New Day - Chapter Two

"A Shocking Discovery"

Gwilym ap Gavin
Baroness Gwynwen

Gwilym found the cottage that Gwyn spoke of here in the city and mustered up 
the courage to knock on the door. He was figeting with his clothing and 
looked completely nervous when the butler answered the door.

"Yes, Sir, May I help you," The elder gentleman asked.

"My name is Gwilym ap Gavin, Earl of Westcliffe. I am afraid I do not have 
an appointment, but I am here to see the Baroness. If you could inform her 
that I beg of but ten minutes of her time, I would be most grateful." Gwilym 
gained his composure upon seeing the man answer the door.

"Yes, Milord, I will inform her right away, if you would but come in and 
wait one moment. I make no promises she will see you, though," the man said 
as he closed the door behind Gwilym and left to find Gwyn.

It was a good five minutes before the baroness entered the small parlor. She 
dropped a very proper curtsey before him. "It is nice of you to call, Your 
Grace, but I assure you, totally unnecessary." Her eyes did not meet his, 
her entire manner proper and demure.

Gwilym was slightly shocked. He half expected her to not receive him, half 
expected her to chastise him if she did see him. But to treat him as if they 
had never really gotten to know each other was unexpected. "Gwyn, I am here 
to offer you and apology. Not for what you saw last night, but for me being 
an idiot and not knowing how to read myself properly. I made a mess of a 
situation that I believe could have been avoided somehow. I do not expect 
you to accept my apology or let alone, forgive me. I have wronged you and 
want to know if there will ever be a way to make up for that?"

Gwyn stood silently for a long moment.  "You deceived me, sirrah.  For if 
you thought with only your head and not your heart then the dinner we shared 
was a farce of the worse kind.  I thought that night, that something passed 
between us that I had never hoped to find.  To find out that it was only 
upon my side and that I could be so wrong in your same feelings cuts far 
deeper then if you were just looking for a marriage of convienence.  You do 
not need to worry about me.  I have had an offer of marriage that I will 
most likely take.  After all, I would be blind not to see the consequence 
that it will give my children."  She took a deep breath.  "I will not 
trouble you further.  Please give the King my regrets but I will be 
unavailable to help with the situation of the harvest as I will be leaving 
the shire to see my parents."   It was clear that the lady was deeply hurt.

Gwilym did not know what to say. That moment they shared in her tent was 
from the heart. It was something that had not been felt in a long time. Then 
he met Diora and that too was from the heart. When reasoning took over, Gwyn 
was the smarter choice, but his heart had a different opinion on who he 
wanted to be with. In the end he realized it was his heart that told him to 
make the right choice and not the smarter one.

"Gwyn, I did feel something that night. If I had not, then I wouldn't have 
been in the predicament I was as to whom to chose to be with. I care for you 
but realized that it is not in a way that would lead to marraige. You are a 
wonderful woman who will make her suitor happy and proud. My heart, though, 
goes out to Diora. Had I understood that more when I was trying to make a 
decision, I might have saved you from this pain I have caused. In my mind I 
could list a lot more reasons to be with you, but my heart gets first choice 
and at the time, I was chosing to ignore what it said. I never meant to harm 
you or make you think that I had tried to deceive you." Gwilym's eyes were 
glazed with tears. He thought for a moment as curiosity took over, "Whom is 
the lucky suitor?"

"The Lord Sanglet has made me an offer of marriage.  He is in high standing 
and would do my children well.  It is clear that I have had my heart's 
choice in life and that now I should concern myself with future securities 
for I and my children."  She walked away from him.  "He has offered to end 
the problems with the feud that surround me."

"Gwyn, please reconsider. The king's plan is to take care of the situation. 
Sanglet will only use you for his own gain. He stands against king and makes 
it clear. Do you wish that same fate on you son?" Gwilym could not believe 
what he was hearing. If she married Sanglet it would be all his fault. 
Gwilym thought quickly of how this would effect the king as well as country. 
He also began to worry for her safety within the courts as well as that of 
her son.

"A woman alone is not a safe thing either, Sir Gwilym and obviously my 
judgement in matters of the heart is ill advised.  The King is not one to 
blame a woman for the choices of her husband."  Gwyn hoped so anyway.  She 
couldn't look at the Earl, her heart hurt to much.  "I thank you for your 
apology.. but the matter is really none of your affair." Her voice broke as 
she fought to remain composed.

"Oh Gwyn, Hawk would not blame you, but you might give more power to a man 
who opposes our king ... you're right. It is none of my business." Gwilym 
was still in shock but didn't want to act too hastily. He needed to speak to 
his king. He felt so at fault for her decision and didn't know what to do. 
Part of him was ready to take her hand and wed so as to prevent this 
catastrophe. Gwilym hung his head low in defeat. He wasn't about to act rash 
yet again, "if it is the lady's wish, then I will leave her presence. 
Speaking frank, I wish you wouldn't marry such a man. I don't wish to see 
you end up as another of Sanglet's pawns in the game he plays against the 
king." Gwilym tried to make it sound political, but inside, he was 
personally concerned for her safety as well as that of her family's.

"I thank you, sir, for you concern. I will consider your words."  Her tone 
gave him no indication of what she would truly do or if she would really 
take the matter to heart.

Gwilym bowed cordially to Baroness Gwyn. "I will inform the king of your 
decision and will return to speak with you again tomorrow. What time, 
milady, so that I may set a proper appointment?" Gwilym wanted her to be in 
control. He could damage things further, if he tried to tell her what to do.

"I will be able to receive you at any time.  As an Earl, my time is always 
available to the King's man.  My man will show you out.   Good day."  She 
had to get out of the room before she lost her composure completely.  Her 
heart had felt as if it had ripped in two at his remarks about his heart's 
first choice.

Gwilym watched her leave and was saddened. He could see her pain and didn't 
know what to do. He decided to head out and meet with King Hawk once more to 
discuss what had just occured.

"How To Handle The Situation"
 
Gwilym ap Gavin
King Hawk
 
Gwilym could not believe the conversation he had held with Gwyn. He could think
 of no where else to go but to his friend, Hawk. Besides, he felt this was news the king 
 needed to hear. Gwilym scoured the castle asking guards along the way as to where the king was. 


Hawk was in his private study. He had slept a short while as he had promised Arianna
 
 he would do. But now he was busy, reading documents of state. Yet today he 
 could not really put his mind to it. After a frantic search, Gwilym was 
 pointed in the direction of the king and was told he was in his private 
 study. Gwilym tried to remain calm and lightly wrapped on the door, "Sire, it is Gwilym." 

"Come in, my lord." Hawk said formally because Gwilym had been too. Gwilym 
 entered after Hawk replied and came right up to his desk grabbing a seat next 
 to the desk. 

"Hawk, I'm torn two fold as to what to do and need some advice. Gwyn has been 
 proposed to by Sanglet and has accepted because of what has happened 
 between she, Diora, and I. From a personal level, I feel at blame as she admits
  she is doing it only to help herself. She holds no care for him. My 
 other concern is for country. Sanglet has offered to remove the threat 
 about her lands from those bickering nobles and doesn't want your aid. I 
 do not know what kind of scheme Sanglet is coming up with, but I don't 
 like it and worry that he is somehow using Gwyn as a pawn." Gwilym sat 
 back and relaxed. He already felt better after getting it off of his 
 chest. "Hawk, I don't know what to do?" 

It was a nasty shock for the King. He hated Sanglet, and he could not afford
  to lose the support of the barronness. Neither could he take away 
 the happiness of his friend. "I see." The King said. "We can't have that
  happening. Gwylim, can you ask the lady to come and see me as soon as 
 possible?" He tried to stay calm 

"I have already scheduled an appointment for tomorrow, Hawk. Let's say you 
 follow me and pay her a surprise visit." Gwilym said with a smile. He knew the
  king's presence would shake things up a bit, and it would help to have 
 her hear it from Hawk's mouth that joining Sanglet is almost like going against king. 
"Sounds like a good idea." The King said, still trying not
  to worry. "I will be there, my friend." 

"No Way She Could Like Me"

Niall ap Drystan
Murial Di' Annagar

Niall watched as the carriage left eyes view before he turned to Murial. 
"Well, you've already met the children. Come on and I'll show you all of my 
friends and explain where I need help. From what Diora has told me, maybe 
you could even give me some pointers through your expertise. Animals are one 
of the few things I truly understand, but I want this business to be the 
best and am always up for advice."

Murial nodded.  She had figured that this wouldn't have been as easy as she 
had thought.  "I won't let you down, Niall." She smiled as she followed him 
through the house and out into the yard.

Niall led Murial to the cage area whe the dogs were. Six little puppies were 
seen running around with the mother and father laying next to each other and 
watching on like proud parents. Niall opened the cage and let Murial enter 
first while he followed behind her. "Koda, Kane, come say hello to my new 
friend Murial. She is going to be around the house for a long time and help 
us out."

Niall smiled to Murial as the rottweilers came over to greet Murial, "These 
are my oldest and best friends. They have been with me through most of the 
trials of my life, and we are very faithful to each other. I love them more 
than any person I've ever met." Niall spoke with pride as he thought of all 
they had endured together.

Murial was unsure at first how the dogs would take to her, but she relaxed 
as Koda gave her a look of trust and wished for her head to be scratched.  
"They are beautiful and I can see why, for they love you as much as you do 
them."  She knelt down as to become eye level with Koda, so the dog didn't 
think Murial was superior to her.  "I bet you are a good mum too aren't ya." 
she said as she gave Koda a good scratching.

Niall watched as Koda warmed up to Murial while Kane stood watch of his 
children. He happy to see that they had no problems with her. Actually, he 
kind of assumed they wouldn't. Niall stood in the back a little bit and just 
watched Murial. She was a little taller than Diora but just as beautiful. He 
wished he had Gwilym's looks because he knew there was no way this woman 
would find him attractive.

With a smile on his face, Niall interrupted their little meeting, "Ok, now 
lets go see some of my other friends." Niall opened the gate and waited for 
Murial to exit first. He knew that was the 'gentlemanly' thing to do.

Murial exited first and blushed.  She couldn't stop staring at this 
incredibly handsome man and everytime she looked at him, she would just as 
quickly look away for fear of him catching her staring.  Her heart lept.  
She was taken by this gentle giant, but was afraid to say something.  "Thank 
you." she said quietly.

Niall was a little slow. He put the thought out of his head. There was no 
way a woman such as this would find him attractive when there were handsome 
knights like Sir Gwynne to be had. Niall closed the gate and led Murial over 
to the stables right up to his friend, Whisper. He grabbed an apple from the 
bag he kept for the horses and cut a quarter section off, "Here friend, have 
a treat." Niall gave Whisper the apple and stroked his head above his eyes. 
"Whisper, this is my new friend, Murial. She's going to stay with us a 
while." Niall stepped back to let them get acquainted.

Murial's heart leapt when she saw Whisper.  "He's beautiful."  She walked up 
to Whisper palm up so to let the horse sniff her palm.  After a few minutes, 
she spoke softly to Whisper and stroked his head between his eyes as Niall 
had done.  When she was finished she noticed that Whisper  nodded and pawwed 
at the ground in great approval of Murial.  "I think he likes me" she said 
with a giggle.

Niall silently approves as well. He enjoyed watching her love for animals 
shine through as he walked her around. "Come on," he said with a smile, "I 
have more to show you. Maybe we can get you a horse of your own so that I 
might have someone to ride with, and Whisper could have a playmate." Niall 
chuckled as Whisper seemed to understand and nod in approval.

"I would love that as much as I have a feeling Whisper would."  she said as 
they continued around the yard.  She knew that she would be fine with this 
man, now it was up to the Lady.

Niall ignored thoughts in his head about this woman possibly taking a liking 
to him. He had done this sort of thing in the past, and he had always gotten 
hurt. Diora was his latest pain. Niall knew better than to think a woman of 
this beauty could care for an oversized, ugly man such as himself. Niall had 
his friends, and they were the only companions that he needed.

Around the corner of the stables sat a ten foot tall, thick trunked oaken 
tree. It was a strnage tree to have never grown tall, but Spirit had taken a 
liking to the tree and placed her nest at the top. Off to the side Timor sat 
pride swelling in his posture. Niall smiled at the two birds and gave a 
whistle for Spirit to come down. She gave a squack in rejection.

Niall began to laugh. "It seems the two have finally gotten some eggs and 
she isn't leaving until they're hatched." Just then, Timor took to the sky 
and looked down as if wishing to join them. Pulling an oversized leather 
glove tucked in his jeans, Niall handed it to Murial, "go ahead, he wants to 
visit."

She took the glove and stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.  "Thank 
you."  She put the glove on and whistled to Timor.  "Hello old friend...tis 
good to see you well"  Timor landed on the glove and almost cooed when he 
realized it was Murial and not Diora.  "I see you are the proud Pappa to be. 
  I am very happy for you."  She said stroking his feathers.  She looked at 
Niall and smiled.  The look was heartfelt and honest.  She had an honest 
interest in him.  After hearing Spirit squack again she set Timor to the sky 
once more.

Niall was in shock and blushed as a first indication. He watched her with 
interest and wondered why she kissed him. He tried to let the feeling pass. 
'It was because of his hospitality' he told himself, but he could not keep 
his eyes off of her. Finally, as if yelling at himself for being a dolt, he 
shook his head as she sent Timor back intot he sky. He watched the proud 
hawk fly back up and land next to the nest.

"Well, this is my business, for the most part. I have to deal with people a 
lot, which i'm not to thrilled of, but I get to ensure that only those good 
of heart walk away with a friend of mine. It's like finding homes for those 
orphans setting them up with good families. I hope you will like it here?" 
Niall began staring again and quickly turned away.

She walked back over to him and smiled.  She lightly touched her hand to his 
forearm and looked up at him.  "I don't see why I won't, you have a lovely 
home, those children are wonderful, you...you are the most wonderful person 
I have ever met."  She was blushing profusely when she said this.

"Excellent!" Niall shouted. He hadn't met to speak so loud, but the touch on 
his arm and the look in her face was more than he could handle. "You will 
start your mornings off helping Father Paul make through lunch. After that 
time, you can help me train the animals." Niall replied with a poor attempt 
to maintain his composure.

Murial smiled "It's ok Niall, you can relax.  I won't harm you.  I'm just a 
mere female.  I will do as you say...Help Father Paul through lunch and then 
spend my afternoons with you.  I like that arrangement." she said softly and 
had yet to remove her hand from his forearm.

Niall began to chuckle at his foolishness, "I don't get much female company. 
It is pleasant to have you around, but I will be nervous for a while. 
Forgive me? I will try to be more relaxed."

"Of course I forgive you." she said and smiled to him.  "So what else is 
there to show me?"  She said quietly.

"Nothing really, that is all I have except for lots of open land. You are 
not asked to begin work until tomorrow, but I have a horse that I have 
broken and am getting used to saddle commands. I am taking her out this 
evening before sunset and you are more than welcome to join me, if you'd 
like." Niall blushed slightly realizing that it sounded more like a date 
than work.

"I would love too."  She said happily.  She knew that she cared for the man 
beside her and she knew that she shouldn't push and had to give him some 
time.

"Meeting With The Baroness"

 
Gwilym ap Gavin
Baroness Gwynwen
 

Gwyn was somewhat cheered after her dinner with the Duke. She knew that
 Gwilym was planning to come once more today.  She didn't know how she
  could keep facing the man who had so completely captured her heart knowing that
  he loved another.  She was determined to remain her usual 
 distant and reserved self that most of the nobles thought her usual 
 demeanor.  


She was in her parlor when Gwilym was announced.  She dropped him a small 
 curtsey.  "Welcome, milord, I am sure you have much business for us 
 to attend to so I have had a small repast laid out."  She indicated a 
 small table with warmed cider, pastries and other easily eaten 
 items.  "My cook is quite adept, I think you will be quite pleased."  
 She seemed composed though she still rarely looked him in the eyes. 

Gwilym was shocked by her sudden change fromt he other day. She was 
 still distant, which was to be expected, but her demeanor was somewhere 
 between content and joyful. Gwilym didn't wish to spark a change in her 
 attitude, but the reason for his visit was to see if she would reconsider her angle with Sanglet. 


"Thank you," Gwilym said as he took a seat and tried a pastry. Looking over to
  Gwyn, Gwilym noted she still would not truly look at him. "I am joyed 
 to see you looking well today, Gwyn. Have you thought more on the proposal
  by Sanglet?"


"I will not give him an answer till I return from my parents' estate." She 
 said.  "I feel no need to rush.  Sanglet has made it clear that he 
 will gladly give me time for an answer." She answered, pouring them both 
 some of the mulled cider.
 
 
Gwilym was slightly concerned with her happiness followed by the ease of her 
 offer of marraige. "Gwyn, I have spoken with the king on this matter and 
 he is as well concerned about the offer from Sanglet. He wishes an 
 audience with you as soon as you can see him. He would have been here with us 
 now but was suddenly indisposed with affairs of the kingdom. I wish you 
 happiness and the best for your family, but the offer by Sanglet has 
 potential dangers. The king sees this as well.


"What dangers, may I ask?  It is not as if I hold some great power that he
  can control?"  She knew that Sanglet was a dangerous man.  
 She also knew that to those he favored, he was most generous.  But 
 what intrigued her was the level of concern that Gwilym seemed to 
 hold.  "Or is it that you are afraid that the end of the feud will not go 
 as you favor?  I know that Sanglet favors one of these men most 
 highly. 
 
  Is that the fear? My concern lies two fold, Gwyn. My first responsability
 
 above even myself, is my king. Sanglet is in opposition to our king, and if he 
 can sway things in his direction it is never good for the crown. My second 
 is in your well being. I know you are going to tell me it is none of my 
 concern but please hear me out. Sanglet is about power and the throne and 
 would stop nothing short of success. Your son has rights to your lands 
 when you have released it to him. If your heir dissappears, Sanglet gains 
 control through marraige. I am not saying Sanglet would do such a thing, 
 but I would not run it past him either. He is a dangerous man, and if he 
 makes a praposal, it is only to benefit himself. Those desires he holds might 
 prove disasterous for you as well as the crown." Gwilym was being frank 
 about how he felt but was holding something back which he decided not to 
 share.


"I see." Gwyn fell silent.  She took a drink of her cider before 
 continuing.  "I will take your words into consideration as I make my 
 decision.  Now, I believe there were other matters for the crown that we 
 need to speak of." Her voice made it clear that in her eyes, the 
 discussion was complete. 
 

 Gwilym could understand her closure on the subject. "Yes, I agree, if you are 
 refering to the affairs around your land. If you speak of something else,
  I'm afraid I am sometimes not good with hints. My first action will be to 
 arrive with troops, enough to make my presence known. I will fly the
  banner of King Hawk above mine to notify them I am under king's rule 
 and not on personal business. I need your permission to occupy a part of 
 your land  preferably somewhere with good access to both of the 
 land's in question. After that, I will seek individual council from both to 
 ascertain the situation myself. I will make judgement from there."


 "I will draw up a writ that gives you access to my lands. 
  That way, even while I am with my parents, you may move as 
 you need to."  She thought for a moment, biting her bottom 
 lip.  "There is an old ringfort no longer used that I think would do your 
 purposes well.  I will send one of my guardsman to guide you to 
 it."  She looked at him and quickly glanced away.  "Is there any 
 thing else you will need.
 
 
 "No Gwyn, I will set out on the third sun rise. I wish you a safe journey and 
 thank you for your help." Gwilym wanted to ask her yet again to reconsider
  Sanglet's offer, but he knew she was an intelligent woman and 
 would see the folly with a union with Sanglet. Gwilym rose and bowed 
 respectfully to the baroness before leaving.

"An Evening To Remember

Gwilym ran around the rest of the day trying not to think of the problems 
surrounding Gwyn. This was his first gathering with Diora, and he wanted to 
make it special. He retrieved his best suit and had it cleaned. After that, 
he went into the wilderness to make a bouquet of wild flowers. Knowing her 
love for nature, he felt they would be more special than roses. Finally, 
the time had arrived, and he was ready. 

Diora sat in the garden 
watching the sun start to set.  She had a look of disbelief on her 
face.  'How could this be?  Never did...'she thought and 
sighed.  So much was happening, and on her birthday as well. 

Gwilym made it to her in the garden just before sunset as promised 
dressed and flowers in hand. When he found her, though, she did not look 
pleased and he began to wonder if she was having doubts. Slowly he 
approached her. "Good eve, milady." He said with a smile while offering her the flowers. 

She smiled to him in return.  "Good eve milord, the 
flowers are beautiful and I am so glad you are in my company again, for I 
have missed you."  Her letter lay open in her lap and the words, "Dear 
Daughter, Happy 18th Birthday....Something you must know...Annagar is not 
your father...Fagan is. - Mother" can be seen legible through the age and 
smears. 

Gwilym could tell this was stressing her, as he would 
probably feel the same way. He decided it best to allow her to speak first 
on the subject. He did not wish to appear rude by spying on something that 
wasn't his. He reached out for her hand and gently kissed her at the same 
time. He was happy to hear that he was missed. "Diora, what troubles you?" 

She welcomed his kiss, and his smell.  She knew she could get lost 
within him.  "I received this letter from my mother...just shortly 
after the Earl woke.  She has been telling me lies since I was a child 
and this was my birthday wish from her.  I have been trying to put it 
aside, but I...it's hard."  she sighed and handed him the letter for 
him to read.  She was oblivious to the fact he had read it just 
moments before. 

Gwilym took the letter and read it a second time. 
He still was unsure what to say. If he had been told that his father was 
not who he had thought, he would have been devistated. Gwilym was not sure 
how she felt about her family, though. "Wow. How does this make you feel?" 
He decided it was best to let Diora get her feelings off of her chest 
instead of trying to give her advice. 

"I'm hurt and angry but I had 
a feeling something was not right.  My mother always treated me 
differently than my sister and brothers.  I could never understand why 
I didn't quite look like them either.  My brother's and sister look 
like they are brothers and sister...they all have the familiar white streak 
in their black hair that Annagar had, but I was different.  Annagar, I 
think always knew, but he never treated me otherwise.  At least my 
mother could have told me another time, but not on my birthday." She 
sighed.  She no longer shed tears and her blue eyes were no longer 
stormy, but crystal clear.  "I have been brooding all day, and I do 
not want to ruin our evening." 

Gwilym smiled at his love, "Diora, 
you cannot ruin out evening." Leading her to a bench, Gwilym sat down with 
her beside him. "Tell me more about it. You'll feel better talking about 
it, and we have the whole evening." 

Diora smiled and felt better 
for the first time all day.  She was glad that he was in her life. "My 
mother brought my sister in yesterday, and she was being her normal 
self.  Said something about meeting with Fagan, but he nor her would 
say anything to me so I thought nothing of it.  My sister Murial and I 
both favor my mother so we look very closely identical except Murial has 
the same white streak that our 3 older brothers do.  When I returned 
from taking Murial to Niall, she's his new help with the orphanage and with 
the animal training, I found that my mother had left.  This was so 
normal of her only to speak a few words cordially to me and then go about 
her business." 

She stopped for a moment and then continued 
again. "I had always thought Fagan was my uncle, but he acted differently 
to me at the ball, in some of the things I had said to him, he was not the 
stern man I remembered as a child, he was soft and kind.  I didn't 
think anything different of it, for he thought of my well being.  I 
remembered before he just thought of me as a spoiled child, and then I get 
this letter today.  I turned 18 at daybreak and apparently mother 
wrote this before I was born because of the age of the parchment.  
What hurts me most is that Annagar, who I thought was my father, knew the 
whole time and wouldn't tell me.  I guess it was because he was 
punishing mother for what she had done.  He made me his favorite, gave 
me everything and spoiled me rotten, for he knew that Fagan would have to 
come for me at sometime and he apparently got his revenge, when he gave me 
to Fagan for his training.  No matter what, Annagar told me that I was 
his spring lark and that he would not let anything happen to me."  she 
sighed. 

"It may have just been my naiveity as a child but I never 
had understood it.  He loved me as his own and never let anyone harm 
me and had to stop himself from threatening Fagan with the same."  She 
said quietly.  "For all the knowledge that I know, I should have 
connected it all together."  She said sadly.  She looked at him 
and felt better. 


Gwilym could tell that she was doing better 
from the tone in her voice. "What else?" he asked not wanting to assume she 
was mentally ready yet. He continued to smile and hold her hand listening 
. They had the time, and Gwilym only wanted her company. He didn't care 
what they did for the evening. 

"Well, knowing my family and with me 
turning 18, the next thing would be to try to marry me off as quick as the 
asset was possible.  At least that't the highland mentality.  And 
with my mother doing this now would mean that Annagar had no hold on me, or 
did it.  He never gave up claim to me, which means he would be trying 
to find me suitors whether I was in Caer Nwyddwyn or not.  That's why 
he sent Murial here in hopes to find either employment or a suitor, and I 
think she found both in Niall."  Diora smiled brightly.  "You 
should have seen the look on her face.  She was in heaven when she saw 
him, and I think she'll be good for him too." she said happily while she 
held onto his hand. "I have probably prattled on enough." she said softly 
and laid her head on his shoulder. 

Gwilym kind of chuckled at the 
thought of somebody equally beautiful as Diora falling physically for the 
gentle giant. He believed Niall had a wonderful heart and someone could 
fall for that, but his looks ... well, to each his own. Who was he to 
interfere with love. He had a hard enough time of his own in that field of 
play. "I'm sure the two of them will make a nice couple. Do you think your 
parents would approve of Niall, though? At first glance, Niall is the 
scariest man I've ever met, and he isn't known to be the most intelligent 
of lads." 

"I don't think Annagar will have a problem. Murial 
herself is not one brightest people I know, but when her mind is made up on 
something she sticks to it.  She's intelligent in the ways of the 
house and home and she's the one who taught me my knowledge about animals 
once they found out I have an affinity with them. Niall may not be the most 
intelligent when it comes to politics or people, but he knows his animals 
and that's what matters.  That and the fact he's financially well to 
do.  If it comes to dowry, I think we can help Niall with the details, 
that and he has Father Paul to help him too.  Mother on the other hand 
will take one look at Niall and faint, oh to be there and laugh at her when 
she does.  As long as Murial is happy, I'm happy.  It's always 
been that way. I have always looked out for her."  Diora said quietly. 


Gwilym could see that Diora was feeling better from the 
conversation. He held her close as they watched the sunset and continued in 
small talk. Gwilym then led her from the hospital gardens to a private 
romantic dinner setting he had prepared in a seclude area of the castle 
gardens. The chef was tipped well in order to set up a candle light table 
for two, an orange basted duck with scalloped potatoes, an aged bottle of 
imported red wine from a gentleman named Syngen, as well as one of the 
violinists within the king's minstrels. 

Diora saw the set up and 
she thought she was going to faint.  "If this is a dream, pinch me 
awake." she said.  Her heart was pounding as she never had anything so 
sweet or so extravagant happen to her before.  She couldn't stop 
smiling. "I couldn't think of a better way to share my birthday than with you."
 

Gwilym smiled and was pleased she enjoyed the event. He held 
her chair to seat her as the violinist played music in the background. Once 
seated, The chef opened the wine and placed a sample in Diora's glass at 
Gwilym's request. Seeing that Diora was pleased with the wine, The chef 
poured out two glasses and retreated into his kithcen. 

"I am beyond 
words at the happiness you have brought me," Gwilym said at the conclusion 
of the spectacular meal. "Since I could not find the words, I chose instead 
to get you a gift." Gwilym withdrew the necklace, a long golden chain with 
a heart shaped pendant. Layed over the heart was symbol of the goddess, 
Morrigan.
 

She was silent as she looked at the locket.  It 
was the most beautiful and wonderful thing she had seen. She gingerly 
traced the outline of the symbol and of the heart.  She whispered out 
a "Thank you" half in prayer to the goddess and to Gwilym.  She looked 
at him and was so happy that a lone tear fell from her eyes and she quickly 
wiped it away.  She stood and walked over to his side of the 
table.  "Thank you for this wonderful gift and for being in my life." 
she said before hugging him. 

Gwilym was pleased of her acceptance 
of the charm. He didn't want to be too extravagant and look as if he was 
trying to buy her. At the same time it had to be something that would hold 
meaning for her. "I am happy you like it. I worried so about what exactly 
to get you. I wanted to find something that may be special." Gwilym removed 
the necklace from her hand and stood behind her to place it around her neck 
and attach it. 

"I am a simple person, who has never had anything 
extravagant and this beautiful token is something that is special." she 
said as he attached the necklace together.  She then turned to face him. 

With the meal complete and the gift given, Gwilym placed his arms 
around her neck and kissed her tenderly yet deep with passion. After what 
felt as if hours had passed, Gwilym held out his arm to escort her. "The 
evening is late, Diora, and you and I both need our rest. I will come see 
you in the morn to make sure all is well with you. I hope you do not mind 
that I have pulled this unforgetable evening to an end?" 

"Nae I do 
not mind, there are things I must do yet before the morn comes and it does 
not come soon enough.  Thank you again for such a wonderful 
evening."  She said and placed her arm into his for his escort back to 
the hospital garden.

"Alive But Weak"

Arianna ui Llewellyn
Diora Di' Annagar
Duke Moryver

Diora found her way into the kitchen and talked with the cook. He gave her 
something to calm her down while he prepared the Earl a light lunch. "Dear 
ye look all afright. Ye need to get some rest." he said to her quietly. 
"Aye, your right. I've been pressing on so, and haven't had time." She 
thanked him for the mulled cider and she read the letter a second 
time..."something you must know...Annagar is not your father...Fagan is..." 
The hatred for her mother quelled within her. She tried to finish the letter 
but the tears were blinding her. She wiped her face on her sleeve as the 
cook came back with a tray. "Give the good Earl my regards, priestess." He 
said with a smile. Diora nodded and headed back to the hospital.

Arianna had noticed a little tension within Diora and would remember to ask 
later. Turning back to Moryver, Arianna smiled. "I guess you are going to 
have to stay in Alban a while longer. The healer is going to want you close 
by to check on your health for a while. That is, until your heart gets 
stronger. No problems, though, because I will stay with you while you heal." 
Her voice was filled with happiness, but her look told him not to argue 
about this.

"No," replied Moryver stubbornly. "I will not... be fussed over. Once I am 
well enough... to leave this bed, I shall do so... Better to die on my 
feet... than while alseep in bed." He then shot a look of concern at 
Arianna. "What of... Llewellyn?" he asked, almost afraid of the answer she 
would give him.

"I did not say I was going to wait on you hand and foot. I said I would be 
there with you. You have maids that can do that function. I want to be there 
and get to know you more. I want to learn more of my mother and all that had 
occurred. I almost lost you without the knowledge of who you were and who my 
mother was. If I can help it, I won't let that happen." Arianna sighed. 
"Iowerth has promised us a full investigation and will get to the bottom of 
all allegations including Llewellyn as well as his father, Windemere. That 
is all I know. If you start brewing over that again, you will not live 
passed the morrow, so let us enjoy each others company and let Iowerth 
handle his side of it." Arianna seemed a little nervous about Moryver 
possibly getting all spun up again.

Moryver appeared to be less than convinced. "I shall believe it... when I 
see it..." he grunted in a breathless tone. "I have been denied an... 
investigation for years... maybe I should have had an attack... of the heart 
earlier..." He then snorted with a short laugh that held little humour. "It 
is your influence alone that... causes this sudden interest... in Veralyn's 
murderer. Not my health..." He struggled more and more to end his sentences.

Diora came back in with sigh. She had a smile on her face, and was humming a 
tune. She was trying to get her mind off the letter. "Are ye ready, the cook 
sends his regards." The food smelled wonderful. "And he made enough for 
everyone." She looked to Iowerth and gave him a look that said thank you for 
your concern. There was fresh fruit, a fresh loaf of bread, a vegetable stew 
for the Earl, and part of a cured ham and fresh cheese. "Go on. Enjoy." She 
placed the tray down on the lap of the Earl and sat in the chair on the 
right side of the Earl's bed. Diora's letter was peaking out of her right 
sleeve.

Arianna grabbed a few pieces of the ham and cheese and began to eat. "Thank 
you, sister-friend, for all you have done for my grandfather." Arianna could 
tell Diora was hiding something and assumed it had to do with the letter 
protruding from her sleeve. Arianna felt now was not the time to inquire 
about it. She would have to speak with her friend after Moryver laid for 
more rest. Right now she was more concerned for Moryver. He was having a 
hard time speaking and it scared her. Arianna reached over on Moryver's 
stand and grabbed the elixir made by Diora. She smiled at Moryver as she 
handed him the mix, "here grandfather, drink some of your medicine before 
you eat."

Diora watched Arianna quietly interact with her grandfather and it made her 
feel good as she had seen this many times over. "Think nothing of it 
dearheart, tis what I am trained to do and if the good Earl does not calm 
down, I will not release him, but end up giving him a sedative." She said 
with a smile.

Moryver managed to take a few mouthfuls of food and exchange a few more 
words with Arianna before sliding back into sleep. It was still quite clear 
to Diora that he was still very weak and frail. If he were to eventually 
recover, it would take some time. "Don't... compromise," breathed the Earl 
to Arianna as he drifted away. "Demand... answers..."

"I will, grandfather. I have not given up in my task to find my mother's 
killer." Arianna whispered as she kissed Moryver on the forehead once more. 
She sat by his bed for a few moments watching him sleep.

"An Enlightened Evening"

Baronness Gwyn Dwynwen, NPC
Duke Lleu Nwyddwryn, APC

A page arrives at the cottage of Gwyn bearing a message.  He knocked on the 
door to her home.  He had on the colors of Duke Nywddwryn of Caer Nwyddwyn 
neighboring her on the west.  "I have come seeking an audience with the 
lady."

The lady in question entered a few moments later.  She looked puzzled at the 
young man in her parlor.  "May I help you good sir?"

The young lad looked nervous at the lady before him.  "Um...milady I bring a 
proposal from Duke Nywddwryn.  He holds the lands to the west of you and is 
offering a merger of sorts."

"Really, a merger.. what sort of merger?" She asked carefully.

The page swallowed quickly before responding.  "He is wanting to give your 
young son the chance at a larger boon in land and a way to help those in 
need.  He has heard of the strife that there was a shortage and he's wanting 
to help you. He has sent along his portrait and bids me to ask you to meet 
him for dinner."

The page shows a portrait of a very handsome highlander.  His brown hair is 
pulled back into a low ponytail. He looks to be about 25 years in age with 
green eyes looking back at her with a strong look, but one of loving intent 
as well.  His beard is neatly trimmed and his tartan was a well known plaid: 
Black field with green and red.

"Why does he send his page to make his invitation?" She asked, a little
suspicious of this invitation.

"Because milady, the Duke himself is on his way here.  He should arrive
athis home in town within the next hour and bade me to give you his
invitation promptly." the page said quietly.

"When does he wish to have this dinner and where?"  She said biting her lip 
thoughtfully.

"He wishes me to convey you to his home for dinner at sunset. Which will be 
in a couple of hours."  He said with a light smile.

Gwyn started to decline and then thought of Gwilym's visit.  "Tell the Duke 
I will be delighted to join him." She said finally.

"I shall return in a couple of hours to convey you to milord." The page
bowed to her and left on his errand.

**********

The page came again and knocked on the door.  He waited patiently with a
carriage out front, the carriage was the Duke's personal carriage to convey 
Gwyn.  It was magnificent.  Gold guilded carriage studded with 6 white 
horses.  "Milady, your carriage awaits."

Gwyn was nervous. She had not met this man and did not know why she
had agreed to sup with him.  Perhaps to ease the pain in her heart that the 
Earl had caused.  She could not even bear to think of him by name.  She had 
dressed with care. Her hair was down and braided into it were gold ribbons 
to match her dress.  Her Kirtle was of the deepest green and trimmed with 
threads of golden tones as well.

The page dressed still neatly in the Duke's colors, opened the door and lent 
a hand to help the lady within the carriage.  He climbed onto the back and 
the carriage headed its way into the heart of Alban.  It turned a couple of 
blocks.  The Duke's home seemed to fit the city it was nicely built on the 
outside and well taken care of.  The carriage pulled up and the page opened 
the door to assist the lady down.  He then went and opened the door to the 
home for her.

The Duke, dressed in a well tailored suit with a sash of his family colors 
draped across him, was waiting in the parlor with a red rose in his hand.  
"Milady Gwyn, may I present to you Duke Lleu Nwyddwryn."  He bowed to her 
with regal grace.  "Tis the very honor of your presence that does my heart 
glad.  Thank you for receiving my invitation."  Lleu said warmly and he 
handed her the rose.

Gwyn accepted the rose with puzzlement.  "I will have to admit that I almost 
did not?  We have not been introduced and I hope you will not mind if I ask 
that a maid be present as chaperone?"  She took a deep breath.  "I am also 
puzzled at the reason for your invitation." Gwyn was a woman who spoke 
plainly.

"Tis understandable." Lleu said. He motioned to the page and he opened the 
door. "I do not mind at all, in fact tis a splendid idea. Jesh please ask 
Merin accompany us, please?"  Jesh, the page bowed and went to fetch Merin.  
"I have been watching for a while, and only just recently have I been able 
to attend to affairs of the region.  I have heard of things going on and 
wanted to help you, and to wanted to meet and get to know you." Lleu said in 
all honesty.  "In all that I have seen, you are a wonderful and talented 
woman.  I just wanted to know you and help secure the ties between our 
border." Lleu was a genuine and honest gentleman, who spoke his mind and his 
heart.

"I have lived on your border for many years, milord.  I don't think I have 
ever heard a single word of you."   She said with growing curiousity.  To 
her memory, the Duke had rarely been in residence.

"Twas something that my father had seen to when he was alive.  Kept me to 
the northlands and made sure that the clans were kept at peace, and now they 
prosper.  Which is why I turn my sights to the East and my neighbor, I want 
to help continue the prosperity that I started."  Lleu stated as a comely 
looking maid step into the room.  "Milord, milady dinner is served." the 
maid said.  "Thank you Merin, please will you accompany us?" Lleu said.  The 
maid curtsied and waited for them to enter the dining room.  "Shall we 
continue this discussion over dinner?" he asked offering her his arm.

Gwyn allowed him to escort her into the dining room and was quiet until they 
both were seated.  "You have many neighbor's milord, why turn your
attentions to me?"  She knew that the barony was subject to him and then to 
the king and she worried that he had decided she was not fit to rule in her 
son's stead till he was of age.

"Because it is in you that I trust.  I have known of your dealings for
several years and I also know that you have been given a proposal of
marriage by Sanglet.  I want to help you keep your barony and help it grow 
for your people and for your family's sake.  In all honesty, I want to make 
you happy, that is my wish."  Lleu said quietly.  He couldn't help but think 
of how this woman was making him feel.  She was like a breath of fresh air, 
and he understood why she was cautious around him.

Jesh served them a succulent rack of lamb and raspberry coulee with new
potatoes, fresh vegetables and a succulent red wine from the duchy's
vineyards.

"Why?  You do not know me?  Why would you care if I were happy?"  She stared 
down at her plate.  "Or is it that you fear I will accept Sanglet?"  It was 
becoming increasingly clear that while the Lord Sanglet held a great deal of 
power, he was also most disliked.

Lleu was quiet for moment. "Why, you ask.  I do not want to see you lose
everything that you hold dear. Yes, you are right that I do not know you, 
but I want to know. Why would I care? Because you have worked hard for what 
you have and what your son will inherit.  I am fond of you...even though I 
don't know you, yet...I care for you.  Tis why the invitation tonight, and 
the offer...and yes that offer stands; of increasing the size of your 
barony.  I am not trying to depose you, nor undermine you.  I am an honest 
man.  I also know what type of man Sanglet is too.  I do not fear you 
accepting his offer, but I am giving you something to think on.  If you 
marry Sanglet, he will remove or have someone remove your son and he will 
place someone else in the barony.  I don't want to see you hurt." he 
quietly.

"You truly believe that he would harm my child?"  Gwilym had indicated this 
as well and this disturbed her more then anything.

"Aye, milady.  I do.  It is within his power to do so.  Thus I believe is 
one of the reasons why the nobles are bickering as they are.  If Sanglet had 
gotten a hold of your lands by way of marrying you, the nobles that have 
pledged alliegance to him would cease their bickering and nothing would 
stand in his way of taking the barony by right of marriage.  I have a 
question for you.  Do you have someone to foster your son in his training?"

"I have been reluctant to send him from my side. In truth, he is a source of 
strength to me."  Gwyn answered with a deep blush.  She should have fostered 
him some time ago but could not bring herself to do so.

Jesh and Merin cleared dinner and Merin returned to her seat in the dining 
room. Lleu smiled as he listened to her. "Would you take offense if I 
offered to foster him myself, whereas he would not have to leave your side? 
By your leave would I do this." Lleu said as Jesh seated himself beside 
Merin.

It was a generous offer and well Gwyn knew it.  To turn him down was to
insult a peer of the realm and yet she could not believe his tale of genuine 
concern for her well being when he had not met her.  "I would be honored, 
milord." She managed to say carefully, glancing down at her hands.

Lleu knew that she was still uneasy with him. "Milady, may I ask something 
of you?" He said. "What can I do to ease your mind? I know I am not making 
matters easy because I didn't personally meet with you today and for that I 
am sorry." He said sincerely.

"Please understand. The last two days have been full of strife for me.  This 
matter only adds to my confusion.  I have struggled to maintain my lands 
between two feuding lords and suddenly there is someone who could have ended 
it all long ago?"  She looked up at him.  "Yet has not but offers me 
largess?"

He listened to her full well and knew that it was his father until recently 
that was the reason for not ending it all long ago.  "I cannot make up for 
the mistakes of long ago, and I know promises are harder still to help ease 
your confusion.  I know you find my sincerity in this hard to believe, but I 
am here and unlike my father who was never in cito, you have my word that 
the feuding will cease." He said knowing full well it will take beating 
Rhodri off with a stick for him to cease.

"I wish I could accept that with full confidence. I have a feeling that it 
will not end without bloodshed." She looked almost wistfully sad.

He stood and walked toward her.  "That may be, but we won't know unless I 
try to talk some sense into them whether together or separate.  You must put 
even a little trust in me on this.  I will see this resolved with little or 
no bloodshed." He said grimly.

"So would the king and still these two are at daggers drawn." She answered 
looking up at him.  He was indeed a handsome man.  She stood, not liking to 
be looked so far down upon.  "Do you think you can do better then our king?"

He reached out to take her hand.  He knew that question could end
friendships and he sat thinking on that.  "I think I need to call in boons 
that those two owe me.  They have forgotten, I believe the tithes they owe 
to the barony, the duchy and even to the crown.  I can't promise that I will 
do better than our king but I can atleast try.  You have my word to that." 
He said finally.

"And what is it that you wish of me?"  He had been a little vague in this 
regard.  She was uncertain as to why he would offer land, foster her son and 
not ask anything of her in return.

"What I wish of you is to allow me to see you again.  Allow me get to know 
you better. I am not wanting anything from you but that request.  I see much 
promise in you and your young son and I want to help make sure that no one 
usurps what you and your son have earned."  he said with a smile.

"Based upon your generosity sir, I could hardly deny you such a boon." She 
answered with a gentle smile.  "But I am planning to the leave the shire for 
awhile to visit my parents."

"Please, then upon your return you grant me my boon.  I of all people know 
that one's ties with their parents is important." he said quietly.  "I wish 
you a safe journey."

"Thank you!  As you wish to foster Llywen, I will send him to you upon our 
return."  She suddenly felt disconcerted by this man's attentions.  "Perhaps 
I should return now."

"As you wish, milady." he said standing and giving her a curt bow.  "Thank 
you for taking up my invitation this evening.  Jesh will make sure you get 
home safely and I wish you a safe journey."  He said sincerely.

She gave a slight curtsey and offered him her hand.  "The pleasure was mine, 
milord.  The evening has been quite.. enlightening."  She smiled at him with 
genuine gratituty.

He kissed her hand and smiled to her in return. "Aye this evening has been 
enlightening indeed. Allow me to see you to the door?" he said quite fondly.

"As you wish." She moved to the door deep in thought.  Maybe she truly did 
not have to consider Sanglet's offer.  She smiled at the Duke as her 
thoughts made her blush.

He smiled as he watched her go.  He waved to Jesh and knew that the lady 
would be safely taken home.  How he wished, he could, but propriety told him 
to wait.  He also knew that he had much to do before he was able to see her 
again and that would have to start now.

"Coming to terms with the truth"
- Lady Renalla
- Edmund (NPC)

**********

After a long and fitful sleep, containing nightmares and visions of sharp
implements and moments of excrutiating pain, Edmund finally struggled to the
waking world. He felt clammy with sweat and exhausted from fatigue, but in
his weakness he recognised less of the agony that perforated his flesh and
crawled under the surface of his skin.

Renny was sitting next to the bed, and he turned his head to look at her. He
was more aware of the smaller things for the first time, now that the haze
of pain had drifted away from his mind. And he wasn't quite sure what to
make of the expression on Renny's face, as she noticed he had come awake.

Her first thoughts at seeing Edmund's blue eyes were happy ones.  Happy
nothing else matters but the fact he lives ones.  Thoughts that didn't
include his lies.  "Hello Edmund," she said a slight emphasis on his name.
Her smile was plastered on as she moved be a bit closer to him.  "I trust
the...healer...helped you?" she asked with a slight strain.

"I... yes, I guess so," he said. He did remember some faces peering over
him, during some less lucid moments. He had assumed they were part of his
fervid dreams. Some he had even thought he recognised. "I do feel a little
better. Are you alright? You look... unhappy?" he said innocently.

"I was worried.  After all, my father will want to see you I'm sure.  You
are my future husband, so why wouldn't he wish to see us?" Renny asked,
shrugging a slim shoulder before standing.  Her back to him, Renny clutched
her hands together and counted to ten.

Edmund picked up on some of the tension that Renny seemed to be holding.
"Are you sure?" he repeated, turning slightly in bed to look at her back.

"The healer brought news of my father amongst other things," Renny told
him calmly, schooling her expression to calm.  "My father is in a bit of
trouble it would seem." she turned and gave him a saccrine smile.
"Apparently the King believes him to be a traitor."

"How... how would the healer know something like that?" It didn't click
to Edmund about who or even what Renalla was talking about.

"Imagine that!  I mean, I don't remember my father being disloyal to the
crown," she furrowed her brow, her eyes glittering with surpressed anger.
"I mean, didn't YOU tell me he couldn't wait to see me?" she asked,
tilting her head to one side.  "The men with the healer...now what was it
they called you...?  Oh yes." she curtsied and batted her eyelashes.
"My Prince!  It has been so long!  Did you hear the news?  Renald
Capall is a wanted fugitive under your father's orders!"

"Uh..." Slowly it began to dawn on him. "You know," he concluded
aloud.

"Damn right I know!" Renny snapped, her expression murderous.
"What so were you waiting for me to remember?  Is that it?  Why
bother telling me if I don't care right?"

"Renny, please! I had never mentioned it! Even before you left on
your journey from our homeland! Would you have treated me any
different if I had told you in the beginning? I swear to you... It was
always my intention to tell you eventually! And I know nothing
about this... story that your father is some sort of traitor."

"Hell yeah I would have treated you differently!" Renny raged, her
chest heaving with her pent up desire to ram Edmund into the
smallest hole and then stomp his head.  "I would have LET Sparrow
take your head off!  Nobles!  My mother was right, all they do is
lie to you and once they get what they want, leave you drifting!"
Renny screamed, tears building.  A part of her mind rebelled
against agreeing with her mother again, but the other part, the
burning anger that filled her heart along with a shocking feeling of
betrayal, over-rode that.

"You want to know the worst part Edmund?  The absolute WORST
part was when they told me I couldn't be your betrothed, they told
me I wasn't worthy of it.  I believe the one man said 'An able bride
of high nobility has been found for him.' " Renny laughed, mostly
at herself.  "At one point, I do believe that would have wounded
me." she said in a curiously emotionless tone of voice and vacant
eyes.

Edmund tried to sit up and reach out for her, but he couldn't
manage it as weak as he was. He laid back in bed and put his
hands over his head to try and stop the spinning, calming himself
at the same time. - They've found me - he thought to himself
glumly. "I didn't tell you," said Edmund slowly, "because I didn't
want to be treated as a prince. I don't want to be coddled and
pampered and bowed to and waited on hand and foot. I hate
people treating me with false smiles and bombarding me with
ingratiating words to gain favours for themselves. My family
were forcing me into directions that I did not want to go, and
making plans for me that made me wake up screaming at
night."

"Edmund did you not notice what my mother had planned for
me?  Parents do that!" Renny told him, rolling her eyes. "I
wouldn't have been false, from the beginning I dropped my
Renalla act with you. Even with the King I didn't simper."
Renny explained.  "Why then when we were younger?
Was I that pathetic of a person that you needed to act?"
Renny asked, coming towards him and sitting in the chair.

He held his hands up and stared at the ceiling. "I got the
idea from a bedtime story one of my tutors used to tell me.
When I was staying with one of my distant relatives, who
happened to be your neighbour, I saw you one day while
hunting. I was always a terrible hunter," he said miserably,
"but I knew enough to stay hidden and watch." He turned to
look at her, with pleading eyes. "Renny, I adored you from
the moment I first laid eyes on you. But I wanted you to love
me for... me, like I had heard from the story. The plan was
for a peasant, but with my background the best I could do
was from a minor noble family. If everything had worked out,
I was going to tell you after you had returned from your
journey, but you disappeared, and I was distraught."

Renny laughed, she had done the exact opposite with her
mother's plan.  "I was what?  Fourteen at most?  I was
sheltered and basically never seen much of the outside
world.  Do you really believe I would have fallen head over
feet to pamper and simper and smile at you?  My father
raised me better than that Edmund," she admonished
with a stern look.

Edmund gave her a small smile. "I was only slightly
older than fourteen as well, Renalla. And a lot less
understanding about woman, and a lot more shy. It
was a great plan at the time, and I had no choice
but to keep going with it when I found you again. I
haven't spent all this time searching for you NOT to
just give up when my father says so. I want you to
be my wife, and I want to be your husband. Is that
still enough?"

She wanted to kiss him then and would have if it wasn't
for the fact of her father.  "Edmund, why would your father
accuse my father?  I thought you said our match was all
but heavenmade; why then call him traitor?"

"I don't know!" he protested again. "If this has happened,
then it must have been only recently. I really have no
idea about any of this."

"How can you not?" Renny cried, holding her head
between her hands to lessen the thorbbing of her head.
"They knew well enough!  They found you, took care of
you!  How could you not know Edmund when your
entire kingdom does?" Renny asked wearily, painfully,
as she stared at Edmund with red eyes.  "I have one
parent who is a traitor--a murderer--a disgrace.  I don't
want two Edmund." she buried her head into his side.
"I don't want two."

"I don't know!" he protested again. "If this has happened, then it
must have been only recently. I really have no idea about any of
this."

"How can you not?" Renny cried, holding her head between her
hands to lessen the throbbing of her head.  "They knew well
enough!  They found you, took care of you! How could you not
know Edmund, when your entire kingdom does?" Renny asked
wearily, painfully, as she stared at Edmund with red eyes.  "I
have one parent who is a traitor -- a murderer -- a disgrace.  I
don't want two Edmund." she buried her head into his side.  "I
don't want two."

"Look... if these people who have found me really do know, I'll
find out, one way or the other, alright? I'll get to the bottom of it,
I promise you. Whatever happens, it's not going to change
anything. Just... calm down and tell me what you can about this
healer and the other men. Please."

Renny nodded, sitting up again in her chair so she could face him.
She wiped her eyes to get the last of the tears out, serious now.
"There were five of them.  Two really rough looking men, a sort
of pudgy healer, a guy I swear could be a hawk and another man
who seemed to be giving the orders," Renny recounted, narrowing
her eyes to remember better any features.

"According to Nia--who's safe in the other room--they barged in
without permission and then ignored her entirely.  The one guy, he
looked different, his movements and speech..." she shook her head.
"The hawk man he said his name was...Tahill?  Tathel?  Tathal
that's it!  And the leader, he had a scar on his chin..."

Edmund knew who Tathel was... the King's own seneschal.
Someone whom he would trust to get the job done. That meant his
father was serious about the whole matter. None of the other people
sounded familiar to him. "Where are they?" he asked.

Renny shook her head, looking sorry.  "I wanted to follow them...
but thought it better here with you." she gave a faint smile. "I scared
them when I tossed the dagger into the wall though."

He laid back in bed and closed his eyes, thinking for a few moments.
Renny had no indication as to what passed through his mind, but he
appeared to come to a  decision. "I will wait until I am a little more
rested... then I will speak with them and... discuss their demands."

"I have a better idea, let me find them, run them out and then you
can rest up so we can figure out what's up with my father," Renny
suggested.

"Uh... I don't think that will help us, Renny," said Edmund quietly.

"Fine, fine all right?" Renny gave a derisive snort. "Listen to their
demands...bunch of up in the air noblemen lackeys that's what
they are. You're their Prince, don't they have an obligation to also
listen to you?"

"Listen, perhaps. Follow my will, perhaps not, particularly if my
father has given them their instructions." He shifted uncomfortably
about in the bed. The bruising and cuts around his face made him
look like a badly-beatenboxer. He touched his face tenderly, and
then sighed. "Do you forgive me?" he asked. "I never meant to
hurt you. I was hoping to reveal it in a grand fairy-tale fashion...
but it seems real life works a lot differently.

Renny sighed.  "If you need to be forgiven, so do I.  I one up'ed
you didn't I?  I went from noble to peasant back to a daughter of
not only a murderer but possibly a traitor too..." Renny said
amusedly.  "How many girls can claim that?" she shook her head.
"I forgive you, but if you have any other secrets, best come out
with them now while I don't have any weapons on me." she warned
with mock seriousness.

"Secrets... everyone has secrets Renny. He looked at her, with a
strong fondness in his eyes. "The only secret I have at the moment is
that I love you more now than I ever did before."

Renny leaned over and gently kissed his lips.  "That's all I can give
you without having that healer on me for delaying your recovery,"
Renny rolled her eyes. "Which reminds me, why didn't Bear
mention the poison I wonder?" she murmured, tapping her chin.

"I cannot answer that," said Edmund, settling back into bed wearily.
"But I am certainly grateful that it's been removed. I feel a lot better
for it."

Renny nodded, stroking his hair absently as she pondered Bear's
forgetfullness--purposeful or not.  "That's good..." she murmured.
"Did he do it on purpose?  But to what purpose?" she muttered
under her breath, forgetting Edmund was there.  "Is he loyal to me
or not?" she wondered aloud coming back to herself.

"What did you say?" murmured Edmund, stirring gently.

"Sorry love, I'm used to thinking aloud without anybody noticing.
Just forget what I said and rest," Renny said hastily with a sheepish
smile.  *I'll take care of it.* she added silently, smiling fondly at
Edmund.

He smiled roughly back at her. "I must look terrible," he said in
good humour. "Your mother... she is thorough, I will give you
that." He slowly began to drift away. "And my soul... and my
heart..."

"You're alive so she went easy on you..." Renny told him.  She
didn't know what he meant by his last words, but seeing him
nearly out she didn't want to bother him about it.  Later she
would ask him; after she had dealt with Bear.  "Rest love, I'll
come back and visit you after I see that my...friends are not
too drunk to wake up." she told him softly, tucking him in a
little more securely, unsure what exactly to do.  Kissing him
gently on the forehead she tip-toed to the door and waited
until she heard his breathing calm before she left.

"Uh-Oh Here Comes Trouble..."

Bear, Raven, Sparrow--NPCs
Renny (brief)--PC
=============================================================

While his companions slumbered long, loud and hard Bear was awake pondering 
the recent events.  True that he was a loyal member of the Band for countless 
years before Renny 'joined'.  True also he knew how she joined and the exact 
circumstances of her joining (was he not one who chased her and caused her 
amnesia?).  

True that he should have told her long ago when he first suspected her mother 
of losing her mind.

But that was past wasn't it?  Now she knew, had her man and all would be well 
once they reached her father's home.  Or not.  Bear knew he wasn't as 
thorough as he should have been, looking over her man Edmund.  Moira's little 
torturing games were not so uncommon to him, he knew what she did and with 
what.  

Maybe it was the shock, he reasoned, of seeing him actually LIVE, when so 
many others of Moira's 'guests' did not.  Or was it something else? A small 
part of his mind goaded.  Did you not think Renny is leaving, I can't let 
that happen?

Bear buried his head in his hands.  His large, callused hands that had helped 
Renny so often during her first months.  The hands that had killed men in 
cold blood without so much as a thought.  The hands that he knew were dirty 
with more lives then he could count.

"Wazza..." Sparrow sputtered sitting up against the bed he had fallen upon 
early this morning.  He held his head gingerly and sat propped on the other.  
Beside him laid Raven, who despite the pain in her head, had the biggest 
smile any of them had seen on her.

"Morning lover," she cooed giggling.  The sound caused both occupants to 
grimance in pain.

"You two awake?" Bear asked gruffly, turning away from the red face of 
Sparrow who just figured out he was bare.

"What does it look like old man?" Sparrow snapped, shoving Raven out of the 
bed with the covers.  "Out wench!  Get some clothes on!" he commanded.

Raven, twirling a strand of hair around her finger smiled and twisted the 
sheet around herself. "Modest one eh?" before disappearing around the screen 
in the room to dress herself.

Sparrow looked both relieved and furious at her, roughly snatching clothes 
from the floor and jerking them on with angry movements.  "What're you doing 
up so early?"

Bear regarded the young man with a look of exasperation.  At one time he 
thought him perfect for his Renny, now though, he wondered.  "Some of us can 
hold our drink boy-oh," Bear said.

Sparrow threw him a dark look before laying down again and sighing heavily.  
"Is Ren up yet?" 

"I think I heard rustling about in'er room," Bear confirmed.  

"What about that pip-squeak?  Nia?" Raven asked, poking her head out from 
behind the screen.

"Set'er to her own room." Bear told her nodding.  "Maybe I sho--" he never 
finished, for in that moment, Renny opened the door and slammed it shut.  
"Bear, we need to talk." she said calmly.

Sparrow glanced at Raven who looked frightened, deathly pale and she seemed 
to shrink in herself.  In that moment, the two of them saw Moira flash for a 
second before Renny.  "I think we should go and see to Nia, how about you 
Sparrow?" Raven asked hastily, edging around Renny who ignored them.

"I think you're right.  Poor girl.  Defenseless.  Best go check on her." 
Sparrow agreed rushing out after her.  Renny kept looking at Bear with that 
half-lidded look, her mouth curving into a vicious smile.  "Come Bear, we 
should talk." she took a seat and placed her hands on her lap.

She is her mother's daughter. Bear thought with resignation.  "All right 
Illances...let's talk."

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

"A Little Advice" (sub title: from someone you screwed over)

Renny, PC
Bear, NPC
Notes: read "Uh Oh Here Comes Trouble" first
=============================================================

Bear sat awkwardly in the chair facing Renny, who sat as primly and properly 
as any Lady would.  To all outward appearance she appeared calm, more ready 
for a light conversation about the weather or her upcoming nuptials, but Bear 
could see the steel behind her sweet smile, the ire that lurked just below 
the surface barely held in check.

Aye, he knew the look well.  It was the look her mother had given him years 
ago upon hearing her daughter had escaped.

"So...how is the lad?" Bear asked finally, unable to handle the silence any 
longer.  He didn't note any weapon near by enough for her to grab if murder 
was on her mind.  That didn't mean she had no weapons hidden on her person 
(another trick taught to her by her dear late mother, the trick of hiding 
just about any weapon under her clothes), just meant she wasn't being blatant 
about the fact she had one.

"He's better.  The healer said he shall recover, given enough time to heal 
and relax," Renny told him casually, flicking her nails one by one.  
"Apparently he was poisoned." she added just as casually, as if it was a 
nothing.  

Bear licked his suddenly parched lips before offering a hesitant smile.  
"That is interesting."

"Bear, let me be frank with you, won't you allow me that?" Renny asked, 
batting her eyes and leaning forward to rest her hands on her knees.  

"I always encouraged that in you illances," Bear told her sincerely.  For a 
second he saw a flicker of emotion cross her eyes, but it was soon replaced 
by the cold fire burning deep within in her.  

"The Healer says there was a piece of one of Mother's weapons still lodged in 
Edmund, causing the poison.  That's why he was so badly last I saw him." she 
glanced off, banishing the emotion she felt at seeing him so in pain.  "Now 
that got me wondering, how is it with all your experience with both 'guests' 
of mother's and of others injured somehow, you missed such an obvious thing."

Bear paled, realized she found him out, at least she thought she did.  
Suddenly he wondered if he would be meeting her father and his doom 
thereabouts.  "Ahh...it was a rushed job Ren.  I was just trying to treat his 
wounds I could see--" he cut off as Renny kicked the chair out from under 
him, straddling his chest with her knees and holding her balled fist to his 
throat.

She brought her face close to his and sneered. "Don't give me that load of 
shit, Bear.  I've seen you before, you tracked that stone in Rat's shoulder 
quickly enough--and we had less then fifteen minutes to move." pressing her 
fist farther in, causing Bear to turn interesting shades of red and his eyes 
to pop out, she released him as suddenly as she had leapt on him.

"You've been keeping things, I should have realized this earlier, but alas I 
was a bit preoccupied--which I suspect you hoped would keep me oblivous." 
Renny snorted. "Too god damn bad those men came from Edmund's father and 
fixed'im up eh?  Would never have known..." she shook herself, retaking her 
upturned seat and flexing her hand.

"I...it was ::cough:: meant for your best ::hack:: interest..." Bear managed 
to get out, stumbling into his seat again.  He held his neck, massaging the 
damage done to his throat and blinking back the haziness in his eyes.

Renny's eyes narrowed to slits of rage.  "Shouldn't I be the one to know 
what's best for me?" she snapped.  

Bear took deep breaths, the air refreshing to his aching throat.  Several 
minutes went by until finally he spoke again, his voice slightly hoarse.  "It 
had to come out at some point, I suppose.  Nothing stays buried for 
long...I'm guessing you know how you came to be part of the Band."

Renny shook her head.  "That's still not clear.  I know mother kidnapped me 
and then I lost my memories, but otherwise I remain in the dark."

Bear averted his eyes, finding it hard enough to explain his part in the 
whole scheme.  "I was the one who was assigned to keep you 'safe'.  To keep 
you prisoned until you came around...you escaped me." he gave a faint smile.  
"I--with two others--chased you through the forest we were camped in at that 
point.  You-you fell Ren.  Hit your head damn hard on a stone...we took you 
back to camp to care for you."

Realization dawned on Renny at that moment, striking her mute.  "When you 
awoke, unable to remember who you were anything at all, it was your mother's 
idea to...change your life's history.  Instead of Lord Renald Alberwine's 
prized only child about to be married, you became Moira Capall's prized only 
child about to be the seductress for our plans."

"Complete turn over..." Renny murmured, holding her throat.  "And you...I 
trusted you!" she cried.  "Out of everyone in that camp, I trusted YOU the 
most!  I came to you for help when mother got overbearing, when I needed time 
with Sparrow..." 

Bear reached out to hold Renny's hand and got a swift slap for his efforts.  
"Don't you touch me." she hissed getting out of her chair and glaring at him. 
 "Don't you go anywhere near me or Edmund or Nia or anyone I care about.  No 
one, do you hear me?  Or so help me I will make you BEG for my mother to be 
alive." Renny swore with cold finality.

At any other time, Bear would have doubted her.  He never saw Renny--his 
illances--as a malicious violent person before.  "Your father...us 
traveling..." Bear trailed off.

"Leave." she said simply.  "Leave now without a word to anyone at all." she 
paused, her eyes rapidly moving with her train of thought.  "I'll tell them 
you left--voluntarily.  You felt you were too old to embark on such a venture 
as this."

Bear stood, resigned.  "Do you consider yourself like your mother Renny?" he 
asked.  "I wouldn't have thought so, before.  Now..." he trailed off 
shrugging.  " 'Blood is the strongest bond between two people.  You can't 
escape your blood, just as you can't escape your fate.' " Bear quoted softly.

Renny stared at him puzzled for a moment before disappearing back into the 
corridor.  She caught Raven and Sparrow casually leaning against the wall 
opposite, looking as guilty as she thought them.  "Tell me you had no part in 
this and you will not suffer." she told both.

"How could we, I joined the month after you did and Sparrow a year and half 
later." Raven retorted.

Renny nodded passing them.  "Tell Nia she is not to go near that room until I 
return.  Keep watch over her and Edmund." she told them firmly.  She paused 
to glance over her shoulder.  "If he goes near either of them, kill him." 
with those last words she entered her own room to make ready to see the 
Healer the King meant to send.  He would have to be paid, despite his 
services not needed, she owed him that much at least.  It wasn't his fault he 
was beat out of his job.

"A Child's Bravado "
Kingdom Of Abertawe
Princess Rowena
Baron Llywen



Rowena had not snuck from the castle since before her accident. Her birthday
was in three days and she knew that once her training with the druid, Fagan,
began even less time would be her own. It took a great deal more planning
this time. She was still closely guarded per her father and brother's
instructions. However, the tree in the garden still lay with one branch
close to the wall and her vision had improved enough to allow her to climb.
She convinced her guards to let her play in the gardens and they both stayed
with in sight of her. She had promised the stable boys a crown if they would
have a fisticuffs to distract her guards. Once the fight began in earnest,
she quickly hurried to her tree and climbed it. Before the two guards had
managed to separate the brawling boys, Rowena was gone.

She had heard Llywen tell another boy at the ball of a puppet show in the
market that he liked to watch every day after the mid-day bells. It was hard
for her to find, but she was determined and knew the market fairly well.
Though her vision was still clouded. She could still make out buildings and
words if she struggled. So it was, that when Llywen came to see the puppet
show with a couple of local lads, sitting primly upon the bench was a young
lady he immediately recognized, though her clothing be non-descript so as
not to draw attention.

Llywen saw the lass that would be his wife someday, walked over to her and
smiled down at her, "You should not be here Rowena, but then maybe you want
me to protect you? I think you do," he paused and smiled, "When we're
married you won't be sneaking out on me lass," he told her firmly.

"I am going to be a priestess. Priestesses don't marry. And who said I snuck
out." She asked coyly. "I came to watch the puppet show."

"Where are your guards? Why are you not wearing a dress that suits a
princess?" he asked, he spoke as if he expected her to wear the best clothes
everywhere she went. "I'm sure your mother would take you to the puppet
show, where is she?" he replied. Then it dawned on him what she said about
being a priestess. "You are a princess and could do what you wish whenever
you wish, however you wish," he smiled. "You will be my wife, and we'll be
happy whether you like it or not," he said demandingly.

Rowena's face flushed with color. "I will not marry you. You are a bully. No
man will tell me what to do." She stood up and flounced away from the puppet
show.

Llywen felt like pulling her hair right then, but she was royalty and he
could not. He followed her step for step, "If you're nice and obedient, I
won't have to bully you now will I? If you're nice and worshipful, I'll be
nice," he replied, making sure to leave out the worshipful when it came to
him. "You'll be my wife someday, I know it," he smiled at her, his cheeks
flushed red.

"How nice for you. I worship the lady and no one else." She didn't stop
moving. "Go away." She was sorry she had snuck out to see him again. He was
not as nice as he had been at the ball.

"I'm sorry Rowena, don't go away. I have to protect you with your guards
away. Come back," he said, still following her. He was beginning to see she
wasn't liking him very much this time. He wanted her desperately to like him
as much as he liked her, of course he'd never admit this to anyone.

"I don't need protection. I can protect myself." She stopped and turned to
look at him. "I came to see you and now you are being mean." Her eyes
clouded up with tears and she bit her lip. "I am not even nine. I don't even
want to think of being married. I want to be a priestess. I start my
fostering next sevenday. But you do not care. You just want a doll to dress
up and show off to other boys." Her words were hotly said, fueled by her
anger that she had allowed him to see how she felt.

Llywen became sad when he saw her crying. His boyish mind had no idea what
to say, but he took a scarf from his pocket and handed it to her, "here
Rowena, do not cry," was all he could think to say. "You can be a priestess
and be married," he added with a whisper.

"I can?" She took his cloth and dried her eyes. "But I am to young to be
married. How do you know that I will want to marry you when I am older? You
are a baron?"

"Silly girl, princesses marry nobility. And when I become a baron, I will
give your father lots of crowns to give you to me as a wife. You can be my
wife and be a priestess at night," he told her proudly. "Besides, you will
be at marrying age in just four years, as soon as you bleed, that's what I
heard one of mother's maids say," he told her innocently.

Rowena's eyes got very large. "I have to bleed?" She did not like the sound
of that. A large horse reared up beside her and she pulled Llywen into a
small alley to avoid being stomped on. "I am not letting anyone cut me just
so I can be old enough to marry."

Llywen shrugged, putting his finger to his mouth in thought, "I don't think
so. My mother's maid said that all girls bleed between their legs. Nature's
way of saying- this girl can have babies now," he replied. "And if you can
have babies, then it is time for you to  marry so you can have babies, do
you see? I don't know all the details, but when it happens you let me know
and then I'll give all my family's money so that we can marry and you can be
my wife," he said with great pride.

To Llywen just the thought of her on his arm thrilled him.

Rowena stared at him wide eyed. "I think your mother's maid is telling
fibs." She hoped so anyway.

"So.. what do we have here. Look Caleb, I found us a pair of fledglings far
from their nest. We have been watching for you, princess for weeks." The man
with few teeth leered at Rowena. Rowena took a step back and behind Llywen.

"Stand back old man, I will not allow the lass to be harmed," Llywen pulled
out a short sword, not really sharp but he was determined to protect his
future wife. "She shall be my wife, now back off or this sword will be put
into your gullet old man," the boy said, he tried to lower his voice to
sound scary.

The two men laughed. "I would love to see you try, little man." They didn't
have to bring the boy, but they were pretty sure that two for the trip would
give them a bonus.

One pulled out a rusted long sword while the other moved around to get a
better chance at grabbing the princess. The horse still was rearing and a
great commotion was in the market. No one could see them.

"RUN Rowena, RUN!" Llywen screamed bravely, with his short sword still drawn
he knocked over three water barrels, spilling water over the ground and
blocking the passageway so the men's horses couldn't follow them. Then he
turned and ran too, making sure to put himself behind Rowena so they
couldn't get her. ~No one's taking my future wife from me,~ he thought to
himself.

Rowena turned and fled. Her vision was not that good, so she couldn't run as
fast as she could have a year ago. Llywen quickly caught her and grabbed her
hand. The narrow allyway soon ended. There was nowhere to go. "Now what?"
She gasped. So long as an invalid, she was tiring quickly.

Llywen wished he could have faked a smart answer, but there was nowhere to
go, the buildings were higher than he'd anticipated. "I can have you step on
my shoulders and get you onto the roof, then I'll hold off the brigands
while you escape back to the castle," he said, putting on his bravest face.
"Get on my back and then onto my shoulders, Rowena," he encouraged her,
"hurry!"

"I don't think so." One of the men rounded the corner. "Come here lass. If
you come quietly, we will leave your little knight safely behind. If not, I
won't be answering for what happens to him."

Rowena looked at Llywen and then bit her lip. "You will let him go?" She
asked fearfully. If they let him go, Llywen could get her brother.

Llywen stepped in front of Rowena to protect her, "get behind me Rowena,
there's no telling what they could do. I won't stand by and watch you get
hurt," he said cantankerously. His concern for his future little wife was
written all over him. He wasn't about to let anything bad happen to her. If
they stayed together, he knew he could keep Rowena safe. "Come any closer
you old gutter rat and I'll skewer you like a piece of raw meat, I dare ya!"
Llywen beckoned for the man to come closer, he was holding his sword just as
he was taught and in an en guarde position.

The man shrugged and got off his horse. He smiled at the lad. "If ya get
yerself killed, who will protect your little pigeon then, eh lad?"

"If you kill me, you'll have a Baron's army after your hide. So, come old
gutter rat, you may be bigger 'an me, but I have a reason to be brave. You
aren't touching my future wife," he told the old smelly man.

"I don't want your future wife, lad. She is just coming for a visit." The
man said soothingly.  He got a little close and then lunged quickly. He got
a pretty deep cut for his effort. He swore and tore the sword from the lad
and then cuffed him in the head with it.  As Llywen staggered back, Rowena
screamed for the first time. But in the crowded streets, no one paid much
attention to the sound of a screeching child. The big man sweeped her up,
kicking and scratching, the little bundle in his arms could have passed for
a wildcat.

Llywen's head hurt so bad, but he wasn't thinking about himself. All he
heard was Rowena's terrified screams. He was determined to protect her. So
he lunged forward at the man's feet and tripped him. "You're not going
anywhere," Llywen said, still groggy. He could feel the bruise on his head
get even bigger.

The other man sighed and got off his horse. He hit the lad over the head and
picked him up. He then helped his partner bind and gag the young princess.
They then put both children on their horses in front of them. To the casual
observer, nothing would appear amiss. They didn't plan on going far. A wagon
waited to take the pair out of the city and past the guards. Tears ran down
Rowena's face. It was her fault Llywen was hurt. A small trail of blood was
on his forehead. If she had stayed in the castle none of this would have
happened. She could only hope it didn't take her guards long to figure out
she had slipped their watch and was not just playing in the gardens.

"Past Secrets Foretold"

Diora di'Annagar
Arianna ui Llewellyn

Diora smiled as the Earl finally decided to drift off to sleep.  She knew 
his dosage would keep him sleeping for a while.  She slipped out into the 
garden and let the sun warm the chill in her bones.  She didn't bother with 
the letter for she was still working through it. It remained tucked into her 
sleeve. She needed to be outside to free her thoughts.

With Moryver finally asleep and getting more rest, Arianna wached Diora head 
outside and decided to follow. She could still see some problem within the 
smile Diora was hiding behind. Once outside, Arianna walked over to Diora, 
"What is bothering you, sister?"

Diora looked at Arianna and sighed. "I can't hide anything from you can I?"  
She handed Arianna the letter.  From what she could see the letter 
read..."Dearest Diora, Happy 18th Birthday...there is something you should 
know...Annagar isn't your father...Fagan is.  Love, Mother."  Diora sat 
quietly while Arianna read the letter.

Arianna looked up in shock from the letter to see Diora. From an outside 
point of view, the news was exciting, but she could understand how it would 
turn someone's world upside down. It had been different for Arianna. She 
knew she was a foster child and that her mother was dead. She could see the 
anguish in Diora's face and knew that she loved her supposed father.

"I don't know whether to believe this is a lie or the truth.  My heart is 
sad that my mother would stoop to this low to tear my relationship apart 
with my father.  Or did she do this to hurt Fagan?  I really don't know.  I 
have to talk with Fagan about it, but it just hurts."  She said quietly.  
She had shed all her tears but the sadness remained.

"I am sorry you bear such a burden alone my sister. I will be here for you 
in what ever way you desire. I believe that it would indeed be a good idea 
to speak with Fagan about the subject as well as your mother. Why would you 
believe she is attempting to ruin your relationship with your father. If 
what this says is true, then I believe she is hurting over this as well. 
Imagine admitting a time of vunerability in your life that would cause 
someone else, your father, pain? I am sure she has a burden to bear and only 
speaks this so that you may know the truth. Plus, from the looks of the 
letter, it is very old. I am betting she wrote this to ensure you knew the 
truth back when she worried she would not have the courage to tell you now." 
Arianna sighed. She was attempting to defend Diora's mother to keep her 
focused on the facts instead of placing blame and facing anger. It was 
strange that the goddess was one of wisdom, peace, and healing, yet two of 
her priestesses lived outside of that shell holding animosity towards each 
other. Even if they did love each other.

Diora sighed. "My mother, says she loves but never once did I ever feel 
loved by her.  She would look at me in disgust, like I was something that 
she didn't want to remember.  She is a very spiteful person and would take 
anything out on me.  I love her dearly and always will, but I feel like I am 
such a horrible person in her eyes.  Everything she has told me growing up 
were lies.  That's why I have a hard time believing her.  I'm so confused."

"I think you have struck true, sister-friend. Maybe you remind her of 
something she had done wrong. An affair between her and Fagan. It almost 
sounds as if she takes her pain out on you. Admitting the truth to such an 
affair is the first step in redemption. It may not be an easy road ahead for 
the two of you, but it will be a healthier one. The truth will be in the 
open. I will pray for you both." Arianna put her arm aroung her friend to 
comfort her.

Diora rested her head on her Arianna's shoulder.  "Thank you sister, I am 
glad we are here for each other.  The weird thing is, I think my father 
always knew and never said anything.  He treated me special compared to the 
rest of my brothers and sisters.  I think that's why she has always been 
resentful of me.  For the attention that he has shown to me and not to her."

Arianna was saddened by Diora's problem. She spent her whole life wondering 
what life would have been like if she had been with her real parents. she 
never imagined a situation like that of her friend's. "Give it time, Diora. 
The goddess will make things work out for the best. After all, she has 
helped you this far. I saw you and Gwilym earlier today in the hospital 
garden. Speak up, now. Don't hold any information back on me." Arianna 
smiled to match her playfull demeanor.

Diora knew Arianna was right and she sat up and smiled genuinely when she 
mentioned about seeing her and Gwilym together this morning.  "Well, lets 
just say I now have a suitor."  She smiled brightly.  "He came in this 
morning and woke me up.  He asked how you were and I told him that I hadn't 
seen you yet, but I would.  He appologized to me for the way things happened 
at the ball and I told him no matter what had happened that I would love him 
still the same and he told me he loved me too and then kissed me not once 
but twice."  She stopped and was blushing while she spoke of her morning 
with Gwilym.  "He then asked me to dinner this very eve." she said with a 
smile.

"Twice! Well I'll be. That is great news. Now, if we could only get Hawk to 
come to his senses, we could begin planning a double wedding." Arianna 
laughed but inside, she was a little serious.

"Give him some time.  I know he loves you but like Gwilym he will have to 
get over his grief and him being King, it will take him a little while 
longer. All I can say is Poor Gwilym, with me not knowing who my father 
really is, my problem will be with the dowry and the lot.  IF Annagar really 
is my father he's going to be the one with the dowry. If I am as special as 
he says I am to him, then he's going to give Gwilym a run for his money and 
probably several tests he has to pass as well.  Twill be interesting to 
see." she said with a smile, knowing full well the last time and how Annagar 
had tested her brother-in-law when he came to ask for Ysdriel's hand.  She 
was only three then and Annagar let her pick one of the tasks herself.

Arianna smiled, "It'll be good for the man. he may have some confusion about 
affairs of the heart, but he still made things a little bit messy. As for 
Hawk, waiting patiently is all I can do."

Diora giggled and sighed. "I'm scared about talking to Fagan.  What if he 
doesn't want anything to do with me?  It hasn't bothered me before now, but 
I am not sure what to do still."

Arianna smiled, "He had chosen to stay in your life as your uncle. If he 
wanted nothing to do with you, he wouldn't be around. I think if you talk to 
him, he might already know the truth. He won't reject his child. He has only 
hidden the truth from you for your happiness. It would have been to hard to 
handle this information as a child. You're a woman now and deserve the 
truth. That is all your mother has done. Fagan will testify to that. You'll 
see."

"I can only hope that it happens that way." she said quietly.  Somehow she 
got the feeling that it wouldn't but she had to atleast try.

"The Unrequited Truth"

Diora di`Annagar
Fagan, the Ovate

Diora sighed as she looked at her locket again.  'This night didn't turn out
too bad after all.' she thought to herself.  She had so much to thank and
say to the lady that she couldn't contain herself in words.  She sang her
heart to the moon.

"Here upon the autumn night,
so many moons ago
A child blessed with promise bright,
was born in the moonlit glow.

Promise of learning
The promise of art
Promise of yearning
Lay within the goddess' arms."

She continued her song while bathed in the moonlit glow.  She thanked the
lady for her life and that she continued to serve in the presence of
Morrigan.  She then thought again to the letter that her mother had written
18 moons ago before she was born, and she was no longer angry.  In fact, she
thought to herself she would thank her mother the next time she saw her.

Fagan now knew that the letter from Nyssa had reached Diora. But he
had no idea how to go about approaching her. He was furious to begin
with, but like Diora his mood had changed: to one of resignation and
foreboding. None of this was supposed to happen - he had only come
to Alban to assist the druids with the young princess, in the absence of
the High Druid. But he found himself becoming entangled in intrigues of
his own. How he hated the mind games of men and women.

He did not disturb Diora in her worship: it was a private moment between
the Goddess and her follower: he waited out of sight, but close enough
to hear her sing in praise and thanks. Such a simple outlook - one he
had started his life with, but had been slowly eroded away by time and
experience. It was one of the reasons he had retreated into seclusion,
to try and recover some of that purity of innocence. Yet today had
wiped out any gains he had made over those years entirely. Now, he
just felt tired.

She finished her song and didn't know that Fagan was there, but she was
thankful that he was in her life and thought of how she would help him now.
This was meant to happen for a reason, but she didn't know quite why.  She
sat on the bench and thought quietly for awhile.  The moonlight was hitting
her and illuminated her black hair giving it a blue sheen.  So many
questions, but she knew those would wait for now she just wanted to know
him.

"Are you finished?" Fagan inquired.

She turned and faced him. "Aye, I believe I am." she said quietly.

"I never was your father," he said bluntly.

"It matters not.  You are one that I know I can talk to."  she said in
return. She motioned for him to sit next to her.  "All I keep thinking is
this is one cruel joke and not just on my part."

"You're right. It is a cruel joke. And one that has been played just
as much on me as it has been on you." Fagan tried to choose his
words carefully while taking a seat next to her. The distance
he put between them on the bench was noticeable.

Diora knew he was hiding something, but tried to shake it off.
"Fagan...I..." she sighed before starting again.  She was horribly confused
and just wanted to know the truth.  "Am I that horrible a person?" she asked
quietly.

"No," he answered simply. "You are a kind and gentle soul. You have
become that way without any influence from me, and that only proves
to me that things are as they should be, as the Goddess wills it."

"I'm so confused.  This letter turned me upside down and I don't know what
to think.  If it is true, I don't expect any different from you, because I
already know that you care.  I just want to know what happened, I have a
right to know the truth."  She lowered her head and sighed.

Fagan rubbed his face from frustration. He wasn't getting anywhere this way,
denying what had happened. Nyssa's letter had opened a pandora's box of
questions, and no amount of stalling would delay the inevitable. "We loved
each other once, a foolish love that you were a consequence of.  That Nyssa
was married at the time, was something easily overlooked. Annagar has not
been blessed by the Goddess, as he is unable to sire a child. Nyssa knew
this and used me. Twice. I was foolish enough to fall for it a second time,
seeing as she kept your existence concealed from me."

She listened to what he had said, stood and kneeled at his feet, placed her
hands into his and looked at him in the face.  "You apparently were not the
first she duped, because I am the second youngest of 6.  You mean to tell me
that one of my other siblings..." She started to say and then it hit her
which one.  "Aidan." she said quietly.  "All I have ever wanted to do was to
make my parents proud and to make you proud.  I did not want you to ever to
stop what you were doing.  I...love you, I meant that when I told that to
you at the Ball, that hasn't changed.  I just wanted to know who I am, and
actually I am glad that you are my sire." she said the whole time while
looking at him.  "I know you have always wanted to distance yourself from
me, but now I know that's not possible.  I put myself in your life and
that's where I want to remain.  If you don't want that, I will understand."
she said quietly.

"Do you realise Annagar already knows of this, child? What purpose
would it serve if I returned to your life, even if it meant such a great
deal to you?"

"Yes I know he already knows, that's the reason he sent me with you so long
ago instead of another.  He told me to trust in you, before I left.  I think
it's because it is not you he's angry with for deceiving him, it's mum and
she knows it too.  Tis why he spoiled me so as a child. To get back at her
for what she had done. He sent me a post via Timor for you. This arrived
this afternoon." She handed him the note.

"Fagan, I have done well in raising Diora.  She will always be the daughter
of my heart, but I can no longer hide the deception.  She looks too much
like you and it was I that told Nyssa to let her know.  She needs this now.
I wish I could have told this to you in person, but duties to hearth and
home have kept me from this.  You have blessed this world with a beautiful
gift when Diora was born and for that I am grateful. - Annagar"

Fagan refolded the note, and returned it to Diora. Then, abruptly and
without another word, he turned and left the garden as quickly as he
had come.

Diora didn't open the note because Annagar had written it to Fagan alone.
She watched in disbelief as he left.  She got up and followed him. "Please,
I wish one more moment and then I won't ever bother you again." she said
with tears down her face.

Against his better judgement, Fagan stopped and waited, his back to her.
"What is it?" he demanded.

"Did you ever really love me?"

There was hesitation. Yet after a few moments, Fagan continued to walk
away, leaving the question unanswered.

Diora was stymied until the ovate had disappeared from view. She then
started to try and chase after him, but she never got the chance to
finish.  There was a sickening thud as something hard came crashing down
her skull. From a far away place, she could hear a thick, broguish male's
voice. He was apparently talking to himself and to no-one, for Fagan must
be too far away to hear. "Thanks Gov'na. Ye should have listened to the
letter," he said, picking Diora up and carrying her off. She slumped into
unconsciousness.

"A Surprising Rescue"

Baron Seth McCullen
Diora di`Annagar
Renny Alberwine
Donovan, kidnapper (APC)

Diora thought her evening had went over fine, except for the discussion with
Fagan.  All she had wanted was to know the truth, but it made things worse.
Now, it seemed someone wanted more than what her life was worth.

Donovan had waited in the wings.  His objective was to steal the healer and
cause chaos to take the eyes off the feud. He thought it would have been
easy and she did not pay attention as she was talking to the Ovate. 'Make it
look like it was an accident and bring her to me untouched' his benefactor
had said. Now all he had to do was to deliver the necklace and note to the
right person.  The specific instructions were given to the page and thus
Donovan draped the unconcious healer across the back of his horse.  Daybreak
was coming fast and he had to get out of Alban.

Things hadn't gone as well as Renny had expected, upon reaching the castle.
First, the Healer turned out to be a female not a male, which didn't improve
Renny's mood plus the damned Lady was missing.  Missing how?
"Kidnapped...m'lady," the guard told her stiffly.  She didn't like the how
he said that, with the hesitation.  So what she had her dagger out and
twirling it on her finger tip...

"Fine.  Then tell me who to see about her, I have some business with the
Healer I should repair before I leave." Renny told him.  The guard wasn't so
sure he should tell her, thinking the business wasn't so on the up and up,
but the look in her eye scared him.  "Baron Seth went after her." with that
he fled.

Renny raised any eyebrow, "Baron Seth?" she echoed amusedly.  "I have
business with him to," she murmured, tucking the dagger into her belt.  Now
which way?

Seth had been checking out his old stomping grounds.  Now that he was a
baron he was supposed to be 'above' such menial tasks as protecting those
who needed it.  It was in his blood to a certain extent though.  He wore his
weighted shoulder pads and cape as his sword as he used to.  During the
first few minutes he had noticed a shady looking figure and watched him.  He
noticed the man attack a healer he had seen once and ride off with her.

Dawn was approaching and Seth rushed to his horse.  He followed the man from
a distance, but always keeping him in plain view.  He waited until they were
past any populated areas where people could be injured.  He raced faster,
but off of the beaten path.  He knew of a way to get ahead of the man.  In a
short number of minutes he was prepared to confront him and take the young
healer back to her home.

As Seth trailed the man, Renny trailed Seth--on foot.  She had no likening
for horses, really, but she was quick on her feet and neither were covering
their tracks at all well.  So she let them get ahead of her quite a ways. No
rush, right?  She just wanted a little chat...

Diora awoke to the jarring of a running horse.  She didn't remember how she
got here and didn't like the fact that she was.  She saw the figure of the
man who had taken her and was not able to see his face.  She tried to talk
to get the horse to stop but he hit her again as he realized she was waking
up.

Seth pulled back a fairly flexible branch that was just out of sight.  The
healer was low enough to not be hit by it.  The branch was low enough that
the rider couldn't dodge it though.  As the rider approached he waited and
released the branch hoping to stop at least the attacker, he and his horse
could get the horse he was on in a few moments.

Donovan cursed his luck as he didn't see the branch coming at him.  It
struck him in the face and with the momentum of the horse he landed hard on
his rump.  He gingerly got up and chased after his horse.  He had to get
that horse under control and did not see the rider coming straight for
thehorse and healer.

Seth rode up beside the man's horse and grabbed the healer and deposited her
to his horse.  He turned around."If you value your life, run away and never
return.  You have that one chance to live."  Seth's eyes were fiery as he
withdrew his sword just in case this man wanted a fight.  The propsect of a
fight again was thrilling, but he knew this man would certainly die.

Donovan saw the look in the baron's eyes and knew fear.  He scrambled up off
the ground and ran.  His lady, if she found him would do worse things, but
the look in the baron's eyes told him plenty.

Renny watched with concealed amusement from the safety of the trees.  She
would have stepped forward, but Seth was after all a Knight-in-Training last
time she saw him.  He should be able to handle such a wimpy looking man
anyhow.  Maybe just a little...?  No.  She had a mission.

Seth smiled and sheathed his sword as he rode off back towards Alban where
he had been making his rounds.  He stopped about half way and sat the healer
up."M'lady, wake up.  You're safe now, whoever that man was cannot harm you
any longer."  Seth smiled warmly to try and put her at ease if she awoke.

Diora awoke and found she was no longer riding.  "Um...owww..." she put her
hand to her face where she had been hit.  "What...what happened and who are
you?"

Renny came out from behind the trees and leaned against one, watching this
with interest.  "That'll be the Squire Seth McCullen if I'm correct," she
said calmly with a smile.  She tapped her chin with her right index finger.
"Or is it Baron Seth McCullen now?  I'm ever so confused...and are you the
Healer the King was to send to see to my fiancee?" she asked, nodding
towards Diora.

Diora looked confused and her head and face hurt.  "I see so many...who are
you?  I haven't been much out of the castle since the Earl had is attack."
It was then she remembered the Earl.  "I must get back...ow..." she said.

"I can take you back.  I am Baron Seth McCullen.  It has been a very long
time Renny.  I'm sorry to hear your faincee is ailing.  Congratulations on
the fiancee though."  He turned to Diora."Are you well enough to be taken on
horse?"  he asked concerned about the bump on her head.

"That doesn't answer my question," Renny said impatiently, tapping her foot.
  "She's not well enough, she should rest.  Healer or not if she doesn't
rest, she'll be a lot worse off." Renny told him rolling her eyes.  "Are you
daft? Get her something for her head!"  Renny didn't care for nicities, or
for rank at that moment since he was techinically now above her in station.
Last time she had a bump, her world was turned up side down.

Seth ignored her comment and cared not that she was below him in
stature."Fine."  There was a creek nearby so he ripped a part of his shirt
and doused it in the creek and came back and tied it around her head."I
believe that should help.  Please forgive me for the cold and the lack of
hastiness to get you something for your head."  He shot Renny a look."You
may lead the way, if you are feeling well enough to visit her fiancee?" he
asked Diora.

"Like I was trying to get across...I came to the castle to pay the
Healer--who i'm guessing was to be her--for the service she was supposed to
serve him.  Instead some of his father's men came and took care of him."
Renny told them quickly.  "I really would like to pay you, its not your
fault Edmund's father sent those men uninvited."

"Um...it's ok.  I think I will be able to take care of things better later.
Thank you for your kindness.  My name is Diora." she said quietly.  She then
looked at Renny.  "No payment is necessary, but if you need anything all you
have to do is ask for me." she said to Renny and winced again through the
pain.  "I think I can manage a horse ride."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Diora.  I'm sorry we met under such
circumstances, but at least you're safe now.  Where do you wish me to take
you?"  He asked knowing she needed to lie down.  He was amazed she was
conscious after the hit he saw her take.

"Back to the palace. They probably have figured out that I am gone and they
are sending a search party.  Besides I have a patient that needs to be
looked after and I have been gone too long as....it is..." she said and
winced yet again.  "I need to do something about the pain...and I don't have
my herbs or nothing with me."

"I can take you by wherever your herbs are first.  I don't think you'll be
any good to anyone if you're in as much pain as you are.  No arguing."  he
commanded as he offered her his arm."I imagine they have sent a search
party, we should hurry."  He smiled warmly to try and show his concern, but
he also meant business.

Diora took his arm and was a little unsteady on her feet.  "They are back at
the palace.  I never filled up my pouch when I should have, but I agree...we
must hurry...I don't want to black out...If I do...go and find Earl Gwilym
ap Gavin.  He's the Earl of Westcliffe and my love."  She looked at Renny.
"Are you satisfied with my answer?  If not...then come and visit me...I will
not take payment from anyone...tis my service to heal."

Renny made a sound of disapproval, crossing her arms tightly and looking
away.  "People wonder why I don't do any thing good!  Fine do as you like, I
care not." she finally said witha  dismissing hand.

Seth pulled her up behind him."Just hold on tightly.  Put your head against
my shoulder and focus on my heartbeat.  If you do that there's a good chance
you won't black out.  Now hold on!"  he kciked his horse and they were
off."Talk to you later Renny!"  he called after her as the horse ran swiftly
back from whence they came.  They would arrive in moments and he knew it all
counted because Diora might black out and that would not be good."We'll be
there shortly."  he called to her to try and help her focus on something
rather than drift away.

Renny watched them rapidly disappear and realized she forgot to tell the
stupid woman to tell the King she at least tried to do the right thing.
Kicking a tree, Renny sighed and turned her gaze towards the sky.  What in
the name of all that's good and biddable is she doing?  Lamenting the fact
she couldn't give away money!  She's gone daft for sure!

Diora knew that she had to find Renny again when she was well.  She rested
her head on Seth's shoulder and try as she might she tried to stay awake,
but the pain was too much.  "Take me to Gwilym..." was what she said before 
she
blacked out again.

Seth realized she had blacked out just as they reached the outer gates.  he
rode towards where he knew Gwilym was usually and hoped that he would be
there now to help.

"Guess Who Deserves What"

Bear, NPC (the road)
Raven, Sparrow, NPC's (the inn)
Renny, PC (her room)
======================================================

"How could you do that?!" Sparrow spat, scuffing the floor in his agitation 
to keep from punching someone.  "Its Bear Renny, BEAR!  How could you just 
toss'im aside like he was nothing?"

Raven sat back near the window and watched the two fight with much relish.  
She knew, that unlike those other times, they wouldn't make up to go have a 
roll in the bed.  Oh no.  Now it would be Sparrow and HER in the bed.  She 
tapped her long finger against her chin in thought.  

"He lied to me Sparrow.  About everything.  He is the reason I lost it all 
Sparrow." Renny said quietly, holding her hands in her lap.  Returning from 
her failed mission to pay that Healer, Renny had been fairly assaulted by a 
seriously angry Sparrow and an oddly smug Raven.

"Your mother made'im Ren." Sparrow reminded her tersely.

Renny's breath exploded out of her mouth as she stood and confronted Sparrow. 
 "Enough!  My mom was evil, fine!  I'm over that.  But to say she made 
everyone do every evil rotten underhanded thing is downright wrong!" she told 
him, including Raven in the conversation.

Raven held her hands up in submission and shook her head.  "Hey, I was more 
then happy to rob people of their riches and to kill folks.  You're mom 
didn't have to ask me twice!"

Sparrow grunted and threw Raven a dark look.  "I didn't say your mom made us 
do every little thing, just did you even think that its a possiblity?"

"No." Renny said curtly before leaving them to their own devices.  She walked 
straight out and into her room to check on Edmund.  Satisfied that he seemed 
content, Renny grabbed the extra pillow she had bullied the innkeep to give 
her and laid out next to him on the ground.

To be truthful, she did feel guilty about sending Bear away as she had.  The 
long walk to and from seeing the Healer--and interestingly enough a now noble 
Seth--had cooled her temper a little.  Not enough to call him back, of 
course, but enough to make her rethink her decision.  

She turned over on her side and rested her head on the inside of her arm.  
Why life had to change, she did not understand.  

****

Bear moved down the road at a slow pace, his shoulders slumped over and his 
face fallen.  He had nowhere to go, no family to speak of at least, the 
Band...who knows what happened to them and now he even lost Renny.  Because 
of her.

Moira.

He spat on the ground at the acidic taste the thought of the name brought to 
his mouth.  He wished he had listened to the village Elders when they told 
him that woman was trouble.  Then again, they were the same village Elders 
who had imprisoned him for murdering two men and a woman in rage.  

Did he regret what he did to Renny?  Strangely enough, no he didn't.  Oh 
sure, he felt remorse for HOW it happened, but to totally regret keeping her 
in the Band and watching her grow into a little spitfire (instead of that 
whimpering girl-child she was at first?) was absurd.  No, insane!

Which brings us back to the fact he had no where to go, no one to go to and 
no money. He patted his waistband and cursed.  "And no weapons! Damn child!" 
he swore, meaning Renny of course.  He sighed.  "It'll be ironic if I am 
killed by bandits, sure Renny'll and Moira--wherever she is--will laugh."  
Looking left and right, Bear took the right road and continued his slow, 
steady pace towards who knows where.

King Hawk
Baron Seth McCullen

Seth had asked for a private audience with the King and knew that there was
a good chance it would be granted.  Seth had never lived the life of a noble
and therfore needed guidance from one he could trust.  Afterall, they were
family and family is supposed to be the closest.

Hawk chuckled as he received the request from his brother-in-law.  The
young man was still so insecure in his new life, that the King decided to

visit him himself.  So he went to the quarters assigned to his sister and
brother-in-law, and came in unannounced.

"I heard you wanted to see me.  You are my family, so you don't have to
make an appointment.  The only time I am unavailable is when I am in
session with my councillors or my nobles."  He said with a smile.

Seth was surprised but smiled none the less.  He bowed and smiled as he

returned to his original stance."Thank you for coming by to see me so

quickly.  I am seeking your counsel on my life.  I know that I am now a
baron and that I am in charge of a large parcel of land, but I am not sure
what good I can serve my new family and the kingdom.  I was wondering if you
might be able to help me in this?"  he asked hoping that Hawk could help.

"do what you always did."  The King said.  "You will have to learn slowly,
and I am not going to push you.  My sister will help you, she grew up in
this, she knows what to do.  Depend on her, like my father does on my
mother, and you will be all right.  These women have a lot of knowledge."
He smiled.  "And if you are interested in politics, I could train you to
become one of my advisers, but that is entirely up to you."

Seth smiled."I'm not one for politics.  I do better outside of politics, but
I know of them.  It's best to know a degree of something so you'll know when
you don't want to pursue that road.  I couldn't think of a better adviser
than your sister and my wife.  Is there a certain area I should be pursuing
is my question?"

"If you don't like politics, I can always use good army commanders.  But if

you want to go into that, you should  talk to your father-in-law.  He runs
the army."

"I may do that, but can you tell me what exactly the army commanders do,
more specifically."  Seth didn't want to be put in a position where Bronwen
would be worried to death and he could meet his death almost certainly
either.  He had a great eye  for training and tactics though.

"again, my father knows much more about that.  It takes all sorts.

Commanders of the various branches, a garrison commander here, he has been
in charge of that for ever."  He looked at the other man.  "Or are you
still afraid of him?"

Seth smiled."I think being alittle scared is healthy.  I think I've gotten
over a great deal of that though.  We spoke at the ball and I think I am in
good standing with him now.  He's a great man, no doubting that."  he paused
for a moment."I suppose I shall go speak to my father-in-law then.  Thank
you for the advice."

"That would be wise, but if you need only my advice, my door is almost
always open."  He smiled.  "And remember with the old man, his bark is much
worse than his bite."

Seth smiled amusingly."I'll keep that in mind.  I may yet try out politics
if the military lifestyle doesn't suit me.  I was trained to be a knight,
maybe it will suit me."  he smiled."May I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course, you are family."  The King said.

"I am grateful for all that you did for Bronwen and I.  I have still been
wondering why you took such a risk when you endorsed us leaving, however
secret, but I am grateful.  I love Bronwen so much, and you handed me her
hand in marriage and I am wondering how I can repay you?"  Seth had that on
his mind for awhile and was glad to get it off his chest.

"I happen to believe in love. if Audrey had not been killed, I would have
married her.  Against the wishes of the nobles and my own family.  How
could I deny my sister to do the same?  I am not a hypocrite. you can repay
me, by making my sister happy.  And by supporting me."  He smiled.

Seth smiled warmly."I do my best to make her happy everyday.  You will
always have my support, you know that."  He had another question that seemed
like a good one."Is there anything only you might know that could make her
happy?"  Seth knew it would be a strange question to ask Bronwen, so he had
gauged her reaction, but you never know.

the King thought for a moment.  "I don't really know.  There is one thing
though, always involve her in your life, in the making of decisions.
That's really important to her."

Seth smiled."That I do already, but thank you for confirming that.  I think
anyone you love should be involved in your life.  Thank you for your counsel
my brother."  Seth held out his hand."I'll let you know how my meeting with
my father-in-law goes, especially if the military commander positions don't
sound appealing."  Seth really felt like he was among family foro ne of the
first times.  Hawk was a good man.

"any time."  hawk said. he had always liked the young man, and with a
little bit of guidance, he could go far.

"Shocking News"
Kingdom of Abertawe
Sir Gwynne Hawley
NPC Guards
NPC messenger


Mert thought he would never get through to the knight he was paid to carry a
message to.  He had been hard pressed to convey that only one Sir Gwynne
could receive his letter. Finally, two guards escorted him into the library.

"Our apologies, milord, but this man insists he has an urgent message that
can only be delivered to you." One of the guards said politely. The man
standing before Gwynne was ill kept and obviously of low breeding.

"Who hired you?" Gwynne asked, looking the unkempt man up and down, trying
to hold his breath from the stench of the person's very presence. "What is
this message?"

The man pulled a wrinkled scroll from his coat. "Some cove down at the water
paid me five crowns to make sure you received this message."

"You've served your duty, did this cove say anything about waiting for a
reply?" he asked.

"No milord," he said respectively.

"Then you've done your duty, be on your way," Gwynne threw a shilling so the
messenger could catch it and opened the letter.

"My Dear Lord Hawley,

I write to you with grievous news of which I have a feeling you hold to
great import. The Lady Jolene Burke's death was falsely reported. She
currently waits for transportation to a High Placed sheiks harem. Her boat
will leave before the next full moon. Her current location at the time I
write this missive is in a small hunting shack on the northern border of the
Earl Of Abertawe's lands. I am unsure of the Lord Sanglet's knowledge of the
matter and therefore am reluctant to bring it to his attention.

I hope that you will be able to affect the lady's rescue as I am unable to
involve myself further in this matter.

A Friend in Heart and Deed, Yours Truly."

Gwynne placed the letter down on the table, his heart, mind, body and soul
was stunned by the news. He read the letter over and over again. Both,
relieved that his betrothed was alive and appalled by where she was being
taken. Jolene was alive! In one quick second he had gone from stunned to
complete, utter joy.

At first he did not give thought to Jolene being on Sanglet's property, but
all that mattered was rescuing her and bringing her home to Alban.

He quickly wrote a letter and placed it on the chamberlain's desk,

"I go to rescue the Lady Burke, she is being held on Earl Sanglet's
property. The significance of this I know not. I am in much haste now, for
my betrothed is alive! I shall return within a week's time. Let the King and
his family know, I still serve them faithfully, but now I must serve my
heart just as well,

Sir Gwynne Hawley,
Crest of Topaz."

In under twenty minutes, Gwynne had his horse saddled and was on his way to
Sanglet's property, his sword in hand, provisions as well. His heart was at
once filled with joy and enraged by any one thinking Jolene could be sold.

"Reporting to the King"
King Hawk
Captain of the Gaurd
Stableboys

The Capta