Easter in Lune

[Lady Beren]

The afternoon light filtered through the pine trees of the forests south of the keep, bathing everything in a light of almost magical quality . Lady Beren couldn't help smiling as she walked...she was home , in spring time, the Franks were camping at the southern border as they so often did ...all was normal...Well, almost.

It had been barely a week ago when the urgent missive had reached her at Windstorm "Franks at the border - yer presence required" She had wasted no time : after a talk with Queen Edfeil -who thankully was having a good spell- and an even quicker encounter with Lord Dieter and the Ladies Sofia and Dream, she had left , dressed as a minstrel and with only Ranger Richard for her protection. The journey had passed in a blur : fast horses to the coast, the ususal rough crossing of the Channel and more fast horses , until they had sneaked into Lune, unnoticed by the Franks. The Home Guard had greeted her with something that could almost be called 'relief' .

Her steward had told her the story about how the Franks had appeared in their ususal spot, and set up camp, now three weeks ago. Their leader had demanded to see the Lady and had been answered she was indisposed. A week later he appeared again and was shown a decoy, veiled because of a very bad cold... then Lady Beren had arrived herself and feasted Easter so publicly that the Franks could have no doubt she was home. Usually, this was enough to convince them to go home.

Not so this time. Nothing had happened at all for two days now. And Lady Beren, curious as to why had decided to go and take a look at the Franks' camp.

So here she walked the forests and , after visiting the sentries, reached the place where her contingent of Windstorm Lancers defended the southern border. It was a nice reunion. Ranger Richard was asked all sorts of questions whilst Beren was briefed by Lancer Damian. "Nae any movement for two days now, M'Lady" he said. Together they watched the colourful assembly of tents at the other side of the river. "And none spotted anywhere else either?" Damian shook his head. " 't be all very strange ...as if they be waiting for something"

The Lady nodded pensively. She had picked up on the atmosphere of expectation ...something was amiss and she so wished it was not....For she had promised Queen Edfeil she would be back before the moon was full again.

She was just about to turn back to the keep when a sole trumpet sounded from over the river. The Lancers stirred, and the camp of the Franks came to life. A cloud of dust announced the arrival of a group . Too curious to leave Lady Beren stayed to watch ...
Not so much later she understood the reason for the atmosphere of expectation, the restlessness in the air and the apparent quietness of the Franks. And she also understood that her promise to be back in Windstorm before the moon was full would be severely tested. For now arrived in the Frankish camp was her old arch enemy : John of Hainault. She could see his colours and the hawk on his banner.

Trouble had come to her door once more ....

[sofia]

(ooohhhhh....delicious!)

[John of Hainault]

( @ Sofia at yer service, madame )

[Curious Frank]

(*smiles and settles down for some action* We poor misunderstood Franks!)

[Lady Beren]

It was early in the morning of the second day after John of Hainault had reached the Frankish camp. Expecting a request for an audience soon, Lady Beren had prepared the keep; a bit to the disgruntlement of some of her staff she had decided to recieve the Frank with all possible pomp, should he decide to pay her a visit. She herself preferred staying at the hunting lodge further north...it was a more comfortable and friendly dwelling. But under the circumstances the keep was the better option- it was also much more defendable.

Lune was in a state of "subtle alert" : all seemed normal on the surface, but if need be, all its people and cattle would be in the keep or in other safe places within hours.

The night had been uneasy...dreams about John of Hainault had haunted her for the first time in years. Coming to think of it, she had nae thought of him for a long time. All during her long spell in Lune recently he had not come ...it had been King Charles himself she had had to deal with.

When the day broke, she got up, unrested and feeling unusually on edge. Or perhaps it was nae unusual at all : John of Hainault was intelligent and wily. He was also persistent. Having him at her border could only spell trouble.

During breakfast the expected missive arrived in the form of a young messanger. The youth reminded her of Horatio, although this one had an haughtiness about him she found irritating. " Greetings to Ye, Lady of Lune! My most honourable master, Sir John of Hainault, humbly asks for an audience." Lady Beren smiled most charmingly "Very wel... please tell yer honourable master we invite him to have supper with us today." The messenger bowed and took his leave with a swish of his short cloak.

"Supper, M'Lady ?" her steward started as soon as the door had closed behind the messenger . "But of course, my dear Gerald...what better way to find out what our honourable guest is doing at our borders than over some good food and nice wine...? " Lady Beren smiled again, gently amused by the discomfort her steward felt at the whole situation. He was a good man, and took care of her lands well...but perhaps he was nae used yet to his Lady and her sometimes surprising solutions and methods of working.


And so it came to pass that, that evening, Lady Beren awaited her guest in the great Hall of the keep. The Hall looked lovely and smelled delightfully of pine, the tables were laid with the best plate and on the gallery her favourite band of minstrels and jongleurs made sure it was filled with music.

Again trumpets announced the arrival of het guest. The same messenger preceded him, announcing him with a clear voice "His Lordship viscount John of Hainault " . Lady Beren rose from her chair of state. All her training by Lady Ruoma, Queen Edfeil's beloved mother, payed off the moment the guest entered the Hall...

For instead of the old, wily man she expected, a tall, dark haired and immaculately dressed dashing young man entered her presence ....

[Lady Beren]

The unexpected guest slowly walked to the dias upon which Lady Beren stood before the chair of state, followed by every pair of eyes in the Hall. He did nae seem to notice, his gaze fixed on the Lady. Only Ranger Richard, who stood close to Beren, heard her very brief and immediately checked sharp intake of breath. Thousands of thoughts fell over each other in her head. She had expected the elder John of Hainault-she knew how to handle him and had already made plans about how to go about getting him from her border. The appearance of the younger man completely threw her for a moment.

Nae a thing showed of the confusion she felt. She waited until he had reached her and then in a clear, friendly voice bade him welcome. The visitor bowed deeply and elegantly, afterwards declaring : " The beauty of this new Spring fades when one lays eyes upon ye, Madame " His words deepened her smile.
" Ye do us much honour, Seigneur." she answered.

[Lady Beren]

((sorry for the long gap and the very brief next bit ...it was ment to be much longer, but RT is interfering at the moment ... I hope to at least finish the scene very soon. *S*))

[Lady Beren]

(back to the scene ...lovely music, candles and torches, people in nice clothes ... *s* ))

Much to most spectators' surprise, Lady Beren extended her hand to the visitor. He took up the invitation, now kneeling and brushing her slender fingers with his lips. "It is Ye that does us the honour by inviting us, Madame" His voice was pleasant and deep. For one brief moment she allowed herself to be swept away by his appearance and the gentle tingling in her fingers...then she remembered her role as hostess and , before all, the plan to extract as much information as she could.

The rest of the evening passed most amiably. Ranger Richard kept close to the Lady, observing everything with his face as expressionless as ever. Though he would nae ever show it, he worried about his mistress. He nad nae ever seen her so ... relaxed...aye...that was the word that came closest to what he felt. He did nae trust the Frank for one second, yet she seemed to . Although their conversation was formal, he heard her voice being warm and friendly, without the usual irony she reserved for her southern neighbours...and her eyes had twinkled and shone all evening. The gentleman from Hainault had humoured his lady and spoken flatteringly, praised her, ...all that with that deep, honeyed voice of his which had made his lady stare into her goblet more than once, a gentle blush permanently on her cheeks. And she had hummed on her way to her chambers. What was he, Richard, who knew so well how to protect the Lady's person from others, going to do to protect her from herself?

Once in bed, Lady Beren had a lot to think about. She felt dozy with the excellent wine and with the memory of those lips against her fingers. She smiled as she thought about John oif Hainault the Younger. His father had died but recently. This had recalled his only son from the household of Lady Beren's trusted friend from Normandy, Aymer de Vraineville. In this household John had enjoyed his training and education, in the company of Aymers five sons. It had made him into a most excellent gentleman, she thought. Their conversation had been general...although John had made a passing comment about there being no Lord on her side.

The memory of this made her suddenly sit up in bed. She clutched her head and muttered the gentlest of curses as this provoked a nasty sting of pain in her head. She asked one of her ladies for a goblet of water and drank it, still sitting up. "Beren, ye fool " she whispered to the curtains of the four poster. For she still did nae know the true intentions of the Franks at her border. Why were they there? Why had King Charles (for she was certain he was behind the Franks' little camping expedition) sent John of Hainault to her? Did John have plans of his own?

She sighed and smiled again, in spite of herself. She had felt something stir very deep inside her, that whole evening. Why was he so frustratingly attractive? Did King Charles expect her to fall for his pawn? "Oh!" the irritated sound of her own voice made her laugh. The King had almost succeeded. Now it was her task to play the part and discover what he was up to ....

[Dream Loxley]

((Wonderful to read these plays again here.....bringing the boards back to life! I am sure many are enjoying the magical writing skills we have always admired in Windstorm.))

[Lady Beren]

((thank you very much, dear Dream I am glad you like it))

[Lady Beren]

It had been three days since the visit of the leader of the Frankish campers ... or that is what Lady Beren called them in silence. John of Hainault had left her thinking for all that time. His men exercised,but did little else, something that greatly puzzled the Home Guard, the Lancers and herself. What was he up to? And how was she going to discover the meaning of his presence if he hid in his tent?

Since she had come to her senses, many plans had called for her attention in her mind, but she had discarted them all. She would just have to create another opportunity to see him and then keep her wits about her. She smiled, half grimly, half amused. She had noticed an almost inperceptible change in Ranger Richard's attitude when he noticed she actually made no signs of swooning anymore. They were so tuned in to eachother it was almost scary, sometimes. It would never show, but she understood that he had been very worried.

This instant he came towards her, almost a smile on his face. "A message from Windstorm, M'Lady" he said. Lady Beren thanked him with one of hers and settled on the nearest stool to read. She immediately recognised the regular, neat hand of Horatio. Her eyes flitted over the news , smiling at his wording. The news was mostly good. " I am most happy to be able to tell Ye that Sir Kyle has returned. He mentioned his brother Ghaele was in the neighbourhood and might pay Yer Ladyship a visit ...so as to show the Franks Ye really be home." Further it mentioned that Queen Edfeil was feeling better. She still kept to her room, but had been faring well by the care of Lady Sofia. Lord Dieter could only report peace everywhere. Lady Beren's smile deepened for a moment when she read his quickly scribbled report that Horatio had added to his own letter. It was businesslike, yet courteous, just as she had come to know the prince. It lightened her heart that Sir Kyle was back. It ment Windstorm now still had a commander in case she could nae return before the moon was full.
The last piece of news both delighted and worried her "His Lordship the Emissary of West Frankia has adopted Gernot as his own son." She was happy for both the Emissary and the boy, but understood repercussions from King Charles would appear sooner or later. She just hoped with all her heart that King Charles would nae think she had any part in it.

She was still pondering this when Sir John's messenger was announced to her. She quickly straightened her skirts and hastened to take up a regal pose in the chair of state, Ranger Richard silently taking up his post behind her. The messenger duly bowed. "Messire of Hainault wonders whether Yer Ladyship would care for a ride" he declared simply. Something in the messenger's attitude conveyed the fact that it was more a command than an invitation. Lady Beren smiled . This was an excellent opportunity! "Ye can tell Messire of Hainault I be most honoured by his invitation and will await hin at the gates at the second hour past noon. " Her voice and expression completely even, she conveyed nae a thing of her excitement.

And so it came to pass that Lady Beren met John of Hainault again, in the meadows in front of the gates. She was seated on her chestnut mare Pilgrim and looked merry and beautiful as ever. Richard was as ever close to her. Much to her inner confusion her heart skipped a beat when she beheld her guest. He looked simply magnificent. All good sense seemed to leave her when he leaned over in the saddle to kiss her gloved hand. And much to Richard's growing fear , she blushed like a rose.

The small company fell into a comfortable trot, Lady Beren leading the way. The fresh air did bring some sense back into her and she started thinking about the right questions to ask, meanwhile having amiable conversation. She needn't have worried. Halfway the ride, Sir John tone of voice suddenly became serious. "M'Lady de Lune ...if have a question to ask of Ye" He looked at her and she at him. "Aye , M'Lord?" Her voice was soft. "Would Ye accept me as a husband, M'Lady? " Before she could speak or even find words to express the mixture of merriment and anger that befell her, he held up a hand. "Ye be quite alone, M'Lady. King Charles is worried about Ye and would think it wise to offer ye the protection of a husband..." Lady Beren could nae help but to raise her eyebrows at this declaration. She halted Pilgrim, thus halting the whole small company. "Has King Charles nae understood that Lune be independent from Frankia? " she started , eyes flashing. Sir John smiled, almost wolfishly. "He also understands Lune is but small..." Lady Beren now sat straight up in her saddle, ready to speak again against the so elegantly wrapped but overt threath of the Frankish King. The choice was clear...marriage or the threath of war. A sudden idea popped into her head whilst she was trying to calm herself before speaking.
Her eyes shone all innocently when she spoke the next words, accompanied by an almost apologetic and demure smile. The idea was wild and unshaped...and pure and utter bluff at that. But Sir John was nae to know, she fervently hoped.

"What His Majesty does nae know though, is that I be engaged to marry, M'Lord ... I am sincerely grateful for his generous thoughts, however, he will certainly understand I need to refuse his offer."

Later on, when Sir John had departed, promising he would convey her status to King Charles and she was safely back in the keep, she plopped into the chair of state, shaking , and muttered to an ever calm Richard "Where am I going to find a husband? "

For it was certain that King Charles would want proof ...

[Ghaele Draven]

Ghaele had recieved word from Kyle that the Lady Beren could use some assistance....Ghaele was not far from her location andmade haste to reach her......tis been along while since he had seen her, last time we spoke there was talk of a colaberation on a song fo the kingdom, but becaue of his duty he had to leave for a time...but he pushes old thoughts to the side, rubbing the neck of his steed, he began to run faster, heading to the Lady in distress.....after Ghaele had recieved Kyle's letter, he took and wrote one himself to his home land asking for his truope of rangers, something he hoped was not needed, but being prepared for anything was key......the ride to the Lady's land was was swift, a good steed and being close really helped out....once he reached the forest, his true domain, he dismounted and sent his steed back, and with a command and pat, the steed took off running...Ghaele turned back to the forest and entered into it.....being a ranger hd certain benifts like blending in and not leaving footprints for others to find you.....


((Will finish up when I get home))

[Ghaele Draven]

he stalked around the forest to get the lay of the land, finding little spots perfect to hide and to set up for an ambush....it was better to go on foot from here as not to draw any attention for wandering patrols, from either side really....After some time of moving thru the woods he stoped and steped back behind a tree and then crotched down low and then peek out from behind the tree, he took a spyglass out and looked thru it and he saw what he thought he did, a sentry.....he nae knew if they spoted him yet.....by the banner they looked ot be Berens.....he took another look around and was trying to see if he could see the others, there is never just one.......he chuckled lightly to himself and knew he could not just go up and sneak into the place....he put the spyglass away and then stood up and walked out from behind the tree and just kept to his path, if he was seen, and before the thought was finished an arrow hit the tree beside him, an obvious warning, something he was expecting....he held his hand up and with his other pulled the letter from Kyle out and just stood there as they approached.....once in front of him the one spoke.."Who are you and why are you skulking thru here?"....


My name is Ghaele Draven and I have a letter from Kyle Draven my brother asking me to come and aid the Lady Beren if I could. She is my friend and I have this letter with Windstorm's seal upon it. Here, take a look. I am here to help.


he took and handed the letter to the one sentry and waited for him to look upon it and read to see he was telling the truth...the sentry looked to him and nodded and told me to follow the others back to the Keep....one fo them looked to me and asked..."He only sent you? This Kyle."....


Trust me, I maybe all the backup you need..

he grinned and followed behind them and when we made it to the keep they held him back and one of the sentries went up to get Lady Beren just to be se sure, they carried the letter he had and would hand it to her when seen...and so he waited

[Lady Beren]

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
In the Kitchen at the Keep || The Forest Sentinel |: *It had been three days again since the latest, unsettling encounter with John of Hainault ...Unable to put her mind at rest about the trouble she talked herself into, Lady Beren helped the maids with the preparation of the evening meal ...it seemed early to start, but there was lots to do . And of course the delicious smell of freshly baked pies had seduced her as well...She wondered whether Sir John did everything in threes ...it was a holy number for sure ...but somehow , he did nae strike her as a particularly religious man ... She half expected his messenger to come again that day, perhaps with the request to produce the fiancee she claimed to have ...if so, she was in deep trouble, for, after brainstorming with Ranger Richard and her steward about many possibilities, no gentleman of her knowledge seemed credible enough to convince King Charles ...unless perhaps Lord Dieter, but she did think it too unseemly to start talk about him without him knowing anything . So when a stableboy came into the kitchen with the message that there was a guard in the Hall with a missive of a stranger at the gate, her heart skipped a beat . She smiled at the boy , collected her skirts and her thoughts, washed her hands and set off to meet the guard *

Gha'le Dr'ven
Ranger/Paladin
Mistledale WM|Magistrate
Main Hall of the Keep ALL: He waited patiently with the Guard and looked about as He waited for the messenger went ot see Lady B and giver her the message of My arrival...He looked to the others and just went to start a quiet conversation while we waited.....

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep || The Forest Sentinel |: *once in the Hall, she recieved the Guard ...Edward was his name, she thought, and listened to what he had to say . He bowed before her and presented a letter "There be a man by the name of Ghaele Draven, M'Lady ...we picked him up in the forest and he asked to speak to ye and give ye this letter from his brother, a certain Sir Kyle" *

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to || The Forest Sentinel |: "Thank Ye, Edward" *she smiled and accepted the letter , her slender fingers breaking Windstorm's seal , her eyes scanning the words ...her smile deepened as she read them . " Ye say Ghaele is here? Ye may bring him to me .... I would very much like to speak to him "



(11:05:08 )
|| The Forest Sentinel ||


Gha'le Dr'ven
Ranger/Paladin
Mistledale WM|Magistrate
At the Front Gate ALL: He looked to the others as He waited at the front gate to donfirm this be not a ruse to slip in and he understood that and he waited patiently.......


Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to || The Forest Sentinel |: *Edward bowed again and disappeared, to go and collect the stranger from where he left him at the gates ....Beren settled down on the chair of State , happy it was nae a Frank that had knocked on her door *

Gha'le Dr'ven
Ranger/Paladin
Mistledale WM|Magistrate
At the Front Gate Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: Edward came back to Me and the others after a few moments and nodded to you and told Me to follow him and he waved the rest off saying it was okay for me to be here....we both started to walk toward the main hall where the Lady was waiting ....after Edward led him in, He nodded to Edward and then walked in and looked upon you and smiled soflty and moved over to where you sat.......Hello My friend. How are you?


Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to || The Forest Sentinel |: *she bowed her head in greeting, fighting the urge to rise and curtsy ...however, this was her home and it would greatly upset her whole entourage * Good greetings, M'Lord ... and welcome to Lune *her smile was bright and genuine*



(11:22:31 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to || The Forest Sentinel |: "All is well here...except for the fact that our seasonal visitors are back ....Ye probably noticed their encampment at the other side of the River ...



(11:24:33 )
|| The Forest Sentinel ||


Gha'le Dr'ven
Ranger/Paladin
Mistledale WM|Magistrate
At the Front Gate Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: He smiled and bowed respectfully to you and smiled back......Indeed, that I have, Kyle asked me to stop in and check on you since I was not far away. Anything I can do to help?......he stood before you and his face turned serious and devoid of emotion for the moment as he had to prepare himself if needed......

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to || The Forest Sentinel |: *the idea struck her so clearly and suddenly that Beren had great trouble hiding a wide smile ...it was a guess ....and he was virtually a stranger ....and she would perhaps nae ever be able to look him or Sir Kyle in the eye ever again ...Outwardly she remained perfectly composed, although she felt the slightest change in Ranger Richard's breathing as he stood as usual behind her ... he could almost read her thoughts , so he probably guessed what she was thinking of, at the moment *



(11:29:16 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to || The Forest Sentinel |: Ye can help us indeed, M'Lord ... I be grateful Sir Kyle has sent Ye to make sure we are all safe ...*she smiled warmly* It wasd good news to hear he has returned safely to Windstorm ... * she paused for a moment *

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep || The Forest Sentinel |: *she smiled at Ye and continued , in a gentle voice...a mixture of seriousness and merriment in it* Ye can help us a very ...unusual way, M'Lord ...and of course only with Yer consent



(11:38:37 )
|| The Forest Sentinel ||


Gha'le Dr'ven
Ranger/Paladin
Mistledale WM|Magistrate
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: he looked pon you and nodded to you and wanted to help anyway he could, he let a smile shine thru and waited......Surre, what did you have in mind?


(11:39:53 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep || The Forest Sentinel |: It be about the Franks, M'Lord ... our situation is rather unusual ... King Charles, who has had his eyes on Lune ever since he came to the throne and especially ever since I, a mere woman, rule it, has made a proposal, by way of his messenger, who leads the troups at the river . He has put me the choice of marrying his pawn , or taking Lune by force ...*


Ghaele Draven
Paladin/Ranger
Mistledale Magistrate|WM
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: He looked and shook his head and why he was trying to do this, but he knew in these times most think female rulers can not get the job done....his home had a female ruler and even Kyle's home has one....so this was not acceptable.....What is it you need of me my friend? More people to back you up or?.....he waited once more to see what ye had in mind.....


(11:43:22 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep || The Forest Sentinel |: I told him that I was alrerady engaged to someone else ...so as to buy time, Ye see ... but I am not and perhaps Ye could ... *for a moment, her composure leaves her and she looks like a small , afraid woman ... however, the moment passes quickly and she resumes * what I would like to ask of Ye, M'Lord , is whether Ye would be prepared to play the role of my fiancee ...



(11:48:18 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep || The Forest Sentinel |: If we can make King Charles believe it, he will get bored soon enough and find somewhere else to send his troups to ... *he gaze was steady as she looked at ye , although she realised what an unusual request she just made of Ye *



(11:49:20 )

††¤† Divine Champion ††¤†
Ghaele Draven
Paladin/Ranger
Mistledale Magistrate|WM
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: he listened and then when you said the last part he kept his face stoic and devoid of emotion, but inside it was "Oh My".....but he nae said that or showed that....he simply smiled to you and nodded for the moment.....Well, as a Priest commiting an act of falseness in speech, or lying goes against the tenants.......he moved hsi hands and locked them behind his back as he paced slowly in a circle and then he looked to you once more and smiled.....but...that is what the confessional is for. I will nae have a problem doing this my friend. I must say I am honored to be thought so highly of.....He smiles.....

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: *her eyes widen a bit as Ye mention ye be a priest ...* M'Lord ... I would nae want to get Ye into any trouble as well ...



(11:55:28 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: And I be genuinely sorry to make such a request of Ye ... *in spite of herself and all her composure, she blushed delicately*



(11:56:50 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: Are Ye certain Ye can bring this request in line with Yer soul and Yer beliefs ... ? Perhaps Ye would like time to ponder it?



(11:58:18 )

††¤† Divine Champion ††¤†
Ghaele Draven
Paladin/Ranger
Mistledale Magistrate|WM
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: He looked ot you and held up his hand and shook his head to you.....Tis okay M'lady. Alot do not know the extent of My training, and besides.....he see the blush and approaches you and looked to Ranger Richard and nods to him and lets him know he is not going to harm her.....he placed a hand to your shoulder and then took one knee and looked to you.....Lady Beren, you are in a state of need and I am here to help. My soul is just fine, trust me. Okay?


(12:05:59 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: *her smile could have lit a dark room as relief flushed through her...she ignored the urge to laugh and cry at the same time, suddenly quite overcome by so many different emotions that is took all Lady Ruoma's patient guidance to have her nae shake or jump or swoon, for that matter ... her voice was remarkably steady when she spoke again* I trust Ye, M'Lord ... and I am grateful beyond any scale ...*


††¤† Divine Champion ††¤†
Ghaele Draven
Paladin/Ranger
Mistledale Magistrate|WM
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: He smiles and takes your hand in his and places a soflt kiss pon it and then rises and looked to you and let your hand go and steped back.....THen please, call me Ghaele.....with a soft nod the deal was done and things would hopefully turn around for you soon.....


(12:10:58 )

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: I will try to remember, Ghaele ... *she smiled freely again ... quickly adapting to the situation of just having asked the strangest thing of a man she barely knew* I think we should invite Sir John of Hainault, the leader of the Franks , to dinner...



(12:14:21 ) [PIC]

††¤† Divine Champion ††¤†
Ghaele Draven
Paladin/Ranger
Mistledale Magistrate|WM
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: he nods to you and smiles.....Indeed. I should change then.....he smiles to you and rubbed his neck......I think we should take a day and then invite him for the next night. Or have ever long you wish to wait. We at least need a day to prepare though. Agreed?


(12:15:18 ) [PIC]

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: *she could feel the distress of her steward ...the poor man had nae been long enough in her service to get used to her sometime unusual methods ... but she saw it as the only option at the moment ... convince King Charles , get his men from her borders (and especially get Sir John as far away from her as possible) , so she could return to Windstorm without the too imminent threath of war *



(12:17:12 ) [PIC]

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm

says to ††¤† Divine Champion ††¤: But of course ... take Yer time to settle in ... can we offer Ye refreshments whilst Yer rooms be prepared? Perhaps over dinner tonight we may discuss the ...finer details ...*she smiled warmly*



(12:20:21 ) [PIC]

††¤† Divine Champion ††¤†
Ghaele Draven
Paladin/Ranger
Mistledale Magistrate|WM
Main Hall of the Keep Lady BerenWindstorm Cast: He could feel some tension in the others...he looked about and then back to you and was about to speak and then you spoke.....Thankyou. I will go change and then come back down and we'll discuss stratagy during dinner......He smiles and bows and then move off to go change, following the page to His room.....


(12:26:09 ) [PIC]

Lady Beren
Windstorm Castle
Ward of Brother Archibald
Minstrel of Windstorm
Main Hall of the Keep ALL: *she looked after Ghaele's disappearing form ... now he was gone, she slowly stood up from the chair and looked about her as well ... Richard's face was inscrutable as ever, as were those of the Guards who happened to have witnessed the scene ... her steward looked as if he had seen several ghosts at once ... there would be some serious explaining to do *

[Lady Beren]

Gerald, Lady Beren's faithful steward, had had a very troubled night. It seemed to him that, since his mistress had come home, things had gone from bad to worse. He almost wished he had nae written the missive that begged her to come home and show her face to the enemy. However, he knew that he would nae have been able to keep the Franks out of Lune without Lady Beren being present. He was nae used yet to the game there seemed to exist between her and King Charles.
Lune was very well organised, he must give her that. Everything was is a state of alert, without looking it. He knew that, if need be, everyone would be in safety within hours of a possible raid or serious attack. It was just that she seemed to have lost her mind as soon as that Frank had crossed her treshold. First there had been her very ... gullible behaviour whenever he appeared and than that absolutely unheard-of plan to ask a complete stranger to act as her intended.

That was why he found himself in her antechamber, walking in circles. He wanted to speak his mind and he wanted clear answers. He wished to understand her like Richard seemed to do... and he wished to be able to understand whatever she was to do that same evening, for she had invited Sir John of Hainault for dinner again! "Women..." he muttered under his breath. And added to himself "especially this woman " ...

The door leading to Lady Beren's bedchamber opened and she appeared, Richard as always almost invisibly near her. Gerald bowed deeply. She nodded to him, as ever charming in her kindness, and invited him to take a seat. "Can I pour Ye some of this excellent elderflower cordial, my dear Gerald? " she asked . "But M'Lady ... it would be most unproper..." he started but she held up a hand... a gentle but decisive gesture. "I know ...it be unproper for me to serve Ye ...however, my ladies have no business with what we are about to discuss, so if Ye like some, I will have to break tradition" Her voice was kind, with that hint of merriment in it that so often occured. Gerald gave in and after Lady Beren had served him, Richard and herself, the discussion started.

" M'Lady ... if I may speak frankly " ... a nod from Lady Beren assured him he could ... "What do Ye know about this man Ghaele ..." Lady Beren smiled. It was a friendly smile, that did nae go with a blush. A good sign, Gerald thought. She seemed to be able to keep herself on the straight and narrow where that man was concerned. "Sir Kyle, his brother, wrote me a few lines about him and Sir Ghaele explained and told us a lot about himself , yesterday eve. He is a Magistrate and Captain of Rangers in Mistledale, where he comes from and has command over many troops. He is both a soldier and a priest, so, one could say, a 'safe' choice to be chosen to act as ones intended...Sir Kyle trusts him with his life, so I do as well . "
It sounded so simple, Gerald thought. "How far do Ye intend to play the part, though, M'Lady ... would Ye like to go as far as to have us organise a celebration or something? " Lady Beren almost laughed at the obvious discomfort of her steward, but checked herself. Now that her thoughts were clear, she did see the humour of the situation. The 'strategic' talks , as Ghaele had liked to put it, of the last evening had put her mind at rest and, with its ususal flexibility, plans had formed. She understood, though, that Gerald had his objections. So her amusement was only given away by the twinkling in her eyes ... her voice was steady and friendly, as she continued to explain. "My dear Gerald, I can assure Ye that nothing untoward will happen between Sir Ghaele and myself. I will always be surrounded by my ladies , he has rooms on a different floor. Tonight at dinner, we may be found to stare a bit at each other and he may be so forward as to perhaps take my hand. But it be clear between us that, whenever this crisis is over, he goes back where he comes from. He is just here to help and him having such a position of power in his own lands may be just the thing to convince King Charles... And firstly, of course, Sir John ... " Gerald nodded, almost convinced. "What we intend to do tonight, is introduce Sir Ghaele to Sir John of Hainault, stress his qualities and of course even more subtly stress his power and give him a letter to the King , stating we are very sorry nae to be able to grant his wish , but that ,as Sir John has been able to witness, there is a just impediment to what he proposed ... "

It all seemed very logical now. Gerald shook his head in wonder. "Ye nae ever cease to surprise me, M'Lady ...the flexibility of yer mind is most ... instructive" He even almost smiled . Lady Beren smiled as well, with a hint of seriousness "I know I have tested Ye, Gerald...and I do apologise. " He muttered something and asked to take his leave.
She granted it, and when he had gone, she gave in to a deep sigh . It was all a game ...it had been a game for years now. But it was a dangerous one ...for just like his father, Sir John of Hainault was a man with a keen intellect and would take quite a lot of convincing...