A Night with Lady Andrea and Lord Roland

[LadyLaurestina]

As she lay sleeping in her mind a nightmare broke forth as A knight on a black horse came out of no where and rode straight into the castle… As he bust through the heavy oak doors with his sword raised and shield held out in front on his chest, his hair seems to be blazing with the light of a fire. In astonishment a fire-breathing dragon followed him in. As the Knight came towards her…looking as if her would surely run her over, Screaming she fled to the hearth and with wide open eyes gasped as the dragon’s nostrils belted out sprays of hot mist. Flames of Fire roared from his toungue as the grand table in the Main Hall went up in flames…. She watched as the flowers on the table went up to their Smokey death…withering first then… finally all was engulfed with fire before her eyes….

Her own screams woke her from the nightmare, as she fitfully tried to pull of her sweat soaked nightgown. Laying her hand on her stomach realized that there be no nightgown upon her body felt instead the bodice of her red velvet dress as she tried to sit up. Quickly realizing she was nae on her bed, as she hit her head hard, her head as little bitty stars seems to fill her eyes in the darkness under her bed. Lying back down, raise her hand on what felt to be wood, opened her eyes to the sight of slats. Where was she? Nae, it couldn’t be, under her own bed, fully dressed and filled with fear of the nightmare that consumed her. Rolling out from under the bed she steadies her self as she clutches her bed covers and staged towards her table, which held a basin and pitcher of rose water.

Trying to steady her self, some rather startling memories began to reel through her mind, and none seemed to be concerned with the Dragon and the Knight nightmare. She steadies her self and feels a dull pain on her back side and turns to look at her shredded dress, as she slides her hand to her tight and then to her firm behind cheek, felt a soreness that she was nae accustomed to, and looking down lifts her skirts and seeing her derriere is indeed bruised and tender to the touch. Remembering now, her mind begins to spin out vivid pictures of her dear Friend Lady Andrea, and there was another…. And still another… but whom? As if by instinct, she picked up the pitcher on the table and leaned her head over the basin as she poured the icy cold water over her head. Aye, his image now clearer in her mind, it was Lord Roland and was there another still, Aye a lady Becca? Aye? It was nae a dream, the night’s events were indeed a shock to her, to be placed in a position of both Lady Andréa and herself in trying to protect not only the Lord Roland of taking off on a journey which would have led to his own death, and then later a much greater challenge for her to protect the lady from herself as well.

Looking back on the evening she thought she had come into a somewhat peaceful castle but only to hear the screams of a much angered Lord Roland and a pleading lady, and as she went to investigate the proceedings ventured out into the stables to find them both engaged in an argument regarding how the Lord wishes to go off on this journey to kill the one who caused great fear in lady Andrea’s heart. It was all news to her, but all she knew was that she had to join forces with not only Becca who came out to the stables but with her friend Lady Andrea as well, to stop the Lord’s own demise by taking on such a foe single handedly.

[LadyLaurestina]

Lord Roland was determined to see his quest though and so after tying to reason with him for what seemed to be an hour… aye and she did resort to putting a kibosh on his venture into sheer and pure folly…. A mission she surmised in lady Andrea’s mind was well of one of suicide.

. It was all news to her, but all she knew was that she had to join forces with her friend to stop the Lord’s own demise by taking on such a foe single handedly. With many pleas the lady soon lost her tempter, and once her anger flared there seemed to be no reasoning with either her or the Lord Roland. Lady Andrea asked Perrin to saddle her horse up and she would ride with Lord Roland, which all seemed preposterous to her, so she tried to change the lady’s orders and have Perren listen to her, Lady Laurestina instead. All she could try to do was to make sure that no one went anywhere. So, after Lord Roland cut the cinch on lady Andrea’s horse Kadalyk . All seems to spiral out of control.

Pulling the Stiletto from her own bosom, and cutting the girth of Lord Roland’s Horse she was shocked to find out that he was more than willing to ride bareback. Having no success with such a move he threatened to ride bareback and with this she took hold of the horse reigns nearest the bit and pulled the horses head down, grabbed the horses upper lip and twisted it, as the horse froze. She was very upset however at the Lords treatment of her, as he did indeed stick her with the flat of his sword in a sweeping motion as to cut her dress and the short quick slashing blows did cause her pain on her small firm derrière. She did not do nae flitch, nor did she change her stance she stifled the whimper that rose within her throat nae giving the Lord the satisfaction of injuring neither her pride nor her body. Her words to lady Andrea were simply stated, if this Lord would do this to her then surely what he do to another lady? But lady Andrea seemed to be lost in another world, and her thoughts were nae as rational as usual. Looking to lady Andrea, she seemed to be lost unto herself. Soon Lord Roland was off with his own group of men, and it seemed unclear what Lady Andrea would do, but behold, she tucked the reigns of her treasured horse kadalyk into the palm of her own hand and proceeded to tell her that she would be going to the village. Well, this really did it, but again no matter how much she tired to talk the lady out of doing such a illogical act… the lady marched right on out to the main gates and proceeds to walk towards the village harbor. She was determined to do such and there seemed to be no stopping her. This behavior was way out of Lady Laurestina's understanding as how the lady had actually lost her mind and now she was confronted with still another tale. Lady Andrea was convinced that upon her last visit with the captain Remard de Sennis, they had a warm and friendly discussion. She couldn’t believe the lady would act so stubborn, and nae listen to a word as she tried to speak of reasonable solutions with the Lady. How could this wise and stable lady be so foolish, so naive as to go to the village? She did take not that they were being followed by corporal Dale and Allen, and that did comfort her some, but did not solve the problem at hand.

Well, there was nothing else to do but ride Kadalyk out into the meadow past the gates and try to get the lady up on the horse with her and return to the castle but nae she refused and contoured to prattle on about joining the French captain. Fear quickly filled her every fiber and now looking into the distance to the left of Lady Andréa’s staunch and long strides bend on self destruction herself, she looked to Lord Roland, perhaps he would persuade the lady to nae do such a idiotic thing and ruin her for life and take away her title as a Princess. She turned her horse in the direction of Lord Roland and finding him as quickly as possible told him of lady Andrea’s plan of going to the village and possibly visiting the harbor. Upon hearing her own words. He wasted no time in following her back to find the lady in the village wandering ever closer to the harbor, where he did sweep her then off her feet.

[LadyLaurestina]

It was then that things began to get a bit confusing for this lady, and she was asked to follow behind the couple as they were going to find the first church, and once again she had to pipe up and say that this was nae a good idea even thought Lord Roland wished her to be a witness for the q bit too quick of a ceremony for her liking. However, she was not in the mood to squabble as she surely knew now, her friend and Lady has surely lost her mind was nae about to do anything that all would be sorry for in the morning. Unable to comprehend how so much could happen in such a short time, she just shook her head as they did some how finally manage to get back to the castle and hearing words of an betrothal, she excused herself, very confused but happy knowing the lady was once again safe within the castle walls.

She did then slip herself into her chambers where she did not remember getting into bed, not knonwing how she found her self-waking under the bed instead.

[Lady Edfeil]

There were rumours abound the last few days. And many surounded the Ladies of Windstorm. The Lady Edfeil was watched more closely then ever 't seemed by the servants, and the guards, and the lords of the castle. But amidst the gazes cast in her direction, other whispers had grown.

Whispers of the Lady Andrea and what had passed. THere had been words, and talk of war and fears of anger. A sacrifice to safe the life of one dear to her heart, and conversations of whispered words and pained hearts.

The truth of 't was but known to those present in quiet conversations and silent confessions. What was known was that joy and sadness lay close together here. For the happiness of one might be the sadness of another. And none knew whom would befall what.

Hearing of the whispers, Lady Edfeils heart went out to the Baron of the Duchey of Saxony. A man of honour amidst whispers and rumours, driven by the passion of his heart and the honour of his code. She knew what it was... to feel something slip through your fingers that you held more dear then life. Yet not being able to hold on, for in holding on more then life would be lost: honour and happiness of those that mattered most.
Still... the pain nae faded easily.

ANd quietly she searched her way through halls and corridors, fields and orchards to look for one who might be in need of a friend.*

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~She had given her word to Him to accept his court and become his Betrothed. But she had underestimated how deeply his feeling for her ran or to what lengths he would go to prove those same feelings for her. The talk with Lucien had weighed heavily on her mind the whole long night and during her walk thru the woods until coming to a decision. So she waited for Lord Roland to appear to speak of the things that must be spoken of.~

~When finally He had arrived the conversation had been stilted and formal. Lady Laurestina had been present as well until finally she had been called away to duties in the infirmary. It was then that Roland had asked Andrea to take a seat next to him seeing that something was on her mind. Obviously He too had used the between hours to think matters thru. For when he spoke, she was wonderous of the words that came from him.~ "There be nae plans persay but an aggreement to give this our best try....I am a willing partner in this and I hope thee will be as well."

~Andrea listened to these words as they made it more easily to speak what she had been thinking all day.~ " When ye think about it tho Roland we each more or less forced the other's hand in this matter."

~He had taken her words at face value not letting anything that he was thinking show upon his features.~ "Thy words ring true...now we needs make the best of it because we do care for each other more than meets the eyes for some."

~She had looked up to him then, her thoughts rapidly going thru her mind and coming thru her lips.~ " Ye be my friend and I know ye hae care for me and hae for some time. It just be that I feel I trapped ye into this. to keep ye from going to war un-necessarily against odd ye could nae hae won over." ~Taking her portion of the fault upon herself.~

~He had met her gaze, she could see some of the light leave them at her words.~ "Then thee would have given thy life for a mere friend? One that means nothing to thee except to talk with perhaps? I think thee protest to much my dearest....thy actions do nae repeat thy words...the passion thee showed last eve was not of one who befriends another methinks."

~She lowered her head to look upon her hands. Her words soft as she spoke them.~ "I told ye last eve that I t'would nae hae any go to war for cause of me.... and I t'would say the same for an enemy as for my nearest and dearest. How do I explain this to ye? For many months my mind hae been muddled" ~sighing~

~At this point he realized that she had something she must speak of to clear her conscience of and attempted to lighten the atmosphere in the room.~ " Let me see if I can find my muddle stick and help stir things a bit...~smiles~....aye I believe thee speak the truth indeed for thee nae know thy heart.... I think there be another heart envovled here as well perhaps....thee need to trust some time "

~His words helping her to bring her thoughts together, but knowing no matter how this turns out someone would be hurt.~ "Of course I be telling ye the truth of that Roland. I just nae wish to hurt ye... " ~To which he had replied.~ "I can stand the truth better than lies....I am a strong man in both arm and heart "

~At this point she had hesitated forming her thoughts so that they are coherant.~ "I know ye be Roland. Ye remember when I spoke of one beside yeself that hae spoken the same words to me that ye did? That I hae told ye of in the past that hae been the first true friend I could hae confided in?" ~He had sat there listening carefully and nodded.~ "Aye I remember those words very clearly"

"I spoke to him last eve. I nae wished for any to tell him but myself. I nae wished for him to hear from the lips of a servant that I be betrothed to ye. He nae took it well. ~Chewing her lower lip, a sure sign that she was nervous~ ohhhh Ye both......... ye both hold a share in my heart. But I hae given ye my word and will hold to it."

~He had stood and walked to the window looking out in silence for a time.~ "Then thee are saying that ye wish to be released so that thee may go to him? "

~Again her head had lowered sea blue eye now gray for the upset inside her.~ "I nae know if he twould e'en wish for me to return to him so badly did I handle it last eve. ~Looking up~ And now I see ye be just as hurt as he be and my heart crumbles again." ~He had turned back to gaze upon her.~ "tis nae hurt I be but perplexed I be.....How do I win thy heart? Should I hold thee to thy promise when thee were forced into it? My heart crumbles as well for I know not how to hold and believe to love thee I must release thee if there be a chance for us."

~Taking a deep breath and releasing it she strived to explain the thoughts that had come to make her decision.~ "This be what I meant when I nae knew my own heart. Ye had been kindness and patience it'self from beginning to end and Lucien hae been the same. and I hae nae wish to hurt either of ye, but Roland I believe I could nae be a good Lady or wife to ye. Nae feeling for Lucien the way I do. But when he went off to rid His kin of the Glendarin, I hae again steeled myself to nae let any close, for the fear of losing them."

~Upon hearing this Roland had turned from his place at the window walking toward the stair, stopping once to turn back and say to her.~ "Then go to him and if he takes thee back, thee are released from thy promise........" ~He then turned back and continued the climb up the stairs disappearing from sight. ~

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~After having sought out Lucien the night before she waited for Lord Roland to make an appearance in the Great Hall the next day. When he had, there were many visitors present but she still made known her wish to speak to him. She had followed Him into the Kitchen, knowing that this was not going to be a pleasant scene and one she did not wanted witnessed for His sake.~

~While he had searched out strong spirits she had motioned to Mollie and Millie with a look silently asking letting it be known the need for privacy. The two girls took the hint and had gathered up the other servants and stepped outside the back door to give them the now quiet room to themselves. She then stayed his move back to the Great Hall by stepping into his path calmly answering his question to why she stopped him.~ "Milord I think mayhap we should speak here privately." ~Her cheeks flushed at her own boldness in her actions.

He had just looked at her for a moment nothing on his face giving anything away as he spoke. " Then speak if thee will ...me I shall drink..." ~Taking the goblet and filled it to the rim with the deep rich amber of whiskey then took a long swig. The scent of the whiskey wafting up, reaching her nose telling her of it's potency.~ "From the look of your sustancence I believe ye know of what I be going to say Roland." ~She bit down on her lower lip hearing the emotionless words coming from him next~

"Then say it and be done..I nae be angry at thee Andrea but at myself for being the fool and of the things I did to try and win thee to me...Now I must bare the mantle of the fool for some time to come...it is my fate I think." ~Sea blue eyes looked up at him her apology shining thru them.~ "Ye nae be a Fool Roland n'er that. and nothing could e'er make me believe such of ye. I be sorry I can nae be what ye wish." ~Lowering her head ~ "I should hae explained more fully to ye before now and that be my fault." ~Her word soft and laiden with sadness for having done this to you~

"Thee have done nae to me but I myself have put me to spirits do thee nae see the truth in that? Right now what I feel and say have nae meaning but to say I wish thee best in thy choice I will nae bar thee or cause thee trouble for this thee have my word as the Duke of Saxony..." ~The self-derision could be heard in his words making her wish that none of this had ever occured. Her next words were spoken with true heartfelt feeling for him.~ "I thank ye for ye release of my word to ye and I pray with all of my heart that the one that truely be meant for ye be found and t'will bring ye nothing but the happiness ye deserve."

"Thee have said thy words now ...I must speak with the Princess of Windstorm if thee will excuse me..." ~He bowed and with there being nothing left to say Andrea had stepped from his path at his words and curtsied respectfully to him. "Da Roland , I wish ye be well." ~then she walked toward the door to the outside and slipped thru~