Lord Sighehelm

[Teresa O'Connor]

A ship arrives in Windstorm's port, from its gang plank comes a blonde haired ladd of about fourteen years old. Holding tight to the missive he is bid to deliver the boy makes his way along the road to the Keep.

Upon entering the gates he asks of the guards to announce his arrival to Lord Sighehelm. The ladd waits there for word that he may enter and pass the missive from the Duchess regarding the Lords servant.

[Lady Edfeil]

*the crest upon the lads tunic recognised, he is allowed entrance into the hall. Eagerly Lady Edfeil welcomes him, making sure food and drink be provided while he waits the arrival of Lord Sighehelm.
She asks about the health of those in Carthal. About the wellfare of duchess O Connor. She knows her confinement will nae allow her friend to travel for the next months, and thus is grateful for each bit of news.*

[Teresa O'Connor]

Not being fond of the Widow's new cook the ladd gratefully accepts the offer of repast. Remembering the Lady, having seen her with the Duchess on several occations he offers what news he can. Between stuffing bits of scone into his mouth he relays that all is well in Carthal and that all including the O'Connor family are well. Keeping his duty in mind he finds the passage of time flows much faster with the kindness and beauty of this gentle Lady's company.

[Lady Edfeil]

*There is something about seeing a young lad eat that teases the apetite, and soon she finds herself sharing in the meal. She's grateful for his words, grateful to hear all was well. Her health had nae allowed her to stay long last visit, but she hopes to come again soon. She knows the guards will do their best to find Lord Sighehelm. And there be nae any use to have the lad wait outside in the cold till then, she reasons, refilling his cup.*

[SighehelmofKent]

-Within the stables, he hears the man call, lifts his head, and it makes contact with Petite's heavy jaw and he grunts, and rubs his head. The horse moves, steps a way from the tall man-

Hullo, hullo, here!!!

- His eyes meet the large brown eye of his steed, then he caresses the neck before he turns away and walks to towards the man. He listens, nods, wiping his hands as he is informed of the messenger waiting for him in Windstorm's great hall-

My gratitude, M'Lord.

-Leather boots, long strides, while he wipes his hand on his breeches, and pushes back his hair, lead him along the courtyard, the corridors into the Great Hall. His heart reacts as his mind searches what reason there could be for a messenger to travel to Windstorm to meet him; Marianne.........the babe, the Fox, his mother!

Yet he curbs his speculations and looks around. The Princess and a young man, his garb denotes his station, yet Sighehelm will leave naught to chance. He looks puzzled-

Your Majesty, M'Lord.........I was told there is a messenger for me here?

[Teresa O'Connor]

Jacobs head peeks up with a wide eyed expression. He looks over the man who stands nearly two feet taller than himself. Knowing the Duchess discribed the Lord well, it still did not prepre him for the presence given by this man.Rising the ladd brushes down his seamans coat with a note of pride. His ruddy complextion deepens at the reference to him holding a title. With a deep bow from his waist the lad introduces himself in a quiet manner.

"I am Jacob M'Lord sent by Lady Teresa with this"

From his pocket Jacob draws out a sealed parchment writen in a fine delicate hand bearing the wax seal of a reared lion with a stylized T in the center.

M'Lord Sighehelm,

Yer servant becca has come to Carthal. She is well but I would prefer she not travel right away. I have offered her a room for as long as she needs within the main keep.

I did not wish you to worry for the girl and she will be well cared for while staying within our home.

Teresa O'Connor
Duchess of Lionscrest

[SighehelmofKent]

-he bods, accepts the scroll and breaks the seal, Then, he reads the letter, and again, though the message is simple. He almost curses but curbs the need as the Princess is present. He walks to his chair, and pensive without haste stuffs his pipe and lights it-

I see you are feeding a hungry stumach, seaman Jacob. While you do I will pen an answer.

-With that he joins the lad and Princess at the table, finding a quill, inkwell, and parchment on his way there. He sits for quite a while. The flight angers him, but above all puzzles him. He will never understand women!

--------------------------------------------------

Gracious Lady O'Conner,

I thank you for your missive. The hand maiden of my siter travels fast indeed, and leaves me puzzled.

Your kindness has aided one that is of the House of Kent, forwhich I thank you. The Lady Sadhbh informed me that becca has recently met with great mishap. And I fear I can deduce naught other then this is a result of such. I trust in your kindness and care.

Though honor, bound to God

Sighehelm of Kent

-------------------------------------------------------

- His signature is written in a bold hand flourished with a curl on the S and the K slanted rightwards, setting it off from the rest. He waits, seeing the ink dry, then springles it with fine sand and moves the scroll to allow the excess to fall off.

He reaches into his pockets and as his hand touches the ever present pebble, long fingers findf two coins and place them beside the scroll. Then he stands, and he looks at the boy, smiles, though still pre-occupied with the text of the missive recieved-

Take this back Seaman Jacob, when you are finished. The coins be for you.

-with that he leans back and looks at the Princess, smiles, as always her presence brings a smile to his lips, yet he guards his emotions, the need to look into her eyes. -

I see you do the Lord's work, your majesty...........to feed the hungry?

[Lady Edfeil]

*She nae wished to intrude or seem curious as to the missive. Of course she was, but... she knew very well she nae had a right to ask questions about what or whom... Of course she could not just rise and leave either, for indeed 't would be rude as well.

So she sat, taking up her embroiderywork and smiling encouraging at Jacob while he at. The sound of the quill scratching over parchment mingled with the sound of the flames burning low and small in the great hearth. A homey sound.

When Sighehelm returned, handing his missive to the lad, he towered over her. She smiled up at him, resting her hands within her lap a moment, the cloth within the hoop covering them.*

't is a work of charity. And the Windstorm way. I trust ye nae have gone hungry since arriving here? *She can nae contain herself then and quietly asks*Bad news?

[Teresa O'Connor]

He sits quietly watching the languid movements of the tall Lord. Glad to be given the chance to finish his meal Jacob continues to eat but now falling quiet as he senses a change in the Lord's manner now. The scratch of his quill drifts out with what the lad takes as frustration in the writer’s hand. He glances over from the last bite of bread to see the stylized S and K finished in a flourish of the Lord's distinct hand.

The lad rises taking the missive and coins with a bow, tucking them away in his jacket. He looks to the maid, so fare and gentle in appearance always kind to him when he visits and gives a deeper bow showing the respect she is due. Taking a step back he takes a new vantage point. Seeing clearly the way the two look at each other.

Quietly Jacob bids, "Fare thee both well."

He turns and hurries on his way knowing that the tide will soon be right for departure. Sure enough, as the lad reaches the docks the bell sounds to make ready to disembark.