I take Iselin with me and go a little aside with Myrun and Liv and we officially invite them to our wedding at midwinter and the week long feast. They warmly congratulate us and say they're already looking forward to it and are honoured to be invited. Myrun wonders if Siri can come along too. Siri has talked and talked about our wonderful mansion since they came home from the Tosra gathering. Of course she can bring Siri, but we warn that there will be no other children at the feast. I also warn that the wedding will be a bit different and basically just friends, as Iselin barely has relatives, and I have no relatives here - which they havn't thought about, and they're slightly sad for us - but we will do our best for it to be a good and happy feast. Myrun is looking forward to a wedding in the middle of winter. She has never experienced it before, but of course it will be special like everything else we do. She jokingly comments that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson of course can't have a normal boring wedding in the spring or summer.
We invite Myrun and Liv to supper and inform them that we have spare rooms. I recommend Myrun to take the guest room beside the meeting room, and if it is okay for Liv, a room in the wings attic, which is more secluded. Liv immediately understands, and is quick to accept the invitation and happily says yes to the attic room, followed by Myrun for her room. Apart from the fact that we needed to invite them to the wedding, there are only benefits if at least Myrun is invited tonight too. That should make it clear to both Myrun and the royal family that I'm not interested in marrying her or Sefa. Whether they want to take it as I marry for love and/or to stay unallied is up to them.
Elvira has found Danr and after he congratulates me on becoming a real merchant and so rich, we give him the same wedding invitation, and we ask him to invite Hagan for us. Danr receives the same information about the feast and says that it will require an intervention from the gods to keep him from coming, and he knows that Hagan will say the same. Danr laugh while saying that Hagan only stopped demonstrating the life preserver when it got so cold in the water that he was shaking and couldn't talk properly. Danr has never seen anyone bathe and swim as much as Hagan have, and Hagan have also learned to swim. But there are hundreds who have tried the life preserver, and Danr has heard that homemade life preservers have already saved the lives of a fishing father and son, which feels good to hear, not least because saved lives is the best PR for life preservers.
We also tell Danr that Jane now lives in my mansion and paints and makes art for me, and he will be able to see some of her creations during the wedding. We don't share a bed, but we're good friends and I am grateful for his contribution in helping her reached her destination and me without any problems. It's always good to clarify and thank for such help. If he hears of another human or round eared person in the future, I would appreciate it if he could help them too.
Storman Maurr congratulates me on the hugely successful auction, and he seems really impressed with how it turned out. I introduce him to builder Bresir, who will lead the construction, and Bresir will train some of Maurr's men in the construction technique and craftsmanship. I can not say when I'll visit, but I will do it in the near future, so a week plus-minus a couple of days, but it will be a short visit. My life is quite hectic, and it will not calm down until spring. Or even then.
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A beautiful and very expensive adorned and jewelled woman in elegant fur greets me, escorted by two guards and a maid. She makes an elegant cursty and introduces herself as Miss Höek. In a nice way, Miss Höek wonders if we can walk away from curious ears, which I accept because it is clear that she means other ears than my company. With a charming accent although in quite easy to understand Norse, she gives me praise for the Auction.
On the Caelhart Society's behalf, she invites me and my company to an exclusive auction that takes place this spring in Reiekrône, and after some recalculation of dates and reference to the spring equinox, it turns out to be around 15th of April. It is cumbersome when there are many different calendars and so on. Not even the change of year takes place at the same time. Miss Höek hands over a sealed and expensive looking document, which is my official invitation, and attendance also gives me the right to sell articles, where Caelhart Society takes 'a small fee' of 1/10. The auction is to sell or buy the most exclusive goods and that which normally can not be bought. Everything from unusual merchandise and exotic animals, to unique artifacts and deep secrets. She has an elegant devilish smile, and I get a fleeting thought of a devil trying to sell sins, and honestly; there are probably some men who be willing to sell their soul for a night with Miss Höek. A-ha! It was probably at that auction that Radgeirrson bought the land and the title. Which says something about what can be bought. Miss Höek informs me the auction takes place outdoors where participants are separated into small tents, to keep who the participants are a secret as well as make it comfortable. Participants receive cloaks and masks from the Society. But participants can mingle and look at most of the artifacts before, or alone, and some things can be brought and look at in the participants tent. The auction is done so that the participants don't know who the bidders or the winner are, by each participant signaling one of with several different numbered paddles, and goods can be delivered discreetly to ships or far away homes. For a small fee of course.
Miss Höek hands over another impressive document, which is an invitation to Queen Damman's spring masquerade. The day after the auction, Queen Damman arranges her big spring masquerade, and the auction participants are only a small part of the masquerade's guests. However, it gives auction participants the opportunity to mingle and maybe show of something that has been bought.
It's a hell of a thing to be invited to, both the auction and the party, and it can be really good to have access to such people, even though the auction feels like something to brag about among the absolute elite. So I of course thank for the invitation, and I will attend unless the Gods decide otherwise. Miss Höek rewards me with a beautiful smile and a further document is given by her maid to Caecilia which contains details and how to contact the organization after we have arrived in Reiekrône, if they for some reason don't contact me first.
Miss Höek does a graceful curtsy, leaning a little further forward so I get a good view down her cleavage, and she gets a dangerous twinkle in her eye through her eyelashes, and after a nod from me, she bids farewell and leaves. Yeah, that is a woman who can start wars, and knows it. Wouldn't surprise me to learn she has done it, just to see if she could. I wonder if the Caelhart Society has any other purpose than just arrange the auction, and if there actually is a society, or that is just a front for a person or two.
We start heading back, and when Miss Höek has disappeared and we're alone, Caecilia whispers that she has heard rumors about the Caelhart Society's auctions, and what is sold there. Participation is by invitation only, and not even kings can count on ever receiving an invitation, because it's not just about being rich or having power. It's about contacts and exclusivity, as well as having exclusive things to sell or be a known buyer. Caecilia has only heard of people who have been invited to the auction, like know someone who knows someone, and there are wild rumours about what has been sold, which also include noble titles with land, secrets for extortion or allegiance, or marriage to a princess etc. Just to be able to participate in Queen Dammen's spring masquerade is huge, and it is suppose to be so impressive and wonderful. I remember that Caecilia does not know about my secret properties there. At least I think she don't. I should probably tell Caecilia about Radgeirrson's property there. Damn, I also need to go there to officially try to claim the properties, but it will take at least two weeks. With the ship that Iselin needs for her parents journey. And I have to visit Laxlanda etc before. So probably only after the wedding to Iselin. Maybe like a honeymoon trip? But how fun is it to spend a week on the North Sea in January on an unheated medieval ship, and another week to return home?
Well, at least I know where I will be around 15th of April next year. Kari immediately says that I and them need to have suitable clothes for it, and that language will be a problem. The language is called Laitje, and she only knows a few phrases and the like. Caecilia points out that it is her native tongue and she will be happy to help us learn it, and she has been to the Reiekrône before. Right, Caecilia is from across the sea to the south. Doh. Is she from the Damman Queendom? No, more likely from a neighboring kingdom. The queendom is ruled by the Damman lineage, and the queen or one of her princesses are the only ones that are known to attend the Caelhart auction each time. It is not possible to arrange such an event near the capital of the queendom without the consent of Queen Damman, whose castle is located in Reiekrône.
I'm starting to contemplate what I can sell. I assume I need to sell or buy something, to be invited again. But what is exclusive enough?
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It's afternoon when we return to the mansion, and it's nice to have the Auction done. Life feels pretty good right now. Asbjörn knows that Jarl Skiringe and Fjölkunniga Liv will show up and join us for supper and stay for the night, which he at least gives the impression of thinking is really nice. He and Myrun don't meet often but are good allies, and he fully understands that someone who has experienced my mansion once, will be happy to experience it again.
With all the help and in my own home, it is easy to discreetly visit Liv in the attic in connection with shower and toilet visits, and we have an intense moment together, where it becomes more than just trying to make her pregnant. Liv is enthusiastic and good in bed. Liv has definitely understood why Princess Sefa is here, and that we are trying to make her pregnant while Myrun is played against the royal family has made Liv's engine rev hard.
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Myrun has heard about our new carriage so she gets a tour. She is very interested and sees the benefits. She also understands more what I meant about carriages when we visited my properties outside Skiringsalr during summer. The new barn with its brewery and dairy is also a novelty, but interesting. Myrun jokingly say she is looking forward to seeing what have been built when she return for the wedding.
The wheelbarrows are fascinating, but it feels a bit absurd to discuss them as cutting edge technology. The wheelbarrows leads to a good and interesting talk about more efficient constructions and transportation that Asbjörn and Myrun like. We know Pedr loves the wheelbarrows. Above all, the 'big wheels' are fascinating because they are much cheaper than a wagon or even handcart to make as they only have one wheel, and a big wheel can move a lot on narrow paths as long as it is not too steep or roots everywhere, and they do not require a horse like a wagon. A large wheel also provides easier movement over bumps and more gyro stabilization, especially if the wheel is heavy. They have downsides, but big wheels are certainly valuable to many poorer people, and they are even cheaper if they don't have iron-shod wheels.
Both Myrun and Asbjörn suggest that it would be a good idea to introduce the wheelbarrows at the next Northmen Ting in a few months. Myrun will definitely get a few made to test them in Skiringsalr. In a town, they can be extra useful compared to draft animals as the wheelbarrows take up less space, work better in narrow places and can use wood boardwalks, make tight turns and won't cost anything when not in use. The wheelbarrows don't require a lot of food and don't poop. The workers have apparently also shown that it is possible to move a person sitting on either side without much issue.
Of course, I have told both about my project with the ferry across the river, and there are many rivers in Myrun's region that would have benefited from it as well. A reaction ferry - or 'current ferry' as people here have started to call them - can be a cheap and effective solution, and during the Northmen Ting she will visit Laxlanda to test the ferry.
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We have a nice evening, and interesting conversations both during the meal and after. At least I did not notice anything about a possible marriage with Sefa, but I have to admit that doesn't mean much. Ulfarna definitely liked the kites that were shown after we got back, and according to Kari, Sefa also seemed to think it was fun and interesting, but didn't want to show it.
What is clear, however, is that Miss Höek also gave invitations to Queen Adella Damman's spring masquerade to Myrun, Asbjörn and Hagthorn, and we confirm that we also received one. There is no hint of the Caelhart auction from them, so it might have been just me who received that. They might have received auction invitations, but keep it a secret, because that's what my company have decided to do, including not mentioning anything about the masquerade unless we heard at least Asbjörns family got invited. Both Asbjörns family and Myrun have been to Reiekrône and Queen Damman's spring masquerade before, but that was two and a half years ago, although Haera together with Sefa and Ulfarna were at Prince Bertrim's wedding outside Reiekrône this summer. Prince Bertrim is Queen Adella Damman's 16 year old son.
Since we are regents, mine and Asbjörn's masquerade invitations specifies that we may be armed and have two bodyguards, and accompanying wives may also have a bodyguard, and we may each have a personal servant too. Some that can bring guards don't, to be more discreet, while most do so to even masked it's clear that they are regents. The invitation includes married partners, concubines and older unmarried children. Jane has already realised that she is not included in the invitation, and is not at all jealous.
There are so many enthusiastic conversations about clothes, and they will take a long time to sew, so my sambos are already planning a visit to Borgarsandr. It's a bit reluctant that Jane sketches as they try to figure out what is acceptable, but at the same time luxurious and special. My whispered idea of dressing up as modern Midgård humans was met with looks. It was worth a try, and unfortunately it is not that type of masquerade. Kari has heard the stories from the royal family's previous visit, but together with Iselin and Ciara, she tries to get more details. Each participant is given a mask when they arrive, but most bring their own to distinguish themselves or recognize each other, or just be more comfortable or luxurious. Some change masks during the evening, and a cloak with a hood that can be turned inside out for another color is also common. It is not a requirement to wear masks, and later in the evening many people tend to not wear them. One reason why the masquerade is in April during spring, is because it is cooler and the least chance of rain, and many go out to cool off if they have danced a lot. It's obvious that Haera really likes the feast palace with its large beautiful garden. Because of course the masquerade is in a separate palace just outside Reiekrône.
I'm trying to understand what kind of party it is, and it doesn't seem to be very hedonistic, even though the garden is a popular place for couples to disappear out into for different levels of intimacy later in the evening. Masks also don't seem to be to keep participation a secret. It's more of a show and for the mystique, and to make it harder to see who's talking to whom. Just the fact that some guards have tabards with their lady's or lord's symbol makes it clear that the mask is not to keep the lord or lady's identity a secret, but on the other hand, the person they're talking to can be discreet. Asbjörn points out that it is not uncommon for guards and regents to wear chain mail under outer garments, although it is looked down upon if it is not discreet, as it gives the impression that one doesn't trust the Queen to keep guests safe. But it is a great opportunity for assassins, so it's not wrong to use some protection and be careful.
Caecilia has enthusiastically offered to give me and the others lessons in language, culture, music and dancing.
Oh joy.
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Asbjörn wants to play another game of Risk, and this time against Myrun. As the winner of the previous game, Kari joins us again. The game becomes a bitter battle between Asbjörn and Myrun over the north, no matter what would be most tactical for them, while I almost exterminate Kari and then take exactly what I need to complete my secret mission, and I win. Asbjörn, who has finally managed to push Myrun back, is not happy about that, but he has completely forgotten about the secret missions.
I havn't really considered it until Myrun brought it up, but the Risk game is also a much more accurate map of Europes outline than what is the norm here, although I deformed the map to adapt to the boards surface and other practical things, and the game map has very low detail and have no marked cities or rivers. So if I sell copies of this Risk games, I also give away better maps of Europe. I do not mind that, but I hope Asta, the merchant and the navigator from the SW routes knowledge of what different regions are called is correct enough. I'm most worried about the eastern Mediterranean, but if anyone from there whine, I'll probably never find out anyway and it's possible to correct future releases, or I'll just delete the names. Each region already has a number, both of the type I am used to and the runes here, which is what is used on secret missions etc, because I can not count on all players being able to read.
Or I just use the military's humorous views on maps. If the map does not match reality, then reality is wrong.
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The evening ends with fireworks under a almost clear starry sky. The three rockets work as they should and the sight and sound effects the royal family. They've heard of fireworks, but the description does not do it justice. Myrun and my company helped them prepare for the experience so they could enjoy it a little more, and chairs had been carried out so they sat down. Apart from their guards and staff who have been carefully warned by Alith, Gunhild and others, Ulfarna is the most impressed and had huge eyes and a gaping mouth, or she is just bad at hiding her shock compared to the others. Ulfarna excitedly applauded, and quickly got the others to join in.
Myrun thanks for a pleasant evening before retiring, and with a discreet wink and whisper she says that she wouldn't have minded continued company. But the same goes for Liv, and it's a bad idea considering the other guests. Myrun compliments me that my tactic of letting players distract each other as I move towards my goal, serves me well. I don't think she means Risk, and she has certainly drawn conclusions about the princesses presence here, and her own invitation.
Apart from the special agreement with Liv, it's only a matter of time until I get used to the attitude that social sex with an unbound guest of the opposite sex is acceptable, and sometimes a good idea to strengthen friendships, and a socially acceptable discreet half hour is easy when there are so many rooms with doors, even with other guests in the house.
Unfortunately, female unbound guests like Myrun can start visiting for sex, which feels wrong and something I really want to avoid. Unfortunately we live on the coast and highly traveled routes go past these islands, both by ship and by road. Many travelers from 'Norway' might think this is a suitable overnight destination, to then travel on to Borgarsandr or the Stor Ting the next day. Denying travelers overnight accommodation can have major consequences in reputation, especially if they have higher status. Hostels and inns are only available in larger villages or cities where there is enough travel for it to be a good idea, but it can be a very good idea to build an inn here.
I go up to my bedroom, and as I see Iselin and Kari are already waiting, I close the doors behind me. With the auction done and so successful, a heavy weight have been shrugged off.