Lady of Virtue

[intriguess]

My father had died just as I came of marriagable age so I mourned for the appropriate year and then my mother died of grief. I was then thrust into running the household and another year of mourning. I was finally out of this and at nineteen the Lady of my own manor. The King had given me a year to choose my husband and the days were ticking down. I tested my suitors and none had proved themselves to be men of honor or virtue.

When a group of Knights came through to be tested, there were six. I hoped one would pass and at same time dreaded marriage. Four failed a cursory background check, then it was two both continued on and passed with flying colors. One was quiet rather religious and stoic, the other was a widower.

It was time for me to personally interview each of them.

I groaned it took time out of my schedule but here I went.

OOC so I need two suitable suitors and hope this pans out.

 

[ariosto]

OOC: Sir Dirk Aretino
Once a tall and handsome man of broad chest and raven hair, eyes of steely grey, etc...
Now looking a bit worse for wear.


Greetings, Most Precious Lady,

I am the widower if you so choose. Ever since the death of my ex, ( a healthy Borgia girl) I've sought adventure and sexual fulfillment in the arms of maidens and wantons from
Constantinople to Ultima Thule. I've expended my meagre fortune on this quest but have yet to find a woman with half the lusty appetite or inventiveness of my poor lamented
Maria Amorasia. Now I knock on your door a piteous Knight in need of a liege Lady, having only my dented armor and the Mace called Viril Erectus, and my horse of course, called
Equallyrandy to offer you.
If I'm found suitable send a message to the Inn of Broken dreams.
Thank you dear Lady.

 

[Avolad]

As God is my witness, ever have I quested for a beauty as yourself.

My Lady,

I am Sir Avolad of Assuged. I am a landed knight of this northern realm. I have sought a lady in marriage thus we may do our duty to God, our noble obligation in ensuring the safety and health of our realm. I prayed to God to direct me to the Lady of whom I can aid in the growth of our land. Many battle have been fought, but I'll not not bother your virtuous ears with such tales. But alas, after much time has past and journeys taken; it befell me to hear of the tragedy of your family. Allow me to pray for their souls with you, allow me God's grace to be your champion.

With All Love and Chastity,

Sir Avolad of Assuged

 

[intriguess]

I spoke briefly with each and they both appeared to be nice men. Upon further background checking, I noticed that the widower had been more discrete in his adventures than some and was troubled at such licentious behavior.

I invited the other noble Knight to join me for dinner at my small manor.

OOC sexual prowess is not a virtue and the tone of your letter was not suitable to be sent to a young Lady in search of a suitable husband, who she hopes would stir her passion but not blazen his cock across many maidens throughout the countryside.

 

[ariosto]

OOC:
Heartbroken then I move on...

 

[Avolad]

To dine with a fine lady

My Lady,
Far and wide across this land have I quested and many adventures travelled. I would gladly accept your offer of dinner. Verily, I must say that news of your beauty had spread, but they seem mere fabrications. Never in the history has one of such loveliness and tenderness been described as merely beautiful. Your face is as the Angels, your voice as the finest choir, your eyes sparkle as the stars on a moonlit sea. As a simple servant of God and the King, I am humbled by your kind and generous offer. I will return anon for a fine repast with you.

Your gentle servant,
A

 

[Avolad]

To dinner,

OOC: Sir Avolad arrives at the manor house, some hours later. Dressed in a fine doublet and hose, of good material but not ostentatious, a little worn; and with a fine long sword at his waist. Looking very much like a well travelled, and tired knight of good standing.


IC: I leave my horse with your groom and approach the manor entrance. I have a box in my hands, and I look about somewhat nervously. With a large swallow and nod of my head, I preceed through the bailey. When met by your manservant, I politely request to be taken to his ladyship. As he leads me to the main entrance of the manr house, I pause, with my hand on his arm and ask "Please, a moment". I doff my cap and go on one knee make a sign of the cross and head bowed for several moments, my lips moving but silently. As I stand I thank your servant and we continue.

I appear excited, and yet nervous at the same time. Wondering through the halls of your family and ancestors I am in awe of the history I see around me.

 

[intriguess]

Lady Mara

I dress carefully in the elaborate costume of the time, feeling the corset snug in my already tiny waist and pushing up my full breasts. My creamy skin seemed to glow above the pale lavender satin dress. I ordered a private dinner for the Knight and myself not wanting the prying eyes or the whispers of marriage circulating as I dine. I enter the private dining hall my fine chocalate hair down in a simple chignon and covered in a net of pearls as I stepped into the soft candle light. The table was set for two with two goblets of fine wine already poured, a platter of meats and cheeses along with breads and fruits and vegetables adorned the table as I ran my fingers over the smooth mahogany. I felt his eyes upon me and I looked up and curtsied.

"Evening Sir Avolad, I hope your journey was not too tiring."

 

[Avolad]

Our eyes connect

Fair Lady Mara,

As I bow deeply, I have a sharp intake of breath. If my journey were tiring, a mere glimpse of your breathtaking loveliness would rejuvenate me. But first, allow me to convey to you my condolences of the tragedy which has befallen your family. I pray to the Lord, Our God to preserve their souls - and to seek a means of restoring happiness to your soul. May your family always be a guide for you and watch over you.

<I reach out to take your hand> I thank you for your kind invitation for dinner.

As I stand, you see that I am quite tall, taller than a rod by several inches. I have a child like face and smile with bright blue eyes and curly blonde hair. If not for my height and musculature one would think him a child. As you look, you notice a slight scar from his ear to almost his eye, it is very pale and obviously well healed. His hands are seemingly as large as dinner plates.

I cast my eyes upon you, but almost immediately yet hesitantly pull them away. I bend down and touch your fingers to my lips, a dream-like look on my face.

Then as I realize that I am touching you, I pull away, knowing I do not wish to besmirch your honour.

Lady Mara, you have captured my soul.

 

[intriguess]

"are you hungry?" I softly say pulled in by his voice and words, feeling the warmth of his fingertips as we briefly touch. I move to sit down and lift my glass, "To the future perhaps?" I feel out of my league in the presence of one who is not only gallant and charming but well mannered and chivalrous.

 

[Avolad]

AmI hungry?

Am I hungry? To be honest fair Mara, upon horseback I was looking forward to getting to the Inn and an end to trail rations. However, in meeting you I seemed to have forgotten food completely!

With you I raise a glass, "To the future then. May God grant us all the happiness in the future to come. Amen."

Pray tell Fairest Lady, of all these fares you have prepared for us, which of them dances most lightly upon thy palate? Allow me the grace to sere you that which you enjoy.

 

[Avolad]

A forgotten item

You face is as a rose. Words have left me incapable of describing my thoughts.

But as your face is as soft as a rose petal, and delicate as such a flower I have prepared this gift for you.

I hold out to you a small wooden box, simply done carved with grecian columns around all sides. The top slides foo easily revealing a linen lined box.

Inside the box is a sculpted rose, captured in carved oak. Though it appears delicate it feels quite solid. There is a fine detail in the carving, the petals have curved as a real one with fine striations in the petals as if grown and transformed into this wood. The thorns are present but rounded so as to not injure you.

 

[Avolad]

Re: AmI hungry?

Am I hungry? To be honest fair Mara, upon horseback I was looking forward to getting to the Inn and an end to trail rations. However, in meeting you I seemed to have forgotten food completely!

With you I raise a glass, "To the future then. May God grant us all the happiness in the future to come. Amen."

Pray tell Fairest Lady, of all these fares you have prepared for us, which of them dances most lightly upon thy palate? Allow me the grace to sere you that which you enjoy.

All is a journey, even the destination.

 

[intriguess]

Lady Mara

"I tend to sup lightly," I reply as you hand me the box opening it to see the delicate wooden rose, "I can't accept this," I whisper in a soft hushed tone as my fingers slide over petals as if I expect them to be soft and dewy and yield to my touch. "It is too remarkable a gift." I relunctanctly cover the rose again and close the box.

"We have some lovely roasted quail in a lemon pepper sauce, some duck with honey, along with some other assorted trifles I never learned the name of but very much enjoy."

 

[Avolad]

Please; the rose is you, it befits the loveliness which it represents and exists as the earths reminder of such loveliness. This flower was carved with you in mind, and would be lost not in your presence.

I carve off a slim sliver of the quail on your plate, soak it a little in your lemon sauce and gingerly hold the meat to your mouth.

If this is what you enjoy, then this is what you shall have. A vision as lovely as you is only enhanced by your happiness.

 

[intriguess]

I part my lips and lean forward slightly to take the proffered bite, I look down, the gesture was intimate and the gift, I blushed as thoughts and images I had never dreamed of raced through my mind.

"Thank you, for the rose." My tongue feels as if it won't say anything properly even as I taste the delicate flavour of the quail.

 

[Avolad]

Silently, I watch you. I see the savouring of the dish, your eyes closed, causing the slight but reserved smile appearing across your face. As when you can tell someone is smiling for happiness sake. I see the slight tremble in your hands as your reach up and guide the food and my hand to you

I watch your eyes, I watch your face, I watch your hands trembling. I thank God for leading me to such as she. Surely, my lady must be one of the angels on earth, so kind, so charming, so generous. My only hope is that through service I can make her happy.

The awe and wonder in her face at the gift I carved, have struck me. My Lady is the perfect embodiment of virtue and beauty.

"Tell me sweetest lady, does the taste meet with thy approval?"

 

[intriguess]

Lady Mara

"The cooks tend to spoil me. Perhaps I pay them too well, but I prefer a happy household. I can't stand those who starve their servants in order to pad their treasuries." I take a sip of wine before speaking again. "What of your house?" I can't think of leaving my home even as I wonder if he could leave his. My eyes lower, his gaze was so pure.

 

[Avolad]

My House

My house is a small manor to the north in the foothills near the Assuged Pass in the mountains. There is a small hamlet there. It is picturesque and scenic, but poses a strategic purpose overlooking the pass. But, I digress, I am certain you do not wish to hear of military matters.

I was raised to believe, that service is the highest role we can aspire to. That in serving others, we serve God. It is in service to the king, that I act to protect our realm. It is in service to the people of our manorlands that we survive the harsh winters. When we recognize that every being is special and here with God's purpose, then special things happen to each of us. As with your service of your cooks, they inturn treat you well and likely carry that through all aspects of their lives, bringing us closer to the graces of God.

I would and do miss my home when I am called away, but when I do the Lord's will then I am home, where ever I may be.

 

[intriguess]

Lady Mara

I let the information sink in and dish out some potatoes and other foods onto my plate, "Do you have much family?" I was thinking of asking about children but decided to work up to it, his philosphy was rather simple and enlightening. It's not exactly how I would have put it but I dealt with things in same way.

 

[Avolad]

My Family

Most of my family is in Assuged. My father lost his life saving the regiment in battle, his actions changed a rout to an effective retreat. My mother is alive and well, as are my four sisters. I live in the manor with them, and had taken on the fiduciary duties of my father.

Gingerly; I take a bite of the sampling of fare before me. I think it is possible you do not pay your cooks enough! This food is delicious.

My Lady, you seem to have some sauce on your cheek, may I have your permission to wipe it off?

 

[intriguess]

Lady Mara

"Yes, you may," I lean forward and add, "four sisters, are any of them married?" I can hardly imagine having such a large family as I was an only child.

 

[Avolad]

My Sisters

I take a handkerchief, and gingerly touch it to your cheekwiping off the sauce, my hand lingering just a moment. My eyes drink in the shape of your face, the texture of your skin, the colour and depth of your eyes.

I let out a quiet sigh, as I withdraw my contact from you.

"My elder sister is married to a knight from the neighboring county, and I should be an uncle very soon. My next sister is a nun at the convent of Saint Lucilla. My other sisters are at home still, and it befalls upon me to search for appropriate suitors for them."

"Please tell me of your family.If you do not find it too painful."

Unconsciously, my hand touches yours as I reach for one of the delightful nameless trifles which you enjoy. I rest my hand on yours, savouring the warmth of your hand and observing the long delicate fingers. As our heads neared, I caught a subtle but enjoyable scent of you. I pause to take a deep breath and capture your essence, the smell of you.

____________________________

Life is A Voyage Of Learning And Discovery

 

[intriguess]

Lady Mara

"Well my father's family has owned this land for as long as records can tell. He died in a hunting accident." I pause for moment collecting my thoughts, "I had a brother, he drowned, I barely recall him. After that my grandparents passed on, leaving my mother and father alone in raising me. My father's death took a toll on my mother as she died nearly a year later. It seems like yesterday but it's been almost two years. Now our liege has commanded I marry to insure my father's line continues."

 

[Avolad]

You have my condolences for the tragedies which have befallen your family. My wish for you is for your future to be as positive as possible, and not have pain anymore.

I now command a strategic position in the defence of our realm, and our liege has ordered me to marry, so as to eliminate succession problems in the north.

Our conversations go on during the dinner, it seems like just a moment or two. But as the evening passes further, I note the fire has almost gone out. I shake my head in surprise, stand and walk over to the fire add some more wood and stoke it up a bit.

That is much better. Much easier to see by. I fear I must leave you soon Fairest Lady Mara, or the night shall pass us by completely.

I offer my hand to you, to assist you in rising.