France comes a-callin'

[Lady Edfeil]

*Before the large doors to the hall opened she stood and quickly wrapped her arms around Lady Dream. It seems.. she nae was the only one unsettled by the unexpected visit. Quickly though she shook her head as her lips went close to her ear*

The name I was given was Bucket.. *she murmured.* "t be nae him." Unless he had gained a new title. Though it would be a strange one. Or unless his failings at Windstorm had cost him his title. And his holdings. The thought for a moment worried her, yet she could nae believe.. nae even Charles would send him back here, would he? For a moment she held her friend tighter. Dream.. had suffered the worst from his presence.
And then Dorian entered. For a moment she could nae believe her eyes, even as she reluctantly let go of Lady Dream. She nae oft saw him thus attired. 't was nae that she had nae yet seen him in his courtly splendour, yet here, within the hall it was a rare occassion that required it. Somehow the news had reached him. And somehow, he too had sensed that this guest... was nae the easiest one to receive.

Like a flurry of coloured butterflies they had gathered within the hall and settled down. And then the doors opened and her eyes widened slightly at the man coming forth. She straightened up even as he offered a formal bow and with a great effort at composure she answered with a bow of her head as Dorian greeted the man in French. She spoke the language herself, but nae with the accentless ease that allowed for the flourishes he added. Flourishes that seemed well suited to the ruffles, and she offered him a smile.

A soft brown gaze rested on the count's face. Despite the.. unique.. wardrobe choices, he nae seemed to have the hardness of DeSennis, which was a relief. She exchanged a look with Lady Dream, relief warring with disbelief and wonder. Yet aside from that one look, naught would marr the hospitality or the kindness which she would offer.

Welcome to Windstorm on this day, Count. I be glad to see ye. I hope his majesty is well and whole.

[Dieter]

Word had reached him as well, first of the carriage, and then of it's occupants. He almost hoped it was de Sennis returning, and that the man would give him reason to claim the challenge he had let lay last time. Returning to the castle quickly himself and heading to his chambers, staying in his usual blacks, though he does strap his battle sword to his waist, balanced with the short sword opposite before opening a small wooden box, regarding the contents therein. As much as he was still uncomfortable claiming such, it would be better for Her Majesty's sake that whoever this 'Ambassador' was, that he know that there were many eyes upon any actions taken towards Windstorm, as he finally lifts out the white gold pin of the lion rampant emblem of his Order. Carefully setting it to his breast and affixing it to his blacks, once he was satisfied with it, he closed the wooden box and took his leave of his chambers. Though his steps didn't take him to the Hall itself, but rather to the Gallery overlooking it, his blacks blending into the shadows there, though Her Majesty might sense his presence. A faint smile touching his lips as he sees Dorian in his finery, nodding at his greeting, as well as the blade at his side...Of course the Frisians all spoke French flawlessly, something about a shared border and centuries of warfare between the two lands. For now though he lets Dorian stand with her, and watches from up above, all but invisible.

[Midnight]

Now as for my big black rear end. I trotted into the hall by passing the funny looking little man with out so much as a sideways glance. I trotted over to Dorian and the ladies with my usual confidence and ease. I moved just right so I could stretch my massive black body out on the floor in front of them. My head remained held up as small pin point black ears flickered back and forth lightly listening to every one speak. My kit finally came waddling out of the kitchen yawning and licking his lips. He proceeds to settle himself down between my front paws.

Dark golden colored eyes remain locked onto the funny looking little man with a look that say you make one wrong move and I'll turn you into a new scratch post. The guards were right I was a protector here and I took it very seriously. I rightly didn't like how this funny looking man smelled nor how he looked. I hadn't liked the last bunch of Franks that had been here. Hell I had used one for a spring board when he had gotten outta line and I would not be so nice this time if this one happen to over step in just the tiniest manor. This time I might just kill him and be done with it.

There were two here that I would truthfully mind that was Dorian and Edfiel they alone would be able to call me back if I was protecting the others well only time would tell because when I was protecting those I saw as family there was little I wouldn't do to see them safe. I lowered my head down for a little bit to lick at my kit's face as he fell asleep between my paws. Presently I was purring lowly to keep him comfortable and safe as well as to let those close to me know I was still here.

Dorian knew what I would and could do if it came right down to it. I would give my life in the blink of an eye to protect my family. Small pin point ears twitched listening to the words being spoken granted half of it I had no idea what was being said. I understood English and some bad English but that was about it.

[Dream Loxley]

A hug from her Queen almost always made all things right......this time she was so relieved to here it was not that awful man, indulging herself with the warmth of her friends arms for a moment longer before finding composure in readiness for the arrival.

She was quite surprised to see The Hawk dressed in all his finery. Gosh, this Bucket man must be of some importance, or else perhaps Dorian simply wished to impress upon all who visited these days that Windstorm and her people were even more safe and protected. He did look rather splendid.......and now....as the visitor arrived, speaking in a tongue so romantic and suave. Dream saw Dorian in an even different light as he introduced first herself and then Edfeil. How impressive were the men of Windstorm and how impressed this Bucket man must be.

Oh dear, such an unfortunate looking man...person....fellow.....Bucket. A glance from Edfeil told her that their Queen may be thinking the same. She looked at him with eyes wide for a moment and thought a bucket over his head would at least hid that silly smile. Dream actually took a sharp intake of breath before automatically curtsying before their guest. How strange the fellow looked, so many ruffles and his white face.....she wanted to laugh but knew best not to of course. Some time here in Cornwall with the fresh sea air and winds would soon give him some colour.

Timing perfect as Midnight arrived and settled in front of them......Dream took such delight in watching as a young one trotted over to the black panther, taking the edge of off this rather awkward situation. Whatever did he expect to gain she wondered. Still, he would be shown every courtesy from them all if such was Edfeils wish.

[Rosen]

The fact that it seems the whole castle came out to greet .. or beat .. him didn't seem to phase de Bouquet, he just smiled at the introductions and even when the man, Dorian, stepped back he spoke after lifting the snuff box and inhaling deeply

"Je suis évidemment très content de rencontrer tous d'entre vous mais j'essayais de me conserver avec l'anglais pour vous rendre plus confortables. Avez-vous un problème avec cela ?" (I am of course very pleased to meet all of you but I was trying to keep with English to make you more comfortable. Do you have a problem with that?)

Damn King Charles for not warning him of this place! They were looking at him as though he were the prey which just wouldn't work. The best thing to do is just continue on the original mission. Henri of course was simply standing there like an imbecile, he had no idea so many would show up either and what was with that cat? A sneeze came out before he could stop it and a puff of powder was sent into the air from it, settling on to his gorgeous ruffles. Sighing he asks with as much politeness as he can muster at the moment

"Vould 'oo please remove ze cat from ze room?"

Oh the poor man was looking miserable indeed and Henri finally came to his senses long enough to hand him a handkerchief. Though Bouquet was feeling rather outnumbered he would wait until the cat was removed, he would not be sneezing while trying to speak with the Queen.

[Midnight]

My head lifted up to look to this funny little man who had just seemingly ask that I be removed. Small pin point black ears flicked back a bit as I let out a very soft and low growl as if daring any to try and remove me or my kit. This was my home and those with in were my family. If Dorian of Lady Edfiel told me to go then I might. But then again I might not they were family to me and like the kit between my front paws I would do everything with in my powers to protect them.

The older guards for the most part knew better than to even try to remove me at this funny little man's request. I would have snapped my jaws at them if they had tried to touch me for that purpose but thankfully not one of the guards would try to make that little mistake.

Dark eyes of gold looked straight to the funny faced little man as my ears stood straight up but there was an intelligent gleam with in the dark depths as well as that challenge with in them as if I were saying try and move me and see how long it takes me to turn you into jerky strips to munch on later. Now I could not talk nope not at all I was just your normal run of the mill black panther. Well not so much normal for the fact I choose to live in a castle and keep watch over those within her walls.

I could understand English for the most part and some bad English I could also understand but that depended upon how bad the English was. This funny faced little man spoke really bad English to my point of view but I was still able to pick enough out to understand the general gist of what he had said.

[Lady Edfeil]

Ahh..*she looked at Midnight, then back at the French Ambassador. She bit her lip. Oh she had nae done so in months now, but the small nervous habit came back.*

I will ask Midnight to keep her distance.. *she said, with obvious fondness for the cat. SHe remembered though that Prince Sighehelm had reacted in a similar way to flowers in summer. She hoped it would nae become as bad*Me Father.. trained her to be a protector of those within.. like a .. guard dog.. *she explained helpleslsy* She be very well trained.

*She looked around, hoping those standing there would add their own words.*
I hope yer journey to Windstorm was a pleasing one. We would be honoured to speak with ye in the language that be more familiar to us. Ye do us a great kindness.

*She moved a few steps aside to take to the stool again, even though she nae regarded the needlework at this time. With a small gesture she invited all to be seated at will.* We will have rooms readied for ye.

[Cara McKenna]

Cara stood to the side of the gathering away from the main hustle.She simply watched for a time, the ways of the Ambassador as he came in and that of his man.As the Queen requested rooms to be readied, Cara found herself stepping forward unconsciously. Of course, Yer Majesty, twill see to the rooms righ' away. Two be needed, or be there more? she asked softly her Irish lilt quite prominent, yet her words were spoken with naught but kindness and helpful intent.As she spoke however her gaze would shift momentarily to those of Sir Dorian before quickly and easily shifting back to the Ambassador to await his response. Behind her Molly and Millie waited till they knew what was needed.

[Rosen]

(Sorry this took so long, I wasn't feeling well this last week)

It wasn't that he spoke bad English it was just heavily accented, he was French after all. The Ambassador eyes the panther and lets out another sneeze into the handkerchief before letting off a succession of them in a row. By now his eyes were watering and puffy, turning red quickly as he stepped back away from the black menace. Holding the handkerchief to his nose he speaks through it, sounding nasally

"Vould 'oo just show us to our rooms, s'il vous plaît? Vhen 'oo decideh to remove ze cat zhen ve can speak."

He sniffs and then sneezes into the handkerchief again, hardly being able to breathe now as he steps back a bit more, waiting to be shown to their rooms so that he might be able to get back to breathing normally instead of this infernal wheezing.

[Midnight]

((No worries with the holidays coming up I think we have all been up to our eyeballs))

[Rosen]

(Yeah I know hun -s-)

[Lady Edfeil]

*She inclined her head at the ambassador, her smile warm. Nae * Of course, M'lord. After the voyage ye will be glad to take yer rest. We can find another moment when Midnight be a hunting to speak. I will be glad to hear of all that be a happening in France.

*The man was dressed foppish, but he seemed kindly enough. Their previous experience had made them all weary but .. this man nae seemed to have the same fervor that had been kin mostly to insanity that had marked De Sennis.*

I am certain ye will find the rooms to yer convenience, M'lord. *She smiled at Dream in Cara, in absolute trust of their competence.* And I hope mayhap we can speak on the morrow?

[Dream Loxley]

It must be something in the water........in the lands overseas Dream pondered as she looked at the man again. She did feel a little pity for him as he wheezed and sniffed......but she also wondered if the amount of face powder and overpowering perfumes he was adorned with may be the culprit rather than poor Midnight.

She kept her opinions to herself and smiled when Edfeil spoke of the rooms. Stepping forward she offered a very well practiced and almost perfect curtsy, with a sly wink to Cara as she turned her head, trying so hard not to giggle like a young lass.

"Of course my Queen......iffn ye will follow me I shall see ye to the rooms Cara has prepared for ye M'Lord." She did speak a little louder and more pronounced than was normal for her, just so the man could be sure of what she way saying.

((Have to chuckle every time I read this thread *S*))

[Midnight]

Myself I laid still listening keeping watch over Onyx as he slept between my paws. Small pin point black ears flickered lightly as the funny little man sneezed. I myself had no idea he was allergic to cats but then again I wasn't your average cat either. My head cocked a bit as I looked up to Dream and Edfiel as a soft and low mewl came from me almost asking the question if they wanted me to stay or not.

I would await an answer from them. There were few that could actually command me and those few who could I had the ultimate trust in. There were the ones I would give my life to protect and kill any who thought to bring them harm. Ok so I wasn't exactly your normal panther either. I had my smarts to me, I could think though just couldn't vocalize what was running threw my head in a normal manor I had to express myself in other ways.

I looked once more to the funny little man and his companion as my ears flattened back a moment and then came back up to listen. Let them make a wrong move and see how long it would take me to make them into a new toss toy or scratch post

[Rosen]

By this time the poor Count could hardly breathe and he waves at the Queen, ruffled sleeves flapping in the breeze his arm makes as he begins to back away from the cat. She may not be the usual cat but that didn't mean he had to stand here and die because of her. Speaking in between wheezes

"Zank 'oo 'our Majesty. Ah vill be fine after a bit Ah am sure."

Henri looks to Lady Dream and sees her fighting the giggles which in turn makes him smile and then clear his throat. He always thought it was funny when a cat got too close to the Count. That's why he always kept a few strays outside the office, just in case. As they backed away they would give bows and then the Count would pull out the sniff box, inhaling deeply as his heeled shoes sounded with his steps, following to their rooms. Henri was muttering quietly under his breath

"oo vill need to get ovear ze whole cat thing if zese talks are to begin, Ambassador. Ze King vill not be pleased."

"Do 'oo zink Ah do not know that? Imbecile! Ah almost died in zere and all 'oo can zink about is vork?"

At least the Count had stopped sneezing now, kind of. Placing a hand on Henri's arm he lets out a forceful sneeze and goes down to his knees, grabbing on to Henri who topples over top of him. In a flailing of arms and legs shouting could be heard down the hall

"Geet off of meh, Henri! Idiot, imbecile! Geet oooooooff!"

"'oo geet off of meh, Ambassador!"

Finally they disengaged themselves and cleared their throats, getting up and smoothing down ruffled clothing. The Ambassador sniffs a bit, putting his nose in the air and murmuring

"Mah powder ees needing fixed now, Henri."