AWRR Chapter 6
Summary
- Session date: 2023-04-30
At Therma Alba: Coifárë has a run in with their cousin Calar and they trade barbs. Nik talks to his father about Lamont and expresses his intention to propose. Mikethelas talks to Leonora about the attack and shows her a suspicious letter found on one of the cultists
At Stillmarch: Lamont brings Nik and Coifárë to Stillmarch, and shows them the lake once they arrive. Nik proposes in the orchard, and after a moment of panic, Lamont accepts. They discuss the path head, and Lamont's relationship with Coifárë as well. Later that night, Lamont brings Coifárë up to see one of the wonders of the lake. They discuss Lamont's engagement and what they mean to each other.
In Highmark: Lavinia has a heart to heart with her sister once they are back home, and tells Kitty that the courtship is back on. Chitara talks to her uncle Vaze about the trip, the attack, and meeting Sebastien.
Nik hosts Chitara for tea and they discuss their various romantic entanglements
Nik and Lamont visit with Leonora and Magga, who tell them about the letter from Thurston, and then they discuss the prospect of Lamont as a potential sire. Afterwards, Lamont returns to griffin's Crest, where Thurston allows him to make separate living arrangements, but insists on meeting with Nik formally before permitting the engagement
The Doumens siblings visit Chitara and her uncle Vaze for dinner, and Vaze gives permission for Sebastien to formally court his niece.
Juno and Rosalie run into each other while Rosalie is finalizing plans for Founders Day in the park. Meanwhile, Victorina and Chitara meet to discuss their plans for the Akasic exposition and ball.
Sebastien and Chitara go for an invigorating and romantic ride outside of the city.
Session
Coifare Talks to Their Cousin
Calar Brescia: Ah cousin, so glad I ran into you. Shame about the big feast.
Calar Brescia: I had heard they were finally going to bring out the good wine
Coifárë: I'm sorry?
Coifárë: will look up from their painting.
Calar Brescia: Events have been called off tonight... for reasons I guess
Coifárë: frowns.
Calar Brescia: shrugs
Coifárë: Yes, because people died, Calar.
Coifárë: I assume the Amathalises felt it would be in poor taste to feast tonight.
Calar Brescia: Yes, yes, there was death... let their souls travel to their deserved place in the heavens
Calar Brescia: The only real reason I showed up to this...gathering... was for the final event
Coifárë: Oh? And to what were you looking forward?
Calar Brescia: To shower these folks with the blessing of my presence, in the one event worthy of my attention
Calar Brescia: and now its all a waste
Calar Brescia: at least you got to... doodle?
Calar Brescia: gestures to the painting
Coifárë: sighs at that.
Coifárë: I've had some opportunity to paint, yes. The gardens are beautiful, and the chapel is very peaceful.
Coifárë: You haven't had a chance to, ahem, 'shower' anyone in the few days we've been here?
Coifárë: I would have thought the baths made for an easy opportunity make an impression.
Calar Brescia: still trying to drag me down to your level I see
Calar Brescia: I attended the baths, as appropriate for one of my standard, and have met with those who were deserved of my attention
Coifárë: I've no idea what you could possibly mean, but I've made quite a few pleasant acquaintances since we arrived.
Coifárë: Oh? Anyone of which your grandmother would approve?
Calar Brescia: So now you take an interest in family affairs... away from whatever other affairs you were up to these past few days?
Coifárë: You know I only follow my heart, at the behest of our lord of Arvandor. .
Coifárë: And, as our family stands in his stead on Arth, my service to them is service to our House.
Coifárë: says in a saccharinely sweet voice.
Calar Brescia: yes, it is service. Although when it comes to service, while always appreciated, some are just more valuable than others, wouldn't you agree?
Coifárë: Some may have larger or smaller parts to play, perhaps, but all service is valuable. I think there's an Erathin parable to that end that's escaping me at the moment.
Coifárë: Something about striving to be tools of the gods, and I'm sure you are indeed a very important tool, dear cousin.
Calar Brescia: smirks
Calar Brescia: Just as your service remains small
Coifárë: It seems to suit Corellon well enough.
Calar Brescia: looks at the painting
Narrator: (It's a view of the grounds/gardens from one of the balconies.)
Calar Brescia: I can see why you practice so much... Meletharius you are not.
Calar Brescia: give it a few decades, who knows? I might put one up in my kennel
Coifárë: Nor am I striving to be, but even a pale comparison is a compliment.
Coifárë: Oh, you honor me, to talk of hanging one of my works in your own bedchamber so.
Coifárë: I shall strive to make it worthy of the honor.
Calar Brescia: Oh, you must be thinking of yourself, sleeping with the bitches
Calar Brescia: I'm sure you hang all your artwork there already
Coifárë: I prefer different art in such situations, but it can be aesthetically pleasing.
Coifárë: Perhaps if you had the opportunity to not sleep alone, you might find it so as well, alas.
Calar Brescia: Such is my burden, so close to the throne, I must keep myself secluded, waiting for such that is deserving of my company
Calar Brescia: Sometimes I envy that you have none of that worry
Coifárë: It's certainly more companionable than your...solitude, I must admit.
Calar Brescia: but it passes quckly
Coifárë: I shall say a prayer to Sehanine that her blessings find you, cousin.
Coifárë: I'm sure the favor of a god can overcome any social...distance.
Calar Brescia: Your concern over me is refreshing cousin. Good to see you will keep me in your prayers.
Calar Brescia: I think the next time I deem to visit one of these estates, I'll have to be a squad with me, just to make sure its safe
Coifárë: Ah, of course. I suppose not everyone is able to manage with a borrowed spear or shield, and we can't have any harm coming to the heir's heir. Better safe than sorry. How did you fare during the raid?
Calar Brescia: You needn't have feared for my well being. I am more than capable of ensuring its safety. That is the concern though. If the raid had not been more haphazard, a real threat could have befallen me. I do not abide by luck avoiding such threats.
Calar Brescia: Should I have not been a priority for you? I did not see you trying to seek me out to ensure my saferty.
Gueiris: (safety)
Coifárë: To the contrary, cousin, once I saw the heir to Therma Alba to safety, I and others moved back out the grounds to find any and all who might be in danger.
Coifárë: Luckily, though we didn't find you, you seem to have found your way to safety.
Coifárë: I believe heard it was an outhouse? Something to that effect?
Calar Brescia: If you think to be amusing, I find it lacking. It's not like I would rely on you for my safety regardless
Coifárë: But upon someone, I'm sure. One of those of 'less valuable service' perhaps?
Coifárë: Be sure to thank them for their leal service, as any good prince would.
Coifárë: For the moment, however, you're blocking my light.
Calar Brescia: Alas, you make the enfeebled assumption that I hold those who serve the throne in low regard. You mistake your single perspective and make broad assertions, failing to see how singular you are.
Calar Brescia: enjoy your doodling
Calar Brescia: leaves
Nik and His Father Discuss His Marriage to Lamont
Mikethelas Amathalis: will likely still be busy dealing with the aftermath of the attack, seeing to the wounded and such, but Nik should be able to find him in a quiet moment at some point.
Nik: approaches his father a bit nervously, seeking a time when he's not extremely busy
Narrator: (We'll say Mik is having the closest thing a Regency noble can have to a quick lunch before getting back to work.)
Mikethelas Amathalis: Something on your mind, son?
Nik: Yes, Father, I was hoping I could talk with you. If you're not too busy...
Mikethelas Amathalis: gestures for Nik to have a seat.
Nik: comes and sits down
Nik: How are things going, with the people who were injured? Is there still a lot of work to be done?
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods.
Mikethelas Amathalis: For a few of them, but many should be able to travel today, thank the gods.
Mikethelas Amathalis: All are welcome to stay, of course, but I think many want to return home after...everything.
Nik: nods
Nik: I feel awful that this happened. I know it isn't my fault, but these people wouldn't have been here if not for me...
Mikethelas Amathalis: I would say it's to all our benefit they were, given how many rose in defense.
Mikethelas Amathalis: There's going to be a lot of work to do to figure out exactly why they attacked and how.
Nik: Do you know anything about that yet?
Mikethelas Amathalis: A bit. It seems they were targeting Fyan Nabari, and possibly Hraal Cziernos as well, though how they managed to get so far into our territory with a pack of demons in tow is still unclear.
Mikethelas Amathalis: shakes his head and sighs.
Nik: sighs as well
Mikethelas Amathalis: Some of the cousins are coming to help investigate, and we'll be working with the Palatines and others.
Nik: nods
Mikethelas Amathalis: But it may be a while before we know the full story, if at all.
Nik: I hope the truth can be discovered.
Mikethelas Amathalis: As do we all.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Something tells me that's not what's troubling you, precisely, though.
Nik: No... well, not exactly.
Nik: Lamont got a letter from his uncle saying he was going to come and pick him up. It was... well, his messages always seem fine on the surface, but it made Lamont quite distressed.
Mikethelas Amathalis: frowns.
Nik: So... he is planning to leave and go to Stillmarch, before his uncle can get here. I was hoping to go with him.
Mikethelas Amathalis: pauses for a moment.
Mikethelas Amathalis: That's perfectly acceptable, I suppose...
Nik: Only just for a couple of days. Then I would go back to Highmark.
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods.
Mikethelas Amathalis: That's good. When, ah, when did he ask you to accompany him?
Nik: Yesterday morning...
Nik: I think he intends to depart tomorrow.
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods.
Mikethelas Amathalis: pauses just a moment before continuing.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Nikession, I have to ask...what are your intentions towards Lord Stillmarch?
Nik: looks more nervous
Nik: I... I care for him very deeply. I know that perhaps you and Mother might not approve...
Nik: tries to gauge how his father is reacting before saying more
Mikethelas Amathalis: sighs and shakes his head, but gives a small smile.
Mikethelas Amathalis: It's not that we disapprove, Nik, it's just...you're very young, and we worry.
Nik: I know that I haven't known him in person for very long, but I've exchanged letters with him for years. I do feel like I know him very well, despite not having had much time together.
Nik: So... I want to ask for his hand in marriage.
Nik: says, mustering his courage
Mikethelas Amathalis: pauses, but manages to contain any reaction beyond that.
Mikethelas Amathalis: That's a big decision, son.
Mikethelas Amathalis: I would ask if you're sure, but I know it must have taken a lot to bring it up just now, so I can tell you're serious.
Nik: I know it's a big decision, but it feels like the right one. I don't know if he'll even accept, though...
Nik: Not because I think he doesn't return my feelings... but he worries about the situation with his uncle, and whether he would... would object, as it would mean Lamont would no longer be under his guardianship, if he was to marry.
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods slowly.
Nik: Father, his uncle has mistreated Lamont ever since he's had him in his "care"... and Lamont believes he is responsible for the deaths of his brother and his cousin, even if he has no proof of such an evil act...
Mikethelas Amathalis: What?
Mikethelas Amathalis: Nik, that's a hell of an accusation. I personally don't care for the man, but murder...
Nik: You could see yourself how sick Lamont became under his uncle's supervision, when it should have been something he could have recovered from in a day or two of rest.
Mikethelas Amathalis: That is true.
Mikethelas Amathalis: considers.
Nik: I know there is no proof, and it isn't my place to say such things, but I think he means Lamont harm, because ... because Lamont's dragonmark says as much, and I trust him. I know it sounds crazy.
Mikethelas Amathalis: His dragonmark?
Nik: Um... well, it tells him people's intentions towards him. I think it has caused him a great deal of suffering, because he has no way to turn it off, you know? He is always forced to be aware of people's motives when interacting with them. I probably shouldn't have said as much, it is not something he likes to discuss....
Mikethelas Amathalis: That does sound like a difficult burden, and I can imagine it would negatively affect his interactions with people.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Which, actually, pertains to my concern. Nik, I know you care for Stillmarch, and, again, I think he's a fine fellow, but supporting him does not require marrying him. If what you both suspect is true, it would be putting you at risk.
Nik: But if marriage could help him to be free from his uncle, then... if I could help him that way...
Mikethelas Amathalis: I think it's very admirable you want to help, but you need to make sure it is the right thing for you. Will it make you happy? Will it provide the life you want?
Mikethelas Amathalis: He's a military man, son. You may not see him for long stretches of time while he's on one campaign or another. Is that something you'll be happy with?
Mikethelas Amathalis: I'm not trying to talk you out of anything. I just want to make sure you've considered everything.
Nik: sits quietly for a moment
Nik: I don't know. But I do know that I don't think I could be happy with someone else, knowing that he remained in such an unhappy state.
Nik: If he was free to make his own choices, and if he told me he did not want to marry me, I could understand that, I suppose, although I would be sad. But how could I go pursue someone else and leave him to his fate when I know that I could have helped him? How selfish would I need to be in order to tell a person I love that he is too... too difficult for me to be with?
Mikethelas Amathalis: is stoic for a moment, but slowly smiles a resigned smile.
Mikethelas Amathalis: You love him, hmm?
Nik: nods
Mikethelas Amathalis: shakes his head and chuckles a little.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Corellon preserve me while the Moon Maiden has her fun...
Mikethelas Amathalis: There will be a lot of preparations to make, I suppose, once you speak to him about this.
Nik: But he might not even agree...
Mikethelas Amathalis: smiles more broadly at that.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Best not to think like that, son. He'd be a fool to say no, and I wouldn't want you marrying a fool in any case.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Your mother will be thrilled and terrified in equal measure, of course.
Mikethelas Amathalis: And there's still his uncle to deal with, the insufferable man.
Nik: smiles hopefully
Nik: Do you think you can keep him occupied here for a little while? So that he doesn't just immediately go to Stillmarch on learning Lamont isn't here? Just... just to give him a day or two to breathe?
Mikethelas Amathalis: chuckles and shakes his head.
Mikethelas Amathalis: I'm sure we can figure it out.
Mikethelas Amathalis: You mother and I will be the very model of insistent hospitality.
Nik: If pressed, I think Lamont will say he never received any such letter from his uncle, so did not know he was meant to remain here until his arrival.
Nik: I'm sure with all the confusion it would have been quite easy for a letter to not reach its intended recipient.
Mikethelas Amathalis: A perfectly understandable possibility.
Nik: Father... thank you. I don't know what will happen, but I feel better knowing that I have your support.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Always, Nik.
Nik: will give him a hug
Mikethelas Amathalis: will happily hug Nik back.
Leonora and Mikethelas Discover a Clue
Leonora: will have made time to meet with the Curiate Amathalis on the morning before she andMagga take the airship back to Thantopolis (before heading off to Highmark).
Mikethelas Amathalis: will meet with Leonora in his office, and has the look of a man who's been quite busy.
Leonora: will have found whatever outfit she has that is least 'I am on vacation' and most 'This is serious business', but probably hasn't brought anything quite right for that.
Leonora: Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Curiate Amathalis.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Of course, Lady Wengal. Or is it Lady Palatine while we're in Thantopolitan territory? Either way, I had been hoping to talk to you. Some of your family is on their way to help with the investigation, but I thought I'd get your first impressions, having been here for the event. First, though, allow me to apologize for the, hmm, excitement, and I hope you and Lord Wengal are faring well?
Leonora: We are well. My dear husband and I enjoy the sport, actually, though of course, with sadness at the destruction and grief caused. This is not our first time together in battle, to say the least.
Leonora: And Palatine or Wengal, it is no matter to me, I am, of course, both.
Leonora: I am merely sad for those for whom this was their first experience of Therma Alba, and hope it does not sour them on revisiting in future. My own summer days spent here as a girl were most formative, for me. And your hospitality has been, as always, beyond excellent.
Mikethelas Amathalis: You're very kind to say so, and I'm grateful neither you nor your husband or niece were seriously injured. Thank you again for your aid of Fyan Akan, as well. He speaks very highly of you both.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Having been out on the grounds during the event itself, what was your impression of the attack?
Leonora: My impressions were twofold. First, that there was at least some coordination in the attack that suggests that there may have been specific targets, Akan being one of them, but probably not just him.
Leonora: If there were only one target, an assassination rather than a raid would have been called for.
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods.
Leonora: Second, that the numbers of the assailants were in anticipation of a less vigorous defense of the grounds than the one that your guards, as well as the guests, launched.
Leonora: It could have been much, much worse.
Mikethelas Amathalis: I thought much the same. They didn't seem entirely prepared, but I suppose it might have been a hasty operation.
Mikethelas Amathalis: We did find some correspondence on one of the assailants; I thought I would ask you to take a look, if you don't mind.
Leonora: Of course.
Mikethelas Amathalis: will hand over a letter with a small dried smear of blood on it. It's written in an out-of-date Sentinel cypher, in a familiar handwriting.
Mikethelas Amathalis: I can't make heads nor tails of it, but I thought perhaps someone with more experience might.
Leonora: pauses over the letter, disturbed.
Mikethelas Amathalis: What is it?
Leonora: Ahh ... well, the cipher itself is a Sentinel one. I recognize it, but it would take a little time to work it all out. I couldn't do it on sight alone, but it would not be exceedingly hard.
Leonora: It's not one that the military would currently be using, though, which is very odd.
Mikethelas Amathalis: A Sentinel cypher?
Mikethelas Amathalis: That's concerning.
Narrator: (I keep misspelling that 😛 )
Leonora: Yes, of that, I am sure.
Leonora: Letters are intercepted, and it would not be unprecedented for the assailants to have done so.
Leonora: But this is not official correspondence, so that raises the question of what it is.
Mikethelas Amathalis: How long would it take to decode? Do you think they were able to do so?
Leonora: Well, for one thing, almost any cipher can be tackled with magic, by the right person. And of course, trivially, by anyone who knows the ciphering strategy.
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods.
Leonora: If they had neither of those, then it would be harder, but then, why would they have brought it with them to Therma Alba?
Leonora: There is ... something else.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Oh?
Leonora: pauses, trying to figure out whether or how to say this.
Leonora: I could be wrong, but ... I believe I recognize the handwriting.
Mikethelas Amathalis: You do?
Leonora: I believe so, yes.
Leonora: activates her dragonmark.
Leonora: We are now protected from any external scrutiny.
Mikethelas Amathalis: frowns and nods.
Leonora: It most closely resembles the handwriting of Mr.Thurston Allard.
Mikethelas Amathalis: I'm sorry?
Mikethelas Amathalis: That seems...remarkably coincidental.
Mikethelas Amathalis: moves some papers around on his desk and takes out another letter.
Leonora: Mr. Allard and I are well-acquainted. Some fifteen years ago, we spent quite a lot of time together in anticipation, perhaps, of a betrothal.
Leonora: It did not transpire, for a ... some reasons. But nonetheless, it would fit. He would have the requisite military training to know the cipher, but is not currently serving, as far as I know.
Mikethelas Amathalis: How long would it take to decipher the letter?
Leonora: considers the matter.
Leonora: One advantage we have is that we know some words likely to be in the letter. Therma Alba, Akan, Stillmarch, ... Lamont ... others. That would simplify the search.
Leonora: Presuming that the letter bears on the attack, it would be no more than a matter of hours for me to do it.
Mikethelas Amathalis: How long is it until you and Lord Wengal depart?
Leonora: We had hoped to depart this morning. But I'm sure I could find an excuse forMagga and I to stay a bit longer. The next social event in Highmark is not for a little while. And my father's airship is swift, so the journey will not be overly long.
Mikethelas Amathalis: I would greatly appreciate it. The best case scenario would be it is actually coincidental, but Mr. Allard is coming to Therma Alba presently, and I should like to be adequately prepared. I am, yet again, in your debt.
Leonora: By presently ... how presently?
Mikethelas Amathalis: Within a few days, I believe. I have...been enjoined to keep him here for some time if I am able.
Leonora: Might I inquire, if it is not too personal a matter ... does his visit relate to your son?
Mikethelas Amathalis: sighs and chuckles.
Mikethelas Amathalis: Yes, and Lord Stillmarch.
Leonora: nods.
Mikethelas Amathalis: My son is doing his best to help Stillmarch avoid his uncle, for which I can blame neither.
Leonora: Where are they now? Were they returning to Highmark together?
Mikethelas Amathalis: Further afield at the moment; they're headed to Stillmarch before going back to Highmark.
Leonora: All right. I will get to this letter immediately, and avail myself of just a little more of your hospitality until it can be deciphered.
Leonora: Who else knows of the letter's presence here at Therma Alba?
Mikethelas Amathalis: No one else just yet. I had thought to ask Fyan Nabari and Hraal Cziernos about it, though.
Leonora: If they cannot be trusted, then our problems are much more serious.
Mikethelas Amathalis: nods.
A Visit to Stillmarch
Lamont: will order staff to prepare rooms for his guests once we arrive via the portal, leaving them to scramble to do, leaving us some time to explore that afternoon
Lamont: There's the town, the lake, of course, the orchards....
Lamont: what would you like to see?
Lamont: There's the mountains as well, but theyr're more hazardous at this time of year.
Nik: You've said the lake is quite remarkable, I'd like to see that if we can?
Coifárë: That works for me. I want to see everything.
Lamont: We won't be here long enough, I expect...
Lamont: can take people out to one of the ramparts so you can get a sense of the scope of the lake
Coifárë: will lean on the merlon to look out over the estate.
Lamont: (YOu can probably see the mountains as well, hemming in the horizon, but only the still white capped peaks in the far distance, the water stretching out for miles and miles)
Coifárë: It's beautiful, Lamont.
Nik: It's bigger than I expected.
Nik: and yes, very beautiful!
Coifárë: And, of course, very defensible.
Lamont: nods
Coifárë: looks over their shoulder to give Lamont a smile.
Coifárë: When was the last time you were here?
Lamont: oh...
Lamont: thinks back
Lamont: Probably close to two years, if not more
Nik: Oh... that's far too long to be away from your home. Hopefully it won't be as long before you are back here again in the future.
Lamont: smiles a bit moreosely
Lamont: In the future, perhaps.
Lamont: Would you like to go down to the shore?
Coifárë: looks to Nik.
Nik: Certainly 🙂
Lamont: can lead you both down out of the keep and through an ornamental garden to the actual lake shore, which is more rocky than beach-y, but there are paths and stairs worn and cut out in place over the many years
Coifárë: Oh, I bet this is fantastic for swimming in the summer.
Nik: Is the water very cold?
Lamont: it's extremely cold
Lamont: There's an area to the west where there's a more suitable beach - the drop off is less extreme and the water there warm more
Nik: You know what would be perfect, if there was a good spot for it, is a sauna - you could go in and get all hot and sweaty, then run out and jump in the lake to cool off, then go back to warm up again...
Nik: seems like this is a mental image he quite enjoys ;)
Lamont: I think there is one at the beach house.....
Nik: oh, marvellous 🙂
Coifárë: smiles at that.
Lamont: but we have done similar things here
Lamont: less a sauna and more a bonfire to return to....
Nik: nods, smiling
Lamont: There's something of a custom for winter bathing
Coifárë: Oh?
Lamont: Oh, you cut a big hole in the ice
Lamont: in and out quickly, and then to the fires, with hot drinks and blankets and so on.... it's very invigorating, but not for everyone
Nik: I'd like to try that someday.
Lamont: nods
Lamont: There are plenty of other winter activities.... skating and skiing and so on
Coifárë: I will stick with the latter, with as much bundling as possible.
Coifárë: You northerners and your love of cold...
Lamont: smiles
Lamont: It's beautiful in the winter
Lamont: especially if there's been wind to blow the show off the lake
Lamont: the ice is so clear when its cold
Nik: you make it sound beautiful.
Coifárë: smiles at Lamont's description, and his seeming in better spirits.
Lamont: it is.
Nik: we will need to come back in the winter, then. And with plenty of warm blankets 🙂
Nik: says with a smile to Coifare
Lamont: will sit and pull off his boots so he can dip his toes in the water, even if it is freezing cold still
Lamont: I am biased as to the beauty here, I know, but I have never been anywhre with a more stunning winter
Nik: will remove his shoes and gingerly lift his robes so he can wade as well.
Lamont: be careful
Coifárë: I would imagine even our deepest winters in Vilyawen would be like autumn to you.
Lamont: the stone is slippery and it drops off quickly
Nik: nods
Coifárë: will sit on the shore, far enough back so as not to get wet.
Nik: I'll be careful...
Lamont: keeps a sharp eye on Nik just in case
Lamont: Autum is nice.
Coifárë: I am, of course, biased on multiple levels.
Lamont: smiles and glances back at them
Lamont: I will say the advantage of the northern clime is that our summers are only pleasantly hot
Lamont: Someday, it will feel more like my own place, and we shall come and go as we please, whatever the season
Coifárë: smiles.
Coifárë: I'm glad to hear you say that.
Lamont: takes a deep breath
Lamont: Hopefully, someday soon.
Coifárë: nods.
Lamont: Come back in Nik there's something else I want to show you....
Nik: oh, very well 🙂
Nik: will come back to shore and slip his shoes back on (wetly)
Lamont: will lead you a little further down the shorline to an area where there's like a little stone dock, and go to the end and pull something up in a basket
Coifárë: watches curiously.
Lamont: will pull out a glass bottle that's been sealed with wax
Lamont: would you care for a chilled drink?
Nik: ooh 🙂
Lamont: seems to have some practice at releasing the stopper
Lamont: No glasses I'm afraid
Coifárë: I'm sure we can manage.
Lamont: can pass around a bottle of chilled cherry infused cider
Lamont: will pour a little bit out into the lake as well, out of habit
Nik: is there just always a bottle there, or did you plant this ahead of time? 😉
Lamont: There usually are
Lamont: I haven't been back long enough to plant anything, but Arnaud used to stash things all over the place along the shore.
Lamont: I'm sure there's still things tucked away
Nik: nods
Coifárë: It's very nice.
Coifárë: And the pouring out...?
Nik: like a little gift left for you
Lamont: oh, for the guardian
Lamont: says to Coifare after a nod to Nik
Coifárë: will step to the end of the dock and look out over the lake.
Coifárë: Thank you.
Lamont: You might see it.... you never know. Keep an eye out for a flash of white
The Proposal
Nik: will go for a walk with Lamont in the orchard later in the afternoon
Lamont: will take his arm and everything
Nik: is a bit nervous, which probably you could pick up on even without your dragonmark
Lamont: Is everything alright?
Nik: Oh, yes! I was just... hoping to have a chance to talk with you privately, and now I do.
Lamont: asks, pausing between rows of sweet smelling fruit trees in full blossom, petals occasionally drifting down
Lamont: What is it?
Nik: takes a deep breath and gathers his composure as best as he can, then takes a folded piece of paper out of a pocket inside his robe.
Nik: I hope it's okay if I read this to you.
Lamont: ...alright...
Nik: clears his throat and will begin to read the note
Nik: Lamont...
Nik: It's always been easier for me to express myself in writing, because I have time to think about my words and not get nervous. I've spent so much time writing and re-writing what I want to say to you, trying to make sure it comes out right, because I wanted this moment to be perfect.
Nik: For many years, your letters helped to sustain me when I was alone. Today, I am writing this letter to you to let you know that you are not alone. I love you, Lamont, with all my heart. Every time I think surely it would be impossible to love you more, I look at you and fall further in love. You have been my best friend, my trusted protector, my guiding star in the dark, and I want to be those things for you as well, if you'll have me. I want to join my home and my life and my future with yours, whatever that brings.
Nik: The days we've spent together so far can be counted on both hands, but they have been the happiest, most exciting, and most precious of my life. I hope that there will be many more like them to come, and I will do everything in my power to make you happy too. But even if I knew that we would only have one more day together, or one more week, or one year, I would still want to be by your side for however long the gods grant us.
Nik: I am already yours in body, mind, and soul. Will you be mine, and do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?
Lamont: ...
Lamont: will pull Nik into an embrace and just hold him
Nik: um... then it's signed "Nikession"... but I guess that part was obvious...
Nik: says, slightly muffled, against your shoulder
Lamont: Nik....
Lamont: I love you.
Lamont: I want that.
Nik: smiles
Lamont: smiffs
Lamont: When....
Lamont: When I can say yes. I will.
Nik: when...?
Lamont: sniffs again and holds him tighter
Lamont: It's not.... I can't... It's not in my hands
Lamont: I want it....
Nik: looks confused
Nik: if you want it, then you could say yes
Lamont: If I say it.... and then.... if he doesn't agree...
Nik: pulls himself back slightly
Lamont: No...
Nik: Then what?
Lamont: pulls him right back, like he cant bear to let him go
Nik: I was willing to take risks and face uncertainty for us to be together. If you aren't, then... then can I really believe that you mean it when you say you love me?
Lamont: I don't know.
Lamont: I'm sorry.
Lamont: I'll make it work
Lamont: I'll do it
Nik: do what?
Lamont: Whatever I must to marry you.
Lamont: is crying
Nik: holds you close
Nik: please, don't cry... I don't want you to be sad...
Lamont: will try an pull himself together for you
Nik: has a few tears too
Lamont: You make me very happy
Nik: You make me happy too. I love you, Lamont.
Lamont: Nik.... Nikession. I love you so much. You honour me. I accept.
Lamont: will give you a very messy but passionate kiss
Nik: does burst into real tears at that, but also kisses back
Lamont: (some time later...)
Nik: gods... we are such a mess
Lamont: laughs breathlessly
Nik: says somewhat later, picking petals out of his hair
Lamont: You're beautiful
Nik: you too :3 I love seeing you smile like that.
Lamont: smooths out Nik's hair a bit , and will pull him to sit with him, back against a tree trunk
Nik: pulls his pink and green robe back into some semblance of order, at least enough to give him something between him and the tree bark
Lamont: There are.... so many things still. to say
Nik: nods
Lamont: Please.... I know I can be difficult
Lamont: Don't doubt that I want this
Nik: I don't.
Lamont: It's hard for me to see things simply, that's all
Nik: I said to my father when I told him I was intending to propose, that I would have to be very selfish to tell someone I love that he was too difficult to be with. I know that your circumstances are a large part of that difficulty, and we can work through that together.
Lamont: ...your father?
Nik: nods
Nik: Well, I did think I ought to make sure he was not inclined to oppose such a match, in case you did agree...
Lamont: He agreed?
Nik: Yes.
Lamont: takes a moment to process that
Nik: I think he said you were a "fine fellow"
Lamont: I see.
Lamont: That is... some relief
Lamont: There is also....
Lamont: Nik, my heart is...
Lamont: I don't know the words
Lamont: I love you
Nik: nods, listening
Lamont: But there is Coifare, too, whom I also love...
Nik: Oh, yes. I spoke with them too...
Nik: Actually they were very helpful at allowing me to get my own thoughts in order.
Lamont: ...what did they say?
Nik: Well... they encouraged me to tell you my feelings. And some other things that are perhaps not my place to say, but you know... that they care for you very much too. I wanted them to know that whatever happened with us, I wasn't going to... I don't know, push them out or anything.
Lamont: ...alright.
Nik: I care for them too - I haven't known them for as long as you have, but they've been very kind to me and I admire them greatly.
Lamont: ...thank you.
Lamont: I would like to speak to them...
Nik: Of course.
Nik: Do you want me to go with you, or you want to go alone?
Lamont: Alone.
Nik: nods
Lamont: but listen.
Lamont: I know that you love me
Lamont: I don't ever want that to be... something you can't bear, for any reason, or for it to hold you back...
Nik: considers that for a moment before responding
Nik: My father cautioned me that there would likely be obstacles ahead, but I said the same thing to him that I will to you. I would rather face those obstacles with you, than find someone else.
Nik: gives you a kiss
Lamont: nods, grasping your hand tightly, and will lean over to kiss your temple
Nik: So I'll be honest with you and tell you if something is troubling me, but you are not a burden to bear.
Lamont: thank you
Nik: but now - if you want to go talk to Coifare, you should do that. I'll retire to my bedchamber, so if you do want to find me later, you know where I'll be...
Lamont: I think perhaps, this evening. I need some time to think
