1865-08-30: Indecent Proposals (Letters to the Duke)
Indecent Proposals (Letters to the Duke)
Summary: Talia pens a letter to the Duke, and receives a response in regards to Marcus' proposal of marriage to her.
Date: 1865-08-30
Related: Indecent Proposal
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Talia  James  

My beloved Duke,

I write you this missive as duty requires me, from vassal to liege in regards to the activities of your son, Marcus. I encountered him in my lands but a week ago and invited him as guest to my home where we had conversation and we later sparred. Our discourse covered much, then. Some of his thoughts I found interesting and insightful for one so young and others I found to be potentially dangerous, such as suggesting that the power the Great and Minor Houses wield are transient and meaningless, worthless in the grand scheme of things and that leadership should be dealt by merit, rather than by bloodline and right. He departed the next day and my mind was moved to other affairs at hand and I thought little more of his words at the time.

As my own business took me to Four Corners, he came calling upon me at my home there soon after my arrival. And it was to my surprise that he asked for my hand in marriage, seeking to extricate himself from his sister's plots and schemes as heir. As I probed further, he confirmed my suspicion he had not spoken with you of this intent and it was not a product of your hand, and instead relating to me he only would seek your approval if I first agreed to his offer. He offered, in exchange for my acceptance, loyalty to myself, a union with your House, and his personal involvement with my own more private affairs as incentive to join him in this gambit, even agreeing to sire me children.

Uncertain of how you may wish to proceed with this information, I thought it better than to outright reject him and play th gambit at least for the moment, with the intent that should you wish further information or action on my behalf in subterfuge I would be in position to provide it to you. So, instead I told him I would have him my answer within a fortnight. He left me instruction as we parted how to contact him once I had made my decision.

Should you wish me to continue to play this game with him for your own insights or purpose, you have but to instruct, and I will follow. Should you wish me to take no course further in this, you have but to return message that I am to take no action. He is your son, and it is your affair, and I would expect no less from my own vassals. I remain your loyal servant in all things.

Countess Talia D'Geroux

The letter had left her desk hours ago. And, by now, in the mood she was in, the servants were avoiding her entirely less they walk into that storm. She'd thought for the last few days, when the Tourney wasn't on her mind, the best way to approach this particularly dicey situation that the al'Slyenthar son had put into her lap with the least amount of threat or danger given to her.

And there had only been one real choice, in the end. To write the letter.

For not the tenth time that day, Talia damned Marcus for the position he'd put her under. Had it been any other family, the solution would've been far more easily dealt with. But no, it had to be that of her liege's. And the bloodline son. Corvin would never have been so forward. Or so - desperate.

"Lady." The voice was Sophia's, a tremble to it. The girl was standing just in the doorway, her expression one of tentative fear.

Sophia had always been Talia's favorite. The one with just enough bravery to bring her news when she was in this mood. Talia was least likely to take bad news out on her, than any of the others and Sophia was smart enough to recognize this. An act of kindness, to the other servants of the house and a show of the quality of the young woman's perception and insight into Talia's natures.

Talia walked over, plucking the unopened letter from Sophia's hand and without a moment's hesitation, tore it open and read it to herself.

My Dear Countess,

You have my thanks for bringing this matter to my attention. You need do nothing further at this time. Should I have any requirement for further action upon these matters, you will be informed. I understand that you are something of a connoisseur of fine wines. Do enjoy the bottle of Romante Red that accompanies this missive. It is a rather rare vintage these days, particularly north of the border.

With Respect,

James al'Sylenthar, Duke of Alasce

Talia nodded, once. And far more quickly than it had built up, the anticipation of the moment drained from her. A smile touched her lips. "Romante Red," is all that passed her lips. Her eyes went to Sophia.

"I've put it in the cellar, Lady, to await a moment of your desire." Sophia curstied demurely to her Lady.

"Excellent. Send a message to Corvin, as soon as you're able. I wish to speak with him at his leisure. And, Sophia? You may have the rest of the evening off. Go enjoy yourself."

Sophia gave the Countess a brief look of surprise, then nodded quickly, pleased. Scurrying off to obey her orders and to take every bit of advantage of time to herself that she'd be allowed.

Talia paused at the window, closing the blinds, and murmured then to no one in little more than a whisper, "Wisdom, I thank thee for both the lesson and the insight. Hearth, I thank thee for the safekeeping of my House. And to the Many, my prayers are raised that me and mine shall always find a way to persevere by your examples."

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