Eleonora’s Survey

[An illustration of the Northern Marches of the Realm]

THE DAY OF DEPARTURE
 

In the quiet of the night, deep within the Gwendolen Palace, the Court Surveyor HRH Princess di Trau was packing her necessary belongings for the perilous venture ahead. An agitated expression laid on her face, no words were uttered, but much was thought of. All kinds of what-if scenarios ran across her mind – some she enjoyed, some she did not. An unnamed servant carefully entered her chambers:

“M’lady the carriage to Perduran is ready.” he calmly delivered as Eleonora turned around to face him. With a jestful smile she quietly responded “It is a miracle that we deem that road safe, good man.” adding more “Last thing we want is some Imperial hound interrupting my tasks ahead.” 

What was life without risk? She thought as the two crossed the Palace bridge, stepping foot into her pride and joy Southspire. Sure the streets were barren and much was still under construction, but the Princess was more than proud of her work “Some could say I’m only the Lady Mayor of Scaffold… in truth they are rather correct. Even I fail to see the city tucked behind all this work and masonry.” The servant mindlessly nodded as he opened the door of the royal carriage, but the Princess simply went by it and threw her bags over a horse, which she simply untied. “Best I travel alone, without tugging this shiny piece of red oak behind me. Do tell his Royal Majesty of my chosen style of departure.”

Before the man could even say something, she kicked the horse with her heels and the beast scurried forward leaving only a trail of dust and dirt behind it. The journey to Perduran was ahead, but it turned uneventful, the real venture happened after crossing the bridge west of the seat of House Grisblood. 

Eleonora took note of the surroundings, a small village of three homesteads was spotted on a small hill. On that very hill she chose to set a temporary camp as the Sun was setting over the red rocks and dry grass.

THE FIRST MORNING

As the Sun rose, so did the Princess. Sporting simple trousers and less formal clothing then usual she made her way towards the eastern mountain overlooking Perduran and the borderlands of Kurai-Kuni. Climbing each rock and stone she spoke to herself

“Court Surveyor!” she huffed “Very funny Peter, quite a jest really… ****…” taking a sip of water from her flask she spoke again “Sure I’ll build you a whole city, plan each street and wall. Why not! Those are totally not the jobs of a Court Architect, yes, yes. I will gladly climb rocks near enemy territory. Maybe you should go kick rocks alongside me…”  as her honest rambling continued her eyes spotted a strange structure. Unsure of what it was she ceased talking. 

Stepping closer it was made clear that either rouges, bandits or even darkspawn  had dug themselves deep into the mountain. That location she simply marked with a skull on her papers. That very skull would be reused again – tomorrow.

THE SECOND MORNING

The next day Eleonora awoke at the same time as she did the day before. Tired from the climb she chose to first note the footpaths of the region. Most led deeper into the mesa, but the two others which she deemed the most important were the ones leading out of it. The first of those was a cobbled path of a medium size leading towards Kurai-Kuni. She sat on a small rock in the bushes near the path making a rough sketch of what was in front her. Perhaps constructing some sort of fortification near this path could benefit Beleth in the war. This was just a theory, one which she would certainly discuss with the Diarch-Indivisum. Another interesting path was the one to the north-west. A large clif covered the path whole. It reminded her of Aevos, specifically the city of Numenost the Fair which was built on very similar terrain. 

That path and location she dubbed the “Great Gate”, not the most original name, but one which could stick around. Resting a bit near some strange anvil shrine she concluded that there would be 5 more hours of sunlight. Said 5 hours and an hour more went by when she finally returned from the northern mountain noting down a potential bandit camp of sorts (also dug into the mountain) perhaps the two mentioned lairs were somehow connected. She couldn’t know for sure, but still wrote that possibility down.

Arriving back at camp she lit a fire to keep herself warm and aware of her surroundings. This time she couldn’t fall asleep. What looked like eyes were staring at her from the dark. Sounds of serpents and wild boars were heard.

THE THIRD AND FINAL MORNING

Before the sun could rise, Eleonora had gathered all of her letters and belongings. She mounted her steed once more and on top of it she spent at least 2 hours, hoping that nothing would strike at her. As soon as the Sun creeped over the Princess struck the horse swiftly.

Information was gathered, the Northern March was explored in proper detail. The following is a letter penned by HRH Eleonora di Trau in regards to her venture North. 

The Northern Marches of

Beleth

A S    P R O C L A I M E D   B Y

Her Royal Highness, 

 Princess of Beleth & Eicheria

Countess Palatine of Trau, 

Viscountess of Valaqua and Baroness of San Giulia,

Eleonora Ysabel Julia,

of the House di Trau

To his Royal Majesty Peter I, Diarch-Indivisum of Beleth,

I write to provide information in regards to my task of surveying the Northern Marches of the Belethian Federation. After spending some time in this wilderness I have procured a map which points out what is ours and what is not. Additionally, I must warn you that despite the region being rural it is ridden with possible bad actors ( e.g. Bandits, Rouges, Imperials in hiding and Darkspawn).

Even though this may not be my field of work I would strongly advise sending scouts and even some knights to inspect the danger which could be hiding there. Once everything is properly investigated we can swiftly begin settling the region or even fortifying it. 

Finally, the wildlife is also mysterious. I am afraid I lack the insight to provide necessary information in regards to the flora and animal kingdoms which may roam the Marches. Perhaps things will be made clearer once a proper foothold is established.

Your input and opinion about the manner in which I completed my task  is always appreciated. A response would be most dignified, if it would please your Majesty as well. 

Sincerely - your daughter-in-law,

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Eleonora Ysabel Julia di Trau

Princess of Beleth and Eicheria, Countess of Trau, Viscountess of Valaqua, 

Baroness of Giulia, Matriarch of House di Trau