One Night In Chester

Cntryguy

Oh his way to Chester, and running a little late, CG was spurring his horse Jet to move a little faster.

Coming around a bend in the road a little to fast, CG almost runs over Floramay, seems she was taking a little rest, and was looking a little tired.

Sorry My Lady Flora, I didn't see you. You must be heading to Chester for the party.

I do not have an extra horse and I am myself running a little late, but you are welcome to ride with me. Putting Flora's case over the front of his saddle, CG helps Flora up onto the back of Jet.

Arriving a little hurried in Chester, CG assists Flora off the the horse and they hurry into the hall.

Straighten up his clothes and stepping into the hall with Flora on his arm, he sees the large gathering of people.

Floramay

As Flora takes a bit of rest she hears a horse coming that she didn't expect. Jumping back a step, she looks up to see CG atop Jet.

Quote:
Sorry My Lady Flora, I didn't see you. You must be heading to Chester for the party.


"Aye, indeed, I am, and running a bit late myself. Thank ye so very much for the ride." Flora says as she swings up onto the back of Jet with CG's help.

When they arrive Flora tries to smooth her hair before entering. She takes the arm CG offers and enters the hall full of people with him. Her dress in her satchel, Flora looks for an opportunity to find a changing room.

Seeing Cec and Stone nearby, Flora pulls CG's arm gently in their direction. "Greetings Friends." Flora says with a curtsy. "Thank you for the invitation to this wonderful event. We are looking to freshen up having just arrived. If you will excuse us now."

Turning to a servant Flora asks where the nearest changing room is. She cleans up, puts on the dress, smooths out the wrinkles and steps out to find CG standing nearby looking very dapper in his suit. She steps up to him and smiles, saying, "You look very nice, CG."

Elmix

:On the road:.

Riding oh his dark horse Durahan, Elmix hurried as fast he could to make on time. It seemed the time was against him, nothing realy new for him.

They were already somewhere in Lanchestershire, not very far. Unfortunately his horse was a bit tired cuz they were riding to Keswick and back, and all other horses were already given to other soldiers. But Durahan was realy strong. Seeing a small river, Elmix decided to stop by for some minute so his horse could rest for a bit. He took his bag, looked for some bread for himself and some carrots for his horse.

After his horse did had some small rest, he hoped on and contiued to ride to Cheser as fast they could. This was not too far already, but he knew he will be late...

Fugue

Fugue stands frozen, her face as blank as it when she listens to testimony. GQ's warm hand on hers is confusing. She feels her face flush and takes a deep breath to gather her thoughts. To try to gather her thoughts. As usual, she takes refuge in the ordinary and speaks as if nothing were different. Moments must have passed, however; people have been rushing by them unnoticed to approach the royal group.

She looks wryly at GQ.

It appears that there is a line ahead of us. Perhaps we ought to wait a few minutes to let them finish. Without waiting for an answer, she walks to a place where they can watch for a moment when she and her companion would not be interrupting.

Orannis

Still in his office trying to get the days work finished, Orannis took a moment to peer out at the sun. Though it was later than he had thought, being a resident of Chester capital the castle was no walk for him. Handing the last of his forms to his aide, Orannis grabs his cloak and the bag he had left in his office yesterday as he stepped out the door.

Gifted with a little foresight Orannis had envisioned himself running late and had decided to bring the things required for the party to work with him. It wasn't much, just something a little nicer than his usual attire, his invitation and his sword, more of a leaning stick than an actual weapon for tonight one assumed. Well, by Jah, there are so many dignitaries and nobility attending this function what on earth could my blade add to the small army of guards they must have up there!

Trudging up the hill, as the woods of his home receded into the distance behind him, the castle began to come into sight. Truly, it was a beautiful sight to behold, carriage after carriage arriving, ferrying the best of England to his place. The castle itself was alight with candles and Orannis began to notice some familiar faces.

Tonight was going to be a more than welcome evening of enjoyment.

Bowing slightly to the good Earl, the Prince replied, 'M'lord, we be here with pleasure.' Taking the hand extended by Her Grace into his own, he kissed it. 'M'lady, the skies match not thy majesty.' Bowing slightly now to MacKenzie Gael, he grinned, 'Good day to thee, my dear. Pleased are we to meet thee.'

fugue

Seeing that the crowd around the group had thinned, Fugue led the way toward them, glad to see the Regent again and thrilled to join her brother and Cecily. She curtsied first with a smile to Prince Algernon,

Your Highness, then not able to wait turned to Cecily for a quick hug and to whisper You look radiant! Another hug and a kiss to Bloodstone, Merkin may claim it, but I know your generosity. Thank you, as always.

Then collecting herself, she turned back to the Regent, Your Highness, may I present GQSmooth00, presently my clerk. A bemused expression told her that another introduction was needed, Duchess Cecily, this is GQ, who has done such an admirable job for me and for Chester, and glancing up to her brother, Stone can attest to his assistance at a recent trial.
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Cntryguy

All cleaned up and in he good clothes, CG waits for Flora outside the changing room to finish getting ready.
Quote:
She cleans up, puts on the dress, smooths out the wrinkles and steps out to find CG standing nearby looking very dapper in his suit. She steps up to him and smiles, saying, "You look very nice, CG."


Why thank you My Lady. Extending his arm, CG asks, Are you ready to join the party Lady Flora?
_________________

Floramay

With a nod, Flora says, "Aye, I am ready, My Lord." As she takes CG's arm, they mingle in with the crowd, greeting old friends, acquaintances and new faces.

Flora's breath was taken by the decor, a very obvious sign of the many talents and gifts of the great Merkin. As they walked she took in all the beauty and warmth of what promised to be a very special night.

Fugue wrote:
Then collecting herself, she turned back to the Regent, Your Highness, may I present GQSmooth00, presently my clerk. A bemused expression told her that another introduction was needed, Duchess Cecily, this is GQ, who has done such an admirable job for me and for Chester, and glancing up to her brother, Stone can attest to his assistance at a recent trial.


Just as he had regained his composure, the lady led him towards the host and hostess of the party. Standing now only feet from such member of status, GQ found himself tongue tied.

As the lady introduced him he was unsure how to proceed. He bowed from his waist, and with what composure he could muster.

" Good Evening, your Highness "

Then turning to his hosts.

" Good Evening, Dutchess Cecily, and Sir Stone. Thank you for inviting me to your festivities, I am delighted to be here. "

Phew... he thought to himself, well at least I didn't fall over, ashe turned his attention back to the conversation at hand.

My dear Fugue and GQ, well met,' smiled the Prince. 'A pleasant day for this yet.'

A brief welcome to the Prince, and Cecily was drawn into a whirlwind of smiles, curtsies and friendly greetings. Mac, nervous and tongue-tied, appeared by her side. Patting her friend's forearm reassuringly, Cecily turned to greet Petty Captain Reef.

Reef Mcschmokin wrote:
"Well, I guess I mean to say that you look absolutely ravishing. How are you this evening?"


She smiled, amused by his stuttering, and noting that he cleaned up quite nicely; she wasn't certain she had ever seen him away from the mines or the barracks. "Captain Reef," she said with a curtsy, "I am so pleased that you were able to join us tonight....looking quite dapper too," she added in a lowed voice, a friend putting another at ease. "A good thing that you are in Chester now too. The next couple weeks are sure to be trying, relax and enjoy yourself tonight."

Somewhere along the line, a glass of wine was pressed into her hand. She took a long sip of the fruity, deep red vintage, setting it down on a nearby table as she heard herself being addressed again.

FloraMay wrote:
"Greetings Friends." Flora says with a curtsy. "Thank you for the invitation to this wonderful event. We are looking to freshen up having just arrived. If you will excuse us now."


A large smile spread across her face at the sight of Flora and CG. These two people had been her friends longer than any other and had seen her through most of the ups and downs of her life. "I could not imagine this event without the two of you. Mrs. Jones can show you to your rooms. I'll see you back down here shortly." Cecily nodded to the woman standing by the door and Mrs. Jones hustled over. "Mrs. Jones, this is Lord Cntryguy and Floramay of Beeston." Mrs. Jones, a model of efficiency, escorted them off to their rooms.

She had no sooner seen CG and Flora off than more friends approached. She looked longingly at her glass of wine, but a fair number of people now stood between herself and the table.

Fugue wrote:
Duchess Cecily, this is GQ, who has done such an admirable job for me and for Chester, and glancing up to her brother, Stone can attest to his assistance at a recent trial.


Cecily gave Fugue a warm hug, after all, she was as much family as friend. "You look beautiful," Cecily said as they embraced. Then turning to GQ, "I have heard nothing but good things; it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Between the law books and her exceptional work at the University, we keep Lady Fugue busy. It's a relief to know that she has found capable help."

Slater

Slater makes his way over to the Duchess and Lord Bloodstone.
"Mi'lady it is an honor to be here, thank you for the invitation and may I add that you look absolutely stunning tonight. Mi'lord as always it's a pleasure," Slater says with a bow.

Then bowing to to the Prince, "Your Highness" Slater couldn't believe that he was actually talking with the Prince.

Degas and Cat finally make it together and quietly sneak in to the outskirts of the gathering, trying to catch their breaths from the long travel. It had been a long voyage on the sjip to Egremont and then a long ride to Chester.

Elmix

Finnaly he rode into Chester. He knew he was late, but nothing to do, he had a good reason for that.

By watching the Chester town it reminded him for old good days when he still was here. He did put Durahan in stables, changed his dark-orange uniform, took his bag and invitation and head off for place where ball did happened.

He comes in where lots of ppl were already gathered, hope no one will actually notice he comes so late.

Sanja

Sanja was mingling in the crowd looking for Cecily. When she finally found her, she saw that she is surrounded by guests and rushed toward her. On her way there she picked up two glasses of wine. She noticed Fugue standing beside Cecily and smiled at her "Good to see you again, how are you? And this must be GQ, really nice to meet you." then turned to Cecily "I can't tell you how wonderfull you look, you are radiating with positive energy" she offered her a glass of wine "Cheers my dear friend! To you and Stone!"

She looked around and noticed Elmix comming in, with a huge grin on her face she said "Please exuse me, I have to greet someone". She was relieved to see he is safe after all that happened. She tripped while runing toward him in her long dress, but managed to stay on her feet. She rolled her eyes on thought that she never was a lady and slowed down. With that grin still on her face she hugged him firmly "I am so happy to see you after very long time. Tell me, how is life treating you?"

Trixiebelle stood on the side waiting for the crowds around the couple to finish before greeting the hosts. She watched the crowd, enjoying the lovely room, the fine clothing, and the tantalizing smells wafting from the buffet.

Her eyes lite up when she spotted her old friend Elmix come through the door. Moving through the crowd, she finally reached his side, Elmix, how wonderful to see you. I trust you had a safe journey.

Princess Brianna

As the royal carriage arrives the princess steps down from it taking her escorts arm making her way into the party..

The royal carriage arrives, Evan steps down, quickly scanning the area, feeling just a little out of place.
With a nod to the driver, a nervous tug to his doublet Evan opens the carriage offering his arm to the princess. Just a touch of anxiety makings it’s presence known in his voice
Shall we, Bri?

Lady Brianna

Taking his arm into hers, giving him a smile, her lips tingling as the thought of their kiss the night before as it still lingered on then as if it were just moments ago.."Yes I am ready shall we make our way in.. I do thank you for joining me , you know how I hate to come to these things alone." she found her fingers traveling to his, taking his wrapping their fingers together nervously.. Her heart racing, she was being so silly..

Following him as they made their way through the door looking about seeing many she knew.. Spotting Bloodstone she gives him a wave with a smile and then looks back at Evan.

Leaning in her lips touching his ear lightly she whispers to him "That is Lord Bloodstone that I waved to.."

Head spinning with the sights and sounds and the people, stars and garters there were a lot of people..... familiar faces, people who were important to he and Cecily.....

Seeing her enter, with her lady friends, brought his heart to his throat, pulse quickening, sweat?!?!? on his palms ???

Once again amazed by the effect she had on him, he did his best to greet and chat with all of his friends...

A kiss to his sister and a smile and handshake to her clerk, a very competent and capable man, he told the Regent and others the same when introducing him.

Hugs and chaste kisses on the hand to the many ladies in attention, with a special clasp on the back for Boles, whom he missed greatly.

Looking about, and seeing pretty much all the people he expected, Stone, with a quick clear of his throat, and a grasp of Cecily's hand,welcomed the crowd.

"Lord and Ladies you are, and so much more. I thank you for coming
to join the Duchess and I this day.

I see the cream of England, Scotland, and Ireland gathered together and it makes me proud. Proud to know you all, and most importantly, to call you Friends.

Come, take your places, and have a drink, some food, and conversation.

The night is young, and full of promise!"

With a raise of his glass, the Party begins!

Brianna wrote:
...I do thank you for joining me…

Fingers entwined with Brianna's, gives her hand a little squeeze, turning towards her before entering, smiling and whispers to Brianna
why so formal

Evans attention, drawn to Brianna’s melodic soft whisper and touch, leaning a bit towards her
Bri wrote:
That is Lord Bloodstone that I waved to..


Was now diverted by the booming voice of Lord Bloodstone
Lord Bloodstone wrote:
Lord and Ladies you are, and so much more. I thank you for coming to join the Duchess and I this day….


The lord greeted all, and following, Evan gazed again at Brianna
Can I get you anything, dear? Or shall we greet a few acquaintances first

Lady Brianna

Evan wrote:
why so formal[/color]


Blushing as she stares into her eyes whispering to her " Ummmm, well.... Ohhh lets just go in.

Evan wrote:
Can I get you anything, dear? Or shall we greet a few acquaintances first


"Well, I should congratulate the couple." holding tightly on to his arm she makes her way across the room.. "Bloodstone and your Grace the Tudor family send their warmest regards in this joyous event.. May present my good friend Evan." blushing slightly as she says his name her hand squeezing his gently..

"Sanja, you are a godsend," Cecily said taking the glass and sipping the wine. Finally able to work her way back to Stone's side, she held his hand tightly, his touch reassuring even as the dampness on his palms belied his nerves. She beamed up at him, her blue eyes sparkling, as he addressed the party. There was nowhere in the world she would rather be than at his side.

Brianna wrote:
"Bloodstone and your Grace the Tudor family send their warmest regards in this joyous event.. May present my good friend Evan."


"Your Highness, I am honored that you came," Cecily said with a curtsy. "Events being what they are these days, I feel we are left with little time to simply enjoy life. I just cannot bring myself to believe that Jah intends for us to be unhappy. Evan, a pleasure to meet you," Cecily leaned closer to him and whispered loudly enough for Bri and Stone to hear, "and a pleasure to see the smile you bring to the Princess' face."

Two long tables stretched half the length of the hall. Another shorter table sat perpendicular at their ends forming a horseshoe. As the guests were seated, attendants filled the tables with large trays of food and pitchers of wine and ale. The succulent fragrance of roasted meats and vegetables wafted through the room making Cecily's mouth water. She felt a little dizzy, more than from just the excitement and the three sips of wine she'd had, and she suddenly realized that in the rush of the day she had barely eaten.

Orannis

Now dressed properly and encouraged by the sounds of the party below, Orannis checks himself over one last time before confidently striding downstairs.

Checking throught the crowd he instantly picks out his gracious hosts and strolls over to greet them.

"Cec! You look marvellous! I hope you are well!", Orannis says with a hug.

"Ah! My lord Bloodstone, pleased to meet you. I hope you are well on this happy occasion?"

Turning back to the lady of the hour, "And who are your fine guests?"