Across the meadows, the stoic faced men stood. Servants and maids moved from side to side, preparing the breakfast, cleaning the seats, the tables, moving things back and fro, furnishing the hill for the comfort of the lords and ladies. Beyond, the mighty walls of the Crymsonfort stood. Olga had just finished putting on her rich dress of red, gold, and black colors. Her firstborn son stayed close, in his doublet of dark crimson, jeweled rings on his strong, short fingers. Their eyes, like four eerily colored moons met in the mirror. It was a bad time for festivities, as the Stronghearts have attacked the trade routes. She awaited the guests.
After a late night push by horseback to keep time with the rendezvous, Lady Cole and her armed guard of thirty mounted soldiers arrived at Crymsonfort. Antony had been there prior in his dealings with House Bloodsun, but this was to be Josephine's first foray into the allied lands. Her husband sent her, and her specifically, due to her own charisma and wit. Additionally, with Nevin away on diplomatics of his own, she was the most learned of the court of the affairs of Lundland as a whole. Plus, Lord Cole thought that perhaps Lady Olga may have a better time identifying with the leading lady of Pelataria, rather than himself. Bringing her own horse to a stop at the gates, Josie modestly presented herself simply as 'the dignitary from Pelataria', and requested permission to enter.
The dignitary from Pelataria arrived. "Most splendid to see you, Lady Josephine, I have heard much about you." In fact, she hadn't. Only that she was the wife of Lord Cole, and she had begun to fear she would be known only as the wife of Lord of Therral. "I am afraid Lord Solterra is yet to come, eat if you are hungry, drink if you are thirsty, and any man in your entourage can do so, as well."
Lord Solterra suddenly bustled through the doors and quickly shutting them. He had came with only afew of his archers and even less of his Captain Soldiers as the rest were being thrown into their stations for defense and this made Lord Solterra a little frightened for his life for the fact that anyone that followed the Lundland Church like their life depended on it would now be wanting to kill him and he didn't even have so much as a third of his army to protect him on the journey to this summit. "Apologies for being late, to both of you." He moved from the door and walked forward, wiping the sweat from his forehead, laying out ledgers and documents for the Lady's and the Lord's. "Lord Wolff is not currently of an important concern at the moment," he continued as he sat down, looking stressed and slightly exhausted. "but these are the letters and such of the accusations, proof, and admission. He was accused of selling our, mmm, discussions to the House of Trisch, which sent everything into a downward spiral. However, what actually happened was Lord Wolff's inability to realize the dangers that lurk around every turn; he left his messenger undefended as they traveled from land to land, city to city, capital to capital, where ultimately the messenger met their death at the hands of some kind of murderer, who apparently didn't want the ledgers, just money. Cover up, or just a common robbery? Either way, House of Trisch got hold of them, and..." It was now it could be noticed most blatantly that Solterra was adorned in his full suit of armor as he tugged at it to breathe, "that's when... I received the letter from the House of Trisch and their religious lands of the charges they chose to place on me. I more or less said it would be nice to be witness to the downfall of the Lundland Church, not to be the one single-handedly doing it. It's like Rone, I disagree with the man, but I don't feel as though I should kill him. Same goes for the Church. We all have wishes that we don't exactly carry out, we'd just smile if they happened. You can keep these documents, all of you, for when we have the discussion of Lord Wolff's punishment, but what we must decide now is what we will do about my impending death. Half of my troops have been dispatched to Lord Wolff's to stop any attack on him by House of Trisch, and the other have have been shoved into the forts and ordered to station the walls unless said otherwise. Not to say I plead for reinforcements, Lord Cole has already sent some men and his son to assist me and I have given his son the most royalty I can offer inside a Fort. Meanwhile, mentally, Lady Olga seems to calm me by the very thought of her. But no, what needs to be decided is what will we do for the future. If we don't act now, I may be dead in the next week or so, and who will be next? They already targeted me, would they target either of you for being my allie? Should we lead an attack on House of Trisch? It may be too soon to think of war, but you must think about what is already going on; House of Trisch has already decided they don't like a few of us. Hell, they may not like a majority of us. And those that they do like may be mere pawns to them at this point. You all may, think it over, I will agree with whatever the decision is." Lord Solterra took a breath and once more wiped his face, sighing of little relief as two of his Captain Soldiers, dorned in their battle ready and large armor walked in and stood around him to protect him. Believe it or not, you could say these two men were half of his defense force. "King Sol--" "Tch tch! You address me as Lord in public!" "Yes Lord Solterra, apologies, the area is secure. We have our men scoping the area in case of any armies incoming." Lord Solterra nodded as he reached up to pat the man on the arm in thanks as he looked to Lady Olga and Lady Josephine. Lord Solterra was in serious distress.
She skimmed through the documents, and gave them to Lady Josephine right after. "Seems that Lord Wolff's vassals are not to be trusted? He is a man of honor, that I know. However, we must find the path of peace with the Church. Rone may not be much a threat, but Archbishop is a powerful man. I shall not risk an excommunication, for all my people are true to the Faith. And I shall not tolerate armed operations on my lands." She shot a glare to the armed soldier. "It does not mean I dishonor our alliance, but that we must try to get the Faith's forgiveness."
Lady Josephine thanked Lady Olga for her hospitality, before shifting to the task of examining the correspondence. She did not doubt Lord Wolff's loyalty, yet the threat of both Church and State simultaneously and independently concerned her.
"Lady Olga is correct," she stated, looking up at the armored Lord Solterra. "The Church is the primary threat, particularly in the West. To ignore their call for trial may have been folly. Had you attended, and we - my Husband, Lady Olga, and Lord Wolff - spoken on your behalf, the problem could have been diffused. But.. That is in the past, and now we must find alternate solutions. How are your relations with the Lords of the East? Or," she paused, unsure even if she should mention it. ".. With Brindbay or Mishfarden?"
Lady Olga only shook her head at the mention of Brindlay and Mishfarden.
Lord Solterra shook his head quickly. "I pay my good will to Rone every Season, I follow the law of the Church, I stay in line like everyone else. However, Rone has known for some time of my disagreements with him and the Church, and my Royal Blood is not from these lands. At first he thought I would be a great asset, but now for years he's been wanting to take me down. If I had went to that Trial, I would not have returned, I hope you both understand this. Now, the others in the west? I haven't really been able to get into contact with them, so I don't quite know them. I suppose we are neutral. I only have ties with Lady Olga, Lord Cole, and Lord Wolff."
Lady Olga clearly did not like her suggestion even enough to consider it, and rightfully so: Mishfarden harbored a hatred of Lundland that went back centuries. However, Josie simply would not let the idea die.
"It may sound absurd, but the lands to the south may be the only area that Lord Solterra is safe." She turned to the head of House Behringer, looking into his eyes. "To the Overlord, you are an upstart. To the Church - a heretic. We are your friends, here, but the Church has as much sway in our lands as they do in yours. If you stayed at either of our courts, they would still find you. But they have no sway in the south. Brindlay follows the rule of Mishfarden, but they are not our direct enemies. They would have little to lose by harboring a Lundish Lord - especially one hated by the Overlord. Especially if you made it worth their while."
She thought for a moment, pursing her lips, stepping back, thoughtful. "That does seem a good idea. Your sister can rule in your stead, and you may even keep up contact. You can find a good, fitting noblewoman wife for yourself there, and you can send your heir back when he is of age. I shall not fight the Church."
Grunts with a smirk, a somewhat 'heh' erupting from him in a low tone. "My lands? Do you mean the spot of grass my Keep stands on, my territory, or my homelands?" taking a breath as he calms himself, "I have no homelands, my Grandfather was a King of a large continent at once, but I never found out what happened. I found out after my father died and my mother, sister and I, and the rest of the village we lived in, traveled to Lundland away from the south. You see, because of my past, my family isn't safe anywhere except Lundland. My father fought in many wars down there, killing many who wanted the land, they know my family name. But no, I won't sit here and lie to you, try and give you a reason to fight with me. The Lord," he looks over at Lady Josephine, "He barely know me, he may not even know the colors of my Kingdom. And you," he turned to Lady Olga. "The same goes for you, but I had also requested to court you the same day we officially met. A strange old man in a cloak claiming to be a Lord and requesting love with a prospering Ladyship. Well, I will let you know this; Rone will not send all of his forces to kill me, and I can take on his smaller armies. If I can get him to send all of his forces, you could move in. With both of your armies combined, you could kill the Overlord, and take the throne, if you wished. Maybe even in assistance with Lord Wolff. Either way, it seems Lundland, and my new castle, will be the death of me." Lord Solterra stands. Exhausted, sweating, but his frightened face turned determined. "This Summit told me what I already knew, well I'll tell you I won't die on my throne! I will die alongside my people!"
She sighed. Men were all so eager to fight and die like complete fucking idiots. She sympathised with Lady Josephine, though. She seemed an adequate woman. "You see, Lord Solterra, Lady Josephine and I had been advocating against war all the time in this summit. We told you things you needed to listen to and think about, instead you decided to go by the path of war. What will happen is that the Church will excommunicate you, and your people won't listen and obey you no matter how charitable or caring you are. You can run, and rule through your sister. Else, you will die, alongside your people. Who will also die."
"This is not a game, Lady Olga, what happens after today will spell the future for everyone. Not just I or my people, and not just Lundlands. It will affect you, Lady Josephine, entire families. It doesn't matter what is going on in your head, but if you feel the need to bend over for the church, then you have it. Obviously you are the cold-hearted harlot all the rumors speak about. And don't worry about the alliance, I know when I said I'd go to war, that would be the end of our little joining. This land needs a serious re-awakening, and at some point, you'll wake up and realize it is too late. Just remember I said that. Don't worry about our personal joining, to save your reputation, I'll always say we had nothing. Now, if you excuse me, I have to leave in preparation. I might be able to make it in time for your parade." He nodded as he looked at Josephine, giving a slight bow in haste, "Good day, Lady Josephine." He quickly walked away from the arrangement, gesturing to his guards who quickly followed after.
She kept her cool as he insulted her, quietly following him with her gaze. She then sighed, turning to the remaining, more considerate and agreeable person next to her.
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Most Recent Posts
I'm certainly not sympathising with Ironstone, they fucked up our trade route.
Holy shit. Lord Solterra fucked up. And the Ironstone Islands are also fucked up.
ARGH MY EXCITEMENT
dont let this fucking die.
Yeah, and the religion itself. Let's create an interesting, ORIGINAL Monotheistic religion, and not neccessarily Jesus Christ. Say, something else would do much much better, in my opinion. And that players can also add to the Church canon, create their own saints/biblical events, I mean, it'd be amazing.
Flooby Badoop said
Oh my god, XD
She grimaced, taking a brief glance out the window. "Sir Colbers, let them in. And summon my sons as well, and every other Crowcape. The peasants and the man should be let in, that is. I have no need for filthy sellswords." The trio came in, and she sat down at her tall, oaken throne. "Speak what you need to speak, why have you come here to disturb my process of thoughts?" She folded her hands together, looking to them, and mostly, the shady man. Every Crowcape was summoned, the newly knighted Sir Petrock and Lord-Commander Colbers stood side by side with her. Her sons, as well. Dom, in his aketon and Vlad in his robes.
The hooded figure stood quiet, their head leaning downwards. Now, that they could be seen so closely, the two peasants that stood by him appeared to be eyeing everything, and were quite built. It only took a moment after the Lady had spoken for a reaction to be garnered. The peasant to the right of the hooded figure took a step forward, making a sound as if he had started to speak until the hooded figure reached out to stop them. The hooded figure pulled back their hand slowly, back inside of the cloak. "Sorry to appear like this, but it would appear that rumors travel entirely faster than a man on horseback; which frightens me as to what else can get through the lands and possibly to the others." The hooded figure kept in their stance, not moving at all, "Also, my friend may have told me some of what they had heard before arriving home. I am here today to let you know, I have no fears, and I do not feel threatened. I came here, dressed like this as it would raise an entirely less of an alarm, and I'd rather not have a target on my back. The reason why I risk my life like this, with so few men to guard me, no armor to shield me, and no walls to hide me," the hooded figure reaches their hands up slowly to grab at the tie of the cloak, just below the neck, "is to show you that I will do anything that is needed to keep my people safe. And perhaps, to also meet the great Lady Olga, herself." The hooded figure now pulls at the string and once it fell they grabbed it to keep it from touching the floor.
The hooded figure before Lady Olga revealed them self to be a man, a strong, bold looking one, with determination and a strong will. He slunk the cloak over his shoulder and smiled at Lady Olga before calmly and strongly coming down on one knee and holding his hand flat out, as if a gesture to offer himself and all that he is before standing up to attention. "I apologize, Lady Olga, for the secrecy, but I believe that a strong alliance between our nations and Peletaria will keep my men safe, and offer us in advantage when the others become blood thirsty. I am Lord Solterra."
First it surprised her, then it confused her, then it annoyed her. "You have already sent an envoy a week ago or so, and he should have already came back to your lands with our answer of acceptance. Is it so?" She shrewdly examined him. And while he intrigued her, she suspected he was of a loose mind to come here when she already sent her answer, to come here with but a few of peasants and sellswords, to come here... She patiently awaited his answer, sullenly stretching in her throne.
"I'm not here about the alliance, I am here about the rumors, not of any you may have made, I just want to clear the air. It is true, I may be over protective of my lands, and I may even perhaps be over reacting to what I believe may happen in the future. But I must tell you, while politically, I may not be perfect, I have the hearts of my people and I stand on the front lines of all battles that face me. I do not hide behind my walls or my people, I am strong, I am smart, and while I may not be able to exceed at the things you are incredible at, my Lady, I do consider myself the best tactician out of all those I know. What I am saying is; you can believe what your people say, you can believe what your trusted court may say, but I am one of the Lord's you don't want to throw away when and if you decide to take on bigger plans." He squinted, examining the Lady for a moment before smirking. "You know, I did say I wasn't intimidated, but I have to say, it isn't because my soldiers are disguised as I was. I'm perfectly fine in a battle on my own."
She found his words an irritating slight, was he trying to subtly tell she hid behind her thick walls, did not care about her people, did not stand on all the frontlines that could happen? Her youngest son very well was risking his life destroying and exterminating bandits who rob and kill the peasantry. She looked to Domund, whose face was contorted in a disdainful annoyance. She waited for a bit. "Yes, you have shown you aren't such a Lord who must be thrown out, by this showcase of valor and selflessness," She internally chuckled, "You have shown political savvy. Yet why should there be ill rumors about you at my court? I see no reason for your visit here, save for the wish of good hope and luck to each other, for we are allies." She looked closer, scanning his face. "You can stay at my court for as much as you want, you'll have your quarters provided for you and your men."
She suspected he was very well not Lord Solterra. If he was smart, he wouldn't come here without a warning, if he was smart, he wouldn't subtly hint a threat. And she has heard much rumors about the gentle, weak-willed, young Lord Solterra, while the one in front of her looked much like someone in her crowcape guard. She suddenly realised Lord Solterra was much more cautious, suspicious, dangerous. The angels alone knew what game Lord Solterra was playing with Olga, but she had not liked it. Or did she? If what she has pondered on was true, he had a chance not to be classified as a milksop forever in her mind. Much more a spider, she liked spiders. Or did she?
Lord Solterra took a breath as he looked over to the peasant that he stopped earlier and gave a sigh. "I apologize once more, my Lady. In my nervousness it seems I made a larger mess than what I had planned and may have unintentionally insulted you. Upon my return to my Kingdom, I will throw an event in your honor and send you riches in hope of your forgiveness. But... Since we're on the discussion of Courts, I suppose I must confess. There is one last thing... I have lied to you, my Lady. But you see, I wiah to Court you."
The uproar was deafening, but no, it was a silent one. The uproar was blinding, the faces and the grotesque expressions of her servants, maids, sons, guardians, some were surprised, other in strange, sickening awe. Vlad has already retreated away from the scene, Domund crossed his arms. Her own reaction came quick, first her face lightened up in a brief, moment-lasting surprise, then the look of realization swept over her beautiful face. That was the only thing to have expected. She clapped her hands, as if the whole hall was screaming in outrage. "Lord Solterra, it is enormously kind of you to say such things. I believe, not in the presence of so many eyes and ears, we should discuss it further in my meeting room. However, I grant you permission, as long as it stays in the boundaries of chivalry, my lord." Her guard nodded, and the servants and other members of court had left. They began to proceed to the meeting room.
Solterra looked over to the two men standing with him and he gestured them back to the others. "I won't be needing my men from here, allow them to return to my soldiers." He gave them a nod and they all departed ways. Solterra boldly following swiftly after Lady Olga as the two burly men left the room, heading back to the soldiers.
She took a stroll along the gardens with Lord Solterra, her crowcapes quietly standing in the distance. She turned to look at his face, it was a strong one, she thought it resembled something of a bear, along with his powerful build, the adventures and exploits she has heard were evidently true. The garden was the only resemblance of life at court, other than that they were only hues of sable and grey, and red. Even her servants and maids looked lifeless, as much as her vassals. "Is it beautiful in Therral, my lord?" She wondered aloud, slowly spinning to see his answer.
Solterra tilted his head as he continued walking, pondering at such an out of place question. "Well it isn't a kingdom of petals if that is what you are asking. I let my people plant flowers wherever they wish; Even outside the barracks. A good scent can give positive emotions to an individual, which is why I've outlawed alcohol. Why do you ask?" Slightly wondering at the use of being calling 'my' lord, but he shrugged it off and opened his ears. He always saw saying 'my' lord or lady as something that meant the individual had significance to the other, and that's why he never calls anyone with 'my,' but that is just him.
"Interesting ways of managing your country, my lord. If you decide to court me, I might as well try to know you better. Is there any particular poems you like? As much as I'd like to know about you, I'm a patron of arts." She shrewdly awaited his response, trying to calculate what kind of person he is. Outlawing alcohol seemed a peculiar notion. The water is horrid from everybody shitting in it. Try to drink it? You're dead. But mead and ale? Only thing you could drink, as far as she knew.
"Hmm, well, personally, I write ...I mean, I write important phrases, ones you hold dear to yourself. They inspire me to write poems, but with the stress of the times now and the work I must do to ensure my peoples safety, I don't exactly have the time or energy for it. I suppose I can give you one..."
"We're Searching for a place."
"Where we can live peaceful days..."
"With no wars, no stealing..."
"A place that isn't run by fear."
"A place where people can live and actually trust other people."
"Sadly, my heart may be bigger than my muscles, my Lady." He sighed, suddenly having all of his memories rush to him of war and pain, and trying to shrug it off. "I am a strong man, I know it because my people and my sister tell me, I just question how strong I really am." He wasn't talking about physical strength, however.
"An idealistic poem. Regardless, sometimes strength is something you can bear on yourself, the sword that is hanging by a mere thread, right above your head. Do a mistake, and it falls. Lords and Ladies, and Overlords, all have to go through such dread."
"That I do bear many things, my Lady. But alas, I must begin my departure, my men will be waiting for me. Unless there was more to say or ask of me, do tell, if there was something you wished of me, you may speak any time. But otherwise, I must begin my leave. My Kingdom has already been without me for far too long."
"Farewell, Lord Solterra."
The hooded figure stood quiet, their head leaning downwards. Now, that they could be seen so closely, the two peasants that stood by him appeared to be eyeing everything, and were quite built. It only took a moment after the Lady had spoken for a reaction to be garnered. The peasant to the right of the hooded figure took a step forward, making a sound as if he had started to speak until the hooded figure reached out to stop them. The hooded figure pulled back their hand slowly, back inside of the cloak. "Sorry to appear like this, but it would appear that rumors travel entirely faster than a man on horseback; which frightens me as to what else can get through the lands and possibly to the others." The hooded figure kept in their stance, not moving at all, "Also, my friend may have told me some of what they had heard before arriving home. I am here today to let you know, I have no fears, and I do not feel threatened. I came here, dressed like this as it would raise an entirely less of an alarm, and I'd rather not have a target on my back. The reason why I risk my life like this, with so few men to guard me, no armor to shield me, and no walls to hide me," the hooded figure reaches their hands up slowly to grab at the tie of the cloak, just below the neck, "is to show you that I will do anything that is needed to keep my people safe. And perhaps, to also meet the great Lady Olga, herself." The hooded figure now pulls at the string and once it fell they grabbed it to keep it from touching the floor.
The hooded figure before Lady Olga revealed them self to be a man, a strong, bold looking one, with determination and a strong will. He slunk the cloak over his shoulder and smiled at Lady Olga before calmly and strongly coming down on one knee and holding his hand flat out, as if a gesture to offer himself and all that he is before standing up to attention. "I apologize, Lady Olga, for the secrecy, but I believe that a strong alliance between our nations and Peletaria will keep my men safe, and offer us in advantage when the others become blood thirsty. I am Lord Solterra."
First it surprised her, then it confused her, then it annoyed her. "You have already sent an envoy a week ago or so, and he should have already came back to your lands with our answer of acceptance. Is it so?" She shrewdly examined him. And while he intrigued her, she suspected he was of a loose mind to come here when she already sent her answer, to come here with but a few of peasants and sellswords, to come here... She patiently awaited his answer, sullenly stretching in her throne.
"I'm not here about the alliance, I am here about the rumors, not of any you may have made, I just want to clear the air. It is true, I may be over protective of my lands, and I may even perhaps be over reacting to what I believe may happen in the future. But I must tell you, while politically, I may not be perfect, I have the hearts of my people and I stand on the front lines of all battles that face me. I do not hide behind my walls or my people, I am strong, I am smart, and while I may not be able to exceed at the things you are incredible at, my Lady, I do consider myself the best tactician out of all those I know. What I am saying is; you can believe what your people say, you can believe what your trusted court may say, but I am one of the Lord's you don't want to throw away when and if you decide to take on bigger plans." He squinted, examining the Lady for a moment before smirking. "You know, I did say I wasn't intimidated, but I have to say, it isn't because my soldiers are disguised as I was. I'm perfectly fine in a battle on my own."
She found his words an irritating slight, was he trying to subtly tell she hid behind her thick walls, did not care about her people, did not stand on all the frontlines that could happen? Her youngest son very well was risking his life destroying and exterminating bandits who rob and kill the peasantry. She looked to Domund, whose face was contorted in a disdainful annoyance. She waited for a bit. "Yes, you have shown you aren't such a Lord who must be thrown out, by this showcase of valor and selflessness," She internally chuckled, "You have shown political savvy. Yet why should there be ill rumors about you at my court? I see no reason for your visit here, save for the wish of good hope and luck to each other, for we are allies." She looked closer, scanning his face. "You can stay at my court for as much as you want, you'll have your quarters provided for you and your men."
She suspected he was very well not Lord Solterra. If he was smart, he wouldn't come here without a warning, if he was smart, he wouldn't subtly hint a threat. And she has heard much rumors about the gentle, weak-willed, young Lord Solterra, while the one in front of her looked much like someone in her crowcape guard. She suddenly realised Lord Solterra was much more cautious, suspicious, dangerous. The angels alone knew what game Lord Solterra was playing with Olga, but she had not liked it. Or did she? If what she has pondered on was true, he had a chance not to be classified as a milksop forever in her mind. Much more a spider, she liked spiders. Or did she?
Lord Solterra took a breath as he looked over to the peasant that he stopped earlier and gave a sigh. "I apologize once more, my Lady. In my nervousness it seems I made a larger mess than what I had planned and may have unintentionally insulted you. Upon my return to my Kingdom, I will throw an event in your honor and send you riches in hope of your forgiveness. But... Since we're on the discussion of Courts, I suppose I must confess. There is one last thing... I have lied to you, my Lady. But you see, I wiah to Court you."
The uproar was deafening, but no, it was a silent one. The uproar was blinding, the faces and the grotesque expressions of her servants, maids, sons, guardians, some were surprised, other in strange, sickening awe. Vlad has already retreated away from the scene, Domund crossed his arms. Her own reaction came quick, first her face lightened up in a brief, moment-lasting surprise, then the look of realization swept over her beautiful face. That was the only thing to have expected. She clapped her hands, as if the whole hall was screaming in outrage. "Lord Solterra, it is enormously kind of you to say such things. I believe, not in the presence of so many eyes and ears, we should discuss it further in my meeting room. However, I grant you permission, as long as it stays in the boundaries of chivalry, my lord." Her guard nodded, and the servants and other members of court had left. They began to proceed to the meeting room.
Solterra looked over to the two men standing with him and he gestured them back to the others. "I won't be needing my men from here, allow them to return to my soldiers." He gave them a nod and they all departed ways. Solterra boldly following swiftly after Lady Olga as the two burly men left the room, heading back to the soldiers.
She took a stroll along the gardens with Lord Solterra, her crowcapes quietly standing in the distance. She turned to look at his face, it was a strong one, she thought it resembled something of a bear, along with his powerful build, the adventures and exploits she has heard were evidently true. The garden was the only resemblance of life at court, other than that they were only hues of sable and grey, and red. Even her servants and maids looked lifeless, as much as her vassals. "Is it beautiful in Therral, my lord?" She wondered aloud, slowly spinning to see his answer.
Solterra tilted his head as he continued walking, pondering at such an out of place question. "Well it isn't a kingdom of petals if that is what you are asking. I let my people plant flowers wherever they wish; Even outside the barracks. A good scent can give positive emotions to an individual, which is why I've outlawed alcohol. Why do you ask?" Slightly wondering at the use of being calling 'my' lord, but he shrugged it off and opened his ears. He always saw saying 'my' lord or lady as something that meant the individual had significance to the other, and that's why he never calls anyone with 'my,' but that is just him.
"Interesting ways of managing your country, my lord. If you decide to court me, I might as well try to know you better. Is there any particular poems you like? As much as I'd like to know about you, I'm a patron of arts." She shrewdly awaited his response, trying to calculate what kind of person he is. Outlawing alcohol seemed a peculiar notion. The water is horrid from everybody shitting in it. Try to drink it? You're dead. But mead and ale? Only thing you could drink, as far as she knew.
"Hmm, well, personally, I write ...I mean, I write important phrases, ones you hold dear to yourself. They inspire me to write poems, but with the stress of the times now and the work I must do to ensure my peoples safety, I don't exactly have the time or energy for it. I suppose I can give you one..."
"We're Searching for a place."
"Where we can live peaceful days..."
"With no wars, no stealing..."
"A place that isn't run by fear."
"A place where people can live and actually trust other people."
"Sadly, my heart may be bigger than my muscles, my Lady." He sighed, suddenly having all of his memories rush to him of war and pain, and trying to shrug it off. "I am a strong man, I know it because my people and my sister tell me, I just question how strong I really am." He wasn't talking about physical strength, however.
"An idealistic poem. Regardless, sometimes strength is something you can bear on yourself, the sword that is hanging by a mere thread, right above your head. Do a mistake, and it falls. Lords and Ladies, and Overlords, all have to go through such dread."
"That I do bear many things, my Lady. But alas, I must begin my departure, my men will be waiting for me. Unless there was more to say or ask of me, do tell, if there was something you wished of me, you may speak any time. But otherwise, I must begin my leave. My Kingdom has already been without me for far too long."
"Farewell, Lord Solterra."
Actually, Rone may have a ray of hope. If all of this 'inability' and 'madness' and 'indecisiveness' was a part of his grand scheme, then he's a fucking genius.
Constantine is a fucking schemer.
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