Feast at Winterbourne Stoke - Ysbail

[GM Craig]

Candidate #4: Ysbail is the second daughter and child of Sir Marvin of Durnam is a vassal knight in service to the Earl who's manor is just northwest of Sarum. Ysbail had 5 brothers, one older than she. You do not know much about the family - they tend to keep to themselves. You know Sir Marvin is married, but have never seen his wife - a mildly unusual situation. Sir Marvin's estate is better off financially than yours, and he only has two daughters to arrange dowries for. Ysbail is of average build and height, and seems to have a strong constitution, if her dancing is any measure. She is also quite beautiful [APP 18]. [Glory 100]

As the evening deepens, the crowd of ladies that seemed impressed by your manners and courtesy slowly drift away, as you are focusing your attention on Ysbail. You know her father, Sir Marvin. Living so close to Sarum, he was a common visitor to the Earl's court. His daughter had not been "out" previously, but you recall seeing her at the feast where you were knighted.

As the two of you take a turn around the lawn, she comments, "Sir Cedwyn, this has been a wonderful evening. I had heard you fell in battle, so your invitation was greeted with some surprise. Not only did you survive, but appeared to have prospered. I hear from my servants that woodsmen for miles around will be busy all winter preparing lumber, and quarries all over the county will be putting on extra workers to meet the demands of Winterbourne Stoke. Was the battle with the Saxon that prosperous for you, sir?"

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn offered the fair maid a smile.

"Indeed, my lady, I fell and there is a story in that if you would like to hear the tale," Cedwyn offered, adding, "The battle itself offered some hostages, but the real source is His Lordship's rental of breeding rights from my warhorse, Peredur. He is perhaps the greatest steed in the county. There is no other like him. The Earl was very generous in order to secure the rights for the winter. Thankfully, Peredur is yet a young and will stand stud for many years yet to come."

He offered the lady an arm and pointed toward a blank space in the darkening treeline.

"Come spring, we will have seedlings of apples and plums there. I can already see the orchards in bloom in a few years hence."

[GM Craig]

She raises an eyebrow at your boast of Peredur, but says nothing. The entire County knows of your father's horse.

She mirrors your smile as you speak of the orchard. "You are a man of vision, I see. Few men I have known plan so far. Tell me then of the future - what is to become of Winterbourne Stoke?"

[Cedwyn]

"If I seem immodest about Peredur, please know that a great deal of my survival at Meercred is due to him. I do not speak of him lightly," Cedwyn noted by way of apology.

"My father always wanted to make our lands better. Partly out of a love of the land; partly out of love for Lord Roderick. And I think partly for me. I honor my father by seeking the same. For my lord, for my land, for my family," he left unstated that he was courting her; it was probably obvious by his speaking so freely.

He pointed to a fairly flat space that had good drainage, "I see a vineyard there...and next to it, a winery to press the grapes into wine. I see walnuts over there...next to where the plums will be. Though it may seem strange, I see my peasants well cared for with a bakery, a better well, and a smith and a carpenter. I see more of the wastes under till. And I see my hall there, not only growing larger, but rebuilt in stone. A home for my family, now and for those to come."

"I hope I've not offended by speaking so freely, my lady," Cedwyn finished, "These are perhaps foolish dreams for a young knight, new to his lands and title, but I mean to seem them come to fruition."

[GM Craig]

[By the way, Cedwyn gets a check for Courtest for the previous crit.]

[Cedwyn]

[that's later right?]

[GM Craig]

[The check is later, but you earned it for the crit on wife trolling. I mean you've earned a check in the Courtesy skill for winter phase advancement possibilities.]

[GM Craig]

"You are certainly free with your thoughts, Sir Cedwyn." A moment later she adds, "I thank you for a lovely stroll and the feast. I do wish you luck in your future endeavours" She pauses to produce a shiver. "I am starting to feel the evening chill." She waves to her handmaiden, who had been following a respectful distance away. The young lady rushes forward. Ysbail takes her arm. "Would you be so good as you walk us back?"

Your not certain what it was - the unnatural concern for the peasants, or the unusually forward-thinking vision of your manor, or perhaps something else? Whatever it was, something clearly put off Lady Ysbail. She is being very delicate about it, but it's clear the meeting and conversation are over, from her perspective.

[You are the knight here, so you don't have to do as she asks and can force the issue. Her desires are really immaterial in regards to a union - you can still approach her father directly, and arrange things with her approval or no. But it is clear she has no interest in pursuing your interest.]

[Cedwyn]

[gonna go for Arianrhod next ]

"Yes. If you would," Cedwyn echoed. It was a valuable lesson for the young knight. Being too free with his thoufhts would not serve him well, but he remebered his courtesy on the way back.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn decided to press the issue with Ysbain.

"And yet you are not free with your thoughts," he pressed, "I have spoken openly yet you hide behind a curtain," his eyes narrowed.

"I would know your thoughts. You clearly disapprove of me. Why is that?"

[Dicelog hates me...18 on courtesy.]

[GM Craig]

Her eyes narrow slightly. Her handmaiden stands quietly beside her. "Very well, Sir Cedwyn, I shall speak plainly. You have come into a tidy sum, and you spend it on orchards, wine and a new house? Improvements for your peasants? What about better armour? Better weapons? Protection for your famour horse? In a time of war, I think your future heirs would benefit more from having a father who survived long enough to sire them than planting orchards and vinyards."

She softens her tone. "I can appreciate a man who looks to the future - that is a rare quality in knights these days. I understand the importance of the future, perhaps better even than you. But such thoughts must not overshadow the present. What good will all your plans be if you die in battle next summer? You already fell in battle once, Sir Cedwyn. I would have thought such an experience would have taught you how fleeting life can be. I have no desire to be a childless widow, doomed to be gifted to some noble the Earl favours. I have no wish to marry a man who would risk his present for the future."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn nodded, "Take me not for a fool, my lady. I will grow Winterbourne Stoke and live to see the fruits of my labors. But you speak of armor and protection, yet I hear more you think I over concern myself with the peasantry," he gave Ysbain an arched eyebrow and his voice was firm, "They are part of my lands and I have but a few. When they are content, these lands grow. When they are not, I am forced to spend my time not on the affairs of my lord or making these lands grow but rather quelling their discontent. God gives us so little time as things are. I'd rather spend it pursuing the goals I have set and serving my lord."

[rolled courtesy...15 fail versus 12]

[GM Craig]

She seems unimpressed. "They are peasants, Sir Cedwyn. It is their lot in life to never be content. Giving them things only makes them want more. You could beggar your estate in a vain attempt to appease them, and have them revolt anyway. Are there not higher priorities? A higher calling for wealth you have been given? So much you could do with such wealth, and you throw it to serfs?"

She lowers her eyes. "I.. I overstep myself. These are your lands, and your money to do with as you please. Forgive my impertinence."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn offered her a smile, "I asked for honesty, Ysbail, you are not impertinent to give what has been asked for. And you are right. There are higher callings. The land begs to be built and used. In turn, I can serve my lord better," Cedwyn gave a great sigh, "I fought in my first battle, fell, but was able to return. In doing so, I am now able to really build something here. That is the first priority. Well...my new armor was first priority. You were right about that too, my lady."

"The peasants are much farther down the list..." he admitted.

[courtesy: 19...dice log is broken...at least one of the last 4 rolls should have been under 12...]

[GM Craig]

That brought her up short.

"I... I did not realize you had invested in better armour. When most knights sing their praises, they focus on their deeds and glories. Hounds, horses and hunting have been my constant conversations, it seems. I... perhaps I have misjudged you."

She glances away. "You must think me a foolish girl."