[Haven] Miles To Go Before I Sleep...

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 6 Ymiden

They had woken up, and the world had changed.

Well, that was a bit dramatic. Not the world really, just their small section of it.

Silk, Ronan, and Balder had stayed with Elisabeth the previous night, making plans, lists and charts. The four of them woke the next morning in various places around the common room of the house. Elisabeth had crashed out by the fireplace, on the floor, while Balder was not far away, sleeping over a table. Silk and Ronan had occupied opposite ends of another table, and then there was Storm…..

Well, Storm was on top of Elisabeth. The floor was a bit cold, and his girl was much, much warmer. Curled up in the hollow between her ribs and hip, the kitten found the perfect spot, nestled in as the foursome napped on and off, and finally crashed, allowing Saoire to weave her particular brand of mystery and wonder upon Haven…..

That trial, the settlement woke up and peered out at their new surroundings. Gone was the panoramic view they were used to, but the one that greeted them softly was just as inspiring. The settlement was nestled close to the beach, just as it had been on the other side of the island, yet this time, there was a large cove to the north with a tall, sheer cliff jutting out into the Hollow Sea.

By the time Elisabeth and the guards had made their way out, Haven settlers were already doing the same thing, exploring the wonderous new place they now called home. Her heart hurt, knowing what was left behind, but cerulean eyes looked around, and she noticed something interesting – curiosity. The settlers were a hardy bunch, but their new surroundings had sparked a bit of inquisitiveness within them, surveying the beach and land around them.

In the far distance, one could see Saoire’s dream, and Elisabeth pointed that out. Out in the sea, a speck of an island rose, and she knew that to be the ice island, Ishallr. Darius had told her about it once, telling her that he could see fire and ice from his family home in Scalvoristown. She was standing on the beach of ‘fire’…and could see ‘ice’.

It was an interesting memory really. Darius had already been a settlement leader at that time. Both were visiting the mainland at the same time and decided to meet and have breakfast. The adventure that followed had been unexpected, but at the same time, who would have thought they would eventually both be settlement leaders? Certainly not her. Darius was suited to the task. She….had a lot to learn.

Storm had a ....different reaction to the move. Upon sauntering out behind the group, the kitten had glanced around, then looked curiously at the group with a confused 'meow'. Turning back to watch, Elisabeth noted that he walked back into the house, and then came back out again, repeating the process. Arching her eyebrow gently, she watched him go in and back out a few more times before he decided that he was done with that, padding over to the young woman and leaping up on her leg, claws digging into skin as he pulled himself up her body, finally resting on her shoulder. Amused, she simply laughed at him. "Sometrial, you will be too big to do that."

The trial had been spent doing what Elisabeth said she would – talking to the settlers about their skills and learning about them. Lists were made of ‘teams’ that could tackle certain tasks when the opportunities came up. The young woman had taken a few breaks to walk out to the surrounding area with Edward Munny as well, taking a small group of settlers with and analyzing to see where the best place would be for the farm.

As the sun set, Elisabeth’s eyes looked out over the water as she touched the silver ring she wore on her left hand. The young woman’s thoughts settled on the one member of the settlement that wasn’t there, sending her love across the miles, hoping he truly knew how incredibly loved and missed he was.

***

Arc 721, 6 Ymiden

A new trial came, and it was ‘Saoire’ trial. Elisabeth had spent the previous trial trying to be ready for the Immortal’s visit. She still wasn’t entirely sure how much to tell her settlers about the interactions between herself and Saoire, so for the moment, she kept the meeting to herself.

Walking, Storm in her wake, to the area to the north, Elisabeth took out her notebook and planted herself on a large piece of driftwood nearby, going over her lists one more time.

Farm Team
Munny family (lead)
Derec G (Farmhand)
Osian B (Farmhand)
Kenwyn P (Farmhand)
Rhys A (Research Outpost, might help)

Smithing Team
Gilbert R (lead)
Osian B
Derec G

Building Team
Bran P (lead)
Bryn D
Derec G
Osian B
Kenwyn P
Edwin W

Hunting/Fishing Team
Edwin W (lead – hunting)
Sasha D (co-lead fishing)
Maris F (co-lead fishing)
Bryn D
Derec G
Osian B

Seafaring Team (need boat)
Bryn D
Derec G
Kenwyn P

Elisabeth had crude sketches of the farm layout, born of her excursion with Edward. She didn't want to get too far ahead of things and had told the farmer that she would come to see him later in the trial, so they could go over the timeline. Derec, Osian, and Kenwyn were being assigned to the farm as farmhands, so that would lighten the workload on the Munnys and allow for the trio to learn as they went.

The future clam farm was important to her, and as such, she had assigned Sasha and Maris to organize how they would get the location going. As well, they needed to become more familiar with the location they were living in.

Off to the interior and to the west, there appeared to be a forested area, one that Elisabeth hoped contained the same type of wildlife they had encountered in the Ashwoods. She had sent Edwin and a small group off to explore and report back, utilizing Haven's new check-in/check-out system. Vega had once mentioned it to the young woman during one of their conversations and it made sense to check track of where the settlers went when leaving Haven, so she had implemented it.

A conversation with Gilbert had brought up the thought of building a small blacksmithing location in the near future, and she was hoping that it was something Praetorum could help with during one of his stays in Haven. She had promised the blacksmith she would look into the matter soon, but her immediate focus was the farm and getting things settled there.

They had made good progress, but there were miles yet to go. Miles to go, and in the sand next to her feet, Sir Storm had decided it was time for his morningtide nap, not to be mistaken for his kipheon nap, which occured a bit later in the morning. Snuggling down in the warm orange sand, the kitten had decided that as long as his people were with him, naps could occur anywhere.

OOC note to Peg

All conversations linked to the appropriate reviewed solo.

[Pegasus]

Saoire

She arrived, as expected, at the exact time they had agreed. Saoire saw Elisabeth looking through her lists and the Immortal smiled to herself. There was a sense of purpose about the young woman which Saoire found rather endearing. The move of Haven had gone well and the Immortal was pleased with Elisabeth's choices. So, she made her way to where Elisabeth was and she smiled at her.

"Hello, Elisabeth," she said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to see you again." Saoire took a seat on the same piece of driftwood and she examined Elisabeth's face. "You've been busy, I see?"


Saoire had with her a small wicker basked with a handle which hung on her arm. Putting it down on the ground, its contents were obscured by the pretty fabric lid. Having placed it down, she ignored it then for a while and instead, she gave Elisabeth her full attention. "So," Saoire said, folding her hands on her lap, "How are things in Haven, and with you?" It was important, Saoire thought, to separate out those two. "Have you thought about how you'd like to spend our time to-trial?"

Of course, Saoire had her own ideas, but she was a mentor through and through. First, she would hear what Elisabeth wanted from this meeting, how she had planned to use the time and then she would work within that framework. It would be easy for Saoire to run things, but that would not help Elisabeth to learn and to grow - and it wouldn't help her confidence either. So, Saoire asked and then she waited to hear the thoughts of Haven's new leader.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 5 Ymiden

Saoire's voice had two immediate effects - one for Elisabeth, and another for Storm.

Elisabeth simply smiled, for she enjoyed Saoire's company immensely and had a vast appreciation for the Immortal herself. Storm, on the other hand,loved Saoire with all his heart. Upon hearing her voice, his eyes flashed open, looking around to find the source, and immediately gaining his feet to quickly pad across the sand to the Maiden of Gifts, jumping up on the driftwood and meowing loudly, brilliant orange eyes gazing at her.

"Hello, Saoire. I hope you are well?" It wasn't just a polite question, as Elisabeth was truly interested in the Immortal and wished to forge a closer relationship with her. Immortals, while different on whole, were just as deserving to be considered like any other, which including asking after them and assisting if there was need. It was only right to do so. Elisabeth had no desire for Saoire to ever feel as though she was taken for granted.

A soft laugh slipped free as the Immortal commented about her being busy. Nodding, Elisabeth gently replied. "Very, but it's all good, I think? I followed up on everything we discussed and I have some thoughts."

Saoire's first set of questions were expected, and the young woman appreciated that she was separating Elisabeth from the settlement. Taking a deep breath, she turned to look at the Immortal softly, replying to the thoughtful question. "I'm alright. It was hard, moving. I won't deny that, or that it hurt to do so. But there is comfort in knowing that it was the best thing for the settlement, and that it was a choice we all made together. I've been inspired by the settlers of Haven and their resilience, and belief in what we want to do here."

Of course, Saoire had asked about her, and she had managed to start talking about the settlers. Elisabeth knew she always had a hard time talking about herself, wishing to know about others and help them instead, but the Immortal had asked, and she didn't wish to disrespect that, so she simply said the first thing that came to mind. "I miss him. Balthazar." Absentmindedly twirling the thin silver band on her finger, she let her mind go to him for a split second before returning to the conversation. "However, Storm keeps me company, and on my toes, and there has been a lot going on here."

Showing the blond Immortal her lists, she launched into the activity that had occurred since they last spoke. " I talked to all the settlers and made lists of their skills. Now, we don't have any highly skilled people here, but they know enough to cover some basics, like building, smithing, farming and hunting/fishing. I put them into teams, and some settlers have more than one applicable skill."

The conversation moved on to their time that trial and how to spend it. "The farm, I believe, is the first priority. I've already gone out with Edward and others to scout the farm site, and I drew a horrible sketch. We marked out the buildings. You mentioned in our last meeting that you could provide a few people to assist our building team? I think if we can get the farm built, there's enough time to get a quick crop in before colder weather arrives. At least of some things. I really feel Edward and his family need to be taken care of. I have a build team and farm team ready to go."

Turning to other things, she grabbed a different piece of paper. "Our build team can take care of erecting a simple building for the clam farm, so I'm not worried about it. After the farm is taken care of, they can quickly get that structure up. I sent Edwin out to survey the woodlands and get a lay of the land."

Putting her papers down for a moment, she considered Saoire. "I feel we are functioning well, and everyone seems happy to have a direction we are going in. But something that has bothered me of late is that Haven should have a purpose."

Worried for a moment that she wasn't being clear, Elisabeth attempted to rectify that. "Haven needs a way to make a living. As well, as a whole, the settlement needs to grow, and to grow, I feel there needs to be focus. I should have a base understanding of the skills we need in both these areas, but Balthazar and I are different people with different skill sets. What his purpose for the settlement might have been, may not work anymore, and I feel like, perhaps, if it's going to change, now is the time to do that...and I have thoughts."

Gathering said thoughts, she continued."Farming, I believe, will benefit Haven as a way to bring money to the settlement. The Munnys have taught me much about gardening and I believe that we have enough people in the settlement to make it a viable living. And not just as a way to provide food to Haven. We are just scratching the surface with discovering new flora here that possibly could benefit others, and that leads into the next topic - focus and growth."

Taking out a paper that had a few notes on it, neatly organized, Elisabeth glanced at Saoire before continuing. "Balthazar made an arrangement with the University for a research station. Currently, that station is very small and I anticipate that there will be many wondrous things discovered here, but that's not the point. My background is in academics and research, and we could easily make that the focus of the settlement without changing much at all. Using the existing settlers in their current roles, we could eventually expand the research station. I'd want to talk to Darius, of course. Being closer to the mountains, I'm sure there are things that Hopetoun could contribute to research so that both settlements benefit, but I'm getting ahead of myself, I think."

Smiling at the Immortal, Elisabeth took a bit of a deep breath. "Apologies. I.... I just want to do this right."

[Pegasus]

Saoire

"I'm very well, thank you," Saoire replied. She liked the small details and Elisabeth was good at them. Still, they were here to focus on something and so, she did.

"I'm sure you do," Saoire said in response to Elisabeth saying she missed Balthazar, scratching Storm almost casually as she did. "There is comfort in your life partner being at your side. Especially during a time of such change." She smiled at Elisabeth, kindly. "I suspect that resilience is something the settlers see in you each trial, too."


She listened to Elisabeth's thoughts and she nodded. "So," she said, sounding thoughtful, "Farming first, then research?" She nodded her head, obviously considering it. "How many of the settlers ~ not the university people, the settlers themselves ~ are interested or skilled in research?" That was an important question, she felt, and would impact what her considerations were of the idea as a whole. "And those who are, what is their focus?" It was important to consider that, and she was sure that Elisabeth would have.


"It would be my pleasure to ask some of my staff to help with the building of your farm buildings," she said. "I think you're wise to focus there, food is important. Also, it helps with identity."

Considering it, she continued to fuss Storm as she spoke. "What do you want to do in terms of community as a whole? Do you plan on communal areas, or any aspects of Haven life being shared," she cast her gaze around. "Or are you thinking more of individuals in their individual house groups, with a shared identity of 'Haven'?" These were all important questions, Saoire thought. Things had been one way, now Elisabeth was looking at how to - or whether to - change them. Considering all angles was important. "And in terms of infrastructure, what are you prioritising?"

She smiled gently at Elisabeth and gestured. "There is no right or wrong answer," she said, in case Elisabeth was feeling there might be. "Just what seems to be right to you, right now." And, working with that, she would do very well, Saoire had no doubt at all.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 5 Ymiden

Elisabeth gently smiled as Saoire responded to Balthazar’s absence, nodding. It was difficult at times, dealing with his absence, but the pair made the most of the time they had together, and that was the important thing for the young woman. “Yes, lots of change, and always seems like there is more around the corner, but I think, perhaps, that is the nature of life.”

The young woman had told Saoire about her thoughts regarding the future of Haven from a sustainability standpoint, and the blond Immortal brought up some points Elisabeth hadn’t considered. “Well, none of the settlers are skilled in research, as far as I know. I had been thinking of it from more of a ‘supporting the researchers that come’ type situation.” Continuing to dwell on it, she spoke again. “I feel like, to be a good leader, I should know something of what the settlement will focus on, and I don’t have any of those types of skills. I know about logistics, how to talk to people and how to find solutions. I can support almost anything that the settlers choose to do, but I may not have skills in such. The people here know about farming, hunting, building things – they are multi-skilled. We don’t really have an identity yet.”

She felt a bit guilty about throwing all the information at Saoire that she had, but Elisabeth had no desire for the kind Immortal to feel as though the young settlement leader wasn’t making the most of their time together. Usually, that manifested in Elisabeth speaking a lot, and very rapidly. Taking a breath, she concentrated on what was being asked of her. “The only people that are doing research are the researchers from the University, and they are studying the Ignis clam and some various flora that’s been found. I’m hoping to expand our relationship with the University soon.”

The question of community came up and that was one question Elisabeth was ready for. “I’m not sure it would be possible to think of Haven as just individuals doing their own thing. We share meals together and work together every trial. If someone wishes privacy or to not be like that, we will respect their wishes but currently, that doesn’t describe anyone here. Decisions are made together, and everyone has a say.” The young mage hoped that answered Saoire’s question, although she wasn’t quite sure it did.

Infrastructure was a tricky thing. “The farm, certainly. That’s the number one priority. Growing crops to help sustain the settlement and helping the Munnys with their goals. We have some settlers that have expressed interest in working with the farm to create a process where each cycle, they would utilize the leftover crops, ones that would go to waste, and preserve them, sending them to organizations and people that could use the food."

Her thoughts took her a bit further. “Medical care for the settlement is essential, so I’ve been looking into that. There are minor things we can take care of here, but I fear what would happen if something more serious happened, and I would like a way for the settlers to be able to further their own education on various topics. I know many of them are interested in progressing trade skills and I think that’s an important thing to encourage and support. Eventually we will have children here that will need to be educated too.”

Going down the mental checklist, tried to make sure she didn’t miss anything. “Being closer to the docks now allows the settlers options they didn’t have before, but eventually I’d love to have dock here in Haven. I’m setting aside money to purchase boats.”

Appreciating Saoire’s patience with her, she smiled. “What feels right is making sure the settlers feel valued, keeping them fed and making sure everyone is safe. And providing them the best I can for future opportunities, personally for them and for Haven as a whole, but I confess that I’ve never done this before – setting up a settlement. Sometrials I feel like we are doing alright, and others, perhaps not so much.”

[Pegasus]

Saoire

Saoire listened to Elisabeth and she was quiet and thoughtful throughout. It was obvious that the Immortal was paying close attention and it was only when Elisabeth had finished speaking that Saoire had anything to add. "I think," Saoire said, quietly "that you are doing an excellent job." She smiled at Elisabeth and explained why she said that. "Your focus is admirable and you are growing this place with care and consideration for all involved." There was only one thing that she would add to that assessment, albeit a very important one. "I would advise that you consider that your best is good enough and focus on the fact that your people are happy and you have a clear and shared vision." It seemed to Saoire that Elisabeth might be rather prone to worrying and so, she wanted to make sure that the young mage was aware of - and focusing on - her strengths.


"There will, undoubtedly, be bumps along the way. It seems to me, though, that your community is strong enough to deal with those" she said with a thoughtful tone. "And you are not alone. Even if it may feel like it, sometimes, you never are."

On the matter of the docks, Saoire nodded. "The order in which you do things will depend on many things - mainly priorities and available resources, " she said. Considering it, though, she was pleased with the priorities Elisabeth was stating. "I think, honestly, what you are doing here is a testament to your leadership and your logistical skills. Juggling the need to fend for yourselves with the need to grow and develop is a logistical issue and you seem to be managing it very well." That was Saoire's impression, anyhow.


"I am afraid I will need to leave soon" she said, with a friendly smile. "So, before I do - is there anything else that you wish to ask me or need assistance with? " She gestured around "In terms of Haven, of course, but also in any wider sense," she explained that, in case there were topics which Elisabeth thought she could not speak of with Saoire. "I am happy to be a listening ear or offer my guidance. I hope that is a help to you" As she spoke, she petted Storm absently, focusing on Elisabeth and waiting to hear if she could help in some other way.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 5 Ymiden

The one thing that Elisabeth always marveled over when speaking with Saoire is that the Immortal truly listened to her. There was no doubt about it whatsoever. When conversing with Saoire, you knew she was taking everything you said into account, and the young leader appreciate that. It was something she tried to do herself with every interaction she had with another, and most certainly with Saoire herself. The Immortal was giving of her time and thoughts, and Elisabeth didn’t want her to feel as though either was wasted.

She listened carefully as Saoire spoke of her thoughts regarding how Elisabeth was handling the settlement and smiled at the positive feedback. “I appreciate that. I think ‘consideration’ is a word I tend to think about a lot. While I wish the settlement to grow organically, and not push it to be something it isn’t, there needs to be some things, logistically speaking, that are planned. It’s finding that balance that can be tricky, so I try to plan with consideration with the settlers. It seems to be working well for us, so I’m pleased.”

The Immortal touched on something Elisabeth often thought about – being alone. She, of course, wasn’t, but the way Saoire spoke the words made the young woman feel like Saoire was aware that there were trials that Elisabeth did feel alone. Those moments always faded, however. Hopetoun was still a ways away, but much more accessible now. Vega and Darius were there, and she knew they would always help her and Haven if needed. Balthazar was just an echo scroll message away. And then, there were the settlers of Haven, always offering their support to her. It was still a bit of a dance, her learning about them and them learning about her, but she was optimistic that they were collectively headed in the right direction.

Saoire felt that Elisabeth was doing all the right things and said so. It was soon time for her to go though, and she had asked if Elisabeth needed to ask anything else or needed assistance. Smiling softly at the Immortal, the young woman considered the question, and yes, there was one more thing on her mind.

“Nothing more , other than one sentiment I'd like to express. Saoire, you have been kind, warm and welcoming to me, ever since our first meeting in Cylus. I want you to know that I appreciate every moment you’ve spent with me. If there is anything I can do for you, now or in the future, please, don’t hesitate to ask. You’ve done so much for Haven, Balthazar and me. It is appreciated more than I will ever be able to tell or show you.” Gently, Elisabeth reached out and squeezed the blond Immortal’s hand warmly.

[Pegasus]

Your Review

Elisabeth

Overview

I do enjoy seeing the more reflective side of Elisabeth. She has built up a very nice relationship with Saoire and it shows. You write her very well and there's just the right mix of thoughtful / inner dialogue and speech -I was never left wondering what was happening for Elisabeth, yet the thread progressed at what felt like the right speed. That she's putting the settlers ~ and the settlement ~ first is very obvious and I thought you played it really well, especially when she made the decision to move the settlement. That was obviously not easy for her personally, but she felt the necessity of it. Lovely writing! Enjoy the rewards.

Points

XP: 15
Renown: 10

Loot

Settlement moved

Knowledge

Caregiving x 2
Etiquette x 3
Leadership x 2
Logistics x 3
Socialisation x 3

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this review - drop me a PM.