Founding a Home Among the Elfhame(Calairiel)

[Siltrin Aluwenae]

16th of Cryxatum In the Season of Spring, Era XIII, Era I of the Celestine Mandate

Siltrin had plans and these plans needed others. These others who he needed is why he found himself deep in the Tawnleaf this darkening. It had been nearly a Candlemark since the setting of Majora. This evening he would attempt to confer with the arwen of house Gil’dae, he was new to the combine and yet he had lived his entire life under their rule. He was the first Aluwenae that he knew of to attempt the formation of a house. Most of their relatives had been scattered to the winds but he hoped to change that by united them under one house. His only regret that his father was not with him.

Siltrin always wanted something more as a boy to feel apart of the people that made up the elfhame. A home that he treasured with all his heart and soul, his mind devoted to becoming something great in this enchanted world he lived in. Being a young elf Siltrin had many eras to rise to greatness but there was nothing like acting in the present youth or not. The tawnleaf held many beautiful places and the Gil’daes lived in a manor known as the Gil’dae Cheb or Starshadow keep as he had heard it mentioned once before.

The elf found himself standing at the gates looking towards the keep through the bars. He then took note of two guards they stood before the gates looking proud and strong. The elf thought perhaps one day he would own such an estate that would need guarding. It was a comforting thought but the elf knew all to well that he had a ways to go. He planned to build his home from nothing he knew that it was only a matter of time before he himself would be respected in the elfhame.

His future was uncertain but he knew with every fiber of his being that this was one of the many steps on his road to greatness. Casting aside his thoughts for the moment it was time for action. Approaching the guards the elf took a bow “Vedui, I am Siltrin Aluwenae and I come seeking an audience with the Arwen of house Gil’dae.”

The elf took a step back as he looked at his loose fit silk pearl tunic and breeches making sure that there was no dust or folds in his attire. He wore his best clothing for this meeting he did not wish to look like a pauper. His silk tunic and breeches were embroidered with and assembly of leaves commonly found in the syl’rosyan forests. He wore a dark blue leather studded cloak with a silk fabric on the interior. A friend once told him that being well dressed in lavish clothing never hurt. He was to meet the lady of house Gil’dae maybe one of the only elves that could help him in his wish to create a house in the combine. He also needed a sorcerer and the Gil’daes were known for it.

For now he would just have to wait and see.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

OOC: I’m going to forgo all the pretty, pretty descriptions of Starshadow Keep. If you are interested, here is the link to them. =-)

He was quickly allowed admittance and escorted to the Keep. After ascertaining the Arwen’s location, he was led through the winding halls until arriving at a large, ornate office. Inside sat the beautiful Calairiel Gil’dae, leaning over the desk, most likely attending to some matter of House interest. The guard softly knocked on the open door, to which Calairiel smiled and nodded, indicating for Siltrin to enter. Waving her hand softly to a couch on the side of the office, she rose and took a seat opposite the elf.

"Vedui. I’m Calairiel Gil’dae. May I offer you some refreshment while we talk?"

After that matter was settled, she moved on to satisfy her curiosity. He was there for a reason and she was very interested to know what it was.

"What may I do for you today, Heru en amin?"

[Siltrin Aluwenae]

The raw beauty that was in the cheb inspired Siltrin. The wild flowers and giant redwoods gave this keep in the tawnleaf a natural feel. He was excited and intimidated by the size of this magnificent keep. Turning to the guards he followed them in complete silence along the cobbled path. There was much to this place and he hoped that he would be allowed to explore its beauty upon another visit.

To unify a family

For this was on his mind and to do it he would need Arwen Calairiel and House Gil’dae’s support. His mind played out may possibilities and he found himself curious as to what the lady would think of his proposal. The elf was eighty ordinations just at the beginning of his early adulthood. He looked young but he was well-versed and dress in elfin traditional culture. Siltrin was here on behalf of his family his father had passed all familial rights to him as the eldest son.

As he entered the office he took sight of the lady Gil’dae for the first time. She was absolutely beautiful and image of strength and compassion. His deep blue eyes looked towards the lady with intrigue and a bold sense of self-presence. Siltrin ushered himself to the couch and removed his dark blue leather cloak revealing the pearl silk attire he was wearing. It loosely hung on one shoulder revealing a tattoo of a circle of thorns.

He smiled upon the hospitality of Arwen Calairiel, “Diola lle1, if you have some kind of berry wine or liquor that would be nice.” The elf had really taken a liking to the taste of sylrosian berries.

“Amin essa Siltrin Aluwenae, Arwen Gil'dae”2 he said with conviction that a future leader would need. His mind raced working to clarify the best way to express what he was here for what he needed Calairiel’s help for. Taking a deep breath the elf then focused his eyes upon the arwen he would just go with the truth.

“I have come seeking the support of House Gil’dae in the unification of my family into the combine as a house. The Aluwenae clan is a family that has been scattered among the tawnleaf for some time. I as the eldest son of the main branch of my family seek to form them under one banner and become a house in good standing with the combine. To do this I would need a sponser and I wish to pledge my loyalty to your house.” He knew it was a bit much but it was better to have it all out; he felt a relief and yet he wondered what the Calairiel would think.

"I know what I ask for is great and that you the Arwen of house Gil'dae have many pressing matters but I would just like for you to consider what I ask. Perhaps I can be of some service or aide in proving to you that I and my family are worthy"

1 - Thank you
2 - My name is Siltrin Aluwenae Lady Gil'dae

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

She nodded gently, sending a nearby attendant scurrying to the kitchen for some of Calairiel’s favorite berry wine, leaving the two be once again to discuss matters. The young Gil’dae exuded confidence, but not overbearing…a quick wit and intelligent mind, but most of all, she managed to make people comfortable around her despite everything.

"The offer to bring me is intriguing. I’m very grateful that you have come to discuss the matter with me, and in turn for that, I’ll make you an offer. As you have already confessed, your clan is in need of help, and I’m in a position to offer that help to you. The way the Combine works is that I can give you right of surname to enter the Combine, but the three elder houses have the right to refuse you. First impressions are important, so you have to get it right. I graciously accept your clan’s support and fealty, and in return, I’ll provide you with a monthly stipend to help build your accounts, as well, I can find you a position within the Quicksilver Guard, if you wish, where you can also earn money and receive training. Once you have enough money, an estate and have established yourself within Elfhame, we can go to the elder Houses and ask them for approval for your right of surname. If there is a spot open, you can become a member of the Combine at that point. I know it sounds like a long, drawn out process, but it’s worth it in the end."

At that point, the attendant returned with two goblets of berry wine, giving one to Calairiel and the other to their guest. Cala took hers, waiting to see what he had to say about her offer.

[Siltrin Aluwenae]

There was some flicker of anticipation in Siltrin’s eyes as he awaited the Arwen Gil’dae’s response. He listened carefully to Calairiel and what she could and would be willing to do for the Aluwenae clan. The elf was excited to hear that she was in fact interested in aiding the young elf and his scattered family. There was much he did not know about the Combine and there was time to learn this with the aid of House Gil’dae.

There was a smile upon the elf’s face that shown through clear that the elf was indeed thrilled with Arwen Calairiel’s offer. He knew that he could join her guard as long as he was granted some freedoms. The family business of his scattered clan already owned the elf for the time being. If he wanted to get anywhere in restoring his family he would need her support both vocally and monetarily. Taking note of this the elf had the feeling that this was going to be the beginnings to a valued kinship between the two.

He was glad to see the wine come out; it could not be better timing the elf grabbed his goblet as Calairiel held hers. Holding his goblet firmly in his left hand the elf then gave the lady before him a slight nod.

“Arwen Gil’dae you honor clan Aluwenae, I understand that it will be a long journey and I am most gracious that you are willing to aide my ventures to unite my family. I pledge my family’s loyalty and mine to that of House Gil’dae. I most humbly accept your support as for the Quicksilver guard I would like to join but I would also need some freedom to explore my dream of restoring both my family and the Sword Dancers to the elfhame.”

Siltrin paused for the moment; perhaps he could be among her guard but he was pledged to become a sword dancer and it was half of his quest for the time being. He knew too well that he had a long road ahead of him bringing together the family Aluwenae and making his place here among the elfhame.

“Arwen Gil’dae I do appreciate this greatly may I call you Calairiel? Or would you rather I address you formally arwen?” he took a deep breath and with his blue eyes he looked at the arwen. He sipped the wine ever so slowly savoring its great flavors.

“May I say this wine is delectable, it has been some time since I tasted such quality wine.” Then the elf smiled and raised his goblet in the air. “If I may I propose a toast to a beautiful and prosperous relationship”

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

The young Arwen Gil’dae smiled at the elf, toasting to their mutual good fortune to have found such a perfect fit of situations as they had. It wasn’t often that a clan leader willingly put his faith in an untested leader, but perhaps he had little choice. No matter…Calairiel would do the best she could for her family, House and supporters. She wasn’t the type to let people down.

"I, of course, respect your wishes. Just know that no matter what, I will be here to help you. I’m not sure what your current living situation is, but Starshadow Keep has a few guest houses along the back perimeter of the property that are open for use by you or your family. I will set up your monthly stipend to be delivered to your hands in the amount of 500 crowns, if that is acceptable. This will help you get your feet on the ground and begin saving for your own estate. "

Laughing a bit, she suddenly realized that she had completely forgotten to answer his previous question.

"I’m sorry. Calairiel is fine. I’m not one for formalities, other then those necessary in the presence of Combine members…but even those can be tedious. Necessary, but tedious. If you are interested, eventually, I can teach you a bit about the formalities and begin to get you accustom to how things work. It takes some time, but is information well worth knowing."

"Is there anything else I can answer for you, or shall we just enjoy the wine and conversation?"

Grinning softly, Calairiel took another sip and waited for his reply.

[Siltrin Aluwenae]

Siltrin now felt a hope spring forth for his family that as of late had been scattered no one working towards the unity of the clan. This was Siltrin’s mission and now he had the aide of a well-known combine house. He had little choice if he wanted to join the combine he would need the aide and help of the Gil’dae’s. Siltrin had a feeling that with Calairiel’s help there would be no stopping the elf towards his goal.

The elf now had her aid what was there nothing left to do but mingle and perhaps get to know his clan’s savior. Siltrin had the up most respect for Arwen Gil’dae, he had expected to have to pled his case. The fact that she was so easily willing to aide him showed the elf that she was compassionate and caring.

She was a leader the elf felt comfortable being allied to.

He nodded in approval of her offer of a monthly stipend of 500 crowns it was more then enough to help the elf begin his finances. “I accept the offer graciously, 500 crowns a month is wonderful it will definitely help me get my clan’s finances in order.”

It was nice to see the lady laughing his smile never wavered as she explained a little about formalities the elf began to sip at his wine again. It was truly delicious he enjoyed the taste of silrosian berries. There was nothing quite like enjoying good wine with good company and now that this darkenings business was practically over he could now spend time on pleasantries.

“I would love to stay in a guest house as of now I am homeless but I soon hope to have enough saved up to buy back my family’s old estate which my father’s father lost some time ago due to financal troubles. I remember the place vaguely, and I plan on returning clan aluwenae to it soon enough.”

Taking a moment the elf sipped from his goblet enjoying the wine he soon found that his glass was empty and this was a dilemma he would have to remedy. “Calairiel may I have some more wine?” He held out his goblet ready for whoever was to come and fill it or exchange it for another.

“I would love to discuss with you the formalities of the combine as I really have no knowledge about such things. I am constantly seeking for knowledge on anything pertaining to my people and even this empire we live in. Perhaps we can set meetings where you can teach me this as I work towards reuniting my family. Unless of course you think you can teach me what I need to know this darkening but that would seem rushed and we have time I assume.”

Siltrin still wore the same smile as he awaited the arwen's response.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

She was thrilled at the turn of events. A clan attached to Gil’dae…especially one as honorable as his seemed….would only add to process of reorganizing and reinventing the House according to the vision she had.

Whatever it took, she would get the House there.

Smiling at his enthusiasm for learning the ways of the Combine, she nodded her head. It took time but she had no doubt that he would pick up on things quickly. He was already a very polite individual with manners, and such an elf was already halfway to the goal.

"As you will be staying on the grounds of Starshadow, such conversations will be easy. You will be invited to all meals served and on the occasions that I’m in Syl’rosya, we can speak of such matters over those meals. For now, let’s get you settled in and taken care of. "

OOC: Assume you have taken residence of one of the spacious guesthouses. The stipends start immediately as well. Welcome to Gil’dae! =-)