Arcaea/Dining Hall/Prompted to Pop the Question
The letters, orders, and personal items were all seperated and given to Tenal by his scribe. Ever the soldier, Tenal read through the orders first, making sure to read every one so the earlier orders wouldn't conflict with the most recent ones.
"Alright Captain, take back the cudgels from the men and re-assign pikes. We are marching out. Take care not to get in the way of the horses on the road."
Looking through the general realm messages next, he quickly scanned the news, filed important bits in his memory, then moved on.
Last came the letter scented with a light, fruity, aroma. Tenal smiled as he waved it under his nose, thinking of Madelena's face. He knew she was nearby, likely also taking down camp and moving out. Busy, busy woman these days.
He opened the letter and read...
.
"CAPTAIN! GET MY HORSE! NOW!" yelled Tenal as he scrambled around his tent searching for just the right things.
Sir Tenal Quasath Count of Orbeh
Quickly he changed in his tent, desperately putting on his best field clothes in a hurry. The outfit was a ceremonial uniform, meant both to impress locals, as well as good enough to accept field commendations and other official duties. While not the fanciest of clothes, they still looked impressive, especially with the silver medallion of Orbeh.
Dressing done, Tenal threw papers and materials aside looking for his money pouch. Normally he left such matters to his scribe, but this time he needed to make a purchase himself. With a cry he saw the pouch sticking out of his travel chest. He lunged for it and left the tent under the same momentum.
"Captain! Horse?" he cried, just before spotting his mount being led by Gisbert, red-cheeked and gasping. With a clap of thanks on the back for his captain, Tenal lept on his horse and "Hyaa!"ed his way out of camp. "Captain, get the men to Arempos. I'll join you on the road," Tenal cried over his shoulder.
The first stop was the House of Healing, near the center of Lantzas. Tenal had heard of their reputation making healing stones. Stone being one of Lantzas' exports to Arcaea and beyond. There was a large variety of stones, both from the mountains in the north, and the river in the south. Tenal had an idea of what kind of stone to buy, though he didn't know the name. Jumping off his horse, he barged into the Healers residence, murmuring an apology to the stunned doorman. Hastily he called for the Head Mistress, giving his name and title and the urge for speed.
As she approached, Tenal began, "I need a stone, fit for a mother-to-be. I'm looking for aid for their health, both of them. Mother and child. Preferably ready to be set in a ring. Have you such a stone?" The Head Mistress thought, then thought, and thought some more. Tenal was fit to burst when she replied, "Aye, I know such a stone. Unikite. It's healing powers help the pregnancy. I can check if we have something in stock?" "Yes, please do" replied Tenal. She went off to check in their stores.
Pacing back and forth, Tenal waited for what seemed like hours. Others around him became edgy as well, watching him walk 10 steps, turn, walk 10 steps, turn, endlessly. Finally the Head Mistress returned with a stunned expression. "Sir, it's a marvel. I was asking the White Healers to help me look for such a stone, and they did. One of the younger apprentices knew of an old box where a few stones were stored. Imagine all our surprise when we discovered this!" She held up a beautiful silver ring, with a delicately carved stone of pink, green, and orange. It was magnificent.
Tenal nodded approval, "It will do."
The Head Mistress was taken aback by his lack of emotion. "Sir? Don't you understand, this ring was waiting to be found. It's the exact stone you want, already in a ring no less! The Aenil smile upon you!" Tenal grunted and replied, "Aye, perhaps they smile, but not on me. They smile on my beloved. I accept their gift." Tenal took the ring and reached for his money pouch. The Head Mistress saw that and vigorously shook her head. "No. No payment. It's a gift from the gods! Go now, with their blessing." With one crooked eyebrow, Tenal bowed and left.
Whipping his horse for greater speed, Tenal made for Madelena's camp. Her troops were already pulling up tents and marching out. He didn't have much time before she left as well. With a last mad dash he sped like an arrow to her tent, easily spotted with her Imperial Magistrate flags and banners flying.
Dismounting, or rather flying, off his horse, Tenal handed the reins to a stunned guard. He stopped outside the tent flaps and attempted to settle his wind-blown hair and straighten his clothes. He was somewhat effective. Breathing deep he removed the ring from a pocket and stood tall. He whipped the tent flaps aside and stepped in.
There she was, poring over some last minute letters and business before she rode to battle. She looked up, peering over his spectacles at the sudden appearance of her love. "Tenal?" she asked in slight surprise.
Tenal took three long strides to her side, then knelt. He offered the silver ukanite ring to her and spoke in a clear voice, "Lady Madelena, my love and dearest, it's time to make us one entity, one whole. No more running away, no more chasing, no more doubts. Lady Madelena, will you marry me?"
Sir Tenal Quasath Count of Orbeh
Madelena's hands went to her stomach and to her mouth.
"Tenal..." the tears were welling up in her eyes. She never for one moment thought that this day would arrive after there having been so many problems.
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes," she cried, flinging her arms around him. "Forever and ever..."
As Tenal slipped the ring on her finger, it was if it had been made for her hand it fit so well. The light from the stone seemed to light up her face and she literally looked radiant. "What is this stone? It makes me feel all cosy wearing it..."
Lady Madelena Rossini Imperial Magistrate of Arcaea
When Madelena replied "Yes" to his proposal, something went loose inside Tenal. Something he didn't realize was tight. At the same time, two different weights shifted on his shoulders, each an equal amount of pressure. The doubts and fears of his relationship with Madelena were lifted, only to be replaced with thoughts of weddings, the future, and the safety of his fiancee. Tenal swallowed in a suddenly dry throat.
Then Madelena asked about the ring. He answered, "Ah, yes. The Head Mistress at the House of Healing believes this to be a miracle of the Aenil. I was searching for a stone to keep you and the baby healthy and safe. This stone is called ukinite, or ukanite in the local tongue, and helps with healing, but is especially good for pregnancy. As the Healers went searching for it, a young apprentice found this in an old box. The ring was perfect. The Aenil are blessing you, my dear. I have no doubts the child will be healthy and strong."
Tenal stood and put hand to chin in thought, "We shall have to make an offical announcement once we return to Remton. I'll also need to make arrangements for you to be relieved from military duty. It will do no good to recklessly endanger you and our child. Perhaps some burocratic work...
...providing you want to do this, of course. While I wouldn't you'd want to put the child in danger, I know your love for Arcaea and your willingness to fight. I say you stay around our inner regions, though. Much safer. I'll fight all the harder for the both of us. Honour for the family!"
Tenal paused. He said again, in a quieter voice, "Family."
"I like the sound of that." He smiled brightly at Madelena, happily taking in her radiance.
Sir Tenal Quasath Count of Orbeh
Tenal had kissed his fiancee goodbye at the crossroads in Lantzas. She would be returning to Remton to refit with the rest of the army, and start organizing certain matters. Tenal had other business in Sasat.
For one, he had promised the new Lord Protector that he would defend the realm against the trolls that had sprung up there. Unfortunately, even his Vanguard could not cover the distance in time. The Arcaean forces already in Sasat managed to hold off the beasts, though, thanks to the wall. At least, that's what Tenal had heard. He would clean up the mess in a few hours.
However, before arriving to reinforce the wall, Tenal needed to make one very important detour. As his company marched down the main road, Tenal kept a look-out for an old signpost. It was extremely hard to see as it had become overgrown with vines. As it had been a while since his last visit, no doubt the greeny had only thickened. It was not a popular destination in Arcaea.
Finally, he spotted it. A lone piece of carved wood poking out of a bush. The letters '..rtan.' barely visible. Calling for a halt to his men, Tenal motioned over his Captain. "Gisbert, I will be gone for a short while. Have the men re-supply from the wagons. Give them back their regular equipment, and some of the heavier armour as well. I don't want to lose anyone to the green-backs. They can take a rest after that." Captain Gisbert saluted and moved off to bark orders.
Tenal wheeled his horse around and guided it into the brush. While the path had also overgrown, the horse could follow the old grooves well enough. Not too far along, the forest cleared up into tall majestic trees, their canopies blocking out most of the daylight. It was a peaceful place, rather at odds with the nature of the approaching temple. For indeed a temple lay in the woods, seemingly abandoned by priest and worshipper. A headless statue, wrapped in ivy, grasped a half-unsheathed sword, continued to warn would-be thieves. Not that there was much to steal.
Tenal dismounted, and let his mount roam free, grazing the moss-covered ground. He approached the statue, bowed, and entered the musty temple. Inside, wooden pews lay scattered and molding, with dust motes flitting in the air. The stone temple walls were cracked and covered in lichen, and the altar too was green and grey. Tenal drew his sword and knelt at the altar, lowering his head in prayer.
"Sartan, my god and my friend. I pay service to you now. It will not be the last, though it will be end of you alone. I have seen signs and portents in my time here. Truths and revelations. You are powerful, yes. But you are not alone. But, you know that, don't you! I also know that you are not blood-thirsty, nor seek a fight. You are the god of honour, of valour and bravery, and duty. Not the god of war, but the God of Virtue and Battle. A very different nature, to be sure. So, it is with an enlightened heart and mind that I expand my vision. You shall remain, for me, above others, but there are others. We know that. I will leave the church of only you, and join the church of many. I will not leave your side, but join you at the side of others. You are my god, always. Blessed be Sartan."
A wave of happiness, weariness, peace, and acceptance flowed over Tenal. He stood with a straight back and a fierce joy in his eyes. Turning, he left the temple, bowed to the headless statue as he passed, and re-mounted his horse. Just before riding off, he took one last glance at the temple, remembering when he had met Madelena here, in what felt like a life-time ago. Many memories. He would have to return again. It was a blessed place. He smiled and went back to his men.
Sir Tenal Quasath Count of Orbeh
He thought he would have more time in Sasat to do his business properly.
No such luck. Orders were already coming through, and he had yet to visit the coin-makers to cash his bonds.
Tenal, always in a rush these days it seemed, sped to the local temple of Magna Aenilia Ecclesia. Mounting the temple steps he bowed to the local priest and asked for acceptance. "I have come, freely and with firm mind, to join your faith and follow the will of the Aenil."
Pleased to have another convert, the priest motioned Tenal to go inside so the ritual of acceptance may begin. Tenal shook his head, "Nay, father. I have no time. Duty calls. Bless me quickly, add my name to the roster, and inform your main temple that I have joined. Please." The old priest sighed and gave the blessing. He had seen many such nobles in his time, always thinkingthey had to rush.
The blessing given, Tenal bowed again and left for his men. They had to march quickly to Remton.
Sir Tenal Quasath Count of Orbeh
