Located on the south-eastern portion of Trysvale, the imposing red brick mansion was near impossible to miss -- even amidst its posh neighbors. In itself, the iron gated structure was a symbol of the sleepy town's history and its new found wealth. Trysvale was no longer just a farming town but a center for business and commerce. While not as extravagant as Prime or as architecturally unique as Jaedaxia, Trysvale still had much to be proud of.
The road leading to the mansion stopped short of its wrought iron gates. On either side were two guard houses, each one housing guards armed with sword and spear. The armed units were not there to scare of visitors, of course, but were more interested in the visitor's reason for coming -- especially when there was no appointment. The Thane was a busy man, after all, and their orders were to suspend any unwanted company for both political and security reasons.
"Serale", one of the guards would greet newcomers, "have you an appointment this brightening for his Grace, the Thane?" Each of the men were young but trained members of the guard force. Among their personal effects were a dagger secured around their belt, their brown uniforms indicating their ranks and affiliation with the local Constabulary.
When clearance was given, however, the iron gates were opened from within by the Thane's personal security detail. The man was a twin whose counterpart was always within the mansion itself. If the visitors came on horseback, a stable boy was quick to arrive to lead the mounts into the stables on the western part of the mansion; carriages would find it easy enough to traverse the circular path which leads directly on the front steps of the mansion main double door entrance.
The grounds were always handsome and maintained until the last fleeting brightening of Fall. Gardeners employed both their farming and gardening expertise to beautify the grounds to the envy of her neighbors. Then, the snow and hail would take over until Spring came again. On those Winter brightenings, a thin layer of frost always lingered on the grounds, pinching the dried grass in their tendrils while causing most of the windows to fog like a looking glass. The mansion's main structure stood a full two stories with a decent cellar below ground and an attic after the second floor.
Interior
Guests were greeted with a single hallway which extends far into the mansion's belly. To the right was the living area where most guests are escorted to to enjoy refreshments and some comfort while waiting for the Thane or his wife. A marble fireplace adorned the quaint room including an assortment of carved wooden chairs, plush sofas, and a wide window that looks toward the southern portion of the grounds. A variety of vases and other decorations passed down or left by previous Thanes and their guests were positioned around the room including the newest addition: a plate of pure gold forged by the dwarves of Zerdargia. It was a gift to Thane Leonard on the Summer of Era XV for being one of the first cities to negotiate trade routes with the dwarven clans.
This was usually where the most politicking occurred. And while the current Thane despised such pretense, he limited the most formal guests to this room alone. This was his way of separating personal and political lifestyles. But for his close friends and family, the servants usually led them directly to the dining hall, which incidentally was the largest room in the manor. White washed highlights ran through the edges of the red-colored wall which contained portraits of the individual thanes and lady thanes throughout Trysvale's long history. Its most recent was Lady Glory, though her picture was removed at the current Thane's request.
A luxurious carpet washed over the floor of the hall, interrupted only by the long redwood table with seats enough for twelve guests plus the Thane and his wife. Servants usually darted to and fro from the kitchen into the dining hall just before each meal was served. The butler and housekeepers coordinated where each guest was seated and ensured that their favorite dishes were forwarded to the cook.
Despite wealth and power, however, the Thane of Trysvale never lost sight of his vision for the sleepy town whom he vowed to serve. While it was never advertised, peasants who came and sought food, or shelter, or both were never turned away. Occasionally, the Thane himself would serve these unfortunate souls while other times his maids and manservants were kept to watch over them. No coin was spared to help the needy and no blind eye was turned for his convenience.
Private Quarters
Secrets :
On the second floor were the various rooms of the manor. Totaling ten in all, the guest rooms were uniform apart from the personal items that some guests either forgot or left on purpose in anticipation for their next visit. But the Thane's favorite room was his study. It was swept clean for any incriminating evidence for Lady Glory's trial; and in her absence, Straylor took the liberty of adding several hundred books to his collection, including those that were already there. Most of the tomes were diaries, notes, and some political records from Trysvale's history. Those that held significant importance, he donated to the library. Now, those same shelves held his personal tomes, including some diaries and journals that he kept.
The room was seldom visited even by his servants and was deemed off limits to everyone save for the Thane himself and his wife. The spacious room housed a single office table, long and sturdy, built from oak and possibly hundreds of eras old. The firm but comfortable chair behind it was designed specifically for long, drawn out moments signing petitions and doing an assortment of other paperwork. Oil lamps kept the room well lit even on the darkest darkening; a plain wool carpet sat over the dark wood floorboards of the hall, another artifact left by the manor's previous inhabitants.
Only down the hallway from the study was the master bedroom. This was the largest bedroom on the second story, and for good reason. It came complete with several wooden chests for storage, multiple closets, and a quartet of tall, full-body looking glasses. Its curtains, as with the rest of the manor, were newly made proceeding its previous occupants' eviction. It was in this room that the Thane and his wife found solace after each brightening, and comfort in each others arms. The master bath was also only accessible via the master bedroom, where it contained an oval looking glass, a brass basin and tub set -- all of them sitting atop white marble floors. Each brightening, the tub and basin was filled with clean water by the maids and constantly changed throughout the brightening.
On the northern corner of the mansion was the servant's quarters. The live-in staff, including the cook, butlers, maids, and menservants had separate rooms with sufficient space for a bed, dresser, study table, and a communal bath, one for each gender. The hall was only accessible via the stone staircase installed by the mansion's original owner.
The cellar, or store room, was at the base of the house. Accessible from both the servant's quarters and the main portion of the mansion, the underground room was a maze of wooden barrels, shelves, and massive stone portals. This was where the well was situated and the colder temperatures allowed for storing food for longer periods of time. Among the stores were salted meats, fish, pickled vegetables, rice, corn, and bread. Occasionally, Medonian Red and other wines were ordered and stored here for various occasions and to accomodate guests.
Letters arriving for the Thane or anyone in his household were received and inspected before delivered into the mansion. Those with appropriate seals usually bypassed this process, especially those scroll tubes that were noted by the Thane as important. Nevertheless, messengers carrying replies from the Thanal mansion departed the grounds evenly each brightening of the cycle. Some on horseback, others on foot. Each letter was sealed with the mark of Trysvale as well as the twin lions of the House Leonardes.
A new era was upon Trysvale, a place in its history to be remembered forever.
The Second Cycle of Melora
In the Season of Summer
The letter came as simply as it possibly could, delivered by courier and sealed with a simple stamp of unmarked blue wax. It was notably addressed to one Elmaryia Grey (there was no 'Leonard' fixed at the end, for all that the author of the letter had been present at the wedding).
Along with the letter came a rather large box, carefully handled by the courier who instructed whoever received it that they needed to careful with it as well--he'd been paid good enough money to ensure it had arrived intact.
Secrets :
47th of Ponutis
Elmaryia,
I hope you didn't think I'd let your birth-brightening go by without a word. I got your gift and I appreciate the thought. Thank you.
Things have been going well enough here in Arconis. I've a decent enough clerk by the name of Finn who I'll be taking the time to train so I have some help in the workroom. Verre, the puppy you gave me, is getting bigger and sadly isn't much of a guard dog. He'd sooner lick everyone he sees than chase them off. He'd probably welcome any intruder.
Business isn't bad, although it could use a little bit of a boost. The business with Straylor helps some, even if there isn't a large market for those either. The place is something of a ghost town, being even smaller than Trysvale. I guess it used to be a busy place once. It's sort of nice, the solitude. I needed a change of pace and I got it. I can't say it's a bad place either, just a bit sleepy.
You should come visit, if you want to. My place isn't much and it doesn't have a lot to offer visitors, but you're welcome to stop over anyway.
I hope you like the gift. Fill it with water and stuff it full of flowers once spring comes--it should look something like a fishbowl with a lot of flowers sticking out of it.
-Iseult
There was a vase packaged securely. It was a transparent pale blue, save for near the very bottom where it boasted a more opalescent beige shade. Colorful fish, some spotted and some striped, dappled the surface of the vase, weaving through dark green strands of seaweed. A small castle was nestled along the bottom of the vase, dilapidated and ruined. A little birth-brightening gift for Elmaryia, all her own.
Early Month of Pontius. Winter, Era XV Post Fractum.
The Thane's messenger returned from Natura with a scrollcase crafted to look as though it were encased in vines. Inside was a scroll baring the seal of the Thane of Natura. On the scroll was written:
The Thane of Trysvale
Trysvale, Sodality of Carmelyn
Dated 37th of Immanis, Era XV PF.
Lord Thane, Straylor Feilx Leonard:
It is a pleasure to have heard from you. I receive many messages yet I must say your's is one of the few that I have ever had sent from such a distance and is indeed a treat. Your letter found me in good health though a bit cold. Even here, under the protection of the great forest, the icy wind finds its way to us with a touch none to pleasant.
I am pleased that my Herald article gained your interest and I am even more pleased to hear of the interest you and your citizens have for a branch of the Guild. Indeed the people of both of our cities will benefit from each other's talents and as time goes on and more join up, we can bring a new era of trade and prosperity to all involved. As mentioned in the Herald, nearly 75% of all profits go back to the city and the people that a branch operates in. It will be my pleasure to speak with you in person about the branch, how it works and of course the donation funds to your city.
Although I would love to host your next visit to Natura, it looks as though I will be freeing up some time this month and next for a journey in your direction and if I may, I would be honored to meet with you there in Trysvale. Unfortunately my newest mode of travel will not be available for another few months so it may be a couple of cycles until I can arrive. I will be sure to seek you out upon my arrival.
I will give your regards to the Silver Stars, which I am a part of though still in training and I am sure Dhwae will be happy to hear of you. Until we meet, I wish you a more pleasant Winter and the good blessings from Carmelya.
Sincerely,
Austin Eventide Thane of Natura
ooc: I am assuming it takes about two cycles to get from Natura to Trysvale
**Early-Mid Melora in the Season of Winter, Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XV Post Fractum**
Austin's coach rolled its way through the city of Trysvale on its way to find the Thane's mansion. After getting directions, Samson, Austin's driver, steered the coach toward the south-eastern portion of the city. The whole while, Austin took in the sights of the city so far away from his own. A thought also occurred to him that the message he sent back with Straylor's messenger probably arrived a short time prior as Austin left for Trysvale soon after the messenger. Eventually, the coach came to a stop before the iron gates of the red brick building. Austin glanced out from the window at the two guard houses on either side of the iron gates.
Samson attended to opening the coach door and Austin stepped out to introduce himself to the guards.
"Serale to you, friend. I am sorry to say I do not have a specific appointment scheduled with his Grace however I have contacted him by way of messenger." Austin relied on the timely arrival of the and that the guards may have been informed of his eventual arrival.
You and your family are invited by His Royal Excellency
Atl Myrsa and Tariel Myrsa
To Celebrate the First Birth Brightening of their daughter
Elarinya Lindethiel Myrsa
The Party will be held on the Brightening of Kalendrays 20, Fifteen Eras After the Fractrum. Starting at Mid Candlemark. Held at Whitecliff Manor.
Before his escapades in Diana, Straylor found himself going through several letters including one from Prince Milo himself: the invite to a Spring dance of sorts. He chuckled at the thought of telling Elmaryia that they needed to get all pish-posh for nobles and other high ranking officials again. The last time they had been at a gala together, the governor was almost assassinated. Such joyous events were almost demanded during the collection of the rich and famous. In either case, Straylor prompty send a servant to have a messenger take his reply to the Imperial Palace. He also gave Milo a report regarding Eunesia though most of it was rather well-meaning banter about the isles. As long as there weren't any pirate raids or plagues, Milo deserved the peace of mind he could afford him at any rate. With being Prince and all.
Outside, the manor however another Thane was being escorted by a pair of brown boys fresh from recruit training at the Constabulary. Their uniform consisting of a tan jerkin, matching trousers, and brown military boots weren't the most fashionable but they were useful enough and provided some sense of duty among its ranks. Each man was armed with a short sword, a dagger, and their wits as they led the Thane's carriage to the front steps of the manor. They greeted the newcomer with his proper title "His Grace" and then offered to have stablehands tend to the horses. "Will you be staying long, Your Grace?" one of the guards ventured to ask "we can have your luggage taken to your guest room while you meet with Lord Thane Leonard."
By this time, Straylor was roused by the dull knocks of a maidservant who prompty announced the arrival of Austin Eventide, Lord Thane of Natura. "Thank you Celine" Straylor smiled as he dismissed her "please have some drinks and food ready for us downstairs. Make sure he's comfortable." With that, Stray straightened up and collected his jacket along with his fancy assortment of imbued magical gems and amulets. One could never be too careful now-a-brightenings. And with careful, deliberate steps he made his way toward the living area of the manor where a fire was being prepared for the arrival of another Thane that brightening.
Dressed in a finely tailored three piece suit, Stray may have finally appeared older than he really was. His hair, after a trimming, was not as long as he preferred though a good chunk was tied in a ponytail behind his head. He carried nothing frivolous and never believed in canes and sceptars to show his rank. Instead, he had two short swords, each one strapped along a respective hip. Whether or not the young Thane was indeed a swordsman of any repute, no one in Trysvale ever wondered. It was common knowledge to the locals that their thane was also their former Chief Constable. And it was yet another well-known-fact that he led a band of spellcasters and swordsman in the arrest of the notorious Lady Glory.
When Austin arrived, Straylor turned from his position in front of the fireplace and smiled. "Welcome to my humble abode, Your Grace" he grinned "please have a seat. Anything to drink? Eat? Come, your travels must have been long and tiring."
From: His Royal Excellency
The Royal Lord Magus
Atl Myrsa
Bureau of the Arcane, Aelyria Prime
Serale
I write to you in responce to a herald article that will shortly come out. I need to know of all the arcane institution that are within your realm of power. If you have any religious institution that teach Thaumaturges to its priest and only its priest, they may be excluded as they fall under the realm of the Archprelate and the Church of Faith. If though they teach none priest any magical arts they are no longer considered and exception. The purpose of this announcement is that to often the Arcane school run according to various traditions which cause radical differences in the teaching of Arcane through out the kingdom. We ask that you share this with the heads of the Arcane schools through out your territory after the announcement in the Herald.
The Bureau of the Arcane and His Royal Highess are begining to issue Royal Arcane School Licenses. Each school must meet certian standards. They will be given six months to either meet these standards or present to the Bureau a long term plan to impliment them.
The standards of the Licenses are as such. Each school must have record system of their students. The students must register with a valid Visa, and supply the school with their information. Schools must confirm that their students have a place of residances, or provide them with a residance and food for the time of their teaching. The physical needs of their students must be taken care of. To often do we have potential students who can't aford the training because the can not provided a living. How the schools do manage to provide this is to be left up to them and the local area. As long as it is with in Royal Law.
As for the educational needs. Simple arriving to the class room is no longer enough. The student must show their abilities outside of class room, and outside of random combat situations. Students must volunter their time either in service to the school as seen fit or in the community as arranged with local entities. Also a test before the master of the School will be required to show that the student can think on their feet, we are here to teach magus to think about how they are throwing around arcane power.
Lastly our schools have become to complaincent. Recent Arcane events have occured and they occured outside of the Schooling system of the Kingdom. Each school must open a research section. They do not all need to invent the next flying ship, but we need to exapand our magical range.
This leads to the last requirement. All of their Teachers must have Arcane Teaching Licenses, and introduce Tenor. As in the cause of School Licenses these are to confirm and improvement in our teachers. The exact requirements for teaching Lisences are be that they must prove themselves in a test of arcane at the time of licensing. To keep their lisences they must show that they can do research as well as cast magic. They must also take a teaching test. Tenor will allow Masters to make research into what they feel is critical with out fear of dismissal as long as they obay Royal Law. The rules of tenor are to be set up by each school.
The Bureau is making plans to purchase a press to print arcane articles sent in from the Masters across the kingdom their by making their research known across the kingdom.
Lastly their will be licensing of Masters who teach but are not part of any school, but that will be handled by the Bureau itself, and reports of independant masters would be appreciated.
I thank you for your efforts and do not fear to write to myself about any questions you may have.
The messenger that returned to Straylor was delivered in the same hands of the lad who had delivered his. It was not, however, addressed to Straylor, but rather to his wife in a rather indirect way of responding. With the youth went a carefully packed box of glass globes.
Quote:
Elmaryia,
While I'm sure you find your husband very entertaining when he's soaked himself in a bit of wine, you'd probably do best to keep him away from any quills and parchment when he can't talk straight, let alone write out anything that makes sense.
I hope everything is well and that your wine-sick husband treated you to a decent birth-brightening. I've sent him his globes--he should be more than happy.
Things in Arconis are going well. I have a second employee now, one who is actually interested in learning glass. He's young, very young, but he shows promise. I've also been asked to do a large commission for the Academy here as well as for the City Council. I am to do some stained glass windows for the library and a lifesize statue of our Minister of War...which I think has to be one of the strangest things I've ever been asked to do. But it's money and it means that I'm not going unnoticed. So I do all right.
I don't know if you heard--Liam's going to be a father. He's said he's expecting three babies this Spring to a pair of women up in Ieffreon. I always knew his drinking would hurt him somehow. He seems happy, though. As long as he's happy, that's all that matters.
Feel free to come visit me in Arconis. You are allowed to bring Straylor, if you want, just keep the wine away from him.
-Iseult
ooc: what can I say...it deserved a quick response
I understand the requirments of time, and the absents from events. I hope that all goes well for you. I apologies for being unable to make it to you wedding.
As for the Druid Corps. I can understand the confussion, druid groves tend to be border line. I am willing to meet with him myself if you so wish and work out with them if they need one. In many causes the arcane schools should already meet these requirments.
The purpose of the licenses to create a unifed acadmeic force in the arcane to allow for cooperation.
Thank you for your time. Please let me know when would be a good time to come.
To His Grace
The Lord Thane of Trysvale
Imperial Consul of Eunesia
We have heard of your appointment as Imperial Consul of Eunesia and welcome the opportunity to speak with you in regards to many matters of importance concerning Eunesia. Please feel free to come to my estates on Ieffreon during your visit to the islands so that we might discuss any concerns and opportunities for Eunesia.
You are correct in assuming that there are no offices set up for such a purpose at this time. We would be more than happy to arrange such matters for you, at the very least ensuring that we have the space reserved for you to get settled in. I am more than certain we can find you the staff that you require to do what is best for Ieffreon and Eunesia.
I look forward to our meeting when you arrive on the islands.
Best Wishes,
Arealia Tharien
Lady Thane of Ieffreon
![[Location] The Thanal Mansion](http://www.playbypost.com/forums/iconimages/trysvale/location-thanal-mansion_ltr.gif)
[Location] The Thanal Mansion
