Of Coast and Coin (Venice AAR)

[codie]

October 1066


Ludovico after taking the short naval journey from Veglia to Venezia dismounted his horse in front of a shop, as he was about to enter the shop several of his guards attempted to follow him,"Stay." He grumbled. The guards obeyed and as he entered he noticed that the interior was as opulent as the surrounding city square, with shelves lined with fine necklaces, pendants and a variety of other types of jewelry. "Would you be so kind as to buy something or are you just going to stand there all day."

He stood there for a moment, shocked at the words of the fat old crone that sat on a stool behind the counter. "Yes of course madam."

Ludovico smiled as he picked up a necklace, the sapphire in the center sparkling in the sunlight from an adjacent window."A very good choice for ladies of fairer complexion, that will be 5 florins sir."

He also walked over to a display case, staring at a silver ring with a topaz in its center. "You have a wedding coming up don’t you?”

He nodded,”You know young man it's been 40 years since my own wedding and my late Luigi wasn’t able to afford anything so expensive, I take it you are wealthy then, perhaps wealthier than myself?”

“I am just a simple patrician, so how much for both of these?”

“15 florins altogether, good luck to you milord.”

Ludovico left a coin purse containing the requested amount, took the jewelry and left the shop. The rest of the journey to the Doge’s palace was passed in relative silence and they arrived just short of sunset.


When they did eventually make it to the Doge’s palace he dismounted his horse and as he entered the palace the chamberlain announced,”Patrician Ludovico of House Strazzi.”

He was then greeted by several individuals, specifically his future family in law. First came his father in law Domenico the second who greeted him a with a hug and an obsequious display of graciousness.”Hello boy, since you are to soon be my son in law I would like to confer two honors upon you. The first being that you will be regent should our republic ever need one, I admire your skill in financial matters and think it may be useful if I am ever incapacitated.” Before Ludovico could thank him he continued,”The second being that you will have a place on my council as my advisor, I know I can trust you to deliver sound advice.”

“Why thank you sir.”
“Enough of that sir nonsense, Ludovico, we are essentially blood now, go on and meet my sons.”

Ludovico nodded and advanced further into the palace, silently admiring the elegance of his surroundings.


He then met the men who would be his brothers by marriage, they all shared the same blond hair and fair skin of his future bride. The eldest being Iacopo who with two sons of his own, Domenico and Gaspare respectively, represented the future of his house.”Hopefully my boys will soon have cousins to play with.”

“Yes that would be nice, but don’t you already have nephews by your brothers?”

“Yes I do, I just hope that your union bears plenty of fruit.”

“Why thank you, Iacobo.”

Then came Andrea, who said,”I am very grateful for your marriage to my sister, otherwise I fear she would’ve been married to some old foreigner.”

“Well, I am just as grateful for the opportunity to marry her.”

The last of his future brother in laws to see him was Carlo,”You know, there is nothing better than a proper marriage, overseen by god and the clergy, hopefully we will all be working to liberate the holy land from the Mohammedans soon.”

“Yes, it would be a good way to prove to the various monarchs of Christendom that our republic is just as holy as their kingdoms.”

“Indeed, in our republic men our not chosen for leadership based on merely the time of their birth, but on the abilities and wisdom that god helps them obtain.”

After a few more minutes of conversation with these men, Ludovico and the others went to the palace’s chapel where the wedding was to be held and before he knew it he was standing across from his bride in front of his in laws, council and various onlookers. Riccardo officiated the ceremony,”Today we celebrate the union of Patrician Ludovico, of the house of Strazzi and Ricciarda Contarini, daughter of Serene Doge Dominico the Second of Venice. “

Riccardo turned to Ludovico,”Do you take this woman to be your wife? To love and protect her and to stay faithful to her, until death?”
“I do.”

“My god, even with her veil on she is incredibly beautiful.”
Riccardo then turned to Ricciarda who though smiling, was slouching a bit

“Do you take this man to be your husband? To love and protect him and to remain faithful to him, until death?”

“I do.”

“Then by the power granted to me by god, I pronounce you man and wife.”

Though the difference in height was not great, Ludovico sensing her aversion to moving much bent down to kiss her. The kiss was quick yet sweet, exactly what Ludovico had wanted. The witness for their part applauded this act of matrimony. He then reached within his coat revealing what he had purchased earlier,”This necklace signifies your fair beauty and this ring, with the topaz the color of your eyes demonstrates my love for you.”

Riccarda smiled and removed her veil,”Thank you husband, I am fortunate to have married you, and yet I seem to think that we are not completely married, shall we retire to the bedchambers my dear?”

He smirked,”If you insist.”



Later that night…….

Ludovico held Ricciarda in his arms as they layed in bed, her soft snoring being the only thing to interrupt of the sweet solitude that Ludovico was enjoying. The consummation of their marriage went well for the both of them, though Ludovico, despite his inexperience had to do most of the work while Ricciarda was content to be the passive partner.His last thoughts before falling asleep being. “We are now man and wife, I can only imagine the things that she and I, along with the rest of our family will be able to accomplish in this life.”



PS: My apologies but the screenshots of Ricciarda’s brothers were done a little in the future(I forgot to take them during the month that they married) so there may be some minor spoilers. I did use the snipping tool to try to mitigate them.

 

[codie]

April 1067




“Will he live?” Ricciarda asked her brothers and their wives as they stood by the bed within a finely furnished and dim bedchamber, the bed’s occupant having noticeable trouble breathing”It's hard to tell sister, but I will pray that for our father’s survival and do penance should he survive this.”

Bianca Savazzi, Domenico’s new wife, who was about a year younger than Ricciarda shook her head, silent tears dripping from her face,”He has been afflicted with gout since January, and I fear he may die, it’s terrible my father and I managed to steer a merchant caravan to safety in the dead of winter, but I can’t even save my husband from the effects of gout.”

Ludovico strode closer towards the bed,”It has been an honor to be your son in law and I will do whatever I can to help you live, shall I summon my own personal physician?”

“No that won’t….” Before he could finish his sentence he was cut off by a violent series of coughs

Ludovico grabbed a goblet of water from an adjacent end table and brought it to his father in law who received a little relief and after finishing it said,”Thank you so much, but I must decline your offer as my physician has done everything he could.”

Ludovico nodded, tears forming in his eyes and returned to his wife’s side.

With a grunt Domenico managed to sit up slightly, leaning his pillow against the headboard of his bed,”Now I have already said goodbye to my grandsons, they mewled like pups, poor boys, but I’m sure you all understand that my death is simply relief from the pain that has plagued for months now, which has forced Ludovico to take the mantle of regent. I only ask you two things, one that you treat each other with love and respect that you all deserve. The second being that you must work together to ensure that the houses of Contarini and Strazzi may lead our republic to wealth and greatness.” He then clutched his chest and gasped,”Farewell my children.”

PS:I’m sorry that this took a little longer than I intend it to, I’ve been busy in the past week with some work for some of my classes. Also, Bianca's screenshot is a couple years later.

 

[codie]

Hello fellow paradox members, I will start a new CK2 AAR in which I play as House Strazzi, a custom dynasty that I have created within The Most Serene Republic of Venice. I will play from 1066 until the end of the game and will try to find a way to make Venice and by connection House Strazzi the dominant power in the eastern Mediterranean. Just a disclaimer, I am very new to the AAR process so it may not be as perfectly executed as other aars that have been created. Also if you haven’t already read it you guys should check out Before Plantagenet which is a high quality aar which has convinced me to start my own. Also feel free to add constructive criticism or suggestions when necessary. I have every DLC except some of the unit packs, Sunset Invasion and Rajas of India. So without further adieu let’s begin.




September 1066

Patrician Ludovico of the newly formed House Strazzi stood on one of the balconies of his family palace, the Adriatic in all its glory captivated him. Before her death when he was 25 his mother often told him that his eyes were as blue as the sea before him, but as he stood there, pensive he realized that it was simply one of those things that his mother told him while she raised him to make him more confidant.”Not that it really worked, of course it didn’t help that my father, a merchant of modest means did not legitimize me until he neared death. But at least she cared enough to try and she was indeed a very loving mother.” He inhaled the warm autumn air feeling truly at peace when he was interrupted by the voice of his chancellor Benedetto

a tall and thin blond man,”My patrician I request that you meet with the council today to discuss some pressing matters particularly that of seeking out a suitable bride.” Hiding a scowl Ludovico silently nodded and after a pause responded,” Of course, summon the council to discuss this.”

“Yes my liege”

As Ludovico followed him through the humble let elegant confines of his family palace he thought about how he ended up here,”My maternal grandfather had captained a galley in the service of the Serene Doge and after helping to annihilate a band of pirates near Dalmatia was promised to be rewarded with this palace, the title of patrician and the city of Veglia. Unfortunately the reward was delayed until this year and my grandfather died two years ago. Fortunately months before her own death my mother convinced the Serene Doge to transmit these titles to me.” Once they had traveled through the corridor they found themselves in the council chambers where Ludovico sat at the head of the table helping himself to a glass of red wine and an apple while Benedetto sat to his right drinking some water. Within a minute the rest of the council entered the room. His marshal Boris

a local Croatian, who was known to reward his bravery and hard-work with visits to the local brothel, in which he generously paid the prostitutes for their time, sat to his left. Yet despite this exterior he was a scholar at heart and spent a significant amount of time reading philosophy. Then came his spymaster Pietro Faliero,

who was willing to do gruesome things for his liege provided that he was well compensated, who sat to his far left. His older brother steward Vitale Faliero

who despite his meek demeanor was a man of ambition sat across from him. Finally, directly opposite to Ludovico sat Riccardo

who’s vow of chastity made him a decent enough candidate for such a career.”Lets begin” ordered Ludovico.

“We have narrowed down the search to a three primary candidates, bring in the portraits.”

At his command servants waiting outside the double doors brought in the portrait of a pretty teen with black hair, green eyes fair skin and full lips. “This is Rocca de Hauteville

, she is niece to Duke Robert the fox of Apulia.”

“She is young and pretty I admit, but is there some sort of catch?”asked Vitale

“Yes actually, her uncle demands a hefty bride price of three hundred florins to wed her due to her distinguished ancestry.” Responded Benedetto

“She would help you scheme though”quipped Pietro

“What do you think my patrician?”
Ludovico sipped his wine,”Show the other candidates, I will not make a decision until I see all of their portraits and see what benefits and drawbacks each union has.” the next portrait of young brown haired woman was then presented,”Unia de Combron

, her brother is the Baron of Combron.”

“That is in France is it not?” asked Riccardo

“Indeed it is.” confirmed Benedetto

“You know what they say about many young french women?” Riccardo suggested

And then without waiting for an answer he bluntly said,”They are whores and the descendants of Satan.”

Boris added input of his own,”I don’t see why the former is such a problem, eager women are more likely to please the men that they are with and will have more children with them.”

“You would know wouldn’t you” replied Riccardo with a smirk

Before the two could argue further, Benedetto slammed his fist on the table and raised his voice,”Enough damn you, stop acting like clods, you two are learned men. It’s only the Angevins who are descended from satan.”

Can we continue men? I value your consul and would hate to lose it.”

Quiet enveloped the room until Benedetto cleared his throat,”She has a bride price of 100 florins and thus I would consider her a good compromise between paying a large bride price for a woman of high status and not paying one at all for one of equal status to you.”

“You all have good points but I would rather not marry her as she has a haughty look and I would rather have a faithful wife.”

“Very well my liege, bring in the final portrait.”

The servants brought in the final portrait, that of a blonde woman with delicate looking features, dark eyes and a brooding stare.

“I do confess that I am most interested in this beauty, what is her name and age?”
"She is Ricciarda Contarini

, the youngest child and only daughter of Serene Doge Domenico,

the second of his name to rule over Venice. We believe she is in her mid twenties and her father will not require a bride price.”

“Very well chancellor Benedetto, send out my request for her hand in marriage.”

“Indeed a good choice.” agreed Vitale, satisfied that his liege wouldn’t have to pay a bride price

All the other members of the council also appeared to agree with this decision.

“Now as to your orders, Benedetto is to improve relations with our Serene Doge, Boris wil train troops in the city, Vitale will collect taxes, Pietro will investigate local schemes and Riccardo will improve relations with his holiness Pope Alexander the second.”

As the council members began to file out of the room Ludovico got up and stopped Vitale,”What do you require Patrician Ludovico?”

“I’m sorry, I nearly forgot that we shall need to build trading posts in Veglia and Senj.”

“A wise course of action, Ludovico.”

“Thank you and goodnight Vitale.”

Although he was practically bursting with excitement at the prospect of being married Ludovico was able to drift to sleep.

 

[codie]

September 1067



Ludovico shook his head in dismay while meeting with his council,”Why would he declare war on the Serbians?”

“Well the Serbian king can muster few men of his own, perhaps the Serene Doge seeks to prove himself.”Boris responded.

“Well he is also notoriously greedy and through seeking tribute from King Mihajlo would increase his coffers substantially.”Vitale added.

“One would think that it would be better for him and his fellow patricians, such as myself, were able to build up enough coin for such a war?”

Ricciarda smirked“He seems to lack the wisdom of his predecessor, he is far too rash and is unworthy of the name that he shares with my late father. Let’s hope this doesn't go too horribly.”

“Indeed your wife has a valid point, if you were Serene Doge we would be raking in plenty of coin peacefully, enough to prepare ourselves should the Croatian king seek to attack us.” Boris said after sipping some wine.

“An interesting opinion given that you are Croatian yourself my marshal.”
“Well I happen to believe that being ruled over by a Serene Doge gives the merchants and common people more freedom and opportunities than any feudal king has to offer, besides you are my liege so I owe you my loyalty, regardless of our cultural differences.”

“Good to hear.” He raised his own goblet of wine,”A toast then, to our continuing prosperity.”

Every member of his council, along with his wife, who despite not having an outward role other than being his designated regent raised the goblets, over their recently finished dinner of seafood the clinking reverberating throughout the room. After the toast Ludovico left their seats and retired to their chambers. Shortly after shutting the door, Ludovico leaned in to kiss her, and reached for the laces of her dark blue dress, she accepted the kiss but stopped him from proceeding further,”I’m sorry but we can’t.”

He backed away towards an adjacent wall, slightly confused,”Why not my dear?”

She, after sitting down on their bed, smiled, one of true joy,”It seems that you will, god willing, have an heir in the months to come.”

A smile nearly split his face in half and he then sat by her running his hands through her golden curls,”Darling, our child is a sign of the love and devotion we have for each other, thank you so much for being a great wife.”

She blushed,”I merely do what is expected of me my dear.”

“Well in truth you do more than that, just make sure you get plenty of rest Ricciarda and listen to Averado. I would be heartbroken if anything happened to you or our child;”

“Don’t worry, I will not overexert myself Ludovico.”

 

[codie]

January 1068


Ludovico and his council were in the midst of a relatively uneventful meeting when a courier dashed through the wooden double doors and came to a stop, panting,”My lord, I came as fast as I could, King Kresimir ‘The Great’, has declared war upon us, over what he claims to be his rightful ownership of Veglia.”

The room was filled with silence as Ludovico scowled,”Damn that foolish, greedy oaf, I knew the King of Croatia would attack us. We’ll see how long our fool of a doge is able to fight two wars at the same time, he may have occupied Serbia’s northwestern coast, but now his army will be marooned there while King Kresimir will be able to lay siege to Veglia with little opposition. I’m sorry for my mood, you are merely the bearer of bad news, you may rest at whatever inn you choose to.”

Boris finished chewing on the skin of a chicken,“Ludovico, the situation is not completely hopeless, while we can only raise about 800 men, we may be able to hire mercenaries who could help turn the tide of this war.”

Feeling somewhat relieved Ludovico sighed,”Vitale, since our coffers will need to be prepared to bear the cost of war. I request that you contact some of the wealthier jewish merchants and see if you may borrow some money from them, Veglia is their home too. We’ll so how ‘great’ Kresimir truly is, William the ‘Conqueror’ the new king of England after all is struggling to fight off a Norwegian invasion. Anyways, I have some good news Ricciarda is doing well with her pregnancy, Averado reports that he has never seen a woman so pleased with the prospect of lying in, and is reading all she can.”

As he dismissed his council he thought to himself,”I just hope that she will be able to give birth here, instead of in a dungeon, or at our quarters in Venice.”

 

[codie]

April 1068



On the third of April 1068 Ludovico was distracted from his bookkeeping by the faint sound of a scream. Alarm caused him to nearly jumped out of his seat, the wooden chair skidding back from his desk. He bolted out the door not bothering to push the chair back in and nearly ran in to an aging maid in the middle of the hallway,”Your wife is giving birth Patrician Ludovico.”

“What are you doing then? Aren’t you supposed to be attending to her.”

“I’ll have you know that’s exactly what I’m doing, you see I’m fetching some towels to help clean her and the baby up after the birth.”

Ludovico sheepishly smiled,”I’m sorry to question you, she is in her chambers right?”

“Yes she is my lord, I must forewarn you that she may not be very friendly. Giving birth can be very painful, I should know, I’ve done it five times myself.”

Ludovico murmured a”Thank you.”as he walked past her. After a minute of walking through the corridor, he after hearing another scream, stopped before the door and prayed,”God, I know that this is much to ask, but please let them both live, the child is an innocent and has committed no sin. Ricciarda despite her slothfulness is a honest woman and a most dutiful wife. I am told that she has spent her seclusion reading the bible and works of St.Augustine.” He then crossed himself and passed through the door. After bypassing the surprised midwives and the court physician, he rushed to Ricciarda’s side who despite her labour managed a faint smile,”My dear, it seems that our child is a bit stubborn when it comes to joining us in this world.” She chuckled lightly,”I wonder who he could’ve gotten that from?”

Ludovico held her left hand,”Why do you assume it is a boy, my darling?”

“It must be my maternal intuition, now we must bring him into this world.”

After a few hours of what was the most intense part of a labour, Ricciarda had finally expelled the baby from her womb and it let out a cry as it was picked up and swaddled by a midwife. Ricciarda apologized as she finally had let go of her husband’s aching hand. The maid whom Ludovico had encountered earlier let out a whoop as she brought the child to its mother,”It’s a boy, you were right my lady!”

Ricciarda smiled when she received their son and cradled him in her arms, slowly calming him. Ludovico for his part stroked his wife’s hair and bent down to kiss his son’s pink forehead,”He may grow to be a more valiant man than I, Ricciarda I think we shall call him Alfontso.”

She looked up into her husband’s eyes,”He will be lucky if he is half the man that you are.”

Ludovico beamed at this,’Hopefully he will have his mother’s grace and wisdom as well.”

He then turned for a moment,”Averado, you are man who has knowledge of a great many things. I give you the opportunity, once he is old enough to educate my son.”

Averado turned away from his work,”I of course accept this honor my lord, and thank you for it.”

Shortly after the couple and their baby went to their bedchamber for some much needed sleep, for even Alfontso who was initial fussy after being born, was exhausted.

 

[codie]

October 1069



Ludovico stood thinking about how he got into this situation, over a thousand troops at his command, a stormy sky overhead. Eight months ago Veglia had fallen to the Croatians but Ludovico and his court, as well as his 2800 strong army(Roughly 800 of which were levies while the rest were members of the Pecheneg company which was composed mostly of light infantry with about 253 light cavalry and most importantly to Ludovico, 285 horse archers) were able to escape to Venice.

Four months after that his army joined that of Serene Doge Domenico the third, which then retook Veglia from the Croatians. In the months prior to this impending battle The Venetian army had managed to lay siege to the other settlements within the county of Veglia, and had even captured the Croatian capital Senj, taking King Kresimir the fourth’s wife Miroslava and, crucially also took his heiress, the five year old princess Neda and his infant daughter princess Jadranka as hostages.

While Ludovico felt great sympathy for Kresimir, given that he would kill for his own son Alfontso(Whom he and Ricciarda called their angel, a claim which they believed was especially true during his first few months of infancy.), he also realized that the quicker this war was over the better off everyone involved would be. (Especially as his coffers, even after borrowing, 300 florins from Veglia’s small yet resourceful Jewish population, were strained by maintaining both levies and the mercenaries he so desperately needed). In spite of this he had, a few months ago even hosted a lavish feast

for a group of hedge knights and provided medical care for one that was injured in a minor tournament.

Ludovico, commanding the centre of his army started a speech,”Men of Venice, today we fight for our lands, our honor but most of all we fight for our freedom. Freedom from the tyranny of kings and the freedom to pick our leaders based on their abilities and experience. Throughout history our Serene Doge’s and patricians have earned their positions through shrewd management, unlike kings, who merely inherit leadership through being fortunate enough to be the oldest surviving male. Now let’s send these goatherds back to the cesspit that they inhabit!”

Many but not all of the soldiers cheered, something he had not foreseen as he considered himself to be better skilled in the art of administration than that of crafting speeches. Shortly afterwards the two armies started to clash, archers exchanging arrows, and the battlefield soon became a noisy place of chaos. The battle, eventually reached Ludovico himself for while the Venetians had an advantage in numbers, the more numerous Croatian heavy infantry clashed with the Venetian line.

While many of his soldiers were distracted he soon would have to defend himself. He rushed in front a young soldier pushing him out of the way in an effort to save his life. His opponent a grim faced middle aged man charged at him, easily deflecting the swing of Ludovico’s sword with his shield, sending him stumbling back. In retaliation he brought his mace down on his ankle. Ludovico let out a grunt of pain, tears filling his eyes, and responded with a shield bash to the man’s chest and while he was dazed Ludovico cleaved his sword through the side of his neck.

The rest of the battle continued with little in the way of threats to Ludovico’s life, it soon turned out that hiring the Pechenegs was a wise decision for while the left flank of the army commanded by Mayor Domenico of Lido was after a stubborn defense, forced to retreat, the troops of the Croatian center and right were shot to pieces by pecheneg horse archers.

Also a desperate charge of the Croatian right flank, spearheaded by King Kresimir and his light cavalry floundered as they engaged charging pikemen lead by the captain of the Pecheneg band Tyrach “The cruel” who earned his sobriquet through his treatment of deserters on prior occasions.

The Croatian right and center though supported by what was left of their left flank soon fled the field. The Croatian left, was meanwhile left to their own devices and after fighting Ludovico’s men for a short while lost heart and retreated.

Hours later….

The young man Ludovico had saved earlier chirped as he walked beside him, the sun setting over the Venetian camp“I’d like to thank you wholeheartedly for saving my life sir.”

“I owe you this young soldier. As a patrician I should at least have the decency to fight alongside the fighting men of Venice.”

“It is I who owe you milord, if not for you I could have been one of the 868 men that were killed or seriously hurt in this battle.”

Ludovico looked crestfallen as he heard that figure”How many did the enemy lose?”

“1632 men milord, nearly twice the amount we lost.”

“I’d like to thank you for your service young man, we have just discovered how devastating war can be. What is your name?”

“Matteo, sir.”

As Ludovico limped on and Matteo continued to walk with his youthful energy they encountered a young woman perhaps 17 years old, with similar ginger looks standing outside Ludovico’s command tent. She smiled and ran towards Matteo who she nearly tackled in an embrace,”Matteo brother, I am so happy that you are alive”

He grinned,”Me too Matilda. But we owe our gratitude to Patrician Ludovico of House Strazzi, he took a blow to the ankle to save my life.”

Matilda left her brother’s embrace and approached Ludovico smiling,” You saved my twin brother milord, we are all we have left. How could I ever thank you, your bed must grow cold while on campaign, would you like me to warm it?”

While the proposal seemed aroused him, given that she was such a pretty young thing, and he had not laid with his wife for over a month. Ludovico felt like such a thing would ruin his perfectly happy marriage and in that moment he vowed to himself that he would never betray Ricciarda,”I’m sorry young lady but I intend to be faithful to my wife, the look of happiness on both of your faces is all the repayment that I need.”

One day later….

Ludovico and Ricciarda passionately embraced as they met in the dining hall,”I missed you so much my love, I am so glad that you are alive.”

He ran his hair through her blonde curls,” I suppose we are lucky, poor Bianca has been widowed twice now, and has just remarried once more.”

“Irregardless of that, she seems to be settling in nicely, you know even though she was my stepmother we might as well be sisters. The Catalan Guillem de Cerdanya is the second of your commanders that she has married.

Anyways, it seems as if Alfontso will soon have a brother or sister.”

A smile nearly split Ludovico’s face in half,”That must be a result of the activity we took part in the night before I left.”
She nodded,”It will be nice to have another child like Alfontso, I wonder who he will resemble most when he grows up. As of right now he has my hair color but it may darken as he gets older.”

“Indeed, no matter what our children will inherit your charm and grace.”

“Our little court is expanding my dear. As you know Benedetto’s wife Elena gave birth to a girl named Beatrice and I have it on good authority that Marshal Boris’s wife Adelaida is with child.”

“It’s not surprising, the too could barely keep their hands off each other during their wedding.

Is the eunuch Manding-Bory doing well?”
“Yes actually, in spite of his origins and skin most of the court seems to be accepting of him.”

“Good, he may make a fine counselor should none of our current one’s have children competent enough to succeed them.”

Ricciarda caressed Ludovico’s beard“I know there is a war to be fought my love but please don’t leave if you can help it.”

“I won’t. Guillem will earn his keep by commanding the men left over after we dismissed the mercenaries, we now only have to fight the Serbians that are laying siege to Venice, hopefully the Serene Doge will make an advantageous peace with his cousin King Kresimir.”

“I hope that happens too.”

The two spent the rest of the day with their somewhat pudgy son, who, much to the joy of his parents and the court, managed to take his first steps.


PS:Sorry that I wasn’t able to update last week and that this week’s post is a little late. I’ve been pretty busy with essays and projects during the past two weeks.

 

[codie]

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.

 

[codie]

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.

 

[codie]

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.”

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.

 

[codie]

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.”

 

[codie]

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.

 

[codie]

November 21st 1072

Ludovico sat in his private chambers with a guest, who while not particularly illustrious provided him with invaluable news. The young man with his neatly cut brown hair and a somewhat expensive dark blue cloak began their conversation by stating that,” Your court chaplain Riccardo brings shame to the church with his shameful conduct!”
Ludovico scratched his beard, he had thought that Riccardo was a man he could trust, while not a formal member of the clergy he abstained from whoring and often gave valuable architectural advice on the council,” Well details please, I can’t just punish a man based on rumors of supposed shameful conduct.”
The young man took a sip of the goblet of wine provided to him, his amber eyes shining from the midday sun which filtered in from an adjacent window,” My name is Federico, and my father a blacksmith had recently married me to the daughter of a local baker, we artisans have to stick together after all. Anyways my wife, Alessandra and I had to pay an exorbitant price for our wedding, and after asking travelers from Venice itself what they were charged they answered that the Venetian clergy generally charged half the amount to officiate their ceremonies, so with this bit of evidence I swear to you that your court chaplain has been fleecing the people of the city of Veglia for all they are worth.” He paused to hand Ludovico a book of sorts, as Ludovico flipped through it he read a few shocking sums,” Wedding; 40 florins, Baptism; 25 florins, Funeral; 35 florins, Remission of the sin of usury; 30 florins.” Federico needlessly elaborated,” This ledger contains a record of what he charged for various services, I think it will prove his guilt.”

Ludovico huffed, he had hoped that he wouldn’t have had to punish Riccardo, but the evidence was indeed damning,” Very well, I must thank you for your information please take a bottle of wine and some bread for your trouble. You are a young man of exceptional courage and responsibility to bring this to me, I hope that you may have a happy and prosperous life.”

Ferderico then smiled warmly at Ludovico,” Thank you, milord, I know that you will enact justice upon that shameful cleric.”

“ Indeed I shall.”Ludovico thought to himself as he gulped down what remained of his wine and set the emptied goblet on an end table as Federico departed.

After a few minutes of brooding, Ludovico stood up from his chair. As he walked through the stone corridors of the palace to fetch his marshal he thought to himself,” What shall I do with that troublesome false man of God, surely I must punish him but I’m not sure what punishment will suffice? I suppose that my council and wife will have their own opinions.”
After mere minutes of walking through the palace’s stone corridors, he stopped outside the wooden door to Boris’s chambers and briskly rapped his knuckles on the door. After waiting a short moment without a response Ludovico decided to barge right in. What was revealed was a scene that certainly did not surprise Ludovico? Boris stood next to the bed he and his wife shared, grinning at his wife as she pulled the white covers further up her body, whilst he finished putting the upper part of his armor on, sunshine flowing through a window at the front of their room.”I see you were enjoying yourselves, it’s a shame that I require your services as Marshal at the moment.”

Boris now prepared to follow Ludovico apologized and looked to his young daughter snoring in a small bed on the far right of the room,” Right, I am sorry if I kept you waiting for Ludovico. Thank god Zlata is a heavy sleeper”

“Nonsense, how were you to know that somebody would prove to be troublesome.”

As Ludovico exited the room and Boris quietly shut the door, he asked,” So who is it that is proving troublesome milord? Is it the Jews that you owe money too?”

“No, in fact, it is one who shares our faith and has rather strict standards regarding, well licentiousness.”

“It’s Riccardo isn’t it.”

“Indeed it is, it has been discovered that he has engaged in practices contrary to the Catholic faith, I will report such practices to the council during its next meeting, which I ask that you assemble and also bring a couple of guards to the meeting but in a way so that our Court Chaplain doesn't suspect anything. I apologize but I must meet with my wife as I need her advice on this matter, I will greet the council in the council chambers soon.”

Boris gave a shallow bow,” Of course Patrician Ludovico.”

As Boris headed to the corridor to the right, towards the council chambers Ludovico made his way to the chambers that he and his wife shared. After a short while, Ludovico made it to their chambers and opened the door, to find his wife looking after their children, as she sat at the of their bed.”I see you relieved the nannies in the nursery, my dear.”

Ricciarda smiled, as she brushed their daughter’s blonde hair while she sat on her lap,” Well I love that the nursery is adjacent to our chambers, it makes seeing our little ones easier.”

Alfontso who was initially distracted by one of his toys a small wooden horse turned and ran to his father and excitedly shrieked,” Daddy!!!”

Ludovico laughed and scooped his son up, hugging him,” How are you doing today my boy?”

“I’m good, how’s your day?”

Ludovico bent down to set his son down and stroked his hair,” Better now that I have an opportunity to see my family.”

He walked towards his wife and daughter, kneeled down to gently hug Camilla who happily cooed, and Ludovico stood back up and kissed his wife on the lips while his son hugged his leg.

As he pulled away he looked down to his son,” Why don’t you and your sister play in the nursery, your mother and I need to talk about things that you children shouldn’t concern yourselves with.”

“Okay father.”

Ricciarda kissed the back of her daughter’s head as he set her down and Alfontso held his sister’s hand to lead her to the nursery as Ricciarda announced to the nanny sitting in the nursery,” Dorothea my dear, would you please watch the children for us while Ludovico and I talk.”

A deep yet feminine voice responded,“Of course milady, I’m more than happy too, they are such darlings.”

As the door was closed Ludovico sat on their bed next to his wife who kissed his cheek and whispered,” Is there something that you wanted to discuss, or was that a cover for something else.”

Ludovico grinned,” I wish the latter was the case my love, but now I have a question for you.

Ricciarda pouted and placed her hand on his thigh,” Oh, well what is it you need answered my love.”

“ The Court Chaplain Riccardo, he has betrayed the trust that I and most importantly, the people of Veglia have invested in him. He has been charging extortionate amounts for various services that the church provides. I will certainly fire him and immediately arrest him, but beyond that, I am unsure of what to do, surely he doesn't deserve to die painfully but we should certainly punish him beyond firing him.”

Ricciarda shrugged,” It’s up to you my love, but it would likely be best if you somehow get that money back from him, so we can recoup what losses he caused.”

Ludovico kissed his wife deeply and started to pull away,” I knew I could count on you to help me, my love.”

Ricciarda locked her arms around the back of his neck,”Won’t you please lay with me my love?”

Ludovico leaned back in, embraced her and kissed her for about a minute then pulled away more persistently,”I’m sorry Ricciarda, I wish I could but Riccardo must be punished.”

He paused and whispered in her ear,”We will tonight, I promise.”

Riccarda let him go,”Very well my dear, I look forward to us sharing this bed tonight.”

Ludovico opened the door and turned around,”Likewise, my darling.”

He walked out of the door smoothing his hair and sighed as he made the brief trip to the council chambers. After a short while Ludovico made it to the chambres and as he shut the door all the members of his council bowed before him. Riccardo bowed and said,”May God preserve you my lord Ludovico.”

Ludovico grinned as he sat at the head of the table,” Why thank you Riccardo, though no matter how many times you invoke the lord’s name you will still be punished in both this life and the next.”

Riccardo’s jaw dropped in an almost comical manner,”For what milord.”

Ludovico reached into his satchel, pulling out the ledger and showing it for the whole council to see,“For extorting the populace and charging outrageous prices for religious services, thus I know longer require your services.”
Riccardo though taken aback protested,“But sire the townspeople lie.”

Ludovico stood, glared at his court chaplain and raised his voice,”How dare you who have betrayed their trust slander them, you worm, you are now stripped of your position. Boris arrest this ungodly cleric.”
Boris got up from his seat as two guards manhandled Riccardo who due to his cowardice did not resist,”With pleasure, milord this prude will regret crossing you.”

After a few minutes the uproar subsided and with Riccardo bound by the opposite end of the table, in front of the hearth and Ludovico sipped some water,”Well men, I suppose we must decide upon the former court chaplain’s fate.”

First to speak was the spymaster Pietro Failero who provided his advice in an enthusiastically sadistic manner,” First the fancy furniture and carpets he has bought with the money he has gained should be sold or burned before his eyes. Then he should be killed in the most gruesome manner, his body torn apart by horses running in different directions, it would show that those men of god will be punished when they transgress against you and then his wealth would be inherited by yourself.”

Riccardo queitely whimpered as Pietro ended his statement.

Marshal Boris added,”I partially agree with Pietro, though despite the fact that Riccardo is scum his head should be struck off, a quick end would show he does not deserve any pageantry.”

The steward Vitale sipped his wine and cleared his throat,”My brother Pietro is suggesting overkill, no pun intended. Perhaps keeping him locked up in the dungeon or killing him quickly would be best as, either way you would inherit his wealth which ultimately is what matters most.”

Last to speak was chancellor Benedetto who sat in silence through the proceedings,”I believe that the best solution in which we never have to this weasel’s face again, whether because he is dead, locked up or forced to become a monk.”

Ludovico sat for a moment and rose from his seat pacing, glaring at the blanching Riccardo with each step,”Well my loyal councilors, I have come to a conclusion as to how Riccardo will be punished, first the furniture and carpets he has bought will be sold before his eyes, then every single florin that he has in his position will be taken from him and lastly he will be banished from this palace, and all of Veglia, never to be seen again.”

Nearly every member of the council clapped enthusiastically with Pietro and Boris being the only exceptions as they were both mildly satisfied. Riccardo for his part while rather upset thanked Ludovico profusely as he realized just how merciful the partrican was being. As Riccardo was escorted out of the palace and Veglia permanently, Ludovico and the other council members all decided to indulge in some red wine, as they all toasted to Riccardo’s banishment. After he finished his goblet of wine Ludovico put his goblet down, rose from his seat and announced,”Well men, it has been a productive day you all may stay her and have all the wine you want, but I must go to find a replacement court chaplain.”

As Ludovico donned his fine dark blue riding cloak he thought to himself,”If only I didn't have to leave, the wine has stirred up certain desires in me… Oh well Ricciarda and I will have to wait until I return.”

After a minute of walking he made it to the stables and Ludovico gracefully mounted his horse, a young good natured white stallion named Camillo. After a few minutes of riding he and his guards passed by a small village whose residents were contentedly harvesting wheat, as he passed by a few bowing peasants he asked,”Well how are you doing my people, is all well?”

One of them, a dark haired male youth stepped forward,”Rather well, thanks to you Patrician Ludovico, we appreciate not having to live under the tyranny of a monarchy.”

Ludovico smiled,”It seems that we are in agreeance then, well I hope you all have a great day.”
About half an hour later…..

Ludovico alongside four of his guards, one riding to his left, right, front and rear respectively made it inside the city of Veglia itself and dismounted at the local stables. As a stablehand led his horse into the stables Ludovico let out a quick yet friendly,”Thank you” as he and his guards made their way to the city's center. After a while of browsing to see the various wares that the local merchant stalls had to offer he heard a quiet groan to his right,”Whatever will I do now.”

Ludovico turned and noticed a somewhat heavyset blonde man who he supposed was in the same age group as he, though perhaps maybe a year or two older. He then inquired,”What seems to be the problem good man?”

The man turned adjusting the books in his satchel as he sat on a bench“Sorry, but you shouldn’t concern yourself with my problems.”

“But I insist, every man, barring some criminals ought to have his problems heard by someone”

The man’s demeanor turned slightly warmer“Thank you for your concern good sir, my name’s Antoniotto di Gusinaya at your service.”

Ludovico he walked towards the bench,”Do you mind if I sit next to you as he talk?”

“Of course you can, sir.”

As Ludovico sat he asked,”So what is it that is causing you distress?”

“Well my sponsor, Rodrigo a local wool merchant who paid me to translate various books and other documents has died…” He sat sullen for a moment brown eyes welled with tears,”He was a good man, I’m glad he got to grow old but now that he is gone, I’m not sure what the future holds for me.”

“So you are man of learning I presume?”
“Well yes, why do you ask?”

Ludovico smiled,”Well I, Ludovico Strazzi Patrician of my house recently had to dismiss my Court Chaplain Riccardo. I offer that recently vacated post to you.”

Antoniotto di Gusinaya sat shocked and quickly curtseyed,”I am sorry I didn’t recognize you milord, please forgive me for knowing how you were!”

Ludovico chuckled and patted him on the shoulder,”Nonsense, it’s all fine, now will you accept my offer?”

Antoniotto beamed at him and enthusiastically chattered,”Why yes I will, thank you so much, I just need to gather my possessions and I will enter your court by next morning..”

“Very good, I feel that you will do well Antoniotto.”

A while later….

As the sun dipped below the horizon for the evening Ludovico and his court concluded their dinner consisting mostly of slightly pink beef steak as well as wine, peas(One of the vegetables that Alfontso loves) other vegetables and bread with dates and lemons for dessert. After a short while of tucking their children to bed Ludovico and Ricciarda moved to their own chambers, standing in front of their bed. “Well my love shall we?”

“Of course, I promised we would do this after all Ricciarda.”

And so Ludovico lifted her up and kissed her, which of course led to more, and ended with the two of them under the blankets satisfied, warm and more than a little tired. Ricciarda chuckled as Ludovico drank some water and caught his breath,”You seem to have exerted yourself my dear.”
“Well as usual I did most of the work… not that I mind of course, there is no one else who I would rather lay with.”

After Ludovico finished drinking Ricciarda kissed him and whispered,”The same to you Ludovico, I feel that we both have been lucky to do so well in marriage, when many others are unhappy.”

Ludovico grinned,”Yes we are my darling, now let’s sleep.”

PS: Some of the screenshots are from a later date(EG; Those of Ludovico ,Pietro and Ricciarda) and thus the characters portraits show some of them being a year older than they actually are in the story. Also the most clever of you may see the connection between Ludovico's "Troublesome False man of God" and how Henry II was rumored to have called Thomas Beckett a troublesome priest. One last thing: I'm sorry that this took literally forever but I'll try to be more consistent.

 

[codie]

June 1073


Ludovico and his wife visited the Contarini family palace, seated on a well padded wooden bench in one of the second floor sitting chambers discussing the recent growth of their family. Ricciarda smiled at two of her brothers; Iacopo, the Serene Doge and Andrea the heir to the family fortune,”How does it feel now that you are both grandfathers?” Iacopo laughed,”Well it almost makes me feel old, though you should feel old too sister, you are a great aunt now.”

Ricciarda smirked in return,”Please, I’m not even thirty five years old!”

Iacapo’s daughter in law Alfonsina approached Ricciarda smiling as she carried her infant son, Berto,”Would you like to hold him Ricciarda?”

“Of course my dear.”

With that Ricciarda gracefully took the baby and kissed him on the forehead,”Oh I remember when Alfontso and Camilla were this young.”

“Children are the blessing of God after all.”

It was then that Alfonsina’s husband Domenico hugged her,” Indeed my dear but I wish that God made it easier for women to push the damn things out.”

Alfonsina glared at her husband,”Do not question God’s will husband, it is thanks to him that we have what we do.”
He snorted in response but didn’t argue further.

Camilla, who along with her brother Alfontso was in the room walked up to the baby and waved to him, which elicited a toothless smile on the part of Berto. Alfonsto for his part was dutifully occupying his other young cousin Adelmo(Berto’s uncle who was only a year older than Berto) by showing him a spinning top that he brought with him.

Brunhilde, Andrea’s daughter in law and mother of his newborn granddaughter rocked her child in her arms,”I believe that Ippolita has the makings of a queen or duchess one day.”

Her husband Abbondanzio, a commander of the Venitian army responded,”Perhaps, but she may be more likely to marry a count or patrician.”

“Surely you think our daughter is worthy of the best of marriages my darling?”
Ludovico quipeed in,”Surely she does indeed deserve a good marriage but your husband is only being realistic, besides there are plenty of years to decide such a thing.”

“Hmm, perhaps you are right Ludovico, we do indeed have some time to decide.”

Ludovico sipped some wine and after finishing it Ricciarda’s brother Carlo approached him,”It seems that Christendom may be floundering in the face of the Mohammedan infidels Ludovico.”

Ludovico rose an eyebrow in concern,”Why do you say that? The Norman Robert “The Fox” has retaken nearly the entire island of Sicily from them.”

“Yes that is good, lest they come to close the seat of the Papacy, but on the other hand Matilda di Canossa Duchess of Tuscany and her brother in law Duke Vratislav the Second of Bohemia are struggling to retake those portions of Sardinia held by them.

The Duchy of Barcelona has fallen to the infidels of Al Andalus and the former duke of Barcelona’s stepson is making little progress in retaking it.

The King of Castile Sancho the Second is attacking the Duhunnidid Emir but he and the King of Navarre recently failed to retake portions of Aragon that the Hudid Emir holds.

His brothers, the scheming kings of Galicia and Leon are to busy fighting one another to aid in those wars.

The Kings of France and England are too busy fighting over Normandy to be of any use

and the godless Holy Roman Emperor is waging war on the Serene Doge of Pisa, so no I don’t see much reason to be pleased with such a state of affairs, however, we must wait and see what will happen.”
“Perhaps you are right Carlo, but at least Venice is at peace, thanks to your brother’s careful diplomacy.”

“Indeed but who can tell, latest word from a week ago was that King Kresimir of Croatia is bedridden and unable to rule effectively, time will tell whether his heiress the princess Neda will come of age before she succeeds him to the throne or if she will inherit as an underage child with a regent.”

Suddenly, in an almost prophetic manner a lean, blonde courier burst through the door,”Please forgive me for interrupting your family gathering, but news has arrived from Croatia; King Kresimir the Fourth has died in his bed and has been succeeded by his daughter, the nine year old Queen Neda, his youngest daughter Jadranka is still imprisoned by the Morosini family but will likely be released soon, with Count Budec of Zadar serving as regent in the same capacity that he served her father.””

Serene Doge Iacopo grimly nodded,”Thank you for informing us of this development young man, now go get some sleep and food within the servants chambers in the palace.”

As the courier left Ludovico looked to Iacopo,”So, what do you think of this?”

“It’s not good for anyone involved, we may have some respite from Croatian attack until the Queen comes of age yet Count Budec is a cruel man, who executed his own pregnant daughter in law on false suspicion of infidelity, so he may pressure Queen Neda to wage war on us for your holding in Veglia or for the various trading posts that dot the coastline. There are also rumours that he took part in a plot with my predecessor Domenico the third, in which he convinced him to force King Kresimir’s wife to become a nun, eliminating a potential candidate for the regency.”

“What of the Queen herself, once she is free of a regent she will be the one that makes the decisions?“ asked Iacopo’s wife Rijeka

“From what I’ve heard she’s the epitome of what we hate most about some monarchs. She’s utterly convinced that as Queen she’s better than everyone and would rather send her men to their deaths without taking part in confrontations herself.”

Hours later….

As the family gathering ended and Ludovico, Ricciarda and their children prepared to leave by ship to return back to their family palace in Veglia, a slight drizzle mitigated the already mild summer heat and they were approached by a young woman, her brown cloak matching her hair and she bowed,”Excuse my milord, my lady, my name’s Albina and I was wondering if by chance that you were looking for a servant to work for your household? I grew up as an orphan, you see, and I’ve been a prostitute for a few years, but I feel it is best to start living a more honest life, and perhaps marry and have children in the next few years, so if you would please employ me I’d truly appreciate it.”

Ludovico wanted to help, but was unsure how to and turned to his wife who said,”Well, we have no need for more servants, but we could find a good husband in the form of our court physician Averado, who is also our son Alfontso’s educator. He has been looking for a wife after all.”

Albina smiled in response,“If he agrees than I’d be glad to, thank you so very much”
Ricciarda shook her hand“You are welcome my dear, you shall be a worthy addition to the palace. Our spymaster's wife has given birth to their daughter a few months ago, who knows, perhaps you will have a son that will marry her one day.”

PS: I'm sorry that this is absolutely laden with screenshots but I thought that visuals may be key to understanding the various characters and situations.

 

[codie]

January 1074




Ludovico awoke beside his wife, the harsh morning winter sun filtering in through a bedside window, he stifled a yawn,”Good morning darling.”

Ricciarda groaned in response,”Maybe for you, I’m exhausted Ludovico.”

He gave her a concerned look as he stood up by the window,”Really? You went to bed an hour before I did last night.”

She put her hands to the swell of her belly,”It may be because of the baby, I’m about three months along after all. It’s been restless lately, kicking throughout half the night.”

Ludovico stretched,”We should see Averado, he may be able to treat that, I’m not feeling too well either, I’m not sure why but my shoulder feels sore.”

The two soon got dressed, though it took a great deal of effort for Ricciarda to put one of her more casual gowns over her chemise. After a short while the two entered the Court Physician’s chambers, who sat at his desk, studying a book on various types of ailments, who stood up from his chair when they entered.

“Good morning Patrician Ludovico and Lady Ricciarda, is there something that you need?”
“Yes, we both seem to be having some illnesses, I would like you to see my wife first, I’m already in good enough health but whatever illness she has may affect her worse because she is with child.”

Ricciarda smiled at her husband with gratitude and she sat in a chair while Averado picked up his book from the desk.

“What seems to be the problem Lady Ricciarda?”

“Well, I feel fatigued and exhausted, it was difficult to get dressed and walk over here.”

Averado chriped,” Well from the signs of things it isn’t a sign of further illness, however I believe that as it may be a humoral imbalance, that we use bloodletting, I also recommend that you eat some almonds, as they have been known to alleviate fatigue.”

Ricciarda grimaced,”I’m not keen on the idea of leeches, but since Galen advocated for it I can tolerate them, as for the almonds I like their taste and will eat them.”

Averado nodded as he tenderly pulled a leech out of a glass jar ,”Good, it is always easier when the patient isn’t squamish in regards to their treatment.”

Averado walked towards her as she sat, rolled up her right sleeve and he held the leech so that it would latch onto her right arm. As the creepy little creature slowly put it’s suckers to her arm Ricciarda distracted herself by asking,” So how’s Albina doing.”

Averado smirked,”Well, she is certainly enthusiastic when it comes to the marital bed.’

Ricciarda gave little hint of judgement,”Good, perhaps she will soon bear you a child.”

The leech, hard at work, grow fatter as it gorged itself on blood and Averado responded,”Yes, hopefully she will, though I am already happy with educating your son Alfontso.”

“Good, he seems to be grateful for your tutelage, how goes goes his studies?”

“Well my lady, though he is young, he seems decently well versed in all that I teach, though he particularly enjoys tales of the deeds of great generals, like the Roman Scipio Africanus, who as you two may know defeated a Carthaginian force under Hannibal Barca’s brother at Baecula, driving them out of their superior position through a clever pincer movement.”

Ricciarda smiled,”Yes, I am familiar with that event, he would do well to learn from Africanus’s example, his sister Camilla, is turning out to be a gentle child, perhaps she will have the makings of a good diplomat. I’m sure she’ll help whoever her future husband will be to improve relations with his neighbors or vassals. Alfontso as you know will turn six in April, while Camilla will turn four in May.”

As Averado pulled the leech off of Ricciarda’s arm he said,”Yes, both of your children may turn out to be good successors to your legacies.”

After he put the leech away and put it back in the jar he approached Ludovico and asked,”What seems to ail you milord?”
“Well, I’m not entirely sure but something just doesn't feel right, and I have some aches.”

Averado gave his diagnosis,”I believe that this of course is Malaise, but this may also by an early sign of the flu.”

Ludovico grimaced,”Well things could be worse, but they could also be better. What would you suggest as treatment?”

“You should plenty of spicy and fatty food, to chase the feeling and bad humors away.”

“Very well, I’ll have the cooks prepare it as well as some almonds for my dear wife.”

As Ricciarda stood up and took her husband’s arm Ludovico opened the door,”Thank you so much, we’ll let you know how effective the treatments are later today.”

After mere minutes of walking husband and wife made it into the lavish dining room, and as Ludovico pulled out Ricciarda’s cushioned chair and stepped away from the table Ricciarda asked,”What are you doing? A servant will be here to take our orders soon, sit, please.”

Ludovico turned and smiled,”My dear, you are the one who can scarcely walk, I can handle this, I'd rather not waste a servant’s time by making them walk to me.”

Ricciarda smiled at her,”Humble as usual my love, I admit that I am glad that you are so, it is part of makes you the best man I know.”

He responded by kissing her and said,” And you are the best woman I know my dear, while I know you had less choice in the matter of marriage than I, I knew that we would love each other so.” After returning to his previous task he made it to the double doors outside the kitchens and met with the head chef Francesco who bowed and asked,”My Patrician, what is it that you require of me and the kitchen staff?”

Ludovico smiled at him,”My wife and I are feeling a bit unwell, Averado has suggested that I eat some well spiced and fatty food, and that she should eat some almonds.”

“Of course, I suppose you’d like some beef dusted with black pepper and nutmeg?”

“Yes please, and can you sprinkle a little cinnamon on Ricciarda’s almonds as well, I hope it will comfort her.”

“I shall relay the orders to the staff, we are happy to be of service.

“Thank you very much, I truly appreciate the hard work of you and all the other servants under my employ.”

Francesco blushed,”It flatters us all to be praised so by you Ludovico, you’ve done so much for us, from treating us better than most other patricians and protecting us from the Croatians years ago. We think your a war hero milord, worthy of becoming our next Serene Doge.”

Ludovico reddened,”While I am honored by your praise and would take the mantle of leading our Republic should it be thrust upon me, that would require the death of my dear brother in law Iacopo, which I do not want. Should he die however, I aim to succeed him as Serene Doge, so that I can best honor his memory by continuing his legacy of peace and prosperity.”

Francesco smiled,”Of course, I would expect no less of you, now I will go to the kitchen staff and have them prepare the dishes you requested.”

With a quick “Thank you Francesco” Ludovico turned and made his way back to his seated wife. After a short while he made it back and seat besides her, on the left side of the grand table that they sat at. He looked at the pitcher of wine and the two crystal glasses filled with red wine,”I see a servant was attentive enough to bring us some wine while we waited.”

She laughed after taking a sip of the wine,”Well yes, you were gone for several minutes and I was all alone, so they knowing how much you like to talk to Francesco, brought some refreshments.”

Ludovico felt slightly embarrassed,”My apologies Ricciarda, you know how I like to show the staff how much I appreciate their work.”

“Yes, yes, now what do you think we should name our unborn child? With Alfontso and Camilla we named them shortly after they were born but perhaps we would do well to craft some names now, while we have the time to do so.”

Ludovico drank about a quarter of his wine in a quick gulp,”Well if it’s a girl perhaps Theodora, after your late mother?”

Ricciarda smiled warmly and stroked her husband’s right cheek,”Yes, that would be nice, though I didn’t really get to know her as she died of childbed fever shortly after Andrea and I were born. Perhaps Lucrezia would be a good name as well, after the virtuous Roman woman who spent her time weaving rather than feasting, though hopefully she has a better life than her namesake. Though maybe if it is a girl you could name her after your own late mother, after all I choose Camilla’s name. I never met your mother but since she gave birth to you and helped you rise in station it may be wise, what was her name?”
Ludovico nearly teared up at the mention of his mother,”Her name was Vittoria, she was kind to all, even my father, who refused to marry her after she found out she was pregnant with me.”

His wife grimaced,”I am sorry to bring up painful memories, though I think Vittoria would be the perfect name.”

“Think nothing of it dear, yes Vittoria would be a good name. If it’s a boy would you approve of the name Lorenzo?”

“Yes, that was the name of your maternal grandfather who defeated pirates in the Adriatic right?”

He nodded,”Yes it was darling.”

“Then that will work as well, though I suspect we might be more likely to have another girl.”

As they passed the next couple minutes in idle chatter two servants arrived bringing their dishes, one set the silver bowl of cinnamon dusted almonds in front of Ricciarda while the other set an ornate plate holding beef covered with pepper and nutmeg in front of Ludovico. Ricciarda was the first to start eating, she scooped up a few almonds with a spoon and after methodically chewing she exclaimed,”This is delicious, the leeches already helped a bit and this meal will help me recover a little as well.”

After Ludvico cut his meat he smiled,”That’s wonderful my dear.” He then stabbed a piece of meat with his two pronged fork,”I am very glad that your mother introduced these to Italy, we may not be unified like England or France but we at least have the sense to adopt some foreign cutlery.”

Ricciarda sipped some of her wine,”Yes, I suppose that other than birthing me and my brothers that is probably her second best achievement, though they say some were shocked when she introduced the fork.”

Ludovico finished chewing his piece of meat, the spices and fattiness of the beef combined to make it absolutely delectable,”Luckily most of us have accepted its use, there will always be some apprehension when it comes to new things, perhaps it is part of our condition as people.”

The two then focused on eating what was left of their food, as they thought it best to obey Averado’s instructions with haste, and within a couple minutes they ate all of their food and drank a second goblet of wine each and as servants picked up the dishware Ricciarda asked,”Well was the treatment successful?”

Ludovico frowned,”Not particularly, while I enjoyed the taste of the food it did little chase away my soreness and unease.”

His wife grimaced,”I’m sorry to hear that my dear.”

“Well it can’t be helped, are you feeling any better darling?”

“Yes, I believe the combination of the leeches and the almonds helped a bit, I don’t feel completely better but I am at least not quite as exhausted.”

After Ludovico rose from his chair he moved to help her out of her chair“That’s great, my dear, though perhaps you should go and take a nap.”

As she firmly held on to his hand and stood up she replied,”Yes I will, would you please take us to my chambers?”

“Of course Ricciarda.”

Over the course of the next couple minutes the two mostly passed the time in small talk when a discussion of more substance began, as they stopped outside of their rooms,”What do you think you will do with the rest of your day Ludovico?”

“Well I heard reports of a huge brown bear in the countryside, it has been caught attacking sheep flocks and a teen shepherd barely escaped with light injuries. I believe it is time that I and a few other of the court’s men should go and kill it, so we can put an end to it’s terrorizing of our people.”

Ricciarda hugged him tightly,”Alright, just be careful, I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

Ludovico kissed her and as he pulled away murmured,”And the same to you, get some rest please.”

As he left her to get her rest Ludovico made a mental note to himself,”I should probably gather about half a dozen guards along with anyone else who wishes to go with me to hunt the beast.”

Over the course of the next few minutes Ludovico had managed to round up six guards who volunteered for the hunt and as they were about to leave via the palaces great hall his spymaster Pietro Faliero approached them, wearing leather armour, with a spear strapped to his back and a dagger at his hip and bowed,”May I go with you to go hunting and kill the bear that’s been the talk of the palace?”

“Of course you may Pietro.”

“Thank you milord.”

Half an hour later….

Ludovico rode on his white horse Camillo, and began chatting with Pietro in the forests outside of Veglia, taking in the chilly winter air,”I hear that your daughter Agnese will soon turn a year old, you must be relieved that she hasn’t perished.”

Pietro spurred his own horse, a chestnut gelding named Songatore to keep up,”Yes I am, despite my willingness to bring pain to your enemies, I am not heartless, though I doubt her continued survival will occur due to my wife Candida’s excessive praying, it can be rather annoying sometimes.”

Ludovico kept his face expressionless,”I suppose that she simply does what she thinks will help.” He followed this up with a quick change of subject,”I hear that your nephews’ are a credit to you and your brother Vitale, you must be proud of them.”

“Yes we are, the two will soon be men of their own in the next few years. Ordelaffo works hard at his studies under Averado’s guidance: Perhaps one day he will be learned enough to follow in Averado’s footsteps as your court physician or perhaps he will even become a priest of some kind, one of the few priests who I'd actually trust. Michele as you may know is studying the art of stewardship under my brother and seems to be doing well enough: He chuckled,”The boy has an almost contradictory personality, he can be willful, particular in how things are ordered and timid in the face of his elders…. All at the same time.”

Ludovico smiled,”Well perhaps should the boys prove talented they may attain some good position: as you said Ordelaffo may succeed Averado as court physician and Michele may become his father’s successor as steward.”

“That would be most fortunate my lord.”

The next couple minutes passed idly enough, as they made their way through the forest, the small creek to their right flows unimpeded as it was not quite cold enough to freeze and the ground was covered in light snow, with grass poking up from under it. The beech trees, meanwhile, had shed their leaves in november, something that occured every november before the mild winter. The spruce and cypress trees were as usual unaffected, though Ludovcio noted that many looked particularly beautiful, as they were covered with a light dusting of snow. Suddenly however the party of seven heard an angry roar and turning to a large clearing their right they spotted a massive brown bear, which tough at an intermediate distance away was slowly making its way to towards. Ludovico quickly slid off of his horse and shouted,”Dismount now, it’ll scare the horses.”

All members of the hunting party obeyed this and two guards quickly calmed the horses with treats while the rest of the party advanced towards the beast. Though too far away to engage them the bear stood up and roared again and as the other two guards caught up the bear returned to standing on all fours and attacked one of the smaller guards, swiping at his right shoulder with his right paw. The guard yelped in pain but managed a shallow stab to it’s right leg, the bear, now enraged knocked him aside with the back of his paw, knocking him unconscious. The bear swiftly attacked another man, scratching at the man's leather armoured arm and the man cautiously retreated. The bear then moved to attack Pietro who yelled at the creature and threatened it with his spear, when the bear advanced toward Pietro Ludovico charged into its right and the distracted bear did not notice him until his spear was plunged into the side of its neck, the bear already on death’s door due to this injury was swiftly dispatched when Pietro stabbed it in the forehead with his spear and a guard stabbed it in the left shoulder with his spear. With the bear now dead Ludovico pulled his spear out with both hands and chuckled,”I suppose this bear will no longer trouble trouble the good people of Veglia.”

 

[codie]

March 1074



Ludovico awoke with a start, sweating he recalled a nightmare he had in which his wife died in childbirth, with the child being small but alive. He got down from the left side of their bed, shifting the part of the blue blanket that he laid under over his wife, to keep her warm. He then kneeled on the rug that covered the hardwood floor and silently prayed,”God, please do not have this dream come to pass, I cannot bear to lose her, our children, especially the baby in her belly will need their mother, I will continue to humble myself to your will, just please let her live… Amen.” Ludovico got up and looked through their bedside window and looked at the sun as it peaked up over the horizon and thought to himself,”I suppose I should read a book with the extra hour I have on my hands.”

Over the course of the next hour Ludovico spent his time sitting in his chair and reading an Italian translation of The City of God by the theologian Augustine of Hippo as it was one of his wife’s favorite philosophical works. After an hour of reading he put the book away and looked at his stomach. He was not exactly fat but he had gained some weight over the past couple months as he rarely trained for combat or went hunting. Ludovic soon thought to himself,”Not doing as much exercise has allowed me to spend more time with my family, I think I should go on a diet and eat less fatty meat and pastries.”

Just a minute later Ricciarda tried to rise from their bed but failed and as she sat back on their bed she cried out,”Ooh, my ankles are so swollen that I can’t stand up on my own.”

Ludovico rushed towards her with a worried expression on his face,”What were you going to get up to do? I can help you my dear.”

Though she was no longer standing she grimaced,”I have to use the chamberpot my dear.”

Ludovico then turned, grabbed it from the right corner of the room and placed it a few paces away from the bed and said,”I'll help you Ricciarda.”

After a minute of helping his wife get partially undressed and walking her over Ricciarda was able to urinate, Ludovico brought her back to their bed and as he tucked her under the covers murmured,”You must have gout, my dear, I'll go and fetch Averado. But first there’s something I must give you.”

Ricciarda groaned,”Yes, please do so my dear, I must truly be ill.”

Ludovico quickly rummaged through his belongings and found the half dozen dried daisies he had purchased at the marketplace a few days ago. He then gave them to his wife who held them up to her nose and then smiled and cooed,”Thank you my dear, these are a comfort to me.”

He then leaned over her and noticed something alarming, the dissolved sweat on her forehead looked as if it was little specks of snow, alarmed he quickly chattered,”I’ll get Averado at once!.”

With that Ludovico opened the door and ran, ran faster than he ever had before as panic consumed him and within a minute he made it Averado’s chambers knocked quickly and barged in to find that Averado was reading a book while his wife was doing some embroidery who, laying in their bed answered first,”What is it that you need Milord?”

Ludovico kept himself from snapping at her,”It is your husband’s services as a physician that I require, my wife, lady Ricciarda seems to be dangerously ill with gout, she can barely walk, her urine is much more foamy then what would be usual and her dissolved sweat is as white as snow.”

Averado quickly stood up from his chair and grabbed a large jar of leeches from his desk,”I believe this will be the best treatment for her my patrician.”

“Well it seemed to work last time, so I trust your judgment, cure her and I’ll ensure that if you have any sons you may have will serve me directly and that any daughters you may have will make good marriages.”

As they swiftly left the room and made their way back to Ludovico and Ricciarda’s chambers Averado grimaced,”This may be unpleasant, and it will take awhile I don’t think it would be good for you to stay and watch.”

He nodded at his court physician,”I suppose I should check on the court’s business, however, I want to see my wife beforehand.”

“Very well milord.”

Ludovico slowly walked in their room, as his wife continued laying in their bed, reading a book with the flowers lying on the end table adjacent to the left side of the bed.”I will be back in a couple hours my dear, Averado advised that I should leave you alone while he treats you, I will have servants meet your need.”

Ricciarda bit her lip, eyes watering in pain from her hot and aching joints and nodded,”Alright Ludovico, I love you.”

He leaned down and kissed her hair,”I love you too…. Do you want me to tell Alfontso and Camilla of your illness?”

“Yes, even if it upsets them they deserve to know, I have some confidence that the treatment will succeed and I shall live, but nothing is certain.”

Ludovico smiled but turned towards the door and left,”I can’t bear such talk, she has to live.”

A couple minutes later… Ludovico sat in his grand chair ready to receive visitors or petitions when a formidable-looking woman wearing leather armor entered the reception area and bowed and asked in heavily accented Italian,”Is there any way that I can serve you Patrician Ludovico of House Strazzi?”

He scratched his chin in pensiveness and looked at the one-handed sword in a scabbard strapped to her left hip,”Are you a knight or warrior of sorts, it is not a path that many women follow?”

The woman laughed,”I am not many women, I am Soaba Ubmeje, a member of The Knights of Pomerania, and I have helped to fight off raids from the various pagan tribes of Livonia and so I ask if I may serve you.”

Ludovico nodded his head,”Very well then, there has been a band of half a dozen or so bandits, who thanks to the narrow nature of the cave that they reside in have been able to fight off soldiers I’ve sent to eliminate them, so perhaps you can defeat them.”

The woman smiled,”Then I shall slaughter them, milord.”

As the woman left Ludovico rose from his chair and walked towards through one of the palace’s hallways for a couple of minutes and entered the chambers that his two children shared, to find Alfontso and Camilla sitting in front of their nanny: Dorothea, as she read them a story and as he walked in she raised her eyebrows,”My patrician, is something the matter, you look rather pale.”

He looked at the tall and somewhat heavy middle-aged woman and sighed,”Yes, but I wish to tell my children myself, you may remain in the room to continue caring for them.”

The two blonde haired children rushed towards their father and as he knelt down they embraced him,”What’s wrong father?” Asked his visibly concerned son.

“Your mother is ill with gout, she may live through it, but we didn’t think it fair not to tell you, our children.”

Tears filled both of their eyes and Camilla whimpered,”Will mommy die daddy?”

Ludovico hugged them both tears threatening to spill from his eyes as well,” That is a possibility, but if Averado is able to make her feel better, she will live and in a few more months you will both have a younger brother or sister.”

“Alfontso and I would like that very much.”

Ludovico looked to his son, who was normally the more talkative of the two,”Try not to worry too much son, Averado may be able to help her, now perhaps Dorothea can continue the story she was telling you too.”

The two responded with”Yes father” and quickly returned to listening to their nanny’s story. He then stepped outside of the room, leaned against the wall and sharply inhaled,”That was a bit harder for me to handle than I thought it was going to be.”

Still, he went on his way back to his grand chair by the entrance to the palace and sat back down. He only had to wait for one minute when suddenly the woman warrior Soaba emerged through the doors holding three severed heads in each hand and bowed,”Patrician Ludovico I have rid the world of the filth that was those bandits, they underestimated me and were thus dispatched with ease.”

Ludovico smiled,”Rise, rise there is little need to bow, especially after the service you did to me and my people, I dare say you are one of the best warriors I’ve ever met, a true knight.”

The young woman rose and blushed,”Thank you so much Patrician Ludovico for giving me the chance to prove myself, not many men, let alone those with title would give me that chance. Though I have a confession to make: I am but a self-proclaimed knight, and the order I named does not exist. I ask that you forgive me for this deception for I had a good reason for it. My best friend a fellow Christianized Sami, Ravna, was robbed and then murdered by a group of bandits. Thus on that bitter winter’s night in Aland I swore revenge and for over a year I’ve been tracking down bandit scum, from Minsk to Paris, but until I met you I never met a lord worthy of my services. So if you’ll have me do so I’d like to join your court and perhaps one day, if it is your will, lead troops on your behalf as a commander or perhaps become your marshal.”

“Of course you may join my court, you’ll be assigned some chambers. Although I already have a commander and marshal that may change one day, and perhaps you may make a suitable marriage one day.”

Soaba gratefully nodded,”Of course my lord, I shall stop bothering you and proceed to settle into to your court.”

For but a few brief moments Ludovico sat in piece, this woman's achievements had helped to mitigate the distress he was caused by his wife’s illness, this however was to be short lived for chancellor Benedetto rushed through the hall and bowed, frowning as if he didn’t want to tell his liege something, Ludovico gulped,”What is it Benedetto?”

“I have two pieces of very bad news to tell you milord, the first is that a trade galley sailing under House Stazzi, has sunk, the cost of the ship, as well as the fact that it was laden with eastern spices and sugar means that your treasury will lose about 50 florins.”He then paused,”That however pales in comparison with the other piece of horrendous news I have for you, the court physician Averado has made lady Ricciarda’s condition even worse, it seems that he used so many leaches that too much blood was removed from her body….”

A silent tear slid down his cheek but he maintained his composer,”Does my wife still live?”

His chancellor nodded grimly,”Yes but we don’t think she has much time left, she may be gone by sundown.”

“Then if her time has come we must all say our goodbyes.”

Ludovico then made his way through the hall with his chancellor who said,”I am so sorry, I know how terrible it is to see someone you love get sick and die before your very eyes, that’s what happened to my daughter Beatrice.”

This helped to distract him from his own pain,”It was two winters ago that she passed? On Christmas?”

Benedetto quivered,”Yes, of dysentery, Averado actually helped her as much as he could though and she was in less pain when she passed.”

“I said it when it happened but I’ll say it again, I’m sorry Benedetto, you don’t deserve such loss.”

He paused,”Neither do you Milord, shall we bring Alfontso and Camilla with us?”

“Of course, they deserve to say their goodbyes, and after it is done I ask that you write a letter to our Serene Doge of the tragic news, of course I’d also ask you to inquire into his son’s health, I hear Domenico has been ill with food poisoning after the birth of his second son, with whom he shares a name.”

“Yes of course Milord.”

As they opened the door he noticed both his children were silent, though their eyes were red, he then asked their nanny Dororthea,”Have they been informed?”

She grimaced and her voice cracked,”Yes they have been, I’m so sorry.”

He nodded towards the woman and took his children by the hand and walked out the door,”I’m so sorry, no child so young should have to say goodbye to their mother. She will be happy to see you though.”

Alfontso and Camilla both silently nodded and Ludovico thought to himself,”They are so strong, it is good though, for they will have to be.”

Soon enough they entered Ludovico and Ricciarda’s chambers and his court physician apologetically groveled,”Please forgive my milord, I only did what I thought would save your wife.”

Ludovico took one look at his ashen wife, looked back at Averado and raised his voice with fury,”You did this to her you fool! You are right to beg for you are responsible for my wife’s imminent death!”

Averado stumbled over his words,”My, Patrician please she may not have survived her illness anyway-.” He was then cut off by the sound of skin colliding with skin as Ludovico struck him hard with the back of his hand and yelled more angry then he had ever been in his life,”YOU TOOK AWAY ANY HOPE OF SURVIVAL, MY CHILDREN WILL GO WITHOUT THEIR MOTHER, AND I WILL LOSE THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!” He then paused to kick the man hard in the side as he tried to get back up and lowered his voice but stared at Averado with hatred,”You are lucky that I am merciful, take that whore of a wife of yours and leave, now, if you ever enter this palace again I will kill you myself!”

The man cowered as he got up and gave a wide berth to the angry man and his children as he left the room.

As Averado left in disgrace Ludovico noticed the multitude of people in the room, all of his counselors and their wives, midwives, a few servants, as well as his wife’s close friend Bianca, her husband and her two-year-old daughter,”I am sorry you all had to see that, I ask that my councilors and their wives leave, I will also need a new court physician soon, the others, however, can stay.”

As his councilors and their wives said their goodbyes Ludovico, trailed by his children moved to Ricciarda’s bedside,”Thank you for firing him my dear, I shudder to think what would happen if he kept his position and was responsible for the death of Alfontso or Camilla children.”

The thought chilled Ludovico to the bone,”Yes my dear, perhaps you will live and a new physician can treat you.”

She shook her head,”You know as much as I that I will die tonight, please don’t deceive yourself into thinking otherwise, it will only make things more painful in the end.” She paused for a moment,”May I say my farewells to Bianca first?”

“Of course my dear, I know you two are as close as sisters.”

Ricciarda reached up and stroked her husband’s face,”Thank you darling.”

Bianca and her family then approached the left side of the bed and Ricciarda turned towards them,”Bianca my dear, you may have been my stepmother for a very brief period of time, but I can say without boost that you are the best friend that I can ask for.”

Silent tears leaked out of her friend’s eyes and Ricciarda tried to soothe her,”My dear friend, you are so strong, you have been widowed twice over and yet still managed to find happiness with a third husband, which is why you must try to find happiness after I am gone.”

Bianca nodded but protested,”But you are one of the only women who treated me well, many others gossiped and said ugly things about my being widowed twice over.”

“You are not cursed my dear, I’d like to see your daughter for a moment.”

“Of course” She looked down and said to her daughter,”Lady Ricciarda wishes to see you Adelaida.”

The two year old nodded,”Yes mama.”

The child approached the bed and Ricciarda ran her hands through the child’s dark her,”It is my wish that you will marry my son one day, if my husband approves of this, the betrothal may occur within a couple years.”

Ludovico then nodded in affirmation,”I agree with this idea.

Despite the fact the little girl knew little of marriage or betrothals she smiled in gratitude,”Thank you Lady Ricciarda.”

The child soon returned to her father’s side, and her mother exclaimed,”You do me such an honour my friend, surely you could’ve betrothed your son to a number of other eligible girls?”

“Perhaps, but this is one of my last wishes, besides, Adelaida is of noble blood, as your husband is the brother to a baron, so this will also raise the standing of the children my son will have one day, also as your daughter is not in the court of a noble there will be no need for a bride price.”

“Still this is so generous of you Ricciarda, thank you so much!”

“It is but a reward for my closest friend, please retire to your chambers, for I now need to see goodbye to my family.”

Bianca cried a little but regained her composure,”Goodbye sister.”

Ricciarda smiled at her,”Goodbye Sister.”

For a minute after Bianca and her family left the room, all four members of the family stayed silent, when the children broke it when they hugged their dying mother, crying and Alfontso pleaded,”Please don’t leave us mommy, we need you and love you so much.”

Camilla for her part stopped crying for a moment,”Alfontso’s right, please stay with us.”

Ludovico kneeled down and hugged all of them, and for his part cried a little, though he wanted to stay strong for his wife and children. After a few minutes Ludovico ran his fingers through Ricciarda’s hair and kissed her on the lips,”My love, you have been the best wife that I could ask for, probably better than I deserve. You are always so caring in regards to myself and the children, I don’t think I could go on without you.”

Ricciarda cried for a few seconds,”You have been such a good husband to me, and I know that you will continue to be a great father to our children. I know you don’t want to hear this, but in a couple of years I want you to remarry, find a woman that you can get along with and maybe even love. Alfontso and Camilla will need a woman to help raise them, a stepmother who will raise them as her own and provide them with guidance.”

“I don’t even want to think of remarriage right now, how can I marry again after having you as a wife and mother to my children my love.”

“Because the children will need someone to help you raise them, I know that none of you will never forget me but you will need assistance my dears. As for the baby in my belly, I suspect it will not live but after I pass I need you to order the midwives to cut me upon and get the baby out. If the child had a possibility of living and we denied them it I could never forgive myself, and I know you would feel the same way. Also please tell my brothers and nephews that I love them, and that I’m sorry to cause them grief by dying now”

Suddenly Ricciarda’s breathing became incredibly shallow and she embraced her husband and children one final time,”My loves you have made my life better than I could’ve ever imagined.”
She then fell back to the pillows, held her hand to her chest, and her eyes glazed over as she took her last breath. Ludovico, despite knowing better shook his wife’s body, and then put his ear to his wife’s chest, hearing nothing he trembled with despair and turned to his sobbing son and daughter,”She is gone my children, a servant will take you to your chambers while they try to see if the baby can live, I’ll be with you after that is done.’

Alfontso nodded,”If that’s what you want. Promise you’ll see us after.”

Ludovico hugged both of his children, they needed it, now more than ever,”I promise I will do so.”

Alfontso and Camilla then followed the servant assigned to take them to their rooms and after the door closed Ludovico gave his orders to the four midwives,”Do the operation, let us see if my child lives.”

Half an hour later…. The midwives finished the operation but it was all for naught, the tiny baby boy did not breathe or cry when they extricated him from his late mother’s womb and they covered him with a miniature version of the black that was laid over his mother’s body. Ludovico then used his sleeve to wipe the tears off of his cheek and directed the servants,”Please make them separate effigy’s and entomb them within the catacombs.”

Before leaving to comfort his children he kissed the forehead of his stillborn son and then his wife to whom he whispered,”Goodbye my love, someday I’ll see you again.”

After this he left the room and soon entered his children’s chambers, who, from what he could tell by the moonlight had looks of sorrow on their faces, he kneeled down to face them,”I am so sorry, you would’ve had a baby brother, had he lived, but he was too young and entered this world dead.”

His son and daughter both started sobbing and he embraced them, all of their bodies were wracked with tears, as the worst day of their lives thus far came to a close.

 

[codie]

September 1074



He stood within the market square, listening to the chatter of many people that filled it quietly breathing, feeling better than he had in months.

While Veglia was hardly the richest city on the Adriatic it was prosperous enough and as it’s market attracted many locals as well as merchants from Neighboring Croatia, Venice Proper, Serbia and the Italian territories of The Holy Roman Empire. Escorted by a pair of guards Ludovico made his way to a merchant stall where an aging merchant was heckling some of the customers at other stalls and chirped to Ludovico,”You there, surely you’d like to be most beloved by God by buying a holy artifact. Surely you are more willing to do so than the rest of the Godless misers here.”

As he closed the distance the man held up a bone of decent size and grinned, putting his crooked teeth on full display as well,”It’s a bone of Saint Mark, the Patron saint of Our Great Republic, only eight florins and it’s yours.”

Ludovico considered this for a moment and then reached into his coin purse counted eight coins and then set them on the stall, and the grinning merchant gave him the bone.”Hopefully this will be worth it, I’m not sure if relics are actually capable of doing the things that some say, but it’ll be handy to have around nonetheless.”

A few hours later….

Ludovico sat on his desk rubbing his forehead as he spoke with Benedetto,”Has Adelaida accepted the offer of a betrothal between herself and Vitale’s eldest son Orderlaffo?”

“Yes, though she was reluctant, as she seems to have loved Boris quite a bit.”

Ludovico nodded,”Yes, last spring was rather trying for many of us, first my dear Ricciarda and now Boris, poor lady Adelaida, now she and their daughter Zlata are without him forever.”

“Yes it was milord, hopefully Soabja will make a good marshal. Speaking of betrothals do you think that perhaps my son Cristoforo may be betrothed to Zlata, it would ensure that the two would make a match and it would give her some security.”

“Of course, if Adelaida, and your respective children agree to this then yes.”

As there was a brief lull in the conversation Benedetto picked up the saint’s bone off of a shelf,”What is this Ludovico?”

Ludovico turned around and smirked,”It’s the leg bone of Saint Mark.”

The man chuckled but then covered his mouth to stifle it,”I’m sorry but there is no way this bone belonged to a person, it’s too short and must be a pig’s bone.”

He frowned awkwardly,”Oh, so it must be a fake then?”

“Yes, unless Saint Mark was a pig. I’m afraid you’ve been deceived.”

“Well I guess you can say that was a learning experience then.”

“Much like my visit to Venice last week, to see the Serene Doge.”

Ludovico looked at him quickly,”Why is that Benedetto?”

“Well apparently I did not bow as much as he would’ve liked and I didn’t grovel before him.”

“If it had been a few months ago I would understand his bad mood, but he has no right to treat you so, especially after you congratulate him on his son’s recovery from food poisoning. I always knew Iacopo to be vain and think himself a king but this is outrageous, You are not at fault, instead you should focus on trying to improve relations with most of our other neighbors, mostly through letters.”

“You have my thanks, Patrician Ludovico.”

“Yes, Yes make sure that you give that bone to some stray dog, at least then it will be useful to something.”

“I shall, I hear that the newly arrived lady Renata has accepted a betrothal with Vitale’s younger son Michele.”

Ludovico nodded“Good, our court can use new blood. Speaking of which, has the Morosini patrician Francesco accepted the offer of my betrothal to his younger sister? I am not keen on her being much younger than me but she is the only close relative of a patrician that will be able to marry in a few years. It will also give me time to adjust to the idea of marrying again.”

“Those are very good reasons milord, he has indeed accepted but he has a condition….”

Raising an eyebrow Ludovico asked,”And what is his condition?”

“That your daughter Camilla also be betrothed to him.”

“Oh, well I suppose I must accept that condition then, it’s too bad that she will eventually have to marry a man who is a little over ten years older than her. Please write to him with my acceptance.”

“Yes but you are her father, and will do well to marry her to someone who is already a patrician.”

“I hope so Chancellor Benedetto, I hope so.”

One week later…..

He stood with his daughter Camilla outside the Morosini family palace, it was impressive, more so than that of the Strazzi palace, which Letizia was now managing as regent while he was away, and Ludovico put a reassuring hand on his daughter’s shoulder,”Their fairly old money you know, suffice it to say that Domenico the Third, the father of the two people we are to be betrothed too, came from a very successful line of merchants, who more or less bought their position as Patricians.”

“But I hear they make less coin than us and some of the other families.”

“Perhaps, but they are the only family who offer a suitable bride for me, you know why Mariana Ziani wouldn’t do?”
“I hear that she didn’t like my mother or you?”

“Yes, luckily her step children don’t seem to share the same enmity.”

As the conversation wrapped up a guard opened the large double doors and a servant escorted them through the Palace, specifically the private art collection. Both Camilla and Ludovico were both awed by the quantity and quality of the paintings, tapestries and sculptures that filled the room, some even from the time of both Alexander the Great and the long dead Roman Empire,”Funny that the Greeks who are to busy fighting amongst themselves, and the Germans both claim that mantle.” Eventually after a couple of minutes of waking through ornately decorated corridors, father and daughter made it to their destination and walked through the door to a well appointed sitting room. As they entered he regarded two figures, both of roughly average height and build for their age, the boy only slightly older than the girl was clearly the Patrician Francesco, who reacted to the opening of the door by putting the book he was reading on the table adjacent to the padded bench that they sat on. The young man then stood up,”May I introduce myself, I am Francesco, Patrician of the illustrious Morosini family.” His voice cracked, the teen nervously chuckled and turned to his sister, who just finished eating a green grape,”And this is my sister, Tomasina Morosini, please sit and enjoy the comforts of my palace.”

Ludovico and Camilla then sat on a padded bench opposite of the one that their future spouses sat on and a servant poured wine into three crystal goblets in front of Ludovico and the Morosini teens, while Camilla received a similar goblet containing water. After taking a sip of his wine Ludovico smiled in gratitude,”You have our thanks for your hospitality, it is my hope that we may work together to better both our houses and Venice.”

“Indeed, I hope we can do so as well Patrician Ludovico, it’s funny to think that you will be both my father in law and brother in law.”

Camilla then let out a quiet,”Hmph.” in protest as she went to drink some of her water. Only Ludovico and Tomasisna seemed to notice this and both downed more of their wine, pretending not to hear it. Soon enough after a short period of awkward discussion, a man wearing a chaplain’s robes emerged through a door to the left and Francesco announced,”This is my Court Chaplain Artemio, he will oversee the betrothal ceremony.”

The bearded brown haired man soon began the first of the two betrothal vows, and Ludovico helped his daughter clumsily get up and make her way to face Francesco, who was only a little shorter than Ludovico and Aremio looked to Patrician Francesco,”Do you Patrician Francesco, of House Morosini, promise that once, this girl comes of a age that you will wed her?”

The teen nodded,”I will take thee to wed.”

Artemio then turned to Camilla,”Do you Camilla Strazzi, vow that when you come of age you will wed Patrician Francesco?”

Though Ludovico could tell his daughter was unsure of this she nodded,”I will take thee to wed.”

“That is good then, the participants should seal this betrothal with a kiss on the cheek then.”

At hearing this the color drained from Camilla’s face but she stood still as a statue as her betrothed leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. As both sat back down on their respective seats Ludovico stood up, soon followed by Tomasina, who he met by the right side of the table that held their drinks and The Court Chaplain looked at Ludovico,”Do you, Ludovico, Patrician of House Strazzi swear that you will marry this young woman once she comes of age?”

Ludovico nodded and though he felt uneasy vowed,”I will take thee to wed.”

Artemio then looked to Tomasina,”Will you, Tomasina Morosina promise to wed this man once you come of age?”

She nodded,”I will take thee to wed.”

A moment after this Ludovico hesitantly bent down and swiftly kissed her on the right cheek and as pulled his lips away from her smooth, fair skin, she giggled, like the teen girl she was.

One hour later….

After a period of enjoying fruit and other sweets Ludovico and Camilla left the sitting room and began to walk out of the Morosini family when Camilla murmured,”I didn’t like that.”

Soon the two stopped walking as they reached a corner in the empty art gallery and Ludovico frowned,”I’m sorry about that my daughter, I’m sure you too will come to like each other.”

She furrowed her eyebrows in response,”It’s not fair, why should I have to marry a boy who is ten year older than me?”
Though he didn’t want to seem too harsh, Ludovico sharply retorted,”Enough! You think I liked having to go through that ceremony, after losing your mother months ago? Marriage is scarcely about whether you like the other person immediately and you won’t know if you don’t even give them a chance. This is simply the best match I can arrange for the both of us, you will marry someone who is already a patrician, and you will be able to stay in Venice.”

Although she looked distressed Camilla meekly replied,”I will try father. I promise you that.”

 

[codie]

January 1077



Ludovico sat on his white horse, Camillo, surrounded by much of his court, in the place’s northern courtyard. The late morning sun, which combined with the mild temperature made waiting outside more pleasant than it otherwise would be in January. Marshal Soabja sat on her horse to his right, smiling wistfully and chirped,”It’s a good day for a wedding, is it not milord?”

He nodded,”Yes I suppose it is, though I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.”

“What cause do you have to be nervous my patrician? It’s not as if you haven’t been married before.”

The man looked down at the ground for a moment and then turned to her again,”Yes but Ricciarda was a woman grown, yes I’ve visited Tomasina over the past few years but I don’t know what a younger bride will want, or how to make her happy?”

“I’m sure you know to do what you did with Ricciarda, try your hardest to make her happy and treat her well and she will do the same. Perhaps you’ll write a poem to her, I hear that you have become a good poet.”

“I hope so, tell me how is your little Callisto doing?”

“Fairly well, some say he has a face only a mother could love, though Antoniotto cares for him as well. He’s growing even more by the day, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a baby so big.”

Ludovico smiled,”That is good then, maybe he will one day lead men on the field of battle.”

“Yes, though I’d hate to ever see him hurt, being a commander would provide him with a good and glorious life.”

After the end of this conversation, steward Vitale’s eldest son, Ordelaffo started a new one,”My father is pleased that we no longer owe a debt to the jews, I am as well.” The young man then paused to spit on the ground,”Damn Christ Killers.”

Ludovico looked down to the young man,”I think the Romans were responsible, but what matters is that today's Jews haven’t done so again and were helpful to me, if it wasn’t for that loan we would’ve lost Veglia to the Croatians years ago, now thanks to the Jews we have not only survived but thrived.”

Though he didn't look convinced Ordelaffo nodded,”If you insist milord.”

After a brief minute of silence a rider approached, dismounted his mount and bowed,”Patrician Ludovico, Lady Tomasina and her entourage have arrived, they request a meeting on the road.”

Ludovico smiled at hearing this,”Well I suppose I will go to meet my new wife, I shall have two guards accompany me, everyone else should remain here.”

At this he gently spurred Camillo and rode down at a good pace, in between a canter and a gallop and after a short while of riding made it to the entourage, their yellow and blue banners blowing in a slight wind. Once there he regarded his young bride, who sat on a brown mare”She’s pretty enough I suppose. Her face is not arrayed the same way as Ricciarda’s but she seems to have put a great deal of effort into her clothes and making sure everything is in order.”

He trotted closer to her and called out,”Lady Tomasina, it is a pleasure to meet you again.”

The young woman inclined her head slightly,”The pleasure is mine Patrician Ludovico.”

He dismounted, walked over to her right side and bowed, his face nearly touching the ground and Tomoasina smirked,”What is this for?”

“I merely show you my respect, you who are the daughter of a late Serene Doge, sister of a Patrician of House Morosini and my bride.”

She then smiled a little as she continued sitting on her horse,”Thank you, milord.”

He then stood up and reached into his pocket and held out a silver chained necklace to her,”These topazes are the color of your eyes and hair, I hope that you will find it your liking.”

Tomasina smiled as she clasped the necklace and put it on,”I certainly do, these topazes are the size of grapes.”

As this conversation subsided Patrician Francesco dismounted from his own horse, a black stallion and exclaimed,”It seems that you have proved a gallant husband to my sister already, hopefully this bodes well for the wedding.”

Ludovico shrugged,”I just know that if I want to be happy it’s worth giving extra attention to my wife. It is my hope that one day you shall treat my daughter the same way, though one never knows how such things will pan out.”

“Shall we proceed on to the palace and the ceremony then?”

“Of course we can Patrician Francesco.”

One hour later…

The past hour had been a whirl of preparations for the wedding, both Ludovico and Tomasina had spent much of it bathing and soon enough he stood across from his bride, minutes before the ceremony was too take place, he wore a dark light blue doublet with black trousers, while she wore a light blue dress of fine silk, and her brown hair was elaborately put up, so that a ponytail sloped down her right shoulder while the front was layered to the point that it looked as if it was a crown,”I’m glad to wed you today, but I thought your half siblings would be attendance as well, are they unwell?”

Tomasina reddened,”No Antonio and Matilda are not, unless you count having a conniving harpy of a mother as being unwell.”

“What has she done now?”

As Tomasina was thinking of how to reply Alfontso walked up to the two of them, he had in fact grown to be a rather brawny and well muscled boy, despite being only eight years old,”Who is she?

Tomasina chuckled at the interruption,”The one that I speak of is my stepmother Mariana Ziani, she schemed to have my poor late younger brother killed, I still suspect that she had something to do with the rabid rat that bit him.”

Alfontso hesitated for a moment and then bluntly uttered,”Oh, that bitch Marianna, I apologize for having to bear her.”

Ludovico sternly yet quietly scolded his son,”Alfontso, do not say that about a woman.”

Tomasina smiled,”Oh no he’s right, why else would she keep Antonio and Matilda from attending their only older sister’s wedding. My brother could have pressed the issue, but who knows who she’d plot to kill next, she’d probably ask her brother for help against him as well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Tomasina, but if you enjoy yourself today, then you’ll annoy her even more.”

He then turned to his son,”Now, could you please excuse us and make sure your sister has a good time.”

Alfontso nodded“Very well father.”

“That’s a good boy.”

As Alfontso walked away Tomasina remarked,”He seems like a good son, you are lucky to have him.”

Ludovico smiled at her,”Yes I am, I believe that you’ll make a good mother one day.”

“Perhaps, you’ve done an excellent job with raising your children. So with your help I may indeed be a good mother.”

As the conversation of parenthood ended, Court chaplain Antoniotto approached them and asked,”Are you both ready for the ceremony?”

Ludovico nodded and turned back to Tomasina,”I am, but are you my dear?”

Though she looked a little nervous Tomasina nodded in affirmation,”I am, there is no delaying this.”

As Ludovico took her hand in his he whispered,”There’s no reason to worry Tomasina, it’s just a ceremony and then we can celebrate with the wedding feast.”

As they walked through the grand hall he noted that his daughter was happily standing with her brother Alfontso and her betrothed, Patrician Francesco, though she had only met Tomasina a few times in the past few years she seemed to approve the idea of having her as a stepmother. When the two made their way to the wedding altar Antoniotto began the vows and first looked to Ludovico,”Do you, Patrician Ludovico of House Strazzi vow to marry this woman, stay faithful to her and care for her?”

Ludovico nodded,”Yes, I will do so and take her to wed.”

Antoniotto then turned to Tomasina,”Do you, Tomasina Morosini vow to marry this man, stay faithful to him and care for him?”

Tomasina smiled a little,”Yes, I promise to do so and will take him to wed.”

Antoniotto turned to the crowd and proclaimed,”If no one has a reason as to why this marriage should not take place, then you may wed.”

As no one offered any objections the two exchanged rings, Tomasina’s being a silver ring with a small emerald in the middle, while Ludovico’s was silver with an amethyst in the middle. Ludovico then leaned down and gave his wife a quick kiss on the lips, and the two sat together at the table as they were served by servants. Over the course of the feast Ludovico enjoyed a delicious meal of roasted chicken, buttered bread, peas and cabbage soup, Tomasina meanwhile ate some pasta, grilled fish and bread and as she cut up a small piece of fish she murmured,”My compliments to your chefs, they’ve done a good job tonight.”

“Thank you, they always do a good job but they seem to have worked particularly hard tonight.”

A couple hours later…

As Ludovico and Tomasina finished their desserts of cherry filled sponge cakes Ludovico proclaimed,”I suppose it is time for my wife and I to retire to the bedchamber, I bid you all a goodnight.”

Ludovico then took his bride’s hand and within a couple minutes the two made it to his bedchamber and as shut the door behind him the two awkwardly stood across from one another. He stood by the wall adjacent to the door, while she stood by the bed. Tomasina then slowly made her way towards him and gave him a kiss on the lips, one that was more lingering than the first one that they shared. As she started to try and take his shirt off Ludovico grabbed her hands and said,”You're shaking Tomasina, we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

She looked down at the floor for a moment and then looked back up at him,”But I want to, I want to do my duty as a good wife.”

He shook his head,”If you are this nervous you really don’t want to, one night won’t make a difference Tomasina. When we do eventually consummate our marriage I want to make sure that you also want to do so.”

She then backed away and sighed,”Thank you Ludovico, I know some other men would not care about what their wife wants, especially a young one like myself.”

Following this two stripped down to their night clothes, laid in their bed and fell asleep in one another's arms.

The following morning…

Ludovico awoke, warm and refreshed but felt some thirst, so, he got up and put his slippers on and quietly made his way to the palace’s kitchens, where a young groom asked,”I take it you enjoyed yourself last night milord?”

Grinning Ludovico told a partial lie,”Yes, I just need two goblets of wine, for my wife and I are in need of refreshment after last night's exertions.”
Smiling the groom grabbed two crystal goblets and filled them both three-quarters of the way with red wine,”I hope that you too have more fun today as well.”

As Ludovico grabbed the goblets he turned to the groom before leaving,“Thank you, I assure you that we will.”

Within a couple of minutes Ludovico re-entered his bechambers carrying the goblets and gave one to his waking wife, and after they both drank their wine, they found themselves in a perfect mood to accomplish what they didn’t the previous night and did so, ending with the two of them racing to catch their breath.

 

[codie]

December 1078



They sat in one of the Strazzi family palace’s sitting rooms, the four of them enjoyed various refreshments as they sat on cushioned benches. Ludovico set his metal goblet of wine down and asked,”Tell me Guillem, how is your family back in Hispania doing?”

“Decently enough, though when my mother visited a few months ago she said that my brother brings shame to our family.”

Ludovico raised an eyebrow at that,”Why does she say that?”

“Because… after my nephew Ermengol’s death he’s turned into a drunk, and she said that he collaborates with the Muslim invaders of Barcelona, as he enforces their Jizya tax, serves the Emir as his Grand Vizier and is his Chief Architect.”

“Well that’s unfortunate, yet I suppose I can understand how he coped with such loss.”

“There does seem to be hope for the people of Barcelona though, a war to reconquer the lands of Aragon has begun.”

Bianca, holding a hand to the swell of her belly then chimed in,”That is well I suppose, for it will prevent the Muslims from completely dominating those lands. These wars seem to be more about land more than they are about faith, though the people of Iberia are right to want to reclaim their lands from invaders.”

Ludovico nodded and turned to Adelaida,”How was it to see your grandmother again and to meet your Aunt Dolca and your cousin?”

As she finished eating a grape the young girl replied,”It was nice, though most of the time my grandmother and aunt were complaining about my uncle’s drunkenness. My cousin Dolca was quiet but seems like she will grow to be a nice girl.”

After a few minutes of a lull in the conversation, Guilhem bit into a fritter and asked,”So how is married life going for you.”

Ludovico nervously paused for a moment, and drank some more wine,”Well suffice it to say that things could be worse, but they could also be better.”

“Oh, why is that Ludovico?”

“Well we spent some time together a few months ago and it went well enough, but just last month she was angry with me due to the poem I dedicated to her, do you remember it Guilhem?”

The man nodded,”Yes, you praised her chastity and she seemed happy with it.”

Ludovico laughed,”That is true but in private she scolded me for it, and claimed that I spoke of her as if she was a nun.”

“Well I’m sorry to hear that my Patrician, we at least know that you meant well. The people of the city are at least grateful for the renovations you made to it’s walls. Perhaps one day you may put your skills to work as Venice's Serene Doge.”

Shortly after this, they were interrupted by a knock on the door, and Ludovico leaned his head backwards,”Come in.”

The door was then opened and a servant appeared,”Patrician Ludovico, Lady Tomasina requests your presence, she says it’s important.”

Ludovico sighed but got up,”I’m sorry, but I suppose I should go and see what is happening, I hope the three of you have a good rest of your day.”

Guildhem nodded,”Goodbye milord, it was a pleasure to spend some time with you.”

Ludovico followed the servant out of the sitting room and after a minute of walking made it outside his chambers and he turned to him and said,”You have my thanks, young man, have a good day.”

The servant gratefully smiled and walked off to the direction of the palace’s kitchens, and Ludovico lightly knocked on the door and entered, and regarded his wife, and his daughter, who both sat in chairs sewing. Ludovico then gave his wife a shallow bow,”You requested my presence madame?”

Tomasina narrowed her eyes as she finished a stitch on one of his shirts, and motioned with her now free hand towards a chair to her left,”Sit husband.”

Though slightly puzzled, he did so but just a moment later he was alarmed to hear a small yelp from the right side of the room, and he turned to see daughter drop the blanket she was working on and quickly grabbed a small cloth to cover her bleeding pointer finger on her right hand and she whimpered,”I’m sorry, I ruined it didn’t I? I’m no good at this.”

Tomasina then put down the shirt she was working on and hugged Camilla,”It’s fine, you just need to practice, as for the blanket…. Well, the materials were cheap enough.”

Camilla shook her head,”No I can’t do anything as I should, I can’t dance and I can’t sew, what kind of wife will I be to your brother?”

Tomasina ran her fingers through the girl’s hair,”You’ll be a good one, dancing doesn’t really matter, and you can always work on your sewing or have someone else do it instead.”

Camilla smiled a little,”Thank you.”

As Camilla and Tomasina sat back down Ludovico asked,”So Tomasina, what did you want to tell me?”

Tomasina smiled,”Well, it is very good news for both of us Ludovico and I already told your children. I am with child, and Alfontso and Camilla will soon have a half-sibling.”

Ludovico quickly rose from his chair, walked the short distance to Tomasina’s chair and kissed her,”Thank you, Tomasina, you and the child will want for nothing over the course of your lives, that much I promise you.”

Tomasina then nodded,”Thank you very much Ludovico, I confess that I wasn’t sure what to think of marrying you at first, but I am grateful for the courtesy that you’ve shown me.”

 

[codie]

July 1079




“I would like you to oversee the improvements to our trading post outside the city,"

Vitale nodded,”Of course milord, it should be most profitable."

"Thank you, has Patrician Francesco found the accommodations to his liking?"

"Yes he has, his half siblings also like theirs as well."

Ludovico nodded and took a small sip of wine,"Good, I'm glad that they all wanted to visit again, especially as some say that Tomasina will birth our child soon."

"Yes, I wish you both the best of luck, how long until they say she is due."

"Three weeks I believe.”

Vitale quickly nodded, and opened the door, ready to leave Ludovico’s chambers,”Well I hope you have a good rest of your day milord.”

Ludovico smiled as he got up from his chair,”You too Vitale.”

After waiting for a moment, Ludovico followed Vitale out of his chambers, but after exiting walked to the left of the hallway, while Vitale took the right. After a couple of minutes he made it to the door outside of his wife’s chambers, and opened it, to find his heavily pregnant wife, her three siblings and his children sitting in chairs and benches by the fireplace, all chatting. As he entered he decided to take a seat on a beach, with Tomasina occupying most of the right side, and Camilla sitting on the left, and he sat in the middle. As he did so he heard his young sister-in-law Matilda ask,”How exactly did you find that mithing chalice?”

Tomasina laughed before Ludovico could respond,”Now that’s a tale, dear sister!”

Ludovico nodded and clasped his wife’s hand,”Indeed it is, so it all started when a priest came to me asking to retrieve a stolen chalice, an important relic to the church, I and eight of my men saddled up to track the bandits down. After an hour of searching we found them in the woods, there were only five of them, so it was simplicity itself to dispatch them. For two hours we searched every inch of their hideout, but we still couldn't find it, so we gave up and returned, only to find out that the old man had simply misplaced the chalice.”
Matilda laughed,”Yeth, that is a tale.”

As soon as she finished she reddened however, but her half brother Francesco, who sat to her left gave her a reassuring smile,”Sorry, about that, despite whatever her mother may say, she can’t help it.”

His half brother Antonio nodded,”Thank you brother, I love my mother but she can be rather mean to Matilda.”

Tomasina gravely nodded, with her hand on her large belly,”Yes, on the day that I left for my wedding I heard her complain that she wished it was Adriano that lived, and not her. We were all saddened when he died, but it’s unfair that she doesn't treasure Matilda, she is her only daughter after all.”

Matilda’s eyes welled up with tears and she shook her head,”I’m practically an orphan.”

Suddenly Tomasina drew a sharp breath and yelped,”Oww, I think the baby is coming!”

At this, pandamonian threatened to ensue as everyone practically leaped from their seats, and Ludovico decided to take charge of the situation,”Everyone try not to panic, Camilla and Matilda:I need the both of you to fetch Antoniotto as well as some midwives, Antonio, you need to stay in here and comfort your sister if she needs it, Francesco, Alfonsto and I will help Tomasina to her bed.”

At this all obeyed, the two younger girls left the room, Antonio awkwardly stood by the window, by the bed and Ludovico, his son and Francesco started to help Tomasina walk to her bed. However she nearly collapsed and Ludovico, though worried, calmly directed the others,”We’ll need to carry her to the bed, which shouldn’t be too hard.”

He for his part placed his arms under her back, while Francesco held the other side and Alfontso cautiously grabbed her legs, and in less than a minute the three managed to bring her to the bed and gently set her down and Francesco chuckled,”You’ve put on some weight Tomasina.”

After screaming from a sudden contraction she glared at him with venom, and Francesco backed away. While they waited for the midwives and court physician Tomasina asked her husband,”Will I die Ludovico?”

Ludovico shook his head,”You will probably survive, Lady Bianca survived giving birth to her second daughter Sibila a few months ago, so you should too.”

Tomasina quickly wiped some sweat from her brow,”But she’s old, and she’s done this before.”

He raised his eyebrows,”She’s a year younger than me, what does that make me?”

She then suffered through another contraction,”You know I didn't mean that husband.”

He nodded,”I know, the first birth tends to be the hardest anyways, my first wife Ricciarda took almost a day to give birth to Alfonsto.”

Tomasina’s eyes widened,”I hope it doesn't take that long.”

Ludovico tried to smile,”It might not, it can vary.”

As Tomasina frowned Matilda and Camilla burst through the door, followed by four midwives and Antoniotto. As the process of the birth continued Camilla and Matilda kneeled by the right side of the bed prayed fervently,”Domine dirige nos.” Ludovico held his wife’s right hand to comfort her, while her brothers gave words of encouragement. Two hours later… As the afternoon soon entered through the window with great intensity, Tomasina’s labor ended, and a midwife caught the baby, swaddled it and then gave it to it’s young mother. Tomasina smiled as she held the baby and quickly kissed it’s forehead, and she waved Ludovico over. As Ludovico looked down at the newborn Tomasina smiled and exclaimed,”It’s a boy Ludovico, a boy!”

He stroked his son’s dark hair,”Excellent my dear, I’m so happy you are both with me, what do you want to name him?”

Tomasina looked up to him, broadly smiling,”You really want me to name our son?”

He nodded,”Yes, he is your eldest after all.”

“Thank you so much, I think I’ll name him Marco, after my dead brother.”

“An excellent name my dear, I’m sure he’ll grow to be a fine boy.”