A Day is a Year in the King's Court -4-

Okay... I wrote the next part for you... Hope that you enjoy it! It's.... well... a very interesting part.

A Day is a Year in the King's Court: The Intruder

Catherine was thankful that there was no one else in the room, for she gave a very ungraceful jerk when she heard the sound and then leaped/ stumbled of her bed. She composed herself and went into the library. She heard the man again before she saw him, he was laughing at something in one of her books. She stood in the doorway waiting for him to notice her. She examined him while she waited for him to notice her, and saw that he was quite handsome, but with something hinting at arrogance about him. When he did notice her, she said, "Ahem." In a very I-am-making-myself-noticed-because-you're-too-stupid-to-notice tone.
The man lazily looked up and then said, "How did you get in here, and who are you?"
Catherine was understandably indignant and replied, "Pardon me, but it is I who have the right to ask that question, not you. It so happens that these are my apartments and you are invading my privacy. I would appreciate it if you would tell me how you managed to get in. I would also, that you never came here again without permission and a chaperon."
It truly is incredible how those polite words conveyed her meaning more effectively than had she simply said, "Get out of my library and never come back." For the man was truly taken aback at this, but then put on a sly smile and said, "You must be one of the country girls."
Catherine was insulted at having been called a "girl". Her father had not called her a girl since her tenth birthday, and she was certainly not going to accept his degrading tone, let alone the remark.
"Indeed, I am just a country girl who happens to own the library which you have invaded. Since you do not seem to be a gentleman, as a gentleman would have graciously left when a lady asked him, I must assume that you are a guard or servant. As a guard or servant you can have no business with my library, and I must ask you more forcefully this time to remove yourself from my library." Catherine did not truly believe that he was a servant or a guard, his clothes were too elegant for that, but she thought that by insinuating that he was behaving below his station, the man would apologize for his rude behavior, and leave her alone.
Catherine was not normally so forceful. But she'd had a long day, and everyone in the castle seemed so rude, that she had no choice but to be more forceful than she liked.
The man, however, did not seem to mind, but found it all a great joke.
"You really are a country girl if you expect a man's manners to define his station. I am not a guard or a servant, but as you might have known had you more experience, I am a nobleman."
Catherine thought that the title had never been more ill-used.
"In fact, I am... well. I'll not brag about my position, but I'll not have anyone speak to me that way, not even a "lady"." The word "lady" was dripping with so much sarcasm that Catherine wished he'd drown in it.
"I have every right to use this library, as I obtained the key legitimately, and as there has been no one occupying these rooms for years. And.... if I am not mistaken and I'm not. You are merely the daughter of Lady Jeanette, and the rooms will not officially be yours until her death. Even then they do not belong to you because everything in the kingdom belongs first to the king."
Everything in the kingdom did not belong to the king. Catherine thought the man was being a pompous... a.... mule. She just stared at him with immense dislike, and asked him again, "Well then. Since you are, as you say, a nobleman, then you will be so noble as to leave my library as I have asked you to. And although you may have had the right previously to enter this library at will, you no longer have that right, and I must ask you to give me the key in your possession."
The man smirked, looked as if he were going to argue again, changed his mind, reached into his pocket, took out the key and looked at it as he said, "As you wish, lady...."
Catherine did not want to supply her name but could find no polite way out and so finished for him, "Lady Catherine."
"Ah..... Well, Lady Catherine, " he said as he sauntered uncomfortably close to her, "I am Hector, and very pleased to meet you."
He took her hand and kissed it. Catherine tried not to show how disgusted she felt, even as her heart was moving faster because of his close proximity, he was really quite good-looking. But the smile he was giving her was not pleasant for all it's charm.
"There are very few ladies at court with your kind of.... spirit. It is an attractive quality, even if it is a little, shall we say, rustic."
He leaned too close, and Catherine was about to slap him when he turned and sauntered out of the room.

Okay. I know that was a bit... well. It was kinda fun to write, I hope that it wasn't too frustrating to read. I have the next part in my head and I'll get it written as soon as I have more time.
Have a good day!

A Day is a Year in the King's Court -3-

Here you go GinNs :)


A Day is a Year in the Kings Court: Introductions


"Oh, my dear Catherine! Do not be so hard on them, they were only following my instructions. I had hoped that you would be so enraptured by the library that you would not notice until they had done. You see, it is my intention to buy you an entirely new wardrobe. I knew that your dresses would be horribly out of fashion, and I've been planning this for weeks. Do not blame the maids for getting a little carried away."
Catherine was not placated. "I do not care who told them what. Any well-mannered servant would treat property belonging to a lady with more care than this no matter what state that property be in. And if I may say Lady Margaret, although I appreciate your gesture, I would have preferred that you consult me before throwing away my things. As it so happens, I am aware that my wardrobe is out of fashion, and I planned on redesigning my dresses to fit the fashions at court as soon as I had a chance to observe them.
Lady Margaret was unperturbed, "You must call me Aunt Margaret, dear! And don't get so worked up about it. I am sorry that I didn't consult you first, but I wanted to surprise you."
Catherine found that she couldn't stay angry with her decidedly cheerful aunt, and gave into her.
"Very well, Aunt Margaret, I forgive you, but please remember that I only like surprises that do not include ruining any of my things."
"Of course, dear, of course. Now. I have already had a dress sewn for you, based on the measurements your mother gave me, and I am simply dying to see if it fits you! You must try it on at your earliest convenience. My apartment is two doors down to your left, visit as soon as you finish settling in. Oh yes, and these young maids were hired especially to wait on you as I knew that your mother would not think to send any with you. Their names.... oh well. It doesn't really matter, I suppose that you can call them whatever you want and they'll answer. I'm off! I shall see you shortly, yes? Goodbye dear!" And with that, her aunt swept out of the room with a flourish that Catherine had not known was humanly possible.
Catherine considered that cheerfulness was not really a virtue, and lamented how ill her aunt had treated the maids in speaking about them the way that she just had.
There were a few moments of silence before Catherine remembered that her maids were still in the room, and were probably waiting for her leave. She turned to them, and said, "I do not suppose that you young women are used to being on informal terms with the ladies you serve, if you have served any before, but I am afraid that I must insist. I absolutely refuse to treat you as no more than servants considering the close proximity of our living conditions, and the amount of time that we shall be spending together."
The young maids were shocked into silence, and Catherine could not help but feel a little anxious that they like her, and that they not think her to be too capricious.
"First and foremost, I would know your names."
She turned to the maid on the right, and waited for her name.
"My name is Martha, milady."
"And where do you hail from Martha?"
Martha unsure how to answer for a moment, but then replied, "My mum works in the kitchens, and my d... my father is a guard."
Catherine smiled and reassured Martha saying, "Do not be ashamed of your parents, Martha. I am certain that they are honest, hard-working people."
She turned to the next girl who took her cue, and said, " I am called Anne, Lady Catherine. My father is a merchant in the city."
Catherine detected refinement in Anne's speech and asked, "And your mother? Anne is a name for a lady. Is your mother a lady, Anne?"
Anne reluctantly responded, "She was, Lady Catherine. However, when she married my father, she was disowned by her father... my grandfather."
"Do not fret, Anne. Sometimes, the noblest of people are not possessed of a noble title. I am certain that your father is a very worthy man."
Anne dimpled, and earnestly replied, "He is Lady Catherine! I truly believe that he is."
Anne sighed contentedly and then felt badly for having dissappointed her new mistress earlier by treating her things so carelessly. She was ashamed for her ill-mannered behavior, and determined to never behave so again.
Catherine asked the next young woman her name and was surprised when she answered in thickly-accented English, "Olivia, my lady."
"Olivia.... That is a very Italian name. Are you Italian, Olivia?"
"Yes! How did my lady know?"
To which Catherine responded in fluent Italian, quickly explaining about Cecilia, her beloved Italian tutor, and friend.
And then in English for the benefit of the other two maids, "I have spoken Italian since my childhood."
Catherine was excited at the prospect of speaking Italian with Olivia, and Olivia returned the feeling twofold.
"My mother was a lady-in-waiting in Italy too, only, my father was a baron. He lost his land in a small war, and now he is forced here. He is trying work as a merchant, but it is being very hard for him."
Catherine chatted with the girls a little longer and then left them to carry out the rest of their duties. As she left the room, she noticed Mark sitting in a hard-backed chair by the door.
"Why, Mark. I must apologize, I completely forgot about you. I suppose that you are waiting to be dismissed?"
Mark had jumped out of his chair the moment Catherine began speaking to him and was now standing ready to be given orders.
"No, if you'll excuse me for contradicting you milady, but I am supposed to wait on you all day, every day should you wish to give me a task."
Catherine could not imagine doing such a thing, and told him so.
"Mark, I am giving you the rest of the day off, and from now on, it would suit me if you were to find another way of making yourself useful throughout the day, perhaps help in the stables, and just check to see if I need anything every few hours. I imagine that will suffice. If I desire to change arrangements I shall let you know. But do not forget to come at eight tomorrow so that you can guide me through the castle."
Mark began to protest, but Catherine insisted, and so he went, reluctant at first, and then happy about his unexpected good fortune in serving so gracious a lady.

That was earlier today. And Catherine had time to consider her situation since. She had not yet gone to visit her aunt about the new dress, and her thoughts were moving ever foreward.
"How am I ever going to get accustomed to this?" She lamented to herself.
"Lord, please help me to accept, and make the best of my situation." That prayer was her last thought before she leapt from her bed, startled at the sound of a man's laughter coming from HER library!

A Day is a Year in the King's Court -2-

Here is #2 of my story....

A Day is a Year in the King's Court: Ungracious Arrival at Court

The following days had gone by only too quickly, and before she knew it, her carriage was drawing near the Castle. It was HUGE! She had always thought of her father's castle as being immense, which it was. Sir. Michael had the largest castle within thirty miles. Many of the villagers houses were shielded within the fortress walls, and their cottages spilled out, surrounding the castle. The town within the castles walls spanned a quarter mile deep, and an eighth wide, and the town surrounding the castle was a mile wide and a half deep, and there were mile, and miles of farmland, and pastures around the town. Truly, her father's fief WAS large..... but THIS. The city outside of the fortress spanned miles, they traveled two miles before reaching the fortress gates, and within the castle was an expansion of the city. Not a small town, but a busy, thriving city. It was another mile and a half before they reached the castle gate, and Catherine's head was beginning to ache from the stink and noise of the city. When her carriage came to a stop, Catherine was helped down and steadied out of the carriage by Nicholas, one of the guards who had escorted her to the palace. Catherine took a deep breath- the air was not so offensive her in the inner courtyard, thanked Nicholas for his help, and looked around her. She could not, and did not want to take it all in so instead, focused her attention on the young pageboy who had stationed himself in front of her waiting for her to give him her attention.
"Are you to show me to my room, young man?"
The boy blushed at the kindly smile and form of address the pretty young country lady gave him, and could only nod. At a gesture from Catherine, the pageboy started off through the maze of corridors that were so familiar to him, but which were quite overwhelming to Catherine.
They soon arrived at what Catherine assumed to be her mother's apartment. Upon entering, Catherine's spirits fell. It was only one medium-sized room, and though Catherine admired the elegance and size of the couch, she could not see a bed anywhere!
"This is a rather small apartment, is it not?" Catherine would not have made the remark except that she was tired, and disappointed.
"But my lady!", the pageboy was quite genuinely astonished, "You have one of the largest apartments in the castle!" The young man had thought that this country lady would be pleased and overwhelmed by the size of her rooms.
Catherine merely sighed, sat down on the sofa, and gave the a tired, please-explain-what-you-mean look.
He went to a door on the side of the room and explained.
"Your chamber is through this door, separate from this room, which is for entertaining guests and any other activities you might want to engage in during the day." He moved across to the other side of the room and continued, "And your library is through this door, and your study through the door within the library."
There was a moment of silence and then Catherine quickly stood and went into the library, admiring the books. As she ran her hand along a shelf of books, the pageboy, feeling awkward, and not knowing what else to say stated, "No one else not even the king has a private library in their room. Although I heard that it is because this was once a small dining room that one of your ancestors turned into a library because they enjoyed reading so much."
And then then poor boy, having felt he said too much and had behaved inappropriately, fell into a miserable silence. Catherine sensed his feelings and asked, "What is your name, young man?"
The boy blushed, and answered, "My name is Mark , milady."
"And where do you come from, Mark? Does your family live in the castle?"
"No milady. My father is a blacksmith in the city, and my mother works as a seamstress whenever my father's business gets slow.... but that is not often."
"How nice. I am very glad to meet you, Mark. And I am happy to have you as my pageboy. That is, I am assuming that you have been assigned as my pageboy for the length of my stay... Am I correct?"
"Yes milady."
Catherine picked a copper out of her bag and gave it to Mark.
"This is in gratitude for your assistance, Mark. And if you would be so good as to give me a short tour of the most important places in the castle, I shale have more for you."
Mark stood awkwardly, and nearly had found his voice when Catherine decided a further explanation of her request was needed.
"Not today, of course. I imagine that you have other things to do, and I certainly have. However, how would tomorrow morning do for you? You might knock about eight tomorrow morning?"
Mark was startled and responded without thinking, "You will be up by eight, milady!?"
Catherine laughed, and the poor boy blushed yet again.
"Indeed I shall be up, well before then. I trust that you will also?"
"Oh yes, milady! Well before. Only.... it is only that, most ladies...."
Catherine understood and said, "That suits me well. If most ladies are not up, then we shall be left alone while you show me the castle."
Catherine heard laughing coming from her chamber and commented, "Who is that in my chamber?", but did not wait for an answer before going to investigate. Poor Mark wanted to be helpful and tell her, but unfortunately was flustered by the question, and was left standing alone in the library. By the time he caught up with Catherine she had already discovered the source of the noise, and was standing, seething in quite the most dignified yet indignant silence that Mark had ever seen. The source of the commotion, was three maids who were unpacking Catherine's bags. Catherine had never seen maids treat a lady's things in a less reverent manner. They had been holding up one of her dresses, laughing at it when she walked in, and others of her dresses were strewn on the floor. Only two of her ten dresses were hung in the closet. After what Catherine considered to be the appropriate amount of silence, she demanded, "Who do you think you are, treating my things like this? Did you believe me to be no better than a wench? Did you think that because I am not from court that I would not notice that my dresses were wrinkled and dusty!? I do not care if you find my clothing to be quaint and out of fashion. You have no right to treat them as you have. And if you had been taught manners properly, you would not treat clothes thus, whether they belong to a Duchess or a chambermaid."
The maids were mortified, and frightened. And Catherine did not notice, but someone had entered the room behind her while she was scolding the young women.

A Day is a Year in the King's Court

Well.... I came up with this story earlier today and decided to write it down. It is only a small part of it, but you two are used to reading only parts of my stories anyway. It's about time I posted a new idea anyway. Ummmm.... enjoy! And don't forget to tell me what you think of it.
:)

A Day is a Year in the King's Court

Episode one: Reflections


The young Lady Catherine could not say that she was particularly displeased with the prospect of spending the next six months in the castle. However, she already missed her family and her mare, Rowan, and so far, even the castle staff was inclined to behaving rather rudely.
Catherine had been raised a lady by her mother, the Lady Jeannette of Tearstrom, and her father, the Lord Sir. Michael of Stoneridge had always treated her like one. That is not to say that he was distant as a father, quite the opposite, but Catherine could not remember a time when he had not referred to her as, " my little Lady". Catherine had three brothers, Sir. Martin, John, and Timothy. Sir Martin had been knighted by the king two years before, and John was well on his way to earning knighthood. Timothy was only five, but was promising in his athletic abilities. Catherine's sister, Elizabeth, had just turned thirteen, and had asked to not be addressed as "Lady Elizabeth" just yet. Although the girls were nearly six years apart, they had always been as close as sisters could be. Catherine had received Rowan on her tenth birthday. Rowan was just a newborn filly then, and her father had told her that having considered her joy at watching the men train the horses, she could assist in the training of her own. Catherine still smiled at the memory of that day and the days of childish bliss that followed. She could not think of anything she had ever done that was less ladylike...... except for those two years when Martin, and John had been young enough to think it great fun to let her practice sword fighting with them. They had never been caught, but Martin's conscience began to bother him, and one day he told her, as politely as a young boy might tell his sister, that sword fighting was not for ladies, and that mother would be ashamed of the way they were acting. Catherine had cried for hours and had not spoken to Martin for days after that. Martin had subsequently felt very badly for the harsh words he had spoken to his sister, and eventually taken her aside, and explained the matter more gently. He could not "risk the servants finding out, and spreading it through the village". Her reputation would be "forever blemished, and all for a few games" of fencing and swordplay. He reassured her that he and John would still find time to spend with her, and John, who had somehow found them, reaffirmed Martin's comforting words. Her brothers had spent time with her, but never again had they treated her as a friend. From that point on they had treated her as a sister and a lady, which was not bad, but not the same.
Catherine had known that she would miss her family, but she had not anticipated how much she also missed the servants, and the people of the village. Although in every other respect Catherine had been raised a perfectly proper and mannerly lady, Catherine was on very informal terms with most of the servants and villagers. Her tutors and her personal maid did not even bother to call her "Lady Catherine", that is, all but her Latin tutor, who was a very old a traditional man and insisted on addressing her by her proper title. Most of the squires, pageboys, stable boys, and young men of the village had been madly in love with her at one point or another, but most had gotten over it, and instead felt a sincere loyalty for the young daughter of their Lord, Sir. Michael. Catherine especially missed her Italian tutor. Cecilia, was the young daughter of an Italian immigrant, her mother had been a lady-in-waiting in Italy, but had run from her mistress to wed her handsome farmer, and the two had fled to England. Sir. Michael had admitted them to his fief, and Lady Jeanette had seen it as a golden opportunity to provide Catherine with a companion, and Italian tutor. Cecilia had not spoken any English at first, but the two young girls had quickly learned to understand each other. Although Catherine had learned Italian, she had also formed the unfortunate habit of integrating Italian into her speech so that only Cecilia and her mother understood her. Lady Jeanette had wanted her children to be well-educated and so all had learned to dance, and to speak Latin, French, and German. During the summer, those brief sessions were the only time they spent together. The rest of the time, the boys were with their father, or helping to oversee the fortress, while Catherine learned to be a lady from her mother. The two skills Catherine's mother had been unable to teach her were music and painting.
"Music and painting", Lady Jeanette had told her, "are skills that were not common in ladies when I was at court. However your Aunt Margaret tells me that every true lady at court is now well accomplished in both. I am grieved that there are no musicians or artists for me to hire for you dear."
Because of the importance her mother attributed to them, Catherine had always wanted to learn to play the harp, and to learn to paint. Catherine was not, however, entirely lacking in artistic ability. She had inherited a lovely singing voice from her mother, and despite the impropriety, she and her mother sang in the choir for mass.
She was to learn to paint and to play the harp while she was here at court, but as she confessed to her mother the day before she left, she would rather be home than learn all the skills in the world.
Catherine remembered the day her father had asked her to represent the family at court. He had seemed out of sorts all day, and Catherine had wondered why until he after dinner, when he asked her to follow him into his study.
"Catherine. As you may know from the servant's chatter, and the gossip in the town, the last of the conflict with Scotland has finally ended, and all the kings men are coming home."
Catherine glowed, and answered, "I did know, father, this means that Martin and John will be coming home."
Sir. Michael hesitated and then replied, "Yes. However, since they were with the last regiment, they must travel to Scherton to report before they come home, and that means they will not even start for home until July."
Catherine waited for her father to continue, he would not tell her this unless there was more to be said.
"The king is holding a celebratory tournament. It will start in April and will go six months so that even the knights of the last regiment will have a chance to participate. Knights from other countries are invited to come, the king wished this to be in celebration of the current world peace. Every one of the kings vassals is duty and honor bound to have a representative their house present. As you know, we lost some of our best men to the war, and I am needed here to oversee our land. As I have just explained to you, your brothers will not be back home until mid-July, and will leave to go to the tournament shortly after. Your mother has not been well, and your sister is not old enough yet to go to court."
Catherine had caught on to what her father had been trying to tell her towards the beginning of his explanation, and was now trying to hold back her tears at the thought of leaving her family for six months. The most she had ever been gone from her family was one month, and then she had been visiting her cousin, Lady Anne. That was nothing like this. Then, she had been visiting a dearly loved relative, and her family had been but a days journey away. Now..... she was going to court where she would know no one but her aunt, and would be a weeks journey from her home.
"Catherine, what I am trying to say is that.... it falls to you to represent our family at court, at least until your brothers join you. Your mother has a lovely apartment at the castle, and your aunt, Lady Margaret, will no doubt be more than happy to help you settle into life at court."
Sir. Michael waited, trying to read Catherine's thoughts.
"Of course I shall go, father. But I shall miss you and..... everyone ever so much!"
Catherine could not hold back a tear which slowly made its way down her cheek and settled hard on her father's heart.
"It will not be for long. And really, your mother and I have neglected you by not sending you to court sooner. You are eighteen. Far too old to never have been to court. Had it not been for the war, your mother would have taken you to court years ago."
Catherine lowered her head and nodded, not wanting her father to see the emotion on her face.
"I shall go at once to make preparation."
She kissed her father, and walked as only a lady can, even in such a disconsolate state.
Her mother helped her to find dresses that could easily be restyled to fit the fashions at court, and had even given her a few of her own prettier and more fashionable dresses.


There. I hope that you hadn't already read this far because I shortened it due to your complaints. I'll add more once you have aknowledged that you're even reading it.

Breadsen Village Chronicles XIII

So.... I don't have a lot else to do right now since I gave up a lot of hobby-type stuff for lent. I guess that this might even be record time for one episode to follow another... well... y'all don't mind I'm sure.

Last time......

General Justice nodded gravely, "Yes. As will the positions of the men you choose to take with you. You will no longer be brethren. You will, however, still be Knights for the King."
~
Sr. Chritian stood shaking with laughter just inside the doorway with Kevina at her feet. The Lieutenant was standing just outside the doorway, shifting his weight every five seconds and looking very uncomfortable. His discomfort might have been due to the awkwardness of the situation, or it might have been because Carrie the goat was trying to eat his shirt.

~

The now Sir Duard rode out with his companions Sir Mairtin and Sir Sean before sunrise the morning after his meeting with Br. Justice. He replayed the conversation over in his mind and contemplated his future at court. His two companions were slightly less solemn, and by midday, they were telling jokes to each other. Sir Sean was having trouble getting used to his new title, and kept inadvertantly correcting the others.
"Sean,"
"Brother Sean.... What is it Br. Mairtin?"
"We are no longer brethren, Sean... It might help you to remember if you would dress more like a knight. You're still wearing your robes."
"They're comfortable."
Sean seemed a little indignant.
"And besides, I was thinking that our new order of knights, or maybe a sub order could wear robes like this."
Seeing the unconvinced faces of his comrades he added, "Or maybe just something robe-like."
The other two were quiet, but were actually considering the possibility. But it didn't take long before Mairtin broke the silence.
"No. It would be clinging to the past, and many of the young men we'll be training would not want to go around looking monkish.... it would discourage maidens from flirting. And we all know that's not something most young men want."
"There's also the fact", Duard contributed, "that we are a new order and should have a new style of dress. We'll want something that tells the people something about what we stand for. We are working in the open. We don't want any to fear us. We need the cooperation and support of the people."
Sean didn't like that his suggestion was disregarded so quickly, and stubbornly wore his robes for the remainder of their journey.

When they arrived at court they were greeted by no less than the king's steward, and were ushered into their separate chambers to bathe and refresh themselves after their long journey. And it had been a long journey. It wasn't that they lacked for interesting sights along the way, or that they had run out of food... they hadn't even encountered any bandits. Rather, Sir Sean kept up so constant a stream of conversation that after the first day, Duard's head had been buzzing with new and obscure information all night. And they'd had three days of travel after.
After a few leisurly hours, the men were summoned to the coucil room where a meeting was being held about the three brethren, and the new order of knights they were here to establish.
All eyes turned to them upon their entrance, but they were too eager to discuss the new order to notice or care.

~

Eventually, everything settled down and Rubert and Trista were informed about everything that had happened since the ill-fatedtrip to town. Rubert had looked very solemn or very angry through the girls' narration, and Trista had turned pale. After the girls concluded their tale, there was a moment of silence before Trista said, "I'm so glad I didn't know. I feared many things, but I would have died with worry if I had known....."
The girls exlaimed, "Don't SAY that!", in unison, and rushed to comfort their mother.
Rupert just sat looking grave until he saw Br. Kildare standing outside. He got up to greet himand thanked him for his part in rescuing the girls.
"It was my pl.... no matter, it was no matter."
Rupert asked the lieutenant if he would like to eat with them, and stay in the barn for the night. Since it was getting dark -and since only he knew how far he'd had to go to take the girls back to their house, and he would not, therefore get in trouble- he agreed.

~

I'll write something about Rosetta and Danno's troubladors next time. I just thought that I should post what I have since I've had trouble forming ideas for the troup.

Braedsen Village Chronicles XII

Okay.... Anyone up for a little more on the Braedsen saga? GREAT! Although I'm pretty sure that Tracy and Ginny are the only two who are bothering to try to keep up to date on this story of mine. I barely even bother to keep up to date.


Okay... So where was I.... Oh yes.

LAST TIME......

"Hello. Who are you, sir?"
Genna introduced Br. Duard to Keitha, and told her that he had been asking them what they knew about the bandit's.
"Oh. I see. Well, I overheard them talking of two places. I can't say for certain what the import of those places were, but they seemed to mention Spretoria with reverence, and spoke of Silfrene with a sort of contempt."
Br. Duard's face lit up with this news. He thanked the women and grabbed the nearest Brother and told him to escort the ladies home, wherever that might be, and to meet the rest of the men back at the fortress Smenita.

~

When Captain Duard returned to the fortress Smenita, he asked to see the General, and was told by a novice that the General was currently in a meeting, but to please wait in Counsel Room 2. Br. Duard meditated on what the best course of action was to be, and so was startled when Br. Justice spoke.
"You have bad news."
It was not a question.
"Yes. Troops from the Luciferian army are posing as bandits in the hopes that we would not track them. Luckily, we have trained all our scouts well, and they kept an eye on the devils even though they appeared to be an ordinary band of ruffians."
"Good. But you know that this new developement means that the king must be informed."
"Yes, sir. Whom did you have in mind?"
..........
Br. Duard did not like the pause that followed, nor did he like how the General's gaze seemed to burn a hole into his soul. Had he not been trained so well, he would have squirmed.
"It is my intention that you should be the one to go. You may take two of your men with you. What I expect from you is nothing less than total loyalty to our king. I think that you may not like your assignment, but it is for the greater good of the kingdom."
A pin drop would have seemed to loud in the moment of silence that followed Br. Justice's announcement.
It seemed like ages before the General concluded what was to be the fate of the hapless Br. Duard.... and his chosen two comrads.
"You, and the two men who are willing, and who you feel would be the most efficient must go to serve te king as his knights. You are to specialize train the knights who are currently at court, and also any men who desire to learn the ways of knighthood. You can do this. You have been trained better than most, and will be better able than many to handle yourself outside of the Brethren's protection."
Br. Duard was shocked. He was hoping that Br. Justice did not mean what he said, but at the same time.... It felt somehow... right.
"I admit," said Br. Duard slowly, "I have had thoughts of life outside of the Brotherhood of the King, but I never really thought to leave....... Would my situation be permanent? Is my position in the brethren be forfeit?"
General Justice nodded gravely, "Yes. As will the positions of the men you choose to take with you. You will no longer be brethren. You will, however, still be Knights for the King."
Although Br...... Sir Duard felt a little unsure of himself, he composed himself, gave Justice one last Brethren Salute, turned, and strode out of Counsel Room 2.
He didn't even have to think hard on who to take with him. He knew they would want to go despite the loss of rank.
Brother Sean Wittiker, and Brother Bert Mairten.

~

Genna WAS teased a lot, and unjustly too. She hadn't so much as spoken to the cute young soldier, let alone flirted with him. But Keitha and Sr. Christian found her pink face so amusing that they couldn't keep their mouthes shut. Genna wouldn't have minded.... if they hadn't been so loud.
It just wasn't FAIR. Why was SHE always picked on?!
Genna wanted to snap at them; they were really trying her nerves, but she knew that they would just turn her words against her, and she'd be the worse off. So... she kept silent, and hoped that Lieutenant Kildare had some kind of hearing loss.
Unfortunately for Genna, the young lieutenant did NOT have hearing loss, and so heard everything the women said. The poor young officer -being a descendant of the little people of the Green Isle- blushed even more than Genna, and stayed far ahead, careful not to give the gossips any more reason to tease the poor attractive young lady.....
However, it must be said that both Genna, and Sean Kildare hoped that there was some truth in what the two woman were saying.

The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, casting a pink and blue glow on the land, when they reached the home of Rubert and Trista Knowles. Genna and K.M. only then realized how much they had missed home, and how everyone must have been worrying about them. They raced inside, and met the astonished faces of Rubert and Trista. Before anyone could say anything, Genna had wrapped her arms around her mother's neck and was asking all about how she was feeling, and should she really be out of bed; Keitha had plopped herself in her father's lap and was asking how the sheep were, and how the races had gone and how sorry she was that she'd missed them.
Sr. Chritian stood shaking with laughter just inside the doorway with Kevina at her feet. The Lieutenant was standing just outside the doorway, shifting his weight every five seconds and looking very uncomfortable. His discomfort might have been due to the awkwardness of the situation, or it might have been because Carrie the goat was trying to eat his shirt.

~

Rosetta took a seat by the fire and was introduced to the company as a trial member of Danno's Troubladors. Needless to say, Rosetta didn't like that introduction very much, and so reintroduced herself as Rosetta the Gypsy, temporary companion of Danno's Troubladors. Wondeyego offered her some pheasant, and Kevintello asked her if she'd like to be called Rosetto instead when Danno cut them off.
"We've had a great time traveling the countryside together!"
This recieved a cheer from everyone... except Rosetta who began to question the wisdom in
agreeing to this man's rediculous terms.
"I know that none of you want or expect our troupe to break up, but...."
No one was cheerful now,
"... but I think it only fair to warn you that things I have seen and heard lately have given me cause to think that we might end up going our separate ways soon. It isn't that you aren't worth your weight in silver, but the time may come when it's safer for us all to travel in groups no larger than two."
There was a moment of silence, and everyone, including Rosetta this time, stood up and insisted that he explain further.

~

Well.... That's all for now. Maybe I'll find the time to write more soon. Have a great day!

The Braedsen Village Chronicles XI

Yes. I know... It seemed as though this episode would never come. I have been busy. Truth of the matter is, I don't have time for it now, I should be studying or being otherwise productive, but I don't care.


longer Last Time to refresh your memory...

"I am First Lieutenant Kildare." He blushed and went on, "But there is no need for formalities. You may call me Sean if you like." He regained his composure and took Genna's hand kissed it and gave her a little wink before turning to go to the Captain's tent. On the way he was interrupted at least ten times by people who required his attention.

~

"Oh. I see. Well, I overheard them talking of two places. I can't say for certain what the import of those places were, but they seemed to mention Spretoria with reverence, and spoke of Silfrene with a sort of contempt."
Br. Duard's face lit up with this news. He thanked the women and grabbed the nearest Brother and told him to escort the ladies home, wherever that might be, and to meet the rest of the men back at the fortress, Smenita.
Genna blushed when she saw that the soldier to lead them was Lieutenant Sean Kildare.

~

Danno ordered everyone one to pack up quickly just in case whatever the predator was... just in case it wasn't satisfied with its current prey.

~

Although sadly impeded by her limp, Rosetta found it within hersalf to do a little gypsy dance.
"I can't believe it! I've been wanting to do that for quite some time now. I'm almost glad that I saved it for this occasion."
Rosetta then noticed the clashing of pots and pans, and the indignant breighing of horses, not too far distant. Having just gotten over panic, and still slightly hysterical, Rosetta started limping over to investigate the noise.


Braedsen Village Chronicles XI


I Don't Know What You're Talking About...

As Rosetta neared the clamor coming from the camp site, she stumbled on a rock which caused her to come down painfully hard on her hurt leg. She nearly swore with pain, but held it back, hoping that the noisy travelers didn't notice.
.....
However it did not seem as though she had been so lucky, as the camp was now silent. She held her breath and waited to see if the noise would start up again. After she had waited just long enough to believe that they had perhaps moved on already, she was grabbed from behind and forced to a standing position.
"@#%^$!"
She couldn't keep herself from swearing this time.
"LET ME GO! You're hurting my leg! Beware, I am a gypsy and I'll.... turn you into a newt!"
She continued struggling with her captor. She was very surprised at what happened next. For instead of taunting her, jerking her, or telling her to shut her mouth, her captor... laughed. It was the deep laugh of someone who was very relieved, and who didn't believe that she really could turn him into a newt.
"Well my friend gypsy, I'd like to put your talents to use. And should you some day find out how to REALLY turn people into newts, do tell me."
He let her go. She turned to face him as dignified as possible with a broken leg and said, "I don't know what you're talking about. How do you know I don't already know how to turn people into newts?"
He laughed again, and she liked it and didn't at the same time. How frustrating.
"Because.*chuckle* If you COULD have, you WOULD have, and wouldn't asked questions. And... I don't think that magic is real. Oh, don't get me wrong, I think that there are people who can do what SEEMS like magic. I have a magician in my troop and I, myself, tell fortunes, but... I don't think that magic exists.
~Watch what you're saying bucko~
The man paused for a second, and Rosetta wondered why. He looked as though he had just heard something that made him nervous.
"Umm... What is your name?"
"Huh?" The man was called out of his reverie, "Oh, um I am Danno. Leader of Danno's troubadours."
"Okay, well... Nice to meet you, Danno. Look, I kind of have a broken leg and I'd really like to sit down. Can we talk somewhere more comfortable?"
"Oh. Do you really? Well, what do I get for letting you sit down?"
"Exscuse me?"
Rosetta couldn't believe it. He hadn't seemed all THAT rude.
"Tell you what, you agree to work one day and night for my troupe, and I'll let you sit at our camp, eat with us, and I'll even take you back to your home... You do have a home, right?"
Rosetta was very irritated, but she could see that this RUDE man would never let her rest until she had agreed to his terms.
"Fine. But just so you know, you are being very rude."
.......
What WAS it about his LAUGH that was so irresistibly irritating???

~

Genna walking quietly alongside Sr. Christian and KM, and watched Lieutenant Kildare... Sean's back.
"Well, I think that we should tell The Village what happened. I mean, obviously not ALL of what happened, but I think that they should know that something is going on. And that it isn't good. The Breadenites will want to plan ahead."
Sr. Christian shook her head in disagreement, "No. I do not believe that would be a very wise decision. It is advantageous, I admit, for them to be forewarned, but they are not all... how shall I put this... they do not all possess enough intelligence to know how to handle this situation."
KM was about to protest when Brother Lieutenant Kildare suddenly spoke up, "She's right. The people don't need to know, they'll only panic. And we are handling this. Believe me, if it gets to the point where the villagers should know, we will tell them, but for now it is best to leave them to their peaceful lives."
KM and Sr. Christian were both taken by surprise, they hadn't seen him fall back to walk beside them until he spoke up.
He nodded an excuse me to the two women, glanced at Genna, blushed, and resumed his position in front of the three women.
Keitha and Sr. Christian looked at each other, smiled, and then fixed Genna with the biggest smiles. They made her very uncomfortable.
"What?"
Oh, nothing." Said Keitha, "Only that you and the good brother ahead seem to blush an awful lot. Yet it is such a fine day out."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Genna was still very uncomfortable. How could they keep up such a brisk pace and still manage to keep those piercing gazes fixed on her?
"Oh."
"Naturally."
"Indeed."
"How could we have thought otherwise."
Genna could see that she was in for an inordinate amount of teasing in the future. But still... Perhaps there was something to it...




Well. Sorry that it is such a short installment, but that is all I have in me today.
Have a great day, week, month, season, summer, year, or whatever you will have before I write more.
Adios!
I heart you!