Certified Rumors, Sanctified Gossip ~ Set to Ink

[Halethala]

She’d been delighted when she’d found it, almost exactly what she’d been seeking. As if crafted for that very purpose, the small table was of highly polished cherry with delicate wrought iron scrolling beneath. She asked for it to be set in an alcove in the Great Hall, beneath a high, narrow window that the light would illumine it during the day. For darker times, a candlestick that nearly matched the scrollwork was set at the corner, and supplies beneath . . She unrolled the heavy vellum for not only herself to record her hand, but inviting others as well to add their news . .

As she set the tip to scratch out the first entry, she simply could not find objectiveness in her telling . . she was nearly as excited for Sinold as if the good Robin had returned with her mother’s sword . . she knew how thrilled he must be, to see a dream long desired begin to come true . . she truly wished she had been there as the offer were extended to him . .

“Let it be made known to all who have concern in the matter, and to those who know not of such happenings . . for all in this home are affected by the fortunes and achievements of each within . . We be family, and with deep care and growing affection, rejoice with those fellow family members who rejoice, as we have wept with those who weep . .

Let this, though, be a time for rejoicing . . Goodman Sinold Bragasson, under direct orders of Sir Dorian Hawkmoon of Windstorm Castle, will be entering into the rigorous and ardent task of training to become a Guard of our Home . . under immediate supervision of Lord Hawkmoon, if this writer has understood correctly.

May the good Lord have mercy upon our enemies . .

[Dream Loxley]

*She peered over the shoulder of Halethala as she wrote the words with such care and concentration. Her face showed she was enjoying the challenge of this quite dubious task set before her. A Scribe of any lands be most highly reguarded......she smiled again then before the visions of last eve caused her to frown.

Of course she hid her feelings from the Scribe lest she would fret over her betrothed.

There would have been bloodshed within the Hall....she had been so sure.....the Norse so quick tempered had angered both Sir Dorian and The King.......never before had she witnessed such bitterness between family. She hoped with all her heart he would simmer now and put his energy into the task of becoming a guard.

Indeed....she nodded to herself once more...reading the last sentence. Lord have mercy upon our enemies.*

[Halethala]

She felt the presence more than heard her behind her, and turned to smile at Lady Loxley, considering the addition of the rumors of a few temptations the King and Knight had tossed his way, but decided not to record that quite yet.

"M'Lady Dream . . " Blushing a little. "I trust it were well to set this here? I did so wish for many to see it, nae only myself."

She turned back to her writing then, and added,

*As darkness draws nigh from the East, it seems that a wind of beckoning is reaching out to those who have been allies before. A few nights ago, an old friend of Windstorm re-appeared, his timing rather well placed. Lord Pool graced us with his unique presence, and very soon the King had told him of the impending threat.

Our home also had the joy of meeting yet another lovely visitor. A lass named Jamie spent some the evening at the castle, and was invited to lodge within. Our fond hope be that she will return to visit again.

Good friend and allie, Lord Lucien Moonmist also has pledged his help in our defense, with a goodly 500 archers under his command . . Much easier doth my heart rest to think that we nae stand alone . .

*Letha looked up then, at the fine glass vase that she'd set before her as she wrote. The crystal clear water within held the lovely bloom she would not let out of her sight. She sniffed the lovely fragrance, and smiled thoughtfully as the memories of it's gifting warmed her. Two days . . only two days would it live. She would savor each minute of it's all too short life. She turned again to write*

Lady Efeil's absence is most keenly felt . . the grief that she and Lady Dream bear, as do so many who loved Lady Layla, must needs take it's course to find a place of acceptance. May each of us cherish our times upon this earth, and nae take a moment of it for granted . .