A Gift from Sir Joseph

[Lady Laurestina]

A gift?? little gift? This vision of him and Moonlight were all that kept her going these past days. She had hope now, further, a willingness to forge into the future with out any reservations. She hardly thought so, this was the most precious gift anyone had every given her, even more so, it was something she had wished for all her life.

Sir Joseph was indeed the first knight (in her eyes) than any in the land. How could she ever repay him for such a dream come true? Now they would be able to ride together into the forests, though the medows and out to the occean, she was so happy... and knew that the meaning of this gift more than she had come to know. In time ..in time she told herself... she would understand why he gave it to her....only a matter of time *smiling as she continues to pace the floor of her chambers.*

[Sir Joseph]

Dipping the quill inte the ink he begins te scribe in perfect penmanship,
Dear Laurestina,
I opes ye enjoys the steed I aves procured fer ye. And that ye shall be capable of riding Moonlight in the near future as soon as yer ban of nae leaving the castle proper be lifted.
Please be careful as Moonlight be new te ye and I wish nae harm te come te ye whilst riding. Seems from what I ave seen , Moonlight hath taken a positive shine te ye.. smiles* I opes I may accompany ye on yer ride, jest te make certain ye be safe...
Wishing te speak more, but words evade his mind, as once again ye aves stymied the Knight.

Placing the quill down... thinking.... failing te locate more words... rolling up the scroll.. sealing the two ends with wax, then pressing es ring inte the soft wax... sliding the missive under ye chambers door as I head out on an early morns hunt...

[LadyLaurestina]

After waking, her schedule is consumed with the application of lavender oil, being most properly dressed, and making sure all is order in her chambers. After looking about and seeing all is well, is startled to see that the pike is indeed back, and now much shorter, it appears to have a new blade of elven metal as well. Realizes with wide-open eyes, that now she may be able to actually throw this blade…. As she examines it closer, as it rests next to bed post, the blade up, she runs her hand down the smooth wood... wonders if it be cherry...*smells it, and yes that it be. * Picking it up now feels the difference; it can be handled quite nicely in one hand. She will make note to practice with it this day, and hopes that there be one about who will give her lesson number 2, in throwing a pike. Hesistating a few minutes, her hand resting upon the broken door latch, she felt something shuffle and roll over the bridge of her foot. Certain it was a mouse; she did not flinch, but bent down in a gracefully guided movement. Noticing it was a rolled scroll, she opened it with out delay. Taking note of the sealed wax, smelled it and held it upon her chest before even opening it. She thought she recognized the print well. Carefully unrolling it, she proceeded to read a most eloquent missive from the Good Sir Joseph.

*Cheeks immediately blazing in crimson* As she read the missiver, hse thoughts skipped to all the things that had been perfexings her in recent days. Indeed the steed was feisty and again, the same note of concern regarding her safety? What did these kind folks of windstorm think she was, a lady incapable of defending herself, or anyone else for that matter? His words still comforted her, and she felt a joy return into her soul, that soon she will be able to join Sir Joseph in some rides though the countryside. Perhaps, he will even let her stop and pick bouquets of wild flowers to decorate the castle. * She pressed the parchment even closer to her breast…and looking up she thanked God for such a fine gentleman and Knight. He just walked into her life …at such a difficult time. * Taking a deep breath, * decided to lay the missive on her desk and write in return.

Dearest Sir Joseph:

It is in deepest respect that I send thee this note of deep appreciation for the wonderful gift thee did endow me with. This magnificent white with silver tipped, stallion, be a handful for a small lady as myself, but he is what I have desired. A horse with such spirit that can match mi own. It should be a match made in heaven. When thee gave it me, I was so shocked and beyond words, that I must now apologize for nae being more appreciative to thee. As thee have seen, Moonlight has taken a shine to me as well, and I would bet he will be a loyal mount, and only let me upon his back. I have gone to the stables in what I thought was secret, and brushed him down, * giggles a bit* rubbed him with some lavender oil as well. I was going to do the same for Ortex, but I nae seen him in the stalls for many days now. Moonlight and I seem to be in the same frame of mind, though he is a bit more headstrong than even I, both of us yearn to be fee. We both spend our days pacing, and making strange noises. Even thought I have heard these orders, Please I beg of thee, do nae be too rough on me if I break free with Moonlight into a full gallop before mi orders are lifted. I desire to ride through the night,…. well. Of course, it could be day as well. * Smiles to herself*.

I hope now, thee will accept any gifts that I am able to give to thee.

* looks at what she just wrote and hesitates with quill in hand before proceeding* *Taking a deep breath*

Further more, if thee offer thy assistance, regarding riding lessons, or learning to throw pikes, or any kind of weaponry for that matter, and if it pleases thee to have me join thee, please do nae be afraid to ask. I will be most happy to join thee. In any event thee should desire, I will be most happy to accompany thee… and still more, when thee do take a ride to the beach, forest, meadow, highland, lowland, no matter … do nae forget to ask me to accompany thee if thee wish. * takes a very deep breath*

Raises her hands to her cheeks* Mutters to herself, and hearing her own reply*

“ Now, that is laying it on a bit thick there, don’t you think?”

*Throws back her head back and laughs at her own voice of dignity and virtuousness. * She picks up the pen ignores all reason with only one aspiration and that is to finish the letter.


Tis in tender gratitude that I accept this most spirited and stallion, and perhaps some day I might be able to find a way to repay thee for the finest most generous gift.

Sincerely, and devoted to the welfare, safety and hospitality of Windstorm,

Lady Laurestina


Holding the parchment in both hands, blowing on the ink to dry it quickly; standing in front of the open window breeze, she once more carefully reads over the missive. Making very sure not to make any major mistakes. Sets it down, and rolls it up, taking a scented gardenia candle imported from Tryun's visits. Pouring a few drops on the center seam, …waits for it to conj ell for a moment, and presses her lips into it…

*Whispers..* as she addresses it.....

To: Sir Joseph!

*The wax felt soothing and that made her think, would be good as a healing agent as well*.

* Smiling, as eyes sparkled with mirth* She walked to Mollie who happened to be dusting the floors, and sweetly asked her if she would please deliver the scroll to Sir Joseph’s chambers as soon as possible. Seeing Mollie’s eyes dance a bit with wonder, Lady Laurestina, took out a small pottery bottle no bigger than the size of her thumb, filled with lavender oil and corked as well. Handed it to Mollie, and rested her hand on Mollie’s, hoping the missive will be delivered. …. She points to the chamber down the hall from hers, and is certain of the inscription upon the door, so she * draws a little lion head on the parchment missive to make sure the lass doesn’t’ confuse the door’s inscriptions with the one she has drawn. “ See this matches the one on the door. Thank thee Mollie* smiles* as she watches her skip down the hall….