[b]Mileswick[/b] A trade proposition (GM Striker, Open.)

[Roland Moonstar]

(last cycle of Immanis, a few days before Ponutis.)

This first part is in Paxia: you can leave it here or kick it to the wilderness forum.

IC:
Roland was angry. He was a man on a mission. The once-great city of Paxia, where he had served as a boy under Thane Hakim, was now a rubble-strewn mess. Part of it could be blamed on fire, or orcs, or Jenius De Merchante, but a small part had to be lain at the feet of Gena'ra predecessor, a corrupt buffoon who had rebuffed the offers of Mileswick for trade and commerce even when Vortex and Nexus Prime had accepted them.

Well, now this was going to be much harder, as Mileswick had Paxia over a barrel, and could name any terms it wished. And there might be some lingering resentment over the fact that Paxia had rebuffed them in the first place, and were only now sending someone because the situation was so dire.

On the plus side, the man going was Roland. He'd lost two seasons of his life nursing back from wounds suffered in the Battle of Mileswick, and he knew both Conrad and Wolfson, and the various Moonstars living in the area. His Uncle Jedidiah Moonstar had been a Magician's Mate in the Paxian Navy, who now lived in Mileswick as a pillar of the community. (OOC: NPC created by Zeus, used by Crimson, not one I directly control.) So hopefully he would be seen in a better light than if some total stranger came here.

He didn't really know Aedile Wilson Vessell, as that man never left Mileswick, but presumably that fellow would have heard of Roland through general reputation and the tales told by his friends and relatives in Mileswick. If not, this was as good a day as any to make a new friend.

* * * * *

Roland, as usual, announced his intention in Paxia to whatever crowd was standing around, so as to give whatever part of his entourage time to get packed and ready should they come along. "Serale! Greetings and Salutations! I leave Paxia for a brightening, but hopefully I will come back with good news. I am going to Mileswick to see what help and support, trade and commerce they will give us." Roland waited to see if any wished to accompany him, or had news and information they wished passed on to Mileswick.

Should any members of the Falcon Legion be Mileswick born, he would offer to wait should any request leave and/or give him messages to take back to relatives. This would be true for any lingering Imperials, West Wardens, and the like, who couldn't leave their posts without fear of being written up as AWOL.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Adelyn had gone back to her home for the beginning of the last cycle in the month of Immanis in which she had run into a crazy drunken giant named Storful, living next door to her. She laughed, mostly to herself, wondering if she'd ever see him again knowing she would soon be moving to Paxia, as soon as her assistant Aedile position went through, and more of Paxia rebuilt.

However, business called her once more to Paxia, but only momentarily. She and Roland needed to travel to Mileswick in search of trade and commerce support from Aedile Wilson Vessell. Adelyn was quickly realizing how important any Aedile was to a city. All the first-hand experience opportunities Roland had been recently providing were proving extremely useful. This travel experience was one of those opportunities, and Adelyn would not miss it for the world.

"Serale, Roland. Have you become aware of the fact that we have almost become traveling buddies? I am glad to come along to oversee this meeting in Mileswick with the Aedile," she announced appreciatively, always with a warm smile on her face. She had to remember from her basic politics lesson from him that one must keep the appearance of cordiality, an idea to keep that in mind with the Aedile they were to meet, for the first time, in Mileswick. The improvement of trade operations were imperative to Paxia at this crucial moment of its rebuilding.

"Are you ready to go, Roland? It looks like you've already received several letters from the people here to take to Mileswick. I see no reason why we should not go quickly," she said, looking at the dispersing crowd listening to Roland. Of course, should anyone wish to come up to them, they would wait a while longer to add a letter to the growing bag of folded messages written on papyrus.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded. "I am ready to go. I have the authorization and trade papers from Aedile Gena'ra."

He took a deep breath. "That is, I am ready to leave Paxia this morning. Not so sure how I feel about going to see that Wessex fellow. He's a mystery to me. He hardly ever leaves his house, and I did not interact with him at the Battle of Mileswick at all."

Roland shrugged. "Well, we'll see how it goes." He smiled affably at Adelyn. "Hopefully, some of the lessons I've taught you, here, at the farm, or in Tearsfall... hopefully you've picked up some pointers, and if I snag somewhere, you'll be able to help straighten it all out!"

Getting trade routes set up for Paxia was very important, and Roland was nervous about it in a way that he never felt when fighting monsters or exploring dungeons. He knew his strength, and drew courage from it. But with petty bureaucrats who sometimes put their own agendas above the people-- such as Jenius De Merchante-- it was hard to know when to wear kid gloves and which minefields to avoid. Adelyn might think he was taking her along to show her the ropes, but really, he wanted the comfort of a familiar face with him when he went to deal with the Aedile.

[Striker]

A small crowd of Paxians congregated around Roland and Adelyn as they made available their services to deliver letters and whatnot to relatives and friends in Mileswick. Few, however, provided such dispatches for transport as they had either notified their respective families already or had fled to Mileswick themselves. One particular woman, though, old and helpless in appearance, did provide a neatly folded letter intended for a ‘Dorian Ashercroft’, and she weakly explained to Roland that it was absolutely imperative that her son receive her missive as soon as possible.

With that done, it soon became time for the members of House Moonstar to proceed on their way. The road to Mileswick was not foreign to Roland, and it would require that the pair steer south of ruined Paxia in order to reach their destination. And as their hopes weighed heavily upon their hearts, so too did the waves of rain begin to pelt them harshly from above. The highlands of Arium were renowned for their dramatic and unwelcoming treatment of travelers, and most particularly those who were ignorant to the land’s rigorous climate.

And unluckily for Roland and Adelyn, it did not seem as if the spring downpour was intending on relenting anytime soon…

As they continued to travel southward towards their hoped-for destination, they would discover themselves encompassed by the foothills of Arium, each of which varied in frame and height –prime hiding locations for the province’s renowned bands of raiders. Nevertheless, fortune would smile upon Roland and Adelyn this brightening for the sheets of rain made it difficult for all forms of perception and thus they continued unmolested –part of which could be attributed to Roland’s familiarity with the region.

And then a familiar sight would undoubtedly greet the peasant-turned-politician.

The sight of towering trees could be distinguished in the horizon, large and tall in form and sprawling heavily over the vicinity. Several lumber yards could be seen in the intermittent clearings as well, though most of the workers were likely huddled inside to avoid the violent downpour. Nevertheless, the scene would be all too familiar to Roland as he would recognize this area to be the forests a little bit north of Mileswick –one of their chief sources of commerce.

They were close.

A pair of militia, garbed in straw-strewn waistcoats to absorb the rain, patrolled the area a short distance down the road. Apparently Roland and Adelyn would have to pass these first before entering Mileswick.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Roland seemed slightly nervous about meeting the Aedile from Mileswick. Adelyn was constantly on edge when meeting officials, so she felt no different than when she met the Aedile in Tearsfall. It appeared only strange for Roland to voice such worries when he was very accustomed to meeting government officials from varying cities.

"If you say he doesn't leave his residence often, he sounds like an outright bore! We're going to have to interest him in our business, then," she smiled warmly, trying not to spread her nerves further to Roland.

Her eyes twinkled, "It sounds like you want me to help do some of the talking and save the day. Always for dramatics, Roland!" She laughed lightly, somehow knowing that if it were up to her to conjure an idea to save them both, she try her best.

As they made preparations to leave, a helpless and tired-looking Paxian woman approached them. Adelyn stopped re-arranging the letters in the bag to protect them from any wind or worse yet - rain. The sky did look a bit overcast today, but she paid it no mind. The woman requested the letter go to Dorian Ashercroft. She smiled and nodded, placing the letter inside the bag a ways down from the slightly exposed top. Adelyn assured the woman that they'd deliver the letter as soon as they could when they reached Mileswick.

Roland and Adelyn began the journey to Mileswick minutes later, only to be showered by rain. She made a rush to retrieve her worn cloak, trying her best not to spoil her silk clothing. The cloak naturally, too, got wet, but provided for an extra layer of warmth at such a time. Adelyn placed the bag of letters entrusted to her underneath the cloak as best to her abilities, making her look like she had an odd bulge on her hip.

"This was unexpected!" the girl yelled over at Roland through the rain, drops touching her lips and into her mouth. Trees surrounded the area, swaying with the force of the wind and rain combined. Adelyn loved the rain. If they were not on official business she would likely start singing, but certainly not in the presence of Roland Moonstar. She was too shy to do things like that in public.

Adelyn eyed Roland as they approached Mileswick. Militia could be seen up ahead, covered in straw outfits, a wise choice in the rain. A moment of confusion passed through her, having never seen men in straw outfits, and she stopped walking, taking a needless break. She adjusted the bag a bit under the cloak, still looking down the road.

"Who would they be, Roland?" she asked, her eyes squinting, befuddled.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland shrugged, and squinted down the road. He'd been lost in thought, singing an old sailor's chantey, trying to think if he'd ever heard the name 'Dorian Ashercroft' before. It sounded familiar at first, but then he realized he was thinking of Darian, whose name also began with an A. Mileswick wasn't as large as Nexus Prime: it should be easy enough to to track down the mysterious owner of the package, or someone who knew him. Even it wasn't, they were obligated to help once they'd given their word to the old woman.

Roland looked at the straw-covered men. "Who are they? I don't know. I'm not actually friends and relatives with everyone in Arium."

Looie kicked Roland in the shin. "Yet." He rolled his eyes. "Anyway, she means 'what' are they, I think." He had hid his white wig and black robe and gavel in Roland's backpack, and strode along in his cakeday fur. He shook his fur like a dog, splashing Roland with glee.

When Roland realized that Adelyn actually meant 'what' are they, he peered closer at them. "I guess they are some sort of militia. Not provincial, as we'd recognize a West Warden or Sapphire Guard if we saw one. So, probably town militia."

He stretched his legs for a moment, getting out a kink from the long walk, then strode purposefully over to the straw-covered militia.

"Serale! How are you this fine day? Nothing like a good rain for the harvest and crops, eh?" He smiled affably at each. "I am Roland Moonstar, Lord Protector of Paxia. This is my sister-in-law Adelyn. We have come to Mileswick to start the process of treaty and trade negotiations, for the benefit of both towns. Would you mind giving us directions to Aedile Vessel?" He would show his visa and papers, if asked.

[Striker]

The spring had always been unpleasant for merchants and entrepreneurs to Mileswick; the violet and extensive rains typical of Arium did little to expedite travel times as wagon wheels oftentimes sunk into the muddy roads. For those traveling by foot, however, the wet climate was merely aggravating and nothing more. Few bandits waylaid this close to the farming town as the city militia was constantly on patrol. And then there was the fact that no one wished to stir the ire of the Lord M'elenir Fowlsin, famed paladin and hero of the fair city.

Despite the hazy downpour that limited cursory vision, the straw-appareled guardsmen spotted Roland and Adelyn trudging down the dirt road. Their armaments, long swords, were strapped beneath their outer coats – not the most convenient locations for quick access. It would become clear from their blithe demeanors, though, that they did not expect any form of hostility anytime soon.

“Serale, sir…ma’am.” one of the guards greeted with a nod to both Roland and Adelyn. His eyes were squinted into narrow slits as he struggled to look at the pair through the curtains of rain. “I’m fine, sir, thank you for asking.” Glancing upwards and wincing as several drops of water assailed him in the face, the guard shrugged in response to Roland’s initial query. “Certainly a fine day for the crops…but not for the rest of us I’m afraid.” He replied with a lighthearted smile.

“So where are you kindly folk from?” the second guard asked.

Roland’s introduction elicited curious looks along both guards’ faces and particularly when he mentioned his surname. The name, Moonstar, was definitely not unheard of in the small town of Mileswick.

“A pleasure to have you back with us, Mister Moonstar.” the first guard warmly welcomed before looking to Adelyn. “And you as well ma’am.”

Turning so that his back faced the pair, the guard pointed a finger far down the dirt road where the outlines of several buildings could be spotted in the horizon. “Keep going south, Lord Protector. Past the homes you’ll be introduced to our commercial district, and past that you’ll find the Aedile’s Office. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you find the cobblestone streets.”

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland gave Adelyn a chance to talk to the guards, and while she spoke (or listened: he was aware of her beauty and that men were always hitting on her) he closed his eyes for a moment, as if to get the rain out of them. But actually he was doing through the steps of meditation and focus as fast as he could, trotting out one of his favorite spells, animation. He cast a force-field in the air over the guard's heads. Perhaps due to the weather, or that he was rushing it, this particular one had no smell, color, or sound attached to it, beyond the basic pitter-patter of the falling rain drops. "Here, gentlemen. Think of this as a temporary parasol or umbrella, to get the rain out of your eyes for a moment."

Looie kicked Roland in the shin again. "You couldn't have thought of this back in Paxia?"

Roland shook his head. "I didn't think the rain would last. I thought it would just be a little drizzle, or we'd have taken a horse and coach." Roland, truth be told, didn't mind the rain. Neither, obviously did the underwater sea otter; this was just their banter.

Once Adelyn had spoken, or not, as she wished, perhaps taking a moment to dry off a little under the magic umbrella, Roland kept his eyes on the road until he spotted the cobblestone streets, and he held the door open for the Lutran and Adelyn until they entered the Aedile's office.

Roland then took a look around, curious as to what he would see.

[Adelyn Weiss]

The rain was comforting to Adelyn, and she felt Looie would think so, too. She smiled as Roland answered her question pertaining to the militia ahead. Knowing there was nothing to fear, she proceeded as amiably as before until they reached the men.

"Serale gentlemen! Fine day for both the crops and for myself. Dancing in the rain is something marvelous," she smiled charmingly, unaware of her own beauty in her childish naivete. She nodded at Roland in approval as he created the makeshift forcefield umbrella. Adelyn could only laugh at Looie and Roland's exchange of words, but continued her conversation with the militiamen.

Addressing the second guard, Adelyn said, "We are from here in Arium, more specifically Paxia. We're coming to take care of some business in Mileswick." The young beauty wished them both a great day, and continued on with her brother-in-law in the direction they had specified.

Adelyn could see the cobblestone streets up straight ahead. She adjusted the bag on her shoulder temporarily, keeping in mind they would have to deliver some letters afterward. Roland had kept the door open for both her and Looie, and she rushed in, glad to dry a bit after the walk. They had entered the Aedile's office, the first Adelyn would be seeing.

[Striker]

A wave of orcs could have arrived at that precise moment and the guards would have failed to notice them –so enthralled by Adelyn’s beauty were they. They did notice, however, when the raindrops suddenly ceased to beat on them from above. One of the guards, the first to have greeted the Moonstars, gaped upwards with widened eyes. “Thank you, Mister Moonstar!” he said firmly and with a cheery smile. Incredibly impressed by the makeshift umbrella, he laughed candidly and patted his comrade on the back. “See? Interesting things do happen on patrol duty!”

“Yeah yeah.” the second guard replied, shrugging off his friend’s pat but never taking his eyes off Adelyn. “Very marvelous, Miss! We do it all the time!” As the words spilled from his lips, the guard frowned immediately as he began to realize his blunder. Having never been confident around members of the opposite sex, he merely frowned and sighed. “I mean…well, you know. Anyway, enjoy your stay in Mileswick.”

The muddy road to Mileswick was relatively barren this brightening. Few merchants dared to travel under such conditions in fear of ruining their wares, and the relentless rain made the dirt trail slick and grimy to walk through. Nevertheless, the determined Roland and Adelyn would be greeted by the familiar sight of a neatly arranged district of housing shaped in a square. The buildings were assorted in many different sizes, and in the center of the northern wall of houses (where Roland and Adelyn would arrive at) they would see that a section had been cleared such that two houses flanked a vacant lot and archway for travelers to pass through and under. The archway read “Mileswick” across in neatly chiseled letters.

Beyond the archway entrance point they would be welcomed by the familiar smell of freshly baked goods and recently roasted stews, both of which seeped out of the chimneys of the local stores and marts dispersed across the area. Of particular note was the Mileswick General Store, the largest in the entire village and partly owned by the Moonstars themselves. Besides these, there were various storefronts that could be seen: a hammer and anvil denoted the local smithy, a saw and tree the town’s carpenter, and there were dozens of fruit and vegetables stands as well. The owners of the latter, however, were hastily and hurriedly draping blankets across their produce to prevent it from becoming drenched.

After passing the commercial district they would eventually discover what they had been looking for.

Surrounded by a neatly paved cobblestone floor, the one that the guards had directed Roland and Adelyn to, the Aedile’s Office cut an impressive figure in contrast to the rudimentary houses on the outer layer of the city. Several stories high and built of reddish and brownish brick, it was clear that the people of Mileswick honored their politicians and leaders. If Roland and Adelyn were to enter the office, they would be introduced to a sight that tremendously outdid Gena’ra’s.

Elegantly furnished wooden floorboards provided the groundwork for the building; the wood was dashed with a bit of red that many nobles coveted to import into their own homes. The left and right walls were lined with shelves sporting an impressive collection of books, and tall silver candelabras stood in each corner of the room –their candles were lit brightly ablaze this brightening. In the center of the room was a wide desk crafted of the finest redwood, two comfortable leather seats were seated on the side closest to the entrance. On the other sat an unusually small woman. She had black hair and light green eyes, and her feet did not touch the floor. Hovering over a paper in front of her, the woman’s hand was speedily at work with a quill pen, and she didn't seem to notice Roland and Adelyn's arrival.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Still, Adelyn was thinking of those strange guards supposedly guarding the entrance to Mileswick. Of course, Adelyn did not realize it was herself that had made them act funny, admitting to dancing in the rain, and all.

The building they had just entered was of reddish brick, an impressive building in comparison to all the other homes in the area. It stood tall around them, but Adelyn was not intimidated. She only touched her lips lightly, in reminiscence of the once grand buildings of her home, Paxia.

A small gasp came from her lips, which she tried to stifle immediately. The inside of the building was far more elegant than the outside would have dictated. What caught Adelyn's interest were the numerous books lining the walls; she had not had much time to read anything since living with her brother. Her eyes turned away from the books to the desk in the center of the room.

A short woman sat on the far side of the desk, scribbling down information in a hurry on a piece of parchment. Despite Adelyn's gasp, she had still not noticed their arrival. Adelyn made sure to take a few steps towards one of the two leather seats closest to her. She made a small humming noise and said, "Serale. I am Adelyn Weiss, just arriving from Paxia."

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland glanced at the woman, unable to tell from the angle if this was a Cether or a midget. Either way, he made a note to bring Halfpint with him the next time he was out this way: the little guy seemed a bit lonely to him.

He pulled a towel out of his pack and offered it to Adelyn, then dried off as best as he was able.

Once they were as presentable as they were going to get, he waited to see if the woman responded to Adelyn.

[Striker]

The petite receptionist jolted at Adelyn’s voice, straightening back in her chair as she looked up from the desk to the two Moonstars. Her emerald gaze radiated as the candlelight reflected off her eyes, and she finally nodded to the travelers after settling herself. “I’m terribly sorry, dear, I didn’t see you and your friend.” She explained, revealing a warm smile across her lips.

Tilting her head to the side as she regarded the Paxians, the woman followed the droplets of water that trickled from Adelyn’s hair. “The rain has not stopped yet, has it?” She casually asked, looking outside and shaking her head. It was clear that the rain would not be relenting anytime soon. Spring was a very wet season for the people of Arium, and although the farmers welcomed the showers, most of the Ariumites would have admitted that the rain made travel tedious.

As Adelyn introduced herself, the receptionist’s smile partially diminished. “Welcome to Mileswick, Miss Weiss.” She nodded to Roland afterwards. “The road must not have been easy for the two of you, and I am quite surprised that you traveled with the weather like this. You really should get out of those wet clothes too lest you catch colds.”

Shrugging slightly, the woman leaned forward. “So how can I help you two?”

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland nodded. "That's a good suggestion as far as clothes. You would think with a sister that's a tailor I'd know better." He had his traveling leathers and a good suit with him, but had not thought to bring anything else as Mileswick was so close to Paxia.

He took off his jacket and looked for a place by the door to hang it, or a hook to put it on.

He seemed almost paralyzed by the ostentatious display of the Aedile's office, as it was indeed a vast difference from Paxia. Paxia, the merchant capital of the province, had offices that were reduced to rubble and ruin. Mileswick, a dot on a map, a place with much less foot traffic, had a building that would not have been out of place in opulent Diana. It was a rare and valuable lesson, a reminder never to judge a book by its cover.

Roland took a deep breath. "Yes, the weather has been something. I don't know that I would have made it all if not for the tenacity of Adelyn keeping me going." He gave his sister-in-law a broad grin, but then his face turned thoughtful for a moment. "Even so, at least we were able to come in out of the rain. It's the guards out there I feel bad for. This must not be easy on them."

Shrugging slightly, the woman leaned forward. “So how can I help you two?”

Roland nodded. "Ah yes, down to business. We are here to see the Aedile, or to make an appointment if the Aedile isn't in. It concerns the matter of establishing a trade route between Paxia and Mileswick."

[Striker]

OOC: hey, going to speed this up a little and assume Adelyn is walking in with Roland, i hope you both don't mind

“They’re used to it. We all have to do our parts. Some of us are chefs, some of us carpenters, and some of us born with the strength to protect others.” the receptionist timidly answered. Her emerald eyes flickered as she studied the two companions. Although Mileswick was a pivotal element of commerce within Arium, the townsfolk had managed to maintain relatively personable relationships with one another. Mileswick, after all, was not so large and thus the people were gifted with the natural ability to distinguish regulars from outsiders.

It was not an incredibly trying feat for the woman to deduce that Roland and Adelyn were not from around these parts –not lately at least.

The woman’s tranquil demeanor faded brusquely as Roland announced his business. Clearing her throat to dispel the awkwardness, she feigned a light smile. “Paxia seeks trade relations?” A part of the woman wanted to question what exactly Paxia could offer at all given its disheveled condition, but being the professional that she was, she merely nodded, held a finger to indicate for Roland and Adelyn to wait, and then disappeared into the back room.

She returned a moment later.

“Mister Vessell is a very busy man, but he seems quite interested to hear about what you have to say. Please go right on in.” She bade.

If Roland and Adelyn were to oblige, they would enter the office of Mileswick’s notoriously work-obsessed aedile. Like the foyer, the aedile’s room was floored with red-wood panels that boasted of considerable wealth. A homely mahogany carpet, devoid of any designs, was layered just atop it. Book shelves lined the walls of the room, and in the center was a finely polished wooden desk and two chairs, two in th