To the Danelaw

[Righarde]

*the serving folk were considerably quiet for men of their stature. They worked with such grace that their ungainly forms seemed as the fabled elven folk of old.

Righarde kept watch over Sinold. He seemed to be of two minds with the man. Sinold jested with his men, it was met with a disgusted look and no laugh. Their journey had sufficiently subdued them that no light amusement could hit them.

He offered his hand and Sinold took it this time giving his name with it*

aye, I know Windstorm, aye..and I know of you Sir.


*he mounted his horse with an easy stride and held the rens with a grin*

....ye think ye can outride me. I would not have you made a fool of so soon Sir. Come...

*turning his horse*

..I am Righarde, and you will soon be on my lands Sir. Your horse will be fine as I said..

[Sinold Bragasson]

"Rigerde, eh?" Sinold had difficulties pronouncing the name of the man properly, but right now that would be chalked up to his "weakened" state he hoped. "And your lands go by what name, Milord? Must be a rich land, your wolves are big and fat, yer land feeds them well.... Kent is it not? Yes, that must be it. "

He recalled the tall stranger making eyes on Lady Edfeil coming from there, and this one being obviously his twin brother. A Blessing of Odin, they said of identical twins. twice the men, twice the strength and twice as hard to kill. Should one fall, another was still there to take his place. At least that was the believe where Sinold had grown up. Some other of his kin, spoiled by the curses of Christianity, viewed identical twins as evil, but to Sinold it was more a wonder and a sign from the Gods that these two men were particularly blessed.

But as blessed as they might be, if they started making eyes for one of Sinold's new family, that's where his awe for them stopped and his protective streak kicked in.

Looking back at the sour looking men, the Norse sighed. "They can't take a jest, eh? Must come from the Kent grass" Sinold muttered underneath his breath. But then he fell silent. He shouldn't try pick a fight with a man who had just offered his help. He patted the neck of his mount and urged it onwards, following the men. Feeling the eyes of the one named Rigerde in his back.

[Righarde]

*his smile was thin*

aye, Righarde, and iffn ye prefer an easier name King of Kent would do Sir Sinold.

*look ahead he spurred his horse into action then turned back to Sinold as he set to gather pace akin to his. Yes, he had heard of the man. Righarde had not been so overhwelmed by Windstorm that he did not note the spar between this man and another. It was well matched situation. Both men held good ground in their skill. It pleased him now to know the mans name.

yet even in his thoughts his ears were quick though his tongue seemed slow to speak out. He could see that Sinold thought his men a sober lot. If only he knew*

When the deaths of your brothers comes to one Sir Sinold. Tis no time to jest.

*Righarde spoke no more of it. His mind dwelled long on those moments when the hand of Death took his men to their rest. Onward they rode till the sight of Blair Athol came into view. To him the words of an old knight were true.

"Then he pricks his proud steed with the plated spurs, And by chance he has chosen the chief path That brought the bold knight to the bridge's end in haste. The bridge hung high in air;
The gates were bolted fast;
The walls well-framed to bear the fury of the blast.
The man on his mount remained on the bank
Of the deep double moat that defended the place.
The wall went in the water wondrous deep,
And a long way aloft it loomed overhead.
It was built of stone blocks to the battlements' height,
With corbels under cornices in comeliest style;
Watch-towers trusty protected the gate,
With many a lean loophole, to look from within:
A better-made barbican the knight beheld never.
And behind it there hoved a great hall and fair:
Turrets rising in tiers, with tines at their tops,
Spires set beside them, splendidly long,
With finials well-fashioned, as filigree fine.
Chalk-white chimneys over chambers high
Gleamed in gay array upon gables and roofs;
The pinnacles in panoply, pointing in air,
So vied there for his view that verily it seemed
A castle cut of paper for a king's feast."

Righarde sat tall on his horse as they rode through the crowd. He did not look about, these poor folk would know soon enough. Righarde turned to Sinold*

Welcome to Blair Athol Sir Sinold

*then stopping he dismounted and caught Bessys eye*

Lass, be good enough to take this man to his room and have Lady Erin attend to his wound

*the maid curtsied then flew away.*

Sir Sinold I would ask that you follow Bessy here. I will see you in the morning.

*the evening had grown late, the sun was ready to retire.*

I hope you sleep well Sir. I shall write my brother of your presence here and ask him to soothe the minds of those who care for you. Good eve

*with a nod he turned and made for the council chambers*

[Sinold Bragasson]

The way towards the main keep of Lord Righarde was a silent one. None of the men, nor the Lord – or rather King – himself spoke any word, seeming lost in their own thoughts. It didn't matter much to Sinold, the throbbing in his leg had not lessened and he only wished for a speedy arrival at wherever they would e heading.

Finally they arrived, a proud castle lay in front of Sinold, with men and women scurrying in and out, many looking curiously at the Norse, even if Sinold had the feeling that a few held less than flattering thoughts behind their rather hostile gazes towards him. This also mattered not, for he would be more than matched against any who might try their hand at him. The King let all halt and asked Sinold to follow a lass called Bessy.

"Thank you, Milord. And please... someone should look after my horse. it is precious to me!" A nod answered his request and Sinold meekly followed the lass, after having secured his belongings and weapons from Ligea's back, having them brought along with him by one of the servant boys.

When he finally sank onto a bed in one of the guest rooms of Blair Athol, he felt relief for being allowed a bit of rest and solitude, and that those back at Windstorm would know where he was. His thoughts turned towards Letha... would she like the bridal gift he had chosen for her? He had no doubt she would look splendidly with it ... with another groan he kicked off his boots; the bandage was soaked in blood again, maybe some vessel had been nicked. All he could do now was letting himself fall back onto the bed and let sleep reign over his mind, at least until that healer lady would be coming.

But more than physical healing Sinold longed for the closeness of his beloved and her arms around him.

[Righarde]

*Righarde headed for the chambers taking off his sword as he went. He seemed in a dark mood as he opened the heavy oaken doors and looked at the men crouched over a map. He was met by silence and a stunned look from all. Gravely did his eye turn on all here and slowly did it stop on the man who would wish he were a mouse right now. Righarde pointed him out*

YOU!

*the loud booming voice left no doubt that the King was not pleased*

Henceforth you are banished from these lands. Go to those whom you have conspired with. Let them know that from this day the King will execute any man or woman who acts treasonously.

*He glared as all stepped back*

Go before I change my mind!

*like the worm he was, this former council member scurried away to be followed by Tybalt.

Righarde turned leaving the men to speak urgently to each other. He headed for the room and wrote to his brother

[meanwhile]

Bessy found the Lady Erin then headed back to start the guests fire and set a pot of hot water over it. She tried to be as quiet as possible though she groaned under the weight of the pot. She looked over and smiled shyly. He was a handsome man, very strong she thought yet seeing his wound she frowned.

Lady Erin came, she caught Bessys look then how the girl gave her a guilty look. With a nod she let her go then approached the man she knew only to be a guest of their King. Her eyes ran over his wound. Carefully she lifted the blood soaked bandage and studied the wound. the blood ran clear but it ran heavily also. A frown emerged before she selected the herbs from her satchel and tossed them into the pot of water. Several more were wrapped in a white cloth which she strapped against his wound. Erin sat down then by the fire only once looking up. A guard had come and did not leave. This made Lady Erin wonder about the stranger all the more*

[Sinold Bragasson]

At first Sinold didn't notice anyone coming into his room, only when someone touched him, his eyes flew open and he sat up straight, with eyes wide open, his hand searching for his weapon. Of course none was near, and when he saw that it was only a woman – likely the Lady Lord Righarde had mentioned earlier – he relaxed and lay back onto the bed, one arm over his face, letting the woman do her work.

After she was finished, Sinold risked an eye and saw her sit by the fire, watching him and another in the room. A guard. "Aha... so they see me as a threat?" Sinold snorted derisively, before turning his attention back to the woman.

"What is your name, Milady? I already know young Bessy here. ...And that guard – does that mean your hospitality is such that ye feel the need to watch your guests at all times? Or is it because I'm Norse, eh?"

he waited for a response from the woman, sitting up on his bed again, grimacing a bit; moving his leg was painful.

[Righarde]

*Her cheeks flushed with color at his words*

oh no Sir!, tis only for propriety's sake that m'Lord Thanatos watches over me. I am in thy room after all.

*Lady Erins smile appeared, she rose and approached him. Erin checked his wound for he had moved the bandage then cast a careful eye over his face*

I am Lady Erin McGrault, how doth ye feel Sir. Thy wound seems to have settled a little.

*In the cornor Lord Tybalt remained with arms crossed. He had given a nod of greeting followed by a gruff "Good eve tae ye". Then silence reigned in the large, growing warm room.
Herbal scents ran from the pot of hot water that stood over the fire, its lavender was pleasing and gave one a certain calming influence.

Erin smiled and casting her hand upon his brow. He was warm but it was nothing to be worried over. She pulled it away then stepped back*

Pray, calm thyself. You have naught to fear here but fear itself. Thy heritage matters not, you are guest in this house and are protected by it.

*Erin returned to her seat and cast some more herbs on the water*

I beseech thee, soothe thy angst

[Halethala]

((*Wistful smile* Even if I didn't have a . . . vested intererest in one of the players here, I'd still find this play incredibly AWESOME . . wow))

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold sat up even straighter when he heard the last few words from the lady in front of him. “Fear? I fear little as it awards ye nothing to do so.” He looked back at the guard, and nodded towards the man; he reminded him a little of Sergeant Gerben when Sinold had first set foot into Windstorm Castle. He just did his duty, he may be a decent fellow with whom Sinold could drink a few good ales and play knucklebones with… on second thought, he may be a sour and duty-bound as Gerben, and Sinold turned his attention back to the woman before him, this time managing a smile even.

“Lady Erin McGrault, thank you for your kind tending of my wound. I am Sinold Bragasson, my home is to the south of here, in Windstorm. Mayhaps..you have heard of it? I know your King for certain has, as does his brother” Who is strutting around Winstorm like a love-drunk proud cock, Sinold thought to himself when thinking of Sighehelm’s attentions towards Lady Edfeil. “I am sure this little scratch won’t take long to heal? I’m eager to return ot my home. Say… am I free to walk this castle and its surroundings? I think I could manage with a crutch?”

As if on a second thought, he turned towards the guard and aked “I saw a lot of men in arms in the courtyard and beyond. Your Lord spoke of losses… are ye at war with the Franks?” Sinold was just too curious as to why this realm seemed to be so at arms.

[becca]

((OMG...what great rp!!!))

[Righarde]

*Lord Tybalt's eyes seemed dark in the shadows across the room yet he seemed to smile; or grin at least. *

All hold fear iffn but a little...iffn it be but a fear for tae wrath of God...

*Erin whispered as she looked back. She moved to pick up a log but Tybalt soon stepped in and delivered the heavy wood to its hellish end. A smile passed between the two before she lowered her eyes and turned to Sinold. The Lady looked up as Lord Tybalt slipped back into his place of choosing

Dipping into a curtsy she smiled*

It be a pleasure to meet thee Sir Sir Bragassen, aye I have heard of Windstorm. Oft tae Rock writes of it, I mean m'Lord Sighehelm.

*Erin blushed at the slip*

I hear that it be beautiful to catch sight of.

*She frowned at his words of walking again*

Sir, I must bind ye to a promise that ye stay in bed for at least a day. Tis best for thy leg.

*Outside the sound of many hooves running out of the castle could be heard. Lady Erin turned then looked back*

Aye, we have trouble in our land..

m'Lady! *Lord Tybalt stepped forward with his hands resting down by his sides. The look of reproach was enough for her.
Lord Thanatos spoke up*

Sir Bragassen, if you wish to know the affairs of Kent. I would hope that you would ask the King rather than this good Lady. Heed her words of healing and know that you may walk the grounds of the castle freely, yet I ask that you do not attempt to enter places that are under guard and if you decide to go out that you would be in the company of one of my men. The poor folk here are quite troubled by the attack and a stranger may be looked on with a suspicious eye. It is only for your protection Sir Bragassen.

I am as the Lady said Lord Tybalt. I greet you in the name of Kent.

*the nod was curt, clean without emotion.*

Now Sir, I suggest you rest till morning. The King I am certain would want to see you

*he looked to Lady Erin, Lady Erin looked back then she curtsied quickly and left via the door Tybalt opened to her. Tybalt waited a moment*

Sir, I hope you will qwell your curiousity till the morning. Some men are young and so quite nervous. It would not be wise to walk the castle at night. I would not have it on a mans conscience that he shot you with an arrow. Good night Sir, rest well

*he left the room without another word and guided Lady Erin to her room*

[Sinold Bragasson]

Sinold watched the Lady and the guard leave, but had no doubt that at least the latter would remain in front of his chamber somewhere near. his warning not to leave the room had been clear, whether out of clear concern for Sinold's safety, or rather to safe him the trouble to keep a curious visitor out of things they wished to keep secret here, Sinold didn't know.

He sighed. Lady Erin was right, he was in no condition to walk around, his leg hurt like hell and was swollen quite nicely by now. The heat radiated from his calf up his entire leg, making Sinold wonder if not an infection had already set it. Bah, they should have used cow urin!

The girl was still there....maybe...

"Bessy, that's your name, right? Do you have any cows here? I could use some... some of their pee. I can give ye some coin if you be a good girl and fetch some, boil it out for about 10 minutes and then bring it to me?" Idly he played with his coin bag still hanging from his belt...well, at least these people didn't seem to be dishonorable robbers! "And some eggs... I could really use some eggs. I doubt ye have any fresh goat or sheep head available?"

Sinold gave Bessy his most winning smile that could have charmed the pants off a knight in armour! And while she was gone, hopefully, maybe he could take a peek into the courtyard to better determine what was going on down there.

[becca]

((human urine works as well m'Lord...anything with ammonia in it *lol* ))

[Sinny in Kent]

(But Sinny swears on cow piss! And who in his right mind would use his own pee? EWW! )

[Halethala]

We may plot and plan and set our courses with thoughtful intent, yet it was often in those times when we least expected something that it finally came to us . . She'd almost missed the opportunity, missed the man from Kent as he sought her that eve. She should not have been out of her bed, yet had longed for companionship, and had sneaked down for a while. Only ten steps up the endless staircase, she'd remembered that she still carried the small mug that had held a splash of ale. Not wanting evidence of her disobedience to the Healer's orders, she descended again and had tried to slip back into the Great Hall inobtrusively . .

No one slipped anywhere past Lady Andrea . . Sheepishly, Letha had mumbled her excuse and turned to leave again when Lord Sighehelm stayed her retreat . . a calm mention of word from his brother in far off Kent . . of a certain Norseman . . spoken so casually, as if he passed on such news every day . .

Her heart stopped . . News? Of . . Sinold? Was Kent along the route he intended to travel? Had something gone wrong? Why, if a messenger could travel so quickly, had Sinold not delievered the news himself! When she voiced that thought, along with a barrage of questions, the tall man had only said that Sinold was well, but apparently . . weary and in need of rest before returning.

Sighing in frustration for not knowing more, she had lapsed rapidly into a small despair, until, very unexpectedly, Sighehelm had moved closer. He had then gently taken her hand between his massive ones, a warm strength radiating from them . . and had placed a tender kiss upon hers . . the conveyance of one sent from the wandering Viking she loved so dearly . . and missed so much . .

He was strong and resourceful . . she did not begrudge him this time of adventure, and wished him success in his search . . no need for worry . .

When she'd curled beneath the covers once more, she sofly pressed her lips upon the kiss laid there upon her hand, and fallen off to sleep, smiling . .