The Road to Tariel - Log

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SilvarSoul: ::Hailey walked along the overgrown road quietly, lost in her
thoughts. The repairs had been finished on what was now the Darkest Rose
Tavern but in the city, but she had felt the need to clear her head. It was
strange afterall,
SilvarSoul: escaping the Plague in Euthory to come here, to Aaliron, a land
destroyed by a war that seemed to be erased from the minds of the survivors.
She had secretly hoped to find some of those who had journeyed with her from
Euthory, but
SilvarSoul: she had no luck, so she was returning to the city. She wasn't
properly garbed for an expedition anyhow: a thin dress a dark shade of blue,
with a plunging collar and long sleeves, with matching slippers. She paused,
fidgeting with
SilvarSoul: her braid of silvery-blonde hair. Yes, she would rest a few
minutes before continuing her walk.::

Highlander634: Sir Philip was tired. He had ridden long and hard, once
again escaping the minions of the king who wanted him dead. He had heard
that this realm had been totally devestated and claimed by none; just the
place for a man wanted to
Highlander634: stake a claim to a home and lands. Then a rumor reached him
of a queen inhabiting this realm; a queen with much land but few people. He
still sensed an opportunity. He would willingly pledge his loyalty to a
soverign who would
Highlander634: appreciation for his services. Of course, even after he
reached the capital city where she was said to be, he would have to make
himself presentable. Now he looked at himself all covered by the dust of the
road, and badly
Highlander634: requiring a shave and a haircut. He wasn't even sure of what
he looked like with his dark hair and equally dark piercing eyes under all
the dirt. With him came his full entourage; the palfrey he rode, his
warhorse, and his pack
Highlander634: animal with his equipment and lances. He reckoned he looked
a sight. (d)

SilvarSoul: ::While she rested, Hailey recalled memories of happier days.
Exploring Charlain with Lyrralyn, learning medicine in Lyrunedale, the mare
she had ridden as Queen of Euthory. It was a beauty of white, strong and
fast. She could hear
SilvarSoul: the clip-clop of its hooves on the road. No. That wasn't a
memory - she in fact did her the approach of a horse. Her gray-green eyes
widened as she pulled herself out of her reverie and looked about, spotting
the rider approaching.
SilvarSoul: She didn't recognize him, but perhaps he was a native of
Aaliron. She should have considered the possibility of him not being
friendly, but she carried her whip with her, wrapped about her waist, in case
of a bad situation.:: Ho
SilvarSoul: there, ::She called out in a friendly voice.::

Highlander634: Philip came right up to the woman before reining in his
animals. He spoke in a friendly tone of voice. "Good day to you Mistress. I
am seeking the road which leads to your capital. Am I on the correct one?
And how far to it?
Highlander634: Can I make it before dark?" He looked at the female with a
straight face. Something did not fit about her. She was indeed a handsome
female and wearing a gown that would be fit more for a fest; not a usual
traveling costume. No
Highlander634: noblewoman would ever come out alone without an escort, but
he wondered if there were any nobles left in this shattered, devestated
place. Everywhere he went he saw signs of the war which had done such
incredible damage. And now,
Highlander634: this vision of loveliness appears as if out of a vision. He
took care. (d)

SilvarSoul: ::Being shipwrecked, Hailey lost all things she brought with her
from Euthory, including a wardrobe. What she had worn had been rather
damaged, though she was patching it up in her spare time. And with no
businesses in Tariel, she
SilvarSoul: had managed to find this particular dress in her size. Yes, it
had been looting technically, but the people had named her queen, and by
commonlaw, the unclaimed remains in the city would be hers. She stood
respectfully as the man
SilvarSoul: approached, listening to his questions.:: Indeed, Tariel isn't
far from here at all. I'd say maybe a mile or so, you're really very close.
::From the composition of his question, she assumed he was not a citizen of
Aaliron.:: Where
SilvarSoul: are you coming from, fine traveler?

Highlander634: Philip dismounted before answering, and walked a bit away as
he dispersed most of the dirt and dust from his cloak and his armor over the
road. "Now that is taken care of, my entry into the city should not be that
hideous. Allow
Highlander634: me to introduce myself; Sir Philip de Bourgh, at your service
Mistress." He bowed politely from the waist. "I have come quite a distance
through many lands and many lords. Here I understand I may have an
opportunity to
Highlander634: distinguish myself in your queen's service." He smiled
broadly. And then, "To whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?" (d)

SilvarSoul: ::She perked a brow at being called Mistress. It was a new title
for her, that brought her thoughts that were fairly inappropriate. She smiled
though, and curtsied at his introduction.:: It is a pleasure to meet, SIr
Philip de
SilvarSoul: Bourgh. You must be rather tired after your journey. I know
Tariel has just reopened the Darkest Rose Tavern, perhaps you would enjoy a
bit of aged ale? I'd be happy to help you find it, and I'm sure the Queen
will be there as well.
SilvarSoul: (d)

Highlander634: The young knight smiled again, but noted she did not give her
name. "I have given you my name," he said quietly. "Is it not the custome
to reply with yours in this land?" It was a proper question, but he phrased
it as gently as
Highlander634: possible. His eyes drank in the entire woman; beautiful and
apparently cultured. Yet her gown had seen better days, and she was afoot
and alone in a desolated land. "If I had your name I could properly offer
you a ride back into
Highlander634: the city and to this tavern you speak of. I very much wish
to meet your Queen Hailey; she is a brave woman to take such a task upon
herself. Rebuilding the realm will take much time, effort, and money." His
face grew a bit grave
Highlander634: as he made his last statement, but it was the truth. (d)

SilvarSoul: My humblest apologies, Sir Philip ::She hadn't actually meant to
not introduce herself. Well, maybe she had, she realized as her lips twisted
into a slight smile. She curtsied again.:: You may call me Hailey, a stranger
to these
SilvarSoul: lands as well. Like you, I simply wish to build a life and a
home, and serve the citizens of this land. They've been through much, but you
are right. It is a heavy task the new Queen had undertaken. ::She wondered if
he would
SilvarSoul: realize who he was. If he wanted to serve her, she was rather
interested in how sharp he was, and to see him candid, in the presence of a
stranger, not of a queen. Besides, how would it seem for a Queen to be
traveling alone, and on
SilvarSoul: foot, garbed in old clothes like she was? It was silly of her,
but she still had a bit of pride.::

Highlander634: Philip gave her a disbelieving smile. Aside from the
condition of the gown and her being out alone, she could be royalty. He did
also recognize her name immediately. Also her courtsy was well practiced and
smoothly performed.
Highlander634: "Such a coincidence is it not that you share the same name as
the queen of this realm. May I ask how you make your way in the world? You
must forgive me", he mentioned, "But you appear most curiously here, and I
would like to know
Highlander634: why." He was still smiling as he spoke. (d)

SilvarSoul: ::She started walking along the road again.:: Walk with me, and
I will tell you. I am rather tired from my walk today, and personally would
love something refreshing to drink. ::She'd wait for him to join her before
she spoke again.
SilvarSoul: ::

Highlander634: "Mistress Hailey," he could not help but tease her a bit,
"Would you not prefer to ride rather then walk? It is excellent exercise as
well." He was gently probing again, seeking more information. (d)

SilvarSoul: ::She eyed the horse thoughtfully.:: I truly wish to return to
Tariel. If you'd prefer me to ride, I can, or I can walk. I've walked many
places in my life, and done many things for work. I've been a teacher, a
healer, an assassin
SilvarSoul: even. As it stands, here in Aaliron, I've not yet found a way to
earn coin, but, I don't suppose the money truly flows freely in this land
currently. ::She gave him an odd smile, rather enjoying their game of cat and
mouse.::

Highlander634: Now he knew it was a certainty that he was in the presence of
the current Queen of Aaliron. But he would play the game as well. "I can
walk as well. But you must tell me how you survive without a way to make
coin." His smile was
Highlander634: gentle, but he did keep probing. "You must tell me about
your time as an assassin. I've a particular interest, as I've had had a few
run ins with them in the recent past." (d)

SilvarSoul: ::She laughed lightly.:: Well, it suits me just fine for now in
this land to not have any money. There are no shops for me to spend them on.
Maybe one day I'll have a dress store. ::She looked down at the thin dress
she wore
SilvarSoul: wishfully, as they began walking again, heading toward Tariel.::
My time as an assassin? Well, those were very different days. I was trained
by a woman named Reina Siho, and together we ran a guild of Thieves in a land
called
SilvarSoul: Lyrunedale. We were young, and foolish, and not nearly as clever
as we thought. Our organization was absorbed by a much larger one. ::She
thought of the dragon known as Shrad, often considered an evil man, but truly
a softy deep
SilvarSoul: down.:: However, being absorbed by a larger collection of
assassins like that, the competition was fierce. After all, who would want to
hire a girl barely in her twenties, with little experience, if they had the
option of
SilvarSoul: contracting a well known assassin? I was never actually hired,
by I was kept around because I was a rather adept student in the ways of
healing. I could sew your skin back together with very little pain. But, that
wasn't any life
SilvarSoul: that I wanted. I was one of the few members of the organization
released with my head, come to think of it. ::She shook her head, realizing
how truly naive she had once been.:: I'm sure you have interesting stories to
tell as well?
SilvarSoul: (d)

Highlander634: "Stories," he queried. "Oh, I can tell you of battles,
sieges, and as much blood as you want." He changed the subject immediately.
"So tell me, how did you come to this land and how did you come to be its
queen, Your Majesty.
Highlander634: The name was a dead giveway and your manners and carriage as
well." He gave her a knowing smile. "Even if you did spend time as a
trained assassin. Interesting upward mobility I must say." He was chuckling
as he spoke. "So you
Highlander634: may as well come clean about it all." (d)

SilvarSoul: ::She perked a brow, stifling a snicker.:: You see, this is why
I would have never made it in the assassin business. ::He is intelligent, she
made mental note.:: I came to Aaliron not so long ago, completely by
accident, ::She
SilvarSoul: admitted.:: I had been serving as Queen in the Islandom known as
Euthory, but are lands became infected with a terrible Plague, to which we
could find no cure. So I took all those that survived and were healthy enough
and we sailed
SilvarSoul: across the ocean. One day, the sky changed from a brilliant blue
to a dark black. It was rather strange, how suddenly it changed. ALmost
unnatural. But it brought a storm that destroyed our ship. When I awoke, I
was lying on a beach
SilvarSoul: . I searched and searched the shores for other survivors, but I
didn't find them. I couldn't even find the wreckage of the ship. So, I headed
inland, hoping to find help. But, it seems Aaliron had problems of its own.
::She had to
SilvarSoul: admit, she felt guilty. Had she abandonded searching for the
survivors of Euthory, to help the survivors of Aaliron rebuild? She had hoped
to do both, but the rebuilding was quite a task.::

Highlander634: Philip listened quietly and carefully to her tale. Some of
it tallied with information he had already obtained, especially about Euthory
and its plague; that land still remained uninhabited. It was a long moment
before he answered
Highlander634: . "As I said before it is a great task which you have taken
upon yourself. Still, almost everything is stacked against you. No
population, no army, no real structure. You require a great deal of help
Your Majesty. I am one who
Highlander634: can assist you." He smiled gently and quietly to her. "You
need an army to provide support. And I can aid you in that. It will also
encourage people to immigrate here. And you do need a population." (d)

SilvarSoul: ::She shook her head.:: Noone knows what happened here. I feel
there is a population, it's just hiding. ::She turned to him, considering his
proposition carefully.:: I have to wonder though. Why would you come here? A
knight like
SilvarSoul: yourself, to a forsaken land, with offers of helping rebuild.
Not that I am not grateful for your offer, but why? Why come here where there
is nothing?

Highlander634: "That is a very long story," he intoned. "Simply put, I had
just been knighted and found my father murdered by the king and his lands
sequestered and then given to his favorite. My mother, my sister, and myself
fled the death
Highlander634: warrants issued for us. At present I am still under sentence
of death. I survived as a mercenary, even commanding several companies of
the best. But loyalty is to the company; rulers never trust you. I seek an
opportunity to
Highlander634: prove my worth and be rewarded by an honest and grateful
soverign. I seek a home and a place to belong. This seems as good a place
as any and definitely a place to show my quality and my value as loyal and
valued subject. (d)

SilvarSoul: ::Hailey listened to the story carefully. It was kings such as
the one Sir Philip spoke of that made her angery. Kings and rulers that took
advantage of their power and authority for the simple fact that they
could!.:: If you were
SilvarSoul: in my service, and the service of Aaliron, what would I be able
to expect of you, Sir Philip? ::As they walked, they crested a small hill. At
its top, the city known as Tariel would be in their sight.::
SilvarSoul: (d)

Highlander634: "You need an army." He was being blunt and to the point.
"Majesty, you have an empty land; what population you have is in hiding.
You are surrounded by other realms, whose rulers could simply come in and
take this realm with
Highlander634: almost no effort. What could you do except run? And
considering you are so young and quite beautiful," he smiled, "Your fate
would be considerably worse." He did not describe the depredations on her
body that would occur; she
Highlander634: could imagine it well enough. No need for him to go into the
awful details. "Aside from this an army could also assist in rebuilding the
realm, starting with this city. Without an army, your realm is just waiting
for an attack to
Highlander634: overthrow you." Philip pursed his lips. "I am truly sorry
to say this, but it is the truth. I have also heard rumors of impending
attacks on my way here. I would much rather help protect a kingdom then to
plunder it." (d)

SilvarSoul: Impending attacks? ::That crtainly caught her attention. She had
been not exactly paying attention. No, she couldn't stop the attack of an
army, but she could certainly hinder it if she had to. It was an option she
highly preferred
SilvarSoul: not using however. She had no fear for any misfortunate of
herself, at least not physically speaking. She was a beautiful woman, though
not as weak, nor as young as she appeared. But, Philip was right. While she
might not need to be
SilvarSoul: protected, Aaliron certainly would.:: Yes, and how will you
raise an army in a Kingdom of hiding citizens?
SilvarSoul: (d0

Highlander634: He smiled grimly. "You don't raise an army; you hire one. I
have a certain amount of coin, collected from my days as a mercenary. But I
shall need more. I can raise a company or two of good men. We can attract
settlers and
Highlander634: perhaps you can levy some taxes. Unless you want to promise
nobles land and titles to come and settle here. And they could be induced to
hire more soldiers which we could induct into the Royal Army. It will take
some time, but
Highlander634: with two companies, I can guarantee making it most difficult
for any enemy to invade us. I can make their life a living hell." Now he
smiled wanely. "I have fought such a campaign before." At this point he
looked the queen
Highlander634: straight in the eye and held her gaze for a very long moment.
(d)

SilvarSoul: ::They were fast approaching what had once been the gates of
Tariel, the only entrance into what had once been a great stone wall, now it
was more akin to rubble.:: Let us start simple, she said, holding his gaze. I
can make no
SilvarSoul: promises of Nobles and Titles, and the soldiers they will bring.
See what you can achieve. If you can raise the two companies you promise, I
will name you the Queen's Knight, and if you so desire, shall be the head of
the Aalironian
SilvarSoul: Army. But, for tonight, the Darkest Rose Tavern should have
somewhere to sleep, and aged ale to take the trouble from you mind. (d)