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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 9, 2004 5:06:27 GMT -5
*She closed the door of her chambers.....perhaps less gently than of late....a deep sigh as she leaned against it. Her face was flushed..her brow furrowed......Mary was quite suprised when the Lady started to mumble of witches and foreigners.
Dream was glad then to see Ellissia sleeping, the anger and despair within her had to come forth lest it would fester inside and she knew all too well what that would mean.
For no reason she opened the large trunk along the side wall and began to take out her beloved's clothing. Lifting a shirt...she shook it free of its folds and then with care and gentle hands she laid it upon the bed only to fold it once again. Mary simply listened and nodded at the appropriate times, not truly understanding but seeing the Lady was in need of vexing her anger on something.
A Jacket came next.....she ran her hands along the sleeves...holding it to herself for more than a moment...then folded it once more and placed it back into the trunk, all the while telling Mary of the men in the Hall and what strange people they were.
This continued for quite a while until the Chatelaine flopped heavily into her chair...only to stand just as quickly as if there was a lump within the seat. She moved then to the window and checked the candle....muttering on still about manners and respect.
Mary decided perhaps some tea was in order and quietly excused herself....wondering if perhaps some quiet solitude would help her Lady.
Dream nodded and offered a weary smile.....she stood there still....gazing out over the lands to the east...a knot in her stomach...an ache in her heart. As the door closed again....she sighed softly and felt so alone and empty.*
"Mayhaps iffn I was a witch...then a spell I could cast and bring him home to us........bring them all home safely....and let peace return." ......she softly whispered to the winds.*
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 10, 2004 3:29:05 GMT -5
*She had followed quiet and much more slow. But in the end she had made it. Whatever had posessed the Frenchman, 't was clear he had hurt her friend. And she would be of much better use there than in the hall where the men were angered.
Tug had offered his arm and step by small step, the stairs had been conquered till she arrived before the Lady Dreams door. Seeing Mary slip out, she exchanged a worried glance with lady Loxleys handmaiden, then waited a few heartbeats before knocking on the heavy wooden panel of the door.*
M'lady? Can I come in?
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 10, 2004 15:51:40 GMT -5
*Standing by the window.....she stared out and over the lands....many of the fields now ripe and ready to harvest. The scenery looked as a patchwork of colours and textures, as if one had painted them. Hues of green seemed to go on and on....none the same, just marginally changed in tone. Just a while longer and then such will again turn into oranges and reds....finally giving way to the yellows before baring the branches of the trees to welcome Winter.
She seemed mezmerised as she gazed out.......pondering the days yet to be...still making sense of those past. The knock startled her and she assumed it was Mary returned with the tea.....not realising how long she had stayed there revelling in her thoughts.*
"Of course lass....ye nae have to ask".....*She called back softly*
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Post by Rayven on Aug 11, 2004 20:33:08 GMT -5
((I decided to post this here instead of starting a new thread, I hope this is okay))
I knocked softly on the door, not wanting to disturb the lady, but needing to speak to her about the men and a need for another room, away from the sick and dying that lay in the infirmary.
I waited patiently for her chambermaid to open the door and slipped inside quietly when she did.
Lady Dream stood at the window, her eyes on the garden below. It was clear she was marshaling her thoughts.
I raised my hand to my throbbing head, pausing before I spoke.
My Lady, please excuse this intrusion, but I come to you with a most urgent need. I’d like to request use of the refectory for the men who are ambulatory. I feel the openness of the room with its high windows and view of the garden might do them some good and it would free up the beds in the infirmary for those that truly need them.
I looked at her imploringly and hoped she would agree.
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 12, 2004 3:32:06 GMT -5
((sorry for being late in posting this. *L* I stayed off the boards yesterday mostly due to oversleeping and being very busy to make up for that.))
*She had slipped in quietly, afore she could speak Lady Rayven had entered. And while she awaited her reply, Edfeil looked at her friend. She was pale now, almost as pale as she herself was. And according to the maids she had been unwell more then once. The days must be hard for her, as once again her husband was doing his duty outside the walls. How must it be indeed to love a man so and each morn knew the message could come he would nae return from the battlefield.
She felt acid in her stomach herself at the mere thought. Too well she knew what it was to wait and to loose. But the love for a husband, that would make you await him with a child on your lap and both fear and gladness in your heart, must be overwhelming. Her eyes rested on the chatelaine of Windstorm. Competent and kind... and yet beautiful and delicate both. A quiet prayer went up for strength for her.*
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 12, 2004 3:50:09 GMT -5
*The door opened....she stood for just a moment longer before turning with a gentle smile...expecting to see Mary with the tea tray. A suprised expression adorned her features then as she was confronted by two Ladies......Rayven speaking almost the instant she entered the room.
It took her a moment to concentrate...to bring her thoughts and attention back to the moment in hand.....she had left this place.....gone on to where she would find her beloved.....her mind had taken her to where he dwells....deep within her soul, always she finds him....feels him...and takes comfort from him. Now...she blinked....breathing in.....clearing the pathway for reality once more.
Before she answered....she looked upon the frail Princess standing just inside the room.....gesturing towards the chair with a soft smile.
Nodding to Lady Rayven....she imagined of what she spoke....indeed it was pleasing to hear that many were not so badly injured.....she smiled and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.*
"Of course M'Lady........the perfect place for those walking wounded indeed...but..... please...do as ye will fer those of Windstorm......we are most grateful for ye aid. I have taken many of the servants from their duties that they may help ye.....and anything ye need......ye nae need to ask."
*She absently brushed down her skirts....holding on tightly to the composure she had to show....it was hanging by a single thread as she wished so much to gather her skirts up and flee. It was hard to play the part of a Noble when one was so afraid and lost in the way of things.*
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 13, 2004 7:55:24 GMT -5
Gratefully she sat down on the chair her friend indicated. She nae knew what to say, only wished to be of comfort. How hard these times of trouble and tension were for her, they must be even harder for Lady Dream. Her husband removed from her embrace by duty, and always the life of her daughter a worry first above her own.
Yet still she was so strong. Sometimes, ye could see a poignant look of longing in her eyes. A moment of fear or uncertainty. But when 't was needed, she stood there, doing what needed to be done. Edfeil closed her eyes a moment, feeling herself to be failing in just that: doing what had to be done. Her body simply didn't allow the hard work. Only the quiet prayer vigil and the simple tasks of sewing were within her capabilities now. And this... reaching out to friends.
I hope... his words nae hurt ye too much. Clearly his mind be addled, or he would nae such. Ye be a kind soul and I can nae imagine how... or why he would think such and being foolish enough to say it out loud. Ye nae need worry that the servants shall repeat 't as a whisper. Their indignance be clear enough.... Why I heard even Mollie curse at the man.
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 13, 2004 17:44:32 GMT -5
*She ran her hand through her thick hair....catching fingers within a tangle.....she left it....would comb it out later. Her features showed no concern....she brushed down her skirts and shook her head.....moving her hand then in front of her as if to wave the Lady's words away.*
"Nae....... 'tis forgotten already......I shall nae speak of such again M'Lady."
*Her words were slightly more abrupt than was normal....but when she imagined Molly....she could not help but smile.*
"Oh indeed....Mollie can nae ever keep her opinions to herself... I hope she nae spoke out of turn....that he might have heard....'tis a guest he be until he leaves."
*She did not know what else to say........the behaviour of the guest's accusations had cut deeper than she cared to admit......she felt vunerable.....and still afraid but tried her best to show composure in front of the Princess and the Lady Rayven.*
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 15, 2004 7:34:05 GMT -5
Ye would be proud of her. *Edfeil said, with the smallest of smile hiding around the corners of her mouth.* She nae started cursing his name and doubting the legitimacy of his parenthood before the door of the great hall had fallen closed behind her. She has definite opinions but she be... learning to wait till 't is wise to speak them.
*Seeing her friend stand there, with the late evening sun falling through the window, the golden light embracing her like a lost and vulnerable child, Edfeil did the only thing she could. She stepped forward and embraced her.* I will always be here for ye. 't is me home...ye be me family. These times will pass, aye? Me father will tell the Franks to go back home... and yer Robin will return, aye? Ye must be sure ye be better by then, or he will scold me for nae watching over ye better.
*The words sound strange when she be the one still looking like pale like a corps, but with each day, strength returns.* Shall I brush yer hair again? Like we used to do? Just a few moments for the two of us, away from 't all..
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 15, 2004 9:28:34 GMT -5
*She listened.....she smiled.....she felt a calmness within as she heard the tale of Molly.....nodding to the Lady Edfeil...knowing she was indeed proud of her. Proud of all the servants within her care......and never would she ask anything of them that she was not prepared to undertake herself. She sighed then.... a sigh of relief, for she hated having to repremand any for speaking their mind. Molly had been careful and wise with her actions......all would be well.
Standing fast as she was embraced...she dared not to allow her emotions to crumble......she was afraid that if the time came.....then she would not be able to find the composure so often required of her. Her body stiffened slighty, she took comfort from the closeness shared....but willed herself to stay strong as words of the future were spoken. Those times would come again if they were meant to be.....she would never assume anything.......for so often she would be dissapointed.
She moved to the bed and sat down.......taking the comb and offering it with a smile.*
"Aye.........iffn ye have the time......just fer a while until Ellissia wakes from her slumbers."
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 16, 2004 3:53:38 GMT -5
*Her friends body did nae give way to the hug. Nae became supple and yielding to softness. She nae took insult, but felt the grasp Lady Dream tried to hold over her emotions. How strong she must be... Edfeil remembered so well how the attack of the vikings two years ago had affected her, mind and body. Now... she stood fast, and held her own, nae matter what 't cost her.
Locking out the thoughts of war for a moment, the thoughts of peril and duties and wounded, she grasped at the moment of sweet simplicity shared between them and accepts the comb. So oft they had shared this female ritual as a soothing balm for painfull days, or even just as a simple enjoyment of the eve. How much more did they need it now, when worry and death seemed to surround them.
With careful soft strokes, she combed to Lady Dreams long locks, starting low, then each time a bit higher thill one of the locks now lay soft and silky against her garb, before she continued unto the next one. Her voice was soft and loath to speak for now about the worries that would claim her heart again if she allowed it, she spoke of other things.*
Ellissia she be growing fair of face... 't is ye and yer Robin that both are visible within her...
*The light words a hand reached out in female searching. An attempt to hold fast to what is steady and true and beautiful within this world, when all else around is in danger of changing.*
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 16, 2004 5:56:03 GMT -5
*Her eyes closed for a while....the gentle brushing of her hair had always instilled a calmness.....it seemed to smooth away doubts and fears with every stroke. She listened to the Lady speak of her Daughter....a warm smile forming upon her lips.....she did not speak lest the tranquil moment would pass her by....she needed so much to feel at ease again...settled and at peace with her own heart and mind.
Images of Ellissia came forth....along with her beloved.....together they would play or simply be at rest....always the love between them was at the fore.....she smiled more....her head nodding gently in agreement.
When she spoke...it was in a soft tone.... almost a whisper as if from a day dream.*
"Aye.......she 'tis a treasure......and his eyes....always I see his eyes M'Lady."
*The continued brushing was almost sending her to sleep.....she sat still now....breathing gently....remembering her own Mother doing the same.....the knots...always there were knots. Often her Robin would take brush in hand....his larger fingers still adept at untangling......he would sit for what seemed hours brushing through her long locks. Suddenly she chuckled aloud as a fond memory found its place within her melancholy thoughts.
She laughed out loud and quickly lifted a hand to her lips lest she would wake Ellissia.*
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 17, 2004 3:44:10 GMT -5
The sound of the smothered laughter was like balm to her. She could nae see her friends face. But she knew, felt, that her face was glowing now, and that for one moment at least tension had fallen away.
The wooden comb slid it's path through the splendour of her locks. Not all traditions were those of greatness or even renown. So many a calming, soothing eve they had spend like this. Alone, or with some others as trusted company, in simple companionship.
Ye know... a goblet of wine and a cup of milk now be the only things failing...*Edfeil admitted with a sigh of contentment. This was stolen time. Amidst the tensions and the fears they took just this little while for themselves, to gather the strength they would need for later.* Ye look like summer itself it seems... Edfeil murmured as she started to braid.* All what be missing be wreath of buttercups... 't is something Ellissia will remedy the moment ye go outside nae a doubt...
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 17, 2004 9:16:07 GMT -5
*She turned then....quickly...the comb almost catching within her hair. Her eyes searched her friend's........she reached for her hands...nodding with an enthusiasm not seen in a while.*
"Aye.....Buttercups...and Daisy chains....ye know.....we nae ever did have our picnic......shall we.....even amid the uncertainties...shall we write an elegant invitation to the Ladies of the Castle....ye do such so well M'Lady......and we can bake....aye...cakes and scones and biscuits.....and all things nice whilst the sun still shines ....'tis an idea aye.....do ye think....shall we?"
*She simply sat....like a child would....images of past happy times were filling her heart and mind now...all thoughts of the fighting and conflict gone.*
"We can have Guards and Rangers....and iffn we stay in the gardens...we shall be safe from all harm......mayhaps even the men might join us...what do ye think M'Lady?...Just fer one afternoon?"
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 18, 2004 3:39:16 GMT -5
Her first thought was to protest. They were at the verge of the battle. There were wounded... danger surounding them. How could they... and then... she realised her friend was right. How they could? They could because they would... create peace. An isle of it amidst the looming doom they had lived under for months now. A small valley of peace for the men to carry in their heart should the horns sound and the cry to the wall be called.
And -she realised in a sudden flash of unusual insight- because the Franks would know. Because the rumour would go out that, even amidst the threat, Windstorm was so secure they could indeed hold a wee pic nic. Like her father jumping on a burning siegetower, 't would tell them something about the people they were trying to besiege.
Peace in Windstorm was not disturbed. Not even by war..
Edfeil looked up at her friend, saw the hope in her eyes and nodded, then hugged her.*
Aye... aye we can do such. we must speak to the men, to make sure 't is secure and we nae give them extra work. But aye... we can have us one afternoon of peaceful cheerfulness, withoug worries. 't is the best defence, aye? To keep courage and hope?
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