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[devilsandangels]

[ What he has is a simple request that he has his reasons for though he doesn’t state them
]

Tell me a story from your home.

I would really appreciate anyone who is willing to do so.

Comments

[goodandtrue]

It depends on the sort of story you wish to hear. Tragic or happy?

[devilsandangels]

There are good and bad things of both. Do you have one that they are intertwined?

[goodandtrue]

There is a story about a prince from my world. He was betrothed to a noble woman, but while traveling through the Riverlands, he met a young lady. She was poor and without standing, but very beautiful. It was said that she had the blood of the First Men in her veins and she often went to the ruins of the castles where they once lived, dancing through the halls with their ghosts.

The prince fell in love with her and married her in secret. When his father heard, he demanded that his son give up and renounce this woman. His son refused and instead surrendered his inheritance for the throne, choosing love instead of power. They were happy together for a time. She was accepted at court and treated with respect. But when she visited the palace Summerhall, she was present when the king tried to wake dragons from dragon eggs. A fire spread through the palace, killing so many. Afterwards, she was never seen again. It's said that she died there, leaving the prince a widower.

But their love is a popular story, it was even made into a song.

[devilsandangels]

This is a good story. I think it might be the favorite I've heard shared so far. It is a bit sad but I think that there was happiness in that manner would make a life more full than to have given up love altogether.

[goodandtrue]

It was always a favorite of mine. Even if it costs power, happiness is worth more. There are a few marriages made for love in our history. They stand out against power and ambition.

[devilsandangels]

A marriage for love would be worth a lot of sacrifice.

I'm not sure that I could. There is a lot more than power that has been left on my shoulders.

[goodandtrue]

Do you think so? Even if it costs a men his followers?

You are in a position of power?

[devilsandangels]

I think perhaps it depends. If giving up the followers puts many people in danger then perhaps it is more selfish than sacrifice but if it is nothing but power I think it would be very well worth it.

At home, yes, I was crowned King right before I came here.

[goodandtrue]

My husband was king for a time.

Jenny of Oldstones can be admired because her husband gave up nothing but his ambitions for her. While there was conflict for the betrothal he broke, there was no great harm done. If a king does that, he can't walk away from his title. He must put his people first.

[devilsandangels]

You are quite correct. It is something that I likely could not do. My brother lacks vision and compassion.

[goodandtrue]

Your brother is the next in line for the throne?

[devilsandangels]

[ It's a bit of a complicated situation. ]

Yes and no.

He is my elder brother. However, my mother convinced him to abdicate and urge the nobles to accept me as King of Wessex.

I'm not sure he's as alright with it as he pretends to be and I do know that he would be a warrior king only. Our people deserve more than that.

[goodandtrue]

Would he be the sort of man to challenge your claim, even if he did abdicate?

[She wasn't so naive to think that family couldn't turn against each other for power. Not anymore.]

Many in my world wouldn't agree. They think that the sword is the only way for a king to lead.

[devilsandangels]

I truly don't know for sure. He has always been rather predictable but there is just a feeling.

I do not think that there is not a place for a sword. I want to do more, though. Our greatest enemies come from the sea and yet we have no Navy. We need to create a powerful navy and unite the kingdoms of England if we are to deal with the Viking horde.

And I believe in education and the betterment of the lives of all of my people. There is more to being a good king than the sword.

[goodandtrue]

It is better to lend credence to that feeling than to ignore it and be caught off guard. Even family can betray each other.

Vikings? Are they raiders? A navy is a good idea, especially if you are attacked by raiders. The Ironborn always attack our merchant ships and raid the villages of the Westerlands. It terrorizes the smallfolk, but it never gets the notice of the Lord Paramount. But if the people are constantly afraid, are they truly being served properly?

I admire that outlook. I had hoped my husband would be the same before his death. I am certain you are a good king. Your people are fortunate to have someone so forward thinking.

[devilsandangels]

It’s true I suppose even though I would hope it not to be.

They are. Raiders and fierce warriors. It is true. I do not want my people to live in fear and the Vikings would never stop at just my people. They have killed two of Emgland’s Kings already.

Thank you. I appreciate your faith.

[goodandtrue]

Two kings? How could they have done that? What of your land's army?

[devilsandangels]

They overpowered them. My grandfather made mistakes... and King Aelle, well he deserved what he received but they are fierce warriors with no fear of death or injury.