New Day - Chapter one

"Oops'

Lancaster
Iorwerth
Lancaster had strummed the lutes of the band as a practical joke. He drank some wine. He danced with some of the lesser ladies of the court. He ate the nobleman?s food, stared at the ceiling, and even started to look at people strangely just to see their reaction. He even talked to one of the party crashers. As brief and charming that interlude was, it was still not enough. By the gods was he bored! Even the buzz in his head from too much drink was not enough to alleviate his boredom. Never in his life had he been to a party that was so dull. Granted, it was the first nobleman?s party he had ever gone too, and only because a poor soul named Nywthon decided to spare his life at the last minute, but deep inside his mind, Lancaster wondered if he should have gone at all. The company was boring. Dreadfully boring. Noblemen weren?t concerned with the dealings of exported goods, and his other profession, if brought up, could land him in their dungeons.

~?Maybe I should leave for the Swan, meet that lovely musician I meet earlier??~ Lancaster pondered.

By this time Iorwerth was getting pretty bored as well, his old friends still were not here. And he had enough of the political talk for an evening. So when he saw somebody look just as bored as he, he moved over there. "You do not seem to be enjoying yourself." He said.

?Ummm? wha?? The distracted merchant popped out of his imagination, bringing himself back to the dreadful reality that was the ball, ?I?m sorry, I was thinking for a second. Forgive me, what is your name??

"Iorwerth." He said simply.

The merchant from Saxony extended his hand, ?The name?s Lancaster Dowell, purveyor of fine wines and other merchantile goods from Saxony, Leoncour, and Normandy. How do you do??

"Well thank you. Wine you say?" The old man stroked his beard. "That sounds like something I should sample. You don't happen to have anything with you tonight?"

"Hmmmm... let me see..." By reaction and instinct, he padded his left pocket for a row of small bottles in his robes. He was shocked to find that his samples were gone. Bitterly, he cursed Nywthon, the priest of the one god who caught him in the act of breaking and entering. The priest left him with no samples for the old man to try. "...sorry, kind sir, but I'm all out, and i'm afraid my competitor, whomever that may be, has supplied this party with wine. I dare not subject you to it."

Iorwerth laughed. This guy had guts, and he liked that. "I am very sorry to hear that, because I am getting to be very curious about your merchandise."

"Do tell, Mr... Iorwerth." Lancaster pried. The old man looked potentially wealthy. Fine clothes, but with no royal crest predominating the design meant he may be in the lord's pay, or a businessman of wealth, "What is your occupation?"

He thought for a second. "I'm a soldier." It was not a lie, and the thing he liked best in his life. "I serve the King."

"Then you must be a fairly important soldier, my good man." Lancaster used his salesman's pitch, "Fine clothes, a taste for wine, and you know what they say about age and wisdom. You must be... let me ponder a guess if I may... a regiment commander, a veteran... king's guard? General? I don't see common soldiers looking quite like yourself."

"You are observant, aren't you?" Iorwerth said "I am indeed a veteran, and the general of the armies."

~"Heh heh..."~ Lancaster thought deviously, ~"Me thinks I hear the clink of gold."~ Lancaster procured himself another flute of fine wine, sipping the concoction slowly to slow the pace of intoxication. He felt a buzz inside his head, a free spirited grip that relaxed and soothed him. Idily, he sat at one of the tables, staring out at the crowds of dancing nobles. "Iorwerth..." He droned, "What posesses these nobles to do what they do? They show off their wealth, throwing lavishly boring parties, trying to always gain the upper hand on each other. And for what? Why the parties, the wealth, the marrying off of kin and the overabundance of excess? Why do they do it while others cannot?"

"Beats me. I never liked them, even if I did throw this one myself. I find the affairs totally boring as I abhor politics, all I want is to defend my country with an honest sword. But the King needs these shows, so he will have them, and I will stand here and smile and every time I count myself lucky that I refuse the job many years ago." The liquor was coursing through his brain, slurring his words and thoughts like a stew.

The bandit drolled, "I do admit, my good man, that my outlook on the noble class is less than cheery. I was once a peasant in Saxony... me father was a farmer, me uncle a poacher. They hung me uncle and me father was dragged to the dungeons during a peasant uprising. And you know why? It was because me and me brothers... that's why." Sadly, a glimmer of wetness permiated his eye as he thought of his kin, "Me father and me uncle... all they wanted was enough food to survive for their families. There was plenty of it... but never enough for the peasants. They rose up because the taxes were so high, and they were alllllll taken away. From that point on, I never could trust the nobles. Greedy buggers... they all are. But at least... they're good for business!" He chuckled hard.

Iorwerth was not drunk, he had been to enough parties to know how to hold his liquor, and this was becoming very interesting. "My wife's family are Saxon, I am sure she would like to meet you. But first tell me exactly what kind of business you do." He thumped the other man on the back." Don't tell me it's all legal." He laughed.

"Why not? It is all legal. I'm a merchant who specializes in fine wines." Lancaster laughed back, "Just because I don't like the nobleman's methods doesn't mean I want to cause them trouble. I'm just another merchant, trying to break the peasant mold. And I can't do that by causing trouble, my good man. No, that's bad for business."

"Like any merchant keeps to the law." Iorwerth laughed. "I know merchants, and I know Saxons. I love my wife, but some of her people..." he shook his head. "But if you are against the abuse of the common people, you have come to the right kingdom. My son is an honourable man, he is doing what he can. In fact he is more loved by the common people than by many of the nobles."

"Wait... excuse me... perhaps it's the wine, but..." The bandit king ventured, "Your son... is the king?"

Yes, poor boy. When I didn't want to do it, there was no way out for him." Iorwerth chuckled. Immediately, the merchant from Saxony picked up his wine glass and lifted himself away from the table,

"Forgive me, my good man, but I believe I should be going."

"no." Iorwerth was faster and stronger and he pulled the other man down again. "It's not often I get the chance to speak to somebody who isn't afraid to speak his mind to me. I enjoy your company. Tell me more about yourself and your business."

"Uhhhh.... That would not be a good suggestion." Lancaster bowed out, "You see, I wouldn't want to disturb the nobles..." He thought of Nywthon and what the priest would do to him and his goods if he so much as breathed near the king's direction, "And must be going, really. Too much to drink, I do say. Now, without further adieu.... adieu. Goodbye!"

"wait!" But Iorwerth could feel his grip slipping, and within seconds the young man was out of reach. It couldn't go after him now, as host of the party he had too much to do. But the general made a mental note to find out more about this interesting character. Lancaster hastily made his escape, breathing heavily and on the verge of panic.

~"Sorry, old man."~ He grumbled, ~"But I can't tell you why, even if you're nice old coot. I doubt you realize just how deep I am... but how can I realize when I don't know what I stepped in? Oh well, better safe than sorry."~ ~"Damn, otherwise..."~ He added, ~"He would have made a great connection."~ The bandit king promptly left the gates of the castle, but as he passed by, he nearly ignored the two guards stationed at the gate. They whirled around, and recognized the merchant's ballroom face. "HEY!" The lead guard barked, "You there! Get back here! You're that..." "Yeah yeah...." Lancaster mumbled, raising a lewd salute to the guards, "I know. What are going to do about it?"

"The Bridge Less Travelled"

- Gwynne
- Nasir
- Sir Arvel (npc)
- Dame Lusiane (npc)
- Felise the squire (npc)

**********

(ooc: the events in this post happen during the day before the evening of the ball)

As the three men came within visual distance of the spires of the castle of Alban, they had one last crossing to negotiate: a small bridge of stone across the Tegid River. They could not have been more than an hour away from their objective. Yet as they emerged from the trees and began to ride down to the bridge, a rider in armour with a long lance mounted a horse next to a white pavilion, and quickly rode down to the bridge ahead of them. A smaller figure walked ahead to the road, and waited for them to approach.

"Hail there and well met!" said Gwynne to this short statured figure. "We travel to Alban," Gwynne smiled reluctantly. "We must pass."

That person turned out to be a small girl, dressed in the manner of a squire. As they drew close, she called out to them. "My lords!" she cried. "None may pass this bridge unless they meet my lady's challenge!"

Gwynne looked at his traveling companions, shrugged and looked back at the small girl, a bit shocked that someone would challenge a knight, a mercenary and a hero.

Arvel shrugged as well and remained quiet, his leg hurt, his back was stiff from riding all day and the last thing he wanted to do was fight.

Nasir, too, made no comment. This was another example of the strangeness, the curiosity, of these people. For women to have such status, and even more interesting the confidence, that they may challenge three warriors on the road was an idea that was so alien to the mercenary that he almost doubted his interpretation of the words he had heard. He sat back in his saddle to watch the knight's reaction in fascination.

"What sort of challenge may this be, lass?" Gwynne asked kindly, he leaned forward placing his forearms on the hub of his horse's saddle and peered down over his horse's neck at the little girl.

"For the love of combat my lord. My lady would joust with thee to knockdown, using rebated weapons. She seeks one stronger than herself, in this kingdom

where a woman is not scorned when taking up arms of battle." The delivery was fluent and practiced, with a slight accent that neither Gwynne nor Nasir recognized. "Should you refuse my lady's challenge, you may pass downstream, three miles hence. But you shall not cross this bridge without being tested."

Nasir leaned casually towards Arvel - Gwynne was busy taking charge of the situation - and mouthed a question. "'Joust?'" It was not a word he had heard before.

Arvel grinned and leaned over towards Nasir, his hand covering his mouth as he spoke, "two horses charging at each other, both riders have long poles and you try to knock the other off the horse," the old knight smiled. He'd done it many times for the nobility of Abertawe and for a hefty sum of shillings.

Nasir felt less enlightened than before the explanation. However, as he tired to picture the strange description on his mind's eye his thoughts went back to the war. He remembered vividly - he had been so impressed - a unit of knights charging forth with heavy horse lances. They had carved a swath through the enemy lines. Such force was unstoppable on open ground. Perhaps this "joust" was some kind of symbolic ritualistic practice with these long lances. Such formal traditions seemed common place in Cei Newydd.

"I accept this woman's challenge, let her know I am a knight of Abertawe, on a mission for the Lord Iorwerth. I am Sir Gwynne Hawley, keeper of the Crest of Topaz and loyal servant to King Gwalchmai," Gwynne spoke eloquently and waited for what the girl would say or do next.

"My mistress is Dame Lusiane of the Isle of Valwyr, daughter of Count Acostant. I speak for her only as she is mute from birth: be assured, noble knight of Abertawe, that she extends her admiration for thy bravery and courage. If you would my lord, you may obtain a lance to your liking." The young squire indicated to a improvised 'rack' of long, blunted poles to one side of the pavilion, made from forest timber. She then bowed rather gracefully and left to attend to the waiting knight on the bridge.

Gwynne walked over to look over the lance's. the first one he looked at was to heavy and didn't feel right, the second one was too heavy and the third one was two short and he didn't trust the end of the lance. He picked up the fourth one, and liked it instantly, he directed it upward, held like a professional knight and walked to his horse. He put the eye shield down over his eyes, made sure his chainmail was secure around his chest, tied his shield to his left forearm and trotted his horse to line up for the joust. Gwynne's colors had always been blue and yellow, his shield had a ornate eagle on it, strewn in gold with wings outstretched, the rest of the shield was a deep blue of his family's crest.

The squire appeared to have words with the Dame, and the rider then kicked her horse into motion, moving forward to take up a position for the first pass. Gwynne could see that her armor was a standard, somewhat poor set of cuirbouilli leather, and the woollen jerkin that covered it was old and faded. Her shield was blank metal, with no charge or colour to the field whatsoever. She gave a salute to Sir Gwynne, bringing her left arm accross her body to grip the upraised lance.

Gwynne saluted with a resolute honor, bowing his head to the Dame and then turned to the lady's squire. He waited a few minutes and then finally the signal to begin was given. Gwynne rode his horse fast and lined up the lance right at the woman's side. The perfect place to knock her off her mount, but at the same time not injure her too much.

The speed of the horse grew with each second. Gallop, aim, gallop, aim. And when the two horses were close enough, the two lances connected in a whirlwind of metal, splintered wood and a great sound of the lady's shield connected to the lance. Neither knight had been unseated. Gwynne had connected but the Dame remained. Her shield was dented about an inch from the collision with Gwynne's lance. He took another lance, as did the Dame on the other end and they sized each other up for another pass.

This time Gwynne gathered more speed form his trusty mount, and as the two knights came closer Gwynne leaned forward, aimed true and his lance connected against her leg, knocking it out of the saddle. But still she remained, Gwynne had been knocked backward and would have a nice large bruise from the second volley, but he too remained atop his mount.

This Dame was quite good, she should be considered for Knighthood in Abertawe if her politics lined up correctly with the King's.

Gwynne and the Dame spent a few minutes choosing another lance and then readied their mounts for one final pass. Gwynne had been wondering what her weakness was and had found it on the last pass. Though he had a horrid headache, he would make sure that he would do his King and country proud.

This time Gwynne held his lance lower, aimed for the horse's front shoulder as they both galloped hard towards one another. The horse saw the lance coming at him and flinched just a bit, giving Gwynne the angle he needed, he moved the lance so it was aimed at her shoulder and held the lance tight, he pushed as his steed charged and the Dame fell backward, rolled off her horse and slammed onto the hard ground below.

Gwynne flew off the saddle and was to the Dame's side as quick as possible, "Lass are you okay?" he asked frantically concerned that he'd gone too far and hurt her. "I am sorry lass, I did not mean for that to be so harsh against you, I am sorry that I did not hold back considering your gender," Gwynne replied. "You fought well and bravely," he encouraged her.

Lusiane got to her feet, stumbling away from Gwynne angrily. She pushed back the leather coif from her head, revealing short-cropped brown hair and brown eyes, that glared at him with furious intensity. She was comely, but by no means a match for the looks of certain other women Gwynne had witnessed in his life, such as Morgan, or even Arianna. Her eyes in particular were broad, and her face somewhat angular. She was the same height as Gywnne however, and quite muscular. She continued to stare at him for a few moments in distaste: then she snorted and turned away, walking back to her pavillion. She made a few hand gestures at her squire.

"My lord," said the squire. "Dame Lusiane would offer you refreshment and an answer." She indicated to the pavillion.

Gwynne turned around to Arvel and Nasir and waved them to come and follow him. He then removed his helm, carrying it underneath his arm, he walked into the pavilion, his hand gently resting on the handle of his sword. He smiled kindly at the lass and bowed his head slightly. "I thank you for the refreshment Dame Lusiane," Gwynne replied. Nasir felt a mixture of bemusement and amusement. There was clearly a tension here beneath the polite words. The mercenary tried to see beyond what was said for a sense of what was not.

For her part, Lusiane ignored the crested knight, taking a seat on one of several stools in the middle of a large woven rug. Despite the blow she had suffered from the Knight of Topaz, she showed no ill effects whatsoever, settling onto the seat with her hands clasped on her knees and her eyes closed. As her squire set about providing them with cups of light ale from a small cask, they had a chance to examine their surroundings. The pavillion around them was quite Spartan and bare: two crude beds were made up to one side, and several large packs were arranged neatly on the ground to the other side, underneath a rope that had been set up as a clothesline. Her squire handed each of them a cup and bade each one of the three warriors sit in turn. Then she stood to one side, and waited. She had offered no drink to the Dame, and an uncomfortable silence ensued. Lusiane still had not opened her eyes.

Gwynne smiled politely at the Dame and then at her squire. "Thank you lass," he motioned to the squire, raising the cup of ale he held in his hand. "Have you thought about serving the King, Dame Lusiane?" Gwynne asked. "For he does accept female knights, if they joust as good as you do. I do believe you have other knightly gifts? Swordplay? The Bow perhaps?" Gwynne asked kindly.

Sir Arvel sat in silence, drinking his ale, there was no way he was getting involved in this. He still didn't know what to think of Nasir, now this female? He harrumphed and continued drinking his ale.

A voice spoke, like the ringing of many delicate small bells:

"A white rose in bloom
veiled by death
only the buyer
will see it's beauty
delivered unto them
by hands owed a debt
of life."

Finished, Lusiane opened her eyes and blinked. Her squire was there in an instant, with a goblet of the mead, which she took with a smile. Her early anger was apparently gone for the moment.

Gwynne looked on a bit bewildered as to the meaning of this. Was this a riddle? Her favorite poem? He didn't recognize the poem from any books he had read, and that was an extensive list. Arvel looked to Gwynne, shrugging his shoulders, and then both men looked to Nasir.

The mercenary was thinking two things at that point. The first was that the verse sounded like poetry translated from its original language but then as he heard the last part he was almost shocked. He was only here because he was owed a debt of life. Was he being expected to perform some task? Unfortunately none of the rest of the verse made a lot of sense to him. He made a small shrugging gesture to his companions.

"You now have your answer, Sir Gwynne. The reward for your victory," said the squire. "You and your companions may take rest and travel on as you wish. The Dame also thanks you for your offer, but she will remain until one bests her in honorable combat." Lusiane frowned, but looked somehow content with her squire's assessment.

Whatever passed between the three men was silent, and remained that way. For no sooner had they taken their refreshment, than the urgency of their mission came upon them. Giving excuses to their host, they were soon mounted back on weary horses, and riding swiftly towards the castle and a meeting with with King.

"Do I Have to Go",br> Sir Shannon
Squire

Shannon had been toiling away in the forge and in the field training new warriors since returning from the expedition. Now he was putting the finishing touches upon his dress armor which he had just completed. ' A summons to the court for a ball.....I have no idea what to do in a ball ! ' he thought while polishing the breast plate to a mirror finish. Inspecting his work and finally satisified that it would be presentable for the king and all of the Lords and Ladies he turned his attention to his new sword. He had made the scabbard to match his breastplate and leggings. The hilt was fashioned into a cross in honor of his mother's wish for him to be a priest. Upon the top of the hilt was a round black stone of onyx to honor the King's decision to name him the knight of onyx. ' I hope that I dont make too big a fool of myself, if I do perhaps his majesty will demote me to jester' a wry grim upon his blackened face. He was more nervous thn he had been since arriving here. ' I shouldnt keep to myself so much, then these things would be easier.' He placed his new suit of armour upon the rack which the carpenters had made for him. " Well if I am to be a knight I guess I should start looking the part." He said, not realizing he was thinking aloud.

"I think the first step, milord, would be a bath." His squire said with quiet tones. "I have had one prepared for you in your rooms."

Shannon smiled, "Ahh yes a bath, I suppose that wouldnt hurt." Looking at his soot blackened face in the reflection in his new armour. "So what is the word around about this ball? I know that you are privy to such information."

"Only that it is to be a grand affair and most likely every noble in the nearby lands will be there." The squire said as he led his lord to his rooms to bathe.

"A grand affair?" He let out a long sigh. "THe last grand affair that I attended was a christening. I am not sure that I am prepared." He said in a worried tone.

"One is never prepared, one just does." His squire intoned back to him a lesson he himself had taught.

"So the student learns well!" Shannon said with a smile. "And the teacher learns to heed his own lessons." He opened the door to his chambers and began to disrobe. "So how long does one need to stay at such a gathering? I do not wish to outstay my welcome there."

"Till the ball is over or till you have said your hello's to all that is proper." The squire answered laying out clean clothes he had prepared for his knight

Shannon thought on this, it sounded so simple, yet it frightened him. Since becoming a knight he had spent most of his time in the forge. Most the other knights he had seen didn't realize that one of the smiths toiling away there was also a knight. It wasnt that he didnt wish to be part court it was that he didnt know how. Scrubbing the grime from his body he sang a simple tune that he had learned as a child. Finally feeling and looking clean enough for court he dried and dressed. "Do you think that my armour is too much for such an occasion?" He said to his seemingly all knowing squire.

"Yes, milord. I checked below. None of the other knights are in armour this eve." He smiled at his lord who knew so much about fighting and so little about his peers.

"You mean that I went to all that work for naught??" His voice full of exasperation. "If I had showed up in full armour I would have been the laughingstock of the whole palace." He turned to his squire, " Were you going to allow me to do that??"

"No Sir, I just figured you were working out frustration." His squire answered. "I had suitable clothing prepared for you."

Shannon smiled, "Ahh what would I do without you showing me the way??" After he was fully dressed he looked in the mirror. Shaking his head with a wry grin upon his face, "Well I suppose that I am suitable thanks to you."

"You will cut quite a dash if I dare say so, Sir." the squire smiled at his mentor with glee. He knew he would dress up a fine gentleman.

"You were gifted with a silver tounge." Shannon smiled at his young squire. "If only I had such the gift." chuckling at his reflection. "Are you going?" Shannon asked turning to his apprentice.

"No Sir, I have me a meeting with a young maid this night." He answered with a wry grin.

"Ahh the one with the long raven hair??" Shannon smiled wiht approval.

His squire blushed and nodded. He handed the knight his tabard and stood back with approval. The man looked as good as any other noble except the uncomfortable stance he had taken up.

"Well it will all be over tomorrow, I only have to suffer tonight and then I can get back to work in the forge." He said with a sigh.

"If you don't go, the ball will be over before you arrive." The squire chided.

"Very well, I am on my way." Shannon headed for the door. "Have a good eve with your lass."

The squire watched as his lord left for the ball. He sighed. Better late then never.

A continued Dance

Gwilym ap Gavin - Earl of Westcliffe
Baroness Gwyn - NPC
The song had ended and Gwilym felt rejoiced dancing with Gwyn. He knew that many men had been staring not only because he was newly titled and widely unknown, but also because he was the one who got Gwyn on the dance floor not only once but two times in a row. Seeing the boys over in the corner of the ballroom laughing, Gwilym decided it was time he met the future baron. "Gwyn," he said as he led her off of the dance floor, "I would like to meet your son now, if that is ok with you." A strange eagerness existed in Gwilym's eyes. Gwilym had never had the opportunity to have children and none of the men he called friends had any either, there was something in meeting this young man that made the confrontation seem special.

"Oh, I? I guess that would be all right." She led him over to the edge of the floor where her son stood with some other boys. She took a deep breath and then approached her son. "Llywen, this is the Earl Gwilym ap Gavin. This is my son, Llywen, the future baron of Waterford." She smiled gently at her son. The boy had dark red hair and piercing blue eyes.

He looked at Gwilym with quiet assessment."Greetings milord, it tis my pleasure to meet you." Llywen said as he bowed politely."Gwilym chuckled. "No lad, I think the pleasure is mine," Gwilym replied bowing to the future baron. "How are you enjoying the Ball this eve, my young baron in waiting?" Gwilym could see hints of Gwyn in the youth, but figured the red hair must have come from the father. Llywen had eyes like a noble, the ones that see everything while looking straight ahead. There was strength in observation and the lad had potential.

Llywen looked across the room and smiled. "Why the princess Rowena of course." He watched her as she laughed amongst some other young girls.

"Llywen." Gwyn scolded out of shock. "Do not announce such things, she is a princess of the royal house. You are to young to decide such things."

"Your mother is right, lad," Gwilym said with a smile, "remember that. King Hawk is a firm believer in love, so in order to gain her hand in marriage you must win her heart. What does she think of such things?"

"She doesn't think of such things. She thinks she is going to be a druidess and live in the forest." He said with a grin. "But I will change her mind."

Gwilym laughed, "good luck, Young Baron of Waterford. When it comes to the wills of the gods, we are but pawns. If she feels the calling to become a druidess, then you must be prepared to marry a druidess, or begin your search in another direction."

"Oh, do not encourage him." Gwyn scolded. "He reaches to far above his station." She blushed at the thought of a marriage to the royal house.

Gwilym chuckled as he held out his arm to escort Gwyn, "yes, milady. You are correct." Gwilym bowed his head at the lad, "It has been a pleasure to meet you, young Llywen. If you ever need someone to talk with, do not be afraid to call on me. Enjoy the time spent with your friends this eve."

"I will milord." Llywen bowed low and then winked at his mother causing her to blush further. He then turned and rejoined his friends.

Gwilym watched the lad leave before he spoke to Gwyn, "you are doing a fine job with him. He is young and arrogant like most boys, as was I, but his eyes will tell you he pays attention to all that is going on around him. He will do well with the barony when his time comes."

"He dreams large, I fear his quest for more will lead him astray." Gwyn answered watching her son. Her eyes flitted to the young princess and she shook her head. "I do not know where he got that idea, I assure you it did not come from me."

"The idea was his own. Another positive note that he thinks for himself. I held that same chord with Glenda when I was a youth, and I ended up marrying her. If it was meant to be, then it will happen. If it wasn't, then he'll know and change his course." Gwilym enjoying seeing the motherly passion in her.

"My husband had planned to foster him out so that he might learn under a knight. But... I have been reluctant not to have his assistance at home. I suppose I cheat him." She looked up at Gwilym, her eyes showing uncertainty for the first time since he had met her.

"I would not say that you cheat him, but I would agree with knightly tutorship. Have you ever spoken with him to see what he wishes?" Gwilym had always wanted to be a knight as with most boys who dream of damsels in distress.

"Nay, I have been afraid to have him leave my side. If his father's death was not an accident, what if he was removed as well. I could not bear it." Her eyes watered with the imagined emotions. She squeezed his arm. "I guess I fear losing more of my family. He does have two siblings but both are girls."

Gwilym placed his hands in an attempt to provide a little comfort. "All will be fine, milady. Just chose a knight with the favor of King Hawk. You can rest assured that I will check on his progress from time to time." Gwilym decided to change the topic, as he came to realize he had no real say in the matter anyway. "Now, about these daughters, tell me more."

"I have two daughters as different as night and day. One is sweet, refined and proper and the other I am constantly pulling from the trough, haypile or some other item she has ensconced herself into." Gwyn smiled even though she was complaining. It was clear she loved her children very much. "Catrin is only seven and you would think she is the older. Glenda is nine and constantly into a scrape of some sort. The other day I actually caught her fighting with one of the stable lads." Gwyn laughed. "She has a wild spirit but the most loving of hearts. It turned out that the lad had been teasing a kitten and she took exception to it and decided to teach him a lesson her way."

Gwilym felt slightly saddened at the mention of hearing one of her daughter's names was Glenda but could not help but laugh at the story, "your daughters sound wonderful. I cannot wait to meet them as well. Did you say that you brought all of your family with you to Alban?" Gwilym immediately felt concern for the children if they were at the estate.

"Yes, we have a small house here in the city. It is nothing lavish but it is clean and comfortable." Gwyn smiled at Gwilym. "Your concern is very flattering."

Gwilym's face turned a little red, "I cannot help but worry for your safety." He realized that his reply seemed somehow inadequate. "Could I escort you home when the evening has come to an end?"Gwyn smiled. "We would be honored, your grace." It was the first time she had remembered his new title and standing. Perhaps a lowly baroness was beneath him now, the concern flashed in her eyes for a brief moment. Gwyn hated her eyes for they always told what she would not rather say. "It is best I dance with another now, it would not be seemly to cause the gossips further excitement."

Gwilym felt confused from the look in her eyes, "Milady, have I offended you?" Gwilym couldn't bear to let her walk away like this with some problem looming over head.

Gwyn smiled slightly, "Nay, milord, but your consequence is higher now and it would not be right for me to be seen with you all evening. I am sure there are many others dying to have conversation or a dance."

Gwilym returned the smile, "Milady, I will go and mingle elsewhere, if that is your wish, but know that it is not what my heart desires." Gwilym reached out and kissed her hand. "I do still get to walk you home, don't I?"

"Most certainly, I look forward to it." She pulled her hand slowly away from his, reluctant to do so. But she knew for the sake of appearances that it was necessary. She moved away to join a group of women leaving him to his own devices.

"Are You Sure?"

Gwilym ap Gavin - Earl of Westcliffe
King Hawk

"How are things going," the King asked his friend when they had a moment together again. He was glad that he had been able to rest for a moment, with the healer, he was more tired then he was willing to admit.

"I feel that things are going well," Gwilym chuckled, "at lot better than when the evening first started."

Hawk smiled, "Diora just tended to my wounds again. She is a remarkable woman."

Gwilym wondered where this was going, "aye, that she is. She will hold a special place in my heart no matter the occurance."

"Yes," Hawk said. "A woman like that could give you a lot of attention, the Baroness is a wonderful woman, I have a lot of respect for her, but she would always have her own concerns. I was in love with a woman like her once, I lost her." hawk knew he could never love Diora, for him she was too much like Audrey. And he was very much afraid that he had lost his heart again to Arianna. Not that he was willing to admit that to himself yet.

"I am afraid I had to consider that from both perspectives. Diora one day is expected to take the highest seat of the druid order. Though she believes that she will have the time it takes to be a mother and a wife, I have my doubts. Gwyn's concern is turning over the barony to her son when he has proven ready and nothing more. It was not the only reason I chose as I did, but it was in fact one of the main ones." Gwilym smiled at Hawk. He began feeling better about his decision as he spoke with his friend. "Besides," Gwilym said with a chuckle, "wasn't it you, back at your sister's house just a short while ago, that gave me his blessing to marry the lovely baroness?" Gwilym gave the king a quick wink.

"I guess so." But from his tone of voice it was clear that the king was not sure at all. And indeed he was not sure that his friend had made the right decision, in any case he would have hoped that Gwylim would have taken more time to think about it. Yet he did not see it as his place to say so. And he did not want to risk that friendship over this, his new friend was too important to him.

"Please, Hawk, speak freely. We are friends, so there should be no fears with me." Gwilym could tell that the king had a bigger opinion than the one he was expressing. It was from the tone of his voice.

"I think you have acted hastily. You have known both women only a short time, not long enough to know what they are really like. I had hoped that you would give it more time. Do you know if Diora really wants to be high priestess? Maybe she would be happier as a wife and a mother. Gwyn will always be somebody who was raised with politics, and she is after all a peer of the realm. You must also think of an heir my friend, she is not very young anymore." That's why he had no reason to marry again, he already had a son.

Gwilym listened carefully to the king's words before responding, "Well, my first concern was to make a decision. I do not believe it fair for me to bring them both along until I decide what it is I want. I cannot happily accept running from one woman to the other. It would confuse me and in turn make things worse for them. My choice made was that I would get to know one first before deciding if it should go further. If it does not, then I will go to the other fully aware that she may not give me a second chance." Gwilym was hoping he made a little sense. He wasn't choosing a bride, just which one he wanted to get to know more.

Gwilym paused and took a deep breath, "as for Gwyn and heirs, she had told me back in the beginning when we were at Baron McCullen's house, that children still interest her. Though I concern myself not with heirs per say but rather having a family of my own, one from my own blood."

Hawk just looked at him. "Can you look me in my eyes and tell me that you are one hundred percent sure that you made the right choice? If you can, I will not bother you about this again."

Gwilym tried to appear as if he knew what he was doing though his face showed different, "I am not positive, but until you marry, there is no way to be one hundred percent absolute. I am sure that it is Gwyn that I wish to learn more about. From there, I place the rest up to fate."

"If you are sure, I will not bother you about it again." Hawk said. "I hope you will be happy."

Gwilym smiled to Hawk, "By all means, intervene whenever you see a potential problem. The gods know I am not always the best judge of character." It made Gwilym happy to see Hawk concerned. It meant Hawk cared, and friends like that were hard to come by.

"It is your love life, and you have made a choice. It doesn't matter that I do not agree with it. I will stand by you, whatever you decide, be sure of that." He smiled and embraced his friend. "Now let's get back to the party." Gwilym smiled, "Aye, let's continue this party."

"Unwanted Meeting"

Jon Sanglant, Earl of Abertawe
King Hawk

When the King walked away Jon said good day to the Baron and his son and walked off after the King. "Good day your Majesty, this is a wonderful ball." Jon said with a bow. "May I speak with you for a short time?"

"Thank you, my lord." Hawk said, immediately on his guard. It was not like Sanglet to be friendly without a reason. and their last couple of encounters had been difficult. "Certainly, tonight I have time for all my people."

"Your Majesty, I am sorry but I think we might of gotten off on the wrong foot. It was never my desire to look as if I do not support the Crown. I see you as an ideal leader for our Kingdom." Jon said, thinking that it was a Kingdom he wouldn't mind being the leader of one day.

"I am glad to hear that." Hawk said, not believing a word of what the other was saying, Sanglet would always be an enemy, but he was an enemy Hawk would like to keep close. "Let's indeed forget al the unpleasantness between you and my family, and make a new start."

"All has been forgotten." Jon said with a smile. "After the Ball could we get a chance to talk business. say tomorrow?" Jon said with a curious look on his face.

Hawk kept his face impassive, but he imagined it must hurt the man that he and his father had taken much of their business elsewhere the last couple of months. He knew very well that the royal orders were a large part of the Duke's income.

"I think I have time tomorrow. If you come by my office in the afternoon, I am sure my aid can find time for you, my lord." Hawk said with a friendly smile.

"I should be able to get to your office tomorrow, but if not I will talk to your aide, well it was good talking to you again and I hope we can have many years of pleasantries and prosperity's." Jon said with a bow

"I wish the same, my lord." Hawk said. But he was glad to see Sanglet go.

- Arianna ui Llewellyn
- Iorwerth ap Greidawl
- King Hawk
- Sir Gwynne Hawley
- Niall ap Drystan
- Diora di`Annagar

Earl Moryver - NPC
Arvel - NPC
Llewellyn - NPC
Nwython - NPC
**********

Arianna pushed Llewellyn in the back with all of her force knocking him to the ground. The ballroom floor immediately cleared to make room for the confrontation as Arianna removed her flared dress skirt. Underneath she wore a pair of pants with a scabbard attached to her leg from which she immediately drew her blade. She eyed him ignoring the crowd around them. "I am Arianna ui Llewellyn, bastard daughter. My mother was Veralyn ui Moryver. You killed her to save your political career, but you failed to kill me. As a knight of Abertawe I challenge you in a dual to the death for the murder of my mother. I represent the House of Earl Moryver, father of Veralyn."

Arianna's eyes were cold like ice as the penetrated the eyes of her father. Holding the ring once given to Veralyn by Llewellyn, Arianna threw it to the floor in front of where he lay. "That was the price you paid to bed her," Arianna scraped her sword tip on the ground by Llewellyn's feet, "this is the price you're going to pay for laying her to rest."

Hawk suddenly came aware that something was happening. Throughout the evening he had kept one eye on Arianna. He came to her side too late to hear what was going on, but he was frightened to see Llewelyn on the ground, and Arianna standing there like a fury. He had never seen her like this.

"Tell me what is going on here." He said acting like the King now.

Llewelyn managed to get to his feet, he was staring at the reincarnation in front of him. His face had drained of color and he hardly heard the king. He stared as if struck dumb at the furious apparition in front of him.

* Back in a private room *

"Is she really Llewelyn's daughter?" Iorwerth asked. "Who is her mother?"

"Aye milord, it seems that she may be so, her mother's name is-" Just as Arvel was about to reveal Arianna's mother's name.

Screams and gasps filled the ears of the gentlemen cutting Iowerth off during the discussion. An interruption obviously emanating from the ballroom.

Iorwerth moved at once, but because the scene had attracted a crowd, it took him awhile to get there to see his friend Llewelyn on the ground and his son confronting Arianna.

"Llewelyn, Arianna!" The King demanded.

"Arianna glanced for a second to make eye contact with Moryver. She then turned her head to continuing staring in the eyes of the shocked Llewellyn. She dare not look at the king, but she knew she had the right to challenge, and she wasn't going to back down, "as I have said, My Liege, Llewellyn is my father. The man found fun in a woman he thought was a peasant only to mistakenly get her pregnant. To keep from being disgraced, he had her killed." Arianna noticed Iowerth run up next to the king followed by her stepfather and Sir Gwynne. "The man I call father can attest to this, Sire. He was the one who saved my life and took me in." Arianna's eyes fell upon Arvel's making it easy for the king to see who she was referring to. "What Llewellyn didn't know was that Veralyn was the daughter of Earl Moryver."

Arianna stepped closer to Llewellyn, "I am the proof of your murder you bastard! Accept my challenge or not. I still intend to run you through!" Arianna held up her sword so that the point was aimed at Llewellyn's heart.

"Then strike true child, for I could not harm a hair upon thy head. I did not have your mother killed, though my heart died with her the day they lay her to rest." Llewellyn did not make a move to pull his sword. His eyes held Arianna's and there was a mist of tears within them. "And had I known you existed, a day would not have gone by that I did not look for thee."

Diora quietly walked up behind Arianna. "Arianna, sweetness" Her voice was a song and even the wildest rage would break when this tone was given. "You must hear him out before you do something wrong. Sister dear, you think he may have wronged you but something tells me that it's not the case. Just hear him out. Put down your sword." She lightly touched Arianna's left arm. Something happened in that moment, it was if the lady was speaking through Diora. Time slowed in that moment and an affinity was between them. "It was not him that wronged you. Look at me...I speak true." She held onto Arianna's arm the whole time.

Moryver finally interjected, wading into the drama with red-faced anger. "This woman knows nothing of what happened! She is barely older than you, and her claims are a meddling affront! The winner of a rightful challenge will be vindicated with victory... 'tis a knight's claim for justice that cannot be denied in matters of family honour. EVERYONE here understands this. Listen not to their lies and stand firm in your belief!"

Nwython looked on in amusement, after making sure that it was clear the King wasn't under threat. The timing for all this was horribly wrong. Spectacular, yes. But there was too much interference from the arguments of others around the female knight. And legitimate challenge or not, he knew enough about the King to know that he would never allow it, despite tradition. It was certainly proving to be an interesting evening.

"Enough!!" Iorwerth bellowed. He was angry and disappointed with Arianna for acting like this. "You are not going to kill anybody, young lady. And I'm certainly not going to allow you to fight a duel with your father. We will go to a private room and there we will talk about this mess, so you cannot make a further spectacle of yourself out here." He watched her intently, she still had the sword at Llewelyn's throat, and he could not take the risk to disarm her. He only hoped that he had enough influence over her to make her see reason.

"Please Arianna, listen to my father," Hawk said, trying to catch her eye.

Arianna tried to block all of the pleas and chides from those around her, but it was obviously not working even though her eyes remained fixed on her father's. She refused to say anything or to give ground.

Diora's blue eyes looked into Duke Moryver's eyes and through into his soul. "I know of the pain you hold Milord." She sang quietly. "I suggest you hear things through."

After a few moments, Moryver seemed to resist the gaze of the young priestess. "How on earth could you know my pain? Your presumption is beyond belief, young woman. When you give birth to something precious, that you then lose to a murderer... then perhaps can you lecture me of pain."

Diora said nothing for a moment. "I am being guided Milord, I don't know how, but I am being told. Your grief has been long un-avenged and it will be avenged." She lightly touched his shoulder and spoke quietly. "May the lady grant you peace." As she touched his shoulder a strong feeling of love washed over him. She let go of him and silently moved away and stepped towards Arianna.

Arianna's head began to swim with everyone's chatting going on around her, and it seemed the more out of focus it made her, the higher the risk of ending Llewellyn's life. Tears welled in her eyes, but her sword remained steady, "My king, I will remain steady to hear whatever needs to be said, but my formal challenge stands. If you decide to arrest me or even behead me, I accept your punishment, as long as you are willing to punish this man in the same manner. I have earned a right to his life, and my challenge is within the laws of Abertawe."

Niall heard the accusation and was shocked. He thought the story of his life was bad, but for her father to kill her mother, well... it made Niall disgusted. "Arianna," Niall said from the back of the group making his way forward to stand beside Arianna's grandfather, Moryver, "I am behind you and would kill him myself." Anger flared in his eyes as he continued to think of his parents and how much he would love to kill them himself.

"Arianna," Hawk said again, very softly. "I know this man. I can't believe he did a thing like this. But for now cariad. Listen to him, don't act in haste. I promise you will get your chance at a duel if you don't change your mind. But for now, hand me the sword, and we will talk privately. I give you my word." He held out his hand, and waited patiently.

Diora noticed Niall, "Peace, Niall. There was much that has happened. I know you are angry but the truth has not come out yet. Now is the time to listen." She smiled to him, Diora knew much of what she spoke of did not make much sense even to her but she still spoke truth.

Llewelyn had said nothing since telling Arianna to strike true. His eyes had not waivered from her face. It was as if he were memorizing every detail. His eyes still held a mist of emotion and he seemed oblivious to all around him except the young woman with the sword in front of him.

Arianna was in tears now and finally pulled her gaze from Llewellyn. Feeling lost, she looked from King to Llewellyn and then to Moryver. As her eyes raced between the three, she felt as if she was spinning uncontrollably. "Grandfather . Grandfather ." she said looking for guidance and feeling hopeless. The voices of those around her slowed and deepened until they drifted in the background. Arianna lowered her sword as her strength gave out, and she fainted into Hawk's arms...

"A Quiet Conversation before the Storm"

Diora di'Annagar
Niall ap Drystan

Diora wandered around for a little while. She didn't notice that she was walking in the direction of Niall. So much had been going on and it was so much for her to take in. She literally bumped into Niall. "Oh, I am sorry. I wasn't paying any attention to where I was going." She said aimlessly. She looked up and a look of relief was on her face when she realized it was Niall.

Niall was feeling completely out of place. He had made a few contacts for the sale of horses and hawks mostly, but that was it, and he didn't speak as fluently as he did wearing his coveralls while down on his ranch. As each moment passed Niall got a little more nervous until something pushed him from the back startling him. He jumped back and relief spread on his face as he stared at Diora. "It is alright, Lady Diora, though I must admit, I am a hard target to miss." He smiled down at the beautiful druid.

She sighed. "This night hasn't been as wondrous as I thought. I keep thinking I should have stayed within. I have this dreadful feeling that something is about to happen. Something that isn't pleasant and I cannot shake it." She looked up at Niall, her blue eyes were as clear as a mountain lake. She was trembling a little bit and every so often she looked around.

Niall was a little slow in the head but could easily tell there was something wrong. Never having been mentally equiped to handle situations such as this, he just smiled and looked around, "am I supposed to do something?" He knew the question had come out wrong but hoped the intent was taken still polite.

Diora looked down at her shoes and sighed for a moment. "I don't know what to do. I guess just keep me company as you have so wonderfully earlier this evening." She looked back at him and tried to smile.

Niall chuckles with his deep voice, "Aw, that's easy. For a minute there, I thought you was gonna ask me to go rough someone up. I wasn't looking forward to getting kicked out of my first Ball."

"Naw...If that was the case then you would not be the only one kicked out. Besides, I'm not important enough for someone to try and steal me away...I hope not anyways." She said quietly and mumbled the last phrase.

"I don't know why not. I think Druids are the most important people. I don't care much for courts and governments. They squabble over what is best for them while claiming to have the people in their best interests. I admit that there are a few who truly do care about the people, but they are indeed that ... few. Now druids, such as yourselves, have always seemed to care about the people, or at least you have me fooled into believing that. Either way, it makes me happy."

"You are so sweet...sometimes I forget myself, or try to anyways. Caring for people is what I live for. So, nae I have not fooled you in anyway. You are refreshing, Niall, did you know that. I sometimes forget how suffocating court life can be."

"So I do not see you with Gwilym, how come?" Niall had heard the rumors about the two but that quickly changed when Gwilym started dancing with some baroness. He could feel that Diora was saddened from the event, but Niall was a tad bit too curious to think about her feelings until he had stupidly asked the question. "Aw, I'm sorry if I asked something I shouldn't have." Niall lowered his eyes saddened from the possibility of hurting Diora. Personally, he thought Gwilym was a fool for not being with Diora.

Diora sighed and absentmindedly wiped a stray tear, but she remained composed. "Aye, he has chosen the Baronness, but somehow that choice was a wrong one. I can't explain tis something that the Lady is working and it's a choice that Gwilym must make." She looked up at him as she knew he understood her heart. "Sweet Niall, you have not upset me as I was already upset by things. In some ways the Earl will always have a piece of my heart, but he has made it clear that he would rather stay with the Baroness and did not want me to stop in what I do or to love another because of that choice." She sighed thinking somehow it was noble of Gwilym to speak such things. "I don't think Gwilym knows himself how love is supposed to be, or if he's in love at all? But he knows my heart as I have told him how I felt."

Niall eyes filled with sorrow for Diora but also something else, "I am jealous of Gwilym, do you think the goddess will forgive me? Gwilym has two beautiful women with which he is complicated as to whom to chose. I stand by and watch day, month, and year and know that I was given horrible looks and will not find love."

Niall sighed, "I watched the beautiful Jolene, a female bardess, confused in love, and now I see you in turmoil, and I beg the goddess just once to let someone like yourself find love in me for I would never break your heart. Yet, it never happens. The truth is, the reason I have never contemplated being a druid is my resentment for making me the way I am ... ugly and lonely." Niall did not cry. He had dealt with this all of his life and the hurt was now gone. All that remained was a deep wound which never heals.

Diora was taken aback. Here was a kind, sweet and gentle man who was basically professing his love. "Niall, the Lady will forgive you. Jealousy is common. My turmoil will cease and I will be at peace." She was quiet for a time. "I never knew you felt that way."

Niall shrugged, "I figure it didn't really matter if I said anything. I knew you were too pretty to find fancy in some one like me." Niall looked into the crowd fearful of looking at her. He knew that the realm of love was far out of reach for one like him and didn't wish to spend any more time dwelling on it.

"How do you know that is not the case? I look into someone more than what is on the outside." She watched the crowd as well for she knew that once she started this again she would lose all sense. "I am dumbfounded and blind that I did not see this sooner. You really care a great deal for me." She stopped and said very quietly. "I do have a fondness for you, though know this I do not plan to marry for awhile. The lady still has plans yet for me before she lets me have the family I wish." At that she hugged herself. She did not know how he would take what she had said.

Niall shook off his emotions as he had done som any times in the past, "all will be fine. I know your heart is with Gwilym and I am ok with that. I believe I was given the appearance I have, because the gods wished me to remain single, as if there was something important that I am to accomplish." Niall had found this rationale easier to accept than admitting he was just plain ugly and not wanted by any ... except for the ones who would do anything for coin. Even they asked for twice as much to be with him than any other. He felt that Diora was trying to be polite, and he could respect that. A woman in her position of beauty would always chose a Gwilym over a Niall.

"Know this...I do love you, Niall as my friend and that is a deeper rooted love than one can ever ask for." She smiled as she had spoken true. She was not just being polite. "Come and dance with me again, for I fear it may be the last one I'll get to have this eve, and I would be honored if it was with you."

Niall knew that it was all he could ask for and smiled with his big boyish grin. "AAwww. Ok." Was all he could say as he held Diora's hand and led her to the dance floor.

"Vistors from Afar"

- Renny Alberwine
- Nia & Edmund (NPC)
- Tathal, Owain, Brugyn, Gwern, unknown nobble (NPC)

**********

Renny found the door to Edmund's room ajar. Showing some caution, she snuck up to the and peered in, to see Nia huddled up against one of the walls, a fearful expression on her features. Shifting her gaze, she could now see the source of hushed voices: the room was full of men. A group of three were gathered around the bed, while one kept a watchful eye on Nia, and another looked about the room, as if searching for something. They wore a travelling kit, and were armed with swords.

Eyes wide, she cursed the luck that her companions were drunk. She'd deal with this lot. Threatening her friends, her fiancee, she wouldn't stand for it! Knocking on the door, she waited patiently for someone to answer. "Excuse me! Nia! Are you ready yet?" she called, raising her voice. She affected a bored, high voice. Luckily she wasn't out of her clothes yet, with luck those three would assume she was too 'fragile' and 'feminine' to do much.

She patted her boot with a grim smile, dagger in place she'd teach'em a lesson they wouldn't forget.

The door swung open quickly and a hand grabbed her and yanked her inside. All of the men, apart from one seated next to the bed, turned to look at her, a mixture of alarm and suspicion on their faces. The man who had been wandering around the room, now held her firmly by the arm, a frown on his face. "Who are you?" he demanded sourly.

"Who am I? WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Renny exclaimed, shoving the man's arm off her. "I leave for mere moments and my room is jammed with people I don't know, frightening my friend and my--" she stopped, eying them with wariness. Were they here for Nia, Edmund or herself? She drew herself up straighter and glared at the men in turn. "My name is Lady Renalla ap Capall." she said haughtily.

The man in front of her frowned for a moment, confused as to why Renny had used 'ap' instead of 'ui'. He had long brown hair tied back in a tail, and a thick neck that merged into broad and solid shoulders. The bulky forearms that protruded out from under the shorter sleeves of his jerkin hid nothing of his apparent strength. From where Renny was, she could see that the man seated next to the bed appeared to be doing something to Edmund. His blanket had been pulled back, and a large cloth sheet had been draped over his lower torso. This sheet held pockets and pouches, that bulged with contents unseen to her. Hunched over her fiancee, he appeared to be deep in concentration.

"What is he doing to Edmund?" Renny demanded, taking a step forward then hissing at the man who barred her way. "I'm supposed to be taking him to the castle, under the King's orders for him to see his Healer." she told them tartly, setting her jaw. "I don't want to keep his majesty waiting any longer then I have to."

"There is no need," said the man in front of her evenly. "He is being tended to." The other two men turned back to watch what the third was doing, apparently satisfied that everything seemed to be under control. The other man guarding Nia motioned her to join Renny. She scampered away from the wall without further invitation, rushing over to Renny's side. The guard in turn, approached the one who was interrogating Renalla. He was shorter and more slender that the stronger man, but carried the same weapon attached to his side. He shot him a look of concern, and then turned back to Renny. "What business to you have with... Edmund?" he asked, in a gruff tone.

"He's my fiancee you clod," Renny retorted, flicking her hair back and turning towards Nia. She made sure to keep her back to the man, erego dismissing him, while she studied her petrified friend. "Nia? What happened? Why are they here...did they hurt you?" she asked gently, searching for a sign of injury.

"They just knocked, and when I opened the door... they burst in! I'm... I'm alright, but they've ignored me completely, Renny. They haven't even said why they are here!" Flustered, Nia began to wring her hands. This was happening all too soon... her nightmares from previous events had not even begun to fade.

"This is my room at this inn. I demand to know what is happening!" she stomped her foot for emphasis. "I was told by his MAJESTY to bring my FIANCEE straightaway to his healer so we could see about getting him better for our journey to my father!" Renalla stated. Her hand brushed against her boot--and the hidden dagger--as she made a show of scratching her calf. If she didn't like the answers, they wouldn't like the results much. **You told Edmund you'd change...** a voice taunted sneeringly in her mind. **I protect those I love.** she said firmly, banishing the voice.

"Fiancee?" said a voice incredulously. "What is this? I know of no fiancee?" One of the men near the bed turned about and rushed over to Renny. Hawkish, thin facial features were twisted even further, as he peered at her with squinting eyes. "Lass, you must be mistaken. I'm not sure what Edmund may have told you, but you cannot be his fiancee."

"I AM his fiancee!" Renny exclaimed, clenching her fist. "I can prove it."

"Got it," interupted the man next to the bed, accompanied by a groan from the barely conscious Edmund. He held up a pair of rough metal forceps, a bloody sliver of metal clenched tightly between the ends. His round, moon-like face was slightly beaded with sweat, but he appeared satisfied nevertheless. He placed it down on a seperate piece of cloth. "That's the last wound. I'll dress them, then he needs to rest."

"What's that?" Renny asked pushing past the man to jerk the man up. "What did you just take out of him?" she demanded hoarsely, fear and doubt weighing heavily on her mind.

Moon-face looked at the hawkish man for a moment, before speaking. "I don't know what it was, but it was quite probably poisoned. Young sir was very fortunate to have survived as long as he did." He snatched up a bundle of bandages, and turned back to his patient.

"Bear...he didn't..." Renny murmured, feeling a bit dizzy. "Why didn't he know...?" she mumbled. All at once she felt rage boil up in her, rage at these men who doubted her identity, rage at Bear, Raven and Sparrow for being drunk and rage at Nia for not be able to protect Edmund better. "GOD DAMN IT GIVE ME ANSWERS!" she screamed, brandishing her dagger a split second before hurling it into the far wall with a dull thud.

The hawkish gentleman flinched out of the way, but the two guards stepped foward to crowd Renny in, just in case she became even more violent than what she had already become. "Take it easy ma'am," the strong man said, trying to reassure her without letting her get another shot.

As the dagger wobbled gently in the wall, the hawkish man mustered up some composure and continued to speak. "I am Tathal, one of the royal heralds for his highness King Llywel of Brienh. We've been sent to retrieve his son, and return him to his homeland. For, regardless of what you may believe, dear lady," he added, peering again at Renny with his bad eyesight, "you cannot be his fiancee: he is already betrothed to another. That is why we are here."

"What in the hell are you are you on about?" Renny blurted out, her eyes staring at the dagger with regret. She was too impulsive, that much was obvious. "Edmund told me he has been looking for me for years, with the help of my father, Renald Alberwine." she informed them, digging the name out of her long forgotten memories. "He gave me this." she reached into her pocket, smiling a bit maliciously when the two men made a move to stop her.

Stretching her closed fist palm up at them, she opened her fist revealing the ring and pink bow. "I am Renny Alberwine, only daughter of Renald Alberwine and Moira Capall. He can not be betrothed to any but me." she added firmly. A moment later the rest of what Tathal had said sunk in.

"Wait. Did you say, KING Llywel? As in...Edmund is a Prince." she digested this information. "Nia did I ever mention Edmund was a Prince? I don't think so...but then my memory is splotchy... and Edmund certainly never brought it up..." Renny's mind raced over the conversations she had had with Edmund. **Not a once...** she thought.

Nia looked round-eyed with shock. "This... this is all news to me, my lady."

Tathal sniffed at the ring for a moment, then squinted again at Renny with a slight hint of pity. "King Llywel's father has recently passed away. The King, in his wisdom, has decided that it would be wise consolidate the future of his lineage. A able bride of high nobility has been found for him, and Edmund will be married as soon as is practicable."

"Did you not hear me? We have been betrothed these past four years! The KING has no authority to do such a thing since he wasn't the King when we got betrothed." Renny told him with strained patience. How she would love to call Sparrow, Raven and Bear in here to tear these men limb from limb..."So unless you have my father and Edmund's express permission, you can not just toss me aside. I did not save him to give him to some half-strung royal priss, I saved him because he loves me and I love him."

Tathal opened his mouth to argue, but was cut off as a hand landed on his shoulder. The last man who had been sitting next to the bed had risen to his feet, and now regarded Renny with some degree of curiosity. It was clear that of all the men present, this one held some noble blood. His finely chiselled features were punctuated by deep, brown eyes and fine brown hair tied back into a loose tail. His fair, near-perfect complexion was marred only by a tiny scar near the point of his chin. "Did you say your father was Renald Alberwine?" he asked, with perfect pronounciation.

Renny regarded the man warily, pushing Nia a little behind her in an unconscious way to protect her. "I did. What of it?" she answered, looking him up and down. She didn't like being questioned about her parentage--especially since she was just remembering the better part of it. "And my mother Moira Capall. Are your ears clogged?"

He returned her comment with a slight smile that pretended amusement but offered no humour. "My apologies, but I had to make sure. I have never heard of your mother, yet I am quite familiar with 'Renald Alberwine'. The man is a traitor, thusly wanted for treason. And if you are his daughter, then you must know where he is." His gaze suddenly took on a calculating visage. "Perhaps this all begins to make some sense now. Lord Edmund, near death, in the company of the daughter of one who has betrayed his King..."

Renny's eyes blazed as she held herself rigid. "My father is a better man then you'll ever be. As for Edmund, he came looking for me himself, Nia can attest she was with me as were my companions. I was quite happily living with my mother, until Edmund came along to remind me of something I lost and must regain." Renny told the man icily. "And as for my mother, I am not surprised such an ignorant fool as yourself does not know of her."

"Well, that's-"

"I demand satisfaction this instant!" she screamed, breathing hard at the effort not to strangle the men. "I want satisfaction for your insults against my father, against me and most of all your insult against what Edmund and myself share!"

A few shocked expressions passed around the room. They had not counted on such a young woman turning into a hellcat of epic proportions. Tathal in particular looked like he would have preferred to be roasting in hell, rather than be in this room right now. The strongman also shifted somewhat uneasily on the spot.

But the nobleman held his ground... for the moment. "All this wailing will change nothing, young lady. We have our orders, from our King, and it is our duty to carry them out. The young sir has fared ill from his time spent running away from royal responsibility... That time has now come to an end. What you claim to have is not possible. And even if our lord Edmund confirms what you have told us, his father will not stand for it."

Renny smiled, no claim indeed! "I will not let you away from this room with him, at least, not alive." her eyes turned hard and she held herself straighter. "I will fight for him until I have no breath and I have three friends who would be glad to fight for him as well until they too die. I did not--WE did not--go through the events of the past weeks to simply give up when some royal nancy boy says he has claim over my rightful husband!"

The nobleman's mouth opened and closed in a speechless flapping, like a fish gulping for air. The look of offence on his face made Renny's heart jump a little with glee.

"Now leave, or I will call MY King and make it so you can not leave this country alive."

"I think... for now, we will leave," announced Tathal. "The young sir cannot be moved for the next few days anyhow. Owain, Brugyn: both of you will take turns to guard this room. I will arrange with the owner of this establishment for accomodation. Come, come!" The men began to file out of the room. "Gwern, you'll need to return here each day to make sure Lord Edmund is not worsening."

The moon-faced healer nodded. "Aye, milord."

Tathal was the last to leave the room, and did not even ackowledge Renalla on the way out.

The moment the door closed Renny collapsed to her knees, her legs suddenly made of water. Nia saw it and rushed over to see what was wrong. "Nia...g-get Sparrow and the others... I need to talk with them--drunk or sober--right now." Renny told her unsteadily. She turned and faced her friend apologetically. "I'm sorry I blamed this on you Nia. But you can't be party to these discussions. Go to the castle and tell the King what's happened in my stead. I can...I can protect Edmund better if I do not have to worry about your opinion of my actions if you witness them." she turned away in shame and embarrassment.

"Renny... it's late and the ball is finishing up. I doubt the King will be available at this time," she said, with some concern in her expression. "How about we wait until the morning? Hopefully your friends will be awake by then, and we can sort something out?" She could guess at the sorts of 'actions' Renny was referring to. But after watching Amlyn fight, she felt certain that she could handle anything Renny would want to discuss. "I'll stay up until morning and wake you if there is any trouble, alright?"

Renny sighed, her brain registering that Nia was right. What was she thinking this late at night bothering the King? "You're right." Renny whispered, dragging herself up. Taking one of the chairs the men had been using, she propped it near Edmund's bed. Looking at him, she realized he did look better. More color in the cheeks if nothing else and his breathing was much easier. She offered Nia a half-smile. "I think I once like you, young and sweet. Very helpful... I think." she murmured thoughtfully. "If what those men say about my father are true...Edmund would know. He has to." she said with conviction.

Waving her friend out she shook her head. "Go, go sleep. I won't sleep this night, not a wink, not with these thoughts running through my head like fish in a stream. I'll be fine. No worries." her eyes grew sad with unforgotten pain. "My mother saw to it that I would be able to endure."

Nia was sure that there was something else. But instead of prying further, she left Renny alone to her thoughts, and tried her best to sleep for what was left of the night...

A Sibling's Revenge ? Part III

Arianna ui Llewellyn
King Hawk
Lord Iowerth
Diora di' Annagar
Llewellyn - NPC
Duke Moryver - NPC

Hawk lifted Arianna in his arms, and carried her to somewhere more quiet and private. "Diora, please follow me." His voice was full of concern. "The rest of you, could you please keep a little distance until she wakes up."

Arianna opened her eyes briefly realizing she was being carried. Her head was still spinning from all that had occurred. She kept on replaying the event and hadn't expected to see Llewellyn speak of her mother with tears in his eyes. It all seemed so easy when she had planned this out. How did it go so wrong? Her eyes floated between Hawk, Diora, Moryver, Iowerth, and Llewellyn. Instantly her head spun out of control and she closed her eyes once again while tears found a way to escape.

Hoping nobody was watching, hawk gently kissed her on her forehead. "Rest, cariad. You have had a nasty shock, don't struggle, take all the rest you need." He gently lay her down in the room, and held her hand while Diora came forward.

"Aye milord." She followed quietly. She knew that she would help by just doing what she always had. She had to care for her friend.

Hawk knelt down next to Arianna. He hoped he was able to hide just how worried he was. "Can you do anything for her?" He said to the healer, anxiety clear in his voice.

Diora smiled. "Aye I can, but if you would sit with her until she wakes. I think that would do your heart good as well as hers. She loves you I think and it would mean the world to her if you were there." Diora set to work. She started singing a tune to ease the nerves of the king.

She found a basin full of water and placed another handkerchief in the bowl and the air in the room filled up with lavender and roses. "Every so often place this on her head and to keep it cool. The lavender will calm her anxiety." she told the king. She picked up her song again. She moved to the other side of the bed and sat down beside Arianna. She bent down to Arianna's right ear and whispered to her. "Dearest, come inside...the sun is going down and there are loved ones here to see you." She removed the tie from the pouch of the wrist pack and found a small sliver of wormwood. Diora looked at the king. "Be prepared...as soon as I give her this she will wake up and be wanting to get the bad taste out of her mouth." She handed him a goblet of wine that she had nearby.

"Are you ready?" She asked.

The King nodded. He took Arianna in his arms, and gently bathed her forehead all the while murmuring sweet nothings into her ear.

Diora placed her left hand into Arianna's right hand. She then slipped the sliver of wormwood between her cheek and gum. "This will only take a few seconds for this to give her a bitter taste." She watched as the King took care of Arianna, and she knew that Hawk loved Arianna even though he didn't know it. Diora sighed in hope that one day she would be able to love like that. She turned back to her sister for she knows that Arianna needed her. She turned and looked at the wall trying to hide the fatigue that was starting to show...she had done much this night to task herself, but there was still much to do before the moon set.

Arianna instantly awoke wanting hard to spit from the bitter taste that rushed her mouth like a waterfall. Unable to move, Arianna shook for a second before the feeling went away, but not the bad taste that was left behind. She shook her head slowly still in a daze.

Hawk had no attention for Diora right then for he was totally focused on Arianna. He held her gently but firmly, so she could not get rid of the medicine in her mouth. "Hush, cariad, it is for your own good." He whispered and gently caressed her cheek. "Be brave, little one."

Diora cared not with any attention but that of her friend...fatigue or not she had told her that she would be her sister no matter what happened. She began thinking of what all was going on and talking out loud. "Something doesn't fit. Morgan was talking with that Knight of the One God...she was planning something or was being threatened. How can one fight in cold blood and still claim to worship the One God, unless it's in vain. I don't trust that knight and he may have something to do with all of this...in Lady Veralyn's demise and the torture of both Duke Moryver and Lord Llewellyn. How else could he get the One God's name to spread but to cause Chaos...tis why townspeople and farmers are converting in droves. I don't have any solid proof though. It's just a deep strong feeling that I am being guided too."

Llewelyn stood up and stared after the departing king before he slowly turned to face Moryver. "You and I both know that I did not kill your daughter. You have committed a crime twice, once in the doing and once in the lie to your own granddaughter." His words were a low deadly tone that Iowerth knew well.

Iorwerth decided just to watch them for now. He believed his friend Llewelyn, but he wanted to hear what his other friend would come up with. Why he had done a thing like this?

Moryver looked at Llewellyn like he had crawled out from under a rock. "You continue to defile my daughter's memory simply by thinking about her, treacherous snake. I did not even know I had a granddaughter until several days ago. She told me of the story of the night of her birth... how men came to kill her mother in cold blood, and how Veralyn had said you no longer wished to see her, despite the fact she was pregnant with your child." The colour began to rise in his face, a deepening crimson. "The surviving guard clearly placed the order to kill her in your hands, you stinking, wretched butcher. My family's misery lies at your feet, and while you enjoy your prosperity and wealth, know that you will always end up in the same place upon your death: rotting in the pits of hell."

Arvel sat in amazement at all that had occurred. He had not known that Veralyn was the daughter of Duke Moryver. She, for some reason, left that out. Arvel felt confidence at this new discovery and stepped forward to be beside Moryver, "You are correct, Milord. I was the one that came to the defense of Veralyn, but I was too late. Her wound was deep and there was nothing I could do. My wife, a healer in Abertawe, aided Veralyn as best she could as Veralyn went into shock which sent her into labor. She did not survive. We retired from the courts, moved to Evandler, and raised Arianna as our own fearful of your vile father and his treachery," Arvel said looking at Llewellyn now. "I questioned the men who attacked Veralyn, er should I say I interrogated the one I let live, he swore it was you," Arvel said pointing to Llewellyn, "that ordered the death of Veralyn and her unborn child." Arvel looked to Iowerth, his old general he served under for many years before his injury in battle, "General, I have never lied to you. I swear this on my life!"

Moryver was too shocked to hear Arvel's words at first to feel any vindication. He had spent all of his life being villified for trying to get something done about this murder, and he had never heard words of support for his cause. His head retracted back onto his shoulders, his eyebrows rose up into his forehead, and he examined Llewellyn with a thin, taut mouth of anger. Arvel had just earnt himself more than he could have possibly ever realised.

"Llewelyn?" He said. He still could not believe that his friend was a murderer. Iorwerth had seen a lot of murderers in his life, and Llewelyn just wasn't the type.

Llewelyn turned his head to look at his old friend. "It is not true. I would have sooner cut out my heart then harm a hair on her head. My father told me she ran because she found out she was pregnant and was killed by bandits. I did not even know she was of noble birth till this man accused me of her murder years ago."

Iorwerth listened and let it all sink in. He believed Llewelyn, he could see it in the eyes, the man was not a murderer, and he had grieved for its lost love for the rest of his life. He did not believe Llewelyn capable of such a base murder. So he turned to Moryver.

"My friend, did you ever consider that Llewelyn was telling the truth? That he was fooled by his father, we both know what kind of a man he was." Iorwerth had never liked Llewelyn's father. "It's time for forgiveness, you have a grand daughter, do you really want her to throw her life away like this?"

Arvel was just as angry. Arianna was his daughter by all accounts save true blood. He would die for her. "Then what about justice? If the blame is pointed towards Windemere, than by all means, investigate it!!"

Moryver's voice began to rise. Despite everything that had just occurred, it was clear he still wasn't going to get what was rightfully his: justice. For what good was forgiveness, if there was no-one to answer for such a crime? "All I want is for this case to be investigated and handled properly, as it should have been done years ago! You take this man's claims at face value, without hesitation, and ignore all others? It's clear to me that you value cronyism more than the truth!"

Arvel was disgusted with the events at hand. He was the proof to open the investigation. Then he realized the answer was the same old charade held by the courts from years gone past ... politics. "I believe this court is a farse where truth cannot be told. Only alliances are valued here. The one with the political power controls all. If Arianna is so loved than why is her claim of murder being ignored?" Arvel realized he was barking up the wrong tree. He turned and moved to his daughter's side, but his eyes fell upon the king. "Sire, if honor and justice is still the ruling factor of the kingdom of Abertawe, then all I beg of you is to investigate the truth. For Arianna's sake, My liege." Arvel grabbed Arianna's other hand.

Obviously distressed, Moryver then turned and saw Hawk next to Arianna, holding her hand. He had not been blind to how they had interacted together that night. It stoked the fuels of his anger even further, and he took his tirade to new levels. Many years of anguish and anger came to the surface. He turned on Iowerth again, still startled by the intensity of his fury. "First you conspire to remove me of my daughter... then you seek to entrap my grand-daughter to a man who has not even found the killer of his previous wife-to-be! I may get no satisfaction here, Iowerth," he spat the name in disgust, "but for whatever happens between Hawk and Arianna, you'll have neither my blessing or my consent for the union - I'll not allow it! And if you ever... if you... you - nnnngrh!" The colour drained rapidly from his face, and the Earl's eyes widened with shock and pain. His hand flew to his chest, trying to grip at his heart, before his legs buckled and he slumped to the floor in a heap, eyes fluttering. All of the bitterness had finally taken its toll.

At first Iorwerth started to get very angry, nobody treated him like this, or his son. And he saw Arianna as a daughter already. Especially an old friend should know that the general did not play favourites, he was a scrupulously honest man. Yet that all faded when he saw Moryver sink to the ground. He was next to him in a second, and supported the old man.

"Healer! Get over here instantly!" He shouted. "Try to relax, old friend." Iorwerth said softly. "You foolish man."

A Sibling's Revenge ? Part IV

Arianna ui Llewellyn
King Hawk
Lord Iowerth
Diora di' Annagar
Llewellyn - NPC
Duke Moryver - NPC

Diora saw the Duke fall and she silently cursed under her breath. She ran from the King and Arianna to Lord Iowerth and Duke Moryver. She knew that Arianna would be fine with Hawk for the moment. She knelt down and looked at the Duke. She put her fingers to his neck. "He still lives, but I must work fast." She ripped open his doublet and tunic underneath. She then laid a cool hand to his chest. "He's burning with a fever." She yelled at a servant to bring a basin of cold water. She looked around and found an empty goblet. She took the last of her herbs and broke them into the goblet. She was under a bit of pressure. She took the water and poured it into the goblet and started to sing as she worked. Her voice was calming and soothing and had the sound of a summer breeze. A fragrance of clove filled the air. She then used the little bit of wrapping she had and placed it in the basin. She then placed the wrapping on his chest.

"Milord hold his head up. I need to get several draughts of this in him. It will get his fever down and make his heart at ease." She patiently tried to get several swallows down his throat. All the while she prayed to the lady to get him well.

Iorwerth did as he was told. He held the old man's head and tried to help the healer in her task to keep the earl alive.

Diora still sang softly as she saw that color came back into the Duke's face. Every so often she would give him another draught until the goblet was empty. She kept the gauze cloth moist and wiped the sweat away from the Duke as she continued to sing. She was unaware of the hush that filled the hallway and was only concerned of his breathing, which was not so labored any longer. "Fever is breaking...he should be waking soon, but will be weak. The draught will keep his temperature from rising. I had told him before to be at peace, but he wouldn't listen. Milord lay his head in my lap and stay nearby for he will awake and soon." The smell of lavender fills the air around the three men and Diora. Gently she changed the song she was singing and soothed the forehead and cheek of Duke Moryver.

Arianna slowly opened her eyes and found herself in the arms of King Hawk. "What happened?" She asked still feeling a bit unsteady. Not waiting for his reply, Arianna looked around to find everyone huddled in the distance around someone on the floor. As her sight cleared, she realized that Diora held her grandfather's hear in her lap. Remembering that his last statement were that he would pick up a sword if she failed, Arianna screamed in pain, "No ... Grandfather..."

Diora hummed quietly. "Arianna..." She called. "Your grandfather is going to be ok. He's not dead...he's resting. His heart was not cooperating so I am helping it get better." She continued to soothe his forehead.

"Take your time, cariad." Hawk held her and tried to soothe her. "You had a fright, take things easy, your grandfather is in good hands with Diora."

Arianna relaxed after hearing Diora's soothing words mixed with Hawk's compassion. "I am sorry. I was driven by revenge, but I saw his eyes. I remember Sir Forimor telling me in training that your opponent will speak the truth through his eyes. Llewellyn didn't lie. I still do not understand what has happened, and I don't believe I ever will. All I know is that I will never see my mother and almost lost my father to my own hands. I have shamed you, My Liege, as a knight and do not know how to repay you. I vow to never take up a sword again except in defense and true justice. I'll understand if you disavow me as a knight." Through all of her journey of revenge, she came to realize that being a knight was her true driving force. She felt like a whole person hidden behind the armor and honor of knighthood. It was a shame that it took such an ordeal to realize that now that she held it, she was about to lose it.

Gwilym stood in the back an observed all that was going on. He knew nothing of the dispute over the murder and so said nothing choosing best to wait until the investigation revealed more of the truth. He instead focused on his friends Arianna, Diora, and the king. He could see the emotion within the king and originally chose to say nothing. Arianna's words hit him and he took a few steps forward to be beside his king. "My Liege, about my recommendation for my vacant title of Knight of Justice. Well, My answer lies in your lap." Gwilym said no more. This wasn't the time for friendly conversations. Gwilym had seen fools swing with reckless abandon and had seen great men who knew how to steady their hand when needed. Arianna learned a lesson, but more importantly, she learned how to become a knight. Every knight can speak of the day where their life changed them into great men. Gwilym believed Arianna had just had hers, and he was proud to be there for it.

Hawk did not know what he wanted for her. Part of him wanted that for her, he had no problems with a woman being a knight, but also he wanted to keep her safe, keep her in a golden box where nothing could ever hurt her. Yet he realized that that would hurt her the most, she was a free spirit, and he could only given he freedom if she was to be happy. "I think that is a very good idea, but we will talk about that later."

She looked to her stepfather, "I am okay. Sorry, I never checked in. I left on such harsh terms. I have been a fool on a fool's quest. Can you forgive me?"

Arvel smiled and kissed Arianna's hand, "there is nothing to forgive. We have all made fool errors in our lives. Now is the time for you to learn from it. A fool is only someone who never learns from his own mistakes. When this is over, you had better come and see your mama. She's worried something fierce, and you know how she gets when she's worried." Arvel smiled to try and ease his child.

Iorwerth walked towards Arvel and lay a hand on the distressed man's shoulder. "Arvel, you have always been a loyal knight and I do not doubt your word. So I give you my word that this will be investigated and if Llewelyn is guilty, he will be punished. But I want to hear every side to this story before we do something drastic. Is that good enough for you. You know I have never let you down before. My word is good."

Arvel's smile traveled from his daughter to his old friend, "I know. When the time comes, ask of me what you will, and I will tell you all. I trust you'll see this to the end. Arvel then walked over to Llewellyn.

"I heard the words of that mercenary when he killed Veralyn and my mind accused you. I feared what your father could do and felt helpless, so I ran with your daughter and raised her as my own. Today has perplexed me beyond words. My dau ? YOUR daughter trusted your words and so shall I. I wronged you, and I am sorry. You have a wonderful daughter." Arvel could say no more as tears welled up in his eyes. He felt as if he had lost her, as if he was handing her over. It took him a moment to catch his breath. Arvel's head went from Moryver to Llewellyn's, "I know this is hard, but go easy on the old man. After all, his loss is your loss, but now you both have something to rejoice over."

"It is to your honor and credit that you protected the child with the knowledge that you had." Llewellyn did not answer in regards to Moryver. "I owe you a life debt for you saved her life. I fear had my father known she lived, her life would have long since been forfeit."

"I suggest for now we all take some rest." The King said. "Lady Arianna still looks very tired. And earl Moryver needs a lot of rest before we can talk to him. I suggest we talk some more about this tomorrow," he looked at Diora from her advice.

Diora looked up at Hawk. "The Earl will need his rest and nothing to disturb him. I suggest we for the first couple of days place him in the hospital. It's quiet there and I can tend to him, until he wakes and his heart is strong enough for politics." She gave them all a strict warning. "Any...and I mean any of you who come to visit him even if he asks about this....do not bring it up...otherwise, I do not think I could bring him back if his anger flared again." She waited and watched everyone move away as a couple of pages moved the Earl to the Hospital. She looked at Gwilym and sighed. She gave him a weak smile.

She stood and calmly spoke to Arianna. "I suggest you spend tomorrow resting. I will be nearby if you need anything. I told you I wouldn't leave you no matter what. Tis what sisters do." She hugged Arianna as she spoke the last sentence.

"Thank you," Arianna whispered in Diora's ear as they hugged. Tears still in her eyes, Arianna looked to Llewellyn.

"I held such hatred for you that I was blinded by the possibility that you might not have done it. Even my foster father told me, before I ran away, that he did not think you capable of such an act. I have wronged you and will understand if you do not wish to get to know me. I must live with the pain I created through my accusations. Telling you I am sorry is just not good enough for what I have done." Arianna's crying made it too difficult to continue speaking. She felt guilty for all she had done, and turned away, no longer capable of looking at him. Being held close to Hawk was the only comfort she found.

"Child, I would forgive you had you plunged that sword into me. You have no fears for you were misled. There is no crime for a passion and love of the heart, the only crime is to those who did not speak truthful to you." He knelt down beside his daughter. "I have been alone all these years since your mother died, how can I turn away from what is left of her?"

Arianna smiled, "Thank you ? Father." Then drifted back into an exhausting sleep.

Making a Mess of the Situation

Gwilym ap Gavin
Diora Di' Annagar
Baroness Gwyn - NPC

Diora laughed as Niall had escorted her to the dance floor for the second time. The air wasn't right for the dance and she knew if but she also knew that she had to praise the lady after she was finish. Somehow she didn't think the rest of the night would go over well but for this one moment the lady was giving her a moment of joy. All her cares and worries disappeared with the dance she had, but she noticed too that Sir Gwilym had her eyes on her. She didn't let that bother her as she spied the Baronness in a heavy flirting conversation with one of her courtiers and was completely ignoring Gwilym. She would not let jealousy get to her. She did need to make her peace with the lady before moonset as she was taught.

As the dance finished, she quietly thanked Niall with a curtsey and sliently allowed her to be escorted from the dance floor. As she watched Niall get stopped by another venture in animals she excused herself and walked out into the garden.

Gwilym was supposedly happy with his decision. After all, he had chosen a beautiful woman who was the fancy of most men at the Ball. She was intelligent and independent. She had wonderful children. Then why was he feeling jealous as he watched Niall dancing with Diora. Did it have anything to do with what she had said about Niall having his eye on her. Diora had said that she loved him not Niall. He figured she would be with a broken heart. He had concerned himself with her and yet here she was laughing as if everything was fine. He was a fool for thinking she really cared about him. He watched them through out the entire dance letting his own frustration build up. When the dance ended, Gwilym noticed Diora step out to the back and decided to follow her and tell her how he felt.

Diora had held the tears back the whole time she was dancing and she thought she put up a good front. She knew she was alone now and as she sang, her voice was quavering and full of sadness. The tears she held back now fell freely. Sitting on the small bench in the moonlight she placed her face in her hands and let her heart have it's release. She did not hear Gwilym approach her.

Gwilym felt the fool as he saw her crying on the bench. He walked up and sat down next to her, "What is making you cry so, My Friend?" He figured there was something else he should say but nothing came to mind.

Diora jumped when she heard his voice. "I am afraid to say something because of the choice you made, but I will speak it nonetheless. It breaks my heart to see you with her. Knowing I cannot share with you what she has, and never will be able to." She sighed trying to get her emotions under control. "I watch her flirting with others and ignoring you and there's nothing I can do about it. I'm just a priestess and a healer, with a breaking heart." She turned from him to look at the moonlight. "I have never loved as deeply as I do so right now...and it hurts."

Gwilym felt heavy hearted. Gwyn was a lovely woman, but here stood a woman in love. He had never meant to hurt anyone and now Diora stood by him in pain. He should have walked away from both women. It would have been the easiest. He could have handled it if it was his own pain. He had been doing it for so long, but this was different and he wasn't sure what to do. Gwilym didn't rise from the bench. He looked to the ground as he spoke feeling to ashamed to look at her. "Everyone told me either I had made the wrong decision or the decision was made too fast. I had no idea you felt like this. Each time I speak with you, you tell me more about how you feel. When you first told me you would stand by my decision eitherway I chose, I thought you were more concerned with being a druid than anything else. I thought I was a hinderance to that ambition. I didn't wish to stand in your way, so it was easiest to chose Gwyn. Don't get me wrong, she is a beautiful and intelligent woman who holds all of me ... except my heart." Gwilym coughed mildly to clear his throat. He still could not look at her. "My heart told me to choose you and still thinks of you from that moment we first met until now. My mind told me otherwise. As you can see, I listened to my mind."

Gwyn had been looking for Gwilym to see her home. She caught a glimpse of him as he slipped onto the terrace and so followed. It took her a short while to catch up with him as the crush was still quite thick. She had rounded the corner just in time to hear Gwilym's cough and final words. Her heart froze and she stood still unable to find words and already to far down the path to quietly retreat.

Diora saw her first. She stood face to face with her, even then she thought Gwyn to be prettier than her as tired as she felt throughout. Diora still was saddened by everything that had been going on and she looked to the ground. "I...I" she found herself speechless. She looked away and wiped her tear stained face.

Gwilym's face went pale white. He had no response he could offer that would ease the situation. "I have made a mess of things beyond what could have been expected. I worried dearly about hurting just one of you over this decision. Now, in the heat of things, I know I have hurt you both. The consequences for my actions are but expected, and I'll understand if neither of you wish to speak with me again." Gwilym thought about saying more but knew he would just make things worse. Placing his head in his hands, Gwilym waited for the rebuke he would receive from them both.

Gwyn found her composure first. "I do not want a man whose heart belongs to another sirrah. I wish you both well." Gwyn turned on her heels and fled to the ballroom.

Diora sighed again, wiped her tear stained face and ran her fingers through her hair, which had fallen loose. She looked at Gwilym and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Be at ease. I never was angry, I had always hoped..." her voice trailed off. "If you need to go and talk to her, I understand. I need to make peace with the lady before I check on Duke Moryver. I love you Gwilym and always will." She said quietly and waited for his reply.

"The Mighty Renny"

Renny Alberwine, PC
'sleeping' Edmund
=======================

Once Nia had left, Renny sighed relieved to be somewhat alone. With Edmund basically out cold, she WAS alone. Taking Edmund's chilled hand between her two warmer ones, Renny smiled softly. "Ah Edmund...what a mess we have." she whispered to him.

"What would this be? Obstacle twenty thousand?" she chuckled and shook her head ruefully. "If I was a religious person I'd say this was divine intervention. Still..." Renny trailed off unable to finish that thought coherently.

"So...how are you doing, majesty? I hear the weather's mighty fine my lord," Renny murmured demurely, batting her eyelashes and her hands fluttering in her lap. "What's that majesty? Oh yes, I've heard the rumors surrounding my father. Would you care to comment?" Renny asked, tilting her head to one side and regarding Edmund vapidly.

She relaxed into her normal stature, slightly slouched with one hand folded behind her back, waving her other hand dismissively, as if to banish that other her. "Honestly Edmund, Mother said that the unconscious can still hear the awake. Is it true? Maybe its something she meant when we spoke together..." she sighed shrugging. "How will I ever know?"

"Did I ever tell you what is was like in the camp? Oh it wasn't so bad I suppose, I mean for a group of cut-throats, thieves and murderers..." Renny gave a short laugh. "I was considered pretty fierce you know, not like my mo--Moira, but able to handle myself. While Moira was the 'Cap'ain' I was the 'Mighty Renny'!"

"I found a feral joy in beating a person up or watching Sparrow kill a guy. Not that I ever did...Moira said I shouldn't have to. Showed her one eh? I killed HER didn't I?" Renny didn't care if Edmund knew, he was asleep, how could he hear her? "All that while...wondering about my father, if he really was a noblemen and left us out to dry..."

"About my father...do you know if its true?" Renny again clutched his hand, this time her palms sweaty with agitation. "Please...if you do hear me...I just need to know you would have told me if you knew."

Edmund, as before, just laid there peacefully. Frustrated with both herself and her situation, Renny got up and paced back and forth in the confines of the room. Her nails dug into her palms as she clenched and unclenched her hands, attempting to rid herself of the sensation of regret.

"What did they mean, you were a King's son? Edmund, Edmund!" she paused considering.

"I'm sorry, PRINCE Edmund! And you are to be betrothed?" she threw her hands up in anger, stamping the floor roughly. "Is this how it was before, when I was still Renalla, not some outlaw whore who thought nothing of the deaths she witnessed? Were you a Prince then too? Were we really betrothed, or is that another lie I can add to my list?" she crouched, holding her head between her hands. "Is my father really a traitor?" she whispered, tears falling. "Does this mean it was for nothing?"

"A Quiet Hope"

Diora di`Annagar, priestess
King Hawk

Diora made sure that the Duke was settled in and moved to sit beside him on the bed. She knew he would not wake up tonight nor probably tomorrow. She had a small hope that he may survive, but even that she was unsure. She stroked his cheek again and then just sat contemplating the whole evening.

Hawk moved over to her. He was extremely tired, it was deep into the night now, and he had spent time with Arianna and his advisers. The King knew it was not wise, but so much needed to be done. And now he wanted to know if the earl was going to live, and if Diora was all right. He wanted to do that after he talked to Gwylim, but then the world had exploded.

"Diora." He said softly. "Will he live?"

Diora looked at him. Her fatigue was as evident as his own. She had been through so much tonight and it had tasked her. "It depends on him, Hawk. I am doing all I can to make him comfortable. I have gotten the attack to stop but I don't know how much damage has been done." She looked at him and sighed. "I won't know until he wakes up, if he does wake up. One can only hope, and now its up to the Earl himself."

Hawk looked at the Earl. "I am not sure that he wants to live. If he dies, don't blame yourself, because then it will be his decision, nothing you can do it will save a man who doesn't want to live any more." There was pain in his eyes when he said that. Then he drew her aside from her patient. "I just wanted to make sure that you are all right too. I know that tonight cannot have been easy for you."

"I know there is nothing I can do, I just hope he wakes one time to speak to Arianna, one last time for her sake." Diora sighed. She looked at Hawk and gave him a small smile. "Tonight has not been easy but it is better. Sir Gwilym and I had a conversation before I arrived back here. He had caught me off guard, and finally told me how he truely felt. He told me that I held his heart and he had known it from the first time he met me. I was both elated and scared, for the Baroness heard him tell me so." She sighed "I don't know what to think, I am in love with him and he knows it and I know he now feels the same."

Hawk was surprised. In fact she had caught him completely off guard, because Gwylim had told him something completely different this evening, and he was here in part to comfort her. He looked at her, not sure if she was fooling herself. "That...is wonderful news, Diora." He had to sit down, totally exhausted.

Diora noticed the look. "You think I'm being foolish? I thought I was hearing him wrong when he first told me because in two earlier conversations he told me that he was sure in choosing Lady Gwyn, but he could not look directly at me when he told me. He was speaking his heart, which in itself I thought was a dream, and the Lady Gwyn wasn't too happy. He said himself that he chose Gwyn because he thought he would hinder me from being a druid. If you don't believe me you can ask him yourself tomorrow." She sighed sitting down beside him with her hands in her lap. "This has been one long day and the night will be even longer." She looked at him and knew the draught she had given him earlier was starting to wear off. "I know I won't be getting much sleep, but I suggest that you go and rest and come by tomorrow after you have spoken with Gwilym. I fear I will be here with several visitors off and on tomorrow and I will keep praying to the Lady for Duke Moryver to wake if only for a short while."

Hawk pulled a hand through his long hair. "I wish I could. But this brings with it a lot of complications, and I am the king of the country. I think I will be working and worrying most of the night. I will try to take some rest when this crisis is over." He smiled at her "and somehow I will find time tomorrow to talk to Gwylim." His friend had told him with so much conviction that he had chosen the other woman, that it was hard for him to believe this. He hoped it was true, but he could not be certain.

Diora sighed. "Try as you might with the working and worrying, the draught that I gave you earlier will be wearing off soon, if it hasn't already and there will be nothing for you to do but sleep, if only for a little while. You can rest here and if you feel you need to go back to work in a couple of hours than do so, but with that draught I'd advise against doing anything until you have had some rest." Diora said quietly as she knows the strength of the draught would knock out even a man as big as Niall for atleast an hour.

Hawk had no intention of giving in to her. Yet he knew that he would not get the healer off his back that easily. "I will try, is that good enough?" He smiled. Then he yawned against his will, he was getting very tired, very fast.

"I think you will succeed." She said very quietly. She saw how big his yawn was and she knew he would not make it back to his quarters. In fact, she believed he would be asleep within the next 5 to 10 minutes even though he was fighting it. "I should leave you to go change and I know you have other things to attend too." She had never been one to pressure or push a patient but she knew how to win them over.

"If I could stay here for an hour or so." Hawk said. It was getting so difficult to keep his eyes open. "This chair will do just fine."

"Aye Hawk, y