She turned around wide-eyed. "Letter?" she asked. And then she turned pale and closed a hand on her mouth again. "Oh. Oh Hod you...you!" She turned away again, busying herself with bread. "That was...I was...she had no right to look through...oh God in heaven." She stopped and looked over her shoulder at you suddenly very shy. "We shall talk about that letter in private." And then she handed a loaf of bread to a hungry looking girl.

That was odd.

> help Ioveta distribute bread and water
> wait for her to finish
> return to the palace

>>41109984
> help Ioveta distribute bread and water
'
MIght aswell make an example

>>41109984
> wait for her to finish
no more distractions for now

>>41109984
> help Ioveta distribute bread and water

>>41109984
> help Ioveta distribute bread and water

>>41109984
> help Ioveta distribute bread and water

dammit sisters, stop depriving Iovetta of FUN

>>41109981
>It was not just a dark muttering but an excited one, leaving the common women blushing themselves and elbowing their menfolk. An example they had to live up to now.


we Eskander now?

You took up beside her, grabbed a loaf of bread, and passed it to a man with a thick fleshy tumor growing from his face. The man smiled, bowed slight, and moved on. Replaced by another hungry mouth. It seemed there was no end to them. Well you wished to multiply these loaves and add fish to the bargain, but the Messiah would rather see you sweat.

When you had time to take a glance at Ioveta her face was a-glow, similar to the way a well pleasured woman might. It was not just from you. She took to her work with a passionate kindness. No matter how tired she might become the smile did not leave her.

You think many walked away from that bread table loving her as you did, clutching their bread close intending to return tomorrow. You would learn this whole thing had been Ioveta's idea, born from her experience on the road and seeing the many hungry faces there.

'You do not see them so easily from the Tower as you do on the road,' she'd say, 'But the hungry are there all the same.' She had drafted many daughters of the nobility to aid her, most were reluctant assistants.

When at last you were done it was mid-afternoon. Soldiers were assembled to escort her home. You offered her your arm and she took it grinning. She leaned against you, you believed not just from tiredness. The press of her hip against you causing excitement to waken your tired body.

At the gates of the palace you were greeted by Hodierna. She had a look of uncertainty about her.

"Hod," Ioveta said.

"Our sister calls upon you and Lord Wilhelm," she said, "Best freshen up quick. She's in a mood."

Ioveta sighed. "Pregnancy has her in a state. I'll clean first, then come as swiftly as possible."

Hodierna beckoned to you to follow, but Ioveta was slow to release your arm.

> go with Hod
> go with Ioveta

>>41110160
> go with Hod

''duty calls''

>>41110160
> go with Hod

>>41110160
> go with Hod

Oh boy here we go

>>41110160
> go with Hod

>>41110160
>> go with Hod

>>41110160
> go with Hod
but make a small drama of leaving Iovetta don't be melodramatic something like ''thou protesth much''

>>41110160
> go with Hod

You release your lady and bow. Ioveta gives you a curtsy and a smile. Then you take Hodierna by the arm and allow her to escort you within.

She walked in anger, a stroppy frustrated stride of one foot in front of the other.

"One day you delight me, the next day you shock me, why must you be so full of surprises?" she spoke in French. She did not know you understood that much. "You are lucky you are such a handsome bastard." And she looked you over, said again in French, "But would it kill you to turn your eye my way?"

Hodierna was not a woman used to being ignored by male attention. You kept your features smooth, not wanting to reveal you had understood her. Your French was coming along very well. It helped to have spent that time with Melisende.

"What does the queen want?" you asked.

Hodierna sighed. "I don't know. She wants one thing this second, something different the next. Baldwin was not this difficult. I fear she is carrying a girl."

A daughter.

"And the father?" you asked.

Hod's lip curled but she didn't miss a beat. "Fulk is still contained to his quarters," she said, "Though Melisende lets him out on the Sabbath and on the occasional hunting excursion."

She brought you before the royal quarters. Alice waited within, Baldwin playing with his cousin Constance. He was a growing lad. You thought he might grow to be a strong and handsome one. When he saw you he stopped.

"Lord Ramla," he said, "Is Hugo with you?"

You smiled. "My brother has other duties," you said, "But perhaps one day you can visit him in Ramla."

The boy nodded, but said nothing in reply except to return to games with his younger cousin.

"Melisende is thinking of fostering him in Trier, to be educated by the bishop," Hod said.

Alice looked up from her knitting and smiled for you. "You must come to Antioch," Alice said, "I am to remarried soon, to Raymond of Poitiers. He has been sent for." She seemed much more relaxed than in days past. Less tired, bringing out a loveliness more in line with her sisters.

"I may do just that," you said, "But for now your sister awaits."

Hodierna followed you into the private chambers of the Queen.

"God in hell I hate the French!" she yelled, throwing a missive against the wall, "Greedy bastards every one of them."

The Queen took a seat fuming, her anger clear upon her finely wrought face.

"They are planning an embargo until I reinstate my husband," she said, gripping the arms of her chair, "And are petitioning the Pope to intervene. What right have they to make demands? I am Queen Regnant of Jerusalem. I rule by right of law and by royal blood." She turned an eye on you. Her features didn't soften, a smile did not come upon her face.

"And now you arrive. So flagrantly ignoring your Queen. The Patriarch I understand, but you should have reported to me immediately upon your arrival in court." She sat back in her chair, glowering across at you.

> calm down Melisende
> I'm sorry your majesty

>>41110422
>> I'm sorry your majesty

We were in the wrong.

>>41110422
>> calm down Melisende

HF, to be clear, is this just a choice between maintaining professional distance and addressing her in a more intimate manner than a queen and subject?

>>41110422
tempted to say "Calm down Melly and let me hear what i can do for you"

>>41110466
We are in the Queen's private chamber. So i dont think that will be a issue

>>41110422
>> I'm sorry your majesty

s-scary

also kek Hod being jealous

>>41110422
> I'm sorry your majesty

It seems stepping past the threshold into Jerusalem temporarily shatters our good judgement.

Maybe offer an apology?
>Ay bebe want sum foot rubs?

>>41110422
> calm down Melisende
We may need Burress, some Fulkmen must be swayed to avoid another upheaval

>>41110422
>> calm down Melisende

>>41110422
> calm down Melisende

''The Archbishop is a close fellow of his Holiness if he goes back singing your praises the Pope will be inclined to deny the French aid

>>41110538
yea, work this in.

>>41110422
> calm down Melisende

The bishop is good friends with the pope so she will have nothing to worry about with that. If she is worried about the embargo she should just try establish something with the empire and maybe trying to patch things up with the byzantines

>>41110563
>>41110538
Maybe pour cup of what for both of them. Be relaxed as possible

Yay Cucksader Quest!

>>41110422
>> I'm sorry your majesty

You laugh. And she sits upright in her chair, eyes wide.

"Calm, be easy," you said, taking a chair beside her. "Damn the French for all their strutting. They only wish to frighten you. The Pope will not embargo the Holy Land and risk it turning to Eastern authority. And they haven't the man power to do much else, so busy are they with internal squabbles." You tipped her chin and smiled. "Your anger has a loveliness, but I prefer my Queen sweet."

She snatched your hand from her chin, still glowering. And then kissed your fingers, your wrist, ran the back of your hand against her cheek, knuckles and callouses against tender skin. "You wish me sweet?" she asked, "I can be sweet. Or mayhap you can make me sweet." Her voice was thick with lust, and it was a tempted response.

But you were not here for that, and she knew better than to carry on, giving you back your hand.

"Of course Wil, of course," she said, sighing as she stretched out her legs, "It is only that I chafe. Every man looks to bridle me. Drive me to their purpose. Subjects, foreigners, holy men and more. As if I'm a willful horse that must be broken to a man's will. Would they not let me just rule as a king, and spare me this talk of weakness of sex?"

Hodierna brought you both water and took a seat herself. She watched, thoughtful.

"Long has Jerusalem relied upon the nobility of France," Melisende said, "Or the Italian republics. We need new friends. Ones that do not come with such entitlements. Ones that will be more grateful."

You think she meant the Empire. Both Roman and German.

"I am faced with two things," she said, "Marriage prospects for my son. John Komnenos has daughters unattached. But the King of Burgundy likewise has a daughter. As does Henry, Duke of Bavaria. Both powerful men. I know only that my son will not marry a French bride. What do you think?"

She looked to you.

> the Emperor
> the King
> the Duke
> I have a sister...

I have to make dinner, so a short break. Sorry.

>>41110687
>> the Emperor

Patch things up with the Byzanetines to create a common front against the Turks. Everything went to the shitter when the first alliance broke down.

>>41110687
> the Emperor

>>41110687
>> the Emperor

I have met the man under a first poor meeting but he is strong and commands well. I will not like him but he will be a strong ally.

>>41110732
Theodore is not the emperor, just a member of the royal family.

>>41110737
....Wait, he was the one looking to become the emperor, wasn't he?

If thats the case, isn't it likely that they'll be embroiled into an internal civil war and that we'll actually need to send aid to an ally?

>>41110687
>> the Emperor
Joke about the next child marrying a German

>>41110687
> the Emperor
> the King

''Burgundy would jump at the chance at the chance to usurp France as the ally of Jerusalem however most of their ports lie to the North & well we know the vipers nest Constantinople is, however I also have a sister unwed and looking for a match unworthy though she is she may be a useful piece to you''

>>41110779
Nah. I wouldnt worry too much about that.

>>41110794

Yea but

>
Gerard cast out a hand. "You? You are a peripheral interest. A friend I seek to shelter as best that I can from being caught in a powerful storm. No, this has to do with that Greek bitch. The one who is calling herself 'Stylianos'. Rather, let us call her by her name. Zoe Doukas Komnenos. A runaway bride. You see our rather terrifying friend in the harbour is her betrothed. Her uncle as well, but the Romans keep different ways to our own." You felt your stomach hollow out. "You see Theodore is looking to become Caesar. In time I think he plans to become Emperor. And the truly awful thing is, he very really could. The man commands ten thousand soldiers, and a small fleet. So he is a very practical friend to have."

https://archive.moe/tg/thread/39781961/#39783701

>>41110790
Good idea asking the queen for help in finding someone for our sister

>>41110802
We will merely do the minium of what is required of us. We could also make sure the alliance wont count for internal struggles but only against attack from an outside force

>>41110790
>>41110804

Good thinking.

An additional piece to work with after we take Ascalon and marry Loveta. Father will be pleased too since it is to a lord back in Europe.

>>41110687
> the Duke

>>41110814
The problem is if the internal revolt goes against the current emperor, the alliance is basically forfeit since the daughter to whom Melisende's son is wed to is not of their dynasty.

>>41110829
Bavaria is rather landlocked & has to contend with the shitheap that is the HRE

>>41110823
Actually we are on a time limit of 1 year. and in 1 year we will be busy fighting Eqypt to do that. So we have to find someone before that happen

>>41110840
THey all have their pro's and cons i understand what you mean but i think the empire is our best bet

>>41110848

True. We could speak to him first. If we tell dear father that the match may be to a lord in Europe, he might relent till the fall of ascalon.

>>41110786
>>41110687
Seconding this

>>41110852

It is the strongest contender. But we have to accept that we might need to send troops to aid them. Especially with Theodore having Zoe now.

>>41110840
>true I suppose we may have to foster relations through trade & diplomacy instead of largely marrying into it.

>>41110886
Yeah. That is simply a risk we have to take. Both Jerusalem and Constantinople are in the best position to support eachothers. Bavaria is landlocked and has to deal with the other HRE lords and if they wish to come to our aid in a timely manener they will need to deal with the italien merchant states who will make a jewish sterotype go "wauw relax" and Burgandy is busy dealing with the french and the HRE and all their ports are in the north as it was mentioned before

>>41110906
still that Vipers nest & rapists den is hardly appetizing

>>41110931
Good thing Baldwin and the princess will be in Jerusalem then.

>>41110937
like that's going to stop the Romans, hell we have a hard enough time as it is securing the Suzerainty of Jerusalem as an autonomous state let alone our secondaries such as Antioch or Tripoli.

>>41110956
It worked for Almaric

But still it is our best option.

>>41110966
don't get me wrong it's still crazy stronk but it's constant conflicts & it's own struggle with the Turks make me think we shouldn't charge into it headfirst.

think of it like seducing a woman, you have to tempt them without exposing yourself completely, least you wake up naked & sprawled out in the street with a black eye

I am alive and I am back.

Give me a sec.

"All things considered I think John is your best possible option," you said, "The trick will be to keep him from exerting authority over Jerusalem or her vassals. They are covetous of Antioch."

"True," she said, popping a date into her mouth.

"John is fairly honourable, he is loyal to his wife and has kept his vassals mostly in line," she said, "Of course if his heir is not secure it can all fly out the window."

"To that," you said, "We can only trust in God's plan."

"The second matter is to do with Count Hugh," she said, "He wishes to marry King Roger's daughter and has asked my permission. This would bring them closer together. I love my cousin well, but he has a claim to my position, as does Roger. If they wished they could advance those claims and push us into civil war. You know Hugh well, he is your liege. What is your measure of the man?"

You liked Hugh, that was not in doubt, but you heard the trickle of fear in Melisende's voice. She made a good point. The question however wasn't just if she could trust Hugh, but if she could trust Roger. And that was a different question to which you had no answer.

> let the marriage proceed
> nip it in the bud just to be safe

>>41111164
> let the marriage proceed

We need his men for the Ascalon campaign we can counter any plans he might have if she makes us duke of the jaffa-ascalon duchy make Hugh our subordinate. making him unable to do anything too serious.

Also ask her if she can help us find a match to our sister

>>41111164
> nip it in the bud just to be safe

do we wish to do this, we could plant the Idea Melisande wishes for Hugh to marry him if he only took her by force

Maybe?

>>41111164

HF, is Melisende's son and Hugh trying to marry the same person or different daughters?

>>41111194
Different women.

>>41111194
different, Hugh is marrying a relation of king roger of Sicily while we are attempting to marry Baldwin into the Byzantium empire.

>>41111164
>> let the marriage proceed

"My Queen. In the end if Hugh truly rises against you, the Queen's men will gather and Hugh will stand alone."

>>41111179
Dont worry
>>41111178
Pretty much got it and if push comes to shove we can always tag-team him with the Romans

>>41111164
> let the marriage proceed
Figures Hugh would marry into a muslim tolerant bent. Which is a fine angle to use against him if it comes to shoving

Ahh. Just like her sister Melisende worries too much. Good thing Wilhelm is here to fix things.

You leaned back in your own chair and laugh again.

"You fret and stress far too much, would you give your fair face wrinkles?" you reached out a hand to stroke the milk smooth skin. She blushed like a girl half her age. "Let Hugh marry Roger's girl. It is no threat to you. If trouble were to arise rest easy in knowing I would side with you, as would all his allies. Neither Roger nor Hugh will ever threaten your sovereignty."

"Oh Wil you speak like the devil," she sat, batting away your hand playfully, "But I am reassured. My thanks to you, and more for offering wise council." She looked over her shoulder to her sister. "Is he wrong?" she asked in French.

"He is not wrong," she replied in that same tongue, a very devilish smile for you.

You took a date for yourself. "Now was their anything else?" you asked.

Melisende leaned upon her hand, still smiling. "Mmm, perhaps later. At a more discreet hour. Until then you have the freedom of my city."

"Just your city?" you asked, and she laughed, leaned in and kissed your chin.

"The devil himself," she said, batting her eyes as she rose from her chair.

Hodierna took you by the arm again, escorted you back to the antechamber in which Alice, much relaxed, sat watching the children play. Hodierna saw you seated and got you a cup of wine, and sat as well to watch the children.

Ioveta entered some time later, well scrubbed of sweat and dirt, changed to more royal garment. She smiled sweetly for you and mouthed the words 'we must talk' before crossing the floor into the Queen's chambers.

What they were speaking on you did not know, but you chose to wait for her. You certainly did not begrudge the company of beautiful women.

> speak with Hodierna
> speak with Alice
> watch the children play

>>41111353
>> speak with Hodierna

>>41111353
> speak with Hodierna
or
> watch the children play

>>41111353
> speak with Hodierna
> watch the children play

both at the same time.

Hmm. Would Constance be a good match for Hugo? She is currently the ruler of Antioch which means it will go to Hugo and our family if they get married

>>41111353
> speak with Hodierna

>>41111353
> speak with Hodierna
> watch the children play

we're fulfilling her Wishes right?

>>41111353
> speak with Hodierna
Try to french a bit

>>41111388
ofcourse

>>41111379
she's like 5 dude

>>41111397
We can wait.

>>41111353
>> speak with Alice

>>41111353
>> speak with Hodierna

>>41111379
I find hard to marry Hugo because he's a bastard squire and most likely not one for statemanship. If his bride has land, selling them back for some holdings in the Holy Land is more his style.

>>41111427
Actually there are a few who wouldnt mind it. He may be a bastard but due to the fact that if this was Crusader Kings 2 he would have the strong and attractive trait. They really want that in their family.

>>41111427

He can be trained. Hugo's speaking much better then compared to that episode with the queen and her sisters.

He'll get smarter and more charismatic. He'll hold land at some point.

I still ship him and elaine but at this rate with sabeen in the company, i have doubts if he will marry.

>>41111466
Nah he can marry and have Sabeen as his forbidden love afair.

>>41111461
>>41111466
>Hugo
>Landed

nah we need someone to enjoy courtly life from the perspective of a knight

>>41111466
Frenchgals are truly salacious
>>41111473
>going out one day to hunt
>...Sabeen's arse, that is

>>41111466
>>41111473
>No one in Maggie's corner

o-okay;.;

>>41111511
Face it anon. That is just a summer flirt.

>>41111511
tis just be a mayfly affair unfortunately.

Neither father nor Wil will actually approve.

>>41111519
>>41111526
b-but muh filthy Irish whore camp follower

Hodierna was the sort that always seemed comfortable where ever they were. She did not sit. She lounged. Cup of wine in one hand, legs crossed, and pleasant. When she noticed your eyes on her she turned to pout at you.

"Is there something on your mind Lord Ramla?" she asked.

You tugged at your earlobe. "There is," you said, "Much and more. Currently though I'm left wondering how you have remained unwed for so long."

Hodierna sighed, rolled her eyes. "A common question. Let it just be said that I have never been pressured to marry, and that only the very best of men would make my husband."

"And that man is Raymond of Tripoli?" you asked.

Hodierna crossed her arms, made a thoughtful noise with her tongue. "Raymond is a suitable man. Good reputation and handsome. I see no reason to refuse him. It is a betrothal only for now. I have had betrothals in the past that went no where. She smoothed her skirts. "But what is that to you, Lord Ramla? You are to be wed yourself, to my baby sister."

Whose letter she had delivered, much to the embarrassment of the baby sister herself.

"I am looking forward to calling Ioveta my wife," you said, and you were. You grinned for the thought of it. "But until I am married, I am still a man."

"Of course," Hodierna replied, "And I a woman." A heavenly handful of woman.

The play turned rough between the cousins. Soon Constance was crying. Hodierna rose to check on her, bending forward from the hips to brush tears from the girl's face. You watched her tend the children. She had a natural way with them, soon there were no more tears and they were playing nice again. She straightened and turned to you smiling.

"They can be a handful, but a delight as well," she said, "Are you excited for the future children you might have?" she asked.

You had one child already, and another on the way. But you thought on true born children. If nothing else they would be beautiful.

"Indeed I am," you said.

Your conversation drew shut with Ioveta arriving. She was not happy. She did not scream or cry, but her face was pale and her lips drawn in. She was angry.

"My sister is sending me to Bethany," she said, "On the hour."

Your guts dropped out of you. You rose from your chair with an anger of your own.

Ioveta held up her hands. "Peace Wil," she said, "It is for our own good. She was unimpressed by my outburst on the street. Our betrothal is not meant to be known, but now half of Jerusalem is caught up in gossip. Best I be sent away for a time." For all her words they did not comfort her. She looked to the wall the closest thing to a glare you had ever seen on her face.

She was very, very pretty when she was angry.

You took her by the hips and drew her close. "I'll speak with your sister, we'll not be parted long," you said.

She ran her hand over your chest, tracing swirls. "An hour without you is too long," she said. You could not help it, you pulled her up and kissed the anger from her lips. But wrought something worse. Tears fell from her eyes, and when you set her down she pushed you away.

"'Til next we meet, my love," she said, striding away.

"It will not be long," you promised.

You glared at the queen's door. Was she playing lover's games with you? Or was it as Ioveta had said, and only for your own good?

> confront Melisende
> leave well enough alone

>>41111546
> leave well enough alone

The Queen was right. It is suppose to be a secret but Wilhelm acted like a star struck lover. We can just seek comfort with Hod if need be

>>41111546
> confront Melisende

what the shit Melisande?

>>41111546
>> leave well enough alone

>>41111546
>> leave well enough alone

>>41111573
This wouldnt had happened if people had just gone to see the Queen first instead of rushing after their waifu. Now it is time to face the consequences

>>41111546
> leave well enough alone

>>41111546
> leave well enough alone
Ascalon is still in the cards, leave it be

Wait. We still have an hour right ? Plenty of time to visit Cyprus before she leaves.

>Melisende mad
>Iovetta mad
>Wilhelm mad
>>41111613
Or unleash on Hod

>>41111613
>Doing everything possible except the maidenhead

soooooooooo tempting

You sighed. Whatever Melisende's reasoning it was not worth acting a fool. She was the Queen, she had her reasons. Hodierna went to see her sister off, promising to visit you later and let you know her state.

Even if it was from a fit of jealousy, you did not want to overstep your station. It would be worse if Melisende cancelled the betrothal altogether. It had not come to that. Pushing the matter well might.

So you finish your wine and bid a good day to Alice, and leave the royal quarters to take in the grounds.

The archbishop's men were in keen discussion with the local nobility. Few Germans managed to find their way into the Holy Land, and the curiosity of the exotic got the better of both courts. A Templar was discussing the topic of Saracen warfare with Sir Stone, demonstrating through pantomime the way in which they rode and loosed a bow at the same time.

The Prussian listened keenly.

You saw the archbishop himself laugh at some witticism from Pons of Tripoli. The holy man and the old soldier were in quick, easy company. Your father at the elbow, a faithful guardian. He acknowledged you with a slight nod.

All seemed well. You had no enemies at court. That was part the problem. You'd hoped to woo some of Fulk's old supporters to your own cause, but the most dedicated of them were absent.

You took a peach from a platter carried by a young page and ripped into the flesh. Sucked up the juice. What was there to achieve in a court of allies?

> approach someone for conversation
> return to your quarters
> wander the halls of the palace

>>41111546
maybe not confront but inquire, maybe have that prince kid that tried to get with loveleta to leave with her, make him usefull to use. he might even steal a kiss from loveleta which would take suspicion off of us. i doubt he can really steal loveleta from us without a bunch of wooing. it may only be a problem if he travels with her. on phone so grammer is shiet.

>>41111647
>> approach someone for conversation
The templar and sir stone.

>>41111647
> wander the halls of the palace

>>41111647
> wander the halls of the palace

failing that approach sir stone

>>41111647
> wander the halls of the palace

>>41111647
>return to your quarters
we finally have somw free time, read some of our books so we can gain some levels this thread.

You let your feet take you where they will.

Hands behind your back and processing the troubles of the day. You thought a bit on your lovers, each of them in term. That such a source of pleasure can quick turn into anxiety was the weapon of women, or so you had been told time and again. You were learning the truth of that today.

Then you thought on Ascalon. Your mind was full of the fruits of victory. Overlordship of the citadel, a beautiful princess for a bride, prestige through out the land. Victory would make you a name to be reckoned. The worst that could happen was death and defeat, which would only result in you standing before God on Judgement Day with a valiant action to your name.

To die for Christ is not a bad way to go.

Still, better victory. You were certain victory would deliver you from your troubles, your doubts, your guilt. It would all be worth it, if you could only win it for yourself.

These thoughts and more kept you preoccupied, until you raised your head and realized you had no idea where you were. It was enough to make you laugh, that your feet could carry you so far and safely, yet your eyes never once registered the change in scenery. A quirk of mankind you supposed.

You put a hand to the wall and looked this way and that, tried to get a bearing on where exactly you were.

> roll 1d100

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>41111719

>>41111719
Sorry

> roll 1d100, best of three

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>41111719

SUP FULK

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>41111719

>>41111729
neat

>>41111729
atleast Wilhelm is luckier than Hugo today

>>41111762
running into fulk would have been so fun.

Since he might actually want a go at ascalo...

...And that would be sufficient reason to rouse his supporters to send troops to aid in its taking.

>>41111768
his ''supporters'' are already easily roused, but I suppose winning Fulk over a little wouldn't hurt if It's possible for a man who hates us to like us.

>>41111780

No. I mean if fulk wants a chance at the walls, i'm sure his supporters will send troops as well. More troops, more power.

>>41111795
yes I know

You followed the path until you found yourself in a stable. It was empty, horses recently left, cleaning long since done. You looked this way and that, then heard a woman sigh.

Hodierna stood in the shade. Watching out toward a closed gate. Ioveta had gone, left through that portcullis. She nibbled on the nail of her thumb. Looking wistful as a breeze stirred her pale gold tresses. How long she had been standing there you couldn't say.

The sight of the closed gate stirred your anger to life again. You clenched a fist, tightened your jaw.

"Hmm?" something must have revealed you. Hodierna turned to see you standing there, and saw your anger in clear evidence. She said nothing but came to stand beside you, leaned her head upon your shoulder.

Hodierna hummed a tune. It was familiar. An Armenian song you had heard once in your travel. She looked up at you. At last spoke. In French

"Ah my sisters, to be tortured by such a handsome man. You are cruel," she said, then she said something you did not understand.

Perhaps you had your moments.

She kept her head against your chest, and then brushed her hand against your thigh. She smiled up at you. An invitation. "You could torture me," she said again in French.

You felt the need to tell her. "I can understand you," you said.

Her smile grew. "I know," she replied, "I am not stupid. You know I told you I would only wed the best of men, but my baby sister deserves the very best as well. How do I know you are worthy of her?"

Was this a test? You knew something of Hodierna's reputation, but this was very forward even for her. You looked down on her. She seemed an inviting creature. Pushing herself against you, looking up at you from under long lashes."Imagine I am my sister, and do as you wish you could," she said. She did not say which sister she meant.

> accept
> refuse

>>41111838
>> accept

Better not be playing any games!

>>41111838
>> accept

oh hell.

might as well round up the collection.

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>>41111838
>accept

>>41111838
> accept

'know me not to be a wandering creature such as the fool Elias claims to be, it is only the Intention of letting you know I am the very BEST of men''

>>41111838
accept

>>41111890
this

>>41111890

Let's not mention other man while we fuck her, ok?

>>41111916
eh we can or we cannot no harm done either way

>>41111922
>er, ok?
>>>
> Anonymous 07/09/15(Thu)21:08:01 No.41111922 ▶
>>>41111916
>eh we can or we cannot no harm done either way

the real damage is done by fucking her

>>41112010

Yeah, I know. It's just that we will seem overly competitive to a pompous kid a continent away. That and the fact that we shouldn't rub in her face that we know she has been around.

>>41112044
I'm more worried about what the fallout of actually fucking her will be

welp judging by how long this is taking we dun fucked up.

You drew her into the stable, in your arms. She allowed you to draw her in, warm in your arms, leaning back against you once you were far from any mortal gaze. Those full lips of hers found yours and drew you in. Drew you deep. A kiss that wasn't love or lust, it was instead a calm sensuality. Not rushed or nervous or full of hunger, but drawing you out with a wet lip smack. You ran your hands down her back, down until you cupped her full backside and pulled her off her feet. She put arms around your head and pressed against you. Against your chest.

Your lips at last parted and she smiled that wicked smile.

Raymond was either a very lucky or unlucky man.

Right now though, that luck went more to you. Particularly when she slid from your arms, slid down, and down until...

"I will weigh you and measure you," she said as she drew off your belt, "And be sure that you are fit for her in every measure. Every-" You came free and her eyes lit up, her smile grew into an open mouthed grin. Then it closed into a pout. "Well, that is one point in your favour," she said.

And she closed that pout upon your...

You gave a groan, hand find her hair. When she at last drew off she smiled again. "Can any of my sisters do that?" she said it with a prideful tone. Then she drew to her feet, turned away and looked at you over her shoulder. "Now you must do something to impress me," she said, "And I am not easily impressed."

Her dress fell to the floor, and she was clad only in the glory God gave her. Glory was a good word for it. Her curves, her full but firm figure, and her skin so smooth and soft.

You did not rush to her a love struck or lustful boy, but approach with certainty. You realized now this was a test, and would prove to this creature of sinful pleasure your worth. She wanted the very best of men, and you would give her every inch. At your own pace. You felt her with fingers and tongue, drew from her sweet sounds, teased her without touching the most tender part of her until she asked it of you. Until she demanded it from you.

Until finally she said 'please'.

This was negotiation.

And you had her on your terms.

It was in the empty stables of the Tower of David that you finally took her.

Robbed her of that prideful tone, put in its place something sweeter, more basic, more womanly.

You had her in every way you could until you left her lying on the ground on her belly, panting above her. Watching her pleasured flesh quiver. Spent yourself and wondering how you managed it.

"And how do you measure me now?" you said, rolling down beside her.

She looked like she might talk, but instead gave a tired puff, hair stuck by sweat to her face, cheeks bright red and eyes half closed. Her mouth twitched into a smile and then open again. Took a swallow before she could speak.

"I-I-I...God in heaven," she said, "Let that teach me to be so arrogant." She kissed your bare chest. "And to forever be jealous of my sweet baby sister."

You panted yourself. "Raymond is a lucky man," you said. Then laughed. "God be good, but I must be the luckiest son of a bitch in the world."

And now you just waited for the other shoe to drop.
-
End of thread.

Wil +1 cha

Sorry guys, I'm tired and its coming up on twelve hours since I started running. I wanted to get a bit further along plot wise but this has taken it out of me.

Short QnA

This is what happens when my girl is on her period. God damn it.

>>41112205
thanks for running

we dun fucked up didn't we?

>>41112213
>we dun fucked up didn't we?
I wouldn't stress it so long as Raymond doesn't find out.

>>41112235
well fuck the man knows most things so I pray it remains the case.

we did't fuck up all that much Iovetta wise?

you know when the next thread is?

>>41112194
>dat Gag reflex

oh my

thanks for running HF

>>41112254
>we did't fuck up all that much Iovetta wise?
Not too much. Going immediately to see her was a mistake, but helping her feed the poor was the right decision.

> you know when the next thread is?
Unfortunately I have no idea. I'll know by Australian Monday, US Sunday.

>>41112273
neat I look forward to the next time.

any chance we could meet with the orders & organise a bit more on Ascalon?

>>41112290
>any chance we could meet with the orders & organise a bit more on Ascalon?
Yes.

You can even meet with Fulk if you'd like.

>>41112299
maybe not

he'd try to kill us on sight right?

>>41112299

He'd want a chance at the walls, wouldn't he? Hes that type.

>>41112311
He is that type.

>>41112305
Murder is murder. He might hate your guts, but he wouldn't risk a noose.

>>41112316
oh so he's not THAT mad

will we find out what lovetta wanted to talk about? or did we largely miss out on the opportunity?

>>41112316

But if he comes along he might take hold of the reigns of the campaign, would he not?

And it might boost his standing to be able to challenge our queen.

>>41112213
The royal girls learned how to share growing up anon, don`t worry.
2 down 2 to go

>>41112205
oh a scale of Fulk to Bismark how Diplomatic are we?

>>41112336
if we fuck up entirely that is possible, he's a risk that would have to be shackled for sure.

>>41112338
I honestly keep forgetting MILF Alice is one of the sisters.

>>41112329
>will we find out what lovetta wanted to talk about?
Missed out, but no point in keeping it from you. That 'letter' was essentially a diary entry that Hod found and stole. She never intended for you to read it.

And she still meant every word.

>>41112336
This, it`s to much of a risk. He would steal the spotlight and do the actions that we said he was not doing during his rule. It would be the perfect opportunity for him to go back to power

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>>41112359
>That 'letter' was essentially a diary entry that Hod found and stole. She never intended for you to read it.

>And she still meant every word.

>>41112336
He could certainly try, but just about every important noble might try to take command.

>>41112355
I'd put Wilhelm near the Talleyrand end of the scale.

>>41112359
Yessssssss

>>41112355
>>41112366

Even still, when the kingdom rides to war, its really a snub if an able bodied king does not ride with them.

It'll be good for morale if hes here too, his supporters will definitely contribute troops and we'll be able to smooth out relations between wil and fulk abit.

>>41112384
so we're damn close to Bismark right?

>>41112395
I suppose we could put him in charge of the rear or something, regardless of what position he's in he'll need to be seriously Inhibited in his ability to navigate politically and strategically

>>41112406

Fulk? At the rear? Nein, he could do mischief there willy nilly. And he would chafe at the reigns there.

Fulk is the type who would want to be right at the front.

If hes to join, he should be with the second wave of knights once the cannon fodder has charged the breech. He'll be too concerned with the fight to do shit and he'll love it. Plus, we stick Hugo with him and he'll love it even more.

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>>41112425
>Hugo & Fulk's GAR adventure

fund it, hell we could have him along as a warrior not a leader if that's at all possible

but limit he's political & leadership powers and we may MAY be able to contain him

>>41112359
could you give us a brief overview of what Burgundy & Bavaria are like at this point and how they'd be able to support Jerusalem

>>41112395
Ireally think its unwise to give him the means to go back to power. Other lords getting the spotlight would only mean less prestige to us, him going back to power is our doom and i`m not willing to give him the chance.
He would have the opportunity to court the other lords and he would have manpower at his back.
And to who do you think ascalon would present its surrender? To a lord or to the king if he was present?

>>41112504
fair point

>>41112462
Man, explaining the Holy Roman Empire is a head ache and a half.

Essentially they are two of the biggest players in the Holy Roman Empire at the time. Conrad III and Henry the Proud. Their lands themselves aren't immediately beneficial in terms of pure resources and trade routes to Jerusalem, but the men themselves exert a great deal of influence stretching even into Italy.

I think you guys went with the safer option, which is the closest to OTL choice of a grand daughter of John Komnenos, Theodora, who was Baldwin's historical wife.

>>41112540
and Burgundy? or is that wrapped up when you talk of the HRE?

also where does Theodore rule? Anatolia or the Balkans/Greece?

>>41112568
He's holdings are more island based. His main base of power is in Heraklion/Chandax.

>>41112384
so what was the story behind the 2 men that nearly kicked our ass when we were escorting the bride to be married? we never got to really talk to him, and i figure at this point hes had a offscreen death.

>>41112604
well there's a pirate if ever I saw one

>>41112606
mate that's the guy that tried to kill us in Sidon

>>41112606
They were just bandits on the road desperate for coin.

The follow up however is that the surviving brother went on to join the Assassins to execute his revenge against the Frank that killed his brother. I was going to run a one shot about his initiation into the Brotherhood but never found the time.

There's a lot of spin-off one-shot things I've thought about doing but probably never will.

>>41112643
I was wondering. Is Adelheid Pregnant and why did that nun of St Anne notl ike us ? Because we took the girls ?

>>41112703
Anon we have dealt a grievious wound to St. Annes, to date we have taken the chastity and virtue of

>Adelheid
>Iovetta by technicality
>Maggie
>Etienne

no wonder they dislike us

>>41112643
I`ve just read the other thread and i want to say that i`m enjoying Hugo and Sabeen`s story a lot. They didn`t jump into the carnal thing first like si many others and they are learning to like, respect and help each other. The suffering will be great

>>41112703
>Is Adelheid Pregnant
No.

> and why did that nun of St Anne notl ike us ? Because we took the girls ?

You convinced Ioveta not to take holy vows. She was a very popular figure at St Anne's. But you're right, giving shelter to Maggie and Etain has a lot to do with it as well.

People also know you're partially connected to Adelheid, and she was expelled from the order for breaking her vows.

The clergy believe you have something of a corrupting influence on good Christian girls, and many of them are suspicious and disdainful of you.

>>41112728
>The clergy believe you have something of a corrupting influence on good Christian girls, and many of them are suspicious and disdainful of you.

You ask them to eat one appple one time and thats all you ever hear from them

>>41112728
>The clergy believe you have something of a corrupting influence on good Christian girls, and many of them are suspicious and disdainful of you.

well I can't blame them?

Wait.. Did Iovetta get our reply to her"letter" ?

>>41112728
At least we aren't some filthy heretic or whatever it is that's the current to-hate target in the Levant!

Are there going to be more oppurtunities for us to make friends with the martial minded types for the upcoming assault on Ascalon?

>>41112728
I forgot to ask this last thread, would reaching for our sword have resulted in a fight with Barisan or would we have been able to stare him down?

>>41112722
Cheers. I'm really trying to approach that differently from how Wilhelm pursues romance and write it in a way that fits both characters.

Hugo isn't a small blond clone of Wilhelm. Trying to do things the way Wilhelm would just isn't right for Hugo, probably wouldn't work on Sabeen and if it did wouldn't result in anything meaningful.

You guys did the right thing not casually sleeping with Sabeen. She's not a casual girl. Using her like that would have resulted in her leaving Wilhelm's entourage, disgusted at herself for betraying her basic principles in a fit of drunk curiosity.

>>41112791
> would reaching for our sword have resulted in a fight with Barisan
Yes, with a strong likelihood of Hugo either dying or being badly wounded, barring a lucky dice roll. It wouldn't have been a good result in Hugo's short term.

>>41112818
Would running away have benefited us in any way during the confrontation with Barisan?

>>41112818
so multi girl end for Hugo isn't really viable?

>>41112853
Yeah, it was one of the safe options.

>>41112854
You can try for it if you want, but is Hugo really the type? That's up for you guys to decide.

Sabeen wouldn't be happy with any multi-girl arrangements. People say Wilhelm is half-Muslim, but in a lot of ways Sabeen is half-Christian too, and doesn't like the multiple wife thing found in Islam. She considers loyalty very important, between warrior and lord, and between husband and wife.

If you guys want a character to pursue her romantically keep that in mind. Now a character can still cheat on whoever they end up with (if you guys take those options) but be careful about getting caught.

>>41112643
i was really disappointed we didnt recruit them, had been around for the quest then.

what kind of horse species will we be buying and selling? or would that just complicate things with small details?

hugo might still get a chance to ask, but it might not be worth it if its insignificant, who was the other lazarus knight that died when hugo, king fulk, and raymond rode out from jeruselum to kill thoses raiders?

>>41112927
>If you guys want a character to pursue her romantically keep that in mind. Now a character can still cheat on whoever they end up with (if you guys take those options) but be careful about getting caught.

at least one of the Mc's is already walking that path right?

>>41112933
>what kind of horse species will we be buying and selling? or would that just complicate things with small details?
Arabian horses, and a mixture of all types. It wouldn't be worth going into minute detail.

> who was the other lazarus knight that died when hugo, king fulk, and ray
No one important.

>>41112948
Wil isn't married yet. And Ioveta isn't Sabeen, but that's all I'll say on that.

>>41112927
I was wondering because Christ Hugo is really rolling in women and oh god he's going to break Maggies heart

Second quests had fewer people and much less lawful stupid or trolling attempts.

>>41112235
We should look into hiring some Hashashin.

HF, what did our own letter say to her?

>>41112957
>And Ioveta isn't Sabeen

something something Zengi something when she was a hostage something when we met her something something Iovetta's a half Muslim of sorts right?

>>41112972
Nah. Just make sure he doesnt find out.

And oh god. Barisan and Aines is gonna kill Hugh so Aines will get Jaffa and rule it together with Barisan since she is his "wicked slut"

Calling it now

>>41112927
I think Hugo would probably agree he saw too much of it from his father and brother to be a little put off by it. The match is shaping up nicelly and i can`t wait to see how they will deal with the fact that both religions are against it.

>>41112972
I don't think they take mortal coin anon

>>41112972
didnt they try ambushing us to get lovetta? we probably missed our chace outside of sidon.

>>41112957
Would telling Sabeen the truth in front of Barisan result in a fight too?

>>41113054
Yes and no. Sabeen would have put her spear through Barisan's head the second he would have tried to kill Hugo.

Meaning you and Sabeen would have to cheese it out of Jaffa straight up or risk Sabeen going on trial for murder.

>>41113077
so without a doubt that would destroy Aines connection with Sabeen & Hugh & Malik's right?

>>41112728
>No.

Shame. Could had been a nice plotline if Wilhelm had died. Adelheld and Genoa trying to push her childs claim on Ramla and Hugo/Mathilde having to deal with it

>>41113077
Sabeen has a thing for putting spears on peoples heads, hehe. A shame we missed that.

>>41113077
do we have the chance/ability to build up a intel/spy network, or if not then delegate that to raymond?

>>41113131
don't despair anon, we'll get to see plenty of that come Ascalon

if she doesn't get raped or something

>>41113160
Raymond isn't exactly our ally he;s our ''ally''

>>41113077

Phew.

We did alright in that sequence then.

>>41113160
>do we have the chance/ability to build up a intel/spy network
Yes, but you guys passed on the chance to make Daniel your spy in Hugh's court.

Right now your court is being infiltrated better than you are infiltrating other people's courts.

There, that's a shadowrun for you all to chew over.

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>>41113207
>Right now your court is being infiltrated
>being infiltrated

>>41113207
>Right now your court is being infiltrated better than you are infiltrating other people's courts.

ffffffffffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuu

dammit HF.

Dats it.

Chiri. You're our spymaster.

Do your thing with our FULL AUTHORITY.

>>41113207
Rosalie is the obvious one. Etienne is for the Queen and Tancred for Hugh

>>41113207
Ethienne obviously, he doesn`t like our stile very much and he was ptretty pissed we almost forced him to marry maggie(we even gave HER the choise, that must`ve been humiliating for him) The queen put him here personally to keep an eye on us

>>41113236

Sounds plausible for the last two. but why rosalie?

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>>41113207
>Right now your court is being infiltrated better than you are infiltrating other people's courts.

we don't need to shadowrun they said, it'll be fine they said.

>>41113266
Rosalie is Princess' Hod's lover Rose. Try read their interaction during their visit

>>41113266
some anon reckoned she bears resemblance to Hod's lover.

personally I think just about everyone we don't Immediately trust is a possible spy but currently priority suspects are

>Orlando
>Etienne
>Rosalie (though considering how unsubtle she is she's a bad one)

>>41113236
What makes you think Tancred?

>>41113234
Anon it's like you want a Zoroastrian renaissance

>>41113302
>What makes you think Tancred?

He works for Hugh.

>>41113302

I'm not sure about orlando being a spy.

He was nearly a bum when we ran into him again and thats a convulated way for him to reenter our service.

No hes not a spy. Hes just a very very bad person to keep secrets...

Fuck, if we want to leak stuff, we can just tell him next time. Fucker gets drunk and spills shit and talks shit like no one else.

We've found the job most suited for youuuuu

>>41113319
that's it? he's not of any particular confidence or importance to make a good spy

>>41113339
He is our constable and spying is less Mission Impossible and more just reporting everything he see/hear back to Hugh.

>>41113207
no wonder everyone was so friendly in court day..... they want us to be more willing and careless in spilling the beans.

but seriously that annoys me a bit.

>>41113363
Still we can't afford to just be not telling our retainers what we need to do. At this point we need their aid. Probably a good thing we're not plotting against anyone.

We'll need a spymaster though. Where to find one...

>>41113334
>>41113339
>>41113352
>>41113363
Then who do we use as spy?

>>41113396
>>41113390

Chiri will be our counter spy in Ramla. She is best suited for the job. Now we just need to leave someone in Jerusalem and Jaffa

>>41113407
but we'll need more than one spy in case of Chiri being compromised.

>>41113453
She can recruit people among the servant girls. She will not just be a spy but spymaster.

>>41113390
if we do less time skipping and more wanderlust dice roll adventures we'll run into something eventually. honestly we will probably have to build it from the ground up ourselfs, and we need to focus on opsec, finding whos spying againt us.

>>41113390
we have one in our bed her name is Chiri

>>41113407
travelling merchant jews? or are they just gonna get murdered just for being jewish?

>>41113489
How about we talk about it with her once we return. Right now we have a lot of maybes and ifs

>>41113489
No Jews & Muslims in Jerusalem

>>41113407
We had daniel on jaffa but anon decided to bring Mathy`s husbando back to Ramla

>>41113513
hey you think Hugo has any good blackmail material on him?

>>41113484
shes not willing to give up her faith, i doubt she will pretend to either. and if we send her to a molsem city where she cannot pull off being muslim, and being a lone woman unescorted, id feel like we'd be condeming her to a terrible fate.

>>41113526
anon I never said she was a spy, she's our spymaster whore

>>41113526
>>41113539
>inb4 Chiri gets branded a witch & burnt alive for knowing too much

>>41113512
i was thibking about sending them towards aschlon, and mostly travelling throught towns and places freqented by officals, soldiers and couriers. like eavesdropping on background chatter.

>>41113563
I suppose that would work, though we may need to have something other than gold to secure their silence

>>41113207
Well fuck, HF, if I'd have known you were going to give us this much bitching about a decision we've made, I still would've chosen him not to become our spy. If you want something done the way you want it, do it yourself. Hell, why not just retcon it to where we do have Daniel as a spy? It'd be better than having you complain about it constantly. And it's not like you've given him any meaningful interaction with anyone at Ramla yet. Really, it just seems like you gave us a choice you thought would be obvious, and we chose differently from how you would, so now you grumble and pout at us.

>>41113539
as in training like that tea drugging lady in the tv show nikitta?

>>41113524
Nah , that ship has sailed. If we say anything now it will be just rumors.
Besides I don`t think Hugo would blackmail someone, thats more Wil`s thing

>>41113596
No she has little bird spread around the city/realm sending letters back to her which she informs us on.

>>41113526
Anon, Chiri wpuld not go anywhere. She would counterspy on Ramla and recruit servant girls\ boys to go to other places

>>41113577
like their families? we let them live at ramla, took them in and protect them. hell hugo (unintentionally) beat a guy to death trying to protect a jew from being bullied. if that doesnt inspire some loyalty idk what will? (gold sheckels?)

>>41113526
She would not go anywhere snon. She would counterspy on Ramla and recruit server boys and girls to go to otherplaces

>>41113630
>>41113656
Sorry about double, this phone is fucking with me

>>41113630
>>41113656
did you say the same thing twice in different order?

well counterspy doest need to waste chri on that. we could just have some fairly nosey and attentive guards and locals. as for picking out kids with talent, a few things, is she really that capable? shes like 14~15? are we expecting that much out of a former slavegirl? and i dont mind sending orphans out but some of the girls are our servants from familes expecting them to be kept safe

>>41113705
yeah, i wish i could be on my pc but i have family visiting and their sleeping in the extra room i have the comp in.

>>41113746
we can waste her untile we've rooted out spies we are certain are in a position to fuck us (read None royal spies)

>>41113746
we may be over estimating her but her demonstrated abilities have a higher success rate than most others & above all she's trustworthy.

>>41113793
if its our courts as in ramla being infiltrated and not the queens then its seems fairly obvious as to who the spys are, we just needa pay closer attention to the newcomers.

>>41113746
She already said that she hated the life she had before and like before. The world is a very dangerous place to beutiful women. She saide that she loved us and feels safe with us, I wouldn`t want to abuse that love and pit her at risk.
She is one of the most perceptive and inteligent charscters we know that are loyal to us, and she is valuable to have around for security and advice(and wil likes the company) hell, she already saved our life once.

>>41113746
She already saved our ass by spying on the old lord baldwin. Most of the spying will be done by guards, maids and so on she will just micro-manage them.

>>41113926
a royal court is likely to have more spies than courtiers, they just don't have access to the really sensitive stuff.

but considering we already have spies embedded most likely we'll have to pay attention that isn't in our Immediate circle of trust those being

>Solomon
>Hugo
>Queen & sisters
>Franz
>Chiri

>>41113940
that said she saved our life exactly once & although perceptive & Intelligent is rather unproven for espionage work

I guess we'll see what she's like before getting anymore intense with it.

>>41113981

I think you are understimating her, she allways seems to know what's going on and I bet that if we played arab chess against her we would be fairly beaten just by her observing us play and remembering when she played with her old lord.

I don't really want her to be a spy though, she is good beein our personal advisor/assistant and I hope we treat her nice enough to one day meet her true self.

>>41114079
Spymaster anon, Spymaster. There is a difference than just a spy.

>>41114079
Im more worried about overestimating her, she's smart and quite clever but she's just not experinced in espionage as far as we know.

>Implying her sole duty would be spymaster
>Implying she wouldn't be the royal whore even when we're married
>Implying she's not the royal tutor
>Implying she isn't the third parent in the relationship

>>41113077
What would have happened if we called Barisan a moron for fucking on the street like an animal?

You've got no right to complain when you get caught

If our inner circle has a spy in it, we should play as Mathilde next session.