Requiem and Renewal (storyline)/saved posts
Some Days Begin With Why
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Solhaven/view/3343 3343
Author: GS4-LYDIL
Date: 06/07/22
Subject: Some Days Begin With Why
Gerjonn Chandrennin stood at the window looking out at the city of Elstreth in the predawn light. More and more recently he enjoyed taking this time to see his home before the bustle of the day took over, basking in its silent and peaceful beauty, before the responsibility of the day took away any chance to do so. A faint knock on the door brought him out of his reverie, and he turned to see Venedict, the ducal seneschal, quietly step inside.
"An early start to this week, I see," Gerjonn stated. Venedict finding him first thing in the morning was hardly an unusual occurrence, especially of late. He had served Gerjonn's father for several decades and was ever on top of the matters at hand in Elstreth.
"Yes my, ah, Your Grace," Venedict answered in a quiet, subdued tone, "You are needed immediately in your father's chambers."
Gerjonn was silent for a moment, and then nodded his head. "I shall need a moment, but then head directly there."
"Of course. Shall I wait outside?"
"Thank you Venedict, but that is not necessary," Gerjonn answered, his eyes catching Venedict before the seneschal could turn to leave. "Please see that the others are roused and assembled in the Hall in an hour."
"Yes, Your Grace," Venedict answered with a deep bow, and then left the eldest Chandrennin. Outside, the first rays of the sun broke over the horizon, but Gerjonn did not notice.
---
The Lieutenant removed his helmet as he entered the command tent to find Duncarr Chandrennin leaning over a table with a recent dispatch laying before him, "Captain you wanted to see me? I heard a rider came in, did we receive new orders?"
"Gather the men on the training field," Duncarr ordered, his face stoic and his eyes never glancing down, "Gauntlet training today. Veterans first, fish last. And no one had better dog it."
"Sir, the fish certainly need it," the Lieutenant began, "but the veterans? You know how they feel about training."
"No one gets out of this, not even officers. Veteran or fish there are lessons everyone needs to learn or remember. Get them assembled, I will be along to conduct the exercise myself."
"Yourself? Not the centurions..." the Lieutenant began, but cut off at the look and cocked head of his commanding officer.
"Get it done. I will be there shortly."
With the dull clang of a gauntlet against his armor the Lieutenant swiftly spun on his heels and marched out of the tent. Duncarr remained where he stood for several minutes leaning on the table once more. Outside he could hear the shouts of his officers and the centurions as they roused and organized the soldiers of the legion. Duncarr looked at the table one more time and then shook his head. He picked up his sword belt from the nearby rack and carefully strapped it into place, along with the two sheathed blades hanging from it. Lastly, he took up the large shield that hung on the rack and marched out of the tent and towards the practice field. There were lessons to be taught and learned by everyone, including himself.
---
"My lord? Lord Salnim? Did you need anything further?"
The voice reached his ears as if coming from down a long tunnel from far away, and after several moments Salnim Malwind looked up to see the courier standing there still waiting for his response.
"No. No that will be all," Salnim replied, "You clearly rode hard to get here, so please get some rest. If anything more is needed, you will be informed."
The courier gave a respectful bow, the crimson and gold sash only shifting slightly overtop his white and black uniform as he straightened and then left the room.
Salnim walked over to the window and looked out to see Kasendra out in one of the keep's gardens, sitting on a bench and reading a book she had acquired from the Library Aies. She looked peaceful and happy out there, and he found himself not able to move. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a moment, and then turned and left their quarters.
---
Silence reigned over the practice field as Duncarr slowly got back to his feet, a heavy coating of mud now marring his armor. The entire legion stood along the edges of the gauntlet circle, each waiting for their captain to speak. Three quarters of the soldiers, including all of the officers and veterans, were to his left and each bore dents or mud upon their armor. To his right the other quarter stood with nervous energy, clean uniforms, and the young faces of the new recruits. Another young soldier stood several feet from Duncarr, looking as if he wished to be anywhere else than where he was right now.
"Well done, soldier," Duncarr said, his voice loud enough to carry across the field. "You did well. You saw an opening when my foot gave way in the mud and exploited."
"Thank you, sir," the soldier answered, fighting back a stammer in his voice, "but it wasn't a fair fight. You only slipped because you were tired from having gone through so many of us, even if it was just us fish at the end."
"Fair? Battle is not fair. Life is not fair," Duncarr replied, raising his head so his voice could be heard by the entire legion. "Today was a lesson to make clear that no one is invincible. Be it by skill, or by numbers, or just by time itself, something will catch you in the end."
As Duncarr spoke he slowly turned in place so he could look at all of his soldiers, "That is why we train and fight together. If you slip, we can pull you back up. If you fall, we can carry you. And if you should slip from this mortal coil, you will never truly be gone, never forgotten. For each of you is part of the legion, and that part will live on in everything we do."
Duncarr looked down at the churned mud under his boots, drew in a breath, and then raised his eyes to look back at his soldiers. "Lesson for today is over. Armor is to be scoured clean and burnished bright before dark. Tomorrow, we march for Elstreth."
Once the field was clear, Duncarr began to walk back to his tent. His own armor needed tending to. After that, there were things that needed to be made sure were never forgotten.
---
Sunlight poured through the windows into the empty quarters of Kasendra and Salnim Malwind. Upon the window sill sat the missive the courier brought. The top and bottom of the page were folded in towards the middle, concealing any written words from view, save for the broken ram's head wax seal affixed to it.
In the garden below the window, Salnim walked out slowly and quietly so as to not disturb his wife as she read. When Kasendra looked up at him, her face bore the smile of a pleasant surprise. But as Salnim knelt down in front of her and began to speak, the joy quickly fled to be replaced with sadness and tears. Her book lay forgotten on the bench beside her as Kasendra collapsed into Salnim's arms and wept.
Requiem
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Solhaven/view/3344 3344
Author: GS4-LYDIL
Date: 06/08/22
Subject: Requiem
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Duke Bannon Chandrennin of Aldora, Southern Sentinel of the Empire. Bannon loyally served Aldora and the Empire for over seven decades. Called into service at sixteen with the passing of his father, the young man took up the mantle of duke. A handful of years later Bannon faced a great test when the Horned Cabal attacked the southern lands. When the Southern Sentinel was assassinated, the Cabal nearly claimed victory, however the young duke took command of the troops and repelled their assault. Under his leadership the Cabal's campaign would be thwarted, and they would be driven back into the Southron Wastes. For this victory under his leadership, Duke Bannon was appointed Southern Sentinel, a position he would hold for nearly half a century unless his death.
As Sentinel, Bannon would see to the expansion of the Demonwall to better protect the southern lands of the Empire. He would help guide his people to a period of prosperity and peace after decades of war and conflict with the Horned Cabal. He would raise a family of a half dozen children, who have gone on to serve the Empire as soldiers, diplomats, and leaders. And he would prove to be a source of most wise and helpful counsel to someone unexpectedly crowned Emperor.
Bannon Chandrennin was many things to many people. We are no exception to this, as he was our uncle. Even before we were born, Uncle Bannon had an impact on our lives. For it was his words supporting his sister Ayibma that gained our father Turallos permission to marry her. This continued throughout our life, from the quiet days of childhood in Elstreth to the tumultuous days when our own parents passed, he was ever a steadfast presence.
We will miss his wisdom and support, and know that we are not alone in doing so. Our thoughts go out to Duke Bannon's surviving children and grandchildren, and all of the people of Aldora. We ask that all take time to remember Bannon Chandrennin. Duke, leader, hero, Sentinel, father, patriot. The Turamzzyrian Empire is lesser in your absence, but brighter and better because of all the things you have done for it. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
By Our Hand,
His Imperial Majesty Aurmont Anodheles
Emperor of the Turamzzyrian Empire
Remembrance Vigil
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Solhaven/view/3345 3345
Author: GS4-LYDIL
Date: 06/08/22
Subject: Remembrance Vigil
Tomorrow night at 9 pm Empire Time a vigil will be held in Solhaven to mark the passing of Duke Bannon Chandrennin of Aldora. Any and all are welcome to attend and join in the reflection upon the Duke's life and the impact he had. It will also mark an opportunity to offer condolences to those greatly impacted by this loss. Those interested may gather in North Market and will then be directed to the proper locations.
Renewal
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Solhaven/view/3346 3346
Author: GS4-LYDIL
Date: 06/10/22
Subject: Renewal
The sun hung low on the horizon, illuminating the Valley of Horouth in late afternoon light. Kasendra Malwind stood atop a tower in the keep of Elstreth taking in the view of the city below and the valley beyond.
"Even so many years later the view still takes me back to slipping up here when we were children," a voice said from behind her. Kasendra smiled as she turned to see the speaker, Aurmont Anodheles, move to stand beside her.
"Used to think this was the entire world, and how grand it was," she answered. "Then we learned there was so much more out there, first in the Empire then beyond. I still enjoy the view, because all of this was Father's world, and he cared about it so much. Seeing it helps to ease the pain, even if just for a few moments."
Aurmont laid his hand upon his cousin's and squeezed it gently. "Even knowing this day was coming, it was still difficult to find words to do Uncle Bannon justice."
"You did more than fine, Aurmont," Kasendra replied and placed her other hand atop his to squeeze it in turn, "both at the service and in your proclamation. Thank you."
"If it was not to deliver some terse words to me about my speech where no one could see, why did you want to talk to me, Kas?"
"Nothing to do with Father. Well not directly," Kasendra began, turning to face her cousin. "There's something he said to me a while ago that I keep thinking about. He told me that he was proud of me and would love me no matter what I did. And that I should not worry, because he was not going to worry either, because he knew everything was in good hands because they were our hands. I know he was telling me that to make my decision about Ta'Illistim easier, but that last part has been stuck in my mind."
Aurmont did not say anything, but leaned against a merlon and nodded to Kasendra as he continued to listen.
"Our hands, Aurmont. I know for you it has been this way for some time, but with Father gone the responsibility lies with us now. There is no one else to blame or run to for help. It is upon us to make things better now. And to that end I have a favor to ask of you."
"Of course, Kas, you know you only need to ask," Aurmont answered, but then stopped as Kasendra shook her head.
"I just want you to listen. No saying yes, no saying no, just listen and think about it. This is no little thing, but it needs to be said."
The Emperor nodded his head. "Very well Kasendra. Let us hear it."
Kasendra smiled briefly, then paused to close her eyes and take a deep breath. "I want you to do the right thing, and I know in your heart you want to do it too. You are a good man, Aurmont, and have always wanted to do well for your people. But you also have the weight of the Empire on your shoulders, and that is a lot to balance. But that heavy crown also brings with it the ability to do what needs to be done, even if others are opposed. Because while you may always want people to agree, you are the Emperor, and it is your decision in the end that counts.
"I can give you more reasons for doing this, though some might be seen as selfish. That Father believed in equality, exemplified that his whole life, and you could do this now to honor him. To do this for me, because one day Salnim and I will have children, and I never, ever want people to look down upon them because of the blood that runs in their veins, or worse hold it against them because they legally can.
"But the most important reason you should do this is for all those people out there," Kasendra said, gesturing down to Elstreth and beyond. "Do this for all the people of the Empire, who come in so many shapes and sizes, but all have chosen to live in it. Honor them and their deeds, and be the ruler the Turamzzyrian Empire deserves by giving them equal standing. This is our time to make things better, and you can do that by repealing Chaston's Edict."
The sun sank lower on the horizon, but light still shone upon the top of the tower, as Emperor Aurmont Anodheles and Lady Kasendra Malwind stood there silently in contemplation.
Requiem and Renewal
Topic: Solhaven
Message #: http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Cities,%20Towns,%20and%20Outposts/Solhaven/view/3347 3347
Author: GS4-LYDIL
Date: 06/10/22
Subject: Requiem and Renewal
The Renewal post made a short time ago is the coda/epilogue to mark the end of this storyline, Requiem and Renewal. That does not mean story elements introduced during this storyline have also ended, they will most certainly continue. The diplomatic exchange between House Illistim and the Turamzzyrian Empire, being a prime example. But the formal bounds for this story were the wedding of Kasendra and Salnim and the passing of Sentinel Chandrennin. One where life was lost and reflected upon, but new things also began and brought hope, thus the title of Requiem and Renewal.
This storyline was different from some of those I have done in the past, and was a bit less focused on the smaller on the ground moments. It is my hope that it served as an enjoyable way of moving events and the plot forward on a larger scale, but still provided a means to engage with it. I as always would appreciate any feedback you have for it, whether here on the forums or on Discord, be it the things you liked or things you did not. It is also my intention to hold an OOC meeting after Rumor Woods has ended, so that would be another venue and time for feedback upon this and anything else.
Also like to take a moment to thank my fellow GMs for their support, large and small throughout this. Be from approvals on high, to playing NPCs, to the feedback on story elements and post, thank you all for your help along the way.
Until then I will see you around the Free Port.
-Lydil