The Duke's Bride

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Stay alert" I tell wild as we get closer "but don't fight yet." I see movement up ahead and slow the wagon. A young man comes forward with a sword drawn.

"Your goods or your life mis." He growls

"I'm here to parlay with your leader. Bring me hence." I snap back

"What?!l
"I'm here to bargain safe passage for my caravan" I lie "bring me to your leader." I toss him a gold coin and he takes it before turning and leading the way to a tent camp  a few small fires are still burning there's a larg tent that he goes into and we wait

[Marian Hawke]

A young man sits on a chest covered in a lady's fine fur -- something approximating a boy's image of a viking throne. The young lad sitting atop it wears a tunic and broad pants, as well as a cap made of a clashing fur, and his hair is long and wild. when he smiles, his teeth are filed to points. His eyes are red, and there are tattoos across his body, simple curves and designs that don't quite resolve into anything. 

"Demon King Garrett, these ladies wished to barter for safe passage," his flunky says. 

"So they do!" Garrett's voice is proud, almost boasting with swagger. There's no hint of stubble on his youthful face. "Bring me some rum, and wine for the lady."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I'd rather have rum." I say sizing up the youth. I had heard of demon activity in the aria but hadn't expect them to be so......young. Still a demon can take any form they want. I touch the small orb in my pocket Tova gave me befor leaving and feel that it's warm. She he is at least partly infernal.

"Your majesty we have much to discuss. I am Elaina Moorwood regrant of Britannia. And I could use your help."

[Marian Hawke]

"A lady after my own heart," brags Garrett. "Rum for us both."

He waits as rum is poured into copper mugs, then takes a swig himself, watching Elaina to be sure she does the same and isn't just bragging. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

 I take the tankard with thanks and toss it back. It's been too long since last I could drink freely. Being a lady is a nessicary evil but I'd rather drink and dance with outlaws than dine with kings.

"Now my king shall we discuss business openly or in private?" I ask silkily

[Marian Hawke]

"Openly," he roars. "What is said to me can be said before my men." He winks, leaning forward. "Now, what you agree to in exchagne for passage, that we mayhap need privacy for."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"My needs go far beyond passage. But that can be discussed later. My cussin prince Philip I'd ill and will not live long enough to be king, and my uncle is an old man. I will be queen in the next five years, but I have enimes and I will be making more. I know I can't end the monarchy, but I intend to bring us out of the dark ages. Equal standing for all regardless of creed, I also intent to stop the persecution of witches and those like yourself. As fir today. Well my lands need protected and you could use some gold...."

[Marian Hawke]

His face sobers. "So it is to be business, then, before pleasure. Alright. What are your terms?" 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"In it's hay these lands hosted 100 knights, I have one now your men can make up the remaining. You will draw a yearly salary of 120 gold and each of you will get an archer of land to live and work. You will each be allowed a monthly robbery allowance of 10 gold apiece. You will work with sir wild to protect our land from rivals. In exchange my people will be able to travel freely between the towns of my duchy. Also as we will be working closely, since you will report to me directly, there will be plenty of time for more.... pleasurable activities." I say smiling finishing my rum

[Marian Hawke]

Garrett sits back, stroking his chin. "I'll have to confer with the men," he warns. "None of us are looking for a knighthood, we're outlaws and we prefer things that way. But the money does tempt me, I'll admit." It does more than tempt, to be honest; Garrett's eyes are bright, lit slightly as though by a very near candle flame despite the dim tent, which is unseasonably warm. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I wasn't offering a knighthood I would never insult the honor of a good thief." I grin knowing well the money was insisting

[Marian Hawke]

"What if we don't want the land? Can we trade it for a good horse instead?" asks one of the men. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"You can do with the land as you please. Sell it rent it live on it but if you would rather horses I can give you half the land and a horse a person"

[Marian Hawke]

"I'll poll the men and send an answer to you within the next day or two," decides Garrett. "They might not speak freely in front of you."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Very well." I say standing gracefully "why don't you come to dinner Friday night and you can give me your awnser then." I smile turning to walk sudedtuvly towards the door. I turn back and dip the lowest curtsy I can while all but whispering "it has truly been a pleasure my king" before rising and rejoining seigfried and wild in the wagon