Thread: An Interesting Arrangement (Sølvi and E404UserNotFound)

When she had finally sat down, her tantrum over for the time being, Elise reached out her hands and wrapped them around her sixteen year old daughters sides and pulled her into her softly, kissing her forehead, holding her like she used to when she was a younger girl. The tear stained cheeks and red puffy eyes upset Lady Tinuthel, but she knew more tears would come before the end, she had to simply allow them to come as they spoke. But she wiped away some of the moisture with a gentle hand before lifting her daughters chin to look into her eyes. I have invited no one. She said softly, You know very well this was not my choice. I was not consulted, the King did not ask my permission to send Lord Raimer to us. She frowned some and she shook her head. I would have you wed to a southern Lord, someone who would show you love all your days. She frowned slightly after and sighed. But I cannot make that decision. She paused some. We are women, dear, we do what we have to. She smiled softly and kissed her cheek. Our people may accept us as their guardians for now, but they expect a man, a real Lord, standing on the battlements and protecting them. She said softly, shaking her head. After a few moments of silence she paused lightly and placed a small hand on her daughters cheek to look into her eyes again. Wanting to make sure she understood. You will be married very soon she said softly. You know what that involves. She said softly. If you want to keep your husband happy and live well for your own sake and your childrenyou must keep him happy. After a small pause she sighed. You are a beautiful girl, he will be proud to let you walk beside him. Be an obedient, loving wife to him, and he will be a caring, husband. She paused a little and sighed. Youve heard stories of the Valantians, but you cannot believe everything that you hear sweetheart. They arent stinking, fur wearing, murderers. They are just like us, but from other lands. Ive even met some.they are a handsome race. She said with a smile. Tall, taller than any southern Lord, pale haired and pale skinned, big men, strong and firm, but the ones who I have met have always been polite. She said with a small smile. For the most part, her words were true. Even a brute like Raimer Iman knew his niceties. With nobles, especially ladies, he had always shown chivalry and the picture of a true noble Lord. Whether that face always showed in private, was another matter of course, none but his lovers would likely know this fact however. Your husband she said with a pause. Will likely take a Mistress, they always do. She said, her voice sounding somewhat more annoyed. But you must not stop trying to make him ha she was cut off by the small door opening. A young girl, barely twelve, a noblemans daughter from another region who was there serving as a Lady in service to the Matriarch until she was of age slipped through the door with a large book in her hands. She curtsied when she entered. The book, My Lady. She said softly. Smiling to her and then looking to Catalina for a moment, lowering her head and smiling softly. Congratulations, Lady Catalina. She said softly, being ignorant of the fact that it was truly a source of anguish. Elise took the tome from her hands and started to open the pages. A history of the Northern Lands. She said, looking over the tome. A book that would include the histories of the ancient and noble families, lands, and sometimes descriptions of the Lords, it might give a clue to Lord Imans patronage at least and how old and well established his family were. If her life was to suffer, so too was Lord Imans, in his own mind at least. Never was there more than thirty minutes to an hour passed by when he was not interrupted by someone needing some sort of act or word that had to be made by him. It was understandable, at least to his Uncle, why he was so aggravated by having to abandon his Nocturnal Activities and go ride out to fight this night. Nephew. He said, his voice firm. Give the bitch some water at least. He said as he walked closer to the girl, his niece by extension. He stood there beside her as he looked down at the nude northern wench on the floor, pitiful and bloodied. He gave her a soft smile for a moment before looking at his Nephew. Raimer turned to face him, a look on his face that showed his aggravation. I do as I please with what is mine. He said with a growl. Veksted Iman, a much older and wiser man than his Nephew, shook his grey head. As you say, My Lord. But a man who neglects his property often finds it taken from him prematurely, this. He said, tapping her with his foot. Appears to be near to expiration. Feed and water her. He said firmly, his voice being a bit more rough than it should have beenbut Raimer often did as he asked, the man was his fathers brother after all, a soldier of great experience, and a man of great character. Raimer looked down at her for a moment before sighing some and walking over towards the girl. Wine and Bread, there might be some meat left. He said as he reached down, gripping her hair and pulling her up to her knees. Go and beg it from the men if you are hungry, but return. He said firmly, turning now to ignore her and placing his silver helmet over his blonde head. Let us go. He said, tapping his uncle on the shoulder as he passed, heading outside before him. Veksted turnd to Annabel for a moment and gave her a soft smile. Go get food child. But do as your Uncle says. He turned and left immediately after speaking. The ride out was quick, Raimer and his men were flying across the plains to the west in search of the scouting party, they were, as his own scouts had said, unaware they were so close to his army and that they were simply scouting the lands to the south and looking for weaknesses. They would take them by surprise. The battle was essentially over before it had begun, a hail of arrows from his men followed by spears striking down from horseback as they stampeded the camp. But the fight was not without its casualties. Two of his men had caught counter arrows to that struck them from their horses. As the battle ended Veksted laughed and slid from his horse, but turning quickly he frowned when he did not see his Nephew. Raimer was not on his horseit was unlike him. RAIMER! he called, turning, searching for a moment, dark thoughts coming to his mind. Raimer! he called again, but he heard a groan, and saw his Nephew crouching near one of the bodies of the enemythere was spear sticking from his side. An hour after the two men had left Annabel in the tent, there was yelling and shouting and the tent flaps now being thrown open, Raimer was being carried by four of his Knights and Veksted followed, he was shirtless and had white linens wrapped around his side, blood stained the linens. They laid him down on his bed and one of his Knights reached for an ale-skin, shoving it into his mouth. Drink my Lord. He said firmly. Raimer conscious, but seething with pain. His lungs are not pierced, thank the gods. Said one, another replied.