France comes a-callin'

[Rosen]

The carriage bounced over the road and the man inside mutters a curse in French when he bounces up and almost hits his head on the roof. Hanging his head out of the carriage window and holding onto his rather largely plumed hat so it doesn't fly away he calls out to the driver

Mon Dieu essayez-vous de me tuer? (My God are you trying to kill me?)

Growling he slides back into the seat, adjusting his hat because it did manage to go crooked and him holding onto it kind of squashed his lovely feather. Why on earth he had gotten volunteered for this he'd never know. Sitting back in the cushioned seat he crosses his legs and looks at the slight run in his hose, muttering more to himself, his lips curling and a mocking tone to his voice

Mon Dieu! "Go to Windstorm" 'e said! "Try to make friends" 'e said! Ah do nay see such 'appening but 'tis vhat Ah geet paid for. An' now Ah 'ave thees 'orrible run een mah stocking! Oh 'e vill pay for thees! Mon Dieu!

The secretary that was with him just rolled his eyes and let out a breath, shaking his head as his employer went on a rampage. Not unusual for him, the froppy sod. Granted the ride was a bit bumpy ride but no worse than usual. His employer was just in a foul mood for being sent here. Pouring him a glass of wine and offering it to him his employer pulls out a handkerchief and places it under his nose before waving the glass away and squealing out

"'Oo vant meh to be covered in za wine vhen we arrive? Ees that vhat oo vant?"

"Of course not, M'Lord, forgeeve me, M'Lord"

So the secretary would drink the wine, and lo and behold not a drop spilled. His employer looks at him with disdain and sniffs before pulling out the fragrance box and taking a healthy sniff of that as well before wiping his nose with the handkerchief. Looking at his beautiful white hose again he sighs

"Oo weel 'ave to find meh a seamstress vhen ve get there. My adornments must be impeccablah"

"Mais oui évidemment"

The Ambassador sniffs again and then tucks the handkerchief away. Windstorm was drawing closer by the moment. He knew of the King's plan of course, but he wasn't talking. But he would see it that went through, if he could do that, he might become a Noble himself. Oh what a day that would be. A smile curves his lips as he thinks on it, but not too much of one, he didn't want to destroy the powder that was on his face. Of course that would need touching up too. Another bump was hit and he jolted upwards, not having braced himself and again he squealed

"MON DIEU!"

Could this day possibly get any worse?

[Dream Loxley]

(( ;D Made me chuckle out loud! Well done, great writing.))

[Lady Edfeil]

((*giggles* Oh I can't wait for him to arrive in WS!))

[Rosen]

(Thank you ladies! -grins-)

"Vas that an een or a barn vith rooms?"

The Ambassador was getting settled back into the carriage and leaning against the cushions once more, bringing the snuff box up under his nose and inhaling deeply. He had delicate sensibilities you know. His secretary just sighs and shakes his head, speaking dryly

"Eet vas ze best ve could do, M'Lord. Perhaps ze next stop ve can place tents on ze side of ze road and camp likea ze peasaunts."

The Ambassador gives him a withering look and leans back more in the seat, muttering with an almost pout

"Vell zere ees no need to get mean about eet. Barns zat serve as eens vill suffice, for now."

The secretary, Henri, looks at the Ambassador and gives a minimal shake of his head. He didn't like the man, thought him odious and at the very least a contemptible little man but he paid well. Though sometimes he had to wonder if he paid well enough to put up with him. Once they were settled Henri hit the roof of the carriage to let the driver know to take off and then looks at the Ambassador, speaking once more.

"Eet should be tomorrow vhen ve reach Vindstorm, M'Lord. Ees zere anyzing special 'oo vould like me to do vonce ve arriveh?'

The Ambassador pulls out his handy handkerchief and waves it before settling it beneath his powdered nose, he was all fresh for the day, so far. Tapping his heeled foot a bit he answers.

"Mais oui, Henri, zose stockings vith ze run, 'ave zem feexed so I might wear zem vith mah audiaunce vith ze Queen. Et car l'amour de Dieu reçoivent mon droit de nom quand vous me présentez cette fois! (And for the love of God get my name right when you introduce me this time!) Eet ees Count de Boo-quay" He made sure to say it slowly and enunciate so that Henri could understand "Not Count de Bucket!"

Count de Bouquet sniffs again, pulling out the snuff box and not seeing the look of amusement on Henri's face. Little did he know Henri did that on purpose, his little way of getting back at Bucket for annoying him most times. Clearing his throat Henri nods and places his hands in his lap as he speaks again

"Vhat do 'oo plan on telling ze Queen, M'Lord?"

Once more the Ambassador sniffs and then waves his lace monogrammed handkerchief, bouncing when they hit a bump and muttering

"Mon Dieu! Already?" Looking an Henri he shrugs "Ah plan on telling 'er ze truth, vhat else? Vindstorm would be better off vith 'er marrying a vealthy French Baron."

Of course that wasn't all but that's all Henri needed to know. Count de Bouquet let his lips curve up in a bit of a smile as he enjoyed the ride towards Windstorm .. well maybe enjoyed was too strong of a word. Tolerated. Yes, tolerated. He'd be glad to get to a castle with comforts. He had his own agenda with this mission, the very least was talking the Queen into marrying Baron Bistro, though he knew if he didn't succeed there would be hell to pay. He just had to be sure she listened to reason that's all. He settles back to tolerate the ride, his mind churning with thoughts of the future once this deal went through. Oh yes, a very formidable man indeed he would be.

[Lady Edfeil]

((bouquet residence, lady of the house speaking!)

[Cara McKenna]

((snorts at that one and just waits giggling for this to go down like a atom bomb on his fat lil head))

[Midnight]

Just wait till he gets to meet the cat *EG*

[Rosen]

It seemed like forever that they had been traveling and the Count was getting antsy. Never once did he allow the thoughts of the Queen not going along with this enter his mind. If he did all would be lost, along with this new title and nobility. He was tired of being a lesser noble. Once they had arrived in the village he had sent Henri off to do some errands as he prepared for the trip to the castle. Looking out the inn window he draws in a deep breath and nods. He could do this. He had to. For the good of France, of course. This place may be prosperous but it was a far cry from what he was used to. Lifting the snuff box to his nose he inhales deeply and then turns when the door opens, allowing Henri entry.

"Vell eet took 'oo long enough. Vhat all 'ave 'oo found out before ve go to ze castle?"

Henri moves into the room and sets the now mended stockings on the bed, looking at the Ambassador with a sour look and shaking his head a bit before speaking

"Ah 'ave learned zeez people speak like zhey 'ave mush in zheir mouths. Ze voman at ze seamtress .. Mon Dieu Ah could barely understand a vord she said." He shakes his head again and flops down onto a chair, rubbing his temples "However, Ah did find out zhat the Queen's betrothed and vone of 'er guards ees traveling as ve speak. 'twould seem fate 'as given 'oo an opportune moment, M'Lord."

The Ambassador looks thoughtful for a moment before a smile spread over his face, clapping his hands together he very nearly squealed like a young girl

"Mon Dieu mais c'est magnifique d'entendre! Finalement quelques bonnes nouvelles! (My god this is wonderful to hear! Finally some good news!) Ve must prepare, Henri, zhere ees much to be done. Ah must find a vay to voo zhees Queen. Make 'er come to see our side of zhings, non?"

Oh the Ambassador was ecstatic now and it oozed out of every pore as he had Henri help him get ready. With a nod to the mirror he smiles and speaks

"Come, Henri. Nous allons maintenant!(We go now!)"

They got into the carriage, which the Count had made sure to have cleaned before their little trip. It was amazing what a few coins could do after all. The ride to the castle was pretty uneventful as the Ambassador ran a fingernail over the seal that held the parchment closed. Oh yes, this would be wonderful indeed. With no one around to council the Queen .. and her betrothed having left her for the moment the Ambassador was having thoughts of grandeur. Reaching the castle Henri got out first and offered his hand to the Ambassador to help him out. The guards would watch the men, snickering a bit at the bright white hose and the leotard he was wearing. And that hat! Such a large feather and such ruffles for a man! Adopting an air of arrogance the Ambassador and Henri move up to the nearest guard and Henri speaks

"'Oo vill tell ze Queen zhat Ambassador Count de Bucket from the great empire of France 'as arrived et 'e vill see 'er now."

As Henri was introducing him he sighs and leans in, muttering "Count de Bouquet! Idiot!" Henri just smiles and waits for the guards to show them inside.

[Midnight]

((now is anyone allowed to jump in or wait till it hits the room))

[Rosen]

(this won't be played out in room so jump in)

[Midnight]

((ok was being curious on this))

The guards by now were for the most part used to me as this had been my home for a long time. Some of the newer guards still weren't too sure what to make of me. My sleek body was as black as midnight save for the little bit of grey that flecked my coat. I was outside with my kit Onyx running around and playing. I lifted my head up a bit as the sound of a new voice as it drifted to sensitive ears. Rolling powerful shoulders a bit as I let out a soft and low growl to Onyx to let him know to hide for now till I called for him. Now that mischievous kit o mine took off straight for the castle to hide, but oh well at least he was out of the way.

Slowly I approached the gates my sleek body moved with a predators grace which was what I was by all rights and always would be. I still wore the leather collar around my neck that had the "WS" initials on it. this white faced creature I happen to see was a puzzle to me not to mention how it seemed to talk. My head tipped first to one side and then to the other as if studying the two new comers. My sleek body was completely relaxed, but that could change in an instant if so much as a single wrong move was made. I padded up beside one of the guards. This was one of the few older guards who knew who and what I was. I stood quietly beside him presently just watching.

Now the horses that were pulling the carriage might start to get a bit nervous at my presence but little did I care about that I was a protector to those here at the castle. I wouldn't bother the horses I had no need to as I was well fed by the kitchen staff and once in a great while I did venture out to actually hunt and bring down prey but that was few and far between. I shook my head a bit and then let out a low born mewl to the guard whom I stood beside as if asking who theses new people were.

[Lady Edfeil]

An ambassador? From France? Here? Now? There nae had been a missive.. nae any warning.
As she quickly exchanged the small veil for a jeweled cap, she tried to think. There had been relief when she heard the name. Nae Lord de Sennis. That had been her first thought. Then came the worry. Why would the French King send an ambassador? Why now? They'd been more than content to be ignored by the empire after the last skirmishes, and then DeSennis's fall from grace. Her mind raced with possibilities and she grasped upon the most plausible one, with some form of relief. Of course.. the betrothal. Formality would demand at least a small gesture from France. A courtesy. Mayhap a letter even from King Charles.

The cap was the only change she allowed herself. It would nae be fitting to keep the man waiting. Swiftly she called to Maire to see iffen rooms could be readied for their guest as she descended the stairs to receive him herself. A good time mayhap to mend fences. It nae was in Windstorm's best interest to always have to worry of what France would be plotting. Iffen they managed to get the relationship back on better grounds, iffen they could be certain France would nae cast their eyes anymore on Windstorm.. it would be one thing less that could threaten the peace she had worked so hard for.

She descended the stairs with seeming calm, a smile on her face now, and her mind filled with the hope of accepting an olive branch gracefully. She was rather grateful she had decided this morn to wear the red gown she had first worn at her betrothal, to bolster her confidence. It became her and it was suitably formal for the occasion.

She considered the throne for a moment, yet it was only used really for occasions of ceremony. She could stand of course, await them in the middle of the Hall or mayhap stand in front of the hearth. Though... something more.. soothing and domestic might be better. It would ease her own nerves and show a homey welcome to the ambassador, simple, womanly. Deciding being true to herself might indeed be the best way to approach this visit, she settled behind the large tapestry frame. And waited...


((It's mainly a boardplay, but references to it may at any point be brought into the room))

[Dream Loxley]

Surely he would never return here......she shook her head as her heart seemed to skip a beat. A frown set firm upon her face as Mary helped her to pin up the ever tangled and wayward hair that never really looked tidy of late. She fidgeted and fussed, not like her at all, silently cursing and fumbling with her necklace. No.....he would never return, not after the last visit.....how could he!

"M'Lady...please keep still.......yer hair be hard enough ta tame without ye moving all tha time". Poor Mary, it was not her fault......it was that.....that bombastic, rude, crude and ugly individual from the lands of France who called himself a gentleman......hmmmph. She stood and found a smile for Mary, finishing the task herself, as several strands fought within the confines of the pins and cascaded around her face.

"Tis alright Mary......he does nae deserve us to look our best aye......and thank ye kindly, iffn ye might keep the children here....I do nae......." She shook her head again, she would never allow her children to be within breathing distance of the man again. "Just keep them here aye."

Turning on her heal, lifting her gown high enough to allow ease of movement along the corridor, she took the stairs quickly to seek her Queen, all the while mumbling to herself of duties and etiquette no matter the person or his intentions.

She almost burst into the Hall after Marie had informed her of Edfeils whereabouts........her frown still in place, she offered a respectful curtsy to her friend and Queen, glancing about to see the guest had not been introduced as yet.

"Please tell me it nae be him M'Lady....nae De Sennis after all this time."

((So enjoying this thread, can't wait to greet the pompous man! Had to join in....oh and DeSennis was a nasty one back in the day, we are all assuming it is him...we are in for a shock! )

[Rosen]

The Ambassador of course was oblivious to everything that was going on inside the castle though he did steal a look to the black panther that was roaming around the courtyard, lifting the snuff box to his nose he inhales deeply and then brings it down, looking at the guard with notable disdain and waving his free hand toward the panther

"Et do 'oo alvays allow vild aneemals to roam about? Ah vill nay need protection, non? 'oo can promeese Ah vill nay be mauled een mah sleep?"

He eyes the panther even as the guard tells him that it is simply a protector of Windstorm. Sniffing in disdain once more the Ambassador nods and waves the guard to show him and Henri into the castle.

"Vell be about eet, man! Ah don't 'ave all day!"

The King had failed to mention a black panther! Well it didn't change his plans but he'd have to be more careful now. Pondering this as they were shown into the castle he sniffs again from the snuff box and then puts it into his tunic pocket, heeled shoes clicking on the floor and ruffles .. ruffling .. in the air as he walked. Henri walked beside him, the parchment tucked up beneath his arm. Of course the King had also failed to mention the former Ambassador that had been here so the Count had no idea how he would be received. He couldn't let that dissuade him though.

Reaching the hall the Ambassador's eyes sweep over the two women there, the Queen in the red dress being the one his eyes stop on. He gives them both a dazzling smile, perhaps a bit too dazzling for a man, and flourishes a bow, left leg extended and his arm folding over his mid section as Henri speaks

"Ah am pleased to announce ze Ambassador Count de Bucket" Some whispering could be heard .."Bouquet you idiot!" Henri just smiles and goes on "'avin' been sent from France by ze King Sharles 'imslef to bestow 'pon Vindstorm ze pleasure of 'is company and offer of friendsheep"

the Ambassador would lift up and smile to the Ladies, which wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't been such a creepy smile. Soon enough though the smile was gone and he spoke

"'Tees vera good to meet 'oo both, Ah look forward to our timez togezer."

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

Word had reached him, through the Guards, that Windstorm had received a guest...some sort of diplomatic envoy from France...and Charles. Even the thought of the man's name was a sneer in his mind, let alone the sound that would be heard as he spoke it. It was not exactly his "duty" to be with the Queen when she received a diplomatic mission, but this was one he certainly wanted to attend. He'd dressed in his best...the luscious plum and black doublet with his best fitted black trousers and polished boots. The daggers, as always would be at each hip with the huge broadsword belted at his left.

So adorned, he made his way from his chambers and down into the Hall. He wondered as he walked if de Sennis had returned. That one had reminded him more of an oily, unctious worm than a man. But as much as he disliked Rainald de Sennis, de Sennis probably hated him more...and that was fine with him. The deep scar on his left cheek, forever a reminder of the time that Charles had sent his troops here in an arrogant and not very well though out power play, twitched lightly as he drew into the Hall and saw both the Queen and Lady Dream already there and waiting. He moved to stand beside and slightly behind Edfeil as the Frenchman entered and saddled up his poorly spoken English vocabulary and attempted to stun them all into boredom. Had the "encounter" not been serious, and had he been sure Edfeil would not have been most unhappy, he would have enjoyed toying with this foppish mouse.

He stepped forward as the man finished speaking and delivered a bow full of grace and courtly manner as he delivered a greeting and introduced all three...in PERFECTLY accented French.

"La salutation Monsieur et est bienvenue au Château de Vent de Tempête. Je suis Seigneur Monsieur Dorien Hawkmoon, le protecteur à la Reine. (Greetings and welcome to Windstorm Castle, Sir. I am Lord Sir Dorian Hawkmoon, protector to the Queen)

Sweeping a hand to Lady Dream, he introduced her then,

"Permettez-moi de d'abord présenter le Rêve de Lady Loxley, la Châtelaine au Château et à la femme de Seigneur Monsieur Robin Loxley (Allow me to first present the Lady Dream Loxley, Chatelaine to the Castle, and wife of Lord Sir Robin Loxley)

He would wait as Lady Dream would offer a formal and graceful curtsy, then sweep a hand to the Queen..

"Et c'est avec la grande fierté et l'honneur que je présente Sa Majesté Royale, la Reine Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma, la Reine et le Coeur de Vent de Tempête ... peuvent elle vivre longtemps et la règle avec l'amour et le bon sens que Dieu lui a donné" (And it is with great pride and honour that I introduce Her Royal Majesty, Queen Edfeil Stormblade de Ruoma, Queen and Heart of Windstorm...may she live long and rule with the love and wisdom that God has given Her)


He would lower his head to the Queen as a show of respect and devotion, then step back to allow her to receive her guest properly...