Serena's eyes narrow dangerously. "I am no man's plaything."
"Such a pity. Father will be so disappointed."
"Zokon is a friend, nothing more. You would do wise to 'ware your tone."
"Jealous?"
"No. It matters not to me."
"But no, the adventure life isn't quite as wild as the tales. That'd put me out of a job. I'm Illthir Winlow, skald and chronicler; pleasure to meet you."
"Another player then. One of the lowland nobles--brave Ser Robin it was--has a traveling coterie of minstrels. The road must be rather rough on the instruments."
"Jealous?" Illthir raised her glass at the old ranger and winked. "But no, the adventure life isn't quite as wild as the tales. That'd put me out of a job. I'm Illthir Winlow, skald and chronicler; pleasure to meet you."
{Raises his cup, and tips it back}
"Esme...."
"A wedding!? CONGRATULATIONS! We should get you drunk tonight!" she snaps for a servant who looks annoyed at being summoned to a table by another albeit temporary servant. "Wine for the table!"
The melons, my lady? Fergus attempts to finish the sentence for her with a small grin and a friendly chuckle.
"Don't mind if I do." pipes the small woman jumping up and standing upon Zokon's chair. "There's no fresh fruit in this mountain land."
But, I do think its going better than we could have excepted. Not great, particularly considering the situation. But, well, to put it eloquently, so far no one has threatened anyone's lives. He pauses for a few seconds. At least, not openly.[...]
When Esme suggests to Fergus that she would have liked Alia to play the role, Alia blushes:"I am not certain that would have been a socially acceptable concept. I am here so that Zokon can get his fathers blessing for our soon-to-be marriage."
"HOW DARE YOU! ZOKON IS TO BE MINE!" Lady Stroon stands bolt upright sending her chair to the floor. She points an accusing finger at Alia and in dangerous tone bordering on hysteria says: "If you interfere with my nuptials, harlot, I will have you spitted, and left for the crows in the castle bailey. Do you understand!?"
"Grrrrr."
"Trollop? You've seen her, she is no mere courtly trollop to foist upon someone for political gain. She is a representative of the Elves of Kyonin and represents their interests as Duchess in the soon to be Duchy of New Avalon." he pauses for a second to let that sink in.
"The white-haired one?"
"You forget I was not slated to be leader of this group. I managed to work my way to the position by making a deal with Durgan and Alia to leverage my connections to you and take the seat of Duke. You will gain an important ally and political power in the new realm by supporting us." Zokon waits for a response
The response comes, but is not directed at Zokon.
Stroon turns to Lord Medvyed gravely says "This is a grave insult to my family's honor, done to me by Santyev and this bastard. I demand satisfaction." While there was but a hint of politic anger in his voice it isn't until he turns to look upon the two Santyev men that they can see the depths of his cold-burning hatred. This is a man who has killed for much less.
Medvyed stands there seemingly gobsmacked.
"Yes Alia, she has silvery hair as only elves can do."
"Satisfaction? Against the ruler of a new land with ties, to Lord Medvyeds family."
Zokon awaits Lord Medvyeds response
Fergus shrugs and looks down at his empty glass. Well, I suppose that was never to last. At least now it feels a bit more like home. Though at home such things were a bit more... well subtle. without moving his head, his eyes look up to watch the two women. His eyes linger on Alia. Come, let us keep cool heads.
his eyes move to the angry witch of a harolot Lady Pavetta Quite a lot has happened without good communication and I'm sure there is a messenger somewhere to blame for all of it who will be punished. Come now my lady, such threats are unbecoming of a high standing and beautiful lady. I'm sure the lords are working everything out as we speak.
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Ditzy looks down at the annoying, growling, yipping puff ball of a perfect match to their master.
Thats it! I've had enough, if no one else will teach this creature proper manners I will! She runs across Fergus's shoulders, shooting him only a few quips that only Fergus can Understand. Sorry, but someone must teach that thing manners.
Fergus goes to stop her but she deftly twists away before landing on the ground in front of Jewel. She squeaks a challenge.
Come then! You act so tough, lets see if you are you unruly mutt!
She then charges at the dog.
Alia keeps her calm...somewhat. It helps that she feels a kind of pity for the Stroon: "Zokon is no plaything - no bargaining chip - he was left to fend for his own fate, not pampered at court. Who he will be with is his decision, and his alone." She turns to look at the room, considering how much attention their exchange drew: "To most of the people here, he never mattered until he was choosen to lead the fledgling kingdom in Telvurin. We only came back after fulfilling our quest and already find a marriage arranged? I wonder, would that have been arranged and everybody so keen had he failed, and came back crippled from torture, with neither lands nor titles, and broke? Who here honestly cared about Zokons well-being 2 month ago, when we were fighting for our lives against bandits, mercenaries, and beasts of the wilderness? Who sent help, or tried - in any way - to support him on his noble task to take down a bandit lord terrorizing and murdering civilians? He is his own man, forged by the hardships he had to endure."
Taking note of the angry dog - which somehow failed to present itself as dangerous, she continues: "I understand this situation is difficult for you, so I will forgive the insults. If you try and have me spitted and fed to the crows, I can assure you that there are people in Kyonin not looking kindly on such treatment of envoys. Your own life would be forfeit - I hear there is no shortage of politically motivated accidents in Brevoy - so I suggest we calm down and find a solution to our problem. Say, Durgan, are you married?"
While remotely aware of Esmes antics, Alia dared not to continue talking to her, or turn away from Pavetta at the time being.
Durgan looks at Alia oddly.
"No, I am not married. You did not know that?"
Then he looks to Pavetta.
"Tell me, Miss Stroon, for how long have you known that you were engaged to Zokon?
Zokon did not tell me of this engagement. It is possible that his family never told him. Or it possible that they did tell him, and an ailment of the mind has taken the memory from him. The Stolen Lands are rough on good days. And on the bad days? There are horrors the like of which should not be described here. Suffice to say that they can drive happy memories from one's mind."
Durgan thinks of the Nuckelavee, and shudders a bit.
"Whichever was the case, I do not believe that Zokon knew of this engagement and chose not to mention it. Acting in such a way would be beneath the man I know him to be."
He's also not that good a liar.
"I truly believe that he did not know that you and he were betrothed. If this arrangement happened without asking him... does not a good and decent man like Zokon deserve a say in such things?"
Looking at Durgan, Alia responds: "I suspected it from your lack of mentioning otherwise, but did not mean to pry in your private matters. Are you looking to get married? Maybe we could double it up?" She jerks her head in the direction of Pavetta.
Durgan looks shocked. The poor girl has just had her heart broken.
"Alia... let us first understand the circumstances of the betrothal, and hear what Zokon, his father, and his lord have to say. And then let Miss Stroon and Zokon have a chance to talk."
"I doubt she has spoken more with Zokon in the years since she became eligible to marry than she did with you. You are a good match, don't sell yourself short, Ser Durgan. You are a far-travelled cleric of Abadar and veteran of the crusades, stand to be Master of Coin in our realm, and have bonds with the House of Lodovka. And as far as I know, not promised to anybody else. Unlike Zokon."
She glances back at Pavetta with the last words, triumphantly.
"Give Miss Stroon some time, for pity's sake.
And let us learn the facts. If Zokon entered into a contract with her first, and retained that knowledge, then he has betrayed both of you (you, Alia, by not telling you), and I shall have to re-evaluate my opinion of the man.
Legitimate contracts must be honored.
Now, I do not believe that to be the case, but let us learn the facts."
"Another player then. One of the lowland nobles--brave Ser Robin it was--has a traveling coterie of minstrels. The road must be rather rough on the instruments."
"Oh is that so? Now that you mention him, I think I've heard about him ..." Illthir smiles. Hadn't heard good things, though the rumors were amusing. "The road can be harsh critics. I have yet had too much trouble with *those* though."
The skald watches the exchange between Alia, the "bride" and the rest of the party. A few times she opens her mouth only to close it again, realizing her ideas at a glance might not help. Not now. Maybe later she'd suggest Alia to simply let Zokon marry Pavetta; the honeymoon could be a trip around the stolen lands - surely some of the beasts could be convinced to take a little snack?
For now though she figured the best she could do was spare the innocent from this. She reached out for the hand of Ilvah and - after brief consideration - Erevenywg. "Come. Let us mingle and look around. Why look at Lyre over there playing; let's see what songs he knows!"
Balzeros brightens up as Illthir's gaze passes over him but darkens again when she signals for Erevenywg to follow instead. He drinks from an abandoned wine glass. How can we talk of alternative arrangements if we don't even know what the current arrangement is? Durgan has the right of it, I just hope Zokon settles this matter soon! I wonder what position I could hold if I really leaned into it here? Bah! What am I saying, rubbing elbows with this sort of people really isn't for me.
Serena sits quietly, observing the goings-on. If Zokon were betrothed to Pavetta first, then this could get sticky. Serena was no stranger to arranged marriages. She had never mentioned it to her companions, but she had fled her own. She was ashamed of having stained her own honor and that of her family in this way, but she would marry for love, not power or political influence. Besides, the man had been a fool, a pretty fop that his family sought to be rid of to gain influence with her own house.
Glancing back Illthir sees Balzeros looking like a puppy left on a sinking ship. Uh oh! She kinda felt like she was lifeboating away at least. "Uhm Balzeros, want to escort us?"
Ditzy looks down at the annoying, growling, yipping puff ball of a perfect match to their master.
Thats it! I've had enough, if no one else will teach this creature proper manners I will! She runs across Fergus's shoulders, shooting him only a few quips that only Fergus can Understand. Sorry, but someone must teach that thing manners.
Fergus goes to stop her but she deftly twists away before landing on the ground in front of Jewel. She squeaks a challenge.
Come then! You act so tough, lets see if you are you unruly mutt!
She then charges at the dog.
I'm sure the lords are working everything out as we speak.
"[Alia] is no mere courtly trollop to foist upon someone for political gain...."
"You have inferred that my sister is of low breeding. This will not stand." says the wizard gravely.
Lord Medvyed uses his girth as a hedge bewteen the men. First he turns toward the wizard. "Imeckus, please be reasonable."
He turns to the elder Santyev and in an urgent tone says, "Santyev, get your boy out of here and talk some sense into him!"
Then he turns back to Stroon.
As his father moves to rush him back out the door Zokon hears the House Lord say "Don't mind the boy, we've all been that young at some point." In Stroon's case, Zokon is not all that sure.
"Leave it to Tengar, he'll have it all straightened out."
"Come!" Tengar Santyev commands his son.
Zokon follows him.
Balzeros practically leaps out of his seat and joins the women. "Yes, of course, an escort!" Thank the stars! I've been saved!
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" he whispers. "So, to Lyre, was it?" he asks.
"No worries! It feels quite nice to be the knight in shining armour sometimes." Illthir whispers back with a giggle and attempt to hand over Erevenywg to Balzeros (if she wanted to come along of course!). "Yes. Might as well see what caliber of a player he is!"
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Alia keeps her calm...somewhat. It helps that she feels a kind of pity for the Stroon: "Zokon is no plaything - no bargaining chip - he was left to fend for his own fate, not pampered at court. Who he will be with is his decision, and his alone." She turns to look at the room, considering how much attention their exchange drew: "To most of the people here, he never mattered until he was choosen to lead the fledgling kingdom in Telvurin...."
???
"I understand this situation is difficult for you, so I will forgive the insults. If you try and have me spitted and fed to the crows, I can assure you that there are people in Kyonin not looking kindly on such treatment of envoys. Your own life would be forfeit - I hear there is no shortage of politically motivated accidents in Brevoy - so I suggest we calm down and find a solution to our problem. Say, Durgan, are you married?"
!!!
As Durgan begins to speak and Alia to respond, Pavetta's expression of rage turns to one of abject horror.
Zokon follows him.
"What are you doing?" snaps Zokon's father to his son. "There is a chance for an alliance with one of the most powerful wizards in the kingdom and you want to throw it away on-- on what? An elf? By the time she's middle-aged you will be long gone to dust and forgotten."
He takes an pace away and then angrily spins back. "And do you think that your backers in Restov or the King Regent will allow you to sell the Stolen Land out from underneath them to elves in a distant land? They'd kill you first!"
He seems to calm a bit. "Marry Pavetta. Give her child or four. Have your elf, and half-elf girls on the side, and leave her to her dog. Remember, you are a Santyev. Now let us go back and make our apologies to Stroon and pray he doesn't turn us into anything unnatural."
Zokon calmly explains
"All of the people in the group are chartered members backed by Restov. The group chose me because of my political connections to you, IF I was to set aside the power setup it is most likely Durgan would then be chosen by the group to lead as he has the ear of the church of Abadar and is of the Lodovka family."
He waits for that information to sink in.
"Yes you've raised a good point in Alia's longevity and we shall discuss that as a group, but the Duchy will be borne out of Restov's aid and it will provide Brevoy with valuable resources and influence."
He then gets stern
"In the end I came to you to ally, I will be a Duke of a province and you will be a minor noble in a Great House, I am giving you an opportunity to benefit from what I have created. Back my play and you stand to be the Father of a Duke and a Noble in a Great House, you will have influence in two nations and be the one that Brevoy will come to when it wants to have a voice in New Avalon."
"Hmm." Tengar considers his son's words. Then he turns and looks back at the door they had both just come from. "What of Stroon? He was looking for a land alliance and you have already ignited his infamous temper."
"No worries! It feels quite nice to be the knight in shining armour sometimes." Illthir whispers back with a giggle and attempt to hand over Erevenywg to Balzeros (if she wanted to come along of course!). "Yes. Might as well see what caliber of a player he is!"
The man consciously seems to ignore the small crowd gathering around him, by looking away to study another table.
"I know of wizards powers and their danger, but I was not the one who brokered the deal with him. Is there something else that he may be satisfied with? Another political alliance or something that we can promise him in the future?" Zokon asks his father earnestly
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Durgan will keep engaging Pavetta Stroon in conversation.
"Yes, Zokon is a remarkable man, as I am sure you know. He has been most diligent in hunting both beasts and bandits in order to bring civilization to the Stolen Lands. He has helped the people of the land no matter the hardship. Sleeping in the cold rain; trudging through the mud; fighting off hordes of gnats. Not to mention the risk of Fey mischief.
He is most stoic."
He takes a sip of his ale.
"It is pleasant to be back in such luxury for a bit. It's a nice change of pace. I do hope that someday we can have luxuries such as warm baths, clean towels, proper beds, good ale, and fine food in the Stolen Lands - or Avalon, as it is to be.
That will be an undertaking of many years. I credit Zokon for his unswerving dedication to it."
"I know of wizards powers and their danger, but I was not the one who brokered the deal with him. Is there something else that he may be satisfied with? Another political alliance or something that we can promise him in the future?" Zokon asks his father earnestly
"Who can know the mind of a wizard? Only the deaths of those he's deemed to have insulted him seems to calm Stroon." Tengar says darkly. He returns to pacing and then finally says: "Why can you not just marry his sister? Their family is wealthy enough."
Durgan will keep engaging Pavetta Stroon in conversation.
"Yes, Zokon is a remarkable man, as I am sure you know. He has been most diligent in hunting both beasts and bandits in order to bring civilization to the Stolen Lands. He has helped the people of the land no matter the hardship. Sleeping in the cold rain; trudging through the mud; fighting off hordes of gnats. Not to mention the risk of Fey mischief.
He is most stoic."
He takes a sip of his ale.
"It is pleasant to be back in such luxury for a bit. It's a nice change of pace. I do hope that someday we can have luxuries such as warm baths, clean towels, proper beds, good ale, and fine food in the Stolen Lands - or Avalon, as it is to be.
That will be an undertaking of many years. I credit Zokon for his unswerving dedication to it."
Pavetta tuts. "My brother is a powerful, and wealthy wizard. I am certain I shall not want."
Pavetta tuts. "My brother is a powerful, and wealthy wizard. I am certain I shall not want."
Durgan raises an eyebrow.
"Then you mean for your brother to accompany you to the Stolen Lands? Where he will conjure castles from thin air, and instantly ensure that life there is as comfortable as it is here?"There is no sarcasm or snark in Durgan's question - he is genuinely curious if that is the plan.
Hmm.... such magic would be quite the asset to our construction efforts. I wonder if there is a way...
"Oh don't be coy. I'm only over here to hear you play." Illthir teases Naughleck. She eyes the lyre and tries to place the song he was playing a few moments ago. "Learning string right now and most wild beasts aren't terribly good at it, so might as well take the chance now!"
"Well I'm not sure how to get out of this one, I could talk with my compatriots and see if a deal could be made, maybe second wife or something. But I do not have full control yet and I'm not fool enough to try force something on my companions until they have given me the authority and thus placed their trust in me."
"Well I'm not sure how to get out of this one, I could talk with my compatriots and see if a deal could be made, maybe second wife or something. But I do not have full control yet and I'm not fool enough to try force something on my companions until they have given me the authority and thus placed their trust in me."
"Don't just stand there then. I'll try and stall for you." Tengar shoves his son off toward the great hall.
Pavetta tuts. "My brother is a powerful, and wealthy wizard. I am certain I shall not want."Durgan raises an eyebrow.
"Then you mean for your brother to accompany you to the Stolen Lands? Where he will conjure castles from thin air, and instantly ensure that life there is as comfortable as it is here?"There is no sarcasm or snark in Durgan's question - he is genuinely curious if that is the plan.
Hmm.... such magic would be quite the asset to our construction efforts. I wonder if there is a way...
"Certainly. While Zokon is off rangering who else would keep me company at the keep?"
"This is the baliset it has but nine strings, but it is said each takes a lifetime to master."
"How interesting! Making music has never suited me, I've always had to settle for the birds," Balzeros admits. "So, what is it you do here?" he asks Naughleck
Zokon enters the great hall and moves over to each of his companions in turn
"So I need to chat, lets move to a side of the great hall. "
He moves over to a side of the great hall that has the least noise and prying eyes
When all are gathered
"So Stroon is all offended about the refusal to marry his sister, is there anything we can do to assuage him.. second wife, is a thought, but just a thought, I need your help and opinions on how this goes down. I've convinced my father that our plan and group selection of roles is good, but there's still the offended powerful mage issue."
Durgan had been talking to Pavetta Stroon when Zokon comes up.
"Excuse me, my lady. I will not be long."
Some distance away from her, he responds to Zokon.
"Taking two wives is not the way of Brevoy, and it would be seen as an insult. I strongly advise against it. Political marriages are about power and inheritance. You know this. You cannot bestow your legacy to both Pavetta and Alia.
When was this marriage contract made? If you entered into it knowingly, of your own free will, as an adult, you were not free to become betrothed to Alia. But I doubt that is the case.
If it was made when you were a child, this is just for some minor status. Maybe the Stroons have money and arcane power but no noble status.
If it was made more recently, without your knowledge, it was for a claim on the Stolen Lands.
Either way, perhaps we can give the Stroons what they want by a different path. Imeckus could be our Magister - or at least have a patch of land, a tower, the freedom to practice his art in peace, and a title of some merit. Or, we could grant Pavetta some lands and a noble title in her own right. Can we not grant titles in our realms? I have not been able to learn what her dreams are for herself, if she has any. That is a conversation you might have with her."
Serena is visibly angered. "I do not favor arranged marriages, particularly those made between children. But Durgan has the right of it. If you entered into this mindfully and as an adult, then you are pledged to Pavetta."
Fergus grunts.
I'll be removed sooner than I got here.
I doubt Imeckus wants to involve himself directly with us, unless as a ruler. Then again, perhaps that is my home talking. I'm sure he will suggest the same treatment for Alia, grant them a minor title and enjoy their company after providing an heir... As for arranged marriages, I'm fairly experienced with things of that sort. Its not something I wholly disagree with. Often times people must put away their own desires for the desires and betterment of others. However, the end choice remains with the person.
He pauses and thinks a bit.
How powerful is this Stroon? If he were truly that grand of a wizard, he surely would have other connections. Possibly greater options to pursue. The more I think, the more I believe his true interest lays in wanting a land for his own. If we.. you, bow to him now, what is to stop him from placing further demands upon you? As for peoples intentions, I do have a spell, one that would... He pauses and leans in closer. Allow me to read surface thoughts of those present. He leans back out.
I've considered it for a time, but I would not use it without your permission. It could provide a large amount of insight.
If we.. you, bow to him now, what is to stop him from placing further demands upon you?
"Mutual profit, Fergus. I would only expect Zokon to offer him lands and a position if it were to benefit Avalon. No demands, and no bowing, but a deal.
A powerful wizard - if he is indeed powerful - could speed the construction of our capital. Pavetta seems to think he is powerful enough to make her life in Avalon as comfortable as her life here. That would entail raising a keep in short order.Maybe he can do such things? Or maybe he cannot, and it is merely Pavetta's favorable impression of her brother."