The Winter War (storyline)/2023-01-19 - Ta'Vaalor Court Session (log)

This log is from the storyline event on January 19, 2023, from the viewpoint of Kakoon.

Synopsis

On 19 Lormesta, 5123, King Qalinor, the Sovereign Commander of the Crimson Legion, held a brief court session open to Vaalorian citizens, both full and partial. The session focused primarily upon the years-long treaty Ta'Vaalor has held with Icemule Trace. His position is that while it is expected that this treaty will be upheld, the court will provide aid in the form of foodstuffs that include grains as well as fruits and vegetables.

The Court also stated that, while it will initiate no aggression against the citizenry and town of Icemule Trace, it will consider any aggressive acts by individuals an act of war. The Court also stated that it will defend any elven settlements potentially threatened by the Darkstone Bay Consortium, and that the airships will remain, as well as the treaty.

It was stated that given the current state of global affairs, the Festival of the Fallen will not be held this year. However, there will be a ball to honor the twentieth anniversary of the bloody battles that occurred in Ta'Vaalor as a part of the Griffin Sword Saga. This will occur 23 Lormestra 5123 in at nine in the evening.

Guardian Keep

[Guardian Keep, Grand Audience]
Blazing on high, a domed ceiling of stained glass is imbued with swirls of golden and crimson that form the lithe musculature of a spread-winged wyvern staring down upon the audience chamber. Marble pillars, limned in fiery shades by the creature's span, foist vibrant scarlet banners bordered in washes of golden brocade. Below, a vanguard of armored statues stands to either side of a thick red velvet carpet scaling the mass of a golden stair. You also see a large eahnor-banded archway framing twin linden doors.
Obvious exits: none

[Guardian Keep, Throne Room]
Spreading beneath the shining shadow of an immense solid golden throne, the raised dais is awash in crimson brilliance spilling from the stained glass ceiling high above. As if wrought from captured flame, the wall behind the royal seat burns with shades of gold and crimson, forming bright letters in the Elven tongue. A golden wyvern in bas-relief unfurls across the breadth of the wall, its tremendous head glaring down upon the space before the throne. You also see a carpeted golden stair.
Obvious exits: none

THRONE:

Free from the softening touches of upholstery or padding, the throne is a masterwork of solid gold.  Etched wyverns arc over its massive armrests, and intricate serpentine sculptures form the long legs of the seat.

CEILING:

Swirls of vermilion and sunset-hued gold leap through the stained glass, forming the sinuous bulk of a spread-winged wyvern framed by jeweled clouds.  Interwoven dragonstalks cavort about the edges of the masterwork, their triumphant blossoms exploding in blood-hued fanfares.

READ WALL:

In the Elven language, it reads:
For Honor, Pride, and Glory.

You see Qalinor the Sovereign Commander of the Crimson Legion.
He appears to be a Vaalor Elf.
He is tall.  He appears to be in the prime of life.  He has dark-rimmed green eyes and fair skin.  He has very short, amber hair.  He has a classical nose and narrow pointed ears.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a simple electrum circlet, a dark crimson jacket with a golden wyvern embroidered on the left breast, a dark gold wool capelet, an eahnor wyvern badge, a crisp golden silk shirt with crimson blazestar cufflinks, a gold-bound crimson silk scabbard decorated with a ferocious eahnor wyvern, a pair of dark crimson slacks with a gold stripe down each leg, and a pair of dark leather boots cuffed at the knee.

You see Lord Legionnaire Commander Cyik Elenelon Vaalor the Crimson Legion Officer.
He appears to be an Elf.
He is average height.  He appears to be old.  He has jade green eyes and copper skin.  He has shoulder length, grey hair.  He has a bony face, a long nose and high cheekbones.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a gold-trimmed dark eahnor aegis, a dark crimson jacket adorned at the shoulders with ten gold braid knots, a polished crimson vaalorn breastplate trimmed with a wide gold-leafed band, a pair of dark vaalorn gauntlets, an eahnor wyvern badge, a wide dark leather belt with a shiny gold buckle, a gold-bound scarlet sheath, some ruddy scarlet leather pants, and a pair of dark leather boots cuffed at the knee.

You see Lord Legionnaire Commander Jaranzair Nashal Vaalor the Crimson Legion Officer.
He appears to be an Elf.
He is shorter than average.  He appears to be old.  He has almond-shaped milky white eyes and bronze skin.  He has cropped, steel grey hair.  He has an angular face and sharp pointed ears.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a dark gold wool capelet, a dark crimson jacket adorned at the shoulders with gold braid tied into ten knots of rank, an eahnor wyvern badge, a suit of vaalorn plate and mail with a dark gold quilted gambeson underneath, a gold-bound scarlet sheath, and a pair of polished black leather boots cuffed at the knee.

Log

First Legionnaire Laermeluion's group just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Tavore just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Laermeluion snaps smartly to attention!

Tavore nods politely.

Agathilea snaps smartly to attention!

Esana snaps smartly to attention!

Tylanthriel snaps smartly to attention!

Krystalena snaps smartly to attention!

Speaking in Elven, Aureliano says, "Crimson Legion, parade rest."

Laermeluion folds his hands behind his back.

Agathilea folds her hands behind her back.

Firmly planting her feet equidistance apart, Krystalena folds her hands behind her back.

Esana folds her hands behind her back.

Malinya folds her hands behind her back.

Aylysha folds her hands.

Tylanthriel folds his hands behind his back.

Aureliano folds his hands behind his back.

Tavore tilts her head up.

Tavore gazes thoughtfully at a domed stained glass ceiling.

Speaking in Elven, Aureliano says, "Excellent work, First Reserve Troupe." He gives a reassuring nod before continuing, "Please remain sharp; we want to give our best representation in front of our officers and Sovereign this evening."

Aylysha folds her arms over her chest.

Aylysha folds her hands behind her back.

Jaranzair wanders in.

Cyik wanders in.

Jaranzair glances around the room.

Speaking in Elven, Aureliano says, "Crimson Legion, salute your Lord Legionnaire commanders."

Aureliano snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist.

Tylanthriel snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Jaranzair.

Laermeluion snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Cyik.

Malinya snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist.

Tylanthriel snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Cyik.

Laermeluion snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Jaranzair.

Krystalena snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Jaranzair.

Aylysha renders a sharp hand salute.

Agathilea snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Jaranzair.

Krystalena snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Cyik.

Agathilea snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Cyik.

Tavore folds her hands within the sleeves of her sueded linen vestments and offers a small bow of acknowledgement.

Esana snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Jaranzair.

Cyik snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist.

Cyik nods.

Speaking in Elven, Aureliano says, "Parade rest."

Jaranzair snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist.

Agathilea folds her hands behind her back.

Laermeluion folds his hands behind his back.

Krystalena folds her hands behind her back.

Aureliano folds his hands behind his back.

Tylanthriel folds his hands behind his back.

Aylysha renders a sharp hand salute.

Qiana bows her head slightly as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy.

Malinya folds her hands behind her back.

Jaranzair sweeps his gaze across each person in the room.

Aylysha kneels down.

Aylysha stands up.

Aureliano nods slightly at Agathilea.

Aureliano whispers something to Agathilea.

Cyik looks at the reservists with pride as his eyes glance about.

Speaking in Elven to Cyik, you say, "Seems to be a nice evening for a court session."

You smile.

Aureliano nods once at Jaranzair.

Speaking in Elven, Cyik says, "It does."

Cyik nods.

Jaranzair folds his hands behind his back.

You notice Khartaz moving stealthily up a carpeted golden stair.

Cyik nods.

Rose Guardian Cylnthia just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Cylnthia nods.

Speaking in Elven to Cyik, you say, "I heard our Sovereign had a nice time at the military ball this year."

Lord Teveriel's group just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Jiarine just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "I was sorry I missed it."

Lord Vyctus just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Vyctus joins Teveriel's group.

Botanist Vanathys's group just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Uniana nods at Rmalie.

Uniana tilts her head up.

Rmalie bows her head slightly toward Jaranzair as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy before him.

Rmalie bows her head slightly toward Cyik as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy before him.

Uniana glances between Jaranzair and Cyik.

Cylnthia nods in greeting.

Rmalie nods respectfully at Aureliano.

Uniana bows her head slightly as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy.

Speaking in Elven, Teveriel acknowledges, "Lord Legionnaire Commanders."

Teveriel forcefully crosses one arm over his golden vaalorn plate-and-mail and offers a formal bow.

Jaranzair nods once.

Avawren bows her head slightly as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy.

Speaking in Elven to you, Cyik says, "I have too."

You grin at Cyik.

Lainae just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Maiden Materia just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Lainae bites her lip.

Qalinor steps out from somewhere behind the throne.

You snap to attention and crisply strike your chest with a closed fist.

You kneel down.

Lainae renders a sharp hand salute.

Tylanthriel snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Aureliano snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Laermeluion snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Agathilea snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Esana snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Lainae turns toward Qalinor and renders a sharp hand salute.

Krystalena snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

With a graceful movement of her hands, Uniana lowers her head and sinks into a formal curtsy before Qalinor.

Cylnthia curtsies to Qalinor.

Cylnthia renders a sharp hand salute.

Aureliano kneels down.

Malinya snaps to attention and crisply strikes her chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Laermeluion kneels down.

Aylysha kneels down.

Agathilea kneels down.

Malinya kneels down.

Tylanthriel kneels before Qalinor.

Esana kneels down.

Krystalena kneels down.

Jaranzair snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Teveriel bows deeply at the waist, honoring Qalinor.

Vyctus kneels down.

Lainae kneels down.

With a graceful movement of her hands, Feriae lowers her head and sinks into a formal curtsy before Qalinor.

With a graceful movement of her hands, Avawren lowers her head and sinks into a formal curtsy before Qalinor.

Rmalie bows her head slightly toward Qalinor as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy before him.

Tavore pulls her hands out of the confines of her sueded linen vestments's sleeves.

Qiana bows her head slightly toward Qalinor as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy before him.

Aylysha stands up.

Lainae bites her lip.

Lainae casually observes her surroundings.

Vyctus stands up.

Agathilea stands up.

Tylanthriel stands up.

Tavore bows.

Qalinor snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist.

Malinya stands up.

Aureliano stands up.

Laermeluion stands up.

Qalinor says, "Please, as you were."

Krystalena stands up.

Lainae stands up.

You stand back up.

Speaking in Elven, Aureliano says, "Reservists, parade rest."

Esana stands up.

You fold your hands behind your back, waiting patiently.

Malinya folds her hands behind her back.

Laermeluion folds his hands behind his back.

Cyik snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Uniana gracefully drapes her forearm across the midline of her waist.  Inky pools of darkness glide into the skirts of her red camlet gown.

Tylanthriel folds his hands behind his back.

Krystalena folds her hands behind her back.

Agathilea folds her hands behind her back.

Esana folds her hands behind her back.

Aureliano folds his hands behind his back.

Cyik nods.

Aylysha folds her hands behind her back.

You quietly whisper to Qiana, "Old habits are so hard to break."

Qiana whispers, "Ever the soldier."

Qiana whispers, "I've accepted you always will be."

Qalinor says, "Tonight I have some announcements that I felt better addressed personally to you, the people of the Fortress."

You quietly whisper to Qiana, "It's been an...interesting transition but I hope to get there."

Aureliano turns an inquisitive ear toward Qalinor.

Uniana settles her gaze on Qalinor, watching him intently.

Rmalie tilts her head toward Qalinor, examining him intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.

Teveriel folds his hands behind his back.

Tavore folds her hands.

You quietly whisper to Qiana, "Thank you for being patient with me."

Folding her arms against her waist, Lainae slips her hands into the opposite sleeve of her crimson silk robe and maintains a contemplative disposition.

Qalinor frowns.

Teveriel looks thoughtfully at Qalinor.

Qalinor says, "The High Lord Chamberlain has presented the concerns of the people of Icemule Trace concerning the treaty their mayor agreed to some years past."

Qalinor seriously says, "The Crown honors its word and expects those it engages in diplomacy with to do the same."

Qalinor humbly says, "House Vaalor is not unsympathetic and, as such, has recently moved defensive operations to a remote base in neutral territory to help ease the fears of aggression being promoted by certain individuals."

Jaranzair furtively glances at Cylnthia.

Teveriel nods slowly.

Qalinor firmly says, "While this step is an effort to ease tensions, it in no way nullifies previous treaties and the Crown expects to excersise the rights given within."

Materia grasps a single bead between her forefinger and thumb, a look of intense devotion on her face.

Rmalie nods in agreement.

Cylnthia nods.

Qalinor kindly says, "House Vaalor and its citizens will continue to send aid in the form of fruits, vegetables, and grains until such time as is no longer necessary."

You nod.

Rmalie nods approvingly.

Tavore nods slightly.

Avawren cocks her head.

Qalinor sadly says, "Recent intelligence reports indicate a desire to wage war against House Vaalor by the individuals referred to above."

Rmalie tilts her head down.

Rmalie squints.

Qalinor thoughtfully says, "Prudence demands we fortify our positions in anticipation of such events to protect our interests abroad."

Cylnthia nods.

Qalinor forcedly says, "Any act of open aggression by these individuals will designate them enemies of the state and be met with a swift and severe response."

Rmalie nods once.

Rmalie folds her hands.

Khartaz raises an eyebrow.

Qalinor assertively states, "The airships will remain, the treaty will remain, and the Crown will do whatever is necessary to position itself to defend any, and all, elven settlements potentially threatened by the Darkstone Bay Consortium."

Teveriel raises an eyebrow.

You quietly whisper to Qiana, "Are you familiar with this Consortium?"

Aylysha blinks.

Qiana whispers, "I have never heard of it."

Cylnthia raises an eyebrow.

You quietly whisper to Qiana, "Might have to do some research this evening once we get home."

Teveriel gives a sidelong glance to his left.

Aureliano nods almost imperceptibly.

Qiana nods slightly to you.

Qalinor remorsefully says, "Given the current state of world affairs, House Vaalor will not be hosting the Festival of the Fallen tournaments this year."

Jaranzair frowns.

Jiarine murmurs, "How sad."

Rmalie sighs.

Avawren frowns.

Tavore nods understandingly.

You quietly whisper to Qiana, "Unfortunate, I was hoping to see what competitors it brought."

Jiarine says, "Nothing like beating each other to pulp to bring about town morale."

Esana nods slowly.

Rmalie narrows her eyes.

Jaranzair glances sharply at Jiarine.

Qalinor says, "However, it is not our way to disregard traditions."

Qiana cocks her head at Qalinor.

Rmalie gazes hopefully at Qalinor.

Qalinor says, "This year marks twenty since the Fortress held against undead hordes during what has become known as the Griffon Sword War."

Uniana draws a hand up to her collarbone, manicured nails grazing along her neck as she takes on a ruminative expression.

Tavore nods somberly.

Rmalie surreptitiously glances at Uniana.

Teveriel closes his eyes for a moment.

Rmalie tilts her head down.

Teveriel nods once.

Qalinor somberly says, "That day many gave their lives with honor.  Though the Fortress held that day, the surrounding lands and farms were overrun."

Agathilea looks lost in thought.

Teveriel's entire body tenses as he clenches his fist.

Materia grasps a single bead between her forefinger and thumb, a look of intense devotion on her face.

Rmalie hangs her head.

Qalinor says, "As a small token of honor to not only those, but all who have bled for House Vaalor, the Crown will sponsor a ball on Volnes, the 23rd day of Lormesta at nine in the evening."

Agathilea tilts her head up.

Rmalie smiles quietly to herself.

Qalinor says, "Formal attire will be expected, as honor demands."

Cylnthia nods.

Vanathys whispers something to Feriae.

Feriae sighs at Vanathys.

Rmalie clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.

Qalinor says, "This concludes my announcements.  I will entertain a couple of questions if there are any."

Tavore folds her hands.

You raise your hand.

Qalinor inclines his head.

Qalinor says, "Lord Arakhor."

Qalinor turns to face you.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "For those of you who don t know or remember me, I filled the role of high legionnaire for close to a decade. In that time I know I made many mistakes but what I strived for was community here in Vaalor. Unfortunately I have noticed the stench of rotting cancer hanging over the fortress. Our community is more concerned about pointing fingers at their neighbors than what might actually be going on between Icemule and Vaalor. Folks would rather drag each other's names in the mud, spread baseless lies and rumors simply for their own glories sake. Instead of recognizing the larger picture people have let arrogance and pride blind them. This cancer must stop spreading. It needs to be removed or cut out if Vaalor is ever to thrive and work together as a community."

Uniana gets a blank look on her face.

Rmalie stares off into space.

Materia ponders.

Aureliano takes a moment to observe you.

Qalinor nods slowly.

Teveriel furrows his brow.

Speaking to you, Qalinor asks, "Thank you for your perspective.  Was there something you wished to ask me?"}}

Avawren covers her mouth, then gives a small, discreet cough.

Avawren flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

Jaranzair nods slightly at Aureliano.

Aureliano nods slightly at Krystalena.

Speaking in Elven to Qalinor, you say, "No Sir, I just wished to express my concern."

Vyctus gently brushes his sanguine hair away from his eyes and, with a deft twist of his wrist, tucks it behind one ear.

Qalinor nods.

Krystalena raises her hand.

Teveriel raises his hand.

Uniana pauses in introspection, her pale lilac eyes vacant and unblinking.

Speaking to you, Qalinor says, "Your concerns are noted."

Teveriel nods politely at Krystalena.

{{red|Qalinor turns to face Krystalena.

Speaking to Krystalena, Qalinor says, "Squire Krystalena."

Speaking in Elven to Qalinor, Krystalena asks, "Thank you, my Sovereign.  Are you able to elaborate on the issues we are having with the Darkstone Bay Consortium?"

Agathilea turns an inquisitive ear toward Qalinor.

Teveriel nods slightly at Krystalena.

Squire Legionnaire Malinya just climbed down a carpeted golden stair.

Squire Legionnaire Malinya just climbed up a carpeted golden stair.

Speaking to Krystalena Qalinor says, "Not at this time other than to reiterate that House Vaalor will retain and defend all of its positions and holdings."

Cylnthia nods.

Krystalena nods at Qalinor.

Tavore nods understandingly.

Teveriel looks lost in thought.

Avawren hums quietly to herself.

Speaking to Krystalena Qalinor asks, "Was that your only question?"

Speaking in Elven to Qalinor, Krystalena says, "Yes, my Sovereign."

{{red|Qalinor inclines his head.

Malinya joins Laermeluion's group.

Qalinor turns to face Teveriel.

Speaking to Teveriel Qalinor says, "Lord Anduin."

Teveriel strides over to stand before Qalinor.

Teveriel faces Qalinor and smartly brings his right fist up to his chest.  Holding it there, he bows deeply.

Qalinor snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist.

Qalinor inclines his head.

Speaking in Elven, Teveriel begins, "With due respect, Your Excellency, in my time with the people of Icemule I have seen precious little to suggest matters are as dire as they claim."

Speaking in Elven, Teveriel continues, "Their surrounding lands are abundant with game. Their rivers teem with fish. Are we to take at face value their claim that the disruption of trade with a single town has devastated their economy so thoroughly? As I believe they came to bargain, using pity as their currency."

Vyctus appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Rmalie surreptitiously glances at Vyctus.

Qalinor furrows his brow.

Aylysha rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Avawren furrows her brow.

Speaking to Teveriel Qalinor says, "Often in times of great upheaval, it is difficult to obtain accurate figures.  Though their lands harbor game and fish, they lack grains, fruits, and vegetables abundantly.  If even one resident is suffering, House Vaalor will aid as honor demands."

Tavore nods slightly.

Rmalie nods approvingly.

Cylnthia nods.

Qalinor says, "Our farms produce enough that we can spare."

Uniana gazes in wonder at Qalinor.

Speaking in Elven, Teveriel says, "As you say, my liege. It is my fervent hope that they eventually come to appreciate such boundless generosity."

Teveriel inclines his head.

Aureliano raises his hand.

Feriae whispers something to Teveriel.

Teveriel cocks his head at Feriae.

Feriae nods enthusiastically at Teveriel!

Rmalie appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Speaking to Teveriel, Qalinor says, "We aid as honor demands, regardless of any preconceived expectations of gratitude."

Qalinor nods at Aureliano.

Qalinor turns to face Aureliano.

Aureliano marches up to Qalinor and gives him a crisp salute.

Vanathys nudges Feriae slightly with his elbow, a scolding look thrown her way.

Speaking to Aureliano, Qalinor says, "High Legionnaire."

Qalinor snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist.

Qalinor inclines his head.

Speaking to Vanathys, Feriae whispers aloud, "Sorry, sir."

Agathilea smiles.

Vanathys stares at Feriae.

Jaranzair gives a sidelong glance at Feriae.

Teveriel nods approvingly at Feriae.

Speaking in Elven, Aureliano respectfully says, "My Sovereign," He lowers his head politely, "May I inquire as to how our new trade goes with Briarmoon Cove? I have seen many airships headed in that direction, and I wonder if we are at a point where further trade via the sea would support our House's goals."

Feriae squeaks quietly to herself then inches away from Jaranzair.

Tavore surreptitiously glances at Feriae.

Jaranzair glances sternly at Vanathys.

Vanathys throws Jaranzair a helpless look.

Cyik frowns.

{{red{Speaking to Aureliano, Qalinor says, "Trade is flowing well.  It would be irresponsible of me to reveal much information about trade routes or methods given the threats against us.  I will say we are exploring all options."}}

Rmalie surreptitiously glances at Feriae.

Aureliano nods appreciatively at Qalinor.

Her hand lowered, Feriae gives Rmalie a subtle wave.

Speaking respectfully in Elven to Qalinor, Aureliano says, "Thank you, my Sovereign."

Qalinor nods.

Aureliano snaps to attention and crisply strikes his chest with a closed fist in a display of respect to Qalinor.

Aureliano takes a few steps back.

Qalinor says, "If there are no others, thank you all for attending these announcements."

Avawren hums quietly to herself.

Cyik nods.

Cylnthia nods slightly.

Qalinor says, "Were it more peaceful times we could celebrate more fully."

Qalinor frowns.

Materia nods in agreement.

Agathilea tilts her head down.

Tavore nods understandingly.

Aylysha nods slowly.

Qalinor steps out, disappearing somewhere behind the throne.