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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 Markus Woodrow on Jan 3, 2017 13:57:03 GMT -7
It was depressing to think that he had plotted this reservation as a romantic night for him and Tehodis. Following his meeting with Elias Harel, glowing with success, he had sent a letter commanding it. It was there that he would ask her to marry him, and she would of course say yes, as most women would to a noble, as most women would to Woodrow. Instead, his reservation would be used on someone far less attractive, incredibly less interesting, and all too despicable for Woodrow to imagine having an appetite. Pelagia Xista.
Woodrow had still dressed to the nines. He wasn't going to show himself at such a place as Saveur looking like he had just left work. No, he was in his finest tails, hidden only by his heavy fur coat. He arrived in his personal carriage, and was immediately assisted by the restaurant's staff in stepping out. They lead him across a striking red carpet, took his fur cloak from him, and guided him to the private room. The attorney was already there, and was seated at a separate table with an impressive length of parchment, and an assortment of quills and inks. The man likely thought himself lucky, able to attend such a venue as this. He didn't realize, likely, that he would not be dining tonight. He was simply there to do a job.
He took his seat - there were no chairs at Saveur. Instead, there were cushions to kneel upon. Pelagia would hate it, he knew, which made it all the better. He was almost certain Pelagia would be late, if for no other reason than to spite him for earlier. He supposed it was fair, but it didn't make him hate her less. Instead, it would be another reason to find her a distasteful excuse for an aasimar.
As he waited, he observed the room. Unfortunately the memo had evidently not traveled to Saveur, as rose petals were scattered across the table and the cushions. Signs of romance, which he had no reason to share with the feathered beast he was meeting. If he had been less focused on disliking her, he might have remembered his later plans to surprise Tehodis, might have called someone over to ensure it would not happen... It would be an interesting evening indeed.
Post by Pelagia Xista on Jan 3, 2017 14:49:17 GMT -7
True to expectation, Pelagia was indeed late. She had carefully plotted out earlier exactly how much time she would require to get ready for the event, how much time would be necessary for travel, and thus determined the ideal time that she should leave her master suite in Eersaeb's finest luxury inn in order to arrive at seven on the dot. And then, she very deliberately delayed herself ten minutes.
She wouldn't make Woodrow wait as long as he had made her do the same - she did still have an interest in seeing this contract executed properly, after all - but it was just desserts all the same.
She made sure that when she did arrive, however, she would not allow Woodrow to completely regret the invitation. Or, at the very least, she would make him reconsider such notions of regret. For regardless of how much hatred the man surely had for her, she knew he was not blind. Pelagia had arrived at Saveur looking like poetry in motion, a vision from the finest museums. Her hair was worn in a graceful, delicate updo, tresses of her flaxen hair hanging loose and brushing lightly against her cheeks. Her eyes decorated for subtle captivation, her lips an ever-so-slightly lighter shade of glossy pink than usual. Her complexion was flawless, and the gown she wore was truly stunning; a white, sleeveless affair with thin shoulder straps and an open back, exposing the roots of her pristine wings, and also supplying a subtle dip into her chest. The garment trailed along the red carpet behind her in a short train, and her steps were graceful and measured in a pair of heeled, ankle-strap sandals, both a shining silver color.
This restaurant had already gathered a crowd of onlookers outside what with Woodrow's earlier arrival, and it was apparently a hot spot for celebrity visits. When Pelagia came strolling down the red carpet, though, she captivated all attention. It only fed her ego to see how many onlookers gaped in awe at her. She did have quite the sense of vanity.
The restaurant staff were quick to show her inside, many of them recognizing her immediately (and those that didn't still easily recognizing that a gorgeous, important-looking woman had just stepped out of an ornate carriage), and she informed them that she had a reservation with Markus Woodrow. She was sure The Tablet was going to eat this right up once they caught wind of it.
She expertly hid her utter disenchantment with the place as she was shown around, guided to Woodrow's private room. This is what passed for a fancy restaurant in Submiere? Unbelievable. When she was finally shown to her dining room, however, she was unable to prevent herself from flinching just slightly at the sight that greeted her.
Rose petals. Strewn all about the room. A low-lit, romantic atmosphere established. She wanted to vomit.
She held that desire in check, maintaining her soft, smiling composure as she stepped in and took in Woodrow's appearance. He did not seem especially pleased to see her, though if she had to guess, he was definitely noticing her, whether he wished to or not. She took note of how he was seated and her smile only just barely twitched.
"How charming," she said, rolling with it and gracefully bringing herself down to sit. Rather than kneel on her knees, she elected to adopt a sideways seat on the cushion, leaning her weight on her left palm. "You've truly gone all out to impress, Markus. This may just be the most pleasant contract I've ever signed."
Post by Markus Woodrow on Jan 8, 2017 13:52:24 GMT -7
When Pelagia finally arrived - late, as he had suspected - Woodrow was not yet prepared. He had busied himself with attempted to clean the rose petals off the table. The mere concept of Pelagia thinking they were for her turned his stomach, and their presence made him angry. Angry, and concerned. He had not heard word from his spy yet, for all he knew Tehodis was dead. Or at least still sick.
But he needed to focus. He would want to be in a proper state of mind if he were going to be making legally binding promises to Pelagia Xista. He had ordered non-alcoholic wine for himself, and just as it arrived, so did Pelagia. She didn't quite look like herself, and it was strange how he felt both nausea, anger, and... a vague sense of attraction. She was a woman, he supposed, even if she was born of Hell.
"I'll advise you not to weigh too much on the state of the room," Markus' eyes narrowed at the server pouring the wine, him being the only one to blame at the moment, "My intent was to use this reservation for more personal purposes." He flicked a rose petal off the corner of the table, finally leaving its surface clear of the offending stipule. He watched Pelagia sit, and observed how the dress moved as she did. Particularly the droop of the fabric on her chest, and the way her ankles and the beginning of her calves began to show. She had dressed for his tastes, it seemed. Dressing like a whore shall not distract me, Pelagia, He thought cruelly, finally schooling his attention to her face once more.
"I've taken the liberty of ordering for you... The kitchen does not remain late into the evening, and I assumed you might have limited knowledge of the cuisine. Shall we commence discussions?"
Post by Pelagia Xista on Jan 9, 2017 8:26:37 GMT -7
More personal purposes, was it?
Dinner hadn't even started and already Woodrow was serving up just the kind of personal information Pelagia came to this dinner for, whether he realized it or not. So he had someone. Or perhaps, based on the fact that he was not dining here with that someone as had apparently been his plan, it would be more accurate to say he wished he had someone. And Markus Woodrow was not one to mince words, so he surely would not have wasted any time in telling this woman straight away of his intentions. So if she was still not here even despite that, and Woodrow had scheduled a dinner with Pelagia of all people in her stead, that obviously meant one thing.
Markus Woodrow had been rejected.
She smiled, externally a gesture of "appreciation" for Woodrow having placed an order for her (even though she found it audacious that he would dare meddle with her food, even if she knew he had likely chosen something he knew she would hate), but internally it was merely an expression of pleasure at having uncovered this information. Was that why he had been so haggard this morning? Up all night drinking the pain away, perhaps? Pathetic.
But Pelagia could use that.
"Gladly," she responded to him as a waiter filled her a glass of wine, wine which she raised towards Woodrow in a toast. "May we find harmonious agreement this evening."
May this not go on for hours like that damned peace treaty did.
Post by Markus Woodrow on Jan 13, 2017 15:13:47 GMT -7
He raised his glass to match Pelagia's, his eyes locked on her's as the two clinked together. The moment the two glasses came to lips, his eyes moved however. She would likely think he was appreciating her. He was more imagining the ways she could be used. Broken. She believed herself far too powerful for her own good... But tonight was not the night for that. Tonight, he needed to focus on ensuring he made a good deal for himself and the SSPB.
"I enjoyed a brief conversation with Feofil after our meeting," He commented with an appreciable smile, sipping the wine and pretending as though he were enjoying himself. The man had conjured a doorway, and had come through to speak with Woodrow directly. He had assured Markus that Pelagia was in fact the real deal. Perhaps, Feofil had told him, the two of them were quite incorrect in their assumptions about her. Markus would not be that quick to change his colours. "I must say that I'm quite impressed with the effect you had on him."
A server entered the room, a young man once more. Woodrow narrowed his eyes at his own folly. Wishing to focus on Tehodis, he had requested all male staff. No whorish layabout to try and seduce their way into his fortune when he had his prize with him. Now, he held regret for that decision. He certainly would not have minded an outlet for his frustrations tonight. He was certain to have a fair few more after this meeting. The server bent down cautiously, his eyes going from one Lord to the other, certain his head was about to be blown clean off.
The dishes that were left before them featured a beautiful salad of small portions. The exact size one could expect from a place that cost a pretty penny to attend. "Salade de la forêt côtière," The waiter offered, his accent pitch perfect to the old Nisequois - clean and refined, "Artichoke 'arts, cannellini bean, with fresh 'arvest vegetable, sultan olive, fresh herb, with a red wine and truffle vinaigrette. Bon appétit." With that, he bowed away from them, stopping at the lawyer's table to drop a small plate there as well. Then, he continued out of the room. As the door closed behind him, a light sigh could be heard. Relief.
"As the name might suggest, the olives are from the Sultan's very own stock," Woodrow told her as he prepared to eat, "Only the highest quality... As someone bringing peace to a world at war deserves." He wanted to throw up in his mouth just saying that.
Post by Pelagia Xista on Jan 13, 2017 21:49:18 GMT -7
"You've truly gone all out to impress, Markus," she replied appreciatively, eyeing the food before her. "Rather a shame that your intended company for the evening couldn't enjoy such finery. I'll just have to do my best to be as charming as possible in their stead, hm?"
It was a harmless remark, no traces of malice or ill intent in it, simply Pelagia smiling cordially as she took her first bite of the salad. It tasted like any other salad she'd ever had. Olives from the Sultan's stock? Please, her own garden produced better. Well, food taste aside, Pelagia was sure that her 'harmless' statement was still likely to get under Woodrow's skin. Especially when it was so obvious, looking around the room, how much he'd been looking forward to it.
She wondered at who could have been the one to break the good Lord's little heart. He obviously wouldn't have moved their plans to make room for Pelagia of all people, and the state of the room spoke much of how he had still been firmly intending on having this dinner with that special someone up until possibly just before today's meeting. The evidence made it extremely clear, and Pelagia was just dying to know who the little charmer was.
But she would have to hold back that insatiable curiosity. At least for the time being. Woodrow continued to toss little looks at her now and then, and it was clear that he was eyeing her... assets. She could use that. Especially if he had been dumped as she suspected.
"The salad is phenomenal," she said after having daintily finished a few mouthfuls. "Compliments to the chef. I'm sure Lord Peti would have been delighted to try this." She dabbed her mouth with a napkin while her eyes locked with Woodrow's for a moment. She appreciated on some level that he was less trusting than Feofil. Feofil had required but a few days to warm up to her and be swayed by her apparent conviction. Woodrow, she imagined, might require more effort. But she hadn't heard until a few moments ago that Feofil had actually spoken with Woodrow directly about her. It was pleasing to know that he still thought highly of her even when she wasn't around.
"Honestly, having him present might have been in both our best interests. Let me tell you, Markus, the man is quite the master scribe of treaties and contracts."
Of course, if Feofil had actually been here to do just that for them, Pelagia might have stolen Woodrow's sword and impaled herself on it.
Post by Markus Woodrow on Jan 21, 2017 15:29:28 GMT -7
He wanted to bite back at her tactless comments about his company for this evening. He would not believe that she felt any empathy for such things, and rather felt that she was most certainly attempted to distract him. Throw him off of his game. Annoy him. Needle him. So he would not react. He kept his face pleasant, masking his displeasure with a bite of the salad - which was delicious, as always. It was enough to keep him with a mild smile.
Compliment my friends all you wish, Xista, He thought with disdain, I am not so willing to put aside my suspicions. No, if he did, he would be sure to hear about it from Vincent. He'd be sure to hear about it from his own damn self, disappointed he could be so easily distracted... Because he couldn't be. He wouldn't be.
"Yes, Feofil is an absolute treasure. Niseca is lucky to have a man of his stature. His optimistic nature may occasionally get the better of him, but with Erik around to temper him, the two have made grand strides in Atton... Apparently evidenced by our meeting tonight," He quirked his brow at her and continued with his salad for a moment before placing down his fork purposefully. The lawyer was ready with his quill, looking almost terrified about what would happen if he made a single mistake. Woodrow finally spoke: "On with our discussion then. My demands are quite simple, I believe. You are to provide the SSPB stationary offices in Aurcaele, where my officers will hold power of law with your citizens, under writ of Aurcaele, Submiere, and Fortuna. We shall be granted access to the Aurcaele Guard files. Our investigations are not to be impeded by the crown, nor the military of Aurcaele. We will act independently, but solely for the greater good under international law. Are those terms acceptable to you?"
Post by Pelagia Xista on Jan 23, 2017 23:00:08 GMT -7
Pelagia nodded along as Woodrow spoke, her own fork also set aside and her chin resting on bridged fingers as she listened attentively. When he had finished, she 'humm'ed thoughtfully. "I am afraid I cannot clear those terms exactly as stated. I can assure you that neither crown nor military will interfere with investigations of your offices, and so long as you intend to operate under international law, it will obviously be no problem to grant power of law to the SSPb branch as well. However, much as the Sultan holds overarching sovereignty within Submiere, it will be difficult to convince the citizenry to allow the SSPB's jurisdiction to supersede that of that royal military police. Pressuring my queen into allowing your offices will be well within my reach once my accusations reach the public, as she will be doing all she can to make up for her offense in their eyes, but that does still mean that the choices she makes must be favorable to the people. Which is why..."
She thought for a moment, quite seriously, determining the best way to find a compromise to this conflicting level of authority. "The crown of Aurcaele will retain upper sovereignty on the laws of the land, and the SSPB must act to enforce those laws in addition to the international laws. If the crown orders an investigation into a matter before the SSPB, they will retain first rights to that investigation, but will not otherwise interfere with any investigations of your offices. But, most importantly," she added, smiling in a way that suggested Woodrow would appreciate this part, "The Crown will not be permitted to pass any new laws without receiving a majority vote of approval from selected SSPB and Aurcaeli representatives, so as to ensure that the Queen cannot immunize herself from your jurisdiction. She will also be required to answer to the law just as any citizen is. I believe this way the people will very much be in favor of your station, as they will have the added security and peace of mind of a police force that is not controlled by the Queen, and which will have full jurisdiction to investigate the Queen should she misstep again. The people will be all but demanding such a thing once her lies regarding the Attonian war come to light.
"But again, I must emphasize that it is important that the crown retain legal sovereignty. The people will not hear of this arrangement if they believe an outside nation is claiming all legal supremacy in their land, and it is their approval that will determine its success. Your thoughts?"
Last Edit: Jan 23, 2017 23:01:00 GMT -7 by Pelagia Xista
Post by Markus Woodrow on Jan 28, 2017 11:27:33 GMT -7
He feigned frustration, but he knew she would not meet the demands as he spoke them. But, in return, she would offer him something of greater value than he had before. His lips pursed and he swirled his beverage with an annoyed look on his face, taking his time before meeting her gaze again.
"Even Elias Harel permitted us to exact justice based on the legal code of the SSPB, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you that he's in a more precarious position than you. And yet, you expect us to follow subpar Aurcaele law? Your code is ancient, and long in need of an update, Pelagia--" He sighed, bringing a hand to his temple and rubbing it gently. He took his moment, imagining pleasant thoughts like finding evidence of Pelagia's guilt, arresting her, and sending her for execution. Finally, he looked over to the lawyer, "Fine. But-- the legal council is required to be seated with at minimum half of my approved staff members, and all who sit on it must have a legal education from an approved list of universities. I trust you'll agree that we are best to have educated persons deciding laws, as opposed to ignorant puppets, hm?"
Post by Pelagia Xista on Jan 29, 2017 9:56:06 GMT -7
"Oh certainly," she answered with an easy nod. "I expected no less, in fact. Appointing a counsel to approve or disapprove new laws would be fruitless if the Aurcaeli representatives held majority, especially if they uneducated on modern law. The Queen could simply swing them to her favor if that were the case. I rather prefer an equal split, or even an SSPB majority on this counsel."
Hearing that bit would most likely color his opinion rather positively. Markus Woodrow was a dangerously smart man - much more so than many probably gave him credit for - but he was also an egomaniac. Voicing her approval of his condition and even insisting on giving his men more influence would appeal to his vanity. She took a sip of her wine and hummed in approval before continuing. "And trust me, Markus, I very much agree. Aurcaele's system is outdated in the modern day. Aside from the international laws all nations abide under, it is behind the times in many regards. But as I said, the people won't hear of this SSPB installation if they feel like they are taking over completely. And that is why," she said, smiling at him in an inviting fashion, "this counsel's job will be to gradually do away with such antiquity. Little by little, so that the people adjust as they go, and pat themselves on the backs for allowing the SSPB onto our soil. They'll feel it's the greatest idea they've ever had."
Frankly speaking, Pelagia did not care what Markus Woodrow wanted with his stations in Aurcaele. She was, in fact, 90% certain that he probably intended to screw her over in some fashion. She would welcome him to try. The SSPB offices wouldn't hit Aurcaeli soil until either after Pelagia had claimed the crown, or until she was well on her way towards doing so, sometime in the beginning of the next year if all went to plan. The political upheaval would delay the process. And Pelagia was fully aware that even if she took the crown, the terms she was promising Woodrow would see to it that he would be able to investigate and prosecute her if he saw fit. But that too didn't matter. As soon as the crown was rested firmly on her head, and she was sworn in as Queen under the approval of all her people, she would have won. She'd be primed and ready to ascend towards the fountain, gain eternity, and finally become a god. And Woodrow could see then what his petty laws would do to her.
So for now, she would give him everything he wanted. Nothing he could desire would halt her, not before it was too late.
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