>>2632707

In an unconscious motion, you reach for the pendant around your neck and find only your skin and sweat. Lady Miriam is watching your face with quiet worry, as though your troubles were already her own.
>Ask her where the pendant is
>Tell her to go, you need to rest
>Get up, you’ve been out long enough

File: peasant_lord_quest.pdf (1 MB, PDF)

1 MB PDF

>>2632728
Here's the pdf. It's still needs some work, but most of the typos should have been fixed.

Also, I'm making some sweeping changes to the kingdom management mechanics of the game. Hopefully they'll be a little better than the dueling mechanics. I'll post a pastebin once the write up is done.

>Get up, you’ve been out long enough

>>2632728
>Get up, you’ve been out long enough
Take it slow, we need a solid meal, and water.

>>2632728
>Ask her where the pendant is
Shit costed pretty penny

>>2632880
+1

>>2632707
>>2632748
What traits did we end up getting?

>>2633073
Fuck the pendant. We're never touching that shit again.

>>2632728
>>Ask her where the pendant is

>>2633124
Yes we are.

>>2632707
>P.S Dispose of this letter once you’ve read it.
He should've given the letter a self-destruct spell.

>>2633153
No anon, don't. We're so close to getting rid of it.

>>2632707
>Get up, you’ve been out long enough

>>2632728
>>Ask her where the pendant is
havent participated in this quest since we first saw our first elf. Whats happened since then?

File: Spoiler Image (73 KB, 644x400)

73 KB JPG

>>2632728

You crush the letter in your hands and throw off your covers. You’ve wasted enough time. You need a plate of eggs, sauerkraut, a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and a plan.
“Is everything OK, Sir William?” Lady Miriam drags her incisors across the bottom flesh of her lips like she was brushing a dog’s back. You sit upright and see black stars and the fractured green of her eyes. Her hands and hair upon you as she holds your bare chest before your fall. Tight, coiling pain rolls up your side. The rib is still broken. “Slowly, Sir William.” She chides. “You’re still wounded.”

She slides off the bed and bears your arm on her shoulder, buckling from the weight the instant it is put upon her. Only thin undergarments protect your modesty and Lady Miriam, heat already in her face, runs for a robe. You see yourself in the mirror and follow the pale purples and reds and greens scattered about your body with your hands. What’s that on your side?

“Ahh!” Four leeches grow fat on the broken rib. You take two deep breaths and run your fingers across the backs of the creatures. The rivulets in their flesh are like the teeth of a comb, their heads are buried in your skin.

“It’s to keep the swelling down.” Says Lady Miriam, returned with the robe and holding out its arms for you.
“How do I get them off? I want them off.”
Lady Miriam turns her head. “Sir William...are you perhaps afraid of leeches?”
“Don’t smile at me woman! Get them off!”

She giggles. “Alright, alright. You never cease to surprise me.” She goes off into a washroom and returns with a bar of soap, a mug, a roll of bandages and a bucket of water. “On the bed. Sit.” If she had to told you eat soap off her hands you would have done it. You hate leeches. “Turn around.” She plunges the soap into the water and rubs the suds around the bulbs, careful not to apply too much pressure and hurt you.
“Are they off?”
“Yes, silly. Really now, they’re just leeches. See?” She holds the mug to your face. The leeches are there writhing in a thin soup of your blood and their own stomach contents. You take a sharp breath and turn aside.

“Throw them away!”
She puts the mug down and begins to dress the holes in your abdomen instead. “So you do have a weakness.” She says.
“You’re enjoying this entirely too much, Lady Miriam.”
She lifts her shoulders in a half-shrug, half-happy gesture. “It’s just nice to know that you’re human after all.”
“Immortals don’t get broken ribs, as far as I know.”
“All done.” She knots the edges of the bandage into a small bow. Her hands were too skilled for a noble’s; she’s done this before.

Cont.

>>2633499
She helps you put on your robes and then you both walk down to the kitchen. It’s too late for morning eggs and too early for dinner but the serving girls and cook are eager to serve. You snack on leftover brisket and stale bread while the eggs cook.
“So…are you going back?” Lady Miriam pokes at a plate of carrot sticks and coleslaw.

>Regardless of what Stewart said, you can’t tarry while your village is in such condition. You’re going.
>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.
>You’re staying, but only out of courtesy and to recover your wounds. Maybe you can’t have Ophelia, but you can’t string this poor girl along either

>>2633525
>>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.

>>2633525
>You’re staying, but only out of courtesy and to recover your wounds.
Burn the letter. We at least have to be updated about the elves. They may have slain the beast, but the vermin could still remain.
Plus we gotta bear hug Wilkain and make a cloak or something out of the forest spirit’s body.

>>2633525
>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.

>>2633525
>>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.

>>2633525
>You’re staying, but only out of courtesy and to recover your wounds. Maybe you can’t have Ophelia, but you can’t string this poor girl along either

>>2633525
>>You’re staying, but only out of courtesy and to recover your wounds. Maybe you can’t have Ophelia, but you can’t string this poor girl along either

>>2633525
>>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying

>>2633525
>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.

>>2633525
>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.

Ophelia cucks need not apply

>>2633525
>Stewart has only your best interests at heart, it would be wise to follow his advice. You’re staying.

Also BURN THAT FUCKING LETTER, i would realy like not to have it bite ours colective ass later,thank you very much.

>>2633941
>>2633581
+1

>>2633525
You’re staying, but only out of courtesy and to recover your wounds. Maybe you can’t have Ophelia, but you can’t string this poor girl along either. As much as I like Miriam and she deserves every happiness it seems out of character. Also burn that fucking letter

>>2633941
Supporting

>>2633941
This

Finally finished the pastebin: https://pastebin.com/K4DBunaZ

Thoughts on the management and mass-battle systems would be appreciated.

>>2633592
>>2633688
>>2633796
>>2633851
>>2633925
>>2633941
>>2634080
>>2634577

Burning letter and obeying Mother Stewart wins. Writing.

I have some time today so I'm going to try and do a full session.

>>2633525
The crumpled letter weighs like lead in your pocket. Pure intellect can make no argument against Stewart’s wisdom. Logically, politically, economically, the wedding knot with Lady Miriam is the best move. Ambroisa to the mortal meal, he had said, and this is so, this auburn petite whose heart lies between your fingernails and waits for the crush or caress with held breath. Merely four years between you and soon three, yet the gulf is geological. Canyons and gorges. Celestial distance.

What a would a man be? He must decide it for himself. Your hand searches again for your bit of shell and bone and touches but the wool of the robe. Love is not a variable in husbandhood. Need not be. You can be good to her even if you can never love her. Won’t that be enough?
She takes the pendant from her bosom and lays it on her palm. “I forgot. This fell off when the physician was treating you.” So poor a lie, you could read it blind. “It’s magic isn’t it?” She lowers her voice. “From the Sands?” She opens it and peers inside and looks up at you as if to compare what she sees. “A strange thing to carry, Sir William, a picture of your own face. I’d say it was vain if I didn’t already know you.” She smiles and raises the locket by its string for your hands. You take it and detect a slight resistance as it passes from her. Then your head through string and you open it and in the silvered ice, your own heart encased

You close it again. “I will remain.” You say.
“I’m sorry?”
You attempt a smile. “I will remain Lady Miriam. Unless you no longer want me to attend your birthday?”
“Oh!” She claps her hands together, forgetting the fork so that a string of cabbage flies into her lap. “Wonderful! Then you’ll stay until you’re recovered.”
“I wouldn’t want to appear discourteous to your father. I feel I’ve overstayed my welcome and taxed his hospitality. I could return to the inn.” You wonder if Sir Kay is still there. Stewart did say he made contact with him after your fight, but he didn’t mention him in the letter.
“Nonsense, I will convince my father.” She looks away and draws circles in the plate with her finger. “Please stay. I-I could nurse you.” She says, quietly.

>Stay under Lady Miriam’s tender care
>Return to the inn, you need to begin planning with Sir Kay

>>2634725
Return to the inn.
She can visit us there sometimes.

>>2634725
>Stay under Lady Miriam’s tender care

>>2634725
>>Stay under Lady Miriam’s tender care

>>2634725
>Stay under Lady Miriam’s tender care
send pretty clear message

>>2634725
>>Return to the inn, you need to begin planning with Sir Kay

>>2634725
>Stay.
I feel terrible.
This is terrible.
It's also the only move.

Sidenote: we should send for Kay if we aren't well enough to be out and about.
Or go see him regardless if we are.

>>2634813
this ,let's meet him in town

>>2634813
Yeah if Stay wins, we should still contact Kay

>>2634813
>>2634819
>>2634831
We can't have it both ways, and we shouldn't toy with Miriam's heart.

The serving girls lay the eggs before you and blush when you look at their dirtied faces. You wonder how far the idolatry from your victory will extend. Perhaps it would be better to remain in Lady Miriam’s gentle care. Stewart said to make your intentions public and you can’t do that locked away in an inn.
“As you wish, Lady Miriam. I am in your care.” Her cheeks go round like little plums.
By the time you finish “breakfast”, the rest of the house prepares for dinner. Lady Miriam offers to take you back to your room to rest, but your appetite is unsatisfied and you decide to attend dinner. You dispose of Stewart’s letter in the fire before you go and see the amorphous flames create Ophelia’s face. A trick of the light and imagination, quickly destroyed; still it troubles you.
You spend the interim before dinner chatting with Miriam on the comings and goings since the tournament. The people are in a frenzy about you. Daily, there are visitors at the castle gates, children, old men, young men, especially young women (which upsets Lady Miriam to no end). They wait only to catch a glimpse of their hero, their miracle.
Sir Keres’s arm is still broken and he will stay until the birthday feast, like you. You learn that Lady Sophia has been nursing him and the rumors Stewart spoke of before the Count’s ball, of the potential engagement, come into coherence. The only one you don’t see is Lady Orison.
“She’s been sulking ever since Sir Ulrich left. Completely heartbroken.” Says Lady Miriam. Her teeth her upon her lips again. “I think you should avoid her Sir William.”
“Ah. Does she blame me?”
“She shouldn’t. But she can’t help it. Just walk the other way if you see her.”

At dinner, Lord Farkad offers you a halfhearted toast. Applause thereafter which only feels excessive. But Sir Keres slaps the table and gives three cheers which more than makes up for it. Lady Sophia is not as forthcoming in her praise. Lady Miriam claps along, beaming.

Sir Keres approaches you after desert (an apple pie whose recipe you will have to recover for your own cook) “Will! How’re you feeling?”
“I might ask the same to you, Sir Keres.”
“Oh this?” He lifts his immobilized arm, the ribbon of wool clinging to the taut bandages like lodestones. “Flesh wound. I’ll be right as rain in a week. Father says I have lizard blood in me.”
“I believe it.”

He takes your shoulder and turns you away from the ears of others. “Listen, I have something of great importance to discuss with you. I was wondering if you could spare some time.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow. It’s urgent. Can you meet me in the garden?”
You had promised to spend the day with Lady Miriam. The plan was to visit the town, see if Sir Kay was still around and then visit the temple (on Lady Miriam’s request).

>Agree, cancel your other plans*
>Refuse, but try to reschedule

*You are limited to three events before the birthday party

>>2634870
*You are limited to three events before the birthday party
hmmmm

>Refuse, but try to reschedule
we should mention we will be spending time with Miriam on her request.(+1 rumors)

>>2634870
>Refuse, but try to reschedule

You had promised to spend the day with Lady Miriam. The plan was to visit the town, see if Sir Kay was still around and then visit the temple (on Lady Miriam’s request).
“I’m afraid I can’t tomorrow. I’ve already promised to accompany Lady Miriam to town. I have some personal business there as well.”
Sir Keres shifts his arm in the sling, trying to pry a finger into the bandages to scratch an itch he can’t quite reach. “You can’t cancel it? I think you’d be interested in what I have to say.”
“We can reschedule. How about the day after? Or even tonight? I’ve been in bed for days, I doubt I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”
“No. Not tonight.” He glances behind him at Lady Sophia and plucks the small hairs of his beard. “So be it, another time then. Oh, and let me know if you hear from Sir Ulrich.”
“I will.” Though you have no idea why Sir Ulrich would contact you now.

Lady Miriam takes you up to bed soon after and stays behind to read to you like a doting mother. Her father is collector of books and his library is weighty and impressive. You listen to her read but sleep is a distant dream and soon you fall to chatting about your lives. You tell her of your days in the fields, of herding sheep, shearing them, midwifing their births, slaughtering them when the time came for it (and she wept little tears for the imagined ewes).

She tells you of her cloistered life, the sense of a flower in a vase knowing the sun only through glass. She suffered from consumption from age 3, too weak to do anything but read and write and study the stars. Her mother died at childbirth and her father had no interest in her beyond the minimum necessary to maintain appearance. She believes her father blames her for her mother’s death and she blames herself. And though her father remarried she knows it was purely political. No children have been born since, and her father is never home, always on the road. She was raised by her physician, taught the basics of his craft as a distraction from her illness and isolation. She is pleased now to put that knowledge to use.

She asks of war and you tell her only what is appropriate for a young lady’s ears. The one time the Captain made Yellow Norman walk on his hands for stealing meat from his table. The time you saw a centaurion herd in the endless plains of Lemuria which the centaurs call Orchuk. And not of the time when that same Yellow Norman, held your hand and begged you not leave him, and the arrow was in his belly and had pierced the small intestine and the blood was dribbling out like raspberry preserves, thick and hot, and he was crying for his mama, for mercy and finally for home, though he would he see none of those things.

>>2635160
Lady Miriam soon falls asleep to your tales but you remain awake as ever. You gently lift her body onto the bed and she mumbles your name and rolls over and you step out into the hall to avoid scandal.

“What are your intentions for my sister?” A voice from the dark like the rasp of dying cats and broken violins calls out. It is Lady Orison.

>Avoid her and head for another guest room
>Answer that you intend to propose

>>2635176
>Answer that you have no intentions.

>>2635176
fuuuck walking time bomb
>>2635178
this

>>2635176
>explain the situation in detail to her
We are honor! dude. She should know the details.

>>2635176
>Answer that you intend to propose

Ophelia cucks leave

>>2635178
The fuck, why would we not propose she is literally our best marriage option.

>>2635372
Because we don't love her, and it would be cruel to toy with her so. If you truly thought Miriam was bestgirl, you'd turn her down.

>>2635381
>love being important for marriage
She is going to be married off to some nobleman who literally does not give two fucks about her, we respect her, she is a nice girl and helps elevate our station. Us marrying her is the best for both of us.

>>2635366
oh , i fear she will do something bad if we say it , like super bad (not Ophelia cuck i swear)

>>2635413
Then lets explain the whole thing? Seems like the best solution for all parties

>>2635420
Yeah sure let's be logical to derailed woman SURE nothing to go wrong here nothing at all

>A voice from the dark like the rasp of dying cats and broken violins calls out

>>2635176
>Avoid her and head for another guest room
Best thing to do is avoid her, bet we're still proposing to Miriam. I firmly believe that we can fake until we make and that giving into an unhealthy obsession is not a better alternative.
Also the Count's a bro.

>>2635176
>>Avoid her and head for another guest room
Nope Nope Nope Nope Nope Nope Nope

>>2635176
>Avoid her and head for another guest room

>>2635176
>Answer that you intend to propose

She hovers by the door like a vengeful wraith. Her hair is torn apart and frayed and the skin about her eyes dried from the salt of distant tears. Her watery gown has gashes along its body that show her skin. In her hands she holds an apple that she carves with a thin paring knife. Her nails have blood between them from where she drew her own flesh in madness.
You should go. You turn the other way.
“Answer me.” She splits a chunk from the apple and chews it but does not swallow; simply spits it out again like used tobacco. You start walking away. “You’re going to propose to her. At her birthday.” How can a woman make her voice so cold? “It’s not fair! It’s not fair. It was supposed to be me.” She whines and slams the butt of the knife on her chest. “Me! I’m the good one! I’m the pretty one! When he said he’d take her too I thought—I thought at least I’ll always be first in his heart. That won’t change. But you—because of you…” She passes her wrist over her eyes. Still you keep going. She throws the apple at you, misses and runs off. You find another guest room (Stewart’s old room) and write letters till dawn.

Sir Kay has been waiting for your recovery. You find him loitering in the tavern across the inn. Lady Miriam joins the two of you for lunch, but tunes out as your conversations become more technical.
“I’ve already discussed much of this with Stewart. With the money you’ve earned and my own contacts, a number of avenues of profit are open to you. Gold runs this world Sir William; I can have it run to you.”
“And in exchange?”

He leans in and steeples his fingers. “If you know my history, you know what I want.”
“I have no military to speak of Sir Kay. Much as I’d like to help, I’m not sure what I can do.” You press your fingers on the table, letting the blood pool. You can feel eyes around you, watching your every movement. You were stopped a dozen times today in the town, so that children could touch your hands and young ladies curtsy and giggle (to which Lady Miriam responded by dragging you to another street). Even so you feel powerless. You are still only a minor noble and with the Count’s return, you will remain so for some time.

“Nonsense! You won the tournament, thus you will be favored for the position of Marshall. Take it when it is offered. Then you will have the king’s armies at your disposal. Then no gate could hold you.”
Stewart hadn’t mentioned that in the letter, but you’re not sure if you should take the honor if it is offered. You know too little about command; a skilled duelist is not the best pedigree for a general. Indeed, you were planning on refusing the appointment, using it as a bargaining chip for other gain.

>Accept his offer, but tentatively, there's no guarantee you'll be Marshall, but if offered you'll take it.
>Refuse this offer, you can house and feed him, but you have no plans on being Marshall of the Realm

>>2635664
>Accept his offer, but tentatively, there's no guarantee you'll be Marshall, but if offered you'll take it.

>>2635700
>>2635664
>Accept his offer, but tentatively, there's no guarantee you'll be Marshall, but if offered you'll take it.

Fuck, anon's tell me how retarted i'm for thinking that we should use 1/3 of our time to talk Orison down.

>>2635664
>Accept his offer, but tentatively, there's no guarantee you'll be Marshall, but if offered you'll take it.

We ought to. Unlikely to happen, but since the kingdom is at peace, it could we a political play to name grant the title to the winner of the tournamen, since this way it shows how important the tournament is. I still think it makes no sense to name William marshal...

Nevertheless, you can’t ignore Sir Kay’s potential utility. “I promise you my strength when it is sufficient. I will help you reclaim your lands. Will that be enough?”
“Your words are careful.”
“The position of Marshall is uncertain. I will take it for your sake, if it is offered, but I have my doubts. I know nothing about commanding an army.”
He takes a spoonful of his stew and chews on the spoon. “I suppose it will do. I will make for Olmsville immediately then. You’re coming after the celebration I presume?”
You look at Miriam, who returns a smile. “Yes.”
“Good. Now you mentioned you had some letters?” You take out the small packet of parchment and place it in his hands. “I’ll make sure these reach the right hands. And now, Sir William, Lady Miriam always a pleasure.” He nods to each in turn and takes his leave.

…
The visit to the temple is both uplifting and depressing. The temple itself is enormous, larger than the one you saw in Silvale but devoted to the same god: Ama, Flower of the Waters. It lies a quarter mile outside the city gates, to protect the privacy of the nuns that maintain it. The temple grounds blend into the surrounding forestry. Two domed structures house the confessionals and a third serve as living quarters for the nuns. In the center of them is a fountain, similar in design to the one in the castle but large enough to bathe in (which one of the nun informs you does happen on special occasions).

The nuns are outwardly cheerful but their histories are each more painful than the last. Lady Miriam goes off to speak with some nuns near her own age, orphans, you later learn, while you are given a tour by an elder.
“Many here are war-widows.” She says. “Or were betrayed by their husbands and had no place left to turn.” She turns and gives you a stern look. “I myself am one of them.”
“I see.”
She continues walking. “But some join us later in life.” She gestures to an elder sitting cross-legged by the edge of the fountain. Blind and made ugly by age and yet the girls and Lady Miriam herself sit by her like baby ducks. She’s reading their palms. “And come with skills.”
“Who is she?”
“We don’t know her name and she will not tell us. Perhaps she has forgotten it as well. We think she was once a powerful sorceress, though her talents now are limited to the subtle art of divination. Care to try it? She’s never wrong, it’s the main reason people come here these days.”
You don’t put much stock into palm reading but you suspect Lady Miriam brought you here for just this purpose.

>Why not? It might be interesting
>Let Lady Miriam do it, you don't believe in fate to begin with

>>2635824
>Why not? It might be interesting

>>2635824
>Why not? It might be interesting
Inb4 "conquest and blood"

>>2635824
>>Why not? It might be interesting

>>2635824
>Why not? It might be interesting

>>2635704
I don't think it's retarded. We should talk to her before she does something drastic like killing herself or trying to kill Miriam. And if not, try to stop her from becoming a crazy cat lady.

>>2635704
We should talk to Orison.

>>2635664
>You should go. You turn the other way.
Lord William Shephard's channeling his inner Commander Shepherd I see.

>>2635824
>>Why not? It might be interesting
>>2635856
Is that good or bad?

You approach the seer and the girls move aside to let you through. “I smell a man.” Says the seer and she sniffs the air. “In the prime of his youth.” You sit down in front of her.
“I am—“ She cuts you off by grabbing your hand and opening the palm. Quick for a blind woman.
“Who you are will soon be laid bare. Be silent now and let me read.” She traces the scars across your palm, muttering nothings beneath her breath. “All hail William! That shalt be king hereafter!”
“What!”
“Ah, no, that’s someone else. Let’s see here, what a tangled web this is! A complex fate. I see a betrayal that will destroy a life. I see love fulfilled and love lost. I see a hearty feast of power and tragedy. And to look even further beyond…” She pauses and scrunches her brow. “How strange, even the gods cannot say.”
And at that same moment, the instant her utterance ended, the earth itself shook, trembling the buildings and causing dust to fall from their rafters and the girls to scream. “A grim omen.” Mutters the soothsayer. You retrieve your hand and look at the folds, trying to discern her insights for yourself. But you are a mere mortal and the veil stays upon the face of time.
…

The next day you meet with Sir Keres in the garden. He’s agitated and pacing like a dog waiting for its master to the throw the bone.
“So, Sir Keres, what did you want to discuss?”
He looks about him, searching for eyes and ears. There’s no one here but he takes you deeper into the garden until you are at the borders of the forest.
“What I say to you now, must never be aired again. Swear it.”
“I swear upon my honor.” You raise your hand for good measure.
He nods. “War is brewing Sir William.”
“War? Between whom?”
“Between the Gelderlands and our kingdom. I have heard this from my father.” He leans into your ear. “Lord Odin—Sir Ulrich’s father—is going to kill the king.”
“What! Why?”
“Retaliation. The Gelderlands were annexed many years ago, by a man you know—Count Lazar, Bloodletter of the West. They have bided their time and patiently built up their forces, forged an alliance with the Centaurions in the south, possibly the lizards in the north. In either case, your victory in the tournament accelerated their plans, hence the urgency.”
“How do you mean?”
“Should Sir Ulrich have won, as Marshall he could have overthrown the kingdom in one fell swoop. As it is, your victory makes things uncertain but they have no choice but to move forward and as you were the prick in their plan and as your lands lie near the border of the Gelderlands, they will come for you first. That is why I tell you all this.”
You can’t breathe. “When—when is this happening?”
“In all likelihood, it’s already happened. News of it will come soon.”

Cont.

>>2636595
“If you knew about this why didn’t you do anything? Send word to the king!”
He shakes his head. “Father has other plans. Other ambitions. This is an opportunity for him and for many others.”
“Then…what can I do?” You can’t leave before Miriam’s birthday, before the proposal. But if they attack before then? If they raze Olmsville and Silvale to the ground?
“You can join us.” He says. “We need men like you. You’re planning on marrying Lady Miriam right? A wise move. Remain here and make your proposal, my father will ensure your lands stay safe. I’m sure Sir Ulrich will make a similar proposal, if he hasn’t already, but we expect your unyielding loyalty in the coming conflict. What do you say?”

>Refuse, you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders
>Accept, you need the protection
>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path

>>2636604
To wage war as a marshal, to be protected by Keres' family or other thing altogether; something that even the god's don't know...

I say we wage war! We will succed the Bloodletter and denounce Lord Odin of his treachery! And marrying Miriam of course, we kinda need Keres' father with us don't we? and the "many others" as well in our side, protecting the kingdom in the most heroic and galant matter.


>Refuse, you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders

>>2636604
Accept.

>>2636604
>I’m sure Sir Ulrich will make a similar proposal, if he hasn’t already, but we expect your unyielding loyalty in the coming conflict.
By loyalty, what does he mean?

>>2636762
That Lord Odin will want Sir William for his side and will make offers and Sir Keres hopes William won't defect to that side.

>>2636762
He means obedience.

I'm going to leave this vote open for today. Choose carefully. This vote will determine the direction of this quest for the foreseeable future.

>>2636793
I dont want to work with Ulrich. Marry Miriam and rise through the Ranks with Sir Keres' family.

>>2636604
>“If you knew about this why didn’t you do anything? Send word to the king!”
>He shakes his head. “Father has other plans. Other ambitions. This is an opportunity for him and for many others.”
>>2636793
>>2636799
Does this mean Sir Keres's father will block us from warning the King or Count Lazar beforehand if we accept their offer?

>>2636604
>>Refuse, you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders
Does this mean we're working with Ulrich, or we're working against Ulrich without Keres's father's help?

>>2636831
It's already too late to send word. And refusing and taking your chances with Ulrich means you'll be working with Ulrich. The third option is setting off on your own and dealing with your troubles independently.

>>2636840
Is it going to be possible to work independently while still remaining amiable with Sir Keres' family, or is it pretty much we are making enemies if we go it alone?

>>2636604
>>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path

>>2636604
>Accept, you need the protection
He is our ally and any other option would see our people suffer

>>2636799
>He means obedience.
By obedience, do you mean simply staying on his side or are there potential unsavory favors we'll have to do for him in his service? Like their own coup once they foil Lord Odin's coup?
What are our thoughts on the king? Is Count Lazar going to be on the king's side, will we have to fight him if we switch sides?

>>2636646
>>Refuse, you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders
Wouldn't this be
>>2636604
>>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path
from your reasoning?

>To wage war as a marshal, to be protected by Keres' family or other thing altogether; something that even the god's don't know...
What's wrong with taking Keres's support? I don't see anything malicious at the moment.
>>2636850
+1 for now. >>2636867 I'd still like my question to be answered, but I'll give Keres's father the benefit of the doubt so long as we don’t end up in the crime ring.

>>2636604
>Refuse, you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders

>>2636604
>Accept, you need the protection

>>2635160 holy fuck she had consumption that's tuberculosis this girl is a walking plague waiting to happen

>>2636604
>Accept, you need the protection
No way we are joining Ulrichs lot
And striving off alone will probably fuck us over

>>2637328
Most people recover from primary turbeculosis relativelly well after their childhood.Now that she recovered,she is only in danger of contracting secondary tuberculosis if she became imunodeficient or when she becomes old.Fun fact:about 1/4 of people in the americas are or were infeced by the koch bacilus(tuberculosis bacteria)during their lifes.

>>2636604
Accept

>>2636604
There are already a log of faggots in with 1 post voting, so I'll vote too. Glorious war.
>Refuse, you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders


Hi OP, just caught up, really enjoying this quest. I lurked when you ran the trail quest and I enjoyed that too. Keep up the great work, the pdf you made is sexy.

>>2637370
Agreed Ulrich is with the elves

>>2636604
>Accept, you need the protection

>>2636604
Pretend to accept.
Why do we believe the words of this guy?
Ulrich warned us about him, and we judge him poorly because hes an ass? Hes shown to be a man of honor and kept his word regardless of if we like him or not. We don't even know if he really abuses his slaves or servants for certain.
War is never good for people, and even if Keres is not part of the conspiracy to kill the king ,he still did nothing to stop or warn the crown of this for personal gain. Do not trust Keres just because he seems harmless and in a position lacking hard power.

We are at a point were we desperately need a wise persons council and lack it. I'd rather we speak to Miriam's father about what he knows of Keres even if he may dislike us.

>>2636604
>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path

>>2636604
>Accept, you need the protection

>>2637819
>Ulrich warned us about him,
When? I don't remember him ever saying that.

>>2636604
>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path

>>2636604
>Accept, you need the protection
This is the best option for our people both in the short and long term.

Refuse(you’ll take your chances with Ulrich and the Gelderlanders)
pros:
our holdings don't get raped
most safe in long run
cons:
we will not be heroes of war,less renown
less power in long run
we will be cucks to Ulrich

Accept:
pros:
our holding will not get raped*
medium on safe scale
better ability to make name , medium renown
cons:
*Ulrich could rape our holdings
more focus on us
>>2637819
also this

Refuse(wildcard)
RISK

.
I'm going to say REFUSE and wait to see what Ulrich will offer us if it sucks then full wildcard

>>2636604
Gonna switch from >>2638226 to >>2638236 and >>2637819

>>2636604
>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path
We can’t abandon Olmsville, Meaville, and Silvale while Lord Farkad bides his time to jump to the top. Sir Keres may hold us in high regard, but his father seems apathetic to us at best. Assuming that he wishes to use the chaos to depose the king, they’re most likely counting on the Gelders breaking through and causing chaos. At the very least far enough to eliminate The Count as a potential rival for his power grab. Lazar, Ophelia, and all of the villagers are the sacrificial lambs for this deal.

While I don’t disagree with marrying Miriam, but Farkad’s plans seems incompatible with the survival of our fief and servants. If we wish to make a bold move, we could: propose to Miriam privately, consummate the marriage, and ride off to war- may force Farkad to send support without us swearing fealty to him.

>>2638259
pretty sure that Lord Farkad is not father of Sir Keres . feel free to correct me

>>2638267
>>2638259
>>2632707
>Your victory in the tournament, hard-won and well-deserved, can now be laid to bear. Spend your time with Lady Miriam. Make no effort at wooing her—she is yours already—rather, make your intentions obvious to all. Lord Farkad may despise your origins but the other nobles will hesitate to propose a woman you have claimed. Then by simple elimination Lord Farkad will have no choice.
Isn't Lord Farkad Miriam's father?

>>2638267
My understanding was that Sir Keres is Miriam’s brother?

is he ? give me few minutes i'll check archive

>>2638280
>>2638283
>>2632748
"How do you do, Sir Keres." Says Sir Kay, slightly bowing his head. Sir Keres! Son of Duke Eleison. The
woman at his arm must therefore be Lady Sophia, the daughter of the man you killed. She is veiled in
white silk, so that you cannot see her face but she radiates a profound sense of royalty.
Nope.

>>2638280
To clarify:

Duke Eleison is Sir Keres's father and also your commander (the same man that awarded your fief by proxy of the king).

Lord Farkad is Lady Miriam and Lady Orison's father

Keres is staying at Farkad's castle as a courtesy since Eleison is higher up on the ladder.

>>2636867

>By obedience, do you mean simply staying on his side or are there potential unsavory favors we'll have to do for him in his service? Like their own coup once they foil Lord Odin's coup?
What are our thoughts on the king? Is Count Lazar going to be on the king's side, will we have to fight him if we switch sides?

Obedience will entail unsavory acts. You know little about the king except that he was the Count's nephew and took the throne (and held it) at the age of 13. He's competent but distanced from the peasantry. He's also the one that awarded you the fief when he heard about you. As for Count Lazar, it remains to be seen, but he doesn't much care for power structure (as was made clear by his drunken speech at the ball). He does care about you.

>>2636842
Independence doesn't mean automatic hostility. At the very least you can remain neutral and may have to make some kind of compromise (e.g free passage through your lands). Your lands aren't yet valuable enough to waste time or resources on. Neither the Gelders nor Keres care about them, just about you (and likely the Count)

also i would be cool if some could confim anon's claim >>2637819

>Ulrich warned us about him,

i not able to find it

>>2638319
Yeah I think anon might be confusing the warning Keres gave Will about Kay being "bad luck". Ulrich never warned MC about anything.

>>2636646
>>2636997
>>2637522

Refuse, side with Ulrich

>>2636732
>>2636900
>>2637370
>>2637428
>>2638104

Accept, side with Keres and Eleison

>>2636845
>>2637819
>>2637884
>>2638224
>>2638236
>>2638258
>>2638259

Refuse, embrace the chaos

The die is cast. Chaos it is.

>>2638337
OP do we get to atleast see Ulrich offer ?

>>2636646
My bad my bad, i tought taking chances meant fighting them, not alongside then. If so, I vow for
>>Refuse, the chaos will be an opportunity for you as well; you’ll forge your own path

We really really need to speak to Miriam's father as well. So far I undertand Farkland is loyal to Eleison.

I dont really want any part of this

Factions: Lord Odin & Gerderlands & the other kingdom of the south

King & Loyalists

Count Eleison + Lord Farkland + Others.

So far the three factions have are Military, Right of rule and Treachery, respectively.

I want to fight for and with the king. But more than that, I want olmsville safe and elves dead.

>>2638303
Then switch >>2636867 to >>2638258
>>2638337
>The die is cast. Chaos it is.
When are we crossing the Rubicon?
>>2638351
>I want to fight for and with the king. But more than that, I want olmsville safe and elves dead.
Agreed. I have a feeling the elves aren't as bad as we think though.

So we're going Wild Card? Then we need to make some Side Bets first.

>>2638394
What we need is a get well card and a basket of fruits to gift to our bro Lazar(us)

William has the superpower of photographic memory.

>>2638394
>Stewart is just Yes Man's fw you tell him you blew up all the Fort Securitrons

You look out toward the forest in front of you and then behind where the towers of the castle rise above the lemon trees. The initial shock has passed but your stomach still squirms. You wish that Stewart was at your side, you could use his cunning.
But maybe this is a decision that is better decided without tricks or skullduggery. Sir Keres believes that there are two paths here: himself and his father or Sir Ulrich and the Gelders. But there is a third path, one that gives up the shield for the banner unfurled.

The death of the king will fracture this kingdom and there will be great opportunity for advancement. And it will be blind to a man's name. Despite Sir Keres’s flattery you know that his aim is not only your obedience, but also the Count’s. Yet the Count is neither in the position to aid them, nor has the desire to (if his drunken speech at the ball is any indication). Therefore, the best choice is the one that leaves no yoke about your neck. Neither the Gelderlands, nor the Kingdom, but your own path.

You think it suits you well.

“I’m sorry, Sir Keres. I’m afraid I cannot.”
“Then I’m too late. You’re joining the Gelderlands.”
“No.”
“No?”
“If the king is dead as you say, then our lands are all free. Mine included. I do not wish to make an enemy of you, nor Sir Ulrich but I will not relinquish that freedom. I will forge my own path.”
Sir Keres’s mouth hangs open. Finally, he laughs. “You exceed my expectations at every turn Sir William! So be it. I will relay the news to my father. I cannot speak for the Gelderlanders but as long as you do not ally with our enemies, you will be no enemy of ours.”
“Thank you.” The decision brings with it a clarity that banishes all doubt. Ambitions of whose existence you were wholly unaware your whole life flare like revived charcoal.

There will be much to do when you return, but first you must seal the knot between your house and Lord Farkad’s. You can no longer hesitate with the marriage plans. You must swallow your rebellious heart and take Miriam as wife. Yet even as you make these declarations, you cannot bring yourself to remove the pendant from your neck, merely clasp it even tighter than before.

...

The day of the feast looms. As Sir Keres predicted, you receive a letter from Sir Ulrich’s father, Lord Odin. He congratulates you on your success in the tournament and casually offers a “close friendship that may prove fruitful” with his son. Going so far as to invite you to his home in the Gelderlands. You refuse these gestures and return, in no uncertain terms, your plans for neutrality.
You write a second letter back home to get advice from Stewart and Sir Kay. What remains is to decide how to spend your remaining time.

>Spend it with Lady Miriam, perhaps your heart can still be turned
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?
>Spend it in recovery and training, you must remain sharp

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?
whatcouldgowrong.painting

>>2639369
>Spend it in recovery and training.
If our host doesn't mind us perusing his library now might be the time to better understand that it's and command.
But!
We should spend our free time with Miriam or talking to Ophelia if we can.
Considering where we're starting in all this, if they have an inclination to learn a bit, regardless of if they use it they would be well served in understanding as well.

And we could use the company. They're about to be family regardless, we should take the time to get to know them better.

>>2639440
>that it's
Tactics.
I have no clue how that bit of autocorrect slipped by.

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?

>>2639369
Spend it with Lord Farkad

>>2639369
>>Spend it in recovery and training, you must remain sharp

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?

I really want to meet the lord. Have we even spoke with our almost-father-in-law?

>>2640271
I mean actual father in law now

>>2640341
we haven't married yet sheesh

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?

>>2639369
>Spend it with Lord Farkad, where does he fall in all this?
We’re gonna need some assistance mustering/training and garrisoning our fief, with the marriage proposal let’s see what potential there is for military aid.

You consider spending it with Lady Miriam. Perhaps you can sway your heart in her favor by simple exposure. But meeting with her father is more urgent and so you seek him out instead. You find him in his library poring over a dozen open books. He’s a short man, only a few inches taller than his daughter. Not a fighter. His muscles are small and layered with fat. He has a fat drop of bald skin in the center of his crown and a thick mustache which he keeps well-groomed.

“Lord Farkad.” You step in front of the table and bow. He doesn’t bother looking up from the books.
“What do you want?”
“I wondered if you could spare a moment of your time. To discuss something of great import.”
He sighs like you just asked him for money. He rubs a small circle into his bald spot with his middle finger. Then he glances up at you and looks amazed to find you still standing there. “Fine. Fine.” He snaps his book shut and waves for you to approach. “What is it? You want to marry Miriam is that it? Fine, you have my blessing. Take her.” He rubs his eyes and yawns. “She’s useless anyway. Good-for-nothing girl.” He mutters.

“No Lord Farkad, that is not what I wanted to discuss.” You must keep the edge out of your voice. You try. It’s harder than it seems. You wonder how Stewart is able to do it so effortlessly.
“What then?” He returns to his books. His eyes are moving like a draftsman’s steady hand across the pages.
“The assassination of King Aldamar.”
He glances up again and looks behind you. Then closes the book. “Who told you about that?”
“It doesn’t matter who told me, Lord Farkad. What I’m interested in is what your plans are with respect to it.”
He leans back in his seat and studies you. “Why should I tell you anything? You are no one.”
“On the contrary. I’m your future son-in-law.”
He laughs, a sharp sound like the scrape of a blade across a whetsone. “You can have Miriam but don’t expect any dowry better than a change of clothes. She’s merely the 2nd daughter.”

>Point out that his first daughter isn’t going to be married anytime soon, given her state
>Admit that she’s the younger daughter, but that you’re still family
>Forget the family angle, there’s mutual benefit if you work together

>>2640953
Forget the Family angle, it will work better with Lord Keres anyway

>>2640968
This

>>2640953
>>Forget the family angle, there’s mutual benefit if you work together

>>2640968
+1, he doesn't care about family as much.

>>2640953
>Admit that she's the younger daughter, but, mutual benefit.
Sorry about that, fixed.

You can sense that appealing to his familial instincts isn’t going to work.
“What I mean is, I think there’s an opportunity for mutual gain.”
“You have nothing to offer me.”
“I have the loyalty of the people.”
“People? What, the peasants? Why? Because you gave them a show, waving your little stick around?” He snorts. “You’re dumber than I thought if that’s what you’re counting on.”

You can feel a vein threaten to pop in your left temple. “Do not underestimate the peasants, Lord Farkad. They are the backbone of our armies and the pillars of our kingdom. In the absence of a king, the man who can rally the peasants is not a man to underestimate. What would happen if I went out today into town and told the people to storm your castle?”
“You and every other dissenter would have your heads in a pit before sundown.”
“Is that so? Then you at least admit that I could rally them.”
He drums his fingers on the table. “Fine. I grant you that.”
“That is what I have to offer then. The obedience of the lowborn. Your turn.”

He considers your words long while. “Iron.” He finally says.
“Iron.”
He nods. “I recently acquired an iron mine in the hills north of here. It’s still in development but once it’s fully operational it will be my key out of this mess.”
“You plan to supply both sides?”
“Yes.” He begins to stacks the books—unevenly—on the table. “That way, both sides have incentive to keep me alive. In the meantime, I profit and once the smoke has cleared, I join the winning side. So as you can see, I don’t need your help.”

>He’s right, you have no choice but to ask politely for aid
>Play your final card: The Count. He’ll help you or you’ll rouse the sleeping lion (ultimately a bluff)
>He’s right, but you’ll not demean yourself with begging; leave

>>2642037
>>He’s right, but you’ll not demean yourself with begging; leave

>>2642037
>He’s right, but you’ll not demean yourself with begging; leave

mission accomplished.
First thing we do,when we get army is raid on his mines

>>2642037
This can't possibly end well for him. Let's leave with Miriam as he's basically just given us his blessing to take her away. She was fine with being a maid or living life as a peasant, so we aren't going to be doing her too much wrong.

>>2642037
>Other
>There is nothing stopping one of the rival parties from simply seizing your mine in a surprise attack - increasing their own supply while eliminating the enemies. Togeather we would be stronger and it would work to deter any such attack.

>>2642037
>>He’s right, but you’ll not demean yourself with begging; leave
Our visit was a mere informative one. He knows William is well informed now and has power. Not enough, but he does. We can't do more with him now, since we have nothing (in his eyes) to offer.

>>2642037
>>He’s right, but you’ll not demean yourself with begging; leave.
That Iron mine sounds like a good prospect. Maybe after the marriage we can supply Farkad with some of the peasants and get a percentage of the take. I doubt he'll take it due to the fact he probably doesn't need it.

His plan is precarious but not stupid. If he can manage it, feeding two lions will prove profitable indeed. In the end, he’s right, he doesn’t need your help but neither will you bend your knees to obtain his.
“So be it. It seems out paths lead separate ways, Lord Farkad.”
“Yes, it does.” He starts tucking the books under each arm.
“One last thing. I plan to propose to your daughter at the birthday feast and I wish it to remain a surprise.”
“Do what you like. Just don’t expect me to pay for the wedding.”
…

At last the day of the feast. The festivities cast a wide net and there are more than two dozen nobles in attendance. Duke Eleison is here. Duke Fastbender, the current Marshall. They’ve come for more than watered-down punch and cake. Many of them (especially the young noble ladies) are here to see the tournament champion. Some, like Duke Eleison are here to have discourse with Lord Farkad and laugh at his every word.
Lady Miriam and Lady Orison are the two stars of the show but their fires as thus far hidden. An inquiry put to the serving girls returns that Lady Orison is resting and probably will not attend and Lady Miriam is still getting ready. You feel restless and spend the energy pacing the room, revising the etiquette for the proposal, turning away from batted eyelashes and requests for dance and conversation. You just want this day over with.

“Her Ladyship, Miriam of Fretag.” Says the courtier.
Then she comes. Then she slays the hearts of mortal men and Ama herself might have placed the lilies in her hair. The dress about her in sky-blue lace and silk as though an arroyo followed her footsteps and her ankles sing with the music of gold and her neck is bare and white like a throat of milk. She wears lace white gloves with little bows and they cling tightly to the elbow and she wears the crushed stibnite in her eyes and crushed cochineal upon her lips, wet and shiny because she has bitten and licked and abused them in her nervousness.
She smiles slightly and sweeps her gaze through the crowd of lost voices. She walks in small steps, small bows to her guests as she passes, as they watch in Medusoid fixation her features and cannot really believe. She sees you finally by the table where the punch and the three-layered cake and the other sweetmeats stand as direct affront to immateriality of this moment. She sees you and she takes longer steps and does not bother to stop or curtsy anymore and does not see anything but your still wounded form, lips muttering prepared words beneath a breath now stolen.

Cont.

>>2642258
And in the eyes of the noblemen that cast away when you but meet them: the jealousy and for some, the hatred, whose lids throw off in their boiling. Married and unmarried, young and old, their lands and their wealth and their armed men as vapor in that moment. For then they would have her for anything. For then, she was the tear in the cold coverings of this simple earth, revealing briefly a fragment of the divine and refiring the faith forever. So they hated the heretic she now skipped to and imagined rains of brimstone and meteors upon his head.

And the father of this fairy with a strange grimace of old wounds and old cognition. His dead wife made incarnate in the shape of the offspring, and in the roundness of her cheeks and in the shape of her nose he sees that which he had spent a decade in distraction forgetting. Now his regret at her hand passing to this base creature of dirt and diluted blood, for the loss of all that he could have given her and she deserved and still yet a small sourceless happiness for the knowledge that at least there was love. For that smile, for those shining eyes he had seen before and then she was his daughter, flesh of his flesh forever and woe to the man who scarred her.

“Sir William.” She says, trying so hard to contain her joy and failing so terribly that it becomes viral. She offers her laced hand and this is the first domino in the stack; this action irreversible as broken pottery. So the right hand upon her fingers and the left hand upon the cube of shell and the lips on her knuckles and the smell of white calla infused in her every pore.
And still no stirring in your heart.
“Lady Miriam.” You say. The throat is dry. The kiss is given; a seal cast in the very destiny you disbelieve.
“How do I look?” She whispers, all giggles. “I’ve never dressed up like this before.”

>Roll 1d20+2 (Skilled Etiquette) vs. DC 14 to maintain your mask
>Write-in response (optional, I'll try to incorporate as much as I can)

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2642261
>"I think today every man here just realized their mistake for ignoring you my lady."

Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2642261
This sounds good >>2642266

>>2642266
>>2642269
I guess we're Spaghetti Lord nao

>>2642273
Gotta wait for that saving roll
>inb4 the third anon rolls a 1

Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>2642261

>>2642283
phew

>>2642283
God bless anon

You swallow your lump. The thing is engraved in stones, till death now do you part. The rest is words and lies until you love. If you ever do.
“Wonderful, Lady Miriam. Look about you.” You turn her around and lay your head near her cheek. Whisper in her ear, “Do you see how the men glance at you and grind their teeth? Do you see how they kick themselves that they had ignored you till now?” She blushes merely by your nearness; the heat passes from cheek to cheek. “And now their chance is gone.” You say coldly. Your heart is hardened.

You release her and pass another glass of punch through your throat and your hand is still upon the trinket, as though you could stop the sheer trembling of your heart and time itself by its squeeze. Lady Miriam turns, her brows wrinkled in thoughts and questions. “What do you mean gone, Sir William? What chance?”

The music starts again, strong and brass. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBsKplb2E6Q)
“Nothing.” You say. You cannot make your voice warm again. She senses it. She sees the tight line on your lips and fears some secret fault of her own. Foolish girl! What fault lies in you, but innocence?

But you will be used. “You promised me a dance Lady Miriam, will you grant me the honor of the first?”

Then her clouds are banished. “Oh yes! But, will it hurt you?” And she touches your side and you clasp the hand and slide it to your breast and to your lips and you shake your head. You take her then to the floor, where even broken as you are, your movements are perfect. The nobles take their wives and their prospects and follow, but they are only watching you and her. Then the music rises. Then the dance moves to its second speed. Then you hear her laughing as you spin her. Then you pitch into madness. Ophelia! Will she attend the wedding? Will she wish you well? Will she resign the match and forget you? Will she hide her hurt and smile as the vows are spoken? Will she stop writing letters? Will she keep her pendant? Will she stop loving you?
You hold back the tears and feel shame and feel anger at these soft spots. You must not let her see it. The dance slows, you hold together, her head on your breast and her eyes closed and dreaming of a future she does not yet believe, but must surely come to pass.
The music ends. Lord Farkad makes an impassioned speech on behalf of his daughter, which reverses his earlier feelings of her utility. Father says he is proud and means it. Daughter dries her tears and teeters on the brink of the dam. The cake is wheeled to the center stage.

>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.
>Do it later, in private

>>2642446
>>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.
No take backs

>>2642446
>>Do it later, in private

>>2642266
>>2642269
>>2642283
>>2642446
Forgot to say.
>11, 6, 15 vs. 14: Partial success

>>2642446
>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.

>>2642446
>>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone
Now or never! I do not know how much more can Wiliam resist. Seal your fate Wiliam. Love can still bloom between you two. Please, Wiliam, please, it is the right thing, the best thing. Learn to love her, please

>>2642446
>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.

Do eet! No more Thots for you Will!

>>2642446
>Anonymous
Who this? Has Lord Shepard lost his identity?

>>2642470
+1
> I do not know how much more can Wiliam resist.
Love or the pendant?
>>2635664
I forgot to mention, but did Opehlia know Count Lazarus was still alive? Not that it wasn't plain she cared little for him even when he was alive.

>>2642486
No, PeasantQM forgot his trip.

>Did Opehlia know Count Lazarus was still alive?

She assumed he was just spending his time visiting you. Same for everybody else.

File: file.jpg (6 KB, 280x180)

6 KB JPG

>>2642446
>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.

>>2642446
>>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.

>>2642446
>>Do it later, in private

>>2642446
Do it in front of everyone so some other bitch boy doesnt do it because I feel thats how this is gonna go for some reason
Also we need to get use to being in front of a stage.

>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.

>>2638107
>>2638319
I just checked, it was Sir Kere's that warned us last thread.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2585243/
Just search for the words "bad luck".

>>2642721
well when anon said
>Ulrich warned us about him
by him he meant probably (Sir Keres)

bad luck warning was
Sir Keres about Sir Kay

>>2642742
did you just re-post what I said, but with you pretending you said it instead?

>>2642446
>Make your announcement now, in front of everyone.

>>2642753
It made sense in my head ... fuck
also i didn't check ID

>>2642781
Okay, just was a bit confusing.

We need to get rid of that pendant. It's magical and manipulates William's emotions which turns him into Ophelia's bitchboy.

>>2642446
>>Do it later, in private
>>2642799
its so fucking frustrating reading this god damn quest knowing just how much of a bitch Ophelia is but William being completely detached from our input and insists on being swayed by witchery.

>>2642799
>>2642808
Now now, Miriam looked in it and saw us, so doesn't that disprove your theory?

>>2642808
Wasn't so bad at first till we poisoned her with our psychic powers.

>>2642821
Shhh, it'll sate the Ophelia haters for a bit.

>>2642808
Ya know I actually really like it, we are like the rational thoughts in Williams head while his irrational thoughts really want him to plow the Thot.

>>2642821
It's not about whoever you see in it, it's wearing it that makes you controlled.

>>2642826
we can test it on some Miriams sista.

>>2642829
Yuri between the bitch and the thot?

>>2642835
Ehh, maybe. Depends on how the experiment goes.

it's funny OP made it clear what it does
---
"Y-yes. I'm looking to buy a present for a lady."

"Ahh, something to win her heart? Stir her soul? Yes. Yes. I have just the thing." He lifts up a small pendant no larger than your thumb, made of bone carved with patterns so intricate and complex that they seem almost artificial.

"What is it?" You ask, taking it and examining it.

"Touch the knob, noble lord. There at the side." Your touch opens the pendant, revealing a droplet of frozen water suspended between metal. A perfect mirror. But when you gaze into it, you do not see yourself reflected. You see Ophelia. She's speaking with someone, another noble.

"What is this? An illusion?"

"No noble lord. That is a blade of ice from the Northern Arctic. It reflects ones heart. You will of course, need its pair." He hands you another pendant exactly like the first. The old man smiles. "If two hearts are one, the pendants will ensure they are always close."

"What does that mean?" You stare in wonder at the token. At its impossibility.

"Gift it and see." He says, smiling warmly.

"How much?" You reach for your purse of silver, fearing that you might not have enough but he names a paltry sum and pay it readily. You look in the ice. She is there, resplendent. You put them in your pocket. You realize it might be indecorous to gift her something like this openly, so you buy a small box of exotic sweets and put the pendant inside it, keeping the other for yourself.

>>2642847
also this line is interesting
>You see Ophelia. She's speaking with someone, another noble.

>>2642799
>>2642808

Why are you so fucking set on the idea of Ophelia being magic? Give it a rest already, Jesus Christ.

>>2642892
Because William becomes a complete imbecile whenever it concerns her. He literally threatened his most important adviser for calling her for what she is, a bored housewife thot looking for some fuck.

>>2642892
Ophelia probably isn't magic. Our dumb ass cursed ourselves with the pendant.

Here is the moment. It must be public as Stewart advised, so as to string her father into this union. You raise your glass and clear the dust in the pipes. “Ladies and noblemen, I beg your ears.” All men here know what now must pass, only the lady herself gives a confused and curious look. You rehearse the motions one last time. “I am a man of little eloquence, so I will be brief. Lord Farkad.” You place your glass on the table and step to him to take his hands in yours. He grants them but reluctantly. “We have known each other for few days but I have felt welcome in your home. I thank you for your hospitality. A great man once said, hospitality is nobility itself.”
Lord Farkad grunts, resisting an incredible urge to roll his eyes. “You’re welcome, Sir William.”

“Lord Farkad, by the grace of Ama and the White Sword, by the oaths laid out by our king and our gods, and in the sight of all the witnesses here, I ask your daughter’s hand in marriage. I wish to take Lady Miriam as my wife. Will you grant it?” Then, as is custom, you lay your forehead upon the man’s wrist and wait for him to lift you.
“W-what? S-S-Sir William?” Miriam’s voice is an octave higher and she is breathing hard and flushed. You will make her happy, no matter what may pass and regardless of your own feelings, you swear this.

You feel the hand on your hair and close your eyes. “I grant it.” He says. There goes the last fleeting hope. So be it.

“No!” Broken violins and tortured cats. Lady Orison in a torn dress. She bursts out from the crowd. She has her paring knife in hand but no apple. She has streaks of blood down her cheeks and her throat. Her eyes have long pierced past the fascia into madness.

She lunges with the knife straight at your heart and they all scream, but Lady Miriam, loudest of all.

>Roll 1d20+3 (+4 from Combat Adept, -1 from injury) vs DC 14+1 (+1 from ignoring Lady Orison before)

We should really reward Wilkain for killing the forest spirit. ;Let's promote him, or something. He deserves it.

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2642950
I dont get this yet

Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2642950
DC 15
she is clearly better in combat that Ulrich

>>2642979
Rest in pieces

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2642950

Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2642950

>>2642979
fuuuuuuuu

Rolled 14 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2642950

>>2643003
Thank god you did it wrong

>>2642979
You had go and curse

Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2642950
Damn it, I never catch the roll.

One Great success
One bitter failure
One barely a failure.

Not good.
Could be worse.

do we average the rolls?

>>2643003
This one doesn't count since he rolled with a +1 instead of a +3 right?

>>2643067
>>2643035
Boiii he is right lo

>>2643055
First three done correctly.
Succesess & failures are added.
I forget if 1<15 is worse than 14<15.
But, I think this is a mild failure.

>>2643067
Right.

File: images.jpg (8 KB, 286x176)

8 KB JPG

>>2643115
We were one digit off from a mild success.

>>2643117
We shouldn't had ignored that crazy bitch.

OP i recounted votes for perks from last thread
and we have >>Unbreakable: +1 to all defense rolls
even if will not count it please fix paste

INE 5
UNB 9
COU 6
STR 2
FIN 2

>>2642975
>>2642979
>>2643005
>21, 4, 14 vs. 15: Partial Success

You are wounded and in the throes of paralytic surprise. Your arm moves automatically to catch her wrist but it is hopelessly sluggish. Too slow and too late. Many things move through your mind. A scene of pastoral calm, wildgrass in the winds of Lemuria and a crying woman who holds you to her breast. Your mother. You see Yellow Norman walking on his hands, he is a child again, his skin is whole and unbroken. You even see Sir Nigel on his steed, austere but with no malice in his eyes.
You prepare for a knife that never touches, for Lady Ophelia, who had been at your arm all along, swings her body to protect you with her own. You hear the stub of knife blade penetrate her back, the crunch of the bone and the short, sharp gasp from her red mouth. Her thin arms curl around you, holding you tightly.

And slowly they slip.

…

Cont.

>>2643262
“My lord, your writing has improved of late.” Says Stewart, marking your sheets with his red ink.
“Has it?” The porch seats are pleasantly warm and a cool draft blows between the pillars of the deck. You look out lazily unto the peasants. They toil even in June weather.
“Something wrong my lord? You sound forlorn. Is it about—“
“No.” You wipe your brow. “It’s not about that. It’s just, don’t you feel things are too quiet?”
“It takes time for news to spread, armies to mobilize. I doubt we’ll see anything before fall, if that. And fighting in winter carries its own risks. They may wait till spring.”
“But we are sitting idle.”
“Hardly, my lord. Sir Kay is handling our businesses abroad and we still have the leftover gold and once Count Lazar is fully recovered we can begin raising a proper army of our own. Until then Wilkain is doing a fine job with the lads that are coming in. I’m doing my best supervising the new construction projects—all in all we are doing quite well.”
“That’s exactly it. You all are so competent that I feel useless.”
He laughs. “To rust unburnished eh? Well my lord, I imagined your thoughts would be occupied with the end of this month.”
“That’s right.” Another voice joins the party and its owner carries a tray of fruit and lemon water from the house. “Don’t give my fiancé any work Stewart.”
“I would not dream of it, Lady Miriam. He is yours entire.”
She places the tray on the table takes her seat on your lap and you adjust your posture to accommodate the thick padding on her shoulder blade. So that you do not press upon it and give her pain. She touches your cheek with her lips and you breathe the smell of white calla on her breath.
“I’m just bored.” You say. She feeds you a piece of mango from the plate. “You know she won’t even let me join the others in training?”
“Absolutely not.” She says. “You’re still wounded.” And to prove her point she pokes your ribs which forces out a quiet gasp of pain. “No training until you’re fully recovered.”
“Watch for her Stewart. She’ll be a tyrant one day.” She pokes you again and you nibble on her neck which sets her giggling.
This is all a play of course and the whole world a stage. You wear your mask and laugh along. But Ophelia has not written since the news and all things have lost their color and music. You have locked the pendant in a secret place and pine for it daily but dare not touch it. And if you see her again at the wedding? What then? And if you don’t see her, somehow that’s even worse.
You distract yourself with other worries.
“How much do we have left from the tournament?” You say. Stewart flips out the ledger from his breast pocket and reads you the figures.
“And that caravan we sent out should be coming back any day now. Really my lord, you should use this opportunity to rest. You’ve earned it.” He pats your hand.

Cont.

>>2643262
OPHELIA, NO!!!

>>2643272
“You see? Listen to Stewart.” Says Miriam.
“Please don’t encourage him, that’s the last thing he needs.” They laugh and your eyes move again to your people. To the conquered beast whose stuffed carcass guards the well from its roof. No news of Elves. No news of any other danger.

It may be that peace is the end of you.

…
>It is now the month of June, Year 768
= Character Sheet (CHR) =
Lord William Shepard of Olmsville
Age: 20
Health: Broken rib

== Stats ==
# Combat: Adept (+4)
# Leadership: Competent (+1)
# Etiquette: Skilled (+2)
# Education: Novice (+0)

== Traits ==
# Inexhaustible: Grueling battle has expanded your lungs and strenghened your
heart, you do not tire like mortal men. +1 to starting STA in duels. Other
benefits where applicable.
# Unbreakable: Your strength is the strength of stones, your flesh was cast in bronze. +1 to all defense rolls

== Possessions ==
# Treasure: 3 units
# Old Black Courser
# Average Iron Shortsword
# Good Quality Clothing (including Cloak)
# Wicker Shield
# Bone Necklace

= Locations (LOC) =
== Olmsville ==
# Lord: You
# Stats: MIL 1/0 WLT 2/0 PPL 0/0
# Assets: Hunting grounds (+1 WLT), Lumber camp (+1 WLT), Town Militia (+1 MIL)
# Resources: River, Forest
# Obstacles: None

>Choose two assets from below
>River docks: +1 WLT and access to trade routes along the river
>Reinforced Palisade: A wall of reinforced wooden stakes, it won’t stand a siege but will keep the wildlife and bandits at bay; +1 MIL
>Small Shrine: A small shrine to the gods to encourage faith and steadfastness; +1 PPL
>Volunteers: Volunteers from near and far that have come to serve the champion of the tournament; +1 MIL, +1 PPL, -1 WLT

>What did you send Sir Kay to do?
>Find buyers for your lumber
>Find mercenaries for hire
>Open business negotiations with the Centaurions

>What will you do this month?
>Rest and repose (removes broken rib status)
>Study your letters (possible +1 to education)
>Travel (to where?)

And that's all for today. I have a flight to catch.

If that roll had been a crit fail, Miriam would have died.

>>2643287
River Docks and Volunteers
Lumber should sell nicely in wartime. If we can find fletchers or someone looking to stockpile for siege equipment it would be perfect. So find buyers
And study.

>>2643300
Why? Ophelia was the one who got stabbed.

>>2643300
Wait, did Miriam or Ophelia sacrifice herself for us?

>>2643306
Miriam****** Even OP is in love with Ophelia. He mixed up the name boi

>>2643287
>Small shrine
>Volunteers

>Find buyers for your lumber

>Rest and repose (removes broken rib status)

File: Time for plotline B.jpg (29 KB, 426x341)

29 KB JPG

>>2643309
wew lad. Indeed, it was Miriam.

>>2643312
Truly, she deserves all of our love. What a great girl she is.

>>2643312
>>2643300
Oh shit. Thank god we didn't critfail. Don't give a fuck about Lazar's thot wife though.

>>2643287

>Choose two assets from below
>>Small Shrine: A small shrine to the gods to encourage faith and steadfastness; +1 PPL
>>Volunteers: Volunteers from near and far that have come to serve the champion of the tournament; +1 MIL, +1 PPL, -1 WLT

It only makes sense that volunteers have come with their families and little ritches to live under the lord that rose from being a peasant into THE champion. The small shrine... seeing the poor women being taken care of in that monastery left a lasting impression on you. And Miriam nagged about it, probably.

>What did you send Sir Kay to do?
>>Find buyers for your lumber

As much as cool as mercenaries sound, the most sensible thing is to sell the lumber that is stockpiled. Negotiations with the centaurions? After our skirmish with those Elves? I don't feel the smallfolk will be happy with that.

>What will you do this month?
>>Travel (to where?)

To Meaville. I really really want to annex that place, since it has no lord overseeing it. We can offer many things to it and with out popularity, the people there may want to accept our protection. Of course, that means we have to study a propper road that connects the two villages and to study what to do to improve Meaville. But in the end, we become their lord and they pay tribute!

>>2643326
>since it has no lord overseeing it.
It's controlled by duke Eleison.

>>2643326
Not sure if Seaville or Meaville is unprotected. I remember we traded an Ox with someone when Count Lazar was around and he acted as the "mayor" or something since he was the one with the bigger land.

I know, I know, probably someone protects that village but it's not involved/lives on it. This land grab is us abusing our power as a lord. We have great claim and all. And in the end, is an act of good will, since a fief must have an overseer who is US, the Lord.

>>2643351
A-ah... right... he owned the three villages and he awarded us one at the start of the story... hmm... the only reason he might set his gaze on the other two villages is to recruit peasants, something that will happen.

However, what can we do to sway the people to us? I still want to travel to Meavile and influence it. But...

>>2643359
I think our goal should be to become the champion of the people, make ourselves a legend in the eyes of the common folk.

>>2643351
>>2643359
>This land grab is us abusing our power as a lord. We have great claim and all. And in the end, is an act of good will, since a fief must have an overseer who is US, the Lord.
Duke Eleison won't give a toss about our ''great claim'' and won't see us land grabbing his fief as an ''act of good will''.

>>2643287
>River docks: +1 WLT and access to trade routes along the river
>Volunteers: Volunteers from near and far that have come to serve the champion of the tournament; +1 MIL, +1 PPL, -1 WLT
>Find buyers for your lumber
>Study your letters (possible +1 to education)

>>2643376
I know... I need to rethink the strategy. We could send Wilkain with the lads to scout the road that connects Olmsvile and Meavile but the area has no bandits hiding in the woods (elves kill kill). In the end is just to show how cool we are and how unprotected they are.

What do we have and can offer to Meavile, while traveling there? We have soap and Eve can make some extra clothes with the girls. We can also send smoked meat and fish. We would look more like a random merchand offering assorted wares rather than a Lord... I wonder why I want to contact Meavile so hard...

>>What if we recruit lads from there to be trained by Wilkain, and then they return to their village? We can arrange something good. They can pay us for lodging, food and the training. Then the lads return to Meaville happy with good tales from Olmsvile. Yes, practically boyscouts.

>>2643398
I think we need to do this with a bit of subtlty. We need to provide the people with better living conditions than surrounding lords, convince them we would be a better leader and protect them should they receive any undue punishment.

>>2643398
I we should rest and heal our broken rib before doing anything.

>>2643418
I think*

>>2643421
>>2643412
I think that in the end, William is better off resting, but he already feels restless and bored. He probably has a lot to think about. He would feel good doing something. And I see this idea of influencing Meavile as something he came up with by himself. So far, he has practically obeyed Lazar with the training and Steward with pretty much all. He probably feels weak and powerless. I want him to do something cool by himself

Now that we are going to be married to Miriam, we should start doing our spousal duties and have kids with her since we're going to need a heir after all.

>>2643287
>River docks: +1 WLT and access to trade routes along the river

>Find buyers for your lumber
or
>Open business negotiations with the Centaurions
(broneys or toga wearing sandal fags?)

>Rest and repose (removes broken rib status)

>>2643444
>Trips
Yeah, I agree

>>2643444
Not before the wedding.
Poor girl would die of shame if her children were bastards.

>>2643487
What if they spoon?

>>2643503
I mean that's more a couple's decision but something tells me current social mores frown on sharing a bed except for the purpose of joyless as possible procreation.

>>2643510
>>Intramarital missionary sex only for procreation.

Come on dude, think about ways to influence meaville into loving us and wanting to be under our embrace instead of Duke Eleison

>>2643312
Nah man.
I read it as William's frantic mind displacing the two.

>>2643287
>>River docks: +1 WLT and access to trade routes along the way
Trade is important for growth.

>>Volunteers: Volunteers from near and far that have come to serve the champion of the tournament; +1 MIL, +1 PPL, -1 WLT
This is a given.
Seriously.

>>Open business negotiations with the Centaurions
They are allied with Gelderlands. If we form direct relations with them, then the Gelderlands will think twice about any acts of aggression with the friends of their friends.
Perhaps we can sway them eventually?

>>Rest and repose (removes broken rib status)
Restore our physical integrity.

>>2643287
>Choose two assets from below
>River docks: +1 WLT and access to trade routes along the river
>Volunteers: Volunteers from near and far that have come to serve the champion of the tournament; +1 MIL, +1 PPL, -1 WLT

>What did you send Sir Kay to do?
>Find buyers for your lumber

>What will you do this month?
>Rest and repose (removes broken rib status)

Guys guys! Think of the future! We will need people to amass an army! That's why I want the small shrine.
Also, an increase of manpower can give us flexibility to do things like >Building a Dock and Reinforce the Palisade,
at the same time!

>>2643714
>>2643637
>>2643446
>>2643385

>>2643740
You know, I was playing mount and blade warband a few days ago with the Floris mod, and I had an army of about 1800 men. I own two castles and two towns plus 3 small fiefs. I also had a negative income disparity of about 6000 denars despite having businesses in every town, simply because when almost every faction declared war on mine, they seized the income and I could no longer pay my army. What happened next after the next two failed payments was my army deserting me. I lost over 236 men in the first week and 923 men in second week. By the third week, despite balancing my books and taking to selling slaves, my armies had collapsed as I was the strongest lord with the biggest army, and had not only brought it to power but was the one maintaining it at that level. This happened while we were at war with at least two other factions, but after my forces deserted all the other factions smelled blood and near unanimous declaration of war by every other faction in the game on mine and the collapse the entire armies of my faction after several thousand man battles.

I only have my one castle left, with the surviving lords with a paltry of troops left. The only reason We haven't entirely lost that last stand yet is that I only have hero's left, and they are all armed with guns and two of the other factions declared peace so I can get some semblance of income and food despite everything around me being razed or in enemy hands.

If you want a big army, you best be able to pay for it.
And feed it too. An army marches on it's stomach after all

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't one of the things we got from Ulrich a deed to one of his fiefs? We agreed to have a proper duel when he pulled that out.
Do we have it? Is it among our stats?

>>2643740
I'm not against the shrine, but the docks offset the volunteers and supports our trade.
The shrine adds people and a touch of legitimate divinity.
Docks seem more on target to me.

You know what would really put our town on the map? A Mako Reactor.

>>2643910
I don't think we should claim it just yet, or make better preparations to secure it, since the kingdom is on verge of civil war, it could be usurped or taken from us. Or publicly claiming it now would be in our best interests if we have no hostile enemies that are poised to seize it.

>This is all a play of course and the whole world a stage. You wear your mask and laugh along. But Ophelia has not written since the news and all things have lost their color and music

Dammit, William. What will it take you to forget that slag who we have met only for couple of times. Miriam literally put herself between you and a knife for fucks sake, and she's younger, more beautiful, loyal, loves you more than anything and is not used goods.

Seriously. What's wrong with you man?

>>2643910
It was my conclusion that was a real property marker for the gold promised to us by Ulrich. If he welched, we got to keep the more valuable land.
But he didn't, so I guess Stewart gave it back and we got dallah bills yall.

>>2642950
>You will make her happy, no matter what may pass and regardless of your own feelings, you swear this.
This is the rock we will build our fortress upon.

>>2643978
This nigga gets it

>>2643287
>River docks: +1 WLT and access to trade routes along the river
>Volunteers: Volunteers from near and far that have come to serve the champion of the tournament; +1 MIL, +1 PPL, -1 WLT

>Find buyers for your lumber

>Rest and repose (removes broken rib status)

>>2643287 I want to know what happened to the older sister who tried to kill us I would like a new maid and I think being a servant might be a good Rehabilitation

>>2644229
>Being a maid to the man she thinks ruined her life
I don't think that's going to help her anon.

>>2644246
If my anime is right just stick a lot of dick until she can only think of us.... Merriam would be delighted

>>2643287
>River docks
>Volunteers

>Buyers

>Study

Alright to tally this up:

>Assets
Docks: ||||| ||
Wall:
Shrine: ||
Men: ||||| |||

>Sir Kay
Lumber wins

>Personal Development
Resting wins

Quick note about the upkeep cost (the -1 WLT) this is not subtracted from the WLT output of a location but merely tallied (this is the second number in "2/0"). Upkeep can never exceed output, if it ever does you'll be forced to liquidate some assets

>>2644539
So, if we need manpower fir somwthung it would be PPL 3/1. Or sending milita to patrol the roads 1/1 MIL

>>2644539
Groovy.

>>2644229
>I want to know what happened to the older sister who tried to kill us
Yes.

>I would like a new maid and I think being a servant might be a good Rehabilitation
Just no.

>>2644801
Some assets will require military upkeep to maintain (e.g barracks, market, castle, road patrols etc.).

Other times you may have to move the military unit (which is an asset) to do something (join an army to do battle, move to a different location, kill bandits etc.) in that case you lose the bonus the asset provides to the location.

>>2645121
So, PPL, MIL and WLT are not exactly governed by the same rules

Ten thousand citizens crowd between the walls of Silvale.

Men from cities as distant as Aldamar, Fretag, Riverside, Cartoum have come to bear witness to this holy union, this stuff of stories: base stock defying its birth and the ugly duckling unknown, made into the glorious swan. They have come in droves and lines long as the roads they tread, as though to see a god crowned this day.

It is well you took the Count’s offer. Your poor village could not have sustained this horde. The Count even wanted to pay for it all, but in the end Lord Farkad forced his riches. He carries no affection for you, only a vague disgust, but a love has metastasized for his daughter. He hides it badly. On several occasions he made clear the consequence of hurting Miriam in anyway. Genital mutilation came up more often than you liked.

It takes two hours to reach the Count’s home. Outside your carriage: traffic ten thousand strong that could stop a Centaurion charge, mothers with their hanging children and old men shouting hoorah as though your fortune was their own. Not in a hundred years has a lowborn experienced such elevation.

Miriam is already at the estate, strategically arrived three days early to ensure all the preparations go smoothly. As with all young women, she determined gown color and rouge and flower arrangements when she was a little girl in pigtails. And her imagination was made so much the greater by her isolation. Perhaps then, she dreamed of clean teeth faces, of white horses and the heirs of kings. And though you are none of these things her joy still needed mastery and while she was with you and when the words were mentioned that smile broke always on her lips like fresh flowerbuds in sunrise. Would that you could return that love but even as the estate comes now into view, your heart flutters from another face imagined.

“As you know my lord, etiquette demands that you not see Lady Miriam before the tying of the knot. These nobles take such superstitions seriously, and Lady Miriam not the least among them.”
“I know.”
“I still can’t believe she refused to share your bed until after the wedding. Such purity is found normally in lakes and eunuchs. Rare otherwise.”
“She is a noble.”
“Especially among nobles.”
“Speaking of which, you will control yourself today? I know weddings ferment certain kinds of activity, but you will try to restrain yourself?”
He raises his right hand, taking oath. “Strictly business and no pleasure, my lord.”
“I doubt it.” You peer out. Hands reach to touch you; ladies and young men scream among the swarming masses like an irritated hive. You wave, and a hundred peasants claim the gesture and argue over its honor.

Cont.

“My lord, I fear to bring this up now but since you mentioned restrain…” He picks at his bracelet, counting the beads as though a monk at prayer.
“Spit it out.”
“Ophelia.” He says. He need not say more. “Will you be alright?”
“I’ll be fine.” You lie.
He grabs your hands. “Have no doubt in this my lord, you are doing the right thing. Lady Miriam is a wonderful girl, beautiful and kind. And she loves you more than anything--”
“And her father is rich and has an iron mine.” You relinquish your hands. Stewart sighs.
“You will come to love her in time.” He says. You snort. “My lord, she was willing to give her life for you.”
A last point which at hits its mark, but you hide the guilt and the panic. “Spare me.” You say. “Make no mistake, she’ll be happy. I’ll sweat, and I’ll bleed for it. I give her my life, but no more than that.”
Stewart gives a resigned nod. “Yes, my lord.”
…

The whole house in wedding colors, white and red banners on the walls, white and red carpets, white and red on the servants, roses and lilies. Those of the guests that have already arrived wait in the main ballroom. Stewart goes to ingratiate himself on your behalf while the servants take you to the Count.
To see his face is to know he is only years from total dust and rock. The skin has fractured in three dozen places, hanging like wrinkled, ripped silk to the bones. “Will?” He says. His voice is insectoid, small and alien. These are the effects immortality reversed, a curse no less terrible than its complement. “Is that you?”
You grab his reaching hand and draw to his bedside. “My lord Count. How do you feel?” He turns to the sound of your voice. His sight is gone. His teeth are gone. His toothless smile is a reminder of the cost he has borne in your place. That guilt will outlive him, living as a lead worm in your gut.
“Fit as a fiddle.” He says. He reaches absently for your face and you lower your head to let him clutch the cheek. “You’ve chosen a good wife Will.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“I’ve spoken to her at length since she’s arrived. I have a nose for these things.” He draws a breath webbed with phlegm. “She loves you so much; wanted to know everything about you. She was not above admonishing a crippled old man when I told her how I trained you.” He laughs and slowly it dies within him. He brushes his fingers over your lips and closes his eyes. “But you don’t love her, do you?” He says.

>Tell the truth, it's a political marriage but you'll do right by her
>Lie, you love her, maybe unequally, but it is there
>Tell the whole truth, you're in love with his wife

>>2647123
Tell the truth, that it's a political marriage but we'll do good by her. Eventually we will grow to love her.

>>2647123
>Tell the truth, it's a political marriage but you'll do right by her