After the Hugo Uprising settled, Emmeline assists the duly appointed Senseschal in Uzec…
Elemix walked through the castle as he had done many times before. This time his steps were a little lighter, as he was hoping to speak with Emmiline about Amelie formally.
As he rounded the corner he was momentarily surprised to see two guards standing by Emmilines door. They were there no doubt under the baronesses order whether Emmiline wanted them or not.
“I am here to speak with my cousin Lady Emmeline,” said Elemix calmly.
The guard said, “My lady is under strict protection by the orders of the Baroness. However, I will convey your request to see her.” After the guard spoke to Emmeline, she appeared with Renee, Mirel and Amelie. Renee nodded to one of the guards. Mirel and Amelie gently helped Emmeline take a seat. Amelie caught Elemix’s eye, albeit briefly. Elemix had only that morning received her letter.
“It is good to see you all” he said, nodding to each of those accompanying Emmeline in turn. When he looked at Amelie he couldn’t help but smile. He quickly turned his attention then to Emmeline.
“Cousin. It is good to see you are well. While I would like to talk with everyone for a bit, I was hoping we might be able to speak in private for a few moments if that is alright. I have a formal matter to discuss with you.”
Renee looked to Emmeline for agreement and then when she received it, left the room with guards and ladies in tow.
They were alone.
“As you know, I am very anxious to officially begin courting Lady Amelie. I know the timing is probably not the best, but when will it ever be best? So, I was hoping to obtain your official blessings.”
Emmeline chuckled. “Of course, Elemix. Consider this my official endorsement. A union between you and Amelie makes a lot of sense on different levels. I think you will enjoy discovering how true that is.”
“Thank you.” Elemix was noticeably relieved.
“I have already received the same from the baroness. She informed me you would assist me with any letters I need to prepare to other’s, as well as assist with arrangements to meet in person with whomever is required. I want very much to do all that is required as formalities dictate. Lady Amelie deserves nothing less of course.”
“Of course I would help.” Emmeline gave Elemix a big smile. “It’s exciting to me that two of my cousins are now poised to begin what could be very fruitful courtships!”
“Thank you. I am excited as well. Who is the other you speak of?”
“Ah!” Emmeline grinned. “That would be Mirel. It seems that Sir Etienne is very interested in her and she’s excited to begin courtship.”
“Exciting indeed. So what are the next steps then,” asked Elemix.
“Sir Etienne needs approval from Mirel’s father, godfather, and me. She has mine, of course, but mail is slow over winter. It needed to be done formally, so mundane means were best in this case,” Emmeline explained.
“Thanks but, I meant for Amelie and I?”
“If Amelie is still interested in the courtship, then you would need the approval of her parents, godparents, and I. You already know I approve. The next step would be a very carefully and well thought out letter announcing your intentions and requesting permission from her parents. Or, you can ask in person, which since you live on land under their stewardship is probably the correct thing to do.”
“Then I will ask in person,” replied Elemix matter of factly. “Would you be willing to accompany me? If I have someone with me, I should think the request would seem more formal. Unless you feel that is unwise?”
“I’ll ask Amelie what she thinks would impress her parents the most,” Emmeline said.
“El…” She grew serious.“You have been at death’s many times now. Will you acquire a guardian? Something… I just worry about you. Especially when you are on your own. Those the times you are most vulnerable, with no one there to watch your back.”
“It would be nice to have a guardian, but I don’t have the resources to afford one. At least not a capable one. The Baroness doesn’t have any men to spare I am sure. My servant Harold was killed in the Hugo attacks, and I haven’t been granted anyone new as of yet.
Perhaps I could make a request from the guild? I am serving in a formal capacity for the Baroness, though it was by my own choice and not that of the guild. Still, it is possible they would see the importance of helping out more in this area given the dangers we have encountered from a rogue wizard, and now an as yet unknown powerful sorcerer.”
“Which rogue wizard and sorcerer do you mean? Skall and who else?” Emmeline wondered.
“Whoever opened that gate near the vale,” replied Elemix. “We never saw that caster, but whoever it is, is powerful.”
“A spellcaster of some sort, yes. But a sorcerer or wizard?” Emmeline shook her head. “That seems highly unlikely to me given the nature of the site. After my children are born, I’ll be looking into it personally because I believe it to be no coincidence that all this happened at the Autumn Equinox. I strongly suspect that left alone, it will happen again at the Winter Solstice. So. It is something tied to that temple, which to me means it’s unlikely to be a sorcerer or wizard. Possible, but unlikely. Either way, it will be dealt with. I’ve already spoken with the priests here in town and with the Baroness to gather appropriate materials and support to deal with it.”
(Continued in game…)