A Ladies Day Outing

[Dream Loxley]

*The small party had started off and Biscuit was eager as usual, especially in the instant the Lady Laurestina took off. She had held him back, for this was no time for him to be galloping away, after a few moments his steps calmed and he continued to walk on. She watched a guard give chase, and pondered it all as they continued towards the village.

In her mind she was already choosing ribbons for Ellissia, fabrics for Mary, and mayhaps a new shirt or two for her Robin.

All seemed well, but she was sure she noticed an unease within Sir Dorian. She had witnessed her beloved's demeanour enough times to see that he was slightly distracted. Her eyes drifted towards the forests ....the pathways..the fields, but she saw nothing unusual and settled down to enjoy the ride.

It had happened again as the ladies gathered after dismounting in the village. The horses were tended by the water trough, the ladies bags made ready...and Sir Dorian speaking with his men. She made the conscious decision then to make sure she kept the ladies together whilst they were shopping. There was no reason to be alarmed she was sure, as the Captain was a very diligent and cautious man. Something within his features gave him away, she had seen it within his brooding eyes.

She smiled up at him as he finally spoke...her empty basket at the ready and chuckled softly as she glanced at the ladies....telling him the Haberdashery perhaps.*

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~as Andrea caught up to the other Ladies and their escorts, her own escort Corporal Allen having remained with her, she saw the Good Captain's scowl upon his features and had at first though that he was angry that she had delayed Corporal Dale's pursuit of the Lady. Trying to ease his mind and apologize for interfering by the exchange of mounts she sent him a smile as dazzling as the sun.~ "Hae nae worries Milord. Kadalyk t'will soon catch up with with Moonlight as tho he nae be as big and muscular as ye Stepper, the looks be decieving." ~smiling even more~ "He can go all day if needs must. The russian bred be hardy things." ~Then catching what Lady Edfeil said to her she nodded at her words.~ "Da Milady I hae complete faith in the Captains choices of escort and for Kadalyk's ability to catch and stay up with Moonlight."

~She now had time to grin at and talk with Lady Halethala,~ "Well, Moy Druk? Glad to see ye hae made it. Do ye like Crystal here? She be a nice mount for a replacement to Varda." ~Andrea had wondered why Letha had been running late but figured when the time came she would say something about it when she wanted. ~She looked about as Lady Edfeil and Lady Dream chatted comfortably with each other and with their escorts as well, tho the men did not have their minds on the same manner of things the ladied did but that was to be expected.~

~Glancing to Lord Dorian she has seen his back straighten up and his eyes shifting alertly along the way she said nothing and just continued to call and laugh with the others until they arrived in the Village. Dismounting by pulling her right limb over the neck of the mount she now rode and slid down off the side of the horse to the ground. Shaking out her riding habit so that it falls correctly to look as a normal gown again. All four of the Ladies spoke of where they wanted to stop and each had their say. But thinking that perhaps Letha should first be taken care of so that her tummy would not grumble while being measured for her gowns, and embarrass her before the seamstress, Andrea placed her vote for the Bakery with a grin.~

~But from the corner of her eye, she saw Lord Dorian speaking quietly with his men not knowing what was said but the look on his face was enough to tell her that it was serious tho again she mentioned nothing about it to the others. He then turns to the ladies and poses his question to them, she then looks to the other 3 with a smile...~ "Two votes for the bakery then and One for the Habadashary, majority rules... " ~Laughing at such a concept as she pulled her saddle bags from behind the saddle.~ ((after all the Magna Carta has not been signed yet))

[Lady Edfeil]

*Blissfully unaware of any danger or unrest, she smiled at the sun. Chuckling at the merry conversation of her friends and enjoying the flurry of female companionship.*
the bakery 't be then.... oohhh ye think the first apples be ripe already? The really early ones? I long for warm apple pastries with honey and cream. Mayhap we must make a list, aye? I be looking for a gift for Beren, mayhap some new fabrics to embroider, and mayhap... a new gown...

*she hesitates on that last one. Her father gave her much more coin then she ever used as pinmoney. A new gown for spring seemed a luxury as the old ones were still good. Yet... the other ladies also chose for new gowns. And mayhap for once, she needed to let them persuade her.*

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Andrea grinned happily as she listened to Lady Edfeil and coming over to take her arm gently and laughed, "Only mayhaps? Now ye know ye can nae wear the same gown for every day of the festival Milady. Ye hae need of at least two. The one ye already hae and a second to wear the next this way if something happens to one then while it be cleaned ye wear the second. T'is only common sense. And a new gown always lifts one's spirits. ~grinning~ And if nae happens you can just wear them every other day during festival time.~

~Looking to the other Ladies to help her convince the reluctant Princess.~ "Besides ye be Princess of Windstorm, ye t'would nae like for the people of other kingdoms to think ye father keeps ye too penniless to allow ye more than just one gown, Da? Ye be representing ye Father too ye know." ~Hoping this last statement gets Lady Edfeil a bit of Pride to not be out done by any of the visitors that will be coming to the Festival.~

[Lady Edfeil]

Ye... be a temptress, m'lady! *she says to the Lady Andrea, making her way from the square 'twards one of the small streets in which she knows there's a bakery. And even iffen she nae had known.. the scent wafting 'twards her would told her such. * And ye pick the one argument I can nae say anything against....
NOw... afore we go for dresses, let's follow our noses, for I can simply smell pastries. And 't would be wise to eat them first and try the dresses later, aye?
What do ye think, Lady Letha? And ye, M'lady Dream? *she says with a chuckle* Can we seduce ye into a wee pastry as well?

*'t is rare for her to be so completely free of worries about duty as she is today. And with a grin, she adds in a whisper*

Mayhap we can even convince the captain to partake, aye? I'm sometimes wondering iffen he eats at all.. Or mayhap 't is just me cooking that worries him...

[Dream Loxley]

*She smiled and absently ran her hand over her waist, wondering if she had been indulging in too many pastries of late.........perhaps another would nae hurt, and the new gown could of course be made slightly larger.

Nodding as she walked beside the ladies, her own tummy grumbling as the smell from the Bakery lingered in the air.*

[Halethala]

*Patting Crystal’s neck, nodding assent to Lady Andrea’s query “There be few steeds I’ve ‘ad the pleasure to ride that I dinnae care for, but she be a true beauty, M’Friend . . well chosen, I will need to thank the stableboys upon return!” Then, leaping off her with zeal as they arrived within sniffin' distance to the Summersville Bakery, Letha grimaced as she realized she needed to at least attempt ladylikeness this day, chiding herself to move with more grace and deliberation. Grinning at the other Ladies as they moved towards the nearly disablingly delicious aroma coming from within, she struggled to keep her stride matched with theirs, her tummy protesting at her sedate pace.

A “wee” pastry, Lady Edfeil? Ye mean we cannae sample one of each? Surely we shall walk it off in no time, all the shops to see and sights to take in and . . ye know, shoppin’ be a most wearisome endeavor, if done properly, aye? *Laughing, nae truly e’er had such a good time of it or better company e’er afore.*

She turned to see if Lady Dream agreed, catching her patting her middle, and grinned at her, whisperin’ “Oh, M’Lady . . could it be . . perhaps a bit more than mere . . oh Lady Dream!” *Beaming a hopeful wink at her, she silenced her tongue, knowin’ iffen there be some announcement, the Lady would do so when the time was right . . . *

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

So it is to be the bakery shoppe, first....He nods, then glances to His men...Allen pairs with Lady Dream....Alvin with Lady Andrea....and Penn with Lady Halethala...then the group moves off towards where the delicate aroma of freshly baked goods wafts from. The Men give the Ladies plenty of space, for this is THEIR outing......one They have been looking forward to for some time....yet to the last, a hand never strays far from a sword hilt....nor a pair of eyes wandering too far from their charges. As He strides slowly behind the Lady Edfeil, a flicker of movement catches His eye....He sighs inwardly and frown a bit...Patch...most likely the WORST excuse for a thief there has ever been....even when He was a novice, He was far more experienced and smooth than this lout. He remembered the day Patch had tried to lift His purse....so inept a child would have noticed....He'd felt so sorry for the idiot, He'd let him go with a warning. Now he was back, apparently...and He meant to make sure this would be cutpurse made no trouble....He coughs...rather loudly...and as Patch's eyes meet His, He can almost see the man deflate visibly. A large hand taps a sword hilt, as His head moves ever so slightly from side to side....almost chuckling at the crestfallen look on his face as he slinks away. He shakes His head at the departing figure as the group nears the bakery shoppe....As they near, He wonders if Corporal Dale has managed to catch up with the troublesome Lady Laurestina....grimly He decides He shall have a few words with the Lady about safety in numbers.....

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Andrea was glad she had suggested this outing, as she looked around at the lovely Ladies with her. It was so wonderful to see them lighthearted and gay seemingly with no worries on their minds. Too often the chores of daily life took presidence over just taking the time to enjoy what was about them.~

~With a wicked grin she saw that her arguement about a new gown for Edfeil had won its point, tho she felt a tiny twinge of guilt for having played it.. then gave a mental shrug with glee thinking....~ "Ahhh t'will add to the lighthearts this day seeing each lady going thru the bolts of fabric and patterns for the new gowns." ~Smiling conspiritorally to the beautiful and gentle Lady at her suggestion that perhap the Captain of the guard and the guards with them will partake of the treats shown on the the tables of the small bakery shoppe they had been led to.~

~As the other Ladies chose their treats, Andrea chose an assortment of treats and tender pastries and had them placed in a sack which she handed to the guard behind her who was her shadow at this time, to share later with his comrades who also accompanied the other Ladies, as she did not think Lord Dorian would approve of them taking their attention away from their duties to enjoy the heavenly smelling repast Andrea had gifted them. Then chose a sweet bun for herself, nibbling it delicately. Glancing to Dream, Andrea smiled as she chose a few treats for her doll of a daughter and chuckling at the bit of flakey pastry that clung to the corner of her lips,~ "Even Mama needs a sweet now and then, Papa too as well, Da, Milady?"

~Giggling with Letha as they had chosen their treats and giving her a playful nudge.~ "So much to chose from Moy Druk." ~taking a sniff in the air, the smell of freshly baked breads and pastries, biscuits, yeast and wood smoke filling the air~ "We could become very hearty in this shoppe if we came here often."

~Andrea looked over to the tall Shadow that fell over Lady Edfeil to Lord Dorian, she could see his nose twitch a bit at all the scents that assailed him inside the shop and on Impulse chose a large nut meat pastry for him and had it placed in a small clean sack, and handed it to him.~ "A small gift for ye Milord. I beg ye to accept a token of my thanks for being so accomodating to we Ladies this day." ~and with that turned away so He would not be able to give an arguement.~

~With that done, she turned to the shoppe keeper payment for the purchases made and recieved back the change, then quickly turned to the Ladies.~ "Now what be next, my Friends?"

[Dream Loxley]

*The pastry was delicious...she wondered iffn it did surpass even cooks most special bakes, but would nae ever tell him such.

Wiping the crumbs from her lips and licking them instinctively, she pondered Halethala's word for a moment, then dismissed them as quickly as they had invaded her. She knew she had simply been over indulging.

She nodded with another mouthful of the perfect pastry as Lady Andrea spoke of her Husband and child.....her smile genuine as she thought of them and what she might bring home for them.

As all were making ready to move on to the next shop, she took several coins from her leather purse and placed them beneath the plate, by way of thanking the serving girls. She waited to see where the party would be going on to.*

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

It had been quite some time since He'd allowed Himself the pleasure of visiting a bakery...for the most part, He was a plain Man, with simple tastes....the tasty and nourishing fares cook prepared being more than adequate to suit His palate. The barest hint of a smile turned the corners of His mouth as He remembered back to His training days....How Master Arturous had preached and lectured of the woes that befell a Warrior who made too much a habit of enjoying pastries and sweetmeats...they slowed both body and brain, He'd swore. Of course, His Mother had naysaid that notion, and on occasion made sure He received the odd pastry or confection...for no other reason than He was Her Son and She loved Him. He almost chuckled aloud as He remembered His Mother's talents in the kitchen....She frequently outstripped the Palace cook's talents, especially in the area of preparing meats. Of course His Father had allowed Her indulgence...frequently chuckling rather loudky as He would find His Wife up to Her elbows in some concoction, not caring in the slightest that royal robes were more oft than not sporting a dusting of flour.

It was as He watched over His charge and remembered this bit of His past, that He noticed Lady Andrea approaching....Alvin shadowing Her with a grin on His face, carrying a small bundle....He assumed something the Lady had purchased. Quite unexpectedly, She pressed a small sack into His hand....explaining that it was a gift for His being so accomodating...then turned away with a smile before He could even loosen His tongue properly to thank Her. He looked after Her retreating form with a slightly confused expression on His face....Why should Anyone gift Him for doing no more than what was expected of Him?...After all...He was, in essence, responsible not only for the safety of the castle itself....but of All Who resided there. It had never occured to Him that Someone would actually present Him with a gift for it. She must have seen the wisp of a smile on His face, and thought that He desired a pastry for Himself, but was too intent on duty to allow Himself such a small pleasure. He remembered the conversation They'd had...when He asked Her if She missed Her Homeland....and She'd asked of His. She was intelligent and observant....of that there was little secret. Perhaps He had told Her too much...He HAD been feeling those pangs of loss of His original Home when They'd talked.....and He knew He had to be careful of the information He gave out....else the dark secret He harboured would be hauled out into the light.....and once more He would have to.....disappear. Two knew His secret of a necessity....One knew, but didn't fully comprehend the implications. Aye...he would have to be careful around The Lady Andrea....but for now, He would simply thank Her for Her gift and press on with the excursion.....

[Lady Edfeil]

*While leaving the bakery, she moves closer to the Lady Andrea, shaking her head with half a laugh*
I should be insulted... I think I could stand on me head, trying to convince the captain to take food from me, and still he would nae take 't. And ye have but to offer, and 't is accepted in gratitude. Mayhap me cooking be less then I thought 't was. Or mayhap he be afeared that cook will put prunejuice in his next meal should he see him eating ought that I prepared, aye?

*She chuckles and takes a last bite of her own pastry afore leaving the bakery. THe sun be bright an warm still, a caress after the lingering winters chill. She glances at the others, and can nae hide a grin as she sees a wee crum of pastry still clinging high to the corner of Lady Dreams mouth*

Ehm... the habedashery now mayhap? And then mayhap the leatherworker?

[Sinold Bragasson]

Dorian said:

....else the dark secret He harboured would be hauled out into the light.....and once more He would have to.....disappear. .

(OOC: Dare to disappear and sinny will personally drag yer arse back to WS ASAP!!! ;D))

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~Andrea watched as Lady Dream left the tip for the serving girls under her plate and made Andrea remember to do the same. Then Andrea went and spoke to the proprietor for a few moments and the arrangements were made that Andrea would return when further discussion would be needed.~

Catching up with the group and leaning in close as Lady Edfeil spoke to her.~ "Ohhhh Nyet feel insulted Milady." ~Andrea smiles consprirtorially and looking back over her shoulder at the subject of their talk and then back to Lady Edfeil speaking softly so only she can hear her.~ "There be a simple trick to it. Just give it to the one ye wish to have it and walk away quickly so they do nae hae a chance to argue. And then ignore them for the next little while when they try to give it back until they just give up. It works mostly every time." ~laughing softly~ "The Captain be a man of simple needs, this be known by all Milady, and I t'would nae change him for the life of ye or me but even so, men with simple needs should have a treat once in a while. It keeps life interesting, Hmmmmm But the Captain nae likes prune juice, da??" ~a wicked smile on her lips~

The Next stop be the Haberdashery then Ladies.. ~grins to Lady Dream as this was her wish to stop at~

[Halethala]

Letha simply couldn't decide upon just ONE pastry, but still managed to limit herself to only two of the luscious treats, savoring each bite of the first in small nibbles, watching the other ladies with amusement. Such comfortable bantering, nae laced with competition or jealousies, and the sweet way they teased the formidable Lord Hawkmoon. She could have sworn he almost smiled at Lady Andrea! . . . Letha sighed happily, settling the second pastry within a sack . . iffen she could keep her hands from sneaking into it on the way home, she would gift it to Sinold. He seemed to be in such a heightened state of excitement lately, she could've sworn his clothes were hanging a bit more loosely on his formidable frame.

Brightening at the mention of moving on to the next shop, she smiled, trying hard not to spin in circles like a silly young maiden and hug everyone that they met . . But she abruptly sobered as she began to truly look at those that dotted the pathways. Not all were as lighthearted as the sweet Ladies she accompanied. Many were roughly clad, with burdens upon their backs, scowls upon their faces. Yet she had to smile as a robust, red-faced woman approached their group, calling out in a voice that soared in a singsong manner, like an old mermaid that had no other way to speak,

"Claaaams, Mussselllls . . the bounty of the sea, for a'blessin to thee . . Dear Ladies, hava care . . ye've pennies to spare?" On and on she prattled, and Letha turned a winking smile to Lady Edfeil, Dream and Andrea in turn.

"D'ya think Cook would appreciate us bringin' back fresh seafood? 'Twould make e'er so lovely a creamy soup for the morrow . . " Then, lowering her voice, "And it would help this . . erm, “talented” fishmonger out, I wager . .” She smiled merrily, awaiting their decision.