Coming Home

[Lady Edfeil]

((you threw me in the MOAT! Not the spa. *LOL*))

[Perran]

Perran climbed the ladder up to the hay loft, he carried a bundle of clean clothing and a parcel of food, still warm from the kitchens. He held the clothing close to his side with his elbow and made sure the food was safely balanced in his free hand. The ladder creaked a little with each step but he held on and made it up to where he assumed he would find Repsol.

The aroma of breakfast was mingling with the scent of female perfume, Perran wrinkled his nose as he stepped onto the hay quietly. He grinned to himself and realised that was the smell of clean man, all be it womanly. Oh aye, it was a vast improvement on the last smell that had come from Repsol. He grinned again and shrugged his shoulders as he sat down near to Repsol who he thought may still be sleeping. He would like to have seen the look on the Knight's face when he was washing with the women's stuff. It was probably a shock!

He laid the clothing down and began to open the parcel of food, his stomach growled fiercely as he licked his lips.

"Ahhh well at least yer smell better........best yers awaken else I will eat tha lot......that be iffen yers be 'ungry Sire."

[Repsol]

((LMAO Oh yes the MOAT a lovingly place, everyone wanted to go there....didnt they?))

The hood hid his eyes as his chin lay on his chest eyes wide open, ,he had stirred a number of times through the night mainly as men and horses where moving around beneath him, no matter who or what scurried or sneaked around the hay loft he knew of it, without looking up he spoke softly..

They be callin me Harrietna iffen any get wiff o this glop ye got me, even the waters of the spa could nae remove the stink, pray tell who's room did thou raid to get such stuff an I should send them payment to empty the rest to the sewers.....

He lifted his head and removed his hood, he lay a wry smile in the lads direction, the smell of breakfast overpowering even that of the glop, he eyed the clothing and hoped Perran had managed to get into his old room where his chests lay and not that of the Queen else the pants will be well too short though he would have to take in the waist for them to fit....
As Perran shared out the food the lad didn't hesitate to begin with his right hand as he placed Repsol's last morcel with his left hand, the lads cheeks rising and falling like those of a squirrel eating nuts, Repsol leaned back and lifted his make shift platter, well it was part of the wrapping the food had come in, as he took a healthy mouthful he began to speak once more..

Do ye knoweth of a Lady Astridur for I be in her favor, the Lady doth give this cape and it should be returned cleansed...

He finished off his food and took the bundle Perran had offered, he stood and reached his hands to the back of his neck grasping the cape carefully and pulling it forward over his head, his skin white showed the redness of scarring across his back some only recently healed, his upper arms and shoulders carried some marks with a deep scar from his right shoulder to above his chest to his right, he bent and lifted a shirt and rolled it in his hands and placed the neck opening over his head he bent his right arm and found the sleeve, forcing his hand towards the ceiling and then the left hand doing the same, he then pulled the shirt down to its full length down to his thigh.
He placed the instep of his left boot to the heel of his right boot and pulled out his foot, then the right instep to the heel of the left boot and pulled his foot out, steadying himself with his left hand against the wooden wall, he stood facing away from Perran, he lifted his shirt slightly to undo the leather strap which held up his pants, he let them fall to the ground and pulling his right foot out whilest standing on them with his left foot, then the same with his right, he bent and lifted the new pants, he could see from them Perran had infiltrated his old room, he placed his right foot in the leg and pushed his foot out the bottom, then his left foot the same he pulled up the pants and slightly rose up and down quickly to settle his loose baggage then tied them off once more when he was comfortable.

[Astridur]

(Sorry haven't posted... its was a hard week, last week and into the weekend)

[Repsol]

Dressed and in clean clothes his attitude took a different meaning, he was refreshed and alert once more, his stomach was full, he hadn't felt this good for some time, he did feel some guilt for just leaving the young lady without more of a formal goodbye but his contact with good people over the past twelve months or so had been very limited.
He looked to where Perrran was finishing off the last scraps of his breakfast, his thoughts where to how he could ever repay the lad for his efforts and loyalty, the aroma of the glop began to fade somewhat and the musky smell of the hay now played his senses along with the smell of horses from below, the sounds of the morning throng of people going about their business began to drift in through the opening in the loft, people humming as they passed beneath him as he sat perched in the doorway, and alas some poor bloke getting his ear bent from his misses telling him 'Me Ma teld nae ti marry thee' he chuckled as the bloke attempted to quicken his pace but the wife stayed once step behind him still berating him as they wandered out of sight but the sound carried on for some time after.
He watched as a young lass arms full of fire wood struggled to keep her balance as some sticks fell a couple of lads picked them up and layed them on top of the pile and as the lass moved her chin up and down to accommodate them to ensure she could still see where she was going, he thought the honorable thing to do was to actually carry the bundle for her not place the sticks back on top, she struggled a few steps further and more of the unsteady bundle fell, she bent her knees and lay the rest down to gather in the wandering sticks which leapt from the top of the pile.
He dropped down and within a heartbeat he was knelt next to the young lass, he began to place sticks on top of the bundle, the lass without making eye contact softly thanked him and explained that she wanted no trouble, he gathered the bundle keeping it just out of reach of the young lasses hands which grasped for it, for a young lass she had an elders hands and her back began to stoop, he would not sit and watch her take another step and gestured with his head to lead the way in which she was traveling, the sticks lay more uncomfortable than heavy to him but he grinned every time the girl would incline her head to see how her new mule was coping.
After a good distance they became so close to the buildings, she pointed to a stack of sticks and logs, he dropped the sticks on top of the other pile, the girl turned taking a copper coin from her pinny pocket and offered it, he placed his left hand under the back of her hand and with his right hand softly curled her fingers back over the coin and gave her hand a gentle squeeze and declined her offer with his softest smile, he turned and walked, not in any general direction but just walked he knew with his hair tied and beard trimmed, fresh clothing he would not stir too much interest now, his hood covered his features somewhat, people moved around some of the herb sellers who's produce was laid out on sacks on the floor, the smell was so fresh he slowed his pace a little to look, he thought of gaining work and would ask if anyone had any, so he may pay his way until the Queen granted an audience, he would need a quill, parchment and dye, he looked to his right hand why he didn't know as the ring which sat there had almost always been there, he carried on walking slowly to where the stables where..

[Dream Loxley]

The weather had been so kind of late and the morning sunshine warmed her face as she walked across the courtyard towards the Stables. A ride would be both refreshing and beneficial she had agreed with herself when the opportunity arose. There would not be so many nice days to come once Winter's chill took over the lands.

Biscuit was always so pleased to greet her and very quick to take the carrot offered when she approached his stall. For a while she had stood petting him, brushing down his mane and gently but firmly loosening the tangles that always found themselves a home there. She had chuckled softly as her fingers plied the thick strands of hair, allowing each tangle to be free again. Biscuit was obviously pleased as he rubbed his nose against her arm, perhaps just one more carrot then, she smiled at him and appeased his request.

It was quiet within the stables, and she always relished such peaceful times spent there with the horses, the creak of a ladder gave her cause to stop and look around. It was then she spied Perran as he made his way down the steps from the higher hay loft. She smiled and called to him.

"Perran lad......how be ye this fine morning.....have ye been hiding there and neglecting yer duties now then?"

She laughed softly as she pretended to berate him, knowing full well that he would never neglect the horses he so loved and his job here was sacred to him. She was surprised to see his cheeks flush as he turned and saw her, realising he had indeed been caught out. He glanced about as if he was guilty of something, but stepped towards her shaking his head. She could not help but notice the fine cape he had resting over his forearm, not one she recognised. It was not normal for him to be so quiet and subdued. Dream wondered then what was amiss, and waited for his reply.

The peace was shattered by a loud creaking and suddenly another person entered through the smaller door at the back of the stables. She assumed it was a man, she could not see his features but he stood quite still, almost as if he himself were startled and surprised to find her there. A hood covering his head, he was in the shadows, almost menacing, yet something about him........Perran looked at the man, then at Dream and grinned.

For a moment her heart leaped.....could it be him.....how could it be......she dropped the brush and looked between the man and Perran quite at a loss for words and suddenly becoming rather afraid of whatever situation she had found herself in.Her heart beat so quickly and pounded within her chest, she tried to swallow, her eyes wide.......

"Robin?"

[Lady Edfeil]

((Why don't you just walk through that door, Mister!!!))

[Repsol]

As he approached the stables he noticed the patrols making ready to leave, he glanced around and found he had come to the attention of a corporal with his patrol who was watching him, he saw a small door and pushed against it, it opened far more easily than he had expected it to and half stumbled through it as he fell in he used his left hand to slam it behind him, he steadied himself and stood once more.
As his eyes became accustom to the dimmer light in the stable a name struck him the same time as he noticed a woman stood with Perran, the name was not his who she called but one he knew, her voice struck him as if someone had thrown a rock and hit him right between the eyes, could it be, it is Lady Dream, his first reaction was to approach and lift her off her feet and swing her round, but his feet where like two blocks of iron, he was rooted to the spot.
He took a deep breath and his feet began to move towards where the two stood with a horse, as he drew closer he could see the splendor with which the Lady always had, no matter what duty Dream carried out her appearance was one of perfection, he came to within a few feet of where the wonderful Lady stood and offered her a deep bow, he stood and lifted his hands to take hold of his hood and pulled it off from his face and let it drop to his neck, he offered greetings in a soft voice...

M'Lady I bid thee warm greetings this day and have preyed the gods hath kept thee safe and well, alas it bleeds me heart I am nae the one who thou seek...I be at a loss fer me words as only in thought doth I know the words which I would speak whence we shall meet once more..

In his mind he had only imagined what he would say but now those thoughts left him alone and stranded, he so much wanted to hug the Lady and tell her everything would be fine, he knew from his wanderings around the village and the grounds listening to gossip within the walls the Queen had doubled and tripled the guards and patrols something worried the house of Windstorm.
He also knew that his presence and anonymity would also aid protect those here for he was a ghost and no one special so if any had spoken he would have known, only four people knew of his presence now could he aid the protection of that and those he loved more than life by remaining silent and seeking out those whom Windstorm would see as a threat.
His mind once more came to the vision standing before him, the brush she had dropped lay still as did the two of them, Perran with the grin which started at his left ear and ended at his right one, he could not avert his gaze from her face, something he had mastered in the past never to look a Lady in the eyes, he could not help himself and would make no apology for it this time....

[Dream Loxley]

Everything seemed to happen in an instant, yet time also appeared to stand still. She was both shocked and elated, afraid and thrilled all in one shared emotion. It was surreal.

Of course it was not her Robin, that much was clear, although he had at first appeared to be of the same height and size. Dream was just taking in every detail, every spoken word, and still that huge grin that was fixed upon Perran's face. Now she understood why, for the lad had to have known, Everything was now clearer.........she watched as he bowed and could not stop her heart from thumping hard, for at least one whom she cared for so deeply was home. Repsol was home, he was safe, appeared unharmed, and was home......

At first she could do nothing but smile.....a genuine heartfelt smile that was saying all that she found she could not, until finally her mouth opened and the words fell from her lips.

"Repsol................"

She stepped forward and reached her hands towards him, etiquette had all but disappeared for indeed this was a miracle, a treasured friend, loved and lost....finally returned to them......she could do no more than wrap her arms about him and hold on tightly. She was completely overwhelmed and sobbed quietly as she buried her face against his shoulder. He was not Robin, she knew not if she could ever hold her beloved Husband again, but this man was real, he held a special place within her heart and he was safe......here with his family, where he belonged.

"Welcome home....." She whispered through her tears.

[Repsol]

He stood and hesitated slightly as Dream came toward him, as her hands raised he flinched a little expecting a left hand placed firmly upon his cheek but as her arms slid around his neck he was a little relieved.
He placed his hands upon her waist, she was soft and her aroma seemed a mixture of sweet and yet flowery, as he thought of the gloop Perran had supplied, he felt the warm tears upon his neck turning slightly cool to the touch after but a few seconds, his mind jarred him for being such a fool and staying away for far too long.
He knew he would make amends for his absence and to protect the Lady her Queen and her family here at Windstorm, that would be easy for it was his destiny, he cared not how he would die or when as long as it is here, he whispered gently...

Aye M'Lady I be home alas, and I hath missed all here so much I be truly at fault fer me absence, an iffen ye may loosen ye grip so I may take breath afore I feint...

He held on to Dream for as long as was comfortable for them both, he looked to Perran who had averted his gaze for an instance and he smiled to himself, he knew deep in his cold soul how lucky he was and mayhap he would pray to the gods and give praise to them for steering him back here, he now knew if he had died at some strangers sword as he had tried so often he would surely have missed everything about this place which makes it such a wonderful place to be and to be amongst the people he could call his family, he could do nothing but warm to these people and along with Kyle,Dieter and others would protect this place to his death.
He spoke softly to Dream, he could not understand where the coldness had gone.....

M'Lady there be much to catch up with and as thee be the Castle rambler I could nae think of anythin than to share tea and chatter with thee.. an then there be the Queen..

He stood and waited for his offer to be accepted, as he knew the Lady very rarely rejected the offer of tea and a natter, he flashed a cheeky grin to her and waited as is customary it be the Lady's perogative...

[Dream Loxley]

She felt his arms enfold her and for a moment she simply let her very being become lost into him as they stood embracing. He was warm, his body relaxing a little with each breath, she could feel his heart beating as she pressed herself closer. She felt safe, secure......... comfortable, more so than she had done in years. Being a woman alone was so very hard at times, and the idea of being so close to another who was not her Husband would surely never have come to pass. Such was simply not done.

Her tears fell freely for several moments, for him....for her....for Robin.....in truth she did not know why, and yet how easily her emotions came forth, as if she had bottled them up for this very moment in time to arrive.

Aye M'Lady I be home alas, and I hath missed all here so much I be truly at fault fer me absence, an iffen ye may loosen ye grip so I may take breath afore I feint...


Dream heard herself laughing softly as she drew away, just a little, still keeping her hands upon his shoulders. Broad, strong shoulders that had carried so many burdens, so many worries, obviously so much had kept him from them for so long, yet she was laughing, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she looked up at him.

M'Lady there be much to catch up with and as thee be the Castle rambler I could nae think of anythin than to share tea and chatter with thee.. an then there be the Queen..



Glancing between him and Perran, she shook her head and grinned.

"Tea Sire......ye would partake of tea when we should celebrate yer return with the best Rum within the lands. Oh how Edfeil shall be pleased to greet ye!"

Smiling still, she wiped the tears from her face, allowing her hands to leave his shoulders and drop down to find his. She held on to them for as long as he would stand there deciding what to do. She was in no hurry to move, she wished no more than to savour every moment and gaze at him lest he was not real and would disappear from her sight.

"Ye have truly made me happy Sire.......happier than I could ever think to be again........."

[Repsol]

He gently took her hands and held them softly, alas the time he had known the Lady neyer had he glanced for one moment into her eyes as he had done in this instance, he had seen such a tender soul, standing with her he realised how much this place and the people there in meant to him.
He spoke softly but with an urgency tipped with a hint of coldness..

M'Lady Dream such a time for celebration should wait, for now few know of me return here and such I wish it to remain so, for there be reason fer so many patrols and guards, ye may know why this be so, I shall be in yer debt iffen ye may arrrange a meeting in the secrecy of Windstorm fer me to meet with Edfeil and yerself, I hear from tongues throughout the village of such ideas but alas tis only the wagging of loose tongues, it lightens me heart to be here with good people and loved ones.. I trust Perran so iffen ye send him with news upon thy convenience fer such ..

He kept her hands in his there was a warmth he had not known for some time, he had listened on his travels around the area with intent, there where the odd few undesirables but none he would lay a blade to.
He knew the longer he could remain silent and into the background of the Castle it would allow him freedom, he would explain all when he knew more, mayhap Dream and the Queen could inform him further upon their meeting.
He gently squeezed the soft hands in his in reasurance in the hope he did not cause Dream any distress for as the Lady said this should be time for celebration, and he cursed quietly to himself that Phelan could not be with him but alas he would remember him with fondness, Kyle should return soon he hoped but for now he would seek the attention of his Queen and Dream to give him the knowledge he would need to protect his home..

[Lady Edfeil]

((I believe Lady Dream is fighting off an evil cold RT.))

[Dream Loxley]

((Indeed I am Eddie, and a rotten one it surely is! Thank goodness for laptops and comfy beds ........ taking liberties here with my writing in the hopes Repsol can move forward a little. ))

His hands felt comfortable, reassuring and safe. His eyes held more within them as she looked at him, such pain and suffering he must have seen in his times of battle and wars. Witnessing so often the tragic events that would leave invisible scars, she nodded as he spoke, fully aware that deep in his eyes and his heart was still a cold place where there would be secrets, kept safe, yet always causing pain for him....much like her beloved Robin. Smiling softly, she listened as he spoke and understood what was needed of her.

M'Lady Dream such a time for celebration should wait, for now few know of me return here and such I wish it to remain so, for there be reason fer so many patrols and guards, ye may know why this be so, I shall be in yer debt iffen ye may arrrange a meeting in the secrecy of Windstorm fer me to meet with Edfeil and yerself, I hear from tongues throughout the village of such ideas but alas tis only the wagging of loose tongues, it lightens me heart to be here with good people and loved ones.. I trust Perran so iffen ye send him with news upon thy convenience fer such ..

When Repsol had finished speaking, she allowed her hands to become free of his, reluctantly in truth, but she would be forever glad of his presence and to know he had returned with the intention of staying was indeed payment enough. Smiling again, she lifted her right hand to gently stroke his cheek, a gesture only made to those who lived within her heart.


"Of coure.....there nae be a debt my friend, I understand and yer secret be safe with me. Perran be a goodly lad and I shall see to it that ye meet with Edfeil. I shall seek her within the Hall fer they be making it merry fer the Yule tide. Yer returning shall be the best gift our Queen could ever receive....I promise ye of such. Come to the chapel after the evening meal.....I shall have her there to meet ye."


With that, she glanced to wards Perran with a thankful nod and smile, lifted her skirts enough to give her feet freedom of movement and turned to leave the stables. She halted at the doorway and turned to give both of them another reassuring smile, her heart was lighter yet her mind was filled with doubts and fears for the future of them all.

She had made her way through the corridors and into the hall, where she was greeted with the aroma of mulled cider and fir trees. It was starting to look magical and comforting as Winter drew ever closer. Edfeil was sitting at the large table threading ribbons around fir cones, she smiled as Dream approached. Their conversation was muted, but Dream gave nothing away, she simply stated there was a peddler who wished the Queen to see his wares.

"So many pretty, colourful ribbons and fabrics the likes I have nae seen afore M'Lady, from far off lands I be sure, and such a delight to wear against yer skin. I told him we would receive him in private lest the other ladies would know of any gifts we could share with them later. May haps the Chapel after we have partaken in our meal this eve. I hope I did right M'Lady."

Dream smiled warmly, her eyes showing nothing of the secret she held within them...........

[Lady Edfeil]

((ugh! Hoping you get better soon!! Fabulous writing btw))