Quoted By:
>Young Lord Damien Andrei, elder brother and heir to House Andrei only just!
<span class="mu-s">Fenegan, 13th Day of Bacrimun, 883 A.C.E, Midday – Offshore of the Romani coast</span>
Young Lord Damien Andrei watched the coastline drift by, close enough to shore to make out the rise and fall of the farmer’s backs as they laboured in rows collecting the harvest. Closer still was the glint of a spear in a watchtower one the shoreline, the impressive sea-washed marble at odds with the more recent wooden ramparts jutting out of it.
But there was no alarm coming, and the guard beneath the speartip slouched rather than stood at attention. The <span class="mu-i">Litany of Solace</span> flew her House Vidra colours proudly here, lest the ship be mistaken for a Cathagi raider. Damien blinked. They were not far from Vidra Isle now, and from there only a short stretch to Castle Andrei. Home.
<span class="mu-i">“Pondering another letter to your sweet mountain lass?” </span> That mocking tone and haughty smirk could belong to his elder sister, Young Lady Roselyn Andrei.
<span class="mu-i">“I think I’ve penned enough during this voyage, and no way to send them. I hardly like the idea of ma belle Brunhilde receiving them all at once.”</span> Damien barked a laugh at the thought, though honestly he doubted Young Lady Brunhilde Rabe would mind receiving a dozen letters at once. <span class="mu-i">“Besides, I thought you liked her?”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Hmm, yes I do admit I enjoyed the company of the little chatterbox. But, sweet as she is, it’s her father Lord Rabe’s iron markets that really seal the deal. Good steel is always at a premium in this Duchy, especially come winter.”</span> Roselyn’s calculating expression looks Damien up and down, less as one sibling might regard another and more as how horse merchant might look at one of his wares on market day. <span class="mu-i">“And it’s high time that we got you married.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Good to know I’ve got you watching out for me and the affairs of my heart, sis.”</span> Damien scoffs, but there’s no venom in it. Truth be told, the heir of House Andrei had long ago made his peace with the fact his family would likely arrange his marriage with an alliance as the foremost consideration, and that love might not be a factor. He had not dared hope for as much. <span class="mu-i">“In truth, I don’t mind. I… I think I would be happy. With her.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Good.”</span> Roselyn spares her brother a sidelong glance, her tone softening as a she places a hand on his shoulder. <span class="mu-i">“I’m glad.”</span>
There is a long pause between the two eldest Andrei siblings, both watching the Romani shoreline roll by.
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