One Night In Chester

Bloodstone

Another Party,.... wonderful", Stone thought as he moved through the Main Hall of Chester Castle, looking for the Party Planner.

Merkin, the local gadfly and clothier to the genteel from Cumberland to Cornwall, was somewhere ahead screeching with his nasally voice at the workers...

"Oaf ! can you not drop everything ???? Those dishes are Italian, and cost more than your entire village.....", Stone overheard as he found the planner.

"Things going to plan, Goodman Merkin ?", he asked, looking at the finery around him and wondering how much this all would end up costing him. While they were using the Main Hall, the cost of the party was his to bear, as was the onus of host......a thought that made his stomach turn over in slow loops.

"Things are on target, Earl Bloodstone, we shall be ready for the Duchess' inspection well before the appointed time.", Merkin answered, then leaned in with a consipritorial whisper.. "And good luck to you tonight, a big announcement is the rumour...."


With a scowl and a glare, Bloodstone looked to the man and answered "Rumors are like feet, everyone has them, and most of them stink.... worry about being ready, and don't be spreading tales... carry on."

Walking away, Stone does not hear the planner mutter, "I assure you Earl, that _my_ feet do not stink...."

.::Willow Bend::.

It had been several weeks since she had last set foot in her forge. Indeed, she had spent more time in Stone's forge recently than her own. Her studies had left little time for anything else, but today she had one job she had to complete.

She fired up the furnace, laid out her tools then took a small leather pouch from her pocket. Loosening the drawstring, she turned the pouch over. Two stones tumbled out onto the workbench, a glittering diamond and a clear, unfaceted ruby. The diamond she dropped back into the pouch, tying it securely and slipping it back into her pocket. The ruby she rolled between her fingers, deep in thought, her imagination finalizing small details.

Many hours later, the dimming light and ache in her back spoke to how long she had been hunched over the workbench. Her work finally complete, she stretched her arms over her head, yawning as her stiff joints popped back into place. She damped down the furnace and hurried across the lawn to the house to check on her packing.

Dawn the following morning, all was in place. Her trunk and Sanja's were loaded onto the waiting carriage. A stop to pick up Mackenzie Gael and they would be on their way to Chester.

Fugue

Fugue looked again at the invitation. We certainly seem to be having a lot of parties lately, all with a purpose. I have some guesses as to the purpose of this one.

She called to Katherine, I'll be leaving shortly for Chester. Would you please check to see that I've packed what I will need? Difficult experience had taught her to rely on her housekeeper's judgment rather than her own in such matters. The time she wore her robes ... Ah, better not to think about it.

She smoothed back her dark hair back into its customary bun. At least there need be no fuss about that!

Oh, and Katherine, has anyone checked on the horses? And supplies for the trip? I need to check with GQ about matters at the office.

Not waiting for an answer, Fugue walked out into the spring sunshine. It was a truly lovely day. Almost every tree that wasn't covered with flowers had its own distinct shade of green. In a week they would grow to be similar, but for these few days magic was in the air along with the scent of apple blossoms.

At the office, she found GQ hard at work. Is everything in order? I think the horses will be ready soon. Fugue's already pale face lost what color it had as she realized that she had not shown GQ the invitation and that he could not know what she was talking about. I hope he isn't angry!

My brother is hosting a party in Chester. I ... um he .. she gestured vaguely. Well we expected that you would be coming with me. She looked up at GQ, embarrassed.

AllisonWolfe

Chester appears on the horizon after many days traveling. The sun is setting to her right. Alli is excited to see her sister. They last met back in December. She and Maddie, her horse, ride into Chester and head toward the Castle.

A guard stops them at the main gate. Good evening sir, I am Allison Wolfe, sister to the Duchess. Might you lead me to her suites?

He guides them to the front of the castle where Alli dismounts. A young man takes Maddie to the stables. The guard says something quietly to a middle aged woman.

She looks up at Alli, "Sister to the Duchess," she says, "My you have had a long trip. Welcome to Chester. Let us get you to your room."

"Robert," she yells, "See that the Lady Wolfe's belongings make it to her suite."

Turning back to Alli, "Come dear, follow me"

Alli follows the woman through the maze of hallways and stairwells. She hopes she remembers how to find her way around the bustling castle.

ReefMcSchmokin

Reef looks over his invitation then down at his curious pup. "Sorry Bolt, I don't see your name here on the invite. You'll have to watch over the house, but take you 'business' outside this time." Reef points agressively to the new dog door that he just installed within his back entrance.

"I never thought I'd be saying, 'What should I wear?'"

Her honor could of knocked him over with a feather, her words had stopped him in his tracks.

GQ had learned many things, in the weeks since he first agreed to be the Judges clerk. She was honest and trustworthy, and above else the best legal mind he had ever met. She was also at times a bit forgetfull, but with as busy as she is he could not hold her with blame.

Those thoughts were lost as quickly as they entered his head, a trip to Chester, to attend a party with Lord Bloodstone and Lady Cecilywolfe. Never in his wildest dreams did he think it possible...

" To Chester, you say... Why... Yes but of course... I must go and pack..."

GQ set his quill down, and headed for the door.

" Oh my bag..."

He returned for his bag, and headed for the door.

" So much to do, so little time... "

He turned on his heels once again and blew out the candle on his desk.

" I shall meet you at your home, your honor..."

With that he shut the office door, turning the key in the lock. Then turned the key again.

" Sorry your honor, forgot you were still in here. "

GQ could be seen talking to himself as he headed towards his home.

" So very exciting... "

Gillianholroyd

Holywell

Gillian had expected her preparations to be easy enough. But when she sat down to make a list of everything that was needed for the trip, she realized that there was too much for one person to do.

She could not conceive of a party by Bloodstone where Lady Fugue and Lord Boleslaw were not invited, and so she found messengers to carry notes to each of them, asking if they might all travel together.

Next was a trip to Mother Maggie's, where Gil eventually convinced Maggie to serve as dressing maid the day of the party. Gillian was glad to have a new way to slip some money to her friend, and surely Maggie's son, Michael, could not get himself into too much trouble in the short time they would be gone?

Finally, Gil tracked down Michael himself. He was happy to call in a favor to get Gillian some horses for the trip--especially when he learned that he would have his house to himself for a few days. After assurances from Michael as to the quality of the animals--and additional assurances that the horses were not 'lost' from previous owners--Gil gladly accepted the loan of the beasts.

"But Michael, I only see two--?"

"Aye, lass. One for you, and one for your lord if he needs it. Me mum's too old for horses. And I know a lad or two with a sturdy cart who can carry mum and your luggage up ahead of time--if that be agreeable."

Gil was relieved; she had not quite worked out what to do about that dress. She knew that Michael would not entrust his mother's safety to just anyone--nor would he choose an escort that would try anything shady under Maggie's sharp eye.

So she sent an additional note to Boleslaw, and one to Fugue's housekeeper, informing each of them that a cart with adequate escort had been arranged, remembering to add a line to Boles about the horses.

The worst of the preparations over, Gillian looked forward to the trip. Good friends on the road, and at trip's end--what more could one want?

ENslater19

Slater finishes reading the invitation, Seems like I'm off for Chester then.

Slater begins to pack the things he needs or at least thinks he will need. He packs his dress uniform for the party and some other odds and ends. He then saddles up his horse and heads over to Reef's house to see if he is ready to head out yet.
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Proud Memeber of C3~~Sergeant of Chester~~Petty Captain, Chester Bowmen~~NEA/KOP

Cntryguy

CG was already packed and heading to Chester, after reading his invitation, he gets he best dress clothes and packs them, knowing this is probably going to be a formal party.

Saddling up and heading down the road through Beeston he hopes to see other people heading to Chester for the party to ride along with.

"Your Grace! This just arrived for you." A breathless messenger thrust a letter into Cecily's hand just as the carriage lurched forward. The wax seal she recognized as Cumberland's, and as she broke it to read the message, she tried to hold out hope that the letter did not contain bad news. The carriage pulled onto the road. The letter dropped to her lap.

She looked out the window at the passing trees trying to fight back the tears threatening to stain her cheeks. She could sense Sanja's worried gaze upon her, waiting to hear what the letter had said. She took a deep breath to steady herself, to force herself to think as Duchess not a woman. Leaning across the cab of the carriage, she knocked on the front to get the driver to stop. "Please stop by the barracks," she commanded the driver.

She hurried in to put the Beeston Bowmen on notice and arranged for a messenger ride to Chester ahead of the carriage to alert the Castle. Then she returned to the carriage to continue on their trip.

Finally arriving in Chester, the carriage pulled through the castle gates. The castle was alive with activity. Between the arrival of guests and the preparations of the Bowmen, there was a flurry of activity. She immediately headed for the Main Hall. The Hall was beautiful, no detail overlooked. Of course, she expected nothing less of Merkin. Seeing Stone, she pulled him off to the side, falling into his arms, whispering, "Did you get my message?"

Cecilywolfe wrote:
"Did you get my message?"


"yes, I did.", was all he could trust himself to say.

The thoughts running through his mind as he held her were a maelstrom of conflicting ideas, emotions, plots and plans covered by a deep feeling of frustration.

"why now, why today", the thought would never be uttered, as it was not his way but, it had free reign in his mind.

Still holding her, his hand moved to her back, touching and comforting.

" I have asked one of the men to go back and get the necessary things, and bring them here. While this news is dire, I will not allow it to spoil today, or tonight."

She buried her face in his neck, taking strength in his strength, allowing herself a moment of vulnerability. "Neither will I," she whispered against his skin. Reluctantly breaking their embrace, she held his hands at her side, their fingers laced together. "I'd best get ready, and I hear my sister has arrived." Rolling up onto her tiptoes, she kissed him quickly before leaving.

Up a flight of stairs, through a winding hall then up another, she finally came to the room where Alli was staying. She knocked twice before opening the door, too impatient to wait for Alli to answer. Seeing her sister, Cecily squealed with happiness and hugged her tightly, rocking from side to side.

"Jah, I am so happy you are here!" she said, pulling back from the hug to look at her sister then hugging her again.

AllisonWolfe

Alli hugs her sister tightly. The physical distance between them was not enough to break the strong bonds of sisterhood and it was as though the pair had never been apart.

Cecily I am so happy to be here with you. I have missed you. Give me just a minute to finish getting ready. Then I would love to help you.

Alli pulls on her dress and asks Cecily to help fasten the back. Her sister straightened the the curls around Alli's face.

Now that I am ready, we need to get you fixed up. Not that you don't already look gorgeous.

The two rush off into the busy halls of the castle.

ReefMcSchmokin

There is a knock upon Reef's door, and Bolt begins wagging his tail. "What are you so excited about?" He says. Reef opens the door cautiously, but the face outside was not one to fear.

"Slater, my friend!" Reef and Slater exchange a handshake, and Bolt rushes to greet him. "No wonder Bolt is excited. He hasn't seen you in some time."

Reef sees an invitation similar to his sticking out of Slater's pocket. "I see you have an invite as well," he says gesturing to the piece of paper. "Shall we travel there together?"

Boleslaw

Boleslaw, always in a rush, or so it seemed, was made immeasurably more cheerful by the invitation to a party with the Duchess and Lord Bloodstone. He still remembered the last one.

Packing a few things, including his one decent set of clothes, he received Lady Gil's 'instructions' and made his way over to meet her for the short journey. With so much going on in the world - and not all of it very pleasant - a celebration would lighten his mood and make him all the more ready to throw his energy into his work.

Just before locking up the bakery, he enlisted the services of his neighbour's young boy to feed his pigeons. 'There might well be some need for these birds before the week is out', he thought to himself as he set off.

My lady, a message for you. Fugue was met at her gate by one of the stable workers. She took the slip of paper from him, then looked up.

A cart? Why would we need a cart? Well, anyway, she addressed the man, Lady Gillian and Lord Boleslaw will be travelling with us to Chester. We should be on our way as soon as possible.

She turned back to the house where Katherine met her at the door. Yes, my lady, everything is packed and has been taken down to the stables. She smiled, having anticipated Fugue's question. Here is your riding cloak, you will need it. Fugue sighed in relief and on impulse hugged the woman. Thank you! We will be leaving as soon as the others arrive. Lord Boleslaw will be with us, so I expect that any messages will arrive by pigeon.

Slater 19

When Reef answered the door Slater was greeted first by Bolt, It's good to see you to buddy, I know it has been a while.

Quote:
"Shall we travel there together?"


Yeah sure, It won't be so lonely on the road now, haha. Do you know anyone else who was invited? Slater asked Reef.

Slater then took Bolt outside so Reef could finish his packing.

Sanja

Sanja kept running around Cecily that day, she tried to help her in any way she could. After everything was settled they were about to set off to Chester when a messenger delivered a letter to Cecily. She saw that expression on her face and froze as she saw Cecily run out of carriage. She picked up the letter and read it. "Ohh, noo" she lowered her head as she tought of the most important day of her best friend being distroyed by those animals. Then it crossed her mind that her other friend might be in danger "Please Jah, take care of him!". Cecily came back and they proceeded toward Chester. Sanja hugged Cecily "You are the strongest woman I know. But even you have weaknesses, let it out now and forget about it for the rest of the day. It's your day today, nothing can take it away from you!"

As they arrived in castle and entered inside Cecily went to talk to Stone. Sanja didn't want to interfere, so she just said "Good to see you again, Stone! And Ceci, let me know if you need my help with anything, I'm going to get myself ready". She looked around a bit, it was a magnificent place, perfectly decorated, she smiled as she thought how Cecily always has things under full control. Then went to unpack her things and get dressed.

Xochitl

Holywell ~morning*

Morning sunshine streamed in through the windows. As usual, Xochitl woke up early.
After doing all the morning chores, she had her breakfast.. getting ready to work... suddenly something flashed through her mind..
Ah.. today is 7th.. there's a friends gathering party held by Ceci and Stone.
May be a bit casual yet formal...hmm.. what should I wear?
Pulling out one of her favorite dress off her wardrobe, she packed all the necessary items and get ready to head out to the castle.

Fugue wrote:
Thank you! We will be leaving as soon as the others arrive. Lord Boleslaw will be with us, so I expect that any messages will arrive by pigeon.


As GQ closed the distance to her honors home, he kept replaying the recent events in his head.

"Should I bring a gift... What gift could I bring... Would it be proper to bring a gift..."

He was lost in his own thoughts, His mind raced with the events to come. He was so deep in his thoughts he walked right past the judge, and continued on for a few more steps.

" Oh my, I missed my destination "

He turned on his heels, and smiled at Fugue.

" I am ready your honor, when ever you are "

Silkyvamp

OOC: Quazimore and I post together usually. His part is blue and mine is green.

Stepping onto English soil Silky grabs Quazi's hand. She had sworn to never come back after she left Lancaster. She knew Cecily would have understood but Silky knew she would never have missed this. Shaking out her silk skirt with her free hand, she holds her head high as she walks down the gangplank. She sees the carriage waiting on them and walks slowly towards it, hoping they werent late as usual.

Slowly following Silky towards the carriage he squeezes her hand tight, knowing this was not where she wanted to be, especially not so soon. As they get nearer to the carriage the driver had aparently been given a brief description of them, as he called them over cheerfully. Walking up to him, Quazi asks him quickly how long the trip would be, hearing only a short while, he heads into the back of the carriage with Silky.

She lays her head on Quazi's shoulder and whispers to him telling him about the Duchess Tavern. Knowing she had probably told him before he sits and listens patiently as she tells him again. She holds the package closely, its wrapped in a pretty blue silk with beautiful ribbons wrapped around it. Looking down at it she smiles knowing once there Cecily would appreciate the irony. Looking out the window of the carriage she has to admit the English countryside is almost as beautiful as the Irish.

Watching as the outlines of the castle begin to form on the horizon, Quazi looks back and Silky and asks her quietly "Are you ready my love?" He sees her give a short nod, though it was a tad nervous. As the carriage pulls up infront of the castle, Quazi looks up at the large structure, far bigger than any in Ireland though not the largest hed seen. Slowly helping Silky down out of the carriage, they head towards the door. As they arrive he sees several servants scurrying around behind them grabbing their luggage as someone greets them.

Smiling at the housekeeper as she asks them to follow her to their room, Silky smiles happy to be here finally. Traveling on a stolen pirate ship isnt all she thought it would be. She is happy to be on solid ground. She looks back at Quazi looking for reassurance as they climb the stairs to their room. She needed to wash up and then go look for Cecily once they were settled in.

Fugue

Good, I see you have your bags. They'll take them on one of the extra horses. Do you think that we should wait for Lady Gillian and Lord Boles or expect them to catch up with us?

Fugue led the way toward the stables where the horses were being led out. It was such a wonderful day for a ride. She was looking forward to the trip almost as much as the party.

The day had passed in a flurried rush of trunks, silk gowns, ribbons, horses and every other thing imaginable that would coincide with a party. A very elegant party from the looks of it. Mac grinned as she followed Cecily into the prodigious bedchamber befitting the Duchess of Chester. It was hard to think of her best friend as a duchess, but here in the castle, with servants rushing around like tiny ants on a disturbed hill, it made it all surreal.

Chuckling happily she pounced into the room, moving to the bed where a servant had laid out her own dress, and called happily to her friend in the adjacent room. "Ceci, I havena seen yer dress, but Merkin is amazing!" She sighed, running a finger down the silky bodice of the deep royal blue material. Never had she seen such a beautiful gown, more-less worn one, and she felt apprehensive at donning it, worried to ruin the beautiful material with carelessness or worse yet a spill. I shall have to be extra careful and only a couple of drinks. No scotch! Stripping down to her chemise she pulled the material over her head, amazed at how it settled perfectly over her hips and chest. Merkin truely was a genius!

Dressed, she moved about the room nervously, running her fingers through her long curls and picking up flowers before re-arranging and setting them down again. Cecily was still in the dressing room, attending to her bath and Mac hoped her friend wasn't as nervous as she. Jah I'm edgy enough for the both of us. It's just a party Mac, she told herself to no avail, a party with a lot of people.

A knock on the door drew her attention and Mac moved to open it, ushering Sanja and Allie in quickly before peering into the long hallway and closing the door. "Hmmm...." She muttered, her mind straying for a moment to the man who'd been haunting her senses and wondering if he'd appear today. The chances were very unlikely as he wasn't on the guest list and to appear would be rude, but she dearly wished he could see her decked out in the beautiful gown. Shush it Mackenzie, she mentally berrated herself, Ye know ye canna let yer mind wander so an' re'member.... e's taken. "Humph" she grunted to herself, shutting the door and turning back to put her attention on the matter at hand, helping her friends get ready for the party.

The fragrance of lavender still hung in the air from her bath as she dried off and pulled on a crisp white shift.

Mackenziegael wrote:
"Ceci, I havena seen yer dress, but Merkin is amazing!"


"Aye, isn't he though," she answered as she walked into the bedchamber. "Let me get my dress out. I may need your help with it."

Opening a large trunk, she pulled out her gown, a sky blue brocade with gold threads weaving a delicate vine pattern through the silk and bright gold silk trimming the hem and sleeves.

"Alli, Sanja," she called out happily as then entered and she slid the dress on, lacing up gold ties at the front.

Alli brushed her hair, pulling it up from her face and letting dark curls cascade down her back. As a final touch, she pulled out a small velvet bag and fumbled in it until she found her earrings- delicate gold dragonflies with sapphire bodies- a gift from Stone before their journey to Portugal.

As the four ladies set off to go downstairs, Cecily couldn't help but think how well they all cleaned up. To look at them now, one would never know that these were women who had swum in ponds together, milked cows, thrown snowballs, and laughed hysterically on tavern floors. But tonight they were ladies, and some of the finest in Chester.

They walked through the hall down the stairs, along another winding corridor and down another flight of stairs before arriving at the Main Hall. Cecily inhaled deeply, rolled her shoulders back, head high and entered to greet her guests.
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ReefMcSchmokin

Posted: 08 May 2008 10:20 Post subject:
Reef steps out of his house wearing his best Bowmen dress uniform. The only nice thing he has actually. Slater is throwing a stick to Bolt in the front yard. Reef looks down the street and notices Fugue and GQ in the distance.

"Fugue and GQ are heading off somewhere as well. Presumably the same direction. Lets catch up with them."

Reef calls Bolt inside. He scratches his pup behind the ears and says, "Be good. I'll be back tomorrow or the day after. And...uh...don't bite the gardener again." He shuts the door and heads out into the street with Slater.