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Post by Dorian Hawkmoon on Apr 5, 2004 15:02:07 GMT -5
Having received the missive from the Lady Andrea, He pens a short missive to be delivered into Her hands:
M'Lady Andrea,
Please rest assured I shall be inconvenienced in no way, and I simply await notification of when Ye Ladies wish to depart for Summerville.
Hawkmoon
Castle Guards
Commanding
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 5, 2004 16:33:50 GMT -5
~After receiving Lord Dorians missive saying that any time would be well for him she quickly sat down to pen to missives. One to the StableMaster asking that the mounts of Miladies, Edfeil, Loxley, Halethala, Laurestina and Andrea as well as the mounts of Lord Dorian and the chosen guards be saddled in an hours time, for the trip. Then she penned her reply to Lord Dorian.~
Milord Hawkmoon,
I thank ye for ye reply to my missive and now ask if in an hours time t'vould be convienent? The Ladies all are eager to begin and vith the beauty of the day nae vish to vait for another to come.
As alvays I be,
Respectfully,
Lady Andrea
~With that, she rolled and sealed the missives addressing them and left her chambers to seek out a messenger and soon the posts were made to the respecitve addressees.~
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Post by LadyLaurestina on Apr 6, 2004 12:02:26 GMT -5
Lost in thought, sitting in front of the open window, thinking of what else she could do to heal her cousin, but all that she could come to conclude was that he just needed time to head. Then there was the matter of her land, should she try and make a deal with the French captain, when indeed all her instincts told her nae. She had rather taken her business up with Captain Tyrun, but as of late he seemed to be involved in too many deals, and she hesitated to both him, and she did nae wish to interfere in any way with the deal he had struck up with Sir Joseph, and there also seemed to some talk of the lady Andrea also becoming involved. Her head hurt from so many things that had recently come to worry her, and now this full time position as a healer, this would surely take up any time that she would wish to use to paint. So, now her make shift studio had turned into a bit of a herbaria, in that she grew come valuable herbs in the great window and tries them upon the rafters. Aye, life had become more complicated, and she needs to find time to get way for while. There would be no chance for her to return to Wales, if indeed she had a guard again, but certainly there had to be away around him, she was good at escaping, and she had no qualms of traveling alone since I had been taught about some weapons and had practiced long in using them, ,,aaaaaaah …. Well enough to save her. *Taking a deep breath* she notices that a scroll has rolled in under her door, she wastes no time in picking it up, standing in the sunlight she unrolls it:
Milady,
I pray the day and this missive find ye well. Upon vaking this morn I find the day to be bright and cheery and promises of varmth to this early spring day. I do vonder if Ye be acceptable to the idea that this be a good day for the trip to the village? If this be acceptable to ye let me know and I vill hae the mounts saddled and inform Milord Dorian of our plans. I thank ye and be
Sincerely,
Lady Andrea
Quickly set her quill in her favoite ink, and wrote quickly:
Dear Lady Andrea:
I should welcome a trip with thee and the ladies, It will do mi heart good to see what is happening about the village, and to have a good visit with all thee. I look forward to this time with thee.
I should wish to ride my stallion, *moonshine*, as Sir Joseph will be most dissappointed if I do nae take good care of him, and exercise him. I hope thee do nae mind mi doing such but tis about time that I have been relesed from al the order and the ever constant eye of the gurads opoon mi. Moonlight, needs a good gallop, and I need the exercise as well . (( thinking to herself this would be the perfect time to excape and take Moonlight back into her own woods, she woul dperhpare her stachel.))
I am most excited to read this wonderful news and will meet thee when the time is most right for us to depart.
Joyously, I can nae Wait Mi LADY!
Lady Laurestina
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 6, 2004 13:09:28 GMT -5
~Having now received the 3rd reply from Lady Laurestina, reading her missive, she sat down and penned a return note.~
Milady,
I have already taken the liberty of informing the StableMaster to have your mount saddled for the trip. If ye wish to gallap ahead then by all means do so, but bear in mind that the guard placed on you will be with you at all times as per ordered by the King as that be their duty. Until our gathering I be,
Sincerely,
Lady Andrea
~With that she rolled and sealed the document sending it back to the Lady by messenger.~
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Post by Halethala on Apr 6, 2004 20:54:41 GMT -5
She yawned and stretched, then realized by the bright sun that she had seriously overslept! Her foolish venture to the seaside with Nicholas had nearly cost lives, and she had come home exhausted. She threw on some ragged clothes to hurry to feed and water Varda, but stumbled over two small scrolls as she opened the door . . "From Sinold?" She wondered? No, it did not look like the ones she'd gotten from him before . .
Reading the first and then the other, her eyes widened in surprise! An HOUR . . oh my . . she had sooooo anticipated this trip with the Ladies of Windstorm, but when it now came time to leave, she felt ill prepared! She was filthy, needed a bath, needed . . oh my . .
Calming herself, she first set down to pen a reply to Lady Andrea .
My Friend ~
Aye, I shall endeavor my best to be ready, please dinnae leave without me! I would forever regret missing out on this trip, so give me a wee bit of time.
Oh, and Varda has been worked hard enough recently, *at this point Letha paused, almost lapsing into the memories of the fight on the beach again, shaking herself back to stay on task* I wonder iffen there be a guest steed I could borrow for the outing? I should be ever so grateful . .
Ye be most kind in organizing this, Lady Andrea . . may fate shine upon ye with special grace!
I shall hurry . . Ever yours, Letha
*She scurried down the stairs to find someone to deliver the message, another to request that the stablehands care for Varda's needs, and yet another to fetch up water for a quick washing . . enough for her hair, but not a full bath . . They seemed to sense her frantic hurriedness, and followed her up almost on her heels . . She quickly undressed, began the sponge bath and as more water came up, dipped her sand-encrusted hair in.
Longing to feel feminine for this excursion, she donned the best she owned, the dress Andrea had gifted to her, freshly laundered, the wrinkles hung out well . . and dabbed at a compress of herbs she'd mixed to give a faintly spicy scent to her when she moved. Standing before the glass in her quarters, she let out her breath, and smiled, her cheeks flushed by the hurrying and anticipation . . "Letha, dear . . that's about the best ye can do." Realizing more than an hour had passed, she flew down the stairs, practicing hard not to say the one word Lady Edfeil had been training her hard NOT to say . . *g*
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Apr 7, 2004 6:01:10 GMT -5
((*LOL* At Letha))
Most were assembled now, eagerly waiting in the courtyard, the horses and her mule ready and saddled, and the weather looking as iffen to celebrate spring in all it's glory. A treat that last had been, amidst the springstorms that had tempested the lands. Today however, a gently breeze be the only thing stirring.
Having donned a simple, gown of soft yellow, on top of 't Lady Edfeil wore a cloak that rarely was worn, nae because she nae likes 't, but because 't was so precious only harsh weather or important occasions were worthy of 't. The hem of the cloak of a soft blue is embroidered in magnificent silver, and the clasp at her throat be silver, with her name engraved in such.
Lifting her face up to the sun, she smiled as the others arrived in the courtyard!
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Post by Dorian Hawkmoon on Apr 7, 2004 8:53:42 GMT -5
He arrives in the courtyard on Stepper's back....and as light and lovely as the assembled Ladies are, He is a darkly garbed instrument of Death....an imposing figure in black leather. The Dragon katana peers over His right shoulder....a longsword belted at right hip....the twinned black daggers affixed on either side. Dual dagger belts criss-cross His chest, each holding 6 well balanced throwing knives...His adder stings are also on His Person, but concealed from sight... the great Acadian bow and quiver full of black feathered arrows is affixed to Stepper's saddle. Four Guards accompany Him, each armed with sword and dagger, as well as short horn bows. He takes up a position near Lady Edfeil as the Guards attach themselves each to a different Lady....
"We be ready when Ye be, M'Lady...."
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Post by Dream Loxley on Apr 7, 2004 9:12:34 GMT -5
*With a little help from perran she mounts Biscuit, always whispering to his large head and patting him gently as she settles within the saddle. Booted feet find the stirrups and she makes sure her skirts and pulled down in a discreet manner.
She is not used to such a Royal escort, but knows the Lady Edfiel is indeed heir to the throne and as such demands the utmost protection. Gone are the normal Rangers who are always beside her, replaced now by a guard who himself looks like he could win any Battle single handed. She knew the loyal Rangers would not be far away, her beloved would have seen to such.
Smiling gently to him, she holds the reins as Perran attaches the soft willow basket to her saddle. Her hand reaches to it for a moment, and her promises return...pretty coloured ribbons and new dress fabrics....indeed, this would be wonderful.
As Biscuit turned around several times...she guided him to the side....thus allowing the other ladies room to mount their steeds. Her cloak billowed slightly as a breeze whispered through the courtyard and she tucked a stray tress of hair behind her ear. Content to wait, she patted Biscuit again smiling to all gathered.*
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 7, 2004 10:06:05 GMT -5
~Having recieved the final reply she had been waiting for from Lady Letha having kept the messenger with her while she read it with a huge grin. She sent word by way of the same messenger to the stables to not saddle Varda, but another for Lady Halethala as she requested. Watching the young lad take off down the hall at a run a small silver coin clutched in his hand and calling out to him to be careful on the stairs. She then grabbed her Red cape with the sable lining, the black saddle bags and checked that her purse was tied securely on to her belt, and left her chambers. Excited at the thought of enjoying a day of no worries, no scouriless sea Captain's and just a day to relax coming down the stairs and out into the courtyard seeing all but one of the party of Ladies ready to mount up along with the Guards and Lord Dorian watching the proceedings like a dark avenging angel over them all. Calling out Greetings to the other Ladies with a bright smile.~
~Grinning she went and took the reigns of Kadalyk from Perran and instead of mounting in her usual manner took the aid of him to get into the saddle, and asked the name of the strange animal waiting for Letha. Told that the mare was called Crystal for the blue of its eyes and lovely silver coat, She thanked him and then turned to the guard assigned her taking in his appearance and watchful demeanor. Finding out his name was Corporal Allen and that he was now assigned to her full time. Smiling softly she thanked him for his time and trouble.~
~Looking around at the rest of the party she saw a sudden flurry of movement come from the Castle doors and Letha appearing quiet lovely in the morning sunlight hurrying as fast as she could but with decorum expected of a Lady of Windstorm and as she waited for Letha to mount Crystal, Perran placed her saddle bags behind the matching black leather saddle on Kadalyk. Then looking again and seeing all mounted she turned to Lord Dorian, saying that all were ready and with His permission they could begin. With that the darkly dressed Lord gave a nod of his head and the party of Ladies moved out on their day of fun.~
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Post by Lady Laurestina on Apr 7, 2004 15:16:48 GMT -5
Spends no more time dillydallying, as she lifts her hair above her ears to fasten up the golden locks under her big leather hat. Now hearing the sounds of hooves pounding the ground below her window. The lady prepares her satchel, and dresses into hardy cloths, nae her dainty frilly things, and makes sure her knives are properly placed so that she would nae injure herself while riding Moonlight. Rechecks her bag , has a few much needed items in her satchel, such as flint, some dried flax, and some needed items for taking time to spend in the .........
*she keeps her thoughts to herself, nae concerned about carrying any gold, nor looking her best, she only had survival and escape upon her mind* Nae sure how she was going to carry the Pike, she looked at it and help it up to her leg, and thought... out loud
* Surely he be jesting with her to think she should strap this to her leg...?*
Out of curiosity she held the pike straight up with it’s tip down... on the outside of her skirt.... wondering if the hole bore into the handle would be big enough to string a leather strap though...?? seeing it was... she quickly pulled a leather tie, through the handle.... and tied the whole apparatus to her waist. Then shook out her wool shawl , tied it around her waist with the pike hidden underneath, as she gracefully spun around. Though it was difficult to walk with the pike hanging on her side, she would manage ...and she could do it..she told herself as she practiced her most elegant of walks about her chambers. Walking seemed to be a bit more of a sensuous movement of the hips, but now she would have to concentrate on nae making that movement, nae wishing to appear as if she didn’t had a wooden leg.
Leaving her chambers, dressed in many layers of old warm clothing, her well equipped sachel, two knives well hidden, and the pike, also concealed, she thought, perhaps they would think she did look a bit strange for a shopping trip, but she wasn’t about to let on as to what her intentions might be. She would just tell them she had a very bad morning , and hadn’t time to pamper herself, surely they would understand. As she edcended the stiars she was cerainly glad no one could see her, certain her stride was nae quite right.... especailly when decending the stairs.....
,
While walking through the Main Hall, she practiced her walk once more and thought she looked convincing enough. Her head held high, a soft confident smile upon her face, and her hand resting on her side while holding the pike down as it rode along with her right leg forward movement.
Walking into the courtyard, seeing Moonlight, all brushed out, the silver of his mane, gleaming in the sun, she took the time to look around all the ladies .
* smiled brightly* and ~waved to all~ Noticing they all had dressed in their best, and lightest colored dresses. Thought they all looked like fresh morning glories, and how merry their laughter be. Though she appeared merry of face, there was a great deal on her mind.
How was she was going to steer her horse into a different direction after leaving the courtyard, while still trying to appear as if she be heading towards he village? She was nae sure. However, she had her mind set on it... she needed to get away, and her Father's woods had been calling her for two months now. It was time!
Lady Andrea had already informed her that she might ride ahead of the group, as her horse needed a good gallop, and the lady knew Moonlight well enough that HE could out ride almost anyone. Looking at Sir Dorian, .... well she couldn’t belive her eyes...!!! * blinked and stopped to stare, and tired to stifle her laughter* However it was too late, she couldn’t resist, ~waving~ to him as if she were jst enjoying the day as well as the rest of the ladies. *Smiled like she didn’t have a care in the world.* Taking her hand and holding the pike in place under the woolen shawl, she threw her right leg up and over the horse, at the same time jumping on her left foot, she mounted the horse faster than than she ever had before. She knew her movements had to be quick but smooth, and well planned before executed.
Moonlight did his usual dance. but as she pulled his reigns back gently, and setting her legs firmly into his sides, off he flew! this time much faster than ever before. They cleared the courtyard, and were on their way to the village,...... or so they thought......
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Post by Lady Alexandreania (Andrea) on Apr 8, 2004 14:01:05 GMT -5
Seeing you gallap out of the Courtyard and that Corporal Dale prepares to follow for want of not letting you of his sight. Andrea calls to him and dismounts quickly calling to him removing her saddle bags from behind the saddle.~ Corporal, Take Kadalyk. He be the only horse I know that can be able to keep with Lady Laurestina's mount ~The exchange of mounts is quickly done and the Corporal rides out after Laurestina at a gallap. While she then catches up with the rest of the party to enjoy the day in the Village.~
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Apr 9, 2004 7:01:34 GMT -5
*She smiles warmly at the Lady Andrea as she rejoins the group that by now has reached the village*
Nae worry, m'lady. Corporal Dale be a great rider, and Captain Hawkmoon nae handpicked him without a reason. Iffen there be anyone able to keep up with the mercurious Lady... 't be him.
*In full trust, she nods 'twards the Captain, then glances to the assembled ladies.* Now... to more.. pleasent matters...
*Her eyes glint as she looks over the assembled party* Which shoppe shall we raid.. ehm... visit first?
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Post by Halethala on Apr 9, 2004 7:21:39 GMT -5
Literally flying down the steps, several at a time, skirts billowing behind her, muttering to herself “Letha, ye’ll be late fer yer own FUNERAL, ye will, iffen there be any way ye could manage such a feat.” She caught her breath at the pretty scene before her, all the magnificent ladies atop well-groomed steeds contrasting perfectly with the regal escorts. Constraining her steps to match the atmosphere, wishing to not gulp the day down greedily, but to savor it in small, flavorful bites, she smiled at those who turned to nod and greet the latecomer. Spying the only riderless steed, she broke into an even larger grin. He was exquisite! Lady Andrea told his name, and she spoke to him as she approached, gently stroking his rump and then hoisting herself up into the stirrups, biting back a groan at the stiffness she still felt in her limbs. She continued to pat his neck, feeling his power beneath her with true pleasure as she gathered the reigns, watching his spirited ears shoot forward perkily, until she caught Dream nodding to her feet. Oh dear . . she took more care to arrange her skirts in a more seemly manner, pinkening at her thoughtlessness, caring more for her horse than her own appearance. “Ah, Crystal, ye be a good’un. We shall get along jes fine!”
She started a bit as she moved off and another seemed to shadow her . . ah yes, the escort again. She turned to the one that fell in next to her, trying to remember his face. “I’m at a distinct disadvantage, Sir . . they tell me the name of me horse, but nae yers. I wager ye know mine . . . “ Nodding as he spoke his in return, taking in his full attire and weaponry with a twinge of envy, she settled in with a deeply drawn breath to match the strides of the rest of the party. A pang of regret then nipped at her . . Nicholas was supposed to have been assigned to her . . . She would return in her mind to worryin’ about him throughout the day, she knew, but she had waited so long for this day, and it WAS only one day, after all . . he could not have been better cared for. She had to shake herself to shed the worry . . other than poor Nicholas, it had gone better than she’d expected . . upon returning she could again take up worrying again, for now, she would enjoy the Ladies company . . times like this were a rare treat, she was sure the others had tucked away great cares for this day as well . . . she was determined not to ruin it with a grim face.
As Lady Andrea caught up with them, she listened to the sweet bantering that went back and forth between them now, laughing and more happy than she could remember. At Lady Edfeil’s query, Letha spoke up quickly . . “OH! A bakery, I should think! I nae had time fer filling me tummy yet, I can about smell the delights within already! Iffen an army travels upon it’s stomach, I should think a band of Ladies shopping could do no less either?” She smiled to her, nae really caring where they started . . . they would find their way to many shops before the sun set again, she hoped . .
Thinking to herself that such a large and heavily armed escort be unduly necessary, it being ONLY a shopping excursion, she stifled an wee annoyed sigh, accepting the “Way of Things” as they were.
What could possibly go wrong on such a lovely spring day?
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Post by Dorian Hawkmoon on Apr 9, 2004 8:25:53 GMT -5
He had almost...ALMOST...spurred Stepper on after Laurestina....but He was Lady Edfeil's escort, and He remained at Her side....though a quick meaningful glance had rocketed Cpl. Dale into immediate action. He had been a bit nonplussed when the Lady Andrea had offered Her own mount to the Guard....as the animal was a beauty. He was a fair judge of horses and knew he was a fast one...though He questioned his stamina. Laurestina's brash action had painted a scowl on His face...what WAS that fool Woman up to? The scowl was still there as He thanked the Lady Andrea, and He had hoped She didn't think the scowl was meant for Her.
The small party continued on their way, for although He was of a mind to call off the excursion until Laurestina was found and returned....He did not wish to spoil the remaining Ladies outing. As Her norm, Lady Edfeil had tried to engage Him in conversation, asking after His health....if He'd heard from Siya....what was it He intended to purchase in the village. He'd kept His answers straightforward and to the point, though as friendly as He could muster...for halfway to the village He had felt.....something. Most do not realise that one wedded to the blade, as He is...a Warrior....develops almost an additional sense....a warning instinct...and that instinct was warning Him now. The party was being observed in secrecy....He was certain of it. His hand slid to the leather cording that secured His bow and quiver to Stepper's saddle...a quick jerk would release the bow into His hand...the quiver placed just so....so that a shaft could easily and smoothly be drawn and nocked. Part of His mind listened to the Lady's words, as a separate part sought the watchers. His eyes darted this way and that....searching...seeking....but found naught save the trees and brush. Soon the village came into sight, and He relaxed only the tiniest fraction. The trip would continue as planned....but the trip Home would be a bit different.
As They entered the village and halted, the Ladies huddled together discussing which of the various shops to visit first...He nudged His mount close to the other Corporal.....Allen....and pitched His voice so that only he would hear..."We were watched on the ride in....as We return, We ride in a diamond formation....Ye are point...Alvin and Penn on wing...I shall take the rear, the Ladies being in the center. At the slightest threat, Ye make SURE those Ladies are returned Home to Windstorm safely...I will remain behind t'buy Ye as much time as I may...Do NAE concern thyself with My well being...Thy only concern is t'be those Ladies. Pass the word t'Alvin and Penn....but quietly...'t may be that naught comes of this and I nae wish the Ladies t'have Their day spoiled. As long as we be in the village, enjoy thyselves as ye normally would..."
The Guard nods his assent as his Captain turns His mount back to the assembled Ladies and speaks..."Now Ladies.....t'where shall We be off to t'begin Thy shopping?..."
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Post by Nicholas on Apr 9, 2004 9:04:43 GMT -5
The infirmary was a dull place to be in, he never envied anyone laying here, fussed over by the healers. He was here now, and longingly looked out the window which opened to the courtyard. Out there he could hear people assemble… the noise of hooves on hard stone and the merry laughter of women's voices. The shopping party was ready… he should have accompanied Lady Halethala.
Nicholas sighed again and stared against the ceiling. Damn Norse. Damn Franks! Why could they not let us alone? But God had been kind and let Halethala live. That was all Nicholas needed to know and soon fell back into a deep healing sleep.
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