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Linthlan, Hohnstein estate, Feska(DZ46)



The young Dorothea was rather confused as everyone in her home was hastily preparing for something. She had not seen everyone be this on edge in a while, last time was Floris’s birth. Her father had a face filled with concern. “Vati, why is everyone busy?” “Ah, Dorothea… A very special guest is coming to meet us…” The man was practically shaking, causing the young girl all the more confusion.

Time passed and passed until a carriage arrived. A young woman left the carriage and presented herself with quite the presence. The woman walked towards Dorothea’s father, never losing eye contact with him. “Hermann Hohnstein, It’s been quite some time since we last met. You’re growing old.” The woman told the man with a judging look. “Vati, who is that?” Dorothea asked, causing her father to sweat bullets. The woman looked towards and kneeled down at the girl. “My name is Annalie, Annalie Rednitz. I-..” “Bad Rednitz! You bully Vati!” Dorothea hit the woman on the shoulder. Everyone was on edge, waiting for Annalie’s response. “Hah! Your little girl has spunk, Hermann! Did that come from her mother?” The Rednitz heir laughed as she grabbed the girl’s hand softly. Hermann could do nothing but nod.

A warm smile appeared on Annalie’s face. “What is your name, girl?” “Dorothea!” The young girl stuck out her tongue. “Hello, Dorothea. I am a good friend of your father.” Annalie held her hand on top of Dorothea’s head. “Do you want to be good friends too?” The young girl did not answer, causing the woman to stand up. “I have to discuss something with your father now… I’m sure we can become great friends.” And with that Annalie and Hermann left.



Forchberg, Rednitz estate, Feska(DZ54)



“This facade is ruining Feska as we speak!” Annalie let out a frustrated sigh. “How can nobles be such idiots in things their family worked on for decades. Ah, if only I could just get rid of them.” The woman thought to herself for a while longer before revealing a sinister grin before looking rather disappointing. “That could work if that moronic man wasn’t so weak… He would never use his name to his advantage…” The Rednitz matriarch tapped her foot in frustration.

“But if I get rid of Hermann, I can use one of his Children instead…” Her train of thought furthered. “The son is almost as weak as his father is… but he might be worth shaping. His daughter might show some promise… She’ll use her name with as much as a small push.” Annalie laughed as a plan formed in her mind. “Ah, my little gift of Oraff! I’m sure you can become a great puppet!”


Hildr the Hopeful



Interaction with: Maerec@Dao Ma Queen Eleanor @Force and Fury, Caelum @RezonanceV, Camille @pirouette, Arsene @Th3King0fChaos,




Seeing the Perrenchman accept the help from not just an enemy, but a heathen as well is nothing short of astonishing to her. Perhaps she had misjudged her advisory all this time, their obnoxious self-righteousness still ticks her off however. Not that it mattered all that much at this moment as there is a way bigger, scalier problem at hand for her.

As long as she could make herself useful one last time, she would be able to travel the life beyond in peace. If she were to survive this encounter she would devote herself to protecting the life of the man that dared to give a second chance, even if only until these battles are over.

A shocked look appeared on the Drudgunze’s face as she witnessed the man she followed threw himself right towards the dragon. The knight couldn’t help but burst out in laughter. “Let’s hope your plan works out.”

After the group split up to trap the dragon in certain air space the dragon dove towards the knight. It seems as if the massive beast had it out for her. With enough will and force, Hildr managed to get off with a few minor wounds. “Bastard doesn’t pull his punches!” The beast barely paid attention to any specific person and almost seemed like it was trying to find an weak spot, the warriors stood steadfast and even weakened the beast to the point of slowing it down.

As the knight almost took the time to clear her mind it was halted by an incredibly loud roar from the beast as it became enraged even further. Hildr became stunned by the sound of it. as she was getting a hang of things once more the dragon swooped in and batted her away, breaking a couple ribs and crippling her ability to fight.

Seeing the dragon go in for the kill, the knight mustered up a final throw of her blade with as much force she could throw in it. It hit the beast’s wing and forced it to come lower to the ground, losing interest in its prey from the other’s attack. “Up yours…”

As the battle concluded, the knight forced herself to approach the victorious group. A wide grin with gritted teeth could be seen on her face as she hasn’t felt this in a while… victory… The sight of Maerec calmed her mind, good thing he’s still alive. “Sir Maerec,” the Drudgunze looked with a rather regretful smile. “I doubt I can be very much like the Perrench.. but if you do wish for me to fight with you, you shall have my blade for a while longer.” The knight was still somewhat uncertain of her future.

The treasure, this dragon had quite some… unique treasure, not that she much cared for it. The thrill of battle was what counted after all, but these gloves look rather comfortable... Maybe they won't be missed.




“How much longer until we can rest? This ride has been killing my dearest behind.” A rather agitated Perrenchwoman asked. “Only a couple more hours, Ma’am. We’ve been In Perrence for a while now, never thought it would be that big.” A rather well dressed boy proclaimed. “Ah yes, that’s why it’s been so much more pleasant to breathe here. We’re no longer in those stinking marches!.... It feels good to be in a proper country again.” “I believe the Drudgunzen countries would also be considered proper, Ma’am.” The boy reluctantly spoke back. “The Drudgunze and proper don’t mix, dear Karl. Just look at my sweet daughter, I tried to make her the best young lady a Perrenchman can dream of… but she turned out rather… undesirable…” The woman had a rather disgusted looking face, while the boy still looked on without much emotion. “I believe there is still hope for lady Dorothea to get an influential husband…” “But my poor girl has set her sights upon an unachievable dream. To think she believes she could make that horrible place a great country.” The woman scoffed.

“I tried my hardest to teach her that Feska will die sooner or later but she just won’t listen. To think she’d be foolish enough to court a Kerreman is beyond me. If he was a royal I might let it slip, but he is nothing more than a backwater noble with no useful land.” The mother lamented. “Ma’am, I do believe your daughter has good qualities. Her baking is to die for, for one.” The servant smiled warmly. “I’m sure a servant wouldn’t understand… but baking is for commoners to do, not for nobles. My daughter inherited mostly nothing from the family, if only she had inherited something good she would have been more desirable as a wife.” “I believe she is suitable enough…” The servant feared the other’s response, only to hear nothing back.

“Why is that damned school so far north!” the woman became even more agitated. “I believe we should arrive in a matter of days, Ma’am.” Karl proclaimed softly. “Good, let’s hope my daughter didn’t become too improper there.”

Hildr the Disgraced



Interaction with: @RezonanceV



The point?


Damned self-righteous fools Of course she knew what he did, she could smell and see it as it was going on. It made her sick to see the horrors her comrades committed. Friends she shared drinks with, laughed with… If she truly thinks about it, the only reason for fighting has been for another. “What do I fight for again?...” Thinking about it made her reveal her panicked expression, seeing the knight’s eyes filled with firmness. “Faith?... Any form of Divinity has forsaken me… I’ve had my fill of faith.”


Interaction with: @Dao Ma



Hope?


Feeling the other knight’s hand squeeze her own while showing a smile… It was absurd. To think he wasn’t disgusted by her touching him, wasn’t she just a barbarian in their eyes? He truly was a weird one.

As the group arrived at the cave and seeing how roughed up the prisoners were, something in her ached. Hearing the dragon in the distance got the knight to laugh loudly. “Boy, perhaps you’re right.” Smacking her roughed up armor with vigor. “You shall have my aid, giving me a chance is more than I can ask for.” A short pause as she thought on his words. “Subduing it isn’t impossible… You just have to fight it with killing intent.” Tears rolled down the knight’s cheek as her laughter only got louder. “A beast like that reasoned with? Boy, it will never view you as an equal, just an enemy.”

Perhaps his plan wasn’t even that bad. Hell, it even reminded her of something reckless a certain Death’s hand would think of. “If you do take that beast to the ground… I think I can keep it on the ground… at least for a while…” She tried her hardest to remember what she had done to fell the beast all those years ago.

Hildr the Disgraced



Interaction with: @Dao Ma



Dishonored

No matter the wounds that healed, something was hurting more than anything she felt before. Perhaps it would have been better for the knight to have bled out, perhaps she has become too well mannered to even be considered a comrade. Is that why she is feeling this way? Having no home on this battlefield?

But in the spot where her honor and pride used to be was not emptied, it has been completely replaced with scorn for the Eskandr who sullied her pride, for the Perrench with their holy idiocy and Wulfric, her lord that couldn't care less for the deceased.

Stopping the Dragon?

"Stop a beast like that? You'd need to be strong and steadfast to even try fighting. Most of your comrades seem ready to run for it, O' Courageous knight." The shamed knight sneered at the thought of stopping that thing. "Don't trust the words of the villagers. Only thing they can tell you are tall tales. If they knew how to stop it, they would have done so ages ago."

Soon enough she would walk towards the knight trying to gather men, placing her hand on his shoulder. It seems she had quite the deadpan look on her face. "Boy, have you ever fought a beast like that before? . . . If not, it might be better to flee. You will be sending yourself and anyone you bring with to almost certain death." Her grip on his shoulder was enough to put serious strain onto his attire. "I've already seen enough senseless death, don't be the one to add to that."



Hildr the Red




Hildr's thoughts during her battle with Camille: @Pirouette


A child?





As the tensions rose and the woman stood ready for combat with one of the knights, something she did not see coming came from the crowd, a child? No, not even the Perrench would send a child to fight her, would they? She even introduced herself, no going back on this.

“I am Hildr of Crissia.” The Drudgunze knight said with not much in terms of enthusiasm. The girl that faced her was small, frail. Hildr shook her head, this was not the time to be underestimating her opponent. “May the true gods and those of your own favor you and may honor keep this battle sacred.” She slid on her helmet before clashing her swords together as a sign for the Eskandr to move away, luckily most listened to her wish except for that idiotic brute.

After this show and play the knight began to quickly circle around the other. A mercy killing would be desirable, this is not a way for a child to live their life. Was she looking for a quick opening or was it all but a feint? People were moving way too much for her senses, even the energy was flowing weirdly. Pulling from it as much as she could she put everything into one, quick, finishing strike.

…It was blocked?

Have her senses started to fail her? This child.. That aura around her caused her skin to crawl. Protection from the gods? Or was this someone else protecting her? This was no time to think about it. The way she thought with such confidence and abandon of her own safety reminded the knight of herself, or rather what she used to be.

Then, a slip and a clean strike: a hard smack across the chest that caused a large dent. Hildr gasped and staggered back. It was painful, the bruise, and now uncomfortable to breathe. "Fine, then! I will show you something too!" her blood was boiling from the fact a mere child got the first hit on her.

Attack after attack was batted away like it was nothing, most men would be crushed under the blunt force of her swings but to think a child was not just taking them but doing so effortlessly. How could she even make this seem like anything but an utter embarrassment? Her senses were going numb as her anger kept on building up, getting sloppier with her attack by the minute.



Fading





Then, the feeling of cold steel making contact with her skin snapped her out of it. The sudden pain caused her to fall to her knees. Was that it? Did she lose? Was she that busy in her own mind that she allowed herself to die at the hands of a mere child? Opening her eyes once more she saw the girl-knight standing over her own defeated frame, spouting some religious nonsense that was nothing but dirtying her name with their gods’ bastardry.

With everything she had left, she rolled to the side and recovered her own blade, thrusting up with it. She caught the girl clean, in her moment of overconfidence, and Camille staggered backwards, bleeding. She collapsed for perhaps a moment and Hildr felt it: felt that she had a chance, but the strength was not in her to will herself to her feet. It was in Camille. The Parrenchwoman rose, gritting her teeth, to once again try to finish matters, and it was truly over. Closing her eyes to accept her and said with a weak voice.. “May the Visitor take me to rest.”

She was so faded that she could not feel the surge of energy until the Nashorn came out of nowhere, smacking into Camille like a runaway wagon into a fly. Hildr could only lay there as the Nashorn sullied her name, her honor, her life. Tears began to flow, perhaps the Gods only gave her the miracle only to have her become nothing more than a shamed knight. Was the miracle a sick joke?

As her thoughts were starting to fade like candle lights and her eyes got heavier and heavier, one last thought could not be burned out. One that was cursing the Nashorn’s name, so that he would never be allowed a peaceful rest. Perhaps the Gods always favored her comrades, perhaps the Perrench were the Gods’ chosen people.

‘If the Gods' grant me one final favour and I open my eyes again, I will make that bastard pain what's due.’



Dorothea Hohnstein
von Albesatz-Danzau



This damned headache, why’d I even take that aberration? And what was going on with Ingrid that day too? Was it the same as I had? well whatever it may have been I’m just relieved I could stop her before something regrettable could happen.

A walk did help get her thoughts together some. Although the main part of the faire has completely slipped her mind, The societies. The perfect opportunity to make connections for later in her life.

Her first stop was the Drudgunzean union, it was the most obvious society to join if she wanted to make friends close by. It may also be a good way to keep an eye on Manny as they haven’t been speaking much lately.

After walking some more, her nose picked up the smell of something great being made. Ah, the pumpernickels must be busy. It might be a stretch to call herself great at baking but it might be fun to join and learn some new recipes and tricks to the craft.

Seeing the Mage Hunter Society flared up her excitement as a recreational shooter, although the voice of her mother rang through her mind as she signed up for it. ‘Joining such a boorish club? Did I raise a man by accident? I can’t believe my own flesh and blood could be such a disappointment of a lady.’ As that damned voice didn’t stop, the Feskan rushed out, trying her hardest to find more lady-like societies.

After a while she stumbled upon the Needle & Thread club. ‘See, that is a society more suited for my daughter. I can finally say that I’m proud.’ She quickly signed up as the voice in her head started to calm.

After that exhausting experience she strutted towards the guilds and signed herself into the society of the Gift. Her hand was still grasping a written signing paper that will find its way to the society that it was meant for.





Karl 1.0 is here, need to expand upon but didn't want people to wait.


Dorothea Hohnstein
von Albesatz-Danzau



Interactions with: Ingrid:@dragonpiece Ayla:@Ti


Ingrid has been overwhelmed with student life and has neglected parts of her social life but there was a part that she couldn’t ignore. Dorothea has been odd recently and it has been slightly worrying. Ingrid and Dorothea are part of Luna’s zeno group so she has been able to see every now and then that Dorothea has been off.

After getting Dorothea to agree to meeting at her dorm, Ingrid gets ready to go over. She put on some light makeup, and dressed lightly with some sleepwear in her bag in case it turns into a sleepover. In a small basket, she takes some pastries and some fine wine, and a strong spirit. At the bottom of her bag, there is some of Luna’s weed and some Eskandish psychedelics if she wished to partake. Ingrid let her servants know that she might be gone for the night but will check in with them by lunch tomorrow.

Ingrid left her dorm and headed over to Dorothea’s dorm and gave a knock.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Dorothea yelled out as someone knocked on her door. To think someone wished to laugh at her failure in person now too.

Coming down the corridor is Ayla, coming a little delayed as she waves over to Ingrid, “Ingrid! It is good to see you. Are we meeting your friend here?”. She looks towards the door as she hears the distressed shouting coming from inside. “She sounds really upset”, allowing Ingrid to take the lead.

Ingrid waved to Ayla as she came down the hall, “You are looking wonderful tonight, and it does seem she is upset. Dorothea are you alright? Ayla and I are here for an evening visit that we planned.” Ingrid was wondering what would make her answer the door herself instead of her servants. “Are we still good for tonight?” Ingrid waited for Dorothea’s response.

The two could hear some rumbling from inside of the room and before long the door was opened. “We’re still good for tonight, hope you don’t mind the mess.” Not only was the room a mess, so was the Feskan that let the two of them in. “Make yourself at home… Sorry for all of this.”

Ayla smiles as she takes Ingrid’s hand, squeezing upon it warmly, “Good to see you too, let’s give her a warm hello.”. As Dory opens the door, opening her arms wide, “The greatest gift is friendship, and it is time for you to receive it!”. She moves to give Dory a hug, to wrap her within those arms of hers.

Ingrid waited until Ayla was done hugging Dory to enter her room. Looking around, Ingrid could see how dirty the room was. Not good, Ingrid thought, “Thank you for having us tonight! I brought some fun things for tonight.” Ingrid cleans a table and starts taking out the goods she brought for tonight.

The Feskan’s eyes opened wide as the stranger hugged her all of the sudden, making her show a slight smile for a short while.. “I’m really sorry for the mess…” Dory sat back on the bed as she looked at Ingrid cleaning the table. “What did you bring this time? Some alcohol again?” The Feskan looked from afar as she tried to peek inside the basket.

Ayla shows herself inside as Ingrid is sorting the drinks out with Dory. She moves the clothing into neat piles to the side making enough room for them all to sit comfortably upon the bed and various chairs in the room. She moves around opening up the curtains to brighten up the room, and using incense sticks to make a more pleasant aroma. The place is now acceptable at least. Moves to try to find the glasses and plates for the picnic Ingrid for. “Are the glasses through here?”.

Ingrid pointed to where the glasses were kept. “I brought quite a few extra things today.” Ingrid started to show the items one by one, ”This is a Torrogan wine that was given to me by a random boy.” She sat it on the table along with a cork popper, before continuing to a fine looking spirit, “This is an Eskandish spirit, it is typically drunk warm and well spiced so I brought some things for that. I thought about mixing some Feskan things in to see what it is like.” She set that aside for now as she has to prepare that before revealing some pastries, “I made these so take them as you will.” The pastries didn’t look great but Ingrid continued, “I have some other things as well that my people use recreationally along with some of Luna’s herbs.” Ingrid wouldn’t bring those out unless people wanted some first. Ingrid changes attention to Dory, “Soooo, how are you as of late girl?”

Dory grabbed one of the smaller pastries and ate them with no issue, did she like it or was she just trying to be nice?. "Could be better. Nothing has really been going well for me lately." The Feskan's expression worsened for a second before turning back to a fake smile. "How about you two? How did your missions go?"

Ayla looks at all the various gifts Ingrid are re-using tactfully, it appears she had many admirers during her suitors event. Realizing in hindsight with some embarrassment, she was kind of enrolling herself to be Ingrid’s suitor and even got an apple of approval. At least she made a good impression despite the circumstances. She reached for the Torragonese wine, looking at the bottle of Gran Reservas Rioja, whoever this was, they were pulling out the big guns. She popped the cork and poured a small amount for each to enjoy in the glasses. She does ponder on how to reply to Dory’s question, especially with how so much happened in such a short time, she attempts. “Well went. Freed a refuge from a tyrant, made a lot of great new friends, and slayed some dragons. Returned with a lot of spoils. How about both of you?”

Ingrid was slightly disappointed that Dory didn’t share her stories from her mission, maybe it was too traumatic to share. Well, whatever. Ingrid believed if she shared some of the bad moments of her mission maybe it would help Dory. Ingrid took a long sip of the wine that Ayla had poured for everyone, “Pretty good wine. Fruitier than I thought.” Ingrid swished the little bit of wine left in her glass, she kept her head down as she started to tell her mission. “Our mission was to rescue the princess of Segonia and to kill the captain of the Maria Nera…” Ingrid swallowed the rest of the wine. “We succeeded but it cost us someone,” Ingrid poured another glass of wine and swallowed almost the entire thing before looking back at them.

Dory’s expression only worsened after hearing these big events that happened when she was screwing things up, taking a sip from the glass. “We were supposed to stop a potential riot.. And grab an artifact… I thought I could control the riot… but before I knew it, the ship was sinking and people were dying..” Her eyes focused on the wine still left in the glass. “People died for my incompetence. I should have been better, I could’ve done it better…”

Ayla tilts her head to the side as she listens to Dory’s story. She is fighting the overwhelming urge of just butting in, but has to mentally sit upon her hands to allow Dory tell her story. “It sounds like you went through a very difficult experience, those emotions such as shame can be very strong.”, she disagrees with why Dory should feel this way, but how to communicate this in a way which is not invalidating to how she feels... “The Tourrare have a saying, to translate into Avincian, it means ‘There is no I in team’. Things go wrong due to many reasons, not one. It is a chain of mistakes done by many.” She smacks her lips as phrases the next part in her mind, “You seem like a very sweet person who takes on the responsibility of the world on your shoulders, and you do this because you care, but…”, she wiggles a little, growing anxious herself, unable to resist the urge to say her mind, “You were not the only one. You were with a team. There were many people making mistakes long before you went there. You tried your best, but you cannot use a bucket alone to try to save a sinking ship. It wasn’t because you were not doing it hard or fast enough.”

Ingrid sharing her own misfortunes seemed to get Dory to share her own grief. Ingrid understood Dory very intimately, blaming yourself individually when the actions were of a group. Ingrid still struggles with that today trying to process the mission. Watching Ayla so quickly try to comfort and dissuade Dory from that damaging thought pattern had Ingrid smiling a little. Ingrid rested a hand on Dory’s shoulder, “Ayla is right. You were sent there with a team because it required a team. You can’t hold yourself wholly responsible.” Ingrid wasn’t very good at dealing with this. But she wanted to be there. Part of being a better person is being someone that people can rely on.

Dorothea bit her lip from annoyance of these supporting words. Did they really get it? She let them to their deaths.. her team had nothing to do with her actions. "I WAS wholly responsible!... I was the reason the mission almost failed.. I was the only one that failed their part of the mission…" the glass in Dory's hand began to shake. "Understand that I was the one that made the decision that cost my own countrymen their lives… If I wasn't cocky… If I wasn't there… it would've been fine!"

Ayla realized her urge to try to correct Dory’s thinking is the wrong one, she could see instead of trying to make things better, it only made her more frustrated. It is easy to think we can fix things, fix how people feel. Encourage them to look at the silver lining, point out how others have it worse. All that a good friend needs is someone to listen to them, make them feel heard and understood. She got the wine bottle as she gave a more than generous top up to all the glasses, as she brought them all the bed, so they can sit in comfort and perhaps have more than a glass than they should. “You are right Dory, my attempt to solve it meant that you were not truly listened to and felt understood. Going to share a game Maura used to do with me when things were going bad. First, there is far too little wine.”.

She takes a big gulp of the wine to get things started, encouraging the other two to do likewise. “It is time for the Sob Pillow. Whoever has the pillow shares something they messed up on, or just wants to get off their chest. We take a big drink, then we pass the pillow on. We let it all out, get very drunk and pass out. We feel terrible in the morning like a rinsed out old sponge, then we get a servant to get us some sweets and fill ourselves with good things to replace the bad.” She takes one of Dory’s bedtime pillows and passes it to her to hold. “Finish letting it out, then pass it on”.

Dorothea looked rather confused about the concept of a ‘Sob Pillow’. What purpose would a game like this have past the point of getting gossip out of others? Well, not like participating would hurt that badly with just these two. The Feskan would grab the pillow and hold it rather awkwardly. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt too much if you two know this, but..” Dory clenched said pillow, letting out a rather heavy sigh. “I don’t remember everything perfectly anymore as it happened so fast… I was supposed to talk the people out of rioting while having two people with me if things turned south… I succeeded! … Somewhat.. The people were starting to point their anger towards a point that would reduce harm to others… Then one man started berating me with questions…”

Her face grew darker as she took a small break from continuing. “He made an Aberration appear…. I wanted to have the others help keep me in check… But I had such a rush from it all that I could not dissuade them from consuming the Aberration… And to not be branded a traitor to them, I had to consume it with them… then it went dark for a while…” Her teeth gnashed as she thought about the others. “Where were they when I needed them?... I was never supposed to be alone…”

Ingrid had never heard of a ‘Sob Pillow’ but it seemed worth trying. Ingrid did worry about Dory becoming drunk as she was quite a lively drunk and Ingrid had no idea how that would mix with her current mindset. But it was worth a shot as Dory did share. Maybe it was the 3 glasses of wine but what Dory said angered Ingrid. Not at her actions but at her teammates for leaving her. It seems they may have had an understanding not to leave each other and she was left.

Ingrid just gave a hug to Dory to try to show her support for her. Ingrid didn’t know what to say, what would help Dory the most. But Ayla said that listening would be more effective than trying to solve things. Ingrid was more following along for what Ayla would do. Ingrid would want to say then fuck the people who left you. They left you in a situation where you were trapped. That is not your fault. But Dory hasn’t passed the pillow so maybe there was more she wanted to say then they could speak about it.

The Feskan was quite surprised from the sudden hug before squeezing out the pillow between the embrace, handing it to Ayla next.

Ayla claps her hands together, thanking Dory for her contribution as she takes a gulp of the wine, “A drink for gili team mates!” Now with the pillow in hand, she opens up with her own. “On the topic of unreliable, what kind of person leaves their best friend behind without saying a word? Seven weeks, and not even sent a letter.” She takes another drink of the wine, topping it up. “My father put me on house arrest, made me unable to see her, but there has been no attempt since then. Too busy being mopey and blaming my parents to even think about her. No excuse for my actions. She probably thinks that she has been abandoned.” She looks towards the other two as she now wallows in her own self-pity. “Probably best to kick me out before you two are abandoned as well.” She passes the pillow over to Ingrid, as she prepares for another gulp in unison with them.

It seems everyone has their own problems, Ingrid chugged the drink. The wine was starting to hit the Eskandish woman. Torragonese wine wasn’t as weak as she was told. Ingrid held the pillow under one arm and kept an arm over Dory, slowly leaning on her as the alcohol started taking hold of her body. Ingrid shifted her head from one side to the other, trying to think of what she wanted to say, “Ah! During my mission, I got scammed, burned, stabbed, and had cannons shot at me. Benny had threatened me and somehow we are on okay terms now and I even fucking kissed him.” Ingrid didn’t seem too particularly bothered by some of these things like she didn’t want to say the worst of the mission. “We arrived in the desert on a fucking hill dug underground. Had that bitch, I mean Trypano, fucking try to show me up in tunneling. Yeah, I know I wasn’t going the right way but I was trying to curve to the hill to not just pop out to the damn army. It was embarrassing.” Ingrid seemed like she had a lot of smaller things she could complain about. “When we got back I had to prepare for the speed dating thing. Do you know how many people tried to kiss me?! I love kissing as much as the next girl but Fuck off. Ah but I also made friends as well.” Ingrid gave Ayla a hug as well. Ingrid passed the pillow back to Dory, “Dory I still like you if that means anything. I got your back.”

Dory’s ears perk up upon hearing Ingrid’s story, taking another sip before poking the Eskandish woman. “Oh? Does a certain person like Benny?” Even if that wasn’t the case the Feskan couldn’t help but tease the other with it, it certainly helped with her current state at least. “Bah!... Even speed dating now? Seems like you’re really getting out there now, huh?” Dorothea once again took the glass and chugged whatever was left. “Ayla, is there still some more wine?.. Wait, speaking of love lives… How is yours going?”

Ayla is probably a little left out with the love conversation with how none existent that was, but she has certainly heard rumors about the other girls. She fishes out another bottle that Ingrid brought, this time, it seemed to be some kind of Eskander spirit. “Looks out Ingrid brought us the good stuff.”, she giggles as she pours the spirit into the glasses. “My love life is rather absent, minus the token betrothals of those trying to get on my family's good side. Classed as the ugly duckling out of my sisters.” she mulls over the drink, sniffing it, though waiting for Ingrid to expand more upon that. “Not trying to fish for compliments, one even looks like a younger version of Zeno Afraval”, she laughs as she cups to her chest for emphasis, giggling, though becoming acutely aware of her smaller size compared to Dory and Ingrid, and the awkwardness of her comments.

Ayla changing subject, “Dory, heard a rumor that you are in a relationship with Marci’s brother. So you may be seeing your new sister soon.”, she beams a bright smile towards her. “ As for you, Ingrid, there is a rumor about a childhood sweetheart coming on the scene.”. She giggles as she moves to taste the drink, trying to turn to hide her face quickly and cough as it feels like it was peeling the skin from her tongue. That is a strong spirit.

It seems revealing Ingrid’s recent adventures in romance had caught Dory’s attention. “Oh Benny? Like is a strong word. He is strong and interesting. He has a surprisingly gentler and charming side. I don’t know if I could date him because I am still trying to understand him. My mission made me realize how small my world was and how much I need to still grow.” Ingrid, being emboldened by the wine, looked proud of what she said. Proud that she could openly admit she still had much to learn. But a sly smile did creep onto her face and she said, “But, I wouldn’t mind a more physical relationship with Benny, his strength and bravado are kind of hot.” Ingrid went red and couldn’t believe she just said that openly.

Ingrid heard from Ayla that she got no romance to speak of, Ingrid joked “Not even fake romances your family teaches you to say?” Then Ingrid saw poor Ayla try to drink the spirit straight, “Oh not like that Ayla, let me prepare it.” Ingrid grabbed the spirit and made her way to the kitchen to grab some things. As Ingrid was leaving she said, “When I get back in a minute or 5, I will talk about Shven.” Ingrid went to raid Dory’s kitchen for supplies.

Dory looked as Ingrid left for the kitchen, being unable to hold her own laughter in. To think she could just say something like that out loud. She might have to learn from her example. After a while of silence the Feskan realized the thing Ayla said, making her face somewhat red. “Where did you hear that? Manny did not want to show it off too much so I have tried my best not to show anything on the school grounds!” Dorothea forgot how scary gossip could be among girls. “I haven’t met Marciline yet but Manny did say that I will meet her soon enough….” She leaned in towards the other girl’s ear, a bit tipsy. “Can you tell me what she’s like? I’ve been worried sick.. What if she doesn’t approve of me?... What if she thinks I would not be worth it for their family?...”

As soon as she realized she was folding back into her state of thinking. She quickly snapped back, faking a smile. “Well, that’s not important! Tell me about the kind of person that is your type, Ayla!”

Ayla giggled a little as Dory wanted the inside scoop. “We found her in the refuge. Very sweet though likes to pretend to act mature for her age. If you are a genuinely nice person, she would easily approve of you!” She nods as she takes Dory’s hand and squeezes upon it, “Manfred is in my class, only had small exchanges with him within the group. He seems to keep his feelings close to the chest, and seems to deflect a lot with his humor. It is nice to hear he has found someone to be open and intimate with, dropping his guard around.”

She pauses for a moment as she considers the next question, leaning back upon the bed. “Honesty? Unsure. Not saying as a cop out answer, but…”, she pauses as she considers her next words. “You know when you see a flower, it is pretty, right? Can tell what is good looking, but… it feels like something is missing compared to other people. When thinking of others, just think about my friends, about wanting them close to me, give them a great big hug. Simply enjoy their company. Last week or so, Jocasta, Kaspar, Yalen, Zarina… even got excited about the new girl in my class with the pretty dress. Most likely feel the same when you two are not here either.” She snickers as she pulls herself up to give Dory a hug, and probably gives Ingrid one too when she returns. “We didn't answer your question.”, laughing out louder in a drunken manner.

Ingrid had plundered the Feskan kitchen for spices and sugar or in this case spratz! Ingrid grabbed some mixing cups and headed into the room, “Like my ancestors before me, I have plundered your homes for your goods. Now let me make you a treat.” Ingrid mixes some warming spices into the spirit and adds some juice and whatever other liquids that sounded nice in Dory’s kitchen. Finally, she drew some of the ambient heat outside of the building to heat up the liquid to where it steamed. Ingrid poured each girl some of the spiced drink, “And done. A Feskan twist to a beloved drink of my homeland.” Ingrid took a seat next to Ayla this time as she wanted a hug. Ingrid accepted the hug and returned a squeeze.

A moment of silence as they tried the drink, “I like it. The spratz is nice. Oh right Shven! Me and him were neighboring nobles. His land is considered worst than my own family’s but honestly only by a few degrees. I was surprised to see him considering the bad harvests that have been happening. But he’s sweet. He is essentially a big nerd like myself. He really loves dragons. And it’s nice having someone you know here. I’m going to be tutoring him in some of the basics of Atomic since he didn’t decide earlier on. Oh and since he is dragon obsessed, I asked him to help raise an egg I came into ownership of.”Ingrid seemed to speak of him only in positive terms.

Dory smelled the spiced drink and could immediately smell the prize of the spices. “Ingrid… What did you put in this and how much of it?...” Her expression was showing quite a bit of annoyance. To try and keep it to herself she did what any respectable Feskan noble would do and drink it away, downing the specially made drink in one go. It was visible that the drink kicked back against Dory for drinking so quickly. “Ah… That hit the spot… I should hire you to make these for me often.” A couple hiccups came from the Feskan as the alcohol really started to make its mark on her behavior.

“Wait, so… about Scheven or Sven… uuuh… that lover… I mean friend of yours…. Are you interested in him?” Dory crawled over towards Ingrid and began leaning on her shoulder, really eager to know the answer.

Ayla smiles widely, as she mirrors Dory, teasingly cuddling up and leaning upon her other shoulder. “Tell us. Is he the one?”. She makes herself very comfortable against that shoulder as she wraps herself in. If Ingrid is not careful, probably end up having a drunken sleeping lion cub attached to her. “Dory wants to know in case it all goes wrong with Manfred”, she snorts out a laugh as she opens her eyes to peek towards Dory to see her reaction. “So, Sven in the streets, and Benny between the sheets?”

It seems Ingrid has gotten 2 very gossip hungry and very drunk noble girls on both sides of her. And they want to know the same thing. Which one are you going with? Ingrid answered somewhat quickly, “Sadly I don’t believe any of them I could marry or let alone do anything official. Benny is a commoner and from what I know not that rich. Sven is a noble, and our families have some history but they are poor and my grandfather sees me as a big ticket with my RAS. So I have a new plan! Either I can become so rich and Independent I can tell my grandfather to fuck off, or I can take over my Family and choose for myself who I marry!” The alcohol has made each of these plans seem totally plausible. She is still trying to avoid saying who she was going to go for. Honestly, Sven is just a friend at the moment and Benny is just a good time and someone interesting. Ingrid hoped that her statement would throw them off the questioning of what she wants.

Dory pouted at Ayla upon hearing what she said. “Well, if it did go wrong with him I guess it leaves me no choice!” She clung her arms around Ingrid, drunkily spouting nonsense. “... Then I’ll just have to marry Ingrid over here!” Seems like she might have drank a bit too much, although not enough for her mind it seems as she grabbed Ingrid’s glass and took a sip. “And if I do become Feska’s leader I’ll marry you too, Ayla! Traditionalists be damned!” Her mind was very much in a jokey mood. “Not like my family has any other candidates to become the head by the time my father croaks.” Another sip from the other’s glass was needed. “Well, the other two are never going to be accepted. My cousin will never stand strong… because he can’t… And little Floris is just way too sweet to ever rule properly…”

Ayla giggles as Dory makes her advances upon Ingrid, “If you two get together, will you grant me the position of chief bridesmaid?”. She breaks away to lean across the bed to try one of reportedly better tasting Ingrid spratz cocktails. The rich spirit pours in, the taste is dramatically changed as she feels the addictive sweet taste cling to her taste buds. “This is not sugar”, she suckles upon her own tongue to savor the taste. She moves to top up the glass some more to taste it, “Never tasted anything as sweet as this before where does it come from?”. Trying to return to the conversation, though blushing as Dory proposes to her as well. “Is this the point where we declare what happens in sleepover stays in sleepover?”, she grins as she ruffles Dory’s hair as she is cheering up. “Glad your mood is picking up!”.

Ingrid has realized that Dory is really drunk. The phase of being drunk means that some bad decisions can occur. Normally, Ingrid would only see this every now and then and she would have kept her wits together and not drink as much but Ingrid has drunk the most out of everyone. Ingrid looks at Dory and “If you do break up, I promise I’ll take you, you’re quite the catch after all. Beautiful, fun… ambitious” Ingrid was getting closer and closer before the responsible side pulled her up from a terrible choice. “I’m ducking shitface.” At this point, Ingrid is like fully cuddling Dory slowly giving her sips of wine. “I’m sure you will rule fine, Dory. And Ayla” Ingrid looked at her, “I mean we can turn this into something that stays here if you're interested.” She leaned in a little and it was hard to tell if Ingrid was serious or not, “I am a little greedy after all.”

“Then it’s settled! If it fails with Manny!...” Dory looked Ingrid in the eyes, is it just the alcohol making her say this or is there something more. “I’ll make you a Hohnstein!...” She looked towards Ayla and smirked rather smugly. “Well, that’s my family’s own Spratzpepper! It’s the best thing you’ll ever taste!” The Feskan proclaimed proudly. “Spratz is the reason we have the best pastries in the world!” On that note, Dory tried her best to stand up. After wobbling a bit, Dory walked towards the kitchen and came back with a small container. She opened the container, revealing small sugared cookies. “You two want to try? I baked them yesterday so they should be plenty fresh!”

Ayla happily put her hand into the container to pull out the small sugared cookies. “Are these Feskan Stroopwafel?” She bites into them, feeling it break into her mouth as the gooey insides ooze out. She lifts it up with praise, having a newfound love of this Spratzpepper. “Heard about Spratz but never imagined it would taste so good. Here Ingrid, put your lips to this.” She takes another two out as she paces one in each of the girls mouths so they can enjoy the taste. “Spratz makes everything taste good.” She looks over to answer the previous questions. “It is good not to share ‘Sod Pillow’ stories or drunk ramblings, which only leads to embarrassment and awkwardness. So we keep it between friends and enjoy having a good time together.”

Ayla didn’t even acknowledge the flirt. Well, alright. No fun kissing for me tonight. Ingrid listened to Ayla, “Yeah, it would be for the best to not bring up the pillow talk.” As quickly as those wants came they left. The Fesken Stroopwafel was so much better than Ingrid thought it would be, “Dory how are you such a good baker? Do you think you can teach me sometime?” Ingrid had nothing to do besides eating and chilling. Honestly, Ingrid wants to bring out the weed but thinks that the alcohol should start knocking all of us out soon. Ayla appeared to be one calm moment away from clonking out and Dory. Well, Dory was a random card if this would be the end or the beginning of a long night.

“My mom forced me to be taught all kinds of skills that would make for a good suitor….” She took a bite from the Stroopwafel, happily smiling at her successful pastry. “But baking is the only thing I enjoyed, so I tried my best to be able to do at least that.” She looked towards Ingrid, confused at her question. “I never thought you wanted to learn how to bake, but if you want I can easily teach you!”

Ayla smiles as she leans against Dory, “Dory would make for a good housewife, feeding us all the baked yums filled with love and spratz.”, she brings Ingrid close to peck them both upon the cheek. “There you go. Really enjoyed spending time with my friends, this has been fun!”. She gives them both a big Ayla hug.

Ingrid is thinking that these are pretty nice. They are very sweet and they go with drinks very well. And the filling could be filled with honey. Hmm. I should talk to Zarina about this. Ingrid giggled a little at the peck on the cheek. Then the big hug. Ayla was the right person to bring here, she is wonderful with people. “I enjoyed spending time with you a lot as well. We should do it again.” Ingrid left it off on that.

The peck on the cheek was a little surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. Ayla really did bring out smiles out of even the toughest people. Dory looked rather concerned. “Are you really going to be able to reach your own room like that?...” She knows Ingrid could get in weird situations from time to time and now with her being drunk it might end up worse. “You two can sleep in my bed, I’ll sleep on the carpet!” The Feskan offered confidently.

Ayla drags Dory playfully down onto the bed. “Don’t be silly, there is enough for all of us, you’re not running off. It is your bed after all. Ingrid and myself only live a few doors down if you want us out” She reaches down to pull up the Feskan patterned blanket, the material being rather coarser than she is used to, but not complaining. “Come on Ingrid, time for you to go down with us. Would be nice being at a height where your eyes are the focus for a change”, tugging upon the tall Eskander girl to join for a soon sleepy rest.

It seemed it was going to be a cuddle session to end the night. Ingrid felt that she could make it home but cuddling seemed much nicer. Ingrid got into bed with them without any fuss. As she laid she took some heat away from her pillow because she knew that her face always feels hot after wine. Ingrid slept on the outside of the bed cuddling whoever was in the center. The soft bed knocked her out faster than any spirit.

Dory never really had any others in her bed past perhaps her servant back home. She might have to write Karl a letter to see how she’s doing, as for now she has two friends to keep her company for the night. “Thank you for this visit… It’s been really nice.” The Feskan chuckled contently as she was sandwiched between the two.



Hildr the Red



The bastard’s speech





Hildr, along with a company of Krissian knights were sent to raid along with some of the Eskandr, arriving later due to Wulfric’s speech “Do not disappoint Hrothgar, I wish to stay in his good graces for a while longer, you all got that? Don’t embarrass me in front of the Eskandr.”



The fields of despair




Was this the glory Hrothgar promised? Burning houses, viewable from miles. Corpses, some even deviled to the point even the gods wouldn’t recognise them any longer. “All of this is appalling, these men, women and children have nothing to do with this Crusade. . .” The knight mumbled to herself, using her foot to check if some of the bodies still had a semblance of life in them. ‘Is this truly what the Father wanted? Is this justice against the non-believers?’

‘No, there has to at least be some survivors around somewhere. I have to repay the mercy I have been granted a thousandfold’ “Ma’am, what are your orders?” One of the knights questioned her, snapping her out of her thoughts. “Look for survivors! There have to be at least some. . . There has to be. .” “What do we do with them, finish them off?” The same knight questioned their commander with a confused look on his face. “No, I wish to see them alive. They shall become prisoners of war, do not treat them with hostility.”



Hope?




After some time passed a couple women, some boys and girls were rounded up. “Is that all? Is that truly all that’s left?” Hildr questioned in a rather irritated tone. “Yes, there have not been any more among the living here.” One of the knights replied. Hildr sighed before confronting the survivors with a soft smile and the little broken Perrench she learned from a time past. “Not worry, are safe now. I not hurt you.” that damned language is such a pain to speak. But it seemed to do the trick somewhat as most of them calmed down enough to escort them back to the camp.

There was one boy that looked at her with more than just contempt. It was more akin to hatred. Did he lose his family? Poor kid must try his best to act tough. “What about this one? where did you find him?” Hildr pointed towards the boy. “We found him hiding underneath a trapdoor, he was quite the pain in the ass to get him to comply.” “Any other survivors?” “No ma’am, we only found more bodies in the home.”

Hildr squatted down in front of the child and tried her best to comfort him. “Parents gone? kept you safe? Parents good people.” It was with that something in the boy and caused him to go in for a jab right against the knight’s face, causing her nose to bleed from the impact. Hildr smiled and did not retaliate. “Good hit for child. What your name?” The boy, shocked at the fact he wasn’t cut down on the spot calmed down somewhat and replied. “Aldéric, my name is Aldéric.” Hildr patted the kid on the back. “Strong name you has, Strong man you will be. I protect you from evil men.”

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