Visitors from Arahdan

[Lady Edfeil]

*She had nae realized. God help her, but she had nae known that the Emperor's wife had lost her sight. Lord in heaven, had she be so preoccupied that she nae had heard the tiding? She needed to make certain she was more connected to what happened in other lands, to her friends.
She enfolded Leleanda's hand gently but strongly with hers and now finally realized why Lady Dream had been rearranging the furniture. It would be easier indeed for someone to get around.*

A snapped axle *she mentioned lightly, her eyes going from Leleandra to Kieran* I will have to see that the road at least from the harbour has the holes filled in again before winter. Ye have someone seeing to the repairs already? Or shall I send someone out? There be a wagon maker in the village who would be well able to see that all be tended to.

*She glanced over at Lady Dream, hearing her mention the ducks and chuckled* Oh aye, we must be certain that the ducks be very well fed. *She nae added 'by Christmas' but the tease was there, a jest that remained over the years. Her eyes however wandered, somewhat covetous to the nanny and the bairn she was holding.*

[Keiren]

"Would you like to hold him?"

It was asked as the Empress was helped to a chair by Edfeil and Dream, and the Queen, with a look that could only be described as wistful longing, spied Cambryn. Small, fat cheeked, asleep, he was pretty appealing looking, and it was with a smile that he motioned the nanny closer. Strong steady arms took the wee lad, and Keiren carried his son, Cambryn snored softly, with dark wisps of downy hair peaking beneath baby bonnet, to the Queen of Windstorm.

"Here he is...."

He smiled down at the baby.

"His mother did a very fine job with him, handsome baby, and a very good napper. I'm told not all babes sleep so well as Cambryn does. So I'm feeling doubly blessed. Babies and toddlers....beautiful, but a lot of work. He's pretty good to us, only up twice a night nowadays."

His dark eyes swung from pinked up baby cheeks, to the look on the Queen's face with questioning.

"I'm sure he'd not mind getting to meet you, your majesty."

[Leleanda]

No, she couldn't see what was going on...but she could hear. And very well. She listened as hugs and kisses were exchanged along with the well wishes, and the in moments she was in very strong and yet capable hands. At first its was a little unnerving to have anyone but Keiren leading her, but she relaxed in moments.

If there was anything else that she had gained through her loss of sigh, besides the learning to listen much more carefully to the world around her, it was feeling it. She smiled as she could feel the grip on right shift and adjust to hold her more securely...the touch soft,warm a tad hesitant at first but soon steady. She appreciated the care and attention that she was being shown

There were those that felt awkward leading her, she'd learned that lesson the hard way. Some people just not meant to do it. They would grip her much to tightly, and instead of leading her gently, and just letting her follow by touch they sort of propelled her forward anxious to get her where ever it was she needed going. It was, one of the many reason she hoped that Miriam would be of help to her. Miriam was a the cutest little great pyrenees, only she wasn't so great yet, she was just puppy. A puppy she, they, hoped could be taught to help her in small day to day things. For the moment she had been left with one of the guards until they found out if a puppy(mostly house broken) would be welcome inside.

Please with her companions she couldn't help but laugh some.

"This dress? Oh I do so love burgundy. One of my favorite colors."She waited, a few beats. She knew it wasn't a burgundy dress today, but she couldn't help the tease. Her hands squeezing that of her new friends.."I'm sorry, my humor I'm told is sometimes .... off. Ducks, right. I would love to feed them, so to I think would Calen. He loves chasing them, I give fair warning."

She was settled into a chair, and gratefully so. It was a little discerning being in a strange place, it felt to her that her balance was all wrong, which was utter nonsense she knew, it was simply she didn't trust her feet.. a strange thing, even being guided, you couldn't help that feeling that at any moment you were going to walk into something. It went away with time and familiarity, but for now, sitting was good.

I hope it wasn't to much trouble, but I do thank you for sweet consideration and trouble of moving things, my shin do too.

She had blushed a little hearing Keiren praise, she couldn't help it, she was proud of Cambryn..of all their children, and hearing him speak of it..well it sent a little thrill up her spin and her smile reflected that. While she waited to hear if Edfeil would take her son she did some mental calculations. From the entrance to where ever they were, it had been forty four steps forward, and seven to the right. What helped her most was to map things in her head.


Where are we? The room, would someone describe if for me?

[Dream Loxley]

Dream had taken great care with their guest, trying to allow her ease of movement yet hoping to guide her in the right direction at all times. Such would be so difficult if one was blindfolded even within the safety of their own home, but to venture forth into the unknown and with those less experienced in such matters was very brave indeed. She could but smile as Lele spoke of her gown and laughed a little when she was settled into a comfortable chair. The children would get to know one another in their own way and the duck pond would enable them all some freedom from the confines of the Castle walls, of course if the weather was kindly.

"Ahhh then feed the ducks we shall M'Lady" He voice filled with enthusiasm and joy at the idea. Dream chuckled softly at Edfeils remark, of course the Ducks would always be something they would tease one another about.......as it should be.

"The Hall M'Lady......'tis quite pleasing a room with a long table with benches that normally sits within the centre, I took the liberty of having it moved over to the far wall for the duration of yer stay......the walls be adorned with several tapestries, some sewn by our own Queen as she is so fond of doing though the winter months and several others created by the Stormblade family afore us."

Dream glanced about the room so as to get the measure of everything she could think of. "The fire of course ye may be able to feel, but we can move ye closer iffn ye are inclined to, and there are furs in front of the hearth where at times we sit and warm ourselves. Tis nae furnished too boldly and most seating 'tas been set by the walls, iffn ye were to walk straight ahead from yer chair then ye shall come to the doors leading outside. The gardens be so inviting, and even now during these last weeks afore Winter settles, 'tis most pleasing to take a walk." Hesitating for a moment Dream continued as she added to her description.* "The pathways be mostly gravel so ye may feel such under foot. Oh and to yer left be a long sideboard where ye shall find drinks and pastries a plenty. The menfolk have come to expect such delights and a full flagon of ale and wine be always available."

Having described the room is a way it may help her, Dream then took a goblet of warm mulled wine from Millie and placed it to the side of Lele's chair. She spoke more softly then, just to Lele. "There be a goblet just to yer right M'Lady, level with yer arm, placed upon a small table. It be about an elbow's length away." She did not wish to sound patronising nor indeed assuming, but she did feel that Lele was more independent than many women she knew, even sighted ones.

Seeing that everyone looked comfortable, she ushered Mollie to make sure the young lad had his fill of food and drink before taking a goblet for heself and watching as Edfeil carefully held the small bundle of joy, rocking gently as she soothed the babe with soft tones and hushed whispers.

((Hoping Edfeil will enjoy a little cuddle *S*))

[Cara McKenna]

Having heard that guests were arriving to the Castle Cara busied herself humming happily as she went along. Now tis true with the gossip round the Castle she could have easily discovered who the Guests were and what they were abouts but she nay listened and as such did not know much of them, for it wasn't exactly the business of a young peasant girl to know the details of visiting dignitaries intents.

Instead young Cara made herself busy with making a fresh pot of tea and a small kettle of heated cocoa, just in case. Too she made a plate of fruit filled pastries, careful not to use too much of the freshly harvested fruits in her labors, yet she was intent to make them tasty, with a fine, delicate crust that would melt in the mouth. Over the top of each she drizzled just a bit sweet honey.

For the young lad in the group a cup of sweet cider to go along with the snack and ofcourse the afternoon meal was already prepared, but Cara decided there *had* to be something sweet to go along with it so that was why she made the patries....And in the chimney oven for later...some freshly set personal cakes moulded with wax paper holding them still...

There now Millie, ye take the tea and cider on in to the guests and make sure there is enough for refills ifn they arent having wine, an they may well be. And make sure this plate makes it to them eh? A FULL Plate ifn ye please...no mooching, ye'll have yer share later... And with a grin and a wink Cara goes about her work, having done what she wanted, whilst staying hidden as she did tend to be somewhat shy at certain times...

[Lady Edfeil]

Could I? *the words slipped out before she had a chance to think about it. Her mind registered the proud father's words. How well the baby looked -she could only agree with that- how well he slept -that would certainly be an advantage- and how he only woke his parents twice a night. She nae had children, but she had taken care of more than one bairn for a few nights. Enough at least to know how to hold them, and to relish nae just the soft feel, but the smell of a sleeping babe.

I'ld gladly take him... *she whispers, holding out her arms and allowing the nurse to place Cambryn carefully in them. The moment she felt the boys weight, she made a soft cooing sound, for a moment forgetting all around there in the pleasure of woman and baby, the smile that formed warming her face like a young madonna. Oh aye... if God pleased, nae too long anymore before she could become a mother herself. As if by instinct, she started to gently rock the sleeping boy, her body swaying slightly with the motion. And when she looked up, becoming aware again of the company gathered, it was with a slightly apologetic smile, though without giving up the pleasure of holding Lele's son*

He be a magnificent boy, Yer Highness, ye be very blessed. And I be so glad ye ended yer confinement easily so ye can travel again. *She adressed Lele, then looked over at Keiran with a grin* He be nae a feather weight though. Why I remember Ellissia being smaller than this when she was near a month older. *She searched her memory. Aye.. aye the lass had been smaller had she nae*
What do ye think, Dream? *she murmured, moving slightly towards ye, but with nae the least intention of letting go of the child just yet.* Be he nae bigger than Ellissia when she was this old?

[Dream Loxley]

"Millie, kindly give my thanks to Cara for she has excelled herself with her baking......indeed mayhaps she may wish to join us and meet our guests." Dream smiled as she spoke softy to the servant and bid her return to the kitchens for more pastries.

She was still smiling as she listened to Edfeil, watching her and imagining just how wonderful it may be, given time, that she may hold one of her own babes.

"Oh indeed, Ellissia was quite small, and Thomas even, did nae fill out so well until his first year had passed. This wee one be a delight aye.....and such beautiful hair."

Little Cambryn was a beautiful babe, so full of innocence and with so much yet to know of life. She reached to touch his cheek gently with a wistful look before turning her attention to their guests once more in the hopes they were comfortable.

[Cara McKenna]

Millie returned swiftly to the kitchens grinning like the cat who ate the Royals canary and got away with it, which raised Cara's suspicions....What did ye do, little scamp?...she asks and Millie giggles a bit... I di'n do it, ye did. Lady Dream be smart..she knew twas from ye...ye've been summoned ye 'ave but She be wantin some more pastries firs'.... The words cause Cara to gape a bit before she remembers her upbringing, though she be a mere peasant, and closes it with a snap.

Twill take a while to bake some more so I spose these little cakes twill have to take their place for now, an I be vera glad they got done fast enough...Slather a bit of that icing over those there and twill be done eh?... Cara mutters with a grin then playfully waves Millie off... I'll take em...I spose I best since I'm being summoned eh?...With another smile Cara herself lifts the tray of personal cakes up carrying them a slight bit unsteadily toward the Great Hall, slipping inside as silently as she can manage so as not to disturb any conversation within...

[Keiren]

Baby safe and sound in loving arms, and three year old Calendorian plunked on...not at...but on...Dream's foot, the boys were looking rather pleased with life. Cambryn slept, and Calen was presented a sweet roll by his nanny. The three year old, in the spirit of all three year olds, set out to consume said pastry with all due haste. So much for manners...

Keiren eyed his elder son with 'the look'. The one that suggest a tiny bit of decorum might not be amiss. The boy blinked, and grinned a honey sticky smile, and slowed down some, getting only half of the treat all over himself. It was the best he could do, and proud father nodded, pleased to see the lad making a (somewhat discombobulated) attempt at staying neatish.

As for himself, the emperor took a chair by his wife, and her hand in his, he let the soft warm lilt of Dream's voice describe the room they were in, and grinned as the young empress nattered on about her dress. It was not burgundy, and she well knew it. "Tease, Lele. Tsk, Tsk...you well know it to be yellow." It was green. He snagged a soft kiss off her pale peaches and cream cheek, and spoke again, being her eyes.

"Dream is over modest. The tapestries here are muted and delicate, working them must have taken decades, to do them all. They are not blocky, as some are, but are instead very...fluid. More like a painting with great attention to hue and shading and slow, seamless transitions. The water in them looks to really flow, with shallows and eddies, running foam and splashes all clearly in their scenery. Leaves are done in a thousand shades of green, each delicately etched with shades of autumn moss, and spring grass, forest in winter black green, and lichen yellow green. Faces are equally careful in their representation, with flesh tones carefully thought out, and the lips coral and rose, and eyes luminous and green, brown, gold and blue. It really is stunning work."

He went on to talk of the gardens..."We will take you for long walks in them. The herb beds, especially, I know you'll like."

And she did love gardens, because even blind, there was texture, scent, sound, a rich cacophony of sensation...and memories...some of his favorite memories were with her in a garden. "We began our courtship, in a garden." He explained, smiling at the thoughts in his head. "She had baked cookies, and asked me to walk with her, she wanted to picnic. I, not a stupid man, was enchanted. How could I not be? She is she."

He smiled to her, and squeezed her hand...."The accident that took her sight...was not so many months after that first garden picnic, I was never so scared in all my life when she was hurt. I'd already fallen head over heels for her, and I can honestly say I love her more every passing day. She disarms me, and has given me such blessings. One of which....is currently resting in 'the lap of luxury', that is Queen of Windstorm. If ever we are in need of a babysitter, I think we shall ask for you and Dream, the lads seem quite at home, and with nary a care."

[Leleanda]

She appreciated all the care and attention that everyone was showing her. Their hosts had been most thoughtful, much more than she ever would have thought anyone to be. She certainly hadn't expected them to move furniture on her account. The fact that they had gone to such great lengths touched her more than she could say. She blamed the rapid blinking on the hormones of child birth.

As Dream continued to describe the room, she closed her eyes, she found it helped with the visualization. Something she was lucky she could do, with her loss of sight only recent, she found that she could picture things very well in her mind.

Head tipped slightly she listened not just to Dream speaking but to how her words echoed around her, to really give her a sense of the size and scope of the room. From the way voices carried, somewhere to her left she heard foot steps echo she judged the room to be on the larger scale. A gathering hall. A lovely one. She wished she could see the tapestries, she used to like working on them herself. Something that was impossible these days...ranked right up there with her knitting, although that she still tried..occasionly...She could indeed feel the fires heat, judging from the sound of the logs crackling she guessed they were sitting approximately fifteen feet away.

She got a picture in her mind how it might look, the doors ahead of her, with a wonderful sounding garden just beyond. She was willing to bet there was huge windows too that afforded everyone a view will they dinned here. She most definitely wanted to go and 'see' them for herself.

As she was explained where food and drink was, she smiled her thanks, her hand reaching out cautiously to find the goblet. Said a quick prayer she didn't knock it over. Around her, she listened to the others talk. Cale was nattering none stop not caring who was listening or not, just a happy young boy, that had a treat!

Thank you Ladies for all your kindness. Truly you went above and beyond. Everything is absolutely perfect.

And there was the Queen being offered her son to hold. She couldn't help but grin, hearing the way her voice softened and filled with longing as she asked if she could. The woman was obviously meant to have children, with some, you could just tell. They would be good with them.

Her husband came and sat next to her and stole more than a kiss, but her attention too. His kiss as chaste as it was scattered her thoughts for a moment. She chuckled a little as he teased her about her dress, gave his hand a little squeeze.

Well if I'm in the wrong dress I blame you, you picked it out.

And aye, you know me well. Ive missed tending to my own garden, cultivated them to hang and dry...

She gave a little wistful sigh as he described the tapestries and made her smile. She was sure they were beautiful, a sight to behold. As he went into detail why the gardens were special, she grinned, was sure there was a bit of a color tinting her cheeks. A hard squeeze of her hand conveyed her feelings on the topic. And then he mentioned the accident, and it made her a little restless. Talking, thinking about it always left her feeling a little out of sorts, vulnerable, which is something she was still getting used to....but hearing him tell others so openly how he felt about her..no words for, and all the fears she had, eased, the boulder on her chest that had been making it hard to breath, suddenly lifted away.

I love you too. A lucky woman I am to have found you and put you under my spell when I did.

[Dream Loxley]

It seemed to her the most natural thing to do.......and so she did it. She smiled and chuckled softly to the little lad sitting so comfortably upon her foot, leaned down to lift him slightly before settling on the straw covered floor beside him. She tucked her skirts in around her legs and watched him with a gleam in her eye. Such a delightful little fellow he was.

She listened as Keiren made such a better job of describing the tapestries, she was quite enchanted by his voice and allowed herself the time to look upon them in a different light so to speak, for she could also see more beauty within them as he so described. She had truly not done them much justice at all.

And so they sat together in the Hall, drinking, eating and talking of times past and times yet to be. She understood how awful it must have been to have had such an ailment inflicted upon Lele, and how brave and courageous Keiren had been to support her throughout. Such a love would be hard to find .......for some. She smiled and played a little with Calen, instinctively wiping his lips to free them of the sticky honey.

She was content, even more so when her own children arrived with Mary in tow. All three showed respect for the visitors, Thomas bowing, while his Sister curtsied with a flourish, and Mary, shy and gentle formed almost a curtsy and a deep flush of her cheeks. Ellissia was a beautiful child, with long dark hair and the deepest brown eyes one could simply fall into. She would break some hearts when she was older, looking the image of her Father. Thomas, with his mousy hair and his Mother's plain looks said nothing as was normal but did sit beside them and began to show the little lad his latest carving of what looked to be a horse. Her heart was aching with love for them both and she was so proud she may burst.

Cara had slipped in also, and such gave Dream the opportunity to introduce her along with her children.

"Iffn I may, M'Lord, and M'Lady.......this dear lass be our most favoured baker of fine delicacies, Cara......and these two imps be my children, Ellissia and Thomas. Mary keeps them under her wing and has been a great support for me bringing them up." She smiled and bid cara join them all as the enjoyed one another's company on such a delightful day.

[Cara McKenna]

Good day m'Lord and m'Lady...tis very nice to make yer aquaintance

Cara offered the words softly with a deep curtsy as she could tell even without knowing the goings on today that these Visitors were naught yer ordinary Lord and Lady from bout the bend..As she slowly rose from the curtsy she blushed deeply to the introduction given of her by Lady Loxley, slinking to a chair quietly in hopes of mayhaps escaping the scutiny she was sure would follow such a pronouncement...at least for a bit, until she could allow her nerves to settle a bit.

The Lord and Lady before her as well as their adorable children kept her rapt for a bit as she listened to their conversation, content to be politely but avidly curious as it was becoming more and more obvious to her as they talked that they were naught indeed from Windstorm lands and most likely from far away.

[Lady Edfeil]

*she actually blushed when she heard Keiren discribe the tapestries. Three of them, two smaller and one larger were from her own hand, worked over the last decade since her arrival here at Windstorm. She nae remarked upon it, but the simple enjoyment she derrived from the words would last her a long time.

She felt.. contented as she looked around: the easy banter between the emperor and his wife made it clear the marriage was a happy one. Dream's glowing face in speaking of the children and the ease with which she saw to the refreshments and hospitality for all allowed her to take a more quiet approach, and for that she was grateful. She held on to the bairn and indeed hoped it would nae be too long before she could hold one that came from her own body.

Looking up she saw Cara, and noticing the nerves upon her features she send an encouraging smile.*

Modesty be a virtue, Cara, but so be truthfulness. Yer baking has been indeed a joy to us, and I believe 't be part responsible for me gaining some weight again. *And oh she delighted in that. It had taken her years to finally get the curves she wanted only to loose them again. But such nae bore contemplation now. She looked at Leleanda and smiled, hoping 't was audible in her voice though ye could nae see such*

Of course I would wish ye to take all the rest ye can, but I hope ye will allow us too to see iffen we can nae aide ye in the auction. Caring for the Orphans be a goodly goal and I am certain all of Windstorm would like to help.

[Dream Loxley]

..............and so it came to pass that the visitors from Arahdan had stayed for several days, enjoying the hospitality of Queen Edfeil and Windstorm. Friendships were forged and hopes of a future trade route planned between both homes. When they eventually left for the journey back to Arahdan it was with gifts for the Auction and peaceful hearts knowing their visit had been worth while.

((With thanks to all for participating in this wonderful story ))