A Little Corner of Aetheria on Telath (open to the L'Evienne party)

[Nell du'Galle]

To the west of Port Chelseanna resided the Kountouras Fields- rich farmland dotted with family farms, orchards, and vineyards. It was essential for being a respectable member of the upper crust to own a small estate in Kountouras, even if they let the overseer do all the work. The Chelseannans take immense pride in their olive oil and wine, along with their specatcular citrus groves that ringed the foot of Mount Tuli.

TS: Mid-Cycle 4, Melora, Spring, Era XIV

"Put your hat back on, Hannah," Nell said, gently chiding the toddler as the rebellious girl tugged it off once more, nearly strangling herself in the proceed for the straw hat bought earlier that cycle was attached to orange ribbons tied under her chin to keep the hat secured.

"You don't want to burn your nose, do you?" added the middle-aged man accompanying the party, Gianni Verbozza, who worked for the Podesta. He smiled at Nell, and then again with an indulgent look at the young girl. "You have a charming daughter? I think she will be a handful to watch as she grows up though, eh?" he added with a sympathetic look towards Milo. He was typical of the Chelseanna population, olive skinned with short cut dark hair, curling around the edges. His smart attire hung on a toned body and he held himself with a dignified grace.

The open carriage, the first of two, continued to trundle on along the road that took the party into the heart of the Kountouras Fields. It was a beautiful landscape, soothing to the eye and the heat of the brightening aided the serenity of their ride, casting a spell of drowsy delight. They had been here before on a previous brightening, that time accompanied by the Podesta who had wished to give them a personal tour of the island. This time, though, they were returning with a specific purpose - to revisit a small estate which had caught their eye. Somewhere that they may eventually be able to call home.

OOC: Too short, I know, but so is my time today! Sorry!

[Milo L'Evienne]

”That she will,” Milo said in grinning response to their guide’s comments as he rode along seated beside Nell, though an indulgent smile at Hannah afterwards implied he wasn’t complaining in the least. With Owen sat on his lap, he removed his own hat and balanced it gently on his son’s head where it would likely conceal much of his face in teh process. Though no doubt it would be pulled off again and its brim bent more than it already was. ”Here you go Owen, one for you too.”

His own mood had been consistently lighter since he and Nell had arrived on the isle, the exhausting sensation of always having to stay on guard for any and every crisis large or small slowly ebbing away to the extent that for the first time in too long, he felt as if he could breathe freely, a weight temporarily lifted from his chest. If only he could count on the sensation continuing when compelled to return to Prime. But for now, his thoughts were miles away from the notion and focused on their destination.

Barrett and Sir James rode along with them, the rest of the entourage brought along with them in the carriage behind. The contrast between the landscape here and their view from palace apartments was a striking contrast, but all the more appealing that they should make themselves a home here. Or for now at least, a home for those times when they could manage it. And the one they’d spotted prior to now seemed at least at a glance, to make for a likely prospect. And till they arrived, he smiled at Nell and took her hand in his while inhaling what after all this time, was the still familiar scent of the Eunesian Isles.

[Tarot]

The carriages moved down the winding Via Tuli for a while - the paved road leading up to the pinnacle of Mount Tuli where Castle Chelseanna dominated the whole island - before steering West, in the direction of the Kountouras fields. There were no horses pulling the carriages or serving as mounts for the Rosemen - instead, the Podesta had provided all of them with mules, or more precisely hinnies, quiet beasts of burden taking their time at the job but gifted with an incredibly docile disposition.

Gianni Verbozza smiled at the beasts. "It will probably sound like a weird edict to you," he said, "but it dates back to the renovation of Chelseanna as a touristic port, a few centuries ago. No native Chelseannan is allowed to own a horse on the island - only the Podesta can have exactly one, usually a stallion. The current Port Horse is called Fulmine, he's getting old but has aged gracefully. He's the father of most of these animals," his finger circled around to indicate the hybrid offsprings. "Our community is full of ancient traditions. The meaning of some isn't very clear anymore, but they add to the charm of the place, so there is no reason to abolish them."

The carriages kept going under the benevolent light of the suns. A variety of armorial designs and coats of arms decorated the doors of the vehicle. Standing out in the middle was a shield with Chelseanna's coat of arms. "The pentaskelion," Gianni had called its main feature. Five bent human legs radiating from a center like a wheel. "A symbol of steadfastness through adversity." It was golden in color, on top of a blue field. A similarly golden Ducal crown was above the symbol, reminding that Chelseanna was formerly its own Duchy. A myriad other smaller symbols and coats of arms were arranged around that of Chelseanna, every long-standing family on the island being represented. One particularly small armorial design was, strangely, reversed.

Finally, the familiar Kountouras fields welcomed the Regent's family and entourage. It truly was a sight for sore eyes. The landscape was dotted with limestone cottages and small estates surrounded by orchards, vineyards and olive trees. "Easily the most fertile part of the island, we have the Halflings to thank for the hard work they've been putting here," Gianni explained, "the rest of Chelseanna is not nearly as welcoming. The land South of Mount Tuli doesn't take well to cultivations of any kind... so our ancestors soon gave up on it and let it grow wild. Duality is everywhere on the island."

[Nell du'Galle]

Nell listened with an easy smile on her lips as the man spoke of the island and its traditions. She had fallen under its spell quickly and the thought of owning a small estate here, a retreat for when times proved unbearable in the capital, had caught at her heart. Gazing across the landscape, it struck her as one of the most idyllic places on Telath. "The land is certainly blessed," she replied. "But will the people living here ... will they welcome us taking a home here? The welcome we received at the port was gratifying, but visitors are one thing ... buying land and a home here is another." After all, she reasoned to herself, taking root in paradise would only be perfect if you had friendly neighbours.

[Milo L'Evienne]

While he wasn’t sure Sir James would share his sentiment, Milo did find the sight of his Rosemen riding mules mildly amusing, likely it was a first for them and given they typically traveled astride the finest of warhorses he hoped their collective dignity emerged intact. Gwygwin was no happier with mules than typical with horses and had opted for riding in a cart along behind. ”One horse on the island?’ he remarked curiously while retrieving his hat from the floor of the carriage once Owen had pulled it off his head and tossed it aside.

Strange, but the harmless oddities of some ancient traditions did tend to add a particular charm to any given locale. He and Nell would have to get themselves some hinnies or mules then if they ultimately purchased themselves a home here…When in Chesleanna, as it were.

”It’s beautiful,” he said in agreement with Nell’s assessment, similar to Ieffreon in some ways and yet with its own unique lay of the land and flavor, and he was as curious as Nell to hear of what sort of reception they might receive should they make a home of it. He’d hope to think the warm reception upon their arrival was an indication, but only a local could tell them for sure.

[Tarot]

Gianni's paternal smile shone upon Nell as she wondered if the Imperial Family's presence on the island would be welcomed by the natives. "Oh, that will not be a problem, I assure you," the man said warmly, "it's true, Eunesians have never been overly fond of outsiders from the continent, but this is Chelseanna we are talking about. The place is entirely dependent on 'mainlanders' for survival, and those who make it through the Podesta's scrutiny are guaranteed to be worthy additions to the island. The people know that, and will treat you accordingly."

The man smiled again as he explained some tidbits about Chelseanna. "I wouldn't be surprised if a few cycles from now, the Kalendryans who maintain the Observatory at Castle Chelseanna will start charging people for a glimpse at your new estate through their telescope. We always say Ieffreon makes orators, Olympia makes sailors, and Chelseanna makes money." As he spoke, the mule-drawn carriage finally reached a dirt path leading up to the Imperial Family's new real estate, surrounded by acres of fertile land.

The two-story house was large but had not received the proper care it deserved as of late. Its frame was still solid and there was no evidence of serious damage, but the roof was in need of fixing here and there, the window shutters were old, some of them dislodged, and the whole building looked like it could use some renovation. Unlike the baroque style of Port Chelseanna, houses in the Kountouras Fields were much more rustic in appearance. They were unpainted and proud of each single rock and brick which they showed off in their natural tints, a rich, dark earthen color. The sun-kissed house had a perfect view of the Eunesian sea, and with Chelseanna being the Northernmost island there was not a single strip of land in sight. The upper floor featured several stone balconies, one of which wide enough to comfortably have pracenda in, perhaps with a large umbrella offering protection from the suns.

The courtyard was ample, a few chickens sticking together here and there and paying the Regent's family a modicum of attention. The courtyard was surrounded by the house, a wooden barn, stables and another small residence that obviously housed the keepers of the place and resembled the main building in style. A well rested in the middle, colored in the same tints. "This estate used to belong to a cadet branch of House Malnaghi, but when the last owner passed away without offspring, his will mentioned that the house should go back to the city. Even when Lord Malnaghi, head of the House who was believed dead in Carmelyn, returned to the island, he was unable to claim the house and chose not to buy it back. We allow the old housekeepers to stay here as they keep the place alive, but without funds they can't really take care of everything."

[Nell du'Galle]

Nell had fallen silent as they approached the estate. She was listening to Gianni talking about the former owner, but was also busy falling in love with the house that she knew without any doubt they were going to buy. It was a simple decision, taken in a heartbeat. The house could have been a ruin, only fit for ripping down and rebuilding, and it would have made no difference. Fortunately though, she could see it was perfectly fine, and only needed some love and attention. With a little assistance she stepped down from the carriage, after it had stopped in the courtyard. Hannah was already off investigating the chickens, with Owen toddling after her more cautiously. Nell turned to Milo and reached out her hand. She looked into his eyes. They had not even stepped towards the house, did not know what lay in the acres beyond. It didn't matter. She wanted this beautiful home on this beautiful island - and her husband would see the yearning in her dark eyes. There were no need for words.

"Do you think the housekeepers will be happy to stay on?" Nell asked Gianni as they began to move towards the house. "We will need someone reliable to oversee the house and the estate, and those who know it already, know its quirks and foibles, and who hopefully care for it, would be wonderful to retain." She rested her free hand on her swollen belly, imagining a future with Milo in this home, seeing Hannah and Owen become sunkissed with playing in the sun, and this third child as yet unborn, learning to swim in the Eunesian sea. Too perfect a dream perhaps, but it was one she allowed herself to indulge in for now. She had to have hope.

[Milo L'Evienne]

The thought of an enterprising group of Kalendryans selling chances at a glimpse of their estate should they purchase one brought a quiet grin of amusement to Milo’s face as their carriage drew closer to their destination. Pushing his hat back down on his forehead in order to shield his eyes from the sun in order to get a better look, he couldn’t help notice that Nell’s gaze was fixed there as well, she was already smitten it seemed, and he smiled again before looking back. It needed work, that much seemed apparent but a little imagination put it in order in his mind, and it appealed. So unlike the palace in Prime, a world away in fact, it seemed to him at a glance to be a perfect escape.

Plenty of room to spread out and roam, if no horses then maybe goats to roam the hillside, its stone construction suited its natural setting as if risen up from it. And the view, well the view could hardly be beat. Leaping down from the carriage while Rosemen shuffled off their mules, he helped Nell from the carriage with his hands at her waist before Hannah was off, then Owen behind her. Smiling at Nellie he took her hand while they strolled after them, Sir Pious and Aaron already ahead of the game and keeping up with the two youngsters in order to keep them out of mischief.

No need for words, he could see in Nell’s expression that she wanted this estate and she’d have her heart’s desire whether it had been a palace or a shack. But that he’d already concluded he was bent on having the place too, there was no need for bargaining over the prospect. At her question, he glanced curiously at Gianni, it would certainly be a boon should the housekeepers already there be willing to stay on. Locals, who knew both the place and the setting, chances were they viewed it as a home of sorts already. And so long as circumstances had them in Prime, there’d need be someone here to look over the place between visits.

Whatever Gianni’s answer though, he smiled at Nell, as much in response to the smile on her own face as to his impressions. ”You like it?” He needn’t have asked of course, but he squeezed her hand gently while they approached the house. ”I think they like it too,” he said of the children with Knights trying to keep up with them while Hannah attempted, rather unsuccessfully, to sneak up on a hen in the yard.

[Nell du'Galle]

"I love it," she replied in simple answer to Milo's question, returning the squeeze of his hand with enthusiasm. She could see that Milo felt likewise and she could feel excitement building in her blood as she looked about the place. There was something about the light, the sky, that had struck Nell every since coming to Chelseanna - a quality it shared with the other eunesian isles that was likely due to their position as the northern most part of the empire - but it made her feel more alive than any other place she'd experienced so far in her life. To have a home here, to wake up and feel the buoyant sense of positivity that this light engendered in her, was an intoxicating thought. That the home could be this one, so romantic and rustic, so different from the life they knew in Prime, she felt quite giddy and couldn't help chuckling quietly as they wandered about.

"This courtyard would be a lovely setting for an evening's gathering," she said, looking back on it as they reached the front of the house. "Some long tables set under lanterns, room for dancing, music playing ..." she continued imagining such a party, with friends come to stay and locals invited. For that was a hope of hers, to become part of a community here, and also have a place where they could invite their friends to truly relax - for months at a time! Remembering her desire to learn how to paint, she looked at Milo brightly, "Do you think there's a room suitable for a studio? I'd love to start painting. Although I suppose with the weather so good that I could do that outside, and have plenty to inspire me!"

She laughed again and glanced from Milo to Gianni then back again. She raised her eyebrows at her love in question. "Shall we take it?" she asked Milo, biting her lower lip in excitement, and forgetting that perhaps one shouldn't show such enthusiasm in front of the person with whom you might wish to negotiate a price.

[Milo L'Evienne]

She loved it. It was all Milo really needed to hear though he could already see it written all over her face and in the delight of her smile as she tugged him along towards the house. It was perfect in fact. Of course he was predisposed, he’d grown up on these isles at least on Ieffreon and the seas had a color here that they lacked anywhere else, the air a certain feel and scent and the people, for all that they varied in aspects from isle to isle, a particular character not found elsewhere in the Empire. It felt like home already and he grinned crookedly when she laughed and spilled out her visions of what they might make of it here.

”The suns would be in just the right spot I think for late afternoon right into the evening,” he agreed to evenings in the courtyard and with an eye for the slant of the sunslight just at the moment. ”Plenty of room for tables, dancing and musicians. And I’d imagine so and if not, well we’ll make sure one comes to be,” he added of studios "and you can paint to your heart’s content. We might find us some sheep or goats to graze the hillside, maybe a couple of those hinnies Gianni mentioned…I might set up an archery range.” He’d thought once or twice about taking up the skill, little did he recall he’d already used it once to rather dramatic affect. "It’s wonderful. Perfect.”

Then suddenly aware of Gianni’s presence, he opened his mouth to utter a ”How much?” but never quite got that far and so shaking his head and grinning at Nell...their bargaining power had just been somewhat diminished for what man would deny his love her dream home over a handful of crowns..he at least had to make a show of it. He was the Regent after all. ”How much?”