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BattleMaster => Roleplaying => Topic started by: JeVondair on October 29, 2016, 09:42:29 PM
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair (5 hours, 27 minutes ago) [size=80%]Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (12 recipients)[/size]
The night was deepening as the Xerarch's entourage was rushed through the city's western gate. Despite the lateness of the hour, the air rang with the sounds of work in preparation for the celebration Margrave Eoin had ordered to commemorate the peace with Perdan and the subsequent wedding announcement.
All the noise served nicely to muffle Selenia's sudden cries as her child made it's impatience to be born known, as though it too desired to attend the festivities. She was in labor...
...and struggling.
The Xerarch's physicians had forced her to accept a carriage, much to her chagrin, during this final phase of her pregnancy. It thundered down the cobblestone streets, comfort sacrificed for haste. In it's wake, knights of Xavax swept behind and spread out before, loudly clearing a path. The ride was jarring. Selenia's world narrowed down to herself, quietly humming to her child to please be patient. So focused was she that she hardly knew who was around her at the time, and barely registered when the carriage finally halted in the Palace courtyard.
Knights dismounted, some running ahead to prepare the way while others stood guard. The door to the carriage was opened and her physicians were gently guiding her towards the door when a particularly strong contraction doubled her over and her water broke. She would have fallen from the carriage had strong arms not caught her and swept her up. More hands joined, her loyal knights, carrying her to the Eerie as she cried out in pain. The spoke words of comfort, strength, and encouragement to their Xerarch as they started the long journey to the Royal Apartments in the Eerie...the tallest spire in all of Greater Xavax...
It was going to be a long night.
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (1 day, 8 hours ago)[size=80%]message to all nobles of Greater Xavax[/size]
Gia had stayed in Xavax after her refitting to be on hand for the birth. It was Gia who cleared the pathway for the carriage and Gia was one of the first to catch and hold the Xerarch on her feet when her water broke. Gia held Seleina's hand during the climb to her rooms. It was all she could really do. Gia didn't fear births, but she had no skill for it either. Her training had been concentrated in the arts of war. Not of bringing life into the world. She was confined to emotional and physical support. Urging the Xerarch on.
Once the Xerarch was safely enclosed in her apartments with her various nurse staff, midwives and nobles with more experience at births. Gia withdrew to the outside door. She was never out of ear shot and if there were not a swirl of activity inside from her position she could have seen the Xerarch. She figured as she had little skills to offer in the business at hand she could make herself useful in another way. Gia brought with her Lupa and Lupa's 8 pups. The Pups were now some weeks old. Lupa always seemed to understand exactly what was going in the human world. The big dire wolf planted herself next to Gia as she stood guard outside the door. All who came and went had to pass a gauntlet of fur and teeth and steel. The pups although still young were larger then one would expect and at least for now seemed to share their mother's innate understanding of human affairs.
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Roleplay from Cadewyn Thunderborn (1 day, 11 hours ago)[size=80%]message to all nobles of Greater Xavax[/size]
Cadewyn was on the road waiting for the Xerarch to arrive. Her esteemed physicians would take lead of course but she was there. She whispered words of peace and strength. She helped carry, her strong back taking on the weight with pride. She knew the climb to to the top would only be the beginning. And yet she was energized, ready to do anything that was needed.
Other women, who had grown up as highborn ladies may not have been so steady, calm, and quietly joyful. But Cadewyn had helped, as all the neighborhood girls did, with births. Birthing was their job, one they trained for, and like those of her birth station she had witnessed many. Some were easy, others were not. But calm, steady nerves and serene patience was what was needed. And Cadewyn always strove to be useful
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Roleplay from Tharan van Belhanka (1 day, 11 hours ago)[size=80%]message to all nobles of Greater Xavax[/size]
Xavax, Location Nursery.
Many nobles were standing around The Xerarchs bed.
The Xerarch was sitting on the bed, her big belly showed that the unborn baby was growing.
A servant offered some wine but the Xerarch declined and took some water instead.
The baby immediately became very active ... you could see it kicking.
Nurse : ............ very active baby, it is kicking a lot.
Tharan : ......... is that normal ?
Nurse : ............ as far as I know yes, but this is very active and look..... with some fantasy, you can even detect a pattern in the kicking
Head-Nurse : ......... mmmmhhh.. more like a kind of Morse-code
Nurse : ............ indeed ... its like "dot dot dot pieeeeep pieeeeep pieeeeep dot dot dot"
Tharan : ......... What does that mean ? Anyone in the room .... what does that mean ???
Head-Nurse : .......... Eeuuuhhh..... someting like "alarm" I thought .....
That had been the moment Tharan woke up in his own bed, at Camp Cornelius, his body shaking from cold and all covered with sweat .....
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair (1 day, 11 hours ago)
(Personal message to Lyanna Perry)
A servant bearing the Phoenix Mark of the Xearch finds you and tells you that you are to be given the honor of attending the birth of the Xerarch's child.
You are instructed to make for the Eeyrie immediately with all of your prayers and invocations
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (11 recipients)
The birthing was not going well.
Selenia labored through the night and unto dawn without success. Servants streamed to and from the Royal Suite with hot water, towels, anything the physicians requested. Some left with tears in their eyes and buries on their hands and forearms as the Xerarchs gasping struggles, audible even through the doors, kept her knights pacing. Gia, with her wolves, never left her self-appointed place as guardian on the door that separated the Royal Apartment's foyer from the private inner chambers. Lupa growled and anyone who tarried too long at the threshold and the servants were far too fearful to request the beasts removal without a Royal order. Worse than the wolf, however, was Champion Kin who prowled avidly, the deadly warrior woman fiercely seeking out any potential threats to the Xerarch in this, Selenia's most vulnerable time.
As Gia and Kin stood sentinel, more of the Xerarch's Favored arrived to lend their support. Lords Uthred and Roose, Selenia's oldest Lieutenants and friends, had arrived. What drew eyes,however, were two younger knights, Dames Cadewyn and Lyanna, who proffered the Xerarchs invitation when questioned as to what they were doing in the Eerie.
At dawn, as Margrave Eoin's festival bells rang out over the Imperium's Capital, the exhausted Chief Physician exited from the private chambers, passed Gia, and fell upon a tray of refreshments that had been arrayed for the Birthing's attendants. Knight's surrounded him, peppering him with questions. Through mouthfuls, he explained that Selenia was struggling mightily. Simply put, a lifetime of hardship and training had left her muscles as unyielding as iron. The child might not have the strength to pass. Worse, Selenia herself was twice as old as she should be for delivering a babe. On top of that, Selenia was...neither a gentle nor compliant patient. She wasn't a very patient patient either, for that matter...He chose, wisely, not to expand on that point in front of the Xerarchs chiefest servants, but he did follow up an admit that It was a question for the gods as to which one, child or mother, would loose the will to fight first.
He did not know what else to do but to wait.
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Roleplay from Cadewyn Thunderborn (6 minutes ago)[size=80%]Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (11 recipients)[/size]
Cadewyn had followed the Chief Physician out and approached softly. "Excuse me sir, but... " she lowered her voice and hesitantly spoke. "Have you... considered taking the babe out... directly? I've... seen it done. It is risky but with the Xerarch, her attendants and health... it might not be a folly to consider it. Healing from such a thing requires strong muscles. And as much as a will to fight is needed in a birth, such a fight of wills... could be devastating... to them both."
So far she had kept herself quiet. A pair of hands to be used when needed. She felt so awkward but when asked she firmly repeated her own right to be here upon the Xerarch's word. This was the first time she had done anything direct, to insert herself into the proceedings. She hoped she had not misspoke.
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (just in)[size=80%]message to all nobles of Greater Xavax[/size]
Gia had not moved from her spot beside the door whan the Chief Physician emerged. But he had her full attention. Upon hearing Cadewyn's soft voice and seeing his scowl Gia spoke before he could " Let Cadewyn see the Xerarch" Lupa stood up, as always seemingly to know what was going on. Maybe she could read the slight shift in Gia's shoulders...... the Chief Physician turned on her glaring he opened his mouth to protest. But Gia snapped " Let her see the Xerarch! Selenia should know what ALL her options are. Let her decide what is to be done" Lupa growled low in her chest and the Physician closed his mouth..... Gia beckoned Cadewyn forward while looking to Kin for her assent.... Lupa stopped growling and the pups moved toward Cadewyn with wagging tails and cold noses.
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (12 recipients)
"Look," the physician said in answer after he drained a small tankard of water, droplets dribbling down his winter beard, "I know the method of which you speak. Hell, I've performed it. At best, you are lucky to save the life of the child, much less the mother. And with all do respect, miladies, I'll not go down as the man who killed the Xerarch of Greater Xavax. No way. I do not care how much your pet growls."
He swung his gaze to Cadewyn. "And the Xerarch's been up all night fighting. I worked for hours to help that woman find some small measure of peace in sleep. She needs to recover her strength, no matter what we do. So I'll be doubly damned if I'm going to let you swan on in there and wake her up. No chance. No chance of that at all.
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Roleplay from Lyanna Perry (just in)
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (12 recipients)
Upon seeing Cadewyn speaking to the physician Lannan moved closer to hear what was being said.
'Lord Cadewyn I have been in prayer and I believe The Healer can help the Queen. She has in her possession a magical item with healing properties. This is what The Healer has shown me... there is a faint glow about her. I know not what the item is, but I can sense it's presence. You need to find out what it is.'
She bowed her head and began mumbling what sounded like more prayers
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Roleplay from Cadewyn Thunderborn (33 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (14 recipients)
Gia speaking emboldened Cadewyn. "Have you not marked how long this pregnancy has been? Have you no thought to who, or more importantly, what the father is? I care not his name, but only speak of such to point out to you that perhaps the Xerarch could shed light on the best thing to do here. This baby is special, not just because of who the mother is, but the manner in which it was brought about..." Cadewyn stopped and blushed. "She did disappear after my song..." She mumbled to herself.
Lyanna mentioning The Healer made her blush deepen. Soldiers were a superstitious lot and often there were no ungodly on the battle field. She felt the same in praying with Lyanna. If it meant keeping the Xerarch and the babe whole and healthy Cadewyn would have sacrificed her own self for it. But the mention of a glow and the hope that the Xerarch might just have one more lesson to teach them in planning made Cadewyn press harder.
"Let me see her. I can soothe her back to sleep quicker than you can anyways. She has always liked my voice. But Lady Gia is right. You make choices for her, when we all know that even now, she would choose for herself, and her babe."
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (14 recipients)
The Physician squinted up at Cadewyn through his spectacles. "Young Lady," he began "I don't know what you're talking about, all this rubbish about singing and what not won't help the baby come any faster and I'll be thrice damned if I have to tell the Xerarch that her rest was disturbed because one of her Ladies-in-waiting wanted to sing to her."
Moving his head to look over her shoulder, he addressed Lyanna who had wandered off to mumble prayers to herself. "I've been a medicine man since before the lot of you were born and I'VE never heard of this "Healer" that one speaks of. So I'll be quadruple damned before I risk my head for that nonsense. But I've seen magic before...it could work IF she's right, and I'll take that over a song any day. Dame...?"
"Lyanna," Cadewyn supplied helpfully, a spark of hope in her eyes.
"Dame Lyanna," the physician continued. "Like I said, I won't stick my neck out. Not unless you convince these other Knights of your "Healer" That way, if you're wrong, the blame falls squarely on you all. NOT me.
Huffing, the physician crossed his bony arms. Clearly adamant.
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Roleplay from Kanchelsis (7 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (15 recipients)
A tall, heavily armored soldier approached the guards protecting the gates of the Eyrie during this delicate time. Stopping before them, he tosses his hood back from a strangely familiar and handsome face framed by close cut black hair, then passes the elder of the two a small box. "A gift for the mother and her babe," he says, winking a bright blue eye, before turning on his heel and quickly disappearing into the nearby crowd.
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Roleplay from Kin Hyral (just in)
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (15 recipients)
If death finds you in some place where I cannot beat it senseless first - She really did have a knack for saying the most inauspicious things. But it would be a cold day in hell before "some place" was the next room.
"If you let the Xerarch die while you try to avoid the blame you are going to experience how damned you are," Kin growled at the physician. "You or you," she pointed at Lyanna and Cadewyn, not caring how rude she was being "Tell me more about this Healer, and be quick." She looked between the two dames and felt compelled to add, "Sound confident about it. Either you believe or you don't. It will work or it won't. And if it won't I am going to go in there and cut the child out myself, because one of them is going to live."
She flicked a glance at Gia, whose steady presence she had appreciated these past hours. Then down to Lupa. Wolf was the enemy of man, but man was not in need right now. "Send the wolf in," she said, gesturing over her shoulder at Selenia's room. "They are strong mothers."
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Roleplay from Lyanna Perry (1 hour, 47 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (15 recipients)
Turning to look at Kin, Lyanna addressed her...
"Lady Kin, The Healer is but one of the 9 aspects or avatars of War, residing in the Golden Hall. They will each affect us in their own way and if we are worthy we will spend eternity feasting in the Golden Hall upon our deaths. Through their guidance I was able to see that there is an item of healing magic upon the Queen's person. Most likely it is a scroll of some sort. They are quite rare and quite powerful. Use it, rather than cutting her open like some mare in the stables..."
She let the last part trail off as she realized it may not have been the best tone to take in the current circumstances.
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (31 minutes ago)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
As the hooded figure of Kanchelsis approached the Eyrie Gates Gia momentarily shifted her focus to him...... silently watching. As he spoke she flicked her eyes to Cadewyn and caught her gaze ..... directing Cadewyn's attention to him. Gia's expression clearly indicated she thought him.......... suspicious.....
She was listening to Kin, who seemed to feel exactly as Gia did. When Kin spoke about Lupa Gia turned her full attention back to the discussion at hand. She greeted Kin's gaze with a nod and faint smile. Looking down at Lupa she made a little whistle and nodded toward Selenia's darkened sleeping chamber. Lupa melted into the shadows except for when she curled up protectively by Selenia. She turned and her eyes glowed in the dark for a moment. Surely several attendants shivered at the site. "sure glad your on our side" Gia mumbled ...... Then she looked back to the others.
"if there is a scroll and it will solve the issue of damage to either mother or child..... we should hear more of it .... and when she's rested Selenia should too"
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
The Physician looked around, arms still crossed as he huffed.
"So that's it then?" He scolded "Your just going to let this...this hedge knight root around in the Xerarchs personal effects because she told you some kind of god spoke to her? None of you are going to challenge that any further?"
He looked around, waiting to see if someone, anyone of these nobles would take his side and deliver him from this unfounded, manic talk.
None did.
"Bah!" he said explosively. "Fine, do as you please. Its not like I can stop you. But I'll have no part in the blame if you're wrong!" He sat down then, enacting an air of finality as he watched to see if Dame Lyanna was serious enough to cross the threshold into the inner chamber where the Xerarch rested and Gia's she-wolf stood guard...
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[size=80%]Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (13 minutes ago)[/size]
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
Gia's clenched her jaw. It gave her face a very hard appearance.
"What could it hurt? What damage could it do? It can't possibly make matters worse now can it? Selenia has struggled mightily and the odds of either surviving are already not good " Gia glanced at Kin. "Kin will you escort Lyanna? To guard against the unlikely event of theft" Gia glared at the Physician as she spat the last word out. Clearly displaying her displeasure at the implication.
"tell you what..... if the Xerarch survives and is displeased with our efforts here to save her and the child I shall bear the brunt of her wrath, But not allowing Lyanna to try her madness now when we are out of options that involve both surviving is more dangerous then Lyanna's madness........ if that's what it is......"
Gia glanced over her shoulder at Selenia's darkened chamber ....... it was reassuring to see Lupa thump her tail. The Xerarch still lived. She turned back to the room.
"as it stands we lose one or both ......most likely both, so let us try EVERYTHING.......before we admit defeat."
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Roleplay from Cadewyn Thunderborn (just in)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
"Come on Lyanna!" Cadewyn grabbed at the fellow knights hand and hurried towards the room. "No time to waste! We must hurry! I shall gently wake her while you see if the glow is in the room. Mayhap we can find the item and prove your awareness of such things is valid."
Cadewyn gave the physician a pitying look. It wasn't his fault she knew. He was a man who had years of the world telling him how things were and most of the time the world looked like that. But not always and sometimes it took knowing when to shift your eyes to see how the world had tilted for a moment. This was one such and knew everyone was caught off balance.
But hope was bright in her breast for Lyanna being correct. And so she hurried to the Xerarch. She gave the great wolf a friend smile. "Thank you fine beast. Now we must gently bring her up from her sleep."
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
Dire-wolves, as Gia had often noted, were uncannily intelligent. Lupa in particular seemed always to have some inclination of what was going on in the human world. So when Caedwyn said she needed help to awaken the Xerarch, Lupa rose from the floor as though in understanding...
And started howling loud enough to wake the dead.
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (just in)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
Gia walked over next to Lupa. The large wolf was (to her own mind) singing a song of encouragment and healing. Her tail thumping on the flagstones of the chamber floor. It didnt take more than an eye blink for the pups to join in. After several 'stanzas' Gia reached out to pat the beast. 'That'll do Lupa, if that doesnt wake her we are in more trouble then we realize'. Lupa glanced up at Gia and moved over to Selenia's bed. Her cold nose bumping Selenias form.
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
The howl of a wolf can be heard from a distance of over 6 miles.
Direwolves, some as large as small horses, range over much larger territories, detectable from a long range away.
And apparently there was the full grown mother plus all of her pups howling in the enclosed space of the Eerie...
Selenia, exhausted, woke with a start, knife in hand and disoriented, delirious look, curling protectively over her stomach with no clear idea of what was happening. No one would ever figure out where the weapon had come from, or how it seemed to simply appear in her hand, but Selenia held it point out, eyes still blinded by sleep. Her expression was calm, as it usually was, but she was hyperventilating, panicking...
The tip of the blade pointed this way and that with lightning speed every time she picked out a new sound. She rubbed her eyes, trying desperately to clear her vision and protect her baby. It's common knowledge that Selenia fought her way into the nobility, hunting undead and monsters...like direwolves. She must be reliving the trauma of a particularly bad hunt.
One where she'd ended up being the one that was hunted...
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Roleplay from Cadewyn Thunderborn (just in)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
Cadewyn winced at the howling. She spoke softly as the howling quieted. "Xerarch. It is alright. You are safe, the babe is safe. My lady... it is Cadewyn. Please see us, see you are safe. Selenia... come back to us."
Cadewyn was soft, quiet, and almost singing as she whispered to the Xerarch, wanting to calm and soothe the panicking woman she most admired.
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (24 minutes ago)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
Gia, froze. Cadewyn's gentle approach seemed to not be having a swift enough effect in this tense and dangerous moment. Lupa was startled by the Xerarch's sudden violence. The big wolf scuttled back. Selenia sensed the movement and the knife flashed in the dark.
"Selenia JeVondair! You are surrounded by friends! Do not attack!" Gia roared the command as if to her unit. Her voice brooked no room for disobedience. It shocked even Gia to hear herself sound so. Esp to the Xerarch. But at the sound of her full name Selenia halted her lunge at Lupa. Gia squatted down so Selenia could see her face ..... praying the Xerarch did not take a slash at her. "Do not attack" Gia repeated much more softly "we are your friends and here to help lady, clear your eyes and see us"
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
Before Selenia could register and respond to Gia's voice of command, her unborn child made it's displeasure fealt at its mothers unbidden movement. Selenia doubled over, still gripping the knife as her labors began anew, her attention almost completely consumed by the life within her that was struggling to be born.
Her gasps, following the shouts and howling, drew the others into the room along with Cadewyn, Lyanna, Gia and her...pets...
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (15 minutes ago)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
Gia slowly reached out toward the knife..... gently touching the back of Selenia's hand. "give me the knife" Gia said softly
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
Selenia twirled the blade around in her hand, displaying prodigal dexterity as she used the flat of the blade to slap Gia's hand away.
"Just what in blazes-"She began, sounding more like her usual self as she took in all the faces, and muzzles, in the room "-are all of you doing here? Can't a woman deliver in peace?-AAGH"
A strong contraction pulled the sting from her words as she reclined against her pillows and focused on her breathing.
No one saw where the knife went...
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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (6 minutes ago)
message to all nobles of Greater Xavax
"Xerarch" Gia said ..... rubbing the back of her hand, relieved Selenia didn't miss and that she was coming back to herself. "In light of your ......struggle...... and our worry for you ..... we have been willing to entertain........unorthodox idea's......Lyanna has an idea" ......... Gia began to explain the situation.....
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
Selenia's cheeks puffed as her brow reddened, her struggles causing the lines of her muscles to stand in stark relief against her nightgown.
"Ahhhgggg-then bloody well GET ON WITH IT! Whaterver it i-aaarggh!"
....she said eloquently.
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Roleplay from Lyanna Perry (45 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in the region Xavax (17 recipients)
Lyanna oblivious to everyone and everything around her finished praying. Looks up and sees the knife...
"Put that away you fools! The scroll! Use the scroll!" She puses people back and begins searching about the Queens person. Upon finding it she opens it for the Queen and begins coaching her...
"Your Grace, you must read this scroll. I recognize it! It is the fountain of youth! Quickly now, your Grace!"
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You carefully work the ritual inscribed on your scroll of Fountain of Youth.
But for all your work and care, you can not control the magic. The energy fizzles and fades, but when your eyes clear, you see that the scroll is still in your hand. You will have another chance to try.
You carefully work the ritual inscribed on your scroll of Fountain of Youth.
But for all your work and care, you can not control the magic. The energy fizzles and fades, but when your eyes clear, you see that the scroll is still in your hand. You will have another chance to try.
You carefully work the ritual inscribed on your scroll of Fountain of Youth.
The magic from the scroll is set free. It remains in the air for a while, then puffs away. You are certain that it has been effective, and you feel pleased.
You have improved your spellcasting skill.
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Magic in the Air (just in)
The ravens croak and the sky darkens for a moment. Someone has failed in an act of magic nearby.
Magic in the Air (just in)
The ravens croak and the sky darkens for a moment. Someone has failed in an act of magic nearby.
Magic in the Air (just in)
The ravens fly and the sky is changed. Someone has cast a magic spell in the vicinity.
Magical Healing (just in)
You suddenly feel an unknown force entering your body, and giving you new energy. You feel strangely refreshed.
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Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair
all nobles of Greater Xavax
Selenia was in too much pain to question how Lyanna knew of the magical scroll's existence, much less where to find it. The pain of her child wanting to be born was to great. Lyanna undid the scroll and thrust it into the Xerarch's blurred vision, coaching Selenia through the mystic runes inscribed therein.
Twice Selenia failed, the Fountain of Youth spell nearing completion only to fizzle out when Selenia cried and gasped with the contractions of childbirth. On the third try, however, she managed it. Words of Power spilled from her lips onto the page of the scroll, igniting the runes there with warm, burning light. The power spread, consuming the scroll in a fire that did not burn. For a moment, s small, whirrling sun blazed in front of Selenia. Then it slowly moved toward her, into her, causing her pale skin to glow with an inner fire. Runes appeared upon her flesh, dancing in swift chains, wrapping the Xerarch until the whole of her body was alive with writhing runes of sun-gold power.
And then, before the eyes of all assembled, the Xerarch grew younger.
Selenia was 50 years old. She earned every wrinkle, every scar, ever white hair lost amid the golden tresses that remained to her. But as the light receded, these marks of time evaporated. Her eyes grew brighter, her color deepened, her skin grew supple and flush with the mystical power of life itself. Five, Ten, Twenty years melted from her before their very eyes until only Lord Uthred Mormont, Selenia's oldest friend and servant, recognized her, recalling the blonde firebrand that had summoned him to war and Empire in Beluaterra. For a shining moment, everything in the Eerie was bathed in the Xerarchs glow. Stillness radiated, affecting even the wolves. But when the last of the runes that had suffused her skin had at last dimmed to nothing over her belly, Selenia labors began anew. Thankfully, unlike before, the ordeal was made far simpler. What was difficult for an older woman was far less a problem to the body of a 30 year-old.
Cadewyn dabbed sweat from the Xerarch's brow as Gia held her hand, unyielding as Selenia went through her pains and seemingly awestruck but the display of power. Above them all, Champion Kin stood, an approving look on her face as Lyanna herself delivered the Firstborn child of the ruler of the Imperium of Greater Xavax. A tiny, beautiful squalling filled the air and Gia's wolves yipped in greeting. Selenia's ladies-in-waiting moved to their tasks. Gia cut the cord and stitched efficiently as Lyanna washed the babe, murmuring words the Xerarch could not hear before handing the child to Champion Kin who had protected its mother for so many years. All of them marked that the child was born with a full head of hair. And there was something off about the ears...
"A son." Kin declared, "What shall you call him?" she as gently placed the babe into an exhausted Selenia arms. Just before they touched, a bolt of sun-gold power leapt between mother and son, moving just like the scroll runes did, but so blindingly fast that none could tell if it had linked from son to mother or mother to son. Selenia, hesitating just enough to make sure of their safety, reached out and took her son from Kin, cradling the babe she'd carried in her womb for more than a year. Ever since the Feast of the Black Swan...
Everyone shuffled closer to greet the little prince. Gia kept the curious direwolves from getting too close for now, but When Uthred and Kin came closest, Selenia spoke again. "I name you two as godparents of my first child" she did not take her eyes off the the babe for an instant. She knew she'd get no argument from these two for burdening them with yet another responsibility.
"What shall you call him?" Kim repeated softly.
"Högni." Selenia breathed, marveling at the sheer wonder of her baby boy. "I name him Högni Peredhel...my starlight, my little miracle."
Högni gurgled, smiling up at his mother and her many odd friends.