At the Kent court

[sadhbh]

*She had arrived late in the night yet the smiles on the guards faces made Sadhbhs heart lift with joy. She made for the house and a smile came as she saw the beloved servants who rose to meet her. Sadhbh colored slightly and took the hand of the oldest member. His name was Charlie, and the old man held a twinkle of joy in his eyes and he took Sadhbhs hands*
thank the Lord ye're home Sadhbh. You have been missed greatly!.
*Sadhbh smiled and squeezed his hand.*
and I hath missed thee old friend. I hath missed all of ye yea ye hath been here in myne heart and I hath prayed for ye all.
*tilting her head she laughed*
ye know ye should all be abed....
*Soft laughter came from the servants, the old man shook his head*
when we heard that the Dove was returning we had to see ye. But you are tired m'Lady
*She knew that if she denied it, her eyes would reveal the truth of it*
Aye, tis true yea thy welcome hath brought some life in myne soul.
*and so they went in to escape from the darkness of the hour. Sadhbhs room was prepared and the horses were given a fresh meal.
Looking about with renewed eyes Sadhbh took a deep breath and entered her Home. Everything seemed so different now, as if a gleam of newness was about them. Had she gone so long?. She could see that there was a new tappestry set in her room, one of ladies and gentlemen dancing within the orchard.
She wondered was this how Windstorm held its harvest. She wondered in Nicholas was safe.
Looking down Sadhbh prepared for bed. By the light of a comforting fire she delaced her clothing and set them aside.
Maybe it would not be so bad to be married she thought.....she hoped.
She wished that Sighehelm would somehow find a way to reach their brother and nae the King. The King would do his duty by his country, a brother would do his duty by his family.
Here now, in the safety of her home; Sadhbh felt real fear. Would she return to Windstorm?. Would the Frank land be her new home?
Having prepared for bed, Sadhbh made for the overlarge chair and curled up within the furs that lay there. She looked to the fire in the hope that there was some answer there or maybe something to allay her fear.
And there she sat, and there she fell into a deep slumber, one where at least she had the freedom to be who she liked, to do what she liked...*

[Cymril de Fouinon]

A beam of sunlight falling through the window of his chambers, danced lazily across the Frank emissary’s face, finally waking him up. Cymril looked up against the wooden beams of the room, blinking sleepily. The last night with the king had gone slowly and unproductively. He had told the frank that the Dove of Kent would soon arrive and present herself to him. But when? How long could travel take from Windstorm to Kent?

It was definitely to long for Cymril’s taste. Sitting up in his bed, he looked at the dying ambers within the fireplace. The fire had died a while ago, during the night, and the morning chill was creeping into his skin. At home, he would have had a larger fireplace and a servant sleeping at the foot of his bed, on the floor of course, who would look after the fire and never let it go out. And sometimes also would serve his master in other matters which kept the body warm…

Not so here. Cymril shivered, and finally ventured out of his bed, still clinging to his sheets. After some fumbling he found the chamber pot and did his morning business. Without even thinking, Cymril then opened the window fully and tossed out the contents of his chamber pot. Pouring some water from a pitcher into his washing basin, Cymril eventually dropped his sheets, standing in the room buff naked, and shivering even more violently. Was he getting something into his system? A fever? It wouldn’t surprise him… after al, Kent was not Frankia where cleanliness and warm rooms were the standard.

At last he had dressed, and made his way from his room to the banquet hall. His stomach was grumbling, maybe he would be served some food here. And maybe he would finally be able to see and meet the fabled Dove of Kent!

(Cymril will only be able to post again by next Wednesday as his player will be away over the weekend)

[sadhbh]

(morning)
*a loud cry eminated from below De Fouinons window, a female shriek in fact one which caused the house to stir.
Sadhbh looked up, she cast her eyes to the window and then at her entire atire*
water... I need to bathe!
*she looked to old Charlie who was aghast of the situation. *
oh m'Lady!
* What fool would do such a thing. Why it could almost be deemed an insult to have done such a thing!. He knew that the Frank Diplomat resided in that room yet he could not understand why the man would be so callous.
They turned and made for Sadhbhs room where she bathed...for the second time...risking illness in favour of cleanliness. Her hair was rebraided, and the clothes she wore was sent for washing. A soft laugh escaped Sadhbh. She did not know who the culprit was. The dark blue dress would have to be worn, her best dress now was well....*
I pray Monsieuer De Fouinon doth nae be too unhappy with myne attire. I be sure tae ladies of Frankia would be deemed more fine.
*turning about she brushed the long braid back and made for the gardens for the second time this day. She cautiously looked up toward the window that gave her such trouble then made her way to the herb garden to sit perchance to draw iffn a little.
Even now, her mind drifted back to Windstorm, with gentle care Sadhbh recalled each face, each laugh, each smile that danced on light feet. In a way; though she would nae openly tell her brother; she missed Windstorm. She missed....his smile. Sadhbh thought of Sighehelm and sighed a little. He seemed a changed man since Windstorm, before Sighehelm had only existed and now he began to live, he began to fly again...to hope just a little.
Her thoughts fell then at the sight of the Mirror of Kent. For a moment she thought that she was back in Windstorm and that Lady Edfeil would soon come about the cornor..but no.
Reality made itself known, like shattering glass she found herself before the King; her brother. Sadhbh bowed her head deeply and curtsied with respect.
The sound of the foot stalling and the sight of his boot made Sadhbh aware that he was before her. Righardes voice was soft. He took both her hands and squeezed them gently*
no, no...Sadhbh *pausing with a smile he lifted her up and twirled her about. Sadhbhs laugh was infectious. Righarde chuckled and hugged her in a bear like fashion* welcome home Dove. We have missed you like you were the air we breathe.
*he was glad that she was here t'was clear. Sadhbh smiled, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling that surrounded her then looked to her brother.
Righarde held her hands high and at arms length.*
Look at you!. You have grown so!. I would hardly recognise ye. And now to be a bride..
*the words made Sadhbh shudder a little and lower her eyes. The frown appearing on her lips could not be seen*
I would wish tae be a woman for now....
*Righarde paused, he lifted her chin gently and looked deeply in her eyes. After a few moments a nod came before he sat down on the bench. Righarde rubbed his chin a moment; looked up to her; then down again.
What he heard from old Charlie troubled him and now....Sadhbhs eyes.
Time, he need time yet there was so little now*
Sadhbh, what do you desire?

[Righarde]

*Righarde had not realised just how happy he would feel to have one of his family home. He had missed her greatly and was surprised to see that before him was not the little girl who he sat on his knee but a woman. Where had the years gone he thought as he twirled her about and heard her all too familiar laughter escape.*
welcome home Dove. We have missed you like you were the air we breathe.
*He held her then at arms length and smiled tenderly*
Look at you!. You have grown so!. I would hardly recognise ye. And now to be a bride..
*Her reaction was a bit of a surprise. All ladies he heard longed to be wives; was the Dove so differing?
Righarde sat down and rubbed his chin. Charlies words had troubled him, to a point to anger. How dare that Frank fool do such a thing. Is that what all "dignified" Franks did to those not born in their "sacred" land? So it was that the King became a brother and asked*
Sadhbh, what do you desire?
* ...and so she told him, she opened her heart and Righarde listened with a grave look on his face. Some of it he did not like, certainly he would ensure that nothing untoward would occur. This he said*
Sadhbh, you are loved by me and all of Kent. If you were a servant you would have a blessing but
*his eyes steadied on hers*
you are a Princess of the realm and as such you have to play the role of a Princess; your Mother before you and her Mother before her. It is the way of things Sadhbh, we are not above the way child.
*His hand lifted and it ran over her head. He took a deep breath and rose. Righarde took several steps then stopped*
oh and Sadhbh, remember your words, you are a woman now
*The morning would be a long one for Righarde. He knew that Sadhbh would require and chaperone from now on. Honour after all was all.
Righarde made for the Council Chambers to settle a few matters and speak to the Lords there of the Frank fool!*

[Cymril de Fouinon]

Finally Lord Cymril had finished his morning routine, and was dressed in rather plain, but clean clothes. A pair of black boots he had asked to be shined from the spots of dirt that had accumulated during his days here in Kent. Not as many roads seemed to be paved here, and much dirt and mud soiled clothes easily. Aaah, how much Frankia could show this realm. And how much it would no doubt please the princess to be living in a new home where no mud would dirty her fine clothes!

His way to the great hall was a silent one. The two guards flanking his side never uttered so much as a peep, and Cymril was clearly not interested in speaking with these lowly men. Servants had their uses, outside of a bed and within – talking and conversation was simply not one of them.

When he entered the great hall, Cymril stopped. There was a young woman standing by one of the windows, she looked lost a bit. But by her tallness, her slender frame and her royal bearing the Frankian Lord deduced that this must be the the princess of Kent standing before him. Charles’ new wife. She looked so young… and in the right child-bearing age. Perfect, indeed!

Cautiously, Cymril stepped closer and coughed a little to announce his presence to the young woman.

“I wish you a good morn, M’Lady! What a lovely day to greet, is it not? … I am Lord Cymril de Fouinon, envoy of Charles III, king of the Westfrankish kingdom. I have come here… for you, I believe!”

Lord Cymril smiled, his bow extra deeply and then mustered the lady before him. Indeed, Charles, and maybe even Lord de Sennis, would find her a pleasurable bird to enjoy!

[sadhbh]

*The sights and sounds heard outside gave her comfort somehow. Those she knew and indeed helped heal had set to make the castle all that it was. Already Sadhbh knew Righarde would be about and yet she was surprised to see him sitting in the Great Hall. His brows were furrowed and he seemed troubled. She guessed that he had not slept that night. Righarde was speaking to another, a Lord she did not know and yet she surmised must be one of the new councillors. She presented herself with a curtsy and Righarde greeted her with a smile. He introduced her to Lord Bleakstone and Sadhbh curtsied in turn with respect. A murmer escaped the Lord before Righarde whispered that he would see her in a moment.
Naturally this Sadhbh accepted though it was strange to have a brother who was just a brother and not a King. After a curtsy she turned and made for the farthest window from them and cast her eyes out and her mind back to....simpler times....
After a time the cough disturbed her and she cast her eyes upon a man; stranger than most.
He spoke and bowed quite deeply and his words made her cheeks flame with color. Sadhbh lowered her eyes.
Servants talk and from what they said she was not sure of the man. With a respectful curtsy she greeted him*
It be a pleasure I be sure tae greet thee m'Lord de Fouinon. I pray thae ye hath rested well and found tae hospitality here without neglect. Forgive myne absence and tae absence of myne Mother.
*She looked up, her smile was gentle, respectful yet had she known that he was the one who cast the bowels of his pot out of that window she would not even be able to look the man in the face out of embarrassment*
I hope tae those of tae kingdom of WestFrankia doth find a wealth of contentment within their soul...
*the words were polite and in some way sincere. Sadhbh lowered her eyes once again*

[Ranger Nicholas]

Even if walking was straining him, he could still ride. It was late in the night when Nicholas saddled his horse and packed for his journey which would lead him away from Windstorm. If Lord Loxley would find out, he would certainly not approve, but the young man couldn’t just sit by idly and do nothing while the one he had grown fond of seemed to be going straight to her own funeral. For if Sadhbh indeed became betrothed to that Frankish king, she would die. Of that Nicholas was certain. And was it not any Ranger’s and Knight’s duty to help the weak and women who couldn’t help themselves? The Lord would look kindly upon him, Nicholas told himself as he mounted his horse and drew the hood of his cloak over his head.

Kent was only a few days away, and Nicholas rubbed his aching leg as his horse started him onto his journey.

[Cymril de Fouinon]

The woman before him was a proper one, modest and gentle of voice. Cymril was pleased by what he saw, and heard. This woman would be just what his king was looking for – docile, easy to manage, bringing in a strong alliance.

Taking her hand, the Frank lord bowed again and bestowed a sketched kiss upon its back. “This I bring you from my master, the King of the West Frankian realm, his majesty Charles III! He has watched you, from afar, and what he has seen of you was most impressive. But tell me, Milady – why is the Dove of Kent interested in the affairs of the Windstormian people? You have been there, I heard. I must apologize if my coming here has torn you away from something which you might have thought important, but let me assure you – my king’s interest in you is much more so!”

Still smiling, Lord Cymril let go of the lady’s hand, watching her closely.

[sadhbh]

*her heart wanted to answer one way yet she knew her mind warned her against it. Sadhbh lowered her eyes* be it nae tae Lords own wishes tae ye care for thy neighbour?. *Righarde soon approached he could see where this was going. A cough intervened before he spoke. Sadhbh flickered her eyes over to her brother with a smile where he said:

"Windstorm hath been and be good friends tae Kent, indeed my brother remains there. m'Lady Sadhbh naturally went to visit her brother. "

*those grey eyes seemed not too pleased. He smiled still*
"m'Lord de Fouinon, I hope to speak with ye about a certain incident this morn."
*A soft gasp escaped Sadhbh she looked to her brother and colored vividly before swiftly whispering*
Forgive me, I should be ta Vespers.
*she bowed swiftly and with Righarde bow of acceptance; left like a fleeing maid.
Righardes eyes ran to Cymrils*
Sir, when ye toss your contents of your pot this morn no doubt ye heard a female cry. That cry was that of my sisters having found herself drenched from above.
I hope ye will in future watch where ye throw such things....
*he turned and looked out of the window having clasped his hands behind him*
unfortunately your actions has caused our dear Dove some embarrassment and this I will write to your King about. Mayhap in a month or so he could have another diplomat come here to court my sister for him. I am afraid Sir that you have sullied thy first meeting and it is said that first meetings oft leave the most impression.
Sadhbh shall be returning to Windstorm to assist her brother come Wednesday...
*it was a very gentlemanly way to say that De Fouinon had made himself impossible to deal with...when it came to Sadhbhs hand.
With that Righarde turned and walked away*