Abandoned

[Rainald de Sennis]

(Based on yome really nice RP in the room last night!)

After the altercation last night in the Great Hall of Windstorm Castle, Rainald had not been able to find neither sleep nor even rest. He had tried praying, to no avail. His God seemed to have closed Himself off to him. The fear had returned in a man typically so sure of himself, so steady as a rock. So rational.

That fear had left his soul stripped naked and raw, and the slightest innocent incident could trigger a response nobody would ever expect of him, the diplomat. Him, the jarring counterpart to his brother Vinzelles who could be so brutal and thoughtless when treating others.

Last night …. The incident between the Lady Alyn, Lord Dieter and himself would soon come to the Queen’s ears.

“Do not forsake me, please … not now. Lord, please! I beg you, I beg of you!”

But the God he prayed to as he knelt in front of his bed couldn’t hear him any longer!

[sofia]

(ooohhhh the plot thickens...dah dah dah duuummmmm)

[Alys Gwynedd]

(21:32:05)
Dieter
Cursed Wanderer
Exiled Prince of Friesland
Youngest Brother of Ulbrecht

is in the Great Hall, and say to Edfeil Stormblade de Ruom: "The same...." Leaning forward to speak even softer, very slowly and carefully placing his hands on his knees finger by finger as he composes himself once again..."The thought me some simpleton, attempting to play Court games with me...Insulting both me and you in the same breathe, though he certainly backpedalled fast enough when I indicated I was quite clearly willing to make him answer for the insult to you within your own home. And that was only in the morning. By evening he had included the Princess in his behaviours, though by then he appeared nearly addled. Accusing her of witchcraft and attempting to demand she swear to him upon his cross that she wasn't. Needless to say, such a demand did not sit well with Her Highness, nor myself or her Lord who had joined us. I pointed out to him that he was making demands upon Princes, as well as a reigning Monarch in her grandmother’s absence, and an honored guest of you and this Hall and as such need not tolerate such behaviour from him. Truth be told Edfeil, it was a race to see who was going to challenge him first for such an insult."



Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma
Queen of Windstorm

is in the Great Hall, and say to ++ Fifth of Five ++Dieter: *Her eyes closed, even iffen ye had nae confirmed the name, she would have known it was the same man. His fears still clearly holding sway. His faith as deeply entrenched as her own, but harsher and nae as accepting of the different ways of these lands that had sheltered her so kindly. She had hoped.. his experiences had gentled him, softened him. Her breath slowed and she nodded quietly* I am... extremely regretful that such happened to her majesty and that such must have greatly encumbered both ye and Lord Cailin. I... I will personally offer me apologies to Her Highness... *a hand, trembling all of a sudden, slid over her brow as iffen she wished to wipe away the memories* I will... speak to him iffen he enters the hall again... I.. was a.. that is.. has a challenge been... issued?



Dieter
Cursed Wanderer
Exiled Prince of Friesland
Youngest Brother of Ulbrecht

is in the Great Hall, and say to Edfeil Stormblade de Ruom: Shaking his head..."No Edfeil....I wished to speak with you first. Lord Cailin seemed willing at the time to let me speak for the Castle here, and I spoke with Alys later and we are agreed as well that I shall deal with him if such needs be done. Though the thought was that if his swordsmanship is of a quality of his conversation. Such a lesson in manners need not be fatal for him." His voice low enough to be only for your ears...."Forgive me if I have overstepped myself Your Majesty, the insult to me was as nothing, but the man was so unthinking as to offer insult to you and the Princess before one who was once a belted Knight?" Shaking his head. One of his oaths had been to uphold the honour of all Ladies. "She knows it is not your doing. We spoke at some length upon the matter. Agreeing that if he needed dealing with, then I would do so, so that any repercussions would be upon me, though his insults were more than just cause for such. His last bit was quite late in the evening, he entered the Hall, obviously in some severe distress. Not making sense as he attempted to grab Cara before collapsing, whereupon I had him carried to the infirmary."



Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma
Queen of Windstorm

is in the Great Hall, and say to ++ Fifth of Five ++Dieter: *She opened her eyes once more and a heavy breath escaped. Her heart welled with pity* The first time he spoke... could it have been... I wonder... what he said... that is.. could it have been caused by fevers? he.. Lord de Sennis suffers .. or suffered from.. fevers, an illness. I.. hope.. though I would nae wish any man to be ill of course, but I would hope his words were those of a man nae in his right mind. *she stopped for a moment, for in the words ye had spoken she had noticed one remark specificaly, a hand reached out and layed over yer own for a moment, soothing* Knighthood, like the priesthood, lays a mark upon a man's soul. Nae matter what happens to him, naught can remove such. Ye were a knight.. ye be one still. I... I nae like to ask this, especially nae of a man of honour for I know it be difficult, but.. could ye repeat the words he spoke? The insult he offered ye.. me.. and.. well.. *she winced* I fear ye have mentioned already what he said to Princess Alys.




Dieter
Cursed Wanderer
Exiled Prince of Friesland
Youngest Brother of Ulbrecht

is in the Great Hall, and say to Edfeil Stormblade de Ruom: "It was actually quite simple as such go. We had been dancing about verbally. He seemed to be of some mindset that he could use myself or Ulbrecht for his own purposes. Managing a slight smile to you and a wink. "The thought occured to me that it would be most amusing to watch him try his verbal sparring with 'Captain' Ulbrecht. I seemed to have neglected to give him my former titles and such, leaving him only with my name and that you had been most kind to me in my time of need. He thought to insult me by commenting upon 'Her Majesty's tendency to take in strays'. The words simple enough but his tone was snide and belittling, quite insulting in such, especially towards one whose home he stood in as a guest. Though I must admit the look upon his face was almost worth it later, when Her Highness arrived and he realized that the one he had been so casually insulting earlier in the day was a Prince of the Blood."



Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma
Queen of Windstorm

is in the Great Hall, and say to ++ Fifth of Five ++Dieter: *She winced* The French court has... different ways and standards than Windstorm. As to me tendency to take in 'strays'.. *for a moment there was even a ghost of a smile around her lips* Lord de Sennis should know, for at one point he was one of those but kept alive by me word I fear.. *she lowered her eyes for a moment, and still she hoped she had taken the right decision those days in nae making a more forceful stand.* I.. I hope his return nae means a renewed interest of France in Windstorm. The... last time the consequences were harsh.




Later.......

(07:16:23)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Stables, and says to ALL: He brushed his mare, a noble horese who had carried him many ways. "Easy, Khamera, easy..... His brushes were gentle, soft, caring.... he stopped for a moment, then continued. Rather than letting a servant treat his horse, he prefered it to do now..... himself.

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Stables, and says to ALL: I have sworn my loyalty to the Queen.... I have sworn...I have sworn to protrect you.....my Queen!

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Stables, and says to ALL: He keeps brushing his horse.



Much Later ....

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL: The Great Hall is empty once again, a place togather one's thoughts in quiet. Rainald takes another sip from the wine he has poured himself.

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL: Where are you? Come to me, eh? Come, lil one!

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL: He is a patient man, ready to wait ...

Emissary of West Frankia
: He holds the cross he usually wears around his neck in his hand. She was a sorcerer, I had to do it!You saw... didn't you?" His fingers trace the surface of the object. "She .... betrayed me.....as she did you!

[sofia]

(19:52:25)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: **After dealing with Sinold's needs, she moves to the next screened area...seeing De Sennis....looking down at the unconscious man, she is aware of the guardsman's approach...Wot yer wants done wiv' 'im, M'Lady?..She considers a moment, then replies with a cold lack of compassion. Strap him down in that bed with strong leather belts till he regains his senses. he has not been in his right mind and could be dangerous. Inform me when he awakens

(19:55:47)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: **Whatever the man had done int he past, he was obviously guilt-ridden about something, a state for which the petite Moroccan woman had little sympathy. Whatever he had done, he had done, and must now live with the consequences. These thougths crossed her mind briefly, then her tone softens just a bit....but do see that the straps do not cause any injury, and he is to be allowed such drink and food as he will take....whatver his illness may be, is no excuse for cruelty on our part, yes? *Smiling gently to the surprised guard**

[Rainald de Sennis]

He shouted, "Let me out! Let me out of here!!!!

Rainald was strapped to one of the cotts in the infirmary. How had he come here, who had dared strap him down like an animal?

"Guard,by the cross and all that is worth something to you .... unbind me NOW! Or the Queen will surely hear about this. Release me!"

The Frankian Lord strained against his restraints until finally someone approached ... her face covered by a dark hood. "Release you.... I willl, your pain soon'll be gone...." - She produced a dagger, the blade slowing moving to Rainald's neck...

"No.... you evil spirit...leave me...leave.... NOoooo!"

With a muffled cry Rainald woke from his nightmare, soaked in his own sweat. He sat up in bed, his eyes looking over to the fireplace in which some slow last ambers glowed and bathed the room in a ghostly eery light.

His hand reached for the cross around his neck .... and suddenly deep-seated anger grabbed him as he tore the amulett from its leather band.

"You canot protect me any longer ... or will you not?" With almost something akin to hatred Rainald stared at the cross in his palm. "You told me to protect you and the faith; you told me to.... punish her! .... ARGGH....Protect me now... WHERE ARE YOU, GOD?"

He hurled the cross into the glows of the fireplace, the burning leather band the first to turn to ashes. For a long moment Rainald watched as the metal began to blacken ... Suddenly Rainald was up from the bed, taking his dagger to fish the metal cross back out from the flames, hissing as his palm touched the hot metal which burned intself into his skin. He closed the palm and held onto the cross - the pain would be his punishment for his blasphemy and doubt!

"Where are you, God? Where....where?"

[Rainald de Sennis]

(LOL; needed to put a lil spin on Rainald's situation here. His brother Vinzelles was the one with the falling desease, he is currently banned to Ravensgard in the North (that's where Lord Halfdane lived).

Rainald always was the gentler more rational of the brothers, but since his return to WS there have been changes in his life, deeds he had to do, in his mind, which slowly seem to drive him insane. Otherwise, he's healthy as a horse, LOL)

[Rainald de Sennis]

He held his right hand against his chest, cradling the seared palm against his shirt. Enough wine had let him fallen asleep finally. He makes a groaning sound ... stirring in his chair the goblet he still held in his left hand tumbles to the ground, making a clanking sound.

Before his mind's eye, Rainald sees that woman with the blade again. It's useless to move, again he lays bound on a cot, this time naked as God had created him. He begins to toss his head about but cannot escape the blade which is burning white, beginning to sear the skin over his heart. "Ugh....no....let me go!" - With a start Rainald wakes again, needing a few moments to catch his breath.

He swallows hard, his mouth is dry and his eyes having a hard time focussing at first. "Too much of this damn wine". His own conclusion doesn’t really convince the man. The images were so similar to his other nightmares ever since he return. Carefully he tests his feet as he gets out of the chair, they shake, he is shaking all over.

He reaches the side table and pours himself some water. "I should stop this ....wine. Too potent for the night." Without thought he rubs his right palm across his face and then his tunic - a sudden very intense stings hits his palm where he had burned himself earlier. "Blast.... needs something new there."

He decides the better more prudent way right now would be just to stay put, so he drops back into his chair, again cradling his right hand.

Even such a small burn did cause immense pain, he wondered. How much more, then, had he cause on the one who once was closer than anyone to his heart!

[Rainald de Sennis]

(A subscript of a RP from the room last night)

Rainald: It was impossible for him to find sleep so Rainald had taken one of the maps depicting Windstorm Harbour and had taken it to the great hall where he was certain nobody would be there at this hour. There he sat at the table, studying the details.... and the location he had earlier marked of each ship that presently lay before anchor there

Celesse: Well, to be certain, a person needs to look around.. So he couldnt have been terribly certain.. Folding her hands beneath her head, she watched as he studied the bit of paper on one of the tables across the way..

Rainald: A slight noise caught Rainald's ears and he looked up from the map. He couldn't see anyone. "Hello, anybody there?" he called out.

Celesse: Arching an eyebrow as the man cast his gaze out and called forth into the hall.. She just kept perfectly still now, observing the actions of the man..

Rainald: Aparently he must have misheard, s he simply returned his attention back to the several maps on the table

Celesse: It was hard to imagine that the man did not see her.. She could see him clear enough from her spot on the couch near the hearth.. For the way that he was studying the papers, it made her terribly curious as to what he was up to..

Rainald: The night had been a long one already, it seemed that finally sleep would welcome Rainald into its shelter. He rubbed his eyes and got up to fetch some more water for himself. It was then that he saw the woman laying on the couch. he stopped in his steps, mustering the woman. "Well, who have we got here?“ The informality of his greeting was something owed to the late hour.

Celesse: Funny to think that the man could not find sleep, since he was dead asleep not more than a few hours hence.. She was laid simply on the couch, her hands behind her head, in the half light, eyes black as coal watched him, reading his lips.. "..Celesse Kinna MacGreggor.."She offered quietly, waiting to see if the man lived up to the reputation painted for him..

Rainald: She certainly was no servant girl .... but of nobility? Lately Rainald couldn't be so certain, he also began to believe his mind might beginning to play tricks on him. So he played it safe. "Milady MacGregor, is it? I nae seen you there, for give my inattention. You... be a guest in these lands?"

Celesse: A little smile came to her lips, and she shook her head some while they rested atop her hands.. "..Nae at all, Sir.. Yeh seemed quite engrossed in what yeh were studyin.." her head then nodded a very little.. "..Aye.. I hail from Trossachs Crossing.. A friend of Lady Nicole Douglas.." Leaving out the fact that she wasnt in fact a lady of the courts.. Just a farmers daughter..

Rainald: Trossachs Crossing? Lady Douglas? Rainald shook his head and walk around the couch to stand in front of it. He now studied her more closely. She looked so young, well-build....elegant even. "Ah yes, I seem to have heard of the place and the Lady." He had not, but that wasn't anything he needed to let the lass know. He went to the side table and poured himself a goblet of water, his back was turned to the beauty on the couch. "May I offer you some wine, or water, Milady?"

Celesse: Well, there was ample to study, her arms stretched above her head to rest behind her.. hair the color of fire woven into a tight braid that seemed to end down near her knees.. The braid was woven with black and silver tassels.. The dress she wore was close fitting to her form, On her bare upper arms were strange tattoos, akin to celtic knotwork.. But she was short, being several inches under five feet tall.. When you walked off to the side board for refreshment, she followed with her eyes.. She could see his jaw moving up and down, and knew that he spoke.. She took a wild guess, assuming some things about where he stood and what he was doing.. "..Might I have water..?"

Rainald: The Frank Lord smiled and nodded, pouring another mug with water, then turning back to her, handing her the mug. Strange creature, this.... all of a sudden a dangerous feeling dwelled up in him. He could have bend down and ... touched her hair.... Rainald shook his head and again offered the woman the water. "Here, Milady, as you wished." He starred at her for along moment... and then turned away abruptly. He fumbled a bit for his words. "Nights are good for studying, reading... when sleep is illusive or far and in between.” He began to sip on his own goblet, once again facing the woman laying on the couch.

Celesse: When he returned with the water, she accepted it gratefully, and sat up slightly to sip it, then laid her head back down.. Once more observing the man and his actions.. For a moment, there was a look in his eye, but it was gone quickly.. "..Thank yeh for this.." She lifted the mug slightly to indicate the water, and then lowered it to rest atop her middle.. Once more the man turned away from her and began to speak, she was about to sigh when he turned about once more to sip his water and watch her.. "..Beg yer pardon..?" She said softly from her spot.. She hated to make people repeat themselves, but it was necessary.

Rainald: His eyes narrowed slightly. Had she not heard his words? "The night... sleep and me don't always agree..." He stepped closer again, as if drawn to the creature. He sat down at the end of the couch, where the woman's feet rested. Leaning forward, he looked her into her eyes. "You... do understand my language.... don't you?" His inquisitive eyes held hers, slowly he placed his mug of water onto the ground.

Celesse: "..Ah.."She said softly upon him repeating himself.."..Aye, ive often found myself awake at hours unfit for people.. Nae for lack of trying mind you.." Insomnia it would alter be called.. Once more she followed you with her eyes when you stepped to the end of the couch and sat down.. Her lips pursed lightly, and she moved the mug to on side so she could see him clearly again.."..Aye.. I understand it.. Tis jess that I cannae hear.. Though I read lips verra well.." She gave a little smile.. "..So if yeh could face me when yeh speak..?" her own gaze, for the most part didnt meet his, since she was often looking to his lips.. "..I dun believe I caught yer name, Sir..?"

Rainald:: he couldn't help himself but at that moment he reached forward and brushed away a bit of her hair from the side of her face, revealing her left ear. His fingertips lingered on the skin of her face for a second longer... she was so soft to the touch, the warmth radiating from her skin, quite so lovely.... almost appalled, Rainald finally and quickly withdrew his hand. No one was around, except the two of them. Had he wished... his hand trembled as terror struck him at this monstrous fleeting thought and he quickly stood up again, distancing himself from the woman. "Right, right.... I haven't told ye my name.... I be Lord Rainald de Sennis.... ambassador from Frankia. A guest..." How could such shocking thoughts fill his mind so unbiddingly?

Celesse: Celesses eyes left his face long enough to look over at the hand that came to her ear and brushed her hair back, then lingered there upon her cheek.. perhaps for a little too long.. She was about to say something when he seemed to snap back from a reverie, and jumped to his feet, blurting out his name and title.. Dark eyes shot up to follow him as he spoke.. "..Lord Rainald de Sennis.. A.. uhm.. pleasure to meet yeh.." She wet her lips with the tip of her tongue and watched him again, a little more closely than before.. Seeing he was at war with something in his mind.. "..Are yeh quite alright..?"She pushed herself up a little to sit on the couch..

Rainald: A few deep breaths and Rainald had the unwanted feelings under control again. Of course he had recognized the look of bewilderment in her eyes when he had brushed her hair aside. "I didn't mean to.... I ...." He shook his head, how stupid of him. He never had seen a deaf person so beautiful before, and his instinct had been to ... check. "I'm fine, milady." But... had that woman be of noble birth, wouldn't she have protested immediately? Only a peasant or lower birthed woman would have endured his approach. Had that maybe be his intention all along - to find her out? "I am quite alright, Milady." He continued to pretend to hold her for something he now clearly was dismissing in his mind. "My studies.... I really must get back to them!"

Celesse: Once more she watched him while he reigned himself in.. A little sly smile came across her lips.. "..I am pleased.." And she was.. No, she was not of noble birth, but so many ladies of higher station than her called her lady anyway, it was hard to tell herself sometimes.. She hadnt protested at the touch, because she didnt fear the man, she was capable of defending herself.. Small, but scrappy.. When he repeated himself, she laughed softly, and nodded.. "..Ah.. good, good.." Honestly, things like this happened to her often.. And in the end, she and Aja (her wife) would sit over tea and giggle insanely for many hours on end.. Celesse rose to her feet, straightening down her dress.. "..Aye.. An I should be seein ta m'own.. Again, a pleasure to meet yeh Sire.." Another slow grin appeared on her lips, she bowed and made her way out..

Rainald: He looked up from the maps he had been studying to watch the woman leave the hall. She had brought out something in him, something he had thought long buried deep within his soul. A feeling of … desire. Again he shook his head and forced his mind to concentrate on the maps in front of him again. He better paid attention to the task at hand, although he couldn’t deny how sweet it had been, after a period which seemed like an eternity, to touch and enjoy the softness and warmths of a woman’s skin again!

[Ghost of a Guest]

Nice RP!

[Rainald de Sennis]

Today Rainald de Sennis had made good use of the studies he had made of Winstorms harbour last night. Taken his horse he had ridden down to the harbour and there she was - the sip of the Friesian captainUlbrecht. As his brother Dieter had indicated the ship lay barren, in serious need of repair. Rainald wondered which could have caused such damage as he rounded the ship on horseback from a short distance, always careful to avoid being detected by the ship's crew.

He patted the neck of his horse as he kept watching the going-ons around the ship... suddenly his eyes closed and he thought back to the brief moment last night when he had caressed that woman's face....he had found it to be a sensation he would love to repeat....

But there were more important matters to attend to, there was that pestering Norse who seemed to have returned at about the same time Rainald had returned to the castle as resident. That Bragasson was again riling people up against the Frank's presence, Rainald knew. The Frank had his sources amongst the servants by now, one lass in particular who had told him, over a good mug of ale, how much that Bragasson had insulted the Frank Lord behind his back, and was encouraging others to side with him and his ridiculous sentiments.

The queen needed to know and finally draw some consequences...

This would need to stop! All of it. He would not tolerate any insinuations or insults neither by supposed Royal blood nor by any damn Norse against him any longer! No! - His hand again began to caress the neck of his horse ... he felt as if invoking the memories of last night's strange sensation of arousal seem to calm him... his fears, his anxieties, his anger.. He let his fingertips run through the short coat of the neck of the horse, imagining it to be the skin of that woman. How long had it been .... he knew he could find carnal pleasure in any of the villages around the castle but that was not his way, nor was it ingrained in his moral fibre to buy love.

He sighed and tried to turn his concentration back to the ongoings along the wharves of the harbour. Another hour and he would return to the castle, to see how that which he had learned this day would help him strengthening his position within the castle and against those Friesian Royals. Oh, he would do nothing to provoke, nothing to break his oath as guest of Windstorm and towards Queen Edfeil to keep the peace. But the days where he would let insults pass were over. Lately, while he had been away, people had leaned of another side of Rainald and they had learned not to cross him. Although those who had not learned their lesson, no longer lived to tell about their audacity!

He pressed his heels into the flank of his horse and turned it around, back to the castle. He felt exhausted, yet knew the following night would again bring no or only tormented sleep to him.How he longed .... "One can't buy anything for a cursed fanatsy!" Who knew that better than Rainald de Sennis!

[sofia]

PART ONE

(17:50:00)

Emissary of West Frankia
: There wasn't anything he could do but let the woman healer leave him standing in the hall, the guards closing the doors of the hall after her. Rainald was being left without recourse....or had he? If what that woman had said was true, she must have made notes in her journals...there had to be written acounts of his attack, and lkely she would be keeping those in the infirmary. - Not willing to let his name be slandered like that, without knowing why, Rainald made his decision and walk out of the hall, heading for the infirmary.

(18:06:06)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: Having gained access, Rainald starts shifting through papers laying on a table

(18:32:31)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: There are scrolls and papers laying upon the main table of the infirmary, Rainald is looking through them, trying to find something to indicate who had accused him of attacking her. He has no recollection of any such action, but the healing woman of this place had persisted he had been stake raving mad at the time. An accusation the Frank ambassador to Windostorm cannot and will not let stand!

(18:33:42)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: IF you will tell me waht you are seeking, I can be telling you the correct one to be reading **Her voice is icy, appearing in the doorway

(18:34:55)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: There are scrolls and texts in latin which he reads well... but also, there are some parchments written in something Rainald surmises are arabic... instead of continuing his initial search for evidence, he stops to try and decipher the context of one of the scrolls. it tells of herbal mixes.... mixes and plants to bring insanity to the mind, if he reads this correctly!

(18:36:57)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: He sharply turns towards Lady Sofia. "So, not only are you an accuser of innocent men, you are also... a sorcerer? *points to the arabic scroll* I should have surmised as much, moor!

(18:44:54)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: **Her eyes flashed dark anger, her voice icy and deeply dangerous* Do not be ridiculous. Since you are arriving you are being rude and insulting to all,you are attacking Cara, and now you are having laid hands to me in ill-will, and now accuse me of nonsense while intruding and being nosey in matters not of your concern??? **Dark eyes narrow** By what authority do you behave so?

(18:45:31)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: I have been wonering all aloneg about my fears, my nightmares.....you have the power to create such, HAVE YOU NOT???

(18:47:41)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: *Har hand flashes a hard slap across your face at this point, her anger blazing hotly in professional and personal indignation* HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME OF SUCH??

(18:48:52)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: *Her voice is hard and angry* I am one who gives of healing and comfort where I may, how DARE you accuse me of such ill-wills?

(18:48:59)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: "Cara?" At last he had the name. "I have done no such thing as to attack her, woman! If she told you such hse is...." He isn't saying it but implying ti - a liar

(18:50:21)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: It was not she, Rainald, it was teh people who rescued her from you *Her voice blunt*

(18:51:01)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: He stumbled back from the slap and immediately grabbed the offending hand by its wrist. He trembled with anger and surely would have thrown her to the ground.... but he again released her wrist. There was now another expression in his eyes- blank horror

(18:53:23)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: Again Rainald growled. I... did... not .... ATTACK THAT WOMAN CARA!"

(18:55:09)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: **Her voice is again cold, icy, controlled....glacial** This is twice now you are losing your self control and grabbing me in violence, when claiming to be in your right mind....how do you doubt it possible when you are...afflicted?

(18:56:27)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: **Slim wrist held out, showing where she was already beginning to bruise from your grip** Do you see now? And there is another like it on my arm, from the feelings of it

(19:01:24)

Emissary of West Frankia
is in the Infirmary, and says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: He looks at your wrist ... shaking his head. "You accused me, of an outrage.... I did not attack that woman, you have no right..." Somehow, and slowly, Rainald backs down, beginning to understand what he might have done

(19:04:01)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: **The guards were coming in both doorways now, but the master sergent had watched Sofia work enough to hold up a hand keeping his men frozen in place.....watchful, but not interfering. She looks at you and lifts her wrist to your eyes baring the full ring of blooming redness that was going to quickly darken, her voice low** Is this a lie, Rainald? *her hand reaches up, shifts her dress to the side baring the top of slim arm, likewise discolored where you had grabbed earlier** Or this?

(19:07:20)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: *After giving you a few long seconds to truly see what you had done, she shifts her dress back into place, watching you intently

[sofia]

PART TWO

(19:08:33)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: Voices indicate the infirmary has gotten company... guards. Bewildered Rainald, still relying on his reflexes for defense, draws his dagger, then he looks to the healer's wrist and arm. "call off the guards, Milady!... I have notharmed any other....no other woman!" His voice begins to be tinged with doubt. "I ... have not done so! Show me my accuser.... show her to me!"

(19:10:26)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: As I said sir, if you will bother to be listening, it was not her who accused her, it was the people who rescued her from you, and their word, in my experience, is to be believed

(19:12:12)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: Meanwhile...*And here she loses all sense of humor* you have twice laid hands upon me in violence, invaded my infirmary, disturbed my patients, accused me of sorcery, and now stand before me calling me a liar......are you always in teh habit of being so insulting?

(19:13:35)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: Still holding the dagger in his hand, he begins to growl again. "Who rescued her? And why have they not come to accused me themselves, but you? You who knows nothing you...." Again he must exert all of his controle not to speak further unless he'd again call her a sorcerer

(19:16:39)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: *She looks at youa long minute, then speaks* Alright, we're going to change how this is happening, and you are going to start by asking, in polite and civilized manner, exactly what you are wishing to be knowing from My records.....I am not wasting the night fighting with you

(19:17:45)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: He finally realises something. "You have only the word of those who "rescued" that woman Cara from me? You have nothing! Let me face my accusers, it is my right!

(19:19:49)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: And now you accuse a knight and a prince of dishonesty, who are honored and welcomed guests of this castle? *Her eyes regard you*

(19:21:26)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: He calms himself, then starts. "You said I attacked someone. By now, and your own words, you gave me that name and I demand to speak tgo that woman and have her name me her attacker if she dares! And those...." He points with his dagger to the arabic texts, "I can read that tongue, healer!Are there mixtures you brew here for affecting ill? For such ingredients I have seen there

(19:22:24)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: His eyes narrow. Tell me names and I shall stand before them challenging thier accusations!

(19:24:25)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: Insult after insult after insult, she wasnt sure of th running talley anymore, and her voice was sharp in reply* You reveal your own woeful ignorance, Rainald. If you were reading even slightly more of my mother tongue, you would be understanding that these are to help one sleep, who is afflicted by foul and evil nightmares......had you had the grace to simply ask, I could have told you long ago

(19:29:46)

Emissary of West Frankia
says to Sofia bint NasrullahWinds: he takes a step towards you, aware that the guards are closely following his every step. "Is that not conveneint, then, that ever since my return here I have suffered from just such ailments! As if someone..." He stops his word and let his dagger sink to his side.Flashback from his wife's ordeal at his hands riddle his mind. "She was a sorcerer, lke you.... she was .... like you." He stand in the infirmary and stares into the void for a long moment.

(19:34:14)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
is in the Infirmary, and says to Emissary of West Frankia: Enough of this nonsense **And she simply turned and walked out, heading toward the hall leaving you in the room full of guards who closed ranks around you while she left...the master sergent's voice holding something very unpleasant...You best be watchin' yer tongue m'lord (giving the word a sarcastic note), that li'l Moorish woman 'as saved ever' last one of us in th' last two years, she don't have nuffin ter do wiv such and yer slanders her name in accusin 'er like that

(19:35:04)

Sofia bint Nasrullah
Windstorm, CS
PRIVATELY whispers to ALL: Im sorry folks I have to get going real life is needing me

[Rainald de Sennis]

In the Great Hall of Windstorm, Rainald tried to concentrate on the papers he was trying to study. They entailed the latest trade agreements between Windstorm, Frankia and Ravensgard, favourable to all three kingdoms, but Rainald was sure there could be still more made out of these to benefit Frankia's security more. The Norse wished to trade more iron ore from Frankia, in exchange for … basically nothing! Ore to produce weapon, Rainald was certain; if he could help it no ore would ever be shipped to the Norse as it would endanger Frankia’s safety.

He rubbed his eyes, and laid the papers aside for a moment. He thought of the queen. As so often she had decided an altercation last night in a manner Rainald had become to admire. She had heard his concerns, and even listened to that woman Cara with her undivided attention. She listened even to lies.... poor guilable queen! ... Rainald sighed, and leaned back in his chair. Cara...Lady Sofia... Celesse! The only woman around here who didn't seem to despise him. He chuckled slightly, closing his eyes and imagined his hand running along the skin of her spine ...

The minutes pass finding the Frank in silent revery ... would God grant him only one wish before his end would come, it would not be for gold or glory, but for the touch of a woman to sooth his restless nights and bring those demons down which had taken such a strong hold of him. Any woman who would not fear or loath him as a monster. he was a kind man deep down inside his soul, but life recently had taken that gentleness away, replacing it with fears instead. A woamn to take those away and cradle him in her arms at night...

A log in the fire place came crashing down and brought Rainald back to reality once again, his eyes open starring at the fire. Cursed be his idle dreams, cursed be the one who had all but silenced the longings of his soul! With a sigh, he looked back at the papers in front of him ...

[sofia]

(17:01:41) Sofia is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: **Having woken up dressed and eaten she comes in here, and is now searching through her scrolls and parchments, frowning sharply as a fair number seem to be missing. It's an easy guess where they'll be...or at least with whom. That arrogant man...she looks to the bruises on her wrist with a dark scowl. Oh yes, he had some revenge coming, allright

(17:04:30) Sofia is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: **Then when she realizes what's missing, a short sharp laugh.....the ones without illustrations...Ooohhhh that would likely put him in a tizzy...hmmm maybe a bodyguard was in order...but no, she wants her revenge herself...and she will have it** (round three...ba da da dum)

(17:10:15) Sofia is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: **Half of those scrolls were in latin, half were in arabic, and at lest three had favorite foods from home scribbled in the side margins where she thought the flavors might go well together. Now she begins to giggle helplessly, imagining the look on his face when the sheet for rosemary was discovered to have "slow grilled lamb chunks" in the margins...ooohhhhhhh that could be rich hehehehehe

(17:20:59) Sofia is in the Infirmary, and says to ALL: **However, knowing where the man was likely to go running, she thinks it in her best interest to seek out the local Priest. He had watched her for years, occasionally given blessing to her patients....now she thinks she probably owes the man a warning of what lunacy is going to be coming. With a sigh, putting her remaining records back in neat order, she heads toward teh chapel*

(17:26:44) Sofia is in the Chapel, and says to ALL: Good eve to Thee, Sofia **The priest's greeting is kind, if rather surprised, and his eyes widen as she explains to him the situation. He can't help i, his eyes twinkle merrily when he hears what is scribbled in the side margins** Oh dear, that is likely to cause him distress indeed. Well, be not afraid my child, I know thou'rt purely good **His hand pats her shoulder kindly. She thanks him respectfully, then takes her leave**

(17:34:56) Sofia is in the Chapel, and says to ALL: Sofia....wait! *His voice calls out after only a second, as a thought occurs to him. She pauses mid-stride, turning lightly as a gazelle and returnign the few steps, waiting while he makes his way to the small altar. His hands rummage a moment, then he lifts something out...a necklace with a tiny cross upon it. He gives this a murmured blessing, then gives it to her** Wear this with my blessings child,ma it preserve and keep thee **He didn't need to say it was protection from the man's idiocy, she could read that plainly enough in his choice of blessing. Yet her slim hands take it...a heartfelt blessing was always a good thing, and this could come in useful. With a smile she salaams and thanks him, then departs. In her mind she makes a mental note to send him something nice for yuletide**

[Rainald de Sennis]

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL: The fireplace was already burning, it was cool and raining outside the walls of the Great Hall of Windstorm. Rainald de Sennis was writing... marriage terms to be agreed upon with the Lady Xavier. But once and so often, he stopped his writing and thought back on the stranger, and for him potentially dangerous, occurances of last night

(06:28:21)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
is in the Great Hall, and say to ALL: He heard the first winter storms howling outside, the rain beginning to splash harder against the shuttered windows. - Could that be a sign? Of his About last night, when he had let his senses, his feelings take control almost?

(06:34:22)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He tried to concentrate on the terms of his wedding again

(06:35:36)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: "To my future wife go these parts of my lands, my gold and my other worldly possessions..."

(06:37:21)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: Again, his concentration was broken by the winds outside ... and his memories

(07:29:31)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: As he had done so often lately, he bowed his head, leaning it on his hands. "God.... why have ye forsaken me? I did... what was the law! I did.....your will! GOD!"

(07:29:43) Evelyn : Enters the room...

(07:51:16)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He looks over to the side table... there is wine there.... plenty of it! Snarling, he gets up and walks over to it, pouring his first goblet of wine, drowning it in one large gulp

(07:51:48)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: Then a second one... a third... a fourth!

(07:51:58)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: "DAMNYou, you bastard!"

(07:53:43)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He is used to drink from his years as a Norse hostage.... he fills a fifth goblet, now drowining it in two gulps. "What do you want, eh? You won'T even give me a SON!"

(07:54:52)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He's had a son, remard, who was corrupted by his uncles Vinzelles and drowned on the open seas. "You took him from me, and YOU call yourself....GOD? You...." A swall of explicits follows

(07:56:22)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He shakes by now, the alcohol, drowned so quickly and suddenly, making his mind swimm. He walk to the fireplace, another filled mug in his hands, he leans with one hand against it...."You've taken everything from me, you bastard God!"

(07:57:08)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: "And now...you do...do it again! Why? What have I done to you?"

(08:05:18)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: The goblet with wine he still holds in one hand, he tosses into the flames of the fireplace... a large flame erupts, almost singing his tunic...he is now bracing himself against the mantle piece with both hands because he has become a bit unsteady on his feet

(08:13:26)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He loses his steadiness and crashes down to his knees... they hurt and there will be bruises but he doesn't feel them right now! "How can you do this to me? Why?...Whyyy?"

(08:15:36)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: Outside, the wind still howls and the rain still pours....thunder now mixing into the air of the wind

(08:16:48)

Emissary of West Frankia to Windstorm
: He sobs..."Why? Oh my God, why?" Would he ever leave the floor again?