Fb-fb:
It also destroyed the feudal system as it was, without actually destroying the fundamentals of the kingdom. So the landed elite titles, the rule of law, the justices, the monarchy, parliament etc were all intact, but the former were mostly dead, meaning modernisation and centralisation without much actual reform could occur. Hence why the modern UK is very, very similar in makeup to this period in terms of fundamentals...it's just that the landowners and hereditary nobles had their independent powers removed and placed into the other branches of the realm, mostly Parliament and the Monarchy, which then became increasingly intertwined
It was ever changing but to the better in many ways. Of all the European monarchies, the English/British was and remains the most stable (despite some further hiccups.) Largely due to what you mention above.
I still like Richard for the most part. Yes, he can be dumb and stubborn. But he's always had righteous indignation and the will to carry it through. More will in the latter parts of the story than before. Let's say conviction first, followed by will.
But he does have some terrible handicaps also. He's not very smart, I think sometimes. He lets determination and conviction of righteousness make up for it
He's also slow to take good counsel, and often refuses good counsel because he feels like he doesn't need advice.
It's sad that Warwick doesn't ever have his suggestions listened to until and unless he convinces others to counsel the king for him.
Has Warwick, I wonder, already messed up the things with Georgie? Or maybe this is all his plan.
Great stuff
@coz1 !
Rensslaer
I won't deny that it is difficult to weave the Warwick of OTL with the Warwick of this work. While he is predestined in many ways to fulfill his historical role, I still need to make his actions and motivations realistic. The dynamic is changed. Where IRL, Warwick always considered himself superior to Edward due to age at the least, he remains a nephew to Richard. In both counts, he chafes because he is losing his position and power. Here it makes sense (to me at least) that Richard would discount the advice of Warwick because, as you suggest, he believes himself to be the smartest man in the room. Not that Warwick always offers sage advice, but Richard might listen a bit better.
Henry is still good for a surprisingly slick burn every now and again...
Heh
@TheExecuter you will enjoy
@coz1's Henry A LOT more now that he's no longer king. He does have quite a wit! And enjoys employing it to make pointed barbs. Great writing!
Renss
This makes me happy as I did so enjoy the freedom I had with Henry after he stepped aside.
This is going too well...
I foresee more tears in the narrative soon...
And, as I predicted, it ends in tears...right?
Oof, ok...now I'm crying...
An excellent prediction.
You have finally reached that point in the narrative where things are totally altered. In a lot of ways, this was the culmination of the first part of this work. I have mentioned many times that there are several inflection points along the path of this story, but the one, two, three of Edward, York taking the crown and Somerset's death was really the crescendo of what we might call "Part 1."
I am incredibly honored that you have read through this (and given awesome comments along the way.)
Ooh, I like this. A bit of Perelandra with a hint of demonic possession a la Weston, but only a hint...
I admit, I had to look this up. I love CS Lewis, but this one passed me by. Need to check it out!
As to the moment, the chapter on Somerset and his end was one of the most heart wrenching to write. For personal reasons (as mentioned at the time) and because in many ways, the only true "love story" in this work was that of Harry and Ned. I show it sometimes between York and Cecily (and the opposite with Margaret and Henry), but so far the closest relationship was this one. I had to be delicate with it because I did not include it to be salacious. Yet once I decided to lean into the rumor, it opened up a whole new pathway to both write for these characters and maybe understand them and their motivations more. It was difficult to see them removed from the narrative because I believe it added a lot. But I had to do it. There was no other path to my mind.
To all - I am posting a lot less at the moment, and I so enjoy
@TheExecuter's commentary as he reads through, but I hope long time readers did not miss
the last scene. I did actually get some writing done last weekend so maybe we will get back into action here soonish. Let us hope.
Also, I should promote the
Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds now begun for the works of 2024! I say it every time we vote for something - you should not feel any need to vote for this work though appreciate it I do. However, please do try and offer your voice to support all of those AARs and writAARs that bring you so much joy and fun. They will most certainly appreciate seeing their efforts appreciated. We have until February so get to voting!
