Departure to Frankia and travels

[Rainald de Sennis]

It was the night before his departure. Being quite tired, hoping he had not forgotten anything important to be left attended here while he would be away, Rainald de Sennis slowly walked down the hallway towards his chamber. He rubbed his eyes and quietly opened the door to his rooms, surmising Gernot would already been sound asleep within. As he opened the door, indeed he saw the young lad sleeping on his bedding by the fireplace. Rainald smiled and as quietly as possible closed the doors after he entered. He walked over to the young lad, going down on one knee beside him, a hand gently stroking Gernot’s cheek and brushing away a strand of hair from his face. Not wishing to wake the boy, Rainald spoke in a whisper.

“I will miss you, Gernot, my dear boy! You have been good to me, always and I have heard so much good about you these past days. I hope to return soon and then..”

At that moment Gernot woke, and sleepily turned to look at Rainald. “Master? You require something?” He make moves to get up but Rainald shook his head and gently pushed Gernot back onto his bedding.

“Shhh, no, I require nothing, my boy. I just wished….well, there will be time for that tomorrow, my son!” He deliberately used the word to show the lad how he might feel in his heart, although he wasn’t sure Gernot would yet understand the hint. “Go back to sleep, Gernot, tomorrow will be a long day, for both of us!”

Gernot nodded his head, yawned and turned back to the fire while Rainald pulled the blanket snugly up to the boy’s shoulder.

Then he undressed and lay down on his bed where he could watch Gernot sleep. Indeed, he hoped he would fare well here, and he looked forward to giving him the justice he deserved – to adopt him as his son!

[Gernot Servant of Rainard]

He puts some of the provisions together which his Master Lord Rainald will take with him on his travels to West Frankia. Gernot is saddened by his Master's leaving, although he know he will return. But... he will be all alone here then

He worried about his Master... he had been so troubled lately, he seemed so... sad, about something. Shouldn't he be joyful about his upcoming wedding? Although Gernot had not seen the Lady Jessica, he was sure she must be beautiful and a good woman, onl the best for Master Rainald...or so he hoped!

He kept gathering more supplies, tools, blankets and travelling bags. The Lord would nae travel alone but with two Windstorm guards up until the coast of the British Isle, then onwards across the water towards Frankia. He would be met there by his own guards and travel further on to his home. A long journey which Gernot had done twice before with his Master. A long and perilous journey, Gernot frettet!

A few hours later Lord de Sennis arrived, his travelling cloak draped over his shoulders. He fastened his sword to the saddle of Mirage whom Gernot had made ready and set just perfectly to the needs of his Master. He looked sadly at Rainald, a look the Lord sure didn’t miss. Rainald came closer and knelt in front of Gernot.

“What’s the matter, Gernot? Why the long face, hm?“ He knew the answer already but wanted Gernot to give him his own answer.

“Milord…. I wish…. I wish I could travel with you! I’ve come with you in the past, why can’t I come this time? I don’t want to be left alone here!” He looked positively sad.

Rainald looked Gernot deeply into his eyes. “You know how dangerous this journey can be, you have taken it before! I do not wish to endanger you at this time, my boy. Not this time. The business I need to take care off concerns my wedding, and for this…” Now he smiled at Gernot, a proud smile, “I will need someone here in Windstorm to look after my affairs and represent Frankia for me. Do you think you can do that, hm?” He held both arms of Gernot in his hands, squeezing them slightly.

Gernot looked surprised, but then his surprise was replace with a look of great pride. “You think… I should … of course, Master. I’d be proud to. But… I’m just a lad, sir and the Queen and nobody will take me serious!” Again he looked sceptical.

Now Rainald brushed a hand over Gernot’s hair. “Well, they might not listen to your words, but you will stand for all that we Franks are known for – honour, courtesy, doing justice to others and be fair to the ladies. You can do that, I am certain!”

Gernot beamed now and nodded eagerly. “Yes, Master, oh I can do that certainly. I will be the perfect Frank, they will envy not to be of our blood!”

Rainald chuckled and stood up. “I know you will make Frankia and me proud, my son. And please… do nae call me Master any longer! Once I’ll return, that will change, and you’ll become part of my family… you will understand. Meanwhile, You be a good lad, obey your elders and when taught, pay attention, aye?”

Gernot’s sadness was almost gone, as he had been given such an important task. He again nodded eagerly. “I will… Ma-… uhm… Lord Rainald!”

If only he knew, Rainald wished he could tell him yet but that would have to wait. He took Gernot by his shoulders and bowed down to kiss the lad’s brow. “Be well, Gernot, I’ll be back sooner than you might think! And please, give Lady Sofia and the Queen my best!”

With these last words Rainald mounted Mirage, as did the two Windstorm guards who would accompany Rainald to the coast, and the three riders departed the courtyard heading west towards the sea.

For a long time Gernot stood in the courtyard, looking on as the riders disappeared in the distance. Despite the important task he had been given, he still would have prefered to accompany Lord Rainald. These would be long lonely weeks, he feared and finally turned back to the stables to perform his other duties.

[sofia]

(ooohhh beautifully written rp!)

[Rainald de Sennis]

The ride back to Windstorm had been an exhausting one. It was winter, the snow covering the ground , making it difficult for bothe man and beast.

His dealings in West Frankia were concluded, his journey home would first lead him to Dragonshire, the home of his bride-to-be ... The Lady Jessica Alexandra!