The Northern Rose

Rosaline, the clever and benevolent Queen of the Northlands. House Desrochers of Chateau Mer Sereine

[thenorthernrose]

phelixmilrothar​:

Phelix was glad for the fire.  He glided closer to it when Rosaline situated herself there as well, extending his gnarled hands towards the warmth.  

“Oh good,” Phelix sighed, sounding relieved when she said the children were fine.  Whether they were or not did concern Phelix, albeit not in the kindly concerned he’d made it sound.  Since the eclipse, Phelix’ mind was hyper-focused on the rebel’s goals.  It made him colder than usual inside; but his centuries of life experience guaranteed that no one would notice that coldness, save for those who’d know him for centuries.  So he was sure he just sounded genuinely happy, to Rosaline.  

“The eclipse certainly landed on a very momentous year,”  Phelix agreed neutrally and looked up when the Queen mentioned speaking to him about it.  What could she possibly have to say?  His curiousity was immediately piqued, but he remained implacable as always.  She seemed to be waiting for him to say something, so he did.

“I remained in the Magaesterium, of course.  I remember the last eclipse, from five hundred years back.  It is a strange blend of energy and weakness, for mages like myself.  So it’s sometimes best to just protect myself from its influences, and ride it out.”  This was true enough; Phelix hadn’t left the Magaesterium during the eclipse, content that the seeds of destruction he’d planted before the event to bloom.

He frowned though, when she began speaking about a wildling.  “Your Majesty - what are you talking about?  A wildling visited you during the eclipse? One of their tribe leaders from a northern clan?”  He sat in the armchair next to hers, covering her hand with his own.

As she continued speaking, he understood.  “You mean…this wildling was a vision?”  He leaned in then, the firelight glinting in his dark eyes.  “What were you doing, when the vision happened?  It sounds…prophetic, chih.”  Or it could mean someone was trying to get in contact with her, and the magical shift during the eclipse seemed the safest time.

“What sort of gem, exactly?  As if mounted on a staff?  Something magical, perhaps?”

Rosaline would have preferred any anomalies to fall in a different calendar year, but as Phelix had mentioned for whatever reason, for whatever reason events seemed at a serious climax. She hummed slightly when the mage confirmed he stayed within the Magisterium walls during the strange occurrence. Of course he would have an idea about its effects due to past experiences, Rosaline often forgot how old Phelix really was, until he reminded her in moments like these.

“Yes a vision.” She spoke quickly, trying to clarify. “It was an accident by all accounts. I hardly had any intention of scrying at the time the vision showed. Actually the way it appeared I doubt it could be called scrying at all. I was just getting washed up before bed.” Rosaline made a flourish with her hands, “And then there he was. The stone and its glow were purple. So…maybe an enchanted amethyst of some kind? I could see the Wilding’s lips moving but couldn’t make anything out.” Her lips pursed as she continued to ponder inwardly. “In spare moments I have tried to summon anything of the appearance back, just for a chance at any more information...so far, there’s nothing.”

[melixphilrothar]

@thenorthernrose​

It wasn’t like Queen Rosaline to contact and call upon Phelix for any whim or fancy.  She wasn’t a whimsical sort of person; and since taking the throne, she’d hardly called on him for anything that wasn’t important.  Learning her low magic for the safety of her children, or sharing important information about dissenters in her midst.

He’d made sure to get the Beynards picked up by a rebel faction, quickly and quietly, to work them into actual rebels rather than simply desperate cowards.  The children unfortunately, Phelix was unable to recruit as well, but that was fine.  It was a small triumph in the grand scale of things.

For now, he shadow-walked to the Queen’s chateau, where he waited as directed for his appointment with her.  In the meantime he was glad to have hot tea to warm his cold, knobbly fingers.  When she arrived, Phelix took a bow. 

“Your Majesty,” he said graciously, but when he looked up, he frowned.  “You look troubled.  Are the little ones alright?”

[thenorthernrose]

The eclipse seemed to be an ironic flourish given everything that had been conspiring through the kingdoms recently, and Rosaline was well away the Northlands had only gotten a small taste of it. She had spoken to anyone about the vision she received during the eclipse, mostly because she was completely unsure what to make of it. That and looking at the grand scheme of things, the Chateau always seemed to have more pressing matters.

But she finally did reach out to Phelix, the only person she could think of who knew fully of her abilities and might make sense of the occurrence. She might have pushed the vision to the side, but it had never quite escaped her mind. It was always lingering in the background, waiting to grip her attention at late hours when she was always desperate for rest.

Indeed the incident with the Beynard’s felt so old by the time Rosaline saw the mage again, her questions surrounding rumors and sources slipped her mind completely. She let out a heavy sigh, smiling at Phelix’s greeting as she entered the room and promptly shut the doors for privacy. She shrugged off the extra cloak she’d been wearing around the halls, as a nice fire had been set blazing for their meeting previously.

“The children are quite alright.” The Queen clarified quickly “I’m glad to see you. Things have been busy. But when are they not?” Rosaline rested a hand lightly on Phelix’s arm before sinking into one of the soft armchairs. “I wanted to talk to you about that eclipse.” She began, looking at Phelix carefully to see what sort of reaction and memory and he would have over the event on his own. If she’d received visions, Rosaline couldn’t imagine what sort of strangeness befell someone with much more magical prowess than herself.

“There was a man…a wilding I suspect. He had this totem with glowing gems-“ Rosaline explained what she had seen in the water that night, squinting in lingering confusing. “I just don’t know what to make of it. Is it present, future? Past? And why did it only show during the eclipse? I’ve never seen anything like it before.” The questions made her feel like a child in a way, desperately seeking guidance. It was not a side she liked to show, but magic often left her feeling vulnerable. 

[xfreakingrise]

“Ah, sister, sorry I’m late.” Henri commented, entering her quarters to speak with her without being overheard from members of their household staff.  “I hope things have been going well here while I’ve been away.” He had much to tell her of what he learned on his travels since the attack at Glasswater. Of course he had led her to believe that he would be home a lot sooner than this, but when did Henri ever stick to what he said to his sister. @thenorthernrose​

[thenorthernrose]

Rosaline really didn’t think she asked Henri for much. Not as Queen and certainly not as a sister. Given his attendance since Glasswater she had no hope of him showing up on time for their meeting. Instead of pace and grumble over the annoyance of being kept waiting yet again she gathered her daughter on her way to her quarters thinking it would be an opportune moment for some alone time with the young girl.

She had already encouraged a wobbly curtsey out of Genevieve before the toddler ran forward with her rag doll, holding it up eagerly for Rosaline to inspect, “It’s Kit! Kiss Kit, Mummy!”

Rosaline pretended to do as her daughter requested, taking the doll carefully when Genevieve released her. It was clearly one of the girl’s favorite toys, already looking a little frayed from the constant attention. She smoothed down the miniature clothes and returned the doll to the Genevieve. “Let’s see if we can’t get a new gown for Kit hmm? Nurse can stitch one.” Rosaline offered, brows raised slightly as she watched the little girls eyes light up at the suggestion.

It was then that Henri’s voice came through the opened door, and Rosaline quickly swooped the child into her arms placing her on a chair by the firepit on the other side of the room. She rested against the side of the seat looking dully at her brother that finally stood where she could see him.

“Hello!” Genevieve piped up, one blue eye peeking over the chair she’d been decisively sat.

“What a relief you’ve decided to bless the North with your return.” She commented dryly, her eyes turned to the ceiling for a moment. “It’s been…a process since we departed at Glasswater. It is so difficult when I could really use four of me, but there is only one. But Eshvar be praised-“ Rosaline motioned around them, “We’re still here.” Her gaze and tone sharpened then, “I hope your rendezvous with the new Duke Ashcraft wasn’t too taxing. Perhaps you’d like to show me the alliance papers where East Reach takes precedent over home?”

The toddler continued to watch from her half hidden perch, shrinking slightly at the change in her mother’s voice and whispering seemingly to no one, but most likely her doll, “Ooops.”

[thenorthernrose]

avitejkumara​:

“Your family will be in debt to the Kumaras, Lady Jazni,”  Avi reminded her.  She might’ve married into the North, but her family were still in Rajayer and know they were known.  She stared at him, wordless and ashen.  Avi gave a lazy flick of his fingers.  “You don’t need to worry about it.  I’ll have my favour-keepers speak with your Auntie, the Duchess.  We’ll sort things out.”

he sounded benevolent as ever, and as he left with the Queen, Lady Jazni started weeping harder than ever.  The guards dragged her along behind, but Avi completely disregarded the Beynards now.  

“Elven gryphon riders,” he spoke softly to the Queen, when they made it back up to the courtyard.  “That’s all very vague, innit.  If they’d been so steady with their supplies to the rebels, I wonder what they did to be ratted out like this.”  Avi would’ve asked again when the Queen got all of this information, but she seemed very protective of her source.So he decided to hold his tongue.

Besides, how she intended to handle the rest of this wasn’t his business.  Questioning her about it now could only come off as doubt and impertinence, and Avi did consider his role in the matter concluded.  Jazni would go with her husband, the children would return to Rajayer with him.  Their lives were technically his now, as he would arrange the favours between Jazni’s family and himself.  But that was not a matter to concern the Queen either.  

“Well, I hope that was satisfactory, your Majesty. The confession easily gained, and a decisive punishment.”

“Getting details of any kind would have been too much to hope for.” Rosaline grumbled, because Avi did bring up a good point. Why would the rebels or someone closely connected tattle on the Beynard’s if they had been keeping their end of the deal? It meant a loss of supplies and revenue and from Rosaline’s understanding the rebels might want to take what little they could get. Especially in a stronghold like the Northlands. “Either they made too many mistakes, or they simply weren’t wanted anymore.” The Queen decided, her mind drifting to the rumors Phelix fed her that led her here in the first place. Perhaps it would be beneficial to get more information, if such a thing was even possible.

She ignored the continued crying from Jazni, turning to Avi with a slight frown. Regardless of the fact that proof of treason would be collected and punishments had been handed out, it didn’t leave Rosaline feeling well to do. How any monarch could thrive off fear from their subjects in a consistent wave, she had no idea. “I suppose. Given the situation it does suffice well enough. Thank you for your assistance and your kindness to the children.” She tilted her head back slightly at Jazni and the few children that were just being brought out of their rooms.

[thenorthernrose]

avitejkumara​:

Avi gave a mirthless smile and subtly shook his head, when the Queen suggested Loqoalan clemency.  He’d refuse Northern trash on the Empire’s behalf.  However, Jazni’s family had a lucrative position as nobility on their particular island.  

“I could take your children to your family, Lady Jazni.  Let your relatives look after them while you and your…husband get back on your feet.”  Avi suggested.  He doubted the pair would get back on anything though.  These two had lived in the liminal world between Loqoalan extravagance and Northern safety; now that they were stripped of riches and reputation, it was as good as the Queen punishing them by death.

In fact, an execution would probably be more of a mercy; this life as pariahs would likely be a slow and painful death.  Avi liked the idea, although he wondered if fate would play out that way.  The Loqoalan gods could sometimes be fickle, loving as they were.  Was the Northern god the same?

“Please take our children, Duke Avitej,”  Jazni begged, without even waiting for her husband’s opinion on the matter.  Avi looked at the Queen, to make sure that was alright by her.

“Forty-eight hours??”  Giles repeated in disbelief.  “How - what are we - you can’t do this to us!  You’re sentencing us to doom!  Please - may we take one gryphon from our stables, at least?”

Rosaline nodded in clear agreement with Avi over the fate of the Beynard children. If he wanted to take them on to a new home, he was more than welcome to do so. The innocent offspring being the only true concern to the Northern Queen when it came to deciding a sentence through all of this. She had to admire Jazni for speaking out without consultation of her husband, she had been far more level headed through the humiliation. Something Rosaline would not soon forget.

Still, the quick plead to Avi’s assistance meant the pair saw no hope in making it through their punishment well at all. It was hardly Rosaline’s concern though. With the confirmation Avi would take the children forward from the Keep, the issue was settled, she turned to the dungeon exit when Giles sputtered and begged again.

She glanced over her shoulder at him, “If a gryphon will get you off Desrochers property quicker, you are welcome to it. Guards-“ Rosaline directed them as they propped the dungeon door open for her and the Duke, “Bring Jazni up behind us, she will assist with the papers and children.”

[thenorthernrose]

leoxerickson​:

“Forgotten about me already, have you?” He let out low whistle as he stepped out from around the fallen bucket. It had been a while since the thief had returned to the castle with Leo preferring to avoid coming home if anything. The North being a blatant reminder for him of memories he would rather forget- of the silhouette of his father turning his back towards him and cutting him out of his life, of the time he would never get back with his mother, of his brother’s obsession with the knighthood and finding her, and now, of a princess whom had only viewed him as a boy- as a thief. 

“Princess,” He nodded in her direction, taking the time to draw out each syllable. Leo knew the woman was a Queen now, with a husband and two little kids for that matter. But, she’d always be that girl who would tell him off to him.

...

“Oh, you.” Even though it had been some years, just by the whistle alone the identification of the person hiding in the barn was obvious to her. “No, you’re hardly forgettable Leo Erikson.” Rosaline frowned at him for a moment before turning back to the horse she had been previously lavishing attention on. Did someone always have to come and ruin her spare moments of peace?

“What bolstered your courage to show up in Northlands after all this time?” Rosaline asked, practically cooing at him. Her attitude was teasing, if a bit cruel, but Leo’s actions and decisions in the past had hurt her, whether she consciously knew it or not. The incorrect title was premeditated carelessness on the vagabonds part, so she didn’t clench her jaw too tightly.

“Nothing to steal in here but a steed I’m afraid.” She pointed out, “I do hope that wasn’t your intention. Imagine announcing your return by being caught red handed in the Royal Stables.”

[thenorthernrose]

cassthecharitable​:

-

“Perhaps it is a testament to the people’s will.” Cassandra suggests, after silent deliberation. Leadership was key in any movement, as she had learned through the study of scripture at the head church of Joaqoan. But something like the rebellion was not the dream of one ruler with divine right. But the sheer frustration and dreams of a people. “A prevailing reminder of the people’s dissatisfaction with the establishment.” And by the establishment, she could not help but gaze upon the Queen.

With an impressed, if not slightly bemused smile, she licks her lips. Uncrossing her arms, she nods slowly as she unhooks the smock from her waist. “Quite fair,” she recognizes, handing her the apron. “Come along then, we may begin with preparing vegetables for the children’s supper.” Cassandra leads her across the threshold, until they find themselves in the kitchen. Several Loqoalans, from volunteers to fellow Masters, working diligently. “Everyone,” she bellows. “Rosaline is a friend from the North. She will be assisting us this fine evening.” Cassandra abandons all premise of formality, introducing her simply by her name.

...

It was with no doubt in Rosaline’s mind that she and Cassandra stood on opposite sides of the rebellion. It only made her shoulders tense for a moment when she reminded herself why she had paid a visit in the first place. Cassandra had been kind and assisting to Lucan, further so the North. Rosaline had no intention of going back on her word when a good deed had already been preformed. She simply hummed in response to her hosts voiced opinion.

Rosaline took the apron and quickly tied it around her middle as she followed Cassandra through the room. Her step faltering for only a moment when she was introduced completely informal. In a large group like this, it had never been done. Aside from the strange foreign sound of it, the Northern Queen didn’t mind the simplicity of her name stripped to it’s complete bare bones. She could be an ordinary woman for once, only Cassandra glancing at her with the known fact that royalty had come into the charity house. The only difference from most people was, Cassandra didn’t seem to particularly care.

She gave a small wave and smile to the other workers who glanced up and greeted her before finding an open spot amongst the tables. Rosaline waited until food was passed down to her to prep, and watched the others for a moment. She knew how to handle food for basic dishes, but she hardly had the practice other volunteers did. Rosaline cut slower and more hesitantly, concerned over injury or displeasing looking pieces of vegetable.

[thenorthernrose]

ainsleyashcraft​:

-

“Then we have an accord. Cheers.” She lifts her glass, never breaking the stalemate between them. Even as she tilts the glass again, her dark eyes remain focused on the Queen’s. Phelix or Nora would speak against open hostility towards the Norther Queen. Unwise, they might claim. But if Rosaline was the girl she knew in their years, she would appreciate nothing short of honesty.

The wicked smile upon her face, said as much. She laughs, haughty and impressed by the succinct nature of the blond. “Well, I would never dare stab you in the back.” Turning her head coyly, she promptly adds; “What would be the fun in that?” Ainsley meant nothing more than to humor the Queen, but if her words were read as a challenge… Well, that was either a fringe benefit, or an unfortunate by-product. “These days, the past feels inconsequential, doesn’t it?” It was, by no means, an extension of friendship and camaraderie. But an assessment of how their petty grievances felt just that. Petty.

...

“Hardly your fighting style, that.” Rosaline chirped, the amused glint in her eye lingering as Ainsley added her own humor to the conversation. The Northern Queen was also eased into better spirits coming away with an agreement from the other woman. It wasn’t as if she thrived off confrontation – it could just sometimes be a byproduct of her position.

She set her empty glass down, her finger lightly tracing the careful curves and symbols carved into the drinkware. One dark eye flicked up again at Ainsley across from her when she casually mentioned the past. It was perhaps the first time the word itself was not brought about with a sour tone or aftertaste among their conversations. “Quite. Given everything taking place amongst the Kingdoms now. Peace and calm is brought amongst cooperation, not division.” Rosaline also wanted to point out any slights against Ainsley in the past had not been her decision, but just as they agreed, it did no good to linger.

[thenorthernrose]

[thenorthernrose]

avitejkumara​:

“A fabrication?  To implicate the Beynards?  To have them killed…”  Avi rubbed his beard, trying to wrap his mind around the intrigue of it all.  “If they were executed in disgrace, it would open your coast and the channel between the North and Juaqoan.  I’ve already spotted considerable rebel activity in the north of Elysi, you know.”  

Avi saw no need not to hide this from Queen Rosaline.  After all, Elysi was her neighbour, and thus far Avi had yet to see the Elysian Crown take any action into their northlands.  Except for an attempt, he’d heard, with Duke Alek Ashcraft.  

Which no doubt failed, Avi couldn’t help assuming.  He’d have to find out from Cecily. Regardless,  the North should be made aware of what was happening between her land and the land to her west.    If the rebels also opened up her eastern coast to vulnerabilities, then the North would be pinned.

Granted,  Avi didn’t think Loqoala was Elysi.  The Empire was better.

“Are you will be handing the Beynard land tenure over to…your brother?”  Avi asked tentatively, but then paused.  “Never mind, it’s none of my affair.  However, if you are inclined to have the Empire provide any further protective services in our shared waterways, you need only ask.”  For a favour and a price of course, but that went without saying. Rebels traveled both ways, after all.

They returned to the Beynards and Rosaline laid down her punishment, and the Beynards wailed at their loss.  Which in Avi’s opinion, they should’ve seen coming.

“What of our children?  What’s to become of them, your Majesty?”  Jazni asked, her head swiveling from Rosaline to Giles and to Avi and back.

“Tell the Queen first who secured this contract with you first.  A name, the name of the rebel who weakened your integrity and position,”  Avi said coldly.

“I - I - we - I don’t have any name!  It came by way of messengers, and messages.  Burned crops and slaughtered cows and kidnapped children…through threats,”  Giles said through his tears.  “They said if we didn’t comply, they’d do much worse and make it look like we’d done it ourselves, to injure the Queen’s army supply.  They said they knew…things about us, that would disgrace our family, and they’d tell the rest of the North.  A- a- about my childhood f-f-f-fondness for sheep.”

Avi shut his eyes tightly and massaged his forehead, so he didn’t burst out laughing.  This was really not the time.

“Giles!  Shut up!!  The messengers were mostly half-elves though,”  Jazi said, eager to throw anyone under the carriage wheels now, in front of Queen Rosaline.  “Half-elven messengers, on gryphons. Gryphon riders!”

The decision to take away the land and titles from the Beynard’s had been an abnormally rushed decision for her. The option lingered in the back of her mind as she and Avi approached the situation, but Rosaline hadn’t set her heart on any one punishment until her frustration pushed her far enough. She could hear Avi as he rattled on about what had been taking in Northern Elysi, but her mind drifted to other places as well. Her brother would do well with the territory. An actual role, responsibility, for once in his life. Naturally he was always welcome at the Chateau, but it wasn’t truly his.

While Rosaline preferred to keep placid expressions, especially while doling out punishments, it was impossible to hide her disgust for Giles and Jazni as they continued to wail and cry about their decided fate. “I suggest you take what little you own, that the Crown has not provided you, and find a place that will host all of you. I won’t banish you from the Northlands, but your treason will be known, what your peers decide to do with you, is not my concern.” She side glanced to Avi for a moment, “Perhaps a Loqoalan relative would take pity on you. If the Duke would stand to have you at all.” Rosaline folded her hands together, “Should you fail completely, your children will be looked after, and they will know to thank the Royal House, rather than their traitor parents.”

What information the pair did provide when Avi pressed them, the queen remained unimpressed. “Gryphons? In the Northlands? Impossible. If this had been going on as long as you say, someone would have brought it to my attention.” It wasn’t as if the beasts were easy to hide, much less common in the snowy, harsh climate. She was inclined not to believe them, but she also didn’t want to play a game of back and forth, “You will produce these messages. Any papers and scrolls you have from the rebels. And you have forty-eight hours to leave this castle. The guards and other uniformed men will be here until further notice. I suggest if there are Gryphon riders skulking about, you take advantage of their swiftness.”

[thenorthernrose]

avitejkumara​:

“I - I know, your majesty,”  Beynard mewled.  He kept trying to turn around to see where the Rajayan Duke was roving behind him, and eventually Avi smacked the back of his head and the man squealed, his wife half jumping out of her seat.

“Lord Ku–” Jazni started to Avi cut her off.

“Address the North, and keep your eyes forward, Sir,”  Avi barked an order at the pair.  “Show some respect when you speak to your Queen, you eels.”

Immediately Beynard stared forward, at Rosaline’s pale hand.  “Your Majesty, we…we had this arrangement before Glasswater,” he confessed, as if this somehow made things better.  “I - we - I didn’t know it would become as grievous as it did.  I only meant to resolve things before they got out of hand, but the rebels…they kept demanding more, making further threats.  Not just to our land - but our own children!”  

Blubbering, Beynard fell to his knees and Jazni propelled herself forward as well, clinging to her husband, the both of them sobbing.  “Have mercy!  We did wrong, but we are no traitors!  We love our Queen, we were only trying to keep our name reputable!”

“And look at you now…” Avi said, disgusted but a little wary now.   He studied the couple, weeping into their hands, not daring to actually look Rosaline in the face.  

After a while, Avi  nodded his chin towards the Queen, “A word if you please, your Majesty?”  When they stepped outside of the cell, Avi leaned in to murmur.  “Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, but they are a rather pathetic pair.  I believe they were extorted into funneling supplies to the rebels.  I’m…unsure about the rest of it, honestly.”

He chewed his bottom lip.  It was Rosaline’s call, ultimately. “What do you want to do?  I could make them scream, if you think it’s necessary.  Or if you truly want confessions, I could make their children scream while they watch.”

If Rosaline wasn’t tired of the Beynard’s before, she was practically disgusted with their display of blubbering and tears as they stuttered excuses and fell to the floor in front of her. She didn’t tilt her head to look at them, but her gaze flicked downward, and her lip curled. The couple proved to be as pathetic as Rosaline perceived them to be. They couldn’t even face her without falling to pieces, and she hadn’t declared one thing or another yet.

“Do compose yourselves.” Rosaline spat before turning her attention to Avi and stepping with him outside the cell when he suggested it. “Extortion is quite obvious. No…I hardly think any force is necessary in this case. They’ve already fallen into hysterics.” She frowned deeply, crossing her arms, “The fact is though, they still moved against the Crown, and that can’t be ignored.” If she forgave one noble house, another might get bold and doubt might slip into the common folk.

“Given their reactions I think it’s safe to say the threat against the Crown Prince was also a fabrication.” She murmured. That raised a more concerning question in her mind though, who would have given that information to Phelix? And why did they rebels cling to the Beynards so tightly? Because it was easy to do so? “We’ll spare them that humiliation.”

Rosaline gave a nod of finality before stepping back into the cell. The couple were wiping at their wet, red faces, desperately trying to do as their Queen previously commanded. “Unfortunately, Lord Beynard you’ve proven to me just how useless you are.” The Queen spoke coolly, “You’ve failed to protect the coast from rebels, you’ve surrendered supplies entrusted to you and needed by our military. I had thought for a moment perhaps to rebels pressure against you was too much but…” She gave a short and bitter snort, “The way you have handled your family and land is inexcusable. It puts the rest of the kingdom at risk.” She locked eyes with Giles, the hard stare and silence that passed was clear enough. You aren’t worth it.

“The Desrochers will be taking the Keep back under their control. This is no longer your home. You are no longer Lord and Lady here. You abandoned those positions when you betrayed the North. Your actions determined your sentence, you have no one to blame but yourselves.”

[thenorthernrose]

Rosaline Moodboard 1/? 

Duty First

[thenorthernrose]

Your thread task: Rosaline starts hearing rumours that some of her family members aren't telling the whole truth and their actions could begin affecting the Northlands. Plot a thread with someone where Rosaline deals with these struggles, thoughts and feelings, and where she plans to go from that information.

Here is Rosaline and Avi’s thread going after the Beynards ya’ll 

[thenorthernrose]

avitejkumara​:

…

Eshvar.  That was a god who’s name Avi hadn’t heard in a while.  He marveled at the North’s ability to hold only one god.  Avi loved his own pantheon; and he was pleased that the Queen deigned to remember the sea god, stolen from Elysi, beloved by Rajayer.

The Queen confirmed what she knew was true, and what she had to find out.  This would be an interesting outcome, no matter what.

“Your Majesty, if the Beynards are guilty of aiding rebels, but not guilty of the other more grievous crime.  What sort of punishment would you then deliver them?” Avi asked curiously.  He wanted to know the level of the Queen’s severity, to know the possibilities for this afternoon. 

He remained quiet once they arrived, cursory, curious glances at the keep itself.  Situated overlooking the sea, it was a good strategic vantage point for the North overlooking Loqoala.  It was also a useful stopover for possible rebel ships or travellers, so out of the way and isolated.  

But soon they were taken down to the dungeon, where Beynard was huddled in one corner.  Jazni rocked slowly on the cot.  The cell itself was cleaner than many, lacking in the stench of rot and urine.  It was cold however, no fireplace to keep the chill out.  

As the Beynards stood and effected bows and curtsies to their Queen,  Avi took two chairs from the gaoler’s space, bringing them into the cell.  

Giles eyed the Rajayer Duke nervously, as he situated the chairs behind Giles and his wife.  She was staring at Avitej with huge, pleading eyes.

“We - we had to.  We had no choice, my Queen.  Forgive us!” Giles stammered.  “We only did what we - we - we had to, to keep our family safe.”

“Your Queen keeps you safe,”  Avi pointed out, pushing him down into the chair.  Jazni wilted into hers immediately.  “Yet you did not seek royal aid.  In fact, you kept this a secret from the Crown.”

“We thought we could handle it, it - it didn’t seem like something we should bother the Crown with, at first,”  Beynard mumbled miserably.

...

Rosaline did not feel she was being dramatic when claiming the Beynard’s had taken a stance against the Northern people. The aiding of rebels was turning supplies and aid away from civilians, soldiers, and other lords alike. It would be easy in that case, to leave the judgement to the people, but it wouldn’t be affective for their visit.

She quietly watched as Avi guided and forced the imprisoned couple into designated rickety seating. Her expression only faltering for a moment here and there as the Beynard’s poorly pleaded. It did beg question, if Rosaline hadn’t been thorough enough. “In times of rebellion you are obligated to stand with the Crown, seek my council, aid, and support. Keeping it a secret puts you in suspicion. We know you’ve been redirecting supplies to rebel forces. The Northlands has stood firm against the rebellion since Glasswater.”

Rosaline’s gaze hardened as she stared down at them with a raised chin, “What is so frightening that you hide and secretly enact betrayals? Give me one good reason not to strip you of everything you own and banish you altogether.” Unless they had some staggering information on rebellion leaders, Rosaline saw no reason not to use them as an example. Stealing was already proven, but it didn’t exactly call for execution. Though she was waiting to bring up the murder plot at a more convenient time. It could better persuade them.

[rp-meme-central]

Send one of these for our muses to meet on/in a:

1. creepy old building

2. graveyard

3. normal-looking town, except for the complete lack of people

4. spooky forest

5. ominous-looking mansion/castle

6. cornfield

7. cabin in the woods

8. abandoned amusement park

9. cave

10. creaky boat

[thenorthernrose]

avitejkumara​:

Avi’s query went ignored, but he kept the children in mind.  He didn’t know how far Rosaline’s punishment would go.  If the parents were tortured, that would leave a mark on them that would have an effect on their children in one way or another.  Besides, if the parents were subjected to a harsh interrogation, it was hardly likely the Queen would then reinstall them back on the coastline hold, even if they were innocent.  The family would need to be disposed of in whole.  

Or else there would always be some Beynard, festering for revenge.

She seemed prepared for what was to come, so Avi took his leave then, and made ready.  When they met again,  Avi escorted the Queen and her entourage once more onto his ship.  

“Let us pray for no rogue attacks this time,” he said grimly, as they set sail for the North.  Fortunately, the trip was smooth, as was the travel to the Beynard keep.  Avi was glad they family was detained in their home.  It was isolated and out of the way, and Avi directed the Makara to drop anchor a distance away, so as not to draw curiousity from anyone passing by on land or sea.  

“So the pilfering of goods for the rebellion is a known and proven crime?” Avi asked the Queen, to clarify what information she needed to glean.  “But the…intents against the Prince are still undefined. That’s what you want to find out, yes?”

The keep was hushed and still, Queen’s knights stationed everywhere, and the commonfolk and Beynard retinue watching with pale, sullen faces.  They all eagerly took to knee when the Queen arrived. Imperious and Loqoalan, Avi barely spared the Northern rabble a glance.

A Knight-Captain approached Rosaline, bowing to his Queen.  “We have them in the keep’s dungeon, your Majesty.”  The Captain looked curiously at the Rajayan Duke, then back at his Queen.  Where would you like to speak with them?”

...

“If Eshvar and Ivar…? Are with us, we’ll be fine.”  Rosaline tried to remember the god Avi seemed to reference most often, but she wasn’t sure if she’d remembered correctly or not. After a quick glance to the Rajayan she added, “Not to mention nobles aren’t fleeing in a frenzy like the last time.”

Rosaline was glad the journey from each coast was much shorter than their last voyage together. It meant the sea sickness didn’t get to set in as heavily. Still, the sight of land was relief, and the Queen rushed off the ship the moment she was able. As they gathered their things and headed towards the Beynard territory she answered Avi’s questions. “I was able to confirm the supply issue with a few agents of my own. So yes, that’s proven. The threat against the Prince is not.”

“I want to know where those orders are coming from.” She nodded curtly. “First and foremost. We already established Beynard can’t possibly be the mastermind. But aiding and abetting is its own issue.” It wouldn’t do the toss away lord any good to dispose of an heir. Rosaline had been still thinking over a few of the possibilities.

As they approached and entered the keep, the Queen didn’t make eye contact with any of the silent and petrified onlookers. It was only when one of her own guards asked for orders, that she broke the eerie strain in the atmosphere. “Keep them there. It will suit or needs for this visit.” This wasn’t pleasant or formal for show. The Beynards wouldn’t get to boast that the Northern Queen visited them, it would be whispered about and spread like a rumor. Rosaline knew how people worked.

“Take us there now.” She ordered the knight, who gave another quick bow before doing as told. It was dark and damp, but the guards brought in additional lanterns and Rosaline could already see Giles Beynard hunched in one corner. The knight who had assisted them quickly barked out Rosaline and Avi’s presence, before advising the imprisoned couple to stand.

Rosaline’s expression was solemn and unamused, “This house stands accused of crimes not only against the Northland people, but the Desrochers royal family. What do you have to say for yourself?” It was a chance to come clean without any struggle, she had to give it a shot.

[thenorthernrose]

With everything on her mind, she felt like she barely got a minute of sleep. Rosaline had been tossing and turning long enough to see the sun peak over the horizon. The beginning of a new day. She didn’t see much of a reason to keep to her bed if rest was never going to come. She got up and dressed modestly, tying a shawl around her shoulders before stepping into shoes and hurrying out to the stables where the horses were kept.

Rosaline always loved the horses and feeding them apples and carrots that had been left in a bucket from one of the stable-hands a few days before was enough to distract her for the moment. She whispered compliments as well as worries to them, chuckling as they huffed and whinnied to their own accord. Rosaline turned to return the feed bucket to its place when she heard a fumble and crash from the other side of the structure. “Hello?” She called out, “Who’s there?”

@leoxerickson​