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Post by Lady Edfeil on Apr 19, 2004 5:07:03 GMT -5
Goodman Sinold was the first to have aproached her. All of them had seen the softness within his eyes when they rested 'pon the Lady Halethala. Still... when the goodman had started informing with her as to the customs for courting and to wed a lass, she had been somewhat amazed.
The amazement however had soon be replaced by a warm happiness. What was more beautiful then to see spring and love in bloom at the same time?
Her thoughts had turned to courting processes and weddings. So great was her joy, she was already imagining the courtship of goodman Sinold and the Lady Halethala. 't would be wonderful. Provided of course naught went wrong...
But what could go wrong? Lady Halethala was a wonderful woman: kind, spirited, of noble blood and... *there she faltered* without a family to provide a dowery. Without a hope chest to start a new family with... All the preparations that girls and their family made from childsage on had been erased, just like they had been for her.
The smile had faded, but nae for long. Lady Halethala had a family anew now. Windstorm was her family, and the ladies of the house were now her sisters. And so... through the much more quiet grapevine of female solidarity, the whisper had grown. Those who wished.. could lay coin by coin, or help with the sewing or other household items. The Lady Halethala would come to ANY suitor, as a woman who nae had to lower her eyes over what she would bring with her...
In quiet but warm whisper the conversations took place, enjoying these moments of family... of kin: who wished to help?
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Post by Sinold Bragasson on Apr 19, 2004 7:34:58 GMT -5
Sinold didn't possess much – some essential clothing, a cloak, a few shirts, three pairs of leather pants, two pairs of boots, two daggers, a sword, a bow with its accompaniment of arrows, a horse with its reigns and saddle …anything else in his possession were loans and tools to work on Edfeil's boat. He earned a few coins from Tyrun for looking after the small skiff he had gifted to Edfeil, but much of that money had been spend on ale and on Bethy.
Apart from those few possessions, he owned nothing – no land, no coin. how could he even think of supporting a wife and possibly, as he hoped for, children? He knew Letha herself was not a rich woman, and it seemed she had lost all she had come to Windstorm with on her journey to visit Lord Morrowyth. It seemed they were on equal footing financially, one of the chief prerequisites for any male wanting to woe a woman. But what about the bridalgifu, the bridal price, he was supposed to pay? In his land, he would not have much trouble to obtain the equivalent of 5 to 6 cows, or about 2500 silver coins. One good trip down the Iberian peninsula or even a short visit to Eire and its fat monasteries would have brought in more coin and wealth than that. Enough so he would have been also able to provide Letha with a generous morning gift, maybe some land, or cattle, or weapons.
As it stood, Sinold didn't even know how and where to obtain the 2500 silver coins for the bridal price. And what to do for her morning gift? The sword he was making for Letha right now didn't count – it was his wedding gift and thus separate. A boat? A house? Those idea where so... unimaginative. But maybe that would be what he simply had to do for her… maybe a small cabin, somewhere. For her alone, so she could seek sanctuary within its walls when their tempers had grown heated again and she wished to have some time alone for herself away from him? A boat required more than one hand usually to steer it and Sinold was not liking the idea of her seeking another to steer that boat for her should she sometimes wish to be alone.
A cabin then? Surely Tyrun would want to help… and maybe one of the guards around the castle. That Gerben fellow was pretty decent and a good warrior…. maybe he could also grill him a bit about how to approach Lord Hawkmoon best about joining up the guards to be able to earn the 2500 coins and upkeep of his future family? The pompous arse Lord was nowhere to be seen as Sinold had found out…Sinold wondered where he could be, as he needed to talk to him sooner or later.
So maybe it would be easier to approach Gerben first, a good plan which hopefully would work to Sinold's advantage.
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Post by Dream Loxley on Apr 19, 2004 7:41:04 GMT -5
*Word had reached her by way of the twins.....there was a wooden chest to be filled by way of coin, gift or even mayhaps simple wishes of happiness and good health. She nodded and smiled warmly to remember her own.....always with a fondness and a fulfilled heart.
Of course she would help.....she would enjoy such, and after all....she had more than enough wealth, her needs always were simple. The income from her farm in the north could be given......at least the last few months, and for as long as the courtship. It was nae much, but well enough to help purchase many an item they would need.
The thought of the quilt she was working now.....aye...that too would be gifted, for long now she had wondered where it would find its new home.
Many a pleasing thought she pondered as she sipped the tea.......new beginnings....wonderful times yet to be.....she smiled again.....a sparkle within her eyes.*
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 19, 2004 11:48:56 GMT -5
~A wedding to be planned for in the future, a hope chest to be filled, something to bring light to the eyes of every female in the castle. For what maid or matron does not think fondly of the pomp and circumstance that accompanies such?~
~Andrea chuckled as she thought of the look on Letha's face as she explained the Viking marriage rites to her. There being Viking settlements in the northwest of Russaya she had known what to expect, although she doubted Letha had and she had been right. For instance Letha had not understood that Sinold had been courting her ever since He had put matching braids in the manes and tails of each of their horses.~
~Andrea also wondered how Lady Edfeil had fared on telling Sinold of the courting and marriage rites of this land. Andrea could not help him completely there because she herself had not been in this land long. Well she would find out later from the Lady herself. But for now Planning must be done on what was needed to fill the hopechest for Lady Halethala, The Ladies should all get together and come up with a list of what was needed and whom could help with what.~
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Apr 22, 2004 5:31:35 GMT -5
Over the last days, the talk amidst the woman had grown. The mere idea of working together on this one of joy, amidst the sadness of the tidings of death. Ye could see the women, huddling together and speaking in whispered tones.
Lady Dream had offered the quilt she was making... Lady Andrea had found a sewing box to delight the heart. With small offerings, the hope chest would be filled. Even servants contributed with their own, small offerings. They needed a chest now. A real chest to gather things in.
And then there was the coin. Some could give more then others, but each promised part. Iffen goodman Sinold managed to ask courting rights, he would be pleased to see his bride came with an unexpected dowery.*
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Post by Halethala on Apr 22, 2004 8:41:19 GMT -5
In all her life she'd never known such kindness, such a sense of love and a warmth of sisterhood . . she wanted to protest vigorously, knew there be nary a chance of ever repaying their generosity . . yet something held her tongue in this . . There was such a deep satisfaction she sensed in the efforts, as if in their giving, they were recieving even more back to themselves, somehow. Letha only hoped there would be other hopechests assembled in the not-too-distant future . . royal ones even, perhaps, she thought with a soft smile.
Still . . it was most overwhelming . .
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Post by Robin of Loxley on Apr 22, 2004 10:41:23 GMT -5
He sat down and wrote His missives to Master Sinold & Lady Halethala....
Sinold,
Meet Ranger Little ...nae far from where ye were when ye happenned upon the Rangers Glen...........there be waiting for ye, iffn ye use thy head wisely, something that may be of use to ye.
Robin of Loxley
Dearest Lady Halethala,
My Lady,
Please ask for Gerrad and accompany him for a short ride to the second village south of windstorm......He has something of importance to show ye that One thinks ye would like .
Yours faithfully
Robin of Loxley
Sealing both missives with the Loxley seal...........He grins and heads fer Windstorm Castle.............eager to seek out His wife and child for He has nae seen them as often as He would wish of late !
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Post by LucienMoonmist on Apr 22, 2004 12:04:28 GMT -5
*Moving to the small chest within his room, the bag he held over his shoulder a terrible weight to him. This chest, though nae large, was suitable enough for a foot trunk at the base of his bed. As with all things elven, it was carved and designed with years of skill and dedication. Special coatings ensured the wood would nae rot anytime soon. Opening it for the first time since he had brought it here what seemed a lnog time gone now, he kneels slowly before it. Setting it down lightly, he sighed, shaking the exhaustion from his eyes. It took more effort than he had anticipated it would to take the items from the garden to the hall. Even though they weighed little normally, to him now, the weight was determental. Still, he would not let the difficult gotten items rest in disuse any longer. Lowering slowly to his knees, he drew the bag to his side as he opened the chest. He knew little of either of these two, except they were to be wed, and some whisperings of their heritage.
Pulling from the bag first a rolled scroll case with a previously penned letter inside contaning words alnog the line of:
To those whom fall within love's embrace,
I know nae if you know of me more than a passing shadow. If ye does, I take it as no insult. I know little of the gonigs here, but I do know of love's eternal embrace.
My people have a practice which we follow when it comes to the union of two souls together in the bliss of love and the Divine. I hereby do isue this practice unto ye. I give ye three things, each of which will symbolize that which ye undergo.
First this decanter, filled with spirits distilled in the heart of the woodlands. It is filled with the bounty of nature, as your life should be filled with the bounty of life's blessings.
Second this bag of coins, minted from the rocks beneath us. As these coins did come from the foundation upon which we tread, so to shall this be given to begin a foundation upon which thy babes may tread.
Lastly, I place twin blades within this chest for ye. As precious as the metal of them, as sharp as the edge of them, they shall offer ye protection regardless of the trial. Those in love wish to protect the other, neither to be without them. May these blades aide you in doing such.
May the woodlands bless your stride,
*placing the note inside the chest, he drew out a crystal decanter. Carved in such a way that it would catch the light when turned against it, seemingly within it. Filled to the stopper with a deep red liquid as the note had explained. Created by Elven hands, fortified by Elven magic, it would nae shatter easily Slowly, he placed it within the chest.
Pulling out a large sac of coins, he held it for a moment. Almost heavier than he could bear at this moment, he opened it, gazing a last moment at the collection of coins inside. Many were from lands distant and far gone. Some were from the southern realms, others further north and east. All of them bore the shine of gold and silver about them. He tied it off again, and with a smile, placed it into the trunk. Lastly, he lifted twin daggers from the bag. Pulling one from it's sheath, the soft daylight caught on it's golden surface, reflecting the light easily. A sharp glint caught on the wikkededge of each. Dancing along the blade was a flowing design, a script unknown to most humans. It was Elven for "protection, safety, respect". Placing the golden blade back in it's sheath, he placed them both in the chest, setting his note over them.
Closing the chest, he rose softly, his weakness retuning in force. Perhaps now, to rest for a time. With the aide of the walking staff he moved towards the infirmary. Before moving far, he intructed one of the servants to gather the chest from his room and deliver it to Lady Edfiel. The note atop the cheest read plainly, for the Hope of New Love. Smiling to the servant, gifting them some coins, he moved again to the infirmary. He simply was a horrible patiant*
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 22, 2004 15:28:18 GMT -5
~Andrea coming down the corridor saw the familar figure with his staff coming slowly along and as he passed under the light of a torch saw that his color had gone from the pale color it was this morn to almost total white. She hardly noticed the two Servants coming along behind him carrying a beautifully carved chest between them as she quickly ducked under his arm and placed her arm supportively about his waist at the back of him. ~
" That be it Lucien, ye hae finally finished off my patence with ye, I knew ye were nae well enough to be moving about like this, but I took both ye and Stina's word that it t'would nae bring ye ill. Back ye go to ye cot and if Ye rise again from it before ye wound ceases hurting ye, I twill hae His Majesty set a guard upon ye so that ye will!!! I nae think He wants one of the best Archers in the Kingdom to perish because of his own stubborness!!"
~Walking over to the side of the corridor to give the servants room to pass she takes a longer look at the chest. The carved designed like nothing she had ever seen before she then looks up at Lucien ~ "That be from Ye?? Lucien it be the most beautiful thing I hae e'er saw. but Ye need nae hae come all this way to get it yeself. Ye could hae sent for it and hae it brought to ye. Ye tired yeself needlessly." ~Shakes her head~ "Men, whether they be Human, Elven or Dwarven. All Stubborn as blocks of Granite."
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Post by Lady Laurestina on Apr 22, 2004 17:22:50 GMT -5
Just a throwing stuff all over her chambers
trying to find something ....
a chemise be hanging over the post, a slipper is on top of the bed canopy...
well it was a mess.!!!!..and she was bound and determined to find something.... that she was!
Meanwhile out in the hall , she thought she heard another familair voices, and the idea that he would be out and about again...just floored her....
*OH NO..He isn't he is not up and about again..! *
thorws up her hands and decides to toss everything out of the window she has no need of...
.Exhausted, throws herself belly down on her bed, heaped with cloths,.... drags her self back up and throws them to the floor. Sitting back on the bed ....lays back...looking at the mess all around her.... decides to rest awhile before making a decision what she should be putting into that dowery. * sighs* this be a tough one*
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Post by LucienMoonmist on Apr 23, 2004 1:06:19 GMT -5
*grins as he is lead back downstairs, not having the energy to struggle. Shaknig his head softly he speaks lightly* Nae good Andrea. It was something I had to do personally. There is a custom to the deliverance of such gifts, and so it must be followed. The way of my kin be the way of me blood.
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 23, 2004 22:14:39 GMT -5
~Just shakes her head knowing that He used the one arguement that she could not stand up against. That of custom and followed traditions. For she would never deny the right of anyone to follow in the beliefs of their kind.
Next time please if ye hae need of something t'would ye at least ask for aid, Lucien? ~smiles~
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Post by LucienMoonmist on Apr 30, 2004 20:15:48 GMT -5
*he chuckled as he was lead back to the infirmary, nodding softly* Well, I did nae attempt to carry it myself good Andrea. *he winked lightly*
*the two attendants carrying the elven carved chest to the room of good lady Efiel, with a note attached*
"Dear Lady,
May this begin the new love which blossoms within these walls.
Lucien"
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Post by Lady Edfeil on May 7, 2004 6:43:15 GMT -5
*She smiled warm when she saw the chest and the note by the hand of Lord Lucien. The simple wishes of joy and blessings for the newly formed couple. Oh aye... 't would be perfect indeed. And she was sure they would treasure such whenever they discovered new things, new intricacies.
A hope chest. Naer was a name more apt then in this case. She would write a note to Lord Moonmist to thank him for his contribution!
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