>>5711474The Baroness nodded, and this seemed to break her husband’s indecision. The Lord of Blackpine rose, and regarded first Ekaterien, and then you.
>17“Fine,” he’d said.
He spat the word like a curse—not against you, or Eka, but against himself for giving in. But he DID give in.
“I’ll hear what you have to say, oh ‘King of Bloodrise’,” he’s acquiesced at last, “but you’re NOT entering my whiskey-tasting room while you’re still… On fire.”
“It isss more of a ssspiritual flame,” you’d noted.
“Even so.”
You’d glanced at Ekaterine, who nodded and smile a small, hopeful smile.
“Fine,” you had agreed, for it was a small compromise to make, and one that could buy you and your people—maybe ALL people—a New Age of Darkness.
The next two months had passed in short order, as autumn verged on winter. Your Beloved One’s passionate words had secured your company of Reptilians and renegade elves quarters, though nobody seemed quite certain where to place Natvodosk the Unknowable—not even Nat himself, who had a bad habit of ripping apart feather-filled mattresses and patching them together into a more suitable, silk-and-saliva-swathed nest appropriate for his size, shape, and sleeping posture. Eventually, he had been moved to the stables (and at your insistence, the other animals moved out and the area made off-limits to small creatures such as children). He seemed comfortable enough.
How did you choose to go about solidifying your bond with the Baron of Blackpine during this time?
>Dinner dates and ethical debates, husbands and wives both in attendance>Hunting trips, with fathers and sons, displaying valorous ability and telling tales>Try your hand at trade negotiations—though coin-counting isn’t your forte, your North-Merchant is dead and gone>Impress the man with your wealth and knowledge, and offer to share both with him for his allegiance>Write-inWhat is it you seek?
>Minerals and relics for food, drink, and livestock to bring back home—a one-off transaction, to perhaps be pursued later>A clandestine back-and-forth of trade—no need to bring this affair into the light or comrpomsie allegiances>An ongoing and open trade relationship between Bloodrise and Blackpine>The use of his outlying, undeveloped lands—under a lease—for farming, and agriculture, and limited settlement>You want Blackpine to join your Dark Alliance—an open ally with mutual military aid>Write-inIs there anything else you want from the Baron or his Barony, or anything else you wish to offer him to sweeten the pot?
>Write-in 