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Welcome to the world of Fortuna, a land of fantastic proportions. This is an original fantasy roleplay that takes place in a world developed over nearly a decade of work and collaboration. We aim to encourage all participants to have a hand in the stories of the characters here, and the world around them. Your choices are key - so make them with pride. You decide who wins the wars, you decide who becomes King, the world is ours, and together we will bring it to life!
Post by Pelagia Xista on Dec 14, 2016 19:52:44 GMT -7
Mid-Afternoon on the 13th The Scales of Judgment, 5152 Eersaeb
Today was a very important day. Pelagia would not, of course, consider it to be the most important by any stretch; there had been a number of more notable occasions in her life this far. But today's events would still mean quite a great deal. Today, Pelagia had a meeting with Lord Markus Woodrow. An arrogant, short-sighted blowhard who was too bent on his own ignorant world view for his own good. But, he was also a very famous man with lots of love from the public, and his moral stance in global matters was one that often caught people's attention.
Pelagia had recently signed a Peace Treaty between her nation and the nations of Atton, Niseca, and Vieri, creating a new united force for peace in Atton. It was all very disgusting. But, it was a move that, like many moves Pelagia made, was necessary to ensuring the fruition of her ultimate goal. Peace in Atton would get the world on Aurcaele's side, and Pelagia's bold move for peace in the face of a cruel monarch was exactly the tip she needed in Aurcaele's public opinion of her.
Ah yes, and that was one of the little tricks in the plan; painting up Queen Fabelle as the monster. Queen Gweneth did not even know yet that a Peace Treaty had been signed. No one did, outside of those who signed it. The information was to be kept under wraps for the time being, with Pelagia ordering a ceasefire from her troops in the meantime. No, Pelagia planned on breaking this news worldwide before it ever reached the Queen. This would allow the story to proliferate without giving the Queen a chance to prepare one of her perfect little stories to excuse the accusations Pelagia was going to level at her.
Which is why she was here, outside Lord Woodrow's estate, adorned in her finest gown that did everything to show off her graceful, noble figure, and not the cut of muscle that lay beneath. She had arrived by carriage, an ornate thing of white and gold that put the shoddy things on the streets of this dump to shame. Pelagia would never understand the appeal of Eersaeb's aesthetic. Nor the appeal of the salty air. The sea in general was not to her taste.
Guards had alerted Lord Woodrow to her presence, and she waited patiently in her carriage until a messenger came back to tell her that the Lord would see her now.
It had certainly taken long enough.
She was escorted through the manor with her own detail of guards following her, until she arrived at Woodrow's office, where the guards for both sides were instructed by the lone messenger to wait outside. Pelagia was escorted into the office alone, and she took a seat in the comfortable arm chair across from Woodrow's desk. At least the man could decorate decently.
She was told that Woodrow would be with her shortly.
She didn't know at the time that she'd be kept waiting for at least another half hour.
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 14, 2016 20:10:12 GMT -7
It wasn't only the fact that Woodrow despised Pelagia Xista that had him keep her waiting. No, he had real reasons to leave their meeting to so late. Many of them, in fact.
Tehodis was dying. Not in the exaggerated sense of someone with an illness or injury. She would die if she didn't get the treatment she needed. Woodrow had quite wanted to take her himself, wanted to ensure that she was saved, wanted to redeem himself in her eyes and have her swoon for him once more... But she had refused him. When she woke up to her arm being removed, when he didn't stop it soon enough to save it, she blamed him. It didn't matter that he had told the doctor not to do it, she still blamed him. Sure, it was his fault she was sick in the first place, but he had only been trying to help. When he had gone to Vincent's to complain - waking his friend from sleep - he had been reminded of his meeting with Pelagia Xista the next day, and that he certainly couldn't go anyways. He had broken a few things then. He'd pay for them, of course, but he was angry.
He had gone to the magic shop next. Had officers from the SSPB break the door down and find the wizard sleeping in the basement of it. He was told that if he ever closed his shop again, he would be arrested. What for, Woodrow would come up with something as needed. But that shop would not close again. Tehodis would never be without magic again.
By the time he had returned home, the sun was already rising. Tehodis was on her way to Niseca with that thieving moonborn, and Woodrow was left to wallow in regret. He went to work. His eyes were puffed from a lack of sleep. And that's why he had been forty minutes late to the meeting.
But he had been an additional thirty minutes late because he hated Pelagia Xista. He couldn't believe that today of all days, he had to meet with someone so disgustingly vile. Eventually, he decided she'd waited in his office long enough, and entered. He offered her meaningless platitudes and was careful not to take off his hat - the one with the Couatl feather, that he wore only to annoy her - until she had seen it.
"My apologies for the tardiness, Pelagia. I've had quite the day," He shed the hat, placing it on it's usual hook, and then his coat. Finally, he took a seat and Pelagia was likely to see how run down the man looked. Still he tried to play it off, "I'm sure you must understand my surprise that Feofil Peti, of all people, would request I meet with you. I respect him enough to accept the request, but I have to wonder what tapestries you've been weaving of late."
Post by Pelagia Xista on Dec 14, 2016 20:43:27 GMT -7
When he finally had the nerve to show his late, late, late face, he was wearing that hat. The hat adorned with a feather of the Couatl, a heavenly beast far more respectable than the imbecile sitting before her. How he had come across it, she would love to know. If she could ever prove that he had poached it, she would be more than happy to send the Gold Leafs after him; it was, after all, an international offense.
She didn't let any of her displeasure show on her face, though, not from how long she'd waited, not from the presence of that feather, and certainly not from having to talk to this damnable man at all. Although she found she believed him when he said he had had 'quite the day'. The man was oddly disheveled, considering whom she was dealing with, and looked tired. Well, that would just make this easier, wouldn't it?
"It's no trouble at all. Patience is, after all, a virtue," she replied with a simple nod and a pleasant smile. "And I can certainly imagine that Feofil's news would strike you as surprising. I find, more and more often of late, that many people seem to have a mistaken impression of me. I would, in fact, dare to count you among those people."
Pelagia knew as well as she was sure Woodrow did that people were perfectly right to fear her. But the key to relishing in that was to never acknowledge it where someone could see or hear you. Her smile at Woodrow was disarming, conveying the idea that she knew he held a negative opinion of her, but was saintly enough to forgive him for such a "misconception".
"I'll get right to the heart of the matter, Markus; Aurcaele has persisted in this war in Atton on behest of my Queen, Gweneth Fabelle. Even after I reported to her the news of intelligent natives that called the land home, she would not heed my advice to call off the attack, and even began enforcing a policy of eliminating the natives on sight. I'm sure by now you must be at least somewhat aware of them, even if the world on the whole is not; it's quite troubling the way news sources refuse to cover them, and those that do paint them up as savages for the citizens to fear."
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 19, 2016 8:14:32 GMT -7
She was so constructed. It annoyed Markus. Every word she said seemed carefully chosen - specifically chosen. She was trying very hard to win his favour, but such a thing would be difficult for her with him. After all, he viewed her plainly as a psychopathic murderer. Such monsters could never gain the respect he'd offer to even the lowest of humans. To even that stupid moonborn the night before. Or that stupid doctor he'd wanted to hang for his actions. He rubbed his eyes and pulled forth a quill and parchment to take notes for Vincent.
"Yes, I've been quite concerned with the news that some of my sources have been passing along. I'm afraid the Sultan is acting just as your Queen," His tired eyes narrowed as he considered her motives, as he considered if she truly cared about the natives. He knew she didn't. This was a game like any other to her. "I've been attempting to convince him to treaty with Feofil and Erik, but... It seems that either he, or his damnable adviser has something other purpose in this war." Most of it was untrue, actually. He didn't know it, but his actions were aligned with Pelagia's. He knew that there were intelligent natives, it hadn't surprised him when Feofil told him. But... He had kept the information from the Raphael and Kellen. He wanted the right moment to reveal the news, to act as though they had simply refused. To see the public decry them.
He realized now that perhaps this was where Pelagia's plans lay, too.
"So... You wish to break away from your Queen's wishes," He smiled as he played her game, "Make a treaty with Feofil and Erik. Garner my support. Announce to the world. And then-- what? Watch as your Queen becomes unpopular, and you become the favoured child of Aurcaele? Don't be coy, Xista." He knew the plan, because it was his plan. He would rather prefer not to be aligned with Pelagia's motives, but he supposed that she was still smart - even if she was evil. "Seems like a large benefit for you. What would you offer me, to aid in your quest of defamation?"
Post by Pelagia Xista on Dec 19, 2016 13:48:28 GMT -7
Pelagia's smile had not faltered when Woodrow guessed at her intentions for this meeting; she was torn between being annoyed at the man's intelligence and being amused at how familiar he seemed to be with the tactic. In fact, his description of exactly how she intended to do what she would do, in combination with what he said about the Sultan, made Pelagia think that Markus Woodrow may have been much more familiar with her line of thought than she might have initially guessed. That was good. That meant there was much more potential benefit to him for this arrangement if he went forward.
"Now Markus," she said, a chiding tone in her voice even as her eyes held a knowing glint she was sure to show him. "My only wish in breaking the news to the world of my treaty with the peacekeepers is merely in hoping my Queen shall reign her hand. To force her to acknowledge the natives and stand for a public policy of protecting them, as is the right thing to do. I'm sure you understand how important that is, given your own situation. It is the job of people like us to ensure the lesser privileged are not trodden upon by the royals. What else could we desire?"
It was the perfect little summary of this facade, and she knew he could see through it plain as day. But she also knew that should anyone be listening, no one could accuse her or Woodrow of a thing with words like that. Especially not Woodrow himself, if he desired a double cross. He probably knew full well the amount of approval she'd gain in her country over her queen if this went forward, and likewise, she knew very well how this situation could favor Woodrow in the same vein. The two of them were already dearly beloved by the people of their country. An extra little... push, and the citizenry would be inclined to love them even moreso than their monarchs.
But Markus had one advantage; he was more loved, and already had a pristine reputation with the world. He could pull off a usurper's role much more easily just on his own merits. Pelagia, however, needed the support of people like him and Feofil to lend credibility to her cause, due to her less-than-perfect public visage.
She folded her hands delicately. "I have, in fact, already signed the peace treaty. As far as my army is concerned, we are no longer at war with the peacekeepers, and we have already taken steps to offer our aid and recovery to the Attonian Natives. I have even been offering my healers to their wounded. Feofil and I intended to break the news on the first of the Winter Storm, and we will do so with or without your assistance, Markus. But having your voice alongside of ours when we do so will give the movement greater strength, and will call more people to disavowing the actions of the monarchs who have allowed such injustices to persist.
"I am here only to ask you to join your voice with ours, to condemn the actions of monarchs. Given what you've told me of your own ruler, I would imagine this would be the perfect opportunity for you to come forward with that information as well. With our efforts unified, we could change the tide of this war overnight. I would think the arrangement is mutually beneficial."
It wouldn't be enough, though, not for this man. Pelagia allowed herself to relax in her seat somewhat, unfolding her hands and instead placing a finger to her chin thoughtfully. Her eyes had not left Woodrow the entire time, and her expression was one that seemed to read his every move and action quite accurately. It was a very practiced look for a very practiced woman.
"But, I suppose it is worth mentioning that your aid here would make me quite amenable to future endeavors, should you ever seek to work with me again. I understand that there are no branch offices for your organization in Aurcaele... I've always found it rather curious that my Queen would deny the opportunity to make our streets that much safer."
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 20, 2016 12:29:29 GMT -7
She would play coy, of course, but there was something in that glint her eyes held that told him he was right, and that she believed he was planning similar things. He would never admit to having anything in common with Pelagia Xista, but in this case perhaps it could work to his benefit. Atton would have peace - which he wanted. The sultan and his adviser would be defamed - which he wanted. And potentially he would have an opportunity to set up offices in Aurcaele... Which would put pressure on Artavia to bow to his demands as well.
It was very enticing.
But at the same time, he had also just dealt with the results of his assuredness. He needed to be ever-so-slightly more cautious. He stood from the desk, letting the quill rest on the busy parchment of notes, and went to pour himself a drink. Just a water. He didn't think he'd stay awake if he drank liquor. "Your Queen seems to have more care for a crown that her people, that much is certain. She has always treated me as a threat to her power, which I suppose I must be. After all, when law is enforced, one can't simply hide their crimes," The comment was meandering, slow. It applied more to Pelagia than her Queen, Woodrow thought - but perhaps Pelagia was too confident, or perhaps she believed her Queen to have skeletons in her closet.
"May I offer you a drink, Pelagia?" Her given name felt like poison on his tongue, and he typically only offered liquor to those he wished to work with. He hadn't made any decisions yet... But he felt that this meeting would be longer than he originally planned. He would need to play nice. He could do that. If nothing else, it would distract him from thinking about Tehodis and Artemis.
Last Edit: Dec 20, 2016 12:30:03 GMT -7 by Markus Woodrow
Post by Pelagia Xista on Dec 23, 2016 10:11:03 GMT -7
"Just water will be fine," she replied pleasantly. She didn't miss the way Woodrow was pouring himself the same, and she had no intention of even minor alcoholic influence for this meeting. But the good news, of course, was that he had not turned her down yet. She could tell that her offer interested him. He was apprehensive, of course, still quite obviously hedging the line and debating whether or not to move forward. If Pelagia wasn't imagining things, she'd have guessed that his little remark about exposing crimes may well have been a shallow threat made against her person.
Hah. Let him make his threats if that was the case. Pelagia would offer him all the Aurcaeli station he desired if this meeting was a success and it wouldn't matter at all to her. Markus Woodrow would have nothing for her to fear if she got what she wanted.
"But yes, I fear you may be correct," she said, getting back onto their main thread of conversation as Woodrow brought over a glass of water and set it down for her silently. He took his seat back at his desk as she took her sip of it. "Though she is a master orator when it comes to convincing naysayers of her devout right to rule, the monarch of Aurcaele is one who is meant to honor the holy wishes of Ayniea first and foremost, and to see to the needs of her people. I suspect that Queen Fabelle has grown too comfortable with her family's long hold on the crown, and that she shirks its responsibilities in favor of power. It is my hope that my peace treaty will force her to change her public stance, and will give my people the opportunity to check her powers. Perhaps we may move to have one of her daughters assume the throne early. But Gwenyth can no longer be allowed to abuse the crown."
As much as she was sure Woodrow suspected it, Pelagia had no reason to suggest that she would take the throne. After all, she and Woodrow needed to retain plausible deniability should this move succeed.
"And in such an event, with the Queen's influence weakened by the people being shown the truth, they would likely celebrate the instating of an SSPB office, and the Queen would have no public leg to stand on if she wished to decline you. It would only make her look worse. Especially if I lent you my public support on the matter."
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 23, 2016 13:35:28 GMT -7
It was more than a tempting offer. In fact, the only thing that could have made this moment more like his dreams would be Pelagia on her knees begging for Woodrow's support. She'd look far more appropriate there, prostrate before him. A Pelagia with power was like a rotten taste in his mouth. Powerless, she might hold some appeal. It was very possible that with his offices in Aurcaele that he could achieve just such a state of her being.
"Your ask is of great interest to me, Pelagia. I can offer much more than you expect, however. With my action in this war, I can halt the Sumish and Fianese forces, united the peacekeepers of Aebrynis entirely with the Vier deployment. Beyond that, I have the ear not only of Queen Nickell of Aissic, but of Elias Harel. So... Allow me to make this offer. You make me a guarantee that I will have offices in Aurcaele, and that those offices and their investigations will not be impeded by the crown, nor the military of Aurcaele... And you shall have my full, vocal support. I will ensure that Emine and Acacius join into your treaty... And you shall be certain that the shame of your Queen will make her weak to the eyes of a peaceful public. If those terms are agreeable, we may have an accord."
Post by Pelagia Xista on Dec 26, 2016 9:53:39 GMT -7
"Done.
It hardly required any thought, once Woodrow had finished laying out his terms, because Pelagia had been thinking it over throughout the entirety of the meeting. She had already paid consideration to everything Woodrow could have asked for, how it could impact her, and what caveats he might attach to his willing participation. She'd watched the wheels turn in his head as she made her offer.
He was right on one thing; his counter-offer was greater than Pelagia had considered it would be. He claimed he could bring Submiere, Aissic, and even Fiamont into the fold of peace, leaving only Artavia and the Eleusia alliance as valid aggressors in Atton. His offering of Harel's support was much less interesting considering the man had hardly any notable reputation in the world and his forces weren't yet even involved in the war, but it was still an added something. Archeron's presence in Atton was always the least talked about. Though many looked to Liesdro's Adelaida Delice as a mighty paragon in much the same way Aurcaele looked to Pelagia, they had had little impact as of yet, and Dirys had hardly any notable figures to speak of where charisma was concerned. If all of Aebrynis could be turned to peace, and if the renowned Fianese army was standing side by side with the Aurcaeli army, then what choice would the forces of Malscure and Rielcia have but to surrender? Or die. That was acceptable as well.
Ultimately, Pelagia didn't actually need any of this extra fluff. All she really needed was to make her peace announcement while having the moral beacon that was Markus Woodrow publicly supporting her move. Submiere, Fiamont, Aissic, hell, the whole rest of the world was completely unnecessary for her purposes; she simply needed her people to see the Queen in a negative light. Pelagia could claim the rest of the world by force once she was finished in Aurcaele.
But that didn't mean the promise of support wasn't appreciated.
Markus could have his offices in Aurcaele. He could have all the assurances in the world that neither the crown nor the military would interfere with the SSPB. Because while Pelagia would soon be the former, in due time she would be neither. And if Markus Woodrow believed that his offices would pose as a threat to a God, then she would welcome the attempt.
"Feofil and I will make our announcement on the first. You will shortly afterward make public commentary of approval for our actions, and then announce lending your support to our cause, and from there make good on your other offers. Queen Gwenyth will lose the people's faith and be forced into accepting the peace, and with her loss of influence, I will move to have your offices established in Aurcaele, urging the people to support me and establishing that the Queen will not be able to interfere with your activities. She'll be under too much pressure to refuse."
Pelagia stood from her chair, giving Woodrow a smile. "Would you care to sign on this, or is a verbal agreement sufficient?"
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 27, 2016 13:19:23 GMT -7
She agreed quickly. Far, far too quickly.
Either there was something in all of this he was missing... Or, she simply wanted this offer too desperately. His eyes narrowed a bit, but his head pounded with exhaustion, forcing him to relax. He stood again, this time going to his window and looking out on the ocean at the back of his estate. He listened to her carefully as he watched the ocean, a hand going to his chin and brushing it gently. Stubble. He needed a shave.
"Would you care to sign on this, or is a verbal agreement sufficient?"
He knew what Vincent would say and had to withhold a chuckle. If he had realized Tehodis would have fallen to such a freak accident, if he had thought that Pelagia would actually come to him with something agreeable -- he may not have sent his right hand man away to Artavia. Alas. "We shall draw up a contract," Woodrow decided, turning towards her once more. His eyes flitted to his map of the world, knowing now that he could have his piece in Aurcaele. A majority share in Celestia. Good.
"We can meet with an attorney and go over the details over dinner, should you be amenable to such a thing," Dinner with her seemed more like a nightmare... But he would suffer it. Perhaps he would find some single attractive aspect about the woman... Though he doubted it, "If not, one can be drawn up and sent to you to revise."
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