Visitors from Arahdan

[Leleanda]

Her stomach still had butterflies betting against her ribs. The encounter with the strange man claming to be able to restore her sight, it left her feeling very unsettled. To see again.... Just the thought of it constricted her chest, made her head feel a little light to even consider. And she HAD considered it.

Sadly, the price, the risk of it was simply just to high. They barely knew this man, and what little they did know was that he tended to be brash, a little bit rude, and a lot full of himself. Quite simply.......they did not trust him.

But she wanted it. So bad that she could almost taste it. Sadly that taste was bittersweet on her tongue. To see her children, her husband, to be the person she had been once. Strong, independent, sure....

OUCH!

She stumbled a little, and cursed colorfully as her hands felt around for the edge of the mattress that she knew was there somewhere. Found the soft fabric under her fingertips and used it to guide herself to sit down, as her toes throbbed and she waved off the maid that was helping her back.

I'm fine, no damage. Go, on, go get the rest of it...I just need to sit a moment

Gosh darn it, she was closer to it than she had thought. Would teach her not to let her mind wonder when she should have been paying attention and counting her steps. It was hard, it was on her mind...and then things like this happened and brought it front and center all the more. Something so simple as packing a trunk for a few days. It should be a simple matter, it was...long as she let someone else do it.

Frustrated she blew a strand of hair out of her face and lifted silk slippered foot and rubbed throbbing toes. The letter from Windstorm had arrived amidst their strange little meeting. It had been a welcome diversion. It would be a welcome getaway, a good thing to leave for a few days, so that she wouldn't be tempted to reconsider the offer..ludicrous and dangerous as it was.

Besides, warmer weather...a small reprieve. Autumn, it was her favorite time of year and she felt as if she had been slighted out of it. Winter had slammed into them, there had been no time to enjoy the smell of falling leaves, the cooler weather...the crunch of leaf not snow beneath a boot.

A few moments later, all was packed, the trunk lid slamming with a resounding thud, the maid slightly out of breath. OK, over kill maybe, she wanted to be prepared, clothes, toys, gifts, and really... new mom, spit up, nuff said.

Cal...........I think we're ready.

[Keiren]

They set sail at dawn, coursing the high and frigid seas in an imperial vessel, made for magnificence, and fine sailing, escorted by two other ships, each with full tack and sail. The winds were fair, if cold, the ships moves swift and true, and the crews, highly trained and working with an almost innate sense of timing, precision down to the nth degree attained.......it was still sailing. And despite all efforts to make it a very nice ship....and it was! It was a nice ship!......It still was a ship, and thus, hardly cozy and comfortable.

A journey made with haste in mind, they were still more than ready to disembark and feel sweet terra firma again, as they crowned the edge of the world, and saw the slope of the Cornwall coast jut up, to crag it's rocky hills beneath a waning Autumn sky.

He stayed inside with her, much of the time, the wind too bleak and raw, the ocean spray an icy salty brine that scratched skin and wore it raw. It warmed, as they arrived closer and closer to the land of Edfeil of Windstorm, as black lines and lumps of distant objects clarified themselves, and articulated the shape of forest and dell, shale rock beaches and hidden tributaries of cold fresh water, in it's race to meet the unrelenting sea.

Dark shadows flitted under the boats, great seafaring fishes, in their wakes, dolphins and sea birds, their boon companions for the last twenty miles.

At last docks loomed, and could be made out clearly. Neat efficient little ships cut and dallied here and there, darting like puppies between the larger ships, smart little vessels sliding around the girth of bigger fishing ships, cog ships, and dual sailed predecessors to what would one day be caravels. Leleanda came to deck then, a balmy fifty five degrees and sunshine pure and sweet lighting the world.

It rained it's heat on reds and greens, the few trees here at the beach and dock in shades of fire and spring. Fall, kissing away the weight of summer's loving grip. Life thrived in the last warm days of the fading year, in a song of harvest, home, men and ships, of power and resourcefulness, of hearth and a coming soon of days of cold.

His arm was around her, and in his other arm, a baby, sleeping and in a nest of blankets and a cap, slept on. Gifts, themselves, all was ready to arrive, and taste the homey sweet hospitality of this domain..as for the wise man that had come to them earlier? Claiming to, for the price of a title and estate, clear the Empress of her blindness?

He thought no more on it, at peace with his choice to say no.

[Leleanda]

She used to like traveling by boat, she still did to some degree, but traveling in this cold with two small children....it had its moments. Calen wanted to see what was happening, he wasn't happy being confined into the small room that had been assigned to them. She felt for the boy, knew how he was feeling. She would have liked to have been able to go out on deck too, she maybe couldn't see the water skimming by them, the way the sun would sparkle like diamonds over the water but she could have listened to the the waves crashing against wood, the sound of the wind snapping against sails, the call of men working the rigging.

It simply was just to cold, at least until they had grown closer to Cornwall. The weather warmed then some, and the were able to take small walks on board. Very small. Her footing on normal flat unmoving land had only recently had she been able to do with any real confidence. Having a moving, rolling surface under her...added to it not being able to see...it left her stomach queasy.

She for one as glad to find her feet on firm ground once more, although it still seemed to be moving under her feet. Something she hoped would go away soon, that rocking swaying motion. Thankfully the kids seemed to have taken to sea travel well. Little Cambryn, had slept mostly, the motion of it all must have been comforting. Calendorian had that it fun, his little legs wobbling about under him.

Moving with careful steps until her equilibrium seemed to even out, she clung to her husband and the hand of her son. Breathing in deep the smell of autumn, it did her person good. She ached to see it, the splendor of color that she was sure was splashed all around them in radiant shades of red and gold. Wondered if there were still hints of green or had it all been erased and taken over except for the evergreens.

Their wait was minimal. Arrangements had already been made..she could hear it coming for them. A carriage to take them the rest of the way. The jangle of buckles and clatter of hooves against ground told her that it had come to a stop. Excitement fluttered in her belly, she had been looking forward to to this meeting. She'd had thought it wouldn't be till the auction, perhaps after, but the timing of this couldn't have been more perfect. Her thoughts were tugged back to the man back in Arahdan..what if tingling her brain. She had to remind herself of the cost, the things he asked. It was far far to dangerous...but still...what if?

She didn't say much until everyone was settled, the carriage rocking gently...more with the rocking... Cambryn fresh fed and sleeping once more in his fathers arms, Calen curled up and his head on her lap and taking a nap of his own..

How long till we reach Windstorm? Is it very far from here? When was the last time you were there? I'm excited for this, perfect timing........I can't wait to see them... er.. meet them.

Do........Do you really think he could have done it? I know.. I know, its not safe...but...do you think he could?

The kids were sleeping, the trip a few hours she was sure, and she needed to know. They hadn't really spoken of it. They agreed it wasn't safe and then had simply, just, not spoken of it. Unease coursed through her, maybe she didn't want to know, maybe it was better not to.

Forget get... What of Windstorm. Tell me of it? What to expect. Whats the Queen like?

[Keiren]

"Lele......" He began, with a sigh that suggested, hinted at a sort of resolve and worry, exasperation wasn't forefront, he understood the why of her wanting to know. She had seen before, gone blind. It was natural to want to see again. It was also just as natural for him to distrust a stranger claiming miracles could be done, all for the price....and a steep price it was, of titles and station, lands and castle. It wasn't as if Arahdan was having a fire sale on Keeps and Fortresses. It wasn't like they were giving them away, the sheer audacity of 'make me ennobled or I won't help the Empress' had set Keiren's teeth on edge. Anyone that coldly calculating, that wickedly self promoting, was NO healer.

"Lele....." He began again, searching in the hope for words that might lay this ache to rest..."I don't."

He bit his lower lip, adjusting Cambryn, and leaning in, the space between them narrowing. His hand found her knee, and stroked the roundness of it through her gown.

"I think he oversold the idea. I would no sooner trust your life and health to him, than I'd fling you off a cliff in the hopes that maybe you'd learn to fly half way down. It was...cruel.....of him, I think, to wave in one hand the idea of restoring your sight, while with the other hand, motioning for vast payouts. I fear that he painted himself as rather a gold digger."

He frowned, hoping to gentle this some..."I have, and will continue, to seek out the best healers, the top minds in the field of wellness, for you. Money is not the issue. If it cost only us coin, and did not endanger you, I might have...no...I speak false. I would not have considered it. He was......hmmmm.......I don't trust easy, you know this. I pray you do not take offense, but, I'd just simply not trust him to take care of you. We know so little of him, and Queen Kala seemingly distrusted him, from what little we could tell in their interactions."

"I'm sorry Lele. It wasn't meant to be........maybe someday...but not now."

He felt a cad for that, for dashing hope....they'd tried everything so far, but this fellow, well, call Keir crazy, but he didn't believe in vague assurance and weak explanations, not when it came to the health and welfare of those he loved, and he did so love this wife of his. Stubborn, strong, winsome and brave, he adored her.............just as she was.

"As for Windstorm, it's very lovely, the village hustle bustle...the harvest in, I'd imagine. I was last here...oh....back a year and a half or so ago. I helped her Majesty knight a man of this Home. A very gracious evening spent, as I recall." It was said softly...he felt bad, his words seemed inadequate..."I'm really sorry about the healer, love. I'm just so sorry."

[Leleanda]

She tensed at the sound of her name. It had that tone. You know that tone, that one people used when they had to deliver bad news and you could tell they were dreading it. Lowering her chin so that it nearly rested against her chest, dragging in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. Her 'gaze' such as it was fixed on her lap were she stroked the her fingers through the hair their son. The texture exactly like his dads. Thick and soft.

It's OK. Dont worry, I didnt mean to.... its just.....

She shrugged one shoulder up letting it finish the sentence. She maybe shouldn't have brought it up, she bit her tongue. She could hear the way his voice caught, and then firmed. Resolved. Felt his hands touch her knees, the warmth of them seeping into her even though the inside of the carriage was chilly. She nodded to acknowledge the fact he was speaking, his words, nothing more than she had told herself a hundred times already.

I know. I do. I really do. Its why I said no. And i should thank you for that, that you allowed me to choose.

Her lips twitched, cause he hadn't. He'd just admitted as much and she lifted her head a little. She hated that she couldn't see him, wondered what his face looked like right now. But she didn't deny him seeing her. The sincerity in her face. She had said no, sure, and at the time he had said it was her choice. Only begged her to say no. And she had, for all the reasons he had just said. She was blind, not stupid. This man, he was no healer. They had no reason to trust him, and his price.....way to high.

You've been.... there are not words to express how I feel for the support you've given me. Continue you to give me. You're right. We can continue to look, but I think we, I, need to face it, it just might not be meant to be. If that is the case, then so be it....at least I have you. Right?

Well didn't she just sound so grown up? She didn't feel like it. Inside she felt like having a temper tantrum. But that would get her absolutely nothing, nothing but a headache. Her sight, or lack there of... it wasn't the end of the world. She had a good husband, one that held her lands together, his and hers, and had made them something to be really proud of. She was a mother, not just once, but three times over...in less than a year. That had to count for something!

The carriage rattled along, the weather here, much more mild than at home and it allowed them to have the curtains open. The breeze was light, felt good against her warm cheeks, the sound of surf crashing... she guessed they followed the coast... slowly her hands reached out to him, her fingers linked with his and squeezed tight.

Well I hope that we are almost there. I am very ready to meet our new friends, get out and stretch my legs...

As for the healer....

There was a big bump that bounced them both in their seats, a half second later the carriage came to a jarring halt accompanied by a loud crack, sending the carriage tilting dangerously to one side. Axle broke...

[Keiren]

And...........so they arrived on foot.

Hardly the stunning ta da here we are, sort of arrival, but the weather was warm, for this time of year, anyhow, the three year old was happy to trounce along, plucking wildflowers and acorns to show off to the retinue of guards, and the sun stayed heated, large, benevolent and kind. The little family Al'thor was in the cusp of a dear and fine autumn day. The nanny carried the baby, the guards kept pace near the children and adults.....for Keiren had taken to heart Edfeil's warnings. But then, he rarely went anywhere without a full contingent of the home guard.

He loathed few things, but insipid over confident fools was one of those things that really drove him up the wall. Those sorts that despite their position and responsibilities to the people, insisted on 'no guards, they hinder me' and traveling alone, as if that proved them somehow tough.

It didn't.

Kidnapped, a royal could be used to extract information from, or as leverage against an entire nation. He was not so pompous as to believe the sheer presence of himself would thwart attack, if anything he courted it. To enterprising criminal sorts, kidnapping he or one of his kinfolk would be quite the rich prize.

So even without warning, he'd brought guards, guards that even now held pace, retained a trained and watchful alertness. He did not fear Edie's lands or people, but as she had so wisely pointed out, attacks..well...they did happen....in any land.

But insulated by ten home guard, and three more, gone to scout ahead, he felt safe enough to focus on his wife, recall her look of disappointed anguish. It made his heart feel tight. His arm at her waist, to steady her and guard against a fall, he spoke, low and sincere.

"You know I hurt, when you do? It's true. I promise to keep trying, and yes, this may never change. But even if you were restored to full seeing ability right now, I couldn't love you more than already I do. You are Leleanda."

As if that said it all.

.................And maybe it did.

[Lady Edfeil]

((are you at the gate? Are you? Are you? *jumps up and down excitedly*))

[Leleanda]

It wasn't exactly the entrance she might have imagined going to a new kingdom, certainly no one was going to call them ostentatious. Although just because they were on foot, they certainly we rent a raggedly looking group. Their clothing clearly depicting them people of wealth. There Home guard looked good, uniforms were clean and pressed, buckles gleaming, boots polished...She and Keiren both wearing rich cloaks of the finest wool, dyed a rich purple so dark it was almost black, embellished with gold thread.

But around them, a small boy ran raced back and forth, picking up this, looking at that. Having the time of his life. So all in all, it was a simple enough affair. It helped that she couldn't see it, see the men and woman that surrounded them, and yet tried to give them their space for the sake of privacy. Easy to ignore what you couldn't see.

Things between them were, strained. Not stressed exactly, but memories of their conversation with their unexpected visitor kept crowding into her mind. Did he like her blind? It wasn't something she had ever considered before. She had considered that he didn't like her blind. Might consider her a burden, a hindrance....but actually like it....

She refused to believe it. She maybe could understand why he might. His history of wives was not a pleasant. They had all done him wrong in one way or another...even she... even though it was before they were married him. She'd deceived him. Had stolen him, his lands....

It had worked out, and for the best. She felt that right into the core of her soul. But it didn't change the facts. However, he'd changed her. Her 'affliction' had changed her. Would she be different again if she had her sight back? Perhaps.... Beside her she felt his arm tighten on her, and she laid her head against his shoulder. She didn't believe he would keep her like this, not on purpose.

Still his words were welcome, a balm to her heart. She hadn't realized that she needed to hear them until she had them. Turning her head, she placed a kiss to his shoulder, inhaled the sweet Autumn air, and male, as she lifted a hand to cup his cheek. Her thumb caressed smooth skin, as her heart swelled.

I love you too, whatever happens in our lives. I am yours. Nothing will change that.

Grinning, she patted his cheek softly. It was simple as that. Up ahead, there were shouts. They had arrived at the gates. They had arrived, on foot, a few hours later than they had hoped, with a starving little boy, pleasantly tired feet and everyone all smiles.

[Keiren]

(We are!~s~Post us in?)

[Dream Loxley]

They were coming.......word had been sent of their ships arriving in dock, so the whole Castle was ready to receive them. Dream had taken it upon herself to make sure everything that could be, had been either pushed to one side or placed in an appropriate way so as to allow Lele ease of access through the corridors of the Castle and into the Hall. She could not even try to imagine how one would cope in a strange environment with so sight, it would in deed be a challenge for their guest.

Friendships had been made during the past few months of writing letters back and forth. The written word perhaps not able to show depth of feeling or the facial expressions that often crept over one as one wrote. Meeting in person was something else, and Dream was clearly relishing the moment that would soon be here. There would be treaties and official business of course, she hoped that perhaps she had instigated a bond between the two lands that would aid them in the future.

She had overseen the arrangements as was part of her duty within Windstorm, fresh beds had been made, with clean linens and extra lavender discreetly placed in the straw. Dream had made sure the children would be accommodated comfortable in the largest guest room so they may stay together as a family, if this would not suit then there were of course other rooms.

She was just arranging a vase of freshly picked flowers on the small desk when she saw through the window that they had indeed arrived. Recognising Keiren from past meetings, she gasped audibly when she saw Lele, how beautiful she was, quite stunning to look upon, and how lovely a couple they made. For a moment she stood watching, taking them in, seeing just how they interacted, him with his hands and arms always within reach of her. She could see the babe carried with care and another small boy obviously excited and enjoying his adventures in a new land. She smiled to herself as she remembered such times with her own beloved Robin, then as quickly as she allowed them in, she banished such thoughts and memories, lifting her skirts high enough to allow safe passage through the upper level corridor and down the servants stair case. She brushed down her skirts and moved quickly to stand behind the Queen and those already at the doors to greet them.......

[Lady Edfeil]

*there would have been more guards visible than was usual on a visit to Windstorm. Yet none of them would have hindered the party upon entering on the contrary. Even iffen they had nae been expecting a group of guests, hospitality would have come before vigilance, as far as the eye was concerned. But now the castle had truly been readied.

It had been a whirlwind few days, to get barrels stored away hastily, the cleaning that had been abridged because of the harvest finished, the rooms aired out once more and even new rushes added to the floor. Thanks to the effort of all though, they were ready to receive their guests. And oh she looked forward to it!

From the cliff tower had come the horn to announce that the ship had been sighted. But then it had seemed to take longer than expected before the party arrived. On foot. There was a story there. But seeing the countenance and mostly unruffled appearance of the group, she concluded that there nae had been an altercation. She moved forward with a smile, taking them all in, Dream slipping in behind her.

Welcome to Windstorm 'pon this day.

*It was a simple greeting, but heartfelt. This was nae an official state visit after all, and there nae was a need to be overly formal, at least she hoped. She would take her tone from their guests on such. Things had moved so fast.*

I hope yer journey was uneventful and pleasant. Pritthee, join me inside. The wind becomes blustery and there be food and comforts ready.

[Keiren]

He greeted them with a smile, guiding with slow and precise patience, his wife up from the gates to the doors, where Edfeil and Dream waited, both blushing pink with their looks of excitement. He was already half laughing with delight as he kissed the Queen, then Lady Dream on the cheek, a swift, soft gesture of affection for them.

"There you are! Lovely to see you....Queen Edfeil, my wife, Lele, and Lele, here is Dream...and this is Calendorian, and in the nanny's arms, that is wee young Cambryn. Growing like weeds."

As a three year old trucked around them running in a circle and making 'knight' noises (a lot of galloping and Ho there, knave!'ing and crashing sorts of sounds) he guided Leleanda's soft pale hand to Edfeil's and her other slim hand to Dream's touch, so that she was between them in all the hubbub.

It seemed the safest.

Lele could fall, easily, and by letting her walk between Queen and Chatelaine, he felt she'd be able to chat and meet her friends face to face, and yet be protected in case of a stumbling step. He fell in behind them, a hand ready...just in case. He worried, maybe...too much.

"I have missed you both, all is well here, from the looks. Nothing out of sorts at all, nothing out of place."

They were graciously shown in, the scent of clean floors and fresh rushes, warm spice and soap all pleasantly mingling and dancing along his senses. He did notice that nothing was out in the rooms' middles, everything arranged pleasingly, and smartly, to protect Lele's shins and pride. And silently, he winged a thank you in his heart, for such foresight on their parts. He was talking, quietly, as was his way, he was never very boisterous, as a rule.

"Forgive our odd arrival, we snapped an axel of all things, and too excited to arrive, we chose to walk, and not wait for repairs."

[Leleanda]

Hello hello.

She smiled widely, her face lightly up as she heard the voices of two woman. She quickly wiped her hands on her skirts as she let Keiren greet them first, making introductions. She listened hard to the voices, committing them to memory. They were exactly how she imaged them to sound. Strange to say, but its true. Its like looks for people that can see. You get an image of them from correspondence. She had images too, but those she would never know if she was right. Touchy subject for her now too, so she let those thought slid away.

She felt her hand pulled forward, and her hands gently rested on each of the woman's. Edfeil on her left, and Dream on her right. At least she thought so. Behind her she felt Keiren hoovering, he worried, and it made her smile some. They had some talking to do, but that would come later, when she'd had time to digest it all.

Today, now, was for the meeting and getting to know new friends.

It is a great pleasure to finally meet you both. Thank you for opening your home to us on such short notice. I can't tell you both how good it is to be here.

She took slow and careful steps. Hated that, that her feet dragged some. That it told she still wasn't comfortable with her blindness. But it was a new place she could hardly be blamed, but she trusted her guides, and that helped her body relax some.

Her hands squeezed her two new found friends gently, her back straightened some. The smells here were wonderful, she would bet her best dress the hall was immaculate.

Food? That sounds wonderful. Worked up quite the appetite on our walk. Thankfully the day here was mild, it was nice to enjoy some sun, Ill take the wind...Arahadan has been thrust right into winter, I fear its going to be a long and cold one.

[Dream Loxley]

Her smile was bright and sincere as she leaned in to have her cheek kissed, then she curtsied as was proper, all the while her eyes were upon Lele who obviously could not see what was happening before her. Dream wanted to simply hold her and protect her, but it was not her place to do so, and no amount of pity would change anything, pity really was not needed, nor appreciated. She kept her smile in place as her hand was given to the beautiful woman, and as they turned to walk along the corridor, she moved her hand so as to cup Lele's elbow, guiding her was easier this way, it felt more natural.

Dream glanced over her shoulder to chuckle softly at Keiren. "Oh my, but ye did choose a goodly day to walk and we have some fresh breads and baked meat waiting for ye all. How delightful yer children be M'Lord."


She kept a gentle yet firm hold on Lele's elbow as they walked towards the Hall.

"Tis wonderful to finally meet ye M'Lady, ye do honour us with yer presence and I hope ye find everything to yer liking. The way forward be clear of any obstacles and I took the liberty of having yer room made ready with extra care taken."

They walked on at a slow but steady pace, Dream nodded towards Servants as they each stepped back slightly and either bowed or curtsied as their guests passed.

"Winter be but waiting in the shadows I fear M'Lady, yet we have been so blessed of late with extra sunshine. It does darken far too quickly of an eve, and we find ourselves sitting by the hearth and enjoying such quiet times...... I do admire yer gown, 'tis suiting ye just perfectly.Iffn the weather holds when ye have settled in, I would be delighted to take ye around our gardens, mayhaps to feed the Ducks with the children."

Dream waffled as she did, about this and that......hoping to make their new friends feel at ease and more so, at home.

[Lady Edfeil]

((my apologies for the delay, but real time kept me busy. I will have time to post tomorrow, but in the mean time feel free to npc me to allow the visit to progress.))