supply a few different outlines for written pamphlets that can be copied and spread through the various cities to also encourage each domain's populace to support their leaders' dedication of troops.

Derovai is providing whatever advice his good judgment of character will afford Duke Laurent in this matter.

Jael has always been an outside kid. Sometimes with an sizeable entourage, sometimes with just a few retainers, she rides out to every part of the Laurent territory she can cover on a massive wicked-looking black warhorse named Freddie to rally the troops. This almost always involves some inspiring speechifying done while performing lot of fancy horseback maneuvers like caprioles and courbettes, pirouettes and piaffes. Maybe even some friendly jousting! All this will hopefully show the vassals that the Commander of the Laurent forces is competent and approachable, and worth rallying to. Also a badass who can manage large wayward beasts with ease.

House Laurent is calling for all their vassals to heed the call, and so, it is time to act. House Valardin's own Prince Rook is lending his aid as a ghostwriter, spin-doctor and one-man propaganda machine to polish up the efforts. As he's come from a very well trained background as a sophisticated courtier, he knows the political and social landscape well enough he can push and prod without sticking his oar in too hard where it oughn't go.

And having worked with the Keatons to call their banners, now Duke Cristoph turns his attention to House Laurent. He's sending out word through the marches to rally and raise their banners, and encourage their vassals to do likewise. He's smart about it too, he isn't trying to do it all on his own, but rather includes his family and those willing to stand with him.

Count Kael and the Keatons are already doing a tour of their lands, and he takes the time to speak highly of the Honey Duke and his skills, inspiring them with tales of his liege. Lord Naka concentrates on the populace, organizing troops for home defense to free up additional forces to answer the call. Duchess Nicia stands by her husband, appealing to their people's sense of loyalty and honor. As often as she can she turns this into a series of personal conversations, using her charm to encourage as many as she can.

Lord Klaus is a man of few words now, relying on honor and the respect his men have for him, the Sword of Laurent, Sir Norwood, at his side. Lady Aeryn adds some cheer and charm, enthusiastically supporting the message and spreading it far and wide.

Saedrus Whisper steps in as well, sending missives with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their calls to duty. Lady Margerie tries a more oblique tack, talking to those who stand as the moral centers, the ones who give The Look to entire neighborhoods when they decide something needs to be done. Or she's reaching out to that man who employs half the town, who knows how to train the other half to keep business going. She's calling on decades of service and her finely-honed intuition to reach out to influential movers and shakers wherever they go.

Prince Rook works as a ghostwriter of speeches. Bastien also works writing speeches of honor and oaths and sacrxifices, tailoring speeches to the varying houses, trying to include known notes from their histories in order to apply particularly targeted pressure to answer the call.

Some of these are used by Duke Cristoph, others delivered by Derovai to Lady Jael to use as she rides out to every part of the Laurent territory on a wicked-looking black warhorse named Freddie to rally the troops. She gives inspiring speeches while performing ancy horseback maneuvers like caprioles and courbettes, pirouettes and piaffes. Maybe even some friendly jousting! All this proves to their vassals that the Commander of the Laurent forces is competent and approachable, and worth rallying to. Also a badass who can manage large wayward beasts with ease. In a different house this might be less welcome, but here in Valardin where Knights are often riding before they can walk, they cheer on Lady Jael's acrobatics.

Laurent is rallied to war!