Elendor
Discussion in the Seaward Gardens
Alimah calls on Eruphel to discuss the Dark Citadel Lokhikhor shows up unexpectedly after the Corsair leaves.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Umbar
Game Date: December 3046
Description:
Seaward Tower: The Gardens
Mighty must be the lord who lives in this Tower, for who else can bend the will of nature to grow such lush gardens upon such harsh ground? So lush are these gardens that, almost, they might be named a jungle. The variety and sheer profusion of plants is amazing there is even an orchard, where every type of luscious fruits of the southlands sweeten under the sun to satisfy every palate.
The smell of brine from the sea has trouble competing with the many lingering scents from the plants: sweet, musky, spicy and cloying. In the daytime, at least, this place seems peaceful and quiet. Overseeing the serenity of the garden are two magnificent fountains, the center of each is a statue.
Also abundant here are rare and exotic wildlife from animal collectors or presented as gifts to Seaward from different parts of the land. Colorful birds with clipped wings add to the flora and fauna while poisonous creatures add to the sense of danger. Some of the most dangerous predators are kept in their own habitat for safe viewing, carefully tended by groundskeepers and animal trainers.
A myriad of paved paths intersect throughout this maze of paths that weave through the garden. To friends, the maze is a delightful way to spend the afternoon strolling through the greenery. Wandering the smaller paths, one is sure to happen upon the benches set near a shady tree to rest upon and contemplate.
To foes, the maze of paths is a deadly and ingenious trap. Every so often, the landscape artists change the maze to add yet another challenge to an intruder who makes it past the courtyard. For those intruders who hoped to find shelter in the maze, other nasty surprises are in store.
For those living in the Tower, the broad path that curves around the Tower from the Seaward Gate below is the easiest and the most direct way in and out of the Garden. Paved with smooth stones, the path leads out of the Garden to a clearing that ends abruptly at a set of wide stairs carved on the surface of the sheer escarpment. Archers would have a clear shot at anyone who climbs these stairs that leads to the formal entrance of the mighty Seaward Tower.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
The garden in Seaward is throwing its last hurrah, as the late-blooming flowers of the season are at their peak. White, yellow, and red adorns the trellises and edges of the walkways, while the more luscious plants that thrive in the summer heat begin to shrink back and die.
Lady Eruphel sits on a divan in the garden with several attendants nearby, wrapped in a knitted wool blanket and some furs, but not so much that she cannot enjoy the midday sunshine. She looks at the books that the advisors have provided, working out the numbers with an abacus, doublechecking their facts.
"My lady?" a servant coughs, loathe to disturb the woman in her repose. "There's a Corsair here. Farside. Says the name is Alimah?" Said Corsair stands at the entrnace to the garden, waiting.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Ah yes...see her in." Eruphel says, setting down the abacus on the ground beside her, and stacking the papers together cross-wise to make it easier to pick up where she left off later.
"Lady Eruphel," Alimah says, crossing the garden grounds to approach the woman once she is shown in. "How are you mending? I heard from my brother about your journey, and then of course there is Lord Alphros's proclamation."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"I am nearly mended, though still under strict orders from the healer." Eruphel says. "Your brother fought honorably, and is a credit to your family. And yes...I rather thought that would have happened differently. Your Lord is a strange one, if you don't mind me saying so. Please make yourself comfortable. I will have someone bring a chair." And she claps to summon a servant.
Alimah waits until a servant brings out a chair and she has setttled herself before answering. "When will you be up and about again, then? It must be frustrating," she says. "As for my brother..." she frowns. "Thank you. But why do you consider Lord Alphros strange? I find he is nothing but fair and even handed."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"I meant...strange, to spend so much time in the depths of his tower, seeing no one for long periods." Eruphel says with a bland smile. The servants who brought the chair disappear back down the path toward the tower, though one remains behind.
"I do not question the habits of my sworn lord," Alimah shrugs, then adds, eyes leveled toward Eruphel, "nor the beliefs."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Hmm?" Eruphel asks, now quite interested in the corsairs body language, her eyes narrowing as she tries to perceive what is not shown. "And what /are/ the beliefs, if I might inquire."
"I don't ask about such things," Alimah shakes her head. "But I hear you are quite beholden to the Dark Citadel--or so say the rumors. To the point, perhaps, where you would see the Dark Citadel's religion control the city and the Corsairs? Correct me if I am wrong, of course," she says with all polite friendliness.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel ahs softly. "That is why you are here. The Dark Citadel is the official source of religion in this city, as was decided by our last war. And, the eye can /have/ my sword, and the swords of my men at his disposal, for our goals are the same. As such, if the Citadel demands a tithe, as has been tradition, then I encourage those who would not wish to be labeled 'heretic' to pay it." Shortly the servants return down the path, bringing a light snack and liquid refreshment. "For my lady and her guest," one of them says.
"I see," Alimah answers, frowning. "Of course, there is the war effort to support and I properly do so. But I had always thought that all gods were welcome in Umbar. And that the Tower Lords--that it was their responsibility to see to it that things were...balanced."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel takes a deep breath, and sighs. "If you need a place to worship the heroes, you can find one on the second floor, and you can do so with less fear of being seen than going to the shrine in the center of Umbar. I believe that if Harad could throw off the Dark Lord, it would. Until then, I do protect my corsairs ability to worship whichever gods they will. But I have caused Seaward Tower to defy the Citadel before. Seaward is not strong enough now to do that again."
"Yes, I do thank you for that, and I believe I will take advantage of your offer," Alimah nods, answering quietly, "for it has become far too difficult to visit the shrine in the city. But if Seaward and Farside were of like minds? Then what? Another kinstrife? Or do we let the Dark Lord overpower us all?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel takes a deep breath and holds it for a few moments, then exhales. "I am...reluctant...to depend on Farside right now. I do not begrudge Fleetmaster Azradi for withdrawing her support in the campaign to the north, I might have been a bit more clear about my plans and motives. But if there was anything to be learnt from that, it is that when I decide on a course of action for Seaward, we had best be capable and willing to stand alone."
"Then the eye and its religion will oversweep us all," Alimah shakes her head as she gets to her feet. "And your personal shrine..it will not be enough to save us. Either the towers stand together on this or we all fail. And I..I will take to the sea and to obscure ports, a fugitive if I must. But I will not give up the religion of my fathers. Good afternoon, Lady Eruphel. I wish you a continued recovery."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel throws aside her warming furs and blanket, and calls on a servant to bring her her staff, and to help her rise. "Thank you, and good afternoon. Perhaps your Lord or Lady should broach the subject." She turns, as if to leave, using the staff heavily, but then pauses. "Also, if you should catch word on what has happened to the Black Paladin, Jugartha, I would pay a gold florin for it."
"Likely they will, but I came to find out for myself today." Alimah pauses, brow arched in surprise at this last, but she shakes her head. "I had not even heard the rumor, but I will ask after him. Good afternoon." She slips out of the garden.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"I wonder..." says a new voice then. "If a man like Jugartha, who has spent his life fighting against the heresy of hero worship, would continue to share a bed with one who condones the practice within her very walls... perhaps that is why he hasn't stopped by, eh?"
Stepping from the shade and cover of the jungle, the one known as Lokhikhor stands before Eruphel, and a slim, cruel-looking blade rests in his palm.
.......
Seaward Tower: The Gardens
Mighty must be the lord who lives in this Tower, for who else can bend the will of nature to grow such lush gardens upon such harsh ground? So lush are these gardens that, almost, they might be named a jungle. The variety and sheer profusion of plants is amazing there is even an orchard, where every type of luscious fruits of the southlands sweeten under the sun to satisfy every palate.
The smell of brine from the sea has trouble competing with the many lingering scents from the plants: sweet, musky, spicy and cloying. In the daytime, at least, this place seems peaceful and quiet. Overseeing the serenity of the garden are two magnificent fountains, the center of each is a statue.
Also abundant here are rare and exotic wildlife from animal collectors or presented as gifts to Seaward from different parts of the land. Colorful birds with clipped wings add to the flora and fauna while poisonous creatures add to the sense of danger. Some of the most dangerous predators are kept in their own habitat for safe viewing, carefully tended by groundskeepers and animal trainers.
A myriad of paved paths intersect throughout this maze of paths that weave through the garden. To friends, the maze is a delightful way to spend the afternoon strolling through the greenery. Wandering the smaller paths, one is sure to happen upon the benches set near a shady tree to rest upon and contemplate.
To foes, the maze of paths is a deadly and ingenious trap. Every so often, the landscape artists change the maze to add yet another challenge to an intruder who makes it past the courtyard. For those intruders who hoped to find shelter in the maze, other nasty surprises are in store.
For those living in the Tower, the broad path that curves around the Tower from the Seaward Gate below is the easiest and the most direct way in and out of the Garden. Paved with smooth stones, the path leads out of the Garden to a clearing that ends abruptly at a set of wide stairs carved on the surface of the sheer escarpment. Archers would have a clear shot at anyone who climbs these stairs that leads to the formal entrance of the mighty Seaward Tower.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
The garden in Seaward is throwing its last hurrah, as the late-blooming flowers of the season are at their peak. White, yellow, and red adorns the trellises and edges of the walkways, while the more luscious plants that thrive in the summer heat begin to shrink back and die.
Lady Eruphel sits on a divan in the garden with several attendants nearby, wrapped in a knitted wool blanket and some furs, but not so much that she cannot enjoy the midday sunshine. She looks at the books that the advisors have provided, working out the numbers with an abacus, doublechecking their facts.
"My lady?" a servant coughs, loathe to disturb the woman in her repose. "There's a Corsair here. Farside. Says the name is Alimah?" Said Corsair stands at the entrnace to the garden, waiting.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Ah yes...see her in." Eruphel says, setting down the abacus on the ground beside her, and stacking the papers together cross-wise to make it easier to pick up where she left off later.
"Lady Eruphel," Alimah says, crossing the garden grounds to approach the woman once she is shown in. "How are you mending? I heard from my brother about your journey, and then of course there is Lord Alphros's proclamation."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"I am nearly mended, though still under strict orders from the healer." Eruphel says. "Your brother fought honorably, and is a credit to your family. And yes...I rather thought that would have happened differently. Your Lord is a strange one, if you don't mind me saying so. Please make yourself comfortable. I will have someone bring a chair." And she claps to summon a servant.
Alimah waits until a servant brings out a chair and she has setttled herself before answering. "When will you be up and about again, then? It must be frustrating," she says. "As for my brother..." she frowns. "Thank you. But why do you consider Lord Alphros strange? I find he is nothing but fair and even handed."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"I meant...strange, to spend so much time in the depths of his tower, seeing no one for long periods." Eruphel says with a bland smile. The servants who brought the chair disappear back down the path toward the tower, though one remains behind.
"I do not question the habits of my sworn lord," Alimah shrugs, then adds, eyes leveled toward Eruphel, "nor the beliefs."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Hmm?" Eruphel asks, now quite interested in the corsairs body language, her eyes narrowing as she tries to perceive what is not shown. "And what /are/ the beliefs, if I might inquire."
"I don't ask about such things," Alimah shakes her head. "But I hear you are quite beholden to the Dark Citadel--or so say the rumors. To the point, perhaps, where you would see the Dark Citadel's religion control the city and the Corsairs? Correct me if I am wrong, of course," she says with all polite friendliness.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel ahs softly. "That is why you are here. The Dark Citadel is the official source of religion in this city, as was decided by our last war. And, the eye can /have/ my sword, and the swords of my men at his disposal, for our goals are the same. As such, if the Citadel demands a tithe, as has been tradition, then I encourage those who would not wish to be labeled 'heretic' to pay it." Shortly the servants return down the path, bringing a light snack and liquid refreshment. "For my lady and her guest," one of them says.
"I see," Alimah answers, frowning. "Of course, there is the war effort to support and I properly do so. But I had always thought that all gods were welcome in Umbar. And that the Tower Lords--that it was their responsibility to see to it that things were...balanced."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel takes a deep breath, and sighs. "If you need a place to worship the heroes, you can find one on the second floor, and you can do so with less fear of being seen than going to the shrine in the center of Umbar. I believe that if Harad could throw off the Dark Lord, it would. Until then, I do protect my corsairs ability to worship whichever gods they will. But I have caused Seaward Tower to defy the Citadel before. Seaward is not strong enough now to do that again."
"Yes, I do thank you for that, and I believe I will take advantage of your offer," Alimah nods, answering quietly, "for it has become far too difficult to visit the shrine in the city. But if Seaward and Farside were of like minds? Then what? Another kinstrife? Or do we let the Dark Lord overpower us all?"
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel takes a deep breath and holds it for a few moments, then exhales. "I am...reluctant...to depend on Farside right now. I do not begrudge Fleetmaster Azradi for withdrawing her support in the campaign to the north, I might have been a bit more clear about my plans and motives. But if there was anything to be learnt from that, it is that when I decide on a course of action for Seaward, we had best be capable and willing to stand alone."
"Then the eye and its religion will oversweep us all," Alimah shakes her head as she gets to her feet. "And your personal shrine..it will not be enough to save us. Either the towers stand together on this or we all fail. And I..I will take to the sea and to obscure ports, a fugitive if I must. But I will not give up the religion of my fathers. Good afternoon, Lady Eruphel. I wish you a continued recovery."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel throws aside her warming furs and blanket, and calls on a servant to bring her her staff, and to help her rise. "Thank you, and good afternoon. Perhaps your Lord or Lady should broach the subject." She turns, as if to leave, using the staff heavily, but then pauses. "Also, if you should catch word on what has happened to the Black Paladin, Jugartha, I would pay a gold florin for it."
"Likely they will, but I came to find out for myself today." Alimah pauses, brow arched in surprise at this last, but she shakes her head. "I had not even heard the rumor, but I will ask after him. Good afternoon." She slips out of the garden.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"I wonder..." says a new voice then. "If a man like Jugartha, who has spent his life fighting against the heresy of hero worship, would continue to share a bed with one who condones the practice within her very walls... perhaps that is why he hasn't stopped by, eh?"
Stepping from the shade and cover of the jungle, the one known as Lokhikhor stands before Eruphel, and a slim, cruel-looking blade rests in his palm.
.......
Players: Eruphel,Alimah,Lokhikhor
