The following day, as Thaddeus prepared to embark on his journey as a noble, he couldn't shake off a sense of excitement mixed with a tinge of melancholy. He looked forward to seeing the capital. He dedicated himself to the development of Woodhaerst and had grown attached to the village and its people. If he had to visit the capital to protect his village, he do it.
With everything packed, Thaddeus jumped on Carl’s back. On the horse next to him sat Sergeant Ulysses and behind him were his soldiers.
As they slowly trotted to the gate, Thaddeus saw the villagers lining the street cheering. They happily waved as he drove his horse.
Near, the gate he saw the Village Council, Captain Joseph, and Sebus waiting patiently for him.
The first to approach was Priestess Thera, after observing him contemplatively. With a reassuring smile, she said, "Thaddeus, change can be challenging, but it also brings new possibilities. You have laid a solid foundation for Woodhaerst's growth, and now it's time for you to embrace your abilities as a lord. Trust that others will step up to continue what you have started."
“We’ll faithfully oversee the settlement in your absence,” Brand pledged.
“I promise to look after the livestock and crops” Arthur promised.
“Take care, my lord,” said Jameson sincerely.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me, it’d be our first adventure together?” Thaddeus asked Dustin.
“No, I’m adventured out. I’m having fun grinding XP crafting,” he said.
“Are you sure, picking Sabrina up in Pinewood?”
“I hate to get in the way of your date,” he chuckled.
“Fine, take care of yourself,” Thaddeus said shaking his hand.
Spurring the horse, Thaddeus galloped out of town knowing that the village was in capable hands and that he could rely on the council, guards, the master builders, and his best friend to ensure its continued success.
Thaddeus and his eleven guards thundered down the dirt road, kicking up dust, causing villagers in smaller settlements like MyCity and Springdale to stare in amazement. The loud noise grew attention and slight worry on their faces. Petty Lords quickly sent an envoy to Woodhaerst to inquire what was going on.
It took Thaddeus a few days to reach Pine Grove, where they slept overnight at the Ugly Duckling. From there they took the gate to Pine Bluff, and then on to Pinewood where they planned to sleep at the Prancing Pony.
When he rode up to the Prancing Pony, a small boy ran up and bowed. “Welcome Lord Baron, to the Prancing Pony. I’m Jonah. It’s two copper to feed and water your horses. If you’d like me to wash them, I can do that for an extra two coppers,” he said smiling excitedly.
“Where’s Tony?” Thaddeus asked wondering what happened to the last stable boy.
“My lord, he got a delivery job at Crafter Guild. If you prefer, I can ask him to attend to your horses,” the child said sadly.
“No, it’s fine, I was just curious,” Thaddeus said handing the boy 40 coppers.
“Thank you, sir!” the boy bowed low.
Walking into the Prancing Pony, Thaddeus recognized Rhoda behind the counter.
“Hello Rhonda, long time no see.”
“It’s been a few months. I can see you’re doing well for yourself. Usually, nobles rent rooms in the fancier inns. But, as you’re a crafter, you’re always welcome to rest here. Same price as last time, one silver. I won’t raise the rate, just because you’re a noble.”
“It’s good to see you too Rhonda. Here’s the coin for my men and I.”
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“Aye, it’s always good to see paying customer, my lord,” she said with a curtsey.
“All right let’s put our things away and check in with Mr. Williamson at the Crafter’s Guild,” Thaddeus ordered. He was required to check in with the Crafter's Guild, so he wanted to hurry up and get it out of the way, so he could spend time with Sabrina.
Once Thaddeus and his men had settled into their rooms at the Prancing Pony, they made their way through the busy streets of Pinewood to the Crafter's Guild. The evening sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets, and a cool breeze whistled through the buildings. Thaddeus, dressed in a plain tunic and his noble crest, walked with an air of calm and certainty that attracted the curious glances of the townsfolk.
The Crafter's Guild was located near the town square, a large stone building with various shops and workshops clustered around it. It was buzzing with activity, the guild members engrossed in their work of smithing, tailoring, potion-making, and various other crafts.
Walking through the grand entrance, Thaddeus was met with a warm greeting from Micheal Williamson, the clerk who helped with his register with the guild.
"Thaddeus! What brings you here?" he exclaimed, shaking Thaddeus's hand vigorously.
"Just checking in, Micheal. I’m on my way to Redwood, and my men and I needed to rest and resupply before heading to the capital,” Thaddeus replied with a grin.
“Are you headed to the coronation?”
Thaddeus nodded.
“Then I’ll see you there. What gift did you get for his majesty?”
“…”
Thaddeus froze, he didn’t know he needed to present the emperor with a gift.
“It’s a secret. You’ll see when you arrive,” Thaddeus said evasively.
“I respect that, you should keep your cards close to your chest. The guild master bought a rather expensive painting. It cost several hundred gold coins,” Micheal said happily.
“I am impressed.”
“And, you don’t even know the half of it. Oh, before you go, will I see you at the Crafter’s Ball?”
“I’ll try my best to attend,” Thaddeus said trying to remain calm. He didn’t know there would be balls. He just learned he needed to bring a gift.
“Oh, yes, I understand. As Baron, I’m sure you’ll be invited to several balls. You should get our invitation tonight,”
After completing the necessary paperwork and collecting the items he'd ordered in advance, Thaddeus bid Micheal a good evening and made his way back to the inn.
As the evening deepened into night, he walked to Sabrina Alchemy Shop where she apprenticed. When he arrived, she was just closing the door.
“How was work?” he asked
“Great, I’m so close to mastering the invisibility potion. The recipe is very delicate. If I don’t simmer the cauldron at the right temperature for the exact right time, the spell fails. It’s so difficult. How about you, how was the ride up?”
“Good, no ambushes. So that was nice. We made it up here in good time. I haven’t eaten since this afternoon, are you ready to head to dinner?”
Upon his return, they found the Prancing Pony bustling with its evening crowd. Travelers and locals alike sat at tables sharing stories and hearty laughter over mugs of ale. Rhonda, the innkeeper, was busy attending to the customers, her face flushed with the warmth of the hearth and the good cheer of the room.
Seeing Thaddeus and Sabrina, she ushered them to a quiet corner table and took their orders. While they waited for their meals, Thaddeus took Sabrina's hands across the table and looked into her eyes. He found himself getting lost in them, forgetting for a moment the numerous tasks and responsibilities that lay ahead of him.
“Sabrina,” he said earnestly, “I know we’ve talked about this before, but would you consider coming to the capital with me? It’s not just for the coronation; I feel I need you by my side.”
Sabrina gently squeezed his hand, her eyes softening. “Thaddeus, we’ve been over this. I need to finish my apprenticeship here. Besides, my work is here, in Pinewood.”
Thaddeus sighed. “I know, I just...” He paused, then added, “I just wanted to try asking one more time.”
A warm smile spread across Sabrina's face as she assured him, “Thaddeus, I will always be here for you, even if I'm not physically present with you in the capital. I believe in you. I know you can handle whatever comes your way. And when you come back, I'll be right here, waiting.”
Before Thaddeus could respond, Rhonda arrived with their meals. The delicious aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, and they thanked Rhonda before diving into their dinner. The rest of the evening passed in shared stories and laughter, a bittersweet reminder of the time they’d shared apart and the soon-to-be adventure together. Sabrina would accompany him to Redwood and then back to Woodhaerst.
After dinner, Thaddeus and Sabrina returned to his room at the Prancing Pony. Settling into bed, their thoughts were a whirl of emotions as they shared a bed. After expressing their carnal affections, they drifted off to sleep, ready for their new life in-game life together.
The following morning came far too soon for Thaddeus' liking. He roused from the comfortable warmth of the bed, reluctantly leaving Sabrina's side. Dressing quietly, he allowed her to continue sleeping, taking a moment to admire her peaceful expression before he left the room.
Downstairs, he met his men in the common room. Some were enjoying a hearty breakfast while others attended to their equipment, ensuring it was ready for the journey ahead. Seeing their leader awake, they immediately fell silent, their attention turned to him.
"We're leaving for Redwood today," Thaddeus announced, his voice clear and steady. "Make sure your gear is packed and ready to go. We depart at sunrise."
With that, he made his way to the stables, leaving his men to their preparations. Jonah, the young stable boy, had done a good job of caring for their horses, and Thaddeus made sure to praise him for his efforts.