Background Story of the Duchy of Crestwood
(Written by the player of Caiomelle)

Duke Donovan O'Brian had married Lady Maureen McNeill. As the years passed, Maureen gave birth to three girls, Caiome, Concessa and Misha. It was when Misha was newly born Donovan sent the girls away for their protection. A distant cousin not really known by others but who bore the same surname was chosen. They would raise them as their own, even as their birth parents if necessary. There was talk that they may be invaded and Maureen would not leave her husband's side. She had been a trained warrior as well. At first they held off the army but what they had not known, were the assassins that were sent that could move through shadows unseen. When it was noticed the royals were missing, the search began only to find the couple dead within each other's arms in an antechamber. The battle continued and the Captain of the Guard Chamberlain, at that time, managed to win the day but the duchy was left in ruins and the loss too great to bear for many of them. Donovan and his wife had been benevolent in their reign. It took years to recover from the damage and rebuild. 

Magistrate Rodney was recently approached by a Lord of high standing but made him swear to keep his name anonymous. He had legal papers showing where the girls had been sent away those many years ago. The Lord had set upon a task to find his lineage and discovered these important documents in the process. Even Rodney did not know the children had been sent and not died in the many fires within the royal buildings. Still, it was not certain they could be found or that they were even alive. He sent for his two trusted Guards. There was a lot of commotion in the foyer and hall leading to the Great Room of Crestwood. The room was large and vacant except for  Magistrate Rodney who had not personally met the two Guards as contacts were made through runners with documents up to this point. The two guards were being  greeted by other guards and lay people alike with a good amount of respect.  A fire was burning to keep any chill out and there was a small respite along with mead, wine and water on the table, Magistrate Rodney was an elder man and the years etched their lines in what might have been a good looking man in his younger years. Gray hair was thin on the top but he still had some there. Glasses were worn, probably due to his profession, which had a tendency to slip down his nose after a while and with a push of a forefinger, he would slide them back up. Rodney was impeccably attired in a muted pin striped waist coat and pants to match. Perfectly cut and fitted. Well tooled boots finished off his ensemble. His leather folder with the documents set on the table within  reached. It was only then he turned to the men as they entered. Behind the two guards was another man trailing in their wake, almost unnoticed like a mouse, he stepped inside. Smallish, not as well dressed and probably in his mid fifties. He had an open book he held in the crock of his arm with a pen ready to take notes.

By order of Magistrate Rodney requesting them in the Great Room, Sir Gabriel Vaughn and Sir Vincent Hamiliton stood at attention just within were Rodney waited. They were both attired in plate, polished to a sheen. Tabards with the crescent tree embroidered in fine detail. Gold upon a dark blue much like Stormwind's colors. Sir Gabriel was the Captain of the Guard and so his shoulder plates were embellished in a gold design. Their helmets were attached to their belts only in case they were needed. Gabriel was tall, reaching six foot five with dark hair that had a touch of gray at his temples. He was in his early thirties and too busy to bother having a wife, something he kept putting off. Eyes were bright blue in comparison under bushy dark brows. His face ruggedly handsome as some would say, strong jawline, straight noble nose. He was obviously an aristocrat born. Gabriel followed in his father's footsteps to serve those of the O'Brian family. There had been whispers that the true heirs were alive and he wondered if this was the why of this formal meeting. His corporal, however, had to school for Vincent was a flirt by nature and was getting a bit of a reputation. Vincent was around six foot two with sandy blond hair and deep teddy bear brown eyes, in his late twenties. His face more boyish, smooth skin tone, teasing lips and a sliver tongue the ladies proclaimed. A bit of a heartthrob but then there were the more serious ladies that would rather hold out for the more distinguished Gabriel. Both were single.  These whispers among the Ladies had reached Gabriel's ears, so a long talk ensured that would test Vincent's mettle in this area. The royal females were to be off limits to his ways. Vincent was going to learn to wear imaginary blindfolds for along with many rumors that were whispered along the halls, were that the sisters were quite beautiful. How any of them knew was a mystery but then speculation grew to sounding like fact. Gabriel, who was immune, knew beauty would draw Vincent but if he gave into his more base nature, the punishment would be severe. And so they waited upon the reason Magistrate Rodney had summoned them.

Magistrate Rodney cleared his throat. "I am Magistrate Rodney. I have been taking care of Crestwood since the demise of Duke Donovan and Duchess Maureen O'Brian as you know. Now that all enemies have been pushed back or killed, Crestwood rebuilt, the matter of finding its true linage has been left to me, of which I thought were dead. This here is Mister Fogley, he is my witness in all matters." Mister Fogley was bobbing his head, it was either a lot of bundled up nervous energy for his age or some other dysfunction although he seemed to do what he was here for. "The first in line is Caiome O'Brian, her sisters Concessa and Misha respectfully. The matter is it is only recent we were given proof they are alive by a reputable Lord that wishes to keep his name anonymous. The papers and research he did, are legitimate and proof they are possibly Westfall or Stormwind. I have called you two here to find the women and deliver the summons to them, then escort them back here immediately. Of all those in the Duchy I have the most trust in you both." Rodney showed them the documents before giving Gabriel the summons to deliver. "The documents show that the three daughters were whisked away to a distant relative of the same surname. Perhaps it was some impulse on the Duke's part but obviously he felt they would be safe there if matters at hand become dire. Baron Patrick O'Brian had an estate in Westfall." He paused a very long minute to look over upon Fogley who was writing away, all the time considering something. "I am up in my years and the journey would be difficult for me and my assistant hence sending you both."

Gabriel took off the plated gauntlet to take up the summons as he finally showed a bit of a smile for such good news. "Then the rumors are true, at least this part that the sisters, heirs, are alive." He carefully took the sealed Summons to put in the satchel at his belt before slipping the gauntlet back on. Vincent stood back, all ears and not interrupting them as Gabriel spoke up. "We will ride out now and find them no matter how long it takes. The Kingdom of Stormwind is large but if they have made any impression, or been seen, someone is sure to know something." Gabriel knew that without any description, although there was a portrait of the former Duke and Duchess in that very room, they had no idea what the girls would look like. "If I may study the portrait," before being dismissed and so he walked over to the painting that had been richly done. Gabriel stood there for a long moment in study of the couple. The Duke had a commanding air about him but there was something in his eyes showing humor and bedevilment. Blond hair which darkened some overtime along the side that could be seen, the top remaining blond. The Duchess was beautiful, striking and yet there was something about her that was very dangerous to any enemy. Maybe it was the fiery red of her hair or such blue eyes that could pierce even from a painting. The story was romantic and the charming Duke captured the wild fiery haired beauty and brought her back to be his wife. Gabriel was entranced and only taken from that entrapment by Vincen't clearing his throat as he stepped by the side of his Commander. "She is beautiful and if her daughters look anything like her, I'll be looking at their feet." Vincent slanted a grin as Garbriel turned, "we both might be but good you're prepared," not having the same kind of nature as his comrade and friend. Putting a gauntlet hand on Vincent's shoulder as he passed, Gabriel spoke up again. "Best we be on our way and return this very evening so the women can adjust. I'm sure this will come as a shock."

Their squires awaited outside with their steeds along with three more. Garbiel led one behind him while Vincent led the other two. The trek was long enough but they made good time, reaching the city a high noon. So their search began, asking ones in the various sections when they came upon a man who said she had been seen at Lion's rest, near the upper smaller fountain. The two knights were drawing more attention than Gabriel cared for although the glimpsed of Vincent smiling like a loon over a pretty face, winking her way as Gabriel mentally rolled his eyes. It was at the top of the steps leading down to the fountain that Gabriel paused and dismounted. "Wait here with the horses Vincent, I think I've found her." Without further adieu he quickly descended the steps and paused not far from the woman who seemed to be distracted reading a parchment in hand. "Lady Caiome O'Brian," his baritone voice breaking the otherwise quiet, except the gurgling from the fountain. Caiome blinked looking up only to see a very handsome knight standing there in front of her. It took her by surprise but not near enough as to what would follow. Curiosity next took hold as she dipped her head politely, "I am Caiome O'Brian and I hope this is not bad news," half teasing, half not for one never knew what to expect in these lands. Gabriel noticed just how much Caiome was in the spitting image of her mother but there was a temperance there, that kind look seen in the father as well. He bowed properly, "M'lady, I bear a Summons," taking such out from his satchel as he handed it over while speaking, "that requests you and your sisters to the Duchy of Crestwood, by order of the Magistrate there and sanctioned by the Kingdom of Stormwind. I and my comrade, just up the steps, will escort you there immediately."

Caiome was blinking as her brain felt like fuzz and her heart pounded. Was she in some kind of trouble, as well her sisters? She took the sealed scroll and read it, although it didn't say why it did say all would be revealed once they arrived. Rolling the parchment back up she was at a loss for words but the bend of arm that Gabriel offered, and not being put in shackles, was taken. "Can you tell me more on what this is about?" Gabriel shook his head but finally gave her something to hold onto. "I am not allow to give particulars, that is for Magistrate Rodney but I can assure you, it is good news for all involved." A hinted smile with his retort before he was helping her up onto the steed they had brought. Vincent was still mounted and properly dipped his head but after getting a glimpse of the pretty redhead his eyes dipped to her feet. "M'Lady," was all he said. Gabriel mounted before asking as he took up the reins to start them off, "where can we find your sisters? This involves them too." Caiome said they would be at the Estate which actually was on their way. It was nearing the evening reprise when they reached the Duchy that evening after collecting Concessa and Misha. The cook and kitchen help scrambling to present a good meal for the heirs as was proper, something they had not done in some time. The whole of the Duchy was buzzing for word spread fast as the five rode through the village streets to the Keep. After refreshing themselves and before dinner was served, they were brought to the Magistrate who told them the whole of the story and that Caiome was the new Duchess. The next number of days they would be briefed and shown all of what the Duchy encompassed.

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