"Lifes Folly"
Eventually Elianor and Diora reached their destination after several tense
hours of travel. A limestone cave, it's narrow entrance at the bend of a dry
stream bed, concealed by heavy foliage. Inside, Diora had to stoop slighty
to avoid hitting her head on the ceiling, but the floor was mostly clean,
and there were several pieces of wooden furniture scattered around,
including a number of cots. It was a fall-back for the druids, one used
rarely
but still maintained for emergencies such as the one they were currently
experiencing.
"How are the little ones?" asked Elianor, setting a torch alight to
illuminate the dull gloom within. The only other light filtered in past the
leaves that covered the entrance.
"Moving quite a bit." Diora said with a sigh. Her body ached from all
moving they had to do. She didn't complain and it felt good to rest.
"They are hardy babies to tolerate all this travel," said Elianor. "But we
need to be careful. Not that we have had much choice... nevertheless,
you need to rest. Hopefully we will be safe here for a little while. Thosa
will return if he can. Now," she sighed, sloughing her pack away from her
back and rolling up her sleeves. "Let's see if we can get this place into a
little order."
"Aye a rest would be good." She said with a smile and then all at once she
felt the need to get up and help. "Is there anything I can do?" She asked
from the stool she sat upon.
"Nay. Perhaps you can talk to me a little about these two gentlemen you
mentioned before." She took a sturdy grip on a narrow broom and attacked
the floor with vigor.
Diora wondered where the energy came from.
"Well, one of the gentlemen is the one you always said would be a
troublemaker. Matthius ap Cornelius. He and I haven't lost touch since we
left." She said with a bit of a smile. "The other is the brother of the
king. Prince Brendan ui Iowerth." Diora said quietly. "I don't know him all
that well but he claims to love me..." She said shaking her head.
"But you don't know him?" answered Elianor, raising her eyebrows a little.
"Sounds like you have a lot of thinking to do. What does Morrigan say
about all this?"
"No I do not...and aye I do...as I'd rather just not bother with men for
now...they seem to get me into trouble." She said with a chuckle.
"They do that well," agreed Elianor. "It seems, however, that we will need
the same men to get us out of this trouble."
***
The day left them swiftly and the night passed. In the morning they were
roused from their sleep by the noise of someone speaking.
"Ladies... time to wake."
Diora opened her eyes quietly to the voice trying to place where it was
coming from. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as her belly made it hard
for her to sit up. Eventually she was sitting and more alert than she had
been moments before.
Sitting against the wall near the entrance, his hands resting in a heap in
his lap and covered with an ichor that could only be blood, Thosa was
smiling weakly at them. His face was drained of all colour and the sweat had
plastered his hair to his face in a rough fringe. "I couldn't dissuade all
of them, mistress," he said to Elianor. She had only just roused herself
from sleep as well, a look of horror on her face. "There is a handful left.
I also-" he coughed, "think they may be following me..."
Diora wasted no time. She moved as quickly as a pregnant lady could and
began to look at Thosa's wounds. "You have done well. Now we take care of
you. In the moments we have left..." She frowned and began to work. She
would not take any argument from Thosa grabbed the various herbs she had on
her and began to make a poultice to keep him from bleeding out. She had him
lay down and quickly worked to get him bandaged. She then went and made a
tea for him to sip... "Rest...we'll do what we can..."
"You should arm yourselves," he mumbled, drinking the tea. "They are close.
Very close. They should find us by morning at the latest."
"Hush, Thosa," replied Elianor. "Rest. We will do what we can."
****
From all the fury and anger in the world... in the end, it was not enough.
The smoke and haze that filled the room shrouded everything in a dense
blanket. But he still had his sense of hearing, and that alone told him that
his mortal enemy was still nearby. "You will die with me," wheezed Amlyn.
"For that, at least, I am thankful."
Nwython could feel the heat from the fire downstairs, radiating up through
the soles of his boots. Worse still, he could make out the flames from the
head of the stairs, consuming everything that they touched below: the pews,
the walls, the altar and the gold cross at the end of the church. Escape
through the solitary window from this floor was impossible: Amlyn had set
the front of the building alight at the start, how he did not know. He was
trapped. "You think you have destroyed me," answered Nwython, calm
in his words. "But you have only sentenced yourself." He staggered back
from the head of the stairs under a gust of intense heat, and looked about
one last futile time. "There is nothing for you beyond these last few
moments of life."
Amlyn's blood was drying rapidly under his fingers on the floor as fast as
it spilled forth. He was no match for Nwython in a fight... but careful
preparations had brought forth the desired result. "None for us both. You
will join me there, for you are stained as much as I am. Maker and killer
of kings, a slaver of souls." He coughed loudly for the smoke was becoming
increasingly dense in the little time they had left.
Nwython came accross to him and knelt down. "This will not end. I will be
replaced. Others will come, others worse than I. You cannot stop faith."
"This was never about what you represented," replied Amlyn. "This...
was about you. This was about what you made me into."
"Deeds, not words. You acted always out of hatred. Think of what you have
achieved with your life as you go to meet god," said Nwython. "You don't
have much time left..." He sat down and began to pray quietly.
Amlyn felt the darkness that rushed forward to greet him. The smoke
smothered them both, filling the lungs and making each breath like
trying to breathe underwater. The wounds Nwython had inflicted on him
meant little now. He thought briefly of Morgan, but then his mind turned
to Nia. He had failed everyone, including her. Fate had singled him
out for the cruellest of treatment. But perhaps he had created his own
fate... in refusing to fight against the complications life had presented
him. His mind emptied, and the darkness enveloped him before he
could think anything further.
Soon after, Nwython's unconscious form slumped onto the floor next to
him.
Outside, the night sky was filled with flame, as the folk of Alban rallied
around with buckets of water, to stop the fire spreading to homes and
houses.
--------------------------------------------
"Arriving, with News"
by Mieke as Gwalchmai ap Iorwerth, the king
Cheri as Eruic, archdruid
and Koen as Ifor ap Culhwch
Alban. It had taken him a couple of weeks to get there, mainly because of a storm
that had hit the hills where he had been traveling through. It had forced him to
seek refuge in a village, and although the villagers were friendly, he had been glad
to leave. And now he was here.
He headed towards the castle, where he told the guards he had a message for the king.
It did not take long before he was shown in to see the King and one other regally
dressed man. They were alone except for six of the King's Gaurdsman. "Your Majesty,
Ifor ap Culhwch to speak with you," called the doorman.
Ifor bowed, as his father had taught him to, waiting for the King to ask the first
question.
"Please rise." The King said friendly. "Your name is somehow familiar..."
"My father had a small estate near Evandler, majesty," Ifor said while rising, "it was
pillaged by a group of bandits. I managed to catch them, but there was nothing to bind
me to that place anymore."
"I understand, and I am sorry. Yet am glad you came here, there's always a place at
court for young nobles like yourself."
"Thank you, your majesty," Ifor said while taking the letter, "first, however, I have to
do what I told Euric that I would do, namely to give you this message."
"I see." The King tensed. It was probably another letter asking for Rowena to be returned
for more schooling.
Ifor waited untill the king had read the letter, and would decide what to do with him.
The King unrolled the parchment and read it quietly.
Your Majesty:
Though it pains me to admit it, the winds of change blow harshly across the land of men.
It comes now at this time that druids are harshly persecuted by warriors and zealots of the
one God.
Due to this distressing factor, Diora is in hiding. I must request that the Princess remain
in your care. Be careful, she chooses unwisely to move as if she were much older. Her
intelligence and desire often outpace her age and wisdom.
Please place her in the trust of one of your knights and return to us her protector. We have
vast need of him and I am sure in this dark hour, that you can care for your sister.
May the Gods watch over you and Keep you in wisdom and in health.
Euric - Archdruid
He was relieved, very relieved by this. And it was clear on his face when he looked up again.
"How do you know the arch druid?" The King asked.
"I only met him this once, your majesty," Ifor said, "but I've helped the druids in the past,
specially against the warriors of the one god. My brother is a druid, and I also spent most of
my time in the forests."
"I see. I too am a follower of the old gods, although the druids and I have had some problems
lately. So do you intend to stay here?"
"At least for now, your majesty," Ifor said, "I've been to some strange lands,and for now it's
good to be home again." He wondered what the king was getting at, but he couldn't really ask.
"I would like you to meet my sister." He didn't tell the young knight anything more. If Rowena
didn't like him, he wouldn't get the job, simple as that.
"As you wish, your majesty," Ifor said, waiting for the king to tell him that he could go, and if
possible, to provide an escort, as he wasn't familiar with the layout of the palace.
The King signalled for one of the guards. "Owen while take you to your room. And then escort you
to meet my sister. I will speak to you again tomorrow about your duties here."
"As you wish, your majesty," Ifor said, bowing yet again, before following the guard outside.
---------------------------------------------
"A Crossing of Paths"
Sir Conor O'Fearghail
&
Lord Alterian (APC)
Lord Alterian had just left the King. He was disgusted even
further by the impudent pup, Sir Gwynne Hawley. He rounded a
corner only to see another young man who had recently been
introduced to the Alban court. "You look lost, my lord, can I
perhaps direct you?" Alterian asked in his usual quiet tones.
Sir O'Fearghail had changed into his Nobles Attire, given to him by
his Duke. He was still getting used to wearing such clothes, but
carried his War Sword like always. He was never a trusting man in
places unfamiliar to himself. He looked at the man who confronted
him. "Indeed I am, sir. I am recently arrived at this castle and am
unfamiliar with the whereabouts of...everything!" Conor was not
used to places of this size.
"You are perhaps, looking for the hall where dinner will be
partaken?" Alterian said with a smile. He remembered his first
time in the castle, he got lost more then once. The castle had
been added on to over the years so that it was a maze in itself.
Conor nodded his head. "That would be a good place to find. Wouldnt
want to starve to death by becoming lost in the Kings castle." He
chuckled. "I am Sir Conor O'Fearghail. I do not believe we have
met." He held out his hand.
Alterian took the arm of the man in front of him.. "Alterian ap
Conoch, I am the King's advisor. It is good to have men of the
King in this court. To long was it filled with vipers."
"Where ever men can gain power, there will be vipers. I, for one,
do not involve myself in political matters whenever possible. I am
a Knight, i stand by my codes and morals and do not stray from
their path." The Kings advisor? None better to make the
acquaintance of on his first day here, Conor thought to himself.
"So... what are your codes Sir Knight. They seem to differ these
days depending on the Knight. I just left one who sees no harm in
being in a drunken state, laying with traitors nor consorting with
their ilk?" Alterian's bitter tones were evident.
"There are many forms of cowardice, lad. But these are fine
attributes to work for. I think you will be most welcome in our
court. What is your purpose in Alban?" Alterian was glad to at
least here a knight speak the proper words, even if he could not
maintain them.
Conor paused for a moment to think. "I wish to serve the King and
to prove myself. I am yet untried in combat, but wish to become a
High Knight in the future. Its not to prove myself to others, but
to prove to myself that i can achieve my goals. "
"Noble aspirations. How far are you willing to go to achieve
them?" Asked Alterian, forming an idea.
Conor quirked a brow. "As far as i have to go to achieve my goals
with out going against my Codes of Conduct or morals. And as long
as the King supports the actions that i take."
"Good, I have a something for a man just like you. The king will
approve it for it involves his sister. His widowed sister has
given birth to her first child at the King's childhood home. She
is not safe in this time of unrest with the knights of the One God
and the rise of the sect of Donn. I would like for you to go with
the small party going to escort her back to the castle." Lord
Alterian looked the man over one more time. "It is imperative that
she and her child arrive in Alban safely."
Conor weighed the words before nodding his head. "Aye, I will do
that. I follow orders. When is this small party leaving for the
home?"
"Tomorrow morning. I do not expect there to be trouble with the
Witch of Donn in our dungeons. But, I would hate to underestimate
the Sect's wrath. I could see a small chance that they would seek
to trade their witch for the King's sister." Alterian would never
allow that, so it was best to head the possibility off now.
"Tomorrow morning. I do not expect there to be trouble with the
Witch of Donn in our dungeons. But, I would hate to underestimate
the Sect's wrath. I could see a small chance that they would seek
to trade their witch for the King's sister." Alterian would never
allow that, so it was best to head the possibility off now.
"Well, now that you have agreed to go, You!" Alterian said. "It is
a way to bring yourself to the favorable attention to the King. It
is not a fruitless endeavor as the danger is indeed real."
Conor wasnt expecting that answer. "And also a way of falling out
of favor should she get hurt. I will do my best. I will need to
speak to those others who are to protect her tonight, but i know
not who they are or how many. Or whether they will travel on foot
or horse."
"I will have the captain report to you while at dinner." Alterian
said thoughtfully. "He can take you to the party chosen at that
time." Alterian smiled. "As for falling out of favor, I am sure
that you and the men chosen are well suited to the task and that
Princess Bronwen will be safetly transported." Alterian began to
walk, to show the man the way. "One thing of note, the princess..
is well... rather strongminded." Alterian warned.
Conor followed Lord Alterian as he replied. "Strongminded? In that
she does not wish to leave to join the King at the castle?" He
clasped his hands behind his back as he thought. "I will do my best
to get her to return to the castle. And I will stay with her until
she does."
"It is not that I do not think she will return, but that she has ..
well .. a tendency to act rashly." Alterian said, trying to be
polite as to Bronwen and her personality.
"Act rashly, you say? I am not familiar with the ways of women, let
alone the Kings sister." Conor was starting to wonder about why he
had been chosen for the task.
"I am just warning you. If she feels an action is proper in
contrast to your own, she is not incapable of taking independent
action." Lord Alterian felt it was important for men to be well
warned of both princesses' capabilities.
Conor nodded his head. "I will do my best in dealing with her.
Though, if she is willing to come to the Castle as you have said,
then i do not think our actions will come into conflict. And by all
accounts, i do hope they do not come into conflict." He smiled.
Alterian smiled. "I am pleased you will accept this task. I will
make sure the information needed is delivered to your rooms
directly. Here is the dining hall." Alterian said. "And it is here
I will leave you."
"Thank you for showing me to the dining hall. Starvation is one
less thing i have to worry about." He smiled. "I am sure that our
paths will cross again, more then likely with you finding me lost
in this place."
"I will see you when you return Bronwen to her brother's safe
keeping." Alterian bowed and left the man to his own devices.
Conor returned the bow before turning to the dining hall that was
slowly starting to fill up with other men and women alike, seeking
food much like himself. He headed to an empty seat, a stranger in a
strange place, and gathered his bearings. Tonight, he would have to
talk to the Captain and look over the information to be delivered
to his room. He had the feeling that Lord Alterian would be a
friend of his.
-------------------------------------------
"Child's Wiles"
Princess Rowena
King Hawk
Rowena was playing with her teacup, staring deeply into it. She
did not even here her brother approach. She had become stranger
since she returned from the druids. She spent long hours alone. She
rarely played with castle children. She had been found more then once,
reading in the libraries. Her maidservant had even pointed out that her
toys rarely left the shelves and that the princess was far to serious.
"Hello princess." He said softly. "May I come in?"
"Of course." Rowena pushed the cup away. "She is here. Isn't she?"
She said quietly. She looked up at him. Her eyes were haunted in a way
Hawk had not seen and she stroked her scar.
He pulled her in his arms and held her close. "Yes she is, she is a
prisoner and she cannot hurt you any more."
Rowena did not believe this. Morgan was capable of harm from afar. She
could not imagine what the high priestess could accomplish within the
castle. "May I see her?" She asked quietly.
"I don't think that is a very good idea, sweetheart." Her brother said.
"You can help us, by telling me everything you know about her, and we can
see if we can find more witnesses."
Rowena sighed. "She is head of the sect of Donn. They sacrifice humans on
their night of rituals. She believes that she answers to Donn directly, the
God who gaurds the gates out of this world. She believes that I have some
part to play in the future of her kind and therefore must possess or
eliminate me. I do not know much else." She looked up at her
brother, a weary sadness in the young lass' eyes. "Can I give it back?"
"give what back, sweetheart?" He asked.
"Her medallion." Rowena said. She had felt strangely impelled to return
the hidious black necklace. "I stole it." She admitted guiltily.
"how, when? did you see her when she abducted you?" He was excited, it
would be all the proof he needed.
"Remember when Brendan and I went out and didn't come back? I stole it
then. I did see her though. I saw her when.. when she did this." Rowena
touched the scar across her throat.
"will you tell the judges everything you know?" He asked gently. "You will
not have to see her, and mummy or daddy will stay with you."
"If I do not see her, how will I know you have the right person?" Rowena
asked with a child's simplicity.
"We can show you a drawing."
Rowena shook her head. "I want to see her." She said, slipping into the
roll of spoiled princess quite easily.
"And I'm saying it's too dangerous." Hawk was not impressed by the show.
"Not if you were with me." She looked up at with absolute trust. And.. he
could of sworn she batted her eyelashes.
"Don't try that with me young lady, you are much too young for it." He said
laughing.
Her small lip pouted out. "But I would be safe if you were with me." She
pointed out. "You know I am right."
"She is some kind of witch, I just don't want you in the same room with her,
sweetheart."
Rowena sighed. "Then I won't help you." Her little lap pouted out. "I need
to know."
"I see." her brother said. "so because I won't do what you want, you are
going to run the risk of freeing a murderer?"
"You can not be sure she is the one unless I see her." Rowena pointed out.
Why was he being so mean about this. She needed to know that the woman who
cut her so horribly was truly his prisoner. She would feel safer knowing this.
"All right, but we will do it my way, from a distance so she cannot see or
touch you."
Rowena smiled triumphantly. "I can agree to this." she said. She hugged her
brother tightly. "Thank you." she whispered.
"Don't forget there will be strict rules, young lady is top" he said while
he hugged her back.
She nodded her head eagerly. "I can follow rules." She smiled, she didn't
tell him she would follow them because to many times she had not and they
both knew it.
"We'll see." He smiled again as he kissed the top of her head. "We'll see,
little one."
--------------------------------------------------
"Fireworks over a Marriage"
by
Lord Iorwerth, Lady Raelin Morgance, and Sir Aidan
Lochlanian
Raelin had dressed in a neat plain gown and wore the
jewelery Aidan had given her. She mounted up on her
horse and ignored Padric's black looks
Aidan smirked and mounted his horse. "We shall return
Padric with all of this sorted out." He said as he
followed Raelin away.
The man glowered and Watched them leave.
Aidan sighed and once they were out of eyesight moved
to ride beside Raelin. "Do you think that Padric is
acting strangely?"
She nodded. "he was acting that way when we left
Morin."
"Yes I think he is upset that I did not tell him
where we were going."
"Who cares"
"Rae I care I don't want something crazy to happen."
"I meant who cares about Padric. He is acting strange
let him. a maid probably turned him down."
"Do you really think that Rae? Honestly I do not
think that it is that easy." he said as he moved Night
closer to her.
She shrugged. "I have no idea"
He nodded. "Alright we have more pressing things to be
concerned with do we not."
Rae nodded. "yes"
Aidan smiled. "And you're sure of this?"
She nodded again
Aidan smiled. "How far is the journey?"
"To the Caer"
"Ah so not long at all."
Rae nodded
Aidan smiled. "When we are done should I accompany you
to Morin or shall I stay in the Caer?"
She shrugged. "We shall decide then. The king may need
you."
"True we shall see." he said as he relaxed a bit.
Raelin fell silent as they rode towards the Caer
****
Aidan slowly dismounted Night and moved him towards
the stables. They had arrived a few moments before and
he wished to finish this business as soon as
possible. Once he had taken care of Night he moved
back to Raelin to help her off of her mount.
Raelin silently allowed him to help her down.
He leaned down and kissed her gently. He took care of
her mount and then stood beside her. "Lead the way."
"I do not know the way" she replied
"Then we shall find it together." he said as they
moved towards the castle.
She nodded and followed
Aidan slowed and walked beside Rae. "All will be fine
love."
She nodded "hope so.
He took her hand and squeezed it. "Have faith."
"Trying to"
He smiled and when they approached the chambers. He
looked over at a page. "Tell Lord Iowerth that Sir
Aidan Lochlenin, and Lady Raelin Morgance wish to see
him."
Iorwerth had been busy lately training the guards. He
was scared and angry that somebody had been able to
attack his son and daughter-in-law, and he vowed to
himself it would not happen again.
So the page approached him with trepidation, the
general had not been kind to people lately. He
delivered his message and waited for the verbal abuse.
The general only sighed, for the first time in days he
was ready for a little break. "Show them in here." He
growled back.
The page ran back to the guests. "His Lordship will
see you now."
Aidan nodded and then looked at Rae. "Shall we?"
Raelin nodded and they followed the page.
***
His students heaved a sigh of relief when the general
took a break to meet his guests. "What can I do for
you two?" He asked gruffly.
Raelin had never had the honor of meeting this man
before but her father had once.. a long time ago. She
curtseyed deeply and said softly. "MiLord, My name is
Raelin Morgance. I have come here to ask a favor of
you"
It just wasn't in him to be angry at a woman, so
finally the generals face softened. "Tell me what I
can do for you, my lady." He said in a friendlier
tone.
Raelin took a deep breath and said. "Sir, since my
father's demise three months ago, I have been in the
guardianship of my Aunt, one lady Maeribeth But she
has since died, leaving me with no actual guardian.
Now, legally that guardianship is transfered to the
major lord in my.. region. In this case sir, that is
you." she paused. "however, I would like your
permission to..wed sir Aidan here."
Iorwerth actually smiled "so I am now your legal
guardian, my lady." He turned to Aidan. "Well young
man, what do you have to say for yourself, and what do
ou have to offer this lovely lady?"
"My lord the necklace she wears is a gift, and I can
offer her a home, but most importantly I offer her my
sword and my life." Aidan said.
"I don't care for trinkets or land." The general
turned gruff again. "Will you treat her with respect?"
Aidan smiled. "Of course my lord. Would not risking
one's life show that enough my lord?"
"Hmpf." Iorwerth said. "You could be showing off."
Raelin covered her mouth with her hand as the General
said that. She had thought that at one time.
That is true my lord, but what would I gain by taking
an arrow for her?"
"Showing off. You could have arranged the whole thing
yourself." Finally for the first time in days he was
enjoying himself again.
Aidan sighed. "Why would I arrange to be shot by a
poison arrow to impress someone I hardly knew? Aside
from that I have protected her as best I can since
then."
And how did you do that, sir." The general asked
next.
Aidan looked over at Raelin, and started with a small
smile. "Up until the death of her Aunt I stayed near
her, after that well using some trickery I took her
with me to only a place that I know of."
Raelin removed her hand and looked at the ground as a
slight blush stole over her cheeks.
"And is she safe now?"
"She is not completely safe the murder of her Aunt
leads me to believe that she shall be attacked."
"So why did you bring her back here?"
"She wished to attend her Aunt's Funeral." He said as
he sighed slightly thinking about how difficult she
had been with that fact.
Rae rolled her eyes behind Aidan s back. She was not
going to make excuses for that fact at all.
Iorwerth looked at them. "I have a wife and several
daughters, I think I can. So when and where is that
funeral, because I think we will have to do our best
to protect that future wife of yours."
Aidan couldn't hold back a smile. "Did I hear you
correctly my lord?" Aidan asked surprised at Iowerth's
comments.
"I certainly don't hope you have a hearing problem at
your age."
"No my lord I just want to be certain that I am not
imagining things."
"So you had best answer my question, where and when
will this funeral be?"
Aidan frowned. "I am sorry my lord but it was
yesterday, Raelin did not wish to do anything prior to
that." he said slowly.
"And you bring that woman here without proper
protection, are you out of your mind, are you both out
of your mind." He thundered.
Aidan sighed. "My lord I took as many precautions as I
could, we avoided all of the main routes. I know there
is safety in number, but I figured if we had a full
entourage we would create more spectacle and open
ourselves up to ambush."
Raelin stood there silently. She wished Aidan would
stop foistering all the blame onto her. And so she
spoke up. "Excuse me? But I was not the one who took
the decision to go away for four days prior to the
funeral Sir Knight. That was your idea. So if you are
going to foist blame onto someone, try your own
shoulders first." She did not raise her voice in all
of that sentence.
Aidan sighed. "Yes it was I who made that decision and
I who forced it. I figured and I think Padric would
agree that you needed to be hidden until the funeral
to keep you safe. I am not blaming that on you I meant
about coming here and how you wanted to deal with the
funeral first milady." Aidan turned and looked back up
at Iorwerth waiting for the general's next comment.
"Fighting already, and you not even married yet." the
general was grinning openly now.
Aidan sighed. "You'd be surprised my lord." He said
with a small smile.
"I will tell you a secret, it doesn't get better. If
you marry a vixen like that, you are in trouble for
the rest of your life."
Aidan sighed and chuckled a bit. "A vixen I am not so
sure of that, but she is fiery and stubborn of that I
am sure. As for being in trouble for the rest of my
life I couldn't imagine living it any other way."
"That is the correct answer. They make life
interesting these women, yet it is good to show them
their place once in a while."
"Yes they do, and it is best to put them in there
place, though it can cause more headaches than it is
worth at times."
"Don't I know it, you must meet my wife some day."
Rae rolled her eyes making no effort to hide. "I'll
just step outside now and leave you two gentlemen to
discuss a lady behind her back properly." She said and
headed for the door, letting both of them know they
had hurt her feelings and she was insulted.
Aidan sighed. "My lord if I may take my leave. I feel
I need to talk to my future wife."
Rae turned back and said in a sugar sweet tone. "Oh
no Aidan. Continue. Please list my faults now so I
know what I need to change."
Aidan sighed, and moved towards Raelin for a moment.
You need change nothing as far as I am concerned, for
that fiery temper is what makes life interesting. As
I am sure that our lord would agree."
Iorwerth couldn't stop from laughing now. "Are you
sure you're not related to my wife? My dear, I
wouldn't want women any other way. And I did not mean
to offend you, my humble apologies."
Raelin turned a smile onto the Lord Iorwerth. "That
is ok Milord. I was only trying to make a point."
Aidan chuckled. "Such as what Rae that you are under
appreciated?"
The general crossed his arms waiting for another
outburst from the lovely lady.
Aidan sighed he wasn't sure he liked it that Raelin
appeared to be stewing. He wasn't sure which he would
rather fight a highwayman or Raelin at this moment.
Iorwerth was used to it for having a temperamentful
wife and daughters and now also daughter-in-law.
Raelin let Aidan sweat for a moment. "no that you see
me as a piece of glass and a person unable to make her
own choices Aidan."
Aidan grumbled. "Do you truly believe that I think
that?" he said as he stalked over to her. "Hell you
should know by now that I don't see you as that. For
if I did I would not be asking for your hand."
Iorwerth took a step back. This was going to be one
fiery marriage.
Raelin glowered up at him, She was just itching for a
fight but would not give him the satisfaction of
fighting in front of the Kings father. "Good Day sirs"
she said icily and swept from the room.
The general hit the younger man on the shoulder.
"It's not going to be easy marrying that one, yet I
can assure you it will be worth it. Your life will
never be dull." He started to laugh.
Aidan sighed and had a small smile. "Since I have met
her my life has been more interesting than I ever
thought it would be. As for marrying her I am guessing
I am going to have to corner her at some point."
"how about a stiff drink first lad. To forget your
sorrows for a while. And then we can discuss
organising that wedding of yours."
"A stiff drink would be good, but I think organising
my wedding should wait until I know if she is still
going to marry me."
"In that case you better go after her."
"I am not so certain of that my lord."
"why ever not? trust me they don't like to be kept
waiting."
Aidan sighed. "Yes but I'd rather not have my head
chewed off."
"that is the risk you have do take if you really love
her." The general said. "This will not be the last
time that
happens."
"Yes well then I shall take my leave milord and see
if I can rectify the situation." Aidan replied, as he
bowed.
"very well, let me know if I can help your any
further."
Aidan nodded and thanked Iorwerth again, and then left
in search of Raelin.
--------------------------------------------
"A New Home"
Tawl Tavilisk, Earl of Glymere, High Knight of Brendaine
Hawk, King of Abertawe
Alterian ap Conoch, Lord Senechal
Tawl waited with Areena a waiting room for Lord Alterian. The two sat there
in silence waiting, with Areena holding their child. They both wished they
were home helping Arrian, and in their own home. Tawl looked over at Areena
and smiled at her and patted their child. They were the picture of
perfection if there ever was one.
Lord Alterian assessed them quietly from behind the screen to his office.
They were too perfect and this bothered him. But King Arrian was a long time
friend of Hawk's and as such his ambassador must be treated with accord.
Steeling himself, Alterian stepped forward. "Good Day, my lord, I have been
told you wish to speak with the King. I am his Seneschal Alterian ap Conoch.
What is the nature of your business before our liege?"
Tawl stepped up and bowed. "I am Tawl ap Tavilisk Earl of Glymmere and High
Knight of Brendaine. King Arrian has sent me to Abertawe to keep peace with
the realm. This is my wife Areena and my daughter."
"Greetings and welcome to Alban." Alterian sighed. Another peacock in
court. "I will take you to see the King. I am aware that he served under
King Arrian's banner for a time. I am sure he will have many questions."
After making sure that the man's wife was shown to what would be their
rooms, Alterian led the way to where Hawk had retired to escape the court.
"I am sorry to intrude, your highness, but King Arrian has sent you an
ambassador to serve as liaison to his court. I introduce Tawl ap Tavilisk,
Earl of Glymmere and High Knight of Brendaine."
"Greetings your Highness." Tawl gave a bow that ended with him on a knee.
"King Arrian, sends his greetings and solicitations to his brother in the
South." Tawl kept his head down waiting for the King to give him permission
to rise. He thought how much he hated this courtly stuff. At least there
wasn't much waiting this time.
"Please rise, my lord earl." The King said warmly. He gestured for the
nobleman to sit. "It's so good to hear from Arrian? How are he and his
family doing?"
Tawl stood up and smiled at the King. "He and his family do well." He said
sitting in the seat. "They also wish you and your family good fortunes and
health."
Alterian watched quietly. He was curious to know more of the time when Hawk
was away. He listened, fading into the background as he was so renowned
for.
"I wish I could go back to visit them." The King smiled. "Those were
nice uncomplicated days. So what brings you here, I guess not only to say
hello to me."
Tawl smiled. "Arrian has sent me over as an ambassador hearing of the
problems with the Sanglet clan. He believes that this information took to
long to get to him. So he has sent me here to decrease that time." Tawl said
still smiling.
The King kept his face impassive yet he didn't like it. "I am sorry if
Arrian thinks he was informed to late, the matter with Sanglet was an
internal one."
"Either way, he thinks that the connection between the two kingdoms is
dying. So he has sent me to reunite the two and bring them together." Tawl
said cautiously, realizing he had hit a sore spot
"I will keep the King apprised of everything he needs to know. You are
welcome here of course." Yet it was clear the king of Abertawe was still
angry.
Lord Alterian could see the young Earl's unease. "I suspect a
miscommunication is occurring here. I would hazard to guess that the Earl
has little experience in court and is not pleased to be sent from his home.
Is it not King Arrian's intention to have a trusted member of his court to
speak on his behalf?"
The King looked at the other man to see if this was indeed the case.
"This is true, I have had little experience in court. I am sorry that I
offended you next time I will choose my words more carefully." Tawl said with
an apologetic tone.
The king seemed mollified by this. "In that case we had better see you and your
wife settled. Do you have any idea about lodgings already?"
Tawl looked at the King with surprise. He had not considered lodging as he lived
at the castle when In Dinas Dwr. He had no idea where they should live. The
discomfort on his face must have been obvious for Alterian spoke.
"As an Ambassador, we could offer housing until you find something appropriate to
your comfort and station." He offered.
"That would be pleasing." Tawl said standing up realizing this uncomfortable
situation was almost over. "If you need anything please let me know and it will be
done your Highness."
"I hope you and your wife will have dinner with my wife and I soon, to get to know
each other better. Lord Alterian here will help you get settled."
"Thank you your Highness. I would be honored to dine with you and the Queen." Tawl
said with a bow, and followed lord Alterian out of the room. Tawl smiled at Lord
Alterian once they were out of the room. "Thanks for saving me back there. I have
never liked court and have never been good at it."
"You are welcome. His Majesty does not like criticism. I suggest you chose your words
more carefully in the future." Ian said with a chuckle.
"I will make sure I do. Hopefully I won't be around the court. I can't stand just standing
around wasting. I'd rather go train or something." Tawl said with a smile. "I usally get in
trouble when im in court for too long."
"Then it is odd, that your King would send you?" Pointed out Alterian.
"Like I said, he heard of the Sanglet problem and sent me." Tawl said flatly hoping this
man was not as short tempertured as the King. "He sent me to insure King Hawk's safety. King
Arrian has many worries and trust few people these days."
"So it would mean you are one of the few that he trusts?" Alterian asked.
"How else can you trust more than your brother, and your wife's champion." Tawl said stating
his stature as a very trusted person of King Arrian's court.
"How true." Alterian answered thoughtfully. "Well here is your rooms, I will send your
wife to you."
"Thank you milord." Tawl said then smilied and bowed. "Nice talking to you. If you need any
help,do not hesitate to ask." With that Tawl turned around and walked in to his room.
--------------------------------------
"Meeting"
by Koen as Ifor ap Culhwch
Cheri as Rowena ui Iorwerth
Mieke as Isa ferch Gudrun
Ifor followed Owen from his room to the princess' room. His wasn't the biggest room in the
castle, in fact it was rather small, but more then enough for a man who was used to sleeping
outdoors most of the time. The guard knocked at a door and waited.
Isa had received a short message from her son telling her to go and be with Rowena when she
met a new knight and prospective guardian. So she arrivedjust before even Ifor.
"Sir Ifor?" She said warmly. "Let's going together. I am Rowena's mother."
"Of course, mylady," Ifor said, bowing again. He followed her, with the guard following him.
A man dressed in the darkest hues of green stood outside the door. He stepped aside to allow
the two to enter. The two found the little girl sitting in front of the fireplace. She was
staring deep into its flames and did not move when the two entered. She had her arms wrapped
around her knees and her long hair was unbraided and loose. She wore nothing but her shift.
The maid's eyes grew large and she immediately dropped a curtsey to the Queen mother.
"I am sorry, you grace, but she would not allow me to dress her." She whispered softly.
Ifor nodded to the princess, but didn't join the conversation with the maid. He found that
simple clothes were the best, specially for everyday use. Of course, on a ship clothes get ruined
by the salt water, and the animals in the forest don't care about what you wear.
Isa however was conserned. Rowena was slipping away into her own little world. "Sweetheart, mummy
wants you to get dressed and meet one of your brother's new knights."
Rowena was so intent on the flames that for a moment she did not seem to hear. And then she suddenly
looked away. Looking up at her mother, she got to her feet and the maid immediately wrapped a robe
about her. "I am sorry. I did not know I was to meet someone today." She dropped a proper curtsey,
"Good day Sir Knight." Her eyes met his and it was as if she could see to his very soul.
The first thing Ifor noted was that she had the same penetrating gaze as his brother had. He bowed.
"Mylady," he said with a smile, while his mind worked overtime as to figure out what he was doing here.
He assumed it had something to do with the letter he had just delivered, but what he didn't know.
Rowena walked up to the knight and looked at him quite seriously, then she looked at her mother.
"Why does my brother send to me a knight I have not met?" This was different, and she was suddenly
concerned because she felt change coming and she did not much like change.
Isa hesitated. "He received a letter from the archdruid. He needs his people back. Sir Ifor here is
a follower of the old gods and he was sent by the archdruid. Hawk wants to know if you like him."
"I can not send back my protector." Rowena's eyes widened with obvious fear. "Promise me, you won't
send him back." Tears filled her eyes. "I am sure he is a nice knight.. but ..please maman.
"Sweetheart, it's not for us to stop him. He works for the archdruid."Her mother gathered her in her
lap. "We will protect you."
"What good is being King if you can do nothing?" She was always being denied yet her brother was king.
She looked at Ifor. "He does not even know why he is here?" Rowena could see the uncertainty of the
knight's stance.
"because your brother wants you to get to know this knight first. He will not force anybody on you."
Isa was speaking somewhat sterner. "And you young lady are behaving like a spoiled little brat!"
Rowena's eyes filled with tears. How else was she supposed to act? The druids did not want her.
Everyone
here looked at her as strange and different. She looked over at the knight, however, "My apologies. I am
sure you are a very good knight." She would sneak off when he left. She would return to the druids despite
the fact they had not sent for her. She didn't know the way back to the grove, but she could follow those
who were being sent back. The decision was made as she finished speaking and she flashed the man her most
becoming smile. "I am sure we will get along fine."
Her mother was alarmed, this was too easy, yet she held her peace for now.
"I hope so, my lady," Ifor said, wondering why the king had chosen him. Okay, he had the trust of
the druids, but there had to be people here who could do this far better then he could.
"I think I will go find something to eat." Rowena said. "After I dress, of course." Rowena smiled at
her mother. "Unless there is something else?"
"No."
Isa took the knight outside. "It isn't officially yet, but I would appreciate it if you kept an eye
on my daughter today." She said.
"I'll try, mylady," Ifor said, "although I must point out that I don't know my way in the castle all
that well. I don't know who's threatening her so she needs a gardian, so I can't evaluate the
importance of this ignorance."
"Mother, he is a knight not a Governess. And even so, I have enough people tagging me about." Rowena
said looking back to her mother. "I not a baby."
"You are certainly behaving like a baby. Pouting, following me out without permission."
Rowena's eyes filled with tears. "Yes mother!" She answered more formerly. It had been a very long
while since her mother had chastized her. She withdrew and went to dress. Her maid led her away.
Rowena did not understand what was going on or why she felt the way she did. One moment she felt all
grown up and the other she did feel like a baby.
"Why do I feel trouble coming up," Ifor said, before he realised that Isa was still standing next to him,
"I'm sorry, mylady. I didn't mean disrespect."
"I'm sorry." The Queen Mother apologised. "She is my youngest, very bright, and she wants to be grown-up
like her sister. She's had a very difficult time lately. Be nice to her, yet firm, don't let her walk
over you."
"Nobody has ever walked over me," Ifor said in an attempt at humour, "at least, not that I know of. But
what is happening, that she needs a gardian."
She had a guardian appointed by the archdruid, yet it appears he wants him back unfortunately. And don't
underestimate my daughter, she will try anything to fool you."
"I've tracked bandits and pirates," Ifor said, "I think I can handle a little girl. I do hope it is
permitted to take her out of the castle, as I feel myself locked up if I have to stay too long inside.
Having spent most of your life outdoors will do that to a person."
"Only if you take more guards. There have been attempts on her life, as well as on my son and his wife.
So we are very careful right now."
"I understand," Ifor said, "and I will try my very best to live up to the expectations. With your
permission, mylady."
"Granted." The Queen Mother said.
"Thank you, mylady," Ifor said, before walking away to find something to eat. He needed some food
before starting his new job.
-------------------------------------------
"Hated enemy's"
Cauthon Norwynn ap Roddyn
Tawl Tavilisk, Earl of Glymmere, High Knight of Brendaine
After the sour meeting with the King, and getting settled in. Tawl went for a walk in the market to think
on things. He did not want to be here in Abertawe but the King had insisted on it. Just then he heard a
familiar name being called by the town crier
Cauthon smiled at a young lady that was selling fruit as he walked by. When he heard the crier. He wasn't
really paying attention until he heard a name that made his heart jump into his throat. Morgan Brasar, the
first he did not recognize but the second could only mean one thing. The world spun as he thought of what
it might mean. There was only one other name that he would hate to here more. This meant kin of Costic's
was here, unless could it be. The witch, she had dissapeared from the land for awhile. She was one of the
reasons that the king had turned him to exile. He would have to find out so he set off for the castle.
Tawl looked for the Town Crier. When he found him he grabbed the boy's sholder "Repeat the that name boy"
Tawl said with a rough tone. The Town Crier looked pale. "Morgan Brasar milord." He sqeaked and shrunk bacl
out of Tawl's grip. Brasar could mean only one thing, trouble. With that Tawl turned around and headed for
the castle.
Cauthon was standing at the gate when he seen the young knight approach. He recognized the man and he pulled
back into his cloak and watched hoping that the man did not notice him. It was probaly to late now but, by
the gods if that man was here then. The king could be here, things really were getting ugly. The only thought
that crossed Cauthon's mind was the fact that he should of never stopped running.
Tawl saw a someone he hated almost as much as Morgusa but was in too much of a hurry to look. ~I will check
later on that later.~ Tawl thought to himself. ~Getting to the King is much more important than chase after the
low life Cauthon ap Roddyn.
The knight had just hurried on by, so Cauthon deciding that there was nothing the young knight could do here.
Cauthon decided to follow him. He had to find out what the man was doing here.
Tawl noticed that he was being followed and turned around a corner and stopped to see who it was. If it was
who he thought it was this day would get even worse he Tawl thought possible.
Cauthon walked around the corner and almost right into the night. His sword came out in one hand, his dagger
in the other. He didn't know if he could beat this man in a straight fight but he knew that if he could get
one good throw the man would be dead before the fight even started. "What are you doing here." He hissed.
"Put away your weapons Cauthon." Tawl said the name with hatred. "Im not here for you, im here as ambassdor
to Brendaine.
If your here as an ambassador. Then you will be forced to report my prescence here to that backstabbing son
of a bastard." Cauthon sneered. He could not let that happen
"Do not speak about King Arrian in that way." Tawl said drawing his sword and parrying knife "You fool
Arrain cares not of your patheticness. Im after a bigger fish at the moment so turn around and crawl back
into the hole from which you came." Tawl spat feriuosly.
Cauthon smiled, "You always were a patsy. Oh don't speak of the high and mighty Pig Arrian this way. He is so muc
h better than you." Cauthon said mockingly. "Oh, you may say Arrian cares not of me, but he knows that I am the
biggest threat to him. A threat of his own stupidity." Cauthon almost chuckled. His eyes locked into the other man's.
He knew that if anything he was quicker than Tawl and could escape him if need be.
Tawl's anger reached levels he never knew. He wanted to cut this man down on the spot but resisted the urge. "If
you are
down speaking bad of the man who is better than you. Don't try to say he isn't because you being here in exile proves
that. I have other pressing matters to attend." With that Tawl put away his weapons and turned around and left the
man standing. ~The arroganceof the fool. Who does he think he is to talk of King Arrain that way. He is the one who
is living in this cursed kingdom like a commoner. While King Arrain is still King of Brendaine.~ Tawl thought as he
started towards the King.
"I am in exile because I saved the lives of thousands of people. I was not willing to throw away the life's of commoners
like yourself, in a battle that would prove nothing but the patheticness of Arrian. My exile proves I am a better and
greater leader than Arrian will ever be." Cauthon said before the man walked out of earshot. A sneer on his face his
weapons put away but a dagger within easy reach in case the man charged.
Tawl stopped for a second, dut decided to leave the man to think what ever pathitic thoughts he wanted. Tawl would deal
with the low life later. He had other matters to attend to.
Cauthon laughed as the man walked away, "Just like one of Arrian's cronies. A coward to the bone." Cauthon said as he
continued on toward the gate. It would take him longer to get through the gate than the knight so Tawl would have a
chance to report his prescence to the local King.
----------------------------------------------
"Averted Plans"
Princess Rowena
Sir Ifor
Rowena had been hurt by her mother's chastizement. She could not remember when her mother last scolded her. Her, a seer
for the druids, scolded by her own mother. It did not matter that she was only nine. A seer should not be scolded. She
had sent her maids away, clearly in a temper. They all went right outside the door where the usual guard was no longer
present, replaced by a castle gaurdsman. While they were gone, Rowena dug out her small pack and filled it with necessities.
A tray still set on the table and so she carefully choose and wrapped food that would no spoil quickly. Then She added
warmer plain clothing and then shoved it back in it's hiding spot.
She retrieved her pack of herbs. They were well stocked and the medallion was still wrapped tightly within it. She would
not return it now unless Hawk insisted. All the remained now was for night to come. She knew the way out of the castle and
now with her returned eyesight, though it would never be what it was, she could see to manage it.
Not wanting to spend to long alone here. She opened her door and strode out. "I will be in the garden" She said imperiously
as if she were a great deal older. One maid fell dutifully behind her and Rowena just sighed and continued to her favorite
space where Hawk had allowed her to plant her own small herb garden.
Ifor had quickly taken something to eat, and had returned to his room to get his sword. Not a big two-hander, like a lot
of knights seem to favour, but a standard longsword, which was far easier to use in the forests. It represented an
exellent combination of speed and damage. Then he headed out, after having learned that the princess was in her garden.
"Good afternoon, princess," he said, upon seeing her, "nice garden you have."
Rowena looked up at him. "It is the closest to the woods they let me get most of the time. My brother lets me keep this
garden that I might keep my herbs." She spoke as one much older then an age of 9. "I am sure you have better things to do,
milord, then to tag about after me." Her eyes met his and he saw a strength of will and purpose few children have.
"On the contrary, princess," he said, "I'm an outdoors man, and I do know a few things about herbs. Perhaps we can learn
from each other."
She looked at him with interest for the first time. "Really?" She held up a handful of rosemary. "Do you know what this is
and what it's uses are?"
"It's rosemary," Ifor immediately said, "and it's used for quite a lot of things, for instance headaches and sores.
Mainly used in a tea, but don't take too much, or it can be fatal."
Rowena cocked her head sideways. "Not many men know such things, do they? I have not met one?" She knew it was good for
the head and sores. She hadn't known to much was fatal and bit her lip to try to remember that.
"I knew of at least one," Ifor said, "he's the one who taught me. So, what more do you have in your garden?"
Rowena began to pint out plants. "Comfrey, lavender, Mallow, bears foot and liquorice." She smiled, "most of them are
medicinal and I just like the smell of lavender."
It was clear, despite her young age, that this child loved nature. She touched and worked around the plants as if they
were priceless treasures.
"Perhaps we should have to go out and get some others," Ifor suggested, now is the season, don't you think?"
"OUT? Like in outside the city walls?" She looked up at him with absolute longing.
"Sure," Ifor said, "if you take some basic measures, it should be fairly safe. And besides, I know my way around forests."
Rowena began to put her things away. She could think of nothing better then going into the forest to seek for her herbs.
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