[alyse]

en aeternitate, glacies regnat....

.........in eternity, ice reigns.

The winds had died down considerably since the Chancellor's party had left the castle, leaving the path forward a barren snowy place with little to entertain the eye. Percy was adorned in his usual fashions, wearing a silver armor with find ornamental decoration and a unicorn's horn sprouting from the headpiece, along with layers of soft leather and linen to keep the stallion warm. He nearly blended in with the terrain, making Alyse feel as though she was riding a phantom beast. She, herself, was much more colorfully decorated in a crimson gown lined with the fur of arctic fox, a heavy cloak with gold clasps keeping her plenty warm for the trip. 

She was making for Valstead, seeking to check in on both the Darkvault and the Underforge to ensure all was going smoothly. Economic prosperity was key in maintaining Daín's strength as winter pressed at their heels. It would only get colder and harder to survive from this point onward. 

As they trod along the path, Percy's ears would perk forward, his large head jutting up in a sense of alarm. The Chancellor's eyes narrowed against the cold as she made out the shape of a figure in the distance approaching them. Who could that be? She raised a dainty, gloved hand and the party would halt immediately. "Who is that that approaches us?" she'd call out in her strong, clear tone. Her brows raised, eyes relaxed as she observed the figure, a look of regal confidence. 

mid-day | cloudy & cold (obvi)

template by punki of pixel perfect

[Lizaveta Serenitsa]

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[break]Dain || Valstead [break][ Autumn 🍁 ]
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Fortissimum argentum igne liquefactum sub nivis exstinguitur.

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[attr="class","liz_phleft"]COLD // CLOUDY

[attr="class","liz_phright"]MID-DAY

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---

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“Maybe take the rest of the day off, Liz.”
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“I've heard rumor that we're getting visitors soon in Valstead. Perhaps you should see to them.”
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These were the words spoken to her by her fellow smith. The old man had been there since she was small. He'd seen the days that Heimrich would bring her by, complaining about some gathering of nobles the next day. Just like her father, she had grimaced at the thought of political gathering.
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“I have much work to do, Darren. Without my business, how would we keep up if we run into an economic crisis? I would have to fund you and Seliene's fancy dinner nights somehow.”
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It was a response that would have been valid, if the wealth of the Serenitsa family wasn't known to the man. More to the point, one day would not kill the forge.
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“You're worrying us, girl. Take a break, and go spend the day in the snow.”
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The words held in the air, bringing a pause before a sigh. There was no question why they were worried. They had checked in with her daily since the passing. She may not have liked the idea of being away - but she'd rather leave than upset her people any further.
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“Fine, but I take this with me and return tomorrow.”
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Lizaveta stood at the edge of Valstead. She had dressed in her dense leathers, layers hugging the warmth to her body beneath the darkest outer layer. Her cheeks were still marked with ash, and her hands rubbed together through the fur-lined gloves. By no means did she intend to travel far, but it would grow colder as she went. The only thing keeping Valstead warm was the business of the forges and the smiths that worked it.
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Which, by every ounce of reason in her mind, was exactly where Liz should have been.
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A day in the snow was something she had not been privy to since she was small. But, for her own sake of productivity, she had brought her most recent work - a saber with a basket hilt designed to protect the hand with elegant vines. Although delicate in appearance, the material was strong. In this time away, she sought to test its potential and would be taking it north to a tree near the edge of the forest. It swung at her side as she began to walk the path.
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None of the trees along the way were fitting. Although strong, they paled in comparison to the one she had in mind. The best of them was towards the edge, where they weathered the winds most often.
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A subtle movement beyond the treeline caught her eye as she approached. Her gaze narrowed, trying to determine just what this silhouette was. Creatures consisting of four legs, two arms, and the sound of hooves hitting the ground. She rested a hand on the hilt of her blade, wary of the approach - until she could distinguish the separation of man and beast. It was at this point that she heard a woman call out.
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“Who is that that approaches us?"
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There was a formality to the voice as well as a command. Liz gave pause, uncertain of the cause of this visit. Coming from the northern path, however, the most likely source of this person was the castle. And here she had hoped to avoid such a party in the coming days.
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“I should ask of you who approaches my home,” she declared, discontent with the situation but steady in her ground. She removed her hand from the blade, deciding it best to not pose any threat as she stepped closer. She kept her head high, cautious but poised as she was able to make out the woman as the primary figure before her.
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Dressed in red atop a white steed adorned in silver, she had an aura of confidence to her and a power in the hand that held the rest of the party back. Lizaveta respected that. She looked familiar, and Liz scoured her mind to determine the cause. It would be a steady moment before she would commit to a bow, uncomfortable in the action but finally placing the woman before her.
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“But for Your Grace, I shall oblige - Lizaveta Serenitsa, at your service.”
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After a moment for address, Liz would stand once again and ask now as a courtesy for any passing royal party. “Is there any way I can assist you, Your Grace?”

---

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[attr="class","liz_pftags"]alyse

[attr="class","liz_pfnotes"]Jumping in this one, if that's okay. Welcome to Valstead, your grace (:

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[attr="class","credit"]Avalore

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[alyse]

en aeternitate, glacies regnat....

.........in eternity, ice reigns.

A brow raised questioningly as the figure became clearer - a tall and slender woman in leather, ash staining her pale cheeks. “I should ask of you who approaches my home.” The woman called out, eliciting a concealed jolt of surprise from the Chancellor. Who dares speak to her this way? No sooner than she'd spoken did the stranger correct herself, giving the name Lizaveta Serenitsa. Alyse knew of the Serensita house, one of low nobility that ran the forge nearby, but already their representative had rubbed her the wrong way. 

She gave a curt nod of the head, eyes narrowed as she looked Lizaveta up and down. "I am pleased to see you are in good health, Baroness," She called out with words that lacked real warmth. Though irritated, Alyse reasoned that such a defensive response from Serenitsa meant that she'd become accustomed to unwelcome parties paying visits to her. That was no good thing. 

"Perhaps you can--" She turned back to her group of soldiers. "Please bring the Baroness a suitable mount to join us." The order was quick and all business, and it only took a moment for one of the Knights to step off his horse, bringing it forth and presenting it to Lizaveta. "I am here to ascertain the wellbeing of the forges and the mines, among other things. Your family owns one of the most prestigious forges in Valstead, no?" She asked, waiting for the woman to mount the horse. Ever the student, Alyse was already aware exactly which forge it was that the Serenitsas controlled, and a brief history of the family. She prided herself on being prepared for any situation she may end up in, knowing your stuff did that for a person. 

Once she did, the party would continue forward on the path to the town. 

Lizaveta Serenitsa |

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[Lizaveta Serenitsa]

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[break]Dain || Valstead [break][ Autumn 🍁 ]
[break][break]
Fortissimum argentum igne liquefactum sub nivis exstinguitur.

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[attr="class","liz_phleft"]COLD // CLOUDY

[attr="class","liz_phright"]MID-DAY

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“Bring the Baroness a suitable mount to join us.”
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No, no, no. No, thank you. Every prayer to have the woman before her decline was shot from the sky in an instant. Lizaveta bit her cheek as the Chancellor called a horse for her. It was clear she recognized her name - that was to be expected, after all. Of course this was the event to follow. It didn't mean she desired it any more. She made an attempt to plaster a smile, although poor. The corners of her mouth barely lifted.
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“Thank you, Your Grace. I did not expect this kindness.”
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She really should have stayed in the forge, Liz determined, hoisting herself up on the steed. She sat atop its saddle, shifting her weight to try to find some comfort on the creature. She wasn't unfamiliar with horses, but they weren't an often ride for her. As she got as settled as she could, she turned her head to the Chancellor Valindor, of whom had begun to inquire about the forge. Of course, that's why she was here. And further, why she would offer Liz a horse. The royal party was here to check on the state of things in Valstead specifically.
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“We do, yes.” Her face did not break from its stoicism despite the creeping sorrow from the reminder that there was no longer a “we” regarding her family. She'd cast it away before it could linger in her mind, leaving it as the horses began to trot. In its stead, however, a clear pride settled and projected in her voice. It was one not for herself but rather similar to the behalf of another - those who built it and all even still who have the honor of filling it today. “The White Fire Forge - home to the finest silversmiths you'll find in Valstead.”
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Her hand shifted, directing back to the blade she had with her in an open-palm point. Perhaps the party would take interest, perhaps not. Lizaveta would bring her hand back to the reigns, clearing her throat as she considered the state of her city. She was stuck here, so she may as well make an effort. Although she had failed to attend the last meeting of the prominent smiths, from what she had seen and experienced at her forge as well as heard of and caught in passing-by conversations, she'd hoped the response would be substantial enough for the time being.
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“If I may, Your Grace, there's not a forge I know of that isn't doing well. I can't say I know the workings of all, but there is no shortage of smiths; and the variety offers a plethora of financial options for different customers.” She would bring a hand to her chin, thinking, now to the other side of the business. “As for the mines, I don’t oversee them as you know, but our partnership with the Kholvetes keeps us well supplied. I have heard no word of any restrictions in resource, so I would assume it to be the same for the rest.”
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After a brief pause to allow the information to properly sink in, Lizaveta would open the floor for the Chancellor as they traveled. Her words were flat, a statement now for what could have very well been a scripted formality - but the question would hold all the same, "But forgive me, was there something specific you were wanting to look into about any of it, Your Grace?"

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[attr="class","liz_pftags"]alyse

[attr="class","liz_pfnotes"]She's not sorry for any transgressions, but at least she's trying qwq

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[attr="class","credit"]Avalore

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[alyse]

en aeternitate, glacies regnat....

.........in eternity, ice reigns.

If the woman was unhappy with the scenario, Alyse didn't notice. She was far too busy staring ahead at the figures of the smoke-puffing buildings in the distance. At least they were nearly there and she could conduct her business. She listened quietly as the Baroness began to fill her in on the exact details of her forge -- The White Fire Forge, as she so named it. Her pale blue eyes drifted over to her guide, noticing the blade she had gestured to. No doubt one she'd produced there. Her brows raised in interest. "A fine weapon," she commented with a nod of her head. This was another subject entirely, though no less important. It was vital that Valstead continued to create blades of the highest quality in the case of invasion or all out war. Shifting only did so much when against the magical abilities of the other races, dragons specifically. 

"I am pleased to hear it, after all, no one questions the importance of those living in Valstead and the hard work they do. Especially not I nor our Jewel Keeper." While it was excellent that Lizaveta had nothing but good news to report, it was equally salient that she visit herself and observe not only the processes, but also the product. She would turn back to the Baroness and nod, her breath coming out in a cloud before her pale face. "As you well know, winter is fast approaching. With our economy depending so much on the materials produced here, I simply wish to ensure Daín and all of her subjects will prosper." She looked ahead, a faraway expression on her countenance. "I'm sure you were aware of the impacts of the Silver Wind Forge shutting down a century ago due to the sickness that spread here. I cannot allow something like that to happen." Certainly neither she nor Lizaveta were alive to witness the collapse, but it was recorded plenty in Daín's history books. Her voice was raw and emotional in that moment, perhaps an insight into the Chancellor's mind. She was passionate and heavily invested in her role. 

She'd shake her head as if to clear her thoughts, a pleasant smile forming on her face again. "Anyway, it appears we are nearly there. Perhaps you'd like to show me your forge?" she suggested, patting Percy's head casually.

Lizaveta Serenitsa  | loving her patience lol

template by punki of pixel perfect

[Lizaveta Serenitsa]

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[attr="class","liz_outerpost"]

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[break]Dain || Valstead [break][ Autumn 🍁 ]
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Fortissimum argentum igne liquefactum sub nivis exstinguitur.

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[attr="class","liz_phleft"]COLD // CLOUDY

[attr="class","liz_phright"]MID-DAY

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“As long as the fires beneath us burn, Dain would be no less fortunate than any winter before” - such was the belief of every smith in Valstead. It was of no question, save for-
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“...the Silver Wind Forge…”
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Alyse would beat the smith to her own thoughts. For just a moment the Chancellor sounded a bit different. Her voice faltered from its prior formal tone - not that Liz would fully recognize this. Perhaps Valindor simply needed something to drink? With nothing to offer at that moment to help such an issue, Liz instead nodded to the facts. There would be no blood in Dain that wouldn't know the impact of the plague in the country's economy. It spread to many, impacting every owned smithy, but most catastrophically it had completely wiped the Silver Wind Forge - one of the largest profiting forges in the country at the time.
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“Certainly. If that were to unfold again, I don't believe I could fathom such impacts.”
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Although it ultimately opened up room for newer names, it still took some time for the forges to recover. She'd grown up on the stories of her father about her grandfather, who largely rebuilt the standing of their family forge. Financially, he had led their recovery amidst that of the surrounding businesses. All the same, the impact was enough to drive fear into the people - to even the present day. There were some very vocal old timers in Valstead that feared the spread of another plague.
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It was all nonsense, she knew. There was no chance of another any time soon, but even with the passing of her father - rumors flew. Such fear grabbed at the city for the first month to follow. She hadn't taken kindly to the idea of the late Serenitsa being the catalyst of the next recession and simply kept herself away from those whispers per the request of her company. Although recalling it now brought her eyebrows together in a sense of agitation, to her knowledge they had settled since.
[break][break]
As they came to Valstead, the Chancellor posed an offer to visit the forge. Although it would mean touring her through, at least she would be home again. Plus, the odds of a royal work order would be good for business. Liz nodded once again, “We would be honored, Your Grace. If you have nothing else to attend to currently, may I lead the way?”
[break][break]
With permission, Lizaveta would take the front of the party, trotting back into Valstead. As they grew closer, the rising temperature was enough to bring comfort back to the smith. The forge town was busy as ever, although coming in from the north it was perhaps not as seem. Most of the north was a mesh of residential, leading to the larger forges. The marketplace and more diverse businesses established themselves more to the center of the city where the street life would be more present. The south and outskirts east held smaller smithies and the mines. The White Fire Forge was among the forges in the north of the city, though perhaps set closer to the central than some others. The noise of the motion would begin to reach their ears as they approached.
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The outer blend of a welcoming but comfortable wood and cobblestone resembled a very moderate shop. Such was the above-ground state of any forge that tapped the magma beneath them. Hopping down from her steed, she would tie the horse along the parking fence outside and walk through the doors. A bell chimed overhead, and Lizaveta seemed to visibly relax. Tense shoulders released - not into a slouch, but a less stiff posture than she had maintained through the duration of her accompaniment by the Chancellor.
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Around the room, arrays of silver lined the displays throughout the room, each dedicated to a seperate silversmith of the forge. A copper section settling closer to the counter marked at a lower price point. Those were the works of the couple of apprentices some of her smiths had taken on. Liz recalled that one of them was very close to their promotion trial - their first hands-on with real silver. To the left wall was a smaller forge and anvil, intended for education. Visible from the window outside, there were occasions where a smith would show their process there in the shop to attract passing by customers or host lessons with the interested youth. It was a good means of regaining economic interest that her grandfather's wife had implemented.
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A blonde girl stood behind the counter, having been flipping through a book of records before the bell chimed. She looked up and began to wave in greeting.
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“Is that…?” The girl's voice was low as she narrowed her eyes. It was a moment before realization washed over her face and she stumbled back, barely not tripping into her bow. “Your Grace! Welcome to the upper shop of the White Fire Forge - we hope you'll browse the works of our fine smiths below!”
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Seeing the small tremble in her arms, Liz walked over to the girl and rested a hand on her head. “Your Grace, forgive the nerves of Nadiya. She’s young and newer to the business, but she's been visiting the shop since she was shin-high. Knows just as much as any apprentice.”
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For the first time, a smile made its way to her lips as she spoke of her shopkeep. It was brief but certainly present and gone once she turned her gaze back to Alyse. “You're free to browse here. Inquire as much as you wish, and let me know if you should wish to descend.”

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[attr="class","liz_pftags"]alyse

[attr="class","liz_pfnotes"]Sooo sorry for the wait qwq hopefully it was worth!

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[attr="class","credit"]Avalore

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[alyse]

en aeternitate, glacies regnat....

.........in eternity, ice reigns.

She was relived the baroness seemed to take such a notion just as seriously as she did. Communication and connectedness between the higher ranks of the country would do nothing but benefit it as a whole. Lizaveta said few words on the subject, but Alyse felt she could entrust her to be vigilant. There were so many parts that made up the ruling of a kingdom -- it was like losing one piece of a puzzle would leave it forever weakened and incomplete. 

Lizaveta agreed to show her the forge, at which point the Chancellor waved her hand invitingly for her to lead the way. The rest of the journey would be had in comfortable silence, save for the clatter of horses' hooves on the roads and the sounds coming from within the city. She found Valstead to be as charming as ever, filled with people going about their lives. Her own childhood home was rather isolated, save for the residences her father had presided over. She'd never minded it, there was something enrapturing about nature left to its own devices. And yet, as she grew older and took on more responsibility, she found even the presence of others around her was enough to reassure her of her purpose. Of the world's purpose. A few children and adults alike would stop to gander at the caravan, and the Chancellor gave a sweet smile and waved her hand at them. It was always nice to see who she was working for. 

They would arrive at the White Fire Forge, at which point Alyse would relieve her chaperones, allowing them to remain outside while she followed Lizaveta into the place. Percy, in his own right, would attempt to follow her in and fuss when he noticed his reins binding him to the post. "Horses stay outside." she told him chidingly, to which the white stallion would snort indignantly. Sometimes she truly felt as though he could understand her every word. 

Chin high and palms clasped within her encompassing sleeves, Alyse was greeted by the warmth of the inside of the forge. The entrance was charming, presenting the various works of those employed. Her eyes were drawn to the fine detailing of a silver-handled dagger adorned with small blue jewels, and then to the interesting copper bracelet made of two snakes intwined with one another, their faces just an inch apart on the clasp. No doubt the work of a detail-oriented female apprentice. 

Right then, the excited squeal of a young woman turned her Grace's attention toward the desk. The girl's hair and brows were a fine platinum, drawing attention to her wide blue gaze that sparkled with awe. She met Lizaveta's amused gaze and dipped her chin, as composed as ever. She took a few steps toward the desk, her fur-trimmed crimson ground moving soundlessly on the floor. "I am pleased to meet you Nadiya. I should fancy seeing your work sometime soon." she replied, her lips curling up in a smile. The girl's porcelain face turned a shade of crimson, and she nodded her head rapidly. "Y-Yes your Grace, certainly! Though my works are nothing impressive as of now." 

Alyse laughed softly before answering. "Well, I'm sure your Baroness can arrange you sending me something of your choosing as soon as you begin producing with silver. I would pay as much as the next customer." Nadiya, of course, stammered some sort of nervous response and promised to do so, returning to her work. The Chancellor resorted to looking over more of the works, scanning the nameplates at the bottom. Charles Abney. Marcheline Balcomb. Lief Milbourne. And then a thought occurred to her. "Where are your products, my Lady?" she asked, glancing over at Lizaveta with a slight crease between her brows. 

Lizaveta Serenitsa  | sorry for the wait x

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