675-10-06 - Meeting the Relatives
| Meeting the Relatives | |||||||
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| Summary: Barbeta faces Agostino's relations to honor Ningo traditions, also to meet members of her new family. | |||||||
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The new Ningo arrivals had gone through the pleasantries with the king and the like, now it was later and it was determined Barbeta was willing to accept visitors Patrician Agostino asked the princess to meet him in the guest room he had been assigned to for the evaluation he had explained to her previously concerning the traditions of Ningo marriages.
When she arrives she’ll find a guard outside the door who let’s her past without issue, inside is not only Agostino but also an older man and two women. The man who looks to be in his early forties wears a tunic of some type with a generous piece of cloth wrapped about his body. Currently he is looking at a wall decoration silently. Agostino is dressed in the general clothes provided for him so he looks more like royalty among the Felagurians. One of the women, the younger of the two who seems to be in her early thirties is poking Agostino playfully and saying in the Ningo language, “What do you call this outfit again? How are you supposed to get something like this off on your wedding night?” in a playful, good-natured tone. The other woman who looks around her mid-thirties seems to be examining the bed, pushing down on it as though comparing it to the beds the Ningo possess. Both women wear dresses which are tied above the shoulder. The one by Agostino wears a leather belt about her waist, her dress synched about her body revealing less skin then the woman by the bed, but also showing off her curves. The woman by the bed is showing more cleavage, though still within the realms of modesty, her sides are also exposed, though there is no visible side-boob. The woman by Agostino’s dress descends to her ankles where the one by the bed’s dress descends to just below her knees. All of the clothes are rather plain and unadorned, but they have also traveled who knows how far as well.
Barbeta curtsies politely, when she enters the room. Barbeta carries herself proudly. She doesn't look sick. It may look like she is hidding it perfectly. Her dark gaze runs across the room, looking for her husband-to-be. When she notices Agostino, she offers him a polite smile and then looks at his relatives again, "Forgive me for my appearance. I will go to my evening hunt soon," she says in the Ningo language, even if with a sexy accent, "I am also very sorry for not being able to meet you earlier. I do hope that your day is great so far and the journey was pleasant."
Her gown, which nicely fits at the bodice and has a waistline that leads to a full skirt is decorated with dark brown corset made out of leather. The high rising collar at the back of neckline that sculpts low across the chest bares the girl's pale skin, where modest silverly necklace is dangling.
Barbeta is carring the bow and some arrows herself on her shoulder. The guards of the girl stays behind the doors, but Esther enters inside the room with her princess.
Agostino looks to Barbeta as she enters and nods respectfully which the other three do as well. The man then looks to Agostino and says in Ningo, “I’m surprised you didn’t try to arrange the alliance by marrying her and your eldest.” in a casual tone, as the woman by the bed grins and asks, “I didn’t think you’d want a wife that young husband.” Agostino shakes his head slowly as it becomes clear they are teasing him over how younger Barbeta is by comparison to himself. He then says, “I was not aware of her age until after I met her, and as she proposed the marriage by way of her handmaiden…” gesturing to Esther, “Our original translator and a skilled survivor. My options were limited. My future wife can also understand some of our words.” As he offers Barbeta a playful wink, true she did speak their language, however either his relations didn’t notice or they might have thought she was told what to say by Esther. He then looks to barbeta and gestures to the man saying, “I present Patrizio Egnatius of Family Cornelia, the head of the noble branch of our Family.” Then to the woman standing next to him who gives him a playful jab to the gut adding, “This is Patrizia Faustina of Family Cornelia, my younger sister.”
As he gestures to the woman by the bed she has already moved to approach Barbeta, looking the younger woman over and offers a soft smile, “Fine features, a figure which suggests one who has not experienced childbirth, and an interest in hunting.” She then looks back to Agostino and adds, “So far acceptable, if a bit young husband.” before Agostino can even introduce her. Once she has finished Agostino finally says, “And of course Primadonna Ambra of Family Orsini.” Ambra then proceeds to look back to Barbeta with another smile, and if permitted moves to give the younger woman a kiss on the cheek and whetehr permitted or not states, “So happy to meet you."
Barbeta grins a bit, hearing the comments about her age at first. Though, she does not comment that at all. Instead, she politely listens for the introductions. When the man is presented to her, she bows her head and offers him a smile, "A pleasure to meet you, Patrizio Egnatius..." Then her gaze finds the youngest woman and Barbeta smiles a bit more brightly. After all, a sister of Agostino could become a very good friend for her in the unknown lands. After all, she is closer to the princess age. So, she bows her head again, "I am pleased to meet you, Patrizia Faustina."
Finally, the wife of Agostino! Barbeta curiously looks the woman over. She won't move away and Ambra will be allowed to kiss Barbie's cheek. She will offer the same greeting, "Primadonna Ambra, I am most happy to meet you too." Then the young girl looks over all again,adding, "Strange, it looks like yesterday we barely knew about each other and now we are allies. I am very excited to become a part of your family. It may be hard to leave my home, sister, father and my people. Though, I hope that your lands will become my new home and I will find sisters, brothers and friends there and I will become one for you." Polite and proper start of the conversation.
Ambra grins and says to Agostino, “She is a clever one isn’t she.” Egnatius nods once more to Barbeta and says, “You would certainly be among the youngest to hold the title Patrizia that is for certain. Do you have any questions for any of us before we begin?” It would also seem height might be a family trait as Egnatius is over six feet tall (1.82m), though not as tall as Agostino. Faustina is also a bit taller then average for a woman at around five foot seven inches (1.70m). Ambra at least is a bit more typical in size as she stands only five foot four (1.60m) in height.
"The age is not everything," Barbeta finally makes a comment about her age too, if this is so important to them, "But yes, I would like to begin before the sun leaves our horizon. I need to release some arrows this evening," the girl smiles politely at her new family-to-be.
Egnatius chuckles lightly at Barbeta’s response and says to Agostino, “A shame a match couldn’t be made for Domitianus, she sounds like she would be an interesting match for him. He needs to marry anyway if he’s truly going to be heir.” Then to Barbeta he adds, “Do no take offense, it is merely family giving another of their number a hard time. Agostino is a bit old for such a young wife.” Faustina then playfully shoves her big brother saying, “You know how things go, time for you to find something else to do so we can do our job brother.” as Agostino chuckles softly at the pushiness of his little sister and nods to Barbeta saying, “We will see each other again.” as he moves to leave the room without further resistance, though he didn’t really offer any resistance to begin with.
Once Agostino is outside Ambra holds the door and asks, “Do you wish your entourage to remain?” as they clearly don’t know Two Rivers customs well and don’t know the language at all.
Barbeta chuckles and nods, hearing Egnatius words, which makes her smile even more widely. Then she follows Agostino with her gaze, which obviously says something similar to - "Maybe he is old, but he looks really good!" But then the young princess fixes her look on Ambra. She nods slowly, "We are not allowed to walk or spend time without handmaiden in the presence of men..." She peeks at Egnatius briefly, but then back to Ambra, "Esther is not just my handmaiden. She is my most trusted friend. It's not the traditions of Two Rivers,what doesn't part us. It's our friendship. I want her to stay."
Esther smiles and straightens a bit mroe proudly, hearing Barbeta's words.Though, she prefers staying in the background.
Ambra nods and says, “Yes my husband has told us of this Esther.” as she offers a respectful bow of the head, equal to the one she gave Barbeta. She then says, “We have been told that you have not been married before and you have seen over sixteen winters. That at least is a good thing. Why did you send your friend to offer yourself to my husband to gain this alliance?” her tone isn’t judgmental, seemingly just curious. Egnatius moves to lean against the wall and watches silently for now, seemingly unbothered by the requirement for an escort. Faustina simply walks over to take a seat on her brother’s bed for now, she does states, “This process is to determine how well you will fit in with our family. It is important you answer all of our questions as truthfully as possible. Whether you think its important or not, it is useful to know more about you, especially for Ambra as the two of you will be sharing a roof and a husband." The three have no doubt been given guest rooms as well if they are going to be staying, given they haven’t been here long their chambers are likely being prepared as they speak.
Barbeta nods, "Yes, I do understand that." She says about the explanation, why she has to answer to all these questions. The girl moves to take a seat on one of the couches,if allowed. She will gesture for the other woman to take a seat beside. Barbie willplace her bow and arrows near the couch very carefully, "Well, the answer can be very easy - I sent my friend, because I was not allowed to leave. It's very hard to be princess in the Kingdom of Two Rivers. Women here are just needed to make alliances and give birth to many children. Boys are always prefered, because they are heirs, they take most important positions. Except the first born daughter of the King. She must join King's Council. So, as being the youngest one, I was not allowed to leave or approach any dangers. If I would have told my ideas about alliance with the Ningo for my father, he would never allowed me to leave and make this alliance myself. He would have send his trusted servants, many guards, maybe my sister, but not me. At the end, these men would be cheered for making such an amazing and needed alliance. Everybody would forget that it was me, who did that. So, because of my age and gender, I am always left behind as less good. Hierarchy is very important in our Kingdom and the position to which you were born. All this comes first and talents are looked over later. So, if I wanted to reach something, I had to do it myself and get help from my friend. You see, I care for my people. I saw plague. I saw how my mother, my brothers burned in the fire together with common people.When plague and famine cover the land, the living ones are jealous for these, who are dead. I saw people, people for whom the royal family is responsible, tortured by the nature and misguided by the man whose soul drowned in sorrow, I had that I need to do something. When we were devasted, other Kingdoms closed their doors for us. I do not see them as friends anymore. I knew that I need new friends in order to help my people, my kingdom raise from the ashes."
Egnatius nods and says, “Ningo do not have a preference in regards to one’s gender, so you should more liberated in that sense. As to plague and famine, such happens for the Ningo as well, and well will often minimize contact with those who are sick, where that illness may spread for the good of all so I will not blame your neighbors for denying aid in regards to the plague. In regard to famine, that they could have helped with if they had the food to spare, unless of course it was taking place at the same time as the plague. I would not judge them to harshly in regards to the plague at least.” Ambra does indeed sit beside Barbeta and nods, “A sad thing, but also one that must be done at times. Illness kills many Ningo every year, children especially. I can understand you fully in regards to how women are treated here, it makes me glad to be ningo, no offense intended towards your own people. I do commend your plans, though after seeing my husband’s age why did you continue with your plans instead of asking to marry his eldest son instead as he is closer to your own age? Did my husband not mention his son when you first met?”
Barbeta sighs and leans back in her seat, "He mentioned. Your husband told me all main details about his own family. I didn't change my mind, because from what Esther told me about him and what I was able to see, I like him. I see him as a strong leader, loving father, gentle husband and fierce enemy for these, who would be his enemies. Lets say like this - everyone kept repeating me, that I am older than I look. I grew up deep inside my heart and soul way more faster. I am sorry, if that will sound improper or I may offend you,if the possible heir and his oldest son is yours too, but I always thought that men closer to my age are still children. After all, it;s the nature and a true fact that male matures a bit more slowly and longer than females. I didn't wanted to risk. I don't know his son, I did not see him and I always liked more experienced men than young not fully formed ones. I hope, you understand me right and I sound clear. After all, I am still not an expert on your language. But I am trying my best to learn."
Faustina waves a dismissive hand and says, “Maturity is not restricted to age we understand this. As to men being less mature or maturing slower, sometimes it is true and sometimes it isn’t. After all Egnatius has been grumpy since before even Agostino was born.” playfully sticking her tongue out at her brother who simply shakes his head and smiles softly. Ambra nods and smiles a bit at the siblings before adding, “Something to keep in mind with the Ningo, for us family is one of the most important things. Truth be told Family Orsini and Family Cornelia have been political rivals for generations, yet I chose Agostino as a husband because of his skill in survival and his clever mind. I understand this process can be a bit trying at times, but i had to be questioned by those two as well, not to mention Agostino’s first wife Agrippina. Now that was a woman that was hard to read and even I couldn’t come close to competing with in terms of influence, and trust me that is saying something.” offering a sly wink to Barbeta.
Egnatius nods and interrupts adding, “Yet she passed our tests and we accepted her and since their marriage Ambra has been a sister to us, even if she is an Orsini. Truth be told we can’t stop this wedding even if we wanted to due to the circumstances, as normally we could. The purpose of these questions is still to get to know you, it tells us the kind of woman you are, also it will help us to determine if we will treat you as family or not. It is best not to be too concerned with it, just respond as best as you can we understand you aren’t from the same culture and might make mistakes or cause unintentional offense. If such is done we will warn you so you can avoid it in the future but won’t blame you for something you have no knowledge or understanding of. So feel free to speak your mind.” Faustina nods and says, “Egnatius and I will be easier to convince by nature, such is always the case with the family of the one getting married as we won’t share a home with you. That is why when we are done you and Ambra can work out the finer details so whether you two get along or not, you can work out how your lives will unfold due to your shared duties, which she can explain in greater detail."
Barbeta is not the one, who would speak a looooot. So, she listens for the strangers to finish their talk and just adds at the end, "So, is the questions why I sent my friend to yoir lands and why I did not wanted to marry his son are the only ones?" She looks at the oldest woman in the room.
Egnatius responds, “More curiosity about what you were thinking. It is not only what someone does but also why, by asking why you would take an older man as your husband over someone younger can be important for example.” Ambra nods and says, “The details of your plan regarding sending your friend speaks well of you also as it is the kind of thing Ningo might do. It shows you have at least some understanding of how we gain influence which is important in our culture as nobility.”
Faustina nods and says, “Keep in mind that some of our questions might be a bit personal or embarrassing, but it is part of the process. With that said we have heard you have not been with a man or even a woman before. Is virginity a requirement for your culture, or have you simply not had an interest in such pursuits? Agostino hasn’t said and I assume he hasn’t asked much on the matter. There is no wrong answer on this question, simply a case of curiosity. You may also feel free to ask any of us questions as well, whether about our questions, your duties, or even simple personal questions about Agostino or ourselves. You are allowed to try and get to know us as much as we try to get to know you."
"Do not worry," Barbeta says, "I will ask my questions, when the tims will come. For now, I will let you to get to know me. We shouldn't jump into tge wild river. I prefer baby steps here. So, first of all - your questions,then mine. "
When the woman asks about Barbie's virginity, she just laughs, "Yes. If I wouldn't be virgin, I would be considered as very disreputable woman. We must be virgin till we marry first time and there is hope - it's the only one time. We must be faithful to our husband and give him our virginity, have just him. As I said, our culture is very suitable for a men. He is like the master here. Though, it's not so bad. Females are almost slaves in the Kingdom of Golden Lion...."
Then Barbie looks at the Ambra, "I heard that your culture allows us to have a few husbands too? So, if I would want, I could marry someone else too?"
Faustina nods to Barbeta and says, “If men are not subject to that same standard or if its not enforced it does seem a very compromised and corrupt system indeed.” she cocks her head to the mention of ‘Golden Lion’, but she leaves the matter for now. Ambra then nods to Barbie and says, “Yes men and women both may have multiple spouses. The purpose behind it, though its rarely used, is to increase the number of children produced. It is hoped this will increase the chances of more children making it to adulthood given the high death rates of our children. How Faustina, Egnatius, and Agostino's sister was lost as an example.” Egnatius simply nods in agreement with a bit of a sad look.
Faustina adds, “Understand, that for you to have more then one husband you would have to embrace our culture fully, and you’d also have to prove you can provide for the survival of your second husband, if he’s unable to do so, also provide for the survival of your children with him as well. Women do have the added complication of keeping track of which child belongs to which husband, as you would have to provide heirs to Agostino, as well as heirs to either yourself or your second husband as well depending on whether your Family or his held the dominant position."
"I was just curious," Barbeta answers, "I won't look for another husband, after all. I will love Agostino and I will bring him many healthy children," she says proudly, "I don't need others, because... Why should I give myself for many? I just... Nah, don't like it." The girl smiles, "I respect your traditions, but here I prefer my traditions, where man and woman can have just only one partner."
Ambra nods and says, “Curiosity is reasonable with such different views on the matter. Also even for the Ningo multiple spouses is a rarity, as few can support the practice.” Egnatius nods and says, “I likely could have had multiple wives myself, but I simply had no interest as I have loved my wife for decades. Fortunately for me, I was able to marry the one that I loved as her family provided a good political match and she asked my mother as she knew as the eldest I was likely to end up the heir. Agostino after all is the third born of my five younger siblings and I was already around eight winters when he was born. Faustina here was next and I was about fourteen winters when she came along.”
Faustina then sticks out her tongue at her big brother and says, “You are just grumpy about having to take me everywhere as a child.” in a playful tone.” Egnatius simply chuckles softly in response. Egnatius doesn’t seem overly grumpy, though he might have been when he was younger, or its simply a younger sister giving her brother a hard time.
Barbeta remains quiet. She just listens for sister and brother to speak. There might be barely vivid envy in her eyes. After all,she lost her brothers. She never got a proper chance to torture one or another. The girl sighs, smiles and nods, "I understand..." But she does not add anything.
Egnatius looks Barbeta over for a bit then walks over slowly, and if permitted bends over to gently kiss her on the forehead saying nothing whether its allowed or not. Perhaps having five younger siblings has given him a bit of intuition on when such a kiss might be needed. Or he just assumes it might be. Faustina smiles softly at her brother’s attempt, successful or not, then finally asks, “Is there any other questions you have brother, I believe I am satisfied in my judgement.” She then shifts her gaze to Barbeta and asks, “If you have no further questions for me I believe I will take my leave to give Agostino my opinion of you.”
Barbeta smiles a bit shyly, when she gets that brotherly peck on her forehead. "Thank you..." She whispers and then leans back in her seat, peeking at Esther for a moment, who spends her time quietly in the corner of the room. Enjoying the moment, when she does not have to translate anything.
Barbeta shakes her head, "I do not have any questions for now. If I will have some - I will definitely find you."
Faustina nods and says, “I meant in regards to this meeting, but if you wish to speak with me further you may do so Principessa Barbeta.” smiling softly as she stands and moves to leave, pausing at the door to see if Egnatius will be joining her. Egnatius nods to Faustina then looks to Barbeta and says, “From what I’ve heard it sounds as though you would settle well in our politics, you will have to earn your title to have a say in our politics, but as you are a huntress, I do not believe you will have too much trouble as long as you have any skill worth noting in the field.” He then smiles softly and says, “Good day to you Principessa Barbeta. You may seek me out as well if you have any further questions for me.” as he moves to follow Faustina out of the room leaving Barbeta and her party alone with Ambra.
Ambra waits for the two siblings to leave the room then asks, “Do you wish to dismiss your companions now there isn’t a man left in the room before we continue, or should we go ahead working out the details of our shared duties and conditions?"
Barbeta nods to the brother and sister of Ago, "See you later. Enjoy your stay in the Two Rivers."
Then she turns to Ambra and shakes her head, "Esther will stay." Her tone is very firm.
Ambra nods and waits for the guards to leave, once the room is clear of all but the three women Ambra asks, “How much do you know about how multiple marriages work and your duties as a wife of Agostino, that way i will better understand what to inform you of, along with the details we’ll need to work out as we’ll share a home."
"Hmm..." drawls Barbie, "I am not sure, but I would imagine, that my main duty would be to give birth for many children. Everything else is like everywhere. Charity, taking care of these children, helping for people around. I am not sure..." She shrugs.
Ambra nods and says, “For the most part. You are to produce as many children as possible which make it to adulthood specifically. In addition you will be considered the mother of all of Agostino’s children, whether they are yours or not. As an example Agostina and Alfeo are my children, yet Domitianus and Aeliana I have also cared for as if they were my own. Aeliana especially as I am the only mother she has known, since her mother died during childbirth, though she knows I did not give birth to her. Simply put if any situation arises where any of Agostino’s children need a mother you must serve that role to the best of your ability till they reach adulthood. Sometimes they may still need a mother after that, but generally those cases are few. Fortunately for you my Agostina is nearing the age of maturity so you shouldn’t have much need to handle such matters for her, though Aeliana and Alfeo its possible. Of course as they are now around thirteen winters they feel they have little need for a mother, but at times they will still come to me, so they may come to you as well.”
Letting that sink in she waits a bit before adding, “I do not know this word ‘charity’, but helping our people yes you may be called upon for that. Typically however that only becomes an issue if you are serving in a military role, a provider, or organizational matters such as instructing people where to go during attacks, plague, or the like. As you are trained as a hunter, if you wish to serve in that role then that would make you a provider. All you would have to do for that is go out and bring back as much food as possible, that will have to wait until after you earn your title anyway as our wildlife is quite dangerous. Truth be told I had to have a breast partially sewn back on after I earned my title. I’m not that good of a hunter or fighter, but i am a survivor and I misjudged the range of one of our predators. Fortunately there is no long-term affects beyond a scar only our husband sees.” smiling softly at the end.
Barbeta frowns slightly, when she hears whole story of the older woman, "I see.. So, you have... scars?" Barbies gaze drops to Ambra's chest for a second, before the girl looks at the woman again, "Though, I know all that. I was Told about the survival test. I understood, that you value this skill a lot. We will see how I will succeed. But if allowed, I would like to become so called provider..." The girl smiles, "I trust in myself and generosity kf our gids too, so I am sure that I will provide many children. As I will try to be a good mother for these, who are already born."
Ambra nods and says with a soft smile, “That is good to hear. As to being a hunter, we’ll see how well you survive, once that is done if you still feel you can function as a hunter then you will be assigned to a team and you can go out to gather food and any other resources needed. Yes I do still have a scar from where part of my breast was reattached, as I said I was still able to suckle my children, and even Aeliana. Scars are not uncommon among the Ningo, in truth they are often viewed as increasing any existing attractiveness someone may have. After all if you have a scar it shows you survived some type of attack. Agostino’s facial scars was gained from the fight with the Canis Dirus, the pelt of which he now wears as a cloak.” She then shifts a bit so she can more comfortably look at Barbeta as they speaks and she asks, “Do you understand how our living arrangements work as we will share a roof and a husband? I do not know if Agostino spoke of this with you or not."
Barbeta just shakes her head and giggles, "Is it something like.... I have him on first day of the week, and you have him on second?"
Ambra shakes her head and says, “Firstly we each have our own room, you, Agostino, and myself. Secondly it is in this way we are competitors. We compete with one another for his interest. Basically we each use whatever we have to make him choose our bed over the bed of the other on any given night. I will say that the wedding night is always set aside for the new spouse, so we will not compete for that, but from that day onwards we will always compete with each other, trying to get him to choose our bed.” Her voice is calm and seems to hold no challenge or deception, “Understand we are not rivals, simply competition for each other. Trying to win his favor each night is a type of internal politics, it is how one gains the title of Primadonna. The title basically means your bed is favored over that of the other spouses, though we are still nobility or royalty so we still must gain more influence among the Ningo as well. I tried for many years to earn the title from Agrippina, unfortunately I was robbed of earning the title by the dangers of childbirth. If you wish to take the title from me you will have to gain a great deal of influence among our people and also get Agostino to favor your bed over mine. If you do not seek the title then it doesn’t matter as much.”
Reclining a bit more on her side she then adds, “There is no requirement for either of us, or even for Agostino to bed every night. If you do not feel like it one night then you simply do not try to get him into your bed, you know as well as I there are days when you simply don’t wish to be touched or would rather break someone’s arm. Do you have any other questions on the matter?"
Barbeta looks over the woman, while she speeks and a grin curls her lips. She chuckles quietly for herself and a bit mischievious sparkles flashes in her dark gaze. Maybe she is just amused by the theme or maybe she things that she is already a winner. After all, she is young and beautiful, and someone is getting old. Older and older. Though, it's hard to say, what actually braught that chuckle.
Then the other woman finishes her monologue, Barbeta adds, "I do not have any questions for now on this matter. Though, I must add, that where is competition, there is rivals. Otherwise, it wouldn't be competition. Though, I do hope that we could become family instead ofrivals or competitors. I can tell you in advance, that I won't fight for the attention of the man. It's not usual for our culture and I am a princess. If I will fight for the attention of Agostino, I will feel as some kind of random whore. If he will want - he will be able to come to me. If not - I will never beg him. I am a proud woman and your titles are not so important for me. So, you can have it, if you want."
Ambra nods and says, “Perhaps it is arguing over the meaning of words between our languages. For us a rival is one you would fight and seek to bring an end to, one way or another. A competitor is simply one you compete with over a shared goal. As to begging, you can if you wish, though rarely is a shared spouse begged for. It is likely better compared to a manipulation then anything. There are two reasons I didn’t when often enough when competing with Agrippina. The love the two of them shared, also she was a better manipulator then I ever was… Just don’t tell anyone of Family Orsini I said that.” winking playfully at the end. After a moment she adds, “Once wed to Agostino we will be family, and I shall treat you as such. This is another reason we don’t use the term rival for such a competition, as you don’t seek to kill or physically harm another spouse, you simply try and make the shared spouse want you more by whatever means. Families are one of the most important things to the Ningo, even the most cruel and uncaring will care for their family at least. To show no concern for one’s family, Plebian or noble is the most strange and perverse thing we can imagine. Children is likely the only thing we as a people care more about then family, so children from our own family are the highest treasure for us."
"It's still doesn't change anything. Maybe you do not seek to kill your competitor, but it stays almost equal to rival. I understand the difference you use on these words, but none of them describes a person as your friend. If Agostino would come more often to my bed, then I would take over your title. Don't lie to me if you would be happy about it and proud of me. You would hate me for that. And I wasn't talking about actual begging. All this manipulation just to get the man to come to my bedroom not yours sounds equal to begging for me, even if it is done through hidden manipulation. The goal is the same - to do anything that a man would come to your bed. It's what whores do with their clients, you see. Because if client choses her - she gets more money. If she gets more and more rich usual customers, she may even raise her title. I don't like this. As I said, I won't fight for the attention of the man. I am a princess. I am young and beautiful. Why should I fight for the attention of the men, when they should fight for mine?"
Barbeta giggles and waves her hand cassually, "I have many men who would dream to marry me and nobody else in my Kingdom or the other Kingdoms.Yet, I chose Agostino. He should feel honored after all. So, what I am saying - do not watch me as your competitor, because I won't compete."
Ambra nods and says, “If you displayed enough skill in the process, no I wouldn’t be proud of you but I would respect your skill and seek to regain my title. As you say, it is of little importance as you wish not to make the attempt. I must say this word that you use in your comparison, I do not know it.” As Esther can’t provide a translation either Ambra simply shrugs.
Barbeta just shrugs back and leans in her seat becoming quiet. She doesn't have what to say anymore.
Ambra says, “We have been told that thanks to this alliance we will finally have a proper city to live in, and that you will be having a temple added for your abandoned gods. I am curious, why do you still serve gods that have abandoned you?” Her tone isn’t judgement, simply curious.
Barbeta laughs, "That's so simple..." The girl chuckles a bit more, before adding, "Because Gods did not abandon us." She quickly becomes serious. Her tone is very firm, cold and really firm. Her smile fades, "It was us, who were ordered by the lost soul to abandon them. So, these who abandoned gods may feel as if they were gone. But I never abandoned them. I am serving for my Gods and they are always beside me. They guide me, they help me. So, I will help them as I will help my people to pray for the Gods freely once more."
Ambra nods and says, “The Ningo believe that your gods abandoned you at the end of the War for the Abundant Lands, when the Trickster-God slew the champion of your gods. We assumed that either the rest of your gods eventually died as well somehow, or simply abandoned you, too fearful of the Spawn to show themselves once again.” She then offers a soft smile and adds, “I will admit I am no expert in such matters, perhaps we are right, perhaps you are. Who can say till we stand before the gods when we pass from this world. I meant no offense in my question, simply curious why you still worshiped gods we believed to be dead or abandoned you. Now I understand you don’t believe they died, which is perfectly understandable."
"I do not believe that they did not die. I know, that they are still with us. Especially these, who still believe in them." The girl sounds very serious and very sure about her words.
Ambra nods and says, “The Ningo feel the same about the gods of the Old Empire. As far as we know, we are the only survivors from those lands. So we feel the Old Gods still exist because the Ningo still worship them. So I can understand your people’s faith."
"Good..." drawls Barbie and looks up to Ambra, "Is that all or there is something else you would like to add? Hunting waits for me!"
Ambra nods and says, “Nothing more that cannot wait. Go and enjoy your hunt, survive and return to us.” offering a pleasant smile.
