This was begun before I started With my blood, but due to some spoilers that could arise, I had to hold it back, hope you like it.
Chapter One: Duty: 668
Ulrich watched as the first rays of light spread over the lush green fields of the Ronsenburg estate; high on the hill, he spied the village that he governed, the straw-coloured roofs with white wash walls looked picturesque, like the post cards found in tourist traps of the Capital. However, this was no tourist trap, this was his home, the township of Ronsenburg and Senator Fon Ronsenburg was proud to call it such. With a satisfied sigh, he reached for the hoe in his little cart, by his side, and began to till the soil. His broad shoulders and muscular physique made him popular with the Ladies in the Capital, his mane of Blond hair, towering height made him the envy of the Gentleman, and his valiant achievements in the battlefield against the mighty Rozzarian Army and in particular, defeating Keln Margrace, heir to the Rozzarian Empire, made him the legendary Hero of the Republic Of Landis. However, the thirty-one-year-old Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg was a simple man at heart, his love was his estate, his children the trees he planted as seeds, watching them grow with pride.
"Senator?" Called a voice in the distance, "Senator!" the voice of a young man, whom ran with all his might up the hill where the Senator stood.
Ulrich, stopping what he was doing, leaned on the handle of the hoe, much as the workers of his land would do, saying nothing as the boy approached.
"Sir…" the boy huffed, "a man of the Senate should not be tilling the soil at the crack of dawn."
The man chuckled, "I am the owner of this estate," he explained jovially, "I am also the elected official of this electorate, so there is a lot of what I'm expected not to do, but a lot I can do." His deep blue eyes borrowing into the young lad's hazel eyes in almost a challenging way.
"My apologies Senator," he quickly replied, "But I have urgent news from the Capital."
"Let's hear it," the Senator casually requested.
"The Senate will convene one week early Sir," the messenger boy explained, "To accommodate the request of the Archadian Senate."
Ulrich cocked his eyebrow, querying the revelation of contact with the Archadians. "Why are we accommodating the Archadians?"
The boy shifted nervously on his feet, "I'm sorry Senator Fon Ronsenburg, but that's all I have."
"Very well," the Senator conceded, "I will be there."
"Aye Sir," the boy turned to leave, "oh and Sir?"
Ulrich halted his attempt to continue his work, "What is it?"
"Rumour has it that the Republic will be sending a delegate to Archadia," the boy looked ashamed to reveal such a secret.
The Senator narrowed his gaze at the boy's back, which the boy clearly knew and shrank his posture, "How did you come by this rumour?" Senator Fon Ronsenburg asked.
"I … I heard it Sir," he explained, "The Chancellor and his secretaries were arguing the finer points of the request."
"Finer points? You mean that they know who they're sending?" the Senator was cautious in the questioning, as this was a state secret and knowing such information could render someone a visit to the axe man's block, or worse. "Who are they sending, boy?"
"You Sir," the boy turned back to him now, looking like he was expecting something.
"What is your name boy?" the Senator ordered. He watched the boy slump in defeat.
"Hans, Sir," he reluctantly responded.
"Well Hans," his demeanour softened, "You have risked your life to tell me something I needed to hear; I thank you for that. However do not be making a habit of it, I'm a forgiving man but others might not be so kind."
The relief in Hans' face was hard to miss; he bowed in appreciation and out of respect.
"Get up boy," Ulrich chortled, returning to his good-humoured demeanour, "Go to the Manor and get yourself a drink and a bite to eat, you look famished."
The messenger Hans thanked him and raced towards the Manor house.
The Senator continued to till the soil, adding handfuls of fertilizer as he went. The soil, moist and fertile, ready for the seed he was to plant. He reached into his pocket, finding the acorn he picked out earlier. The large seed felt heavy, perfect for planting. He collapsed to his knees, the dirt sticking to his brown leather pants, "grow tall and strong," he whispered to the seed before pushing into the ground and covering it. He watered it in and stood to leave. A cool breeze from the north brushed his bearded face, sending goose bumps down his spine, his wolf fur coat doing nothing to shield him. Pulling the trolley behind him, he made his way back to the Manor house.
A young Girl, of all but eighteen years, filled the kettle from the tap and placed it on the stovetop, her employer had entered unexpectedly, startling her with his uncharacteristic haste.
"I'll make you a nice cup of tea," she had said, once her heart slowed, "Warm up your insides."
The dirty man sat at the table, looking distracted by the news of his up coming diplomatic envoy to the currently neutral and potential enemy Archadia.
"I've just baked some muffins Ulrich," the girl informed him, "Would you like one with your tea?"
"Yes please," he replied, breaking out of his musings, "that would be lovely Ingra." He smiled warmly at her.
The young woman smiled in return, the man was like a brother to her; he never used formalities with her and would talk to her as an equal. "Here you go," she stated, placing a large mountainous and steaming muffin in front of him, "It's Bacon and cheese … you're favourite."
The savoury aroma of the muffin made him realise he was hungry, "You spoil me my dear," he grinned as he took a bite of the deliciously satisfying morsel.
The girl sat across from him, her eyes full of questions she dared not ask, he would tell her, if he thought it necessary. "It's an unusually cold morning don't cha think?" she asked, falling into the regions colloquial dialect.
"Unseasonable weather is not that bad though, at least the sky is still clear," his response satisfied her, but he had spoken to her in code, which she missed completely.
"Do you think it will warm up today?" she continued.
"I have no doubt it will; the sun's rays are warm to the touch," he took another bite of his muffin, "Like a Mother's caress."
The kettle whistled loudly and Ingra jumped out of her seat to prepare the tea. "Your Mother has been asking for you, by the way," the girl informed Ulrich, "Probably to scold you about the gardening again." she placed the hot beverage in front of him, "She is getting worse."
The Senator sighed, "I do not think she is long for this world Ingra," he said into the tea cup as he sipped slowly, "Her mind is slipping away." He glanced up at his companion, who sat across from him again, tears forming in her eyes.
"Her Ladyship's demands are taking a toll on my own Mother," the girl struggled to say, "her breath has become shallow and laboured, yet she will not rest until she has satisfied her mistress's desires, which are, quite frankly, never fulfilled."
"Mama Prudence's not well?" he asked abruptly, nearly dropping his tea. "How long has she been like this?"
Ingra's strength failed her, her sorrow enveloping her like the waves on a coastal rock, "It has come on rapidly," she sobbed, "Only a week has seen her health deteriorate," she paused looking into her friend's eyes, "I fear the eve of winter Ulrich, for I know my Mother will not see spring's Dawn."
Breaking protocol, the Senator moved to her side, embracing her in his arms, comforting his surrogate sister. They said nothing to each other, knowing that both of them were in pain.
A loud banging from a distant part of the house broke the depressing moment, "Tell my child to be before me right now," boomed an authoritative elderly woman to some unsuspecting chambermaid.
"I'll go see what the old battle axe wants," Ulrich huffed, releasing his friend from his embrace. Her broad form quivered from the rush of air between them. He sighed heavily as he left the room.
The spacious hall, lined with portraits of his family had always given Ulrich a sense of pride, but not today, it was where his Mother paced angrily, waiting for his presence.
"You took your sweet time Ulrich!" she spat at him as he approached her.
"I see you're patients is as limitless as time itself," he sarcastically responded, "What do you want!"
"Do you talk to all women that way son?" she asked, continuing her ferocity, "It would be no wonder why you are still a bachelor, leaving no heir for your Father's great estate."
"First of all Mother," he argued, "I only speak to those in this tone, who use it with me initially, and second of all I have no bride as you disapprove of all I have brought before you."
"Gold diggers the lot of them," she spat at his feet. There was no reasoning with this woman.
"I ask you again Mother, what do you want?" his voice lowering to a menacing tone.
"I demand you tell me what that boy had to say to you on the hill," she eyed him intently.
"That is for the ears of the Senate alone, Mother, not for any others," he knew what was coming.
"Your Father was a member of the Senate!" she screamed.
"He is dead and you are no member of the Senate," he yelled back, "I am tired of this conversation with you! I have more important matters to attend to, good morning," with that, he left, leaving his Mother alone with her aid. He did not see her break down and cry, nor did he see her aid give his Mother the medication she needed. He was not to know this, his Mother's last lucid request before her mind began to crumble in earnest.
Katarina Margrace, first wife of the Rozzarian Emperor, marched down the halls of the Imperial Palace to the crypt, to the resting place of her son. In a few days, the tenth anniversary of his death would occur and Katarina would morn as she has done since Keln's death. He was her only son, her only child, and she missed him.
With a bouquet of lilies and a protection charm in her hands, she knelt beside the large white marble sarcophagus, the life-like carving of his body at rest, his handsome features forever immortalised in the white stone. "My beautiful son," she whispered, placing the offerings on the tomb, "it was ten years ago today, I last saw you." She swallowed hard, the tears forming gradually, "You were so optimistic, so determined to win the battle of Galtea," she wiped the tears away, "Now that fool of a brother of yours is due to inherit the throne, that bitch Lucinda is rubbing her hands at the prospect of more power. Ab-El has no brains, and is nowhere as handsome as you were, however, not all is lost, your cousin is set to avenge your death; she has a plan to secure our position in the imperial family. She will be first wife and birth an heir to rule Rozzaria the way you should have ruled." She touched the hand of the effigy, "she will do us proud my son."
That noon, Ulrich had finalised his business for the estate, he closed his saddlebags and reached for his travel cloak. There was a knock at the door. "Enter," he instinctually replied.
Ingra was at the door, her long blond braids tucked behind her ears, her figure looking more enticing than it usually did under her pinning. The skirt of her uniform accentuated her wide hips in contrast to her narrow waist and her bodice pushed up her milky cleavage; Ulrich could not help but steal a glance at her body, the very essence of a Landian woman. If only you were not of my employment, he thought as his eyes traced the curves of her waist.
"I hear that my Mother is no longer working here," she announced with a controlled anger, "is this true?"
He knew she would react this way, but it was for her own good; "That is correct."
"You fired her?" the anger gradually mounting in her voice, "How could you?"
"She has been retired," Ulrich explained, "With a hefty sum of money for her many loyal years of service and with an allowance equal to her full pay."
Ingra stopped, "What?" she asked, confused to what she had heard from the other servants.
"I have also given your Father leave on full pay to care for her until she either recovers or…" his voice trailed off, not needing to finish the statement, "you also have that, if you wish it," his eyes meeting hers for the first time since she entered the room, "and my family healer too, no expense on your part."
She was in shock at the offer, "You mean it?" was all she managed to say, her eyes a dichotomy of joy and impending grief. The Senator merely nodded in response and she broke down in tears. Ulrich pulled her in close, nuzzling into the hair on her head, she in kind to his chest. The odours of the kitchen had imbedded into her hair, the aroma of the muffins she had baked and the smell of the customary stew that continuously cooked over the fire with the fresh smell of baked bread. This was the smell of home, she was his home, only now had he realised how much he loved her, not only as a friend and like a sister but much more, but he knew it could never be.
She clung to him with desperation, like she would never see him again, it was now clear that she too, longed for his touch; he always protected her from the evils of the world: the bullies at school, the wolves that prowled the night, even his own Mother. Neither wanted it to end, their unspoken resolution told them that it would be some time before they would meet again. Ulrich pulled away slightly, lifting her chin, their eyes connecting in a way that both of them had dreamed of but never dared to do. He lowered his head towards her so their lips would meet. Her tears had stained her cheeks but no longer fell from her eyes, the soft lips of her friend pressed into hers, timidly followed by a warm, slippery tongue. Ulrich pulled her in close, not wanting anything to end, Ingra's breast heaved with excitement as her employer's hands began to wonder, find their way between the fabrics that protected her naked form. Tracing his fingers in small circles in the small of her back, she uncontrollably shivered as goose bumps of excitement radiated from his touch. She lost her balance, but he would not let her fall, shifting his hands to steady her fragile form. Ingra could feel the rising heat of his body and like a spell from fairy tales of old, their desires began to control them; Ulrich found himself leaning over the young woman, who was now on her back on his large bed. He began to sink closer, her response a most welcome one. Things were about to get complicated when there was a knock at the door.
"Sir?" called the voice of his groom. "Your Chocobo is ready for departure."
Their moment of bliss ended; they pulled away from each other, not saying a word. Motionless, they stared at each other, silently asking if what had happened been real?
"Sir?" the man called again, "Are you in there?"
"Aye," he responded, albeit, reluctantly.
"I should go," whispered Ingra, who flushed bright red and left through one of the passageways the two of them use to play in when they were young, to hide from the adults.
Ulrich watched her form disappear behind the wardrobe, before reaching for his travel cloak once again. The groom entered the room as Ulrich fastened the braided gold clasp at his neck.
"Sir," the groom started, "It is almost midday; you must leave soon if you wish to make the inn before nightfall."
With a heavy sigh, he nodded in agreement, "Take my saddle bags and attach them for me please," he motioned towards the two bags on the bed.
Obediently, the groom did as he was asked, effortlessly lifting the heavy bags onto his shoulders and scurrying out the door.
Ulrich gave one last glance at the secret entrance of his room before following his aid.
The midday sun, although warm, did nothing to rid the air of the morning's chill; it was breezy with the occasional gusts of strong icy air. Antja, the brilliantly white northern Chocobo, shuffled from side to side, clearly not happy about her feathers ruffled by the wind. Everyone with the exception her ladyship came out to wish Ulrich a safe journey to the City of Landis, even the poorly Mama Prudence, who was rugged up with numerous furs for warmth. Ulrich made sure he gave her an extra long hug, not knowing if she would be there when he returned. He planted a kiss on his surrogate Mother's cheek, holding back his emotions as best he could. The older woman gave his a warm smile, patting his cheek, "Now you behave yourself in the Capital," she ordered him in a Motherly way.
"Then I apologise in advance as my task is purely political," he sarcastically responded, causing the old woman to giggle her self into a coughing fit. Her husband, who stood at her side, quickly caught her, handing her a cup of water.
The elderly man smiled at Ulrich, "I thank you again Sir you are a good man, one Old Basch would have been proud of."
The Senator now turned to Ingra, her golden hair shone in the sun's wake. He hugged her briefly as she shifted uncomfortably. "Just come back as soon as you can, alright?" she begged as he let go. She did not make eye contact with him, which did hurt him somewhat.
With all the farewells made, Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg mounted his stead and with a final bow to his loyal employees, he headed east for the Capital.
I hope it was okay, nearly a complete original, but it will become more familiar later on.