Module:RPG/From Over The Water.json

[   {        "posts": [ {               "content": "When the Great Barrier broke, no one could say for sure. It was discovered by a whaling ship, swept west by a storm. Until then, any ship daring to pass the two small islands known as The Brothers had been dashed upon an invisible and unbreakable wall. And suddenly, a law of nature had been rewritten.\n\n\nThe news was met with scepticism. Astrologians had seen nothing in the sky heralding change, and the arcane scholars of the two great universities on Demia had felt nothing. There were some who claimed they had, lesser clergy of various deities, but religion was not a science. In Arland, their opinions were considered post-hoc analyses.\n\nIn Arland, a king ruled over a land in a state of uneasy peace. To the east lay a land troubled by demons, and to the south-east lay a land intent on the verdant and fertile lands along Arland's bordering regions. Arland had its allies, but it was a large and widespread kingdom, and its wealth and technology was a point of envy among the others on the continent.\n\nKarlstreim Arls himself could not leave, and the twelve dukes and duchesses that ruled over the twelve districts were needed in their manors. It had scarce been a decade since the end of a civil war; he needed people he could trust at home. But he needed them abroad, too.\n\nSo it fell to the scions of his nobility. He gave them use of the royal ship, a vast and grand galleon fitted with dozens upon dozens of comfortable rooms. There were not many among the aristocracy he called upon who answered, however.\n\nMany of them cited reasons relating to their duties. Their families; their people; their regions needed them. Send a diplomat, they begged. Surely the people of Artograch were barbarians, hardly worth their time.\n\nSome knew better. House Delacroix, old and wealthy, had been among the first to open up trade with Etrand. Delacroix's business interests were vast and varied, and they offered ore and gems and spices, cloth and exotic animals. And in return, the House had secured a tutor.\n\nAlessa learnt the language with alacrity, her younger cousin and her handmaid fumbling along somewhere behind her. Neither were stupid, but Alessa had always had a knack for picking up and filing away knowledge.\n\nThe tutor was a welcome member of their household, an honoured guest. Alessa's father asked circumspect questions regarding resources, gauging which ones Ertrand would want for the most and which ones he could purchase low and sell high. Alessa was more concerned about Artogach's libraries and magic. Trade was a necessity, but it was one she could put to the side for the moment.\n\nAs much as Alessa was loathe to travel, the prospect of forging new alliances excited her. Then, too, the king would be indebted to her House and her, and it was a chance to rub shoulders with the elite of Ertrand. There were others going, too, though they'd not had the good fortune of having a tutor. Among them were her friend, Letitia of House Marchand (who was more of a sister than a friend, Alessa always said) and her loyal and long-suffering butler-guardian Frederick. And there were a handful of clergy, varying ages and creeds, sent to learn about the deities of Artogach. It was odd to think it, but Alessa supposed that, given the plethora of deities in Demia's pantheon, there was no reason to think that there could not be others.\n\nAlessa's handmaid was there on the ship, and two of her cousins. Lilianna, who had learnt along side Alessa and Lynette, and Fenrich, for gods knew what reason. He probably came along to annoy Alessa, but she was privately glad of his presence, even if he had brought his horrid cat and mouse along.\n\nIt was a long journey, and an odd one; Alessa had never travelled by sea before. Alessa thought of a great many things atop the waves. Of nations, of trade, of gods and mortals. It was a long journey, and an odd one, and Alessa was filled with hope and dread in equal measures.",               "date": "2016-01-20T12:12:58.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453288378,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe people of Etrand too felt little. Their ships have never even dared to go as far south as they could encounter the barrier, so it was Arlish who came first to Etrand's gates. What was the political situation of Etrand at the time? Confusing, but nevertheless stable. There was no cataclismic event on the horizon when these foreigners showed up at their doors - the Earldom of Etrancoast was still mirred in its bitter civil cold war between the nobility and the peasantry, the former which was - while still loyal to the Church of Titanius - slowly losing its loyaly towards the King of Etrand, the latter which still showed suppressed pagan tendencies that have been made illegal five centuries ago, and are still being ruthlessly persecuted by the Inquisition. In Etrand itself, proselyzation has been made illegal around eight decades ago, which caused diplomatic relations between Etrand and its southwestern neighbour Dragoc to plummet to an all-time low since the Great War that happened exactly one millenium ago. Etrand's northwestern neighbour Froturn is ruled by a young king who while follows the same religion as that of Etrand, is afraid of the King of Etrand Orlonius, who bullies foreigners and his own government alike with his military might.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EIt was in these situations that the wall broke, allowing foreigners from this other continent reach Etrand. It was the House of Delacroix from Arland who were the first - and so far only - to reach Etrand, bringing gems, spices, clothes and exotic animals, securing a tutor for their own who would teach the difficulties of the Etrandish language to Alessa Delacroix, the person who would be representing Arland on the negotiations table in the upcoming talks.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThis tutor told the Delacroix family about Etrand's economical and political situation, that Etrand was rich in gold, silver, mythril, tin, copper, iron, coal, wood, fish and farmlands, but poor in marble, gems, lead, sulfur, and recently there has been a shortage in an exotic material known as \"crystal flowers\", used for magical experiments. Most of the magical knowledge is held by the Mages Guild, an international organization that regulates the usage of Arcane Magic, outlawing Necromancy and Demon-summoning among other things, and operating strictly, a singular \"Guild\" in name only, in reality a union of guilds and universities who have decided to \"standarize\" and subscribe to the same rules. However, Arcane Magic is not the only kind of magic known to the peoples of Artograch - Clerical Magic is used by the Clerics of Titanius and the Paladins, while Nature Magic is used by the Druids of Dragoc. The only state that tolerates Necromancy is the Republic of Keldorn, occupying the same island as the Principality of Gabyr, a city-state whose ships sail to every corner of Artograch, conducting trade everywhere - no doubt Gabyr will be just as interested in trade as Etrand.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAfter the long and tiresome journey from Arland to the city of Copperport, the Alessa and her team would encounter a city built out of a mixture of clay bricks, cobblestone, limestone, wood... Not the most impressive first impression for royalty to see. The docks were extremely busy, showing that Copperport was indeed a very busy trade hub, which surfaced also in the fact that it was a very multicultural city: humans, pointy-eared elves, green-skinned orcs and gomes, dark elves, dwarves, gnomes... A certain group of humans would wear different clothing than the others, who dressed even more plain. City guards with crossbows and halberds roamed the city, dressed in chainmail armour. Not the most impressive first impression, but at least they look civilized.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWill Alessa and her team seek out a guide or the government from Copperport, or will they sail down the river that this coastal city happens to be right next to? The river can guide them to Grandfolk, the capital of Etrand which may not be right on the river, but is very close to it, taking only two days of travel from Talon, the small town that happens to sit right on the river, should Alessa and her team decide to take the river route. Or alternatively, contact the major, asking them to relay them to representatives of the Kingdom of Etrand.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAt the same time, Stephanus Tavilrond, one of the Knights of the Blood Red Light was tasked with representing his knightly order at the upcoming negotiations with these Arlish people. It looks like it was not just the House Delacroix that was preparing to negotiate - the Kingdom of Etrand was also thinking of calling the others to the negotiating table.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-20T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453244400,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Civil war was something with which many of the Arlish were familiar with. There was a covert hope among the delegation that by reuniting the nobility and crown of Ertrand, Arland would ingratiate itself to this strange, newly-discovered power. There were contingencies, of course; Alessa was anything but naive in the arts of politicking and the currents that shape and change power. If she and her delegation could not bridge the divide between the king and his aristocracy, she would court both with half-promises and determine which of the two would be the most likely victor.\n\n\nWar means change, and if Arland allied itself with the victor, it would allow it all the more influence in the country. That was a peripheral concern to Alessa, truly. Marcia Selig, a middle-aged diplomat with a face dour and friendly by turns, attempted to change that fact, but Alessa was a girl proud of her kingdom, and she was certain that Ertrand had little to offer Arland in return. It was a common fault among the nobility of Arland, her tutor had reported in a missive to Ertrand's king, and one that could be pandered to.\n\nAs intelligent as Alessa was, she was far from immune to flattery.\n\nMagic. Alessa was hailed as a prodigy by her university, and Ordeau's White Council had begrudgingly admitted that she had exceptional skill and power for someone so young. There were other things said, particularly by the impolite High Sorcerer of the Council, but Alessa thought it best to forget them. Ordeau may have been the land where Demia's magic was refined, but it was in Arland where it now evolved.\n\nFrom what Alessa understood, there was a parallel between the Clerical magic of Atrogach and the miracles bestowed by the power of deities in Demia. The churches held that these were entirely separate from the elemental magic that was studied in the universities of Arland and Ordeau, but so, too, did they forbid its study by researches from the institutions, claiming it was a sacred thing. Alessa had her reservations regarding the claim.\n\nThen, too, there was the odd magic that Lilianna, her cousin, had shown a proficiency in. Summoning, the ability to pierce the veils between the dimensions and pull creatures to the summoner, was not unheard of, but it was a practice made taboo by the calling of demons. Lilianna had stumbled upon her power rather than studied it, but there were many, even in Arland's university, that regarded her with suspicion.\n\nThat the girl read tomes that would have been forbidden to a magician without ties to House Delacroix made the situation worse. Necromantic texts, old and bloodstained and dark. Alessa knew it was a fear of death that drove her young cousin to such pursuits, but it did not change the fact that the pursuits were suspicious. It was probably for the best that she was removed from the games of nobles and politics of the city and academy for a time.\n\nIndeed, she had taken to the journey with much more enthusiasm than Alessa had. It was a chance to spend time with her older brother, whom she had barely seen for the better part of five years while he served as captain of Duke Engels' guard in Eisenberg, the duchy to the north of House Delacroix's. Fenrich, too, looked at the journey as a chance to stretch his legs. He was genuinely curious about Atrogach and its people. Like his younger sister, Alessa found Fenrich a bit odd.\n\nHe was not as dark or mysterious as Lilianna, to be sure. No, he was simply odd. He was a carefree soul, flippant and friendly. It was improper. He spoke to peer and pauper alike with the same affable openness. He cared about the commoner. Not because of something as abstract as duty, but out of some affection that Alessa could not fathom. Instead of working on her, Alessa felt Selig would be better served ensuring Fenrich did not undermine their plans with his misguided sense of honour.\n\nThen there was Lynette. Alessa eyed her as the sailors made busy docking the royal galleon. Her faithful maid. Well, faithful in a manner of speaking. The brown-haired girl busied herself making sure the sailors took due care with Alessa's luggage, and the young men carrying it looked nervous. Lynette had that effect on young men. She was young herself; a year younger than Alessa; but Lynette was a pretty girl that exuded sensuality. That she had probably slept with the men complicated matters further. Lynette and Lilianna and Fenrich had all been popular with the galleon's crew, assumably for different reasons.\n\nThen there was Letitia of House Marchand, Alessa's closest friend. A silly and beautiful girl with a gentle heart. Like Fenrich, she was excited by the newness of the entire experience. She stood at the port side railing, grinning with flushed cheeks as she looked at the modest town so different from the regional, verdant city of Arbonne that she called home. Frederick, her dour and taciturn butler, looked a little less green than he had on the first stretch of their journey. Sea travel sat poorly with him, and he had spent most of the time tended by his charge. Letitia didn't mind at all. There was a connection between them deeper than that of servant and mistress, but Alessa covertly supported it. He wore his longsword on his back, the cross-shaped hilt jutting over his left shoulder. It had been absent for most of the journey. It was an oddly relieving sight.\n\nThe delegates were dressed in fine clothes. The people of Copperport looked as though they wore designs inspired by a historical account of fashion, even the upperclass, whom Alessa could instinctively pick out by their brighter dyes and the finer cuts of their clothing. Alessa's dress was the summer-sky blue of her house, with a high and modest neck. The entire dress was embroidered with white thread, twining floral and botanical patterns twisting through the blue. Over the dress, she wore a cloak of white silk, plain of colour, but finely made. A small tiara sat in her hair, white gold with a single sapphire set in its centre.\n\nLetitia's clothing was less overstated, but she was not the head of the delegation. Hers was a dress of green and russet, the three interlinked rings of House Marchand woven over her soft belly. The cut was far less modest than Alessa's, but then again, Letitia had a far more impressive bust. She wore jewellery of gold spangled with emerald. Frederick stood a couple of steps behind her, his livery an understated and washed out green-brown with a black cape thrown over his shoulders and the length of his sword in its baldrick.\n\nThen there were Alessa's cousins. Lilianna looked ill at ease in her finery, a miniature version of Alessa's. The dresses had cost a small fortune and were made by one of the foremost couteriers in Zauberfeld. Alessa was famous in the city and out, and the younger peers looked to her among others for the latest in fashion. Quality comes at a price, and whether it was the price or the garment itself that the youngest blood member of House Delacroix wore, she shifted her weight from foot to foot between her cousins, both eager and hesitant to be off the ship.\n\nFenrich wore armor that was as ornamental as it was functional. It was a maddening mix of the colours of House Delacroix; blue and white; and House Engels; red and white and an iron grey. He looked at home, but then again, he usually did. A sword hung at his left hip, its hilt bearing ornate designs conjuring the thought of the rose, House Delacroix's symbol. He caught Alessa looking at her and grinned. \"Best be careful, cousin,\" he said playfully, \"they aren't as open-minded about maids and mistresses here.\"\n\nLilianna went red to her ears, but Alessa eyed him coolly. She was aware of the differing norms surrounding sex and love; Arland was more civilised, after all. And though, yes, Lynette and Alessa's relationship was open knowledge in House Delacroix, Alessa thought her cousin would suffer more in Ertrand despite his flippancy. Fenrich flirted and slept with women betimes, but he found himself truly enamoured with men. \"Your care is noted, Fenrich,\" Alessa replied, her voice calm and regal as always.\n\nLynette looked over her shoulder, a shadow of concern on her face. Perhaps it would affect her the most, Alessa thought with some sympathy, but there would be private moments. Alessa's servant adjusted her white and blue uniform, ruffly and pretty, and busied herself once more, using her anxiety as fuel for her work. There was a true bond between Alessa and her, though politics often got in the way.\n\nThe ship was not to be unloaded completely. Copperport was a port of call, a place to rest for a few days while the ship restocked important supplies as they could get them. A couple of cooks went off into the town, attempting to communicate by way of nonverbals and hastily drawn pictures. Ertrand's cuisine was a bit different to Arland's, but Alessa's kingdom was vast and the product of many cultures, and the best cooks are always able to adapt.\n\nFinally, Alessa's most necessary chests were taken from the ship. They were mostly for show. She had a magicked bag that had a near-infinite capacity, coaxed from the labs of her university, but she was a representative as well as a magician, and image was important. Alessa's party descended to the dock, and her tutor bought someone to advise Alessa on the matter of accommodation within the port. Alessa was not expecting much, given the city's appearance, but a bath that was not salt water was something that she longed for, and a bed that did not rock atop the seas.\n\nThe crew and most of the guardsmen would sleep on the galleon. Between Fenrich and Frederick's skills with swords and Alessa's magic, it had been reckoned that they were safe enough. While the party set about finding beds, the tutor went to beg an audience with the local official and a messenger to relay news of the delegation's arrival to Grandfolk.",               "date": "2016-01-21T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453330800,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EEtrand was not in the state of civil war - yet. Or hopefully, never. It is true however, that the current peace was fragile. 114 years ago, when King Calder the Unready - a well-known tyant who angered both the native Etrandish nobility and the northern Dwarves with his policies - died, Etrand fell into a succession crisis. In that crisis, Ladislaus Londbert won, who married Calder's daughter Mythela, and became known as King Bryant the Just, starting the Bryantid dynasty that still rules Etrand to this day. Fast-forward to 114 years later, Bryant's great-grandson Orlonius is considered by a few to be similar to Calder. The peasants like him for lowering the taxes, the Church loves him for being devout and pious, but foreigners outright revile him - except the ones from over the sea, who don't know what his \"crimes\" might be - and his own nobility is wary of him. Why? Because he is considered a bully who constantly flaunts Etrand's military might to make others see things his way and ignores a lot of complaints from the nobility, running the kingdom almost like a military dictatorship. If he wants something, it will get done, no complaints accepted by the council.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EIt was in these conditions that foreigners showed up at the doorstep, asking about Etrand. The tutor employed by these foreigners may have been highly exaggerating. He may have said that a civil war was about to erupt, or he may have used it as a joke about the constant political bickering. The poor old tutor had no idea that he has convinced the Arlish delegation to believe that Etrand is in a state of war, when it's not... yet. There are factions that do in fact have heavy disagreements with the King, and then there is the Earldom of Etrancoast, an autonomous vassal whose nobility wants Etrancoast to secede from the Kingdom of Etrand. But Etrancoast is divided, divided between the devoutly Titanist nobility who wants an independent Titanist Etrancoast, and the peasantry which still has pagan tendencies, who want to restore the age-old pagan state of Hulra. Once again, the tutor was exaggerating, although possibly with innocence, as the people of Etrand proper still believe that the people of Etrancoast are pagans, while in reality, out of Etrancoast's population, only 10-15% are crypto-pagan, the rest following the same religion as the people of Etrand. And while the old tutor may have lied or exaggerated about that \"civil war\" that is not being waged at all at this moment - possibly in the future, if things deteriorate further -, if a civil war broke out, the King would most certainly win. The last two centuries have been centuries of centralization, replacement of feudal levies with hired mercenaries, the emergence of the retainers: unlanded warriors and bureaucrats with honorary noble titles.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EIn these conditions, the mayor of Copperport, Beraen Caméren was notified of the arrival of foreign delegates. The well-dressed mayor was dressed in blue linen shirt; pink silk robe; grey wool cloak; brown leather trousers; black leather boots with silver tips; a golden necklace that had the symbol of his religion - the sun with an eye; a dark-blue sailor hat; considered relatively modest for a person of upper class, but possibly luxurious for a mayor, a commoner. This well-dressed mayor Beraen Caméren would mount his horse immediately and ask for the tutor to guide him back to the ship - not alone however, for he would be accompanied by four plate-armoured mounted lancers and two lightly-armoured mounted crossbowmen. This thin, clean-shaven mayor with blue eyes and short brown hair would wait when the tutor told him to wait near the ship, so that the tutor could talk to the crew first, especially Alessa and the rest of her delegation.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"The mayor is here. If you want luxury, do not mention necromancy or sodomy. If the mayor finds out that any of you embrace the dark arts of likes your own body-kind... he may throw you out, arguing that you are violating the laws.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the sweating and heavily-breathing tutor who will now have to bring out Alessa and her team of delegates to the mayor, who will most likely offer them a place to stay and a hot bath, if they don't say anything that triggers the natives. But the tutor has probably taught them not to do that.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMeanwhile, a ship started sailing from the river near Grandfolk, down to Copperport, most likely only arriving the next day. This must be Stephanus Tavilrond and the delegation he is a part of. The mayor does not know about this yet, so the next day... it will take him by surprise. Among the delegates is Prince Markal, Orlonius's unmarried, twenty-one years old son; Mullus Arcanovi, the Archbishop of Grandfolk; Tinya Tondbertling, Grand Countess of Brevia; Drugó Mairkel, the elderly son of the late Beoldwin Mairkel; Rynnan Sánáye, one of the King's most trusted advisors; and last but not least, Stephanus Tavilrond, representing the Knights of the Blood Red Light at the negotiating table... at the future negotiating table, that is, as they are still on the ship, completely ignorant of the fact that the ones they would be negotiating with have already arrived, also unaware of the fact that the other side too wants to negotiate.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-22T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453417200,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "It perplexed Alessa that the term 'sodomy' was used so broadly in Artogach. Nonetheless, she had arrived knowing the cultural norms surrounding the taboo topics her tutor spoke of. Necromancy was illegal in Arland, too, but its study was merely frowned upon and regarded with suspicion. It was the act itself that was punishable by severing - the removal of a magican's ability to sense and manipulate arcane energies.\n\n\nSodomy was not illegal in Arland, however.Nor was it taboo in most areas. Love as thou wilt, the words of Galothien, the goddess of love and beauty. There was always more than that, of course, but at the core of the matter were those four words. Lynette stood a step behind her and to her left, holding a small oaken chest in her hands. The corner of Alessa's mouth twitched. Sodomy. Perhaps Lynette would enjoy attempting it sometime.\n\nSometime. Not now.\n\nAs a one, the delegation bowed and curtsied. For the most part, they were not deep movements. Alessa's was the most shallow, but it was exacting. It may not have been the Etrandish custom, but she calculated that the mayor ought to be reminded of rank, despite hospitality and her status as a guest.\n\n\"Mayor Caméren,\" Alessa acknowledged, her words slightly accented. \"I am Lady Alessa of House Delacroix, one of the Twelve Great Houses of Arland. My king and my father send their regards.\" Lynette stepped forward and held out the chest. It was engraved with scrolling floral patterns, mirroring the ones on Alessa's dress. It was not locked, and it held a small fortune in gems. On the inside of the lid was a sheet of gold, worked with the symbol of Titanius. \"It is my hope that our gods bless this meeting, and see fit to grace our nations with prosperity and peace.\"\n\nShe spoke her words with practiced clarity, and her cool, calm carriage was that of someone born and nurtured into power. Beyond the previous twitch of her lips, Alessa's pretty face gave nothing away. The same could not be said of the other members of the delegation.\n\nLilianna stood awkwardly, looking as though she would rather be anywhere else on the face of the earth. Her features, almost Alessa's in miniature, held none of her cousin's calm composure. She did her best to follow along with what Alessa was saying, but eventually found solace in watching a flock of gulls circle above a fishing ship some yards out at sea.\n\nFrederick eyed the soldiers. He didn't quite look as though he wanted to fight them, but his hazel eyes were wary. Or maybe he was just harrowed after a long and unpleasant journey, and Letitia's restless wiggling before him. She shot the mayor and his men a pleasant grin that bordered on flirtatious.\n\nAnd then there was Fenrich, at ease with a wry half-smile on his face. Alessa had an inkling of what he was thinking. He really ought not to think.\n\nSelig held herself with a diplomat's grace and regarded the mayor and his men with a pleasant smile, though she had no idea what Alessa was saying. Such was the role of a diplomat. Such was the role Alessa had been forced into.\n\n\"Perhaps you could recommend suitable lodgings for the seven of us.\" Best to let him offer hospitality himself. Let him seem generous and the Arlish at least a little humble. \"Soft beds and hot baths are the only requirements, though I am certain a number of us are curious about the local cuisine.\" After a moment of looking at the mayor and his slender frame, she added, \"Though you seem more a scholar than a hedonist.\"\n\n\nSo it was that a ship of foreign sailors and soldiers came to be docked at Copperport. The crew were a happy lot, curious and generous with their coin, of which Alessa had personally ensured they had plenty of. There were communication barriers, of course, but the men were quick to laugh at themselves. They were all on orders to be on their best behaviour if they valued their commission. It was a heavy-handed tactic, but it worked.\n\nWell and so. If Alessa had to hide her relationship with her servant, if Lilianna had to leave her entire collection of books locked in a trunk at the bottom of the galleon, if Fenrich had to forgo his habitual carnal pleasures, Alessa expected somewhat of her men.",               "date": "2016-01-23T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453503600,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"And so I was told, Lady Delacoix... I welcome thy people to my court. Please, follow me. Dost thou have a carriage? Shall we bring one?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the mayor with a rather soft, even possibly effeminate, high-pitched voice. One could see that one of the mounted crossbowmen had a hard time resisting the urge to grin. Is Etrandish humor like this? Are high-pitched male voices considered so funny in this land? It seems so... It all depended on how prepared were the foreigners. If Alessa and her crew had carriages packed on their ship, then it would be rather easy to get them transported... Provided that they had the personnel to operate those devices, not just the devices themselves. If they did in fact have the necessary manpower - and horse-power - to pull or carry a carriage, litter of rickshaw, then the mayor and his men would simply lead the way back to the mayor's hall. If they had the necessary devices but not the men or horses, the mayor would have to arrange several of his town guard to be diverted from guard duty to pull and direct those vehicles. If they had neither the devices nor the operators, then the mayor had an even harder time - he would have to send one of his men back to the hall to quickly get carriages... Riding back to the hall, telling the horse boys to bring out the horses and carriages, all take precious time during which the two sides can't do much other than stare at each other.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOff course, that was not all of it. Before all the transports could be even decided, the mayor had to respond to each and every question, verbal or not. Not just questions, but statements as well. The first one looked like an item that rectifies the fact that the people he is talking to are in fact foreign nobility who do in fact want to negotiate with his king.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Titanius hopeth the same. May prosperity and peace come to thy nation of people.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe replied to Alessa first, and then he had to attend to Letitia's flirty looks. The soldiers may have looked like they appreciated the looks, the mayor did not. In fact, his non-verbal response was a cold look that simply stated \"Sorry, not interested\". One can wonder why was that? Perhaps the mayor was already married and deeply in love with his wife. Or maybe Letitia was not his type. Or maybe he did not even like women at all! Oh, what scandal would it be if it was foreign dignitaries that revealed the mayor's sodomy... The mayor himself did not accept any gifts, if there were any intended for him. He would just smile and say that they should be given to his King.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Yes, off couse. I am inviting thy dignitaries to my hall where I shall attend to all of your needs, be it dietary, aquatic or somnal.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe mayor tried to have his nose up high, as the generous host who would provide his guests with everything they asked for: food, water - cold drinking water and hot bathing water alike - and beds.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I was a sailor before I became the mayor.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe mayor added silently, giving Alessa his one-sentence explanation why he is so slender, even though it makes little sense. A sailor? That doesn't mean a lot. What kind of sailor? An ordinary seaman? A captain? From his mannerisms, it looks more like he was a merchant before: his taste for extravagrant yet comfortable clothing, his soft voice, his hand motions, his clean-shaven face. Perhaps he was the captain of a trading ship, who knows? But then again, given how he is the mayor of a coastal city that happens to be Continental Artograch's main trading hub, it is not at all unreasable to suggest that the mayor would be an ex-captain and or or have mercantile background. Still, how does being an ex-sailor contradict with being a hedonist again? Maybe it's cryptic Etrandish culture again that no one can understand - not even the Etrandish themselves.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOnce these were arranged, the group would be led to the mayor's hall. A relatively large yet modest piece of housing that looked somewhat strange. It was more than just a house, but not really a palace yet. The whole building had an open first floor with columns and archs instead of walls and doors on the first floor, then much more closed second and third floors, and finally a fourth floor intended for the mayor to look out of. The whole building was surrounded by a well-maintained garden instead of the concrete jungle that the city was, and a fountain in front of the building, to mimic royal palaces. The garden was... an Elven gaden. Among its inhabitants were the glowflowers, cyan-coloured flowers that glow in the dark; tea plants; hill cherry trees; lilac flowers; and some strange flowers with rainbow colours that seemed to have glowing bees flying around it. If the garden wasn't such a small area, it would be truly magical.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe team would not have too much time to stare at the garden however. They would be told to follow the mayor, who would seek to it that their personal belongings are stored in a place where the guests desire, where they would be assigned guest rooms according to their likings - but only according to the rules. This is where Etrandish's double standards would show up for the first time, as they would react in a squeamish way and would not want two adult women to sleep in the same room, but wouldn't have problems with two men sharing a room. Don't the Etrandish persecute all kinds of sodomy? They do, according to law, but in actual practice, their culture seems to be against girl-on-girl sexuality much more than male-on-male sexuality. The law may not distinguish these two kinds of sodomy and force death penalty on both, but their actual culture still considers one a deadly sin and the other only a harmless vice that is \"alright as long as the Inquisition does not notice\". At least for noblemen.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAfter seeing to the fact that the guests have their own rooms to stay in, the mayor called them to table, so that they could try out Etrandish cuisine for the first time in their lives. Rejection was not an option, as the mayor has told his cooks to prepare the food while they must have been busy taking care of their packages and familiarizing themselves with their would-be rooms. And what would this lunch or dinner be made of?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe meals would be served with knives, forks and spoons. For the first meal, it was fisherman's soup. A red-coloured, very spicy fish soup, consisting of red chilli pepper, salmon, red onions, tomatoes, and lots of noodles, so that the elegant guests wouldn't have to resort to having bread next to the soup. It was very spicy, very hot, and it may have looked too much like \"peasant food\" for the guests, but this was the first meal. Perhaps the second one will get even better! And hopefully one fit for nobility. The second meal would consist of... Two dishes, to be exact, but guests can mix the two at will. The two are fried eggs, and noodles with cottage cheese, sour cream, and roasted bacon bits mixed. Doesn't look that impressive to noblemen used to much more colourful food, but it is very delicious and addictive. The third meal would be sweet food: strawberry-flavoured pastry, lingoberry pastry, crescents with nut and cinnamon, and last but not least, noodles with lingoberry jam and peach slices that have been all dipped in cinnamon - all hot. During the second and third meals, all guests were given a glass and a mug. The glass would be filled with red desert wine, while the mug would be filled with peach-flavoured tea. Once again, the guests can choose to mix the two before drinking, drink them separately, drink only one, or forgo drinking altogether. They could ask for \"repeats\" in both food and beverage, but during first and second courses, they would be warned that doing so would leave less space in their stomachs for the third course. While the guests were dining, their host was busy preparing for their bath - a whole bath-room that looked more like a swimming pool than an actual bath tub, it was heated from underneath, filled with hot water, and all those soaps, sponges and herbs next to the water. It looks like everyone would be taking a bath together, regardless of gender. It seemed like a cultural norm in Etrand. During the dinner, the guests would be entertained by native Etrandish music played by local musicians that were hired by the mayor himself. Expenses mayor, expenses... He only hopes the King will compensate him for this.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAfter the bath, their rooms would be waiting for the guests. Relatively small, but with comfortable beds, and wax tablets to write their thoughts on. It did not seem like they would have much of an entertainment in the bedrooms.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-23T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453503600,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "The dialect the mayor spoke in, old and formal, seemed odd to Alessa's ears. She noted the marked lack of interest he showed in Letitia. Odd, perhaps, but not entirely unheard of. Letitia was young. Gods knew her body was done growing, but the delicate beauty of youth clung to her face and smooth, sun-kissed skin. The thought crossed her mind that the mayor could be the sort to prefer men, or perhaps he was gelded. It was considered a barbaric practice in Arland, though a few nations on Demia practiced it. Then again, there were the guards' reactions. Did the mayor seek to mock Alessa and her companions? It was impossible to say for a certainty, so Alessa erred on the side of caution. \"We've no carriage aboard our ship, my lord. I fear I must rely on your hospitality further.\"\n\n\nIt occurred to Alessa that the mayor of Copperport may be more than he seemed. In Arland, the position of mayor was a rather trifling one. Some of the minor nobility held the title, but it was determined by democratic election. As such, it was often granted to those who were popular or powerful. The title only truly mattered in the countryside, away from the bureaucracy and aristocracy of the cities. That this Caméren spoke so well suggested that it was rather different in Etrand.\n\nThe mayor's terraced house was charming. Zauberfeld's architecture was dramatic, with an emphasis on pointed arches and height and ornate stonework. The garden, too, was enchanting to some of the delegation. Alessa and her cousins were from Zauberfeld, where many things were ensorcelled to glow, but Letitia gasped and clapped with girlish delight at the sight. Fenrich grinned at the sight, magic yet a wonder to him despite the place of his birth and childhood. Alessa and Lilianna pondered the plants and whether that energy could be harnessed. And Frederick.... Frederick just looked bored as ever.\n\nThe house was not small, even if it was not as palatial as some of the delegates were accustomed to. There were rooms enough for one apiece, but the seven Arlish separated into four rooms. Letitia and Frederick, Fenrich and Lilianna, the diplomat Selig on her own, and Lynette and Alessa sharing. There may have been some odd looks, but Alessa made it very clear that Lynette was her handmaiden, and no woman of her station should be expected to do the duties that a servant could do for her. Let the mayor challenge her if he wished.\n\nThe eating implements were a godsend. Yes, Alessa's tutor had assured her that the Etrandish shared Arland's use of cutlery, but she was never sure of such a thing until experiencing it herself. Alessa conducted herself with cool composition throughout the meal. Truth be told, some of the food was not to her taste, but she hid it well as she made polite conversation. Other members of the delegation hid their reactions with less aplomb. Lilianna gulped down glass after glass of water, the spice of the first dish turning the poor girl's pale skin a bright pink that spread to the roots of her hair. In general, the first dish was not received all that well by the foreigners, with the exceptions of Fenrich and Letitia, who asked for another serve each.\n\nThe second dish was much more palatable. Dairy was a common food in Arland, and the dish, as homely as it was, was similar to a traditional recipe of Letitia and Frederick's duchy, Arbonne. The colour was bland, but the balance between the tart creaminess of the dairy and the bacon's salty tang made it clear why the dish was so beloved by the people of Copperport. The dish also served to soothe the lingering burn of chilli on their tongues. Was that by design or coincidence?\n\nThe peach tea was also quite popular. Arlish tea was always brewed from herbs or leaves. As such, fruit tea was an unexpected delight. Alessa could not say the same about the music, which was rather garish in its gaiety. Where were the flutes? The harps? The fiddles? It was an odd thing, that two continents might have such different musical technology and style.\n\nThe dessert set Alessa in a rather good mood, however. She was wary of the noodles at first; a staple of savoury dishes in Arland and across the continent of Demia as a whole; but devoured the dessert after the first taste. A bit too much cinnamon, perhaps, but she was overall satisfied with the offering. So the meal had progressed, reactions to each dish varying, but the delegation seemed, as a whole, more than content with the meal.\n\n\"If... I may... Question,\" Lilianna said to one of the people serving. Her Etrandish was slow and clumsy, and by the blush creeping across her cheeks, it was obviously that she was aware of the fact. \"Tell cook person... Good.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes,\" Alessa added with casual grace. \"Do give your cook our compliments.\"\n\nSo it was that they took to the baths. Large and hot and inviting and...\n\n\"Surely they do not share baths,\" Alessa said in Arlish, unmistakable disgust in her tone. The servant that had led the party to the bathing chamber winced. \"Give your master our gratitude,\" she said in Etrandish, a hint of disbelief purposely left there, \"for his hospitality and the introduction to your culture. There are some things a tutor can not convey, and it falls to experience to be the provider of their knowledge.\"\n\nThe matter of the bath was resolved easily enough. They bathed seperately, the five females and the two males. Alessa almost laughed at the thought of Fenrich and the dour Frederick sharing the bath. As large as it was, she doubted that Frederick would feel comfortable, and she knew that Fenrich would be all too comfortable in contrast. For her own part, Alessa was comfortable enough with all the women save for the middle-aged diplomat .\n\nIt was probably for the best she was there, though. The Etrandish considered affection between females a forbidden thing.\n\nBathed and dresed in less overstated clothing, Alessa called upon her host, knocking politely at his door and waiting for admission. She was attended only by Lynette, a few steps behind her as always. Some might reckon it a display of courage, for a noblewoman to walk in a foreign land with only a slender, slip of a girl to act as a bodyguard. Like as not, though, word of Alessa's powerful magics had preceded her, trickled through to Etrand by her tutor.\n\n\"I do hope I'm not imposing, my lord, but I would know more about yourself and your port,\" Alessa said simply, clad in a gown of pale blue chiffon. \"And I had hoped to offset some of the cost you have borne by showing such hospitality.\" She carried a small silk bag, its drawstrings looped about her wrist. She fished around in it as she spoke, though the bag remained oddly still despite the movements of her arm and hand. She withdrew a couple of diamonds from within, each about a quarter of an inch wide and twice as long.",               "date": "2016-01-25T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453676400,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"I will relay the message to them.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EReplied one of the maids to Lilianna, and she would just disappear. Them? It appears that all the food was not made by one cook, but multiple ones. And while the maid disappeared, the mayor appeared to accompany the guests along with the servant to the bathing chamber, but would remain silent until he would disappear once again.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"Oh yes, they do in fact share baths... It has been our tradition since the times of the ancients that men and women....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E...share baths, the sservant wanted to say, but couldn't finish, as it seemed that Alessa's facial expression was just scream \"no way\". She did not even need to say anything, as the manservant would just fidget a little and change his expression to one that concedes defeat.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"As thou wishest...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe said and asked the other servants to make sure they separate the two parts of the bath, by putting a large wooden barrier into the water, splitting the bath roughly in two, and then putting a curtain over the separating line, to keep it completely separated. Primitive and crude, but nevertheless passes.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe native population of Artograch had no qualms about seeing each other naked in the bath. While yes, public nudity is illegal, nudity and any display of sexuality are both considered blasphemous in buildings of worship, it was viewed completely natural when one was bathing. Combine that with the fact that the native population of Artograch considers mixed-gender baths the norm, it becomes clear that they don't see two people of the opposite sex bathing together naked as sexual at all, unless it does in fact get sexual: since time immemorial, private baths have been used in Artograch as a place of romance, where a man and a woman would go into a small bath room to have a bath privately and possibly conduct sexual activities away from the prying eyes of anyone else.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStill, the mayor and his servants understood that in the foreign land Alessa and her group came from, it was considered taboo for men and women to see each other naked in any form, even when bathing. At least, that's what the Etrandish thought. This is why it would be a blond female maid that would bring wine and glasses to the women's part of the bath, and it would be the servant who accompanied them himself who would bring two empty glasses and a whole bottle of red wine near the bath - all position in a way that the people bathing could just reach out for bottles and glasses, pour wine into their own glasses, drink it while in the hot water - if they wanted to do that, that is. Cold red wine, to be drank while surrounded by steaming hot water. And who could forget about the fact that the herbs, soap and sponge were there too, right next to the bottles and glasses of wine? Let's just hope they do not get mixed together...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe mayor would be in his office while the guests were taking their bath. He would be preoccupied with his typical administrative tasks when Alessa knocked upon his door. He would walk to the door and open it. For a moment, he would stare at Alessa, but would listen at what she had to say anyway.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"No, thou art not imposing, Lady Alessa. What would thou like to know about me and my port?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe asked. If inquired about, he had little to tell. He was born into a family of sailors and maritime merchants with zero drops of aristocratic blood, he used to be the captain of several ships before he became the mayor, forcing him to settle down to the land and abandon his beloved sea. He claims to have seen the world, visited Gabyr, visited Froturn, Etrancoast, and the capital of Etrand, Grandfolk. The city of Copperport was built well over eight centuries before he was even born, and Copperport has been a trade hub ever since it was built. He did not build the port, he did not build the city, he did not even build his current house - he has inherited the house from the previous mayor, when he was elected as the new mayor. The port has been part of the city since time immemorial, complete with drydocks.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-25T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453676400,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "By and large, the wine went untouched by the Arlish. Only Fenrich partook of it, toasting Ertrand's sense of romance. Of course, as he could not speak the language, the man attending him was no doubt left feeling rather perplexed. The makeshift barrier was not perfect, but it was a considerate gesture, and Alessa reminded herself she was playing diplomat. She thanked the servants attending them, praising the hospitality of Ertrand and the mayor.\n\n\nThe bath was a luxurious experience, and its grandeur called to Alessa's mind the large public baths of Armonda, a country on her own continent. Ertrandish laws of propriety seemed odd to her Arlish brain. A woman and a man may bathe together, yet sodomy was frowned upon. She gave a small shrug, imperceptible to anyone but her maid. It was probably something she ought to make herself accustomed to.\n\nThe bath did a lot to revitalise Alessa. She had just come off a ship, having slept poorly for months. Still, her eyes were bright and her mind sharp as she spoke to Copperport's mayor. The same could not be said for the noblewoman's attendant. Lynette stood behind her mistress, swaying on her feet every now and then, or slowly nodding toward slumber before waking with a start. She offered an apologetic smile each time the mayor glanced at her. And she said nothing, doing her best to listen and follow the flow of conversation.\n\nAlessa was curious, and she asked her host about many things. Himself, of course, his family, his history. About the port and its people and the sort of trade Copperport sees. She had an idea of the latter, her House having begun trade with the nation, but she wanted to hear it from an Etrandish person. It would be a chance to see which items he placed the most importance on.\n\nOf course, Alessa answered any questions he had with candour. Of her bloodline, she spoke at considerable length, explaining that two of the delegation were her cousins, their mother her father's sister. She spoke of how House Delacroix traces its lineage back over a milennia to the founding of Arland, when their forefather was a trusted companion of Ludwig Arls as he conquered and united Demia's north. She spoke of Zauberfeld, House Delacroix's city and the larger duchy. She did not hesitate to talk about the Iron Mountains to the north, along the border Zauberfeld shared with the neighbouring duchy of Eisenberg, and the rich deposits of ore and gems within.\n\nThough she did not doubt the loyalty of her tutor, Alessa was aware that rumours could have preceded her. She spoke casually about Lilianna, her young cousin, watching the mayor's face and body carefully. If her tutor had said aught about forbidden magic, Alessa was sure there would be some reaction. And then she thanked the mayor for his hospitality and flexibility.\n\n\"I am aware that it must seem odd to you, my insistence on having a maidservant share my quarters.\" The words jolted Lynette from one of her half-dozes, her violet eyes darting about the place before settling on the back of Alessa's head. \"In Arland, however, it would be unseemly for a young noblewoman to be unattended.\" Alessa gave a small smile, something glimmering in her eyes. \"I assure you that you have no cause for concern. Lynette is simply there to attend to my needs.\" Lynette shifted behind Alessa, a small blush suffusing her skin. Alessa wanted to talk about their distaste for sodomy and ask why their god hated it so much. She wanted to ask about their magic. But she remembered she was talking to a sailor. A well-spoken sailor, but a sailor nonetheless. She held her questions for people more learned.\n\nTheir conversation ended with a promise from Alessa that House Delacroix would handsomely reward him for his hospitality beyond the pure gems she had already given him. She bade him goodnight, and Lynette bobbed a drowsy curtsy before the young women left.\n\n\"You really could try a bit harder to seem awake,\" Alessa murmured coolly, speaking to her maid in Arlish without turning to face her as they walked to their room. \"And did you blush?\"\n\n\"Y-Yes,\" Lynette replied, stumbling over the word.\n\n\"Gods have mercy... Well, it will give him something to think upon. Gods willing, he will think it embarrassment at your drowsiness. Let us hope our sailor's mind is not too sharp.\"\n\nBefore retiring to her own room, she visited the others in the delegation, bidding them goodnight and hastily summarising her discussion with Caméren for the diplomat, Selig. Weariness crept back into Alessa's body. By the time she returned to her own room, and was dressed and undressed by a half-asleep Lynette (whose hands lingered over Alessa's body nonetheless, vainly seeking to dispel the cloud of exhaustion that hung over them both), Alessa was happy to feel a bed beneath her.\n\nHer body ached as a tension she had not realised she carried ebbed from her. She fell into a sleep full of dreams about politics, sodomy, shared baths and spicy soup served by well-spoken sailors.\n\nWhen a bleary-eyed Lynette gently shook her awake, Alessa felt as though she'd only slept a few minutes, but the sun shining through the window promised otherwise. With a sigh, Alessa stood and gave Lynette a quick kiss. Her mind lingered on dreams that Ertrand would consider forbidden, but the young women didn't re-enact them. It was to be a day of diplomacy.\n\nLynette helped Alessa into another fine dress of blue, this time accented by a golden-white, and she brushed out Alessa's hair until it shimmered like pale, silken gold. Alessa stole another kiss, this one a bit less quick, drawing a quiet sound of yearning from her maid. \"When we get the chance...?\" the brunette trailed off, looking at her mistress with imploring eyes.\n\nAlessa's lips quirked into a smile that was at once amused, affectionate, apologetic and amorous. \"When we get the chance,\" Alessa echoed. \"Assuming you behave yourself.\"\n\nLynette's eyes went wide and she tripped over her words as she promised in no uncertain terms that she would behave to the utmost of her ability. Alessa left her quarters amused, a frazzled Lynette following her and speaking quickly in Arlish. It was to be a day of diplomacy, but Alessa was glad to have it start with a semblance of normalcy.",               "date": "2016-01-26T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453762800,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"Copperport sees nearly all of the trade on Artograch. Silk, linen, cloth, animal hides, wool, leather, meat, wheat, spices, gems, gold, silver, mythril, iron, coal, bronze... What ever is used as a trading commodity, it always stops briefly in Copperport. If it does not, it does not exist\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWhich was the mayor's way of saying - Copperport is simply the trade hub here, and everything that travels between the seas most likely meets the city.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"These new developments about the trade with Arland will surely be a major blessing to the city of Copperport, and in turn, my own coffers...\"\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EBut he was also asked about himself.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I am Beraen Caméren. My family has been a family of sailors since time immemorial. My father was a sailor. My grandfather was a sailor. Even my great-grandfather was a sailor. And I'm pretty sure even his own forefathers loved the sea more than their wives.\"\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EEven if he was a former sailor, he had to look education, he had to look scholarly. So he began his explanation about sodomy: It is already bad that men constantly contest and fight for women, but the fact that some women decide that they don't like men makes it even worse - in other words, his people consider the very existence of lesbians unfair to males, a curse to the male gender. He speaks of sodomy as if it was a choice rather than something one is born with. He then also talks about how men farm to feed women, fight and bleed to defend women, gave discounts to pretty ladies just because they happen to be pretty ladies - the least men expect in return is that the beautiful lady will find a handsome man who will make her give birth to beautiful girls like herself. He also talked about how sodomy was against the natural order, how men and women are meant for each other. Nevertheless, he revealed his own double standard: men are disposable, so it's not so much a problem for men not to be attracted to women, after all it will mean less competition for other men. But since women are the very requirement for life, they are the opposite of disposable - if a woman selfishly decides that she prefers women, she is betraying society, betraying nature, and most of all, betraying Titanius, who has decreed in his divine laws that men and women are meant for each other, and that genuine love - one that originates from Titanius's light, not demonic temptations disguised as \"love\" - can only exist between one man and one woman. But if it all comes down to making sure that fertile women give birth and as few men as possible are left without a wife, why the existence of nuns? Double standard, but the mayor had something to say about that too - a woman's sexuality is her most treasured possession, and if she sacrifices it for Titanius by becoming a celibate nun, it is the same as a man sacrificing himself for the holy cause for Titanius.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"At least, that's what I was told by the High Elves who created our religion\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAdded the sailor, who previously claimed that he travelled and has seen nearly all of Artograch, revealing both that he may not be as scholarly as he previously seemed - if we take it for a fact that he was quoting his former acquaintances rather than explaining out of his own knowledge - and that the Church of Titanius is not the original religion of humans - it was started by High Elves, became their state religion first, then spread among the humans by the point of the sword by Corlagon, the man who founded the Kingdom of Etrand eight centuries ago. But surely, the tutor has already told Alessa about that. From this, it can be deduced that the Church of Titanius was a religion of double standards. Affection between females is considered a mortal sin because it deprives men of potential wives, yet a celibate nun is nevertheless seen as virtuous, despite doing the exact same thing - depriving a man of a potential wife.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I'm sure the local bishop could fill thy head about that all day long. I'm a sailor, not a theologian.\"\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd did Caméren listen? Off course he did, he listened to Alessa's tale, although mountains and duchies did not interest him much. After all, he was a man of commoner birth, not an upper-class nobleman. Likewise, he was a seafarer, not a glued-to-the-land nobleman. He was more interested in the seas, the rivers, the ports, the cities, the trade routes and the goods, rather than the duchies, castles and mountains. Caméren was a man born a bit too early - a capitalist born to a feudal world.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I thought maidservants do domestic service, not bodyguarding...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ECaméren dismissed Alessa's concerns that easily. \"If thou dost not have more questions, I would appreciate it if thou returned to thy bedchambers. Even if the twilight disk slowly giveth way to the evening and the night, I remain burdened with paperwork.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd then he yawned. As the women left his room and he closed it, his mirror flared up, and for a brief moment, he saw a letter. He took up his corrective glasses to read what was shown on the magical mirror. Something about a ship of royal delegates arriving tomorrow? He facepalmed.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E ~ Oh great... looks like we will have more company... How will I break it to the guests?... ~\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd it was true. While the crew of the ship on the way - Archbishop Mullus Arcanovi, Grand Countess Tinya Tondbertling, Drugó Mairkel, Rynnan Sánáye, Stephanus Tavilrond and Prince Markal - was fast asleep, the ship was still sailing towards it's target, expected to arrive the next day, afternoon. Or were they all asleep? Not exactly. Stephanus and the prince were still awake, sniffing the evening air while having their dose of red wine.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"My lord... I have reservations about these... foreigners.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003Esaid Stephanus in a worried tone.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"I can udnerstand thy concerns, Sir Tavilrond. Maybe they are in deed sodomy-committing blasphemous barbarians who dress in animal fur and bathe in feces... Or maybe they are like us, civilized people who look down on sinful practices and dress properly, bathe in steaming hot water and drink wine...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EReplied the prince, laughing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"With all due respect, thy royal majesty... The fact that they look like us and act like us would be even more upsetting than if they did not. We humans only exist in this land... Even our closest relatives, the elves look different from us, with their pointy ears... Are we sure these... Arlish... are not using illusions?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ETried to explain his worries the knight, who was rather knowledgeable in history. He knew about the origins of his own race, and he could not be told that humans live in other parts of the world. They can't be humans... The fact that they look like humans... it can't be a coincidence, can it?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"From what I heard, the ones that showed up in Copperport to trade are well-dressed and look exactly like us. Maybe they are led by a princess looking for a husband.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ELaughed the prince, clearly joking.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"I hope thou art not planning on marrying an infidel, my lord...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus too turned to joking and laughing. The Church of Titanius does not condemn interfaith marriages, but they are still a taboo among nobiltiy, and even more so among royalty. An ordinary sheep of the mother church's flock is not expected to be so dedicated that he or she would refuse opening his or he heart to someone of a different faith, but sworn defenders of the faith are expected not to give their hearts away to those who do not subscribe to these values.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"Haha... And if she hath a beautiful handmaiden? Then maybe thou could have the maid!\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince teased Stephanus, who responded just by laughing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"But what if she... converts?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus tried to turn the tone to a more serious one.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"She who?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the prince.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"The princess. If she could be persuaded to embrace the teachings of Titanius, she could help us spread the truth to these foreign lands. It would be a tremendous help to our missionary efforts, should we start sending over missionaries.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EReplied the knight.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"Ha! That would be a great blessing indeed... If that happened, my father would outright demand that I marry the girl... who may not even exist. How can we assue there is a princess? This... what was it called again? Ah yes, Arland... is it even a kingdom?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EReplied the prince, almost back to the teasing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\"I'm pretty sure it is, my lord...\"", "date": "2016-01-26T10:27:57.000+01:00", "hun": false, "streamlinedDate": true, "unixTimestamp": 1453800477, "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond" },           {                "content": "Alessa mused on Caméren's words as she broke her fast. \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMen spill blood for women.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E Perhaps it was viewed so in Ertrand. It was true that in Arland, the bulk of the standing forces were men. There were women among them, too, however. Yes, many served as chirurgeons or healers, but the arcane corps of the Arlish army was composed of roughly as many women as it was men. A woman could work as hard as a man for her food. In the end, she found their ideology surrounding lesbian love amusing rather than offensive or threatening.\n\n\n'In Arland, an unassuming maidservant may hide a hidden and deep arcane power,' Alessa had said to Caméren, a smile lingering on her lips. It was true and untrue of Lynette.\n\nThere were quirks and foibles of her own culture and upbringing, of course. She had grown up knowing herself superior to the lower classes. Her magic was a blessing from Annam, the Demian god of wealth and nobility, and one of the deities that had long ago bestowed magic upon his favoured scions. So she was taught, at least. Like as not, it was the blessing of Kabbak or Illyrie, both deities linked to the magic that occassionally beat through the veins of humans across Demia. Still, it was a nice thought that she had been chosen by Annam and marked with his blessing. It lent her a feeling of haughty superiority that had made her as many enemies as it had allies.\n\nAnd it seemed odd that Etrandish religion had been passed down from Elves. One of Arland's foibles was that it viewed the elves as lesser to humankind. They were a people that had suffered great losses in past centuries, a pacifist folk that held to the woodlands and eschewed magic for a lyrical sort of power that called forth growth from the earth. A backward and backwater folk, Alessa had called them once, within earshot of a half-elf that attended Zauberfeld's Arcane University on a scholarship. Alessa was well aware she would have to keep her prejudices as hidden as she could.\n\nIn the end, though, Etrandish Elves and Arlish elves were altogether different. There were many points of difference between the two nations, though the appearance of both races that identified as humans was not one of them. The prince and his cautious knight could see for themselves when the parties met.\n\n\"Greetings, cousin!\" Fenrich called with his usual ebullience. He was not yet dressed in finery, though he had at least thrown a loose shirt on. Lilianna shuffled after him, looking as though she felt rather exposed in her nightgown. Alessa felt a pang of pity for her cousin, and resolved to send Lynette to assist her with dressing after their meal.\n\nOne by one, the dignitaries assembled about the table, eating their first breakfast on foreign soil. The last to awake and arrive were a yawning and bleary-eyed Letitia and a sharp-eyed Frederick. In a strange place, it was comforting to see something so familiar.\n\nAt this point, the delegates had no news of the group that had sailed down the river to greet them. They had no idea that they were meeting with a prince and a dour knight of an order with an imposing name. Alessa bade Lynette to ask one of Caméren's servants if there was any news, and the maid did so in slow and flawed Etrandish, almost as awkward as Lilianna's had been the previous night. Only the most astute observer would have noticed the little spark between Alessa and Lynette as the maid finished carrying out her order, and the sadistically amused twitch of Alessa's lips.",               "date": "2016-01-27T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453849200,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAs the twilight dusk gave way to the dark and blue night, the mayor himself ceased his work and went to sleep. His bed was just as comfortable as that of his guests - one of those cosy beds with expensive wooden framing, all the cloth made out of silk. He may have loved the sea, but one thing he definitely did not miss was the lack of proper beds. Ships usually lacked space for sleeping quarters after all, only the richer sometimes affording a closed bed that can barely fit into the ship. And before he became mayor, he was definitely not one of those who could afford such luxuries.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe twilight dusk would give way to the dark and blue night, and that night would mean a closed book for everyone. For Alessa's crew, for the mayor, for the crew of the ship that was slowly approaching Copperport from Grandfolk. The tired mayor would be fast asleep during all the night, woken up early in the morning by a trusty mechanism that was once bought by the previous major - a piece of clockwork originating in Northern Etrand, made by gnomish mechanics who have managed to create a clock that not only showed the time but also managed to make a loud noise once hitting a certain point, forcing whoever was sleeping to wake up. This is how the mayor woke up the earliest, got dressed, asked his servants to make sure all the other servants - especially the cooks - were awake. Why? Because it was breakfast time for the guests.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOne by one, the dignitaries assembled about the table, ready to have their first breakfast on foreign soil. One by one, the maidservants came out of the kitchen, bringing Etrandish delicacies to the table: plates of fried eggs mixed in with salty fried bacon strips, slices of brown bread, and smaller plates containing pork rind and slices of dry smoked sausage. Peasant food? Considering how food is expensive, being able to have breakfast alone can be considered a great luxury in alone. The main course howeve was not any of these pieces of food, but some kind of pink, sugary milky consistency that must have made the foreigners curious. It looked like light pink milk, had the scent of tea, and a taste of something similar. When asked what was that, one of the maids would reply \"Hot milk with acorn powder and strawberry\". In other wods, strawberry-flavoured acorn coffee, or rather... strawberry-flavoured acorn latte. The acorn latte was served in ceramic mugs that did not tolerate leakage. No wine or tea this time - the morning beverage was acorn latte.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EConsidering how this was a breakfast, no extra dishes would be present. Just one course, and that's it - they could only ask for repeats from the latte. Hot latte to feel warmer in the cold morning. Even if Copperport was a warm port city that laid in a part of Etrand that happened to have a mediterranean climate, the cold winds from the North always brings cold mornings to this otherwise warm city until the warmer winds from the South and the West can beat back the cold Northern winds and reclaim Copperport as one of their own.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Dignitaries! I... I have news! Last night, I received a message from the royal chancellery. His royal majesty did not anticipate thy arrival, so he hath odered for a delegation of his own to sail to Copperport, with the intent of sailing to thy Arland. They are not aware of thy presence in here, however... Once they arrive, I will let them know that this delegation is already here. I would like each and every one of you to behave properly in front of my King's delegation. Everything will depend on this.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe mayor proclaimed to the foreigners before Alessa could even ask for her maid to ask the mayor the question. Off course, seperate questions had to be answered as well.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"His royal majesty's delegation will be arriving today afternoon.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the mayor quietly to Alessa's maidservant Lynette, signaling her to return to Alessa and tell her the news. The mayor then looked at the eating foreigners and once they finished, signaled them to once again go to the bathing chamber, as they most likely had nothing better to do while waiting for the royal delegation to make their appearance - or even lunch to begin with. The mayor did not take into account that they had more than enough time - time to road the city until it is time for lunch, and then wait for the royals to arrive. But still, knowing how big of a city it was - and how these foreigners did not yet understand Etrandish customs, the mayor did not like the idea of letting the birds out of the cage, where they could cause complications. What's the worst that could happen? Even a tiny misunderstanding can escalate to outright violence, and it is unlikely that the various merchants within the city accept just about any foreign currency. Gems yes, they do accept gems. Bartering with goods? Unlikely. Gold? If it has the proper shape and weight... They are rather paranoid about forgeries.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd no, the mayor would not accompany the foreigners, if they decided to simply leave the house and venture outside, to the outskirts of the city. Neither would any of his guards. If they dared to see the city for themselves, they would have to be vigilant. Not all merchants are honest - many push scams on people, trying to swindle them out of their money, especially with fake potions and fake magical artefacts, among other things. Swords, shields, bows, clothes, foodstuff are all for sale. Several residents of the city appear to be magicians, given how they are wearing certain robes, constantly carrying books. But there are priests too, and inquisitors - bald, armoured men with warhammers, carrying necklaces with the symbol of Titanius. In fact, at one side of the street, Inquisitors can be seen forcing a young and pretty woman to drink a strange, purple-looking potion - the poor girl can't help but squirm and attempt to yell \"No!\", but she is overwhelmed and forced to swallow down. What are they doing? If asked, they say they are convincing a sodomite to return to the path of nature, by forcing her to drink a potion that makes her cease being a sodomite. Almost mind control. So the Church of Titanius has invented a potion that... forces people to not-commit sodomy? That sounds like mind control. Should the foreigners intervene, they will be overwhelmed - best not to intervene. But this may not be the first distaste they may have, if they choose to venture the city instead of taking a bath at the mayor's house like yesterday. They may also witness a man yelling he is being innocent, while his hands are tied back in ropes and he is being accompanied by two crossbowmen wearing chainmail armour.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ERegardless of how they spent their time between the breakfast and the lunch, lunch would come in a distinct shape: thick and creamy pea soup for the first course; noodles with chicken, onion, peas, grilled leeks mixed in with the meat and noodles; and finally something could only be described as creamy strawberry cake. The red wine and the peach-flavoured tea would return once again, and once the lunch was finished, the foreigners lacked the option to go out and venture to the city - this time, the only option was to wait and somehow pass the time in the mayor's house, be it bathing, reading something they brought with themselves, or asking the mayor to hire musicians so they will have music to dance to.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOnly two hours after lunch was finished would a ship arrive on the borders of Copperport, carrying the men the mayor was looking for. Disembarking within the streets of the city rather than the port, the ship's diplomatic crew would be accompanied to the mayor's house by the mayor himself. There, they would be told to wait until the mayor can gather the foreign dignitaries, make sure they dressed properly, and ready to negotiate. The Etrandish diplomats - Crown Prince Markal, Stephanus Tavilrond, Archbishop Mullus Arcanovi, Grand Countess Tinya Tondbertling, Drugó Mairkel and Rynnan Sánáye would sit at their respective seats at the table that was previously used to eat breakfast and lunch. It appears the negotiations will not be held in Grandfolk, but rather in Copperport, unless any of the sides object. Each of the would-be-negotiators had distinct features. Stephanus and Markal were both in their early twentis but could pass for older, given how Stephanus had his scars and Prince Markal had his beard. The countess was in her late thirties, having breast-length brown hair in ponytail and large brown eyes, wearing a red noblewoman's dress. The archbishop was an old man with long grey hair and a long grey bead, a red robe and a red exquisite hat that represented his status. Drugó was another old man, a balding old man with grey hair and grey beard, wearing clothes befitting nobility. Rynnan on the other hand wold dress rather plainly - he was a man in his forties, slender, blue-eyed and blond, also possessing a beard. The only male from the diplomatic team that lacked a beard was Stephanus.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Allow me to introduce the royal delegation, dear foreigners. I am Stephanus Tavilrond, representing the Knights of the Blood Red Light. Right next to me is his royal majesty, Crown Prince Markal of Etrand, and with him representing the Kingdom of Etrand are Archbishop Mullus Arcanovi of Grandfolk, Grand Countess Tinya Tondbertling of Brevia, Drugó Mairkel and Rynnan Sánáye. If thou have any questions before introducing thyselves and beginning negotiations, please ask them now.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStood up the brown-haired blue-eyed knight with scars, who was wearing his typical chainmail armour, with a tunic over it that was painted to represent his order. On his belt was his scabbard, containing his sword. Once he finished this little speech of his, he sat down to his place next to the prince. The prince discreetly pointed at Alessa. \"There is our princess!\" he whispered. \"And the maid with her!\" whispered Stephanus very quietly. \"Looks like thou were correct.\" replied Stephanus to the Prince, not in Etrandish but in Classical High Elven, the language of the church that the tutor did not teach to Alessa. Nor that it was necessary, as the prince and the knight were whispering to each other so discreetly...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-27T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453849200,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "The breakfast was received well, with none of the odd reactions the spicy soup had elicited the previous night. It was rather heavy, though, and they partook of it lightly. The last thing Alessa wanted was to put on weight without her couturier to adjust her clothes. Fenrich was most appreciative of the Etrandish attention to flavour, and he told a bewildered maidservant so, speaking in smooth and sonorous Arlish, with his words translated imperfectly by his younger sister's soft and timid voice. Fenrich had always enjoyed his food, and the saltier it was, the more he enjoyed it.\n\n\nAnd then came the mayor's news. Alessa eyed him, her beautiful face impassive as she translated for the benefit of her companions. It was clear that Alessa was not impressed. Someone should have woken her. And the mayor had not sent word? Incompetence or an attempt to gain something? \"We thank you for your report,\" Alessa said with regal professionalism. \"We appreciate the effort you have gone to on behalf of your great nation and ours. It is my hope that you will be rewarded suitably.\" It was odd that he had requested them to behave properly. Had they breached etiquette? Had the mayor guessed that there was somewhat more to Alessa and Lynette's relationship than one of a servant and the aristocrat she attended? \"We humbly request that you do not fret on account of us. We will behave with the utmost propriety before your king, and look forward to bestowing upon him a glowing account of your generous hospitality.\" An oblique bribe. If there was suspicions about her relationship with her maidservant, Alessa would simply buy the mayor's silence.\n\nThey did wander the city, all of them but the middle-aged diplomat, who applied herself to the study of Alessa's notes and revision of the Etrandish language. She was determined to have the slightest idea of what was being discussed. Alessa had dilligently written each line on the parchment in Etrandish and Arlish, and there dozens of pages bound together in what could be considered the prototype of the first Arlish-Etrandish translation dictionary. It was a relief that Marcia decided to leave them be for a time. The younger members of the delegation were all friends, or close enough to it to be comfortable with each other.\n\nLilianna and Letitia chattered away to each other, the younger girl pointing on occasion to this or that and telling the older the Etrandish word for it. Fenrich tried to engage Frederick in conversation, too, but it ended with the tall blonde talking at Letitia's attendant rather than to him. It was normal and familiar and an odd contrast to the exotic surroundings. There were some of the lesser members of the delegation out and about, too. The clergy and sailors and soldiers who had slept aboard the galleon. They walked about in small groups, attempting to barter with merchants here and there. It was an strange and awkward process to observe.\n\nFar more disturbing was what passed between the woman and the Inquisitors. Fenrich was drawn by shouting, his hand hovering over his sword as he shouldered his way through the crowd. At over two metres in height, it was easy to see what was going on. Alessa's elder cousin had always been possessed of a righteous sense of justice. It often led to trouble, and Alessa thanked the gods, both Demian and this Titanius, that she managed to stop him before he did anything stupid.\n\n\"Look at them!\" Fenrich shouted, gesturing angrily toward the men. \"What are they forcing down her throat?! Ask them!\"\n\nAnd Alessa did, her glowering cousin behind her, and behind him Lilianna and Letitia looking concerned. Frederick looked cautious and dangerous, as usual. Undoubtedly Fenrich and Alessa had their attention, the former dressed in polished black armor and the latter in her finery. She curtsied to the Inquisitors, lower than Arlish politeness dictated for one of her station. \"My apologies for my cousin, sirs,\" Alessa said politely, remembering the formal and archaic form the mayor used. \"What passeth here?\"\n\nAlessa was a pale girl, her skin flawless and porcelain, but the soldier's words drained colour from her face, leaving her with an ashen pallor. Returning her to the path of nature. An echo of the mayor's words. She glanced at the woman, not daring to show compassion, not daring to yet translate the words and discuss their meaning with her cousin. \"Thou art enacting Titanius' will,\" Alessa said, forcing a gentle smile to her face. Her words rang hollow in her ears, but she hoped they sounded more convincing to one with whose beliefs they aligned. \"May he smile upon you all and grant his wayward child a second chance.\"\n\nShe wandered away, half in a daze. What sort of deity would take away the ability to love? Were they the teachings of Titanius, or ones that had been scribed by mortals, using a god's words to further their own beliefs? She could hear Fenrich pestering her, demanding to know what passed. Lilianna translated as best she could, some of the words unknown to her. And she was aware of Lynette's hand grabbing at her wrist, her long and graceful fingers gentle and scared.\n\n\"Galothien's tits!\" Fenrich swore, half-turning before Frederick caught his arm.\n\n\"What would you do?\" the quieter man asked, his sharp gaze fixing on Fenrich. \"Fight them all? Bring down the wrath of their church upon us?\" He shook his head, grey eyes grave. \"We are here to represent Arland, not our beliefs, nor those of our gods.\" His words, quiet and clear, stilled Fenrich. The blonde man looked frustrated and helpless, and it hit him for the first time that they truly were in another land. \"We will spar before lunch,\" Frederick promised. \"You'll want to be rid of that damnable righteous indignation of yours before we stand before the king.\"\n\nAnd what of Alessa's? It was contained, but it was there. It beat through her vein and, gathered as a clammy sweat on her palms. It was in the confused and concerned eyes of Lilianna and Letitia, and the bright purple of Lynette's eyes. Frederick was right. Duty and desire are two separate items, and the debacle with Fenrich proved it. She gently pried Lynette's fingers from her wrist and willed herself to calm. \"We must bow to their customs,\" she said to her companions, \"but we are not here forever.\" Perhaps.\n\nTheir mood was soured after that, and they saw the man escorted by the crossbowmen. Innocent. Of what? It was a common enough sight in Arland. Demia was not some utopia free of crime. The pall of the young woman's plight hung over the group, and the situation seemed dangerous. There were unspoken facts among Alessa's party, Fenrich's taste in partners and Alessa and Lynette's relationship. An odd potion forced down a girl's throat.\n\nThe party was sombre as they lunched. Marcia Selig practised her Etrandish, her speech worse than Lilianna's. Lynette was the one with whom she conversed. The maid had the worst mind for language among the tutor's three students, and given Marcia's sharp skills, they were more or less evenly matched. Alessa's eyes lingered on them as she ate, correcting grammar and pronunciation.\n\nFenrich and Frederick arrived late. They had been sparring outside the house. Their fighting styles were quite different. Frederick fought with two wooden daggers, eschewing the long, two-handed sword that he often wore. He held them before him, crossed and low, parrying Fenrich's powerful sword strokes. Fenrich fought with a sword and shield, a more conventional style relying primarily on lunges and linear strikes.\n\nFrederick's style was flowing and swift, something akin to a dance. He moved like water and wind, quick steps and quicker strikes. Against a less skilled opponent, the mock duel would be over in a trice. Fenrich was passing familiar with his opponent's style, having sparred with him in the past, and predicted many of the blows. For a time, those he didn't predicted he was able to dodge. After a good half hour, though, he began to tire.\n\nBoth men did. Their skins were ashine with sweat, hair plastered to their brows and chests heaving. Frederick ducked under one of his opponent's thrusts, slipping forward and toward Fenrich's sword arm when the sword slashed down. He was inside his guard. He hooked his right foot behind Fenrich's right knee, still bearing his weight from the thrust, and yanked it out from beneath him.\n\nSuch was Etrand's first introduction to Arlish combat styles. And Alessa wrinkled her nose at the smell of sweat when the men arrived. \"You'll need to bathe before we meet the king,\" she informed them primly. \"The last thing I want is for him to think us unwashed savages.\"\n\nSo they did, and Alessa spent the remainder of the time assisting the others with the Etrandish language. Letitia was bored and restless, not particularly interested in learning the language. She busied herself by checking her dress, and when that was done, she braided and unbraided Lilianna's hair until Frederick and Fenrich returned, freshly cleaned and dressed appropriately. Though Frederick still had his sword attached to his belt, he had swapped his armor for an outfit that matched his cousin's and sister's, deep blue and white. Frederick wore his livery as per usual, earthy green and brown.\n\nA messenger had been dispatched to the galleon that had carried them over the ocean, and frantic preparations were being made. Where the blame lay for the haste depended on who was asked. The Lady Delacroix, the messenger, the mayor, the king, the gods themselves.\n\nIn the end, it didn't matter. Yes, all the dignitaries were dressed properly. Alessa wore her dress with the high, square neckline. Letitia's was a bit less modest, highlighting her bountiful breasts. Lilianna's square neckline was higher and smaller, befitting a girl in her early teens with budding breasts. Marcia Selig's was the least overstated of the officials', a red dress chased with white and golden sunbursts, reminiscent of Titanius. It was clear who was the most experienced in diplomacy. And Lynette wore her maid's outfit, a few steps behind the rest of them, trying her best to look inconspicuous.\n\nThey bowed and curtsied, and Alessa looked over them. Her gaze lingered on the knight, the soldier who served a god who twisted love and painted it as the righting of a wrong. Her reservations were kept hidden, though, not even surfacing in her eyes. Alessa had always been a good actress.\n\nShe waited until the knight and his king were finished gossiping before she introduced herself and her group in almost-flawless Etrandish. She was third in line for the throne, her deceased mother being the cousin of the current king. She made it clear that her uncle, Lord Engels, Duke of Eisenberg -- heir apparent for the throne -- and her father, who was second in line, were in agreement with her second cousin the king on the matter of her inheritance. It was fully expected by all three of them that she would one day inherit the throne of Arland. \"It is the hope of House Delacroix and King Karlstreim Arls that this is the beginning of a great friendship between our nations,\" she said to the king, a pretty smile touching her lips. \"We come with gifts, though I do suggest we wait until we are closer to Grandfolk before we unload them. There are quite a few of them. It would be my pleasure to escort Your Highness to our ship and show them to you, should you wish. I imagine your journey has been tiring, though. Should you prefer it, it would be my pleasure to simply spend time together, speaking of politics or matters of less importance.\" Charming and indirectly flirtatious, her sky blue eyes bright and sparkling as she looked at Etrand's king.\n\nHer intelligence was clear. She'd practically mastered the language in a few short months. Her wealth was just as obvious, present in the cut of her dress and the sapphire at her throat and those twinkling on her signet ring. But how would the Etrandish feel about an intelligent woman? Would they dismiss her out of hand, a thing to give life and be protected? Would they find her disconcerting?",               "date": "2016-01-28T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453935600,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd so it would come to pass that Stephanus did not articulate clearly enough. The King of Etrand, King Orlonius was not among the negotiators - he was still in his palace in Grandfolk. However, the king's only son, his heir apparent, Crown Prince Markal was there, standing right next to Stephanus - Markal was instructed to negotiate on behalf of his father. The young prince who was constantly bored with having little to do, no duties at all other than sparring and reading books, would now have a duty on the negotiating table. Did Alessa mistake the crown prince for the king she never saw before? It would seem so, but Markal partially played along and returned Alessa's flirtatious looks. There is his princess.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"I will give the message to my father, Lady Delacroix. My father, the King will be delighted to hear about these recent developments.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the prince, enounciating clearly to make it clear that he was not the King yet... but perhaps in twenty years? King Orlonius is currently 48 years old, and few Kings of Etrand have lived beyond the age of 70. The Prince is currently twenty-one years old. Young and ripe. Though he certainly looks older than his real age, thanks to his beard. The knight was not a very good at being overly formal. In fact, he was even a little clumsy and had a clear sense of awkwardness on his face - this was his first time doing something like this. He was a human being with feelings as fears as well. A more humane face to the Church that just forced a woman to swallow a potion that brainwashes her to be attracted to the opposite sex? Not to mention, the knight seemed to be also a victim of having a male gaze - he glanced over at Letitia, Lilianna and Lynette. He found all three pretty and may have found Letitia's cleavage a bit distracting, but it was Lynette who ultimately caught his eyes - a young and beautiful maid. While it may be a bit too much to say that the virgin knight had a fetish for maids, women of that specific occupation still hold a special place in his heart, as he was nurtured by maids when he was a small child. \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"It would be an honour to accompany thee and thy companions to my father's palace in Grandfolk. Our palace is large and has a large amount of space for our dignitaries to spend time in private in. However, before we leave for Grandfolk, I would like to introduce myself and my companions. I am Crown Prince Markal of Etrand, the only son of King Orlonius the First of Etrand.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd then at first, he pointed at the knight next to him, Stephanus Tavilrond, who has already said his name before. The clear-shaven knight who was a soldier of that certain church that twisted love.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Right next to me is Stephanus Tavilrond, representing the Knights of the Blood Red Light, the most valiant warriors of Titanius ever since the Demonic Invasions of Artograch. On my other side is Archbishop Mullus Arcanovi of Grandfolk, who has been servin us us as our spiritual sheepherder ever since twenty years ago. Next to his holiness Arcanovi sitting is Grand Countess Tinya Tondbertling of Brevia, the ruler of the Grand County right next to Copperport. It is in her interests that the negotiations go smoothly. Drugó Mairkel is one of my father's closest advisors, the son of the late Beoldwin Mairkel, my great-grandfather's personal advisor, and an honourable knight. Last but not least is Rynnan Sánáye, an advisor of my father.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince introduced everyone for the second time. Was it necessary? Probably not.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe Etrandish did not dismiss female intelligence, in fact, they had several female knights, however... Etrandish culture still made it clear that if any of the two genders were disposable, it was men. Females have played an important rule in Etrand's history.\n\n\"Well then, shall I accompany thy party to our ship? I assure thee, it will not take any longer than just one day of a journey to reach Grandfolk.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThen the prince looked at the mayor, stood up and walked to him.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Mayor, could thou arrange their packages to be transported along?\" - \"Thy highness, they hath arrived by their own ship. Some of their crew is still on the ship.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EReplied the mayor, but the prince did not seem so thrilled.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Not negotiable. I would like to spend some time with Lady Delacroix before the negotiations begin.\"\n\n\"With all due respect, my lord... I believe Lady Delacroix may decide this for herself.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAdded Drugó. Still, nevertheless, the prince expected Alessa and her team to come with him, or at very least, Alessa on his ship while the rest of her crew could travel on her own ship. However, they still have to get all the packs. Lots of frantic preparations have to take place. Should Alessa decide to go with Markal, the prince will take the first opportunity to kiss the hand of the duke's daughter. The rest of the Etrandish diplomats stand up, and Stephanus walks close to the prince again, although he may have an ulterior motive too - to get close to Alessa's maid.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ENo matter what, it would seem that the diplomats stay at the mayor's palace would be short. Grandfolk awaits them... and Grandfolk means a long ride after disembarking from the river journey. The Etrandish team would have to buy means of transport to make sure none of the guests have to walk. But once all that happens, they can finally leave Copperport, sail for the end of the river, disembark and ride for Grandfolk, where the royal palace will await them. A white, marble palace that looks like it's half a cathedral half a palace, filled with well-dressed people. Then they will finally get to meet the king and the queen... and Prince Markal's sister, Izaverra. The great city of Grandfolk, a large and cosmopolitan city, filled with humans, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, elves and orcs, all so different, yet so similar. But the journey will take at least one whole day, leaving a lot of time for the embassadors to communicate. Nevertheless, the Etrandish ship can't hold more than two more people than the original crew. While the Prince would indeed like to spend some time in private with Alessa, it all depends on whether she accepts his proposal to go on him with the ship.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStill, before the negotiating parties leave the table prematurely, the Archbishop has a few words in Stephanus, once again in a language that only the two of them can understand... The archbishop voices his reservations about the prince being so eager to spend time in private with the leader of the foreigners. Stephanus - from his hand motions and his tone - appears to be trying to assure the Archbishop that nothing bad will happen, nothing to be concerned about. Stephanus would tell the same to the foreigners - nothing to be worried about.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"My father has asked me to negotiate on his behalf. I presume thou art doing the same, on behalf of thy elders, am I right, Lady Delacroix?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked from Alessa, giving her back the flirtatious looks she gave him previously. It appears he already has a chemistry for her. A princess she may be not - at least, on paper - she won't have a very hard time impressing the prince. And what of Stephanus? He is just standing there, trying to look like he's a bodyguard of the prince, when he's not. He personally tries to get close to the maid Lynette.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Excuse me, beautiful lady. Art thou the lady's handmaiden?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe asked of her with a rather calm voice, not knowing whether she speaks his language or not. Just like the prince, he tried to grab the first possible opportunity to kiss the lady's hand.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-28T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1453935600,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Was it Stephanus, or a misunderstanding on Alessa's part? The memory of the woman yet haunted her, pulling her mind away from what was important and before her, and the words for 'prince' and 'king' seemed so similar to the girl's Arlish mind. Yet she recovered from the slip with a quick laugh, rich and self-deprecating. \"I thought you too handsome to yet be a king,\" Alessa said with a warmth she did not feel. \"The fate of a country is a heavy thing to bear. It seems that you are well-suited to such a burden, Prince Markal.\" It did seem to Alessa that the burden sat lightly on his shoulders. Did he take his duties seriously, or was this just an opportunity to flirt with a pretty and mysterious foreigner? \"And you have the blessing of the church, I assume?\" Alessa glanced at Stephanus, her pale brows raising slightly.\n\n\nA more human face to the church... Perhaps. Cruelty can be awkward, too, and darkness shrinks before light. Alessa did not think of herself in such grandiose, absolute terms, but she had a feeling that the devout of Titanius thought of themselves in such a manner. Alessa's skills of observation were good, and she caught the knight's glances at her cousin and near-sister and handmaiden. A man of varied tastes. Lynette would undoubtedly spread her thighs happily for the knight if Alessa bid her to do so. Perhaps it would be for the best, working to dispel doubts the mayor or his servants had regarding the relationship between Alessa and her servant. She remained silent while Markal reintroduced his party. He seemed much more confident than Stephanus. \"We thank you for repeating the names of your companions and apologise for the necessity. Study as I might, my mind still must translate your language to mine before I reach understanding.\" An apologetic smile graced Alessa's lips, and her head tilted slightly to the side. A charming and girlish motion that made her unbound hair quiver in the afternoon light. Her blue eyes found the knight, and she peered at him for a few heartbeats, her smile fading to something resembling respect. \"Your Inquisitors perform their tasks diligently, Sir Tavilrond. It has left quite an impression upon us. Your Holiness must be proud of the service of such valiant men.\" Was there a hidden barb within the words she offered to the archbishop? Mayhap. It could simply be her accent.\n\n\"Advisors.\" Alessa smiled once more, giving the men a glimpse of the cold beauty of her gaze. \"Men of wisdom, no doubt. Do you keep libraries? I would be interested in exploring the illuminations offered by Etrand's philosophers.\" Finally, she offered a polite bow of her head to the Grand Countess. \"And we acknowledge the hospitality of Copperport and the gracious presence of the Grand Countess. Prince Markal, Mayor Caméren has been most generous to us. With your assistance, we would see him compensated for his expenses.\" Alessa simply smiled as Markal offered her his company, or insisted on it as it was.\n\nAs Lilianna translated the request, Fenrich frowned. His eyes, as blue as Alessa's, fixed on Markal and the knight beside him. Letitia looked delighted at the prospect of sailing aboard a prince's boat. Marcia's face was much like Alessa's, a serene smile that hid her thoughts on the matter. Frederick's thoughts were hidden, too, behind his usual look of predatory boredom.\n\n\"Your highness is most kind,\" Alessa said, her smile deepening somewhat. \"It would be our honour to accompany you.\" She turned briefly to her own delegation, still speaking in Etrandish as she issued commanding requests. \"Marcia, would you accompany our galleon up the river? I would have you see to it that the clergy who have accompanied us are aware of the arrangements we have made here. Lilianna and Fenrich, you are to accompany Ms. Seligman as translator and guardian.\" Lilianna hesitated, giving her cousin a wide-eyed look of disbelief before translating for her older brother.\n\n\"Alessa, surely you don't mean to--\" Fenrich began in incredulous Arlish, taking half a step forward.\n\n\"\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ECousin\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E,\" Alessa replied in the same language, her pretty voice stern with command, \"I remind you that we are here on a task of diplomacy. I will \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003Enot\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E have your sense of righteousness jeopardising it.\" Her voice softened a little as she continued, and the shadow of a smile lingered about her face. \"I also remind you that I once set your hair alight and am more than capable of defending myself, and that Frederick will undoubtedly be a shadow to Letitia.\" ... When he is not feeling ill. The taciturn man gave a small, curt nod.\n\nIt did little to placate the tall man. He frowned--almost scowled--at Stephanus. \"Tell him that if he lays a hand on you or Lynette, his god won't be able to protect him from my sword.\"\n\nAlessa did not. She turned to Markal with another apologetic smile. \"My cousin is upset that he shall not be travelling with us, but I fear that our soldiers need his presence. He bids Sir Tavilrond to protect Lynette and I in his stead.\" And then the Archbishop and his holy knight conferred in hushed tones. They drew Alessa's eye, the language odd and unknown to her ears. Interesting.\n\n\"Oh, yes. Well, on behalf of my second cousin, King Karlstreim Arls,\" Alessa replied to Markal. \"We are linked through marriage. My mother was sister to the Duke of Eisenberg, who wed King Karlstreim's younger sister.\" Was. Past tense. There was a story there, no doubt, but it was one that bore telling another time. \"Duke Engels would inherit the throne should King Karlstreim abdicate, then my father, Bertran. My father and uncle and the king himself all expect me to inherit the crown, however.\" Alessa was quick to accept the prince's offer, allowing him to take his hand and brush his lips against it, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.\n\n\"Ah?\" Lynette startled when Stephanus approached her. She had been so focused on attempting to read Alessa and Markal's lips that she hadn't noticed the knight. \"Er... Yes!\" Her voice was high, and she squirmed uncomfortably as the knight took her hand and kissed it. She was a nymph, after all, and it sent a shiver of desire through her. \"Alessa's maidenhand, that's me,\" she replied in garbled Etrandish, a cutely awkward smile on her face. \"Sir Tavilrond, yes? This is Lynette Fairchild.\"",               "date": "2016-01-29T12:42:41.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454067761,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EIndeed, the prince did not seem to take his duties as seriously as he should. What Stephanus lacked in confidence he has made up for in experience, as he has been sent on diplomatic missions and peacekeeping operations as early as the age of thirteen, requiring him to travel a lot and learn foreign languages. But the prince? The prince was a rookie. He learned how to fence with a sword, he learned economics and administration, mathematics and literature, not negotiations. Or perhaps this was simply his first time. Or maybe Alessa has already managed to rotate his head around without even saying enough. But yes, the prince was aware of the opportunity to flirt with a pretty and mysterious foreigner, and seemed more intent on using that window of opportunity than fulfilling his duty at the negotiating table.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Indeed, it is a heavy burden to bear, but even in moments of such crucial decision-making, we must remember the good things in life.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EProclaimed the prince, hinting at his real motivation - flirting with the pretty foreigner.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I always have the Chuch's blessing.\"\n\n\n\"I could give thy regards to the Inquisiton, good lady, but I am not authorized to speak on behalf of the whole of the Church of Titanius. After all, I am merely representing the Knights of the Blood Red Light.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus had to announce to Alessa, with the intent of reminding her that the Knights of the Blood Red Light is not the Inquisition - the two organizations are independent from each other. \"The Inquisition hath seen better days.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the Archbishop quietly. While he shared their belief of opposing sodomy, opposing heresy and blasphemy, he considered the Inquisition a corrupt institution full of money-hungry opportunists who are more concerned with looting from suspected unbelievers and hoarding their wealth than truly enforcing the will of titanius. This was followed by gossip between the knight and the archbishop, most likely regarding their mutual disagreement about the Inquisition's policies. The knight's azure-blue eyes once again shifted to the maid.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"The royal library in the Palace of Light is arguably the largest one in all of Artograch, containing all books ever written but the forbidden ones.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ERynnan proudly proclaimed, accompanied by a nodding from Drugó. Every signle book in existence but the ones deemed \"forbidden\"? Surely that must be an exaggeration. There is no way even the king's library could contain every single book that has ever been written. Unless... unless they had a specific technology to make massive amounts of copies of a written book?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Off course, the mayor will be compensated generously for his efforts. His royal majesty will see to it as soon as possible.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EDrugó said, taking notes on his wax tablet.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOff course, it seems that Markal's suggestion of having Alessa and a select few of her companions travel with him on the ship back to the disembarking point caused a little bit of uproar. One of the men seemed to have second thoughts about Stephanus out of all people.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Even the tiniest grain of sand will have to see my sword before touching the two of you.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight proclaimed, making a reassuring smile. He knew how to handle situations like this. Trying to scowl and intentionally look threatening is the wrong choice. Smile, make your \"opponent\" think you do not take him seriously. Stephanus has seen his fair share of fights. Just smiling and laughing is the best way to seem like a big threat. And indeed, he was a big threat - he has been training with the sword ever since he was a small child, he knew magic - offensive magic and healing magic alike. He had a martial education, he was not to be underestimated. But then again, most knights in Etrand were similar to him: multifunctional, skilled in the sword and magic alike. And magic is not to be underestimated: with telekinesis, he can easily lift up any human being up in the air and choke the victim's neck while lifting the person up - he may even zap the person with thunder balls. No matter how great warrior someone is, without knowledge of magic, it is next to impossible to resist this.\n\n\"They believe thou art the heir apparent? Then we may be looking forward to the most beautiful queen so far.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince said to Alessa, clearly flirting with her.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"My mother Izaverra is the younger sister of Grand Countess Tinya Tondbertling of Brevia. My younger sister shares my mother's name. My father's family has been ruling Etrand for little more than one century. My father Orlonius inherited the the throne from his father Calhoun, who died of a broken heart after Orlonius's older brother Bryant died tragically. Calhoun inherited the throne from his father, the legendary Cairbré who strengthened our ties with the Princiaplity of Artaburro. Both Cairbré's and Calhoun's wives were half-elves from Artaburro. The late Calhoun's wife Hió is still living in the royal palace... The legendary Cairbré himself was the son of the also legendary Bryant, who has ascended to the throne by marrying Mythela, the last Tondbertid Queen.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince told the long story about his rather young dynasty. Mythela, the Tondbertid Queen... Tinya Tondbertling of Brevia... Tondbertid, Tondbertling... they sound very similiar. Are they... related somehow? Indeed, they are. Even if House Tondbertling lost the throne of Etrand when Bryant defeated Mythela's uncles during the succesion crisis, they retained their Grand County of Brevia, which was now ruled by this Tinya, who was among the negotiators. However, this was more than enough information...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Do not worry, Lady Fairchild. I will make sure not even the tiniest grain of sand can touch thy skin without getting through my sword first.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe said to Lynette, trying to reassure her.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I will be accompanying thee to the ship.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe said, smiling, trying his best to make her feel comfortable and familiar. However, his act of saying that and smiling might come across as patronizing, he is trying the same tactics as he would when trying to make a child smile. And that may say more about the knight's maturity than that of the maid - for a great warrior who single-handedly kills tens of bandits and took part in peacekeeping operations, he sure seemed to lack everyday social skills.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMeanwhile, the mayor Caméren would instruct his servants to make sure all the packs of the foreigners were ready to be transported away. The prince handed him over a hefty sum of gold and promised even more once they would arrive back to Grandfolk. They even seemed to talk about carriages, as they would need means of transport after reaching disembarking - after all, Grandfolk was not connected to the river and they still had to travel on land before reaching it. Apparently, the prince will be borrowing several of the carriages for the journey and compensating the mayor for it. Looks like the prince is trying to make sure there are little to no inconveniences.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince would see to it that Alessa would have all of her belongings transported properly, while Stephanus would even take it upon himself to transport Lynette's goods - if she agreed to that. All in the name of politeness, off course. Once all the frantic preparations were done and everyone had their belongings ready to be transported away, the prince and his two companions - along with Alessa, Lynette and other companions of hers she deemed worthy of accompanying her to the Prince's ship. A relatively large wooden ship - slender enough to travel by the river however. One day on a ship, accompanying the prince. That will be a pleasant experience, won't it? Well, it appears that the carriages necessary will put a bit of strain on the cargo hold, but nevertheless, there will be room for all the inhabitants - just enough room, compromising between space and being comfortable by using closed box-beds that are a little bit more spacious than regular beds, but are nevertheless saving space, as they have their own keys, saving the need for an actual room - they basically double as dressing rooms and possibly even wardrobes, depending on how comfortable one wants to get. It can be considered quite genious, considering how ships have a stereotype of being uncomfortable due to the lack of space - closed box-beds save space while also providing the comfort and privacy royalty needs.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOnce everyone was on the ship they needed to be on, and both the ships started sailing up the river, Markal would not miss an opportunity to spend time with Alessa - and Stephanus with Lynette. While the ship would sail, Markal would tell Alessa about how Etrand was founded over eight centuries ago by a King - the legendary King Corlagon - who spread the word of Titanius at the point of the sword, unifying all the semi-nomadic tribes into one feudal kingdom - Etrand. He would also mention that the river they are sailing on right now - the River Golea - is considered the separating line between Southern Etrand and Central Etrand, the latter which contains Grandfolk. What is so special about Southern Etrand? The prince would return to telling the tale about Corlagon - the last pagan tribes to resist the advance of Corlagon's army were in Southern Etrand. Another special thing about Southern Etrand is the land's romance. Central Etrand is mainly steppes - or former steppes that have since turned into farmlands due to human settlement - where aurochs and musk bisons roam the landscape. Central Etrand is a land of blazing-hot dry summers, depressingly grey and rainy autumns and freezing-cold snowy winters. Southern Etrand on the other hand is filled with romantic forests, yellow grasses, smaller and cuter animals, and is consistently warm, with no snow during winter. In the far north, in Northern Etrand, snow covers the landscape nearly all year, maybe with the exception of summer. Then he reverted to flirting, saying how Alessa's blond hair reminds him of the golden flowers in Southern Etrand, and how her blue eyes remind him of the blue gems that are mined in the North. A mix of north and sound. Then he would make the typical stock comment.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thou art so beautiful, Lady Alessa. How comes no nobleman or royal man came asking for thy hand yet?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince seemed to be spot-on about Alessa not being married yet. But how did he know? He wasn't told about this... So how? Surely he can't read minds, can he? But maybe he is implying that since she is on a diplomatic mission on behalf of a man of royalty - and she herself is a noblewoman - then surely she can't be married already.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMeanwhile, Stephanus would try to show the maid Lynette the view of the river on the ship, if she did not shy away and run towards her owner or her bed. If the maid did not run away from him but went with him instead, he would point at the river and then take another glance at Lynette. Her ears... pointier and longer than human ears... Is she... an elf? No, that can't be. There are no elves in Arland. But then again, the foreign visitors all seemed human, so... How?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Lady Fairchild... Art thou... an elf?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe asked rather calmly, ignorant about her species - nymphs. The virginal knight, clearly not knowing women, not having any idea how to approach them, would have a very hard time finding any lines that would fit the conversation, other than the cliché \"Thou art so beautiful\". Besides, who tells that to a random foreigner one has just met? Well, other than a prince...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thou knowest, I was raised by maids... When I was little, I had no idea who my parents were. The knighthood adopted me, and when I was too little to carry a sword, maids took care of me. They are truly hard-working people, aren't they?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight tried to make the awkward complement to Lynette. If she didn't run away already - or hide somewhere - he would sigh and look at the river again. Still no idea how to come up with a line that could make the maid blush.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Art thou married, Lady Fairchild? It would be hard to believe that such a beautiful maiden did not attract a man yet... Thou art beautiful, hard-working, intelligent. Every man's dream.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd that half-baked line was intended to make the maid blush. But how can she call her intelligent? He never did any tests on how intelligent the maid was. He was just throwing around positive words with the intention of making a woman blush. Though, maybe he implied she was intelligent, as he was told that she accompanied her lady and acted as her bodyguard?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-29T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454022000,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            }        ],        "sectionName": "Copperport"    },    {        "posts": [            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EEven in moments of such crucial decision-making, we must remember the good things in life.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E While he was not entirely wrong, the words struck Alessa as naive in the extreme. Was it an act? Surely it was the other way around. She hid her thoughts behind her pleasant smile. What really interested her was his belief that he always had the Church's blessing. She wondered how the Church would feel about a bed shared for a night between two women and a man. It was a fleeting idea, though.\n\n\nIt was both a relief and a small surprise to find that the church and its martial arms were factioned apart. It called to her mind the situation of the Theocracy on Demia. Any power can be corrupted and used for selfish gains, even that of a deity. The power structure of the church and its Orders was a conversation for another day. She said nothing on the matter, watching from the corner of her eyes as Stephanus' eyes moved back to Lynette.\n\nAnd the knight's oath quelled Fenrich, and he afforded Stephanus a stiff but polite bow, offering a few words of gratitude that was not entirely reflected in his eyes. His sister translated, her Etrandish far more accented than Alessa's. She made no mistakes, though, and finished the translation with her own thanks, bobbing a nervous curtsy. Fenrich could at least see by Stephanus' bearing and physique that he was a warrior who had trained long and hard. It was not sand that he was concerned about, however.\n\nMarkal was not as smooth as he thought he was, but Alessa willed the amusement from her face and feigned bashful gratitude in response to his compliments. She listened carefully to the history of his family, committing carefully to memory. She made the assumption that Tonbertling was once the line that held the throne. She was an attentive listener, asking at times to repeat a name, or to check some small detail.\n\n\"Arland's throne has been held by House Arls for nigh on a millenia,\" Alessa said, feeling she should offer something about her own land. There was a slightly troubled look on her face as she finished the sentence. \"His Highness King Karlstreim Arls has not married, however, and has no blood heirs. His younger brother, Prince Jon, died some years ago in the Arlish civil war, as did his elder sister, who married my uncle on my mother's side, Duke Wulfstan Engels. My own mother passed away some seven years ago.\" A story of war and death. \"Thankfully, Arland has since known peace within its borders.\"\n\nWhile Alessa was listening and giving her account, Lynette was entertained by the holy knight. She was not much concerned by the patronising tone, though she was sharp enough to notice it. \"Do you fight sand often?\" To all appearances, the question was an innocent one, not designed to be deflating or unbalancing. Perhaps there were constructs made of sand and bound by dark magics, or fiendish elementals that howled with the night wind and drew cloaks of whirling sand about them. Lynette had no idea. There was a glimmer in her purple eyes as she spoke, though, something at once alluring and mysterious.\n\nAs close as the knight was, he could smell her, the sweet scent of apples emanating from her body. He had no way to know that it was not perfume; indeed, among those there, only Alessa knew. It was a sign of her heritage. \"Though I don't mind sand,\" she added, tapping her chin and glancing upward in thought. \"Without its coarseness, we would have nothing to compare with the smoothness of silk.\" She smiled, tucking an errant lock of pale brown hair behind her ear with thoughtless grace. \"Could you promise to protect me from the rough hands of sailors, instead?\" Politeness or otherwise, Lynette agreed to Stephanus' offer with unaffected delight.\n\nLetitia's excitemend had not ebbed. She was practically bouncing, speaking to Frederick in breathy, fast Arlish. Frederick just nodded, offering a word or two every now and then as he watched their luggage carried away. He clasped hands with Fenrich, some solemn words passing between the two men, and he bowed to Lilianna before ruffling her hair. Letitia afforded the brother and sister with affectionate embraces. The diplomat, Selig, received one, too, and so did the mayor. It may be considered improper, but it was done with such innocence and goodwill that it was difficult to think of it as such.\n\nAlessa's farewells were more subdued. She spoke quietly to her cousins, bidding them a safe and pleasant journey. Lynette's embraces were not quite as showy as Letitia's, but there was something infinitely more intimate to them. They made Lilianna blush and Fenrich grin wryly.\n\n\"Keep an eye on her,\" he said in Arlish, though it was ambiguous whether the words were for Alessa or Lynette.\n\nOn the way to the ship, Alessa had a quiet word to Lynette, suggesting that she should do aught she might to deepen the friendship between Arland and Etrand. The maid blushed, but she nodded, her purple eyes flitting toward Stephanus.\n\nEtrand and Arland had similar histories of conquest. Ludwig Arls did not spread word of a god, however. He was merely a man of ambition and vision. It made sense, suddenly, why Etrand was so steeped in Titanius' worship. Once again, she listened attentively. The climes were similar, too. Alessa could see herself comfortable in Etrand, save for their ideals of love. It was an interesting conversation until Markal returned to flirting, spurred on by Alessa's flower-gold hair and gem-blue eyes. She noticed that he missed the opportunity to compare her flawless skin to freshly fallen snow kissed by the first rays of the sun.\n\n\"There have been suitors,\" Alessa replied calmly. It did not shock her; she had expected her tutor to write to her homeland. She only hoped that she had not suspected her relationship with Lynette. \"Many, both from within Arland and beyond our borders. Surely you understand, as a man of intelligence and power, that there are traits one looks for in one's potential partners for life. A quick wit, a promising devotion, the potential for children. Yes, there have been many, Prince Markal, but they have so far held little of that which I look for.\" And what was that? Alessa didn't say. She looked at the passing landscape, her hair fluttering in the breeze.\n\nAt Alessa's implicit request, Lynette accompanied Stephanus. She was slightly awkward at his side, fidgeting with the lace on her dress and nibbling at her lower lip. Her eyes kept darting toward Alessa. \"No, not an elf,\" Lynette replied. The conversation had a calming effect on her. \"It is...\" She trailed off, unsure of how to explain it even if she were allowed to. As far as she knew, Etrand had no such thing as nymphs. She shrugged and spread her hands helplessly, a helpless twist to her lips. \"A... Quarter-elf. My grandmother was from the woodlands of Kelseta, a nation to Arland's south-east.\" It was a half-truth. Her grandmother had been from those forests, and her ears and inhuman charm were from her.\n\nThe conversation was calming, but so too was Stephanus' awkwardness. It was a balm knowing that she was not alone in feeling unconfident in some portion of her abilities. \"Oh, yes. My Lady's household servants work very hard. She is an exacting mistress, and Miss Sebastian, who oversees the majority of our work, is just as demanding.\" Despite the mild complaint, Lynette found herself smiling. \"But it is a blessing, too. I have attended many balls and fetes and been afforded so many opportunities that I would never have seen had House Delacroix not taken me in. I'm of rather common stock, you see.\" When he asked if she was married, she giggled and shook her head, a gentle blush rising to her cheeks. The smell of apples grew a bit stronger.\"Should I ever marry, it will be after Lady Alessa does. I could not bear to leave her side before then, but were I to marry, I would feel bound to dedicate myself entirely to my husband.\" She glanced at Stephanus' profile as he looked at the river. He was handsome, and his words, both clumsy and honest, were endearing. \"And yourself, Sir Tavilrond?\" She sidled closer to him, lowering her voice so the conversation was a private and intimate experience for them alone. \"Are you married? Do you have some young noblewoman waiting for you in Grandfolk?\"",               "date": "2016-01-29T11:44:24.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454064264,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"I do not usually fight sand, good lady... But when I do, it is because I wish to protect someone like thyself.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ELaughed the knight. The coarsness of sand indeed is why it is so intolerable. But it must exist. Without sadness, there can be no happiness. Without loneliness, there can be no marriage. Is the knight marriage?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"No, not at all, Lady Fairchild... I myself am of common stock, like thyself. In fact, my origins are in the mud and the dung. I was told that my parents were homeless beggars who handed me over to the Knights of the Blood Red Light. I may have became a knight, but I am still of less than common stock... No self-respecting noblewoman would marry the son of two nameless vagrants, even if he is an armoured knight carrying a sword...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the knight, laughing at his own deprecation. But then he remembered that this was meant to be a private and intimate conversation between just the two of them.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"The highest I can bet my stakes on would be a noblewoman's handmaiden...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe whispered. This was both truth and a rather blatant hint that he found the maid attractive. He was in fact honest about the fact that he is not interested in having an affair with someone whose status is way above his, and neither does he want to climb the social ladder. However, he does in fact have a maid fetish going on... Even if he is a virgin lacking any experience with women, he can still have fetishes, can't he? And as he too began sliding a bit closer to her, he places his hand softly on her cheek, very gently rubbing the side. It was fortunate for him that he did not have his gauntlets on this time. His hand is surprisingly smooth for a man of war.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thou art beautiful, like a painting. Thou remindest me to some of the maids that took care of me during my early childhood... Ah, now that is what I call wife material.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe stated awkwardly, another blatant reminder that he found Lynette attractive. Still, probably not good enough to just seduce her.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"A good man is strong, intelligent, and has the charisma to command respect by his mere presence. Have all the suitors lacked such qualities, beautiful lady?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the prince in a pretended disbelief, with the implicit suggestion that he may have some of these qualities much more than any of her former suitors. He is physically strong for sure, good at swordsmanship. He is also relatively intelligent, having a brain mainly for economics and money, administration, only hindered by his lack of will to take his duties seriously. Charisma? He is deemed relatively handsome, his voice is deep and mainly, making him sound and look older than he really is. To add to all of it, he is also relatively tall. A combination of muscles, slenderness, height, beard and long hair basically shape into the male ideal of Etrand. Since time immemorial, the Etrandish ideal for males was a man with long hair, a well-kept and combed beard, a muscular and tall body. Colour contrasts may also help: the prince has a dark brown hair and dark blue eyes, while his skin is relatively pale. The Etrandish ideal for both men and women is colour contrast: a person with dark hair should strive to have pale skin, a person with light hair should strive to possess a tanned skin. But Arlish ideals are most likely different, especially for men - this has already struck the prince who noticed that both known males of the foreign mission, Frenrich and Frederick, were clean-shaven. Perhaps the Arlilsh don't like beards as much as the Etrandidsh do? But then again, the Etrandish are not a monolithic people, it is not mandatory to have a beard for a man to be considered handsome - Stephanus only has a little bit of stubble, and he is considered manly too.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"My father is rather concerned about who may I marry. I am his only son, and who ever is the person whose hand I put the ring on, she will be the future Queen of Etrand. He wants me to find someone who is... Intelligent, has a powerful charisma and takes her duty more seriously than I do...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWhich the prince finished with laughing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Many say that a strong man can not be influenced by his wife, or any woman, but this is simply false... My great-grandfather King Cairbré the Wise was one of the best kings Etrand has ever had, and he was heavily influenced by his wife, Muyian of Artaburro. Cairbré's love for his wife and hers for him was legendary. Despite all of this, he was a true manly man, who did what a man has to do when he had to do it.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince told his another history lesson. He has already mentioned Cairbré once before. The second king of the Bryantid dynasty, son of the same King Bryant who married the last Tondbertling Queen. However, there was another ulterior motive behind this history lesson of his - an attempt to flirt Alessa by feeding her ego. He was basically saying that if she marries him, he will let her influence him and his policies. That was at the heart of it. And this is not necessarily the most attractive trait of a man - a willingness to submit to the will of a woman has always detracted women rather than attracted them. Just like men, women prefer someone who is a challenge - a challenge to dominate over, a challenge to break in like a horse. However, if there is one trait that the prince shares with Alessa is most likely his self-centeredness, and how he likes to talk about himself and his family, and conduct history lessons even if no one has asked for the. However, once Alessa learns how much the Etrandish revere this long-dead Muyian, she might realize that being compared to that queen is indeed a big compliment. Though, Markal wanting to be in Cairbré's boots and wanting to put Alessa into Muyian's boots... that kind of roleplay is something they are yet to agree upon, and he will need the Church's blessing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"What of thy father? Is he also concerned about who might thou choose for thy husband?\"\n\n\"I would never have thought that I would find such a beautiful jewel among those who accompanied to those I would be negotiating with.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid Stephanus to Lynette, once again making awkward attempts to flirt with her.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Though, I believe it would seem that the prince has clear intentions with thy mistress. I am not entirely sure if he will have his father's blessings or the Church's blessings however....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe made his comment about what he saw was going on between Alessa and Markal. The prince was looking confident, speaking relatively fast yet assured and deep, like someone who knew completely what he was saying, even though most of what he was saying was nothing relevant but flirting mixed with involuntary history lessons. Stephanus on the other hand... awkward, honest, awkwadly poetic, stuttering. \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\"This will be the second time I see the palace with my own eyes. I almost forgot how it all looked like. Looks like it will be almost as novel for me as it will be for thee.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, Stephanus took his hand onto Lynette's head, rubbing it gently like that of his child. He had no idea what got into him when he began doing that. Maybe it's his desire to make someone so cute smile and blush.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"My lady, will thou mind it if, before we negotiate, I will show thee the gardens of the royal palace? After all, journeys like this are tiring to the soul and the body, and thou will need a bit of relief in the green space.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the prince from Alessa, though once again with an ulterior motive - accompany the beautiful and mysterious foreigner to a romantic garden, where they can spend time in private, get closer to each other, making a marriage alliance more likely. He has not seen Arland on any map yet, but if what Alessa was saying was true - which the prince believed was more or less true - then the Arlish were indeed a force to be reckoned with. Maybe not as formidable as Etrand, but still a force to be reckoned with. A dynastic aliance between Etrand and Arland could shift the balance of powers greatly, to the benefit of both sides.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd at the same time would the afternoon glow turn darker and darker as time passed while the ship was sailing as fast as it could. They will not make it to Talon this day, but by tomorrow morning. And after that, they will have to take the journey to Grandfolk on land, which will take at least half-a-day, arriving by evening most likely. Plenty of time to discuss things. While Stephanus has already made his attempts to get intimate with Lynette by starting to rub her head without even asking for consent, the prince was playing by different rules, abstaining from touches, knowing or believing that he has to win her over by words first, and then be patient until his father gives his blessings to his intention to marry her. But even if no marriage ever comes out of it... it was still fun to flirt with the foreigner, wasn't it?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Lady Delacroix... How would thou imagine an alliance between Etrand and Arland? How much would it tip the balance for the Arlish?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the prince, now making more direct suggestions, but also possibly emphasizing Etrand's role. Other than his handsomeness and charismatic confidence in his words, the only thing he had to offer was his status. Women don't usually fall in love with administrative skills or economical skills. They fall for charisma... except for the more intelligent women, who see through auras and look for what's in a man's brains and heart. An ordinary woman may fall onto her knees just from hearing Markal say one sentence in his deep, confident voice, but a more intelligent woman like Alessa surely will see through his act of confidence and want to look into his brains and his heart.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Lady Fairchild... How would thou imagine an alliance between Etrand and Arland? How much would it tip the balance for the Arlish?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus's question to Lynette almost echoed that of the prince to Alessa in words, but the meaning was different. It was essentially asking, how likely is it that Alessa will want to get married to the prince. With that question asked, Stephanus was indirectly asking how much longer will be Lynette spending in Etrand. After all, if Alessa was to marry Markal, then Lynette would be staying here for somewhat longer, to say the least... giving Stephanus an opportunity to attempt to marry her. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Stephanus met Lynette just today, and Markal met Alessa just today. Albeit it is true that marriage of political nature does not need a long build-up of love like a marriage between commoners, still, careful considerations have to be made. All, while it seems that Stephanus is sliding even closer to Lynette, placing his hand onto her shoulder. He however makes no attempts to hug or kiss her in any way - he has already kissed her hand once. If she was told to try to seduce the knight, she will have to initiate anything like that. Likewise, it seems that the prince will not touch the would-be-duchess without being direct instruction from her to do so.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-30T12:57:44.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454155064,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Stephanus spoke truly. It was the same in Arland. The lines of nobility were all but sacrosanct, especially those that had magic in their genes. It was considered a blessing, and to water it down with the blood of peasants would be close to heresy. There were some members of the Knights of the Rose--House Delacroix's private guard--that came from non-aristocratic roots, but they had been vouchsafed by members of the nobility and were often the sons of seneschals. Had Alessa been a true princess, Lynette would not have been allowed to attend her. The honour would have been given to one of the higher nobility. Letitia, perhaps, or one of her older sisters. Her cheek was warm; of course it was. How not when the skin was suffused with blood, glowing a gentle pink? \"A painting, sir...?\" Lynette echoed, coy disbelief in her voice and wide, purple eyes. Maybe it was not good enough to seduce most women, but Lynette was not most women. As Annam had blessed his chosen with magic so many milennia ago, Galothien had given her daughters open hearts. And if her heart truly belonged to Alessa, so what? She herself had bidden Lynette to hide it, to 'further the friendship between Arland and Etrand'. \"Th-Thank you,\" she stammered, truly at a loss for words in the face of such a glowing compliment.\n\n\n\"Quite so,\" Alessa replied. The Arlish ideal of masculinity was not what Alessa sought. Height, strength; they mattered little. Oh, to be sure, she had once entertained girlish notions of her future husband riding in the vanguard with his most trusted knights, his armor and sword and shield shinging. As she matured, however, so did her tastes and ideas. He would need to be worthy of respect, and that meant attractive and intelligent. The former was for the benefit of others, yes, but if she were to bear his children, she would want them well-formed. He would need to have a head for strategy at least matching her own. Wealth, in the end, mattered little. House Delacroix and Arland as a whole were affluent enough that it bore little consideration. Beards were not unfashionable in Arland, but it is the style for older men to wear them moreso than younger ones. And the ideal colouring was different upon where one was in the realm. The fashion was always set by those in power, however, and Alessa decidedly set the standard to which most of the younger noblewomen measured themselves. \"Does your father trust you?\" Alessa asked, arching one of her pale brows inquisitively. \"Or would he select your bride for you, hoping to spare you King Caibré's hard decisions?\" Alessa was aware of the implicit suggestions he was making, but though she was proud, she was cautious. He himself had said that his reign was yet some years away. A man's heart may change overnight. \"My own father trusts in my faculties, and with some convincing, my uncle and His Highness have come to trust them as well.\" For her own part, a husband that was weak-willed in private would suit her quite nicely.\n\nSomeone like Lynette, who submitted readily to her whims. \"Oh, we have many jewels for your king.\" The blush on Lynette's cheeks deepened as she smiled, and she glanced down and away, murmuring, \"I am sure that one could be spared for you, Sir Tavilrond.\" When he looked toward his prince, she looked toward Alessa. Her heart was filled with equal parts relief and irritation. \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWhy\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E would anyone refuse her mistress? \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHow\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E could anyone? Her right eye twitched slightly. \"Oh? Twice? What was the...\" She trailed off as he pat her head, confusion creeping across the delicately pretty features of her face. Did he think her a puppy?\n\nTravel took time. It had taken Alessa and her party the better part of two months to arrive in Etrand. A few more days would not matter. More time to get acquainted. She had not thought to ask her tutor about the unwritten rules of sexuality in Etrand. Would the prince expect Alessa to accompany him to bed? Is the act procreational in purpose, or something of pure pleasure? Should there be love, or does mere desire suffice? A spark of need? He asked the question of alliance, and she answered him honestly. She took her duties seriously. \"Arland is a large kingdom,\" she began, \"and a relatively secure one. To its east lies Ordeau, which is plagued by demons, and to the south of that is Estico, a large and covetous nation ruled by a mad king. These are our two primary concerns among the nations that share our continent. Estico has been attempting to ally itself with demons for some time. Should it succeed, I fear for all of Demia. Your Knights of the Blood Red Light made their name amidst the Demonic Invasions of your own continent. Their knowledge and might would be a great boon upon Arland.\n\n\"To Etrand, Arland would offer its resources at a premium price, some of which you and your father will see among the gifts we have prepared. We would willingly share our knowledge of the arcane and alchemy and offer military support should Etrand require it.\" She made no mention of thrones or inheritance, delicately skirting the subject with the exception of an image. \"A great and just empire spanning the oceans. Does it not seem romantic to you, Prince Markal? Ah, but these are a woman's sensibilities.\" She gave a small smile, pleased to be in the company of someone with who she can discuss such heady prospects with. \"Surely you have your own ideas. I would hear them, should you be willing to speak them.\"\n\nLynette's view of the situation was not as circumspect. \"Oh, um... Well, if Lady Alessa were to reside here, I imagine it would mean that I would accompany her. I would miss home a bit, I think... But there has been a lot of trade, hasn't there?\" She sounded thoughtful, and the smell of apples ebbed a little as she bent herself to more cerebral matters. \"I wonder if Lilianna and Fenrich would visit. Or Ilyanna--she's their sister. Um, but you didn't really ask me about that, did you?\" She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her awkwardness returning in a wave of self-consciousness. \"Um, I think it would be good. Don't you think everyone should be friends?\" A juvenile and idealistic response if there ever was one, but it was honest.", "date": "2016-01-30T00:00:00.000+01:00", "hun": false, "streamlinedDate": true, "unixTimestamp": 1454108400, "user": "Alessa Delacroix" },           {                "content": "\"Yes, a painting. A beautifully drawn and painted painting made by one of the most masterful artisans.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight extended the complement. It was his full intention to make the maid blush, and it seems he has managed to fulfil it.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I would love to have this jewel, sweetheart... Twice. Yes, twice. I visited the palace once when I was given authorization to borrow a certain book in the name of my order. Is anything wrong, Lady Fairchild?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe had to ask, as she seemed somewhat confused. Was it causing by his act of rubbing her head. He certainly did not think of her as a puppy - he thought he was just being affectionate.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thy hair is like silk. It is very smooth to the touch.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe had at least made an attempt to reassure her that he does not think of her as a puppy, although it may have made it even worse. Nevertheless, he ceased the head-rubbing and shifted his hand to her cheek.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thy skin is so smooth... I am just an ordinary knight. Thou should seek a nobleman, sweetheart.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight said, smiling at Lynette. Once again, this was not a discouragement - it was actually a compliment, accompanied with the head-rubbing, then a gentle kiss on her, unless she resisted against it violently.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"I think he doth... He hath chosen his own wife on his own, he will be a bit more trusting with me, I believe.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince sounded rather confident on that one once again.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Ah yes, one great empire spanning from one corner of the word to another. It is very romantic. Should such an empire come into existence, none would be able to oppose us. No one would be able to stand in the way of our justice.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd then he looked at the river and scratched his head a little.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"With the combined strength of Etrand and Arland, not only we could cleanse thy land of the demons, but also cleanse ours of pirates, raiders, and all the injustices that threaten our borders from both the outside and within. South-East of us is the Island of Keldorn, housing the Principality of Gabyr. A city state of pirates and merchants, they have always successfully sabotaged our ambitions to become rulers of the seas. I believe they will not take well the news of an alliance between Etrand and Arland, or the fact that ships sail directly from Etrand to Arland and vice versa. Should we unite our forces under a common banner, we can anticipate a war with Gabyr... However, Gabyr is just a parchment shark. Once their naval superiority is negated, they are completely powerless and are expected to surrender immediately. Once Gabyr is weakened, I believe the undead of Keldorn will make a move to annex the weakened city-state, which will mean we will most likely have to anticipate yet another war - this time against hordes of undead. Unless... unless we make protectorate from Gabyr. Either way, once Gabyr is out of the way, this Arlish-Etrandish Empire will surely dominate global trade...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince may have been getting a little bit too immersed in his fantasy of power through marriage to Alessa, but he did a good job pointing out how one marriage may completely change the fate of the universe. But is it for the best? Surely, wars triggered by paranoid neighbours being paranoid is a bad thing. But on the long run? This Etrandish-Arlish Empire could come to domiante the world! World dominance... sounds so crazy, but.... so romantic at the same time. No wars, no chaos, everyone being part of one empire. Two flies at one hit. He would not only become the founder of a new empire more powerful than any of the ones coming before, but also marry a beautiful foreigner in the process.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"It would be a truly great empire, should it come into existence. How much would thou like to be the founder of a new empire?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the prince from Alessa - another indirect but blatant suggestion.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Yes, everyone should be friends... if it were to happen, I would also be able to see thee after the negotiations. Would Lady Alessa approve of it if that were to happen? After all... dost thou not need thy mistress's approval to let me wear this jewel?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the knight, implicitly asking that if Alessa was to reside her, would she approve of a relationship between Stephanus and Lynette? Off course, having just met her, he would assume that she would be acting confused or even harassed, and widget around. Yet, their first talks were calming. It felt to him that her presence was a calming presence, one that put him at ease.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"It seems to be getting dark already, Lady Fairchild. Would thou mind it if I accompanied thee to the sleeping chambers?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the knight from the maid, hoping she hasn't grown to dislike the antisocial knight already. He sure was awkward, and it may seem cute at first, but by time, it surely can get on someone's nerves. Should the maid accept, the knight would take her hand gently and lead her down to the deck, where all the box-beds are. All separate from each other, and separate from the other room that is being shared by all the sailors. Stephanus - assuming that Lyynette did not attempt to get closer to him, hug him or kiss him - would simply show Lynette her own box-bed, show her the key that can be used to open and close the bed's \"door\". If she did not ask him to come with her to the bed, he would simply go for his own bed - if she did, he would blush and follow her only reluctantly, not knowing what she would be about to do. Regardless of which sleeping chamber he would end up in, he would have to visit his own briefly to get rid of his armour and exchange them for lighter clothes, lighter clothing which is much more comfortable to sleep in. Only then he can sleep in his own bedchamber - or visit Lynette's, if she dragged him to do so.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd what of the prince.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"It may be ten, or even twenty years until I become King, but once that happeneth, I will make my great-grandfather proud. He saw Etrand lose her influence and ability to project her power, and did his best to slow it down. My father and grandfather tried the same. I will succeed where they failed and make Etrand great again.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, the prince looked at Alessa again.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I believe thou hast similar intentions with expanding Arland's power. How much would thou like to create a new empire?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked for the second time, this time taking his hand onto Alessa's sholder. For the first time, the prince touched Alessa, well, other than kissing her hand previously.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I believe it is already getting lady. We should head to our sleeping quarters. Tomorrow... Tomorrow we can talk more about our plans, beautiful lady.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince would tell Alessa. He made no suggestions that they should spend the night together - he did not intend to deflore her before the big day would come. Only if she made any direct suggestions would he jump on the opportunity. While sexuality before marriage is not taboo, it is considered vulgar and uncivilized for a couple that is about to be married to rush into the bed business before the final ceremony. But if she made implicit or explicit suggestions that they should spend the night together in a bed, he would not refuse it - in fact, he would smile, grin and say yes to it. Not yet for procreation however, but for pure pleasure. And so it would come that he prince would take his hand onto Alessa's, accompany her down to the deck, where everyone else was fast asleep in their closed beds - including most likely Stephanus and Lynette too, unless Lynette persuaded Stephanus to stay up for a little longer, for more talking or pleasure-business.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-30T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454108400,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EI would love to have this jewel... Twice.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E Ah, gods. Images leapt into Lynette's mind unbidden. Twisted sheets and bodies limp with spent lust. The blush crept from her cheeks, spreading down her neck and to the very roots of her hair. And the kiss? She didn't resist violently. Rather, she tilted her own head, pushing against Stephanus' hand and letting her lips meet his. She held herself back, her lips parting only slightly, bidding him take advantage of her. She thought he would not, however. He was proper, if somewhat awkward. He was not Alessa, but Lynette found herself liking this swordsman-poet.\n\n\n\"It certainly seems that way,\" Alessa observed, amusement in her voice. The knight hadn't the slightest idea of what he was getting into... An empire built on justice, and war to create peace. They were not new ideas to Alessa. The history of Arland was similar. Oh, she was not naive enough to think that it would entirely stop war. There would always be someone who felt the need to rebel. It would be a movement in the right direction, though. \"Pirates and undead, and demons and a mad king,\" Alessa mused, that small smile hovering about her lips once more. \"It would make a good bard's tale, would it not?\" Her tutor had neglected to enlighten Alessa with information regarding the powers Etrand shared Artogach with, and she was morbidly intrigued by the undead, but she left questions for another time. It truly was getting late.In response to his question, she thought it best to ground Markal, laying a cool and delicate hand on his arm and saying, \"We must convince your father before we attempt to convince our hearts, my prince.\"\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWear this jewel\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E?! At that moment, Lynette wanted few things more. \"Ye-Yes,\" the maid stammered. \"I'm... Most certain Lady Alessa would consent.\" It seemed to Lynette that the scales had tipped, that she was now feeling more awkward than Stephanus. She let him lead her to her bed, the scent of apples surrounding her and her heart fluttering. \"You don't have to go...\" she said softly, sitting at the edge of her bed with her legs spread just enough to give Stephanus a glimpse of her underwear, white and damp and plastered to her petals with apple-scented nectar. She couldn't meet his gaze, but that was probably for the best. Alessa didn't need wild tales circulating about the inhuman charm of her maid's amorous gaze. \"I mean... I know.... You are a knight, so... I'm not sure if you can stay, but... I... I'd like it if you did.\" And if he did return, Lynette would guide him through the steps of lovemaking, her mouth showering him with kisses and moving ever lower. She was skilled with it, and would suckle and lick at his manhood until he was taut with pleasure and drenched with the sweat of desire, and then she would offer herself to him, bashfully covering her bare breasts as she spread her legs.\n\nAlessa's goodnight to the prince was decidedly more chaste. She did not have the need Lynette had; Alessa did not have fay blood in her veins. She bid Markal goodnight, thanking him with surprisingly honest gratitude for his company and conversation. She was pleasantly surprised by his ability to dream, and she told him as much before pressing her lips to his cheek. \"I do hope we shall talk more on the morrow. Dream grandly, Prince Markal.\"",               "date": "2016-01-30T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454108400,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            }        ],        "sectionName": "The River Golea / Talon"    },    {        "posts": [            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EIt would seem that the knight had gained more than he bargained for. He was flirting with the maid, complementing her and calling her a beauty little earlier than a few hours before, and now, he was kissing her on the lips. The first woman in his life. He was trying to be gentle, even reluctant, only kissing her as softly as it gets, and departing from her lips as soon as she started doing the same. He was as held-back as it can be, reluctant even when being assured by her that she would consent to anything he was about to do. He had a had time believing his ears when she said that he does not have to go, and was about to leave until she said that she would be glad to if he stayed. The knight, eager to put a smile on Lynette's face, stayed and blushed heavily as he has caught a glimpse of her underwear. It would seem he was still awkward. And so it would happen. In the middle of the night on the ship, the knight has lost his virginity to a foreign maid, having his manliness licked all over, having had tasted the maid's lips and breasts with his tongue, having had penetrated her until their night finally turned silent. Yet no one has heard anything. The closed box-beds looked like as if they were made out of wood, but they seemed to have been made out of something else, or enchanted, as it would seem that not a single soul has heard their moans and rumbles. Only some pipe-like structures at the top and sides of the \"rooms\" that absorbed sounds without letting them out, so that the inhabitants of the box could heard what was going on in the outside, but the outside would remain blisfully unaware of what was going on in the inside. The knight received a valuable lesson in the art lovemaking, being shown what women like and how to please them, while being pleased. Before their soundly night would give way to a silent night, he kissed her nose and fell asleep right next to her, spending the night with Lynette.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"Indeed. It may not be as easy a nut to crack as I previously claimed, but we will still crack it. Even he will have to realize that such an aliance would be for a mutual benefit. Until then however... good night, lady Delacroix.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd the prince would head towards his own closed bed. The night was still young, and he would dream of power and glory... all at the arms of Alessa, the beauty. Hard to believe that fate would bring him such fortune. The prospect of marrying a beauty who will bring not only good times in bed and romance, but also power that he could never have ever imagined to have. All he has to be is patient. And so he would sleep, dreaming about power.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe morning would come slowly, and it would start by sudden news that the ship has arrived in Talon. What is Talon? A village... or rather, a small town, separated in two by a river. Walls built out of wood, cattle, sheep and goat roaming the town, trying to mingle with humans, only to be disciplined by their owners. Is there no city along the river? Still, this town of Talon did in fact fit the romantic description Markal gave to Southern Etrand. A mediterranean climate that produces yellow grass, warmth. Markal would get up fast, so would Rynnan, Tinya, Drugó and Archbishop Mullus. Stephanus would only get up as fast as Lynette would, and the first thing he would do in the morning would be to give the maid a kiss on the lips before kissing her forehead and nose too, then telling her that he has to dress up, leading to him taking up the sleeping gear he brought himself, walking to his own closed bed, opening it, changing to his own clothing, then coming back to the maid's closed bed, waiting for her to dress up so he can accompany her. The crew would bring up the carriage that was stored in the cargo hold, and transport it carefully off the ship. The same crew would make sure all the belongings the diplomatic crew had would be also transported. Both ships would be serviced the same way, but they would not stop in the village. Alessa, Lynette, Lilianna, Fenrich, Frederick, Letitia - none of them would be able to enjoy the village's view for long - they would be all instructed to enter the carriages. One larger carriage for Lilianna, Fenrich, Frederick, Letitia, and the four Etrandish dignitaries: Archbishop Mullus, Grand Countess Tinya, Rynnan and Drugó, all with weary and tired looks on their faces. A smaller carriage for Prince Markal, Alessa, Stephanus and Lynette. Before boarding the carriages, each and every one of them would be given a short time to talk to each other. Stephanus would accompany Lynette with a happy look on his face, holding her hand unless she objected to it. After all, Lynette was the first woman in his life, and he was incredibly happy. And Markal? He would hold Alessa's hand like a polite nobleman would, like someone who was accompanying someone to a ball - except it was just one carriage.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThey would not see too long of Talon, as the carriages would start getting pulled by the horses as soon as possible, off from the village onto the road, where they would only see small houses in the middle of wheat fields, and then wilderness surrounding the road. During this, they would have plenty of opportunity to talk. Stephanus would want to sit next to Lynette, but sitting next to Markal would also work. Should he be sitting in the opposite of Lynette, he would be constantly looking at her, blushing and momentarily looking away if she ever looks into his direction. Should she be sitting next to him, he would be keeping his hand on hers.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"So, Lady Alessa, I believe thou said we need to talk this time. Was it about... the consequences of a potential union?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked Markal, compelling Stephanus to look up and look at Lynette. A union? What sort of union? Union between Alessa and Markal. That would be certainly to his advantage, allowing him to spend more time with Lynette. There would be plenty of time to talk, as the journey to Grandfolk would take hours.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-30T11:10:03.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454148603,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Though Stephanus learned a lot that night, it would bode poorly for any other partners he may have had in his life if he took Lynette's desires as the standard. There were the physiological differences of her race to consider, and the psychological ones born of nature and her eager desire to submit and please others. She slept soundly at his side, her fingers entwined with his and the warmth of his seed inside her. Morning came too soon. Or Lynette guessed it was morning. She could hear shouts from the deck, and the sense of motion that comes with travel seemed to have gone. \"Good morning,\" Lynette said, kissing Stephanus back and shivering at the memory of pleasure. She would have given him another lesson, but the day would not wait, and so he departed to prepare herself, and the maid did the same, then shuffling off to find her mistress. She thought it best to ask Stephanus to wait above deck for them. She was not entirely sure what state of dress Alessa would be in.\n\n\nAlessa had slept rather poorly. She felt as though the bed was a cage, and awoke several times feeling the need to stretch her legs. But as so often happens when one sleeps poorly, it seemed that she had only managed to get into proper sleep before she was awoken by a knock on the box's door. She opened it to see Lynette, smelling of apples and a hint of sweat that was not her own. The maid smiled brightly and spoke with a light heart, and Alessa knew without being told that she had passed the night with the knight. It was a good thing; Alessa had expected it. So why did she feel jealous? It made her quiet and thoughtful. Markal thought that Stephanus had designs for Lynette. Maybe it was just a passing infatuation. Lynette was an astoundingly pretty girl, and Alessa knew more than anyone that she was skilled in the arts of pleasure. Would it stand the test of time? What if it did? What if Stephanus proposed to her? Lynette would ask Alessa's blessing on the union, if she desired it. Would Alessa give it? She was uncertain.\n\nThen there was the matter of Markal. He was a likable man, charming and forthright and ambitious. He would not be a terrible match for her. And yes, the thought of a grand empire, with herself as a queen of Arland and Etrand, was a heady one. She had said that it was fit for a bard's tale, and it was. But there was still his father, and perhaps more urgently, her emotions. Alessa did not expect a true love match. She might grow to love Markal in time, but she had given her heart to Lynette. Then again, it may have been rebellious youth driving that. How much of their relationship was the thrill of the forbidden?\n\nTalon was picturesque, though warm. Alessa had Lynette attend her, jealousy, propriety and duty all compelling the decision. Then, too, there was the fact that desire could be tempered by longing. If Stephanus desired Lynette more.... What then? Would it make him more flexible on matters of the heart? Would he love Lynette enough to endure the love that she held for Alessa? Lynette was sensitive to love and desire, her heart echoing that of those around her... Would Lynette fall in love with the knight? It all left her in a rather sour mood, and though she contained it around the Etrandish, she was curt with her cousins when she briefly spoke with them, raising her voice slightly at Fenrich's incessant worrying. At least Letitia was her usual bright self. It eased the tension in the air.\n\nBut Letitia was not in Alessa's carriage, and Stephanus was. She had Lynette sit next to her, across from Stephanus, and she saw the glances and blushes from the corner of her eye. She saw the way Lynette reached out with a slippered foot, her toes brushing against Stephanus'. She managed to keep herself composed, however. She was a good actor. \"A union and a nut,\" Alessa reminded Markal, her face a cool and unreadable mask. \"There is the matter of the commonfolk, too. Are you certain they would accept a foreign queen?\"",               "date": "2016-01-31T12:55:53.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454241353,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"A union and a nut. Should the nut be cracked, the union will be more powerful than we have ever seen on the face of the universe so far. As for the common folk... The common folk accepted Queen Muyian, the wife of the legendary King Cairbré my great-grandfather. The common folk also accepted Queen Hió, the wife of King Calhoun, my grandfather. What makes thou think that they would not accept thee? A queen as beautiful as the rarest jewels can do wonders to convince the common rabble to open their hearts to the regime.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince would once again attempt to flirt with Alessa, while Stephanus would keep up the game of looking, blushing and looking away with Lynette.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"My lord, art thou telling me it is thy intention to...?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight wanted to ask.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thy father's blessing is one question, but dost thou have the church's blessing? After all Lady Delacroix is...\"\n\n\"I always have the church's blessing, Sir Tavilrond. My family, House Tondbertling has featured icons of piety such as Cairbré, Calhoun and my father Orlónius. The church never objects to anything my family decides.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince indeed sounded rather confident on that one. The church always supports his family. If his ancestors were all so pious, surely he can capitalize on that and make the church swallow his marriage to a heathen. Surely, after all the good deeds his forefathers have done for the church, they would forgive him for marrying an infidel. And if not... surely, more goods deeds would make them forgive him.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Besides, is it not in thy interest, good knight?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince began teasing the knight with that, clearly noticing his infatuation with Lynette. This made him blush while looking at Lynette. All while most likely making Alessa more jealous. Well, at least she can be certain that the prince is a social and sociable fellow, not an antisocial bookworm that just goes on and on on the lessons he wants to give.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Lady Fairchild is a truly wonderful person indeed... She is... a perfect combination of hard-working hands, beauty and brains. Lady Delacroix is very lucky to have her.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ETapping the boundaries, aren't thou, Stephanus? Better be careful, Alessa is jealous...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Oh, where did I leave off? Ah yes... My family always hath the chuch's blessing. If we crack the nut that my father is, the aliance is reality. And then the union once I inherit the Etrandish throne and Lady Delacroix the Arlish throne. Once the alliance is a deal, we can combine our forces to expel the demons from Ordeau...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince repeated his plans in front of Stephanus.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I assume thou will be sending me as well?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight asked, half-seriously, as he had a smile on his face.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thou art our most valiant knights, Sir Tavilrond. Thou would be a perfect leader for the army against the demons...\"\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EBut this made the knight frown. He valiant? He perfect leader? Impossible. So he cleared his throat, and said...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"With all due respect, my lord... I am an ordinary Crusader. There are many masters, far wiser nad more experienced than me, higher in rank and power than me. I believe I would be unfit for such key roles.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd after that display of humility he looked back at Lynette, and then faced Alessa, intending the next line to her.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"However, there is quite a bit of truth in what his royal majesty said. Making our names in Ordeau would strengthen our position not only on thy continent, but also here in Artograch. Many lately have started doubting our authority...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd then he faced the prince.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"... however, the Knights of the Blood Red Light remains one of the closest allies of his royal majesty to this very day.\"\n\n\"I believe that if my father cracketh, the rest of my family would accept Lady Delacroix with open arms. My mother and sister spend nearly all of their time socializing with other nobles. My grandmother is a foreigner herself. The question is... will thy family accept me?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd the prince waited for the answer to that question. He expected a yes. Regardless of the answer he received, he would make another mention of the magnitude of events.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"These are historical moments here. These will be all recorded in history books....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd while the prince was saying that, Stephanus continued his nonverbal \"romance\" with Lynette - looking at her, blushing and looking away the moment she looks back, expecting her to do the same.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that in mind, the prince would try to pass the time by spoiling how Grandfolk is going to look to Alessa and Lynette - a diverse city populated by almost two hundred thousand people, making it the second largest city in Artograch after Neressa, which is a city-state. Divided into three parts: the Inner City, the Industrial Quarters, and the Shanty Quarters. The first one being the shiny part of the city that contains the royal palace, the largest cathedral, the university, the Mages Guild, the residences of all the upper-class folks who happen to inhabit the city, all the upper-class resorts... The second being the coal-smokey part of the city that contains all the markets, guilds, artisan's workshops, shops, bakeries, breweries, blacksmiths', blast furnaces, \"factories\"... The last one being the poor and run-down part of the city that houses all of its criminals, madmen, prostitutes, vagrants, and other illegal elements, also including pimps, necromancers, dark magicians, black market merchants, drug-dealers, bounty hunters and assassins. In other words, the Inner City is the part of the city de facto reserved for the bourgeoisie, upper-class old-money nobility and the nouveau-riche middle-class alike; opposing the other two: the Industrial Quarters being a place of the proletariat, the Shanty Quarters being a wretched hive of scum and villainy. Sounds simple enough. Probably too simple to be real. All the spoiling while they were already on their way to Grandfolk.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Feeleth good to be home, eh Sir Tavilrond?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked, but the knight seemed too preoccupied with playing that \"game\" with Lynette to notice. They have not arrived yet.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-01-31T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454194800,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Power. Alessa couldn't help smiling a little. Maybe Markal was obsessed with the notion, but it seemed to her that he thought of his country and of her, as well. She was warming to the idea of a relationship with him, and his cheerful presence soothed her bad mood a little. She doubted it was a ploy... He did not seem cunning enough to execute such a plan. And truly, it would do a lot of good for Arland and its ally, Ordeau, too. And, yes, the idea of being queen of two countries yet lingered in Alessa's mind. There were logistics to consider; would they make court primarily in Arland or Etrand? Would they live apart, meeting for some fleeting months of the year? The commonfolk, the clergy and the royal family. Markal was confident that she would have their support. And the nobility?\n\n\nShe could not imagine that the nobility of Arland would accept a king of foreign birth so easily. With the Arls dynasty giving way to one headed by the strong-willed heiress of House Delacroix. Would Markal allow his children to be named part of her family as well as his? She thought it unlikely, though he might come around. It would be a show of goodwill as far as the Arlish were concerned, securing the throne of Arland and Etrand for House Delacroix as well as House Bryantling. Markal seemed confident in himself and his abilities to charm the church and his family, but it remained to be seen whether his confidence was grounded in fact or hubris.\n\n\"Lynette is a steadfast and loyal servant,\" Alessa said in response to Stephanus' praise, and she noticed Lynette squirm, her cheeks colouring. \"You are right, Sir Tavilrond, I am lucky to have her friendship and loyalty. It seems that you have become quite friendly over the past day.\" She managed to keep her tone neutral as she stated that; it was an effort. \"I do hope this is a sign that our gods have smiled upon our alliance. I realise you are but a member of a small faction, but I do hope you will remember that there is good in people who do not worship Titanius.\" It was interesting that Markal seemed happy to send Stephanus away, given his position as 'most valiant knight'. Or perhaps Markal meant to accompany him and see Alessa's homeland and ingratiate himself to the people of Arland and Ordeau.\n\n\"Surely we ought to speak to your father before we start talking strategy, Prince Markal,\" Alessa observed with some amusement. He really was confident. \"I imagine our clergy from the Holy See of Padraigia would discuss our demons with you. I think there are a few crusaders who have come along, too. They will be able to tell you more about our particular troubles. As our magics and people differ, I imagine our demons do, too.\"\n\n\"My family will certainly accept you, Prince Markal.\" Alessa favoured him with a smile, pretty and charming. There was no superhuman allure to it beyond her beauty, but it was bright. \"I worry more about the other Great Houses. We are not all of one mind. House Marchand, Letitia's house, and House Engels, my uncle's, would support your suit. There are others, though. d'Orlea would most probably support you were you to pledge aid to Ordeau. Orlea borders Ordeau, and the Magocracy's problems are shared. It is Frelia and Alighi that I worry about, and the latter more than the former. There is little love lost between House Alighi and House Delacroix. It is a long story, and one that I would not bore your highness with at this time. Then there are the lesser nobility. There would be fear among them; change is never an easy thing, is it?\"\n\nTruly, it is not. As Alessa listened, she half-observed Lynette's silent flirting. It was a pain of her own making, but it was still a pain. Grandfolk seemed to be similar enough to most large cities across Demia. Districts divided by class and wealth and power. Lynette was made more excited by Markal's words, and she kept interjecting, expressing her desire to see some marvel that Markal described or her horror at his description of the Shanty Quarters.\n\nHome. How long had Markal and Stephanus been away from it? It had been almost three months since Alessa and Lynette had left Zauberfeld to head for the capital of Arls. A pang of homesickness shot through her, but she kept it to herself, listening to Markal's rich voice as she glanced out the coach's window.",               "date": "2016-01-31T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454194800,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            }        ],        "sectionName": "Grandfolk"    },    {        "posts": [            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMarkal may not have been obsessed with the notion of commanding large amount of power, he was certainly entertained by the thought. After all, he was the future king of the largest state and most populous state on Artograch, to make it even larger and more populous would be indeed a bountiful blessing. Markal was not a cunning prince that would use dishonourable tactics - he was taught to be chivalrous, respect people, especially women. The prince did in fact have some specific plans for Alessa however... But she mentioned support. He mentioned previously how the commonfolk would respect her. But the nobility? He could not answer that question. His grandmother Hió was a target of assassination attempts by some of the more hot-headed xenophobic sectiosn of the nobility during Calhoun's reign, but Cairbré's Muyian was almost universally beloved - even by the nobility.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWould Markal allow the children to be named after Delacroix? Maybe with a compromise. Maybe by calling a new dynasty named Delacroix-Bryantling? He would accept that. In fact, he would even accepting giving them the family-name Delacroix, as long as they would be baptized onto his church. But then again, royalty don't have family names in Etrand - dynasties have names, but members of the royal dynasty don't usually use them. That's why his name was simply Markal - Crown Prince Markal of Etrand to be specific -, not Markal Bryantling. Would he allow the children to be both Bryantling and Delacroix at the same time? Off course he would, after all, uniting the two families and the two kingdoms is the plan.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"She... she is a truly charming person, and I am glad to have met her...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus shyly responded to Alessa's question, then began looking at Lynette once again. \"I am well aware of that...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHow could he be not? After all, he was infatuated with a maid that was definitely not following his religion. An irritating reminder...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Do our demons differ? I do not believe so... Even if they look different, they are still demons all the same. Evil creatures from another plane, with the intent of destroying us. They are all the same, Lady Delacroix. Their hearts are filled with nothing but malcontent.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince attempted to refute Alessa on the idea of demons being different. But surely, he would have to discuss it with their priests.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"So, if anyone in Arland represents the opposition to such a union, it would be Alighi... Let us hope they do not plan a Carolus-conspiracy of their own...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince said. Should Alessa ask about the Carolus-conspiracy, Markal would share another history lesson: The Church of Titanius originates from the neighbouring Kingdom of Froturn, the Kingdom of the High Elves. Froturn is north-west of Etrand, while Dragoc - the Kingdom of the Wood Elves - is south-west of Etrand. To the west of both lies a small state called Artaburro, very distant from Etrand in geography, inhabited by half-elves - half-human, half-elven - who have decided to make an exodus and create their own state after the Demonic Invasions. His great-grandfather Cairbré's Froturnish contemporary was King Cael'mus, who was known for being impious, letting in Naturalist missionaries from Dragoc and angering his own native Titanist clergy. This meant a cold war between the pious Cairbré of Etrand and the impious Cael'mus of Froturn. Cairbré sought political allies against Froturn and Dragoc, so he has decided to ally with little Artaburro, which felt threatened by its position of being sandwiched between the two elven states. Cairbré married Muyian, the younger sister of Prince Saran of Artaburro - she was universally beloved. Cairbré arranged a marriage between his son Calhoun and Muyian's niece Hió. After Calhoun came to power, some of the nobility noticed that both the current queen and the previous queen were half-elves, and feared that a new Elven ruling class would arise in Etrand - so they launched the Carolus-conspiracy, a conspiracy to assassinate Queen Hió and butcher her retinue. Fortunately, only a few people lost their lives and Queen Hió is still alive to this day - still, King Calhoun, fearing a possible civil war, only punished the ringleaders, and made some gestures towards the nobility. An interesting tale for sure, but the mentioning of Markal's lineage again... doesn't all of this make him part-elven? If both his great-grandmother and grandmother were half-elves, that would make Markal 3/16 elven and 13/16 human... right? Not purely human, it seems. Yet, he looks completely human...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"It looketh like we will be arriving soon. We will be able to sightsee the city a little before reaching the palace...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight Stephanus said, looking out of the window.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Grandfolk never changeth....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, he looked out to see if they were passing through any of the streets he frequents. Oh yes, Grandfolk was indeed a diverse city. Normal humans, pointy-eared elves - ones with white skin and ones with greyish-blue skin alike -, a few green-skinned orcs, dwarves and gnomes. So many different kinds of people! It would be up to either the prince or the knight to reply to questions regarding their identity. Who are the greyish-blue skinned people with pointy ears? Dark Elves. Who are those ugly people with green skin? Orcs. Who are those very short humans who all have beards? Dwarves and Gnomes. Who are those other very short humans who nearly exclusively have curly hair? Halflings. Most buildings were built out of stone bricks. They had to momentarily pass through the Industrial District with the carriage before finally arriving at the Inner City - the part of the city that was inhabited by nicely-dressed individuals, not crowds of unwashed proletarians. Buildings built out of marble and more expensive materials, a very large cathedral that looks like it's built out of pure white marble, and another huge building with towers that also happens to be made out of something white and shining. The huge building - even from afar - looked like it had a large garden as well. But pretty much all of the Inner City had small gardens. Nearly every building had a little bit of green space after it, plenty of trees planted in the city, mainly for decoration though, but also because the inhabitants believe that it cleanses the air. And indeed, the air in the Inner City was almost as fresh as it would be in the wilderness of a village, not that smokey, coalish air from the Industrial Quarters.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EEven in the other carraige - the one that was carrying the less-important members of both delegates - the Archbishop would sigh and smile in relief that they finally arrived to Grandfolk, while the two other old men, Drugó and Rynnan would looked at Countess Tinya, and then the Arlish delegates, reminding themselves that soon, the times of fun will be over and the times of negotiation will begin. They were all wondering what the prince was up to with Alessa.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd indeed, after a bit of sceneric ride, both carriages would indeed arrive near the palace. It had to be a very lawful city that they did not need constant military assistance to get through the city, no assassination attempts or anything. The prince would stand up, open the door, for Alessa, try to take her hand and kiss it, and wait for her to exit, so that he would follow her. Ladies first, after all. Stephanus would do something similar, kissing Lynette's hand as soon as he had the opportunity. All the other delegates would exit from the carriages and be accompanied by the prince, who would lead them the entrance. At the entrance, one can easily see two identical statues of a woman. Who is she? If asked, any member of the delegate reveals that it's the late Queen Muyian. For a foreigner who just happened to be the wife of the late King Caibré, they sure held the long-dead queen in high esteem. Why? Was she something special? Apparently she was, and Cairbré loved her dearly, never had any mistresses - they died on the same day. The prince would be allowed in with all his guests into the palace, he trying to hold Alessa's hand like a dance-partner, Stephanus holding Lynette's hand, if she allowed it - how will the other delegates respond? What questions will they ask? They would be welcomed by an elven figure - a tall, clean-shaven man with long grey hair.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Ah, Prince Markal, thou hast returned...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the elven figure while bowing down.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Would thou lead us to my father, Sir Gashota?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked, and the elf would simply nod, turn his back and say \"Follow me\", leading the group to the other side of the palace - rather slowly, allowing the foreigners to gaze upon the delicate walls, the paintings, the statues, the carpets - where he would lead them into the garden. The garden was a true beauty to behold, with all the plants of beauty and magical nature, just omitting a special aura. Many were blue rather than green. The king would be sitting on wooden bench next to a table, doing something rather un-royal - counting cards with another man with grey hair and beard and a rather young-looking female with blue-ish white hair and ears slightly longer and pointier than that of humans but not as long and pointy as that of elves. A nobleman perhaps? It would seem that the prince is not above interrupting his father's game of cards.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Father! I have arrived!\"\n\n\"So soon? I thought thou would go to their land and negotiate with them?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe ageing King Orlónius raised his eyebrows.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"They are here.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince proclaimed, which made his father truly wake up.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Grandson, who is the lovely lady next to thee? Is she... the leader of the foreigners?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the young-looking half-elven woman. Is she... his grandmother? But she looks so young! She must be the former queen named Hió he was talking about! The other old man stood up and dusted himself off.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I'm quite surprised, all of you are here sooner than I expected.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe king said, standing up, the he looked at the other old man.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Have all of them accomodated. We will have a dinner today, and will be negotiating tomorrow. Make sure every one of them have rooms to sleep in and accompany them there. Drugó, Rynnan, I will want to have a word with you two once I am done having a private conversation with... My son and lady... Delacroix?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOrlónius said, prompting Stephanus and all of the others to leave. Everyone would be led to separate rooms, although all of them had double-beds - if two people wish it, they can easily choose to share a bed. The knight would not even question anything, he would just go along with what he was instructed to do, holding Lynette's hand if she did not oppose it. Only Markal, Alessa, Orlónius and Hió were allowed to remain.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I assume that Lady Delacroix wants to negotiate an aliance between Etrand and Arland... Am I correct?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the king.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Father, if I and Lady Delacroix were to...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince began, but the king scratched his head a little, unsure.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"A powerful ally thou may become in the future, Lady Delacroix, some in this kingdom have reservations about marriage between the heir apparent of a Titanist Kingdom and someone of a different faith. However, if thou were to convert, or at the very least promise that all of the children would be baptized under...\"\n\n\"Father! With Lady Delacroix as my wife, Etrand and Arland would be united, forming the greatest Empire the world has ever known! This is an opportunity we cannot miss!\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince interrupted the king. The king walked closer to him, and it would seem that he would have an angry backlash.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Art thou questioning me? ART THOU?!\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe asked. The prince did not back down. He faced him confidently and said.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Would thou let power slip out of our hands?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked. His father than began to smile and pat his son's shoulder.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I have raised thee well, Markal. Thou understandest the game of politics....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThen he faced Alessa.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Now, Lady Delacroix... I will give my blessing to thy union, but I need reassurance that my son's children will be following the faith of my ancestors. If thou becomest Queen after I die, I hope thou can take care of my son. He... not always taketh his duties seriously...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd this teasing made Markal frown somewhat.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"... He has a brain for mercantilism and warriorship, ang good charisma, but... He is a lot like my grandfather Caibré. He needeth a woman to keep him in line. My grandfather Cairbré at first had his mother Mythela, then his wife Muyian. Will thou be Markal's Muyian?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked the king. Was he a mind-reader? He was never told that Markal intends to marry Alessa. How did he guess? Did he just make a wild guess? Surely he can't be a mind-reader...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E", "date": "2016-01-31T00:00:00.000+01:00", "hun": false, "streamlinedDate": true, "unixTimestamp": 1454194800, "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond" },           {                "content": "Obsessed or not, a person's view of another is tinted by their own experience, and so often do we put our own thoughts and feelings on to another. Alessa, for all her subtle tact and political ability, was rather obsessed with power. Markal was not a cunning prince, but Alessa was very Machiavellian. It may not do to compare her to Muyian; Alessa had the capacity for kindness, but she was far more given to cruelty. It is, after all, better to be respected than loved. Of course, it is most important to not be hated. Hence the bouts of kindness where her beauty, elegance or power failed to ingratiate her.\n\n\nShe was conscious that should she pursue this path that she and Markal were discussing, her children would probably have to be sworn unto this Titanius. She was not too uncomfortable with the idea, but there were some reservations in her mind. Her arcane power, the strongest in over a century by the records of both Zauberfeld's University and the Ordon White Tower, was owed to Annam, the Magician Lord of the gods. What would he think of his scion dedicating her children to another god? Perhaps the clergy of her own land had answers; she would seek them out at a later time. It was all mere conjecture for the present.\n\nLynette shifted beneath the gaze of Stephanus and her mistress, her face bright with colour. She was fond of them both, and she felt in the air a tension. Was Alessa attempting to goad the knight? Was the tension from within herself, a longing not sated by the night's play?\n\nAlessa nodded, an appreciative glimmer to her eyes as Markal described demons. Demian lore held that demons were the spawn and servants of the dark gods who had long been sealed by gods reminiscent of Titanius and their champions. Ordeau's misfortune was a tale of ambition turned against itself, and Estico's one of evil and madness. They shared in common a thirst for power. It was a sobering thought.\n\n\"House Alighi hardly holds enough power to attempt a conspiracy,\" Alessa said, reaching across to lay a delicate hand atop Markal's knee. \"They were involved in the rebellion that started the civil war some decades ago, and their coffers are beleaguered. Windcrest, a small City State to the south, and House Marchand's duchy of Arbonne to the east hem it along with the capital to the north-east and Zauberfeld to the north. It would be very difficult for Duke Alighi to do aught without alerting someone.\" Difficult, but not impossible. And Arland's civil war started with something like the Carolus-conspiracy.\n\nAlessa commented on the similarities as their carriage rolled along. It began with the presence of demons in Ordeau, a strange mist creeping across the land that brought twisted creatures and dark magics. Arland committed forces to the suppression of the demons, and so, too, did the Theocracy of Padraigia, sending forces of paladins and clergy sworn to the god of truth and law. It did not end well. Refugees sought solace in the duchy of Eisenberg, and the war spilled over the border. The late Duke Brutus of Gorhaut led the charge against the demons, and began persecuting half-breeds, then any race that was not human. He raised an army, claiming the king was not fit to rule, and attempted a coup. The war took the lives of the king's brother and sister before it was done, and two of the Great Houses that had ruled over swathes of Arland were dissolved, Dukes Brutus and Aramadius were publicly executed. Alighi held its position due to its role as a double agent after the sway of power began to shift away from Brutus and its allies.\n\nShe covered years of history and war in half an hour, glossing over details and leaving out others entirely. Alessa was not attempting to cover anything up. She simply did not wish to bore Markal. She was interested in history, but it seemed to Alessa that the prince was a forward-looking man, and one that enjoyed talking about his own country. He also had a nice voice. Alessa's own was pleasant, though Lynette's was marginally prettier. They both sounded as though they would sing beautifully.\n\nAlessa and Lynette stared out the windows as they made their way through Grandfolk. Elves were a rarity on Demia, as were orcs, but they both existed, and neither were particularly new to the women. Dwarves and dark elves were even rarer, but once again something that was different rather than new. It was the halflings and gnomes that drew confused looks and questions. Gnomes were a thing of myth on Demia, a race buried in the sands of time. And halflings were not at all heard of. Alessa observed them with a keen and academic interest, making a mental note to consult Grandfolk's library on their anatomy and abilities.\n\nIt was a breath of fresh air when they passed into the city's heart. The industrial district had felt somewhat oppressive to Alessa. The inner city felt much more like home. It even had gardens, though Alessa privately held that they were inferior to the ones of Zauberfeld's upper-class suburbs with their ensorcelled plants that glowed in shifting, opalescent colours and smelled of enticing things.\n\nIn the other carriage, the atmosphere was a little more awkward. Lynette and Alessa could both speak Etrandish, but Lilianna was left to play translator, and the young teen felt awkward and out of her depth. She tried for a time to make conversation with the Countess, who reminded her passingly of Letitia's mother, but she found that her ability to speak Etrandish was not as robust as Alessa or Lynette's, and she blushed, the self-consciousness that marks the adolescent years sitting heavy upon her. Letitia babbled excitedly, pointing at orcs and dark elves and gnomes and dwarves and the funny little people with curly hair. Her excitement was clear and a little infectious. Frederick's dour face was lit by a small grin as his charge bounced in her seat, excited by the newness of it all. Arbonne was a country marked by a willingness to embrace nature. Big cities always had the effect of making Letitia restless with energy.\n\nIt didn't affect Fenrich. He sat there with a thoughtful frown on his face, observing the difference between the industrial and inner districts. In Etrand, too, there was a sharp and deep divide between the classes. Was it as bad as in Arland? Was it worse? He had no idea of the laws regarding slavery in Etrand, but it seemed to him that the bourgeoisie happily profited off the back of those hard and underprivileged workers in the industrial district. Did their sodomy-hating god approve of it? He said less even than Frederick, fearful that the anger welling in him would harm their mission. Alessa's words had an affect on him.\n\nAlessa deigned to accept Markal's assistance, favouring him with a charming and gracious smile as he pressed his lips to her hand. Her smile faltered for a heartbeat when she saw Stephanus do the same for Lynette, but the painted smile returned quickly enough. It would be important to leave the palace's servant's with a good impression. Lynette knew as much, and though she allowed Stephanus to hold her hand (and she rather enjoyed it), she stood one step behind and to the side of Alessa, opposite to Markal. Alessa's cousins and the rest of the delegation oversaw the ordering of soldiers and gifts. Of the latter, there were many. Fine furniture of pine fashioned in Arbonne, ornate weapons forged in Eisenberg, and jewellery crafted and enchanted with layers of protection spells in Zauberfeld. The centerpiece was a large painting, several metres by several metres, overlaid with myriad sparkling gems. It depicted a two men, hands clasped in friendship beneath a large oak tree, the sun shining above them painted to be the symbol of Titanius. The men, one with grey hair and the other with brown, represented the kings of Etrand and Arland. The sun was obviously analogous to Titanius, and the oak with its many branches, each ending in a different symbol, represented the many gods of Demia, Titanius' light bearing down on them.\n\nAlessa and Lynette curtsied deeply, holding the pose for a few seconds out of respect for the king and queen. Alessa's eyes lingered on the queen for a little longer than was strictly necessary. She had always marvelled at the elven ability to retain youth. She was keenly aware that her own beauty would begin to fade one day, and she had a small but dedicated group of alchemist-magicians working to find some method of giving her the elves' gift.\n\nThe garden made Alessa truly feel at home. She could sense the magic in the plants, a tingling energy in the air that made the hairs at the back of her neck stand on end. \"I apologise for any imposition, your majesty,\" Alessa said with perfect politeness, sparing Markal's father one of her charming smiles. \"I am indeed Alessa of House Delacroix, heir apparent to the throne of Arland. This is my handmaiden and confidante, Lynette Fairchild, adopted into my house some eight years ago.\" Lynette bobbed another curtsy, uneasy with the gaze of royalty on her. She sidled closer to Stephanus, obscuring herself behind Alessa's lithe body before Stephanus ushered her away, leaving Alessa feeling rather naked and exposed. She maintained her composure, though, folding her hands at her waist primly. \"I imagine my cousins and near-sister are organising the tribute gifts we have brought for thee. Lady Selig, our diplomat, is most excited to meet you both. I have been telling her of some of your highness' military exploits. It seems as though you are rather gifted strategist. Do you play chess in Etrand? I would be honoured to pit my wits against yours.\"\n\nAnd then Markal put forth his ideas to his father, the 'tough nut'. She observed the exchange with nonchalant calm, not even batting an eyelid when the king's voice rose. Family would fight, after all. And then it fell to Alessa to convince the king. She half-wondered if this had been a ploy hatched by King Orlónius. Her tutor had told him of his cunning mind, and he knew his son. She felt she was being subtly pushed toward conversion to Titanism. What would that mean for her magic?\n\n\"Your majesty,\" Alessa began calmly, \"from my earliest days, I have been raised to rule. King Karlstreim Arls is a man of indecision, and he has no woman to, as you so aptly put it, keep him in line. I believe that a ruler must have a spouse that complements their strengths and weaknesses. Prince Markal has wondrous ideas, and I believe he has a kind and joyous heart. I believe these to be gifts bestowed upon him by Titanius in his sacred wisdom. With all due respect, King Orlónius, if Prince Markal betimes let his duties sit too lightly upon his shoulders, I think this is something that must be celebrated rather than chided. The gods make no mortal whole, the doctrine of the Demian goddess Illyrie holds, but they make another to fill the gaps in their heart, and whose gaps they may fill.\" She stated it as philosophy, not a belief of her own. She was acutely aware of the king's belief in his faith, and the eyes of the queen. She was aware, too, that she was once again being compared to this Muyian, a queen beloved of all the people of Etrand.\n\nYet Alessa's face and voice remained calm, and her white gloves, stretching to the elbow, hid the clamminess of her folded palms. Her voice was pretty and serenely confident as she continued. \"I am unsure how well you have been informed of Arland and its gods, and of myself. I...\" How to word this without sounding utterly conceited? \"... Have been granted a skill with magic that is called prodigious. As your son's gifts are bestowed by Titanius, we hold that these gifts are bestowed by gods of our own. If you will allow me to speak plainly your majesty,\" and she took his permission for granted, for was she not almost among equals? \"I fear the repercussions of turning my back on the gods of my homeland.\"\n\nAnd so it was that she did not answer Orlónius' question directly, but in a roundabout way. She hoped by her answer, her intellect was made apparent. She thought it a well-considered argument, and a reasonable one. Demians held there were many gods, though not all were deserving of worship. Titanius was, for the most part, one that would be accepted. He was just and righteous, like Padraig and Xirchiriog and Beha, but it seemed as though he was a jealous god. Would he allow for a compromise? Would his mortal believers?\n\nLynette was uneasy in Stephanus' company after they left the garden, glancing back toward it every now and then. \"I'm sorry if...\" Lynette found herself unsure of what she was apologising for. She had taken Stephanus' virginity last night, and though she had enjoyed doing it greatly, she wondered if it was right for him to have participated. She was a heathen in his eyes. A beautiful and charming and lovely heathen, but a heathen nonetheless, and it was clear that he was besotted. Lynette's heart echoed the feelings, as uncontrollable as the tide. Her heart was given elsewhere, though it was beset by indecision with all those echoed feelings.\n\nThey were echoes, but they were also her own, and the scent of apples wafted about the confused and concerned girl. In the end, she looked down at the ground and mumbled, \"I'm sorry.\"",               "date": "2016-02-01T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454281200,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EFine furniture and fine pictures, the palace was a place to behold indeed. The receiving of the gift would go on as ordered, the palace's crew bowing, receiving the gifts and offering their thanks, assuring the guests that their regards would be given to the king. As the Etrandish did not anticipate the presence of the foreigners, they lacked the time to prepare for gifts, but the would say \"Rest assured, our royal majesty would reward thy rulers generously\". Amidst all the frantic preparations for what would follow the current situation - a dinner, among other things - the guests were led to their rooms after the encounter in the garden, where only Alessa and Markal were told to remain. Stephanus, being sidled by the maid Lynette has grown to be fond of, couldn't help but blush again, but continue holding Lynette's hand. When she kept apologizing for something he did not know, he would rub her head, kiss her forehead, even kiss her nose, all in an effort to make her feel happy rather than apologetic. That's why he would try to follow her into her room - unless she made overt resistance - and would try to comfort, her, telling her that he wants her to be happy.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMeanwhile, the debate would rage on in the garden. Alessa succesfully deflected the pressure to convert, meaning she passed the first test. A woman with a strong will and a sense for poetry. A good match for Markal.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thou dost not have to be baptized, but the children... Thy gods would surely understand that in their service, sacrifices have to be made.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe king would say, and he would then remember an earlier question. Chess. Do they play chess? Ah yes, she must be referring to derbi....\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Yes, we do play a game very similiar to your 'chess'... We call it derbi. Almost the same.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOff course, the woman sitting near him would not remain silent for long either.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Perhaps it will be the other way around.... Lady Alessa's Cairbré and Markal's Muyian instead of the other way around....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EGiggled the young-looking elf.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"My son is not emasculate, mother. Thou knowest thy own grandson...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe king dismissed her. So, the young-looking elf is in fact Hió, Orlónius's mother, Markal's grandmother!\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"However, my mother doth have something right... My grandfather Cairbré was not just a wise and just king, but also a great wizard. He wanted to make magic part of basic literacy in Etrand...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe king would start comparing his son's would-be-bride to his own grandfather. Both monarchs, but magicians at the same time.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"My mother also has education steeped in magic. She is a great ice magician... If thou were to be wedded to my Markal, then most likely, the Cairbréan tradition of instructing royalty in magic could make a return....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESo it seems that Arland is not alone when combining magic and nobility. It appears that arcane magic in Artograch was never something one had to be born with. Granted, individuals can have talent for magic and specific schools of magic, but it's more tied to intelligent than anything. A genius will make a great magician, with large amounts of manna flowing through his or her body. A person of mediocre intelligence will make a mediocre-at-best magician. It seems that Cairbré was taught how to use magic and was good at it, Hió was taught how to use magic and is still good at it, while Cairbré's heirs - Calhoun, Orlónius and Markal - neglected it for some reason, never bothering to learn how to cast spells, being too busy learning how to administrate a kingdom, micromanage its economy and swing a sword. And they may have also grown a bit too hedonistic - or busy - to devote a few extra hours per day to learning how to cast at least basic spells. But if Alessa were to become Markal's wife, all of that could change. The times of Cairbré, when royalty was educated in magic and expected to be good at it would return. Though, the king forgot to mention that Mythela, Cairbré's mother too had education steeped in magic.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Thou dost not have to turn thy back on thy gods.... But I fear that if thy future children were not instructed in the Ways of Light, my dynasty would have to face severe repercussions. Several of our dynasties fell, because they turned their backs on the Ways of Light, giving in to the Ways of Darkness.... However, my clergy trusteth me. I am their crutch, and they are mine. They will give their blessing to anything I give mine to, lest they lose their crutch.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe king would tell, but he was once again exaggerating. What he said would have been the truth between one-hundred-and-fourty years ago - 691 - and thirteen years ago - 818 - but not now. Froturn, the church's country of origins, is no longer ruled by radical secularists who want to strip the church of all of its power. Froturn has been ruled by religious conservatives ever since 818, who are still working hard to reverse the \"damage\" caused by the 9-year rule of the late Consul Sim'vara and the now-exiled Ta'ael Myrth'nddare. So what Orlónius said is a lie, or a half-truth at best. Yes, the Church of Titanius still doesn't really trust the Froturnish government, but to say that the Kingdom of Etrand was its one and only crutch is a heavy exaggeration.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"After the Demonic invasions, we have become close friends with the Naturalists of Dragoc, for four hundred years.... For four hundred years, our two faiths were as on, holding hands in ecumenism. All of that was destroyed by the misguided Queen Cairi, who began sending her missionaries to Etrand and Froturn to convert us Titanists to her Naturalism. Ever since that, we have been in a bitter struggle with this other faith... However... Such ecumenical relations could be established with the gods of thy land as well. Supported by the royal marriage.\"\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWould Titanius truly allow for a compromise? He had no troubles letting people share houses of worship during those four centuries of Titanist-Naturalist ecumenism, he had no troubles with his name being mentioned in the same sentence as that of the other two gods. Surely he wouldn't mind joining the Arlish pantheon, right? Well, as long as his place in the Etrandish monotheon isn't threatened, that is.... After beating out the pagan gods, he is not going to allow any competitors in Etrand, or Froturn. But then again, it seems that the bloodless struggle between Titanist and Naturalist is more political in nature than religious. Dragoc feels like it's sandwiched between three Titanist states - Etrand, Froturn, Artaburro - and is desperate to weaken the Titanist influence. A siege mentality.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Very well... I will give my blessings to this... royal marriage. Take good care of my son. Now, the two of you should go upstairs. The dinner will take a bit of time until it is prepared.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd so would the king send away Markal and Alessa, while at the same time two persons would come out of the doors as Markal and Alessa were approaching it. Drugó and Rynnan. The king wants to have a word with them, and it would seem that the prince and his would-be-bride will not hear of it.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMeanwhile, Stepanus would be still trying his best to comfort Lynette, going as far as kissing her on the lips, if she did not resist it, and if she did not resist the idea of him being with her in the room either.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Do not feel sorry, sweetheart... I want to be with thee....\"",               "date": "2016-02-01T10:30:03.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454319003,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Stephánus' sweet attempts at calming Lynette only made her feel more guilty, more torn. She blinked back tears, biting her lip to keep them from filling her eyes. She trembled, though, and when she found herself alone with Stephanus, she threw her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. She didn't cry, she didn't apologise, she didn't say a word for a time.\n\n\nAlessa, too, stood silently and listened to the rebuttals offered. She was respectful, her piercing blue eyes resting on the king and his mother as they spoke. His Highness seemed rather dismissive of her inquiry regarding chess. Was it not viewed as a cerbral pastime in Etrand, or was it merely that there were greater matters demanding attention?\n\nHió's suggestion was almost a breath of fresh air. It was a relief to not be held up to Muyian after constant comparison. Though the king shot down the idea quickly enough, it was enough. It had the king's imagination running. She did not talk about the Demian sort of magic, a system devised by the unknowable minds of gods and categorized as best as it could by mortals. Among those with the ability to cast magic, specific talents varied widely, and though many of the most skilled mages were intelligent and given to dilligent study, intellect was not a requirement for arcane ability. Indeed, Alessa had met some startlingly stupid mages in her time. But who knows? Maybe the gods of Demia and the gods of Artogach would truly smile on a union of the two continents, and a new sort of magic would be born. It was a romantic and unlikely though.\n\nAnd still, it was a possibility. \"Your Highness, I respect the consideration you give to your dynasty,\" Alessa said honestly. Who among the nobility did not wish to leave their mark upon the world in a favourable fashion? \"Annam, the Demian god of nobility and magic, whose blessing I bear, does not require worship. Through our deeds, we aristocrats give thanks to Him. He merely desires acknowledgement. I would not seek to raise my children to trust in Him to guide them or protect them; he is a god that allows his children to prove themselves in life, or to seek aid where they might find it. Would it be heresy for Prince Markal's children to know of Annam? Would it be heresy to teach them of the gods that may be half their heritage, or at the very least, the patrons of a land with whom their nation is allied?\n\n\"I believe that knowledge is power, King Orlónius, and that it all has a use, even if it is not apparent. I would expect my children to learn all that they might and have their knowledge tempered with morality. It seems to me that your Ways of Light would be most appropriate for this.\" Of course, there was corruption in the church. She had thought before that the Church of Titanius resembled in so many ways the best and worst of the Theocracy of Padraigia. She had not forgotten that it was zealots from Padraig's own clergy that fanned the hysteria that led to Arland's civil war. It seemed that things were not quite so bad in Etrand, but she was mindful that she could do some good in the land, restoring a measure of order and righteousness with her meddling. \"The Arlish would not seek to convert your countrymen, my king. We well know the dangers of proselytization, and we would not see them visited on an ally. Mayhap the clergy will request some small temples or altars built in honour of our most righteous deities, but I would allow no such thing without the consent of my father-in-law...\" She trailed off, colouring a little and glancing off to the side. Had that been a slip of the tongue? Had she been daydreaming, as prone to delusions of grandeur as any young person? \"That is, without your highness' permission,\" she corrected, shifting a little uncomfortably.\n\nBut he seemed pleased enough by Alessa for the time being, dismissing the young couple with a weary blessing. Alessa's heart was a mix of emotions, and while not all of them were pleasant, she was rather elated at their success, and she squeezed Markal's hand as they made for the door, giving him a sidelong smile. The smile faltered for a second as she saw two of Etrand's delegates, giving way to a curiosity that won over her good mood for a few seconds, but she thought it best to worry about what she could do than what she could not.\n\n\"Well then, Prince Markal,\" Alessa said, her words quiet as they left the King and his mother, \"I do believe you ought to see about commissioning a ring.\"\n\nAnd Lynette was still dealing with her emotions and the feelings that darted and danced through her body. Stephánus kissed her, which may not be the best balm when dealing with a girl gifted (or cursed) with nymph blood. She made a soft, quiet noise as he lifted her face and pressed his lips against hers, and her body practically melted against his. \"You want to be with me?\" she echoed, uncertain purple eyes meeting his. \"But...\" Ah, how to explain it? How to explain what she was? The knot in her heart? The uncertainty in her eyes? Stephánus was a good man. He deserved better... The woman in the street... Sodobane, was it? Would it cure her? Would it fix the situation...? Surely, if she asked Stephánus, he would procure her some, but what of Alessa? What of that which lay between them? Lynette's hands balled into small, frustrated fists, and the tears she had been holding back began to well. One by one, they tumbled over her cheeks. Galothien, goddess of love and beauty and mother of nymphs and faeries, was said to have been a frivolous and immature deity. Why had she placed one of her last surviving daughters in a predicament so rooted in matters of the heart?",               "date": "2016-02-01T11:26:28.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454322388,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus did not know what was going on in Lynette's heard. She had tears, she clenched her first. Why? What did he do? She was the first woman in his life, so without any experience with women, he lacked ideas what he could have done wrong.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"But what, Lady Fairchild? I like thee a lot... Thou art the first woman in my life... I want thou to be happy. I want thou to smile.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EFirst woman.... first, as in, the first woman he has ever touched, or first as in the one who comes first to him? Probably both ways.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Lynette... Oh, Lynette... I am so sorry for anything wrong I may have done to thee... would thou prefer if I left thee alone?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe asked apologetically, asking her if he should leave her in the room. He would do as she asked. If she asked him to leave, he would leave one kiss to her forehead, proclaim that he likes her once again, and leave the room. But should she ask him to stay, he would remain with her, begin rubbing her head and call her sweet, kiss her nose.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"Indeed. A diamond ringer would be in order for the future Queen Alessa. No, diamond is too mundane... There needeth to be something more special... However, no gemstone may match thy beauty, my dear Lady Delacroix.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, Prince Markal would make his very first touch on Alessa other than the hand-kisses he has done twice so far - a kiss on her forehead. That is, if she did not resist it and she did not have any desire to go further just yet. Not that the prince would be opposed to a kiss on the lips, or even a passionate tongue-kiss, but his limit for now would be only one lips-kiss - and only if Alessa is the one initiating it -, after which he would tell her to be a little patient, as he is yet to officially put the ring on her finger, and even then, they are yet to have their wedding ceremony - defloration just before marriage when you are clearly getting married to someone is vulgar. Why the rush?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince would accompany his princess to his own room first and foremost, but would also make sure to show her the throne room - the throne she will sit on in the future - beforehand. The guards are there with their shields and longswords - playing children's games, like sitting on the throne would be problematic. The prince's own room is looking the way it is expected. The wooden floor being completely covered in a velvety, soft and tender \"carpet\" that seemed more like an oversized thin blanket than an actual carpet. It was thin enough not to restrict one's walking if someone was wearing shoes or high heels, but it was thick enough to make sure one walking barefoot would only feel a smooth blankety surface rather than the roughness of the wood underneath it. It is not very spacious, but it is just enough: a very comfortable double-bed with a nightstand on each side, two rather large wardrobes, and a spacious window right in the opposite of the bed, just to... oh wait. That's not a window. That's a door masquerading as an oversized window - a door to the balcony. The wall has a rather large painting on it, depicting the ageing King Cairbré. The amateurish quality of the painting reveals that it's in fact a self-portrait by the late king - the prince can even tell that if asked. Other decorations include ornate swords. Perhaps the least noticeable part of the room is the fact that there is also a velvety sofa coloured in velvet, and a desk of sorts...A desk with a chair near to it, lots of paper on the desk, quill and an ink container. A place to do paperwork?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Sweetheart, we still have half an hour until dinner is ready... I believe thou were curious about the library, weren't thee?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked. Sweetheart. They better get used to it early on. And indeed, if Alessa was interested, the prince sure would lead her into the library which was just as spacious as he once described. As in, huge. So many bookshelves, one can easily get lost. So many bookshelves, one needs ladders to climb to the top. So many books, it is impossible to count. The prince would pick out a random book out of the thousands of - if not tens of thousands of - books, Sodobane - The Tears of Syruna, and show it to Alessa.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"This is the first book written by a highly controversial author from Etrand. We have copies of his later, more controversial books as well...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EBut if she wanted to read something else, he could always pick a book about magic. The guards would also let in Alessa's companions, should they want to read in the library.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EBut only so much time was left until dinner was done. If the guests didn't already line-up near the original entrance to be accompanied to the dining hall, a bell-like sound was rang that was heard all across the palace, signalling the guests that it was time to eat. A very spacious dining hall with a wooden floor, a rather large dining table covered in white, with porcelain plates, silver tableware. The first course would be soup: spicy swan soup with liver dumplings and paste mixed in, along with potatoes, carrots, turnips, caraway and sorrel. The second course would be quite intricate - at first, it looked like simple roasted pheasant, but it was much more than that. It was spicy, delicately bathed in onion juice, between periods of being smoked, carefully roasted, served with parsley-spiced boiled potatoes that were very soft. The third course consisted of a sweet thick cherry soup. And the fourth course? All sorts of deserts: apple strudels, warm poppy seed rolls, warm walnut rolls. All courses but the first one would come together with hot mulled wine, strawberry-flavoured tea and apple-flavoured tea. If anyone asked for milk, even that was given. A royal meal, but also a relatively silent one. The prince will happily sit next to Alessa, but what of Stephanus and Lynette? Mostly up to Lynette...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-01T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454281200,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "The first woman... He really did deserve better. \"Don't go...\" Lynette mumbled selfishly, her fingers grabbing at his clothing. She took a deep breath. Courage was never one of Lynette's virtues, but she owed Stephanus the truth, at least. He was concerned for her, and he was a kind man. \"There is another person... A-At home.\" He deserved the truth, but Lynette could not bring herself to tell it to him in its entirety. Her eyes avoided his. \"Sir Tavilrond, please do not hate me. My goddess gave me the capacity to love, but she wills her daughters to do so freely...\" She sounded rather disgusted with herself. The gods make mortals, but mortals construct laws and morals. \"I wish I did not have this need to please others...\" She was silent for a few moments as she picked through her feelings, the echoes and those belonging to her. It was difficult to work out where one ended and the other began. \"I... I love you, Sir Tavilrond, but my heart is divided. I wish I could promise to give myself to you, body, mind and spirit, but...\"\n\n\nAlessa was less indecisive about her course of action. Markal's flattery, though she was aware it was such, had the effect of lifting her spirits further. She carried herself through the palace with a confident and regal bearing befitting a princess whose cold beauty outshines a diamond's. She deigned to allow his kiss. For her part, she would not be opposed to more licentious kisses, nor being the initiator of them, but they were things for a more private setting. She was a foreigner, and rumours about a beautiful heathen kissing the prince could easily turn into ones that painted her as a wicked seductress. That would be decidedly inconvenient for Alessa's plans. Then again, there can be delight in the pleasure of the flesh without defloration, and even if there \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003Ewas\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E penetration... Alessa had developed a spell that could restore her maidenhead with only the slightest amount of pain. She played her hand close to her chest, though, and told Markal none of this, thinking it was better that the extent of her carnal and arcane knowledge be left ambiguous for the present.\n\nThe palace was what she expected, all in all. It was not overly different from the Arlish royal palace in Arls, or indeed from Florenschwann, her family's sprawling castle home. There were slight differences in the architecture, she noted. Arlish architecture had been influenced by the aesthetics of Ordeau and Armonda, with a later but no less powerful impression by the Illyrian sense of beauty. Frescoes and stained glass were almost givens in any aristocratic building. She eyed the thrones, her ambition swelling in her breast, but she did not suggest any childish games. They were symbols of power and worthy of respect.\n\nAlessa observed Markal's room with a keen interest. She thought that a person's quarters could reveal a lot about them. The carpet was a given. Pitiful was the aristocrat that cared little for their own comfort. The quarters were rather more cramped than Alessa was used to. Her rooms were rather large and spacious, designed to bring light and shadow in equal amounts with large windows. The window-door and balcony was a familiar device to Alessa, and it brought a small smile to her face. She was passing fond of taking tea on the balcony attached to her room. She was glad there would be chance to continue the pastime. The ornate swords... Well, they were to be expected. Etrand seemed a country that celebrated military might and its masculine romance. She did ask about the painting, her brows rising as Markal explained its origins. \"And do you keep it out of respect or humour?\" she asked, her voice mild but slightly amused. \"Or perhaps a reminder that no man may perfect every skill, even a king so celebrated?\"\n\nIt was heartening to see a place to do paperwork in Markal's room. He seemed to have a head for economics and numbers, but he also seemed an almost frivolous young man who would spend his time in the pursuit of lighter enjoyments rather than administrative or cerebral work. It was not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but a king must know his responsibilities.\n\nAt the mention of the library, a light sparked in Alessa's pale blue eyes. \"Yes, if you could spare the time to show me the library, dearest, I would be \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003Emost\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E grateful.\" There was a vague promise of something in her words and the quirk of her pink lips, but it was kept vague and took the form of nothing more than her taking her near-betrothed's arm as he guided her.\n\nWhatever she was expecting of the library, it was less than the reality. The sight of so many books made her breath catch in her throat, and a delighted surprise that was not at all feigned widened her eyes. It was a marvel to behold, easily an equal to the great libraries in Zauberfeld and Montenaille. \"How are books catalogued here?\" was Alessa's first question. \"Do you employ a librarian? A team of them, perhaps?\" She was in for a dubious treat when Markal plucked out a book from the shelves. There was that word again. There was other things she could read, but all knowledge is worth having, and so she took the book from the prince's hands and perused it, her eyes scanning pages with alacrity. She did not read each word, obviously; she read to gain an understanding rather than for an appreciation of any poetic beauty. \"His,\" Alessa mused. \"Yet he writes on the matter of feminine love?\" It seemed all rather misguided and written unmistakeably from a male point-of-view. \"Is this factual, my prince, or the lyrical wanderings of a poet?\" Regardless of the answer, she would slip the book back in the exact spot Markal had taken it from. Order was important to Alessa, it seemed.\n\nAt the table, there was an air of slight tension as Markal and Alessa arrived. Lynette and Stephanus had preceeded them, the former puffy-eyed with lashes clumped by tears, and Fenrich had been glaring daggers at Stephanus. Letitia and Lilianna were worried, and Lynette's assurances had done little to convince them. There was the problem of the language barrier. Fenrich, ever-protective of his family, was concerned, and though he asked many questions, his younger sister could only translate slowly, and the news they received regarding Alessa's whereabouts and her actions since she had last seen them was vague and slightly concerning. What was this about a marriage proposal? Why had she not spoken to them? Even Selig was disconcerted by it. Was there some sorcery at play?\n\nThen too, it could be the hands of the gods. They work in ways too often unknowable to mortals.\n\nFenrich's glare shifted to his cousin as she arrived, and though it may have been a relief for Stephanus, Lynette's grip tightened on his hand as she saw Alessa. For her part, Alessa looked about the table, her brows once again rising slightly, cool and nonchalant surprise on her face. \"Is there news? Why are you not rejoicing?\" Bemusement coloured her words, and she fixed each one of the Arlish delegates with her piercing gaze. \"This has the potential to be a historic day for both Arland and Etrand.\" She spoke in Arlish, of course, nasal vowels and uvular r's and heavy use of inflection.\n\n\"Cousin, is all well?\" Fenrich asked directly, his eyes a near-mirror of his cousin's in hue and shape. \"Nothing... Untoward has happened, has it? We have heard some rather startling rumours.\" His gaze flicked to Markal for a moment, and then danced to Lynette before returning to Alessa. \"Rumours of uncharacteristically impulsive behaviour.\"\n\n\"There has been no harm visited upon my person, cousin, though we thank you for your concern.\" Yes, there was Lynette... And Alessa's feelings for her. It was a complex matter that needed time and private reflection. It did not bear discussion in such a public forum. \"My actions are as considered as always, and I strive to do the best for Arland and Etrand. Alliances are worth nothing if we cannot trust eachother.\" She said that final sentence once in Arlish and once in Etrandish, her eyes sweeping to address all present. \"It is my hope that what has begun here today will result in something that benefits not only our kingdoms, but those who share our continents. It is no secret that Atrogach and Arland have differing views on certain topics, but progress is fraught such differences, and I believe that these differences will result in beneficial moral growth for all. I am sure that you have further questions, Fenrich, and Lilianna,\" who was looking rather overwhelmed, \"and my dear Letitia. Lady Selig, I am aware you will wish to discuss the particulars and dispatch word to my father and the king posthaste.\" She did not dare address Lynette, who was trembling slightly as her delicate hand clung to Stephanus. \"I am weary and hungry, however, and I would ask that you hold all such conversations until the morrow. For now, I bid you graciously accept the hospitality of King Orlónius. Eat and rejoice. You are safe and among allies. Trust them.\"\n\nIt was a long speech, and rather more difficult than Alessa had thought it would be. She hoped she had done Markal proud, however, and glanced at him as she sat to his left, letting him take the chair between her and Stephanus, who sat between the prince and Alessa's maid. Alessa did a marvellous job of acting weary but unconcerned throughout the meal, talking to Markal of the differences between Arlish and Etrandish cuisine. Once again, the spicy food was met with mixed approval, and Alessa explained that such robust flavours were characteristic of the more southern countries of Demia. Most of the Arlish--once again with the exception of Fenrich, who ate well despite his stormy mein and mood, and Leitia--plucked the dumplings and vegetables from the soup, eating them and leaving the broth that left their tongues with a tingling burning. Alessa admitted she found the presence of so much onion a little overwhelming, and unfavourable to her delicate palate. It left a lingering scent on the breath, she said, and she found it slightly unpleasant. Perhaps it was a hint to Prince Markal?\n\nLynette ate little, and was silent for most of the meal. She spoke only when spoken to. Was it the mark of a good and obedient servant, or something more? Given her earlier behaviour, it was probably the latter. She had shifted her chair, sidling it closer to Stephanus' so they were practically brushing shoulders, and she would stay there unless she was told to do otherwise. She was not not very familiar the Etrandish standards of proprietry, nor if there were special ones for holy knights. She only knew she was hurting inside.\n\nAt least Letitia was happy enough. She was slightly confused, but that was not uncommon for her, and so she adapted rather well. She spoke at the guards in the dining room, and though they probably had no clue what she was saying, the words were delivered with such bright, innocent happiness that they would be hard-pressed to do anything other than smile at her. And she spoke to Lilianna, who returned the conversation quietly, stealing glances at her cousin and Lynette. They spoke not of them, however, but how much like the Marchand family's manor the castle was. Really, the only major similarity was how much of it was built from wood rather than stone, but Letitia felt at home.\n\nOddly enough, the diplomat spoke to Frederick, Letitia's attendant. Markal and Stephanus had probably already marked him as a taciturn man, but they were reminded of it that night. He listened and nodded or shook his head every now and then, his calm and ineffably dangerous gaze lingering on Alessa and Markal every so often.\n\n\"Dearest,\" Alessa whispered after a good hour and a half of polite dinner conversation, \"do we retire to your room, or shall we sleep separately until we make our vows?\" It was perhaps a slightly awkward question, especially given how well-spoken and knowledgeable she was, and she was rather shy about asking it, though whether it was modesty or sheepishness is anyone's guess.",               "date": "2016-02-02T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454367600,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"I won't go....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus replied to Lynette and remained with her, sitting down next to her once again, taking his hand onto hers. There is another person... So he is not her first one. In fact, he is not her only one either. He wonders... did she pledge herself to a man already? Then why did she not wear a ring? Why did she not resist his advances? He sighed, unsure what to say... He remembered the poetics, thinking about what they would suggest. Should he be assertive, aggressively demand she break up with whoever she is? Or should he be tolerant, try to understand her and forgive her? Or should he simply remain silent and not say anything? Tick tock, tick tock, he may be forced into the third option if he doesn't open his mouth soon.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Is he a good man? If he is, I will not get in the way... I love thee as well, but thou should be loyal to thy man, Lynette...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ECompletely obvious to the fact that Lynette was with a woman, not a man.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I will remain with thee for as long as thou wishest... but sooner or later, thou will have to make up thy mind. Sooner or later, someone is going to get hurt. Me, or him... or both of us. Still, I love thee...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAh, how noble, how masochistic... And with that, he finally kissed her forehead once again. And then came the \"alarm\", compelling him to take Lynette's hand, leading her out of the room, into the dining hall...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Come, my love, we are about to feast...\"\n\n\n\"These swords belonged to my forefathers. One day... One day, my sword will be one of the collection. But until that... I must remind myself who I am: the Crown Prince.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince responded to his would-be bride's comment on the swords. Etrand has always been a militaristic culture - it had to be. Early in their history, they were victimized by Elves, Orcs, Undead, Etrancoasti and Demons alike. But now... Etrand has been at peace for more than a century. And it shows. Strong and capable the prince may be, he, along others, don't seem to be that militaristic. They seem more concerned with frivolous enjoyment than military might. And then came the library, where the would-be princess made her remarks about the book known. A book about female love, from a male point of view.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"We employ many many librarians, sweetheart... As for this book... I believe it is all fiction. The potion was invented by a monk, not this... Sýruna, who never even existed. It's all an allegory, symbolism... The victory of the mind over the body, the victory of true love...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWas that the Etrandish view of true love? One of selfless sacrifice? One could argue that yes, the book's message is partially \"mind over matter\" - embracing long-term platonic spiritual connections over short-term bodily pleasures -, but it also showed how the peoples of Artograch viewed love: sacrifice. If you love someone, you make sacrifices for the one you love. At the end of the day, even if she wasn't attracted to men sexually, Sýruna loved Zuryan. So she fought against her own body to complete that love, to make not just her mind, but also her body love Zuryan. Misguided? It was all inspired by the Elven, especially High Elven view of beauty: beautiful women receive a plethora of privileges, a plethora of advantages, they get discounts from shopkeepers, get treated like princesses and everyone takes their side in arguments, just because they are pretty women - rather than fighting to take away this unfair advantage pretty women receive in the game life, they instead opt counterbalancing it with a \"with great power comes great responsibility\" principle: The least one can do to return all these favors is to get married to a handsome man and give birth to girls just as pretty as herself. This is High Elven culture views beautiful women. This approach to beautiful women was alien to humans to Etrand eight centuries ago, but with the Church of Titanius came High Elven influence in culture and language from Froturn, and this attitude has become enrooted in contemporary Etrandish culture ever since. In short, High Elves view a lesbian who happens to be sexually attractive a sinner who wants to eat her cake and have it at the same time - someone who enjoys female privilege but doesn't pay the price for it. It's like marriage between commoners: the man gives financial aid for his wife in exchange for... emotional and sexual aid? Except that rather than between one man and woman, this is collectively expected from women: men give you protection, discounts, comfort, prioritize your needs over theirs, so you better have some gratitude and comfort them. Therefore, one can very easily come to the conclusion that in Artograch, they conflate lesbianism and misandry, considering it/them a lack of gratitude, the typical \"wanting to have the cake and eat it at the same time\".\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I believe it is a rather beautiful novel... Zuryan cannot control who his heart yearneth for... And Sýruna hath to decide between her needs and his. By making such a sacrifice, she is giving an example to men and women alike. When one doth not want his or her friends to suffer, one sometimes must make a sacrifice. Without sacrifices, there can be no heroes... His other books however... Are rather controversial. The very same poet was accused of slandering my country and my church, in his other novel... Waterburcht Burning.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EShould his would-be-bride ask for it, he could search for the book... Until the time came for dinner. So maybe next time? Or, borrowing the book now for reading it later?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"So, they are in fact getting married...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus said quietly, to Lynette.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"It seems that thou art staying here, sweetheart...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight said to her, and could only blush as she sidled him, sat very close to him, looking rather embarrassed. She was so cute... But now was not the time to be affectionate! After all, this was public space... Was she teasing him? He did return Lynette's hand-holding, but he still couldn't help but blush. He was seeing the tension going on. Alessa did not seem very pleased with these developments. Alessa's long speech would be met with a \"Cheers!\" from the Etrandish, the King, the Queen Mother, the prince, the advisors, the Archbishop and the Countess. Where were the queen and her daughter? Why were they absent? Maybe they were somewhere else... No matter. The long dinner gave for full stomachs, and most guests stood up satisfied. Once again, Stephanus taking Lynette's hand and smiling at her.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"My dear... I believe it is thy choice. Would thou like to spend a little bit more time with thy prince, or would thou like to spend a bit more time with thy relatives? After all... thou were spearated from them for almost all of the day. Maybe thou should.... fill them in, regarding our marriage, the future, and the negotiations that will take place tomorrow. Thy choice, my love...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince would present it to Alessa. Why not both? After all, who is preventing her from spending the rest of the day with her relatives, and then coming to the prince's room to spend the night with? Or the reverse?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-02T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454367600,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Is love truly love when it requires someone sacrifices a part of their self? Alessa pondered on that, and what lay between her and her maidservant. Then again, what is the nature of love? There were as many answers to the question as there were approaches to it. \"I find myself rather wearied, my prince,\" Alessa murmured, \"and I would learn more about the man who would have me bear his children. May we retire? I have promised to speak to my kin and our delegation on the morrow, lest you fear I am neglecting my duties.\"\n\n\nShe would undoubtedly be allowed to do so, though with questioning glances from her cousins. She thanked the king and queen mother politely for their hospitality, stating that she hoped to one day be able to return the favour should they ever honour Arland with their presence. She avoided Lynette's eyes, though she was aware that they sought hers. On the morrow, she promised herself in silence. Is love truly love when it requires someone sacrifices a part of their self?\n\nBetter to blot out the thoughts. She attempted to do just that when they returned to the prince's room. She made certain that his door was locked before reaching behind her and unlacing the stays of her dress, holding her dress to her chest, covering her nudity. There was a troubled look to her face, and she looked down at the carpet as her pale cheeks turned pink. \"Is this... Would Titanius allow two lovers to learn their bodies before their ceremony...?\"\n\nAs for Lynette, she stayed for some time at the table, offering to assist the palace servants with the clean-up. If they accepted, she would eventually find her way back to Stephanus, but if they refused out of politeness or hospitality, she would accept it, and after dinner, she retired with the knight. There were no questions asked. Sorcery or some sort of plan, if Alessa was wedding the prince, it was no surprise to any of House Delacroix that Lynette was in the company of the prince's knight.\n\n\"It... Um, regarding our previous discussion,\" Lynette said, awkward and smelling of apples as the returned to his room or hers. \"I've... I've not been with another man. And I love you, Sir Tavilrond... But I love her, too... And I...\" Tears welled in her eyes once more, and she hugged herself to him, her slender arms gripping him as hard as she could manage... Which is to say not that hard at all to a trained soldier. \"I kno-know I can't have... Have both,\" she stammered, tears dampening Stephanus' clothing. And what would he do? Would he condemn her for a heathen, push her away and clap her in irons until her illness was cured, or would he be understanding and calming as he had been, perhaps offering a solution to the girl's plight in the form of a potion?",               "date": "2016-02-02T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454367600,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight, the man who watched Lynette all along and waited for her her all along, returning with her to a common room, sighed once again. So, she was with a woman, not a man.... But she was not exclusive to women.... So that makes it less of a sin, right? After all, the reason why Titanius opposes female sodomy so much is because exclusive affection between females is conflated with hatred for men, which is not tolerated... But if she loves both men and women... doesn't that make her a not-sodomite? Or just half-sodomite? And if she is in fact bisexual, then the potion will have no affect on her - it only affects those who are not at all attracted to the opposite sex. Seems like her plight will not be solved by the sodobane... Stephanus knows this, so he knows that the only solution is to try to talk some sense into her - from his point of view.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Her? Dost thou mean.... Lady Alessa? But she is getting married to the prince... I doubt he will tolerate his wife doing.... Never mind...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd this is where he tried to get half-assertive. Not aggressive, but still strongly suggesting something.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Search thy feelings, Lynette... isn't a man and a woman... the way it should be? The way all families are, they way all life is born and all life decays? To be infatuated with someone of thy own body-kind may not be a demonic temptation... but true love can only exist between a man and a woman. Short-term pleasure two women or two men may find together in one bed, but long-term happiness they can not...\"\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EBig words for a knight who never had a woman in his life before Lynette. But it may not be even him or what he was truly thinking, but rather just his words echoing what he was indoctrinated in: the only way for a man to live a fufilling life - from the Etrandish culture's point of view, that is - is to either become a father, a family-man, or to devote his life to Titanius. Likewise for a woman: they only way for a woman to live a fufilling life, according to the Etrandish culture, is either to become a mother, a family-woman, or to become a nun. It's one thing that affection between two women is viewed as sodomy, a deadly sin, but it's another that they refuse to recognize love between two women, disregarding it as petty infatuation, lust for short-term pleasures. And if the cute and shy maid didn't already snap and uncharacteristically start lecturing him on true love starting with a \"Now you listen up\", he would once again tell her to...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"...search thy feelings, my love. Dost thou not want to become a mother? A loving mother of adorable children? A proud grandmother with stories to tell to her grandchildren? Dost thou not want to wear a bride's dress and a ring?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWhich once again, reflected his culture, promoting parenthood and marriage. Yes, arguably there may be some illegal potions out there that allow women to impregnate each other... but no self-respecting person would turn to such immoral and blasphemous means of defilement, right? A woman equipped with male genitalia - even if only temporarily - is the ultimate mockery of the natural order, the most extreme form of sodomy - compared to it, two women loving each other may be just a harmless vice, even from the point of view of those who want such women burned on a stake... And for two women to put the ring on each other's fingers... Such blasphemy would never be tolerated in Etrand, but isn't tolerated in other parts of Artograch either, even in those parts where affection between two people of the same sex is tolerated or even promoted.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Search thy feelings, my love...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, the knight would lean in to kiss Lynette on the lips once again, assuming no resistance was given to the kiss, especially after all the potentailly offensive things he has said.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAll the while, the prince would have a nice source of fun. And by fun, he means eye-candy. His would-be-princess, undressing... So beautiful, so stunning... The prince no doubt stared at her with a smile for a few seconds before opening his mouth.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Love between a man and a woman is never obscured by Titanius's will, my love... Neither is the curiousity of our bodies....\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, he would take his own upper-clothing down - but not his leg-covering lower-clothing - revealing his somewhat muscular upper-body that seems.... shaven? Waxed? No hair on his chest or his armpits... How did he have it all removed? What kind of magic are the Etrandish using to do that? It must be painful...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Thou lookest very beautiful, my love...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe would say as he stepped closer to Alessa, kissing her on the neck first, then on the lips, and then with the tongue, while one of his hands lands on her hip, the other on her chin, both sliding towards her chest gradually. Where did the tradition of not deflouring one's bride before the wedding ceremony go again? Oh wait, he is not deflouring her yet... Just getting to know her body.... Which involves seeing her naked, and kissing her passionately. Only upon request would he get rid of his pants and the loincloth underneath it.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"You look like a goddess, my dear Alessa... You are the most beautiful flower to have ever blossomed.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESo he would say. Passion is about to build up. And should reason give way to passion, the age-old tradition of restraining from the act of deflouring would be thrown out of the window, the would-be bride's future lack of virginity hidden from public knowledge. And if reason did in fact give way to passion, then the two of them would have a very fun night filled with moans and groans, touches, sweat and penetration of each other - provided they got the drive for it. But if they did not, then their conversation would be followed by nothing but a boring period of sleep before the morning would come.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAs for the knight, he would once again lend himself to be controlled by the maid he loved so much. Did she want to kiss? Then he would kiss her. Did she want to spend the night \"having fun\"? Then he would \"have fun\" with her once again, just like on the ship. Did she just want to be cuddled while sleeping? He would cuddle her in her sleep and out of her sleep alike. Did she just want to be left alone? Then he would leave her alone with sorry eyes. All depending on what does she will, or rather, what does she display a willingness to. But what of her Alessa? Surely, the thought of having her mistress married to a prince will put a strain on her relatiionship with her.... giving the knight an unfair advantage. But, putting it with his words, \"it is the natural order\".\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-02T10:22:03.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454404923,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Stephanus' words swayed Lynette. Whether it would be a lasting thing, Lynette had no idea. She had lived her life at the whims of others, her goddess and her mistress both, and was used to being told what to do and how to think, and following those suggestions without much thought on her own part. Lynette, like Alessa, sought comfort in the physical. Her affections the previous night were designed to allure and capture Stephanus. This night, they were less urgent.\n\n\nShe began with kisses, hesitant at first. She was unsure if Stephanus truly had accepted her so easily. He was right, in the end. Her service might continue to Alessa, but a wall was being built between them. A part of Lynette would always love her, but perhaps a more courtly love would suffice. Time would tell. Lynette's kisses slipped lower, from Stephanus' cheeks to his lips. From his lips, to his neck. From his neck, to his chest... Ever lower, and she undressed herself as she showered him with affection. Whether she removed her boots and stockings and panties before her dress to tease him was unclear. Perhaps it was simply habit.\n\nShe didn't undress her lover. It was a sign of respect and submission, as far as Lynette was concerned, but she did unlace his pants and tug aside his loincloth when the time came, kneeling between his legs and wearing nothing but the ribbons that bound her hair into its long tails. She looked up at him, her purple eyes filled with longing and love as she pressed her lips to the tip of his manhood, her willowy fingers holding it steady. \"I do want adorable children,\" she admitted quietly, her eyes bashfully slipping from his. \"Strong, noble and sweet boys and pretty and indecisive girls... And we can tell them that their parents helped found the empire in which they live...\" And then she began in earnest, though it was a languorous and slow thing. Once again, she used her mouth, lips and tongue worshiping Stephanus' phallus and scrotum, and she held it between her small breasts, kissing at his strong stomach and chest as he pleased him in a way she had only ever read about. And then she gave her body over to him, that he might do with it what he will.\n\nAlessa's activities were less wanton. She did not give Markal her maidenhood that night, but lay down with him, their bodies naked. It did not surprise her too much to see that his body was free of hair; potions and spells for cosmetics were very popular in Arland. Lynette's pubic mound was sparsely smattered with hair, but Alessa kept hers bare. Markal would see this, and the petite mounds of her chest, and the slender curves of her body, just firm enough to not jiggle. And she would initiate the kisses as they lay there, passionate and deep things, as she cradled his phallus and pressed the fingers of her other hand in and against herself. It was not a boring night. Prince Markal would discover that for all his betrothed's public sense of propriety and intellect, she was not afraid to give into passion in the bedchamber. When he had spent himself once, painting her stomach with his seed, she would whisper tender vulgarities, opening her legs so he could see her swollen and damp petals as her fingers played at them, only to close her legs once he was again hard and throbbing. Over and over and over again.",               "date": "2016-02-02T10:54:07.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454406847,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMind over matter? Such words lose their meaning when one is offered an overwhelming amount of pleasure. Mind over matter - bodily pleasure is short term, but true love is eternal. Such is the teaching of the wise sages of the old. But such teachings are hard to follow when one is confronted by a luxury comparable to Lynette's charms. Even the valiant knight, who emphasized the idea of restraint, embraced the idea of true love as opposed to just pleasure, have surrendered to the great amount of pleasure Lynette provided him with. He did not know why, but when she put her mouth to his manhood, he felt an immense amount of pleasure. When she put it between her breasts, when she pleased it like something to be worshipped. Her cute eyes, filled with desire. Everything about her was begging for him to do what she did, give himself over to her. And that is what he did. Once she pleased him like she did on the ship, he too tried to please her one way or another - he kissed both of her nipples, he sucked on her breasts like a child on his mother's, and once it got old, he got into a position where he could pound her, and he pounded her, over and over, pulling it in and out, penetrating her as deep as it can comfortably get, until he finally gave in, and it erupted into her, filling her with seeds of life. Is this the beginning of a new life? Is she going to get pregnant? If they are lucky, then yes, probably. Hard to believe that not so long after crying and apologizing so much, she gave herself over to him so easily. Hard to believe that a woman who claimed to be in love with another woman was so longing to be taken by a man like this once again. But it happened. And once it was all over, they were sleeping like milk, naked, bonded together. How could two people become so intertwined after just two days?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I love you, Lynette...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe whispered just before kissing her on the nose, then closing his eyes, for the sleep. Ah, the promise of sweet children, who are born to two people that contributed to the founding of a new empire... Such promises sounded so romantic, yet in times of blind, sweaty passion, such promises were irrelevant. Between the moments of Lynette's act of undressing and Stephanus's act of erupting into her, all that mattered was pure passion and lust.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAll the while, Markal was dealing with his princess, one that may not have given up on her virginity yet, but was not above using other means of gratification that involved her prince. And indeed, she seems to have been quite good at it! Her delicate hand fit nicely around his part of the dealbreaker, And it kept going and going, until the prince has lost his ability to prevent his club of life from erupting into a white mass. And then she would tease him. Still, her body was excellent. She knew how to convince the prince. He may have expected someone less eager to swear and curse, but he would never the less play along with her teasing, and even go as far as kissing her breast. After all, he may have gotten pleased by her, but he was yet to play it backwards. So he would kiss her breasts, rub them, and return to the kisses on her lips and tongue. And when they all got tired or bored, or simply decided that it was time to start sleeping... They would sleeping like milk, naked, bonded together.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe next day, when all would wake up, lunch would be served by male butlers, who came knocking on the doors, asking if they could come in, giving everyone - including Markal, Alessa, Stephanus, Lynette - time to dress up first, to stop being naked, before opening the door to allow the butlers to come in and hand over the silver plates, each containing a silver spoon, a silver fork, a silver knife, a silver goblet full of weak beer, a single slice of manchet, one fried egg, and one salted-roasted small anchovy. Very modest, but considering how lunches and dinners are rather lavish - remembering both the dinner at Copperport and the dinner here, at Grandfolk, in the royal palace - one can simply assume that breakfast is simply considered the least important meal of the day in Etrand, while lunches and dinners are lavish instead. Upon seeing how Stephanus's room was deserted, the butler who was meant to hand Stephanus his breakfast would look confused for a while until the butler who was bringing Lynette her food discovered that Stephanus was in her room, delaying the delivery of the food in order to inform the other butler as well. The same would play for Alessa's butler, who would have to be told that Alessa is in Markal's room.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I believe we should take a bath, my beloved Alessa...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMarkal would say as he would have his dinner with his would-be-wife, intending to lead her up to a hot bath that was both outdoors and not at the same time... Being in an enclosed part of the palace, a little bit of green space, covered by a glass roof, surrounded by the rest of the palace, surrounded by those marble walls from all four sides, conveniently containing a spacious, square-shaped hot bath tub. And for the rest? There is a small bath room at a side of the palace, similar to the one the mayor had in Copperport, but even more spacious. After all, they will have to somehow spend time until it is lunch time - or negotiating time, if they wish to rush it - unless they want to go out to the city. Doesn't it all feel like delaying... they could get it over with the negotiations and start negotiating. And surely enough, before it is lunch time, the King himself will call for the negotiations to begin.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-03T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454454000,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Lynette often found solace in abandoning herself to pleasure. To someone uninitiated to its arts, it might seem mysterious, but Lynette had spent long hours twitching beneath the attentions of herself and Alessa, driving herself to the point of mind-whitening euphoria. There was a pleasure for Lynette in servitude, a vicarious joy in pleasing another with her mouth. And of course, the feeling of something hard and warm in the valley between her breasts was pleasant. The pleasure the maid felt when the knight kissed her breasts though, sucking them and returning her efforts, was different, but not entirely so. Opposite sides of a coin, perhaps.\n\n\nThe pleasure of him entering her, parting her damp and swollen and apple-scented petals... That was truly different. It made her back arch, and she cried out, flinging her arms about him. It was not the same as it had been the previous night. There was love in Lynette's heart, and there was pain. She offered up both to Galothien, worshipping her with each rock of her hips and desperate squeaks of her voice. She begged for guidance in the matters that clouded her heart, for strength to resolve them, and for happiness for herself and those she held dear. The goddess stayed silent as Stephanus spent himself within her and she finally found the mind-emptying solace she had been seeking.\n\nHer eyelids fluttered open after an ephemeral eternity of bliss, and she looked up at Stephanus. He was the man she loved. She could say that with the utmost faith. There was no other man on the face of the earth that she would rather be with. There was the matter of Alessa, but it seemed far off in the warm, invisible glow that shone about the couple. How could two people become so entwined after just two days? Perhaps it was because one of them had the blood of nymphs flowing in her veins, but perhaps it was more mysterious than that. Was it fate? Was it the hand of the gods at work? \"I love you, too, Sir Tavilrond,\" she whispered, nestling herself against him and letting the oblivion of sleep swallow her.\n\n\nAlessa lay in the darkness of the prince's chamber. She could feel him sleeping next to her, and his seed felt odd on her skin as it dried. His breaths, slow and even, were the ones of someone whose body had found itself pleasantly exhausted and whose mind was untroubled. Sleep did not come so quickly for Alessa. Love and ambition. Would she need to sacrifice one for the other? Should it be the case, it would be the former that would be sacrificed at the altar of the latter. She had spoken truly when she said that Etrand and Arland had much to offer each other, and an alliance would benefit millions of people. She could not refuse it for the sake of love, no matter what poets and romantic philosophers said.\n\nAnd love takes many forms. It can grow, rather than simply pop into existence. Markal was a charming man, and his smile set her at ease. Given time, she was sure that she could love him. Given time, she was sure that he would come to rely on her. She thought they were a good match; he was bright and personable, she was calmer and duty-focused. They would make good rulers. And what of Lynette? What of Titanius and the church that was so powerful on Atrogach? The king had said it would work, but would it? She had no qualms about embracing Titanius, at least in appearance, but she had meant what she said. She would not forsake the gods of her own land.\n\nShe thought on them, a litany of names in her mind, each conjuring an image and concepts intrinsically linked with each deity. Name after name, the good and the evil. She thought of Arland and its neighbours, and the benefits the alliance would bring. And in time, she slept.\n\nThe morning would find confused servants and Alessa truly in need of a bath. Her hair was tousled from the night before, and she would ask the servant that delivered their meal to summon Lynette. It might have been awkward for Markal to watch Lynette dry and dress Alessa before doing her hair. It was awkward for the two young women, certainly. Lynette still had the scent of apples about her, the lingering proof of arousal. Alessa sprayed herself with rose-scented perfume, 'accidentally' dousing her maid with the stuff.\n\nIt was going to be a long day...\n\nFirst, she owed an explanation to her relatives. After breakfast, she excused herself from Markal's company, her fingertips brushing at his arm as she explained she needed some time to talk to her kin and countrymen. She was some time with them, and she asked for privacy. Occasional shouts could be heard from the room they were in, mostly Fenrich's deep voice, but a few ones belonging to Letitia, who was thrilled at the prospect of her near-sister's wedding, and Alessa, whose cool, commanding voice rose and sternly silenced her cousin's protests.\n\n\"There is more to a marriage than love, Fenrich.\" It was a pragmatic truth, and she had never truly expected to marry for love. She was to inherit power, but she was a daughter of nobility. \"It has always been so. I am aware that you feel as though you need to protect me, but I remind you that I am more than able to make my own decisions and protect myself. I had thought you would remember. Must I set your hair alight again?\"\n\nHe sighed and smiled, remembering the incident that had occurred when Alessa first discovered her aptitude for magic. \"I worry for you. For all your power and intelligence, you're oddly blind to your own weaknesses.\"\n\n\"And that's why... She has me,\" Lynette said softly, meeting Alessa's eyes. \"I know things have changed, my lady, but I would still serve you, if you will have me...\" She shifted on her chair, uncomfortable under the eyes of those gathered. Selig did not know the depth of her relationship with Alessa, though she had probably guessed at it. The journey to Etrand had been a long one, after all.\n\n\"Of course.\" Alessa felt some relief at it. The situation was complex, but it seemed they had reached a sort of understanding. There was desire in Alessa's eyes; Markal had not been as satisfying a lover as Stephanus; but she suppressed it. \"And I imagine Lilianna may wish to stay here in Etrand, too. The palace's library is quite vast, and their magic is somewhat different to ours. I believe you would find it interesting, cousin.\" She favoured her young cousin with a warm smile and received an enthusiastic nod in return.\n\nAnd then she outlined the terms that King Orlonius had specified. Selig seemed satisfied, but there would be a need to consult with the clergy regarding the matters of the gods. She and Alessa agreed that Titanius' dogma was one that could fit easily in Arland among their righteous gods, but she gave voice to the fears Alessa had regarding the Theocracy's reaction to it. The Church of Padraig was the largest and most influential organisation on Demia. The god himself would not be opposed to the presence of another, but mortals twist their gods to their own ends.\n\nIt was yet another matter to discuss with the clergy. Alessa bade Lilianna act as translator for Selig, and Fenrich to play at guard while she discussed the matters with the clergy.\n\nThey were boarded in several inns in the city's inner parts. Alessa sent Lynette to summon them to the palace, but not before she found Stephanus and asked him personally to go with her maid, ensuring that no harm befall her. It was a gesture of trust, goodwill and acceptance. Alessa hoped it would not go unnoticed by the knight.\n\nLynette was in brighter spirits than she had been before she had made love with Stephanus. She told him that she was allowed to stay, should Alessa choose to do so, and that all was well between her and her mistress. What that meant to Stephanus, she wasn't really sure, but she couldn't really expand on it. It was a silent understanding between her and Alessa, a deep connection forged over the years. Love takes many forms; perhaps the love between the two women was maturing into something beyond the physical?\n\nThe journey afforded the knight a glimpse of a few of the holy orders of Arland and Demia. Not every deity was represented, of course. The worship of some were forbidden in Arland. There were Jundiel's Keepers of Knowledge, a handful of thoughtful scholars dressed in nondescript brown robes, each wearing a chain about their necks that held a leather-bound book. Most of them had ink on their fingers and spectacles on their noses. Lynette explained that they chronicled their journeys in those books, and each one began with the laws of Arland copied to the letter. They often acted as judges or arbiters when they visited villages, and they were considered wise. Some among them were healers, but most were scholars of the law and history.\n\nThe goddess Beha had a few women there in white robes hemmed in red. They were members of the Sisterhood of the Flame, wandering exorcists and absolvers of sin. Many of them had the ability to call on their goddess' power and produce cleansing flame from nowhere. Xirchiriog, one of The Six, the gods purported to have created the other gods of Demia, was represented by two men, members of the Valorous Brotherhood dressed in robes of immaculate white, golden sunbursts stitched over their breasts and swords hanging at their sides. Lynette told Stephanus that he reminded him of them, dedicated to good as he was. Finally, there were two clergymen of Nikkoth, the god of dwarves and jewels. Indeed, one of them was short and burly, apparently half-dwarven. They both had the build of blacksmiths, and the only things that identified them as members of an order were the identical golden rings on their index fingers, both set with a large, glimmering diamond, and the golden chains that sat about their necks, a silver pendant in the shape of an anvil dangling from them. It was Nikkoth's church that had donated many of the gems that were part of the tribute gift, Lynette said, and though they looked intimidating, they were kind to those who were good.",               "date": "2016-02-04T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454540400,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EWas it fate? Was Stephanus's sudden affection for Lynette fate? She had nymph blood, and she was rather... implicitly seductive. He has never been with a woman before her, so it was understandable that he would fall for her quickly. Fate gives them what it gives them. If it is going to be burgeoning love, who are they to resist the will of fate? The knight was in fact heavily infatuated with the maid. Would his feelings for her remain for very long? Even if they didn't, being a knight meant he had to honour his obligations. Besides, his religion forbade divorce. Even if his feelings for Lynette were to fade, he would remain with her and close to her out of sheer concern and compassion. After all, his whole life, he was taught that selfless sacrifice of himself is what the essence of his life is. Nevertheless, for the time being, he was in love with Lynette, and happily slept together with her, rubbing her head for a short amount of time after closing his eyes until it finally gave in and he truly began the deep sleep, only to wake up when the darkness of yesterday gave way to today's morning.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince's sleep was silent yet clearly sleepy. He slept the sleep of someone who was in fact spent for that day. A calm sleep. A sleep with dreams of ambition, power, and good times spent in the arms of Alessa. Yes. Alessa is a woman he can grow to love. She is like his foil - responsible, a bit cruel, a bit dark, naughty, not as light-hearted as him, but still of good stock. She is beautiful, she looks fertile, she is of good stock. A good future queen, even if a heathen as of now.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe morning would find the prince awkwardly watching his princess dressed by her maid while he was having his early morning breakfast. Stephanus would do the same in the absence of his \"princess\". On the asking that he protects Lynette, he would reply the same way he did back at the mayor's palace - that he swears he would make sure that even the tiniest grain of sand would have to come through his sword. This time, with much more enthusiasm, happily taking Lynette's side, hoping she will return his smile.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAh, the inner city... The city of the bourgeois. The cleaner part of the city where there is a small garden-like green space between all the buildings and the roads, where almost everything is built out of marble or some other expensive building material, While even the inner city was somewhat diverse, with Humans and Elves alike, there were few if any Dark Elves. Everyone was dressed nicely, every resort was an upper-class resort, and there were also plenty of young people: students. However, it would seem that something was lacking in the Inner City. It wasn't sparking with life like it should. It was all sterile and just... not lifeless, but something was lacking. Like it was... too clean? Maybe the overabundance of city guards contributed to that. Maybe the fact that this part of the city was inhabited almost exclusively by the cream of the crop, and Etrand's crème de la crème doesn't seem to be the tavern-going type - they prefer organizing balls in their own oversized mansions, living cozily in them rather than frequenting taverns. A resort had to be really good to survive in such environment. Such resort was the Left Hand of Salashi, and while rather expensive, it was good. Luxurious. Not royalty-level, but still clearly one of the ore top-notch ones. Enough to house all those clergimen and knights mentioned.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight would notice how their culture was not so different from that of Etrand. Similar customs, despite all the differences. Their church consisted of a rather complex hiararchy, but nevertheless... There were the regular Clerics, holding masses, curing the sick, sometimes fighting in wars. There were the bishops above them, who were responsible for more complex administrative tasks. Above were the Archbishops, At the top was the Hierophant, a High Elf, the ultimate head of the Church. There were some side agencies as well, though. One of them was the Inquisition, with the duty of maintaining religious orthodoxy and punishing those who violated church laws. There were also the various monastic orders of monks, and last but not least, the various Knightly Orders, like that of the Blood Red Light, which Stephanus was representing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I believe it would be time for us to return to the palace... after all, the negotiations should begin soon. We may have delayed it for a bit too long...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight would say.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n//Sorry about the lackluster reply, I was lacking energy even today. Maybe we should try to keep the time frame a bit shorter, a bit less things happening per post?",               "date": "2016-02-05T10:44:36.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454665476,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "\"Oh, um... Yes,\" Lynette said. \"Would you mind leading the way?\" She gave her knight a sheepish smile. \"I'm afraid my sense of direction is a little bit unreliable...\" And it was a new place to her, and she had been glancing back at most people who had been glancing at her. She pulled eyes like a magnet pulled iron filings. She stayed close to Stephanus, holding his arm. She might be flattered by the attention normally, but a lot had happened in a short time.\n\n\n\"Sir Tavilrond,\" she said softly, looking up at him as they walked, \"do you believe in fate? What does your church say of such things?\" A soft blush crept across her cheeks, and she pressed her arm a little harder against her chest, between her small breasts, where his manhood had been cupped the night before.",               "date": "2016-02-08T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454886000,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"Fate? Off course I do... My church sayeth the course of destiny cannot be turned once set in motion.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESo said the knight while leading the maid around, making sure she would remain as safe as one can get. He didn't mind her taking hold of his hand, he didn't mind her sidling him either. After all, she was his precious, his first one. As such, he would not only make sure she felt safe and defended, but also take stepps to ensure she felt comfortable too... which meant the head-rubbing and the sporadic kisses on her cheek. And so would he lead her back to the palace. Ah, how romantic it felt for him to walk with the woman he loved.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EDun dun-dun-dun, duun duuuun...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd so would the knight lead the maid back to her room, so she could prepare for herself. The knight himself would need a bit to prepare by himself, unless the maid was so determined to interrupt him and watch him exchange his clothing for the piece of armour he wore the first time she set her eyes upon him. The same chainmail armour, with a white tunic over it, the tunic having red paint on it, the symbol of his order.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EBut he would not be the only one who was preparing for the upcoming negotiations. The prince would also make sure that he would be dressed well, that both his hair and beard would be well-combed. He would dress like royalty was expected. His father would be absent from the negotiations, and so would his mother. And so his grandmother, that young-looking half-elf. The only ones from the Etrandish side that would be present at the negotiations table would be Markal himself, Stephanus, Archbishop Mullus, Grand Countess Tinya, Drugó and Rynnan. And what would those negotiating rooms would look like? Well, first of all, they were in a remote part of the palace, with no windows. This windowless room was illuminated by... magical flowers that emit light. So much light that it manages to illuminate all of the room, almost as if there were windows. And what of the rest of the room? White walls with some golden-coloured patterns, dark scarlet-red carpet, a round made out of hickory, covered with a blue table blanket. Just enough seats for everyone, and all seats being augmented by pieces of paper, quills and ink-containers in front of them on the table, in addition to wax tablets that can be used to write temporal writables.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"I believe it is high time our negotiations began...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EProclaimed the archbishop, being the first person to take his seat.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-08T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454886000,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Though she would rather not have, Lynette thought it best to be responsible. She wanted to slip into Stephanus' room, or to tug him into hers and shower him with affection, but there were more important things afoot, and there would be time for such things later. Lynette and Stephanus had their respective parts to play.\n\n\nLynette re-did her hair quickly and slipped into one of the outfits Alessa had commissioned sewn for her before visiting her mistress and redoing her hair. Alessa's dress was still clean and more than appropriate for the negotiations, and the only cosmetic she requested applied was a slender line of coaldust about her eyes, making their brilliant blue all the more piercing. Lynette gave her a kiss, but it was a chaste and tame one on the cheek. Like the maid and the knight, the Lady Delacroix, heir apparent of Arland, had a part to play.\n\nLetitia's gown, as usual, showed her generous cleavage, and her attendant wore a simple livery of green and russet over leather slacks, eschewing the usual sword that jutted over his shoulder. He seemed ill at ease without it, his gaze wary and quick as it flitted about the room. Fenrich wore the ceremonial armor he had arrived in, lacquered with colour, and a sword with an ornate hilt hung at his side. He seemed in a better mood than he had been, or perhaps it was merely that Frederick seemed so troubled. Lilianna was dressed in a simple and modest dress that highlighted the girlishness of her physique, her developing breasts and slight waist.\n\nOddly enough, the diplomat was not present, nor were any of the Demian clergy. Presumably, Alessa had gone over what terms were and were not acceptable with them prior to the meeting. Of the people gathered, Lynette and Letitia were openly fascinated with the flowers. They were reminders of Zauberfeld, where such marvels were not uncommon in the more affluent places.\n\nLynette, as glad as she was for the reminder of her home, kept shooting smiles toward Stephanus. If she could not stand next to him, she would at least let him know that he was in her thoughts. Alessa sat opposite her betrothed, smiling with a cool, prepossessing and haughty confidence. She gave a polite inclination of her head when the archbishop spoke.\n\n\"Our proposal is simple, Your Holiness. Your Prince has asked for my hand in marriage, proposing an alliance between our nations. We would accept. We believe that the world would benefit from this alliance.\" She paused there, ceding the flow of the conversation to the Etrandish, knowing that their deity was beloved to them and would probably form bulk of their contentions.",               "date": "2016-02-09T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1454972400,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOff course Lynette would be allowed to sit next to her knight, but each had their respective parts to play. Aside from smiling at each other, they couldn't do much. And while the would-be princess would tell about her proposal, many of the Etrandish - but not the prince, nor the knight - would look a bit confused and had \"Just slow down there\" looks on their faces.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"With all due respect, Lady Delacroix, the church would like to receive a guarantee from thy nation that thou will respect our laws and will not attempt to convert or people from the Path of the Light. Without that guarantee, I'm afraid the Church can not and will not guarantee Titanius's seal of approval to this marriage...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe archbishop had to proclaim his objection, resulting in a frown from the prince.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"With all due respect, thy holiness...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince wanted to start, but ended up getting interrupted by the archbishop.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"With all due respect, thy royal majesty, it would be wiser to first make sure that such an alliance would truly be in our best interest. Lady Delacroix. Dost thou give thy world that not a single priest from Arland will conduct missionary activities in Etrand with the intent or consequence of turning believers of Titanius away from their faith? If thou dost, the Church will not object any further, and thy marriage shall be held with the Hierophant's blessing in the Cathedral of Light. But if thou dost not, the Church will continue to protest...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ERather straightforward, and bold of a priest to simply raise an objection to something that is already approved by the prince. But never the less, it seems like the only way to proceed is to say yes.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"Still, such a simple and undetailed proposal maketh for short negotiations that result in but a few vague suggestions. Thou proposest an aliance between Etrand and thy nation, but what dost thou define as an alliance? An oath of mutual military assistance? Trade agreements? Surely, thou could specify what thou meanest by alliance...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid the elderly Drugó Mairkel, one of the king's advisors, one of the Etrandish negotiators. Before Alessa or any of the Arlish could respond, one of the Etrandish responded - Rynnan.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I propose an oath of mutual military assistance in times of trouble an agreement that ships from Etrand and Arland can travel between each other's ports without fear of receiving no service. I also propose that port cities of both nations relinquish their staple rights in favor of free trade. And, as a sign of a new era, we also propose an exchange of ambassadors. Are these terms agreeable to Lady Delacroix? Dost thou have anything else to add?\"\n\n\"I object. the relinquishing of staple rights would not be in the interest of the Grand County of Brevia. I support all of the propositions of Rynnan, with the exception of that one. What are thy thoughts about this, Lady Delacroix?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid Grand Countess Tinya. The knight was quiet so far, but surely at one point, the matter of demons would come up, asking Stephanus's knights to assist, right?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E", "date": "2016-02-09T11:49:17.000+01:00", "hun": false, "streamlinedDate": true, "unixTimestamp": 1455014957, "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond" },           {                "content": "\"Of course, your holiness,\" Alessa said with due respect. \"You have my personal guarantee that any Arlish missionaries will be forbidden to preach with the intent of converting. To do so will be to go against the wishes of the Crown. Furthermore, with your blessing, we would see Titanius worshipped in Arland alongside the deities indigenous to our continent. If such an act is deemed disrespectful, I apologise. I would ask, though, on behalf of the clergy of several of our more benevolent deities, if aid in the form of orphanages or poorhouses in honour of Arlish's deities may be constructed in places that would benefit from them. I have promises that the clergy who would run these places will not attempt to convert any of your countrymen.\" Conveniently, the archbishop had not touched upon the subject of children that may arise from the alliance. That suited her well; she already had spoken to the king and queen mother about such things, and she was sure her husband-to-be would cede to her will if things changed.\"Of course, while I am on Etrandish soil, your laws are my own. I am rather attached to my head, your holiness, and would much prefer to keep it as such.\" The statement may have been considered flippant were it not for the cool politeness it was delivered with. There was the matter of the Heirophant speaking over the prince... She would not tolerate a church official speaking over her, nor her husband. That was yet in the future, and a concern for a later time.\n\n\nMairkel. He seemed to know what he was about. He was old, but he wore the mantle of experience well. That he addressed Alessa with respect despite her youth endeared the man to her immediately. Rynnan's brand of enthusiasm was met with mild amusement that deepened as the countess quibbled over the details. She withdrew a map of Demia from her small silken bag. That the satchel was magicked with some sort of storage spell was evident; the large vellum map ought not to have fit into the small bag. The continent of Demia situated far to the east of Artogach and north of the Orient.\"We would enlighten you all to the current situation on our continent before we proceed further.\" She tapped at Arland, outlining the large kingdom with a silver wand etched with floral patterns that had followed the map from the bag. \"As you can see, our kingdom is large. We are blessed with resources. Our mountains,\" she tapped particularly at the Iron Mountains, just to the north of Zauberfeld, \"are rich with minerals, metals and gemstones, and were once coveted by the dwarves of our continent. Zauberfeld, my home, is a seat of learning in Arland. It is home to the most advanced university of magic on the continent. I believe that our kingdoms stand to benefit from an exchange of arcane knowledge, and I am certain that our ally, Ordeau, would be willing to share their illustrious history of arcane research.\" She tapped at the eastern magocracy, though a slight frown touched her youthful beauty. \"It is this power I wish first to speak about. For decades, Ordeau has been haunted by a shroud of Mist.\" She said the word oddly, placing an emphasis on it. \"It was a foul and grand sorcery, executed through some dark pact between the previous High Sorcerer of the country and a demon.\" She paused there, wary that there may be some issues arising from such a history. Next to her, Lilianna shifted in her chair. The girl looked pale. Perhaps the story brought unpleasant images to her adolescent head?",               "date": "2016-02-10T12:33:05.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1455103985,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EShe was persistent, that had to be given. Even in agreement with the archbishop, she would get up a matter that was more or less out of the archbishop's scope. Sure, he is the leader of the church in Etrand, but he still has the Hierophant standing above him. The Hierophant, who happens to be a High Elf residing in Froturn, not a Human residing in Etrand like him. The question of whether can polytheists add Titanius into their pantheon is not something he has all the authority on - it would seem that this is a question that should go directly to the Hierophant instead of him. Still, orphanages... Now, that is an interesting question. She may say promises, but the archbishop has a feeling that they will have to enforce the ban on proselytization with force once again. So he just gave a fake smile, had to resist the urge to sigh, and finally open his mouth again.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"The matter of accepting Titanius as part of thy pantheon is beyond my expertise. I believe that question will have to go to the Hierophant directly, and I will relay the message if must, unless thy ecumenical priesthood would like to personally do it. As for the orphanages... Thy people are to be given permission to establish such orphanages and poorhouses in the name of thy deities, but I must warn thee once again. A cleric responsible for proselytization is punished with deportation...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ECalm and polite tone for idle threats, but nevertheless he did not intend to threaten - simply to stress that his country's laws will take precedence over any political alliance, and foreigners will have to respect the rule of the law, even if it is not to their taste.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESo, it would seem that in their land, the situation in Ordeau is rather dire. So dire that they would request Etrandish intervention? To this, both the prince and the archbishop made their foreheads wrinkle.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"If the land of Ordeau is infested with demons, we are ought to call a Crusade to reclaim it for its rightful inhabitants.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe Archbishop said. Finally something explicitly supportive of Alessa.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"We welcome trade of metals and gemstones with Arland. Perhaps the Arlish would also welcome our Dwarven Steel in return. Arlish knowledge would be welcomed in Etrandish libraries, so long as the Archbishop doth not have objections. The matters would require further discussion with the Mages Guild, however... They... have a lot of rules we are not entirely aware of, and they take them quite seriously. They would have to prepare to take in foreign knowledge and accept aplications from Arlish residents who would like to learn their ways.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESaid Drugó. Another bureaucratic obstacle. Apparently, the Mages Guild has strict rules that may or may not slow down the acquiring of Arlish knowledge and acceptance of Arlish applicants in the future. And considering how much of a bureocratic mess the Mages Guild may be...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"With that in mind... I believe I can conclude that I will give my blessing to the marriage between Crown Prince Markal of Etrand and Alessa of Delacroix. However, I will still have to send the Hierophant a request to commision a Crusade against the demons that infest Ordeau, and ask for his opinion on the matter of thy people starting to worship Titanius. He is the one and only Head of the Church, the representative of Titanius on this planet.\" - \"That would be for the best. The sooner we can liberate this land Lady Delacroix holds so dear to herself, the better. After all, what kind of ally doth not aid a friend?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince replied, and then looked at Alessa smiling. Looks like they ARE in fact going to get married with the archbishop's blessing.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"With all due respect, if the assistance of our knightly order is request, we would request the permission to establish at least one stronghold as the base of our operations. We will pay for the land if necessary.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight finally said something. He is representing his order, after all.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"We would also request the permission to recruit levies locally, so that we can effectively combat the demonic threat. That is all.\"\n\n\"May the Royal Army of Etrand also send troops to help to eradicate the demons, my beloved Lady Delacroix? After all, the knights are few alone, and the transports of may run into obstacles without the accompanying help of the Royal Navy...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince said.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-10T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1455058800,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Deportation would not be such a horrible fate, all things considered. The Titanists were more benevolent in their punishments than the zealous Inquisitors of Padraigia. Of course, she had meant what she said. Alessa was a woman of her word, and she fully intended to punish any Arlish clergy that were brazen enough to defy the word of a named heir to the throne. It sat poorly with some of the churches that they would not be able to increase their flocks easily, but Alessa thought such sentiments foolish. Titanius, Padraig, Beha. They were all deities of light and their devoted were promised some sort of more pleasant afterlife than sinners. It seemed to Alessa that clergy ought to care more about more pressing human woes. She would ask the Archbishop about penning a letter to the Hierophant personally later, should it not be considered rude to do so. The church was powerful on Atrogach; better to build bridges early.\n\n\n\"With my dear prince's blessing,\" Alessa said, giving Markal a charming smile, \"it would be my pleasure to discuss such matters with the Mages Guild personally, Lord Drugó, though I would ask for your counsel on the matter.\" At the very least, it would afford Alessa a chance to see Etrandish magicians. Most Demians who had refined their art were in their middle years or older. There were students, of course, younger people closer to Alessa's age, but they were often considered inferior. Experience and research were given great weight in the scholastic coils of Demia's arcane societies.\n\n\"The topic of a crusade is slightly disconcerting to us,\" Alessa admitted, steepling her fingers before her. There was one such attempted in the past, headed by clerics and paladins from Padraigia. She tapped at the theocracy on her map. \"While we welcome your zeal and enthusiasm in this matter, we worry that history may repeat itself. There are a number of unfortunate souls on Demia who, through no fault of their own, have the blood of demons in their veins. Many of these people are not inherently... What we would call evil. I worry, however, that in a righteous desire to protect the innocent, good intentions may be twisted. Sir Tavilrond,\" Alessa looked at him with her brilliant blue eyes, the eyes of the woman who was the sole contender for his lover's heart, \"what do you think? We understand that there are many knightly orders within your church, and we know you cannot speak for all of them, but we would hear your thoughts on this matter. You will, of course, be granted land, and have the support of the Arlish and Ordon militaries. I imagine the \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003Etriebhe\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E of Kelseta would lend their assistance, as well, if we were to ask for it and they could cross Estico unharmed.\" That was a rather big if. She had not yet touched on Estico at that table.\n\nLetitia had been trying to follow the conversation. She was not as intelligent as Alessa, nor as studious as Lilianna, and she had none of the gift for languages that Lynette had, but she had picked up bits and pieces of Etrandish over the past few days. They were speaking of Ordeau. And land. \"House Marchand can give them land,\" she said in excited Arlish, leaning forward while looking to her side. Her large breasts, still firm thanks to her youth, looked as though they might fall out of her low-cut dress. Frederick discretely put a hand on her shoulder and urged her backward. \"Morcenx is close to the border, or close enough, and we have several fortresses in the region.\"\n\nAlessa translated the offer after thanking her near-sister and inwardly cringing at her choice of attire. It was suitable for a ball, perhaps, but not for an audience with an archbishop present. \"There are the three islands to Demia's east, home to beastkin, but I fear they will not assist us. We have a troubled past with them, and Estico's cruelty and persecution of them continues, despite the Ordon navy's best efforts. We hope that once this matter with the demons is settled for good, Ordeau will be able to look outside its borders and prevent Estico continuing its grave injustices.\"",               "date": "2016-02-11T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1455145200,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EDeportation may not be such a bad faith... Until Etrand and Arland get united. At that point, citizens of each kingdoms may be considered citizens of one united Empire, meaning that those who commit such crimes would no longer be considered foreign residents to be deported but wrongdoers to be executed.... Unless Markal and Alessa in the future make new laws to change that. But such a union is at least two decades away. Or possibly three. So they probably don't have to worry about such issues - yet. The power of the Church of Titanius on Artograch may not be on its height, but it is definitely powerful indeed. In the last few decades, several powers have conspired to weaken it, but they have more or less failed.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince returned Alessa's charming looks and smiled at her. Ah, she is so pretty... The prince sure hit the jackpot today. Not only he will gain more power than ever, but a beauty like her. That was already apparent to him, but Drugó Mairkel? He was not sure how could he answer to Alessa, to her question. Should he say he would contact the Mages Guild? Or that he would accompany her? But then again, the Mages Guild does not have one leader - it isn't one guild, but rather, a loose confederation of separate guilds that all agreed to follow a standardized system of rules that include definitions what is legal and what is not, common ranks to ensure smooth migration between the guilds, and an oath that they promise to combine their forces to lobby for the banning of other magician guilds. And for almost least seven centuries, the Mages Guild have had a monopoly on regulations of magic: necromancy being illegal, certain kinds of research being illegal, among other things. While quite a few people would consider the Mages Guild a bureaucratic mess that does more harm for magic than good - by limiting research by all kinds of arbitrary regulations and bureaucratizing the structure in a way that keeps out a lot of potential talent because they fail some arbitrary tests - but many would also point out that the standardizations the Mages Guild brings allows people to easily move between different guilds, making it extremely convenient for magicians who are often on the move. An Archmage can renoucne membership of local guild because he is moving to a different town, then join the guild in that town and become Archmage again, due to the standardization.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I will introduce thee to the local mages, if thou willst that, Lady Delacroix.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe old chancellor replied calmly after much hesitation.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"With all due respect, Lady Delacroix... All demons are of one colour: the colour of evil. Those that do not possess what it means to be a demon are not true demons.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd with that, the knight was referring to the human-demon hybrids. While a human-demon hybrid may not be inherently evil - but then again, they were not aware that they even existed - pure demons are considered pure evil, creatures from hell, creatures to be exterminated. The son or daughter of an unfortunate human woman who got raped by a demon? Not necessarily evil, but still under suspicion of the Church. But a demon itself? Pure evil. At least, from the church's point of view.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"This is a question of procedure, but I'm confident we can overcome it. However, I believe that those people thought might be talking about are... descendants of human women who had the misfortune of being defiled by demons. I would say, such people should be kept under a watch. If they fight under the banner of demonic forces, they will be dealt with the same way any hostile combatant is dealt with. Should they surrender... we will be watching them closely. Those in whose veins pure demonic floweth, however, are irredeemable, unsalvageable.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EA vague weasel answer, to say the least. He just basically said it: pure demons will be massacred indiscriminately, while those who are only part-demon will be under watch... Which is a nice euphemism for saying that they will be treated like little better than second-class citizens due to the constant suspicion of being fifth columnists.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"We welcome such aid. If it doth not trouble thee, we would like to build our fortress on a coast. If it is not troubling, we would like to pitch the site of land ourselves to buy it.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight would say.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"With that out of the way... I believe we still have a paper to sign, Lady Delacroix... After all, we have been talking about the conditions of this aliance, but we are yet to put it to ink. Am I not wrong?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAsked Drugó Mairkel.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n//Once again, sorry for the lackluster reply and the delay. I was just shocked by the loss of my hard-drive, and am still mourning all the (potentially) lost data. My teacher will be helping to recover them, and he says that most likely he can save them, but there is no guarantee.",               "date": "2016-02-12T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1455231600,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            },            {                "content": "Alessa peered at Mairkel for a few moments. The hesitation seemed odd to her. What reservations did he have? It was not until later that she found out that the Etrandish Guild was in need of some guidance and rather reluctant to let some nascent princess know their secrets. \"Of course, Chancellor. I would be most grateful.\"\n\n\nStephanus' opinion on demons intrigued Alessa. If that opinion was representative of the church, it boded well. It seemed fair to Alessa that a person be judged by their actions rather than their heritage. Of course, the nobility were a very important exception. \"Of course, Sir Tavilrond. Any who ally themselves with our enemy are enemies by proxy.\" She was not entirely aware of how deep his suspicion ran of those with diluted demonic blood in their veins. It was another revelation that was yet in the future. Alessa glanced at Letitia, who shifted sheepishly. There was no land in Arbonne on the coast, though ships could find their way up the Arls River to Lake Arls and make port at the Arbonnais city of Troivilleux, certainly, and the duchy of Arbonne's eastern border met with the borders of both Estico and Ordeau. It was important that the Etrandish have a foothold, though. \"I believe that Arbonne holds strategic importance for a number of reasons, Letitia, but for the time being, we must consider that our allies need a foothold in Demia. I will send a letter to my father and His Majest, King Karlstreim Arls regarding Fort Oster on the western coast of Demia. It lies within a fortnight's march from my home city of Zauberfeld and half a day's march from the port city of Ostreinheim. I hope this will be suitable to your purposes, Your Highness.\" She addressed the offer to her bethrothed. It was perhaps a bit insolent in the eyes of the Archbishop. It was, after all, the church that would be offering its warriors for this crusade. \"Of course, if you would prefer to purchase the land, Sir Tavilrond, I very much doubt there will be any resistance.\"\n\n\"We do have a paper to sign, Chancellor. Would you care to have a clerk pen the conditions upon which we have agreed?\" Glancing once more to Markal, she added, \"And we are in need of a pair of rings. Sir Tavilrond, might I impose upon you to assist His Highness in selecting an appropriate pair? I would wear one that suits the customs and traditions of Etrand.\" It was a gesture of friendship in part, but it was more than that. Alessa set the fashion of young noblewomen, and if she returned with Etrandish jewellery and clothing, she felt it would give a sense of familiarity to the foreigners. It would end in less resistance to the alliance.\n\nShould their negotiations be temporarily concluded, Alessa would have to consult with her clergy and party. There were almost as many opinions on the alliance as there were people. Lynette had to accompany her liege, of course, but gave her knight a long, fond smile before she left the negotiation room. Maybe he'd buy a ring for her, too.\n\n\"You presume too much,\" Fenrich said quietly to his cousin. \"Alighi will oppose this alliance to spite us, and what of Estico? Will they see this as an act of aggression?\"\n\n\"We will discuss this momentarily, cousin,\" Alessa said with cool composure. \"I imagine your concerns, though superfluous, are shared.\"\n\nAnd they were. The waiting clergy erupted when they heard the news.\n\n\"We have not had the chance to pray for guidance yet,\" one of Jundiel's Keepers said sombrely. \"Impatience is a human error, Your Highness.\" As is arrogance, Alessa thought. She doubted the homely man in his brown robe had any of the political acumen she possessed. \"What of the Mad King?\"\n\n\"What of him?\" Alessa echoed, unconcerned. \"He is mad, and while he does represent a concern, I hardly think that bolstering our forces will cause him to attack us.\"\n\nFenrich clicked his tongue, but it was Frederick who spoke, his voice low. \"While we fight the demons of Ordeau, who will defend our borders?\" Truly, he should not have spoken in such a meeting, and he drew disapproving looks. Alessa ignored them and the breach of conduct.\n\n\"This is why we have requested military support. We will not leave our borders unguarded for the sake of Ordeau,\" Alessa said, looking toward the clergyman rather than Frederick. \"I would not risk the security of our nation for the sake of an ally's.\"\n\nOn and on the discussion went, slowly draining Alessa of her patience. She honestly wished the clergy had stayed in Arland. They had pressed the king into allowing their presence, claiming the interests of Arland were the interests of the gods, but the gods seemed far too interested in political and financial gain.",               "date": "2016-02-21T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1456009200,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\"I will do my best, Lady Delacroix.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe chancellor replied. And then it was up to Stephanus to listen to Alessa's reply. He may have failed to articulate properly - what he meant was that pure-blooded demons would be judged as evil no matter what - as the Church's view is that evil flows in their veins - but half-demons and quarter-demons will be judged like humans: judged based on their actions, rather than heritage. But then again, he took it for granted that everyone considered pure-blooded demons pure evil, so he did not feel the need to emphasize it at all. Who wouldn't consider demons evil, after all?\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\"We will think about it, Lady Delacroix. My master will take everything into considerations, time by time. I will tell him as much as I can, and he will make the necessary plans that will have to be discussed.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe knight finally replied. The purpose was to buy land close to Ordeau, and to make sure that that land was preferably coastal rather than landlocked, so that the knights would dock ships at their fortress. But if that wasn't possible, they would have to pass for land that was neither coastal nor close to Ordeau. Being coastal is probably more important, considering that they do not want to rely on the foreigners to moor the ships and unload all the soldiers and supplies, and then have to transport them to the fortress. Much easier and faster if the fortress has its own dock. Maybe an island? There are three islands near Ordeau, but are any of them under Arlish control? Probably not? What of the river between Nordhaven and Zauberfeld? They could pitch their fortress at the river's delta - if it isn't already inhabited - and then sail down the river to pay Ordeau a visit. But that would be too good to be true. Beautiful ladies are usually taken, and as such, such promising strategic positions are usually already setteld and taken. Still, it wouldn't hurt to ask.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"What of the river between those two cities? Is the river delta occupied? And what of the three islands close to Ordeau?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EHe asked, first pointing to Nordhaven and Zauberfeld, and then to those three islands. His knights don't mind building their fortress near or on top of uninhabitable mountains, thogh a river's delta would be the most suitable.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"It will be done...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe chancellor replied, and he began writing to a piece of parchment. What was it saying? Well, what they discussed for so far: Alessa is to be betroded to Prince Markal, the Kingdom of Arland and the Kingdom of Etrand is to enter a military assistance where the two would be expected to aid each other in military conflict. Arland and Etrand are also to guarantee service of trading ships in their respective ports. The safety of citizens of Etrand and Arland travelling between each other's countries will be guaranteed, provided that they respect the rule of the local laws. Etrand and Arland will exhange maps. That is what was written on the paper so far - things that Etrand can not necessarily guarantee are left unwritten: the Crusade against the Demons is something that Hierophant has to approve, and he is in Froturn, not Etrand. The King of Etrand can not just order the Hierophant around - he can suggest, but there is zero guarantee that the Hierophant will say yes.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I believe this special occasion will need a special ring, my love. Would thou mind, if I consulted with the experts in this field?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince asked his would-be princess. He already had plans in his head - namely, a ring, with a special stone in it: one that glows and changes colours based on the wearer's emotions. And the metal part? Gold and silver seem overrated... Gold seems allright, but silver would most likely insult her. An alloy of gold and silver? No, that seems like half the value. Mithril? Mithril is used in weapons, and she likely wouldn't appreciate a ring made out of a marble-white metal.Maybe... maybe something more special, like a blue or green metal? Maybe a gold-silver alloy will work best, if the forger can do it correctly. Or just good old gold, with those special stones...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\"If all is well, I believe we should sign this treaty.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMairkel proclaimed, as he signed the paper he had in front of him, passing it over to Alessa first, so she can review it. Off course, this will not be enough in itself. The prince will have to sign it too, Alessa will have to sign it, but that probably won't make it all. The King - who is not here - will have to sign it to make it valid, Arland's sovereign will also have to sign it to make it valid. Otherwise, how will they know if both sides are willing to give their word to uphold the treaty? But then again, maybe Alessa would like to add something to it, and they would wait for it.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus smiled back at Lynette. Indeed, he will get her a ring too. Not as expensive and exquisite as the one Alessa will receive from Markal, but still one befitting nobility. Once the foreigners leave the room, the Etrandish would have a bit of time to talk to each other.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"It looketh like we have a lot of work to do...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince sighed. Paperwork as well. Lots of paperwork, but probably more than that.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"A crusade may have a few adverse effects... The High Elves will most likely jump on the bandwagon and try to steal some of the potential glory from Etrand.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ERynnan whispered.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Or all of it. The last time, they beat our armies hard...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ETinya mumbled.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Demanding that they do not interfere as this is our war will be too rude... They will want to justify it as 'The friend of our friend is also our friend'...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince replied.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"...besides, it's unlikely that Cairi will try to stab us in the back while both Etrandish and Froturnish legions are fighting demons. If she doth, I am sure that the Arlish will come to our assistance.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe prince finished.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"No, she will not backstab us. Instead, she will try to send her missionaries to Arland, just to spite us.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EThe archbishop added.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"I think our biggest worry should be Gabyr... if word gets to them about this Etrandish-Arlish alliance, they will most likely mobilize their fleet and attempt to block communications and travel... And for all our strength on the land, our fleet is but a meager bug compared to this insolt city-state's giant navy.\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMairkel communicated his own predictions.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Dost thou think it will really come to war?\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EStephanus asked.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E", "date": "2016-02-21T00:00:00.000+01:00", "hun": false, "streamlinedDate": true, "unixTimestamp": 1456009200, "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond" },           {                "content": "\"Oh, the Arls River?\" Alessa looked at the map. She had never seen it, but she knew that her House maintained a fortress there, watching over the Schwarzwald's western edges and the Black Ocean to the west. It had a storied history, particularly during the Second Age, when orcs and goblins inhabited the Iron Mountains, but it was predominantly maintained out of tradition. \"We have a fortress there under the care of House Delacroix. It could comfortably house thirty thousand men. I trust that will be sufficient. As for the three islands...\" Alessa gave a sigh through her nose, her mouth twisting into a thin line. \"They are the home of the zulga people. Our history with them is rather unpleasant. We cannot expect their assistance in the matter of Ordeau, but were we to declare war on Estico and its mad king, they would almost certainly be willing to lend what assistance they can. Estic corsairs are fond of capturing zulga and enslaving them. Indeed, King Aruduyn's consort is an enslaved woman of the Heron Clan...\" She realised she was probably going too in depth without a proper explanation of the beastfolk known as the zulga, but those three islands had been an issue for decades, and their inhabitants were reluctant to treat with the humans of the mainland after centuries of opression. Though Ordeau's current High Sorceror had begun to bridge the divide between the cultures, pledging naval support of the strait between the mainland and Tirlein, the Estics simply circumnavigated the blockades and patrols, and Ordeau could do little about it until their own ordeals were under control.\n\n\nAlessa spread her hands, unable to speak anymore for the zulga and their islands. \"There are some fortresses on the Orlean coast, but it would take time to circumnavigate the continent,\" she said pragmatically. It would be easier to clear the northern areas of Ordeau, however, since they lacked the threat of Estic forces pushing over the border. Such discussion was for a military strategy meeting, not the present company. The paper that Mairkel produced proved it.\n\nIt was vexing. Alessa knew there was naught to be done about it but wait, and that vexed her all the more. She was accustomed to having her will done immediately. Still, she put on a sweet face when the prince asked his question. The face was not entirely an act. He was taking the marriage seriously; taking her seriously. \"Of course, your highness,\" she said with uncharacteristic placidness. \"I look forward to seeing the result.\"\n\nAlessa reviewed the document briefly before signing it. A translated copy would have to be made and sent to King Arls. She'd most probably have to do it herself. More work. \"Once His Majesty has signed it, would you permit me to scribe a translation for the King of Arland? I shall write a missive for him and send them together.\" And perhaps have some more of her household sent for. Lynette seemed rather... Distracted from her duties.\n\nWar lay on the horizon, a vicious red glow on dark clouds. Estico would attempt to strike at the forces cleansing Ordeau, Alessa was sure of it. The Mad King coveted the powers of demons. And so the zulga would join the war, and the Kelsetans, Armondans and Windcrestish forces. Estico would be the first nation to bend its knee to the incipient Etrandish-Arlish empire, and the Demians would welcome their allies from Atrogach as heroes. All the pieces on the board were arranged just so in her mind, but she as yet had no idea of Gabyr, or just how messy the joining of polytheism and monotheism could be.",               "date": "2016-02-22T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1456095600,                "user": "Alessa Delacroix"            },            {                "content": "\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003ESo, the part where they wanted the fortress be is already occupied... And they are willing to hand it over to them on a silver platter, just like them? That would seem too good to be true. Indeed, it must be a lie. Or it could be the Etrandish negotiators misunderstanding Alessa Delacroix. Surely she wouldn't just offer the fortress of her house on a silver platter for nothing. It just doesn't happen. That's why none of the Etrandish take it seriously - they pretend they didn't hear her talking about who occupies that place, and just concede that it's occupied and will never be theirs. The three islands are no good either, it seems, unless the Etrandish and willing to sacrifice more men just to establish a foothold in Demia. There is one other plan though - try to conquer Ordeau as fast as possible and build the fortress there. Maybe the likely intervention by Froturn will be actually useful this time...\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOr the northern points. They could do as well, apparently. But that is for a later discussion.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E \"Off course, thy majesty... Once our King has his signature on it, it will be handed over to thee. Until then... I would suggest that this discussion is to be concluded. I believe thy prince has some matters to attend to, regarding to that ring of thine, as well some other private royal matters. I would suggest that thou retire to thy private chambers for the time being. I may make my attempts at speaking to the headmasters of the Guilds...\" \u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EMairkel was no-nonsense. He knew the business.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EOnce the guests would leave the room, the Etrandish would shortly leave the room after discussing their own discussions. Things would have to be ordered. The ring, among other things. The prince and the knight will have to handle the ring, while Drugó will have to bring the piece of paper to the King.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E\n\n\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003EAnd what of the guests while that is being done? There was still plenty of time until it was dinner time. There was the good old bath, to spend time in. And also the possibility to go to the city... But doing that without a guide - or even Markal and Stephanus - probably wouldn't be wise. The last time they ventured out to the city on their own - in Copperport - the values dissonance almost proved to be lethal.\u003Cnowiki\u003E*\u003C/nowiki\u003E",               "date": "2016-02-22T00:00:00.000+01:00",                "hun": false,                "streamlinedDate": true,                "unixTimestamp": 1456095600,                "user": "Stephanus Tavilrond"            }        ],        "sectionName": "Palace of the Light"    } ]