Chapter Text
Three households, all alike in dignity, in fair Praaven, where we lay our scene - Alright, let’s not get too Shakespearean here. The man won’t even be born for another around 264 years or so. I just couldn’t resist the allusion. An allusion is all there will be, however, for although I love the dramatic, I am neither as good a storyteller nor as good a wordsmith as our Elizabethan friend. What I am, at least as regards this challenge, is The Watcher, alleged deity, narrator and occasional snarky commentator. I will be the one to take you on this journey through the (hopefully) centuries.
One thing wasn't just a cheap gimmick, however. Praaven really is gorgeous. Some evidence:
Beautiful, isn't it?
This medieval world, which I've decided plays the part of northern England for the purpose of the challenge, is the place where the Townsend family’s story will begin. Which means I should introduce the Townsends. Let me show you a family portrait, ca. 1300 (not an actual portrait, however, as they are neither rich nor important enough for one to be painted ot them).
The Townsends are a family of humble peasant farmers. They are not serfs, as Benedict’s father managed to free himself and his son, but they are beholden to their liege lord, the Earl of Petersmarch, and make their livelihood on their land. A small overview of its members at the start of the 14th century:
Benedict (24 y.o.): Benedict’s family is of Scottish ancestry but has lived in England as serfs for some generations. His father was a very prudent, amicable man, and was able to buy them their freedom through his dedication, hard work, and cunning in winning the friendship of their lord. The family of two promptly relocated to the outskirts of the city of Praaven. Sadly, Benedict’s father didn't get to enjoy his freedom for long, as he fell ill and died a few years later when Benedict was still a young teenager. He was determined to not let his father’s sacrifices go to waste and to make sure to give his eventual family a life his father could be proud of. While seeking guidance at the local abbey, he met Anne Howe, an orphan, whom he fell in love with and married. In the years hence, the couple has had three surviving children, and has tried to open up avenues to make their small farm more prosperous for the big family they want to build.
Anne (21 y.o.): Anne was made an orphan at a young age, when both of her parents died due to illness and she and her remaining siblings were scattered. She herself was raised in the Abbey of St. Wright in exchange for earning her keep as a maid. When she was 13, she met Benedict Townsend, a farmer from the nearby village of Tovar, whom she married at only 15 because the couple had been a bit…overly excited in their affections. She was happy to make a life with him tending to their farm, and even happier to welcome their children, Anna, Edith and Benjamin, into the world. Even as a wife and mother, she can’t rein in her flirtatious attitude sometimes, although she loves her husband deeply and rarely means anything by it. Benedict has never seen this as a reason for jealousy.
Anna (5 y.o.): The elder of Anne’s and Benedict’s twin daughters, born suspiciously soon after their marriage. She is a kind-hearted, personable girl that likes to see others happy, and especially loves making people laugh. She takes her role as the eldest very seriously and is always helping with the livestock and the crop. Absolutely unafraid to walk up to strangers and talk to them.
Edith (5 y.o.): Younger than Anna by minutes, Edith shares her sister’s chores on the farm and her adventurous spirit, but in her case, this spirit makes itself felt by her keen interest in all things occult. Not that there are many occult things in her life, but she is certain that they are out there! Luckily, she is too dutiful and too loyal to her family to go running off to search for witches and ghosts.
Benjamin (2 y.o.): The proverbial baby of the bunch. At his tender age, Benjamin has not yet had much opportunity to express a personality, but he is always underfoot on the farm and keen to explore everything.
But this is only one of the three households I promised. The other two are far more “alike in dignity” to each other than they are to the humble Townsends. The first of those households is that of the Earl of Petersmarch, Ralph Dudley, and his Countess, Elizabeth. Lord and Lady Petersmarch have three small children: Ralph Jr. (the heir), Clement and Lady Elizabeth the Younger.
Their residence is Praaven Castle, at the far end of the city, although the Earl is frequently absent on royal business, leaving the Countess to rule in his stead.
The other noble family of the area is that of Peter Pelham, Baron Elbenhawke, and Alice Pelham, his Baroness. Their family seat, Elbenhawke Hall, is located in the hills above the village of Tovar, close to which the Townsends live. Lord and Lady Elbenhawke, although no less fashionable, are a bit older than the Earl and Countess, and more reclusive in their lifestyle.
They live with their eldest son and heir, also named Peter, Peter Jr.’s fiancée, Cecilia Grey, and their other children, Joan, Richard and Mary.
We will only follow their stories from afar, but it is important to be acquainted with the local nobility, wouldn't you agree? One never knows where their paths might cross those of our humble protagonists.
And that should be enough to get you started in the world of Praaven. Now it’s time for the story to begin.