A Little Backstory.

[Simone]

((Just some backstory starting from the time that Simone left to come to windstorm. I will probably add to this over time as things progress.))

Trey had no idea of what Simone had been planning.. So when he returned home to find that she wasn't there, his anger surged. He had told her quite clearly that she wasn't to leave while he was gone. He didn't trust her to go out on her own, given that the last time she had, she had run to her parents about their private lives. Of course, they were wiser than that, and hadn't believed her... But, it would not do for her to be running around town, ruining his hard earned reputation. He stormed back out of the house to search for her, not once had it dawned on him that she would have left on a more permanent basis.. He didn't give her enough credit for that, didn't think her smart enough to fool him in such a way... The small village in Sicily was set on the coast, it's harbor not extremely large, though he didn't venture that way, as he didn't believe she'd have left via ship... He took his time checking all of the expected places... Asking throughout the Market, and making sure to ask the few people Simone considered friends... When no one had heard from her, he decided to check her parent's home. Perhaps she was trying to convince them... When they too had not spoken to her, or seen her since her last visit he got a little worried, and a bit angrier. It was only then that he had finally decided to venture to the docks, thinking that perhaps she had met a sailor and was 'visiting' him... After a while and turning up nothing, he was beginning to think that this too had been a dead end..
But just as he had turned to leave, he met with one who had seen her.."Sure, Lord Trey... I've seen 'er. Was right early this morning, before the sun.." The dock hand nodding enthusastically as he spoke.. Completely oblivious to the anger that was dancing in Trey's eyes. "She boarded the... the..." The man fell silent as he tried to recall which ship he'd seen the woman board... Trey growing impatient with the man... But waiting none the less. "The Gloriarc, I believe... Aye, that'd be it.. I'm sure of it." He nodded assuredly and Trey stormed off to find out more about this ship, and where it had been headed.. As well as to make plans himself. "Oi, not even a thank ye!" the dock hand muttered to Trey's back as he went back to work.

[sofia]

(wheeeee heheheheh)

[Dream Loxley]

((Nice to see a new face and read of you! Welcome.))

[Simone]

After speaking with the Dockhand, Trey went to find the Dockmaster to find out what he could about the ship that Simone had boarded... Approaching the beefy man casually, hiding any disdain he might feel towards the Dockmaster, Trey spoke almost casually. "Good Eve Seamus. I've got a few questions if you've got a moment's time to spare."

"Aye, Lord Trey. I've got a minute, but that'd be 'bout all I've got." Seamus was a beefy older man, straw colored hair fell to his shoulders, and his chin was covered in a scruffy beard... He had blue beady eyes that always seemed to sparkle with joy. He truly loved his work, and had a kind heart.

"I appreciate it Seamus.. See, my wife, Simone has gone missing." His brows furrowed, and he made sure his expression read that he was sincerely worried for her well being.. "And it's been brought to my attention that she either boarded, or was brought aboard the Gloriarc."

The older man nodded as he listened, but did not give any sign that this was correct information, nor did he choose to say anything else at the moment. He had always been a tad suspicious of Lord Trey, but then he'd seen the trouble the man had caused on these very docks when he was younger, and thought no one was around to see... But, he also believed whole heartedly that Trey was a good man, and that he loved Simone. Completely unaware at how adept Trey was at lying.

"So I was wondering, if you could possibly tell me who is the Captain of the Gloriarc, so that I know who it is I should speak to... And also, whereabout the ship was headed." Trey folded his arms, watching the older man closely now, knowing that the man took his job quite seriously...

And sure enough, Seamus huffed and shook his head, clucking his tongue. "Now Lord Trey, ye know I'm not supposed to give ye that information. I 'spose I can give ye the Captain's name. That'd be Lord Ulbrecht... As for it's whereabouts..." He shook his head and clucked his tongue a bit more, not liking this one bit... But he'd known the Lady Simone since she was a young child and had quite an affection for her.. He remembered her little adventures down to the docks where she'd follow him around all day when he was but a dockhand himself, asking him all sorts of questions... If it wasn't for the fact that Lord Trey was the Knight-Captain here, and that he seemed concerned for Lady Simone's safety... He would have kept his lips sealed. "I can't say for sure where it went, as I'm sure it's stopped a ports along the way... But, I know enough to know it'll likely head towards Windstorm. Good luck finding Lady Simone, Lord Trey. I beg yer pardon, but I must return to my tasks." And with that Seamus turned and walked away grumbling mightily.

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[Simone]

After leaving the stout older man to his duties Trey set out to gain passage to Windstorm, or to find news of any ships leaving and heading in that direction. It took him a good while, but he finally found someone who was headed in that direction and would be setting sail in a few day's time... In his oppinion, it was a bit long to wait, but he didn't see any other way around it. Gladly leaving the docks once more, Trey made his way towards Simone's parent's Manor.

Simone's parents sat watching their son-in-law pace... They knew he was worried for Simone, and they too had been ever since he'd visited earlier to explain that she'd gone missing. They were talking amongst themselves trying to figure out what would posess her to act the way she had been... First coming to them and trying to tell them that Trey mistreated her... That in it's self had been odd... Didn't they see the two together, quite happily, all the time? They had never expected it, and though they probably could have reacted better, they couldn't believe some of the accusations she'd made. They assumed that the two had had a fight and that it was her way of venting... But now, for her to just up and disappear... They of course, thought the worst.. Assuming she'd been kidnapped, or worse.

"So it would seem she has gone to this... Windstorm, or atleast that is the most likely destination. I still do not know if she went willingly, or if she was taken. But I intend to find out. I know of which ship she left on... And in a few days time I will be leaving as well. I assure you, I will find her and bring her back here... Then we can see just what is going on." He hid the anger in his tone so well, knowing that her parent's were quite easily mistaking his emotions for concern... No, he was not concerned. He was furious. If she left willingly, he could only assume she had a lover. And that she had fooled him only fueled that anger more. If she had not left willingly, then there would be hell to pay for whoever had taken her... But, somehow, his mind still convinced him that it was her fault, even if she'd been taken.

"Of course Trey, you know we trust you to bring our daughter home. She could be in no better hands." Arianna, Simone's mother, said softly... With no concept of exactly how mistaken she was. Her and her husband had known Trey since he was but a baby, and neither of them could ever imagine any of the things he'd done... Brushing any trouble he'd caused when he was younger off to just being a child... He was a Knight now, after all... How bad could he be? And as far as they could see, he treated Simone the way she deserved... But it was what they couldn't see that was the problem.

[Lady Beren]

*watches this space with interest .... *

[Simone]

Nearly a week had passed, since Trey found out that Simone had boarded the Gloriarc and left Sicily. Today, him and two of his most trusted men would be boarding another ship and heading to Windstorm as well. He had no real way of knowing if she would be there, or if she had gone somewhere else, but it was the place to start. He had kept his composure, as was expected of him... However, the longer this... charade went on, and he was convinced that, that is what it was... The more angry he became. He doubted very much that she'd been taken against her will, but he had every intent of staging it that way. It would look better for him if she had been taken, rather than if she had chose to leave. He explained the situation to the two that were going with him... Only leaving a few choice details out, though he had known these two all of his life, and for that... trusted them implicitly. His secrets, he knew, were safe with them.

The Voyage from Sicily to Windstorm was longer than he had anticipated, and when they arrived he couldn't have been more eager to get off the ship. Though, unlike Simone, he'd never had much interest in the vessels. Simone's interest in them had always made little sense to him. The first thing he chose to do when he arrived in Windstorm was to get a room at the Inn and also to bathe... He would put off searching for her until the following day. Especially given that he wasn't positive that she'd be here. He planned to start by asking around.. And did even ask the Innkeep when he entered, but the Innkeep had not seen her.

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((Trey would have arrived about a month or so after setting sail... So to clarify timeline, roughly a week or so after Simone arrived.))[/center]

[Simone]

Trey spent a good portion of his second day in Windstorm asking around about Simone, but had run into nothing but dead ends.... Until later that night while he was at the Tavern drinking... He was informed by a barmaid that Simone had been seen heading towards the Castle with Lord Ulbrecht... Having returned to his room, deciding to go to the Castle the following day, his temper go the best of him and he made his way to the Gloriarc to find Lord Ulbrecht, where he was told that Ulbrecht was sleeping and to return the following day.

[Rainald off duty]

VERY interesting reading! Looking forward to meeting you in the room some time!

[Simone]

::Storytelling::
Trey had slept far later than he intended, but that tended to happen when one passed out full of drink. And he'd been quite drunk when he'd finally passed out, sometime around dawn. Had the hangover to prove it too. Realizing how late in the day it was though he cursed and got ready to leave. He intended to return to the Gloriarc and speak to this Captain Ulbrecht. He would find his wife. After washing up and getting changed, making sure he no longer smelt like stale booze, he left the Inn and turned to let his footsteps once more guide him towards the docks, and then the Gloriarc.

Once again Mr. Oden stands at the head of the plank, though this time he is busy directing the crew as they take care of such things as need be taken care of. Glancing to the dock as murmurs bring you to his attention.

Nodding to Mr. Odan, only vaguely remembering him from the night before. "Is it a better time?" He asked politely when the man turned in his direction.

Mr. Oden frowning and grunting, turning from the gangplank to step to the Captains cabin, knocking and opening the door to speak briefly...Turning back as Ulbrecht steps out of his cabin, coming to the head of the gangplank.."My First Mate says you wish to speak with me?" His tone neutral and casual, looking for all the world like he is just busy and the request has taken him away from his paperwork and maps.

"Aye, That'd be correct Lord Ulbrecht." He paused for a moment as his gaze travelled over the crew and then returned to your face. His own expression quite unreadable, his tone overly pleasant. "You see, I've come here to Windstorm under the impression that my wife was brought here.. Via your ship. And I'd like to know where she is, given you were the last person she was seen with." His tone and expression not once wavering, no concern, no anger in his tone at all.

Nodding as he stands there.."Ah, yes, a Lady booked passage with me me upon my return here...I escorted her up to the Castle to make introductions for her. Her Majesty is widely known for her hospitality..." Playing his part to the hilt, but then he's years at Court as practice for the facade. "I do believe she might yet be there..Unfortunately my own business drew me back to the Glori, as a Captains work is never done...Bills of lading to manage, routes to plan and ports to decide upon....I'm certain you understand..."

Nodding as you spoke. "Of course, I thank you for your cooperation, and I shall let you get back to your work, and I'll be on my way." Waiting a moment to see if you have anything more to say before he'd turn to leave, and begin heading towards the Castle.
Turning to walk away he followed the paths that would lead him up towards the Castle, stopping in at the Tavern to get his men to join him. The three of them walking together, him in silence, the other two chattering with one another. The expression on his face stoney. He hadn't quite believed Ulbrecht's words, but then he was convinced that the man was his wife's lover. But he'd check the Castle before returning to the man's ship.

The guards at the gate asking his business, eyeing his two 'associates'...

Silencing his men with a gesture as they approached the castle after a while. He had been expecting the questioning, and the expression and tone of his voice took on that politeness once more. "I have been informed that My wife, Simone, can be found here.. And I'd like to speak with her." He offered freely, after all... His business was no secret.

One of the guards escorting them to the Hall while another heads off to the Gardens.."Wait here.." Though one or two more wander in...Rumours had run through the guards after Dieter had set their guest with a guard.

The trio following the Guards into the Hall, and nodding as they are told to wait there. Trey looking around the Hall while they waited.. Not at all oblivious to the few more guards that wandered in. A brow arching at that as his attention turned to his men, talking to them in whispers.

One of the Guard coming out to speak to Dieter quietly before turning and heading back inside...The knight turning and pausing you with a upraised hand..."It seems we are to deal with him....If you wish....He is in the Hall, asking to see you....With a couple of rough types from what they tell me."

She fell silent while you spoke to the guard, and listened quietly as you spoke.. And she actually retreated a step, and frowned... "He's.. here?"

"It seems so...Though you do not have to speak to him if you do not wish...I can have the guards send him on his way..." Trying to reassure you as we stand there..."And he cannot do anything here besides speak, and if he is not careful in that I shall take offense..." Somehow giving the impression that him taking offense is never good for the other party involved.

"I..umm.." She fell silent trying to gather her thoughts, not really sure which was best at the moment. She clasped her hands together behind her to hide the fact that they were shaking and she paced a bit. "What do you think?" She asked softly.

"Well, we could send word that you are indisposed and do not wish to see him...Or I could step inside and explain to him that he will not be seeing you..."

"Both options will anger him.. And neither will make him leave. He won't leave..." She shook her head and frowned. "There's really no way around it, not that I can think of. I go in there and.. speak to him. Or if I stay out here and hide.. It'll have the same effect." She sighed and reached to push at her hair, she had hoped he wouldn't show up, and now that he had she didn't know what to do. She wasn't sure if she could face him. Knowing that Trey wasn't going to leave willingly without her.. Dead or alive.

"You don't understand Simone....He WILL leave if I tell him to, if I have to have him and his friends picked up by the collar and tossed to the street like common ruffians..."

"No, I do understand Dieter. I didn't mean the Castle. I meant Windstorm. I know he won't have a choice about staying in the Castle." She didn't think he'd do anything either though, not with so many eyes on him. All it would take was for word to get back to Sicily... But she imagined he was angry enough that maybe even that wouldn't matter. She hadn't just run to her parents this time...

"If he cannot maintain his manners, I'm certain Lady Beren will see fit to remove his welcome within these borders...And such a directive I would not mind enforcing."

She nodded and frowned pacing a bit more before stopping and turning to meet your gaze again. "I suppose I can't hide forever, and I might as well get it over with." She sighed softly, and was obviously not very comfortable with the idea. But she didn't know what else to do.

"Well, if you wish to, I shall be standing with you to make sure he minds himself..." Not certain of this plan, but you must do what you feel right.

"Wish to?" She laughed softly and shook her head. "Far from it. But I don't see any other option. What else is there for me to do? Hide here, as you send him away... He'll just come back." She frowned, she imagined he'd stick around even if she did this.. But, what was she to do?

"If you tell him before witnesses that you do not wish to speak to him again, then I shall see that that is enforced...And if he does not, then he will answer for it..."

She nodded and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, before turning to head back towards the Hall with you. "Alright then, let's get this over with." It did help knowing that you'd be there with her... Especially given that her mind was going over and over the many things she could imagine Trey doing to her... And partly due to that by the time they reached the Hall she was shaking like a leaf.

Nodding and heading inside with you, reaching out to give your shoulder a gentle squeeze before we step into the Hall.

She offered a shaky smile when you squeezed her shoulder and then stepped inside with you.

Seeing Simone and the other Man enter the hall, that anger flashed in his eyes for the briefest of moments before he hid it away again, slipping a pleasant smile into place. "Ah, My dear Simone. If you wanted a Vacation you only had to say so... Your parents and I have been worried sick. They will be quite pleased to see you are well and safe."

Following you into the Hall, taking a moment to look over their 'guests' before casually wandering to the sideboard to pour himself a drink and just stand there to one side, in your line of sight so you know he is there if you need him. The other two looking to him specualtively and he just gives them a tight dangerous smile.

She watched you as you walked to the side board and then let her gaze settle on her husband. "You and I both know I am not here for a vacation." She said simply, her voice strained as she tried to keep the fear out of it... And though she was trying to control the way she was shaking it wasn't easy to do. "You know as well as I do the reasons I left Sicily, Trey. And I will not be returning."

The anger passed through his eyes again, that she would dare.. He shook his head. "You are mistaken Simone, you are MY Wife. And You WILL do what I say. You ARE coming home."

Straightening up and clearing his throat, eyes narrowing just a bit as the other two look to him, the Guards in the Hall recognizing the signs easily and straightening up themselves.."In that you are mistaken Sir...The Lady Simone is a guest of Windstorm and Her Majesty Edfeil, Queen of Windstorm...She will be doing as she wishes within the Laws of this land..."His voice taking on the stern note of command of his upbringing, his posture speaking of rank beyond the knightly stature he usually wears.

(Sofia)*She had spent the day in the Infirmary, and now meandered to teh hall, but stayed quietly out of the way seeing what was going on*

"No, as far as I am concerned Trey, I am home." She said softly, the only sign that she wasn't completely composed was the way her hands shook as they rested folded together in front of her. Though her gaze moved to rest on Dieter as he spoke up, a faint smile slipping into place as she listened to him address Trey.

*Dark eyes rested for a moment on Simone, pale and shaking yet quietly resolute, Dieter suddenly looking very large and imposing, then dark pools drifted over the stranger, and knew a pit viper the instant she saw him.*

His gaze snapped to Dieter then as the two men standing with him straightened when they saw the other guards do so as well. "Simone is MY wife, and you have no right to prevent me from returning her home." Though hearing Simone's words he closed the distance between them wrapping his fingers around her upper arm. "You WILL Be coming home with Me." He growled into her ear, dropping his voice to whisper something into her ear, low enough for no one but her to hear.

Now THAT was a mistake as Dieters long stride crosses the Hall in a moment, one large hand clamping on the back of the mans neck and squeezing with bone-crushing force..."You WILL mind your manners within these lands...Or you will answer to my steel..." All but single-armed lifting the man clear of the floor as his grip tightens until he releases Simone. The Guards had been watchful for something of the nature to happen, whistle of steel on steel as blades slide free of scabbards as they step to the other two to make certain that they know better than to interfere.

*Watching alertly, eyes locked on the steel blades and the sudden tension int he room could be cut with a knife, everythingsilent

She had winced when Trey's fingers closed around her arm... But the words whispered for only her to hear had made her entire body tense, and she had to close her eyes to keep her composure as she felt the panic starting.. She'd expected him to say something along those lines... But to expect it, and hear it... Were two totally different things altogether. Though she said nothing else, not trusting herself to speak without breaking.

To begin with, the two with Trey weren't stupid enough to pull their own blades.. And Trey was taken by surprise by Your strength.. His fingers loosening on Simone's arm, but it took a moment longer before he'd release her completely, his eyes locking with her's in a silent threat of retaliation.

*At this point the petite exotic woman's posture and air changed, suddenly looking every inch of her royal birth, and she came forward silently to your side, placing a gentle hand at your arm in silent support*

Dieters hand squeezing tighter with every moment it takes him to turn her loose, twisting as if threatning to break the mans neck single-handedly. Once he does let go, Dieter flexes one broad shoulder to fling the man half-way across the Hall towards the doorway to crash to the flagstones. "Sir, you WILL meet me on the morrow. I issue formal challenge against one who has dishonoured and broken his Vows, and you will answer the challenge on the field or be known as coward and oathbreaker within all lands." Gesturing to the guards..."They have overworn their welcome, see that they leave."

Glancing to Sofia briefly as she came to stand beside her, whispering her thanks.. Though her voice threatened to break... Though she couldn't hide her surprise as Dieter tossed Trey aside so easily. Her heart was hammering, and she was still shaking quite hard. She knew that Trey's fingers will have left bruises on her arm..

Trey Grimaced as he was tossed aside so easily.. Getting his feet under him once more, he didn't wait for the Guards to escourt him out.. With one more glance in Simone's direction... A Promise in his eyes.. He signalled for his men to follow him and they left.

Easy now friend *Spoken softly, soothingly the instant the man was out of hte hall, knowing how jittery you would be without this provocation*

Watching the man leave, waiting until the guards come back to report that they have headed back for the village..Speaking quietly to one of them and sending him off on an errand before giving himself a shake...Nodding to Sofia as she understands just how easily he is riled this close to the next cycle. Seeing that she is comforting you he turns to the sideboard, opening the lower cabinet to pull out a small jug to fill his tankard.

*Softly now* Sit down here my dear *Steering you to a seat near the fireplace and settling you easily, Moves to the sideboard and then glances over* Simone, what is your drink of choice?

She watched as Trey walked out of the Hall and let Sofia guide her to a seat, before her knees gave out.. Resting her elbows against her knees she buried her face in her hands trying to regain her composure. Looking up briefly she shrugged.. "Umm.. Whatever." She said with a shake of her head.

What is very strong? *Glancing at the pale and shaking Simone even as slim hands select a cup for her*

Stepping to the far side of the Hall with his drink to pace, looking far too much like some largerather agitated and frustrated predator. Working through the potent liquor in his tankard faster than normal as he tries to rein in his anger.

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