Extensive information on the Barony of Emberbourne can be found here, in Allicent's profile. Updates will be maintained as things develop further.Visuals created by Aishe: Map with text, Map without text
The carriage ride from Eziryn to Emberbourne was not an awfully long one, but any carriage ride felt long when one was heavily pregnant. A hand rested atop her large belly as honey eyes stared outside the window, watching the passing scenery with interest. Allicent could have transported the children and herself to Pyre Keep quite easily, but she wished to experience the journey between her two homes to see how smooth it was. In truth, it was not a complicated route and the scenery was pretty with autumn in full swing.
Inside the carriage with her were four children: Davina, Alerick, Karissa, and Eloise. Little Karissa, only two, was asleep in her big sister's arms beside her. Across from them, Eloise read a book and Alerick fiddled with a wooden knight. It was a habit he had that was very telling of nervousness or restlessness, but Allicent had a feeling it was nerves. Alerick was to inherit Eziryn when he came of age and it was the only home he ever knew. He was the only one in the carriage resistant to leaving the territory, claiming it was his birthright and the place he needed to be. However, at age ten, it was Allicent who had the final say.
And it was with that mentality, the mentality of his father, that pushed Allicent to seek betterment for herself. Eziryn was hers, for now. It was temporary and Alerick reminded her occasionally, though not maliciously. However, she knew that once he became eighteen, she would lose all income and status herself. He did not need to give her an allowance and there was no guarantee he would if his father kept whispering in his ear. Even in death, it seemed Aillard's influence on their son continued. She only hoped it was not too late to salvage his decency.
So, when Queen Ella showed up at her door, she saw an opportunity. One thing led to another and ultimately, a position alongside the Fenian consort was offered: a spirit advisor. Not spiritual, but spirit, as Allicent offered to teach Ella to better hone her kitsune nature. With the new position in the royal household came a title that was all hers and would secure a future for herself and her children, should the worse come between her and Alerick.
It was noticeable when they entered the Emberbourne. Bright red maple trees stuck out, even amongst the natural autumn colours. She had heard the tales of the baroness who loved maple. Supposedly, a foreign lord trying to win of favour of her gifted a maple tree and over time, the seeds spread throughout most the barony. The air in the barony even felt different, but perhaps it was the pull that the dormant volcano had to the Kitsune. Being a being of fire and energy, a volcano was the embodiment of her very being. It was not that she choose the Barony of Emberbourne, but it was more like it chose her.
Pyrestone Keep came into view, causing her brows to furrow in inspection. It was well kept for a home that had been vacant for an untold amount of years. The roof looked in tack and the walls were maintained. The carriage slowed considerably upon reaching the incline of the path up to the Keep. Freedom imminent, the children all took to looking out the windows in excitement. As the carriage rolled to a stop, Allicent inhaled slowly. For the first time since being trapped by Aillard Winslow, she was doing something for herself. It felt good.
The carriage door was opened and her steward, Mordecai, offered her a hand. She took his assistance, climbing off of the carriage. The children each followed and one by one, they turned from the beautiful view atop the cliffside to better take in Pyrestone Keep.
"Welcome to Emberbourne, Baroness." Mordecai offered, breaking the silence.
