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Indeed it is. As Ludovico mentioned Manding may one day become a councillor. The gift Ricciarda had for him was also very impressive. I have to say, this is one of those occasions when the timing of events worked out well. Thank you for reading and commenting, I hope you have a good weekend!
8
May 3rd 1070
Alfontso played with his toy soldiers making them fight mock battle as he asked his father,”Where’s mommy?”
Ludovico sat on the floor within his son’s chambers helping his son play,”She’s going to have your younger brother or sister soon.”
Alfontso, despite his young age seemed concerned, and Ludovico hugged him,” She’ll be ok.”
Ludovico stood up and ruffled his son’s blonde hair,”Now behave for your nanny, I’m going to check on your mother.”
As he walked out the door, the nanny took his place in caring for his son. Ludovico eventually made it to his wife’s chambers were she laid straining from the effort of trying to give birth, while the midwives and Averado did what they could to help her. Ludovico bent down towards Ricciarda, who while showing some signs of pain was not in as much distress as she was when she birthed their first child and helped to soothe her in the hours that her labor lasted. Finally after the labor was over Ricciarda held the swaddled baby in her arms smiling,” It’s a girl Ludovico, shall we name her Camilla after my recently departed sister-in-law?”
“Of course Ricciarda, I’m just glad you both survived this, you may also be responsible for educating her. If visiting the monastery taught me anything it is that each day is a blessing."
She frowned as she looked towards Camilla’s feet,”I’m so sorry, her feet…. They are like clubs. I shouldn’t have eaten quail’s feet, I have failed you.”
Ludovico stroked their daughter’s forehead,”What nonsense, I tell you that in spite of this she is perfect. God will likely grant her the grace to overcome this difficulty.”
Ricciarda nearly cried,”You are right, how could I be so ungrateful after a second successful birth.”
“It’s fine my dear, you worry as all mother’s should. Speaking of which Chancellor Benedetto’s wife Elena is with child again,
Boris’s daughter Zlata, is now a year old,
as you've noticed since their last visit, your brother Andrea's daughter Fortunata is growing rapidly
and our spymaster Pietro has wed his wife Candida
, rewards for these men’s noble deed’s. Speaking of great men, since our last council meeting a few months I have sworn to support your brother Iacopo on the council.”
“Very wise of you my love.”
“It turns out that the wisest of my decisions was marrying you my darling.”
PS: I've also screenshotted some noteworthy wars.
Alfontso played with his toy soldiers making them fight mock battle as he asked his father,”Where’s mommy?”
Ludovico sat on the floor within his son’s chambers helping his son play,”She’s going to have your younger brother or sister soon.”
Alfontso, despite his young age seemed concerned, and Ludovico hugged him,” She’ll be ok.”
Ludovico stood up and ruffled his son’s blonde hair,”Now behave for your nanny, I’m going to check on your mother.”
As he walked out the door, the nanny took his place in caring for his son. Ludovico eventually made it to his wife’s chambers were she laid straining from the effort of trying to give birth, while the midwives and Averado did what they could to help her. Ludovico bent down towards Ricciarda, who while showing some signs of pain was not in as much distress as she was when she birthed their first child and helped to soothe her in the hours that her labor lasted. Finally after the labor was over Ricciarda held the swaddled baby in her arms smiling,” It’s a girl Ludovico, shall we name her Camilla after my recently departed sister-in-law?”
“Of course Ricciarda, I’m just glad you both survived this, you may also be responsible for educating her. If visiting the monastery taught me anything it is that each day is a blessing."
She frowned as she looked towards Camilla’s feet,”I’m so sorry, her feet…. They are like clubs. I shouldn’t have eaten quail’s feet, I have failed you.”
Ludovico stroked their daughter’s forehead,”What nonsense, I tell you that in spite of this she is perfect. God will likely grant her the grace to overcome this difficulty.”
Ricciarda nearly cried,”You are right, how could I be so ungrateful after a second successful birth.”
“It’s fine my dear, you worry as all mother’s should. Speaking of which Chancellor Benedetto’s wife Elena is with child again,
Boris’s daughter Zlata, is now a year old,
as you've noticed since their last visit, your brother Andrea's daughter Fortunata is growing rapidly
and our spymaster Pietro has wed his wife Candida
, rewards for these men’s noble deed’s. Speaking of great men, since our last council meeting a few months I have sworn to support your brother Iacopo on the council.”
“Very wise of you my love.”
“It turns out that the wisest of my decisions was marrying you my darling.”
PS: I've also screenshotted some noteworthy wars.
Indeed it is, it will be interesting to see how their children evolve; I hope Alfontso becomes a warrior or scholar of some sort and that Camilla will be a skilled diplomat.
9
October 1070
“The nannies and servants have been busy lately, haven’t they?”
Ludovico and Benedetto sat at a table on one of balconies of Ludovico's palace, relaxing. Ludovico started to drink from his a goblet of wine while Benedetto took sips from a goblet of water.
“Yes Benedetto, they certainly have been, you must be glad that your wife bore you a son who may one day succeed you in your position.”
Benedetto nodded his head,”We are so happy, most of the council members now have children, I anticipate that Boris’s children may be a handful though.”
Ludovico chuckled,”I’m sure many of the children will be, but without children to care for life feels less meaningful. I hope that Bianca Savazzi is blessed with children soon.”
“Indeed, she has gone through so much, that young Catalan of her’s better get to work, she’s not getting any younger.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s aware of that. I have full trust in his abilities as both commander and husband.” He then drank what wine remained in his goblet.
“Anyways I must go see Ordelaffo, I heard that he has some sort of surprise for me.”
As Ludovico opened the door to the palace Benedetto shouted,”Let’s hope it’s a good one Ludovico.”
After the short journey to the courtyard, he met the child in question. Ordelaffo grinned as he saw him and after approaching his patrician, slipped him a piece of parchment,”Now what is this young man?”
The squeaky voiced boy answered,”It’s a song I wrote about you and your great deeds milord.”
As he unfolded the parchment he was rather flattered by the content of it, as well as the care the boy took to ensure that it was written impeccably. The song went one to praise Ludovico’s wise management of his funds, as well as the victory he had achieved at the battle outside Veglia. Ludovico handed the parchment back to the boy,”I thank you for your admiration but I was simply one of many men that fought on that day, other’s died for that victory, admire them instead.”
“But sire you were the mastermind of the victory, you also recruited the mercenaries that helped win it.”
“You are just like your father, so eager to please and flatter your liege, you needn’t waste anymore time on praising me today boy.”
“But….”
“Go to your parents. I’m sure you have more important things to do, your father says that you are a hard-working protege of his. I’m sure he has good lessons to teach you today.”
The boy sighed,”Fine.”
As the boy scurried away Ludovico sighed, took in the tranquil silence for a moment and then returned to the palaces interior to look over some paperwork. As he sat at his desk he inspected reports of income he thought to himself,”Well with the mercenaries disbanded we at least aren’t losing money anymore.” As he continued to read reports of the happenings within Veglia he was interrupted by a light knocking on the door. Ludovico got up and opened the door with a sigh,”Come in.”
To his surprise his son Alfontso emerged through the door,”Father, Father, will you play with me?”
“This is important Alfontso, but I guess I can spare some time to be with you my son.”
Though for the next hour Ludovico neglected his duties and spent time with his son, the various games that he played with his son such as hide and seek he felt the better for it and during a lull in the game he grinned and reminaced his own childhood,”I remember my mother and grandfather spending time with me like this, hopefully I will live long enough to see him have children of his own.”
And thus he spent the rest of the day with his family, unaware that Venice would soon undergo changes that would rock it’s very foundations.
“The nannies and servants have been busy lately, haven’t they?”
Ludovico and Benedetto sat at a table on one of balconies of Ludovico's palace, relaxing. Ludovico started to drink from his a goblet of wine while Benedetto took sips from a goblet of water.
“Yes Benedetto, they certainly have been, you must be glad that your wife bore you a son who may one day succeed you in your position.”
Benedetto nodded his head,”We are so happy, most of the council members now have children, I anticipate that Boris’s children may be a handful though.”
Ludovico chuckled,”I’m sure many of the children will be, but without children to care for life feels less meaningful. I hope that Bianca Savazzi is blessed with children soon.”
“Indeed, she has gone through so much, that young Catalan of her’s better get to work, she’s not getting any younger.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s aware of that. I have full trust in his abilities as both commander and husband.” He then drank what wine remained in his goblet.
“Anyways I must go see Ordelaffo, I heard that he has some sort of surprise for me.”
As Ludovico opened the door to the palace Benedetto shouted,”Let’s hope it’s a good one Ludovico.”
After the short journey to the courtyard, he met the child in question. Ordelaffo grinned as he saw him and after approaching his patrician, slipped him a piece of parchment,”Now what is this young man?”
The squeaky voiced boy answered,”It’s a song I wrote about you and your great deeds milord.”
As he unfolded the parchment he was rather flattered by the content of it, as well as the care the boy took to ensure that it was written impeccably. The song went one to praise Ludovico’s wise management of his funds, as well as the victory he had achieved at the battle outside Veglia. Ludovico handed the parchment back to the boy,”I thank you for your admiration but I was simply one of many men that fought on that day, other’s died for that victory, admire them instead.”
“But sire you were the mastermind of the victory, you also recruited the mercenaries that helped win it.”
“You are just like your father, so eager to please and flatter your liege, you needn’t waste anymore time on praising me today boy.”
“But….”
“Go to your parents. I’m sure you have more important things to do, your father says that you are a hard-working protege of his. I’m sure he has good lessons to teach you today.”
The boy sighed,”Fine.”
As the boy scurried away Ludovico sighed, took in the tranquil silence for a moment and then returned to the palaces interior to look over some paperwork. As he sat at his desk he inspected reports of income he thought to himself,”Well with the mercenaries disbanded we at least aren’t losing money anymore.” As he continued to read reports of the happenings within Veglia he was interrupted by a light knocking on the door. Ludovico got up and opened the door with a sigh,”Come in.”
To his surprise his son Alfontso emerged through the door,”Father, Father, will you play with me?”
“This is important Alfontso, but I guess I can spare some time to be with you my son.”
Though for the next hour Ludovico neglected his duties and spent time with his son, the various games that he played with his son such as hide and seek he felt the better for it and during a lull in the game he grinned and reminaced his own childhood,”I remember my mother and grandfather spending time with me like this, hopefully I will live long enough to see him have children of his own.”
And thus he spent the rest of the day with his family, unaware that Venice would soon undergo changes that would rock it’s very foundations.
A little bit yes. But I think in a way it shows his less wealthy upbringing compared to the other patricians of Venice.
10
August 1071
They all stood there in awe at the body within the casket. Although the blood had been cleaned and open wounds sewn shut, the manner of death was evident to everyone. As they stood amongst the members of Venetian high society, watching the burial Ricciarda leaned towards Ludovico and whispered in his ear,”I pity his poor widow, not only is she raising a young daughter with a lisp, but she is also carrying his unborn child, one who will never meet their father.”
Ludovico nodded,“Yes, though I feel bad for them, at least we won’t have to suffer under The Serene Doge’s incompetent rule anymore.”
“He went down fighting at least, they say he had nearly cut his opponent’s head off while he was stabbed in the chest.”
“At any rate, the war with the Croatians went well, but to suffer defeat in what the Serene Doge thought would be an easy victory over Serbia is humiliating. Though the King Of Serbia has lost one of his many brothers in the conflict.”
“I just hope my brother has what it takes to rule wisely. Iacopo told me that he wishes to remarry soon.”
“Indeed this would the perfect time to do so, while he would still have to pay a bride price to marry a noblewoman, his rank has increased and with that his prospects.”
As the procession ended and the throngs of mourners started to disperse Ricciarda and Ludovico's nephew Domenico strolled alongside them, accompanied by the rest of their family(Though Ludovico and Ricciarda’s children as well as their young niece Fortunata were absent, staying under the care of servants in their Venetian residence). As they walked Domenico quipped,”I can’t believe that poor bastard got himself killed, as marshal I will ensure that our Republic is better prepared for war.”
The rest of the family had no time to respond as Mariana Ziani stormed towards them and released a furious tirade,”How dare you speak ill of my late husband you knave, you are barely a man and yet you have the gall to presume that you could do better than him. I tell you that if your dear upstart of an uncle and your vain fool of a father had contributed more to the war effort we would’ve had victory, my children wouldn’t be fatherless!”
Domenico moved closer to her,”You bitch, if you weren’t with child I’d….”
Ricciarda stepped forward and lightly grabbed her nephew by the ribs,”You’d do nothing, now go back to speaking with the men of the family. I will speak to Mariana, woman to woman.”
Domenico retreated back to the group, to speak with his cousin Abbondanzio of the lessons to be learned from this war.
Mariana folded her arms and glared at her,”Well, what do you want Ricciarda Contarini?”
“I want you to treat my family with respect, my nephew may have been acting foolish but there was no reason for you to insult the Serene Doge or my husband, especially as they have said nothing against you.”
“No but they certainly don’t seem too unhappy with this development.”
“Perhaps they are pleased that we are now at peace. Your husband or rather late husband fought with such recklessness that my husband had to borrow money from the jews and nearly went bankrupt in his effort to defend the realm. He only disbanded his mercenaries when we nearly ran out of florins. While I hate to say it, your husband’s death was his own doing.”
Mariana cooly replied,”My brother won’t be pleased, if you wanted to make an enemy out of the Houses of Ziani and Morosini you may have succeeded in your goal.”
Ricciarda scoffed,“The new patrician of house Morosini is your stepson, pardon me but I believe that he may be more apt to listen to his regent than he is to you. As for your brother, I hear that he has recently married his mistress after she had birthed his bastard, so I suspected that he is preoccupied with his own affairs. In any case I bid you good day.”
 first screenshot.PNG "Maria (Wife to Patrician of Ziani) first screenshot.PNG")
As Ricciarda walked away Mariana yelled a series of tearful insults, such as “Contarini floozy” and tearfully lamented the prior death of her son as well as the more recent death of her husband.
.PNG "Adriano (Mariana's dead son).PNG")
She eventually had to be dragged away by her stepson’s regent Edouardo, who did his best to soothe her.
.PNG "Edouardo (Regent of morosini).PNG")
The new patrician of House Morosini meanwhile was too distracted by his own grief to be involved in what his stepmother had hoped would be a feud between Venice’s ruling families and Francesco merely walked in silence throughout the ordeal even showing irritation towards the drama that she had caused.
A few Hours later……
Ludovico and Iacopo sat within Iacopo’s chambers,”I vow to support you, my new liege in whatever capacity you require, including on the council.”
“Why thank you, Ludovico, I hear that life in Veglia is going well, even for my father’s widow Bianca.”
“Yes I am pleased to report that she is heavy with her third husband’s child.”
Iacopo smiled,”Good, I am glad that she is finally finding happiness, losing one spouse is painful enough, but two….. Well let’s just say that she is fortunate to still be sane.”
“This is true, I don’t know what I’d do if your sister died, hopefully it is I that she will have to bury and not the other way around.”
PS: I would have posted this yesterday (A day later than usual because I had less time to work on it on Friday) but I live in a rural area and our wifi decided to crap out. I want to post every Thursday or Friday but sometimes there are some hiccups in the process.
They all stood there in awe at the body within the casket. Although the blood had been cleaned and open wounds sewn shut, the manner of death was evident to everyone. As they stood amongst the members of Venetian high society, watching the burial Ricciarda leaned towards Ludovico and whispered in his ear,”I pity his poor widow, not only is she raising a young daughter with a lisp, but she is also carrying his unborn child, one who will never meet their father.”
Ludovico nodded,“Yes, though I feel bad for them, at least we won’t have to suffer under The Serene Doge’s incompetent rule anymore.”
“He went down fighting at least, they say he had nearly cut his opponent’s head off while he was stabbed in the chest.”
“At any rate, the war with the Croatians went well, but to suffer defeat in what the Serene Doge thought would be an easy victory over Serbia is humiliating. Though the King Of Serbia has lost one of his many brothers in the conflict.”
“I just hope my brother has what it takes to rule wisely. Iacopo told me that he wishes to remarry soon.”
“Indeed this would the perfect time to do so, while he would still have to pay a bride price to marry a noblewoman, his rank has increased and with that his prospects.”
As the procession ended and the throngs of mourners started to disperse Ricciarda and Ludovico's nephew Domenico strolled alongside them, accompanied by the rest of their family(Though Ludovico and Ricciarda’s children as well as their young niece Fortunata were absent, staying under the care of servants in their Venetian residence). As they walked Domenico quipped,”I can’t believe that poor bastard got himself killed, as marshal I will ensure that our Republic is better prepared for war.”
The rest of the family had no time to respond as Mariana Ziani stormed towards them and released a furious tirade,”How dare you speak ill of my late husband you knave, you are barely a man and yet you have the gall to presume that you could do better than him. I tell you that if your dear upstart of an uncle and your vain fool of a father had contributed more to the war effort we would’ve had victory, my children wouldn’t be fatherless!”
Domenico moved closer to her,”You bitch, if you weren’t with child I’d….”
Ricciarda stepped forward and lightly grabbed her nephew by the ribs,”You’d do nothing, now go back to speaking with the men of the family. I will speak to Mariana, woman to woman.”
Domenico retreated back to the group, to speak with his cousin Abbondanzio of the lessons to be learned from this war.
Mariana folded her arms and glared at her,”Well, what do you want Ricciarda Contarini?”
“I want you to treat my family with respect, my nephew may have been acting foolish but there was no reason for you to insult the Serene Doge or my husband, especially as they have said nothing against you.”
“No but they certainly don’t seem too unhappy with this development.”
“Perhaps they are pleased that we are now at peace. Your husband or rather late husband fought with such recklessness that my husband had to borrow money from the jews and nearly went bankrupt in his effort to defend the realm. He only disbanded his mercenaries when we nearly ran out of florins. While I hate to say it, your husband’s death was his own doing.”
Mariana cooly replied,”My brother won’t be pleased, if you wanted to make an enemy out of the Houses of Ziani and Morosini you may have succeeded in your goal.”
Ricciarda scoffed,“The new patrician of house Morosini is your stepson, pardon me but I believe that he may be more apt to listen to his regent than he is to you. As for your brother, I hear that he has recently married his mistress after she had birthed his bastard, so I suspected that he is preoccupied with his own affairs. In any case I bid you good day.”
As Ricciarda walked away Mariana yelled a series of tearful insults, such as “Contarini floozy” and tearfully lamented the prior death of her son as well as the more recent death of her husband.
She eventually had to be dragged away by her stepson’s regent Edouardo, who did his best to soothe her.
The new patrician of House Morosini meanwhile was too distracted by his own grief to be involved in what his stepmother had hoped would be a feud between Venice’s ruling families and Francesco merely walked in silence throughout the ordeal even showing irritation towards the drama that she had caused.
A few Hours later……
Ludovico and Iacopo sat within Iacopo’s chambers,”I vow to support you, my new liege in whatever capacity you require, including on the council.”
“Why thank you, Ludovico, I hear that life in Veglia is going well, even for my father’s widow Bianca.”
“Yes I am pleased to report that she is heavy with her third husband’s child.”
Iacopo smiled,”Good, I am glad that she is finally finding happiness, losing one spouse is painful enough, but two….. Well let’s just say that she is fortunate to still be sane.”
“This is true, I don’t know what I’d do if your sister died, hopefully it is I that she will have to bury and not the other way around.”
PS: I would have posted this yesterday (A day later than usual because I had less time to work on it on Friday) but I live in a rural area and our wifi decided to crap out. I want to post every Thursday or Friday but sometimes there are some hiccups in the process.
There are some forceful women here - the men best keep that in mind as they plot and scheme.
So true, even though Ricciarda is mostly a conventional and demure woman she is fiercly devoted to her family while Mariana likely envies the happy marriage that Ricciarda and Ludovico has. I wanted to show that even in merchant republics where only a man can officially be a patrician women may play a role in encouraging or aiding them, whether it is their husband's or brother's. Thank you for your insightful grasp of the situation!
11
January 1072
Ludovico, Ricciarda and their children sat in their chambers in a precious moment of relaxation. Ricciarda sitting in a chair reading a biblical story to little Alfontso, one about David and Goliath while Ludovico helped their daughter Camilla walk and play, though she learned to walk at a few months later than her brother did, now thanks to her father’s hard work and mother’s encouragement she began to walk. “Why did David defeat Goliath if he was so smaller?”
Ricciarda answered her son,”Well because he was smarter, and he was blessed by god.”
Ludovico also quipped,”And because pride goeth before the fall, Goliath’s arrogance caused his defeat.”
After this Ludovico thought to himself,”It’s too bad that my brother in law Iacopo has failed to learn this lesson, I will still support him but his grandiose ideas of absolute rule means that the council is practically powerless, with little to prevent his successors from becoming tyrants.”
“Who will be the next Doge after Uncle Iacopo?” asked Alfontso
“Well thanks to your Father’s ‘donations’ he will likely succeed your uncle.”
Camilla after minutes of play felt tired and Ludovico had her sit on his lap as he sat in a chair,“But hopefully that doesn't happen for a long time my dears.”
Ricciarda smiled as she put the book back on the shelf, "I also have most joyous news: my brother Andrea’s wife, Alisia is now pregnant with their second child.”
Shortly after this a servant quietly entered their chambers,”Forgive me milord, but commander Guillem’s wife, Bianca has just gave birth to their child, a daughter named Adelaida.”
While Ludovico felt happy he was apparently not nearly as happy as Ricciarda, who left him with the children to go visit her former stepmother. As she walked through the corridor she silently thought to herself,”It’s truly too bad that Bianca has, up until now, been unable to enjoy marriage for long.” When she entered the room Guillem stood at his wife’s side as she feed their daughter her first meal,”Excuse me Guillem, but could I please speak to Bianca.” Guillem nodded and the Catalan moved his bulky body out of the way and Ricciarda leaned towards Adelaida and smiled,”I’m glad that you’ve finally been able to achieve happiness Bianca.”
As Adelaida had her fill of her mother’s milk Bianca gave the infant to her husband to hold and pulled the upper part of her gown back up,”Yes, I am glad that you too are happy, though I can’t see how you were able to bear constantly breastfeeding your eldest. I love my daughter so much but I’m afraid I’ll have to have a wet nurse feed her, my own breasts are rather small.”
Ricciarda walked towards Guillem and stroked his daughters tuft of dark brown hair,”All that matters is that this precious child get’s feed. Besides you have plenty of wit to make up for that shortcoming.”
Guillem nodded,”Indeed we are an even match when it comes to games of chess.”
Bianca smirked,“I often beat you when we play backgammon though.”
Guillem chuckled in that fat, jolly manner of his,”Indeed, darling, indeed.”
Ludovico, Ricciarda and their children sat in their chambers in a precious moment of relaxation. Ricciarda sitting in a chair reading a biblical story to little Alfontso, one about David and Goliath while Ludovico helped their daughter Camilla walk and play, though she learned to walk at a few months later than her brother did, now thanks to her father’s hard work and mother’s encouragement she began to walk. “Why did David defeat Goliath if he was so smaller?”
Ricciarda answered her son,”Well because he was smarter, and he was blessed by god.”
Ludovico also quipped,”And because pride goeth before the fall, Goliath’s arrogance caused his defeat.”
After this Ludovico thought to himself,”It’s too bad that my brother in law Iacopo has failed to learn this lesson, I will still support him but his grandiose ideas of absolute rule means that the council is practically powerless, with little to prevent his successors from becoming tyrants.”
“Who will be the next Doge after Uncle Iacopo?” asked Alfontso
“Well thanks to your Father’s ‘donations’ he will likely succeed your uncle.”
Camilla after minutes of play felt tired and Ludovico had her sit on his lap as he sat in a chair,“But hopefully that doesn't happen for a long time my dears.”
Ricciarda smiled as she put the book back on the shelf, "I also have most joyous news: my brother Andrea’s wife, Alisia is now pregnant with their second child.”
Shortly after this a servant quietly entered their chambers,”Forgive me milord, but commander Guillem’s wife, Bianca has just gave birth to their child, a daughter named Adelaida.”
While Ludovico felt happy he was apparently not nearly as happy as Ricciarda, who left him with the children to go visit her former stepmother. As she walked through the corridor she silently thought to herself,”It’s truly too bad that Bianca has, up until now, been unable to enjoy marriage for long.” When she entered the room Guillem stood at his wife’s side as she feed their daughter her first meal,”Excuse me Guillem, but could I please speak to Bianca.” Guillem nodded and the Catalan moved his bulky body out of the way and Ricciarda leaned towards Adelaida and smiled,”I’m glad that you’ve finally been able to achieve happiness Bianca.”
As Adelaida had her fill of her mother’s milk Bianca gave the infant to her husband to hold and pulled the upper part of her gown back up,”Yes, I am glad that you too are happy, though I can’t see how you were able to bear constantly breastfeeding your eldest. I love my daughter so much but I’m afraid I’ll have to have a wet nurse feed her, my own breasts are rather small.”
Ricciarda walked towards Guillem and stroked his daughters tuft of dark brown hair,”All that matters is that this precious child get’s feed. Besides you have plenty of wit to make up for that shortcoming.”
Guillem nodded,”Indeed we are an even match when it comes to games of chess.”
Bianca smirked,“I often beat you when we play backgammon though.”
Guillem chuckled in that fat, jolly manner of his,”Indeed, darling, indeed.”
And backgammon is probably more profitable
I'm sure it is. Though i confess that I've never played it before.
12
November 1072
Ludovico and his youngest brother-in-law Carlo, met in a corner, at the Contarini family palace, their voices lowered to a whisper, as common with those who do not wish to be heard. “My poor brother, I can’t believe that that Croatian whore seduced him into marrying him!”
He took a pause to hastily drink some wine, the red liquid leaving its mark on his blonde goatee. Being, Ricciarda’s twin he had a honesty that was similar to her own but perhaps an honesty that was too blunt, as he was less diplomatic than his sister. He continued,” I love my brother but that girl is even younger than his eldest son!”
Ludovico nodded, while he believed his brother in law did not make the best choice in wife, but it had not bothered him as much as it bothered Carlo, still he would humor him,”It is said that they fell in what Ricciarda call’s Platonic love, which has likely turned into a physical love now that they are wed.”
“Well I tell you that despite whatever philosophical terms my sister uses that Croatian is probably a spy for King Kresimir, why else would a woman of such low stature coincidently attract the attention of a Serene Doge, by god her parents are goatherds!”
“Though I too am distressed I also tell you that some of the Croatians under our rule are good and loyal people, my Marshal Boris helped defeat the forces of the Croatian king to protect Veglia, let’s judge her by her actions not by her birth.”
Carlo drank what little remained of his wine,”Even so she shows blatant disregard for communion, only being present for the minimum amount of time required.”
“Well at least your nephew Domenico seems to have made a decent enough marriage.”
“Indeed Ludovico, his wife Alfonsina is already pregnant and is fervently praying that she will deliver a healthy child.”
“Good, though I hear she married him for the money that the Contarini can provide.”
“This may be true but her father was pikemen in the army who died in the war over Veglia and Domenico took pity on her and offered to marry her.”
“It seems then that they get along well enough.”
“Certainly better than I do with my second wife, though the late mother of myself and my siblings, Theodora was a Princess of the Romans, my Greek wife Konstantia and I don’t get along too well, we both think the other follows the wrong church, she criticizes the Pope while I criticize the Patriarchs of the East.”
“That’s unfortunate, but I’m sure that the family is expecting us back by know.”
Carlo took their empty wine goblets and handed them to a nearby servant,”Indeed let us return.”
Ludovico drank some of his own wine and lead his brother in law through the hall where they rejoined the members of their family, the Serene Doge Iacopo lifted his goblet as they entered the spacious dining hall,”Ah my beloved brother Carlo, I’m glad that you and Ludovico are now able to rejoin us.”
Carlo smiled warmly,”I am too brother, now let’s eat.”
Ricciarda laughed at that,”I can tell that you say that often Carlo, you’ve grown a bit rounder since we met two weeks ago.”
As he sat beside his wife and son Carlo jovially laughed,” Indeed, though it’s nice to see that I’m not the only one.” he then turned to his nephew Abbondanzio,”I hear that your Brunhilde is pregnant and is now praying consistently.”
Abbondanzio finished chewing on a piece of chicken and happily responded,”Yes we are so pleased to soon welcome a baby of god’s image into this world.”
After eating some honey coated sardines his wife Brunhilde added,” Yes soon there will be yet another son of house Contarini to bring both wealth and power to us all, as well as my own happiness.”
Afterwards Ludovico turned towards his right to Andrea,” You must be so happy that your family is now rapidly expanding.”
Andrea smiled,”Yes, I don’t care for political power, a loving family is all that matters to me.”
“Indeed, I am glad that I have found one in you and yours Andrea.”
As they continued eating Ricciarda whispered to Ludovico, her breath tickling his ear,”You know at first I thought that Rijecka was nothing but a simple slut, but now that I see her at my brother’s side I feel that I judged her too quickly.”
Ludovico looked towards the opposite end of the table, watching Rijecka release an accented laugh at one of Iacopo’s jests and whispered back,”Yes my love, while she is not ideal perhaps she is better than many have thought her to be.”
He paused after he ate the penultimate clam on his plate and whispered back “Yes, either way there’s little we can do about it.”
After a short while Carlo raised his goblet of wine and announced,” I propose a toast, to my brother’s wise rule and to the continued good fortune of our families, may god lead us all to greatness.”
Everybody including Carlo’s inquisitive twelve year old son Galetto clinked their goblets together affirming Carlo’s optimistic statement.\
PS: I'm sorry that it's been, well forever since I've updated this. Also while Carlo and Ricciarda aren't shown as being twins on their portraits, I thought it would make sense if they portrayed as twins since they were born on the same day, on the same year, I also thought it may also be helpful for the story. I will also start playing with Viet Event mods as well as the Jewish Kings and the Improved genetics mods.
Ludovico and his youngest brother-in-law Carlo, met in a corner, at the Contarini family palace, their voices lowered to a whisper, as common with those who do not wish to be heard. “My poor brother, I can’t believe that that Croatian whore seduced him into marrying him!”
He took a pause to hastily drink some wine, the red liquid leaving its mark on his blonde goatee. Being, Ricciarda’s twin he had a honesty that was similar to her own but perhaps an honesty that was too blunt, as he was less diplomatic than his sister. He continued,” I love my brother but that girl is even younger than his eldest son!”
Ludovico nodded, while he believed his brother in law did not make the best choice in wife, but it had not bothered him as much as it bothered Carlo, still he would humor him,”It is said that they fell in what Ricciarda call’s Platonic love, which has likely turned into a physical love now that they are wed.”
“Well I tell you that despite whatever philosophical terms my sister uses that Croatian is probably a spy for King Kresimir, why else would a woman of such low stature coincidently attract the attention of a Serene Doge, by god her parents are goatherds!”
“Though I too am distressed I also tell you that some of the Croatians under our rule are good and loyal people, my Marshal Boris helped defeat the forces of the Croatian king to protect Veglia, let’s judge her by her actions not by her birth.”
Carlo drank what little remained of his wine,”Even so she shows blatant disregard for communion, only being present for the minimum amount of time required.”
“Well at least your nephew Domenico seems to have made a decent enough marriage.”
“Indeed Ludovico, his wife Alfonsina is already pregnant and is fervently praying that she will deliver a healthy child.”
“Good, though I hear she married him for the money that the Contarini can provide.”
“This may be true but her father was pikemen in the army who died in the war over Veglia and Domenico took pity on her and offered to marry her.”
“It seems then that they get along well enough.”
“Certainly better than I do with my second wife, though the late mother of myself and my siblings, Theodora was a Princess of the Romans, my Greek wife Konstantia and I don’t get along too well, we both think the other follows the wrong church, she criticizes the Pope while I criticize the Patriarchs of the East.”
“That’s unfortunate, but I’m sure that the family is expecting us back by know.”
Carlo took their empty wine goblets and handed them to a nearby servant,”Indeed let us return.”
Ludovico drank some of his own wine and lead his brother in law through the hall where they rejoined the members of their family, the Serene Doge Iacopo lifted his goblet as they entered the spacious dining hall,”Ah my beloved brother Carlo, I’m glad that you and Ludovico are now able to rejoin us.”
Carlo smiled warmly,”I am too brother, now let’s eat.”
Ricciarda laughed at that,”I can tell that you say that often Carlo, you’ve grown a bit rounder since we met two weeks ago.”
As he sat beside his wife and son Carlo jovially laughed,” Indeed, though it’s nice to see that I’m not the only one.” he then turned to his nephew Abbondanzio,”I hear that your Brunhilde is pregnant and is now praying consistently.”
Abbondanzio finished chewing on a piece of chicken and happily responded,”Yes we are so pleased to soon welcome a baby of god’s image into this world.”
After eating some honey coated sardines his wife Brunhilde added,” Yes soon there will be yet another son of house Contarini to bring both wealth and power to us all, as well as my own happiness.”
Afterwards Ludovico turned towards his right to Andrea,” You must be so happy that your family is now rapidly expanding.”
Andrea smiled,”Yes, I don’t care for political power, a loving family is all that matters to me.”
“Indeed, I am glad that I have found one in you and yours Andrea.”
As they continued eating Ricciarda whispered to Ludovico, her breath tickling his ear,”You know at first I thought that Rijecka was nothing but a simple slut, but now that I see her at my brother’s side I feel that I judged her too quickly.”
Ludovico looked towards the opposite end of the table, watching Rijecka release an accented laugh at one of Iacopo’s jests and whispered back,”Yes my love, while she is not ideal perhaps she is better than many have thought her to be.”
He paused after he ate the penultimate clam on his plate and whispered back “Yes, either way there’s little we can do about it.”
After a short while Carlo raised his goblet of wine and announced,” I propose a toast, to my brother’s wise rule and to the continued good fortune of our families, may god lead us all to greatness.”
Everybody including Carlo’s inquisitive twelve year old son Galetto clinked their goblets together affirming Carlo’s optimistic statement.\
PS: I'm sorry that it's been, well forever since I've updated this. Also while Carlo and Ricciarda aren't shown as being twins on their portraits, I thought it would make sense if they portrayed as twins since they were born on the same day, on the same year, I also thought it may also be helpful for the story. I will also start playing with Viet Event mods as well as the Jewish Kings and the Improved genetics mods.
I'm glad to see this AAR's back. If I may ask, why Jewish Kings? It doesn't sound like it would have much impact on this playtrough.
Thank you, I wasn't sure if it would either but I heard that it might increase immersion by an increased potential for jewish courtiers.(Ludovico's council is full but I thought that by adding that mod i may get jewish councilors to replace those that will eventually die)
It is all very considered. Oh their passions run clearly high enough, but it reads to me like they are keeping their passions and their actions somewhat separate.
A very clever analysis of the situation! It is often the case that the presentation of a relationship to the outside world is just as important as the actual interactions.
Hi all I have a little update for you guys
I am now at college and have a consistent internet connection so I may be able to post more frequently than in the past, I apologize for not posting for a few months, but there will be a rather large post soon(likely this week)
I am now at college and have a consistent internet connection so I may be able to post more frequently than in the past, I apologize for not posting for a few months, but there will be a rather large post soon(likely this week)