Cattle

[cynthia MacGregor]

pens a missive aff t' M'Lady Dream at Windstorm

Dear M'Lady Dream,
Cyn 'opes this missive finds You an Yours weel. She 'as 'ad a difficult time of gatherin tha cattle an sheep fer trade, she expects t' be done wi' tha chore come t'morrow eve, 'erself an Cricket will then travel t' Windstorm, wence shid ni take more then a day, she expects t' arrive wi'in two days.
Thank You again fer tha affer t' trade, she looks forward t' visitin Your 'ame again.

Ath'Meas'
cynthia MacGregor
Ca'C

seals tha missive wi' 'ot wax an tha MacGregor crest sendin it aff wi' aine of tha lads frae tha village

[Dream Loxley]

*Reading the missive...she smiles....and nods to Ned who is already busy making preperations to receive the cattle and sheep.

She then asks him of the plough and oxen team we are to trade......happy to hear that all will be made ready at the docks by the coming weeks end. Farmer Watts shall accept the beasts and continue to tend them in Windstorm's name he says. The crop seeds will be measured out and added to the cart along with some extra supplies that we can spare...given in good faith.

All be well now in her mind...and she smiles to Ned once more...thanking him for his time. Wondering now if the ladies shall stay overnight...she slips away to prepare guest rooms just in case.*

[cynthia MacGregor]

((Is posting both boards for everyone))

Cricket
No is will take long. ~despite her reassurances she sets a fairly quick pace, keeping the animals moving without rest~

((speeding things along - have three days to finish this up))

~as soon as they reach port it's clear that the tiny lass is well-known to many of the crewmen and at least - if not all - of the yardworkers... everywhere the small group goes they are greeted warmly, many of the voices calling out for plans... she smiles shyly at her companions and explains~ Is did learn, make ships. They is like, all. ~one dainty finger points to a small tavern with a large yard and a somewhat respectable air~ If is go there, is can wait, drink. ~a smile brightens her features~ Is say, little fire bug say go there. Is will watch cows, sheep. ~having said that she turns and ducks into the crowd on the docks~

~it still takes time for her to seek out her own vessel, the Balual Djili, and ensure that she has been properly crewed and is ready to sail... as soon as she has made the proper arrangements she finds her way back to the tavern and slips inside, peering around the dim interior~
cyn
she smiles looking 'boot tha busy port an nods at Crickets directions goes t' tha tavern t' wait ....((helping to move this along a bit faster)) ... a wee bit later she spies Cricket enter the tavern an waves 'er ore ...cyn bought more food an filled tha flasks while You were away .... more then ready t' be on 'er way she nudges tha lass back oot t' tha door followin 'er t' which ere ship she 'as arranged transport upon.......

[cricket]

~turned around almost before she came in, the tiny lass laughs and waves to the bartender, who just shakes his head... they soon find themselves aboard a medium-sized ship, fully ready for sail, half the crew working on getting the last of the supplies aboard, and a few off to gather the stragglers~

~after a few words with the captain, she nods and moves out of the way, leaning over the rail to watch them work~ Is say, is can sail, tide come. Two hour, three most. ~one dainty hand rubs the wood of the railing affectionately~ No is will take long, get there.

[Dream Loxley]

*She had organised everything....at least she hoped it was so. Ned left word at the Harbour...they were expecting a shipment of cattle and sheep....she was not sure how many people...but they were to be greeted in the name of Windstorm and taken to the Castle.

The Oxen were comfortable in stables by the Tavern...the plough guarded and ready to be taken onboard as and when the guests decided. There were several small bags of grain...enough to sow and hopefully harvest later in the year, if the weather was kind. She believed their village was small, and thought the amount quite adequate.

Barley and Oats to be sown after ploughing now....then wheat and Rye later in the year. The Oxen 'beasts of burden' would manage the harshest of lands...and would do right by their new owners.....she hoped all would go according to the plans....and waited for word to reach her when the guests arrived.*

[cricket]

cyn

a lass feels a lil green lookin ore tha edge wi' You ...jist shakes 'er 'eid an swallows 'ard turns 'e back t' tha water below an watches tha others make tha ship ready ....it shid nae take more then a day t' git there Aye ....then trys t' think t' 'erself ..aine day there aine day back aine day fer rest ...she takes a deep breath an smiles..... Cricket cyn shid mention she doesnae really like looking at tha sea all tha much

Cricket

~she raises her brows slightly~ Is want go down, see sleep place? Is will help? No rock so much. ~turns on her heel, taking up her traveling bag, and moves off toward a small, narrow stairwell~ Is can make herbs, help make feel more good, if want...

cyn

she smiles takin up 'er travel pack an followin You cyn wid appreicate tha Cricket ifin it dun make 'er sleepy ...another lass gave cyn a potion t; drink fer 'er last boat ride needless t' say she slept through 'er port ...she smiles walkin wi' You t' tha ((?)) cabin ....where wid You like a lass t' sleep ?

Cricket

No is will make sleep, much. ~her gaze travels over the first mate's quarters and she stifles a soft laugh~ you is pick. Is want here... ~gestures toward the swinging hammock~ or there? ~points to a rolled up mat to lay on the floor~ you is get ready, I is make tea.

~with that, she wanders off toward the galley to prepare the drink, leaving you to get comfortable until the ship sets off~

cyn

she sighs a wee bit an smiles as Cricket goes t' prepare tha tea ...she moves t' tha mat an un rolls 'er tartan makin up 'er wee bed she pulls oot a clean oot fit fer tha morrow shakin it oot an drapin it ore a post so it's ni as wrinkled ...she smiles as Cricket returns wi' tha tea and accepts if gratefully ..... is there anything cyn can help with while on board ??

Cricket

No get sick? ~her eyes wide and most innocent as she replies~ Stay out way? ~a small laugh escapes her then, and she tucks the hem of her skirt into the waistband, her long underpants coming in handy once more~ Is think, is go help. Long time, no is do.

~another gleeful laugh and she is gone - if anyone were to look, they could see her climbing in the rigging as easily as a seasoned sailor, heaving the ropes and singing the shanties just as heartily as the next person over~

~once the ship is under way she returns to the cabin, sweatied and out of breath, but grinning like a young child in a pastry shop~

[cricket]

((breaking this up just to shorten posts))

cyn

a lass sips the tea an chuckles at tha guid advice watchin Cricket flit aff ...she finishes tha tea an goes t' find a place t' wash tha cup oot ... climbin tha stairs t' tha deck she bumps inta several people only tryin t' do their job 'er eyes scan tha strangers faces lookin fer Cricket as she makes 'er way t' tha galley... she winces an continues t' apologize t' tha many people there as she seems t' be in tha way ...she sighs an gives up settin tha cup doon an findin 'er way back t' tha cabin t' wait ferCricket t' return as tha is all she can do ....

Cricket

~on her return to the cabin she finds cyn sitting and trying to look as comfortable as possible, though the poor lass is having little success... her fiery curls bob when she plops down next to her friend~

No is want go walk, see ship? ~a teasing grin brightens her features~ Or is want stay here, do thing? Is did bring cards, keek-stane, if is want see.

cyn

'er smile brightens as the effects of tha tea 'elp 'er t' relax a wee bit she smiles an nods seein tha cards ...cyn wid love a readin ifin You feel up t' it Cricket

Cricket

Then is will do. ~nods once, decisively, as she pulls the intricate cards from their pouch... her tiny hands wrap around and shuffle them~ Is want know one thing? All thing? Have question is want ask?

cyn

laffin ....cyn wants t' ken 'boot Him ...smiles an then know all things ...nods lots

Cricket

~a soft smile touches tiny girl's lips as she nods, then bows her head, turning five cards out into a line~

~the first depicts a woman in a garden, alone, nine coins set into the gate behind her~ Is you. Is did leave, lone, but look... ~she taps lightly at the card~ All over, much pretty thing, much grow. Is think mean he come back. Want see how is do, when no is there.

~the second card bears a remarkable resemblance ot the one in question - he stands at a distance with a stern look on his face, his arms positioned in such a way that they seem nearly to be bound, though with no ropes or chains visible, and a bare sword in his hand~ See? ~she turns it so you can see it clearly~ See is how want come home, no is can do? Is think have much trouble. Is have thing have do, want get done, but have do by self. When done is can come back.

When is come is see... ~the cards start to slide with the ship's rocking... the fiery-haired lass adjusts easily, with little more than a wrinkle of her brow, and sets a small stone on each of the cards~ Is see this. ~spoken as she sets a small piece of quartz on the third card~ Is you, hold coin. See? When is come, he see you is make good thing. ~she brings the first and third card together, showing the differences - the same woman in each, though in the second card drawn she wears a crown, the garden has grown and is laden with fruit, and she is dressed for the changing of summer to fall~

~the fourth and fifth cards seem to go together - a man sitting under a tree, three cups before him and another behind... the last is a woman, dreaming of seven cups filled with different treasures~ This him, this you. ~one shoulder lifts in an apologetic shrug~ Sometime, he is can see what in front, forget what leave behind. He is know you there. He is think of you, but sometime... ~another small shrug~ Have do other thing, first. ~the last card is picked up in two dainty fingers~ Is think, you try do too much. See, all differ things? Is need pick one thing, try do. Is can do... no is can do all thing.

~she sets it down again and lays out snother row of cards, weighted by stones... the thin line of worry forms between her brows as they turn, though she keeps her voice neutral~ Here, see how tower fall? Lightning make do? Is mean big change. Much fast. This is how know... ~spoken as the image of a knight on horseback holding a golden chalice shows~ When is get home, or is get message, old home. Is make much big change. Is make look, new way. See? ~she holds up the rather comical image of a man hanging upside-down from a tree branch~

Sometime, when thing happen no is like, is more good look differ way. ~the next card falls~ See? ~shows you the single glowing wand~ Is can give new idea, new way do thing. Make good from bad. ~and the last card - a man with three spilled cups, his back turned to two cups still filled with wine~ Is just have turn round, see what still have. No what spill, gone.

cyn

~a soft smile touches tiny girl's lips as she nods, then bows her head, turning five cards out into a line~

~the first depicts a woman in a garden, alone, nine coins set into the gate behind her~ Is you. Is did leave, lone, but look... ~she taps lightly at the card~ All over, much pretty thing, much grow. Is think mean he come back. Want see how is do, when no is there.

~the second card bears a remarkable resemblance ot the one in question - he stands at a distance with a stern look on his face, his arms positioned in such a way that they seem nearly to be bound, though with no ropes or chains visible, and a bare sword in his hand~ See? ~she turns it so you can see it clearly~ See is how want come home, no is can do? Is think have much trouble. Is have thing have do, want get done, but have do by self. When done is can come back.

When is come is see... ~the cards start to slide with the ship's rocking... the fiery-haired lass adjusts easily, with little more than a wrinkle of her brow, and sets a small stone on each of the cards~ Is see this. ~spoken as she sets a small piece of quartz on the third card~ Is you, hold coin. See? When is come, he see you is make good thing. ~she brings the first and third card together, showing the differences - the same woman in each, though in the second card drawn she wears a crown, the garden has grown and is laden with fruit, and she is dressed for the changing of summer to fall~

~the fourth and fifth cards seem to go together - a man sitting under a tree, three cups before him and another behind... the last is a woman, dreaming of seven cups filled with different treasures~ This him, this you. ~one shoulder lifts in an apologetic shrug~ Sometime, he is can see what in front, forget what leave behind. He is know you there. He is think of you, but sometime... ~another small shrug~ Have do other thing, first. ~the last card is picked up in two dainty fingers~ Is think, you try do too much. See, all differ things? Is need pick one thing, try do. Is can do... no is can do all thing.

~she sets it down again and lays out snother row of cards, weighted by stones... the thin line of worry forms between her brows as they turn, though she keeps her voice neutral~ Here, see how tower fall? Lightning make do? Is mean big change. Much fast. This is how know... ~spoken as the image of a knight on horseback holding a golden chalice shows~ When is get home, or is get message, old home. Is make much big change. Is make look, new way. See? ~she holds up the rather comical image of a man hanging upside-down from a tree branch~

Sometime, when thing happen no is like, is more good look differ way. ~the next card falls~ See? ~shows you the single glowing wand~ Is can give new idea, new way do thing. Make good from bad. ~and the last card - a man with three spilled cups, his back turned to two cups still filled with wine~ Is just have turn round, see what still have. No what spill, gone.

Cricket

Captain did say, morning, sun come up, wind hold. ~the cards tucked away again, she leaps to her feet and follows up the stairs, closing her eyes and breathing deeply when the salt air reaches her~ No is be long. ~levels a dainty finger to the horizon, the sun already turning red as it lowers~ See?

cyn

cyns eyes snap open wi' tha sounds of people rushin 'boot ...she looks ore t' tha 'ammock where Cricket is sleepin ...she smiles when she realizes tha boat did ni sink while T/they slept she quietly gits up an changes..repacks 'er travel pack an rolls 'er tartan she sets 'er things by tha stairs an goes t' find somethin fer Cricket an 'erself t' eat ....she makes 'er way back t' tha galley ...she kindly asks tha mon 'oldin tha clever 'ackin at fish if there is a place she can steep water fer tea...wi' a loud chop an a flyin fish 'eid tha mon points t' a small stove ...tha lass watches as tha fish 'eid flys acrossed tha table and lands wi' a sickly splat tha dead creatures eyes still movin side t' side ...she giggles an turns t' 'eat tha water ...a few minutes later carefully taking two cups of 'ot tea back doon t' tha cabin she sets them aside an takes oot some crusted black bread and cheese wedges gently shakin Cricket awake ...

Cricket

~she lays sound asleep, one arm over her face, one bare foot dangling over the edge of the hammock... until she feels a hand shaking her awake - her initial reaction is to leap down, reaching for the small knife in the waistband of her skirt... then she realizes who it is and stands straight, an apologetic smile touching her lips~ No is know was you.

~settles in to eat sparingly, her mind already racing to the coming day~ Is in port yet? Soon? ~rolls her bicolored eyes toward the sound of footsteps racing overhead and bellowed orders muffled by the planks~ Soon. Then is will go see people. ~her face lights at the prospect~ Long time, no see people.

~some time later, after swinging from the ropes and rigging, lending her small muscles to the work of tieing up and readying the small cargo for unloading, she leads the way ashore, leaving the livestock under the watchful eye of the captain himself, and turning herself over to the messenger sent to greet them~

[Dream Loxley]

*Ned had watched the ship approaching from far off, he knew he had plenty of time to make arrangements, and as he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth...the small cart moved off behind a contented horse. There was no hurry...he enjoyed these easy tasks, as he was not getting any younger.

The wheels rumbled along the pathway...all the while he kept the ship in his sights...he could see the dockmen preparing for the ship to come alongside...onboard there was activity and he just made out the familiar shape of cattle.

As he neared, the cobblestones beneath the wheels made for a rather bumpy ride....but soon enough he was greeted by the Harbour Master and jumped down from the cart...realising afterwards that perhaps he should have stepped down...his back creaked a quiet protest as he stood tall again. The two men shook hands and stood by...watching as younger lads went about the task of tying up the ship. It was good to have these trades.....and he knew that as the harbour developed...it would be busier and more profitable for the whole village.

It was then he saw her.....a small young thing....very pretty..her distinctive voice...and aye....her eyes....he knew at once who she was and approached her slowly, taking his hat from his head as he bowed it in respect. He glanced behind her..expecting to see another pretty lady*

"Milady....yers must be tha Lady Cricket aye.....I has been asked by Lady Loxley ta fetch yers and any in yer party that wants ta go ta tha Castle. This 'ere Harbour Master shall see ta yer ship and tha men. Iffen ah may be so bold as ta take yers in tha cart....ah be Ned by tha way."

*He turned to the Harbour Master and nodded with a wink...telling him once again of the oxen and plough....the bags of various grains....and where the stock should be taken once unloaded.

He smiled an old man's smile and waited for the pretty lady to speak...shifting his weight from one leg to the other so as to calm his aching back.*

[Remard de Sennis]

A new ship had arrived and Remard's men were all excited and were chatting amongst themselves. Who was that? What goods did the ship bring? Where was it from? Could they not help unload and reload it, as it would give them something to do?

The Frank captain looked over the railing, towards the newest arrival in these waters. A little bit of work would do wonders for his men, Remard knew, and so he took the chance...

Leaving his sword on deck, to show he didn't intend any trouble, the captain approached the plank connecting the Forell with the dock, and began to walk down, even stepping onto the dock before two of Windstrom's guards blocked his way further.

Remard held up his hands, smiling, being his most charming. "Monsignors, I beg you, please lower your weapons. I saw a ship arriving and I wish only to speak with the harbour master to offer the help of my men. my men have been caged into my vessel for weeks now, they could use any exercise that may be had. please... may I talk to the master of this port?

Remard waited, and smiled.

[cynthia Macgregor]

((sorry everyone gets all caught up here since we only have today because of Crickets wedding trys to hurry this along))

cyn grabs 'ers an Crickets things while Cricket readys tha cattle then joins wi' 'er t' greet tha messenger..she recognizes the mon named Ned and nods 'er greeting t' 'im ..she glancs at tha ship in tha dock not knowin many tha are tendin t' it but turns 'er attention back t' Ned ...M'Lady Loxley is such a gracious host she an 'ers are well Moirear ? .....cyn walks wi' Cricket an Ned t' tha Castle knowing T/their time 'ere will be short ....

[Dream Loxley]

(( Not a problem Cyn... carry on and enjoy the Wedding *S*. We can continue with NPC's and have some fun with the storyline. I am away myself for a few days r/t. Post as and when you can and be well *S*))

*Ned smiled as the other lady spoke...nodding to her as he lifted their bags up onto the cart. He helped them to settle upon the bench seat and told of the Loxley family....how the daughter was growing... that they were all well and seemed content.

He lifted the reins and flicked them gently against the horse.....the signal worked and the cart rumbled off towards the Castle. Ned glanced back and saw the Captain of the French Ship attempting to leave the vessel. Perhaps not a bad idea at that.... for he was not going anywhere soon...not while his man sat in Windstorm's dungeons. It could do no harm to let them work for their supplies he pondered.

Turning his attention back to the ladies....he urged the horse on and listened as they told of their journey here. He pointed out landmarks as they passed the Tavern and then the small Church. The track winded around a lake and fields that were ploughed and sowed.....finally finding its journey's end at the castle gates.

He lifted a hand to the guards in acknowledgement and the cart came to a halt in the courtyard. This time he stepped gingerly from the seat and hoped his back would not complain. Both ladies seemed to have enjoyed the ride and he gestured towards the doors....telling them he would have their bags sent in after he tended the horse.*

[cynthia MacGregor]

((Thank You M'Lady! Crickets wedding is tomorrow so cyn thought W/we could roleplay out most of this today and then follow up after the wedding))

a lass smiles and enjoys tha ride an listening t' Ned speak of M'Lady an 'er daughter...she nudges Cricket doon oot of tha cart an thanks Ned fer such a warm welcome an all of 'is 'elp ...cyn an Cricket enter tha Castle ...tha lass smiles softly as she looks 'boot tha familiar surroundings ..'azel eyes grace tha 'all looking fer M'Lady Loxley

[cricket]

~she had spent the ride chattering away, not caring if anybody really understood her or not - quite used to the latter - and waving to the people she recognized when they passed, thoroughly enjoying the company of the elder man~

~still, when she was shoved from the cart, she grabbed hold of her bag and staff, tumbling into a tangled heap with them, having been caught off balance... a devilish little grin pop up, her eyes sparkling wildly, and she points to cyn before getting to her feet and brushing her skirt off, then rushing inside, bouncing with childish delight at the familiar sights, then darting off to peek behind a certain chair for a certain small tapestry~

[cynthia MacGregor]

laffin cause cyn really 'adn't meant t' push tha lass oot of tha cart ....giggles wi' delight watchin tha lass bound away ......still findin no sight of M'Lady Loxley she glances t'wards tha infirmery an smiles softly rememberin 'er friend ..then a wave of guilt 'its 'ere an she turns t' look fer Cricket again ....she spots tha lassies rear pokin oot frae b'ind a chair and laffs ....Cricket whit are You doin ?

[cricket]

Look! ~her voice muffled... then she backs out, proudly holding a napkin-sized tapestry of an apple aloft~ Is did do, by self! ~runs her dainty fingers over the loose and crooked stitches~ Long time go, did do. Is did learn how, here. ~a moment later she had disappeared behind the chair to replace the memento... and a blal of yarn comes flying through the air, landing on the chair seat and bouncing off, accompanied by her soft laughter~