Brenda
**Lord Maric Corvyn, War Councillor of the Iron Plaines**
***Castle Corvyn, Crow's End***

*Maric had barely been able to sleep at night, with news of the Plague. When he woke up, he immediately jumped out of bed and went to his study, and started writing a decree to deal with this. Some 5 hours later, the sun high in the sky, he finally finished it, and gave it to one of his Knights. This is the Decree.*
[Note: People at this time believed in bad or noxious airs, and that the airs could contaminate you wherever you touch the body. This decree is taking this into consideration]

**Decree on the Red Plague**

1. All men, women and children are to cover the entirety of their bodies except for their eyes at all points. If possible, a Plague Mask is to be used. This is to be valid independently if they are inside or outside their houses.
2. If someone is sick, they are to be locked in a room where absolutely no one else is allowed in, and food is to be passed in under the door. If they die, they are to be taken outside of town and their bodies burnt.

4. The Guard and the Knights are to patrol, completely covered from head to toe and with glass circles for the eyes, are to patrol the roads to make sure that no one is breaking this edict.
5. All Roads are to be clean, and all foul-smelling residues are to be transported far out of town and dropped in piles in order to decrease the noxious smells in the Villages.
6. While Lord Maric and Steward Edward are out of town, the Commander of the Guard is to be regent of the Fief.

*With this ready and published, he would don his Armour, meet up with his Brother and organize a small retinue of 5 Knights. One of them would get the House Banner, and they would set out, heading to Taemar.*
Michelle
Cerei Davren
Border of Taemar

Cerei blinked her eyes and heard Scarlett and Lucius talking, and she didn't want to bother them so she closed her eyes and fell back asleep. 

"She's far better than I ever was. My brother raised her the best he could and that's all I could have ever asked for her." Lucius said, a small tear forming. He wiped it and sat up, and turned to stare at Scarlett. 

"I can see why people take interest in you. It's just something about you that's making me believe Cerei can have a future without being mistreated because of her affliction. Will you help her in the ways a mother would, teach her how to hold herself in public? I'm afraid I cannot. I may be her father but I could never replace her mother." He said softly.
Adrian
Lady Catherine Royte
House Royte

A new scent permeated through the thicket of perfumes Catherine had so frequently seeped into the halls. It was distinguishable, though there was no clear *Distinction* In it. A change in the immortalized home had occurred. The coffin unsealed. A curious sensation of anxiety absorbed her, penetrating the practiced poise she would exhibit to the staff. It was a ridiculous display, all conceived from boredom. 

Lady Royte sailed to the landing, an ear to the icy barrier that separated her from sight. A short analysis was required before stepping into the flames of conversation. She was unrehearsed when it came to speaking with someone of considered value. He was as mentioned, studying the presence as he glided towards the parlor. Lavish designs upon the second son suggested a romanticism for luxury. It was a shared interest, one that would be annotated for future topics.

During the examination, an emergency escalated beneath- the maid looked absolutely depressing. A spot had coerced itself to the back of her apron, leaving the homeowner irate. Only a year ago Catherine had updated those very same dressings, now dulled with overuse. Nothing however, would remedy the expression that Old Fat Fingers carried. She was *Shy*.

The ugly and foolish were plagued with luck. They would not suffer to see the indiscretions of their state.

A chilled breath escaped as she pushed onto the first faltering steps. She found a great distaste in the cold that regularly ate at her, it immersed itself even in the grand paintings that cluttered the walls. They were embalmed, ancestors equally unable to escape the infernal condition. 

-

-


The Councilor appeared as aristocratic as his robes suggested. He was an extraordinary individual of personal beauty, a novelty. A careful trepidation between art and vulgarity gripped Klaus Paberly. Very often members of the court preferred the latter affliction, deceived to connect wealth with garishness. The Councilor would be of great service, a man of similar complexity who could deliver Catherine from self-destruction.

Before she presented herself, she closed her lids. The anxiety forcefully swallowed to only a nervous convulsion of her heart, ready to free itself at any given moment. This was manageable, a habitual unease caused by the addition of strange persons. She sought to imprison the display before her somehow, to add toward the museum of her home. 

There was a guest!

"Good afternoon Councilor Paberly, I am eased that you have safely found yourself upon us," Catherine softly announced, turning his attention finally to the sender of the peculiar letter. If she could adjust only a moment of this remarkable scene, a confirmation beforehand would have been preferable.
Irene
**Kinley Muriel Woodford, the hidden roads, The Iron Plaines**

It had been hours on the road. After moving painfully slowly to avoid any and all confrontation, the trio had managed to make it to the paths not trodden by many. The sun was beginning to set, and darkness was swallowing the land. Slowly coming to a stop, he motioned to the women to stop beside him.

"We should stop here for the night. The horses need to eat and rest, as do we." 

Kinley dismounted, and began to prepare a campsite. Moving sticks and leaves to make a resting place, and dug a hole for a fireplace. As he worked, his thoughts wandered. He didnt know why they were going to Taemar. Maybe it was to get a cure for the plague...? No, that's too optimistic. But what could it be? He took a small, breath, and then spoke.

"Lady Anna, what is the purpose of this venture? And why the secrecy?"
Shirley
"Surely you aren't so blind as to not notice the Vivayn army storming into the wake of the late Lord Rodrick. " Pippin retorted in some surprise as she dismounted her horse, looking to him with a baffled expression as she moved to help Anna dismount her own horse, steadying her as she hopped down from the saddle. 

"It's purely a matter of self-preservation, I thought that much was quite obvious. What was your name again?" She inquired. Her tone may have come off as passive if you were truly looking for an insult, busying herself with righting her simple maids dress. She looked over what he was preparing for their campsite for the night, turning to offer Anna an unsure glance, almost as if to silently say 'are we really doing this?'
Angel
Lady Anna Barrmount
Hidden roads, The Iron Plaines

Anna had spent the whole ride with her mind far away from her body. Too many events were taking place at the same time for her to adapt.

The lady came back to her senses when Kinley slowed down and told them it was time to have a break. She barely felt her face at that point, but didn't notice untill that very moment.

He face was stained read from the cold, some tears came out of her eyes because of the freezing air while they rode, and she felt her nose running. She sniffed while she stopped her horse and dried the tears with the back of her hands.

Anna accepted Pippin's help to get down, her legs nearly numb. The mourning clothes were meant for inside events, not for being in the middle of the snowy forests.

"Thank you" She said to Pippin as she got down.

 The Lady patted her horse's side and then caressed her forehead and cheek, her hands sore from the cold. "Good girl... Sorry for such a rush Bonbon, I'll give you your favorite candy when this is over" She said softly to the tired mare before turning to Kinley and Pippin. 

"Thank you Pippin, but no, it's not that exactly" Anna explained as she rubbed her hands together, walking towards them "Now that we are at a safe distance from the Vivayn men, I can inform you about our destinat... T..." A high pitched sneeze scaped her "Destination..." She sniffed once again "There's a Council taking place in Taemar, everyone has been summoned. I hope to find supporters there when I inform about Lord Nathaniel's presence in our lands"
Brenda
**Lord Maric I Corvyn**
***The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands***

Maric and his small retinue were on their way to the Council in Taemar, and had finished their first of 10 days of journey. They had galloped through steppes, rolling hills and deep valleys, stopping every 30 minutes or so and changing horses every 20 miles, and were completely and totally exhausted from this. Thankfully, Maric and his Knights had decades of experience on the saddle, and were able to function normally, even after such a hard Trip. But, oh well, he has arrived at the last Inn he'll be seeing for the day, and they decided to sleep here instead of finding themselves to have to sleep in the open wilderness. Therefore, they would leave their horses in the Barn, and would sign in at the Inn, booking the last 5 available rooms. They would leave their baggage upstairs, and would then go to the Tavern. Maric, feeling generous, would order a drink for the House on him. He would look around the Tavern, and his eyes would fall on a Noble wearing some heavy plate armour, the Crest of a House he doesn't know. His Brother, Edward, would then say that it was the Crest of House Logarios, Mercenaries so good that they were ennobled for their work. Killed many rulers, at least that's what the Books tell him. Intrigued, Maric would approach the man who seemed to be their leader, and would say;
"So, are the Logarios looking for a job?"
Lynn
**Nathan Grimehollow**
**The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands**

Nathan arrived at the tavern on horse, although it was in the tavern's stable at the moment. He had just finished a talk with a nearby lord, and was on his was back to his fort. He went alone, because he felt he did not need to bring any of his company for such a small task. He traveled for many days, but he ended up needing a place to stay for the night. Nathan came across the tavern, and booked a single room for himself. He stored his weapons in said room, and took his heavy coat off, although he was still wearing his mask, for he never took it off. He then went down to the bar, and ordered himself some Ale. He sat there and drank, lost in his own thoughts, until a random man approached him. 

After the man asked his question, Nathan replied, "Possibly, depends on the job."

In truth, Nathan would almost never decline a job offer, since he and his men were quite capable. He almost had a person for every kind of task.
Brenda
**Lord Maric I Corvyn**
***The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands***

"God how am I lucky to meet you. Just to keep the story short, my Lady's Castle, Castle Barrmount, has just been ambushed by rebel forces led by Lord Nathaniel, and, seeing as they were in the middle of a funeral for Lord Rodrick, which died of the Plague, they were caught completely unprepared for this assault. You might have guessed it, the job I'm giving you is to assassinate this Lord Nathaniel and force his army to rout. If you could make it catch the Plague, that'd be wonderful. The Treasury of House Barrmount is full, so there's more than enough gold to make this happen. Now, do you accept this?"

Maric's Brother Edward would sit down at a table close by, with his quill, ink and paper, ready to write a contract. Maric simply waited for the response from the Assassin Lord.
Lynn
**Nathaniel Grimehollow**
**The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands**

"Well then, that is quite the interesting job offer indeed. But If I may ask a few questions before I accept. First, how large are the rebel forces, and second, how soon does this job need to be completed? It will take me another few days to get back to my fort, and then some to round up some men for the job." 

Nathan would stand up at his point, and he would finish his drink, and would pay the bartender.

"I will accept anyways, although I would like to know the information requested."
Brenda
**Lord Maric I Corvyn**
***The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands***
"The size of the rebel forces are 25,000 men, and as soon as possible, but there's a long siege on the horizon. Barrmount has one mighty Keep. So, think you can do it?"
Lynn
**Nathaniel Grimehollow**
**The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands**

Nathan would seem to ponder the information for a moment

"Yes, me and my men can, although it will most likely take a week and a half to prepare, and execute the job. Now, if we can sign that contract, I shall be on my way to my room, and then dawn tomorrow I shall travel to my fort."
Brenda
**Lord Maric I Corvyn**
***The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands***

Edward got up from his desk, and presented a contract, which stated that the Logarios Would assassinate Lord Nathaniel and cause his army to catch the plague, and would be paid 100 pounds of silver when the deed is done. Edward had already signed, and it was presented to Lord Nathan.
Lynn
**Nathaniel Grimehollow**
**The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands**

Nathan would read the contract, to make sure there was not any unwanted things in it. After about a minute, he decided that it was fine.

"This contract looks perfect!"

Nathan would grab a quill, and would sign the contract 

"Well then, I need to rest for tomorrow, but before I go and do that, where shall I meet you when the deed is completed?"
Brenda
**Lord Maric I Corvyn**
***The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands***

Edward would put the contract in a locked chest, and Maric said

"I'll be close by"
Lynn
**Nathaniel Grimehollow**
**The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands**

"Well then, goodnight sir." 

Nathan would turn around to head up the stairs. He would turn to his room, and would pretty much just stay in there for multiple hours before falling asleep. He slept for about 5 hours, then he awoke, and took his horse. He then began his long trek to his fort, where he would round up some men for his new job.
Irene
"Yes, of course, forgive me." 

Kinley was felt slighted when Pippin said what she said, but he understood her point of view. Unfortunately he was a shitblood. He may be part of the guard, but he wasn't told much. He knew of the army, just not of their purpose. 

Crouching low before a bundle of sticks and dead leaves, he struck his flint and steel together. Nothing. He muttered a curse in oldtongue, and finally managed to spark a flame. With a small fire now burning away, they could warm up a bit. 

"Now that we're finally alone. My name is Kinley Muriel Woodford. A member of the guard of Barrmount house and of the shitblood caste. I am to protect the both of you on your journey to Taemar, no matter the cost to myself."
Brenda
**Lord Maric I Corvyn**
***The Iron Plaines, The Witherlands***

Maric would go upstairs as well, and sleep for the night. He would then set out back to his keep, to see how it was doing.
Shirley
**Pippin Penby.**
**The Witherlands, The Iron Plaines.**

Pippin wrinkled her nose and took a moment to get a bearing in regards to their surroundings. Not once did she divert from Anna's side, protectively placing a hand to the small of her back as she swivelled her head around to inspect where they would be staying the night.

"I'm not quite sure if camping in the woods, is, ah.. Well. I'm not sure if it's currently the smartest thing to do. I know for a fact there are smaller villages and inns dotted around the Iron Plaines. I'm sure that there is a way to travel discreetly while still maintaining comfort. We have no camping gear, no nothing, you're going to cause the Lady Anna to freeze to death. We don't want her, or *Any* Of us falling ill."

She stated, crossing her arms around herself. Pippin had no coat currently on her person, due to the hurry in which she had collected her belongings and fled the castle.
Angel
Lady Anna Barrmount
Hidden roads, the Iron Plaines

Anna looked at Kinley, bewildered by the nasty word he had just said in oldtongue.

She walked to the fire with Pippin at her side. The reassuring touches of the maid and her attitude comforted the young Barrmount. She was really grateful of having brought the maid along, even though Pippin sometimes had a sharp tongue.

"As long as we don't disturb the animals, they won't disturb us" Anna said as she delicately lowered down untill she was sitting on her own legs, next to the fire, the cloths stopping the snow from touching her skin.

The flames soothed her frozen hands.

"Lord Nathaniel told my sister he had come through the towns and villages..." Remembering his words made her stomach turn "H-he..." She couldn't even say it "We can't go there, I don't know if he left any of his men there..."

Anna turned to look at Pippin, with the best smile she could manage. It was bittersweet, specially with her eyes still red from her tears.

"Come warm up, we'll be fine dear..." She fixated her eyes back on the flames, the fiery red tongues reflecting on the icy blue iris of hers "*We'll be fine...*" This time she muttered to herself.
Ashley
**Agricultural Councilor Wilhelmina Ulsted**
**Castle Barrmount's Great Hall, the Iron Plaines**

Agricultural Councilor Wilhelmina had been in attendance for Lord Rodrick's funeral, opting to come despite the manner of his death. It had seemed the right thing to do. The occasion, already a somber one, soon turned bone chilling as the great hall's doors opened, and the dreaded skeleton lord stepped in and addressed them. 

"Oh that's not good. Not good at all" She whispered to herself. Every detail from the man emanated malevolence and demanded respect. That much was evident from his unceremonious entrance. Worse, his reputation preceded him. Her blood ran cold at his admission of slaughtering innocents, he said it so casually, so without empathy of any kind. 
What had he hoped to gain? How many more would he kill to achieve it? Doom seemed to linger throughout the hall, radiating from the man.

She was someone whose speech-craft assisted her in getting to her position, and yet all at once her tongue felt heavy in her mouth, and the often affable woman felt nothing but fear and disdain for the intruder. One false slip and surely she would have been killed in an instant. She could do naught but watch in horror as he so brazenly made his way through the hall, and whispered something into Sibyl's ear. Wilhelmina had to get away, she had to inform the council of Nathaniel's presence. The question was how? Surely he had the castle under siege, perhaps they would even kill anyone who tried to leave. Innocents were being slaughtered, people with lives and families, extinguished by an army of malice. She couldn't let that stand, and yet she felt so powerless in his presence, as if she were still a simple merchant girl back in her hometown. Unlike Anna, Wilhelmina was unfamiliar with the castle, the only entrance and exit she knew of was most assuredly guarded. And she had an inkling that her title would not matter. Not to the likes of Nathaniel and his army.

What could she do? She could not fight to save her life, and she figured that they were not there to take bargains. Nathaniel held all the cards. The council was to meet soon, she had just came to the funeral to pay her respects, as it was important to be there for others in their time of loss. But then she was trapped, for how long she could not know. Would she even leave this castle alive, or was it to be a tomb? 

"Damn it all..." The already chilly hall seemed as if it were frozen over, and her with it. She had to will herself to move, as if it were an impossible task to take a single step. Her heart seemed to want to burst out of her chest, she felt fearful that at any moment, her outwardly calm demeanor would be shattered by its very beating. The Reaper could have taken her then and there and yet she would have still found him a better companion than the funeral crasher.
Edith
**Treasury Councilor Klaus Paberly
House Royte, The Iron Plaines**

Rather than laugh at his joke about cold temperatures, the servant began to stare at him again. Klaus lightly bit his lips together and averted his gaze. He attempted to distract himself by studying the patterns of a nearby floor rug.

Klaus was startled by Catherine's entrance, soft as her voice was as it broke the deafening quiet. He stood from the chair he had relaxed in to greet his host. "Good afternoon to you as well, Lady Royte. Your staff was just keeping in delightful company." He glanced at the servant woman, who had begun to busy herself with the tea set. "I'm glad I made it safely as well, especially for that last leg of the journey. Had we experienced any trouble, I fear that we might not have encountered anyone else on the road for days. You don't have many neighbors out here. Your estate seems like one of peaceful solitude."