Note: I wasn't able to update A Mechanic's Tale because I'm heartbroken (My dog died) and I can't think of any gags. Anyways this tale has some references on Tristan and Iseult by Rosemary Sutcliff. Also I borrowed a character from When Two Worlds Collide by Wife of the Great Fool.
Chapter 1: A Harp weaved Tale
One particular evening, when traces of winter was blending in with the whistling gales of wind and heaven cried storms; a servant came in with news that a stranger awaited outside, asking for shelter.
"Bring him in." Emperor Nobunaga ordered. "My generosity is extended for all men seeking for it."
And so the stranger came in. Under the torchlight's illumination they could see a tall, hooded man with skin resembling a phantom lurking drearily on a church's yard, a spectre in the marshlands. His mysterious aura had led many of the Emperor's vassals to believe he was a god seeking for the goodness in human hearts, as told by myths and legends passed down from generation to generation.
He came up to the Hall and thrust back the heavy folds of his robe, revealing a harp sheltered against the night's frenzy.
"Greetings, my friend." said the Emperor as the man knelt at his feet. "You are most welcome on such a night as this. Eat and drink until you satisfy your fill and then maybe of your gallantry you will weave a tale on the strings."
"Most willingly, your Highness." replied the stranger in exquisite manners.
He was given a place beside the hearth along with freshly brought food and a cup of wine. And when he finished he took his harp and ran his fingers across the glittering chord. "Which is your choice of tale, my Lord? A narrative of war? A song sung of rowdy hunters? Or a ballad of romance?"
"Any song will do." The Emperor scratched his head.
"Love." said Empress Jenna after taking her rightful seat with the Emperor. She was wearing a beautiful crimson silk kimono outlined by golden images of dragons.
The storyteller fell silent, his hooded face staring in the firelight as though he reminisced something deeply etched in his heart, reawakening nostalgic memoirs in the enchanting music. Accompanied with a heartbroken sigh, he said softly. "I will tell the tale of Julius and his lady Jeanne."