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bard-llama · 3 years

Note

Phillipa, again in Vergen, learns that Saskia wants to marry for love (and maybe a little as a political statement) Iorveth: "Well, we have to find a way to gain some political benefit out of it. At least he is not Stennis, though..."

OH GOD NOT STENNIS!!! I mean, I usually kill the fucker anyway, even though I don't think Geralt would let him die, canonically. BUT knowing that he never faces ANY punishment in canon, I let the fucker die.

But for canon, I do have a WiP where, post-Witcher 3, Iorveth recruits Roche to help him murder war criminals (sans themselves) who profitted off of others' suffering. He figures they need to work their way up to King Stennis of Aedirn. I know that's not what this ask is about, but I love this part, so I'm gonna include a snip under the cut.

Anyway, Philippa - she would 100% find a way to bilk their marriage for all its worth.

So I’m gonna include 2 snips from the WiP whose working title is “Becoming Terrorists Together”

You know what? Fuck it. Here’s 90% of the whole WiP lmao Seriously, there’s only like, half a page after this.

When Nilfgaard dictated terms that actually favored you after they literally tore a swath across the continent, a reasonable person would listen.

Vernon Roche was not a reasonable person. In point of fact, he typically enjoyed spitting on reasonable people. Especially if they were Nilfgaardian.

Unfortunately, no one asked him his opinion. In fact, there was very little asking going on at all.

“What do you mean, ‘congratulations, you’re in charge now’!?” Roche bellowed. He had a very good bellow, developed from years and years of yelling orders over the battlefield.

Emhyr var Emreis, Emperor of the Nilfgaardian Empire, King of Cintra, Lord of Metinna, Ebbing, and Gemmera, Sovereign of Nazair, Temeria, and Vicovaro, and Overlord of Aedirn, Redania, and Toussaint was not impressed. “I mean, congratulations. You’ve successfully managed a Free Temeria. Now you have to rule it.”

Roche sputtered. First off, ‘Free Temeria’ was a helluva way to say ‘Temeria, Protectorate of Nilfgaard’. Secondly, “I’m not a ruler.”

“Aren’t you? Shame,” Emhyr said tonelessly. He didn’t look up from the report he was reviewing. “What’s the problem? Isn’t this everything you’ve been fighting for?”

Roche gnashed his teeth together. Unlike a certain former intelligence operative, Roche’s goal had never been to rule. Why the fuck would he want to do that!? Roche was a behind the scenes kind of guy. He most certainly was not the guy to wear the crown.

Also, he’d seen firsthand how much paperwork the guy with the crown had to do. No thank you.

“I don’t know how to run a country,” he growled.

“Then you’re in for a sharp learning curve,” Emhyr shrugged. “I’d get started if I were you. Your swearing in ceremony is in an hour.”

“My fucking what?”

“Your swearing in as the Imperial High Commissioner of Temeria, Administrator of Mahakam, Governor of Ellander, and Presiding Overseer of the Northern Imperial Capital of Vizima, of course.”

Roche gaped in horror. “There’s no way in fuck that I’m becoming – that.”

“Oh?” Emhyr raised a single eyebrow. “Would you prefer that I assign a Nilfgaardian administrator?”

Roche grit his teeth. If Temeria were ruled by a Nilfgaardian still sore about the war efforts, then Temeria’s people would be subjected to harsh treatment, and that was the opposite of everything he’d worked for, dammit.

Still… ruling Temeria? Him!? And that fucking title – no way was he keeping that.

Ah hell, he was going to agree, wasn’t he? Emhyr played him too damn well, knew that Roche wouldn’t be able to say no.

He pursed his lips, frowning deeply. “What exactly would I have to do?”

Emhyr smirked, eyes still focused on the report in front of him. Roche had never wanted to stab anyone quite so badly in his life.

Forty-five minutes later, he was dressed in absurdly expensive Temerian blue robes and three maids were attempting to remove his chaperon.

“Sir, you are to be sworn in as the ruler of an Imperial protectorate! You must look dignified.” Emhyr’s chamberlain insisted.

“I shaved, didn’t I?” Roche shrugged. What was it with Nilfgaardians and beards, anyway? Who really cared if he had a five o’clock shadow?

“You did, sir. But I am afraid they absolutely cannot place your crown over a chaperon. So if you would remove it–”

“Wait, wait, I don’t need a fucking crown!”

“It is Nilfgaardian tradition, sir. Every Imperial Representative has been sworn in with a crown. The people expect a crown. You simply must wear it, I’m afraid.” Mereid, the chamberlain, somehow managed to look innocent and helpful, even as he nodded for the maids to grab at his chaperon again.

“The people expect an actual fucking ruler,” Roche muttered, dodging the maids. “Chaperons are traditional headwear amongst Temerian nobility. If anything, it’s more dignified to wear it!”

Mereid’s eyes narrowed and Roche felt a prickle of fear at the base of his spine. This was a man who even the Emperor deferred to. He was not to be messed with.

But dammit, did it have to be the chaperon?

“Sir,” Mereid began, his tone icy. “I must ask that you refrain from further struggling and remove the hat.” His eyes looked exactly like Ves’s three seconds before she knifed someone.

Roche removed the chaperon.

As casually as if he hadn’t just won a protracted battle, Mereid snapped his fingers. “Tend to his hair,” he ordered, and the maids immediately launched themselves at Roche again.

It took every bit of control he had not to bolt.

Ten minutes later, his hair was slicked back with a truly ridiculous amount of oil to tame his curls. Combined with his undercut, it looked absolutely ridiculous, but apparently Mereid was pleased.

“Now,” Mereid clapped, “we must proceed to the throne room.”

Roche blinked. “There’s not like, actually going to be an audience for this, is there?”

Mereid gave him a look. “The purpose of a coronation is for it to be witnessed, sir.”

“Ah fuck, Ves is never gonna let me forget this,” he groaned.

“It shall be forever memorialized, of course,” Mereid said casually. “The court painter is already working on your portrait.”

“Oh my gods, I hate everything.”

“Shall we depart, sir?” Mereid gestured to the door in a way that clearly suggested that it was not a question.

Roche glanced at his reflection in the mirror and thought of this being how he was remembered. “Fuck,” he grunted. Nonetheless, he followed Mereid when the chamberlain started out of the room.

Ves laughed at him, of course. She didn’t even have the courtesy to hold it in until after the ceremony. Instead, Roche had to listen to her cackle as Emhyr fucking var Emreis slowly lowered the crown of the King of Temeria onto his head.

Despite what Ves later claimed, he did not tear up at all when Foltest’s crown came to rest on his brow.

“People of Temeria,” Emhyr proclaimed grandly, “I present to you, the Imperial High Commissioner of Temeria, Administrator of Mahakam, Governor of Ellander, and Presiding Overseer of the Northern Imperial Capital of Vizima, Commander Vernon Roche!”

Roche felt vaguely like throwing up even as he stood and faced the scattered applause.

––

A month later, Roche did not want to set everything on fire any less than he had from the start. If anything, the urge had only gotten stronger with each paper he signed.

He was also, somewhat disappointingly, actually pretty decent at ruling a country. Temeria was doing better than it had since the war had started, and the economy was projected to be back at the level King Foltest had achieved by the end of the year.

Roche still hated it.

With a heavy sigh, he took off the crown and reverently placed it on a cushion. He would love to just be able to toss it aside when it got too heavy on his head, but it was Foltest’s crown. He couldn’t treat it with anything but the appropriate amount of solemnity and respect.

His robes, on the other hand.

Roche tore off the ridiculously heavy clothing as quickly as possible, leaving his hair a rat’s nest above his head. Then he headed for the one luxury he actually appreciated – the huge opulent bathtub. It was truly ridiculous – made from polished copper, it was inlaid with mother of pearl edging and was everything he hated about rich people – and also really, really nice to soak in.

Once the tub was steaming, Roche slid down until the surface of the water tickled his ears. The tub was deep and he let himself relax into the heat, tilting his head back and letting out a long sigh. The stresses of a life he’d never wanted began to sluice off of him with the water and he rolled his shoulders back against the side of the tub, stretching his neck with a yawn.

When he opened his eyes, he encountered dark red fabric and an olive green eye about three inches from his nose. It took his brain a half-second to process what he was seeing and then Roche found himself screaming, high pitched and shrill, as he grasped frantically at his chaperon to cover himself with.

Jerking back at his scream, the elf wanted in every northern kingdom and Nilfgaard blinked at him. Iorveth, somehow hanging from the ceiling, just stuck a finger in one ear and grimaced at the noise.

“Stop screaming, it’s me,” Iorveth said, offering him a bar of soap as if the leader of the Scoia’tael interrupting his bath wasn’t reason enough to yell.

“What the fuck!?” Roche yelped. “How the fuck did you even get in here!?”

Iorveth shrugged, still hanging upside down. “Your security needs work.”

Roche sputtered. “Why the fuck are you here!?”

“Why, to pay respects to the new Imperial High Commissioner, Administrator, Governor, Overseer, and Commander, of course” Iorveth smirked, mischief sparkling in the eye that was still far too close to him.

Roche poked Iorveth’s forehead with his pointer finger and pushed him away. “Ever heard of space? Privacy? Not being a shithead?”

Iorveth snorted, and did some sort of complicated flip through the air that left him standing next to Roche’s bathtub. Roche frowned. On the one hand, he didn’t particularly want to be naked and unarmed with Iorveth in the vicinity. On the other hand, he literally just got in, and it would be such a shame to waste the hot water.

Decided, he crossed his arms and glared at Iorveth. “What the fuck, Squirrel?”

Iorveth ignored his glare, poking around his room instead. “There’s no way you aren’t hating every minute of playing king.” The elf flicked the tip of Foltest’s crown.

Roche scowled. “Why are you here? And why aren’t you – you know – killing me?”

“Even death isn’t enough to escape Nilfgaard,” Iorveth said.

Roche’s forehead wrinkled and he squinted at Iorveth. Iorveth continued to search through his room, though the elf considerately stayed within Roche’s sightline.

Roche was suspicious.

“There were rumors you’d died,” he finally said.

Iorveth shrugged. “Not the first time. What, did you believe them this time?”

“No,” he found himself admitting. “Only I’m allowed to kill you.”

Iorveth glanced back at him with a smirk. “Don’t seem to be trying at the moment.”

“Water’s still hot,” Roche grumbled. Iorveth muffled a laugh and Roche was hit by the utter strangeness of chatting casually with fucking Iorveth while sitting in a ridiculously fancy bathtub that he only had because he was currently ruling Temeria.

What the fuck was his life?

Gods, the bathtub really was fantastic, though. He slumped back against the tub and let himself enjoy it, muscles slowly unwinding. If Iorveth killed him, the elf would be doing him a favor. But Iorveth was right – even in death, he probably wouldn’t be able to avoid fucking Nilfgaard.

Roche hadn’t realized he’d closed his eyes until he opened them to see Iorveth staring at him again, though fortunately from much further away this time. “What?”

“This ruler thing isn’t allowed to kill you before I do,” Iorveth said eventually, turning back to poke at the shit decorating Roche’s room. “Fucking shit, your shoulders look tight enough to chop wood on.”

Roche snorted, shrugging shoulders that really were painfully tense. “What, are you offering a massage?”

Iorveth dropped the trinket he’d picked up and fumbled catching it, graceless in a way Roche had never seen an elf be before. Then Iorveth turned to him with a wide eye and what Roche almost thought was a blush. Roche’s eyebrows rose slowly.

“Actually,” Iorveth cleared his throat, “I was thinking of a more violent type of stress relief.”

“What?”

“Nilfgaard wants to quell all unrest in their lands, so they’re not going to prosecute any war criminals. Which means they’re fair game.”

Roche blinked at him. “Iorveth,” he said slowly, “you do realize that technically we are both war criminals?”

Iorveth just shrugged. “‘Least we haven’t gotten rich off of other people’s suffering.”

That was true. At least he and Iorveth had fought for a cause, even if what they did was monstrous. People driven by pure greed disgusted Roche, and he knew there was no shortage of greedy predators preying on those devastated by the war.

“Are you… inviting me to go murder assholes with you?” Roche asked in disbelief.

Iorveth tilted his head, shrugging again. “Essentially.”

Roche sucked on his lower lip. It was a terrible idea. He was leader of a country now, he couldn’t just swan off and do whatever he wanted. And what would they do, run around like vigilantes, punishing the cruel?

That actually sounded really fun. When was the last time he’d had fun? Definitely before fucking Emhyr’s grand fucking idea.

He pursed his lips. It really would be an awful decision, but gods, for the first time in ages, he actually felt interested in something. Excited about something.

“Huh,” Roche huffed, “I don’t think I’ve killed anyone in at least two months.”

Iorveth looked mildly impressed. “We could fix that.”

“It is definitely wrong to long to murder people,” he pointed out.

“Moralize later, dress now,” Iorveth said, picking through his wardrobe. “Where’s your armor? There’s no way you let them take it away in favor of these ridiculous things.” Iorveth held up a velvet brocade robe to support his point.

Roche laughed. Iorveth wasn’t wrong, after all. “Under the bed. Had to hide it from the chamberlain.”

Iorveth turned to the bed, an absurdy lavish four poster bed with chiffon draped ever so precisely around the bedframe. Laying on it felt like laying on a cloud.

Roche hated it. He usually slept on the floor instead.

“We’re waiting until my bath is done to leave, though,” he said and Iorveth shot him a disbelieving look. “I can’t just waste the hot water,” Roche justified, flushing slightly. A lifetime of little money had taught him that nothing should be wasted. Baths didn’t cost him coin now, but old habits died hard.

“What, and I’m just supposed to wait for you?” Iorveth grumbled.

“Hey, no one invited you here,” Roche pointed out. “I don’t care what you do, but I’d recommend not getting caught at it. You’re still wanted… pretty much everywhere.”

Iorveth smirked proudly, “I know.”

Roche rolled his eyes, yawning and leaning back in the bath, stretching his neck from side to side.

“That’s a gigantic bathtub,” Iorveth said, something contemplative in his tone.

“Uh huh,” Roche grunted.

“If you’re enjoying the hot water, I don’t see why I shouldn’t,” Iorveth said nonsensically, and Roche opened his eyes to stare.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Iorveth just arched an eyebrow and reached for the straps holding his weapons.

“Are you fucking serious?” Roche asked in disbelief. It wasn’t that he objected, necessarily – years and years of military life had removed any shame he might’ve felt at being naked in front of his enemy. But naked and sharing a bath? “You know this is weird, right?”

Iorveth just snorted, now setting about removing his numerous weapons. Roche was a little impressed by how many the elf managed to fit on his body. “You, Vernon Roche, are currently ruler of Temeria. Is there any part of your life that isn’t weird nowadays?”

Roche opened his mouth to respond – and then closed it. Iorveth wasn’t wrong, after all. “Claiming to be part of my life?” he finally asked.

“Of course I am,” Iorveth said confidently, “I’m your nemesis and you’re mine.”

Roche swallowed at that, watching as Iorveth removed his belt, gloves, and all the various straps that held his hodgepodge armor together. Apparently he was really doing this, really planning to join Roche in the bath.

Seriously, what was his life now???

Instead of thinking too hard about that, Roche cleared his throat, jerking his gaze away as Iorveth pulled his chainmail over his head. “So, this murder thing…”

“Mm?”

“You have a hit list or something? Or were you just planning to run around until you found an appropriately irritating war criminal?”

“Wouldn’t be that hard,” Iorveth muttered. “Stennis of Aedirn is top of my hit list, but not necessarily the best place to start.”

Roche blinked. “Stennis… as in King Stennis?”

Iorveth shrugged, and in Roche’s memory, he could hear that brash voice easily declaring, king or beggar, what’s the difference?

Back then, Roche had had many opinions on the difference. The likes of King Foltest could hardly be compared to some beggar on the streets. Or even some whoreson who had somehow found his way into power.

Now? Now Roche had the blood of two kings on his hands, and really, what was a third?

“That will require careful planning. He’s probably got good security.”

Iorveth was silent for long enough for Roche to look at him again, and he flushed when faced with the sight of Iorveth’s bare chest, ribs visible and skin a handful of shades darker than Roche’s. Iorveth’s gambeson lay in a pile next to him, and the elf was currently working to remove his hose – only at Roche’s words, he’d apparently stopped to stare at Roche instead.

“What?” Roche asked, hoping the heat from the bath hid his blush. Why was he suddenly feeling awkward about nudity? It wasn’t like they hadn’t seen the worst of each other before. Who cared if there was a bit of skin on display?

His eyes caught on the peaks of Iorveth’s nipples, darker than Roche’s – almost the color of polished cedar. Roche bit his lip, feeling oddly fixated as Iorveth’s nipple hardened in the cool air under his gaze.

“I’d heard you killed kings now,” Iorveth said eventually, shifting enough to break Roche’s gaze and when Iorveth bent to remove his hose, Roche quickly turned away. His face and ears felt hot and he sank lower into the tub.

“Gods, I hope people aren’t going around gossiping about that,” he groaned. “Both were supposed to be fucking secret, dammit.”

Iorveth pursed his lips, staring at Roche. “You really did it,” he said slowly, and there was something in his voice that made Roche look at him. Standing naked with absolutely no shame, Iorveth frowned at Roche. “Radovid I get. You got a Free Temeria out of it, and even most dh’oine agree he was insane. But Henselt? Really?”

Roche cleared his throat, determinedly keeping his eyes trained on Iorveth’s face and not the miles of bare skin that lay in front of him. “He deserved it,” Roche grunted.

“He was a king,” Iorveth said, as if that explained everything. Roche frowned at him. “What did he do to drive you that far?”

Iorveth sounded genuinely curious and Roche swallowed. He didn’t really want to talk about this, didn’t really want to remember the way the Kaedweni king had stolen his family from him. He closed his eyes and grit his teeth, trying not to go back there.

A touch on his shoulder startled him and Roche jerked around, blinking wildly as he realized that the touch had been Iorveth – what, comforting him? That was fucking weird. Still, Iorveth’s touch was cool against his slightly-overheated skin, and the look on the elf’s face was more akin to understanding than pity.

Roche supposed that was acceptable. He swallowed harshly and forced himself to answer, “he murdered my men.”

Iorveth inhaled sharply, clearly not having expected that. “Oh,” the elf murmured, obviously lost for words.

Roche cleared his throat. “So, King Stennis…” he changed the subject, shifting in the tub to allow Iorveth room to climb in.

Iorveth was silent as he took the invitation and stepped into the bath, sighing softly at the touch of hot water. They sat facing away from each other, and the press of Iorveth’s back against his was oddly hypnotic. Roche found himself only able to focus on the places they touched – and the places they didn’t.

“I’m… sorry,” Iorveth eventually said.

Roche blinked, shaking himself out of his daze. “Why?”

Iorveth tapped his fingers against the side of the tub. “Enemies deserve respect,” he said. “The Blue Stripes were uncommon enemies – efficient and ruthless and well-led. I may not feel anything at their deaths – but they were your unit.”

Were. Roche swallowed roughly, digging his fingernails into his palms. “Let’s talk about Stennis,” he grunted forcefully.

Iorveth sighed, and for a moment, Roche almost thought that Iorveth’s shoulders pressed against his more intentionally. Offering comfort again? What a strange thing for his nemesis to do.

“Why did you come to me?” he asked, not sure if he expected Iorveth to answer truthfully or not.

Iorveth hummed. “We are remnants of a past age,” Iorveth said slowly. “Our skills are no longer needed nor wanted. Instead, we’re supposed to fit into nicer, less controversial boxes.” Roche could feel Iorveth shrug against him, “I’ve never been one to conform to societal expectations.”

Roche snorted, “yeah, no shit.”

Iorveth huffed in amusement. “I figured you probably hated all this as much as I do.”

Roche grunted in agreement. “The bathtub is nice, at least.”

Iorveth actually laughed, twisting around to face him. “It is. And yet, you still look tense enough to string a bow.”

Roche grumbled. He hadn’t really thought about how he’d left his back exposed to his nemesis, not until cool fingers hesitantly touched his shoulders. Inexplicably, he didn’t tense further, even though touch typically meant violence, especially coming from Iorveth.

Only Iorveth didn’t hurt him. Actually, Iorveth’s touch was gentle as he traced the line of the tattoo that spanned Roche’s shoulders. Roche shivered at the light scratch of Iorveth’s bow calluses, unsure why he was allowing this.

Except that it had been so very long since anyone had touched him in kindness and Roche couldn’t make himself pull away. If he was lucky, this wasn’t some sort of ruse to get him to let his guard down before Iorveth slit his throat.

Though really, Iorveth could kill him right here and now with little resistance – and yet, he continued to live and breathe. Instead, he felt Iorveth’s fingers dip under the surface of the water, continuing to trace the tree tattooed across his back, each branch a tribute to the men he’d lost.

Roche swallowed, suddenly feeling the urge to cry. He pinched his index finger and thumb together tightly, letting the pressure ground him.

“So,” he coughed. “King Stennis? Why do you want to kill him?”

“He poisoned the Dragonslayer and faced no consequences,” Iorveth said, a growl in his voice. His fingers traced back up the trunk of the tree on Roche’s back and then he dug his thumbs into Roche’s traps.

Roche gasped sharply, the pressure a painful ache until his muscles slowly unwound under Iorveth’s touch.

“Seriously,” Iorveth said casually, as if he weren’t apparently giving Roche a shoulder massage. “How are you even able to move right now? You feel like a brick shithouse.”

“Gee, thanks,” Roche snorted, wincing slightly as the heels of Iorveth’s palms kneaded between his shoulder blades.

Then he felt the moment his tension released, and he practically melted into Iorveth’s touch, feeling looser and more relaxed than he had in… fuck, who even knew how long?

Iorveth continued massaging his shoulders, moving up to circle his thumbs against Roche’s neck and dipping down to work at his back on occasion. But Roche wore his stress in his shoulders and Iorveth spent the most time there, fingers strong and agile, pushing and pulling at his muscles with surprising ease.

Roche sighed deeply, closing his eyes and trying to remember the thread of the conversation. Right. Stennis. And the Dragonslayer. He poisoned her? Really?

“I thought the Dragonslayer was alive and well and running the only country that hasn’t succumbed to Nilfgaard?”

“She is,” Iorveth responded, voice low. It added a sense of privacy to their conversation that made Roche feel oddly special. “Geralt and the fucking sorceress healed her. The peasants wanted to make Stennis pay, but apparently Gwynbleidd’s morality won’t allow for a lynching. The nobles, of course, don’t care if Stennis is a poisoner, because he’s royal, so…”

“So now it’s left to you to get revenge?”

“Some might call it justice.”

Roche turned his head to look at Iorveth over his shoulder. “Somehow I doubt anyone would picture either of us as agents of justice.”

“Who cares what others think?” Iorveth shrugged, sliding his thumbs up the nape of Roche’s neck.

Roche turned back around and let him. “Most people,” Roche answered, leaning into Iorveth’s hands.

“You don’t,” Iorveth said, voice utterly assured. “As long as it’s for Temeria.”

Roche huffed. He wasn’t wrong, but still. “I think I’m supposed to care now. The whole ruling thing and all?”

“You hate it.”

“Of course I fucking hate it. That’s probably why fucking Emhyr forced it on me.”

Iorveth hummed in agreement, massaging Roche’s neck and the base of his skull. It felt ridiculously good and Roche felt his body melting into Iorveth’s touch, putty in the elf’s hands.

Iorveth could have done anything and Roche wouldn’t have been able to stop him. He could slit Roche’s throat, could drown him in the bath, could break his neck, hell, Iorveth could even suffocate him in a chokehold.

The elf did none of that. Instead, when the water began to cool, Iorveth slid his hands down Roche’s neck and across his shoulders, squeezing them briefly. Then, cool lips pressed against the curve where Roche’s neck met his shoulder. By the time his gasp found voice, Iorveth was already pulling away, rising gracefully to his feet and stepping out of the tub, stealing Roche’s towel.

“There’s a Redanian,” Iorveth said casually, as if he hadn’t just kissed Roche. Roche gaped at him, but Iorveth didn’t appear to notice as he began dressing. “Former general, hoarded medical supplies and food and charged exorbitant prices for them. Located in the Outskirts of Vizima, so figured we could start with that.”

Roche swallowed, belatedly pulling himself out of the tub. Iorveth helpfully passed him the already-wet towel and Roche took it with a grumble. “What’s the target’s name?”

“Arnold of Denesle,” Iorveth answered, still acting like absolutely nothing out of the ordinary had happened. He’d even pulled Roche’s armor from under the bed and laid it out for him.

Roche sucked on his lip as he dried off quickly, reaching for his armor. Technically, he supposed, a kiss wasn’t that much stranger than the rest of this situation – i.e. Iorveth having snuck into the royal palace, joined him in the bath, and even given him a massage. Maybe Iorveth was playing some sort of mind game with him?

If that was the case, Roche should really push it from his thoughts. As he got dressed, he tried to do so – but there was something about the way Iorveth’s chapped lips had brushed against his skin that had him shivering, the spot still tingling.

Sometimes, he felt he knew his nemesis well enough to know how Iorveth thought. Other times, it was very clear that as much as he’d studied Iorveth, he had no idea what went through Iorveth’s head.

If Roche’s tattoo sounds familiar, it’s ‘cause I used the same concept in How to Fluster an Elf. This WiP was actually written first, though.

#iorveth x saskia #rorveth #iorveth x roche #the witcher #wips #ask

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garmonboziasworld · 3 years

Text

Chapter 7: Home

As King Vizimir asked her to, she stayed in Vizima for a few days. When he told her, she wasn’t pleased about it. But after her first evening and mostly after her first night at the viziman palace, her displeasure turned into pleasure. She spent her days at the side of the king, she dined with him and accompanied him on his hunting trips. And she spent her nights with Vernon. They slipped under each other’s blanket whenever they could. Giving vent to their attraction and desire. She removed her constricting corset of responsibility and reputation whenever she gave herself to him. She loved the way he made her feel, how he made her feel good and easy, how she forgot about everything else when she was with him.

But her time in Vizima was limited and now she stood in front of the temerian king who placed a kiss on her hand.

“And you really don’t want to stay? You could if you wanted to. I really did enjoy your company during the last days.”

“As much as I am flattered by the offer, your Majesty, I will return to Tretogor. My king and my country need me.”

“Of course. Then I thank you again for your visit. May you arrive safely in Tretogor.”

“I have to thank you for your hospitality, King Foltest.”

She bowed before him and got into the redanian carriage waiting for her. As soon as she closed the door, the carriage started to move, making its way back to Redania. The journey took two days and as the carriage drove up in front of the palace, she was glad to be back. As much as she enjoyed her time in Vizima, Tretogor was her home and she didn’t want to be anywhere else. The carriage stopped and Mari stepped out of it. She was immediately greeted by one of King Vizimir’s chamberlains.

“It’s a pleasure to have you back, Lady Molinar. The King knows you had an exhausting journey but he requested your presence as soon as you’d arrive. He is waiting in the throne room.”

She sighed and nodded. “If the King requests it then I shall obey.”

So she made her way directly to the throne room where the king was already waiting for her.

“Mari!” As he caught sight of her, he rose from his throne and headed her way. “It is good to have you back.”

“And it feels good to be back, your Majesty.”

“Come. Take a walk with me. Meanwhile we can talk.”

Together, they left the throne room and stepped outside to take a walk in the royal garden.

“So, how is my daughter?”

“She is fine, your Grace. She is really looking forward to learn everything it takes to become a good priestess. And I’m sure Mother Nenneke will teach her everything there is to know. And as you wished, I reminded her to not treat Dalimira any different than her other students just because she is a king’s daughter.”

“Good,” he nodded and inspected the blooming red orchids, his favourite flowers in the gardens. “And how did it go with King Foltest?”

“Very well, Sire.”

“So nothing odd?”

“No, Sire. I really do think it is time to stop carrying on the feud with him. King Foltest is aware of the advantage of a strong relationship between Redania and Temeria. He was even displeased that Dalimira didn’t choose the viziman temple to stay at.”

“Why so?”

“He said, it would have been better for her. She’d be safer in Vizima than in Ellander.”

“Hm. He may have a point there. We should have thought of that before. And not leaving the decision to her.”

“Maybe. But having your oldest daughter in the middle of Vizima under Foltest’s watch and just a grab away might also be difficult. In Ellander, she is more or less out of his reach.”

“You mean, in case he needs a means of pressure.”

“Not that I think he ever will. But we don’t have to talk about Foltest in particular. Every other enemy of yours or Redania would take advantage of the situation. Or use it as a means of pressure against Foltest himself. And if he was to decide between Vizima and your daughter I am afraid that he will always choose Vizima.”

“Ellander is also temerian.”

“But Ellander is not Vizima.”

“Hm.” King Vizimir thought and stroked his bearded chin and while he did so, he looked at the orchids. “So what shall we do now?”

“For now? Nothing. Let him make the next move. We shouldn’t push him.”

“Alright. Then we will do so.”

Mari nodded. “Did I miss anything while I was gone? I forgot to ask your Majesty if there has been another incident with the young prince.”

“No. So whatever you told him or said to him, it worked.”

“I am glad to hear that.”

"So were the Queen and I." His eyes went from the orchids back to her. "I wasted enough of your time. You should take a rest from the journey, I am sure it was exhausting. Oh, and a letter came for you, it's in your room."

"A letter, your Grace? From whom?"

"The messenger was a Temerian, but he couldn't tell the name from the writer."

"I'll look into it. Thank you, your Majesty."

"No, I have to thank you. Go now."

She bowed and left the king with his orchids. Then she headed back to her rooms. Actually, she wasn't exhausted but she was keen about that letter King Vizimir told her about. When she entered her room, she saw the letter lying on her dressing table. She picked it up and looked at it. The envelope was blank, neither her name nor the sender's name was written on it. She frowned, sat down on her scissors chair and opened the letter. The handwriting was somehow familiar, but she couldn't assign it to somebody. But then, when she started reading, she could. She knew where she saw it before.

You may be surprised to hear from me so soon, but as I am writing these lines you are sleeping in my bed and I wanted you to know how beautiful the sight is.

Mari laughed softly and shook her head.

This letter will be already waiting for you when you arrive in Tretogor. So I make sure I stay on your mind and you wish you'd be back with me again. I hope you won't keep me waiting for too long until I can look at your beautiful sleeping face again.

Mari placed the letter aside and walked over to her working table. She sat down and took out her parchment, inkwell and quill. She didn't write much as an answer. Actually, it was just one single sentence.

Portals, my dear Vernon, are a useful tool.

Whenever they could afford it, Mari visited Vernon in Vizima. They mostly waited until the late evening or even the night hours when the rest of the palace was asleep. Under the cover of darkness, Mari portaled from Tretogor to Vizima, just to sneak into Vernon's bed. She spent the nights with him, forgetting all her worries and sorrows for just a few hours before she left him again in the early morning hours.

As much as they loathed the times they were apart the more they enjoyed the times they were with each other again. Everything words could not express, it was expressed by actions. Just as it was at this moment.

In a decisive move he turned them over to be on top of her. He liked to be in control. And Mari let him. He grabbed her wrists and pinned them down next to her head. Bending down, he kissed her collarbone, moving from one to the other after planting enough kisses on it. Then his lips moved to her throat and he kissed the skin bottom-up, brushing his lips against her chin before sensually capturing her soft lips with his. She moaned softly into the kiss and when he withdrew she arched her back and she wanted to pull him back but his grip on her wrists was tight.

“Eager, aren’t we?”

“Stop teasing me …”

“I would never dare.” Roche lowered his head again and kissed her throat. His lips wandered up until he kissed and sucked at the skin behind her ear. One of her most sensitive spots he knew.

“Fuck, Vernon!”

“Watch your language …” he breathed against her ear before he kissed along her cheek and finally sealing their lips again.

He always held her in his arms afterwards. Protective as if she was a broken piece. Held her like he never wanted her to leave. Savouring the moment like it was their last one together. He wanted to stay like this forever and he loved the sight and feeling of her sleeping in his arms, her peaceful face resting against him like his embrace was the safest place to be for her. The flickering lights of the candles casting shifting shadows on her skin. And he held her close. He inhaled her scent, stroking her hair and skin affectionately. Roche loved falling asleep with her in his arms and he loved waking up like this. Watching her how she slowly opened her eyes, looking at him with tired eyes but full of affection. Exchanging sleepy kisses, they slowly but surely picked up where they left off the night before. Their panting breaths and silent moans filling the room.

And whenever they met officially, all it took was a look. They looked at each other and the expression in their eyes said everything. Or the subtle, seemingly unintentional tender touches. She couldn't help it. She thought it was something she could control. Something which would not get the best of her. But she was wrong about that. Every time she laid eyes on him, the attraction was far too strong. It was ridiculous. She felt like a lovesick young maiden. She shouldn't behave so naive like that. She was a king's advisor, there should be other things to occupy her mind. But for now it was just exactly what she needed and apparently what he needed, too. And relationships like these had an expiry date anyway. Until then, she'd make the best out of it.

#fanfic #own work #also on ao3 #archive of our own #ao3 #vernon roche #original character #vernon roche x oc #roche x oc

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condormirror35-blog · 5 years

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Ask Sam Mailbag: 01.25.19

Sampled Dunn some more. Yep. Passed way better on the glide after separation. Gets where he wants with his left hand, but likes to distribute off his right hand. Letting him get downhill on you is a mistake. Sets up his assists with his mid-range game. That can in general work, and it works for him lately. The one exceptional thing that Dunn does is press coverage beyond the arc. Don't know if he's indifferent about it, but when he lights it up, it's hard to remember someone that's nastier. He's not as deft as Cheeks or as cunning as Bruce Bowen. He lacks Richard Hamilton's endless energy. He's got hands like Clyde. The thing I like about him is that he plays over his feet and is reaching less. On Zion Williamson, ESPN sure adores him. He's what happens when they're catching their breath from the LBJ tape loops. I'm not a believer. Look. He's unusual. Really, really small sample size we're talking about though. Marcus Fizer was a big dude, too. Not saying he's anyone but Zion Williamson, but who exactly is that? history says good chance some guy outplays him that's taken twelve positions after he comes off the board. Does anybody ever look at these re-draft web pages and put things together? So, agree that it's wait and see if he's got knife and fork disease, for starters. Tractor Traylor became Aircraft Carrier. That happens, too.

Pete Zievers

Sam: That, to me, is the big question in this draft: Williamson and how he plays in the NBA and the kind of player he can be, and the Bulls needs if they get lucky. Getting the No. 1 overall pick is a very good thing. But sometimes it's a curse, like in 2007 when you couldn't pass Greg Oden as the next version of Chamberlain and Russell, and Seattle (soon stolen by Oklahoma City) became relevant with Kevin Durant. It's not so much that the Bulls have power forwards, which Williamson most looks like for the NBA even listed 6-6 for now, because if he's what he's supposed to be, a transcendent star, then move over everyone else because there is no one like that on the current roster. Though Markkanen will be better than he has been lately. Much better.

In Dunn you've described a capable NBA starter in need of a very strong backup for a reasonable tandem. Can he surpass that? After all, he still will not have played a full NBA season for the Bulls after missing the first two months this season. But if the point guard from Murray State is also elite, well, you might be a lot better off having the point guard. You need more than capable in the backcourt in today's NBA. Consider Anthony Davis. He's better than Williamson. But his teams never can do much because he cannot make plays for himself and others off the perimeter, where the NBA changed the rules and officiating to favor the guards.

Look at all the best teams in the NBA. What's in common is a guard/small forward who can score and make plays: Harden, LeBron (he's basically everything), Curry and Durant (seven foot guard), Kawhi, Kyrie. Antetokounmpo? Not sure what he is, but he has the ball a lot and scores. There are some exceptions. Well, one, Embiid. You can put together an orchestra like Denver and be good in the regular season, but you need that great, creating and scoring guard. Williamson surely is never going to be that. These guys are freshman teenagers, so who really knows. I haven't seen Morant play. But I know dynamic, athletic guards who can shoot and score in bunches when needed is the current version of the NBA center of the 60s, the NBA point forwards of the 80s like Bird and Magic. How do you win? A great, great guard seems the formula these days. But it takes great confidence and self assurance and limited access to social media to pass on everyone's No. 1. Portland would have endured media and fan hate for months if they'd have passed on Oden. Can a franchise do that in this era? The No. 1 pick may not be such a slam dunk as it has seemed. Better do some really good scouting.

Over the history of the franchise, the Bulls have produced some really good teams. Outside of the championship teams, they were a few seasons where they made a playoff run and could have possibly gotten to the Finals to win it. The teams that stand out to me are the '75, 89', 94' and '11 teams. What is your rank on Bulls teams that could have won that 7th?

Christopher Billingsley

Sam: First, thanks for a question not demanding I fire everyone in the organization. And where are the stores that sell tar and feathers. I believed the '91 Bulls would win the title; well, at least once they got to the playoffs. We all agreed at the time Portland was the big favorite that season. Yes, everyone picked against Michael Jordan back then. I never felt the '94 team had enough, and many even around the Bulls believed that even with Jordan, the Rockets were a problem because even with Jordan Houston had a winning record against the Bulls in the early title seasons. Hakeem was unguardable by those Bulls, but as much was Vernon Maxwell, a defensive oriented, athletic 6-4 shooting guard who was, well, to be gentle, erratic. There were better defenders, but no one competed with Jordan like Maxwell, who eventually was just about kicked out of the NBA for brawls with teammates and fans. Even the best players often were intimidated by Jordan; never Maxwell, who used to goad Jordan with trash talk, Jordan's specialty, bait him, try to fight him in an era where more of that was allowed. Jordan would get his points, but Maxwell occupied him like few others. It was something to see. Plus, as we knew from Phil Jackson's end game shooting choice, Scottie Pippen wasn't enough of a finisher. The truth is Jordan perhaps sort of knew. Each three peat ended on top and probably wouldn't have the fourth time. Don't fans always want the great ones to leave on top? Anyway, the one that most should have won was the '75 team that blew a 3-2 lead in the conference finals with Game 6 at home and then lost Game 7 in San Francisco. It wasn't a great team with fewer than 50 wins, but veteran and tough with scorers in Chet Walker and Bob Love. The Warriors went on to sweep the Bullets in the Finals, and even with Wes Unseld, those Bulls were too tough. Next was the 2011-12 Bulls. That near five-game loss to LeBron Heat in the 2011 playoffs was just the preview they needed. They were deep, tough, big, ready and with a star in Derrick Rose to match any in the game then, and even LeBron. I know that team would have made the Finals. Beaten the Thunder? Maybe not, which put them behind the '75 team. The '89 team was fortunate to get out of the first round amidst internal turmoil that led to Phil Jackson's hiring. The '90 team was good enough, but not quite ready like the '11 Bulls.

I miss the Jordan years especially the every other night aspect of the playoffs. What a blessing that was and what farther from it we are now.

I am a John Paxson fan. I loved the Notre Dame teams he played on. Basketball was awesome then. Besides the 3 point line, posse's, and skyrocketing salaries what do you think has been the biggest change in the NBA from then to now?

PS. Is it time for Jerry to blow this whole thing up and fire everybody? Paxson, Gar, Boylen, etc. The kids are getting so traumatized they might never recover.

Dwayne Corry

Sam: I've always written that rebuilding sounds better in theory than it is practice because you can change the channel and they have to live through six months of losing and condemnation and daily question about why. You know: Why did you lose? But if you win, what was that about? You're ruining the draft pick! In other words, as the old saying goes, if you spend too much time listening to them you'll be sitting with them. This is Year 2 of what everyone pretty much signed up for, a three to four-year project. The 76ers, who are most copied for this, did it for five years, three of which were fewer than 20 wins and one other fewer than 30 wins. Year 2 for the Bulls is heading toward half way. If you start again, you might start the clock again for another three to four years. Consider that.

The greatest change in the game has been a change that sounds great and maybe is not so much. The change in rules and officiating has allowed it to become a "small" player, or guard dominated game compared to the traditional notion to favor size. Those of us who were not so tall felt that wasn't totally fair before, so perhaps this is more democratic. The guards, especially with the ball away from the basket, are the most protected, thus most favored. It's also why, stop comparing Harden to Jordan. Or even Jerry West. They did that when the rules favored the big guy. Mike D'Antoni and the Suns figured this out before everyone else, but like it or not, you better shoot threes now, have dynamic scoring and passing guards and build your game around speed, aggressive attacking and shooting. I remember talking to the Suns scouts back then. I'd ask about some dominant big guy, like a Greg Oden type, and they said they'd love him, but if you are building a team for D'Antoni, you can't have those players on your team because Mike won't play them. So while best talent available is a reliable method in the draft, you also need to start considering what, as a team, you are trying to accomplish and how, especially if the talent level is close.

No one is talking about Jaylen Brown to Chicago. Why? He's perfect for us. While everyone's all high on Zion Williamson, we should unprotect our first-round pick to the Celtics right away. Get in the ear of the organization for me, would you, please? You've got to love Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Jaylen Brown, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter Jr. as a starting five, right?

Ryan Smith

Sam: No one maybe talking about it because it's crazy talk. I do like the lineup, and I'm sure Danny Ainge likes it even more. Jaylen Brown, having his poorest season and under siege from local fans, for the No. 1 overall pick? I doubt you would be very popular with your fellow Bulls fans. Obviously, no one generally gives up the No. 1 overall pick. There have been draft day deals of the top pick, and Boston did pretty well last time with Fultz to the 76ers. Though it was just a swap of a few spots. When these deals have been done lately, everyone comes away with a high pick. There was Chris Webber for three No. 1s that included Penny Hardaway. The last time I remember the pick going and no pick coming back was the famous Roy Hinson to the 76ers, who didn't want a rookie, to Cleveland for Brad Daugherty, which stopped that practice for years as No. 1 picks became more valuable. And that didn't go very well. Now with a top heavy draft this year, even if they are teenagers, no franchise could survive that sort of move unless it was for a Durant level star. You might get Brown much more cheaply as Boston has to begin to unload some of its duplication one of these days.

I get that "rebuilds take time", that we've had horrific luck with games missed due to injury, eyebrow-raising hires like Jabari, a coaching and seemingly a philosophy change. But, looking at the Hawks game, it seemed that the biggest difference between the teams (leaving aside Trey Young is the real deal) is that the Hawks were playing together. They moved on offense and defense as a unit; they were playing for each other. The Bulls are simply not doing this, maybe at all. I don't think "Kris comes down, partially brushes his man off a screen, ducks into the lane, and tosses up a 13 footer" constitutes team play. I would say the same thing about Zach's (Boylen-encouraged, granted) assault on the basket lately -- especially when, as expected, he attracts a crowd, and then fails to dish off.

I give a bit more credit to the play that frees Lauri for a time-after-time wide-open 3. I'm confident that, the more they run that play, the better Lauri will shoot it, and the less open he will find himself. But that would be basketball. I'd expect Lauri and the team to make adjustments to how they set up the freeing-up to lure the defender farther away from him, or for him to roll to the basket instead. Over and over again, we see a Bull receive a pass, his defender "get up into him" as both Thibs and Fred used to say, and rattle him, ... and we see that Bull back off, pass back further out, essentially cave to the pressure. Isn't it fundamental basketball that when a guy crowds you on defense, you blow past him -- the two most likely results being an open path to the basket or a foul? Why don't we ever see this? Why do we keep seeing the Bulls big man defending a pick-and-roll, sag off the guard instead of showing hard? Why do we keep seeing opposing players swoop in for offensive rebounds. Is this just going to take longer for this group to gel?

Chris Granner

Sam: Did you know there are bobbleheads Friday. No, look over there! Spoiler alert: Here come some excuses. I do hate these emails after a loss, which is making it more difficult because they seem to lose every Wednesday and Thursday. And, OK, Monday, Tuesday...Well lately, anyway. It's been a difficult stretch, and I guess the point is management has made a point—publicly and regularly—that they are not measuring by wins and losses. It's been so subtle in a way that it seems to have slipped by. Yes, I know there's a difference between losing and losing competitively. But if you are losing that competitively, you probably are closer. It's been a complicated period because coming off all the injuries, which essentially starts the season again, there's a new coach with a new philosophy. And while management hoped it would lead to some different priorities, it's still exceedingly difficult for a young team undergoing rotation changes with personnel being traded to play as a unit. It's why we hear so much about these, "good for 28 minutes, 32 minutes" things.

There was talk after the Atlanta loss about their movement and shooting, and why don't the Bulls do that. There was much talk under Fred Hoiberg, who was a favorite of mine, about defense and perimeter play. When anyone comes into a new job—basketball or otherwise — they'll do something different. Boylen has decided to go with more paint penetration first on offense and then fan the ball out. It seemed to work well for Phil Jackson in the 90s. There is always more than one way. The Bulls are among teams attempting the fewest threes. Along with the Spurs, Pacers and Clippers, a West contender the Bulls play Friday. But it is something that these Bulls players aren't turning on one another or anyone else, and seem determined and appropriately disappointed. I understand it's not much fun to watch if it doesn't make for a more competitive product. But players like Dunn still are on trial; so is Portis. Carter was, and LaVine and Markkanen have been trying to find their place amidst a midseason u-turn. It doesn't happen in a few weeks or a month. And, after all, though he is older, Boylen is a rookie NBA coach, too. This was supposed to be a 30-win type season if there wasn't a coaching change and major injuries to most of the starters. So there's been a stumble. Some building projects are delayed for, you know, factors out of our control. And some they're trying to get right.

Most people seem to think the Bulls will waive Carmelo Anthony in order for him to become a free agent before the trade deadline. But, since the Lakers are supposedly so interested in acquiring his services, shouldn't the Bulls try to trade him instead and get something out of the deal? After all, the Lakers are in desperate need of shooters and we are talking about a potential HOF here -in steep decline, I know - but still. If not the Lakers, what other teams would be interested in Melo and would also be willing to trade some interesting players to the Bulls? Or should play Melo now that parker is out. We have nothing to lose.

Mauricio Villanueva

Sam: The Bulls, me and Bobby McGee, eh? Jabari suggests he should be able to return Friday, which, true, would be the dream front court of 'Melo and Jabari. Ah, what a season this would be. I get the point: The team is losing, why not go for some entertainment? There's something to that, but not exactly consistent with rebuilding. The transaction was similar to the previous Michael Carter-Williams one in which the luxury tax team, the Rockets, sought to reduce its penalties, which can multiply in future years. Several rebuilding teams with low payrolls were in the bidding, so the Bulls were able to negotiate a payment, sort of for the trouble. The theory is it gives the Bulls additional money when there are later transactions and they are closer to contending. So the Bulls have made clear they cannot bring in Anthony to play. It wouldn't make much sense since he hasn't played in months, and thus would take weeks to get in some shape. The trade deadline is Feb. 7. I assume if you could get something, Houston would have. A release seems most likely. I can see him being very valuable to a playoff team when the game slows some and a big shot maker can win a game, which can turn a series. Though there's a lot of speculation about the Lakers because of banana boat crew member LeBron, the 76ers make a lot of sense since they need shooting. Maybe the Spurs; heck, they once tried Glenn Robinson late in his career. Portland needs a bench guy. Maybe the Warriors since they plan eventually to field a team of 15 future hall of famers with two in G-league two-way contracts if only for the parade.

What do you think if the Bulls could sign Kemba (3-4yrs, 25-30 mil per or more) and DeMarcus (1yr, 20-25mil 2nd year team option ). Could it work? Would the players take those offers? Would this make them contenders in the Eastern Conference? I love adding a true alpha and closer in Kemba and with DeMarcus a true alpha in talent. DeMarcus's obvious health and attitude risks are mitigated.

Burt Amos

Sam: It sounds like something if it weren't for the people. Everyone seems to think Walker wants to be in Charlotte, and with becoming an All-Star starter I'd find it difficult to believe Michael would let him get away. Especially after all those years as a player in Chicago saying as an owner you had to take care of your best player. Anyway, I weep for the next team to sign Cousins. He'll be great with the Warriors like Rodman was great for the Bulls, but then when he gets to his next stop where he doesn't respect anyone, the shoes are coming off.

I know you have answered this question at least 50 times but, do you think the Bulls have a chance of re-signing Derrick Rose? I think his game now would work with Zach and Markennen. less pressure not having to carry or be the face of the franchise. I think he can be a good veteran piece to take this young Bulls team.

Randall Sanders

Sam: Those are good points, and with Thibs out in Minnesota, he may not want to return or they might not want him back. Though Rose is exceedingly popular in the Minneapolis community—and among NBA fans, we have learned, from the All-Star fan voting—that I expect the Timberwolves to make him an offer.

Rose's return and play has been one of the great NBA stories in years, from MVP, to basically out of the game, to scoring 50 points and winning shots. He's been one of my favorite Bulls, as readers probably know, but I also would like to see him in a great place for him. I've talked about the challenge to Kris Dunn of further emerging or the team needing a dominant point guard. As you suggest, that's not Rose anymore. But his name is so big in Chicago, and though many cynics doubted it with his injuries, he does love Chicago and loved being a Bull and loves to play. Which made him a divisive figure because he didn't articulate as well as many demanded. Talk about never walking in someone's shoes. Anyway, I could see the Bulls might be interested as backup point guard as it is far from settled. And Derrick has been a mentor in this incarnation. I could see why Derrick would be interested depending on the summer's market. Again, it's something else to watch in what should be a very intriguing offseason for the Bulls. The draft, free agency, Derrick Rose! Don't jump ship quite yet. Maybe it not be sinkin'.

I flipped on the Atlanta game just to check the score and it was disgusting. That's how the Cleveland game was, too, even though we won. I've been reading comments by Bulls fans today about why the team lost, and for once, I'd have to say almost everyone is right. The Bulls lost because they did everything badly. Atlanta won because they did a couple things adequately. All in all, it looked like a YMCA pickup game with tall players.

Rather than blame these performances on the coach or management, I'm stuck on the idea that there's some good talent here, but our guys really just don't know how to play the game at the NBA level yet. It's not because they're dumb or the coach is incompetent or they lack talent. The key players are young and haven't figured it out yet. I wouldn't give up on them yet, though I do think those of you who have to go to every game and stay to the end should get combat pay. Meanwhile, I'm hoping they can pick up another player along the way who can prove to be a catalyst for their talent to emerge.

Kirk Landers

Sam: I know the game with Atlanta looked bad, and losing at home to a losing team by 20 is actually really bad. But let's also remember these teams were having that happen to them against the Bulls since when the Bulls beat Cleveland Sunday, it was gleefully pointed out by many how the Bulls were only perfect against the losing teams like Atlanta. I agree the Hawks were more enthusiastic, seemed to be enjoying the game more and were moving much swifter and with more purpose. A big first quarter lead helps. The Hawks aren't a finished product, either, but the Bulls, again, have pointed toward this offseason for several personnel additions. I'm willing to take a look.

I am 81 years old and have been reading you [it seems], the entire time. Every week, I can't wait for Friday to get your latest views. But, your "Ask Sam" columns are too long. They have too much good stuff; they take me too long to read. Have you ever considered doing two columns a week, each about half as long?

Joe Lavely

Sam: I couldn't resist answering this one. I get kidded about this often, that my stories are too long. Though, c'mon, you're 81? What else do you have to do? Again, I couldn't resist. Though this does give me a chance to explain. I hear often of the short attention span of millennials and successor generation X, the effect of the internet and Facebook and Twitter and news briefs and this busy, busy world. Now, perhaps I can understand the Bulls are not quite as compelling this season, which is why I (and many, many other writers) try both to educate while entertaining.

It's not just about the game or the event; it's why many of us make historical references, use allusions and literary devices, expanded vocabulary, humor (at least when it works). The point is if you dare take some time to read more than a tweet, perhaps you'll never be the president, but you have a chance to learn more about things you may not have thought about or figured you weren't much interested in. Damn, ended in a preposition again. OK, maybe you should have stopped reading one or two sentences before. Though since you did send this in 32-point type (I get it as I usually use 18 or 20 and can't figure out how all those kids read in 10 and 12), it probably does take you a bit longer. But I saw you were in Minnesota. Really, you don't have time? C'mon, no one ever goes out there 'til June.

In your column you wrote that Jordan was a good interview pre-championships. Did fame change him? I thought he kind of got arrogant after the 2nd or 3rd championship and was definitely different after he came back. Didn't seem like the practical joker/love of the game same guy as when he first arrived. But I live near the Jupiter/Palm Beach, Florida. A few months back, I dropped my wife off at the movies and parked the car. I'm walking along this quiet sidewalk to the theatre and in front of me is this 6 foot 6 guy lifting his knee to kick his wife in the butt several times. Both laughing. Just having fun. I passed them up and sure enough it was MJ. Kind of an odd reminder that athletes are just humans. Nice to see that he hadn't lost that jokester side and it was authentic.

Jeff Lichtenstein

Sam: So there he is. Thanks for the anecdote. Michael felt under siege and betrayed in 92 and 93 (by me, also, with the Jordan Rules), but more so the gambling stuff and media piling on and New York Times ripping him for going to Atlantic City in the playoffs and Sports Illustrated and then the unthinkable of some media blaming him for this father's death. So he withdrew, but not that much. He just made his media sessions more formal, the access more restricted. But he still had that glint in his eye; you could still see the joy and playfulness, especially when he came back in '95. Even talked to me one-on-one in some interviews. Though I think he's still mad at Sports Illustrated. I love that story; good for him. All the money in the world can't always buy that.

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/ask-sam-mailbag-012519

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

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napoleondidthat · 7 years

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Marcus Whitman teacher reveals Napoleon’s human side

Thomas M. Barden’s book “Napoleon’s Purgatory: The Unseen Humanity of the ‘Corsican Ogre’ in Fatal Exile” is now available.

By Gwen Chamberlain Chronicle-Express

PENN YAN — Marcus Whitman teacher and International Napoleonic Fellow Thomas M. Barden’s new book is an attempt to explore a hidden side of the emperor and conqueror lost to history.

“Napoleon’s Purgatory: The Unseen Humanity of the ‘Corsican Ogre’ in Fatal Exile,” which was was released by Vernon Press on Feb. 16, portrays Napoleon’s humanity as revealed by those who lived with him in exile on the island of St. Helena. It debuted at the top of Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Napoleonic War History book list, reaching the Best Sellers Top 10 List for the same Amazon category through its first week of publication.

“Napoleon’s Purgatory” includes a forward by internationally recognized Napoleonic scholar J. David Markham who writes: “Napoleon’s time on St. Helena provides a fascinating look into the nature of Napoleon, and Barden gives us excellent insight into that nature.”

Through the diaries and journals of the emperor’s servants, generals, and companions come the stories of Napoleon’s tender love for children, his captivating sense of humor, his eternal love for Josephine, and his agonizing death.

“Most historical works on Napoleon focus on his military conquests and political career, choosing to end his story with his defeat at Waterloo,” Barden said. “I wanted to understand who he was as a human being. By focusing on his time in exile to St. Helena, and examining the memoirs of those who were with him, I discovered his true humanity.”

The book describes how he was sent by the British to the remote island of St. Helena after his escape from Elba and his defeat at Waterloo. What followed were six excruciating years of loneliness and depression, mixed with frolicking play with the island’s children, a battle of wills with his British captor, an exploration of his lapsed Catholic faith, and the complex relationship with the members of his entourage.

While many considered Napoleon Bonaparte the “Corsican Ogre” for the wars he waged across Europe, he was anything but during his exile on St. Helena.

Barden said this time in exile was akin to purgatory for Napoleon. His humanity, suffering, joy in the laughter of children, and longing for Josephine are captured vividly in this work through the eyes of those who were there.

In his review, Prof. David W. King, emeritus director of the SUNY Professional Science Master’s Consortium, writes: “For anyone interested in Napoleon, the book makes fascinating reading and offers a counter perspective to the common perceptions of Napoleon’s life and character.”

Barden is a historian and Napoleonic scholar who has spent two decades researching and lecturing on the exile of the great French general and emperor. He is a fellow of the International Napoleonic Society and has taught history at the high school and university levels in upstate New York. He and his wife reside in Penn Yan with their two children.

“Researching about the humanity of Napoleon on St. Helena has been a labor of love for me for over 25 years,” Barden said. “I began reading and researching this topic at 14 years old and spent every spare moment I could find continuing my work in the hopes of one day finishing a well-sourced and documented book. At the age of 42, I have finally achieved that goal and I am very proud of the result.”

More information

“Napoleon’s Purgatory: The Unseen Humanity of the ‘Corsican Ogre’ in Fatal Exile” by Thomas M. Barden is available at Longs Cards & Books in Penn Yan. Look for a book signing with the author in the coming weeks.

LINK:

Amazon Link

#napoleon #bonaparte #Napoleon Bonaparte #Napoleon Books #New books #real history #Napoleon's Purgatory #Napoleon articles #we need more Napoleon books #books

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rainydawgradioblog · 4 years

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Undies - The Kanye Quarantine Special

Pictured: Kanye West at his 2016 Madison Square Garden show, where he premiered “The Life Of Pablo”

Undies is a weekly radio show focused on all things hip-hop with a focus on underground and experimental, and hosted by me, Casey Chamberlain. Due to the relatively light load of recent releases in this trying time, this week I’ll be doing something a little different, as during my time inside this week I decided to revisit each of Kanye West’s studio albums in chronological release order. Though this is by no means a new idea, I’ll be doing a breakdown of each album here, and my current thoughts on each project. I’ll also add my favorite and least favorite songs from each project, as well as my favorite features to spice things up, since Kanye’s ability to bring together a star-studded cast is so integral to his work. I’ll be back to normal write-ups next week!

Here we go, from the top:

The College Dropout

A certified classic. A wonderful introduction, and Kanye at his most joyous. On this album, Kanye just feels so energized and full of life. Everything about this project is joyful, the feature list is stacked, and it feels like an incredibly strong entrance onto the scene. Widely influential and full of some of Kanye’s best and catchiest tracks, there’s little bad to say about TCD. While I don’t revisit it all that often compared to some of Kanye’s later work, and I think it runs a little long, it’s an excellent album.

Favorite tracks: “We Don’t Care”, “Spaceship”, “Jesus Walks”, “Last Call”

Least favorite tracks: “The New Workout Plan”

Favorite features: Talib Kweli and Common (”Get Em High”), Jay-Z (”Never Let Me Down”), Mos Def (”Two Words”)

Late Registration

This is where I think Kanye really started to shine. On listening to this album again, I was surprised by how well it stood the test of time, which is not something that can be said for all of his work. While the energy is similar to a lot of what Kanye brought to College Dropout, LR feels a lot more focused, and features some really excellent emotional tracks like “Roses” and “Hey Mama”, as well as some poignant moments of commentary such as on “Crack Music” and “Diamonds From Sierra Leone”. I think LR has some of the highest highs of Ye’s career, and very few lows. The features are once again excellent as well- the rapport Kanye and Jay Z have on “Diamonds From Sierra Leone - Remix” is infectious, and “We Major” is Kanye at his grandest and has an absolutely killer verse from Nas. In retrospect, Late Registration kind of feels like the transition from the style Kanye came onto the scene with to the more pop-oriented sound featured on Graduation, which I’ll get to. I’m almost surprised by how much I love Late Registration, and I think it easily stands as some of his best work and an ambitious classic.

Favorite Tracks: “Diamonds From Sierra Leone - Remix”, “We Major”, “Crack Music”, “Roses”, “Hey Mama”, “Late”

Least favorite tracks: “Addiction”, “Celebration”

Favorite features: Jay-Z (”Diamonds From Sierra Leone - Remix”), Nas (”We Major”), Lupe Fiasco (”Touch The Sky”)

Graduation

This is where my thoughts on Kanye’s discography may start to differ from many others: I don’t like Graduation all that much, and every time I revisit it I hope to like it more, usually to no avail. I think a lot of it hasn’t aged all that well, and it really sounds like it’s from 2007. While it has some of Kanye’s most popular songs, I think it has some of his weakest as well (who thought “Drunk and Hot Girls” was a good idea?). It’s definitely catchy, and it’s got some standouts, like “Stronger”, “Good Morning”, and my personal favorite, “Everything I Am”. While I don’t think it’s Kanye’s weakest, I think it’s one of the least fully realized. Coming off of the last two, it feels less complete, and much more of it’s time. Of this original “trilogy” of Ye albums, it’s definitely the weakest.

Favorite tracks: “Everything I Am”, “Stronger”, “Good Morning”, “Glory”, “Big Brother”

Least favorite tracks: “Drunk and Hot Girls”, “Good Life”, “Champion”

Favorite features: Lil Wayne (”Barry Bonds”), DJ Premier (”Everything I Am”)

808s & Heartbreak

Alright, I just don’t like this album that much. I think it’s super weak compared to the rest of his work, and listening to everything in order you really can see the left turn this was. While it’s absolutely essential, I just really don’t enjoy a lot of the material on this album. While it’s got a few great songs, as a whole package it just feels messy to me. I don’t think it’s really bad per say, I just don’t enjoy this style, especially from Kanye. I don’t really have much to say about this one, it’s really you love it or don’t care all too much. I’m in that second boat. “Street Lights” is a top ten Kanye song, though.

Favorite tracks: “Street Lights”, “Welcome To Heartbreak”, “Heartless”

Least favorite tracks: “Pinocchio Story”, “Amazing”, “Bad News”, “See You In My Nightmares”

Favorite features: Kid Cudi (”Welcome To Heartbreak”)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Still easily my favorite Kanye album (hot take, I know). The way every single thing on this album comes together is seriously something special. This album sounds like it could have come out today and it would still be in a league of its own. The sheer scale of this album, the features, the songwriting, the emotions, it’s completely unrivaled. Some of Kanye’s catchiest, most accessible songs sit on this album while never being simple; every single song has so much going on, so many great verses and moments, nothing feels out of place. Coming off of his previous work, this is such a massive step up, from good or great to absolutely amazing, that it’s almost hard to look back and think this was the quality Kanye is capable of when you look at what he’s currently doing. This album is truly something special. “Runaway” is obviously the highlight here: it’s one of the grandest and most heartfelt, brutal songs I’ve ever heard, and, I think, seriously one of the best songs ever written. “Devil in a New Dress” is classy perfection, and Rick Ross delivers arguably the best verse on the whole album, which is saying something. Nicki Minaj demolishes everyone else on “Monster”, Pusha T on “So Appalled” is too good for human comprehension, and Justin Vernon’s contributions are just the icing on the cake. Honestly, a perfect album.

Favorite tracks (can i say every single one?): “Runaway”, “Devil In A New Dress”, “Gorgeous”, “POWER”, “Lost In The World”, “So Appalled”, “All Of The Lights”

Least favorite tracks: “Blame Game” (I guess? I still love it, I just think the Chris Rock skit is a bit... much)

Favorite features (again, everyone, honestly): Pusha T (”Runaway”, “So Appalled”), Rick Ross (”Devil In A New Dress”), Kid Cudi (”Gorgeous”), CyHi The Prynce (”So Appalled”), Nicki Minaj (”Monster”), Bon Iver (”Monster”, “Lost In The World”)

Yeezus

Oh boy. Ok, so... I love and hate Yeezus, but I think I lean a little more towards love. This is easily Kanye’s most controversial album, maybe apart from ye. I think the abrasiveness of this album is a bit much, and it’s got some songs I really don’t care for, and really detract from the album in my opinion (“Send It Up”, parts of “Guilt Trip”, “I Am A God”, “I’m In It”- yes, I realize I just named half of the album). But, despite all of this, the highlights of Yeezus are seriously gorgeous. The outro on “New Slaves” is heavenly; “Hold My Liquor” is surreal; and more than anything, “Bound 2” is Kanye’s second best song, ever (second only to Runaway). “Bound 2”, to me, is the perfect encapsulation of what Yeezus means, at least to me. That juxtaposition between the abrasive noise, and the beautiful soul samples, that infectiously emotional hook, and some of Kanye’s best storytelling all lead to a this song feeling like an admission of fault. It feels like this whole album is Kanye pretending that there’s nothing wrong, that he’s infallible, and that “Bound 2” is him finally admitting to himself his vulnerabilities and issues. It’s moments like this that make it hard to say I don’t love Yeezus.

Favorite tracks: “Bound 2″, “Hold My Liquor”, “New Slaves”, “Blood on the Leaves”

Least favorite tracks: “I’m In It”, “Send It Up”, “Guilt Trip”, “I Am A God”

Favorite features: Frank Ocean (”New Slaves”), Chief Keef (”Hold My Liquor”), Mike Dean (”Hold My Liquor”)

The Life Of Pablo

This is where things start to get really weird. This is probably Kanye’s messiest album; hell, this isn’t even the originally released album anymore. But as a whole package, it really just works, and it’s got some of Kanye’s best work. To me it’s always felt like Dark Fantasy-lite: it’s got the same feeling, but it’s a lot messier and a lot less ambitious. But the tone and me-against-the-world vibe, combined with the stacked feature list, makes this album feel like Fantasy’s successor, at least looking back at it now. Pablo has some of my absolute favorite ye songs, like “No More Parties In LA” (how do you get Kendrick Lamar on a track and still outdo him?), “Wolves”, and “Ultralight Beam”. Is it a cohesive album? Maybe not as much as others in his catalog, but the strength of so much of this material carries it towards the top of the pack. Plus, the interludes are golden; “Siiiiiiiiiilver Surfer Intermission” and “I Love Kanye” are hilarious.

Favorite tracks: “No More Parties In LA”, “Ultralight Beam”, “Real Friends”, “Frank’s Track”, “Waves”, “FML”, “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1″, “Saint Pablo”, “Freestyle 4″, “Famous”

(I told you, I love a lot of the material here)

Least favorite tracks: “Highlights”, “Feedback”

Favorite features: Kendrick Lamar (”No More Parties In LA”), Chance The Rapper (”Ultralight Beam”), Frank Ocean (”Frank’s Track”), Kid Cudi (”Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1″, “Waves”), The Weeknd (”FML”)

Alright, I’ve gone on far too long, so I’m gonna keep these last few short: there isn’t much to say anyway. ye gets a lot of hate, and I do understand why. It’s short, underdeveloped, and has some of Kanye’s worst ever bars and hooks. But the strong stuff here is nothing short of amazing. “Ghost Town” and “Violent Crimes” are incredible. Honestly, the only track I really hate is “All Mine”, which is straight up atrocious. In that sense I kind of wish this album was even shorter, just cut out that track and it’s very decent. Middle of the pack Kanye for me, but the real mark of decline going forward (with the exception of KSG, but I’ll get to that).

Favorite tracks: “Ghost Town”, “Violent Crimes”, “No Mistakes”

Least favorite tracks: “All Mine”

Favorite features: Kid Cudi (”Ghost Town”), 070 Shake (”Ghost Town”, “Violent Crimes”)

KIDS SEE GHOSTS

This one’s kind of cheating. If I include this, I should have included Watch The Throne, but whatever. This is my second favorite Kanye project, and both ye and Cudi absolutely killed this project. It’s short, concise, minimalistic, and therapeutic. Every single song is a standout. It feels like both of them are in the absolute right headspace here, and are almost just venting and talking things out on this experimental and boundary pushing project. Almost nothing bad to say about KSG, it’s really, really great.

Favorite tracks: “Cudi Montage”, “Kids See Ghosts”, “4th Dimension”, “Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)”

Least favorite tracks: none. Seriously.

Favorite features: Pusha T (”Feel The Love”), Yasiin Bey (”Kids See Ghosts”)

Jesus Is King

Alright, that’s it, I’ve talked about all the albums, there’s nothing left.

Nah but seriously, this album is lame. If you’ve heard any of the original material here that was supposed to make up Yandhi, even the good you can salvage from this is ruined. I really hope he doesn’t stick to this style. I’ve really got nothing else to say, this is absolutely not it and easily the weakest project in his catalog. I guess I’m happy for him if he’s legitimately found God but I really hope that faith doesn’t continue to manifest into whatever the hell this is. “Follow God” is a cool track though.

Favorite tracks: “Follow God”, I guess “Selah” was almost cool?

Least favorite tracks: everything else

Favorite features: The Clipse reunion was ok I guess?

And that’s it! This was a much longer write up than anticipated, but it was a fun way to spend some quarantine time. I truly love Kanye and I think (almost) all of his projects are of at least some quality, and he’s really made some incredible work. Back to normal next week! Thanks for reading!

-Casey Chamberlain

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fathersonholygore · 6 years

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Netflix’s Altered Carbon Season 1, Episode 9: “Rage in Heaven” Directed by Peter Hoar Written by Russell Friend & Garrett Lerner

* For a recap & review of the previous episode, “Clash by Night” – click here * For a recap & review of the Season 1 finale, “The Killers” – click here This episode’s title derives from the W.S. Van Dyke-directed, 1941 film noir Rage in Heaven.

At the Raven, Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman) tells Poe (Chris Conner) he’s figured out “the truth” about Laurens Bancroft (James Purefoy), though he hasn’t told him yet. Out of nowhere, Lieutenant Kristin Ortega (Martha Higareda) arrives, bleeding from her fight with Rei (Dichen Lachman). She made it out alive after all. In the virtual, Poe is seeing that “violence seems to beget violence” in his therapy with Lizzie Elliott (Hayley Law). He worries maybe it’s not working how he intended. Whereas she’s doing a whole lot better. She’s becoming a very competent warrior in learning how to manipulate the virtual. May come in handy. Maybe Ortega’s not Ortega. The brother figures out that his sister’s using the lieutenant as a sleeve to manipulate him. You can never trust your eyes, none of your senses. “Blood was taken from me, blood is owed,” Rei tells her brother. As they talk, Mr. Leung (Trieu Tran) is out ghost walking Bay City. The faithful assassin is out hunting down the Ortega family. Oh, my. The blood’s already flowing before Tak can rush to save them, not even the kids are safe. More death in the wake of Kovacs, more guilt to weigh on his shoulders. But we also have to remember Head in the Clouds, the woman who fell from the sky, Ms. Mary Lou finally explained a little better. Takeshi knows more about Bancroft, his murder, so it’s only a matter of time before he decides on heading up there, right? Not just that, he uncovers the fact Rei figured out a way to fake “religious coding” and she runs that nasty city in the sky. She’s been a part of everything. After seeing his sister Takeshi gets a lift from Miriam Bancroft (Kristin Lehman). Oh, wait – it’s actually a clone, while Takeshi, Poe, and the rest watch on. Skip back 18 hours ago. After the Ortegas are murdered Takeshi rushes to find Ava (Cliff Chamberlain) and Vernon (Ato Essandoh). Back at the Raven, Mickey (Adam Busch) turns up worried about Kristin, knowing the police aren’t going to actually do anything about the whole situation. Kovacs warns everyone to leave, he’s going after Rei. Simultaneously, the sister has Ortega – the lieutenant is going to spend some time with Leung in the virutal. Don’t like the sounds of that. The others refuse to let Kovacs face things alone, they know he’s pushing them away because of his guilt and using the excuse of being an Envoy for why he’s distancing himself from them. So, Vernon, Ava, and Mickey force their way into helping him. They see he’s already got a clone ready, and now it’ll take some “conscious mind cloning” to do the “double–sleeving” procedure. Weird for Takeshi, seeing himself standing across from himself. Oh, the wonders of a futuristic world.

Back to the cloned Tak heading off with Miriam to the “tropical sex paradise.” The real Tak has work to do. He goes to see Lizzie, as she trains with some knives. He notices that she’s had experience with the helmuth code, it was used on her before just as it was him in the virutal. She’s definitely got more to reveal. Takeshi and his team are readying themselves to try infiltrating Head in the Clouds, the place of fantasies made into real experience. Using Vernon’s upgraded military license they plan on sneaking Kovacs inside, past all the security, depending on Mickey’s hacking abilities, as well. An intricate plan. Vernon in disguise gets inside, discovering a world of hideous delights designed for the most perverted, depraved elites with the money to pay for all the various disgusting pleasures available. The Envoy takes a more physical approach to getting further into the facility, using a bit of reaper to help lower his body temperature. That doesn’t help Tak when he starts getting woozy. Soon, Vernon has to get physical, because he has to go find his friend. Tak does make it to his sister and his hackers at the Raven infiltrate Rei’s backup systems. They’ve got her down to “one life.” Rei reveals everything about Bancroft’s death, how she pushed him into a position where she could blackmail him. She used Miriam to begin the whole plot. We see a disturbing look at Laurens going mad on Stallion, prompting the death and suicidal fall of Mary Lou, which Rei played her own part in aside from just being an enabler of deviant behaviour. The kicker is, Bancroft did indeed shoot himself, but couldn’t remember and wouldn’t accept that he’d done it, either. So much manipulation, so much blood on Rei’s hands. And now Tak is right in his sister’s grasp. What’s about to happen? Who’ll come out on top in the end after so much carnage? The finale – “The Killers” – is up next. So, how have you all been feeling about Altered Carbon? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear everyone else’s take on the series. While it’s had a few issues, overall I’ve found it spectacular, in theme, tone, and action visuals. Let’s see how the season ends, then wonder if there’ll be a Season 2. Altered Carbon – Season 1, Episode 9: “Rage in Heaven” Netflix's Altered Carbon Season 1, Episode 9: "Rage in Heaven" Directed by Peter Hoar…

#Cloning #Double-Sleeving #Head in the Clouds #Misogyny #Rage in Heaven #Religious Coding

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garmonboziasworld · 3 years

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So here it is, my first fanfiction ever. Centred around my OC Mari and our favourite Temerian, Vernon Roche (because I love that grumpy old man).

As to right now, there will be three parts and I have 100k words ready and I am nowhere near finished. So we will see.

After the second northern war redanian court sorceress Mari Molinar has a fateful encounter with King Foltest's newest member of the temerian intelligence, Vernon Roche. An encounter destined to be. A story about two souls holding on to each other while the North falls apart and both lose the things they hold dearest.

(A multi-part, OC-centred Witcher fanfiction. Part 1 will take place from 1263 to 1275, so there will be spoilers for the books and games)

Chapter 1: Nice To Know You

~1263~

Pompous, colourful banners were hanging from the high ceiling of the royal hall. The redanian silver eagle on a red field, silver temerian lilies on a black field, a black unicorn on gold for Kaedwen and Aedirn’s chevron of gold and red in black. Mari’s sight left the coat of arms, watching some servants taking down the chandeliers to replace the burned down candles. In the background, the royal chamberlain was instructing the servant staff. Her thoughts were wandering off until happy laughter and screams brought her back to reality. She tilted her head only to see the royal couple’s children, Dalimira, Melina and Radovid, running past the entrance.

“Hey!” she called out after them. “No running in the hallway!” But the three had already left around the next corner.

“Don’t be so harsh on them, Mari. At least not today.” Queen Hedwig of Malleore, King Vizimir’s wife, stepped besides her. “They are just excited about the banquet tomorrow. The whole city of Tretogor is. Except one individual, I suppose.”

Mari said nothing, her lips twitched in an almost unnoticeable way.

“Seriously. Enjoy yourself for once.”

“A bunch of loud and drunk northern war heroes. I cannot imagine anything more enjoyable.”

“Do not be so ironic.”

“And I do enjoy myself quite often.”

“Then enjoy yourself once without burying your nose in some old poetry book.”

“Is that my Queen’s royal order?”

“Do I have to make it one?”

“Fine,” she sighed. “If that’s what my Queen commands.”

Mari Molinar was sitting at the dressing table in her room, combing her long, wavy mahogany hair. She laid down the brush and contemplated herself in the mirror. Grey eyes were looking back at her. Looking at her high cheekbones, her averaged nose and lips. For a sorceress she was quite ordinary. Not one of those stunning, out-of-this-world-beautiful sorceresses who were just breathtaking. She never cared for beauty, she always wanted to stand out because of knowledge and magical skills. Being born as the only child to a married couple of millers in 1120, her magical talent manifested quickly. Despite the humble job and the money it brought to the family, her parents paid the fee for the magical academy of Aretuza so she could study there. And after her studying was finished, she was assigned to the redanian royal family in Tretogor since the king reigning at that time was displeased with the already assigned sorceress, Philippa Eilhart. And, to no one’s surprise, Philippa was not pleased about a second sorceress. She never liked her since the beginning. And the fact, that Mari became an appreciated and respected advisor and diplomat not only within the royal family but also outside of Tretogor’s walls did not improve the relationship between Philippa and her.

And now here she was. 1263. The northern war with Nilfgaard just ended after the battle of Sodden Hill, where she and 22 other mages fought alongside the northern armies, united by the king of Redania, King Vizimir II. The battle ended in a disgraceful defeat of the nilfgaardian Army. And to celebrate the end of the war, King Vizimir was holding a great banquet at Tretogor. And she had to participate. Of course she had to. If it wasn’t because of her status as royal advisor then because of her participation in the battle.

She opened a glass vial and used the stopper to apply the perfume oil on her wrists, her neck and behind her earlobes. The scent of sweet vanilla mixed with earthy patchouli reached her nostrils as she stood up from the dressing table. She walked through the room and stepped towards her bed where she laid out her dress. A long dress made out of red velvet fabric with long sleeves which became wide from the elbows and almost fell to the floor. The hems were decorated with silver braid. The belt made out of beautiful woven ribbon in red and silver, hanging down decoratively long in the front. She slipped out of her dressing gown and got dressed.

“If you will excuse me?” With a courteous smile Mari left the conversation she was just having. She was trying to get only one minute of not having to talk to aristocrats, nobles or military leadership ranks. But those plans were suddenly interrupted by Queen Hedwig who appeared by her side.

“So? How is it going?”

“Just a lot of talking and listening.” She sensed Hedwig’s telling gaze and kept on. “I know, usually I don’t mind at all. That’s what you do at banquets like this one. But I miss the subtle political tension. Everyone is just so …”

“Happy? Relieved?”

Mari sighed. “I’m sorry, my Queen, that was an unrefracting thing to say.”

“Well …” Queen Hedwig looked at the hall’s entrance as loud cheers echoed through the hall. “There you have your political tension.”

She followed her Queen’s glance and caught sight of King Foltest, the king of Temeria, entering the room.

“Come on, go over there and talk to him.”

“Me?”

“Of course, sweetheart. You know his relationship with Vizimir has grown quite cold since he rejected the marriage proposal. And he adores you. Now, come on.”

She knew, her queen was right. The relations between Redania and Temeria have not been the best those last years. The rejection of Vizimir’s marriage proposal by King Foltest nearly caused a war between Temeria and Redania. But King Foltest was a mighty ruler of a powerful kingdom. It would not be wise to let such an important ally become a strong enemy. With a last approving nod from Hedwig, Mari started moving through the hall until she reached him.

“Lady Molinar!” he greeted her with spread out arms.

“Your Majesty?” Following the court etiquette, she made a low bow in front of him.

“We haven’t seen each other in a while but as I can see you are still as beautiful as you have ever been,” he said while reaching out his hand.

Straightening up again she laid her hand in his and received a kiss on the hand, although it was rather his lips touching her knuckles than a real kiss. That would have been rather inappropriate in the formal environment. “You flatter me, your Highness.”

Foltest released her hand again and gestured beside him. “May I acquaint you with Vernon Roche, my new and very promising member of the temerian intelligence.”

She looked at the man standing beside the king. A man probably around his thirties, his physique rather lean. He wore a chaperon on his head, emphasizing his chiselled features. And he met her glance with fiery brown eyes.

“It’s an honour to meet you,” he said with a slightly raspy voice, reaching out his hand just like his king did just a few moments ago. She laid her hand in Roche’s too and as he repeated Foltest’s gesture. His hands were rougher than Foltest’s but not in an unpleasant way. For not even the second the hand-kissing took she could feel his breath tickling her skin. When he let go of her hand, those piercing brown eyes looked at her again.

“New to the job and already thrown in at the deep end by your king.”

“The sooner he learns the better,” Foltest replied.

“If that’s the case then you should talk to the head of the redanian secret service, Sigismund Dijkstra. He is a valuable conversationalist in that field of work.”

“I will.” Roche nodded in agreement.

“What about you?” Foltest intervened. “I bet you could give some excellent advice, too.”

Mari looked at the king, a smile curled her lips. “I appreciate your unquestioning trust, your Majesty, but I am no expert in the matter of spying and sabotage”

“But you are when it comes to tactics and strategy of war. The victory in the battle of Sodden Hill showed that once again.”

“That was not my doing.”

“Modest as always.”

“I did not defeat the nilfgaardian troops alone, King Foltest, there where twenty-two other mages and every one of them contributed to our victory. Speaking of, I am sorry for your loss of the Lady Triss Merigold.”

“Thank you for your condolences. At least I still have Keira Metz and Fercart.”

“They are both capable and good advisors.”

“They are indeed. Yet, I’d dismiss them from their royal service immediately if you’d agree to take Merigold’s place.”

Mari couldn’t help but chuckle. “You did not want his daughter but you do want his advisor. I do not think King Vizimir would be delighted about that.”

“He still has Philippa Eilhart to advise him, doesn’t he?”

“I would rather not leave the duty of royal advice to Lady Eilhart.” The displeasure in her voice was impossible to ignore.

“You still don’t like each other.”

“Not to like someone and not to trust someone are two very distinctive matters.”

“And why do you not trust her?”

She took a deep breath and ground her teeth imperceptible. As much as she wished she could vent her fury, she pulled herself together. After all, it was the King of Temeria she was talking to. “To talk badly about Miss Eilhart in your majesty’s presence would be rude.”

"And I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t, your Majesty, I shouldn’t have brought up the topic.”

“Alright, I will forgive you if you promise me a dance later.”

She smiled at him and nodded. “I promise.” From the corner of her eye she saw King Vizimir standing next to Queen Meve and her general and advisor, Reynard Odo. Vizimir beckoned her over and she looked at Foltest again. “I am sorry, your Majesty, but my king requests my presence.”

“And you don’t keep a king waiting. I have to know. So don’t keep me waiting for the dance you promised me.”

“I won’t,” she said with a faint smile. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, King Foltest.” She slightly bowed down in front of him before she turned her eyes to the man beside him. “Vernon Roche.” Politely, she tilted her head, then she walked by the two men and headed for King Vizimir.

As she walked past Roche couldn’t help but follow her with his gaze. And he wasn’t the only one doing so. Her hair falling down her back like a waterfall, her motion elegant and self‑assured. His nose still had a hint of her scent and he could still feel the soft skin of her hand in his. And on his lips. Roche didn’t even know where the thought came from but he wondered whether the rest of her skin felt so soft, too. And how the rest of it would feel on his lips.

“Impressive, isn’t she?” Foltest voice interrupted Roche’s digressive thoughts. “Nothing like the other sorceresses. Different from them she is not interested in power and influence. She has devoted her life to the Northern Realms, has sworn to serve it and to do everything in her power to its peace. She is said to be one of the most intelligent people in the North, a master in the fields of politics and diplomacy. With a woman like her by your side you could achieve anything.”

Roche swallowed. His throat was dry. He didn’t even notice until now. He desperately needed some ale to wet his whistle. ”Is that why you asked her to join the temerian court, my Majesty?”

“I saw an opportunity and I took it. I could make better use of her in Temeria than Vizimir is doing here in Redania. Not to mention his only considerable heir. Rumour has it the boy has his head in the clouds. Nowhere near being the future leader of this kingdom.”

“He’s a kid of eight years.”

“Still he will be king someday. There is nothing wrong about learning the hard and ugly ways of life at an early stage. You know that better than anyone else.”

He gritted his teeth. Foltest was right, he did know better. But in contrast to the young prince of Redania, Roche didn’t have much a choice.

“Alright, enough of that. Let’s get you to meet some people, shall we?”

Later that evening when the moon was already shining bright, Mari stood on the terrace, taking a short break from the banquet. She could still hear the laughters, the lively conversations and the clinking mugs over a toast. Torches lightened the terrace and the bordering gardens. She leaned on the marble balustrade, watching the fountain centred in the garden in front of her eyes. When she heard someone stepping out on the terrace, she peered over her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know this place was already occupied.”

And there he was. Vernon Roche. Pretending like he did not know. There was no chance he did not know she was here. Question was, why did he come? Was it genuinely interest or royal instruction?

“No, it’s fine. Please …” She gestured to the spot beside her and he took that offer by stepping up. As soon as he stood beside her, that beguiling sweet-woody scent reached his nostrils.

“Do you mind?” He pulled out a wooden pipe. Mari shook her head in response. “I don’t. Go ahead.” In fact, she always liked the smell of a smoked pipe. So she inhaled with relish when he lightened his pipe and dragged on it.

“So,” she started. “How are you holding up between all those high born nobles and flamboyant personalities?”

He huffed and nibbled on his pipe “I am not comfortable in situations like these. I just don’t like the way I am eyed by people like those inside.”

“You mean how they are condescending towards you because unlike them you are a simple man?”

Surprised by her words, he looked at her. “How did you…?”

“Figured that out? I’m dealing with the best of circles since decades. So I do recognise one who doesn’t.”

“So why don’t you treat me like the dog from the streets I am?”

“You think I was born as a child from a rich and respectable noble family? I wasn’t. And besides, why should I care about where you come from when the more important question is where you want to be.”

Roche let those words sink in. He never thought about it. He always lived from one day to the next, never cared about the big picture. Not until Foltest gave him this life changing opportunity. But still, he didn’t know if he ever was capable on living up to his king’s expectations. To what he saw in him. Resigning, he shook his head. “There would have been a lot more suitable people for the king of Temeria to bring along. Not me.”

Mari watched him as he slowly exhaled the smoke of his pipe. In that moment she realised that he looked older than he probably was. Probably he did see and experienced a lot of things that caused it. A troubled, maybe even torn mind. Full of self-doubt and the feeling of never being good enough. “You really don’t see why he did that, do you?”

He turned his head towards her and looked at her. “… I guess not?”

“He is testing you. To see if you can blend in, make contacts, have your eyes and ears where he needs them to be. If you have what it takes to become whatever he wants you to.”

“Then I hope I didn’t fail his trust miserably.”

“King Foltest has knowledge of human nature. He would not have picked you if he didn’t.”

“I think I understand it now. Why King Foltest speaks nothing but very highly of you.”

With a soft smile on her face she looked at him. “May I give you an advice, Vernon Roche?”

“Of course, Lady Molinar.”

“Kings come and go, as so do their morals, ideals and opinions. You better start quickly having your own.”

“You want me to start with my opinion about you?”

For a short moment, she was caught off guard. Was he … flirting? “Whatever pleases you.” Wait. Was she flirting?

And then they just stood there, side by side, looking into each other’s eyes, studying their faces. She tried to get any hint from his facial expression, but she couldn’t. She simply couldn’t read his face. No hint of any emotion. He’d really make a good spy. He carried it off well. But she really did want to know what was going on in his mind right now. What he was thinking about her while he watched her. But then, on the other hand, what could it possibly be he was thinking? Apart from the conversation they just had he hardly spoke to her. He didn’t know anything about her so how was he supposed to have any opinion on her?

She was broken in her thoughts when someone passed by in the gardens. She had a look, as so did Roche, and they spotted a couple taking a walk. They walked past the fountain, arms wrapped around each other’s waist. The man whispered something in the woman’s ear that made her giggle like being a young girl being in love for the first time again. “Oh stop it,” she laughed and playfully put her hand on the man’s chest. “Something you’re not going to say to me again for the rest of the evening …” he answered and with more giggles and laughter they wandered off again.

Somewhat embarrassed, Mari looked to the ground. How stupid of her not to consider the option him having a lover. Maybe he was already married? And had kids? He was about the right age and he was an attractive man, so why shouldn’t he. And why was she thinking about something like this anyway? Why did she even care? She hardly knew him, met him just a few hours ago. If, at all, they were supposed to work together. She was supposed to keep this strictly professional. So what has gotten into her? Realising how close she was standing to him, feeling the warmth radiating from his body, she took a step away from him. He seemed to notice since he cleared his throat.

“So, I … I got the chance to talk to Dijkstra. And to Philippa Eilhart.”

“And how did it go?”

Roche shrugged with his shoulders. “Depends on what her intention was. Since she was the one busting into my conversation I was having with Dijkstra.”

“To see how much of an ally or enemy you make.”

“Then I guess I disappointed her either way.”

Mari huffed and slightly shook her head. “Nothing to be sad about.”

Roche took a pull on his pipe. “So … why don’t you like Lady Eilhart?”

Feeling like finally having her senses back, Mari looked at him and paused before she continued speaking. “As a future spy you should work on your subtlety.”

He met her eyes and exhaled the smoke. “So now you do give me advices.”

And that was when Mari realised. “Because you were sloppy on purpose. Because you knew I’d tell you so. Getting the truth from the opposite be telling a lie yourself. You’re good, Vernon Roche, I give you that.”

“Foltest knew I couldn’t fool you.”

So it has been a test after all. Of course it had been. How could she even consider something different? She should have known better than that. Her lack of instinct disappointed her. “… Okay, what were you supposed to draw out of me?”

“Nothing special. He just wanted you not to recognise my questioning.”

“We already talked about that,” she answered. “What was on the line? What did you bet for?”

“That dance you promised him.”

“And you didn’t even make an effort. Hurtful.” Okay, now she was being sarcastic.

“Not as hurtful as when you found out I lied to you later. And a quiet, private talk away from the crowd is worth much more to me than some ballroom dance with hundred eyes watching.”

“Alright, then have your talk. You’re right, lying to me right from the beginning is not the smartest idea. But you will work for Temeria’s secret service. I will question everything you say from now on. I know the type of people working in secret service, I dealt with them enough throughout my time as advisor. Maybe I will never know if you tell the truth or not. Or what you really want.”

He looked her straight in the eyes when he answered. “I want to serve Temeria and King Foltest. He did a lot for me. I owe him my life and service. That’s it. Simple as that.”

And she recognised that this was the truth. She could see it in his eyes. And she heard it in his voice. The way he talked about King Foltest assured her that the man in front of her would do anything his King asked for. Anything. And she knew, Foltest wouldn't hesitate to ask for everything. That she was sure of. “Foltest trusts you. If you play your cards right, you could become his right hand man.”

“And how do I do that? Play my cards right?”

“You’ll find out. You are an intelligent man.” She pushed herself of the balustrade and turned away from him to go back inside.

“Wait!” She stopped when she heard his call and turned around again to look at him. “Can I … reach out to you? Or write you?”

“Why would you want that?”

“Well, I … in case I don’t know what to do.”

She looked at him and thought about her answer. After a few seconds, she nodded in response. “Of course you may.”

#fanfic #own work #also on ao3 #archive of our own #ao3 #vernon roche #original character #vernon roche x OC #roche x OC #No one is going to read it anyway

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