"Decorations?"
"All set up."
"Wait staff?"
"Waiting at the ready."
"Guests?"
"A line has already started forming."
The barracks was a hub of activity as servants both hired and residential hustled to make sure everything was in place. There wasn't much for Diana to do aside from oversee, Merndil had already arrived and taken control of his hired service company.
"What about food? Is there enough space in the kitchen for both of them to cook without interfering." Diana was stressing. She had planned out a few minor attractions with the help of both Donovan and Arc, but that was something she would bring up once the party had started.
"Lady Diana, please stop fretting over every minor detail." Gretts was fed up with her worrying. "That kitchen is built to feed more people three meals a day, there is more than enough there."
"But-"
"You are becoming a hindrance." Diana stopped, then frowned. This was the key phrase they had set up to keeping Diana from going too far with her micromanagement. "It's about time for you to go find Donovan. Remember, you need to stay by his side at all times."
Diana sighed, nodding. This was an important event for them, their first real exposure to the culture and politics of high society. Her standing by his side was not only a way to inform others they were a couple, but that Diana was close to her 'source of power'. It would be obvious to anyone who paid attention to their interactions that Donovan was 'of a higher status', even considering their level way of speaking with each other.
Keeping her head high, she strode away from the main dining hall on a path to the study.
- - - - -
"Gentlemen, Titanyana, I am sure this needs no repeating after having warned you over the past few days, but you all must be on your best behavior. Show deference and respect to those around you. Maintain a neat image. Watch your manners when eating and speaking." Donovan looked at his subordinates while he sat on the couch. They were dressed in formal wear, unsurprising given the occasion, but Donovan still could not bring himself to believe that what Wall was wearing was 'formal'.
Certainly it had the air of formal clothing, what with the gilded bangles that fastened the cloth to his arms, but the amount of skin he was showing didn't feel appropriate. It was mostly his scales that were showing with this clothing arrangement, so it definitely had some level of cultural significance.
"That said, I won't stop you guys from having fun or making connections. Eat food, make merry, even get drunk if you feel the urge, just make sure you are adequately representing Diana and I. Am I understood?"
"""Yes sir!""" The trio of men gave a serious response, Titanyana remaining silent but giving a nod.
Her clothing was also of particular interest to Donovan. This wasn't in the lewd sense, it was just that Diana had taken her to be fitted a few days ago and it seemed a little expensive for what they payed. Of course, Donovan couldn't claim to be an expert on the economic state of this realm, much less the clothing market, but it just didn't add up.
It was a simple looking dress, at least from what Donovan could tell. It was a deep green, the same color as her eyes, and accentuated with yellow trim. There wasn't any patterning or texturing, so it was quite smooth, and the gap for her tail was situated in such a way that it didn't reveal her lower back. This apparently limited it's range of movement, but she didn't seem to mind. Apparently it was also 'tailored for mobility' which probably contributed to the price a bit, but Donovan didn't really know what that meant for the appearance or structure aside from allowing her to keep her sword on her hip. Female clothing was far from his forte.
"Titanyana, will you be okay?"
Her dress was far from the most interesting part of the outfit though, that honor belonging to what she wore atop her head, the Crown of Flowers. It still hadn't wilted at this point, apparently it never would, but Donovan was even more surprised to find it still had a level of fragrance to it. Supposedly that wouldn't change either. He was definitely concerned about her being in a crowd though. Until Trebar arrived, Titanyana would undoubtedly be the center of attention.
Diana claimed that calling her the talk of the (noble) town would be an understatement. Being granted a title by the Arboreal Maiden was one thing, a rare occurrence in it's own right, but the fact she had been given a unique title was something else. Perhaps it wasn't as prestigious as the title 'von' nor as valorous as 'Vaunted', but having a title that no one else had would certainly bolster your reputation.
"I will manage."
Donovan knew that she would 'harbor' next to himself and Diana should she ever start to become overwhelmed, but this was an opportunity for her to increase the number of ships available to save her people. Diana had told her that it might be possible to gather support by way of promises and favors, most likely in the form of attending parties others hosted. Selling her name to gather clout for others was something she was willing to accept given her circumstances.
"Will you manage, or will you excel?" Donovan was still going to push her though. More Nekh for Titanyana meant more bodies for Donovan. Human beings were an invaluable resource, even if he couldn't do anything with them yet.
"I will . . . I will manage."
A disappointing response, but there was nothing to be done about it. Donovan and Diana were united in their understanding that even this might be a bit too much for her at the moment. She was just as clueless about the norms of high society as they were.
"Good evening everybody." Diana announced her presence quietly. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, we just finished. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, yes it's been going okay. I just can't help but worry. It's my first time doing something like this and, I mean I don't know? What if I screwed up somewhere?" She retained a dignified pose as she sat. These people were her friends, but she had to maintain an image. All bets were off on the hand holding though.
"You'll be fine." Donovan squeezed her hand. "It's almost time to meet Merndil, correct?"
"Yes." Among the other four in Donovan's squad, Titanyana was the only one who had the credentials to warrant a direct introduction. She was the heir to an independent realm, however small, and she had recently received a title. "People are already lining up outside so we should probably hurry."
"Already? I guess they do have a lot of free time on their hands. Gentlemen, you are free to mingle at your leisure." Donovan picked up his own sword and fastened it to his waist. "Titanyana, are you ready?"
"Mhm."
"Then let's get going."
- - - - -
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Strauss." Merndil extended a hand towards him after a proper introduction from Diana. "I have heard great things."
"The pleasure is mine, Prince, and I insist you just call me Donovan. I'm not exactly keen on the whole Lord deal." It was a firm handshake, which was reassuring to Donovan. He liked a man who could properly shake hands.
"Then I shall address you as Sir Strauss. I apologize, but my status prohibits me from addressing you as anything lower." Prince Merndil smiled, bowing slightly as he did. "I must say that I am impressed you managed to secure the entire barracks for the party tonight. It is far larger than I was thinking it would be as well. I could easily imagine a party of a few hundred people taking place in these halls. It really is the perfect venue."
"If you ever feel the need, we are willing to open our doors to another such party in the future." Diana was a lot calmer now that she could see the fruits of her labor. If the sponsor was pleased, so too should the guests. "It feels a bit empty at the moment, and we would welcome the company."
"I will keep your proposition in mind." Merndil straightened out his overcoat, making himself presentable for the next introduction. "Might I ask who this is?"
"Of course. This young lady is one of Donovan's subordinates, Princess Titanyana Strapper of Nekh." Titanyana stepped forward and curtsied as etiquette demanded.
Merndil bowed in turn. "Nekh, Nekh. . . I am sorry to say I am unfamiliar with the kingdom, it must not be close to my borders."
"I do not blame you for it. We are only a single planet, so we wouldn't be significant enough to remember even if we were on your border."
"A shame, however I cannot help but notice what you are wearing. . ." Merndil trailed off. The implication was clear, he wanted to know if she was the one from the rumors.
"It is indeed what you are thinking, Lord Merndil. I have been bestowed the title of Tempest." Titanyana curtsied once more.
"Oh? Now this is certainly a surprise. To think you were hiding such an attraction from me, Lady Diana." Diana's only response was to cover her smile with her hand, acting as if she had been caught in some mischievous act. "I wonder what else you have in store."
"You will have to wait for them to arrive. In the mean time, shall we greet our guests? It seems to me like now is as good a time as any to begin the festivities."
"I was of the same mind."
- - - - -
Diana was frankly surprised at the punctuality of these people she viewed to be late at every opportunity. There seemed to be a hundred or so people outside, so just about everybody they were expecting. She was even more surprised to see how many of them had brought gifts. Very few of them were for her of course, this wasn't really her party, but Donovan had been handed a few bottles of what was definitely high quality wine. It was a shame that he didn't drink, Diana would have loved to share a glass or two.
"-and this is my brother, Prince Rashtvice."
Diana was brought back to ground level at the mention of 'brother'. Greeting people was fine and all, but she was more focused on matching names to faces than remembering anything too specific yet.
"Oh come on, how many times do I have to tell ya to drop the prince ya dingbat? You know how much I hate that." Diana's first impressions were 'bombastic' and 'unrestrained'. How this person was a prince eluded her. "Anyways, my name is Rashtvice Bulsa, though I insist you just call me Rash."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Rash. Donovan Strauss, feel free to call me Donovan or Don." Donovan had decided that Rash belonged to the category of 'his people', a subset of individuals that meshed well with his character and demeanor.
"Don it is then." A strong handshake and a beaming smile from the disinherited prince. "And you must be Lady Diana."
"Yes indeed, Diana Helmsguard. Lady Diana will do." She did not like being referred to by her last name, it reminded her of her grandfather. "I don't mean to pry, but what is it that you get up to? Your brother makes it sound like you live a particularly interesting life, but he never seems to divulge anything detailed."
"Oh?" Rash's smile grew as Merndil pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ohohoho? Well, I would like to say that I am gallivanting around on adventures and such, but the Sanctum doesn't exactly have any mysteries. These days it mostly boils down to picking a fight every day and night."
"Any interesting fight?" Donovan gestured him inside, keen to continue he conversation with someone who didn't have a stick up their ass.
"The tournament was boring, both in terms of kicking ass and getting my ass kicked, and some of the barfights where fun." Rash accepted a glass of 'cheap liquor' from the wait staff at the front before continuing. "Unfortunately I can't say I remember much other than that. WAYYY too drunk to keep track of anything."
He downed the beer in one go, the only type of beer on tap this night.
"Oh, OH! There was the display fights though, those duels at the beginning of the semester for armies to scout for people and such. Most of it was boring, most fights are, but this I ran into this real interesting character. She was a smaller girl, like about chest height for you maybe, and she absolutely rocked me in the duel."
Rash was making exaggerated faces as he said this, giving Donovan the impression he was already a little buzzed.
"I mean it wasn't even close. One hit, one hit. I don't mean to brag, but I ain't exactly a pushover. She made me feel like a kid. Anyways, one hit, I got knocked on my ass, and I went up and shook her hand. Unfortunately, this little miss didn't exactly take too kindly to being patted on the back, something about it being rude in her culture or whatever, and she turns around and socks me in the face."
"Really?!"
"Totally, and I mean she really laid me out. Like, arms sprawled out, eyes rolled back - knocked out. I was so shocked when I woke up I just apologized and moved along. I'll be honest Don, I didn't feel like fighting after that. I went straight to the bar and tried to drown the pain in my jaw with heavy liquor."
Donovan laughed. Rahtvice was most certainly a character.
"Yeah I never did catch her name, not that it matters. There isn't a chance in hell I'll be challenging her to a fight anytime soon. Do try and avoid pissing her off if you see her though." It was phrased as a joke, but there was an element of serious advice there. "Like I said, small to the point of being a runt. But she had these deep green eyes and this really strange brown and black hair. She looked kind of like one of my sister's porcelain dolls, but you would be an idiot for mistaking her as delicate."
"Pretty? Did she catch your fancy?" How long had it been since Donovan had last had some real vulgar banter?
"Oh hell's no! There is no way I could be convinced to marry someone who can kick my ass. Do you have any idea how often I'd be lambasted and beaten for doing stupid shit?" Rash hustled in close and started to whisper. "Besides, I've already got my eyes on a girl back home. I don't think she's taken yet and I know her father pretty well, so I think I've got a chance."
"If her father knows you well, don't you think he'd refuse?"
"Probably, but I've got a few pieces of blackmail on him from the days I used to train with him." Rash smiled a bit and rubbed his hands together while giggling like a goblin. "You've got quite the catch as well. If you don't mind my asking, how'd a guy like you end up with a hottie like her?"
A low brow insult wasn't anything to get upset over, in fact it lighted his mood a bit.
"State secret. If I told you I'd have to kill you."
"Oh dammit! Here I was thinking I could get a few tips!"
The two of them shared a laugh as they headed towards the dining hall, Diana left with Merndil to greet the last few people.
". . . well they certainly seem to have hit it off well."
"I had a feeling they would. Donovan has been lacking that sort of company these days, that sort of vulgarity was commonplace in his life before coming here." Diana sighed, relieved that Donovan was making a friend. Given Rashtvice's bearing, she wouldn't have to worry about them fighting. Even if they did she was sure it would be a classic case of 'men will be men'. They'd likely punch each other for a bit as a way to make up.
"Am I to take that to mean Sir Strauss is as unrestrained as my brother?"
Diana sharply exhaled through her nose, amused. "No, he can keep to an objective better than anyone I know. If anything I could imagine your brother being pulled into line at long last."
"HA!" Merndil laughed, "As if that would ever happen!"
cakeonfrosting I have finally, finally, been able to manifest a payoff for something mentioned over 100 chapters ago now. It's times like these that I remember just how slow this shit is moving.
So-re-de-mo, thought's on the idiot prince? I have modeled him as a friend I knew in the past, someone who constantly found himself in incredibly stupid and unbelievable situations on account of his rampant disregard for basic societal norms. If I had to put it as fallout stats -
Strength - 4
Perception -2
Endurance - 5
Charisma - 10
Intelligence - 3
Agility - 7
Luck - ? - I don't know if I should call him lucky or not lucky.
"Decorations?"
"All set up."
"Wait staff?"
"Waiting at the ready."
"Guests?"
"A line has already started forming."
The barracks was a hub of activity as servants both hired and residential hustled to make sure everything was in place. There wasn't much for Diana to do aside from oversee, Merndil had already arrived and taken control of his hired service company.
"What about food? Is there enough space in the kitchen for both of them to cook without interfering." Diana was stressing. She had planned out a few minor attractions with the help of both Donovan and Arc, but that was something she would bring up once the party had started.
"Lady Diana, please stop fretting over every minor detail." Gretts was fed up with her worrying. "That kitchen is built to feed more people three meals a day, there is more than enough there."
"But-"
"You are becoming a hindrance." Diana stopped, then frowned. This was the key phrase they had set up to keeping Diana from going too far with her micromanagement. "It's about time for you to go find Donovan. Remember, you need to stay by his side at all times."
Diana sighed, nodding. This was an important event for them, their first real exposure to the culture and politics of high society. Her standing by his side was not only a way to inform others they were a couple, but that Diana was close to her 'source of power'. It would be obvious to anyone who paid attention to their interactions that Donovan was 'of a higher status', even considering their level way of speaking with each other.
Keeping her head high, she strode away from the main dining hall on a path to the study.
- - - - -
"Gentlemen, Titanyana, I am sure this needs no repeating after having warned you over the past few days, but you all must be on your best behavior. Show deference and respect to those around you. Maintain a neat image. Watch your manners when eating and speaking." Donovan looked at his subordinates while he sat on the couch. They were dressed in formal wear, unsurprising given the occasion, but Donovan still could not bring himself to believe that what Wall was wearing was 'formal'.
Certainly it had the air of formal clothing, what with the gilded bangles that fastened the cloth to his arms, but the amount of skin he was showing didn't feel appropriate. It was mostly his scales that were showing with this clothing arrangement, so it definitely had some level of cultural significance.
"That said, I won't stop you guys from having fun or making connections. Eat food, make merry, even get drunk if you feel the urge, just make sure you are adequately representing Diana and I. Am I understood?"
"""Yes sir!""" The trio of men gave a serious response, Titanyana remaining silent but giving a nod.
Her clothing was also of particular interest to Donovan. This wasn't in the lewd sense, it was just that Diana had taken her to be fitted a few days ago and it seemed a little expensive for what they payed. Of course, Donovan couldn't claim to be an expert on the economic state of this realm, much less the clothing market, but it just didn't add up.
It was a simple looking dress, at least from what Donovan could tell. It was a deep green, the same color as her eyes, and accentuated with yellow trim. There wasn't any patterning or texturing, so it was quite smooth, and the gap for her tail was situated in such a way that it didn't reveal her lower back. This apparently limited it's range of movement, but she didn't seem to mind. Apparently it was also 'tailored for mobility' which probably contributed to the price a bit, but Donovan didn't really know what that meant for the appearance or structure aside from allowing her to keep her sword on her hip. Female clothing was far from his forte.
"Titanyana, will you be okay?"
Her dress was far from the most interesting part of the outfit though, that honor belonging to what she wore atop her head, the Crown of Flowers. It still hadn't wilted at this point, apparently it never would, but Donovan was even more surprised to find it still had a level of fragrance to it. Supposedly that wouldn't change either. He was definitely concerned about her being in a crowd though. Until Trebar arrived, Titanyana would undoubtedly be the center of attention.
Diana claimed that calling her the talk of the (noble) town would be an understatement. Being granted a title by the Arboreal Maiden was one thing, a rare occurrence in it's own right, but the fact she had been given a unique title was something else. Perhaps it wasn't as prestigious as the title 'von' nor as valorous as 'Vaunted', but having a title that no one else had would certainly bolster your reputation.
"I will manage."
Donovan knew that she would 'harbor' next to himself and Diana should she ever start to become overwhelmed, but this was an opportunity for her to increase the number of ships available to save her people. Diana had told her that it might be possible to gather support by way of promises and favors, most likely in the form of attending parties others hosted. Selling her name to gather clout for others was something she was willing to accept given her circumstances.
"Will you manage, or will you excel?" Donovan was still going to push her though. More Nekh for Titanyana meant more bodies for Donovan. Human beings were an invaluable resource, even if he couldn't do anything with them yet.
"I will . . . I will manage."
A disappointing response, but there was nothing to be done about it. Donovan and Diana were united in their understanding that even this might be a bit too much for her at the moment. She was just as clueless about the norms of high society as they were.
"Good evening everybody." Diana announced her presence quietly. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, we just finished. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, yes it's been going okay. I just can't help but worry. It's my first time doing something like this and, I mean I don't know? What if I screwed up somewhere?" She retained a dignified pose as she sat. These people were her friends, but she had to maintain an image. All bets were off on the hand holding though.
"You'll be fine." Donovan squeezed her hand. "It's almost time to meet Merndil, correct?"
"Yes." Among the other four in Donovan's squad, Titanyana was the only one who had the credentials to warrant a direct introduction. She was the heir to an independent realm, however small, and she had recently received a title. "People are already lining up outside so we should probably hurry."
"Already? I guess they do have a lot of free time on their hands. Gentlemen, you are free to mingle at your leisure." Donovan picked up his own sword and fastened it to his waist. "Titanyana, are you ready?"
"Mhm."
"Then let's get going."
- - - - -
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Strauss." Merndil extended a hand towards him after a proper introduction from Diana. "I have heard great things."
"The pleasure is mine, Prince, and I insist you just call me Donovan. I'm not exactly keen on the whole Lord deal." It was a firm handshake, which was reassuring to Donovan. He liked a man who could properly shake hands.
"Then I shall address you as Sir Strauss. I apologize, but my status prohibits me from addressing you as anything lower." Prince Merndil smiled, bowing slightly as he did. "I must say that I am impressed you managed to secure the entire barracks for the party tonight. It is far larger than I was thinking it would be as well. I could easily imagine a party of a few hundred people taking place in these halls. It really is the perfect venue."
"If you ever feel the need, we are willing to open our doors to another such party in the future." Diana was a lot calmer now that she could see the fruits of her labor. If the sponsor was pleased, so too should the guests. "It feels a bit empty at the moment, and we would welcome the company."
"I will keep your proposition in mind." Merndil straightened out his overcoat, making himself presentable for the next introduction. "Might I ask who this is?"
"Of course. This young lady is one of Donovan's subordinates, Princess Titanyana Strapper of Nekh." Titanyana stepped forward and curtsied as etiquette demanded.
Merndil bowed in turn. "Nekh, Nekh. . . I am sorry to say I am unfamiliar with the kingdom, it must not be close to my borders."
"I do not blame you for it. We are only a single planet, so we wouldn't be significant enough to remember even if we were on your border."
"A shame, however I cannot help but notice what you are wearing. . ." Merndil trailed off. The implication was clear, he wanted to know if she was the one from the rumors.
"It is indeed what you are thinking, Lord Merndil. I have been bestowed the title of Tempest." Titanyana curtsied once more.
"Oh? Now this is certainly a surprise. To think you were hiding such an attraction from me, Lady Diana." Diana's only response was to cover her smile with her hand, acting as if she had been caught in some mischievous act. "I wonder what else you have in store."
"You will have to wait for them to arrive. In the mean time, shall we greet our guests? It seems to me like now is as good a time as any to begin the festivities."
"I was of the same mind."
- - - - -
Diana was frankly surprised at the punctuality of these people she viewed to be late at every opportunity. There seemed to be a hundred or so people outside, so just about everybody they were expecting. She was even more surprised to see how many of them had brought gifts. Very few of them were for her of course, this wasn't really her party, but Donovan had been handed a few bottles of what was definitely high quality wine. It was a shame that he didn't drink, Diana would have loved to share a glass or two.
"-and this is my brother, Prince Rashtvice."
Diana was brought back to ground level at the mention of 'brother'. Greeting people was fine and all, but she was more focused on matching names to faces than remembering anything too specific yet.
"Oh come on, how many times do I have to tell ya to drop the prince ya dingbat? You know how much I hate that." Diana's first impressions were 'bombastic' and 'unrestrained'. How this person was a prince eluded her. "Anyways, my name is Rashtvice Bulsa, though I insist you just call me Rash."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Rash. Donovan Strauss, feel free to call me Donovan or Don." Donovan had decided that Rash belonged to the category of 'his people', a subset of individuals that meshed well with his character and demeanor.
"Don it is then." A strong handshake and a beaming smile from the disinherited prince. "And you must be Lady Diana."
"Yes indeed, Diana Helmsguard. Lady Diana will do." She did not like being referred to by her last name, it reminded her of her grandfather. "I don't mean to pry, but what is it that you get up to? Your brother makes it sound like you live a particularly interesting life, but he never seems to divulge anything detailed."
"Oh?" Rash's smile grew as Merndil pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ohohoho? Well, I would like to say that I am gallivanting around on adventures and such, but the Sanctum doesn't exactly have any mysteries. These days it mostly boils down to picking a fight every day and night."
"Any interesting fight?" Donovan gestured him inside, keen to continue he conversation with someone who didn't have a stick up their ass.
"The tournament was boring, both in terms of kicking ass and getting my ass kicked, and some of the barfights where fun." Rash accepted a glass of 'cheap liquor' from the wait staff at the front before continuing. "Unfortunately I can't say I remember much other than that. WAYYY too drunk to keep track of anything."
He downed the beer in one go, the only type of beer on tap this night.
"Oh, OH! There was the display fights though, those duels at the beginning of the semester for armies to scout for people and such. Most of it was boring, most fights are, but this I ran into this real interesting character. She was a smaller girl, like about chest height for you maybe, and she absolutely rocked me in the duel."
Rash was making exaggerated faces as he said this, giving Donovan the impression he was already a little buzzed.
"I mean it wasn't even close. One hit, one hit. I don't mean to brag, but I ain't exactly a pushover. She made me feel like a kid. Anyways, one hit, I got knocked on my ass, and I went up and shook her hand. Unfortunately, this little miss didn't exactly take too kindly to being patted on the back, something about it being rude in her culture or whatever, and she turns around and socks me in the face."
"Really?!"
"Totally, and I mean she really laid me out. Like, arms sprawled out, eyes rolled back - knocked out. I was so shocked when I woke up I just apologized and moved along. I'll be honest Don, I didn't feel like fighting after that. I went straight to the bar and tried to drown the pain in my jaw with heavy liquor."
Donovan laughed. Rahtvice was most certainly a character.
"Yeah I never did catch her name, not that it matters. There isn't a chance in hell I'll be challenging her to a fight anytime soon. Do try and avoid pissing her off if you see her though." It was phrased as a joke, but there was an element of serious advice there. "Like I said, small to the point of being a runt. But she had these deep green eyes and this really strange brown and black hair. She looked kind of like one of my sister's porcelain dolls, but you would be an idiot for mistaking her as delicate."
"Pretty? Did she catch your fancy?" How long had it been since Donovan had last had some real vulgar banter?
"Oh hell's no! There is no way I could be convinced to marry someone who can kick my ass. Do you have any idea how often I'd be lambasted and beaten for doing stupid shit?" Rash hustled in close and started to whisper. "Besides, I've already got my eyes on a girl back home. I don't think she's taken yet and I know her father pretty well, so I think I've got a chance."
"If her father knows you well, don't you think he'd refuse?"
"Probably, but I've got a few pieces of blackmail on him from the days I used to train with him." Rash smiled a bit and rubbed his hands together while giggling like a goblin. "You've got quite the catch as well. If you don't mind my asking, how'd a guy like you end up with a hottie like her?"
A low brow insult wasn't anything to get upset over, in fact it lighted his mood a bit.
"State secret. If I told you I'd have to kill you."
"Oh dammit! Here I was thinking I could get a few tips!"
The two of them shared a laugh as they headed towards the dining hall, Diana left with Merndil to greet the last few people.
". . . well they certainly seem to have hit it off well."
"I had a feeling they would. Donovan has been lacking that sort of company these days, that sort of vulgarity was commonplace in his life before coming here." Diana sighed, relieved that Donovan was making a friend. Given Rashtvice's bearing, she wouldn't have to worry about them fighting. Even if they did she was sure it would be a classic case of 'men will be men'. They'd likely punch each other for a bit as a way to make up.
"Am I to take that to mean Sir Strauss is as unrestrained as my brother?"
Diana sharply exhaled through her nose, amused. "No, he can keep to an objective better than anyone I know. If anything I could imagine your brother being pulled into line at long last."
"HA!" Merndil laughed, "As if that would ever happen!"
cakeonfrosting I have finally, finally, been able to manifest a payoff for something mentioned over 100 chapters ago now. It's times like these that I remember just how slow this shit is moving.
So-re-de-mo, thought's on the idiot prince? I have modeled him as a friend I knew in the past, someone who constantly found himself in incredibly stupid and unbelievable situations on account of his rampant disregard for basic societal norms. If I had to put it as fallout stats -
Strength - 4
Perception -2
Endurance - 5
Charisma - 10
Intelligence - 3
Agility - 7
Luck - ? - I don't know if I should call him lucky or not lucky.
