[Kallimeyra Estate ]Midwinter Plans and the problem of names. [Pala and J’lyara]

[Palacrisis D Jones]

The 30th brightening in the month of Kalendryas, in the Season of Winter, Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XV Post Fractum.


It was cold outside snow lay thick on the fields a wind moaned around the house but due to some extensive renovations the cold airs of a Sherian winter did not enter the cosy sitting room. Pala sat on a rocking chair with a copy of the Herald but his mind was not on the “Silrosia Veil” or other such strange manifestations of the will of the gods his thoughts were far closer to home.

The “sprog” as he had christened the bump for lack of anything better to call their son deserved a great deal better and as such he had been mulling over names .He held a quill loosely and occasionally he scrawled a name on a sheet of parchment and then shook his head as if it was not suitable .

Secrets : Milo Raliric Zim Llanwyn Roland The list went on

He looked up as J’lyara came in and smiled at her as he seemed to do all the time now watching her move like the natural dancer she was watching observing the bump for any sign of change.

Come and sit by the fire love, rest up for a while we really must decide on a name for our son

Having absolute confidence of the date of conception 15th of Imperos era XIV meant that through the good grace of the goddess they were fairly sure of the date that J’lyara would have the baby, Thus they really would have to get used to calling it by its given name and not “sprog” one thing was certain he refused to let the poor little blighter suffer under Palacrisis it was a damned stupid name and his son would never bear the burden of name calling at his schooling!

But what the devil should they call their precious son?

[J'lyara]

It was a large rocking chair and her husband was a large man, thus J'lyara thought nothing of it to pick up the items he held in his lap and settle her slight frame and that of their very tiny unborn child into his lap. She snuggled against him, the fire warming all the three of them and picked up the parchment he'd been scribbling on.

“Let me see...” she said, glancing over the names curiously. She smiled at each one and shook her head. “I don't see one very important name on this list my love.” Turning her head so that she could gaze into his comforting blue eyes, she smiled. “You don't wish him to be named after you I take it?”

She happened to love her husband's name but she supposed she could understand why he was hesitant for their son to have the same. And so her thoughts turned to impressions and feelings, all things non-concrete, her flaming head laying back into the cradle of her husband's massive arms and against a strong, sturdy chest.

“Perhaps we should start with what we know of him...and then maybe we can figure a name with meaning that suits, aye?” Quietly pointing out some details about him she named that he'd been conceived in the Arakmatan desert, that he was favored by the goddess Carmelya, he would be her first born natural child as well as Pala's, that he would likely be strong and as large as his father for already J'lyara's tummy was starting to make noticeable changes in order to accommodate their precious growing boy.

“Think you we'll gift our son with knowledge of his heritage on your side of our family? I think we should make a special trip and do some digging around into your mysterious past my love.”

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Big hands circled her waist and with the tenderest of touches he began the bonding with the tiny entity resting within her womb. J’lyara was nestling in his lap like a satisfied cat a position that Pala always found delightful. The fire burned warmed and he could feel her own body heat covering him like a softy blanket …..perfect!

He chuckled as she teased him about his name threatening their unborn with such a handle for life No love, he needs a name that makes him stand out but not one that has people chuckling behind his back as they have done to me. it’s a burden I would never saddle our son with but….. his brain was slipping ideas into another and rejecting them one by one but one notion began to settle onto his consciousness Carmarak D Jones it has a strong ring to it and it might remind him when we tell the little fellow about his beginnings of the place and the sponsor a mixture of Carmelya and Arakmat ,…. What do you think?

He stroked the bulge softly whispering Carmarak my son what do you think baby, you have to bear the name for your life, maybe you want to have a say? he chuckled to himself , moments like this were precious, they cost no crowns but were counted as worth more than jewels.

J’lyara’s next remark caught him off guard, he was curious but just a tad frightened of the result should he go and try and dig up a past that had remained buried for so long?

“Hmm you think so do you? Yours has been revealed with all its warts are you sure that we should open up a box that has remained closed? I suppose with new life in your belly we deserve to at least give the boy the truth about me and my beginnings no matter how humble they were? As far as I can work out and from what those soothsayers told me back in the days of my thaneship in Taralon, the place to start is Midpoint in Centripax. They seem to think that is where I came from although I have no memory of the city just a vision of what might have been a single incident as a child of tender years

he was young again.........

There was a knock on the shorn boards that represented the front door of the rude hovel, he could feel the cold dirt floor on his bare feet and the chipped wood mug in his little grubby hand. The last inch of milk was still in the mug and as the loud knock hammered through the house, an old woman had opened the door. The little Pala had hidden behind the woman’s skirts and peered at the visitor.

The tall dark man had a beaky nose, dark blue eyes and beetling eye brows, his beard flecked with grey was full and shaped. He was dressed in dark blue clothes and had high shiny boots. A great fur trimmed cloak was over his clothes and he held in his left hand a big black wide brimmed hat. He handed the old woman a bag that jingled and she took it without a single word. As she went to close the rude door the big man knelt in the snowy street and in a deep brown voice said with a tear in his eye.

Palacrisis my son, it is best this way, we will meet one day and I will explain all.

He stood up and walked down the street towards a square with a large monumental statue of a rider in it.

So what had happened after that? He did not remember much, the old woman had several other children and Pala, was not one of them, he had been sort of adopted but that word was never uttered in the house hold. He remembered being ignored a lot and being left to his own devices, He was never starving but never fully satisfied either.

He remembered that he hated his name other street children would run behind him and shout at him.

“Palacrisis, Palacrisis never a friend always a crisis”,

Well if you think you want to dig up the past love then let us do it we can catch the wizard express and be in Midpoint in a matter of moments .Hassan Bey assures me that this mode of travel will have no detrimental effect on our son in fact he might well enjoy the sensation

[Milo L'Evienne]

Late Ponutis in the Winter of Er XV

arrived by wizard mail in the hands of an eccentric old fellow sporting a raspberry beret…

To the Attention of: Palacrisis D Jones
Kallimeyra Estate
Taralon in the Confederation of the Sherian

From the Desk of: His Royal Highness, Prince Milo the First
The Imperial Palace in the Principality of Prime

Pala,

Greetings my friend. As I write, it is with the sincerest hope that this letter finds J’lyara and yourself enduring the bitter weather of Winter in what comfort allows, and that you are both well there in the midst of those troubles that have so plagued the Sherian these many months gone by. I think of the two of you often and of your coming blessed event and think of my own children as well and what blessings and visions of the future that they inevitably bring with them. Please extend to J’lyara my very best wishes as having been an expectant husband to an expecting wife three times over now, I might sympathize with the sense of anticipation she must be feeling as the time draws nearer, as well as your own of course.

When last we spoke Pala and discussed the changes that have come up on these lands, I indicated my wish to speak to you further of the task ahead of us, for it is my desire that one such as yourself might play an all important role in this transformation. I know not of the expected arrival date of your child, but if you should find occasion at present or in the near future if current timing does not permit, I would very much like to speak to you face to face on these matters. Whether it be in coming brightenings or after your blessed arrival, until then my friend, safe journey and my very best to you and yours.

Warm Regards,
Milo

[J'lyara]

Giggling just a little as her husband's hand stroked her now bulging belly, she realized just how ticklish she'd become. “I wonder if that tickles him too.” She smiled down at her stomach, snuggling even more comfortably in her husband's arms. She could think of no better way to spend her time, than where she was. In fact, she couldn't recall ever having been more content, more safe, more peaceful than she currently was.

No longer was she wandering around lost and alone, unable to remember who she was. That endless era away from her life seemed to fade into a distant memory and all she could do was sigh with deep contentment as she looked into her husband's blue eyes once again. “Hmm...Carmarak. Carmarak D Jones. Oh my love...that's it. 'Tis his name!”

Saying it over several times aloud, she placed her hand on another part of her stomach and nodded. “Yes, it feels the right name to me. And so he shall be called.” She thought positive Carmelya would be pleased as well and that maybe she'd even placed the seedling in Pala's mind herself.

Looking only slightly concerned as she saw how pensive and unsettled her husband was about his past, she turned to hold him against her and their son. Her warmth and her love radiated out to surround him and cover his heart completely. He was no longer the child he'd been, neglected and abandoned. For now he had a woman who's world revolved around him and soon he'd have a child of his own blood to look upon who'd carry the features of himself and his beloved combined.

She shook her head with certainty, just as she'd done before they'd returned to Taralon from Diana, “I adore Hassan, but...I just can't trust completely that the our child won't be affected by such a mode of travel. 'Tis not a risk I can comfortably take my heart. But, what say we plan a special trip for after the baby is born and the Temple has been erected? We'll go then, by Hassan if you want, while our child sleeps and is being cared for. We could be back before he even awakens perhaps. For all the heartache I experienced at discovering I was adopted and then who my birth mother was, I don't regret it. I think we should. We should go and find out who you are. For our son's sake and for yours.”

[Palacrisis D Jones]

If Carmarak gave any attention to this decision over his name he did not seem to reply, his mother did not get any unwelcome reminders of his presence he might as well be asleep warm inside the first world of his life. So apart from the seeming lack of interest from the recipient of the name Pala was satisfied with his brainwave, if indeed it was his to start with.


He looked up towards the ceiling and whispered to the ether Carmarak all right with you goddess? but unsurprisingly there was no reply no sense of divine presence in the room just the warmth of his wife and child nestling in his lap. They sat together in peaceful silence Pala wanted to digest J’lyara’s words about his own back ground , the reservations he had earlier expressed were still there but maybe he owed his son a heritage that he had never either had the opportunity or the wish to uncover.


Very well after Carmarak is born and you and he are fit and well we will take a trip back into my extremely dim past and see what is there, that’s a date love.

Update

The next few cycles passed peacefully enough, Pala did not tell his wife about his little adventure in Taralon when he got mixed up with the Rattas and had to fight for his life in a burning city, it was nothing and J’lyara would have worried and told him off for having far too much fun. Pala slipped away to Vers to sign up a master Druidess to kick start the building /growth of the temple and that project was ongoing. So apart from the visit to Milo their life was fairly peaceful during the long dark days of winter.


It was on his return from Milo that sat again in the rocking chair Pala had some news. After discussing in some detail Carmaraks’ progress and getting all the news of domestic affairs even though he had only been gone the single brightening .Pala chuckled

Well love I have got myself a new job once Carmarak is born. The prince has appointed me to head up a royal commission into cultural relations its going to mean that I will have to travel the length and breadth of the kingdom talking to all the various races and species trying to persuade them to join a sitting royal commission which basically is going to try and answer the question why do the various races hate each so much ….its an impossible task but hey someone ought to try. I will have offices and apartments in Aelyria Prime so you can show Carmarak off to all and sundry but best of all and for our sons future …… he held her softly and chuckled again delaying the news …..

Milo has agreed to award the Barony of Austerfield to us. ….. he waited for the squeal of delight that must surely come. All we have to do is to get your grandmothers lawyers to let prince Milo see your grandmothers final will and her agreement that the title passes to her granddaughter and her husband and then we are ennobled. Our son will be born Lord Carmarak D Jones as a fully fledged noble!

[Milo L'Evienne]

Early Melora in the Winter of Era XV by Wizard Mail

To the attention of the Baroness Bella Austerfield
Austerfield House
Taralon in the Sherian

From the desk of HRH Milo I
lord Protector of the Kingdom of Aelyria
the Royal Palace in the Principality of Prime

Baroness Austerfield,

What a pleasure it is to receive correspondence from you and I do hope this letter finds you nearby a busy hearth and with a cup of tea to warm your hands these last brightenings of Winter. May I also offer you my personal appreciation for your words of support, a man is always wise to remind himself of the great value of such things. Having received the documents you have sent to me, I have had my office look over them and as was to be expected all is in order and I will of course be pleased to grant your request.

You will find enclosed with this missive a writ indicating the transfer of noble title, signed and sealed by my own hand this fifth brightening of Melora, naming J’lyara D Jones Baroness as by your express wishes and that J’lyara and Palacrisis may now wield the title the Barony of Austerfied, in addition to all of the properties, responsibilities and amenities as detailed and provided for per your request.

It was my thought Baroness that you might enjoy the pleasure of personally presenting the writ to your grand-daughter on my behalf, and please do offer both J’lyara and Palacrisis my best wishes in anticipation of their child soon to be arriving.

Warmest Regards,
Milo L'Evienne

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Timestamp: Early brightening of Dianara in the Second Cycle of Cryxatum, Spring in the First Era of the Principate of HRH Prince Milo I, Era XV Post Fractum.

He wasn’t in the shop but the quick witted dwarf Desire Gradedore
soon realised that official looking documents accompanied by a fully uniformed soldier meant that her boss needed to see these letters as soon as possible. Thus by dint of gold and the careful display of her axe a messenger was found in Taralon and the precious letters along with their accompanying guards were escorted to the Kallimeyra Estate two miles south of Taralon.

Kallimeyra Estate

Following the events in the Black River Cigar Shoppe

Pala was back in his rocking chair doing interesting things to his wife’s feet that needed constant attention from his long strong fingers, truth to tell it was a task that he quite enjoyed but he was a little bored. He had yet to hear from Milo about the royal commission, the tobacco harvest was about ready to be sold but he was still bored!

Thus the baron was somewhat pleased if not a little puzzled to receive his visitors. Bags and packages were piled up in a corner of his study still unopened as he bade the soldiers Sit a while gentlemen whilst I read these.

The first letter was perused swiftly but was still as puzzling as the reason for the visit of the soldiers and the pile of packages. The second letter revealed the mystery ….He was flabbergasted, truly completely and utterly flabbergasted!

He folded the letter carefully slowly and placed it down on the desk in front of him.

Gentlemen I am astonished by this honour….Please convey my regards to the Minster of War and tell him I shall reply to these letters presently but for the moment it would appear that I am in the army!

He stood up squared his back bone straight and saluted back it felt very strange to revisit an action long thought discarded to the annals of the past.

After the soldiers had left weighed down with samples from his chefs kitchen Pala left the study to speak with his wife. He passed the letter across for her perusal and then answered her enquiring up raised eyebrow with

The little bastard has got me I am afraid. I have been saying for eras that intelligence is the key to success of the nation and now our dear admiral has remembered and landed me with the job of obtaining it.

A certain discussion followed but domestic disagreements are best left private the sanctuary of his study was escaped to and Palacrisis picked up his pen and fresh parchment.

First cycle Cryaxtum era XV The Minister of War Imperial Admiral Alexis Sapienta Aelyria Prime. Your Excellency To say that your letters caught me off guard is an understatement of the highest order It had never crossed my mind that this old politician could again serve the nation and especially as a serving officer in the Imperial Legions. Once I had recovered my wits I realised that it would indeed be a great honour to serve in this fashion therefore I formally accept your appointment. I should point out that his royal highness has provisionally appointed me to the post of royal commissioner to investigate and report on inter cultural relations. It is not clear from here if his royal highness has reconsidered this appointment but if he should indeed wish this commission to go ahead I see no barrier to serve the nation in both capacities. Indeed as part of military intelligence a cover such as the commission strikes me as being highly effective. My understanding of the state of Sherian is somewhat limited. J’lyara’s pregnancy had effectively bound me to the estate during possibly the foulest winter poor Sheria has had to suffer through. My understanding is that the Orcs have essentially retreated to Ire and Narim satisfied with their display of power .They have effectively established a power base in western Sheria and essentially the province is split along defensive lines from the southern Taralon mountains to the township of Aestas. What plans if any the Orcs have for a spring or summer offensive I cannot speculate upon. Scholars have suggested that the Orcs harbour no real ambitions to extend their territory further east and that the mysterious treaty which I believe we have not yet seen is sufficient for them to retain their boundaries without any further serious incursions. I have spoken on one occasion with thane Andares and we do not particularly see eye to eye. Frankly I cannot stand the elf and three feet of cold steel seems a pertinent solution. The governor stays in the Gubernatorial Palace and no proclamations or hint of leadership for a beleaguered province has reached my ears. My instincts and long nose tell me that Malkaer is up to something but what I cannot speculate. He bears watching and I shall think on the best way to do this once I take up my new rank and position. Vers is quiet and I have had the chance to meet with the arcane town and certain notable figures within, they are content to pursue their studies and live out their lives peaceably. Sheria has a refugee problem the migration from the west of the province has stretched the resources of an economically shattered province but again no leadership has been seen from the powers that be other than a poorly attended attempt at a public meeting in Taralon. In short I would urge if asked that the prince gives due consideration to the leadership in Taralon. In conclusion I thank you for your kind words and your confidence in my small abilities I shall be honoured to serve again and I hold myself at your orders and those of the prince. On a final practical note I shall report for duty at the earliest possible occasion. Your servant Palacrisis D Jones, Baron Austerfield of Sheria, Imperatis 26th Imperial Shields PS ~ The uniform looks splendid and fits perfectly.

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Timestamp: 5th Cryxatum, Spring, Era XV
Courtesy of Wizard Mail!

To: Palacrisis and J'lyara d'Jones From: Nikki L'Evienne Dear Pala and J'lyara, I am so sorry to write to you with such dire news but it is my sad duty to tell you that Nell du'Galle has died in tragic and suspicious circumstances. We found out yesterbrightening, and Milo has returned from his tour. Nell was on a boat in the Eunsian Isles which sank in suspicious circumstances. This, couples with a threat received previously means that I must also ask you to take care, for the threat is not yet passed. I am relieved to be able to tell you that the children are fine. There will be an announcement in the Herald soon, but we wanted to let you know personally first. I am so sorry to be the bearer of such bad tidings. If you want to come to the Palace, of course you are more than welcome at any time. I'll keep you informed of all arrangements whichever way things go. Yours

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Palacrisis replied immediatly to the letter from Princess Nikki and after packing a bag set off for Aelyria Prime. Duty called him away from hearth and family.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Optia in the Spring of Era XV

Excellency,

His Sovereign self has asked that I should inform and request that where critical matters of office permit, you might accommodate in your calendar a private session in his offices in the palace, the duration of which may span the course of a cycle or more, and shall commence on the first brightening of this following cycle. Lodging as always will be provided in the Palace as desired throughout the session, the purpose of which as Himself tells me is to discuss and establish matters of governance current and future.

Until then Excellency, gods bless and safe journey.

Mrs. Ada Stromb