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Henry Devalin

Ruthless, cunning and ambitious, are blood ties enough to keep him from slaughtering his kin and seizing the throne?

0 · 542 views · located in Avalon

a character in “The Court of King James: A New Dawn.”, originally authored by Tempest, as played by RolePlayGateway

Description

Name: Henry Devalin
Nickname: "Your grace", "My lord"
Age: 33

Appearance:
Image
Height: 6'4
Build: Swordsman's build
Other aspects of your appearance: Henry bears scars on his back from where he was lashed as a boy.

Likes: Power, wealth, intrigue, politics, younger women, sailing, horseback riding
Dislikes: The entire DeGrey line
Fears: Tidal pools, spiders
Skills/Talents: Henry is an excellent swordsman, rider and sailor. He displays an unnatural skill for diplomacy and politics. A very able administrator and orator.
Weaknesses: Younger women and gold. He is easily seduced or bribed, as long as it benefits himself in some way.

Personality:
Henry is the type of leader every soldier hopes for but few manage to serve. He grew up serving his King in battle, learning how to be an officer from a young age. He treats his men with respect and ensures that all of their needs are taken care of. Off the field he is a excellent lord, levying few taxes but ensuring that all are paid so that his, and Kings, treasury remain full. A quick laugh and a dazzling smile, he can work wonders in political circles, giving everyone he speaks to the impression that they, and they alone, are important at that very moment.

Religion: Relaxed
Loyalty: To himself and the realm
Relationship status: Married to Lady Devalin

So begins...

Henry Devalin's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Baron Thomas Clarkson Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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#, as written by Tempest
Duke Henry Devalin

Sea gulls screamed and dove as they turned and dove into the surf where it crashed against the rocks far below the battlements of the citadel. Henry Devalin, Duke of the Western Reach, arguably the most powerful man in the Kingdom, second only to the King, stared down at the foam as it crashed against the black rocks. He knew that at this moment the fools and bum lickers would be with the new King, falling over themselves to prove that they, and they alone, were his most fervent supporter.

His eyes rose upwards, into the blue and he spotted a black shape riding the thermal winds high above. He watched its progress, the spirals becoming smaller and smaller until at last the massive bird stooped and plummeted from the heavens. The seagull it had picked out as a target never saw it coming, dying instantly in a cloud of feathers as the Eagles talons locked into its plump body.

The rest of the gulls fled, screeching in horror, vanishing into the distance as the Eagle pumped its powerful wings, lifting its prey away from the reaching sea and to a crest of stone only a few feet below the lip of the battlement. Here it began to tear into the seagull, ripping open the soft belly and feeding in contentment.

"On omen perhaps?" The speaker was a thickly built bull of a man who, even in his formal wear still wore a breastplate and his ever present eyepatch. Baron Thomas Clarkson, staunch supporter of the Devalin line and Lord of the Emerald Isles. Older than the Duke by nearly twenty years he was an old sailor and soldier who had helped keep the Oceans free of pirates and invaders.

"I hope a favourable one." Replied Henry as he grinned at his friend. He glanced at the assembled men who waited for them on the parapet not far away. These men, like the Baron, were the Dukes sworn men. Their families had served the Devalin's for hundreds of years and when their liege lord did not leave to bend knee to the new King, they joined him in their refusal to go. Many, like the Baron, easily avoided it by claiming pirates had been sighted in the Western Seas.

"I should say so. The old man is dead and his fool of a son sits on the throne." Thomas had never wasted time mincing his words and was well known for his blunt, honest and often unwelcome but rational thought process. A career soldier he had spent his entire service on the high seas and was well respected by those within Avalon and beyond.

Henry nodded again and finally dropped down from the parapet, steadying himself on the barrel of a massive cannon. He strode over to the waiting lords, the wind whipping as his cloak, and smiled broadly. "Good to have you Gentlemen."

They all bowed and the thinest amongst them asked the question they all desired to know. "It is war my liege?"

Henry shook his head. "Not yet, and you are all under the pain of death to ensure that no such rumour begins. James must think we are his loyal servants until it is to late."

"Yes my liege." They responded as one. Above them the gulls began to fill the sky again, like the lords at the King's court, and when the King was to busy to notice the Duke would strike, a lightening blow to claim the Kingdom.


Sir Thomas Blackthorne

Thomas smiled and nodded to yet another noble, most of whom ignored him coldly. Outwardly he displayed no sign of distress but within he was angry. True he was no great lord but he was destined to marry into the Royal family and would perhaps even one day be a Prince. The display of hatred by the Nobles only furthered his belief that there were traitors amongst the crowd who wished ill on the Royal family.

He had taken great pains to memorize the coat-of-arms of every noble house within the Kingdom and had, to his surprise, noticed that nearly a third of the noble families were not represented, not by their direct lord anyway. Many of those missing from the room were from the Western lands, men sworn to the Duke of Devalin who was also not present. He had heard rumours of a massive pirate raid somewhere in the Reach and was not at all surprised that many of the lords from that region had chosen to remain home and defend their people.

Twice he had made eye contact with Gwen and tried to tell her loved her with his gaze but he could not speak to her. Worried his feelings would show he had even taken to avoiding his betrothed, instead talking to those lords who would speak with him. He had learned much, detecting an under current he wasn't sure he liked. He was well aware, like everyone else present, that King James was not his father and probably never would be but he still hoped many would give him a chance.

"Sir Blackthorne!" He turned to find himself face to face with the ambassador from Luxor. He bowed and smiled.

"Your lordship, how are you?"

"I am well thank you sir. I have not been to such a gathering in a long time." The Ambassador was a dour man, no, not dour, serious. He had always maintained a friendship with the Knight though both of them knew it was so that he might try and trick some vital information of out of Thomas about the Royal family. "You are well?" The ambassador asked with a thin smile.

"I am indeed your lordship. It's been a long while since I've had reason to wear this." He tugged at his fancy dress tunic, thickly embroidered and completely silly.

"I know the feeling indeed. How are your wedding plans coming along?" The questions was shrewdly asked and Thomas could see the cunning in the ambassadors dark eyes.

"Quite well I assume, I thought it would be best to leave most of the arrangements to the Princess."

The other man chuckled. "Probably wise, women are very specific in these matters."

Thomas nodded in agreement, wondering just how much the foreign ambassador knew.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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#, as written by Tempest
Duke Henry Devalin

Glyndwr. Menacing, stunning, a miracle of engineering. When Henry Devalin first became ruler of the Reach, Glyndwr was but a small village in the midst of the mighty Salacia river as it ran from the east, pouring over a series of great waterfalls and into the Reach below. Henry had happened upon the village during his tour of his new realm, still young and flush with the victory that had given him his new ands and title. The moment he had laid eyes upon Glyndwr he knew it was destined for greater things.

Sitting in the High Pass, and astride one of the only two routes into the Reach, one could not argue its strategic importance. Henry had at once ordered his finest stone masons and engineers to work, sparing no expense in the building of a fortress town that would guard the southern pass. It took fifteen years but at length it was completed, a fortress to stand the test of any invading army. Accessible only by two bridges to the east and west it would provide a gateway into the Reach that no force of arms could hope to take.

It was to this waterfall city that Henry rode, the sound of his horses hooves drowned out by the thunder of falling water, the spray spattering against his face and armour. The road was wide and well maintained coming up from the Reach, twisting through the thick rain forest as it clung to the side of the mountains. It terminated at, or rather passed through, a formidable looking guardhouse that protected the bridge where it ended on the riverbank. Here it became a bridge of great arches, allowing the party to pass above the water as it hurled itself into the great space below, falling away until it vanished into the shadow of the mountains.

"It always make me feel sick." Commented one knight as he risked a glance over the edge of the bridge. Henry privately agreed, his own stomach turning slightly at the look down. This bridge, nick named "The Orphans Bridge", had claimed the lives of over a hundred workers, leaving behind many widows and fatherless children.

"Make way for the Duke!" The call went out ahead of his party and the line of wagons and travellers moved aside as they rode by. All bowed their heads as he and his standard rode past, this was his land, he was lord and none would forget it.

They passed through the big gatehouse, turning left and riding higher into the town towards the main fortress where it sat at the north end of the city. Here they found the garrison commander waiting patiently. She was tall, almost six feet, red hair cascading down her back to her lower back. She smiled slightly as they rode up. Henry had given her a chance when no one else would and she had proved an able commander, serving him well in his wars over the years. He had rewarded her service with command of the most important town in the Reach.

"My lord." She knelt. "An honour to have you."

"Lady Scarlet." He raised her to her feet and embraced her. "How're you?'

"I am well my lord. Is it to be war?" She had never wasted words and he was relieved by her blunt attitude.

"I think it may. Are you prepared?"

She smiled grimly. "Come, I'll show you."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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The morning after her brotherā€™s coronation Gwendolyn awoke naturally to the sun streaming through her curtain, opening her eyes she was immediately greeted with a throbbing sensation in her head indicating that she had indeed consumed far too much wine the previous evening. As her personal maid hurried in, carrying her travelling gown, Gwen turned onto her back and stared at the blue canapĆ© over her bed as her mind replayed last nightā€™s events with Thomas. Smirking to herself, her happiness quickly deteriorated when she was reminded that she was due to travel to Western Reach this morning to pay a visit to their dear cousin Henry Devalin, although she was rather intrigued to what his excuse would be for not attending their Kings coronation.

ā€œIs milady ready to change?ā€ her maid asked once she had stoked the fire and laid out Gwenā€™s outfit for the day.

Pushing herself up, Gwen let out a final yawn before nodding ā€œI supposeā€ she muttered climbing out of bed. Once washed and changed Gwen sat down at her vanity as her maid untied the long plait in her hair and began to brush through the long, blonde locks.

ā€œAre you excited about seeing Lord Devalin once again milady, If my memory serves me correctly it has been a whileā€ the older woman asked as she fussed with the princesses hair.

Gwen smiled warmly if not idly at the question as her mind pondered on how to answer the question, so settled on a slight shrug ā€œI guess I havenā€™t paid it much thoughtā€ she answered truthfully. They remained silent from then on, yet Gwenā€™s mind seemed to be on over drive, thinking about how to react when she saw Henry, him not showing to James coronation had highlighted his disloyalty against her family and that was not something she took lightly, after all her family meant everything to her and it was her duty to protect them.

Once ready Gwen admired herself in the mirror, nodding in approval at her hairstyle she stood up ā€œNow go and see all my things are ready for the journeyā€ she dismissed her servant and walked over to her writing desk. Taking a seat she pulled out a piece of parchment and dipped her quill into the ink pot and began to write.

Dearest Cousin,

I am writing this letter to inform you that I shall be travelling to Western Reach this very day upon his majesties wishes; I trust that I shall be welcome at your home as Iā€™m afraid my sudden travel arrangements have left me unable to arrange other lodgings. As to the nature of my visit I am unable to say that it is purely pleasure that spurs me to Western Reach but also business matters of the state that the king had bestowed on to me. And the duration of my stay is another factor that I cannot say for definite, I hope I shall not be imposing on you my lord but as you can tell by hastiness the matter is quite urgent.


I hope this letter finds you in good health.

Your loving cousin,

Gwendolyn.


Re-reading what she had just written, Gwen nodded once in approval and slipped the letter into an envelope before sealing it.

Leaving her room Gwen walked down the corridors towards the dining room, where she doubted any of her siblings would be yet, it was still relatively early and with the amount of wine consumed the previous evening she doubted any of them would rise for another good few hours. Seeing a guard slightly ahead of her she walked over to him and handed him the letter ā€œplease dispatch a messenger to Western Reach and see that Lord Devalin gets this immediatelyā€ she ordered before the guard hurried off to fulfil his task.

After a light breakfast of fruit and toast Gwendolyn made her way out to the court yard, where she was greeted by an entourage of servants and guards who would accompany her across Avalon to the West. Immediately Sir Anthony stepped forward with a small bow ā€œyou highnessā€ he greeted in his usual serious self.

Gwen smiled warmly ā€œgood morning Sir Anthonyā€ she greeted as she placed her brown riding gloves onto her small hands ā€œAre we quite ready? I would prefer to get there before nightfallā€ she asked walking over to her horse.

Anthony nodded sharply ā€œindeed miladyā€ he answered walking over to his own horse and mounted.

Once sat side saddle upon her mare Gwen beckoned her maid ā€œSally do bid my sibling farewell and that I shall write to them upon my arrivalā€ she said, the maid nodded assuring that it would be done ā€œthank youā€ she smiled before the groups cantered out of the stone courtyard and towards Western Reach.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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Kahlan

Many footsteps could be heard within , but one pair belonged to a woman, walking along the rode with her horse. Kahlan pulled the horse along by the reigns, bringing it to a halt when a voice rung out, ordering everyone to part as a party rode through. One rider stuck out amongst the numbers. Kahlan recognized him as the Duke, Henry Devalin. Looking up at him as he rode by she thought to herself. It seemed the rumours she's heard on her travels were true. He certainly was a pretty piece of flesh.

Feeling a few stares glued to her, Kahlan's eyes moved about the people around her. Unconsciously, she began brushing off her dress, or...what passed for a dress with Kahlan. She cared not how she was percieved by men and women around her, though the men certainly always seemed to have something to say. She wasnt a lady, and she was of no noble blood, so why should she dress as though she were? In Kahlan's eyes, she dressed more for comfort and mobility than she did for style.

As the group of riders passed, Kahlan made to move, and was almost to the other end of the fortress, near where the Duke and his guards had stopped, before she felt arms lock around her waist. A disgusting breath, smelling of alcohol, blew against her neck, almost causing her to gag. "Aren't you a pretty one?" She felt the man slide one hand along her side, but instead of putting up a meaningless struggle, Kahlan moved to elbow him hard in the rib. The man stumbled, removing his arms from around her. Swiping her leg under his, he fell to the ground.

She moved to unsheath her sword, holding the end of the blade to the man's throat. "I thank you for your compliment." She looked down at him with a smirk both on her lips, and in her eyes. "You should be glad. My face might very well be the last you ever see."

Setting

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Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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#, as written by Tempest
Duke Henry Devalin

The Duke, joined by Lady Scarlet, entered the main fortress, the heavy gates slowly closing behind them. Here the thunder of the waters was dulled down to a steady rumble that seemed to come from beneath their very feet. Water was everywhere, dripping down walls, running from small spouts in the ceiling to fall in small waterfalls to gutters that ran down the centre of every corridor. It was truly a castle of wonder.

They climbed several flights of stairs, pausing only as the sound of rushing feet came from above them, a hurried looking page almost colliding with the Duke. He took a moment to collect his breath then swiftly handed two small scrolls to the Duke. Each one bore upon it a tiny scripted message written in a code known only to a select few. Both birds had come from Caerwyn, after the original messages had been received there. They were short and to the point.

Princess Gwendolyn rides for Caerwyn on the Kings business. Expects hospitality.

Henry grunted and tucked the slip of paper into his waist pocket before opening the second one. This one made his eyes widen slightly and he felt a smirk cross his face, things would certainly take an interesting turn here. Perhaps he could exploit it.

Lelinus and Riveria fucking.

He passed this one to Lady Scarlet and watched her expression. Little changed saved for raised eyebrows. She passed it back to him.

"Is that not the little bastard that wants control of the Ghost Pass?" She asked.

He nodded and then gestured onwards. "Show me your preparations and then I should be on my way. I need to deal with this at once."

She nodded and led him up another flight of stairs and into the fortresses war room. Here a thick stone table was covered in a map of the region. He glanced it over, noting that the map had been updated to show the new movements of ships on the Western seaboard. She tapped her own area, blown up on another map.

"These are the preparations I have made. If the DeGreys and their damned pets try to come this way, they wont get far."

Henry cast his gaze over the map. It showed the river and the surrounding lands. Only one bridge crossed the river here and the town sat in the middle of that. On the eastern end however an earthen bulwark with wooden palisade had been erected around the stone gatehouse to protect the entrance to the bridge. Little figures, each denoting a certain number of troops, were deployed carefully about the map to show the Duke a rough idea of how the defences were laid out. He nodded approvingly.

"Well done. I never doubted you."

A smile from the redhead and a short nod. She watched him as he walked over to a desk and pulled a thin sheet of paper to him and dabbed a quill in a fine ink. He wrote swiftly, few words, and then turned, shaking the paper to dry the ink before handing it to the messenger.

"Send that at once." He waited until the man had vanished upwards towards the pigeon coop before turning back to Lady Scarlet. "When war comes it will be swift, be ready for you will either be the front line of defence or my base of operations."

She bowed. "Ready to serve m'lord."

They traded ritualistic farewells and then he made for the lower levels, striding along so quickly that his cloak seemed to billow about him as he made for the main door. They eased open and he didn't waste any time swinging up onto his horse. He had planned to inspect the defences but the messages he had received meant that another, more subtle, game was afoot.

He turned his mount and made for the western bridge. He much to do and little time to do it.

Setting

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Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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Kahlan

After listening to the man beg for his life for a short few minutes, Kahlan told him to go, watching as he stood up and ran away. Chuckling to herself, she simply walked with her horse until she reached the gate. As it opened, she rode through and, upon seeing the Duke and his party, rode for them. Nudging her horse in the side, it sped up, and before long, she caught up with them. "My lord..."

Immediately, his men surrounded him. Not that Kahlan didnt understand why. Their only goal was to keep him safe, and from what she could see, they'd done a pretty good job of it so far. "I mean you no harm. I mean only to ask to journey with you. Let me fight for you." She paused, licking her lips and taking a breath before continuing. "There's a war coming, and the King...he has an army at his command. You'll need all the swords you can get." She watched as his guards visibly relaxed, but not completely. They were still on edge, she could tell that much.

Looking at the man in the middle of the group, she felt almost...vulnerable. She'd never really had to depend on someone else's word before, as she'd never really asked this much of anyone. But she knew who she sided with in this war, and she would sooner give her life for them, than stand back and watch the war rage on from the sidelines. Her horse fidgeted below her, shifting on its feet. She tightened her grip on the reigns and signaled for it to stand still, which, to some extent, it did. Looking up, she awaited his answer.

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Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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#, as written by Tempest
Duke Henry Devalin


The Duke was lost in thought, his mind whirling with the prospect of having the Princess Gwendolyn in his power and what it could potentially mean for the war effort. There was no doubt that she would make a fine hostage and a good bargaining chip if push came to shove. He was so oblivious that when a female voice suddenly addressed him he started slightly and turned to find a woman surrounded by his bodyguard. His initial reaction was to order her away but before he could she spoke quickly, and he could not deny the truth behind her words.

For a long moment he looked at her. She was undeniably beautiful but his eyes also took in the sword at her hip, the callouses on her hands from wielding a blade. This was no ordinary woman. Henry Devalin had long been known as a man who embraced women as equals to men in combat. Granted they were not as strong or patient in siege, but they tended to be far more practical and less prone to rash decisions then men.

He could see the look in her eye. It wasn't fear and he approved of that. She certainly had the build of a fighter and her posture, even when surrounded by armed men, was not one of arrogance but confidence. He liked that. He mind raced quickly as he considered the opportunities presented here and then he made a snap decision.

"Ride with me." He spurred away again, his guards closing in behind the two of them. He waited for the woman to catch up before looking at her, noting how easily she sat in the saddle. "You have my attention. Now tell me who you are, and why you think you can serve me well?"

Setting

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Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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Kahlan

Kahlan listened as the man before her spoke. Turning her horse a bit, she moved quickly to catch up with him. She almost felt relieved that he'd given her a chance. She didn't exactly know why, but she wasn't about to question it. She looked him in the eye as he asked her why she thought she could serve him well, and a million thoughts seemed to buzz around in her head. "My name is Kahlan, my lord. No surname, just Kahlan."

She breathed for a moment, sorting out her thoughts on what to say. She only had one chance to get this right. "I've wielded a sword my whole life. My...father...taught me when I was young." It felt strange to her, calling him her father, but at the same time, it didn't. Shaking her head to brush away the thoughts, she continued. "I've never had a cause, I've simply always moved from one place to another. But this...this war is a cause. I'd rather serve you as a king than live under the rule of a man so green he pisses grass. From what I've heard of you, you've got a good head on your shoulders. The same can not be said for your cousin."

Looking at him, Kahlan seemed to search is eyes for...something, though what that 'something' was, she wasn't quite sure at the moment. She'd heard much about Lord Henry Devalin on her travels. Some good, some bad, but so far, the good far out weighed the bad. He seemed calm and practical. Good qualities for a king. "I know I can fight well, and I would pledge my sword to you, fight for you from this day, until my last day. All I ask of you is a chance."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Baron Thomas Clarkson Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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#, as written by Tempest
Duke Henry Devalin


Henry resisted the urge to chuckle at the young woman's assertion that James pissed green, she was probably right. The rest of what she had to say made sense and when she asked him for a chance he knew he would grant it. He held his breath for a moment however, riding in silence, the thunder of the falls fading behind them to be replaced by the clatter of hooves.

They reached the lip of the valley where it drooped away into the lush lowlands. Here he halted the party, waving his guard out of ear shot. Below them the Reach stretched away, a solid green carpet broken by rivers, cities and fields. It ended in the distance at the ocean, a great blue expanse that was lost in the haze rising from the rainforest. At last he looked at Kahlan.

"I will grant you your chance Kahlan. From this moment on you will serve in my garrison at Caerwyn. Prove yourself skills at arms to my Swordmaster and your wisdom to my Advisors and I will find employment for you elsewhere. That is my offer. Will you accept it?"


Sir Thomas Blackthorne


Thomas was worried, and rightfully so. Things had taken a sharp turn for the worse when Gwendoyln left for the Reach. He, like most everyone else, knew the implications of putting herself into the hands of the Duke if events led to war. He was so worried that he was pacing restlessly along the battlements of the castle when he heard news of Riverias arrest and knew that it might only be a matter of time before he was arrested as well.

He made a snap decision. He would follow the woman he loved but he would do it in secret. He hurried to his rooms where he stripped off his Avalonian armour and replaced it with common chainmail. Over it he drew a heavy cloak that hid his face and his equipment. Leaving everything as it should be, taking few personal items, he left the castle in the confusion of all the guests leaving. He used money Gwen had given him to purchase a horse in the city rather then take his own and was soon on the road west. He did not know what he was going to do or how he would protect Gwen but he had to try for if she died, he would soon follow.


Baron Thomas Clarkson


"Your daughter sends word, Luxor's fleet is out." The man said quietly. He was dressed in ragged clothing, grimy beard and filthy hair providing a striking contrast to the heavily armed men who escorted him.

The Baron stared at him for a long moment. This surprised him, and undoubtedly everyone else around them. His "daughter", the ninth of his ten children, had run away when she was only eleven years old. The entire family though she had been lost to sea or taken and sold as a slave but those fears paled in comparison to what really happened.

The story goes that she, Jade, had run away to see the world. She had indeed been kidnapped but the man who had taken her had no children of his own and so tried to raise Jade as his own. When she was 15 she had slipped a knife through his ribs and taken over his small Barque. One might have expected the crew to put up more of a fight but after the girl having been a fixture on their ship for four years they were all in awe of her "educations", charm and beguiled by a pair of eyes that hid seething cunning behind an almost childlike innocence.

Years had passed and now she commanded her own fleet, a fleet of pirates and corsairs. She had never made war on her father or his ships but he knew she was there, always lurking over the horizon. Now this.

"And how does she know the fleet is out, for blood that is?" Thomas asked the filthy figure before him.

The man held up a blood stained leather bound case in mute response. One of the guards took it carefully and handed it to the Baron who cracked it open and pulled out the sheets of paper within. They were all written in the fine hand writing of an educated man, clearly someone who ranked quite high in the scheme of things. The messages were short and not in code, however Jade and her band of cut-throats had got their hands on them, Thomas was sure he didn't want to know.

He turned the pages over. The certainly didn't reveal anything pressing but they were clear orders for the ships to put too sea and prepare for an "attack on an old enemy." Granted that could be anyone but he suspected, as he knew his daughter did, that they mean Avalon. He tossed the man a small bag of coins, thanked him and dismissed him. Once the Corsair was gone he summoned a clerk and quickly ordered a message be dispatched to Caerwyn with all haste to warn the Duke.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin
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Gwendolyn let out a hearty laugh at Katherineā€™s comment ā€œnaturallyā€ she agreed with a nod ā€œmuch more interestingā€ she muttered, it was truthful you tended to get a lot more useful information on people at festivities, it would seem that wine loosened people tongues greatly. The rode on in silence and yet it wasnā€™t awkward which one would assume when it came to the cousins after all they had never bonded as such.

As the thunder rolled in on dark clouds behind them, the rain began to fall softly, Sir Anthony rode from further back of the group and pulled his horse to a halt next to Gwenā€™s ā€œMy grace, I suggest we ride hard the last five miles, the storm is quickly catching up on usā€ he stated.

Gwen nodded, wiping a drop of rain which fell upon her cheek ā€œProbably wiseā€ she smiled kicking her horse into a quick gallop as the group darted towards Caerwyn, yet it was all in vain as within five minutes the storm was upon them, rain beating down hard on them drenching their clothes with a chill. Gwen let out a sigh of relief as the great city came into view; it had been many years since she had been to the Devalinā€™s stronghold in the West and she couldnā€™t help but smile at the beautiful city perhaps it could rival Arva? No that wasnā€™t possible, nothing compared in beauty to her beloved Arva.

The sound of their horseā€™s hooves colliding with the stone road mimicked the thunderous skies above them, rain lashing down on them Gwen was more than thankful when they passed through the gates of the city, continuing their steady gallop through the cobbled, deserted streets, it seemed like many if not all citizens had headed inside as the heavens opened up. Feeling her skin chill deeply a shudder travelled over her body, she couldnā€™t wait to strip of her drenched habit and sit beside a fire with a glass of wine, just the thought warmed her ever so slightly.

As they dispensed upon the Dukes household, she wondered if her dear cousin was actually home to receive her or whether he would leave it up to the servants, she honestly wouldnā€™t be surprised by the latter. Gwendolyn was by no means naĆÆve she knew how Henry felt towards her family yet she would not let that stand in her way of duty here, she would try and build bridges between the two families whether it was for political or personal reasons.

ā€œI bet you are glad to be home Katherineā€ Gwen commented as she dismounted, patting her mares neck affectionately, silently thanking the majestic creature for travelling well. Turning to Katherine she smiled ā€œit still looks the same as I remember itā€

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Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin
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Kahlan

After Kahlan finished speaking, silence fell over the two of them. It felt like it lasted ages, and it caused Kahlan to go back over her words in her head, almost in fear that she'd said something wrong. She did not seem to show it, but inside, she was nervous, there was no denying that. As they rode along, her thoughts tangled in her mind as she tried to sort them out.

When Kahlan looked up, her breath was swept from her lungs. The view was stunning. She'd seen many places in her lifetime, but none had ever seemed this...free. The vast expanse of land seemed to stretch on with no end, fading off at the sea. It sometimes felt strange, that a kingdom seeming so serene, so peaceful, could give way to more turmoil and drama than imaginable.

As Henry's voice broke through her thoughts, Kahlan shook the thoughts from her mind and looked to him as he explained what would come in the future. When he finished speaking, Kahlan bowed her head. The action was not made because he was of higher standing. It was an action of gratitude, and respect, both of which she currently held towards the man before her. "Thank you, my lord." She rose her gaze to meet his own as she sat there upon her horse.


(sorry if it's a bit short. I typed this up on my phone earlier.)

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Kahlan Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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Sir Thomas Blackthorne

Thomas leapt from his sleep, hardly awake, sword drawn, only to find himself facing down an empty room. The sound of thunder rumbled away overhead and he stepped to the window. Glyndwr had vanished beneath a seething rain, the droplets pounding down so hard they sounded like a thousands horses hooves on the roof above him. He tried to make out the mountains that he knew rested to either side of the great river but he could nothing. There was only grey upon grey upon grey everywhere he looked.

Realizing he still had his blade drawn he slid it back into its scabbard and tossed it back onto the bed with a grunt. He was getting paranoid. No one knew he was here and he doubted anyone had realized his flight from the palace. The Devalins had no reason to hunt him, nor did anyone in this dull fortress on the spine of the world.

He splashed some water over his face and the back of his neck, cooling himself against the heat that radiated from his body like a furnace. He had been having nightmares, nightmares that always ended with him dead and Gwendolyn in chains, Devalin chains. He could not shake the feeling that she was putting her head into the lions den but there was nothing be could do about it now. The weather had prevented him from catching up and so now he must either brave the treacherous storms or try to wait them out.

At length he dressed and made his way down to the taproom, mostly empty given the weather. A few Devalin soldiers were present in their burnt orange livery but they paid him no heed as he ordered lunch. Several other travellers were huddled about the fire and he went to join them, curious to see what he might glean from rumours.

"War? Don't be ridiculous." Said one man, his left eye was missing. "The Devalins aint no fools. They cant win no war with the King, not without help."

Another man nodded in ascent, his hair was so black it looked like it might be made of raven feathers. "Aye, say what you want about the Duke, might be a hard man but he aint a daft beggar thats fore shore."

Thomas tried desperately to place the second mans accent but couldn't. Then one-eye spoke again, this time to Thomas. "You, soldier-boy, you looking fer work then? Theres knife work that'll need doin soon enough."

Thomas shrugged and sat with them. "Near enough I suppose." He tried to mimic their speech so as not to reveal his high birth, none seemed to notice. "Duke pays good money fer men does he?"

"That he does boy." This time one of the orange clad guards spoke. He pulled a comb morion helmet, so favoured by Devalin soldiers, over his dark hair. "You ought to see the local garrison commander or go further into the Reach if you prefer. I hear the fleet is looking for able men."

This was news to all the men who sat around the fire. "The fleet?" Enquired the raven haired man.

"Yes. New ships is being built and all, got to crew them." The soldier finished his drink and together with his companion he stepped out the door and vanished into the curtains of water.

"New ships..." One-eye said quietly. "The King has no Navy to speak of, been forced to rely on the Devalin's for that he has. Makes the whole balance of power a tad rickety..."

Thomas let the conversation flow around him as he absorbed this new information. He was familiar with the Clarkson's who commanded the Western Armada and their loyalty to the Duke. If new ships were launched then it was only a matter of time until they could blockade the entire coast of Avalon, if they so chose. He took a drink from his mug and silently prayed for Gwen's safety.


Duke Henry Devalin

Henry smiled grimly. "Don't thank me until you realize what you've agreed to." He nodded towards the distant sea. "A storm is coming, we had best ride."

The Dukes party began its descent into the basin, the massive tree's slowly rising to blot out much of the sunlight overhead. They rode swiftly, stopping several times to change horses, Kahlan being afforded spare mounts as well. Their ride took them through thick rainforest, the roadways barely wide enough to allow two wagons to pass abreast of each other. Every now and then the forest would give way to reveal great pastures and fields as they surrounded fortified cities and towns. Any enemy who marched here would be forced to stick to the roads if they wished to make any progress at all. The rainforest was an obstacle all to its own.

Thunder rolled across the countryside and the Duke turned to see the now distant mountaintops vanish beneath a deluge, the clouds slowly creeping down the mountains towards the treetops. He swung his gaze west again and saw another massive storm front rolling in from the ocean and chuckled to himself. The weather was never dull in his land.

The storm born on the winds of the ocean reached them first, the hammering force of warm rain almost a relief after hours of riding through the muggy hot air that liked to stay along the roads. Thankfully, for the first time in a year or two, the rain was falling straight up and down. The Duke tucked his cloak tighter about his body, ensured his men were still managing, and then rode on.

Caerwyn was just visible through the rain when the storm became a tempest, the winds picking up and plucking at the men and their horses as if trying to throw them into the waiting jaws of the forest. Lightening suddenly raced through the clouds, a bright flash in the gathering dark that caused one of two of the horses to shy for a moment. Their riders cursed them and wrenched their heads around as the ride turned into a full on gallop for the city.

Their orange tunics were spotted in the rain and the guard captain met them, his men armed with long pikes and crossbows, the only missile weapon of much use in this rain. He took in the Dukes party, finally identifying the Duke amongst the rain soddened riders and offering him a salute.

"Your pardon sir. Just making sure you are who you says you are."

The Duke grinned under the hair plastered to his face. "Well done Sergeant. I'll see you are given an extra rum ration this evening."

The man beamed and saluted again and stepped aside to allow them to pass. The ride through Caerwyn was quick and clean. The Duke was fastidious about the cleanliness of his lands, something no other ruler seemed to understand. The rainforest provided enough problems with disease that he insisted his cities be spotless. The rain certainly helped but daily work parties from dungeons and jails were sent out under guard to collect horse manure, and whatever else might have made it into the streets.

It took them fifteen minutes to negotiate the nearly empty streets, the locals driven indoors by the storm. They passed several equally soaked parties of soldiers who made sure to identify them were before saluting them on their way. At length the drawbridge to the citadel appeared. Here, the sea waters thundering through the narrow gap below, the party turned right before they could cross and approached a massive fortified house that commanded a dominating view of the harbour.

As they dismounted the Duke spotted Kahlan and approached her. He took a coin from his pocket, not an ordinary one, but one bearing the armoured fist rising from the water that marked his house. "I forgot to give you this and I am sorry but you must go back to the Citadel. There you will find my Sword Master, John Caar. Give him this coin and tell him I have ordered you fed, housed and tested. You understand?"

Once the girl had nodded, thanked him and left he turned to stride up the long steps. The house steward awaited him, offering a low bow.

"My lord. Welcome home. Your sister has arrived, as has the Princess Gwendolyn."

Henry greeted the man and nodded his thanks. "Have my sister join me in twenty minutes, and the Princess another twenty after that. Nothing fancy for food though, just a soup and some fresh bread will do for me. Maybe some ham and mustard if we have it. Oh, and order a small barrel of rum to be given to tonights watch, very thorough fellows."

The steward bowed and vanished into the house. He liked the Duke for his simple desires, nothing complicated. A good man. He sent servants scurrying to inform Lady Katherine and Princess Gwendolyn of the Dukes arrival and his desire to seem them, Katherine first, they had much to discuss.

Twenty minutes later the Duke was seated alone in a small dining room reserved for his family. He sipped a scalding hot cup of tea and took a moment to look down into the harbour where barely seen ships rose and fell in the turbulent waters of the sheltered harbour. He was exhausted and his body hurt but he had no time to rest. He needed his sister to tell him all she could and then he would meet the Princess and see what trouble he had wrought upon himself.

Setting

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Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin Character Portrait: Sir Julian Jin-Gunther Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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The Devalin Household

Sergeant Skrine was angry, and rightfully so. A man was on the loose somewhere in his liege lords home and no one had thought to place a guard on him, save for an old biddy of a nurse that he wouldn't want looking after his own wounds. When he received word, from the Duke's sister no less, that the man was missing he turned out the entire guard detail not already on shift to find the man, and quietly.

Thankfully it did not take long. The house was a large one with many hallways and floors and so the poor man had become quite lost. They found him in one of the long plushly carpeted hallways of the guest wing and the Sergeant, with two other soldiers, challenged him.

"Good evening sir. I am glad we found you!" He could see the fellow was in pain and he didn't blame him, anyone thrown from a moving carriage could expect considerable repercussions. "Will you please allow me to escort you back to your room. I would see you into some proper clothes before I take you to see the Duke."


Duke Henry Devalin

The rain was still battering the glass and the lightening strikes coming more frequently when the knock sounded and he turned, a broad smile splitting his craggy features as Katherine stepped through the doorway. The guard caught his eye for a moment.

"The Princess m'lord? If she comes?"

The Duke shook his head. "Ask her to wait if she does. I would have some time alone with my own family before I speak to her."

The guard saluted and the door closed.

"Sister! You look the picture of health, its disgusting." He said as he locked her in a massive bear hug. "I trust your journey wasn't to tedious?"

He sat now at the table, gesturing for her to join him. The table was made of a local redwood that gave off a fine scent. Candles and lanterns lit the entire room revealing dark panelled wood, solid but but comfortable furniture and big windows that shook as thunder rolled overhead. He sat at the head of the table, back to the windows, and poured a cup of tea for his sister, the aroma betraying it as an apple spice blend.


Sir Thomas Blackthorne

Thomas was lost. He had decided to brave the storm, reckoning it might lessen as he descended from the Mountain passes. What he couldn't see was the storm rolling in from the sea and so was beneath the two when they met in an awesome crescendo of noise and light. His horse had reared, tossing its rider into the rainforest and then bolted back towards the mountains. There was nothing he could do but watch it vanish into the curtains of water that rolled like waves down the roadway.

With curses and having no other choice he pulled his sodden cloak about his shoulders and began to walk west. One blessing was the method of road building in the Reach. The roadways were raised above the level of the surrounding forest and then paved with thick paving stones, this at least allowed him to walk free of any mud. It also meant that the rain, when it struck the stones, bounced back up and soon what little part of him had been dry, was as drenched as the rest. At least it wasn't windy.

He finally came upon a town, he would have walked right by it in the darkness if a breeze hadn't suddenly plucked at his cloak, causing him to pause and glance around. The rainforest had given way to fields and beyond them, a few lights barely visible between sheets of rain, he could see a tower. He moved further down the road, finding the spot where it branched and led towards the town. He hurried along it, colliding head first with the gateway, bouncing off it like rain from the paving stones and landing painfully on his tailbone.

He was still sitting there, cursing the weather when a small wicket gate opened and a helmeted face peered down at him, then a lantern shone into his eyes. A long moment then a voice spoke, the first human voice he had heard in almost twelve hours.

"Good god man what the hell are you doing out in this?" A strong hand reached out and pulled him to his feet and through the wicket gate. Here, under the protection of the gatehouse above he found himself facing three Devalin soldiers. All were armed but none seemed interested in threatening him.

"Horse threw me, been walking fer hours." Thomas managed to say, suddenly feeling very cold as his teeth began to chatter.

"I bloody well would think so." Responded his rescuer. "Get yourself on through to the Black Boar, second building on the right. Nothing fancy but she's got a fine soup and warm beds."

Thomas nodded his thanks and hurried on, finding the inn easy enough, the black boar head that stared down at him seemingly amused by his plight. He stumbled through the door and was met with a wave of warmth that set him to coughing at once. It took a few moments for it to subside and then he looked up. The taproom was virtually empty save for a girl who stared wide eyed at him from behind the bar counter. Even in his condition he could tell that she was pretty, blonde with a fine figure and wide blue eyes that reminded him of Gwen.

Then the world began to swim before his eyes, he managed one step and then collapsed onto the floor with a crash.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Vivian MacKenna Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin Character Portrait: Sir Julian Jin-Gunther Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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Duke Henry Devalin

Henry listened carefully to his sister. He was, as always, impressed by her take on a situation and how she could handle people. One of his weaknesses was dealing with people politically. He had ever been a soldier and the whole graces and airs thing had never really taken with him. Her opinion of the King and his court was vitally important to him and as she spoke of the ball and those she had met he stood, pacing slowly in front of the big window, watching the rain batter down on his city. The Luxorian bit was interesting, it could open some interesting possibilities if he played his cards right.

He noticed, as she began to conclude her story a pang of something flit through her features but he said nothing. If she was going to tell him she would and there was no sense in pushing her. When he was sure she had nothing to add he thanked her and then called for the guard.

"M'lord?" The helmeted face appeared.

"Please send for the Princess and ask her to join us."

The guard saluted and the door closed again. Henry looked at his sister and sighed. "Let us see what I have wrought sister. I only hope that you have given me the key we need to break this damned family open and put them where they belong."

They did not have long to wait, a few minutes of silence as the two siblings considered what was to come. When the door swung open Henry turned, framed by the blackness outside, a bolt of lightening cutting the sky. He bowed.

"Your majesty. Welcome to Caerwyn."


Sergeant Caar

The big Sergeant opened his mouth to reply to the strange man but he wasn't given a chance as the fool grabbed a weapon from a display rack and began to threaten them. Really he didn't blame the man but the Sergeant was not someone who had gotten his job by being patient with angry armed men. His job was to protect his lordship, his family and his home. The stranger was threatening all of that right now.

Stepping forward as if to speak to the man he swiftly lashed out with his spear, slamming the shaft of it into the side of the strangers head and sending him crashing to the ground. Behind him one of the guards chuckled.

"Foine shot sah."

The Sergeant grunted as he gestured at the prostrate form. "Get 'im oop'n back inta 'is bloody bed. Throw a shackle on em. Both'a you lads stay wit em till I comes fer em. Savvy?"

The soldiers nodded and between them they carried the comatose man back to his room. A strong shackle was fetched and he was tethered to the solid oaken bed. The two guards took up their posts inside the room, pulling a deck of cards out and starting a hand. The fat nurse continued to snore, oblivious of the goings on.


Sir Thomas Blackthorne

Thomas was running, he didn't know from what but he could feel the fear, the sweat dripping down his back as he ran. He risked glance over his shoulder, it was coming! He tried to lash out at it but something entangled his arm and he couldn't get free. He fell and tried to fight with but the more he struggled the more entangled he got. Sweat was soaking his body now as he lashed out, his foot catching something solid and sending it spinning away into the blackness.

In the grip of a fever he could never have known he would get from his tumble into the rainforest, Thomas's battle with whatever beast haunted his mind had entangled him in the bed sheets, his foot kicking the tray from Vivians hands. His struggles at length ceased and he collapsed back into the mattress, his eyes glazed over as he laboured for breath. His right hand clenched and then unclenched as if grasping for a sword hilt. Sweat soaked the bed now, his long hair plastered across his face. Slowly his eye lids closed again and mercifully he slept.

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Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin
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Gwendolyn was sat at her vanity bringing a brush through her loose curls when the guard entered her room once more ā€œYes?ā€ she enquired looking back at him in the mirror, placing the brush back down on the table.

ā€œMy lord will see you knowā€ he spoke swiftly with a small, curt bow, holding the heavy door open for her. Nodding Gwen rose from the plush chair, slipping her feet into a pair of emerald slippers which matched her robe before walking across her spacious room towards the door. Waiting momentarily for the guard to shut the door behind her, she followed him down to the main dining; the halls were almost completely darkened save for the candles illuminating the end of each room. The rain lashed against the window panes with some force as the lightening lit up the night sky followed closely by monstrous clasps of thunder, she felt almost childlike once more being startled by loud storms, when she would run to James room and hide under his covers. The thought brought a brief smile to face but was cut off as the guard stopped in front of a pair of large oak door, opening them she heard Henryā€™s voice almost immediately.

"Your majesty. Welcome to Caerwyn."

Smiling Gwen stepped out of the shadows ā€œHenryā€ she smiled in a warm greeting, it was strange seeing him again after such a long time, they had never been close as children yet Gwen held him and Katherine close to her heart, she could never understand why they seemingly disliked her so, she recalled James calling her naĆÆve when she brought it up with him and so had never mentioned it again. Stepping forward she placed her hands in his and placed a light kiss on each of his cheeks ā€œAs I told Katherine earlier, there are no need for such formalities, Gwendolyn or simply Gwen will so cousinā€ she spoke softly but surely.

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Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Vivian MacKenna Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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Duke Henry Devalin

Henry smiled thinly as she kissed his cheeks. He had never been one for touchy feely moments and suspected she had done it to try and throw him off guard. Nonetheless he returned her greeting and then pulled out a chair, waiting for her to sit before he did so himself. He leaned back, comfortable in his home, one leg propped on the other as he regarded his cousin closely. There was no doubting that she was a beauty and could turn the heads of many men. He knew that this was not the purpose of her visit however, that would be a stretch even for the twisted DeGreys. There was something else, he had certainly missed it when they were children and now he reckoned he was about to find out why his cousin had chosen her as his envoy. He was glad Katherine was there to listen to offer her own opinions, he valued her skills more then anyone else's.

Outside the storm suddenly slackened off, and then with a heavy gust of wind it began to disperse, the moon peaking out from the clouds. It bathed the distant battlements of the Citadel in silver light, glinting off the barrels of cannons as they glistened with the rain. In the harbour below the seething waves slowed and the fog revealed a mighty fleet spread across the harbour.

"Well it is good to see you Gwen," Henry said with a friendly smile. "I am sorry I missed your brothers coronation, how is he?"


Thomas Blackthorne

It took several hours for Thomas's fever to slowly decline under the care of his new nurse. When his eyes finally fluttered open ad he locked his gaze upon the young woman who has tending to him he felt a flutter in his stomach. She was beautiful. Redhair fell past her shoulders to rest on her breast, striking eyes regarding him carefully from a face that looked as if it had been chiselled from marble.

He was all to aware of his bodies response to her and so he rolled onto his side to hide the bulge that had begun to grow beneath the covers. He blinked at her a few times again, taking in the room, his clothes drying by the fire, the hot water and rags. His sheets were still soaked and he desperately wanted to sit up. He managed a pitiful smile.

"I suppose when one awakens to angel he should assume he has died and gone to heaven." He chuckled despite himself. "I apologize for the poor joke. I don't suppose there is any chance of a bath is there please?"

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Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin
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Duke Henry Devalin

Henry had never enjoyed a verbal duel with anyone, it was not one of his strengths and it always annoyed him to have one when both parties knew the other was lying. What did surprise him was her attempt to mock him, he had expected more from someone sent to "suss" things out. What else could he expect from the bloody girl anyway.

ā€œOh I am alright, just a brief fever, they seem to plague these parts this time of year. I suppose one day Iā€™ll catch my death of them.ā€ He smiled. Her statement that his cousin was taking his duties as King well was easily belied by his sisters own comments on the matter.

ā€œWill your brother be coming to join us anytime soon?ā€

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Vivian MacKenna Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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Henry Devalin

For this conversation, the Duke had some actual news that he was sure would throw his cousin for a bit of a loop. Hell, it had made him wonder what was going on, or what he didn't know about. He nodded towards the harbour.

"As a matter of a fact, I received word from the Clarkson that the Luxorian fleet has put to sea. He received the information from a somewhat disreputable source so I have asked him to verify it with our own ships. I don't suppose you might have any idea why Luxor has the armada out?"

As he asked the question he suddenly had a horrible premonition that maybe the DeGreys had been more clever than he suspected and had managed to somehow convince Luxor to help rid themselves of the Devalins. That didnā€™t make sense though, Luxor, for all of its kind words, hated Avalon more then he hated the Degreys.


Thomas Blackthorne

He watched her go, eyes taking in her firm buttocks and shapely legs. He sighed and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His body was betraying him and it bothered him that he even found himself in this situation. He knew he loved Gwen, or at least he thought he didā€¦

A knock on the door interrupted his musings and he pulled the blanket over his lap just as the door swung open. He smiled his thanks as the redhead offered him a plate of food and tucked in eagerly. Being sick tended to take the strength out of him something fierce. He listened to her as he ate, nodding his thanks at her promise to find him clean bedding and clothes, his own would probably have to be burned he decided.

He laughed when she asked him if he would need help with the bath and shook his head.

ā€œNo, thank you, I think I can manage.ā€ He ate another tomato as she continued to speak, swallowing the last of it before replying. ā€œNice to meet you Vivian, my friends call me Thomas. I donā€™t suppose you can tell me where I amā€¦?ā€

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Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin
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"Oh come no Cousin do not be so modest, I am sure your brother's men could handle anything the Luxorians threw at him." Katherineā€™s words came as no surprise to Gwen, the woman had always been far too bright to pull the cloth over her eyes, stifling a slight laugh, Gwendolyn tipped her glass towards her cousin with a smirk tugging on the corners of her lips ā€œWell Iā€™ve got to hand it to you Katherine you certainly do not miss a thingā€ she spoke in a calm tone. She was trying to be tactical although with this woman that was proving to be rather difficult, it felt like intuition to be wary of the Devalinā€™s, she supposed it had partly to with the fact that her father had drilled into them as children that they could never fully be trusted, it was one of the reasons he had not bestowed greater power onto the family like he had done with her motherā€™s family.

Gwen eyed the siblings over the top of her glass, what were they up too? She knew it had to be something important and she was determined to do whatever to figure it out, she was truly committed to keeping her brother, James on the thrown and hence would not let anything hinder that, she was a determined young woman caught up in the honour and duty to her namesake and she would surely give her last breath to keep James were he belonged, sat on the thrown of Avalon to rule with honour and valour over the magnificent land and its people.

ā€œBut you are right, my brothers forces could handle anything the bloody Luxorians threw at themā€¦or any foe for that matterā€ Gwen was aware how the statement sounded like a warning to the Duke, she didnā€™t intentionally set it up that way but still he was a threat and if she could stomp out the threat by words rather than by a call to arms she would much rather do that.

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Characters Present

Character Portrait: Gwendolyn DeGrey Character Portrait: Vivian MacKenna Character Portrait: Henry Devalin Character Portrait: Katherine Devalin Character Portrait: Sir Thomas Blackthorne
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Henry Devalin

Henry watched the two women carefully. He was now certain that his cousin had no idea that the Luxorian fleet had sailed and this gave him some solace. It would make his lie about not attending the coronation more believable. The knot in his stomach was still there however at the thought of the enemy fleet at sea. He could prevent the Luxorian fleet from landing in the Reach but then they would still be ashore somewhere in Avalon. The thought of having to fight alongside his cousin turned his gut.

He let Katherine continue to speak, she was much better at this then he, as beautiful as she was dangerous. Without her, he had no doubt he would not be able to survive the coming storm.


Thomas Blackthorne

When Vivian returned he was forced to drag himself from his reverie and offer her a smile. When she sat next to him and offered him a drink he took it gladly though he knew he would have to be careful how much he drank around this woman.

He nodded his thanks and tried hard not to lock eyes with her, it would be trouble if she did, this woman was trouble in every way, and she knew it.

ā€œI make for Caerwyn, to see an old friend. I had hoped to beat the storm, but no luck.ā€ He paused to drink again. ā€œIs there somewhere nearby I can purchase a horse? I need to be on my way.ā€