Windstorms Letter thread

[Lady Edfeil]

((So lovely to read this Jenna! Hope to see you in the room one of these days.))

[Dream Loxley]

Ahhh Dear Jenna, so sorry I missed this......how wonderful to see you again, and I sincerely hope all is well with you and that you have fully recovered from your surgery. Now we can dance together hmmm! *VVVBS* Love to you always with warmest wishes for a super Christmas time xxxx

[Keiren]

It came on a rainy morning,with blustery wind tormenting the royal, and sodden, message bearer. He wore the green and gold and royal blue livery of Enchantica's Home Guard..his was not normally the task of ferrying news hither and yon. But this letter, small as it was, was of rather large import, and so as he delivered it, to the hands of the Queen, he would feel a great burden, lifted, to know his mission, was thus far, a success.

Sealed with the signet ring of the Emperor himself, the letter was intact, wax unbroken.

To her Highness, Queen of Windstorm,

Greetings to you, fair Majesty, from the lands of Enchantica.

I write to you, as I feel compelled to do so. Our neighbors here, have recently fallen under the shadow of a threat most menacing, and seeing that your lands are nay so very far away, it struck me to alert you to this threat, with all due haste.

A man known only as Grendel has begun to raise an army of evil, and is now amassing power and might, with the intent to conquer the lands of Shadow Strike and Caernarfon. I have it on good authority, that the Queen, and the Lord White Knight have refused to ally themselves, and are even now, preparing for what might possibly be, a long, and brutal war for their sovereignty and rights as independent nations. We plan on sending assistance, naturally, and shoring up our own borders...for I do not doubt the greed of Grendel, will extend past the borders he already eyes.

I beg of you, take heed, take care, Lady of Windstorm, and may the Gods watch over us all..

Keiren of Enchantica
This, the eighth day of First Month, Year 3 A.F.

[Lady Edfeil]

*The missive was read and read again and promptly answered. The Queen grateful for the forewarning, spend the evening in contemplation of both the measures that needed to be taken for Windstorms own safety and what could be done to aide those that needed it. Nae matter the threat, she would nae do less than what had been offered last time, and what had been given to her. The penmanship of the letter ye received was careful, the scroll sealed with Windstorm's royal crest and wrapped in oiled leather for the journey through winters harshest landscape*

To his Highness Emperor Keiren I of Enchantica, from the pen of Edfeil R. of Windstorm

Your Highness,

It would be hard to express my gratitude for your missive, yet I must try. While the tiding that two nations befriended by Windstorm and it's Queen for many a year are encountering a threat is nae one to receive with gladness, the warning of your words may save lives and find us better prepared. I will send out missives or emmissaries to both Shadowstrike and Caerfarnon. Windstorm is weathering the winter well so far, and we should have supplies on hand that can be shared when need be. I also will offer sanctuary to any needing a safe haven. *The pen had rested 'pon the vellum longer here as iffen she paused before putting the next words in ink* Iffen there be those of Enchantica... children... elderly.. that need a shelter should an evil eye fall upon ye, pritthee but let me know. Windstorm will offer whatever we can to aide. We have few men to spare for battle, yet our walls be high and thick and those men that we have be well trained and know the terrain. We can offer... safety.

As one who has the protection of lands and people under his responsibilities, I know ye will understand that I impose upon ye to send me tidings as ye find them, so I can do what be needed for the protection of me own people and those that be besieged by evil.

In gratitude and wishing ye God's blessing,

Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma
Queen of Windstorm.


((letter will be posted on the Enchantica board later. Waiting on account aproval. *W*))

[Lady Edfeil]

*A small, potted tree, nae more than a sappling was to be delivered. An apple tree, nae an unusual offering coming from Windstorm, but unusual for them to be send mayhap through the winter weather. Within the soil a small golden stake was placed with the plaque of a dragon. An easy target for any thief to pull out. But only those who would follow the dragons tail and woudl root through the soil would find the missive wrapped in oiled leather. Despite that, the words were short and carefully chosen. *


To Her Majesty Queen Caera Anne, from the pen of Edfeil R of Windstorm

Your Majesty, My friend...

I received tidings that there might be turmoil within yer lands. And nae just in yers. I nae know how much be rumour and how much be real. Windstorm can and will offer what it did before. Pritthee let me know iffen the roads are safe, so I can visit and we can speak more in person.

begging Gods blessing upon you and Yours,

Edfeil, R.




((letter is crossposted on Caerfarnon's board))

[Caera Anne of Caernarfon]

Sitting back for a moment thinking of the words to send to Cailin, explaining the need to keep my headstrong sister safe and make sure she does not go running into a trap.



To Lord Cailin of Caernarfon, Guest in Windstorm Castle

My dear friend, Lord Cailin,

Word shall be reaching you both in Windstorm soon of a serious incident, which happened in Dragonwyck. This one called Grendel has threatened Alys with serious harm and to punctuate his threat, this Grendel’s minion, turned guards in the great hall of Dragonwyck Castle to stone and exploded them. It is evident; Dragonwyck’s security has been breached. Had it only been Dragonwyck’s security, which this one’s subordinates have been able to breach, but it is not. One of Grendel’s forces nearly killed White Knight’s intended in their great hall; the guards who came to her rescue are now dead, having been turned to stone.

This was the note left on Alys’ throne, held in place by a dagger.

To the Pretty Alys,
Grendel beckons to Ye, Submit to His will
or suffer the wrath of what My minions can
do. It is all around Ye.

I have a task I must ask of you, which I hope shall be a labor of love and not something burdensome upon you. You know my sister well; she shall hasten to Dragonwyck, to handle this threat upon her kingdom. I fear if she does so; she shall be in grave danger. I already have encountered one of Grendel’s agents and had there not been capable users of magic with me, the outcome might have been quite different. I ask you to keep her hidden and safe until this danger passes.

On the morrow I shall leave seeking help for us all and if found, should be able to assist in meeting this threat.

Most sincerely,
Caera Anne



Placing my seal upon the missive, turn to Marie. “Find Robert and send him to the Prince, I wish to meet him and Lord Saliban in the Prince’s library. They are to send word once there.”

Then turning to the messenger, whom Marie had admitted to my chamber and handing him the missives along with my instructions. After discharging him, a surprised Marie stood beside a potted tree with a golden stake in it.

“M’Lady, the messenger said this tree has been delivered from Windstorm to you.”

Rising and walking over to the tree which Marie had placed on a small table. Looking it over carefully, picking it up searching for possible design on the pot. Finding none used the golden stake to root about in the soil, finally finding a oiled leather packet. Retrieving it from the pot and brushing the soil from it, I carry it over to the desk. Using my dagger cut the swollen leather ties on the packet and withdraw the missive.

Sitting down to read it.

[Caera Anne of Caernarfon]

Then turning to the messenger, whom Marie had admitted to my chamber and handing him the missives along with my instructions. After discharging him, a surprised Marie stood beside a potted tree with a golden stake in it.

“M’Lady, the messenger said this tree has been delivered from Windstorm to you.”

Rising and walking over to the tree which Marie had placed on a small table. Looking it over carefully, picking it up searching for possible design on the pot. Finding none used the golden stake to root about in the soil, finally finding a oiled leather packet. Retrieving it from the pot and brushing the soil from it, I carry it over to the desk. Using my dagger cut the swollen leather ties on the packet and withdraw the missive.

Sitting down to read it.

Sighs softly as I reach for another page of parchment, speaking my thoughts out loud. “It seems word of our harassment has reached far.” And knowing my dear friend would offer assistance, but realizing in accepting it, I might pull her personally and her kingdom into the same position that the rest of us are in. Dipping my quill I begin.



To Her Majesty, Queen Edfeil of Windstorm

My dear friend and sister,

Your letter speaks truth, there is turmoil, but mostly in threats directed at myself and now recently Alys. For me I worry not, but for Alys I do and must take this seriously.

There is a terrible evil force afoot in Shadow Strike, the land of our long time ally and friend. The menacing force is one called Grendel, whose forces have grown powerful and has been wreaking havoc in Shadow Strike. He now has sent his minions to Dragonwyck, turned guards in the great hall to stone and left a message for Alys, threatening her. I shall nae have Alys threatened. When this Grendel had sent threats to me, I had not taken them seriously and still do not, but I shall nae let him threaten my sister, especially after he nearly killed White Knight’s intended.

Word shall be reaching you both in Windstorm soon of a serious incident, which happened in Dragonwyck. I know well, your spies are as good as mine or better and will report it. Grendel has threatened Alys with serious harm and to punctuate his threat, this Grendel’s minion, turned guards in the great hall of Dragonwyck Castle to stone and exploded them. Word shall be reaching you both in Windstorm soon of a serious incident, which happened in Dragonwyck.

This one called Grendel has threatened Alys with serious harm and to punctuate his threat, this Grendel’s minion, turned guards in the great hall of Dragonwyck Castle to stone and exploded them. It is evident; Dragonwyck’s security has been breached. Had it only been Dragonwyck’s security, which this one’s subordinates have been able to breach, but it is not. One of Grendel’s forces nearly killed White Knight’s intended in their great hall; the guards who came to her rescue are now dead, having been turned to stone.

This was the note left on Alys’ throne, held in place by a dagger.

To the Pretty Alys,
Grendel beckons to Ye, Submit to His will
or suffer the wrath of what My minions can
do. It is all around Ye.

It is evident Dragonwyck’s security has been breached along with Shadow Strike’s since the attack happened in their great hall, also. I know not if there are spies in their midst or traitors, either way they have found access. The attack upon myself happened just in the village just outside of Dolbadarn Castle. There were those with me to defend me and to fend off the powerful magic of the mage who attacked.

This night I have written a letter to Lord Cailin asking he take Alys into hiding. He kept her safe before and I shall depend upon him again. With the keep at Shadow Strike and Dragonwyck Castle’s security breached, I do not wish to take a chance on Alys’ safety. The men, who Alys has placed in posts, shall continue on, so there should be no worry for it. I shall not ask you to protect her during this, for worry of bringing this problem to you and Windstorm.

Before this turns into war, I am going to seek assistance from someone quite capable of helping and leave on the morrow with my protector. I shall return as soon as I am able.

You have my deepest appreciation for the assistance you have offered, I am most grateful. Your friendship and your kingdom’s alliance are greatly treasured by Liam and myself. I shall send word when I am able.

In friendship,
Anne



(Reply posted on Caernarfon RP MB)

[Keiren]

He had saved her letter, keeping it in a small locked drawer of his desk, among other missives and papers he had further need of. On this, a morning so cold that the breath of anyone not close to a roaring fire, fogged in the air, he sat down, to reply, and to update, her Majesty, Edfeil of Windstorm.

Only the ink was frozen.

He grimaced at that, and feeling a bit like a school boy again, he took the ink well, a flat, largish book, a quill and a quill over to the hearth, and sat down there, to compose his letter. Once the ink had thawed, he wrote..

To her Majesty, the Lady of Windstorm, Edfeil,

My lady, greetings to you, upon this frosty morn. A deep freeze, and much snow have settled in over much of Enchantica as of these last few days, and even now, the city of Gryphon Woods lies under a blanket no less than three feet thick in the thinnest places. Despite the chill, we see it as something of a blessing, no armies, as you know, can invade through drifts, some ten feet tall, and worse. Our Empire is ringed with mountains, which now lay with impassibly deep snow. For now, then, reaching us, would prove a frosty venture to those so inclined to attack.

Another dip at the ink, proved it thinning nicely, and his script became a bit smoother from here on out.

I thank you for your gentle tidings of support, your last letter touched me greatly, and you have offered me a great amount of comfort. My wife, the Empress, continues to round out with child. If...and I do say if....there is need to evacuate, I should be pleased to know the Empress and my weaker, younger citizens, might find sanctuary within your castle.

As for now, we do but arm ourselves behind the walls of the fortress of Gryphon Woods, our Capitol. The walls bristle with pike men and anticipation, and we have had sufficient time to draw all our people into either here, or the Barony of Malkuar Fold, or to the holdings of the Prince and Princess Surion, on Aeren Isle. I feel safer, less worried now, knowing the more part of Enchantica sleeps behind high, thick walls at night.

And so, we wait for spring..and news of the threat of war. A war I fear, where duplicity will be called for. Sometimes one must keep one's enemies close.

We write you, during these dark days of winter, with happier news as well. Our Lady Niece, the Viscountess McCloud, a young and pretty widow, is seeking the choice blessings of marriage. And knowing of your sound taste and judgement, The Empress and I ask for your insight, and if there be any men of your realm, that might be suitably matched with the young Viscountess. Any ideas of ths, that you see fit to offer up and share, your Majesty, might further serve to help us in the task, of selecting someone to offer to the Viscountess companionship, devotion, and ties, perhaps, to a Kingdom that we see as an ally.


Written by his hand, this 25th day of First Month, year 3 AF,

Keiren of Enchantica


He sealed the letter, and because travel over land was impossibly slow and difficult as to prove simply impractical, he sent the letter by Roc Rider. The large eagle would carry it's elf from here, to Windstorm, and deliver the letter to the Queen with haste.

[Lady Edfeil]

((missed these. Will reply soon.))

[Keiren]

So it came down to this did it?

He sighed, rubbing his brow and the bridge of his nose. A headache was firmly settled in, thanks in part to one of the various princesses of Ulster. He didn't try to keep them seperated...they were all green eyed and not-unattractive, in a human sort of way, and so he simply chose to save himself the mental gymnastics of telling all of them apart, and called them 'Lady of Ulster' as a simplified means to an end.

But it had been one such Lady of Ulster, prattling incessantly during dinner, that had won his attention.

His complete and total attention.

For the pretty chit had news of Jessamine, and a lover. He was not aware Jess had a lover...and why was that? Because it would seem his niece was craftier than he gave credit for. She had hidden her paramour off, in Edfeil's realm. Well now. That would not do. The man responsible for dipping into THAT honey pot must be summoned,met with, and seen about. He was actually smiling. Jess.Hmm. Good job, lass. Adara might not agree, but Keiren was pleased.

And so a letter was sent to the realm of Windstorm, addressed to one Alexander Morgan, cordially inviting him to Enchantica, as a guest of the Emperor...

Sir Morgan,

Please attend us as soon as possible in Enchantica's capitol city of Gryphon Woods. It has come to our attention that we share a mutual friend, and we do look forward to meeting you.

In respect...


It was signed with the name Keiren of Enchantica, and sealed with the seal of the Empire.

[Keiren]

Let them have diplomacy.....

To the Lady Beren~

My lady, I have chosen to contact you, well aware that your liege lady is indisposed at this time, and having heard you would be answering any official correspondence for her during this period.

I write to you, with a message of great import, in the names of their Imperial Majesties, Keiren the I, and Adara of Enchantica. In the spirit of friendship, and of improving the relations between our realms, we would welcome one of your number in to the arms of our kingdom, to take up the mantle and residence of ambassador, strengthening our ties that we may go forth together, two nations under one banner of camaraderie and respect.

A small palace would of course be made available for such an ambassador, in the Capitol, and all respect and honor accordingly shown.

In service,

Yours,
Sir Adam Bond, Esq.

www.ecboards.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=ecrp&thread=527&page=1

[Lady Edfeil]

*the missive had been entrusted to a guard, who had been chosen for his long service and his discretion. But three people knew of his mission, the guard, the queen and Master Sergeant Gerben who had recommended his services both for his skills as a rider and for his unwavering loyalty*

To His Highness Prince Sighehelm of Kent, from the pen of Edfeil R of Windstorm


My Lord Sighehelm,

illness has long kept me to my chambers. But slowly health is returning to my body and I am able to be back in the halls of my castle and visit with people. I have.. missed you, Rock of Kent. I know none were allowed at my bedside when the fevers reigned. I am convinced it is but by the prayers of those who care for me that I was spared. Your prayers were there to hold me up, of this I am convinced.
Yet a year as passed and I have nae heard any more from Kent. I need to wed, my Rock and soon. I am willing to forgo more formal negotiations, trusting in the good will between Kent and Windstorm. Yet, if... *her hand had halted here, the ink having dried darkly into the velum* the story of the pebble and the rock needs to end here, if there is nae chance of an alliance between our houses as there is between our hearts, I can nae longer delay me duty to the crown. I must wed this year. I hope to hear of ye.

May there be blessings on ye, and on the house of Kent. And may ye always know of what lives within me, and that each day of me life I will have ye in me prayers.

Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma.
R.

[Keiren]

Dear Lady Edfeil,

I write to you, mid the depths of winter, in part for to wish you my thanks, for the wonderful time we Enchanticans did have during your festivities, and also to inquire as to simply, how you and yours all are. I have thought of you and Lady Beren and the others many times these last few weeks, and found myself wondering as to your state of health, and the overall happiness and wellbeing of those held dear to you, as well as how you personally, do fare. Of course, our tasks of realm and Crown are busy ones...perhaps so much so that you scarce stop to consider such questions, come from a far land as mine is.

But if ever you do, please know that you may also rest assured you have a friend, that thinks fondly of you, and wishes you well.

Yule this year was a tender one, the young Prince Heir enjoying the festive season greatly. He has learned to throw food, and shall make a fine spear thrower, for his aim is impeccable. Our Chatelaine, our lady niece Viscountess Waterbury, seems to not mind the young lads propensity for sending his meals flying with a squeal. I cannot say the same of the maids, however.

The weather is cold, and snow finds us oft, but it is, over all, a mild winter, and one where we voice no complaints. Thick enough, as they say, to keep raiders out, calm enough, to not have us all locked inside by the fire all day.

I do hope the same is said of your fair lands, Lady..and look forward to hearing from you, at your convenience.

In friendship and service,

Keiren Al'Thor

[Dream Loxley]

((Lovely to read of you and I sincerely hope Queen Edfeil may pass by very soon to find your letter. Be well and safe all of Enchantica.))

[Messenger from Greenleaf]

*A messenger arrived, dressed in the livery of Enchantica, carrying a missive that was passed along to the appropriate persons before taking his leave. The message read:*

To Her Majesty, Queen Edfiel:

A divorce has been issued for Emperor Keiren Al'Thor and Empress Adara Al'Thor. Tis but a note to make you aware of said situation.

Lady Nynaeve, Duchess of Greenleaf, loyal subject to the crown