(Imagine Lady Whistledon voice)

Dearest Illumineers,

As you may recall our diamond this season has been chosen. The Return of Hercules has had quite the run of the social calendar. If you remember the courtship with Ruby, who has some prospects but the idea of the potential Mother in Law drama was a drawback for sure. Then we had the too young and too old suitors in Amethyst and Amber. Now, just as we thought Ruby would win out, a Prince from foreign shores arrived and all the cards swooned. Our beloved card was smitten as well but the baggage of so recently losing his good friend Hiram might place our card second to Sapphire's grief. And our diamond is too proud to be anyone's second choice.

So, in order to escape for a bit, our lovely card slipped away on a visit to her uncle's estates. You may remember her uncle, Beast - Relentless, he found his mate in Steel with a fun combo that was the rage at many parties.

That was where she met with a younger Steel commoner. He was working on the Hedge Maze that was kept on grounds. He had taken his shirt off in the summer heat not expecting any royal ladies to be exploring the maze in the midday sun. When she came around a corner and saw him Grab his Sword to damage a new path into the Hedge Row she was at first stunned and then excited.

You don't need much knowledge of the Emerald cards to know how much they appreciate damage even if they don't do much of it themselves. She surprised him by offering a rest and water break from his labors. They sat there, alone for hours, talking of the ins and outs of courtship in the upper class. And the value of the commoners' tendency to marry for love instead of prestige.

Realizing the sun was well past noon as the shadow of the hedge began to cool their faces, they bid each other farewell as he went back to his labors. That night, The Return of Hercules had a dream. And in it a vision.

Steel Commoner Suitor | Dan Eckstein | Casual

• Characters (39)
• 2 Beast - Tragic Hero
• 2 Chief Bogo - Respected Officer
• 2 Robin Hood - Sneaky Sleuth
• 3 Clarabelle - Clumsy Guest
• 3 Clarabelle - Light on Her Hooves
• 3 Diablo - Maleficent's Spy
• 3 King of Hearts - Picky Ruler
• 3 Prince Phillip - Vanquisher of Foes
• 3 Robin Hood - Capable Fighter
• 3 Tinker Bell - Giant Fairy
• 4 Diablo - Devoted Herald
• 4 Morph - Space Goo
• 4 Peter Pan - Never Land Prankster

• Actions (6)
• 2 Ba-boom!
• 4 The Return of Hercules

• Items (3)
• 3 Emerald Coil

• Songs (12)
• 4 Grab Your Sword
• 4 Let the Storm Rage On
• 4 Strength of a Raging Fire

In the end, my dear reader. The Return of Hercules chose its love of Damage over Prestige or power and married into Steel like her uncle had. Even though it would keep her from ever reaching tier 1 status.

Until next season, I, Lady Layinkdown, bid you farewell. And, as always, remember: All the coolest cards to ink can be found at coolstuffinc.com.