This challenge is based on Morbid's Ultimate Decades Challenge. It is a very involved challenge, and there are also spreadsheets (a blank one is available in the challenge write up), to track your family's progress, and also to keep track of what "year" it is. For instance, year 1300 lasts a mere 4 sim days. And, there are certain restrictions that come with the time period you are working on, such as what harvestables you can grow, and restrictions on items you can't use during that time period (for instance, in 1300, there was no electricity, so you can't have a tv). This challenge is not for the faint of heart. as it involves "death rolls" to coincide with what could have happened to your sim during a certain time period (disease, etc.). For someone who gets very attached to their sims, this, in itself will be a challenge for me.
Most gamers play this challenge with mods and cc; however, I won't be. This will be played as a vanilla game. I have, however, up-dated all the builds in the world I will be playing in to reflect off-the-grid builds. Some builds have been replaced and new builds have been downloaded from the gallery. For this time period, I have chosen to live in Henford-on-Bagley, and most of the residents' clothing has been updated; however, I can't account for those random townies' clothing, or sims from other worlds popping in. @Snarkysims has actually re-done Henford-on-Bagley as a Medieval World, and I have used some of her builds in my gameplay. Additional medieval builds have been placed in Newcrest. Not quite the same as you can see modern buildings in the background, but I had an overflow of lots that I wanted to use, and that is where I placed them.
After giving out their gifts, the nieces chatted with the brothers for awhile. At one point, Isabelle seemed to be the center of attention of all three brothers. And then it was time for lunch. They headed into the house and Gwendolyn had spread out a feast. Cheese, milk bread and homemade tomato soup were the offerings. The house wasn't large but comfortable. In one section was the main kitchen and eating area and the other section was the sleeping areas, separated by curtains. For the occasion, Ian had placed an extra table and chairs in the area so everyone could sit. It was very cozy and the blazing fire felt warm and relaxing and soon everyone felt more at ease.
After lunch they continued to chat. William and Francesca had sat on one of the beds, and seemed to be getting on rather well, as loud laughter could be heard.
As it was almost time for Parson Bernard and his nieces to leave, Thaddeus went over to Isabelle and asked if he could speak with her outside in private.
They sat down and he told her that he hoped it was not too presumptuous of him, but he had asked her Uncle if he could see her tomorrow. For a chaperoned date.
Isabelle's jaw dropped in surprise. She couldn't believe he had done that.
Isabelle could barely contain her excitement as she told him she would love to go on a date with him. He smiled back at her and in his mind Thaddeus was already formulating plans for tomorrow. He escorted her back inside and just in time as everyone was saying their goodbyes.
Thaddeus scowled, "Well, you both had your chance, and I will fight you both if you dare try to date her. As I said, just forget it. Isabelle and I...well, we have a connection. I have feelings for her...and I am certain she has feelings for me. If all goes well, I am...I am going to propose to her tomorrow on our date..."
Ian: "Thaddeus, is this true? Oh my! I would never have predicted this outcome. Parson Bernard and I had thought that Colette would be a more suitable wife..."
Reginald: "Colette? You were going to pair the most attractive niece with Thaddeus? I can hardly wait to hear who you thought I should be matched with..."
Ian: "Well, Parson Bernard and I thought that Francesca would be a good choice, since you both loved horses..."
Reginald: "Well, that makes sense...she does love horses..."
William: "Wait a minute. If you and Parson Bernard thought that Reginald should be with Francesca and that Thaddeus should be with Colette...then I should be with Isabelle. Right? That means that I should be the one going on a date with her..."
Thaddeus was getting irritated: "Oh no you won't! She is already spoken for. You can...you can ask Colette on a date..."
William: "Are you serious? Colette? I still don't know if she baked that bread or not. She is so stand-offish and aloof...I really don't understand half of the things she says..."
Reginald: "That's because she is learned. Her Uncle has a vast library and tutored them in logic, art and literature. We had a wonderful discussion on philosophy. She is a beautiful, intelligent woman..."
William: "So, what does that mean? That you want to date her, too?"
Reginald, "Well, Colette has been very much on my mind. But, I was going to think about the three nieces tonight and make a decision; however, I did not realize that Thaddeus had already made a move..."
Thaddeus shrugged his shoulders, "Well, no-one said we couldn't...and it just felt right..."
William: "Well, I still don't get who I am to ask on a date..."
Thaddeus chuckled, "Perhaps you and Reginald can draw straws!"
Before either one could fire back a retort, there was a knock on the door. Ian answered it and was handed a note from a messenger. The note was addressed to Reginald.
Reginald quickly scanned the note and looked surprised, "She wants to meet me! Tonight! At the castle ruins. I must go..."
As Reginald fled out the door, William called after him, "But which one? Which one wants to meet you...?"
Thaddeus unfolded the note on the table, "Colette...Colette sent the note..."
William: "Well, that settles it then. I will ask Francesca on a date tomorrow. She is the one I wanted to ask anyway. She is so much fun...she had me laughing the whole time I was talking to her. The stories she tells, and the way she tells them...it's just too cute...and she is really cute, too...I wonder if that messenger is still at the door...I will write her a note right now..."
I was surprised at how well Thaddeus and Isabelle got on. At one point in their conversation, he did an autonomous romantic interaction "hold hands" with her and she allowed it. They also both autonomously flirted with each other, so obviously the game was telling me that these two should be together.
The date request for Reginald popped up when I was trying to figure out who William and Reginald should date. Well, Colette seemed to decide on that one for me. lol Even though the date was in Windenburg at The Ancient Ruins, I decided that he should go, and just "pretend" that they were at the castle ruins in The Bramblewood in Henford-on-Bagley.
Reginald: "Colette, I came as fast as I could. Pray tell, has something happened at your house?"
Colette: "Oh, Reginald, no, it's not anything like that...everything is fine at the house. I apologize for having you worry if that is what you thought..."
Reginald: "I don't understand. You are here alone...unchaperoned and it is now dark. Why would you ask me to come at this late hour if there was no urgency at your house?"
Colette: "Yes, I am unchaperoned. But I felt that since you are almost a Knight, that my honor would be safe with you. Afterall, I know you live your life by the Code of Chivalry."
Reginald bowed slightly, "Yes, M'lady that is true. I will do you no harm while you are with me. Your honor is safe with me. So if there is no urgency at your house, is there another matter? Or perhaps it is you...are you not well, Colette? Please tell me it is not so."
Colette: "I am perfectly fine...well. actually not really...but now that you have come...oh I think I have made a dreadful error..."
Colette took a deep breath, "I wanted to apologize for my actions this afternoon. I fear that in speaking at length with you about philosophy, I prevented you from speaking with my sisters. And now I understand from my Uncle that Thaddeus has moved forward with my sister, Isabelle, and will be going on a chaperoned date tomorrow..."
Reginald nodded, "Yes, Thaddeus informed us of his intentions with Isabelle."
Colette: "I do so apologize that you were unable to get to know Isabelle because I monopolized your time...she is truly wonderful and gifted..."
Reginald: "Ah, but Colette, I did speak with Isabelle, and yes, I agree, she is most talented. But I do feel that her interests lie elsewhere, as do mine..."
Reginald gazed at Colette and noticed how the light illuminated her face. There was a stray piece of her hair that had managed to get loose from her braid, and he wanted to reach out and brush his hand against her cheek and place the lock of hair behind her ear. Looking at her, he realized how gorgeous she was. But it was something more...he suddenly felt very protective of her and knew he would do everything and anything for her.
Colette continued: "Oh, I am so happy that you said that because...well, what I was trying to say was that my other sister, Francesca has not received any messages yet, and you and she had gotten on so fabulously together...that I thought...well...I wasn't sure...but she did talk at length about you riding a horse when we got home tonight..."
Reginald: "Did she?" he replied distractedly still gazing at her.
Colette felt his gaze upon her and when she looked up, his eyes bore into hers. She swallowed hard and suddenly her cheeks felt hot.
Colette: "Yes...so what I am saying is that if you are so inclined...you could send her a note by messenger..."
Reginald: "Indeed."
They were both quiet for a moment and then Reginald spoke, "Colette, having a common interest is wonderful, but I believe there can be something more between two sims..."
Colette: "So, what are you saying? That you and my sister Francesca would not be a good match?"
Reginald: "Yes, that is what I am saying. Francesca is wonderful and we do share an interest in horses; however...I do not feel I could ever have a serious conversation with her. She has flights of fancy, and, not to speak ill of your sister, but she is rather childish at times..."
Colette sighed: "Yes, Francesca does have that tendency...but she does play the vielle (violin), and she is a hard-worker on the farm..."
Reginald: "I am sure she is, but she is not the one for me. As I said, my interests lie elsewhere..."
Colette pursed her lips, "So, I guess that's it then. I understand what you mean. You have found someone else in town. I feel foolish now for having asked you to come and meet with me. I did not realize that you had other suitors. I apologize. If you'll excuse me, I will bid you leave..."
Reginald touched her hand, "No, Colette, don't go. You have misunderstood. When I said that my interests lie elsewhere, it is true, they do. But my interest lies with you, Colette. You are the one I am interested in. There is no-one else..."
https://i.postimg.cc/R0crvvSz/colette-gasped.png
Colette gave a little gasp and she felt herself tremble.
Reginald noticed her shaking, "Colette, you are shivering," he said and looked towards the ruins, "Come. I see a fire pit, and I will light a fire for us. You will be warm in no time, M'lady..."
Colette stood up and hesitated for a moment, but Reginald moved her forward towards the fire pit.
When the fire was roaring, he took off his cloak and asked if he might place it over her shoulders. She shook her head in agreement and he placed it around her holding her close to keep her warm.
Reginald: "Colette, you have not spoken a word since we came near the fire. Did my words somehow offend you? Does your interest lie with my brother, William, and I have somehow overstepped the boundaries of our friendship?"
Colette looked at Reginald and shook her head, "No, your words didn't offend me, nor am I am interested in William..."
Reginald: "Then what Colette?"
Colette answered quietly: "No one has ever said those words to me before..."
Reginald smiled, "I am rather glad that no one has, or else you may have already been swept away by another..."
Colette: "I don't think so..."
Reginald: "And why not? You under-estimate yourself, Colette. I find you fascinating and very intelligent, and if it had not been for my brothers, I would have continued talking with you throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Such is the effect you had on me. And you are so loyal to your sisters, that you would have them find a match before yourself. I am captivated by your beauty, Colette, and have never met anyone like you...
Colette looked longingly at him, "Oh Reginald, I didn't want to stop talking to you either...and I...I have never met anyone like you either..."
As Reginald held Colette closer, they gazed at each other and it felt like there was no-one else around. It was just them, together in front of the fire.
Reginald: "I fear that you have stolen my heart, Colette, and I...and I..." he said as he brushed her face with his hand and pulled her close to him. And suddenly, without thinking, he kissed her.
It was a slow, languid kiss, and Reginald felt Colette press herself against him, almost clinging to him. Everything about this kiss felt right. Reginald being with Colette felt right. And as they parted, Reginald was filled with a happiness that he had never known before. And in that moment, he knew that Colette was the one for him.
Reginald smiled and looked at Colette, but instead of her smiling back, he saw her brow furrowed and there were tears in her eyes.
Colette interrupted, "No, it is I who should ask your forgiveness. I am sorry if I have given you any false impressions...I cannot...I cannot continue this...I greatly enjoy your company, Reginald, but this cannot go further...I know you are looking to enter a marriage contract with someone...but that someone can't be with me...I can't marry anyone...I just can't...I am sorry if I misled you...I need to go..."
And with that Colette turned on her heel and ran. Reginald called after her to stop and went after her, but she had fled into the darkness, and was nowhere to be seen.
Reginald ran a hand through his hair. What had he done? He had let his emotions overtake him. He had done a most dishonorable thing. He had kissed her...here...unchaperoned...after she had put her trust in him and he had failed her. But the memory of Colette's lips stayed on his mind. He had felt her response to his kiss, and he knew that she had wanted him as much as he had wanted her. But something had happened when they parted. Colette had looked like a scared doe all alone in the forest. Reginald was not sure how, but he had to make things right with Colette again. He could not lose her now.
https://i.postimg.cc/mrnMjGxK/porr-reg.png
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Notes:
Sometimes even a soon-to-be Knight cannot control his emotions when it comes to lurve! However, kissing a young, unchaperoned lady on the lips was a big no-no in medieval times. It was almost like sealing a deal of marriage. And Colette doesn't seem too happy about it.
The Code of Chivalry is a code of honor that all Knights live their life by. "There was not an authentic Knights' Code of Chivalry as such - it was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women."
@xaenyth - So glad you are enjoying this. I am certainly having fun writing it, especially when the game gives you gifts. I tried to use several packs to create that "medieval" theme. I had thought of downloading some cc for the women's dresses, as there are some lovely ones, but decided that I would just make do with what the game offered.
@flauschtrud - Yes, I am so happy with how these sims turned out. I am almost sad that I didn't make Thaddeus the heir, because his facial expressions are the best. All of these sims have their own personality. It's great!
When Thaddeus got up the next morning, he found his brother, Reginald, already sitting at the table. But it didn't look like the Reginald that he knew. Reginald was just sitting there staring off into space, still wearing the outer clothes that he had worn last night when he had left to meet Colette. As Thaddeus moved closer, he noticed that Reginald's eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he hadn't slept all night.
Thaddeus: "Okay, this is definitely not sounding like you. What did you do?"
Reginald shook his head, "I don't think I can tell you, Thaddeus..."
Thaddeus: "Look, no one else is up, and you know I have never spoken of things that you have told me in confidence before..."
Reginald: "That is true. But this is bigger. If I tell you, you must tell no-one. Not father, not William...not Isabelle...no-one..."
Thaddeus: "Fine. I won't tell anyone..."
https://i.postimg.cc/TwHCvQtB/she-was-alone.png
Reginald shook his head:"Colette met me alone...unchaperoned...and I kissed her Thaddeus...I gave her my word that she would be safe with me, that her honor would be safe with me and I kissed her. My feelings for her just overwhelmed me and it...it just happened..."
Thaddeus: "You what? My word! And from how you look, I take it that didn't go over well..."
Reginald smiled: "On the contrary, it was a wonderous kiss and I could feel Colette wanted to kiss me, too, and I had such happiness come over me. It was the best feeling I have ever had..."
Thaddeus: "I know I will have a wondrous kiss with Isabelle...I have been dreaming about the moment all night..."
Reginald: "...and that is all it was...a moment...because when we parted Colette looked at me and there were tears in her eyes, and she told me that she knew I wanted to enter into a marriage contract with someone, but that it could not be with her...that she could not marry anyone...and then she ran away...I made a dreadful mistake and now I do not know what to do..."
Thaddeus: "Reginald, I'm so sorry that happened. But what Colette told you is rather strange because Parson Bernard is the one who wanted a marriage contract for his three nieces. Why would Colette run away if she knew you were interested in her?"
Reginald: "Yes, I have mulled that over in my head as well, and Colette is not the rebellious type who would go against what her uncle would want for her. Something does not make sense, but I cannot quite figure it out."
Thaddeus: "You know Isabelle told me that when their mother passed and they moved in with their uncle, that Colette had taken on all of the household and farm duties, and took care of Isabelle and Francesca and their uncle. The reason why Isabelle got into needlepoint was that one day she found Colette slumped over in a chair asleep with some unfinished mending in her hands. That's when Isabelle volunteered to do the mending because she felt her sister had taken on too much."
Reginald nodded his head, "Ah, yes, some of this makes sense now. That is why she wanted to meet me, you know, to tell me I could send Francesca a note as she had not received any as yet. She was trying to match me with her sister. She was putting her sisters' happiness above her own..."
Thaddeus: "Um...about Francesca...after you left, William dispatched a message to Francesca and asked her on a date today. So, I hope you weren't still thinking of asking Francesca..."
https://i.postimg.cc/hGN1Chhq/heavens-no.png
Reginald: "Heavens no! The girl gave me a rock as a gift! I already told Colette that Francesca and I were not suited for each other, and that it was Colette that I was interested in. It has really been Colette all along and when I saw her again last night, it just reinforced the feelings that I had for her...."
Thaddeus: "Forsooth Reginald! There is only one thing to do. You must go to her. You must ask her to explain her reasonings to you of why she said she could not marry anyone..."
Thaddeus: "Reginald! What are you still sitting here for? Go to her! From what I saw yesterday. and the way she looked at you, I believe she has feelings for you, too. But perhaps you just need to go slower with her..."
Reginald: "Oh Thaddeus, you are quite right. I must go to her. Yes, I will take things slow. I will see her everyday so that she knows I am loyal and true to only her. Thank you and Godspeed on your date with Isabelle today..."
As Reginald rushed out the door, Thaddeus smiled and thought about his up-coming date with Isabelle. He was certainly glad that Isabelle was not like either of her sisters. Colette seemed rather high strung and Francesca lived in a fantasy world. As far as Thaddeus was concerned, he was getting the best niece.
Reginald strode up the long path towards Colette's house and when he arrived, knocked on the door. Colette, herself, opened the door and had a surprised look on her face when she saw him standing there.
Colette: "Reginald! What...what are you doing here? I...I wasn't expecting to see you..."
Reginald: "May I come in? I need to speak with you about what transpired last night..."
Colette looked around, "Reginald...please lower your voice...no one knows that I went to meet you last night...and if my uncle found out I went to see you unchaperoned, he would...he would..."
Reginald: "But that is not what I want to happen. I would never want you to do anything against your will. No, I have come here to tell you that I am deeply sorry for dishonoring you, Colette. You put your trust in me, and I let you down. But know this, I will make things right. I know how you have taken on everything, Colette, after your mother passed and you moved here. You have looked after everything and ensured your sisters were cared for. You have put their needs before your own. But soon, you will not have to worry about your sisters anymore. I am positive that they will each have a marriage contract soon. And then you will be free to live your own life. And until then, I will call on you each and everyday to pledge my loyalty to you. To show you that I am true in my feelings for you and it is only you who I want to be with..."
Colette bit her lip, "Reginald, you do not understand...I cannot leave here...I cannot be with anyone..."
Reginald: "Colette, you have cared for everyone for so long, let me be the one to care for you now. I will do anything that you ask of me, but I need to know the reason why you say you cannot be with me. I have strong feelings for you Colette. and I felt last night...that your feelings for me were the same. But perhaps I was wrong. So, tell me now Colette...look me in the eye and tell me that you do not have feelings for me...and I shall leave here and never bother you again..."
Colette looked at Reginald and saw the dark circles beneath his eyes, his face etched in concern as he looked at her. She saw his tender eyes gazing lovingly at her...eyes that seemed to be boring into her very soul...eyes that were looking at only her, waiting for her answer...
Colette: "I...I..." is all she managed to say and then lowered her eyes and broke down crying, "Oh Reginald, I cannot deny it, I have feelings for you...strong feelings...and my heart was in such pain last night when I ran from you...and I want to be with you, Reginald, but I just can't...I can't..."
Reginald gently held her and made soothing noises, "My dearest Colette, you need to tell me why...I still do not understand...if we both have feelings for each other...why can you not be with me?"
Colette looked up at him and then suddenly it all came pouring out. Even after her sisters left, she had to stay to look after her uncle. He needed her help and had no one to look after him. He was getting on in years and needed help with the farm and the house. She would be riddled with guilt if she went to live her own life and left him here alone.
Reginald now understood everything. Of course, her uncle. She was so dedicated to not only her sisters, but her uncle as well, that she had decided that her only recourse was to not marry so that she could look after him.
As Reginald was about to say something, Colette's uncle walked up to them. Apparently he had overheard their entire conversation.
Parson Bernard: "Is this true Colette? That you had planned to forsake a marriage contract to stay here and look after me?"
Colette nodded quietly.
Parson Bernard: "Well that is hogwash! Before you and your sisters came to live with me, I was most certainly capable of taking care of myself. The only reason I let you take over the household duties was that I thought you enjoyed it. You seemed to have a natural talent for it. And now you are denying yourself the happiness you deserve with this gallant Knight who has professed his feelings to you and you have professed your feelings to him?"
Colette: "Uncle...forgive me...I was torn on what to do...and when you entered an agreement with the Fletcher family for a marriage contract, I...I...had decided that I would promote Isabelle and Francesca to have a marriage contract...and once they were married, I would be left alone to care for you...I just...I just never expected to meet anyone like Reginald and have feelings for him...I'm so sorry Uncle, I meant no disrespect..."
Parson Bernard came over to Colette and hugged her lovingly, "My dear, dear child. What burdens you have borne and I have been blind to see the consequences of my actions. I have never wanted you to give up your life and dreams for me. Why do you think I tutored you all these years? So that you could make your own decisions and live your own life..."
Reginald: "Parson Bernard, if I may, I believe I have a solution to this. I have committed to seeing Colette everyday, and soon I will be a Knight and with that, I will receive a small stipend. And, in a few years' time I will be able to afford a small cottage somewhere here in The Bramblewood. And then, if Colette agrees, we will wed and live there. And then Colette would be close enough to come and visit you everyday..."
Parson Bernard: "A FEW YEARS' TIME? That is utter nonsense! Your father told me that he was hoping that you would live next door to the Fletcher Farm at the Thatcher Farm. Why would you not do that?"
Reginald: "That farm is more suited for Thaddeus. He is over there almost everyday working in the blacksmith shop that is on the property. If anyone should live there, it should be him. No, I feel that living in The Bramblewood would be a better solution as it is close to the Knight's Stronghold."
Parson Bernard: "Yes, that seems logical. But you forgot one thing. If you are correct in saying that Isabelle and Francesca will have a marriage contract soon, then this house will be relatively empty. Here is what I think. Why don't you both live here with me? And then you won't have to wait years if you wish to wed. It certainly makes more sense..."
Parson Bernard: "Of course...and I had always fancied my own sleeping cottage...perhaps in that corner. I am sure that a strapping young Knight like Reginald would be able to build such a shelter?"
Reginald: "I would be honored to, Parson Bernard..."
https://i.postimg.cc/jdfsFSc4/HAPPY-TRIO.png
Parson Bernard, "Well it's settled then. And now both of you have some talking to do...and I am off to find your sister, Francesca...that girl is never around when the garden needs tending...always off talking to those wild rabbits..." he said, winking at Reginald as he left.
Reginald: "Colette, I apologize for not having figured this out sooner. But I understand everything now. I understand why you did the things you did. But now everything can be solved, and you can continue to look after your Uncle. And I will look after and care for you, like you have cared for others for so much of your life. That is...if you want me to...if you want to be with me..."
Colette: "Oh yes, Reginald, with all my heart, you are the only one I want to be with..."
Reginald then got down on one knee, "I pledge myself to you Colette. With all my heart, M'lady, you are the only one I want to be with. The one I will remain loyal to forever..."
https://i.postimg.cc/3JjwwwGJ/YES-MY-LOVE-YES.png
https://i.postimg.cc/pT9TVYfg/A-KSS-TOGETHER.png
And with that, Reginald gave Colette a token of his affection. Then they kissed with no hesitation or regrets, and this time when they parted, Colette was smiling at him.
@xaenyth - Yes, Reginald, always so logical and in control, absolutely lost it and kissed Colette. But we will soon find out why she ran away from him.
@flauschtrud - Is the compatibility feature in Growing Together because I don't have that pack as yet. So, no, I have no idea if they are, but sometimes you can just tell in how they act towards each other in the game.
@Belalucina - Thank you so much for reading my story. And in today's up-date is the answer to why she ran away from Reginald.
