The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

*She pours a large brandy*

This will help.

*The elf begins to stitch*

She writes to Urat almost every week... to let us know she is well.

*Arabella frowns*

Her husband loves her very much... and she is very grateful for the alliance... she left some things for you, if you were ever to return.

*She puts down a box in front of him containing old love letters, a dried blue rose and an engagement ring. The elf sighs and continues to sew*

It has been more than a year since you have seen one another, you must not blame the Princess for her decision to marry Darl. Philomena loved you so much, it hurt her more than anything when you did not marry her... and then Queen Eleanour decided that a match between Darl Thranmere and her niece would be the best way to destroy the power of the High Council... So Philomena gave up on a dream of love to fulfill her duty.

Heard ya scream Arabella and I remembered my promise to the Princess to protect ya.

*He looks at the body on the floor*

But I see it's bin dealt with... I'll take the body and sink it in the mire. You needs anything else, let us know.

*He drags the corpse out of the door and into the night*

What I understand from the Princess, is once Darl and her father have conquered Grimney, Darl will return to Kanara... and take the Princess with him. I do not think that she cherishes the prospect but Darl wil be king and as his queen she must be by his side.

*Arabella sighs as she washes the blood from her hands and bandages Kalvos*

And she does what she can to protect Karina. If the High Council wins, then Karina and Philomena will be killed.

*The elf smiles sadly*

Urat is still not himself, but his strength is returning. He frets about the Princess of course and worries she is unhappy despite her cheerful letters. We all worry but even a Kanaran warlord cannot fail to love her... and could anyone who loves her do her harm?

*She begins to sweep the blood soaked sawdust from the floor*

Besides, I am sure that Vortigern guards her well. For all his faults he would not allow her to be hurt.

*She passes Kalvos a clean shirt*

It's yours... all your things are still here. What will you do now? You could stay here, this is your home and Urat could do with the help.

I do not think you should march up to the Princess with soldiers! You should speak to her first before you charge in. Darl is her husband and I believe her to have some loyalty to him, even if she does not love him.

*Arabella frowns*

I think perhaps that your judgement clouded by jealousy... Vortigern has always cared about the Princess, I know you have reason to doubt him but Philomena cares for him. Let me write to her and see if she agrees to see you. You have hurt her deeply and I do not know that marching into her home and waving your sword about is the way to regain her love.

*The elf looks at Kalvos with surprise*

The Three Bells... but that is a brothel! The brothel keeper Jana is notoriously cruel and greedy, she preys on young orphans and forces them to work for her. Why would you have visited a brothel and why would you want Urat to bring a prostitute under his roof. He has never been one to allow such things.

How could you not know? The place is notorious! I suppose you were too caught up with what is happening with our Princess...

*She steps forward and bars his way*

You are in no fit state to go anywhere. You will tear your stitches and die. The letter can wait or you can write to her explaining yourself.

*The she-elf bites her lip*

You left a young girl there? Poor creature will have suffered already. It is too late to turn back time... but I shall ride out there with Master Stark and see if we can get her free. I think.... I think the Princess would not object if we used some of her jewels to buy the girl her freedom.