Arcaea/Dining Hall Late 08-09/Edara and Jenred's Royal Wedding/King Jenred's Tent
After making his initial announcement, Jenred slumped in his chair for a moment. He could scarcely believe it was finally happening. He'd promised all those years ago to manage a tournament for the wedding...A bold claim for a new infiltrator...And it had required that he become King before he managed it. All the delays, all the problems...Save for that damnable war with Ethiala and Papania...Everything was going to plan.
Which, of course, just made him even more paranoid and jittery, but that couldn't be helped.
It was time to find Edara...She would be able to calm him down...And probably...Hm, maybe over with the tumblers? He'd have to see...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
The days leading up to the tourney had been so hectic: so much to organize; so much to do; and, always that feeling of…would it be delayed…yet again?
Then suddenly…here they were. The Tournament Grounds open--her Tournament Grounds. Edara looked around proudly. Most of the vendors were in place, with a few still straggling in and setting up. Every kind of thing was available…silks and arms and pies and jewels and leather goods…and the entertainers! Heaven!
And blessed Gods above…she was getting married.
It was really going to happen. They had talked about it for so long…planned it…delayed it…Edara had almost come to believe that they would never wed, but just go on as they had been. Which, that in itself was quite lovely, but…something about…being married. Telling the whole world that this man—the most glorious man—had chosen her…she hugged herself in joy.
Alone for the first time in days—well, she looked over her shoulder at the ever present body guards, as alone as she ever was—Edara made her way towards where the entertainer’s tents were set up. A large area had been set aside for their practice, and she wanted to see the tumblers…maybe she could learn a few new tricks. She reckoned that Harmony would be along this way shortly as well. Edara had seen her cousin briefly, but had no time to stop and chat just then. Harmony had indicated her desire to see what Players might be here and suggested that they meet in that area. Interesting that she had been wrapped around Arlian at the time. Edara had not seen that coming. Maybe Jenred had; he was much better at people than she was.
Oh…and there were the tumblers. Edara leaned against a fence rail and watched them running through their routines. Oooh…wasn’t that something…
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
The tournament seemed to be going well so far, and Jenred was stealing time now to relax with Edara, knowing things would get more and more hectic...Right now they were having a light meal, more of a snack, really, and just talking about the various sights. Traders from all over the island had arrived to hawk their goods to the assembled nobles, and more than a few things had caught their eyes...But more, it was nice to just be with her.
"So, ashke...Did you have any plans for the rest of the evening? Because if not..."
Jenred grinned, showing that he certainly had a few ideas on how they could spend the evening if she didn't.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Edara grinned back at him.
“You know…Idelle suggested that we might want to…sleep apart in these last days before the wedding. Uh…so that we could have…something to look forward to…having anticipated…just a tad.”
Edara laughed at the look on his face.
“I believe that’s the same face that I made. But…since we have a moment…I have another present for you.”
She went to her trunk and pulled out a wrapped parcel. She put it into his hands and held her breath whilst he unwrapped it.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
"Oooh! Excellent!"
Jenred smiled very happily. She was just so...Cute! These presents were such a wonderful idea...He unwrapped this present as well, trying to keep an eye on Edara's face, but really wanting to see...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
“It’s a new belt-knife,” Edara began, somewhat unnecessarily, “I went to the best blade-maker in Remton and the jeweler who made our pendants and…got them to work together…so you’d have something…fancy…Kingly, instead of just a plain knife. And even thought it’s pretty, it’s a good blade…nice balance…fine steel…”
Indeed it was pretty: the handle was gold and bore the same hawk-in-flight emblem that hung about both their necks…with ruby eyes, of course. Unsheathed, the swirling grain of the blade rippled in the light of the candles…very fine steel indeed.
“I hope that you like it. I know you’re particular about blades. And now, of course, you have to pay me.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred almost dropped his jaw. He had been an adventurer. He knew that the wootz needed to make a watermark blade, even one this small, was several golds in and of itself. A smith who could make it would charge more than that for such a blade. And...Well, the hilt design...Just amazing...
"Oh...'Dara...This...Oh, it's wonderful! Pay you...?"
Jenred, suffering from slight mental whiplash, couldn't quite figure out what Edara meant.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Edara grinned in delight. He liked it! And it would look so cunning at his belt instead of his plain one…much more suitable.
“Yes, of course…you can’t gift a knife lest it cut your friendship. You have to give me a token for it…a small coin…or perhaps…a kiss?”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Ah, yes...He'd heard that adage before...
"A kiss, you say...? Well, I think I could manage that...Although, for such a fine knife, I think it would have to be a very special kiss indeed..."
Jenred slipped out of his chair and knelt in front of her, tilting her head down towards him with both hands gently cupping her face.
"Oh, my love...You know me so well...And in less than a week, I'm going to do this again, in front of half the island..."
His lips found hers, and his fingers slowly stroked her hair behind her ears, before trailing down her neck. He let every bit of love and joy he felt move through his lips and mouth, and felt her arms slip around his neck, holding him close. This...This was the woman he loved...Gods...So much...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Jenred had been kissing her since she was seventeen…three years and more. There had been...a lot…of kissing in those years. It didn’t matter. Each and every kiss was a revelation and a little piece of heaven. Even if she had known lovely words like Harmony did…they would never--could never--be enough to describe the way that he made her feel…or how astonishingly wonderful he was.
In her whole life she would never have good enough words.
All she could do was try to show him…with every look and every touch…how much he meant…how important he was. She kissed him back the way that she knew…with all the love that was within her…matching him and between them always making something that was even greater…
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Gerda looked around the tourney grounds with little interest. Remton had been a pleasant surprise, being a considerably larger and more sophisticated city than she had anticipated. She had, in fact, extended her stay a bit, having found…suitable entertainment. If it had been up to her, she would have skipped the tourney all together. She didn’t want to push Jenred too far, however, and not showing up for the wedding…would definitely be in violation of their agreement.
She supposed that she should go and greet her daughter and do something…maternal. Gerda sighed.
Finding the King’s Tent was easy enough, as it was larger and grander than anyone elses…not too mention having considerable numbers of guards around it. Fortunately, they were prepared for her arrival and sent word in to Edara, who came dashing out in her usual harum scarum fashion.
“Mother!” Edara cried and flung her arms around Gerda.
Gerda endured the embrace for a moment, but then pushed Edara back and straightened her clothing.
“Don’t muss Mother, darling.”
Edara drank in the sight of her mother. She was even more lovely than she remembered. So elegant and dainty…like a beautiful flower. Edara felt suddenly gauche and clumsy. Her hands and feet were too big…her hair was too red...she had too many freckles. As little as she was, next to her mother’s tiny perfection, she felt awkward and huge.
“It’s good to see you, Mother. I’m so sorry about Grafan…I…well…it’s just too horrible. I’m only glad that Jenred came across you before you were hurt, too.”
Gerda allowed her eyes to well up a bit, “Oh yes…it was terrible…very frightening. And, now he’s left me all alone.”
Edara made as if to hug her mother, but Gerda forestalled her, drying her tears.
“Really, darling, can’t we go inside the tent…shall we stand about for everyone to gawk at? And what is it you call what you’re wearing?”
Edara led the way into the tent, looking down at her sensible trousers, “Well…these are my training clothes…for…training. I can’t train in dresses…and these are very comfortable.”
Gerda smiled at her, “I’m sure that they are very…comfortable…and I’m sure that Jenred enjoys seeing you be…comfortable. He probably isn’t really all that concerned with how you look, anyway.”
“I rather think he likes the look of her in those trousers, if you must know.”
Gerda’s head snapped up at the new voice, “Oh…Delia, is it? I don’t recall asking you for your opinion. You may leave us.” She waved her hand imperiously at the servant.
Idelle gave her a look that would have melted steel, but moved towards the entrance of the tent, stopping to hug Edara, who was biting her lip and looking unhappy.
“There now, lovey. You just have a…nice…visit with your Mother here. I’m going back up to your Castle to make certain things are running how I like. I’ll see you soon.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
“Really, Edara, you let that woman get above herself,” Gerda frowned slightly after Idelle left, “If you can’t control your servants, how can you possibly control a Duchy…or a King?”
As usual, she wasn’t certain how to respond to her mother. Edara had always disappointed her…no matter how she tried.
“Idelle’s…well…she’s Idelle. I can’t…she doesn’t…it isn’t the same with others. I can control…well…everything is running well…I do have help, though…maybe…I don’t know…and Jenred…I don’t…we…Do you…would you like to see the dress? My wedding dress…it’s very nice…I’m sure that Jenred will like how I look in it…I mean…it’s very pretty…and feminine. Harmony helped me to pick it.”
She took her mother to a corner where fabric was draped and pulled it back to reveal her gown on a stand.
“Don’t babble, Edara. It’s too trying. Oh…well…that is lovely. Very tasteful. Yes, I really think that this green might make your hair seem a little less loud. And the draping…will probably be flattering to your figure…although that bustline…well…you are a bit…full…I hope that it doesn’t look too…common.” Gerda smiled sweetly at her, “I’m sure that it’s quite…satisfactory…when you’re wearing it. Your friend seems to have advised you well.”
Edara smiled uncertainly at her mother, “I…well…I hope that it’s…I thought that…Harmony said it was nice. Cousin…she’s my cousin. Uncle’s daughter…bastard…like Jenred. Oh…you don’t think Jenred will think it’s common, do you?”
Gerda narrowed her eyes, “Dougal…has a bastard daughter?” She smiled darkly, “Well…that is interesting news.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
“Ooh...Gerda...” Harmony grabbed Arlian’s arm, “That’s the mother! Edara’s mother...the one that my father hates. Oh, I have been dying to meet her. This ought to be interesting.”
They entered the tent, hand in hand, and Edara greeted them effusively.
“Oh...Harmony...Arlian...I’m so glad that you came! We’ve been so busy with everything that we haven’t really had enough time for visiting everyone...are you hungry? Fin! Please bring some refreshments and things...oh...and this is my mother, Lady Gerda Kindon...er...Rebane,” she indicated the woman standing beside her.
Harmony looked sidewise at Arlian and quirked her lips at him; her cousin’s speech had been...just close enough...she controlled her desire to laugh and greeted Edara’s mother.
Gerda was...pretty as a picture. Even as Harmony assessed her, she could see Gerda doing the same to her and her companion. Harmony saw the flick of her eyes as they took in Arlian—and dismissed him—heh, she would learn. She also saw the older woman taking her time as she looked at Harmony. She wouldn’t appreciate another beautiful woman within fifty miles of her, that was certain.
“So, you must be Dougal’s...daughter...so charming of him to have neglected to mention you for thirty years.”
Ah..the opening salvo, Harmony gave Gerda an amused smile, “Twenty-two, but it hardly seems worth counting when you’re this young. I expect as you age these things matter more. I’m afraid that Edara didn’t properly introduce Arlian,” she pulled him forward slightly, “Arlian Bedwyr, Jenred’s brother.”
Harmony kept her eyes on Gerda and saw her face light with interest at Arlian’s name, then watched her practically ooze over to give him her hand. How entertaining.
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian had to smother a laugh at the interchange in front of him. First Edara, then Gerda overlooking him and trying to spike Harmony...Harmony tossing a nasty barb right back...Gerda suddenly being very interested in him...Just too perfect. And, after his memory being jogged, he did remember Gerda. Quite well. Jenred talked about her at length to him, once when he was slightly drunk.
"I'm sure that I'm as pleased to meet you as my brother was. We are fairly close, you know. Tells me quite a bit, so I've heard all about you...My condolences about your husband. A shame Jenred didn't show up sooner, isn't it?"
Arlian had only been told the official story, of course. But...Heh, he knew Jenred better than that. And if Grafan had been killed by any unnatural creature, then Arlian would be celibate for a we-...hm. Well, a day, maybe.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Gerda grimaced internally, but kept a smile on her face. Just her luck that the crazy bastard was close to his ugly brother. By rights they should have been at odds and this one should have been pathetically eager for female attention. Bah.
“Yes…I shall always be grateful to the King for showing up when he did and saving me…my poor Grafan…” she dabbed her eye lightly.
“I was just showing Mother my dress, Harmony…she…it’s…you don’t think that the front is too…low…do you?”
Harmony gave Gerda a cold look for a second before smiling at her cousin, “Dorable ‘Dara…have you seen what the ladies are wearing in Remton? It’s a miracle that they don’t…fall right out. Your dress…is divine…and you look like an angel in it. Really and truly. Oh…you should show it to Arlian…he’ll tell you.”
Harmony turned to him, “Arlian…you’ll love it…so beautiful…green silks…”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Arlian crushed one set of reactions, and let the other surge up. He grinned brightly at Edara, and strode forward.
"Oooh...Fine silks indeed...Good cut...The gauze is good, won't scratch like some...Remind me later, and I'll have to do a portrait of you in it...Absolutely wonderful...And don't let anyone tell you otherwise, can't have that...I mean honestly, only someone hopelessly out of date on their fashions would say a word against it. Has some country bumpkin been bothering you about it? Must be one of the servants, anyone else would be better educated..."
Well, alright, the first reactions weren't entirely crushed. The glint in Harmony's eyes would have made it worth it, even if Edara's face hadn't lightened at his praise...Oho, and he may have made an enemy with Gerda there...Arlian had no doubt the criticism had come from her, after all...Arlian smiled blandly at her, inviting her to comment.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony loved him.
She absolutely without doubt loved him. If they were alone, she would have kissed him all over his face...all over everywhere...and told him so. She actually felt tears prickling at her eyes. Arlian had said just exactly the right things both to bolster Edara and put one right in the eye of that snake of a mother of hers.
She caught up his hand and squeezed it tightly, smiling into his eyes with everything that she had. On second thought...who cared if they weren’t alone, she had been waiting for him her whole life, and damned if she was going to wait one second longer.
“Arlian,” Harmony put her hand to his dear, homely face, “I just want you to know...I love you.”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
"Oh."
Under ordinary circumstances, Arlian would be mortified. He was normally a very private person, and the idea of having such intimate matters discussed in front of anyone much less Gerda was repellent in the extreme. However. This amazing woman had just told him she loved him. He believed that this counted in most anyone's book as circumstances that were decidedly not ordinary. Therefore, instead of responding with humiliated indignation as he might have otherwise, he gaped (in a fashion reminiscent of a fish), and managed to get the necessary words out.
"Ah-glah boo."
Ahem. Let's try that one more time, shall we?
"I...love you...too..."
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony let out a small, happy sigh. This then was what it was like to have someone you loved tell you that they felt the same. The surge of joy was…indescribable. For a moment she just gazed into Arlian’s eyes, smiling her happiness back at him.
An exhalation from Gerda, which, had it been less ladylike, might have been taken for a snort, brought her back to their surroundings. Contenting herself with winding her arm through his, Harmony turned back to their audience. Gerda’s face was a picture of skeptical appraisal.
“Well…I see that you are just as clever as your father…King’s brother…yes…that is quite an accomplishment.”
“Oh…it’s wonderful,” Edara gushed, beaming broadly at them, “Jenred will be so pleased. What a nice wedding present! Oh! Wedding present…thank-you note...excuse me,” Edara retreated to a table near the entrance, “Fin…Please Fin…where are the quills?”
Harmony smiled at Gerda.
“I am rather clever, actually. Clever enough to know love when I see it…and to see where it isn’t. Shame you haven’t had any experience with it.”
She glanced over to see that Edara was fully engaged in her writing, then leaned in to Gerda, still smiling, and spoke in a low even tone.
“I don’t know how that well of love sprang from your hateful sewer of a womb, but if you continue to play with ‘Dara’s head, I am going to have several large, burly men damage that pretty face of yours…irreparably. I’d sick Jenred on you, but he’d as like just have you killed…that wouldn’t be nearly so much fun.”
Harmony patted Gerda’s cheek, “It’s no wonder Father spits at the sound of your name, you are the ugliest person I’ve ever seen.”
She turned to Arlian, “Shall we away, sweet? The odour in this tent is making me ill.”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian laughed softly.
"Mmm, as you wish, my love...When are we giving them our present, anyway?"
Arlian smiled at Gerda as he walked by. He also gave her a nice bow...Although for those who studied such things it was far deeper than he should have...Indicating either deep respect...Or mockery.
It was a good day...
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Jenred idly wondered what Duke Gosoi was leaving for, but put it out of his mind for the moment. He would doubtless find out soon enough. And...Good gods...Was that...Harmony...and Arlian looking like that? Jenred nearly gaped open mouthed, and didn't quite manage to hide his shock. It didn't matter, as Harmony and Arlian were oblivious anyway, but...When in the Nine Hells had that happened? Jenred shook his head as he entered the tent, and wondered if Edara had known...
"Love? Have you seen my brother and your cousin?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Oblivious to the interplay behind her, Edara penned a note to the Duke of Anacan.
Your Grace,
Thank you so much for the beautiful bird. The workmanship is so fine and lovely, it looks almost as if it could fly. Jenred and I are very partial to birds, as it happens, so that was a good choice. I am very excited to try the interesting wine that you sent. I have never had that type and it has a really pretty bottle, too. It was too good of you to bring us gifts. When we decided to get married, I didn’t know that we would get so many nice presents. Everyone is so kind.
I hope that we will have a chance to chat sometime at the tourney.
Best Regards,
Edara
She was folding the note to have Fin deliver it when Jenred walked in.
“Why yes…they’re right…oh…I guess they left. They were here a minute ago, did you want them?” She jumped up to kiss him hello, “I was just writing a thank you note to Duke Gosoi. And they were here visiting with Mother. I guess they were too busy loving on each other to say goodbye.”
Edara kissed him soundly, “Are you ready for your next gift then?” She pulled out a small parcel and handed it to him, biting her lip as she did so.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Alas! Foiled by presents! He was going to get to the bottom of this...And, wait, Duke Gosoi had sent a present to Edara? He'd have to look into that, Jenred approved of people being devoted to Edara on general principles, and he seemed nice enough...
"We are going to have a talk, but you have successfully distracted me with presents for the moment."
Jenred unrapped this parcel, wondering what she had arranged for today...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Inside the parcel was a small ivory oval banded in gold with a loop at the top. The back of it was smooth and plain, but the front side was a portrait, a delicate miniature of Edara. It was a good likeness, exquisite work. Edara’s red hair gleamed and her green eyes shone even in the tiny piece.
“Is it terrible to give you a painting of me? I thought you’d like…you said before that when you were away from me…it’s to go on your token: see the loop? Then you can put it in your special pocket. You don’t have to look at it, if you don’t want to. I found an artist, you see…who could do the really small painting…”
She looked at him nervously, “Do you like it?”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred gaped for real this time.
"Oh...How...do I like...Oh, my love...This is beautiful! I never even thought...MMm!"
Jenred made an indeterminate noise and wrapped Edara up in his arms, carefully holding the gift to keep from damaging it.
"What more could I ask for? It's you...small, but you...It's wonderful ke'chara..."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Edara cuddled against him happily. She was so glad that he liked her gifts; she’d spent so long thinking of them, finding them, having them made. It was a good thing in some ways that their wedding had been delayed.
“Well…I’m going…out. There’s just been a little bit too much love in the air for me. You don’t mind if I sleep at the Castle do you, darling? I’m not terribly fond of tents. I’ll come back tomorrow, shall I? Help you dress for your big day?” Gerda smiled sweetly at Edara.
“Oh…that would be lovely, Mother!” Edara’s joy fairly radiated, “The Castle will be much more comfortable for you…the best room is already prepared. I had hoped that…you might stay for a while after the wedding. Oh…Fin,” Edara turned to her man, “Please tell Lambert to assign some soldiers to my mother.”
Edara looked at her mother seriously, “Don’t go anywhere without them. We’ve had some troubles.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred kept a smile on, and exchanged goodbyes with Gerda, who left quickly.
"Now...Edara, you mentioned a present from Duke Gosoi? I talked with him earlier, he had to leave, attending to some trouble back home. Seemed a decent sort, though. What did he give you?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
“Us, really. He sent wedding presents.”
Edara went to where she had stored the crystal crane to keep it from damage and brought it to show Jenred.
“Look, love; isn’t it beautiful? So…delicate and shiny. OH…and this special wine,” she showed him the bottle.
“That was nice, wasn’t it? But…he had to leave? Before the wedding? That’s a shame…I never even got to meet him properly. I wrote him a thank you note…I guess I can send it to his home. At least you got to speak to him…”
She looked at Jenred thoughtfully.
“I meant to ask you before…did you know about Harmony and Arlian. Because I never knew about that until today…and they were in here saying ‘I love you’ and everything.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
"Ooh, I'll have to thank him as well, what an excellent piece..."
Jenred admired the crane from several angles, letting the light glint off and through it, before setting it carefully down in its satin case.
"And no, I had no idea. Last I heard they were somewhat friendly, but that was it. I mean, there was the incident with Richter and the House, but..."
Jenred broke off, musing.
"You don't suppose...No, but...Well, he did bring a mob...Instead of just charging in on his own...I do wonder..."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Edara looked at him quizzically.
“You think that she loves him because he brought a mob to the House? I don’t know…he said that he liked my wedding dress and then she told him that she loved him. Just like that. I don’t know what the mob had to do with it. I’ll ask her later…I am a little confused, because she was always taling about which men were pretty…but I don’t think she loves Arlian for being pretty.”
Edara wrapped her arms around Jenred.
“We’re getting married tomorrow.”
She kissed him.
“You are going to be my husband.”
She kissed him again.
“Forever.”
A long, lingering kiss..
“I like that.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred smiled.
"Oh...We've waited for far too long...But tomorrow...Aenil Above...I want you to be mine...so, so much..."
He held Edara close and stroked her hair.
"Mmm, ke'chara, when do you want your present?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
Edara loved that Jenred loved her…loved that he wanted to marry her…loved that he was proud and happy to call her his. There was no woman luckier.
“My lovely love…I don’t even need any presents, because I have you.”
She kissed him again because…she just loved to so much.
“But…I do like the presents that you give me,” she looked up at him shyly, “I’d be happy to have it now…if you like.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred smiled.
"Well, my love, it's not like I need presents from you either...But I think you'll like this...Now, close your eyes, and take a seat...I'll be right back."
After making sure Edara really had her eyes closed with a few tests (and he was pretty sure if she'd seen him doing that she would have made some movement), he slipped off to bring out the present.
"Alright love...You can open them..."
Edara looked forward to see Jenred holding two sets of clothing. The first was an obvious variant on Edara's usual studded leather armour, from a helmet to boots. However...This armour was studded with emeralds. The same cut and size, in fact, of the emeralds on her Scythe. The leather was of the finest quality as well, with reinforcing steel rings as settings for all the emerald encrustations. And the other...A silk bodysuit, similar to the padding worn under such armour. Long sleeves and ankle-length legs allowed full body protection, even extending up with a sort of collar around the neck. The silks, however, were dyed, in a mix of Jenred's cinnamon flames and Edara's forest green, with a flowering vine wrapped around Jenred's Phoenix. Above this, an inexpertly stitched phrase read "For my love". As Jenred awkwardly turned the silks around, another indifferently stitched "Always and forever, ke'chara" was revealed on the back.
"I...Stitched the words myself. I wanted...Some part of it to be done by me. The armour is mostly ceremonial, of course, but is at least as protective as your usual gear, and the silk can be worn at all times...Should turn any arrows that make it through, and might be the extra difference between life and death for a blade in the night...And...well...Do you...like it?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr King of Arcaea
“Oh my love…” Edara breathed, tears welling up in her eyes. She ran her finger over the stitching. “You embroidered this yourself…that’s so…you’re really…I love it.”
She stared at the words that he had sewn for a long moment, impossibly moved. It sunk in, finally, that the words were stitched into a rather fabulous set of silks…and that they were meant to be worn under that emerald-studded leather…oh my…
“Jenred…emeralds…and this leather…it’s so fine. The silks are perfect…beautiful and practical …everything is…and so wonderful…oh Jenred,” the tears were slipping down her face now, “It’s just…it’s magnificent. I really will look like a queen in this armour. Thank you…I really do love it.”
Edara leaned against him as she admired her new, formal gear. Jenred was always so thoughtful…and he thought of the best gifts ever. She snuggled closer; Gods she loved this man.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
