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The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Morning, Midsummer's Day

Cesare and Kathi

Morning started with a knock-knock-knock on Cesare's door.

Outside, waiting patiently, Kathi waited. She was all proper and nice, having chosen her best tunics because it was Midsummers after all. Her household tunic fell straight and there was a brightness in her eyes; definitely a contrast to the the time of day - which was still pre dawn gray. Her hands were folded on front of her and she bounced lightly on her heels.

"Good morning Cesare. I hope I didn't wake you, but our starts early, especially on a Midsummers. Especially if your liege is going to be in Council."

With a nod she turned and started to lead the way down the stairs.

"Now you have to undertand. We don't really get a Midsummer's holiday. At best we can take a rest a few days after, one at a time, though the Mouse often sneaks out with me. It is our duty to ensure that our Lord and ladies have a pleasant and satisfactory Midsummer's Day.

"It takes a mote of mind reading, sometimes. Trying to figure out whats needed before it is.

"Luckily our Young Master spends Midsummers in Bordertown, which means James, the Mouse and I, we help ma'am Cook and run errands for any of the other serving staff, because there's never enough hands to go around."

And that seems to be true. The moment the two passed beneath the gallery floor the stairs became crowded, with servants bustling up and down past them.

"Make way make way ... Khorall's whim ..."

"Need a hole, breakfast coming through!"

Kathi was actually quite deft, flattening against the curved wall to let a more important endeavor pass on by.

"Now there are two manners of activities that go on. First, if you are in service to one of the families or their retainers, your job is simple; to make it a good Midsummers.

"But if your Lord or Lady is in Court, its even harder. You cannot make your presence known. You cannot give any hint that you have heard or understood anything ... and above all you can never repeat anything until after the Heralds announce it. If they need food or drink, pen an parchment, a hankerchief, anything, you need to get it to them without disturbin' the proceedings.

"That's why when the Young Master is here, and in Court, it is the Mouse who seves him."

She paused at the entrance to the kitchen, looking in. It was a cacaphony, a chaos, and Ma'am cook didn't look happy at all.

"Not to mention we also have the household staff of our guests running through here.

"Now look closely. White and blue, that's Larsens. They'll always help you. And you can trust them. But being larsens, they can be pushed around by the other servants and they are nice to everyone. That's everyone.

"Grays, ja, Montague. Can't be trusted, because they'll do anything to survive. We've never seen one one year then come the next, and no one ever talks about what happened. The ones with the black slash, they belong to the Khorall. mean as a cold winter's night. The ones with a red bar, they are the Warlord's. They act like that allows them to act like their lordship.

"Blue, black, green and blue ... sky, mountain, valley, river .. those are Kierkegaard's. Don't try and get into any discussion fancier than it's a nice day, ja? They won't talk politics or social matters or even gossip. They are practical, they are always about the task at hand.

"Anything horsey is Amber of course, and they like treating folks as strangers.

"Black and silver is Allaine, because Allaine's always bring their Dayalans around. Now this is odd, however. The Young Heiress, she only brought a bodyguard and now she's got two others. Her friend an the scary one. She also never asks for anything. James tends to run her errands, because she sees nothing wrong with walking down to the kitchens herself. She's a strange one, that school girl."

She paused, her head tilting.

"Her and the one with the unicorn, they seem awful friendly now."

The servant girl took another breath,

"Now for rope. We can get that tomorrow when the shops open up again. In fact if you have some really od needs, its not uncommon for me to put on a bonnet and go shopping. The Young Master often has me get the strangest things."

Cesare

He awoke with the knock at the door. Surely it is still dark? Surely he went to bed only minutes before? But his inner body clock suggests that dawn is not far away. That'll teach him to go wandering at night, rather than getting his sleep. Still he has a good grasp of the layout of downstairs now which will reinforce as the days pass. He is already hoping there are not going to be too many days here.

As he gets ready, donning his surcoat, he remembers that it is Mid Summers, though he suspects that he is not going to be celebrating. He misses Darian, even Longtooth, and would have liked to have gone out and spent the day with them. But for now he is a servant and living a servant's life. And he'll need to take the brunt of that as Mikal and Dean will be in guarding mode. He can only be thankful that he at least gets to walk away from that once business is concluded here.

As he exits his room, he greets Kathi with a smile.

"Happy Mid Summers Kathi."

Then he listens as she explains their day, following her lead in dodging lots of folk all running around endlessly.

"I think the Mistress may require me to attend her today."

The more of them in the chamber the better and besides Mikal for certain will not want to leave to run errands. He focuses on Kathi's explanation of the livery, noting the noble name and likely personality of each group. He concludes that the best.. and the hardest.. thing to do will be to keep his mouth shut.

"Perhaps we could both go out to the shops tomorrow?"

It would be good to get some fresh air and see more of the place.. and he wonders if he can do a deal with Mikal for a little money so that he could buy Darian a Mid Summers gift.. and maybe Kathi to as a thank you.. and Romana. He is still wearing those great boots.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Morning, Midsummer's Day

Cesare and Kathi

"And a fair Midsummers to you ..."

The servant girl smiled, as if such a greeting was an unexpected surprise. Cesare's other words, however, get a furrowed brow.

"Your Young Miss at Council. You realize that in itself will be a happening, ja?"

She paused, in the busy corridor.

"The only folks who have to be a the council are the Khoralls or someone given rank to speak for a Khorall - if'n the Khorall is sick. Other members of the House may be invited ... and other members of the House well, while they are not invited they can't be turned away. The Young Lord was never invited and yet always went there.

"He said it was great entertainment.

"I think he just liked being with the Allaines."

Her nose wrinkled too.

"But the wives, they never show up. Last night the Dama was there because the feast was social, not for work and negotiations.

"So if your Young Miss shows up ... someone needs to tell her she can't be turned away."

She'd then continue on.

"And aye, all the shops will be open on the morrow. And shopping with someone will be a nice change of pace.

Cesare

"I'll try to let her know.. if we ever get away from all of this."

He looks in on the busy kitchen and Ma'am Cook parading her battleground.

"Shops tomorrow then.. something to look forward to.. meanwhile into the fray.."

He takes his first steps into the kitchen intending to report to Ma'am Cook.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Morning, Midsummer's Day

Cesare and Kathi

The next part was easy. So very easy. Without a Lord or Lady having sent them on their way, Ma'am cook just pointed to a pair of baskets which smelled of breads and sweat meats and also a set of bowls, towels and water pitcher.

"Get these up to the Great Hall ...

"I just know they won't even be civil enough to wash before seeing our Khorall!

"Barbarians. All of them."

Which, of course, gets Cesare and Kathi into the entry halls ... just in time to witness the arrival of ... everyone!

[OOC Want me to move to the other thread?]

You certainly can ... this was in case you had any last private concerns

OK thanks!

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

Especially with the kerfluffle at the court entrance, the delivery of their wares was very easy to do; to set the breads and drink upon the high tables without drawing attention, for all attention was elsewhere.

With a nod, Kathi showed Cesare how to step straight back into the background, to take shelter in the gallery columns and the quiet arcade they made.

And to also catch the summons of a silent wave, especially from a Lady of Attera.

"This way, Cesare ..."

A touch on his shoulder, so light, a whisper, and a step away to lead them to Bekkah, and then through one of the sheltered doorways into the servant's corridors.

There she folded her hands behind her and bowed her head to the Priestess.

"How may we help you, Lady Yurisdotter?"

Bekkah

She was grateful that Kathi had noticed her signal.

[ooc: Assuming they were in a place where nobody else could see them]

"I am not sure. Give me a moment." she said taking out the note Dazi had given her. She unfolded it and read it quickly before sticking it back in her pocket.

She read the note passively, nothing showing on her face. Finally, she looked up at the pair.

"While my sister is more than a bit wordy and even more lofty in her praise and expectations, it seems we need to make all haste to Lord Trey's chambers. I suspect that there will be some that would rather we did not make the attempt. I would prefer to speak to those we'd meet in hopes of preventing bloodshed and I would ask you not to kill anyone if it can be helped."

She peered at them both to see their reactions then asked them a question.

"Do you know where his quarters are?"

Cesare

He decides that keeping up the servant façade is probably wise as there are other ears.. often servant's ears.. everywhere.

"We would be honoured to accompany you Lady Yurisdotter. I'm sure Kathi will know the way. But if you think there may be trouble, would you like me to ask one of Lady Kadri's squires to attend you? I am sure my Mistress would want that if she were here."

He bows.

Bekkah

She endured the way they spoke to her. She could not wait to get back to being simply Bekkah again. But in this case, it was most important that others saw her as a Lady of Attera, nothing less.

"Perhaps if you deem it necessary. I think the less we are noticed, the more likely we are to succeed."

Cesare

So Bekkah wants to do this 'quietly'. Probably better then that he doesn't re-enter the Great Hall to get the Squire, especially as Cesare isn't sure how welcome he would be. He knows Mikal will not leave Kadri.

"As you wish Lady Yurisdotter. Kathi and I will be honoured to escort you."

He nods to Kathi and indicates she should lead the way. He moves in behind Bekkah to cover the rear.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

"Me? Kill anybody?"

Kathi takes a step back and just looks at Bekkah, as if she could not believe the words that had come from the Atterran's mouth. A hand rises to th center of her chest as she shakes her head back and forth vehemently.

"I don't know what castles you have been in, your Ladyship, but I assure you me and the Mouse and even James are good folks. We'd never hurt anyone, we are good servants and retainers, we'd never do anything to bring trouble to the Young Master!"

At the last she'd draw herself up, level Bekkah a steady look and just shake out her skirts.

"Never!

"Never ever!"

With a toss of her head and a sure step she'd head down one of the corridors. She'd start quiet,keeping to herself, especially as they wound around the main hall. They'd pass several small anterooms, ones of form and fittings familiar to Cesare. Similar to Dominic's suite, it seems all of the keep towers are founded similarly - the small antechamber that sheltered the arched stair entrance; stairs going up into the tower but also continuing down to the basement.

The other fact that Cesare would note, especially after they past Dominic's stairs, was that they were working deeper into the keep, towards what must be its farthest rampart.

Then she'd relax a bit, her voice quiet.

"Now the lord Seneschal, he don't like folks bothering Lord Tray. Because of his illness and all. He travels a lot for a Seneschal, but he's here today, but he's also in Court today, so he'll be hard to interrupt.

"He's also courtin' one of the ladies in the Cathedral; she came from one of the manors up the road to the lake, and he was right influential towards getting Lady Jasmine to take her in.

"Though council and courting don't stop him from ..."

Turning a last corner, they had reached the base of the farthest tower. Again, the small chamber with stairs going up and down. Except this time, standing on each side of the entryway are two young me; one in the livery of the Korie Household, the other in the red and gold of Lord Rames.

They'd look just as shocked, at being interrupted at this unexpected hour - breakfast had passed, it wasn't lunchtime and everyone was supposed to be at or tending to the Midsummer's Council.

Of the two, it was the squire who looked a little worried, not recognizing bekkah, but perhaps recognizing what she was.

" ... making sure there's a watch to make sure Lord Tray remains undisturbed."

It wasn't the Squire, but the other guard who spoke, looking to both Kathi and Cesare, recognizing their garb then addressing the servant girl.

"Hey lassie, you know you are in the wrong part of the Castle. Best you be going back to the halls where you belong."

Bakkah

She listened to Kathi's indignation, with the same stoic look she often gave people who protested too much.

"Yes, of course. You have my humblest apologies." she said without the slightest hint of sarcasm to her voice.

She let Kathi talk as she led them deep within the castle.

Her expression never changed, as she saw the two men. He was most likely not talking to her but to Kathi, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity.

What he got was Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter at her most Imperial. She strode towards him like a storm.

"And who is it that taught you to address a Lady in such a manner?" she said fire in her eyes but her voice was eerily calm.

Cesare

Bringing up the rear he moves to the side of Bekkah just a respectable half pace behind.. and smothers a smile. He is betting that neither of these men have ever come across a Lady of Attera as determined as Bekkah.

This should be interesting.

He stands ready though to step swiftly in front of Bekkah should the need arise.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

"Begging your pardon, Missus ..."

The Korie Hose Guard drew himself up, tall and straight, while his Squire companion took a half step back.

"But she ain't rightly a Lady. She just a servant girl; a servant girl in the wrong part of our Khorall's keep."

He nodded once, as if the sharp motion made the words true.

Bekkah

And those words brought Bekkah's eyes to bore into the man as she stepped closer to him, very close.

"Do you really believe that?" she began as soft as a whisper, her eyes never blinking.

"Do you deny my title? I say this before the light of my Lady. I am a Lady of Attera. I am sworn to heal all in need." Her voice had taken on more of an edge.

As she moved even closer.

"Do you name me a liar? Will you bar me from my sword duty, the duty I swore to undertake in service to my Goddess? Do you bar my Goddess from entering this room?" and those icy blue eyes seemed to sparkle as she faced the man unwavering in her belief in her Goddess.

Cesare

As a servant he can't rightly intervene.. and a servant would definitely take a back seat in his opinion and try to be inconspicuous. So he watches.. and waits.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

His color slowly fading, the Korie Guard lets his attention waver, just a bit, just enough to cast a glance over to his companion.

"Why aren't you saying anything, the Hospice is supposed to be under the Cathedral."

The young Rames squire simply paled.

"But I'm not a Knight and ... and ... and this is the High Tarn Priestess! I don't know who she's supposed to obey and Sir Kevin Magesbane didn't come to Council this year!"

That would be a name that Bekkah would recognize. And one that might raise a brow. Sir Kevin was the ranking Knight in Talesan's Village and thus the ranking Knight upon the Mainland, despite what the Kories might believe. However, knowing Sir Kevin, he'd never be one to order a priestess about; he was usually doing Knightly things like helping one of the farmers patch a roof, filling in as a hand on a fishing boat when one of the regular crew was sick or helping Barlibert find one of his lost cows. Barlibert had a marriageable daughter ...

... and Barlibert lost a lot of cows.

There must have been an important reason to keep him from accompanying the Larsens to the yearly council.

"Look. If the Lady wants to see Lord Tray ... the Lady will see Lord Tray. Are you going to stop her?

"Are you going to touch her?"

The Korie guard just glowered, before he answered.

"Then you go with them."

And so, Lady Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi were escorted up the stairs. It was a familiar route, as if the towers had all been built in a similar manner. The stairs rising up, passing by the floors where the Tower's lord would house their guests. At the top was the entrance to a siting room. And in this case, where Dominic had furniture for his visitors, this Korie lord only had book cases.

The door to the bedroom was thrown open, and from it light streamed through,though it was very quiet. Perhaps only the sound of pages being turned could be heard, and then only by those with the sharpest ears.

The squire would announce.

"You have guests, Lord Tray."

In the room, sitting on the bed, was a young man, perhaps in his mid twenties. There was only a slight family resemblance to the Dominic they all knew, perhaps they shared their Mother's eyes. He looked thin, pale, and every so often the hand that turned the pages of his book shook. Once, so bad he had t still it with his other hand. His blankets were drawn up all about him, and yet he still looked cold even if it was Midsummers.

A half finished meal was on a small table; a wooden cup of cider, warm bread and some meat.

His hair, it was pre-maturely gray.

"Forgive me.

"They rarely let me have have guests."

The folded the book closed. his words were whispered, as if he was almost out of breath. With effort, he leaned forward, looking out to the sitting room were their escort waited.

"Only Jacob? I suspect that means you aren't supposed to be here and Merry is going to find the Lady Jasmine.

"You I know. Kathi, correct? "

He then looked to the Rhoni and Priestess.

"You two I don't."

"Are you my brother's Midsummer's gift?"

Bekkah

She nodded as they were led up.

Once inside, she turned to the squire.

"Leave us. Make sure none enter this chamber." she said making it quite clearly a command.

She then turned to Tray and raised an eyebrow as she came close.

"My name is Bekkah Yurisdotter, Lady of Attera. And as for your other question, it may depend on which brother you mean. And does he make a habit of bringing you a priestess as a gift?" she said this last with just a slight amount of indignation.

"Well I am here now, and I don't have time to play. Let me look at you." she said laying him on his back as she pulled back the covers. She examined eyes, mouth, feeling his chest.

A frown crossed her pretty face and she looked again into his eyes.

"Tell me Lord Tray. Do you have any idea who is poisoning you? It seems someone wants you alive, but not well."

She looked around the room.

"Perhaps, something in the room?" she said looking around for any plants. She did not expect to see any 'puffers' they were hardly something to look at.

Cesare

From behind Bekkah, Cesare's eyes twinkle and he nods in response to the last question. Before speaking though, he moves back to see that 'Jacob' is obeying the Lady's command. If not he will help to usher him out of the room.

His eyes are already looking for a way to secure the door.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Mid-Morning, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

The Squire of Rames looks caught, frowning once, frowning twice. For the poor lad there is no winning choice, only various levels of loss.

"It is fine Jacob. What's the worst that could happen? I might be assaulted by a bout of rogue healing."

Lord Tray spoke up, tipping the balance. When a Korie speaks, he is bound to listen. The Squire collects himself and takes his leave, shutting the door solidly behind him. thee is, of course, a latch on this side, but no lock.

One does not let a sick person accidentally lock his healers out.

With a long slow breath Tray sinks back down into the pillows.

"Never a priestess ... but usually someone that he considers interesting. Lady Jasmine says such isn't good for my heart, but it does get tiring seeing the same folks day after day. And that would be Dommy. I take it you have met him?"

"Poison? No I've been weak since I was a child. And I do not know who would want me hurt. Marcus is heir, I have no designs or desire for it, its not like I get out and public - to get on anyone's wrong side. The only way I'd ever become an issue is if both my father and Marcus were to have an unfortunate end and Marcus to not have an heir ready to take over the keep."

He then frowns - not an unfriendly like frown, but a studious one.

"Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter. You are not from Talantal. Didn't you show up on the roles of the Talesan's Village cathedral?"

Weakly, her offered the room's contents to Bekkah's survey with a sweep of one's hand.

"All I have here are books my Lady.

"And my breakfast. A loaf of bread by Ma'am Cook. Now she hates everyone, or so I've been told. But she doesn't hate me specifically. Cool apple cider from the nearby orchards and some cheese from the farms down westerly ways."

Bekkah

"I have been to many places. The nature of my training and all." she said as she looked at him, ignoring the part of the Talesan Village Cathedral's roles. She had no real knowledge of such things and she had even less desire to know.

She considered what he said, then smiled to herself.

"Being stuck in bed, must be quite boring. I suppose books are your only real source of entertainment. Who provides you with so many books?"

She said picking up the book he had been reading. She examined the title, then moved away from the bed and held the book by the cover, turning it upside down, then holding it at arm's length, she shook it vigorously.

Cesare

Looking around he evaluates the placing of any item of furniture as providing a delay and a warning of anyone breaking in. Perhaps a chair to preventing a handle being depressed?

Failing that he will stay by the door himself and listen.