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[3/3]
Their title lands may be relatively middling, but the House Vancewell network of influence was cast wide and needed constant attention. There were plots and networks and alliances and secret deals to be made and maintained. Since the death of Hast, Frida was the primary proponent of that web outside of her father. She most certainly liked that, and was getting better at it every day. She’d been better at it even when her boorish sibling had been ostensibly in charge.
Her mind strayed back to her new toy, and the secret letter that had accompanied it. The dirk was far from the kingliest token of affection she had received from a would-be suitor, even in the last few months. But still her eyes went back to the fine blade, the ivory handle, the bejewelled hilt. Like the boy it came from, it was hardly worth her attention.
It really was quite pretty though…
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>Even a rock-for-brains Rabe could see that the Duke Montbrun would be calling the banners in a few month’s time. Shoring up alliances with friends and vassals closer to home, ensuring Vancewell forces were equipped and ready to marshal at a moment’s notice. And positioned to take advantage of however the upcoming campaign went. Tedious and tawdry work for now, but necessary. [Montbrun Court]
>The next few months will prove to be as predictable as they will be dull. Lord Vancewell and his Duke can keep themselves distracted with this border war. No, the real movers and players are busy jostling and manoeuvring at the only Court that matters. Little matter how well the game is played, if the field be modest and the prize humble. The network of alliances there must be maintained, and expanded on, even if war threatens. Especially then. [Royal Court]
>A tour at various families, affiliates and trade partners across the other duchies is the sensible middle ground. Pascae, a political charnel house, De Ver and other minor houses would cling to the relative safety of any larger house making their protection known. Fallavon, a visit to her ailing suitor the Marquis and either encourage his interest or let him down gently depending on the advantages to be had. Not to mention Romaine, there now being a certain minor house in impoverished realm that held her interest. [Duchy Courts]
