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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 18, 2004 9:05:28 GMT -5
*She had nodded and smiled brightly...already her mind was filled with visions of late summer posies and quilts laid out upon the ground. The trees would offer shelter and there were still many fragrant flowers in bloom......it would be wonderful to relax together again...the Ladies with their idle banter and little secrets they shared. Ellissia would be in her glory with so many Aunts to play with.....and they could all plan the apple picking together. She stood up after returning the hug....her mind whirling, forgetting even that she had only some of her hair braided.* "Will ye write a pretty invitation then....and we can give such to the Ladies......and a note...aye....we need a note to Sir Dorian to allow us Guards. Of course there be Rangers present at all times....aye... we shall be quite safe....there be nae a need to take the men from their duties." *She was half speaking and half mumbling as she became quite excited at the thought. The Ladies did indeed deserve some free time amid all the weariness. She looked to her friend and smiled more.* "I shall go this very moment and speak with cook....and we shall set the day fer as soon as possible. Oh 'tis to be a joy M'Lady........ye will see." *She moved towards the door just as Mary was returning with the tea tray.....almost giggling as a child.....she kissed Mary upon the cheek and whispered to her ear of the plans as she skipped out of the door.* (( *chuckles* Lets hope we can all find some joy and laughter amid all the gloom of late  )) |
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Post by Rayven on Aug 18, 2004 17:12:37 GMT -5
((sounds lovely..looking forward to it..*S))
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 23, 2004 4:33:09 GMT -5
((sorry this took so long. Seems every day is filled to the brim of late!!))
I will write a note to Captain Hawkmoon right away, m'lady... and ask iffen he will agree to 't. Mayhap 't would be an aide for Lord Sighehelm too, aye? *she adds in a soft voice* When we show the Franks we nae fear them. Aye... withing the orchard there nae be a need to worry over safety. I will... write the notes to the men. And ye...
*She smiles when she sees the happiness upon yer face, and hears whispers she can nae make out, but that sound like the happy buzzing of bees when ye talk to Mary. Oh aye, she realises, 't will be so good, and give them the necesary strength to push through this difficult time. THe Good Lord knows there will be work aplenty once the Franks are gone, for the summer has passed by with less work on the fields then normally is done, and autumn and winter be quickly aproaching.*
Will ye be able to tend to the practical arrangements? *she asks, though the glow on her friends face already tells her the answer* The food, the servants... I know ye will prepare such, aye? I will... *she takes a deep breath to refind some courage as well as her strength* write a note to the men, and then make the invitations...
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Post by Halethala on Aug 24, 2004 1:23:26 GMT -5
*Wiping at her skirts to remove the heaviest of the garden dirt off her fingers, wishing she had taken a bit more time to attend to her looks, Letha stood before the Lady's door gathering her courage with a steadying breath. She'd never come anywhere near their chambers afore, and worried that she'd nae find them about, even though the servants had kept assuring her that she and Ellissia were there . .
She raised her hand to knock, dismayed at the dirt that still hid beneath her nails, but smiling inwardly at the memory of pottering about a little in the late summer blooms . . plucking at a few weeds while the everpresent guard paced nervously at the end of the pathway, his oblique glances towards the castle finally prodding her to pick what she wanted so they could return.
Sighing, she had arisen with a full armload, a riot of colors and lengths and fragrances . . iffen she could not manage to get outdoors very often, she would do her best to brighten the indoors as best she could. Gesturing to the guard, she asked if he would carry the lavendar Mum that she'd dug up and set into an old washbasin . . she had plans to plant it, dirt and all, into one of the old discarded boots from those who had not survived their wounds . . a symbol that life continued it's steady pace forwards, even when death stalked indiscriminately . .
She's portioned out the blooms, replacing those that had wilted . . choosing the brightest ones for little Ellissia: pansies and sunflowers and little yellow daisies. As she knocked on their door, she thought ruefully of how the young one should nae have to worry about being cooped up in her quarters . . Letha ached for the chance to take the wee one swimming near the lake that lay beyond the castle walls . . and wondered how the lake fared . . how the men who defended it fared . . what their future held . .
Shaking her head to clear it from such thoughts, just for a tiny chunk of time, she curled her lips into a warm smile as she awaited to be allowed entrance . .
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 24, 2004 2:55:53 GMT -5
((Lovely post Halethala *hugs* Dream had already left the room, "kissing Mary on the cheek and skipping out"......she ventured down stairs to speak with cook about the picnic. I truly thought the thread had ended with little or no interest *S* Perhaps we might continue it after all. Will assume Lady E is still here too *S*))
*Plans were afoot.....cook would do his best with what produce still available.....she had spent a while explaining of the picnic and the simple foods required. Eager to return to her chambers then, she turned on her heel and slipped once again up the stairs.
There at her door stood the dear Lady Halethala....her arms filled with a bountiful array of fresh blooms.*
"Oh my.......ye do bring the sunshine and warmth from the gardens for us to enjoy inside......a treat ye are to our hearts Halethala...come...come in...we were speaking of a picnic.!"
*The brightest of smiles accompanied her words and she reached forward to open the door.....allowing her friend to enter first.
Mary had placed the tea tray upon the desk and was already pouring Lady Edfiel a cupful. Ellissia was rubbing her sleepy eyes from a nap.....her face beamed when she realised two special ladies were visiting now.*
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Post by Halethala on Aug 26, 2004 8:53:52 GMT -5
((Oops . . I wondered if it were you or Mary that skipped off! I'm glad I misunderstood, if it keeps this lovely thread going!))
She turned incredulous eyes upon the Chatelaine . . "A picnic?!" She searched the happy face before her to see if Lady Dream were merely teasing, or perhaps just dreaming of something in the distant future, which must surely be the case.
Following her into the cozy room, she inclined her head towards Mary, and then noted with delight that Lady Edfeil was also there! "Good day to thee, Princess! Dreaming of gentler days ahead, I hear? Does a heart good to think of brighter times . .
Settling down on her haunches to get closer to child level, she smiled back at the sleepy girl, "Hullo, little maiden! And what hae ye been up to when sleep does nae claim thy tender mind? Could ye use some pretty flowers to brighten your play, dear Ellissia?" She placed the blooms into the eager little arms. . .
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 27, 2004 4:48:43 GMT -5
*Her smile was bright and genuine as she closed the door behind Halethala......she watched as her little treasure took hold of the flowers...her face beaming. Her grip was a little tight and one stem broke and bent down over her arm......she had frowned and lifted it with small fingers....then immediately leaned down to kiss it. Her innocence was indeed so charming and a delight to see. Grinning to Halethala as she squatted down...Ellissia held the broken flower stem towards the Lady and whispered that it would be better now.*
"Aye....a picnic Letha......we have permission and Sir Dorian says to make it a feast......'tis to be as soon as we are able methinks."
*She could only smile and watch.......moving to the tea tray she started to pour several cups and told Mary she was free to see to her studies or simply enjoy some time alone.*
"I do hope ye Sinold may be able to visit ye whilst we enjoy some time together.....'tis to do us all some good away from the pressures of duties."
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Post by Halethala on Aug 30, 2004 0:16:25 GMT -5
At the sweet child’s simple gesture, Letha caught her breath, touched profoundly. As she accepted the wounded stem, she could not help but wish aloud, “Aye, dear one, it most surely is better with your sweet kiss to heal it . . wouldst that every hurt were so easily mended. Perhaps ye’ve the skills of a Healer residing in ye . . “ *Though by God’s grace may ye ne’er need to use them in your lifetime as they’ve been needed these days* she thought to herself.
She almost didn’t hear the Chatelaine’s words, and took even longer to believe them! “Ye mean to have one NOW? Soon? Nae wait until the Franks have left us in peace . . *She bit her lip then, and did not pursue that line of thought . . as yet, the outcome was nae certain, and to speak too boldly may have been to curse the efforts to defend themselves . .
Looking into the steaming cup thoughtfully as she rose to accept the one offered to her, she warmed to the idea. “Aye, perhaps it nae be a bad idea at that . . such a simple thing, really . . taking a meal out of doors. Yet summat in the sunshine and bright fresh air seems to infuse new life ta a soul . . “ Finally smiling, more fully than she had in days, she looked with gratitude to dear Dream. “Aye, a most excellent idea, M’Lady . . and if it has the blessing o’ Lord Hawkmoon, who’s to argue?”
Sipping cautiously, yet still singeing her tongue a little, she fanned it absently and answered a bit sheepishly, adding her silent hope that the Norseman could indeed be allowed some time with them . . with her. “Perhaps Sinold could bring one of the ponies out for Elissia to pet after we hae partaken of the picnic feast. I dinnae think any would allow a rider yet, but perhaps it would suffer her to at least sit upon it’s back a few moments!”
She winked at Ellissia “Do ye think ye’d find a scrap of courage in ye to handle a wild Icelandic pony, Li’l Lassie? I bet your father’s bravery flows in your wee veins nearly as strongly as your mother’s grace!
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Post by Sinold Bragasson on Aug 30, 2004 4:18:04 GMT -5
For a long time now Sinold had stood by the door to the hall, listening to the chat of the women, watching one in particular. He could feel their longing for peace and quiet, sensing their misgivings about the turmoil the Franks had engulfed this peaceful lil realms in.
How gently they treated the little girl… how Letha seemed to bloom when she was talking to little Elissa. She would be a wonderful mother to his sons and daughters, Sinold was certain of that. When talk came around to his herd of Iceland horses, he chuckled and couldn’t keep hidden any longer.
Stepping into the hall, a smile on his face despite what he had seen in the infirmary earlier (the sight of his injured kin from Thorgrimm’s ship lay heavily on his mind), he approached the little girl and crouched down next to her.
“Aye,the lady is right… I will bring one of my horses to this picnic. Little Behatan will be happy to meet you, and for the ladies, I’m sure Idun would be willing to have their company! It will be a nice day, little one. For us all!”
Sinold stood again, looking at lady Dream, knowing how much she must miss her husband right now, for he was beginning to feel how hard it was to be separated from his own beloved. He walked over to Letha and took one of her hands, squeezing it lightly. “So, when will this picnic be taking place? Maybe, if we have some apples, we could toss some over the walls to have the Franks know how good we have it here despite of them!”
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 30, 2004 4:42:23 GMT -5
(( *Slaps Sinny's hands*.....we are in the Loxley chambers ...not the Hall   )) *She had wondered for a moment if Halethala was right...was it too soon to celebrate family....peace and home when many lay injured and dying....was she selfish in her thinking, to have joy and laughter amid such dark days. She stood a while simply watching her daughter and the kind Lady Halethala....she would make a wonderful Mother when her time came....indeed......a wise but gentle Mother. Her words of bravery and grace touched her deeply...she smiled warmly and felt so proud. The Chatelaine nodded to herself and looked to the future......she saw faces filled with glee and mirth, happy times...peaceful times...all would be well again if they worked together. Moving to her bed...she perched upon it and sipped the tea, all the while savouring the calm and joyous atmosphere that her chambers had taken on, even if just for this short time. When Sinold had entered....the look on his face showed all how much in love he was.....and the kind, soft part of his heart came to the fore when he spoke to Ellissia. The child was silent, as was normal for her in company...but she beamed and nodded with wide eyes to both him and his lady. She had offered a flower to him and begun to sniff them as she gathered them once more into her arms. Dream swallowed hard, glancing to the candle always burning in the window.....almost willing her beloved home again, she faught back the tears...the overwhelming sadness and empty feeling inside as she looked upon the couple and her daughter. They looked as a family should look in a world better than this one. Gathering composure once again, she smiled to Sinold and nodded her head in agreement to his words.* "Indeed......we shall show them all how we are family, what ever colour or creed we be...mayhaps they will learn that many can live together in peace iffn they have the will and heart to do so. Mayhaps this week may find us in the gardens....catching the last of the Summer sun aye." |
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Post by Halethala on Sept 1, 2004 8:44:31 GMT -5
A little catch of happiness warmed her as his hand engulfed hers, and she stretched over to kiss him near his ear. She teased him back. "I nae think we should be wastin' good apples on those Frankish men . . nae even the little worms that dwell in them deserve such treatment!"
She smiled as Ellissia cradled the flowers like a baby, and then her gaze towards the Chatelaine became more sober. "M'Lady . . you've shown great wisdom in this decision to celebrate life amidst the suffering and destruction. I wonder iffen we shall need to recharge a bit before going on . . one cannot keep giving what isn't in us to give . . We would do well to cheer our own hearts afore hoping to cheer those most needful of it . .
Dropping her voice even quieter, she looked to Lady Edfeil, before searching both Dream's and Sinold's faces as well, "I hae heard wisps of rumors that the Frank's losses be e'en greater than ours, though perhaps that is merely being bandied about to brace our hearts with courage . . . surely they will need help with their wounded, iffen it be true?"
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Sept 1, 2004 17:02:24 GMT -5
Bless yer heart, m'lady... *she said to Halethala. The clear reflection of love in the eyes of her and Sinold making her smile, slightly whistfull*
Aye, they will. And amidst the sorrow and the worries for those wounded, we will have our picnic. Mayhap those who be recovering will find as much benefit of the joy of 't, as they find in the healers herbs. For the patients heart be the strongest helper of the healers, aye?
*The note had been written and permission obtained. There were other preparations to do now, and things to tend to. The wetness of the summer had postponed the appleharvest, but soon all should be starting anew. She looked forward to... life. And the permission for the picnic seemed the first step towards 't anew.*
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Post by Dream Loxley on Sept 2, 2004 3:04:43 GMT -5
*The tea cup was empty and she found herself looking into it for a moment as both Ladies spoke. The decision had been made....the picnic would go ahead, and yet, her heart was not completely at ease with the notion of celebrating. She did not know why, nor did she question her own thoughts.....she simply smiled and placed the cup down upon the tray.
Ellissia was busy with the flowers and brought them to her Mother then......holding them up with a smile that would melt even the hardest of hearts. Dream bent down and gathered her up into her arms, flowers and all.......a little grunt as she commented on how her Daughter was growing as tall as the biggest flowers.*
"Methinks these are in need of a drink aye my treasure....shall we take them to the kitchens and show cook....mayhaps 'tis to make him smile ye think?"
*Ellissia nodded with a giggle....holding the flowers closer....she picked one of a beautiful yellow and whispered that was for the cooking man. More smiles and chuckles followed and she moved towards the door.*
"Ladies....please do continue with the plans....we shall seek containers for these lovely flowers and mayhaps meet again later. There still be the other Ladies to invite......and mayhaps decide a day."
*She laughed as Ellissia wiggled and then let her Daughter slip to the ground....she was far too big to be carried about these days, unless it was her Father holding her high above him. Both Mother and Daughter smiled warmly to the Ladies Halethala and Edfeil before opening to door to leave.*
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Sept 2, 2004 14:35:52 GMT -5
*She glanced after her friend as she left and worry rested on her brow like a circlet. Her eyes went to Lady Halethala, then followed the fading figure of Lady Dream and the merrily babbling Ellissia.*
I wish... she could have been spared of this... *she whispers.* After last time, I feared she would nae survive. And yet she has done magnificently. I wish .. we could help her healI hoped the picnic might. But perhaps... *she sighed a bit and sat down on the bed, she looked stronger now, and only the thinness betrayed what had passed. Strength was back in her step, in her voice. And with 't also the worry for all she loved.*
Ye think we should go ahead? Or... mayhap wait till the negotiations and all be done. So many have been wounded... I hoped 't might be a way to bring heart and courage back, and.... Ye nae think 't be disrespectful?
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