The journey to Fryseland

[Lady Edfeil]

It had been a swift journey. Despite knowing of the wedding months in advance, it seemed that the day of leaving had crept up on her still unexpected. The last week had been so filled with preparations of a practical nature, she barely had had time to think. She knew the keep could go on easily for several days in her absence, but as she prepared to leave command to Dieter and Kyle and Dream for the time of her absence, she realized once again that one of them would have to step forward iffen ought were to happen to her during her journey.

Nae matter how good a Captain Ulbrecht was, the sea was treacherous, and once more the crown of Windstorm would be passed down without the bond of blood. It was a dangerous matter, one that could lead a realm into war, when others perceived it vulnerable. Had they nae spent months in fear and fights when the French had put their sight on Windstorm when she had taken the crown?

While chests were carried aboard, filled with gifts suitable to the occasion and gowns and cloaks that would allow her to make a good first impression in the lands of Fryseland, she could nae help but consider the meaning of this journey. She would be introduced to friends, family and countrymen, and by that mysterious power that seemed to convey intent before it was formally spoken of, all would know she was meant to be the next bride into the family. It worried her.
The couple about to wed had been destined to do so for long a time, and only illness had been in their way. How would she be perceived? How would the journey go. She chuckled slightly as the nerves of those first moments came to memory again.

[Lady Edfeil]

((this is a thread to describe the journey to Fryseland for the wedding of Ulbrecht & Dieter's brother. All have since returned to the castle, but I thought it would be fun to write it out.))

[Dieter]

Ulbrecht had been here, there and everywhere, supervising as things were stowed, the crew on their best behaviour considering the guests they were transporting. But finally the time had come, and escorting Her Majesty and his uncle aboard just in time to catch the evening tide for the journey to the continent. He and Mr. Oden had even left one sailor standing at the door to his cabin, where he had settled Her Majesty in for the journey, to take care of anything She might need. Once they were underway, he was far more business-like than his usual smart-aleck self about the Castle and the journey was quick and uneventful, at least until their arrival in Leeuwarden. Of course Edfeil already knew that his father had watch kept for the Gloriarc to put into port, but this time he must have expected Ulbrecht to bring guests, for a procession of carriages met them at the docks, along with a older soldier introduced as the Captain of the Guard, someone obviously well known to both Ulbrecht and Gregor by their greetings before getting everything transferred to the carriages for the short trip to the Palace. Upon their arrival there, several Ladies in waiting had been tasked to see to Queen Edfeil, while Gregor and Ulbrecht retired to their own quarters within the Castle to see to their own preparations amidst the hustle and bustle of last minuate arrangements.

[Lady Edfeil]

*The focus has been on the loving couple about to get married. Burgardt and his bride shone, while they received guests, while they accepted wishes. The mourning period for the brides father having just ended, the feeling was none the less festive. This wedding had been long awaited and all of the country had been wishing the young couple well. It had been the ideal, low key occasion for her to travel to Fryseland, to celebrate with the family, to give the official good wishes from Windstorm and of course, behind the scenes when times permitted to have the quiet negotiations that were easier to deal with in person than they were by letter.

She had worn the new gown, the one that she had won at the auction, and a small cap of pearls, nothing too ostentatious, nothing too common. She had agonized over every detail for weeks, and now it all seemed so simple. A wedding. A family. A country brimming with joy that the heir to the throne finally had been able to secure the hand of his bride in marriage. The weather was freezing, but large fires had been stoked almost continuously. She could see why they nae had felt the urge to delay till the weather was better. Clearly the Frysians were used to the cold!

[Dieter]

But one could not sit with the Royal family and not be noticed, even if the focus was on the Crown Prince and his bride, besides you were a new face so it didn't take long before the rumours and gossip started, the more knowledgeable of the Court hearing you announced and off it went...You could see the curious eyes on you whenever you were out in public...Magnus laughed and shared the gossip one evening while discussing the arrangements, seemingly rather amused by the variety...The most popular theory was that you were here to meet the family and make wedding arrangements with Ulbrecht, for his making his home in Windstorm was not a secret, and Gregors station as Ambassador, and his long years as a bachelor had them thinking he was along as a chaperone. Those who either knew Ulbrecht personally better, or just knew the hold the sea has on sailing men suggested, that while once again Gregor was along to negotiate terms and as a chaperone, that you were visiting to make arrangements with one of the other two brothers, the most likely they thought being Harald, since some of his 'antics' had happened in view of others.

Meanwhile, once the wedding had been gotten through, and after Gregor had left for his estates to take care of a few things, Ulbrecht had talked you into joining him in the private family library, though you knew him well enough to know something was up from the quirk of his lips and glint in his eyes. Playing the innocent until you and he are joined by the other three boys, as well as Burhardt's wife Inka...Who seems delighted to have another female around in this bastion of masculinity. As accepting of you as the boys had been and quickly tugging you over to her while teasing the brothers back as good as she gets, obviously long-familiar and used to their antics, though the loving looks between her and Burhardt show that she is as happy this day has finally arrived as any other. It doesn't take long for you to realize what the 'ambush' was about, especially since Magnus and Gregor aren't present, Ulbrecht staying uncharacteristically quiet for once, doing the duties of host at the sideboard as the others settle with you, leaving Burhardt to take the lead as he claims Inka's other hand before looking to you and asking after Dieter, explaining that Ulbrecht and their father and uncle give them all the news they get, but that you are a different viewpoint, and Ulbrechts stories have let them know the deep friendship you and Dieter have.

[Lady Edfeil]

They had cornered her. Simply, courteously.. and with the kind of ruthless efficiency she had not expected behind the affable and welcoming reception. And they had waited till Gregor was away as if they somehow had known he might stand up in between them, no matter how kindly their interference had been meant.

It had been an eye opening surprise. Their questions were subtle, but their eyes had been serious, even on this happy day.
Inka had been the only relief in away, because even Ulbrecht had in a way deserted her. And if any had any doubt about Burhardts capabilities as future king, Edfeil herself could have reassured them after the conversation was over. Burhardt was.. in a kind.. diplomatic.. and quietly serious way, ruthless. He wanted to know about his baby brother and he would not take no for an answer. None of them would of course be rude, or mean or harsh. But there was the quiet discomfort of one being grilled.

That is, until she started to speak. Her words were soft, as was her wont. She reassured them of Dieter's well being first and foremost, casting a glance at Ulbrecht, and finding him absorbed in the process of pouring milk and ale and wine. It wasn't enough however. They wanted, needed to know more. What were his duties? That was a question she answered with ease. Why was he not here? She was vague on that account. He had deemed it better not to leave Windstorm when so many were gone. It didn't satisfy them.

As innocently flirtatious as Harald had been earlier, he had a sharp eye on him now and Burhardt had a calm insistence about him as he interrogated skilfully and politely. How was Dieter feeling? And then the one question that nearly floored her: did he blame them for his exile? Was that why he had not returned.

In the end they reached a compromise. She had nae given away as much as mayhap they had wished to hear, and yet she had spoken in more depth than she otherwise would have. Their concern was real, and she understood. She tried imagining iffen it were Beren... but she would nae bare Dieter's soul in his absence. There were confidences to be held, even when she satisfied their curiosity as best as she could.

[Dieter]

Ulbrecht had passed around drinks, decidedly in a mood to your knowing eye before throwing himself into a chair by the fireplace to slouch and brood over his own tankard, keeping silent counsel as he watches his siblings. Providence knew he'd tried to dissuade them from this, but they were worried, with fears built up from years of not knowing, and needed more than one brothers reassurance as to the state of their baby brother. He'd tolerated the questioning till it finally started to calm, trusting his eldest brother to remember the proprieties and keep it from getting TOO intense, especially with Inka there to take the role she had so easily slipped into...Where once their mother had been the gentler balance within the household of men, the Crown Princess might be younger, but knew and was well known and cared for within the family and had already taken up such duties herself. Things had already started to wind down when Harald spoke, glancing to Edfeil and suggesting that she could order Dieter to return to Fryseland. Ulbrecht surging to his seat and spearing his younger brother with a hard gaze, snarling at him in Frisian, obviously something unflattering from the color that rose to Inka's cheeks. Switching back to include Edfeil int he conversation as he stalks forward, glaring at Harald as he explains that the Queen was far too smart and wise to do any such thing, knowing Dieter far too well, and what sort of reaction such an 'order' might bring. Inka and Johann rising as Ulbrecht vents his irritation at Harald, explaining that he certainly wasn't willing to risk them losing Dieter for good by such a ill-conceived act. Burhardt moving to reassure Edfeil while she got to learn more of the family dynamics...Johann apparently taking a similar role to Gregor, playing the diplomat to his older brother as he guides Ulbrecht back to the fireplace, Inka moving to calm Harald down, both of them working to soothe ruffled ego's as Burhardt apologizes, though the eldest son of Magnus does keep an eye on all of them to make sure things are dealt with. Finally Ulbrecht settles back to his chair by the fireplace, Johann, Harald, and Inka rejoining Burhardt with Edfeil to continue the conversation on a far less sensitive topic, Inka asking of Windstorm, lightening the mood and talking of how they would all have to come visit. Some little time later there is a quiet knock on the door, a servant stepping in to remind them of the time. Harald rising and bidding Edfeil a farewell, clamed from earlier and back to his flirtatious manner, explaining that with all the visiting nobles here for the wedding, he'd been committed to leading a hunting party for their entertainment, Johann begging his own leave for prior engagements as well. Inka taking charge of the meeting, stating that she would claim Edfeil for the rest of the afternoon, since Burhardt had some few things left to prepare for their honeymoon, and certainly Ulbrecht had things to take care of given how rarely he came home. With that she sweeps Edfeil up, dismissing the boys with a laugh and kiss for her husband before enjoying a 'girls afternoon'.