Uneasy Lies the Head...

OOC:

This is an open story for all Valian characters, but please ask for an invite before entering.

Timeline: Before first Mission

IC:

Jocen had only been in the Vale for about four months now, but he had already made a place for himself. While Jocen, like so many others, had been snatched from his homeland and altered into a new creature, he had managed to adapt better than many. He had not come from the Earth land that so many others had, but from another land called 'Greyhawk'. A world where such creatures and fantastic circumstances which existed in the Vale, also existed in Greyhawk. Having once been the son to a minor land owner, Jocen had been well educated and trained in proper ettiquette. While he had also once been human, he found his new foxman body and gifts appealing. he considered the fox a worthy vessel for his new life, matching his cleverness, wit and yes, even his fashionable sense.

Upon arrival, he had been met by Wraith, the Caretaker and Mistress of the Illusion Vale. Fortune and clever wit again assisted Jocen and he was able to convince Mistress Wraith of his use as her personal Steward. Being waited on was not Wraith's style, but with so many newcomers arriving in the Vale, sometimes a dozen or more in a day's time, Wraith's time was becoming more and more hectic and cluttered. True Wraith's power allowed her to operate in the daylingt as well as night, but there were just too many arrivals and events in the Vale were changing too fast, even for the Mistress of the Vale.

Jocen waited paitently outside the patio for Wraith to arrive. Even though this 'house' was Wraith's, she did not rest here. That was a closely guarded secret which only the Mistress knew. This was only where Wraith oversaw her people, met with guests and benevolently guided them all.

Wraith drifted through the billowing curtains onto the patio. As usual, she was garbed in black. Attractive ripple adorned her skirt and her V-neck blouse plunged artfully. Her hair was loose and free, swaying in the breeze that wafted through.

She took a moment to appreciate the early morning sunrise - something she no longer took for granted. In truth, this and the early evening were the only times she really had for herself. The rest of the day was a mass of chores and things to oversee, even with the help of her new steward.

Speaking of... she turned towards the seated Jocen and smiled warmly at him. He really had been a blessing and she did not regret taking him on. She did regret the servantile position he put himself into, but it had been his idea, after all.

Besides, she had never known a servant that wielded as much persuasive power as he did.

Sitting down, waving him down as well just in case he stood to greet her, she reached forward and poured a cup of tea. She didn't need it and she didn't like the taste, but she felt that it gave a sense of normalcy to her mornings. Something human.

"So, what do you need me for today, Jocen?" her red ruby lips smiled and she tried hard to curtail her sexual aura. She always tried harder with the people she had more contact with throughout the day.

Jocen's heart pounded harder in his chest as Wraith smiled toward him. He was hoplessly smitten and he knew it, even though he also knew they would likely never be more than associates. At least he could be close to her, which was much, much more than most had the fortune of.

"I Mistress? I need nothing but the wind in my hair and good fortune to sustain me. Your very presence satates the latter. he said smoothly, bowing and returning her smile. "Tragically, there are some urgent matters to attend to. These newcomers are too many and you already do far too much. Things suffer in your absence, Mistress. You must slow down with your greetings."

Jocen sat across from her and poured himself a cup of tea but did not drink. It seemed impolite to sip the beverage while sharing the table with one who did not drink...or eat..or even breathe.
'I regret possibly spoiling your tea Mistress, but I fear that these events need imeadiate attention, the people are growing restless."

"While none can guess the actual number of Valians, the estimate has come near 750 to 800 persons. Several hundred of which have arrived within this last month. Your loyal subjects who can have taken several into their homes or tried to mentor these newcomers, but more and more arrive every day. The burden upon these established citizens is enormous, and they can do little more if anything. This has led to a great number of arrivals who are without guidance, shelter or even purpose. They are confused and wandering; left to fend for themselves and discover things on their own. Some of which has led to conflict."

"There is not enough settled land or opportunities for work. Already there have been disputes over land territories, claims and settlements. there is no established law outside of what you have set in place and if you will forgive Mistress, sometimes what you wish has not been clearly stated."

Jocen's lips curled, showing white canines for a moment. "That barbaric 'Arena' place has grown in popularity. The discontent and violent gather there, whipped up by that disgusting dragon creature with his bloodsport and his gambling. Who can say what treachery is being spread there among such a mob. Worse than that is our most pressing and urgent crisis; the Vale simply cannot support the number of citizens that have come. We are running out of food. The situation has not become desperate, but there have been accounts of poaching and theft. many are making due by foraging and scavanging the land, but this will not last long and will surely blight the land if it is picked clean by hundreds of hungry mouths."

Jochen sighed loudly, saddened to have to deliver such news to his Mistress, but such was his duty, for better of for worse.

"That is the whole of it Mistress. your beautiful Illusion Vale is being overrun with hundreds of confused, angry and starving monsters. If a solution is not found, I fear it will soon explode into violence of the worst order."

Wraith listened calmly throughout. Her inwards thoughts unable to be read from her shining black orbs. She rarely blinked, instead, giving her full attention to the foxman in front of her. Her head was tilted to the side, indicating curiosity.

It was her fingers that gave away her restlessness. They tapped absently on her thigh while her other hand clenched around the stem of her teacup. It did not shatter, but tiny cracks could be heard and a fine spider webbing of lines grew from beneath her clenched fingers, marring the china-like cup.

Her smile was not bright, nor false, as she nodded in time to his words. She favoured him with a bow of her neck in acknowledgement of his information and was silent for a few moments. Her smooth alabastor forehead did not wrinkle, but it was clear that she was deep in thought.

Wraith's utter stillness was both breathtaking and terrifying to watch. She seemed at odds with her usual liquid grace and actually appeared, in rare times, as a corpse. A corpse so long gone from this world that it could have passed for a statue... or a fossil.

Wraith took a deep breath. It was unclear to any around her if she even needed to breathe, but it seemed a mere reflex, rather than a life giving action. She blinked and turned her head back up to stare into Jocen's eyes. She held that stare for a long while and he would get the pleasent trickle along his mind that let him know she was there, inside his head and probing for answers to questions she did not have time to ask.

Of course, he would not have felt anything if she had wished it, but she felt it a common courtesy to let her Steward know when she was picking his brains.

"Jocen... I have thought at length on this and I must confess, for all my age, I don't have the knowledge or experience to deal with such large scale problems as this. Its true... I know what you say is harsh and I hate to see it this way... but..." she gave a little helpless flutter of her hands and her heart aching beauty swelled to the fore, "I have no idea what to do... I am lost, Jocen. I fear what that means for my beloved Vale."

Her expression, then, came alive and suddenly she was not so still anymore. It was sorrowful, saddened and aggrieved, but at least she did not look the walking corpse that she was. Not right now, at the least.

Jocen looked down at his teacup momentarilly, lazilly swirling the dark liquid around within the vessel as he thought.
Wraith's confession greatly disturbed him, more than even her probing into his mind. She had always been the very embodiment of beauty, grace, power and nobility. That she seemed completely baffled in this matter was something that Jocen had never suspected.

"The first thing you must do Mistress," he began slowly. "is never, ever admit to anyone that you do not know what to do." The Stewart's yellowed eyes finaly rose to meet Wraith's.
"You are the Mistress of the Vale, our caretaker, benefactor and noble Lady. You must never not know what to do, you must always know, must have a plan at the ready and be prepared to render your judgement, even if you do not know. To admit to such weakness will demoralize your people who look to you for leadership. They will lose hope and inspire others to challenge you."

He looked down again, hesitantly sipping at his tea and embarrased for his scolding. There was a moment's akward silence before he cleared his throat and began again.

"Mistress, forgive me, but you have many supporters in the Vale. Women follow in your wake wanting to emulate you and men throw themselves at your feet. All who look upon you, love you but desperation and starvation will make even saints into despots. You cannot afford to be seen as weak in crisis."

"There are many Loyalists who will pledge themselves to your cause. All those who have established themselves here and have something to offer the vale, support you. You are not alone, Mistress. You need only guide us and your word shall be law."

Wraith didn't react as Jocen 'scolded' here. In fact, if anything, she seemed a little amused. Some colour had the grace to creep into her cheeks, but her lips twitched and nothing more. She allowed Jocen to gather his thoughts, not worrying too much about his straight forwardness. After all, if he wasn't honest with her, then who would be?

"Jocen, I know all of that. Believe me. I did not get to where I am now, still the Caretaker after all these years by admitting my weaknesses to just anybody. My words, I know, will never leave your lips." She smiled gently at the furry creature sitting in front of her and resisted the urge to pat his hand. Sometimes she felt like such a grandmother.

Then she suddenly got up, slapping her hands on her thighs and walked to the edge of the balcony. She looked out over the early morning risers and smiled. People looked so happy. Yet, if she was to believe Jocen, then they weren't. It was not what she wanted.

Swirling around in a whirl of black, she placed her hands on her hips and stared hard and deep into Jocen's eyes. There was no tingle - she wasn't in his mind. She was simply deep in thought. Her lips pursed and her fingers tapped on her clothes.

Sighing, she glided back to her seat and sat, still staring intently at Jocen.

"Jocen," she finally spoke, her voice a low tremor along his skin, "I will tell you something. You will know my weaknesses. You will always know and together we will work on making me stronger." Her image became intense, her eyes burning and her muscles tense. She did not look fierce, nor scary. Just powerful.

Then she abruptly sat back and the spell was broken. "So, first thing's first. I need to set out some rules. Some actual laws. As you said, we need them to keep order in this little society of ours. Its time we started acting like a community."

She pursed her lips again, not usually an attractive feature, however, her sexual aura usually messed with the perceptions of those around her. Her sheer age making it even more powerful.

"I wonder if its me people love, or my power?" she murmured to herself more than anything. It didn't seem like she was even aware of Jocen right then as her brow furrowed in thought.

"I need laws. And a way to uphold those laws. I can't be everywhere at once and my... other system... hasn't worked in years." She frowned, "I can't just use vampires anymore. We are a community, I was arrogant then..." she seemed to be babbling lightly under her breath. It only showed how comfortable the foxman made her feel. It would have been a great compliment, if Jocen knew it.

She looked up, for a moment surprise registered on her face as she saw Jocen staring at her, then she smiled, "Well, we'll just have to catergorize, then, won't we?" She brightened a little bit, her radiance coinciding with an errant beam of sunlight breaking through the early morning clouds to land squarely on her face. It was coincidence, but a powerful image nonetheless.

"Let's start with newcommers. What should they know? How will we fit them in? Where shall we put them? What rules do they need to know? - in fact, some Laws will be good to work out. I know I decreed no fighting - except in the Arena, but perhaps I should address people who have disputes?" She nodded, "Jocen, you have experience with this, what do you say? As much as I hate to admit it, you have a better general view of the populace than I have. I need your help on this."

Jocen very nearly blushed at the attention Wraith offered him. That she would speak such things to him made his skin tingle, both with excitement which reflected Wraith sexual aura and his own infatuation, but also with the realization in the back of his mind that his position made him a very important...and powerful, individual within Illusion Vale.

"I Mistress? I was fortunate enough to be tutored in some of the basics of social manors and hosting duties. I learned my letters and numbers at the insitstence of my father so that I might help with his mercantile business, but I am no royal councellor. I can mearly offer my Mistress advice, humble though it may be."

"The newcommers are often wandering and confused. Even those who do not intend ill often stumble into problems when left unguided and Vale City cannot support them all, which leads to trouble. My father was fond of saying; 'Idle hands make for idle minds and idle minds are full of mischief.' Perhaps we could find work for these idle hands and put them to use?"

"As far as those who cause disorder or have disputes, perhaps you might consider appointing a Constable and Magistrate within the city to oversee these things for you?"

Wraith took a sharper look at Jocen when he suggested she create a Magistrate to clear the problems and trouble makers away. There was a definite flicker of wariness in her eyes and she crouched at the edge of her seat, stock still, deadly and tense, as if she were about to pounce on him.

A breeze stirred and her image seemed to waver and dissolve into something much softer, much more feminine and much more herself. She smiled, ignoring her glaringly obvious reaction, "Jocen... perhaps that would be a good idea. But we would need a screening process, something that would ensure me that they were trustworthy, loyal to the Vale and...." she paused, her voice whisper quiet, "Sane...."

She smiled then, an absent smile... "Could you come up with a list of people, here in the Vale, that could fit that profile. They need to have been here some time, or exhibit some skill in leadership. Take into account their abilities as well. I'll look over them and speak to you later about the suitable ones." She sighed and tapped her little cold cup of tea, "Tomorrow morning we can talk further of this."

Then she looked up at Jocen and her eyes shifted to a point just above his left shoulder, "The sun rises far too fast these days for my liking. I have precious enough time as it is with you..." she sighed, "Jocen, I seem to have forgotten to mention that your fur is looking nice today. Those herbs seem to be doing you good after all."

Wraith stared out at the world beyond her balcony. "We need farmers, trademan... perhaps we could start setting up guilds. Perhaps... " she sighed, "Perhaps we should introduce a monetary system after all... money is the root of all evil, but.. it has its uses." She shook her head, "Did you have money in your world, Jocen? I'm sorry," she frowned for a moment, "I can't remember where you're from..." her eyes glazed over as she tried to search her vast memory for the answer to her own question, but it would not come. A woman with as many life times as hers was bound to forget something.... but surely not something as recent as this?

"I'm sorry Jocen, please, could you... remind me?" her voice had gone disturbingly quiet and unsettled.

Jocen's cheeks flushed at Wraith's praise and he was grateful for the rust-colored fur which hid his obvious embarasment.

"You are too kind Mistress," he began." Yes, we had coined money Mistress. The golden crown, the silver chit and the copper penny. There were other coins from time to time in Greyhawk, but they were not as common and...um, ..are you quite alright Mistress?"
He trailed off, noting Wraith's sudden distraction.

There was an uncomfortable silence before Jocen cleared his throat loudly, sipping his tea and continuing, hoping that Wraith's mood would clear in light of their business as usual.

"Yes well, guilds would be a good plan and several like minded folks have already started to band together in some instances; the farmers most notably. There is already a man, Bartholomew, who has made a bit of a business for himself in getting lists of those who need work and matching those who are eager to fill those jobs in return for something; most often food and shelter. I have sought to employ this man for our own needs and while he is willing to help, he insists in being compensated for his efforts."

"I would also like to make a proposal for your consideration, Mistress. There are several who are willing to offer you their loyalty and strength without question or gain, but there are many, especially among the newly arrived, who do not share in this idea. I have a plan to recruit and settle many of these newcommers, ending their wandering and give them purpose. The greatest obsticle we face however, is that we have nothing to offer them either."

"With your permission, I would like to instate a tax on all Valians. Nothing severe of course, only a slight bit of their efforts, produce or goods, to be collected for the good of the Vale. I also propose that all land that has not been already claimed or settled, be claimed by you Mistress."

"With these assets, we could then use the land and goods to either reward or pay those who come to you. We could settle those who seek land or pay those who only wish to work. It would be something that we could offer those who are seeking something in the Vale."

"My hopes would be that these same newcomers would be engaged in any number of civic projects or bent to making their new homes productive for themselves as opposed to wandering aimlessly, fighting or looting."

Jocen took a deep breath, then sipped his tea again, waiting on Wraith's opinions.

Wraith was silent for some time, contemplating things that were best left silent - things that only she should have to worry about, as well as what Jocen was saying. Her mind worked on many levels and sometimes, busy as it seemed, it also stood still and did absolutely nothing.

It soon became apparent to both her and him that this had degenerated into one of those times. She stared blankly outward at him, her usual light of thought missing from her eyes. She was so still it was as if she were a statue. Behind that gaze lurked something... dead.

Then she stirred herself and allowed a smile to shine through. "That is an excellent idea my friend. I had been afraid to instate such measure, unsure of the public that I am, but hearing my thoughts echoed by your words gives me strength. But that brings us back to an old issue. How to police such tariffs."

She stood smoothly, once again moving to stand at the balcony's edge. "The Protectors should be instated as soon as possible. With those of ability, those willing to learn and those that can be trusted. Also, I want to see equality in their races and backgrounds. There is no favouritism. If they show themselves able - a compassionate fighting spirit will suffice - then they are recruited."

She flashed that smile at Jocen again, "I like that things get done that much quicker since you've come into office, Jocen. It has been a pleasure to seek your advice. I only hope you won't get sick of my questions all too soon."

"It is true of what you say about those that come here newly. But - if we can create a system that allows them to adjust to life here without thrusting them into it too much too soon, that would be a goal as well. We are here to get these people home, not work them to death."

She chuckled then, just noticing her unintentional pun. It was a cruel joke though and she hoped that Jocen would not share in it.

"Merchants Guild for merchants or purveyors of goods. Trades Guild for those with one, metal smiths, woodworkers, jewellers, etc. Workers Guild for those that labour. Guides Guild to guide those with abilties, better training as well as to see to the education of our young. The Protectors - a City Watch or militia if you will. Farmer's Guild - those that tend to fields as well as flocks. "

She snapped her fingers in decision, not to make Jocen feel like a subjugant, it was a habit of hers. "Find me some people that can found these Guilds. I trust you will choose rightly. Also, do you have any suggestions for more? Or any of those I have already said?"

There was a new light in her eyes, something that was not lost. Something that made her spine stiffer and her smile that much more genuine. It was time to work on the Vale.

Jocen sipped his tea again in contemplation. “Taxes and tariffs by their very nature are unpopular Mistress, but all fair-minded and reasonable folk will see and understand the need for them. Likewise there may be some who will balk at the claiming of the land in your name, but it is the best and fastest way to consolidate power and authority under your rule.”

As Wraith spoke with growing energy and enthusiasm, Jocen produced a quill and parchment. He nodded on occasion as he scribbled notes.

“It will take time to consolidate such guilds Mistress, but I have already begun as mentioned earlier. Likewise while I have some ideas about members for the Protectors, I will have to see whom is worthy of a leadership position. I do however have an idea for a Magistrate; Altaus Vi. He is a sour and taciturn individual, but seems honest and fair. His being an ‘angel’ will also be a strong symbolic choice.”

“You may also wish to consider on how you wish to assume your authority Mistress. A public ceremony would likely be best; perhaps you should consider what you might wish for a coronation. You could even publicly accept the oaths of those few who are running around claiming to be knights in your name. “

The foxman tapped his quill on the tabletop for a moment, thinking before continuing the conversation.

“There is another matter, although I hesitate to bring it up. Rumors are circulating that the dragon is attracting a gathering of violent degenerates. What their plans are we do not know yet, but….they are said to have an abundance of food.”

Wraith listened carefully to what Jocen had to say. And what he did say, of course, made matters much easier. She reflected for a moment and enjoyed the success with which Jocen had fitted into this culture. She was proud of him in no uncertain terms. Here was a creature that The Vale definitely needed.

"About that public coronation of sorts... do I have to proclaim myself Queen? There are those, I know, that grumble at my power within here. The reason I chose the title CareTaker. It sounds a little less... pompous." She smiled and allowed him to make his opinion known.

"Alatus Vi, yes I have knowledge of him. He keeps to himself mostly - I am not sure if he would enjoy such a public position. After all, he has to deal with people. But... you could ask. Perhaps all he needs is a little direction here, as you have said."

"As for the matter of Golden Drakon, I am well aware of his antics. So far he has not proven a problem and when I talk to him he shows himself of a reasonable nature. Still - if you think I should, I'll go visit him again. There is much that Dragon needs to know and I am hesitant to reveal too much too soon." She sighed and looked out over the city. So much time had passed already in their talk and she knew the day was getting on. But for the first time in months, years even, she felt something positive stirring back to life in her heart.

She only hoped she did not screw it up again.

"He has proven an asset, to the contrary. He has provided some direction for the younglings he has taken under his wing, so to speak. But you are right. I have let him reign for too long - I must speak with him," she frowned, "Such a powerful figure..."

Inwardly she was afraid. Not of Golden Drakon, but of her past and the possibility that she would plunge the Vale into war once again. Along had come a man just as powerful as her old friend and nemesis - and she wasn't sure how to approach him this time. Wasn't sure how to prevent the bloodshed.

"You may choose any title you wish as ruler, however grand or humble as you choose. I only say that it be a symbol which shows your position. 'Caretaker' has served you well, but that was when there was but a dozen farms and you could act as a councellor and mother-figure to those in the Vale. Now you must rule on high over a thousand citizens, a score of different social programs and dozens of different interests. You can no longer just be the nurturing mother, you must be the example we follow; something better that we must strive to serve."

Jocen shrugged quickly, "Princess, Governor, Lady Mayor, ArchBishop, or 'High Queen Wraith, the First and Exalted'. However you want it to be, then it shall be."

"Whatever name you pick, gather your advisors and supporters around you quickly. I do not ask that you be a tyrant, but it is inevitable that some decisions will not sit well with a few or may be unpopular in order to support the greater good. You must make those decisions and see them carried out or the mob will sit, paralyzed and bickering, until they rip apart everything you have accomplished. Alatus shall be one, your knights, once sworn to you can be others and I shall offer myself to be your right hand if you will have me."

"It will also do well to give yourself the position of strength and popularity when negotiation with others, especially, that dragon-thing. Oh it may be doing well enough by those who seek violence, but it would be a great detriment to all of Vale City to let such a mob be indoctrinated to opposing you and your laws. Besides Mistress, have you ever truly heard anything good from dragon fables? Are they not always arrogant, greedy and powerful beasts? Gods forbid that this thing come down to hunt our flocks and herds or encourage its following to do the same!"

"Besides, just how could they gain an abundance of food if they have not stolen it from our lands without our knowledge?"

Wraith was quick to smile. Jocen's predujiced views towards Golden Drakon were wearing thin, but she knew from personal experience that the two would just never get along.

Trying to hide her un-enthusiasm for his views, she quietly stated, "They are not my lands yet, Jocen. How could Golden Drakon steal what ever he caught or trapped himself? And you should know dragons, they hoard what ever is valuable. Right now, that's food. But there is an abundance here. Sure, it may only take a few more years for supplies to run low, but with our help the land will flourish and crops will yeild. I'm not a farmer Jocen, but we have to count on those that are."

And she smiled gently at him, like one would at a wayward child, "Dragons can be magnificent creatures - good or evil. Just like the rest of us. Besides," here, her smile grew just a tad more motherly, "have you ever heard anything good from Vampire fables?"

She chuckled to take the sting from the words, "Jocen, we are here for all Valians. Not just the good ones. Or whome ever we pick and choose. Would we be any better than them if we weren't?"

She resisted the urge to pat his hand, but her desire was readable. Her eyes twinkled and she smiled at him.

"It is late in the morning and we both have other duties and lots to think about. We will meet again for dinner tonight. There you can give me further reports on your findings and start gathering information relevant to what we have just discussed."