Coming Home

[Lady Edfeil]

*She laughed, a bright and warm sound that felt good after the turmoil of the last days. They could nae live their life on the edge. Such was not Windstorm. Her conversation last night with Gregor had aided her in smoothing over the fear that had been brought out by Arson's wounds. And now she was occupied with the soothing feminine things that made her feel more like herself. She was not a warrior queen, and the idea of ribbons and fabrics to add to the festivities was another gift.
Brown eyes looked up at Dream and she nodded swiftly*

Oohhh.. such a good idea, me friend. Aye.. a good idea to keep such a secret. There be many I wish to buy something for. *Her eyes grew wide as another idea came to mind* Oh, and bridal clothes.. iffen the fabrics be such as ye say. I will need bridal clothes. *She had been focussed so long on the details of the organization and contract and state matters she had nearly forgotten about the joys that were tied to the occasion as well.* We will need... *her eyes started gleaming as she thought about the things that would be needed*
I think, M'lady, we will make a merchant very happy iffen his wares be such as ye say!!

[Repsol]

He sat by his view point and watched the evening draw in, his attention was not taken by any one thing happening within his view, he slid out and dropped to the ground, he checked around the immediate area and stood slowly, the hustle of the day had long faded, lanterns began to light windows, he moved slowly with purpose, he moved away from the entrance to the Great hall and out into the grounds.
He moved through the gardens and out to the spa, then he walked in a wide arc towards the kitchen entrance, the door as he remembered was between two outhouses which would offer him shadow and help hide him from any prying eyes, his final look behind him was an intense glare, no one was within view.
He slid through the door and to the rear of the kitchen, everyone inside busied themselves as cookie always ran a tight kitchen with no slackers, this worked for him as it seemed no one noticed him pass and enter the darker corridors to the place he was told to wait, he entered and searched the interior, he was alone he moved to some of the larger candles and extinguished them the light was dim now and comfortable for him, he sat in the shadows of a large column he closed his eyes and gave silent prayer for his friends who will not walk beside him again and he gave thanks for his safe return.
His stomach tightened and the palms of his hands was begining to sweat, he rubbed them on his thighs to dry them, he waited.....

[Lady Edfeil]

She had attended mass here earlier this morning, enjoyed the short reprieve from worries as she entrusted her cares to One who could bear them much easier.

It seemed a strange place to meet a merchant, though in all probability, he had spend the day peddling his wares in the village and now in the evening would be enchanting the castle with his wares. Mayhap he wished to give thanks for the opportunity? She approved, though would make certain any trade would be taken outside of the house of worship after they had first spoken. Mayhap she would bring him to the hall after she had made her selection, offering the opportunity to all to purchase something in the warmth and comfort there.

For now.. she moved into the quiet of the chapel at dusk, the shadows deepening. Dream had accompanied her and she was looking forward to the female delight of browsing through fabrics and ribbons.

[Dream Loxley]

And so it came to pass that the two ladies entered the Chapel through heavy oak doors.......

Dream had enjoyed the evening making merry with the ladies of the Castle, chatting about the events to come and creating wreaths and other pretty decorations in the hopes that a tree may appear very soon. Yule always seemed to bring out the best in folks, either higher Nobility or the poorer people in the village, she enjoyed spending time in their company. Later this week she would seek the elders in the village and give the money that her Robin always gave at this time of the year.....it would be distributed among the poor and those in need. A tradition she had begun with him so many years past, and one she always looked forward to. The Loxley family did not need for much, only their friends and loved ones to be around them.

Dream felt a pang of guilt as she closed the doors behind her....it was quite dark in the Chapel and she hoped against hope that Repsol trusted her enough to be here.....although after tonight her Queen may never place her trust in Dream again. As her eyes became accustomed to the dark, she looked about and stood perfectly still. With a mere whisper she placed her hand into Edfeils and smiled softly.

Forgive me M'Lady.........

[Repsol]

He sat and watched from the shadows beside the pillar, the two Ladies moved into the room Dream closed the door behind them and they moved further into the chapel.
He waited for the two to pass where he sat, he checked the doors had remained closed though no one could possibly enter without the doors creaking, he moved slowly and silently to the aisle falling to stand behind them, their aroma's filling his senses, a flash in his mind could still not place the perfume Perran had furnished him with, his nerves where winding his mind from all directions.
The Ladies stood hand in hand, they seemed a little vulnerable but he knew one raised word from either would bring this room to ruins from the guards, he stood and softly coughed politely hoping it was loud enough to get their attention.
As the two Ladies spun a little surprised he lowered himself to take a knee, he lay his forearm over his right knee and lay his face upon his arm, with his gloved left hand he slightly pulled forth the sword snatching the blade and extending his left arm upwards fully extending the sword above his head for the Queens inspection, he knew she would recognise the sword immediately and he hoped she would not panic, he offered no eye contact and spoke.....

Majesty, tis with this sword an me heart and truth of oath was spoken between Agustin an council years hence for I as Kings Champion being o the royal order of the Crimson fellowship of Windstorm shall when called forth shall lay down me life for protection of me Queen and this great house, I beg thy forgiveness and leniency with thy punishment ye may choose fer this one for his absence...

Without lifting his head he grimmaced as protocol required the Queen to speak first and the menial to respond only when asked for such, but the words just fell out, he was amazed they formed some sort of order for it didn't seem to when his mouth ran off with them, he so wanted to say more but he valued his tongue and was quiet attached to his head too, he knew so little as to what had developed in these lands in the past year so his memory was empty of such, he remained still and awaited a response a situation he would never be in again for his Queen should seek response from him not the other way round...he fell silent...

[Sir Kyle Draven]

((little clarifying edit from Edie's player: this post is taking place away from Windstorm lands where Kyle is seeking out the one who is behind all this.))


He made it to where he was suppose to be, where the clues led him to and he took and dismounted from his mare and looked about, we were in a clearing and there was a figure he could see in the tree line but there was more than that, more than just him and he did expect him to have back up but it would not stop what was going to happen, he would kill this man and any with him and be done once and for all...there would be death and unfortunately it would be his own as well but not with out taking that two faced coward with him, the person who destroyed his life and Ghaele's but he never told Ghaele that and would not and might not have the chance to any way, he shrugged slightly and then walked toward the figure until and arrow was shot at his feet and a voice saying "That is far enough Sir Draven"...He grins and spoke back...Sir Draven does not exist. I am Kyle. Nothing more, nothing less. Well..other than your executioner that is.....He grins as the man spoke once more and stepping into the light and pulling back the hook on the cloak and there he was, just a smug little bastard, he went to take another step and then was shot in the left shoulder, he stopped but did not flinch, he has enough padding there along with the shoulder guard, reaching over and taking the arrow out, speaking once more in a cold but calm tone.....I know it has been along time but let us settle this like Men. You and I, alone. Once I kill you, your men will let me walk from here or I will slay them as well...there was laughter from the voices around and He grinned as He was getting a sense of location for a few of them, a wry grin on His face as He shook His head and the other spoke these words...."I will think about it, but, I can not promise you anything".......You are a coward and I will gut you from navel to neck and feed your entrails to your daughter....the man looked shocked and Kyle just grinned.....Oh, I'm sorry. Did I not tell you I knew who that little who...harlete was you used? I found out the night I went to her. Smooth move. I might not kill you. I might leave you here gasping for air as I go visit her, how about that? That sound good? What? No laughs?...but Kyle did laugh and was thankful the Queen could not hear this as well, He was not Sir Kyle the Knight of Windstorm, He was Kyle the Bloody, not a flattering name but it was who He was for so long, he took a few more steps towards the man and now the man looked horrid and spoke..."KILL HIM!! NOW!!", the man started to run and there were arrows flying about but not just from the men around but from some other and Kyle stopped and looked about and there was two Rangers with the symbol of His brother's troops and He laughed and nodded to them and took off after the man that ran, this was going to end and soon, if he made it back he would have to thank his brother and then punch him in the fave for interfering.....

[Lady Edfeil]

Forgive me... *Dream's words made her furrow her brow. Her hand in hers, she looked at her friend, nae comprehending the soft request. And then she heard a cough. She spun, more surprised than frightened. She nae had seen any earlier. And then when she expected to see a man standing before her, she saw one kneel. And she heard a voice that she nae had heard in years. Nae had thought to hear again. Her hand remained in Dream's squeezing hard enough to hurt without even realizing as her eyes fell on the sword.
He had bend his head, elevating the sword to her grasp as iffen she would have the right to take it and strike. It took a time for the words to form within her mind. To hear them and string them together as they had been spoken into a sentence.


Majesty, tis with this sword an me heart and truth of oath was spoken between Agustin an council years hence for I as Kings Champion being o the royal order of the Crimson fellowship of Windstorm shall when called forth shall lay down me life for protection of me Queen and this great house, I beg thy forgiveness and leniency with thy punishment ye may choose fer this one for his absence...

She stared. Her left hand would trembling go to the hilt, laying slender fingertips against it as she looked down.*


Brother?

*the one word sounded it's question through the silence of the chapel in disbelief and helpless hope. It had been years. She had been certain death had taken ye. Her fingertips trembled against the steel as she waited for ye to lift yer head*

[Repsol]

The sword which he offered the Queen was well known as it was a gift from Agustin to a then aspiring Knight, too frail to wield it properly and which proved to be a loyal companion when he had mastered his art of battle.
The hilt was tied with a Crimson scarf acquired somehow by Perran and replaced the worn piece of material which formerly hung there.
He felt the lightest of touches upon it as the Queen lay her soft hand upon it then her question tinged with a little hint of hope rang through his ears like the tolling of the bell of the chapel itself, a word he had not heard for some time and one of which he would always answer to for their early years at Windstorm had been together as such the young girl from an established family and he the wanderer.
He lifted his head and with his right hand lifted the hood back to reveal his face, he remained kneeling and looked up to see Eddie's face for the first time for an age, she was as beautiful as ever he could remember, the two Ladies beamed a confidence he filled his senses with what his eyes saw, if this was to be his last ever vision then he would be blessed, he spoke softly...

Tis I Sis and I owe ye a debt fer me absence, one of which was false on my part the truth has since be known and a fool ye see afore thee, for twas such which delayed me return to me home and to continue the oath upon which I gave to Agustin and thus following to thee, I return now only if thee permit me to carry out this promise, thy servant I hath been and shall always be..

His eyes momentarily fell upon Dream for some kind of sign as no one knew the Queen better than she, as to gauge a frown or smile from her eyes or a quick shake of her head or just something to say how well it was going for him.

[Dream Loxley]

Trepidation......anticipation......excitement and fear were all doing battle within her heart and mind, she almost felt a shiver of emotion run through her veins. Her mouth was dry, her eyes by now accustomed to the half darkness, she could do no more than watch as the events unfolded before her.

Repsol on bended knee.......their Queen quite bemused by it all and obviously completely overwhelmed to finally see him again after all this time. It was simply one of those moments that become frozen in time, encapsulated in a memory that they were all making........surreal and yet so much more real than any of them could ever imagine.

Oh how she wished it were her Robin there in the Chapel, on bended knee....seeking forgiveness........coming home........

Dream looked between Edfeil and Repsol, all the while wondering of their feelings and thoughts.......poor Repsol looked like a young lad, knowing he had done something naughty and waiting for an ear bashing. She smiled softly, knowing he was in need of some kind of encouragement, yet she could not tell what the outcome would be.......only hope that Edfeil would understand and accept him once again.

[Lady Edfeil]

*Trembling, she sank to her knees before him on the cold stone of the church. Her left hand only now letting go of Dream's as she passed by the sword and reached out for him. Small hands folded over his face as if to see, to truely see with more than her eyes that it was indeed him. Those hands trailed down his arms, feeling the strenght. Nae a figment of her imagination. Nae a hope that found it's way into an illusion. She could feel the warmth within the cold of the chapel. It took longer again for her to understand the words. The mere fact that he was here was more than enough for those first breaths, death had not claimed him.

Relief washed over her with the dizzying scent of happiness. Sometimes a moment was too great for tears, or for words. Yet silence carried. From outside in the courtyard there was the murmur of voices muted by the heavy chapel doors, the sound of horses hooves, and booted steps as one group of guards ended their patrol and moved past to the barracks. And then she found voice.*

Aye. Aye, ye must come home.

*The words came instinctive, without further thought, without needing further explenation. She looked up at Dream, standing next to them for confirmation.*

He needs to come home, aye?

[Dream Loxley]

Such a touching scene was unfolding before her, it brought tears to her eyes.....tears of joy and happiness, yet tinged with tears of hope and loss.....personal loss that she doubted she could ever overcome.

She watched as Edfeil reached forward to her Brother......everything simply seemed right......it was all meant to be......here was their Queen, on her knees with a man thought lost to them, and now he was home......words could not describe how Edfeil must be feeling just now, and Dream felt her body tremble with emotions.


She could but nod towards her friend when she looked up at her......nodding with the warmest smile.....agreeing...encouraging.....confirming....it was all as it should be.....

"Aye my friend.......and home he be......'tis a miricle.......

[Dream Loxley]

ooc: Our dear Repsol is dealing with a distressing real time, so for now our wonderful story is on hold. Wishing him and his family all the very best.

[Sir Kyle Draven]

Sorry to hear about that. I hope all gets well soon for him.))

[Sir Kyle Draven]

He was chasing the man down into the depths, but then as He was running, He caught an ill feeling and He looked off and it was something at the castle, the Queen maybe, something was wrong, it was a gut feeling but He looked to the man that was running and then looked back towards the castle direction and He took in a breath and was really thinking what He wanted more, to kill the one that He tormented over for so long or go back to the castle..He knew what He had to do but something did not sit right, He yelled out as this one would escape Him once more and this drove a dagger in His heart as He would never forget this but He made a promise, two in fact and looked like He was about to break one to to the other, He turned back and was heading to the castle once more, it was the feeling He got from Gab being there and watching over the Queen while He went off to chase down what He thought was HIs destiny, He shook His head as He ran and knew this should have been an easy choice after the vow He gave to the Queen but who knew this would happen...again...the man that was being chased looked back and saw Kyle going back the other way and grinned as He now had more time to plot and Kyle Himself knew that would happen if He had got away but there was something He promised to do and He was going to keep, at the expense to His dual nature......as Kyle ran He spotted two of the rangers and as He moved by them asked to keep an eye on the one He was chasing and they went off in that direction as Kyle went back towards the castle.......

[Sir Kyle Draven]

This will be an ongoing story. Will not be too long but will give surprises in the near future. *S*))