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

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

Coughing a bit, Lord Tray replies, his wordss slightly amused.

"Dommy of course. It's how you can keep track of him, by what books he sends. And if the deliveries slow up, that's when you know he's gotten into some mischief."

The Korie lordling tapped the book he was reading.

"A book of mountain recipes. This means he was in some small village and desperate for any book to send, and since its all variations of mutton, he was up Kierkegaard way."

Tray watched curiously as Bekkah shook the books, seeing not even dust fall from the pages. He took a thoughtful sip from his rich, dark cider.

"Sometimes I ask Dommy's servants to go fetch one for me. I learned not to ask the little lass - she keeps coming back with picture stories."

For Cesare's searching while there are no chairs that are sized to proper jam the door there is at least one that is large, well padded and sturdy - the type an officious type person might use when visiting. It would be a chore to drag it in front of the door, but once there it would be a solid barrier - and a comfortable rest.

"And then she comes back every night for a week so I'll read it to her.

"Dommy says I'm soft in both head and heart."

Cesare

He evaluates the pros and cons of moving the chair, basically noise versus effectiveness - and finds noise wins out. He leaves the chair where it is and decides instead to go and help Bekkah make more use of her time here, limited though it might be.

He renters the bedroom.

"My Lord, we are hear at your brother's request. He is concerned for you and asked that we see you, in particular the Lady Bekkah who is renowned for her healing skills. Might she examine you my Lord? It was your brother's wish."

He is ready to assist by moving things out of the way, particularly the cider which he wants to examine more closely.

Bekkah

She sniffed at the book and saw not even a mote of dust float down from the book.

*I will find it.* she thought.

She put the book down, composed as always as if she hadn't just accosted an innocent book.

Watching him, she thought about the cheese and the meat but could not see how they could be easily tainted then she looked at the cup he had just sipped from and knew.

"Lord Tray, forgive me." she said taking the cup from his hand.

She sniffed at it, then took a tentative taste. Then she poured it out in a corner and inspected the cup.

"I think Lord Tray that you will recover your strength well enough if you stop drinking this. Where does it come from?"

"Never mind, you can tell me once we are gone from here. If someone is willing to poison you for years, they're probably willing to kill you to keep the truth hidden."

She moved next to the bed and laid a hand on his head pushing him back. Then she pulled the sheet to uncover his chest.

"Cesare, make sure nobody interrupts me. What I start, I need to finish."

She placed both hands on his chest.

"My Lady, your humble servant asks for your blessing yet again."

As she spoke, a glow seemed to begin surrounding her.

"This soul is in need of your grace this day." she said as the glow surrounded her more fully.

Cesare had probably seen her heal before, maybe even been the recipient of it. He'd seen the glow surround her before. This time though the glow grew brighter and it turned from the yellowish tint it had started at to a brighter white until it was almost too bright to look at.

Finally, the light seemed to flow from all around her down through her hands and into Tray's body. It surrounded him with the same brilliance before seeming to settle into him.

When she felt the last of the power leave her body, she removed her hands and looked down upon the young lord.

Cesare

He smiles as Bekkah tests the cider, it would seem that they are both thinking along the same lines.

He nods as Bekkah requests that no-one interrupts, even guiding Kathi to the doorway to give Bekkah some space. He reassures her with a whisper "Bekkah is a great healer.. and this is one reason why we are here."

Then he stands in the doorway so that he can watch both rooms and gets ready to stand and at least delay any intruders but as the healing progresses he watches the outer room more, mainly because the light hurts his eyes.

He really hopes this works. He cannot imagine what a torture it must be to be confined to this one room, not to wander the countryside, to see life all around you.

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

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray


It was not Tray who answered Bekkah's question, but Dominic's quiet servant. Kathi ducked her head and nodded, but the more she spoke, the more her words become darker - as if they lead someplace shadowy she had never thought or conceived.

"The cider? The orchards are east of her, almost to the Forest, almost to the lands of Montague. The Lord Seneschal has his manor out that-a-way ..."

The dark brown cider confirmed Bekkah's fears. It was the dab of taste, something a city born person would not notice, a flat, almost lavender hint of flavor trying to be hidden beneath spicy cinnamon.

"The Lord Seneschal, who arranged the marriage with the Heir and all ...

"The Lord Seneschal who is charged with the keeping of Lord Tray's welfare."

It was the taste of puffers, whose spores are the same brown color as apple cider. A wasting disease, one that can cripple but not kill - though it does make the patient much more vulnerable to other, more common sicknesses.

Perhaps being locked in the tower was not necessarily a bad thing, perhaps, even, an unplanned for fortunate thing.

"I don't understand ..."

Tray spoke up, looking between Bekkah, the cup of cider, and Kathi. He also tried to sit up much straighter.

"I'm not the heir; I dearly love my Brother and would not stand in his way and he knows that. I am much more skilled at managing the household affairs - the accountings, writing the ledgers and history, I had a good relationship with the Cathedral ...it makes no sense ..."

It was Kathi who spoke up. Then.

"Begging your pardon Lord Tray, but you just described the Lord Seneschal's responsibilities.

"And everyone who serves in the keep knows how much he enjoys his rightful rank, privileges and ....

" ... luxurrrrrrrrrrrr ..."

The servant's words, however, fell away to be replaced with a shocked and awestruck,

" ... cor!"

For the room was suddenly awash with light, warm as the summer's sun, bright as noon,like dandelion puffs suddenly filling the air in a joyous, kind whirlwind. Bekkah's prayer was answered, the light splashing not just through the room, but out the windows and arrow slots, beneath and around the jambs and heads of the doors.

There was also a harsh banging on the outermost door, the one guarded by Cesare.

"In the Name of Lord Rames the Protecter let us ...."

But after the splash of divine light their demands suddenly changed.

" ... uhm ... can ... we .. ah ... please come in?"

From the bed there came a simple sound - deep and soft, as Lord Tray Korie took in a breath - a long one, a sure one, one that filled his lungs and didn't leave him wanting still.

"Danks ..."

He whispered.

"Thank you."

He translated.

Cesare

"Just a moment Sirs.. I will ask Lord Trey if he will extend his permission."

Said is a humble manner of a servant but the grin that Cesare is wearing is anything but humble.

He returns to the main room.

"Lord Trey.. are you well enough to receive?"

Bekkah

She had been expecting a brightness to follow her plea if it was answered, but even the Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter was surprised by the magnitude. To her it was a sure sign from her Lady that she was acting as her Lady desired. She felt humbled.

When the light faded, she felt a joy in her soul that filled her. She knew she'd have to work hard to replace that magic for the next time, but it was worth it. It was worth 10 times the amount of work she had done to gain it. And it would be something she'd do with a smile, remembering this moment.

She smiled down at the young lord who already looked markedly better. She then gave Kathi a nod and s smile as well. The change in tone from those on the other side of the door made her smile.

"Kathi, your insight is excellent and I believe you have discovered the answer to keeping good Lord Tray here from relapsing."

She turned her attention back to Tray.

"My Lord, would you feel well enough to get yourself dressed. I was thinking that instead of leaving, we might instead visit the current session of court. If I am not mistaken, I would think that many there would like to see you."

*And some that most definitely would not.* she thought with a smile that still made her look beautiful.

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

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray

Tray reached up and rubbed his nose and then tapped his or head twice. He considered,once, and then his eyes they did go a little wide at Bekkah's inscrutable smile. He looked about, as if to try and identify what mad her look so wonderful, beyond being a simple nice person and then shook his head.

"I would definitely consider that My Kind Lady ...

"Except I may have to, at this moment decline."

He looked back upon the others, the fall if his hair hiding one eye.

"Because my room is currently full of guests and I am not dressed for court."

He made a dismissive motion with his hands, and waited until Kathi ushered everyone out of the noble's bedroom and shut the door behind her. For the guests there was now sounds behind two doors, the outer martial, the inner, domestic.

After a bit the inner door opens.

"There. Now I am ready for council."

Lord Tray Korie was dressed much more properly, in a very dark gray overtunic over one of white, the sharp contrast in color a bright dash at cuffs,hems and key cut collar. Atop both he wore a Rich blue surcoat with bore the white Talantal laurel, bound tight around his waist with a wide black belt.

His pace was quieter than normal, and one might even guess he was going barefoot, a fact conformed a bit sheepishly.

"I haven't worn my boots in years; I'd hate to arrive and fall off my heels. Jasmine would panic and think I've broken every bone in my body and it'd two weeks to get her to assign Marcy and Darcy elsewhere.

"I think Darcy has a crush on me.

"Or is it Marcy ..."

The lord nods to Cesare,

"If you would open the door, I'd be appreciative."

Kathi fell into a proper place, two paces behind the Korie lord. When the door opened they were faced with a crowded gathering in the hall. Two Squires, a Knight and what only could be a worried initiate of Attera.

Tray simply smiled.

"I am very appreciative of your concern for my well being. But it being Midsummers, please, I remove you from your tasks today - go, enjoy the holiday. I shall be fine. Kathi shall tend to my needs, is a dependable servant and her Lord is absent. This gentleman will introduce me to my new sister-in-law.

"I can still can not believe it ... how many hearts across the mainland broke at the news, I wonder?

"And I am in the company of the fair Lady of the Fields, Bekkah Yurisdotter. You have heard of her, haven't you? i could be under no better care."

He'd offer his arm to the Priestess.

"My Lady, may I escort you to Council? And as we walk, you must tell me how my Brother came to be betrothed ... and are the rumors true, your Sister is here and she rides a Unicorn. I have once or twice seen a white one from my window,but never a black."








OOC note: Feel free to post any conversation you wish between here and council!

Cesare

He is very pleased to have been here to have witnessed this, even more so when he opens the door to a number of concerned and then surprised faces. It would seem that the 'scamp' trait, though maybe not yet fully developed here, certainly runs in the family.

He stays by the door initially, wanting to be sure there is no opposition to the Lord leaving his chamber, good-willed or otherwise, before he will assume his servants role again.

Today is a good day.

Bekkah

She gave him a genuine smile when he came from his room.

"I do believe that getting out of bed, has done wonders for you my lord." she said with an impish smile.

She gladly slipped her arm in his as they proceeded to the council chambers.

"Of your brother and Kadri, I am not certain how it happened to tell the truth. They both teased and parried. I almost think they dared the other into doing it until it was done. They do make quite a pair. I think they will both enjoy the challenge of keeping the other in line."

"Ahh, my dear sister. It is definitely true. The unicorn that is. Perhaps I am biased, but she impresses me more than the unicorn. She is certainly no longer the little girl I sat on my knee and read stories to. She is quite a force. If I were the wagering sort, I'd put coin down that the council meeting did not go well for those who would oppose my sister."

"Some say that we are a stubborn lot. I, of course, have no notion of what they speak." she said with that disarming smile.

Cesare

There is an interceptible snort to Bekkah's last remark.

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

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray

The walk is quiet, and as they walk they gain - at a respectable distance, a certain entourage. Of course it starts with the Squires and Knights and guards that were in the small ante-hall at the top of the stairs, but eventually more guards and servants and even a few ladies in waiting, at the sight of the reclusive Lord.

That he is accompanied by a Rhoni guardsman ... and the protective aura of one of Lady Attera's - it does keep most silent and at bay.

"I suppose it is something he would prefer over an arranged marriage ..."

Lord Tray finally concluded. He took his time, for while his body was now whole his sense of balance and stability to make a correct pace was more than a little rusty.

"I dare say it will be a while before I will be able to dance, I think. Not that I was ever one for the grand ballroom. I did preferred the balconies and the Gallery gardens.

"And I suspect this marriage thing is something Dommy has not quite thought all the way through. Which is why it is quite enjoyable to follow his path across the world, if it only be by bookseller. His misadventures always have this tendency to unravel very spectacularly, though he never seems to ever let it slow him down.

"Though your sister's path ...."

He'd consider that for a long set of heartbeats.

"That we only know by your presence here, which can only mean you are running ahead of the merchanter news speakers. Should we be expecting to hear all manner of tales drifting down the Highland Path in the next few weeks?

"And I would never call a lady stubborn.

"More like very comfortable in one's place and standing, ja?"

He'd smile.

"And yes, someone had to teach Dommy how to turn a phrase. Though it is a certainly case where the student has far outstripped the teacher."

He'd then lean close to Bekkah and whisper, nodding to Cesare.

"Is he always this quiet?"

[OOC Totally missed this, apologies Wolf.]

Cesare

He has sharp ears and decides to answer for himself. The young Lord deserves to have a grand day today and Cesare would like to see that happen.

"Usually I only say something when there is something important to say.. but I have my moments."

He glances at Kathi with a grin.

"And my main concern today my Lord is your welfare as I'm determined not to see Lady Bekkah's work undone. However I am happy to converse as this day is truly yours and I would wish it to be a good one."

He smiles at the young Lord.

"And to answer your other question, yes I think you might expect to hear tales following in our wake - not all of it true - but much of the truth is unbelievable in itself. Daxia has a nose for trouble and like her sister a heart too big not to try to right a wrong, to make things better. Better for some means worse for others though and so it is not an easy road. However, I find myself drawn to it."

He shrugs helplessly.

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

Bekkah, Cesare and Kathi

"No wonder my brother chose the Dayallan and her companions. Trouble follows him like a familiar shadow. And yet ... "

Taking a step away from the balcony rail, the lordling starts his escort of the Lady Bekkah to find her wayward initiate.

" ... his servants are the only people in this keep I would trust."

Behind the trio Kathi simply ducks her head, following a respectful three paces back.

The trip from the keep is somewhat eventful; but only because they seem to be following in some manner of wake - the wake of a household thundering down the rings, to leave Talantal in the fastest and most direct manner possible.

"Montague is leaving council?"

"Cor ... like they's got a fire behind them ...."

"Or they just remembered they left the stewpot simmering at home."

That was the chatter among the townsfolk as Bekkah and Cesare made their way through the fifth ring. However, such matters were obscured by the nature of the day - it was midsummer's and the streets were crowded and folks seemed much taken by their own celebrations. The crowds got thicker when a tavern was passed - folks crowding in, laughing on their way out ... each with their own minstrel or two and lady's Mercy for the taverns that clustered at the ring gates, where frivolity plus a modicum of alcohol erupted into contests of which set of tavern patrons could sing the loudest.

The main road through Talantal was decorated, of course, with flowers and sheaves of wheat. Passage from one ring to another was easy; this was Midsummers and the gates were thrown open and the portculli raised.

"Is that ...

"No it can't be ...

"But he's wearing the armory ...

"Do you think he chased the Montagues away?"

For once it was not bekkah who attracted the commoners attention - but of her companion and escort. Tray stayed mostly quiet on the way down - as if simply the walk, being out under the sun, seeing something other than four walls and a narrow window was more than enough for him this day.

"I wonder if they realize just how wonderful their days are ...."

That quiet whisper was the Korie Lord's observation as they walked down the path towards the city's outermost and most poor neighborhood.

Indeed the nature of the celebrations changed as they got farther and farther from the keep. From flamboyant and fancy to simple and earthy - the music changing from ballads and promenading pavanes to reels and country bransles. Tray also had another question.

"Why did the dark haired Dayalan want to bolt down here?"

Until, finally, they pass through the last gate, into the open square at the crossroads, where the bright music poured out of one particularly worn tavern.

The scene in front of the tavern is odd to say the least. There ism of course, music and four stone being played. barmaids rush in and out keeping the crowd gathered refreshed - and it is the fact that there is a crowd that is interesting - and not just crowd, but a very organic an shifting very loosely defined line. At the end is a very tired looking Darcy - or perhaps Marcy - in rumpled creams and whites, bandaging and examining, one after another, taking a breath and straining to cast even the simplest of healing spells.

Marcy sits on crate, being offered water, beer, wine, meat and bread and cheeses, looking to her twin worrisomely, knowing that it would be her turn next ...

While in a very unladylike sprawl, sitting up, legs straight out, leaning against a bulky crate, Romana ... sleeps. Her tunic is stained in many shades of sepia and crimson - though she seems whole and unhurt - and the way her chin nods upon her chest betrays that it is exhaustion that has claimed her and not laziness or too much to drink or eat.

A pair of children are wrapping her in bandages.

"Help the pretty monster lady get better!"

Spying the ... nobles a rather ... substantial ... woman, perhaps the barkeep's wife, walks right up to Bekkah and tray. One hand is a fist on herhips and the other holds a ladle, which she waves at Bekkah, Tray and Cesare.

"Like I told the other fancy priestess, don't you dare yell at her or try and drag her back up to the Keep. All your fancifullness. Bah! Why is it the one who finally treats us right is a monster tossed out into the garbage ring, eh? Well guess what. You can't have her. Or them. They's ours."

Bekkah

She felt herself humming to tunes she knew and her smile brightened as they passed each tavern. She loved these kinds of celebrations. If the Lord Tray had been healthier, she would have dragged him inside more than a couple of them for a dance. How she loved to dance.

Finally though they found Romana and the other two and she both smiled and winced then smiled again. She would bet any amount that when Romana awoke, she would tell her of the joy of healing. She could picture Romana's smile and words as she helped a child, especially a child.

When the innkeeper's wife approached her, Bekkah simply nodded and smiled.

"Please lower your weapon good mistress. You take my presence here wrong. This exhausted girl", she indicated Romana. "is not only my initiate sent here to help, but also a dear friend. I have not come to take them away, in fact I have come to help them. There is nothing I like better than to share my Lady's grace with the true people of the land."

She considered restoring Romana's energy, but she decided to let her sleep.

"Lord Tray, I hope you do not mind. It is my calling and my life." She would ask Cesare to escort the lord back safely if he could not stay.

"Now good mistress. Show me to those most in need.

Cesare

He too had been quiet on the journey down, enjoying the sights and more importantly enjoying watching Lord Tray. Another wrong righted. It is a good feeling.

However when they get to the square and find Romana asleep, he smiles and finds his voice again as he has something to say. He steps up to stand beside Romana, not too close that he might risk waking her.

"She is no monster. She is one of the bravest people I have ever met. And she is my friend too."

He nods to Bekkah.

He is thinking back to the battlefield when Romana put her life on the line to save them all.. and he wonders if his father ever thought that in saving her as a child that day, she might return that favour years later to his son. Life is indeed strange and the tides of fate will often revisit the shoreline.

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

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi and Tray

"Show you to the one who is in most need?"

The barkeep's wife leans forward,tapping the ladle in the palm of her hand, giving Bekkah Yurisdotter a narrowed eyed look.

"You ain't from around these parts, are you.

"Nin.

"Don't recognize you."

Falling back on her heels the large woman nodded.

"I figure thats a good thing, all said and told. So the white haired ... lady, she's your student? You must be crazier than she is. This way, this way ..."

She'd escort Bekkah to the place where Marcy and Darcy were holding their own little court. Though she would spare a glance over her shoulder to the abandoned escort. She'd look between the two, once and then twice, and whisper,

" .... couldn't be."

The escort, however, would just smile and nod, letting Lady Bekkah be taken away. Tray dusted off his tunics and did not step away. Instead he looked to Cesare. And to Kathi.

"If she thinks I'm going home, after being in the same room for so long, then the matron here might well be correct.

"I'm tired of cider.

"I think I'll have a beer. Kathi, can you find us three chairs out here in the sun? And corner us a barmaid.

"Yes, I said three.

"It is midsummer's. One is for you."

With a surprised look on her face the servant girl nods and bustles off ... but this is indeed her milieu. She returns quickly, with two chairs herself, a barmaid with a handfull if big crockery mugs and a lad - probably a brother - with the last chair and a crate to serve as a table.

Tray just sat himself down and held the first offered mug in his hands. He'd raise it in a silent toast before addressing both Cesare and Kathi. He looked across to where Lady Bekkah was starting to work.

"She doesn't look like a monster ..."

It was a simple observation.

"I don't think I could ever ask for a better midsummer's gift, all things considered.

"Cesare ... Kathi ... what would make this a good midsummers for you?"

As the two talked, the monster lady rolled over a bit, causing a scattering of the children. They quickly swarmed again. For Bekkah, Macy and Darcy it was work, per se. The two young girls were certainly confused, though they didn't speak at first. For the most part there was no time - there were so many ills. Happily, now, most were almost mundane; bangs and cuts and scrapes - kitchen accidents, a few very ashamed black eyes, broken noses and split lips resulting from high spirits and a little too much to drink. Then, of course, there was the fellow who almost won the walk the tile roof ridge beam bet and the the girl he fell on when he went through the roof.

"Lady Bekkah ..."

One of the initiates finally looked up. Marcy, probably.

"We were... we were always taught that things are the way they are ... and that ... they were nightmares to be hated.

"How can this be?"

They'd look back to where Romana was beginning to stir.

"And if our teachers are wrong about her ...

"What else are they wrong about?"

As if she somehow knew she was being talked about, Romana finally sat up a bit. She swayed, this way and that, her arms still outstretched from the children's bandages.

"Romanas all woozies ...."

The reaction was quick.

"She's awake!

"Pretty monster lady!

"I banged my arm on a cart!

"I tripped and fell and my knees hurt?

"You got pointed ears! Was your mother a horse?"

"Me first! I'm all sneeeeeaaaahchooo!"

Romana disappeared beneath a gaggle of younger patients. Which was probably a good thing; a short rest did not restore much strength - which was betrayed by the dark circles beneath her eyes the press of her teeth on her lower lip and there was something else, the way the young woman would tremble a bit - as if she were the scared one. That said she took a deep breath, she squeaked and eeeked and made sure she didn't mind cleaning and bandaging a scraped elbow with the patient on her lap.

"However ..."

Darcy - it had to be Darcy - snorted.

"A lady should be more elegant."

Cesare

He takes a seat and a beer, though not necessarily in that order and raises his mug in thanks and in toast to Lord Trey.

"Your health my Lord."

There is a distinct twinkle in his eye as if he is sharing a private joke, which of course he is.

"Actually, this is a pretty good Midsummers already. Things that would make it better.. having my woman here.. and being able to give her a Midsummers gift."

And that is probably the first time he has ever formally qualified his relationship with Darian.. and he quite likes the sound of it.

"Is there anything else you would like to do or see my Lord?"

He leans back, watching Romana wake and get swarmed by small children.. and smiles.

Bekkah

She let the matron lead her, saying nothing for now. She'd heard how the priestesses had treated these people so nothing she said would do any good. She'd simply do what she did best. Help those in need with her Lady's graces.

"It looks like you've done wonderful work here this day", she said to the twins when she was led to them.

"I think we've all been taught things that are right in context, wrong in others. Her land does have monsters, horrors you would run from. But then again so does our own. We have good people and very bad people here like all lands. To know the truth of a land, visit the people like these good folk and you will see the truth."

She watched Romana awaken and be swarmed by children and she laughed.

"Perhaps. There is a time for elegance I suppose. Amongst Lords perhaps as they almost seem to require it to even acknowledge you. But amongst real people. No elegance is not needed. Romana has the right of it. Have fun. Enjoy your work and let our Lady's grace show the world your joy."

"Now, who needs my help. I did not come down here to simply tell you two what you've already learned this day."

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

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

"And yours. Though traveling with two of the Lady's it would be the last thing i'd be worried for."

The lordling would blink, start and choke a bit - on his first sip, looking to the strong drink with widening eyes.

"This certainly isn't apple cider."

His smile returned, as Tray looked back to Cesare.

"That Dommy was here. But I'm sure he'll be by eventually; the only question being who is chasing him. I suspect he'll be horribly disappointed that he doesn't have a certain set of relatives dogging his cloak after this council."

He took a slow second sip, definitely taking his time to savor both drink and company.

"And you have a lady? And she's not here ... but this is Midsummer's shouldn't you be looking for her?"

Kathi simply stat in her chair, looking a bit awkward - the servant with a Lord. She held her mug in both hands but hadn't taken a sip yet.

Meanwhile, at the bandaging and makeshift hospice, the Atterans did their work.

"But what are we supposed to do with this?"

It was the other twin that spoke, letting out a tired breath as she closed an open cut - from a broken crockery pot - with the light touch of the smallest of their Lady's heals. Marcy indicated a slowly growing stack of - things - left behind by the folks of the lowest ring. Most were treats; midsummer's pastries, bread and apples and such; but it also included some embroidered cloth - maybe a scarf or kerchief, a growing stack of wooden cups, some plates, all sorts of little things.

Darcy did have another question, however.

"Is Priestess Jasmine really angry at us?"

Bekkah's patient - well patients - are a pair of teamsters; there is a lot of traffic on the road on Midsummers; mostly delivering food an drink up the rings, and with the crowds the chance of an accident high.

"Our wagon ended in Jacob's tavern ..."

One explained, the one with a broken leg - who was being held up by his compatriot. That one looked as if he had been dragged more than a little down the street- whole but definitely scraped and banged about.

Her own, personal, initiate, however, had grabbed ahold of an older girls hem, tugging on a skirt as the girl awkwardly tried to slip past Romana. She was a tough, scrappy looking lass who was escorting a younger lad - one already bearing an arm wrapped in an easterner's bandage.

"We are fine ... "

The girl blurted out as she tried to brush away Romana's hand. Romana only turned hers then, touching the girls hand for a heartbeat, almost falling over as she whispered soft words and a flash of white sparkles danced from her pale hand and up the other girl's arm.

When the girl stepped away, it was no longer awkward, without any hint of a limp.

"But we have nothing ..."

Romana swayed, and then half drew herself and was half pushed upright by the small ones collected about her.

"Nows ..."

Romana smiled.

"Alls fines."



bah ... spell corrected the wrong word ...

Cesare

"Aye, I should be with her.. but we had important things to do here.."

His eyes twinkle in Lord Tray's direction.

"..and she doesn't like cities."

That said he is still enjoying the day, seeing Lord Tray drink his beer, watching Bekkah - a mother hen with two chicks.. and then Romana, a strange initiate but he can see that the Lady chose well. And he has a beer in hand too. Things could be worse. He smiles at Kathi.

Bekkah

"Keep what you can use, give others as gifts to those who might like them, or trade them for other things. This is how it should be. These are good people who respect and love us. At least when we're doing our Lady's work. And they wish to show their appreciation. Sometimes the things they offer us are more valuable to them than the gold you'd have received from nobles. Consider that when they make the offer."

"As for Lady Jasmine. I am quite certain that the new Seneschal has solved that issue. You will have no problems with her." She said with a knowing smile.

Each in turn she passed on her Lady's blessing to the two teamsters and they were nearly as good as they could be.

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

Bekkah, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy, Romana and Tray

The two teamsters ...

A rather inebriated young man who had an unfortunate meeting with a tavern window. Another young man who got kicked by a horse and a lad who had seemed to have been attacked by his sister's cat.

Until, finally, the person standing in front of Bekkah was the matronly barkeep's. She had a big plate of meat and bread in one hand and a carafe in the other.

"Here. Rest. Eat."

She'd put her hands on her hips after setting the plate and wine down.

'I've told folks that its Midsummers for you and the lasses too. I've already caught the Kiley brother punching each other in the noses so they could call upon your wins. Hauled them back to their Fa by their ears and gave him a good tongue lashing.

"If'n they want to dance, they gotta ask all right and proper."

Bekkah's twin charges collapsed in a flounced sitting, exhaustion turning them from elegant ladies to young girls. A meal had been presented to them. they looked at it, eyes wide.

"How are we going to eat all this! This is like a week's worth of dinners!"

The helpings looked normal to Bekkah; but then she was not well acquainted with what would be considered noble repasts. Common folks, it seemed, had common food. But what they lacked in rarity they made up in ample helpings. And seconds. And thirds. The other twin, probably Darcy, who seemed the more socially sensitive, she had a different question.

"Who is going to ask who to dance? I mean, up in the Keep, the only ones who are allowed to dance are the elder sisters and the priestesses, and only with the Squires and Knights ... and I don't see a Squire or Knight here for you, Ma'am Bekkah?

"And we have a new seneschal? But then, who is going to manage the Cathedral Hospice for us?"

At their small table a meal was delivered and old habits are hard to break - Kathi quietly made sure that Tray's food was taken care of, his drink, as well as Cesare's. Only after all is taken care of that she politely sits again.

"Doesn't like cities ...."

Tray looked across the top of his mug, across to the Rhoni.

"Then it begs a different question. Did she have a bad experience in a town or is it that she has never been in one ... never been in one with the right company or under good circumstances?

"You see... your important work. Is appreciated, good sir.

"I ... I am not sure what the future holds for me; but there is so much I have only experienced but in books, my brother's tales or rumor. To have a chance to see with my own eyes now, how can I not wish to see for myself?

"So something bad may happen - but should I hate all older men because one tried to hurt me? What about those who helped me? Would you Lady chastise me for hating all Forests because a wolf howled at me?

"In some ways I envy you. You walk were the world sends you, like a leaf on a harvest breeeze. You can choose who you share your path with.

"That make you very lucky. You know that, correct?"

A little to the side another group was gathered. Romana sat, her knees drawn up, her white clothes now a camouflage of dust and stains, warms wrapped about them, her chin atop them all. Around her were a ring of four children, and then some more - older - sanding, and then a few adult, looking concerned - as if they were still worried about just who their children were speaking too.

" ... Romanas not hatched.

"Oh!

"Romanas rescued!"

With a smile Romana leaned forward,

"Once upons times ..."

Cesare

He smiles across at Lord Trey after thanking Kathi for the refreshments.

"She is a hunter with a snarkhound, both are just more comfortable together in woodlands and wilderness, it is what they know and what they like."

He smiles, understanding Darian's desire to remain in her own territory and she has Longtooth to consider too.

"As to the future my Lord, hopefully it will be what you make it. I understand that you will have commitments and constraints given your station but seize as many opportunities as you can. Life is for living."

He grins.

"Lucky? It doesn't always feel that way when it has been days since your last meal, when you are chased from a village because the people there consider you trouble.. and worse if they catch you."

His expression is rueful, but his eyes look amused.

"But you are right, despite all of that I would not change my way of life. I am Rhoni. It is in my blood to let the tides of Fate take my steps where they lead. New paths, new people, new experiences.. all fire the blood and make one glad to be alive."

He raises his second mug to his Lordship and Kathi.

"Happy Midsummers to you both."

Then he looks over towards Bekkah, noting how much more tired she now looks.. and raises his mug in her direction.. and then does the same to Romana, his smile broadening as he hears her start a story and wonders just what that tale will be about. Stories for the young might just be a way to change hearts and minds.

Bekkah

Her eyes twinkled at the innkeeper's revelations.

"Thank you mistress. This all looks wonderful and in the nick of time. I was not sure, how much more I had in me." Which was only partially true. While she was tired, she'd been at this far longer than the other three and she could have probably continued. But the was tired and she did appreciate the generosity.

Darcy's question made her smile.

"Why anyone of course. First off, it's Midsummer's. Enjoy the day. If you enjoy dancing, then drop the formality's and just dance for the joy of it." She speaking of it, made Bekkah's blue eyes twinkle and her smile came alive.

"I would be honored to dance with any man here. And especially so if they have some talent at the dance. And yes, I understand that some will ask to dance, simply to put let their hands touch a woman they would not normally touch. Some might even let their hands slide down a bit, but does it not make you smile to know that a man finds you attractive?"

And in an instant her smile lessened and her tone lost its mirth. "There will come a time when you are too old, when men look at all others except you. So enjoy this time. Be young, let yourself be a woman and not a symbol at least for a little while. And it's that laughter and joy that will keep you young."