-Prologue-
Champagne was my home for twenty-three years, and how I loved it. The never-ending expanse of green is forever ingrained into my memory as synonymous with the happiness of childhood. In my youth I rode horses across the county for days upon days. It was where my father had ruled with a kind, yet stern heart. He had always told me a ruler should stand with a closed fist, and an open hand. He made Champagne a noble land, and a wealthy one at that. It was a sad day when he passed on into the embrace of God. I have and always shall remember those days with a warm heart.
Monsieur Biddel arrived in Reims in early spring, it was only him at the time. We received him on his first day, with a small feast as we did with every dignitary. He could not speak
franceis* so we had to converse with him in a neutral tongue, Latin. His accent was atrocious, very rough and harsh. After an hour we could stand it no longer so we sent for our resident translator. Thank God he could speak Saxon, for I believed we would have killed the man if we had to hear him butcher the language of Caesar any further.
My first experience with Saxon was hearing the two men speak. It was coarse and rugged like German, but I found (and still think) German far more pleasing to the ears. Biddel was a good man as far as we could tell and he told of me a proposition he had hoped to make. Alas, though, he was bound not to speak further of it until his noble lady had arrived. So we bid him
adieu and offered him quarters in the palace. He thankfully refused, though he did find other lodging in Reims. Word quickly reached us that Biddel spent the next week whoring non-stop. They loved nothing more than a red-blooded Saxon with deep pockets. His spree was actually so significant, that it was something of an economic boom for the prostitution industry in the area. Apparently no one told him we were more famous for our wine.
Not long after Biddel's whoring binge did his noble lady arrive. She came with a much large entourage, as she was the eldest daughter of the Saxon king Alfred whom they called 'the Great'. We did not meet with her until the following evening when she and Monsieur Biddel joined us for another small feast. At the time I was twenty-three and Comte de Champagne. I was unmarried and still a virgin. My father would not allow my brothers or I to chase after any sort of low-class woman. For all my father's good the one thing he did not do well with was women. He was awkward around them, including my mother even after thirty years of holy matrimony. But, we obeyed his rules.
My first sight of Ethelfelda was something I shall never forget. She strode into the main hall in arm with Biddel wearing a gown of gold ad grey, the colours of her country. Ethelfelda was indescribably beautiful, with long blonde hair and deep blue eyes that melted the soul with awe. She was a thin lady with narrow hips and long legs and small breasts, something I liked in a woman but my father would of disapproved of. 'Narrow hips' he would have said 'she'll die with your first son'. But at that moment I didn't give a damn about what my father said. It was love at first sight for me. Then came her voice, like a chorus of angels in my head. She even spoke our language with only minor discrepancies. It was icing on the cake.
That first supper was fantastic, I was somehow able to entertain her for the entire evening along with my family and even Monsieur Biddel. I would never be so charming again. Then came the proposition. 'We propose that Comte Robert marry Princess Ethelfelda, becoming Duke of Cornwall.' He kept looking from me to Ethelfelda who was mouthing some of the words to him. He spoke in our language, but seemed to not really understand what he was saying. 'In return, you shall impart Frankish military tactics upon us.' He finished with a smile, very pleased with himself.
I did not even think about leaving my home and family before saying yes. That brought a smile to everyone's face. The rest of the supper was fine, or at least I think it was. The Saxons insisted on us marrying the next day, so we did in the cathedral. I honestly don't remember much of it. I drank tremendously that evening and had the worst of headaches. I couldn't have told you if I even kissed her or not. I was told later that it was beautiful. That evening, when I should have consummated the marriage, I instead passed out after more drinking. Oh well.
We left Reims the next morning. I named my brother Jean constable, to rule in my stead and then we were off. It was the last time I would see Reims or my family. Not long after I left, Jean was murdered by my other brother Stephan who proclaimed himself the new Comte de Champagne. Even so, I have considered myself Comte de Champagne and my children rightful heirs to it to this very day. Regardless, we travel north and then west towards Calais. It took us three days at a quick pace. I put of my husbandly duties still with more drinking and more passing out. It still didn't concern me, my drinking or my being a married virgin. Calais was a nice town, attractive harbor and blues seas ahead. There we found refuge in the home of a wealthy Saxon merchant who was leaving for Dover on the morrow. Not only was he going to give us a place to stay, but he would take us across the Channel as well. I'm beginning to like being a Saxon prince already.
That night I did not drink (much) and still had my wits about me. I decided tonight would be the night. So once my lady had already gone up, I joined her. She was in her evening clothes by the time I arrived. She bid me good night and walked over to the bed when I reached out and held her hand. She turned and we shared a kiss. Afterwards she gave a smile and bid me good night again. I was confused, was she not getting the hint. So this time I pulled her into an embrace and we shared a much longer kiss. But again, she smile and bid me good night. Finally, I spoke up.
'I would like to do my duty this evening.' I said. I knew it was awkward even as it left my mouth. Ethelfelda reached the bed and went under the covers, seemingly not hearing me. So I sat next to her on the bed, turned her towards me and kissed her much more. I started to get on top of her when she turned away and said, 'I can't do it!'. I rolled off and sat up, she did the same.
'I am sorry," she said with a tear in her eye. 'I should have told you . . . I do not like men.' I was confused and it must of shown on my face for she then clarified. 'I prefer women.' Damn it. That's not good. 'Oh please,' she begged 'please forgive me! I know it is unnat-' I stopped her, holding up my hand.
'It is alright.' I said. 'My mother felt the same way. I shall not make you do anything you do not want.' It was true, my mother told me on her death bed. She said that she respected my father, but dreaded the night for he would rape her. I loved my mother, and I saw even as a little boy how distraught she was in the morning. On more than one occasion, I would see her weep because of it. I decided there that I would not cause the same pain.
Thus began my marriage to Ethelfelda. We would sleep in the same bed to keep up appearances, but that was it. Our marriage developed into a strong friendship more than anything. We loved each other, that was for sure. But not in a sexual manner.That first night I did not sleep, not because I concerned with my wife's sexuality, but because I realized I would not have children. That upset me, though I did not tell her.
We left for Dover in the morning and after a short bit we were across the channel to the harbour. I landed on Saxon soil for the first time in the late afternoon. It was a surreal feeling. I think deep down, somewhere inside me, I knew that I would never leave this place ever again. At the time, I just couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad one.
[SV 3.3] Hail the King- A Saxon AAR [Updated May 7]
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I'm not sure if it was supposed to be, but I found that quite funny 
(Is it meant to be?)
Hopefully it will last longer than the previous one 
+rep 
Originally Posted by Shankbot12
-some I must say. Excellent work 
