Getting To Know You!

[Dream Loxley]

Dream was nodding.......definitely agreeing with Adel, for both she and her Father had been through so much since that fateful day when her Mother had been so brutally murdered before her very eyes. Hatred, bitterness, oh indeed such almost devoured her when she learned of her past......with only that one memory remaining, how could she ever forgive those who took so much from her family.

Vikings.....Dream still had a hatred for them all, despite the teachings of her beloved Father and the Monks at the Abbey. She hated them still and perhaps always would. Yet she tried her best to hide her true thoughts and feelings lest it would give the wrong impression to her new found friend.

"Oh indeed.....such does Adel......my Father forgave them all, both the Vikings and Hester's man.....they did what they thought was best for me at the time.....of course not the Vikings....they....well, they did what they did simply because they did...." Her voice trailed off for a moment, she fidgeted on the hay bale and wiped her hands again. She just could not bring herself to speak those awful words of death and Mother in the same breath.....ever. She found a smile and placed it firmly upon her face...continuing to agree.

"I am so very proud of him.....and all he has achieved in his lifetime."

Dream stood then, brushing down her skirts and picking the loose pieces of hay off. It was obvious Adel wished to speak no more of her own Father for the moment, and she went on to describe her Mother, with such pride also, how different their lives must have been, their upbringing, Adel in such luxury while Dream begged for every morsel. Similarities were there though.....physical and mental abuse......torturing their souls until both could take no more. She definitely loved her Mother, that much was evident by the way she lifted the vision of her so highly by her description. But she told nothing really, shared no memories, no tales of happiness, no adventures, nothing.....only praise for a woman who could in truth have been any ones Mother. There must be so much more to the whole situation.

"The gardens....oh indeed, such would be a delight...I fear I have sat too long and my bones are protesting."

She waited until Adel led the way out of the stables and gestured to the side of building towards a pathway that would lead them to the prettiest part of the garden.They would walk side by side, Dream taking pleasure in the beauty of her surroundings.

"Such a beautiful name she had.....yer Mother.....and ye are blessed to carry on her name aye.....yet ye choose to shorten it. Blakeland be yer name by marriage Adel? "She asked with a true interest. "Of course, I nae wish to pry, simply to get to know ye better."

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

-::- Did she feel envy for the relationship Dream had with her Father? Deep down, part of her did, she would be lying to herself if she said otherwise. But it was not of the bitter kind, no. Most of her felt gladness for Dream and imagined how it would be to have a strong figure for a Father, and not in the ways of physical strength. It would seem the pair had been through a great ordeal together, yet they came out the other end as strong as ever. While she waited to move off to the gardens, Dream shared more of her Father, the man truly was a man of God if he could forgive so easily the wrongs committed against his flesh and blood. And when Vikings were mentioned, there was a very slight twitch in her left eye, something that could easily slip notice. -::- " Vikings, you say " -::- was all she could muster in response to that. Oh deary, she thought, best keep her lineage to herself, for now. Why did she suddenly feel so guilty?? As if SHE had done wrong... no, no, she must not be so absurd! After all, the Jews of this day could not blamed for the Messiah's death, could they? Of course not....well, that was debatable and probably not the best example to use within the walls of her mind, but still. She had noted Dream's uncomfortable movements, but did her best to ignore it, unable to approach the subject further. Lifts her chin, trying not to appear edgy. Afterall, Dream could not read her mind or sense emotions. No, that was a job for Seer! Thank the Heavens above he was no where to be seen.-::-

" Yes, to the gardens! " -::- she declared when watching Dream rise from the hay bale, said in such a way as if they were about to embark on some wonderful adventure together. And to add to the effect, her fist had risen and was held aloft for a moment, before she turned and took the lead in the direction Dream had suggested. Most of the way along the path, her eyes were kept lowered towards their feet, she was watching the placement of Dream's steps and trying to match the exact stride, so that they were in synchronicity. OCD much? Well, she was satisfied that she could keep in rhythm now and so glanced towards Dream and flashed her an award winning smile.-::- " Yes, yes. A very beautiful name, for an extremely beautiful woman. It makes sense, does it not? " -::- Nods, agreeing whole heartedly, again reminding Dream how stunning her Mother must have been to look upon.-::- " It was not I who had a say in my name, my name is as it is, simply Adel. My Father saw fit to keep it short... " -::- they had strode into the gardens and she had almost immediately come to a standstill near a rose bush, the tips of her fingers brushing over the petals.-::- " ...at its length, it holds meaning. Adel means Noble. But it is a happy blessing that it holds such close resemblance to my Mother's name. " -::-And she couldn't help but laugh when Dream would suggest that Blakeland was her married name, shaking her head from side to side, which caused her locks to whip back and forth.-::- " Oh no...no...no... I am not wed, Blakeland is my Father's name. Again, a name which is full of meaning. Nobility, tis important to him, there was no question that I should inherit his name. Afterall, I too was born at Blakeland Manor, therefore I am 'of Blakeland'. No escaping that, now is there? One supposes my Mother would have liked to give birth elsewhere. " -::- shrugs her shoulders lightly, feeling defeated by such a fact. Tearing a single petal from the rose, she turned around to face Dream and held it up to show her.-::- " Look. Such beauty, torn from its source of life " -::- she put, rather disturbingly, her free hand gesturing towards the rose which was indeed the source which would have continued to give life into the petal -::- " I did this, did I not? Its beauty will now wither and die, such is life, fleeting and at the mercy of those who hold power. What a cruel world we sometimes live in. " -::- she planted a small kiss upon the petal and she then blew it from between her finger tips, and it slowly drifted down towards the ground, which she then stepped upon it.-::- " Farewell " -::- she said with a smile, speaking to the petal apparently, had she gained some pleasure in destroying the flower or was she making a point? It remained to be seen.-::- " My Mother was much like that petal, helpless and powerless to stop what was coming her way. It was wonderful that we got to admire the beauty for awhile though, I would say. They say that the good die young, is that not true? " -::- Her voice was lacking any form of emotion, but again came the shrug. There was definately something that was screaming deep inside of her, something that she wanted to let out, but felt that there was no way. The truth of her Mother's untimely death could not be known, though it was common knowledge that this was the very reason that she found herself in Windstorm. But it would seem that Adel and Dream did have something in common, as dreadful as it was, both had lost their Mothers. But the way Adel went on about her Mother's looks every so often, it gave the impression that she only saw the woman in passing, as oppose to a daily and meaningful relationship, that comes from the natural nurturing of a Mother.-::-

" Speaking of flowers... " -::- she went on, as if her last mentioning of flowers, which held so much weight was now nothing at all -::- " ... what flowers do you believe shall be used at the Queen's Wedding?? " -::- Hmm, from death to weddings, nice. That wide smile returned, and when asking she gone to lightly tap Dream on the side of her arm, to express her excitement of the coming wedding?? But no contact was made, she had merely went to make the gesture, but failed to follow through, for the second time on this day.-::-

[Dream Loxley]

They had walked together, side by side, Adel keeping step almost to the exact moment of Dreams........rather strange at times this woman was.

Dream listened as she continued to speak of her Mother and beauty, nodding and offering a smile when she felt it was needed......still there were no real moments of a memory or an adventure, a time when happiness was found or even sadness......Adel gave nothing away as they walked. She shared a little more of her Father, his name, the Manor home, but always returning the conversation back to her Mother and the beauty she once was.

Stopping to admire the Roses which were now in full bloom and so pretty, some with a fragrance of their own too.....it was another strange thing to do, taking a petal and kissing it...Dream was even more confused and simply shook her head at this gesture. Just what did this demonstration prove....that one could have power over another.....is that what happened to her Mother.....or does Adel posses such power now.....it made no sense at all.

"Aye.....ye did this and the petal shall die but it will go back to the earth from whence it grew originally......and the plant shall continue on without it, ye may have taken one petal and aye 'tis beautiful but ye can nae take the very soul of the Rose itself unless ye uproot it and allow it to wither and die." She wanted to understand, needed to understand just what Adel was trying to share. That time would come, perhaps sooner than later, but Dream knew keeping it all in and allowing it to fester was not good. She wished to offer comfort, to lessen the burden this poor woman was holding onto constantly, and she reached out hand to gently stroke Adel's arm. Only time would heal these wounds, for now they were a source of anger, fear and pain, she would have to deal with those memories if she was to be whole again. If she was ever to hold just the simple and happy memories she must have somewhere deep inside.

Her head tilted slightly as the mood seemed to change, lighter and more at ease again.

Flowers...Weddings....she nodded and smiled warmly. "Aye I have a notion indeed.....Edfeil adores white Roses and a small fragrant flower called Lilly of the Valley......mayhaps she will choose such for her posy."

She was trying so hard to like this woman.....and yet for brief moments she actually felt afraid of her.........for her......

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

-::- Quietly she admired the way Dream was able to take her negativity and transform it into positive thinking. Rather than habour on the fact that the petal was no more, this woman brought to light a whole new meaning to her.-::- " Oh " -::- was all she could say for the time being, a mixture of pleasant surprise and a hint of disappointment that she could find no way to counter this truth that was staring her in the face. And she was sorely tempted to rip the head off of the rose and destroy it completely infront of the woman, maybe because the truth of the matter was not something she could fully handle or that she was just a brat that did not like to be wrong and wanted to have a little hissy fit....OR maybe a combination of both! Thank goodness she did not express this dilemma out loud or that might just be the last straw for Dream and cause her to back away, real slow. The example used could be seen in two different ways. The roots of the rose bush could represent the very roots of a family and no matter how many petals one rips from the flower, the line continues onwards and the legacy does not cease. Or, as Dream had said, the roots could resemble a soul and no matter how much a beating the exterior takes, if the roots remain robust than a the 'soul' can repair and bloom once again after healing. Yes, this woman was proving to be valuable, in her eyes. Though of what sort of value, it was not spoken.-::-


-::- Before Dream had touched her arm, she had come to face the rose again briefly, her hand hoovering over it.-::- " I do wish the scent would remain long after the rose has gone though. The memory remains, but scent has gone " -::-she remarked. Eyes then drop like a stone when contact was made with her arm. And she laughed that apprehensive laugh of her's, indeed, she came across as jittery. It was quite obvious she was unsure how to respond to this comforting gesture. Of course, she had tried such gestures when seeing others upset or in distress, but not often. Indeed, she had carried out a half hearted attempt with Dream when they were near the stables, when she had thought Dream was upset. All she knew was that this woman expressed levels of kindness that matched, if not exceeded, most who reside within the Castle and there was an energy about her, one that she could not explain, but wished to obtain...yes, an energy she wanted to possess! Somehow, she wanted to repay this friendly woman, where most would have just simply walked away after afew flippant comments made, she still remained. But she wasn't wholly sure how to express some form of affection in return, which would read: 'I enjoy your company'. Though her own emotions were never always obvious, showing affection towards others was something she felt to be inappropriate or a belief that it would somehow offend another. All those years of spending much of her time in solitude had truly caused her to become socially retarded and emotionally inadequate. Not wanting to seem like a complete fool, she dilly-dallied no further and decided to mirror Dream's action, turning on her heel a fraction, she reached for Dream's arm, the one which was currently idle and smoothed her hand over Dream's arm, if a little roughly, it was more like she was trying to forcefully dry a dog off from the rain with a towel. Nodding head, she just said:-::- " Yes, yes " " -::- why this was said, well, who knows. Perhaps physical contact of this kind was something she associated with the young, a gentle touch to calm a child with words to back up that 'everything was going to be alright'. No, she was still not completely use to this 'touching', on most levels, but had tried a number of times with her friend Mae with pat of hands and also once with Sir Hawkmoon...and not in the violent sense, apparently that kind of touching she was more than capable of doing.-::-



" And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin " -::- she not so randomly quoted the Scriptures when Dream mentioned the lilies of the valley.-::- " A humble choice, that would be. Both white roses and lilies are a symbol of purity.. in some cases, a new arrival " -::- her confidence faltered a little when stating as such, but a silly laugh followed to cover it up.-::- " Just something that I have read... of the many scrolls and books that I have devoured in the past " -::- and she was still rubbing Dream's arm! How odd.-::- " Are you to play a part in the wedding? " -::- The wording might appear strange to some, though not all, in her opinion a wedding was nothing more than a stage show, put on for the benefits of others, rather than a matrimony of happiness and love. Interested to know Dream's view on such, she carefully considered her next words, not wanting to offend.-::- " A marriage out of alliance? " -::-There was a reason she did not mention the Queen in such a question, a flimsy save guard of sorts, but one would have to be a complete baffoon not to understand what she was asking. After the question was asked, she removed her hand from Dream's arm and took a step backwards. Crouching for but a moment, she picked up the petal that she had effectively stamped on. Springing back to her feet, she showed Dream the petal for a second time, with a smile to go with it and then laid the now crumpled petal ontop of the living rose she had torn it from and allowed the petal to remain for a time longer with the rest of the petals until the wind decided to take it and return it to the earth as Dream had said. Making a mends? But her attention was drawn back to Dream now, awaiting to hear her opinion, opinions that she was beginning to respect.-::-


((Pop Quiz! Find the song title within the post!! LOL ))

[Dream Loxley]

(( Well my first thought was The Memory Remains.......great song by Metallica with a little help from Marianne Faithful......Shall reply asap...great writing! ))

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

(( Yaaaaay!! It was Metallica!! Little tribute there. Had to look up who that woman was though... *leaves song titles in posts and thread titles sometimes, for future reference!* hehehe. ))

[Dream Loxley]

((You are too young to remember her I expect......was a long time ago lol))

Kindness.....caring.....a warm embrace, a Mothers touch....all had been lacking for Adel, or so Dream surmised. It was as if all these emotions had left the woman cold and lacking....there was something quite disturbing about her behaviour. Dream still felt rather unsure but would not walk away, not just yet......for as always she knew everything happened for a reason, just sometimes we simply have to search hard to find the why.

She watched as Adel looked at the rose again, almost coiling away as Dream offered by way of comfort, a gentle touch......and that laughter, so false, so......discerning, it was un nerving. Finally the return touch, so awkward, not truly spontaneous but none the less very appreciated by Dream who smiled warmly.

"There be a tale from the scriptures I believe.....about the seeds that were sown, some falling upon the gravel, some upon the fertile ground.....and yet all surviving in their own way." Dream spoke quietly but with sincerity and belief. "Mayhaps we both were victims of being untended......allowed to grow yet with no care and love aye.....in our own ways."

The conversation then turning to Edfeil and Gregors forthcoming wedding......Dream had mixed feelings on this and thought it best to keep those well hidden as Adel was after all, a stranger still.

"Edfeil 'tis a humble soul......she was adopted by our King Agustin.....but he left for the Wars overseas and she was alone to carry the burden of ruling." Dream swallowed as she saw the similarity between her friend and herself.....abandoned, alone, left to carry on regardless. "She was nae so sure, and mayhaps still nae sure she be worthy of being Queen, but I, well, we of Windstorm who remained afforded her guidance and support and she took to the throne.....aye....humble still in so many ways and the flowers suiting her so greatly."

Dream smiled to imagine her friend happy and contented as she once had been.....and she knew Edfeil did care for her intended greatly.....marriage of alliance perhaps but it would be a goodly one she was sure.

"What part I am to play......well......I would imagine I shall be a guest, but I shall be overseeing the general running of the Castle with the aid of Cara and the girls.....there will be many a visiting dignitary, quite exciting times yet to be Adel, I hope ye will stay to witness how wonderful it shall all be.

Adel picked up the petal again.....allowing it to return to the earth, Dream pondered was this an act of defiance or had she understood the way of things.

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

" What wisdom and foresight our Lord offered us " -::- she said with absolute awe, her face was now aglow with pure joy as she referred to Christ, but continued on with:-::- " That we may put his words into practice, to learn from mistakes and wholly appreciate our life, what ever situation we find outselves to be in " -::- If Dream would to blink, she would find a completely different person before her or so it would seem. Then again, she did often change like the wind. When it came to 'the Faith', there was no room for harsh opinions, half baked attitudes or petty comments. As far as Adel was concerned, the Word was Absolute and there was no question about it. Why she failed to apply the Word in every aspect of her life, was due to cross wires along the way, but the marvelous teachings of Christ had stuck with her. And when given the chance to bask in the Spirit, she would grab it with both hands.-::- " You are correct, Dream " -::- Was that the first time she had used the woman's name to directly address her? -::- " We grew and developed according to our circumstances, experiences, our learning.... " -::- her hands became animated, swinging this way and that way, very lively indeed.-::- " ... one can take a young sapling tree away from all the other trees and isolate it .." -::- she enthused -::- ".. one can even manipulate which direction the tree grows in. But the feed... be very careful what you give to that tree, because it could very well become wise to your ways and eventually become uncontrollable " -::- standing up as tall as her 5ft stature would allow, her chest puffed outwards and her chin lifted high.-::- " Victims " -::-she scoffed, followed by a mocking laugh...not one directed at Dream...-::- " No. Noooo. I refuse to be associated with a word such as 'victim'. It paints such...such...weakness. No, we were and are victors. Look at you and I...would you look? " -::-inhales deeply through her nostrils, her hands flowing upwards as if trying to force more oxygen in, before exhaling her words so loudly that some others in the garden glanced in their direction-::- " We are alive! That makes us, WINNERS!! " -::- Well, it was her turn to be positive now or maybe in denial, either will do.-::-



-::- Now that she'd unwittingly gained some attention from a few others in the gardens, she began to take steps down the path to distance them from anyone within earshot. Turning, she walked backwards, so that she may continue to talk while Dream decided whether to follow or stay put.-::- " I do hope that the Queen is now more sure of herself and comfortable in her position. For she is a wonderful Queen, from what I have witnessed thus far. " -::- Yes, the Queen had been most kind to her, who was she to throw that kindness in her face and not bother turning up to see the wedding.-::- " I have every intention of sticking around for the wedding, oh yes I do " -::- cheerful, much? It'd give her a chance to go looking for a new dress, not that she could afford one right now!! -::-


-::- Yes, yes.. she was feeling comfortable in this Dream's presence, she spoke to her and not at her. The conversation seemed to flow quite easily, apart from when she, herself, stalled.-::- " You know, I was to be wed " -::-she confesses nonchalantly, she knew that Dream probably did know, seeing as she had to pretty much hand over her information as to why she had come to Windstorm when being chucked into the dungeons.-::- " Can you believe that there were quite a number lining up to apply? " -::-she joked and laughed it off, but deep down she still found the idea disgusting. Plus, there would be a hidden agenda had she been married off.-::- " I dare say I may have driven whom ever my Father had chosen stark raving mad. " -::- Of course, that was what she thought 'now'. But no, she had been perfectly trained.....well, probably not perfectly, seeing as she's now miles and miles away from Blakeland Manor!-::- " And you... did you have a say in who you wed? " -::-she had stopped backing up by now, for the distance had grown great between them. -::-

[Dream Loxley]

((Sorry for the delay in replying....r/t has been busy again))



Dream did not for one moment believe that Adel had accepted nor did she understand.....the way of things. Words would have to be chosen better lest they would become twisted and false, surely Adel had a kindness within her, she was not completely suffocated by her past. A past which undoubtedly had molded her to become this.....this very unstable and at times, rather dangerous young woman. Dream had not forgotten Jenkins, in fact she was even more sure that the poor man may have become a victim, there she had thought that word again....victim of Adel's fickle moods.

Adel was still making her point as she walked backwards along the pathway, even such a defiant gesture that proved even more that the woman was far from settled in her own mind. She obviously believed perhaps that she was invincible, that no harm would befall her.....what if she tripped and fell now, would that become an act of her God, or simply because she was asking for it to happen......testing the waters...no, Dream was very uncomfortable still. There was so much vehement anger and ill feeling within her spoken words. Dream was not a winner, she had never felt that way, it had been her destiny and all that had happened to her as she was growing up was meant to be, for if such had not transpired then she would not have become the woman she was now. Weak......no, not weak either.

People enjoying the gardens were watching now, and such a display Adel was putting on for them all. What did she expect to gain from such a performance, or was this truly how she was, attention seeking, angry, false......yet with goodness within, surely somewhere, as she had shown such earlier.

"Oh indeed......Edfeil 'tas grown into a fine young woman, held in such high esteem by so many, all over the lands.....mayhaps she shall always have some doubts as to her worth, but such be that we all have at times. A wonderful Queen and an equally wonderful wife and mother I be sure of."

Dream spoke the truth and her smile was genuine. Now the topic had, once again returned to Adels past and weddings. Dream nodded and smiled in all the appropriate places, adding a shake of her head and a frown when the words 'stark staring mad' were thrown into the equation. Of course not, why ever would she think that! Oh my.....oh my.....she was definitely unhinged and .......mad......well.....anything was possible.

"Oh....." The question surprised her for it came as abruptly as Adel had stopped moving away. Dream walked a little further to be within earshot and not to have to shout.

"My Robin......aye.....I lost my heart to him the moment my eyes first beheld him. I believe the same be true of him." Should she continue or would such a beautiful tale yet again unravel this woman, for she had not seen much true beauty in her life, save for her Mothers looks. She took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly so as to form the words in her mind.

"He was already here, as if to be waiting fer me, and my Father a dear friend to him.....we became soul mates.....fitting like gloves he once told me, and Edfeil, her Father Agustin....all the lands came to our Wedding....'twas a joyous day that shall stay with me always." Her smile was warm, her eyes unfortunately moist with unshed tears, both of joy and sadness. Yet she would not allow them to spoil this memory. "We have two children, Ellissia and Thomas.....I was truly blessed when I found my home here."

Her hands went instinctively together and her head lowered slightly as the memories were stored away again. It had been so long.....Edfeil had even spoken of announcing her as a widow so she may marry again.....but she would never accept that, it was not the way of things.Time was a healer yet it was also an enemy....her heart perhaps would never be the same, they may be strangers to one another now....but she loved him still and always would.

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

(( Sorry for the massive gap in replying, Dream!! ))

-::- Love and marriage could go together? A man and woman could truly both feel exactly the same about one another, at exactly the same moment in time and make it work for the best? This was a new concept to her, but Dream was speaking the truth, that be her life and love, this man, named Robin. In written theory, it was possible, she thought. For is it not the case for swans to come together and continue on in life until death with the same mate, yes, indeed this was very true...or so she had studied. But she had reasoned that with swans, it was due to their very survival, rather than love. It had been rumoured though that if one swan should die, the mate would take its own life, unable to carry on without its love. All she could do was listen to Dream and try to understand where she was coming from, for she had never experienced this kind 'love' before. Who could blame her? She was yet still young. But to feel a belonging to one person, this idea, it fascinated her. Perhaps one day in the future, she too would find a special someone who would accept her wholly for who she was and experience this thing called love. Or is that one would be changed in an instant when finding that someone? Only time would tell. For now, she was quite content in listening to Dream's words.-::-


-::-Again, she noted the expressions on the woman's features. A smile and the glassy reflective eyes. What was going through Dream's mind as she recited these memories of her beloved? Was there more to the story than she was letting on? Of course, she could simply ask, but for some reason she did not feel it to be her place. Not that that stopped her other times. It was the slight bowing of the head that spurred her into action, that is to say, she started to walk back towards Dream and close the distance between them. No doubt that there was a height difference between Adel and Dream, but this did not stop her. In a moment of compassion, she lifted both of her hands and rested them down ontop of Dream's shoulders. She knew not what was wrong or if anything was wrong at all. What had come over her that she was able to maintain physical contact? Learning that Dream was a Mother may have played its part. A soft smile appeared on her lips.-::- " Tell one more about your children? " -::- There came a gentle reassuring squeeze against Dream's shoulders. Now, to some that might sound just a tad intrusive. For here they were, two people who were only just getting to know one another and she was asking about the most precious people in Dream's life. Adel had sense that something had become of this Robin fellow, was he dead? Had he gone away and not returned? Of course, she could be surmising and be completely off the ball.-::-


-::- And she began to imagine what kind of Mother Dream was to these children. Was she a caring and loving Mother? Or was she an absent Mother who's duties to the Castle came first? Maybe things kept her away that were out of control. To be quite honest, it was something that wanted to learn. The role of a Mother to their children, did it always play out the same with everyone? If that was the case, would not everyone be exactly of the same temperament. And so, her motto remained the same: Knowledge is power.-::-

[Dream Loxley]

((No worries my own muse was having a holiday ))


The gesture quite unexpected but very welcomed.....Adel was a little shorter than Dream, perhaps more than a hands length, yet it did not stop the young woman from standing taller and making the movement with her hands upon Dreams shoulders, gentle squeezing as if to give comfort should such be needed. Dream smiled and instinctively stooped a little and reached up with her own hands, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she did so. Standing like this for just a few moments by way of a thank you and a simple acceptance that there was more good and decency within Adel than she would have any know.

"My children......oh my.......how long a tale could I share with ye....." Laughing softly as she dropped her hands and absently brushed down her skirts, a habit formed long ago when she was taking a few moments to find composure. It worked mostly and gave her time to breath and settle within her mind. Such behaviour was expected from her, she was a Lady by marriage and titled from King Agustin as a gift. She was Chatelaine, quite a high ranking title in its own right. A member of Council and a Wife and Mother. And so, more often than not, she would brush down her skirts and take a moment......it would not do for her to loose control of her emotions and feelings several times a day, especially not before a guest or for that matter anyone at all. Keeping a tight grip on her feelings allowed her to go through the motions of each day, from beginning to end, even though at times her heart was breaking, her memories suffocating and her thoughts in such turmoil she felt she was not even in the same place as those around her. Life was not easy even though some may imagine it to be.

Her eyes found Adel's and she began to walk back towards the Castle a little, simply because she was rather far from those she was about to speak of, another habit, staying close by, even when time was her own.

"Ellissia was our first born." She did not speak of the one not meant to be, the one she lost and mourned for still. Continuing with an air of confidence. ""Nine summers have passed and she had grown into a most beautiful lass......her eyes be those of her Father, and her hair as dark as night. She loves the gardens, the woodlands and all the creatures, once again, from her Father......and the ocean.....such from me mayhaps."

Her pace was slow as she glanced about, watching her steps, taking them with care, her skirts lifted just high enough to allow her feet ease of movement.

"Thomas.......now Thomas, he be a little different....almost seven summers gone now, yet he troubles me a little with his behaviour." Just how much to share....Dream faltered slightly with her words. "Fair of hair and face, more like me than my Robin......yet he seems to have nae a liking fer anything, nor anyone fer that matter. An angry child he be......and I suspect it may be because he does nae know his Father......well....nae since a small one, mayhaps he does nae remember, or chooses not to." She went on to elaborate, just to assure Adel that there was nothing untoward wrong with Thomas, he was healthy and intelligent, the healers and elders had confirmed such several times. She smiled softly and stopped walking, looking once again directly at Adel. "Ellissia cares so much fer him, we both do......and those of the Castle also, yet he be a lonely child, a quiet one.....he simply has nae a thing to say."

Speaking of herself and her children was not something Dream did very often, for mostly she was a listener, guiding, gently easing the worries of those about her. To be at the fore now, she was not too comfortable, her head dropping a little, and those restless hands once again brushing down her skirts.........

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

-::- By now she had allowed her hands to drop from Dream's arms and listened with quiet contentment about Dream's children. The idea of little feet pitter-pattering against a stone floor, the sound of joyful laughter echoing from sturdy walls, happy smiles with memories forming that will last a life time and small eager faces begging to hear another story, all these qualities and many more that she felt a child should possess had always appealed to her. Dream spoke of her first born with such love and pride. The way Dream told it, her little girl Ellissia had taken to life outside like a duck to water. Obviously the young child was a free spirit, seeking adventure where ever she could find it and perhaps bumping into a small amount of mischief from time to time, in small doses very much harmless. No doubt, each day she had a new tale to tell her family around the fire in the dying light of the day. How cozy and delightful that scene looked within the picture of Adel's mind, a small family unit, huddled together with a room full of love.-::-


-::- Following Dream back towards the Castle, she listened with just as much interest about the Son, as she had with the Daughter. A boy, he was described as being quite the opposite to his elder Sister. So young he be, yet already he possesses the more negative of emotions, that being anger. It was good though, that a child could freely express themselves and not worry at being harshly corrected, as their Mother, Dream, seemed to be an understanding one. Dream did not strike her as the type that would lose her temper at what might seem a flippant display of behaviour by the little boy. It made sense though, she could relate to this small child in a way, the absence or unacceptable behaviour of just one parent can have a dramatic effect on a child's outlook on life, which if not corrected, can have a more permanent result, which could take years of hard work to change. But then again, this child had the loving support of his Mother, a Mother can have such an impact, that can overshadow and protect a child from many doubts that they have. It was good to hear that little Thomas had his big Sister, Ellissia, to look out for him.-::-


-::- They travelled quietly for awhile, their steps were slow towards the Castle. It was only natural that touching upon such a subject would cause for reflection on her own childhood and her own desires for the future, and maybe, just maybe, starting her own family. Dear Heavens, she would do things so much differently with her own children. Deep down, she knew that other people saw defaults in her character, she wondered then if she would ever be fit to be a Mother. Maybe such an idea or wish would just simply be too cruel on a child. Being a woman, it was something that went through the mind and heart, children... but not everyone is destined to be a Mother nor be blessed with such bundles of joy. Finally she spoke, her voice cracked just a little, but she quickly regained her composure:-::- " The young boy, Thomas, he shall find his way and place in this world " -::- Dream probably knew it, but she just wanted to say that, maybe another attempt at comforting the woman.-::- " Tis not a bad thing that he is a quiet child, perhaps he is a thinker? Thinkers go on to become great people, who change the way of the minds of the masses, to make sense of things. To put things into better perspective. Just think of the men Socrates and Aristotle, such great minds, in my opinion...both thinkers " -::- In mentioning such names, it might give clue to her educational background. Either that or Dream would have no idea who or what she was talking about. It was common that most women would not the foggiest idea. Most levels, even the very basic levels of education, was often reserved for boys alone. So why would a girl, now a woman, be in the know about such philosophers? How would she gain such information? For what reason would she need such knowledge and why had she been given the gift of education. As they came closer to the Castle now, she stopped and stood, observing Dream's hand fiddling with her skirt again. Why was she so uneasy? Maybe it was because she had remained quiet... sometimes people became more weary of her when she fell into silence. Clearing her throat, she spoke once again.-::- " What is it that you have planned for the rest of the day, if you do not mind me asking so? "


(( Friendly reminder to ALL.... 'cause there's been a few new people arriving now, this includes Guest. This is an open Free-For-All RP, so anyone is free to just jump on in. (^_^) ))

[Dream Loxley]

Ohhhhh my.......I had completely forgotten about this thread.....my sincere apologies Adel.

I have adored writing with you.....but my muse has taken leave of me yet again, I am sure you understand......therefore........we shall have our Dream take her leave with a warm smile and an almost perfect curtsy as she slips away to her duties.

She wonders still of you and your past but has definitely become fond of you......this young, eager woman who speaks as she finds, yet holds far more back......time shall tell.......time shall tell.

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

No worries! Was a fun RP! \(^o^)/