FROM THE ASHES | Narrative Post

[sanriu 734]

FROM THE ASHES…

…
“ Love is a dangerous thing, my dear; it is a kind of
devotion you shall never recover from.”
         
—  Guillèm Ashford de Bruges

---

The tale of their courtship, if either were to be honest, all truly began with a wager. The market bustled with life around the group of young children. Merchants calling out from their stalls, children darting between the crowd, and musicians filled the air with cheerful melodies. Amidst the commotion, Cesari and Beatriz were enjoying a rare afternoon free from their duties.

Beatriz had scarcely been paying attention to any of it. Instead, her attention had settled upon Cesári Lucien Ashford de Savoie. More specifically, upon a young noblewoman standing beside him. The pair spoke easily, laughing as old friends often did. The girl seemed perfectly content simply to remain in his company, listening attentively whenever he spoke and smiling at even his dullest remarks.

Beatriz watched for several moments before shaking her head. Waving Cesari over, she leaned closer and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, a cheeky grin tugging at her lips. “She likes you.”


Cesari glanced toward the girl in question before looking back at Beatriz. “What?”

“She likes you.”

The young knight looked once more toward the girl, who had since wandered off to speak with several other youths nearby. “We’re friends.”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“And she likes you.”

“No, she doesn’t.” The certainty in his voice nearly made Beatriz laugh. “Lord de Savoie, she absolutely does.” Just as she responded, he was swift to deny it once more. “You’re imagining things.”

“I am not!”
“Are too."

The young girl scoffed; she paused as her grin appeared once more. “Would you like to wager on it?” The young knight folded his arms. “A wager?”

“Yes, that’s what I said, isn't it?” She’d answer in a snarky tone. “You are that confident?” He questioned, "Entirely."

Cesari snorted. “Fine. You’re wrong.”
“And when am I right?” Beatriz leaned in expectantly.

Cesari paused for a moment, considering, “I’ll buy you, sweetcakes.” The young de Bruges immediately extended her hand. “Done.” However, their wager did not last long. Within moments, the young noblewoman's affections became impossible to deny. Much to Beatriz’s satisfaction and Cesari’s distress.

Despite their previous banter, Beatriz soon noticed something unusual. Cesari hadn’t laughed at her victory, nor at the situation. “What’s wrong?” She’d ask, watching as the young knight glanced away. “Nothing.” He’d answer.

“You’re terrible at lying.” A long silence followed, then finally he sighed. “I don’t feel the same way.” The admission came quietly, and Beatriz’s teasing expression softened as she listened further. “I care about her,” he continued. “She’s a good friend. I simply cannot see her that way.. You know why.”

“Then tell her,” Beatriz answered bluntly. And Cesari turned to her swiftly, almost startling the young girl. “And humiliate her?” He shook his head. “I cannot hurt her; I do not wish to.” For a moment, Beatriz considered the problem. Rejecting a suitor was simple in theory. In practice, noble pride was a fragile thing, and word traveled quickly through the empire’s courts and halls. Then an idea struck her. A terrible idea. Which naturally meant she loved it. “Then don’t reject her.”

Cesari immediately narrowed his eyes. “I know that look.” He warned her; the de Bruges continued. “We tell people you’re already courting someone.” The young knight blinked. “What?”

“We tell people you’re already courting someone!” Beatriz answered once more. “That’s an awful idea.” He said.

“It’s brilliant!” She’d correct.

“It is a lie.” He warned her once more.

“A small lie—" He’d cut her off abruptly. “It’s still a lie!” Beatriz shrugged, eyeing him for a few final moments. “A harmless one.” Cesari stared at her for several moments, following, finally curious to ask. “And who exactly would I be courting?” Her grin widened.

“Me, obviously.” The silence that followed only lasted a heartbeat before Cesari burst into laughter. “You cannot be serious.”

“I am entirely serious.”

“My Lady, that is ridiculous.”

“Which is precisely why it will work.”

“It will never work.”

“It absolutely will.”

The two bickered back and forth before Beatriz finally called out his name. “Cesari!” The young knight groaned as Beatriz folded her arms triumphantly. By the time they reached the end of the market square, he still insisted the plan was absurd. By the time they reached the Alban Castle gates, he had begun considering it. And by the following week, the rumor had begun to spread. A harmless fiction they started themselves. A favor between friends.

…
 

The years that followed passed perhaps far more quickly than either had imagined. What began as a childish wager amidst the bustling market streets slowly blossomed into something far greater, weathering the demands of duty, distance, and the ever-watchful eyes of the courts.

Though many might have expected a grand affair befitting both of their stations, the pair instead chose to exchange their vows quietly within the Duchy of Lorraine. Far from the spectacle of noble celebrations, it was a ceremony shared only amongst their closest kin and confidants.

A moment they chose to keep to themselves. There, before DIEUN and those dearest to them, Cesari and Beatriz became husband and wife.

Whilst the years had changed much, yet little at all. The knight remained steadfast in his devotion, and the envoy, no less determined in her ambitions, was now running for a mayoral position. If anything, they found themselves strengthened by one another, each serving as the other’s constant companion through triumph and hardship alike.

Now, another chapter awaits them.
Nestled within Beatriz’s arms rested the fruit of their union, their first child, a beloved daughter. RAQUELLE ADELAÏS ASHFORD DE SAVOIE ( @Lalosia ). Tiny fingers curled around her fingertip as curious eyes gazed upon a world still new and wondrous. The sight was enough to soften even the most burdensome of days, a reminder of all they’d built together since that fateful wager years ago.

The wager that had once begun their tale had long since been forgotten, but the family it led to shall forever remain.

 

 

[truelarper 593]

Kusi applauded his good friend, Cesari. 

[Ben40K 62]

Spoiler

Constantin gave a thumbs up from his boat. "Haha based"  

 

[Seuss 1056]

Cassian went around looking for Cesari to congratulate him. Where did he go?

[penninoe 163]

Spoiler

twin can i have a dollar is my birthday on tuesday?

 

[Lalosia 988]

 

The infant Raquelle's cries pierced through the room in uneven, ill-tempered bursts. No attempt made to comfort the poor girl seemed to take. Perhaps her father would have better luck than the nurse, wherever he was...