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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 3, 2018 17:49:59 GMT -5
Times were grand. The wars had become a thing of the past under the ruling of King Edward Von Wilhelm. He was fair, though he ruled his kingdom with a heavy fist. Criminals were dealt with accordingly. The pillory in the center of town had been built just this last autumn and it had already seen plenty of use. Though not too many ended up at the hands of the executioner. The king was just. His ruling was as fair as any king had ever been, and thus, crime had lowered. Murders and pillaging had declined. He offered jobs to those from outside of his kingdom. The neighboring kingdoms even sided with him, creating a unity. Though his army had grown into quite a fleet.
The city that the king resided in was that of Strathmore, it was tucked away into the high mountains of the kingdom. The city was surrounded by a large lake, creating one entry point by bridge. It was a stronghold. A place that the other kings dare not attack. Beyond the bridge the city rest nestled up against the base of the castle that jutted up into the skyline with huge towers that overlooked the valley.
The streets were alive with cheers and drinking. It was the yearly festival that celebrated the end of the hundred-year war that the king finally snuffed out. There would be swordplay, jousting, drinking, dancing. The knights of the kingdom and surrounding areas were invited to attend the festivities. The sound of swords clashing filled the streets from the arena through the day. The inhabitants of the city, both noble and commoner alike attended the spectacle. Even the king himself cheered on the knights with his queen at his side. Queen Julia was a kind soul. She could be seen in the city at times, accompanied by her guards and a few of her most loyal subjects. She cared about her people. She wanted to better the world that they lived in. It had been a long road since the war had ended, though, this year seemed to be turning out rather well.
The jousts had just begun in the afternoon, it was the fourth consecutive day of jousting. Many of the knights that came to compete were knocked from the competition.
“Lords and Ladies, may I present to you Sir Rodrick of Swadlincote, riding in black and yellow.” The announcer yelled from the center of the arena. The crowd cheered and hollered as a horse ran into the arena with a knight upon its back. He had his sword pulled as he charged around the arena. Soon he came to the center, his horse pranced with excitement. “And now the final contender in this joust. I give you Sir Rhys of Aysgarth riding in red and white!” The crowd the exploded with a roar of cheers as the horse thundered into the arena. The rider pulled his sword as well and circled the arena just as the other knight did until he came to the center. Both knights stood facing each other with the announcer between them. Sir Rhys was a smaller figure compared to Sir Rodrick. Though the hits that Sir Rhys had landed on previous contenders knocked them from the back of their horse quickly.
Squires rushed forward and handed up javelins to the two knights that matched their respective colors. The king stood then and motioned for the announcer to come to him. The announcer rushed to him and looked up to him, the crowd grew quiet with anticipation. The announcer then nodded and rushed back to the center. “There has been a change to the festivities today. This final joust will be a duel to the death, or surrender. This will truly prove which of our courageous knights is the most skilled.” The crowd cheered, some were cheering for Rhys the other for Roderick. Others chanted ‘to the death’. “Are you ready, Sir Roderick?” The announcer looked to the knight who nodded and raised his javelin. “Are you at the ready Sir Rhys?” The knight responded the same. The two then tapped their javelins together as a show of respect. “Let us begin!” The announcer called and rushed to the sidelines.
The two knights circled back to their starting points and soon they were bounding toward each other. The javelins lowered and like a crack of thunder Sir Rhys landed a heavy blow on Sir Roderick. The javelin in Sir Rhys’ hand splintered and burst into several pieces. He tossed the handle aside as he bounded to the end and a squire tossed him up another. Sir Roderick nearly fell from his horse. He leaned forward slightly as he came around the corner and began rushing toward Sir Rhys.
The two knights collided and once again the hit was hard on Sir Roderick. He lay back on his horse his shield fell from his hands and he nearly fell. Though he sat back up, holding onto his shoulder as the squires rushed about. The crowd erupted in cheers as Sir Rhys awaited at the other end.
Sir Roderick grabbed the javelin angrily from his squire as he turned and they stared off again. He lowered his javelin and in the last instant he shifted it to the left. The javelin collided with the chest plate of Sir Rhys. He was lifted up out of the saddle and knocked to the ground harshly. The chest plate was visibly dented from the blow. The crowd began to boo Sir Roderick. Others began to chant for Sir Rhys. Sir Roderick circled around and trotted up to the side of Sir Rhys as he lay on his back, clutching the chest plate that was smashed in. “How does it feel?” Roderick asked as he dismounted his horse. He knelt next to the knight. “I will finish you.” He chuckled as he stood and pulled his sword.
He held it over Sir Rhys, the point aimed at his throat. Just as he thrust his blade down Sir Rhys rolled and kicked against Roderick’s knee. A popping sound came from his joint as he stumbled back. Sir Rhys scrambled to his feet and pulled his sword. “I’ll not give in that easily.” The voice came from the helmet.
Roderick chuckled, “I’m easily a head above you, boy, how do you expect to win?” He swung.
Sir Rhys moved quickly, he was agile in his small form. He spun around and brought his blade into the back of Roderick’s thighs. Roderick stumbled forward and turned. The two clashed blades. It was like a dance as the two moved around each other. The crowd continued to cheer. The clash of the swords echoed across the tournament field as they locked blades. Sir Rhys pulled back then and elbowed Sir Roderick in the side of his helmet harshly. The knight stumbled and before he could react another blow was dealt against his head and then a swift kick to his chest. His sword fell from his hands and Sir Rhys stepped forward, the point of his blade aimed at Sir Roderick’s throat. He placed his foot on his chest and gave a nod. “I will not kill you.” Rhys spoke, “I am not a savage like some knights.” He spoke and sheathed his blade. The crowd cheered as the announcer came out onto the field.
“Lords and ladies! Our victor!” He raised Sir Rhys’ hand into the sky. “You may go collect your payment from the king, noble knight.”
Sir Rhys gave a nod as he walked to the edge of the arena. “My king.” He bowed deeply.
The king stepped down and had a look over the knight’s armor. “I can have your chest plate fixed for you, good knight. That was a dirty trick Roderick tried on you.” The king spoke.
“That is very kind of you my king, but I can manage.” Rhys spoke.
“I house one of the most renowned blacksmiths in the world in my city. I insist.” He pulled a pouch that was filled with coin. “Unless.” He leaned in. “You already know him.” He stared into the shadows of the helmet. The silence between the two lasted a few moments. “That’s what I thought.” He spoke, his brows tucked together. “You know where this foolery could land you, Rhys?” His voice was angry. “I could strip you of everything and have you waving in the wind by your neck. You will speak nothing of this. You will not receive praise nor a title. You are not a knight.” He glanced to his own knights that stood guard. “I will be having a conversation with your father, you are lucky that he is so valuable to me, otherwise I would have your head lobbed off by my executioner. Now get off my tournament ground!”
Sir Rhys bowed deeply and took a few steps back before he mounted his horse and rode from the tournament ground. He bowed his head to those that cheered his name as he rode through the city. He entered a back alley and slipped from his horse, pulling the garnish from the horse and folding it up into saddlebags. He then released the clips from the chest piece and took in a deep breath. Chainmail sat below. He pulled his helmet from his head then and hung it on the side of the saddlebags. Sir Rhys was not a man at all…
“Rhys?” A voice spoke.
The knight turned as she brushed blood from her nose. She found herself looking to the town baker.
“What happened to….” His eyes fell upon the helmet and widened slightly. “You…” His jaw loosened.
“Isaac.” She spoke and stepped forward. “Please.” She shook her head. “Don’t. The king already knows and wants my head for it.”
The man smirked. “You won.” He chuckled and pulled her into a hug.
Rhys winced, “A little…tight…” She groaned.
“Oh!” He stepped back and chuckled again. “The king may not be proud of you, Rhys. But I am.” He smiled. “Good show.” He nodded. “You were one of the most skilled out there. Your father has taught you well.”
“If he knew…” She shook her head and laughed slightly. “I must get going.” She nodded and then turned to her horse. “Thank you, Isaac.” She climbed up and trotted off through the city. At the edge of the city was her humble home. The forge sat near the house, smoke moved up from the roof, her father was inside working. She could hear the clanking of the hammer against a blade. She took her horse to the stable and quickly grabbed her gear and rushed into the home where she piled it inside of a trunk and locked it away. She slipped into a set of black tights and old floppy working boots that came halfway up her shin. She pulled on a blouse and then grabbed a bag that she had in her saddle bag, it was filled with charcoal. She rushed from the home and to the forge.
Her father turned as she entered. “About time.” He smiled. His smile melted away then and he stepped forward. “What happened?” He asked as he brushed a bit of blood from her nose. “Rhys?”
Rhys’ heart pounded within her chest. “I just tripped.” She smiled, “Clumsy me.” She held up the bag, “Here’s the charcoal.” She spoke. “I’ll get dinner going then?”
Her father took the bag and set it aside. “Could you fetch me some ale?” He asked. “It would help me finish off this blade.” He gave a smile.
“Of course.” Rhys nodded. She turned just as the door pushed open again. She immediately bowed, it was the king himself accompanied by two knights that remained outside.
“My king.” Her father bowed deeply. “I am nearly finished with the blade.” He smiled.
“That is not why I am here William.” He spoke and glanced to Rhys. “Do you know what your daughter has gotten herself into?” He asked, his voice cross.
“No my king, what has happened?” William asked, worry in his eyes.
“She posed as a knight from another city, and competed in the tournaments.” He spoke, his voice angry. “I should have her hanged!”
“My king…” William spoke, his head bowed. “Please, she’s all I have…” His voice was pleading. “We…”
“I know it was about money, William.” He tossed the bag of coin. “But I cannot have a woman parading around as a knight in my kingdom.” He looked to Rhys then. “You are no knight. You are not a noble. You do not belong in my tournament grounds. Alas. We will never speak of this again. Hm?” He looked to William. “She is not to forge, she is not to fight, women have no place in this line of work William. You have taught her to do this.” He looked to Rhys then. “Do not let me catch you in armor ever again, or it will be your last day.” He then left without another word.
William took in a breath. “You didn’t fall.” He spoke, his voice defeated.
“Not exactly…I was knocked from the horse…” Rhys spoke softly, her eyes adverted from his.
William sat down and rubbed his face, “Rhys, I’ve already lost your mother, don’t let me lose you to something as stupid as this.” He spoke and shook his head. “The king will kill you, you know?” He stood and hugged her. “Please, stop getting yourself into trouble, hm? Fetch me the ale, I don’t want to speak of this again, and, do dress like a lady before going into town.” He spoke and returned to the blade.
Rhys took in a breath she turned and headed to the home where she splashed from clean water on her face and slipped into a red dress. She kept her white blouse on under it and slipped on the black leather corset around her waist. She pulled on a few leather straps around her forearms that added to the outfit. Rhys then looked to herself in the mirror. Her dark brown hair tasseled toward the ground, her eyes were a ice blue. Something that wasn’t common at all. She adjusted the necklace around her neck and sighed softly before she grabbed a few coins and headed toward town. The tavern was on the other side of town.
She moved through the streets weaving in and out of the crowd easily. She could hear the people speaking of her performance in the arena. She only wished that she could tell them it was her. She glanced around as she headed into the tavern.
“Hey there….” A man grinned. He turned and gripped her wrist. “Come back here.” He pulled her and pushed her against the wall. “Where d’ ya think yer goin’ beauty?” He grinned.
Rhys looked up to him, her brows tucked together. “I would release me, if I were you.” She spoke, though she didn’t move.
“Oh?” He ran his hand up her side. “I don’t think so.” He leaned in closer to her.
Rhys brought her knee up into his groin then. In a swift movement she slammed him against the wall and brought her fist against his jaw, knocking him out. His body fell in a heap on the floor. Several of the patrons in the tavern looked to her, a few locals chuckled and cheered for her raising their glasses. Rhys nodded to one of the men as she came to the bar. “Could I get a pitcher?” She asked the barkeep.
“Well hello beautiful.” The man from the bar spoke. “I haven’t seen you in a few days, I thought you were mad at me.” He winked as he moved about. “Are we going to the dances tonight?”
“Of course.” Rhys smiled to him.
He grinned, “Ah I just wanted to hear it.” He chuckled.
“Dorian, my father told me I’m going with you.” She spoke and shook her head, a small laugh at the end. “We can make the best of it.”
Dorian grinned. “That we will.” He winked as he pushed a pitcher toward her. “I’ll see you tonight then.”
Rhys gave a nod. “Yes.” She spoke and walked from the tavern. She weaved through the streets and sighed softly. Her father had set her up with Dorian, he wanted her to find someone. To settle down. Rhys was bumped then harshly, she stumbled, holding the pitcher the best she could, though a bit of the ale sloshed out. “Watch it!” She snapped and spun around. She found herself looking up to Roderick.
“Oh?” He asked and stepped forward, “I should watch myself? Hm? A commoner like yourself should watch where you are headed.” He closed the gap between them. His eyes angry. “Or maybe you’re just like everyone else hm? Want to degrade me for my loss?”
Rhys backed up. “No.” She spoke.
Roderick stared to her then. “That voice.” He tilted his head slightly, “You.” He searched her eyes, he then chuckled. “There is absolutely no way.”
Rhys glanced around, the sun was low in the sky casting shadows on the world around her. They were out of the crowd now as she backed up. Her back pressed against a wall. “I didn’t do anything, I’m just fetching ale for my father…” She spoke softly.
Roderick knocked the pitcher from her hands. The ale splashed on the cobble street and the pitcher clattered against the ground. He leaned forward, she didn’t have any room to move. He reached to his side and held a dagger against her throat. “You’re the knight.” He spoke. She shook her head. He took his arm and pressed against her chest, where his blow landed earlier. Rhys winced and let out a whimper, her chest was bruised from the impact. “How?” He asked. “How did they let a woman into the tournament? You cheated.” He snarled. The blade sliced against her throat slightly.
Rhys took in a shaken breath. “I’m sorry.” She whispered. She grit her teeth as he pushed harder against her chest with his forearm.
“You will be.” He spoke, his eyes full of hate. He pressed the dagger against her throat. “You’ll wish you never entered that tournament.” He spoke harshly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 3, 2018 19:01:10 GMT -5
“Lady Lenna – Come come” Queen Julia hiked her dress up, waving a woman over. They walked to the ledge, looking down into the jousting arena. “It has been a year now, since you have joined the council. I am very grateful for that…” The Queen placed her hands upon the railing and glanced down, smiling as the fighting commenced. “It is nice to have another woman to bond with, all of these men” she scoffed and then smiled then. “I am grateful”
“Your grace” Lenna spoke and stood next to her. “I have never been more honored to serve you, and the King. My time is Kingdom Prymur was nothing like this… I might have been a peace trade, but I am growing fond of this Kingdom… to the point where I proudly admit to be apart of” she smiled and then sighed softly. “All of this you know, of course, my queen” Lenna looked down to the fighting. “I take it – that is the girl the King was telling me of” she pointed.
“Indeed, say she wins – what do you advise?” The Queen questioned. They both gasped when Sir Rhys was knocked from his horse.
“We make nothing of it. The people are here for entertainment. If they do not know the truth, then no harm will come, hm? However, if anyone finds out – we will have to pay the losing parties handsomely just to keep their mouths shut… however. I would argue….” Lenna paused “If I may –“
“Of course, speak your mind” Queen Julia answered.
“If this blacksmith’s daughter is winning against what are the strongest men about – I would question their abilities, before punishing her….” Lenne turned her head to the Queen.
Queen Julia chuckled and nodded “I agree, but you know how the men are. Too pride to admit defeat, and would sooner blame a woman for their loss” she winked. “I agree with you… I shall talk to the king, just in case…” she turned and smiled to Lenna.
Lenna bowed her head. “Very well, my Queen” she turned then just as Rhys had sliced Roderick’s thighs. “So impressive…” she whispered to herself.
“My Lady – you look dashing as ever” a knight approached.
“Sir Henly, a pleasure” she bowed her head. She stood in the shining sun, wearing an all black dress with white etchings on the edges, a delicate royal accent. The dress turned into a gentle corset – which was laced with white silk. “What do you think of the jousting?”
“It seems this Sir Rhys is quite skilled. I look forward to meeting him at the banquet tonight – share an ale with him.” Sir Henly replied and leaned against the railings. “And what do you think?”
“I find this Sir Rhys to be quite charming” she tilted her head, smiling as she watched the fight.
“Ah, have you a thing for short men?” Sir Henly chuckled, leaning against the rails now – but faced towards Lenna, clearly trying to woo her.
“Perhaps that is it… or just this overwhelming sense of curiosity.. Sir Rhys seams so mysterious…” Lenna blushed slightly then.
“Aha – Lady Lenna has a thing for mysterious men hm? Not a typical woman, I’d expect maybe you’d go for a hardy strong brute…. I suppose then I am out of your list of options?” He questioned, laughing then.
“Conflict of Interest, rather, you must protect the Queen. How could you ever do that while oogling over me?” Lenna laughed as well.
“Too late for that…” Sir Henly nodded then. “I do apologize, I am just having a bit of fun…” he suddenly shifted, returning to a more professional posture.
“Sir Henly, please do not apologize. I am glad you can make me laugh as you do, I cherish that.” She bowed her head. “I won’t tell the others of your crush” he winked “All of those other women would be quite upset, don’t you think?” she then placed a hand on his armored shoulder, and stepped away.
It was just then that the victor was announced. Lenna made her way to the King and Queen. The Queen held her hand out – pointing to her side, where she wished Lenna to stand. She stepped next to the Queen and crossed her hands in front of her. She watched as the moment played out – the King was stern to the young knight. Swiftly the knight left, a bag of coins still sitting on the side table – next the King’s seat.
“Last time I had spoke to the Blacksmith – he had mentioned the combination of Property tax, business tax, and the heavily discounted prices he offered to you…. Was giving him some trouble….” Lenna spoke to the King and Queen, who sat in their seats.
“What is the point you are trying to make?” The King questioned.
“My apologies, My King, I mean to say that… surely she is competing to try and help her father out. That bag of coins, despite the gender, belongs to that Knight – who just bested the strongest knights of the Kingdoms…” Lenna spoke with confidence…
The King looked to her and then gave a long drawn sigh. “You women have such soft hearts… Fine. I will deliver it myself. But I will be sure to be clear to him. I do not want to risk that embarrassment…”
“Agreed, my King” Lenna nodded.
“It is settled then.. You should be off. You must make sure everything is lined up for the celebrations” he waved her off.
“Thank you, My King” Lenna bowed and walked away from the two. Her steps led her from the arena and through the city. She pulled a parchment from her blouse and unfolded it. It was a list of ingredients. She looked around and then turned – her steps leading her to the local Herb store.
She entered, the bell ringing as the door closed. “Lady Lenna – A pleasure” an elderly woman stood at the counter.
Lenna stepped over and handed her the list. “How are you fairing, Melana?”
The woman took the paper and looked it over. “Having sleep issues?” she questioned, and then began to round up the dried herbs. “I am swell, though all of this commotion has my anxiety high” she placed the goods into a small pouch.
“I know someone who could use the aid” she smiled and took the pouch, in exchange for a few gold coins.
They stood and chatted for a while, before Lenna finally stepped outside. She slipped the pouch away and made her way down the street, passing a pub just as she did. She turned her gaze – as several eyeballed her, but then caught the sound of an angry man. She turned her gaze and recognized it – Sir Roderick.
She gasped slightly when he knocked a pitcher of ale to the ground. Lenna squeezed her brows together and rushed forward, as swiftly as her corset would let her. “Unhand her, Sir Roderick” she called out. “As Advisor to the Queen, I command you” she spoke with a stern voice.
Sir Roderick turned and moved his dagger. “Advisor to the Queen? You mean the Queen’s lowly servant, from some no name kingdom, a trade for peace eh? I could care less” he spat.
“Sir Roderick – you are clearly quite drunk. Unhand the poor woman” –
“This is no woman, this is a cheat and liar!” he was growing angrier by the second.
“Sir Roderick – you are making a fool of yourself… You best watch your next few actions….” She balled her fists then.
Just as Sir Roderick came forward – he was knocked to the ground. Sir Henly cuffed him easily and lifted him up. “The King will handle this…I apologize for this loaf’s actions… Please – everyone resume your normal duties, this is just a drunk loser…” Henly dragged the knight away, who fought in his arms.
The bar owner had stepped outside – along with a large crowd. “Please… can we get another?” Lenna pointed to the broken pitcher on the ground. She tossed a gold coin, and the bartender returned with another full pitcher. “Thank you sir…” she accepted it and held it her hands.
“Come now” She spoke to Rhys, but she did not hand over the ale. “Such a shock – to watch a renown knight crumble to the lowliest form upon a single loss.” She chuckled and glanced to Rhys. “I am Lenna, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your secret is safe with me…” she smiled then and winked. “The only time this world cares of women – is when we are better than the men” she smiled as they came to the blacksmith.
“Here, go on” she handed Rhys the pitcher. She stepped into the blacksmith, where her father was working on a blade. “William” Lenna spoke as she entered.
“Lady Lenna, another unexpected guest…” he sighed softly “How can I help you?”
“I was walking through the city when Sir Roderick took a swing at your daughter… I just wanted to make sure she made it home safely… Listen…” Lenna looked down to one of the blades, resting on an anvil. Her finger reached down and touched the beautiful steel. “I am going to speak to the Queen privately. I am going to see if we can find a place for her amongst the castle. Perhaps as my understudy….though this is all wildly in the air…” she paused “She won that fight… if she cannot be deemed a Knight - then she deserves what best a woman can have…” she spoke softly. “Think about it… I will let you know what I can do…”
“Lenna… that is very kind of you. I cannot refuse an offer such as that.. You have always been good to me” he bowed his head. It was several times in the past that Lenna was able to reduce his payments, or give him an extra month for his taxes, whatever the case.
“You are valuable to the Kingdom, William… The King may not treat you as such, but it is my job to look out for the Kingdom, and do what is best for it…” Lenna bowed her head slightly then. “I will speak to Rhys tonight, at the ball…” she spoke and then walked out of his shop….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 3, 2018 20:06:36 GMT -5
Rhys gasped as he leaned into her. “I’ll make you wish you were dead.” He growled.
Rhys tried to move from his grip but he only pushed harder against her chest. It was then that Lady Lenna showed up. When Roderick moved away she held her hand to her chest, sucking in deep breaths. Blood trickled down her neck from the slice that that dagger left. She watched as Sir Henly came to the rescue and cuffed the knight. Rhys watched as he was pulled away. Her eyes fell on the patrons that had ventured outside. They looked to her and then to Lady Lenna. “You don’t have to…” She spoke, her voice soft when Lenna bought the new pitcher of ale.
Rhys glanced to Lenna as she followed her. She took in a breath as she mentioned her secret. She bowed her head slightly. “Lady Lenna, I truly do apologize for my actions…I…” She paused in front of the smith shop. “I was only trying to aid my father…thank you for your assistance.” She brushed blood away from her neck where Roderick cut her. “I owe you my life.” She spoke and then slipped into the home.
Rhys warmed a pot of water over the fire the crackled within the fireplace. She eventually took it and stepped into the washroom where she slipped from her dress. She glanced to the bruise that was bright purple from the impact of the javelin. She hadn’t made her chest piece thick enough. She’d made it a bit thin trying not to use to many of her father’s materials. She washed herself, cleaning the blood from the cut on her neck and getting the dirt from her body from the joust.
Rhys slipped on her undergarments and then she slipped on a white blouse. She carefully pulled the dress her father had paid the tailor to specially make her. She sighed softly, so much money for something as silly as a dance. She didn’t understand it, but she would do as he wished. She pulled the dress on carefully and slipped the corset on over her waist. There was a knock from the door then.
“Rhys? How is the dress?” Her father asked through the door.
“Almost there.” Rhys pulled at the strings the best she could and stepped out. She stood before him, and smiled to him gingerly.
“You look beautiful.” He looked over the dress. It was a beautiful blue skirt that had a black ruffled design that hung over it and was hiked up on one side. The corset was blue with white stitching. He moved behind her and cinched down the corset before he tied a bow. He smiled as he looked over the black ribbon on the ruffled sleeves of the blouse. “Stunning.” He smiled. “Your mother would have been proud.” He spoke softly.
Rhys gave a gentle smile then as she stepped over to the mirror and began working on her hair. She tasseled it and put a beautiful black bow on the side of her head before she applied shadow for her eyes. She would fit right in with the nobles with the way she was dressed. She turned and her father stepped forward.
“Here.” William placed a beautiful necklace around her neck. It was a beautiful silver necklace with a blue pendant. “This belonged to your mother.” He spoke, “It looks beautiful on you.” He stepped back.
“Thank you, father…” Rhys spoke as she touched the pendant, she remembered her mother wearing it when she was little. She could barely remember her. It had been so long since her passing. “I’m sorry…” She then spoke, she didn’t look up to him.
William stepped forward and pulled her into a gentle embrace. He kissed the top of her head. “Rhys, as mad as I am…” He shook his head and let out a soft chuckle. “I’m proud of you.” He spoke. “Those noble men couldn’t take you down.” He laughed then and stepped back. “You’re a lot tougher than you look my dear…and the king gave us enough gold to hopefully pay for a few months taxes…” He nodded.
Rhys let out a soft laugh. “Those big burley knights are slow.” She spoke just as a knock came from the door. “Dorian….” She muttered.
William placed a finger under her chin. “Please, do this for me.” He smiled. “I’ve put a lot of money into you even getting to attend this ball, Rhys.” He turned and stepped to the door. “Ahh Dorian.” He smiled.
Dorian stood in the doorway, he wore a black doublet with black pants to match. He wore noble boots that were rather expensive, something he had purchased for the occasion. He bowed to William. “William.” He spoke and his eyes fell on Rhys. “Oh…you are stunning, Rhys.” He held a white rose forward to her. “For you.” He smiled.
Rhys blushed slightly and stepped forward she took the rose and smelled it. She smiled to her father and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be home later father. Don’t work too late in the forge.” She smiled.
William grinned. “Take good care of her, Dorian.” He spoke, his voice stern.
“Yes sir, of course.” Dorian linked his arm with Rhys and stepped out the door with her. They walked down the cobble streets toward the castle gates. “You look so lovely, Rhys.” He commented again.
“Thank you, Dorian, you are handsome yourself.” She smiled to him she still held the rose in her free hand, she twirled it around and looked to the pedals and smiled.
Soon they came to the castle where Dorian offered the tickets to the ball. They then stepped across the bridge toward the castle and climbed the stairs to the castle courtyard. Several mingled about in the courtyard, drinks in hand. The music could be heard from within the ballroom. “Shall we?” Dorian asked with a smile.
Rhys took in a breath, she looked a bit nervous as she looked to all of the nobles. She was out of the element.
“Rhys, don’t worry.” Dorian smiled. “Just follow my lead, okay? Remember what I showed you.” He led her inside the beautiful ballroom where the nobles danced about. “Step by step.” He spoke and nodded as they stepped onto the ball floor. He pulled her in close and began to dance with the crowd.
Rhys was a bit shaky at first, she wasn’t much of a dancer. Though after a few minutes of dancing she loosened up and began to enjoy herself. She grinned as he twirled her and dipped her toward the floor. Rhys giggled. She’d never done anything like this before. Soon they took a break and Dorian offered her a drink. Rhys held the glass in her fingertips. She sipped at it as she looked out over the crowd. “This is incredible.” She spoke.
“Isn’t it?” Dorian spoke. “Nobles have all the fun.” He winked. They had a few more glasses before another song started up.
Rhys moved back to the dance floor with him and giggled as he twirled her about. She fell against his chest, her cheeks rosy. She looked up to him a moment before she was twirled away. Rhys’ eyes widened slightly as she looked into the eyes of a nobleman. He smiled to her. “G’day my lady.” He twirled her and then held her close as they moved along.
“Good day, my lord.” She spoke and smiled to him. She glanced about and before she knew it she was tossed to another to dance. And another. She stumbled slightly, the alcohol threw of her balance. “S-sorry.” She spoke as she took the hand of the next person.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 3, 2018 22:01:44 GMT -5
Lenna returned back to the castle and followed the Queen around for a few minutes – jotting down notes of how she wanted the event to go. “Enough business – tell me, my friend, which dress is better – “ Queen Julia stood over her bed, three dresses laid out. One was golden and beautiful, with a lot of frills and designs. Another was a gentle sky blue which had black lace on the edges, a very elegant corset, and another was white, with a poofy dress that would flare outwards when she spun.
“Well, my Queen – it depends on what you plan on doing. The Golden dress says – You are a fanciful lady, whom no one should mess with. The Blue dress I think it’s not quite formal enough, it says maybe you’ve got some jokes today, and the white dress is a perfect one to wear if you’re going to have some wine and dance lively” Lenna replied, her fingers running over the fabric of the white dress. “So you tell me, your majesty, which do you feel?”
“Hmm… It has been an exhausting day thus far, I would prefer to relax. I might do the White one… still pretty…” the queen pondered and nodded. “Very well, thank you –“ she nodded and picked up the dress.
With that – Lenna was down in the ball room, ensuring everything was going smoothly. She arranged the set up… Placement for the string quartet, the table arrangement. People were coming up left and right – Lady Jenna – where do I put this? Where do I put that? When do I do this. She had to coordinate and organize it all. Exhausting work, truthfully.
Moments after she finished the last touches – the hall began to fill with people. The Quartet began playing and the festivities commenced. Just a room over, from the ball room, was a large room – with tables filled with food. A feast.
Lenna stood off to the side, people stood in the center and danced..
“A dance, my lady?” Sir Henly stood before her.
“Sir Henly, you are kind, but I have to decline. I have been rushing around for so long.. I just want to relax… if you don’t mind.” She held both hands infront of her, clasped together.
“I see you haven’t even changed, but your dress is gorgeous either way… I understand… Let me know if I can help you, or if you change your mind” Sir Henly smiled and then stepped away.
Leena let out a deep sigh, her eyes watching… making sure everything was going smoothly. Servers walked about with a plate of drinks and finger food, handing it off to those who wished for it… Everything was smiling, laughing, drinking and dancing.
“Everything is going well, relax Leena…” a woman stood before her.
“Lady Pearl” Leena bowed her head. “Thank you, I appreciate it… So much has happened today, I don’t even want to deal with this not going well..” she spoke and then sighed.
Pearl reached for a glass of wine and handed it to her. “Do relax sweetheart, enjoy the festivities…” She smiled and placed a hand on Leena’s cheek. She was an old woman, a kind woman, who was quite rich. It was her, along with many others, family which invested in the Kingdom when it was initially founded. So naturally, she was very high up in the food chain….
“My Lady, thank you” Leena bowed her head and took a sip from her wine. The one thing that she was grateful for – is the respect everyone gave her. While she was the Queen’s Advisor, she was rather young despite it all, and not entirely from a royal bloodline…
The Queen waved Lenna over, smiling with a wine glass in her hand. “Lenna, darling, this is absolutely amazing. I love the purple accents, the group playing is fantastic, the selection of wine is just amazing. Excellent job, my dear” She clearly had a few drinks, but is always known to be quite loving with a bit of spirits.
“My Queen, thank you” Lenna bowed her head. “I actually have a personal question, if you don’t mind me asking”
“Go on” The Queen took a sip.
“I was thinking about that Blacksmiths daughter…” Lenna began.
“Ahh, the Knight that isn’t a Knight, yes. Edward was saying that he only wished she was more of a lady, hm?” The Queen pondered out loud.
“Yes… I was thinking the same thing. If she cannot be deemed a Knight, then perhaps she should be a Lady of sorts? I wanted to know what you would think if I could take her as my Understudy, like a fellowship. I could use the hand… honestly…” Lenna clasped her hands together, eyes looking to the Queen who was mid thought…
“Hm… You know, that is a good idea. It would solve the potential issue that she might do something radical again… and it is clear she is talented, likely a smart girl… We owe the blacksmith… I agree then. Yes, you are wise for thinking of this. Protecting the future of not only the Kingdom, but the people of it… Ah, always a surprise you are” The Queen lifted her drink. “Very well.” She sipped and then smiled.
“Thank you, My Queen. From here on out – I shall be responsible for her…” Lenna bowed her head and then stepped away.
“Sir Henly, Could you fetch Rhys – the Black smith’s daughter, and tell her I am requesting her presences on the balcony?” Lenna stood before Sir Henly, who was watching the crowd with protective eyes. He turned and looked to Lenna, and then smiled.
“Of course, right away” Sir Henly spoke and stepped into the crowd of dancing people.
A few minutes passed and he tapped Rhys on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Lady Lenna has requested your presence on the Balcony… Should I escort you?” he questioned.
Soon enough Sir Henly held the door open for Rhys, and then returned to the festivities. Lenna stood, glancing out to the city below them. They were high in the tower, they could see across the entire city… from one side of the wall to the next… The stars reflected against the huge lake, the moon light cascading down upon their world….
“Ah, Rhys” Lenna bowed her head. “Thank you for joining me…” she spoke softly. “I wanted to talk to you, about something rather important…” she spoke and then leaned against the railing, her back facing the lake…
“You are a talented woman, you bested the strongest men of the neighboring Kingdoms. That says much about you… all to selflessly give the money to your father…” she paused. “I cherish your father, he is a lovely man, and is an asset to this Kingdom. The King and Queen do not always do their best on showing appreciation, but that is where I step in. I ensure all relationships are kindled, and the Kingdom can prosper… In my studies I have come to find that you… are much more than just a Blacksmith’s daughter…” she paused and then tilted her head, her eyes watching Rhys for a moment.
“If you were a man – you would be a Knight, and easily the best we would have. But… the reality is that is not possible in this day and age. So I want to offer you the opportunity to become a Lady… Now.. I know that is not quite something you might want to do initially, but I will teach you the easiest way of going about it. I want to give you the respect you deserve, the money you are entitled to, and the opportunity to help your family… And most of all – I want you to have the freedom you deserve.” She glanced around, the Balcony was empty. “Your talent shouldn’t go to waste… if I can oversee you – I can ensure you don’t get caught next time” she winked and then chuckled. “At the end of the day, I am still a foreigner. I play by the rules, but not by the books” she laughed slightly.
“So then, what do you think? Would you like to study under me, and earn the Title of Lady?” Lenna smiled then, awaiting her answer. “If you have doubts… I can wait for your answer, there is no rush of course…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 3, 2018 23:09:30 GMT -5
Rhys turned as Sir Henly took her from the ballroom floor. She glanced around. “Lady Lenna?” She asked, curiously. She stepped out onto the balcony and looked to the woman. She could see a bit of exhaustion in her expression, from worrying about the ball. She listened to what the lady had to say and took in a breath. She stepped to the edge of the balcony and looked out over the city. She let out a soft laugh. “If it isn’t my father wanting me to be more lady like, it’s someone else…” She spoke softly. She let out a soft chuckle after a moment of silence. “I’m not a noble, Lady Lenna, how in god’s name do you expect to change that?” She shook her head as she stepped up to the balcony and looked down over the city. “I’ve always wondered what the city would look like from the castle.” She spoke as she took in the view.
Rhys turned then and looked at Lenna, “If it will help my father, I’ll do anything you ask, Lady Lenna.” She turned and looked away. “Just thinking about the money that my father spent on this dress makes me ill. He saved for nearly 5 years to pay the tailor for this…for a night…” She sighed softly. She hated that he’d wasted his money on this. She could be helping him in the forge so that he could have a break. He worked from sun up to sun down, and later even. He made nails, and horse shoes, among other tools and of course when a knight or lord commissioned him to make armor or a sword, he would do that as well.
Rhys took in a breath, “I am certain that Dorian will be searching for me. Thank you, Lady Lenna.” She spoke and bowed her head. She then stepped from the balcony and looked about the ballroom.
“Rhys.” Dorian spoke and smiled. He came up to her and offered her another glass of wine.
“Thank you.” She took the glass and sipped from it.
“Where have you been? I lost you?” Dorian questioned.
“I was around.” Rhys chuckled as she looked about the crowd.
Dorian shook his head, “Come let’s feast, you won’t believe the food they have here.” He led her into the dining hall.
Rhys looked to the food with a look of astonishment. She was lucky to have much more than soup and bread during a day. On special occasions her father made sweet cakes, but the ingredients were expensive so it didn’t happen often. Rhys grabbed a plate and began getting food. Soon enough she and Dorian sat at a table together. “So did you hear about the knight that beat out Sir Roderick? He’s been the champion for 5 years!” Dorian spoke.
Rhys nodded, “Oh I know! I heard everyone talking about him, he’s a mystery too hm?” She smiled then.
“Ah yes, I’ve heard many of the women are swooning over this mystery man.” He chuckled. “Not you, right?” He asked then his eyes searching hers.
“Oh Dorian, you don’t have to worry about me.” She winked and took a sip of her wine.
Dorian chuckled and shook his head. “Me not worry about you?” He asked, “That will be the day. You’re always up to something Rhys.” He grinned.
She laughed, “If by something you mean nothing. I haven’t even been foraging lately, the king forbids it.” She sighed then before she took the last bite of food.
“Come on then. Lets dance.” Dorian stood and took her hand. He led her back to the ballroom and they began to move about once again.
Rhys smiled as he twirled her. He had been teaching her for a few months now, but for some reason being in the actual ball room made it that much better. She was finally getting some of the steps she’d missed before. She was passed to the next person and she looked up and her heart suddenly sank. Sir Roderick. He looked down to her and his grip tightened around her waist. He moved with her bumping into others pulling her from the crowd. Rhys struggled against him, she lost her balance a few times, the drinks she had in her system weren’t helping her coordination, and that coupled with heels was not a good combination. “Let me go.” Rhys spoke.
Sir Roderick chuckled, “Oh no, they charged me 100 gold for misconduct.” He snapped. “Not only did you steal my title, you’ve now taken money from me.” He shoved her from the ballroom out onto a balcony.
“I’ve done nothing of the sort.” Rhys spoke just before he slammed her against the wall harshly.
Sir Roderick scoffed. “You think I’m a fool?” He asked. “The king himself is a fool for not noticing that you were a woman. The smallest knight.” He scoffed. He slammed her against the wall again, her head smacked against the stone harshly, which caused the world to spin slightly. “You think you’re a knight.” He snapped.
“Hey.” Dorian’s voice spoke. “Leave her alone, that is no way to handle a lady.”
“A lady?” Sir Roderick scoffed. “She’s merely a peasant, and so are you. Just look at you with your ill fitting attire. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“I said unhand her.” Dorian straightened.
“Or what?” Sir Roderick turned, he pressed the dagger more into Rhys’ neck. “You want me to kill her then?”
Dorian took a step back, he held his hands up. “Don’t hurt her.” He spoke, his eyes worried.
Sir Roderick chuckled. “Coward peasant.” He spoke and shook his head. “You’re all the same.” He turned and looked to Rhys then. “Tell me then, how would you like to die eh?” He leaned in close to her.
Dorian rushed forward then. “Let her go!” He slammed his fist into the back of Sir Roderick.
Sir Roderick snarled and turned as he did he slammed Rhys against the wall again harshly, knocking the air from her lungs, her eyes tunneled as she slipped down the wall. Sir Roderick grabbed Dorian by his throat. “I’m not done with her.” He snapped and stabbed the dagger into Dorian’s abdomen. “Now you’ve made me do something I wouldn’t have had to do.” He spoke and kicked Dorian back.
Dorian’s back hit the balcony rail harshly and he slumped to his knees holding his side. “Help!” He yelled as loudly as he could. “Someone help!” He called.
Sir Roderick turned and kicked him harshly, knocking him unconscious. He then turned and lifted Rhys up. “Come on then, I’ll finish with you outside of the castle.”
Rhys pushed against him, her vision was blurred. “No….let me go!” She screamed. She kicked against him and shoved him away. She ran toward the door and gripped onto the handle just as Sir Roderick slammed against her. Rhys squirmed in his grip, she couldn’t breathe with how tight the corset was. She gripped his wrist and let out a cry as he sliced into her shoulder. He was aimed for her throat. He took her and slammed her head against the stone once more. This time her eyes fluttered and she crumpled to the ground. Sir Roderick scoffed and put his blade away. “Stupid peasant.” He spoke as he looked down to her.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 3, 2018 23:35:40 GMT -5
Lenna smiled when Rhys accepted. “If you want to know the truth – I am faking my Ladylike-ness 99% of the time…” she chuckled and then turned back to the city. “It is all a game, you just have to know how to play it. And we are the handicapped pieces on the board…” she glanced to Rhys and then nodded. “I just want to help, as much as I can…” she nodded her then, allowing Rhys to leave.
She lingered for a bit, before returning to the ball. Lenna pondered to herself the entire while, thinking of now her knew apprentice… What would she do first? How would she do it? What should this girl learn? She couldn’t answer the question right away… not yet at least. Lenna plucked a glass of wine from the hand of a servant and sipped idly, amongst the crowd…
It was moments later that she heard a shouting, her ears trying to eavesdrop in other conversations. She turned and glanced to the balcony, she then opened the door and stepped outside. Her eyes fell to a young man, gripping his side. “What the..” she rushed forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Who…?” she turned her head then – to see Sir Roderick.
The door swung open and Sir Henly came rushing in, as he heard the scream too. “Henly!” Lenne pointed to Roderick.
Swift Sir Henly drew his sword and easily slid it into Roderick’s back, like butter. He shoved it a little harder and then pulled his sword out. Sir Roderick’s eyes rolled to the back of his head – and he slumped to the side. The entire while Sir Henly’s chest heaved, he hadn’t taken a life in a long while….
Lenne looked to Dorian and then to his wound “You’re going to bleed out” she whispered and sighed. She placed her hand on the wound and her hand glowed a gentle green – for a split second. She didn’t fully heal the wound, just enough to slow the bleeding. “Sir Henly, please, get the King” she called out.
Sir Henly rushed out of the room and came back with the King and Queen. “What is happening?” The King spoke as he opened the door.
“Shut the balcony door” Lenne spoke. The Queen shut the door, and stood infront of it, blocking the entrance.
“Sir Roderick did not heed his warning…” Henly spoke, looking to the King. “I killed him, as he already injured these two…” he hung his head.
“You did very well, Sir Henly… thank you…” The King spoke and then sighed. “Such a mess…” he shook his head. “Very well… Have them both taken to the Infirmary, patch them up – no charges…” he turned then and walked back into the ball room. Within moments the ballroom cleared out – at the King’s request. Though, he played it off well, informing everyone that he was tired – the ball was to end early, but festivities would continue tomorrow…
The Queen slowly stepped forward and she looked to Rhys. “I suppose this is even more reason for her to join you, she needs protection… who else knows..” the Queen spoke and then turned as a group of medics stepped onto the balcony…
Lenna followed the crew to the infirmary, where she sat in between both beds. They patched Dorian up, and tended to Rhy’s bruises and cuts. “Dorian is lucky he is alive” one of the nurses spoke as she changed his dressings.
“Yes… he was trying to protect her… quite noble” Lenna replied and then sighed.
“You should get some rest Lady Lenna… I will send for you when they wake” The Nurse spoke and looked to Lenna with compassionate eyes.
Lenna slowly stood and nodded. “I think that sounds good… thank you” she spoke and made her way to her bedroom….
Upon entrance – she heard a whisper. A flicker of a being.
“No…” Lenna whispered. “Not tonight” she sat down on the bed. A figure appeared before her, a pale woman – wearing a light blue dress…
“It is almost time” The woman spoke to her.
“Just go” Lenna spoke and laid down in the bed.
The woman flickered again. “You cannot run from it”
“Yeah, well … I’m tired…” Lenna whispered and shut her eyes. The whispers continued for a while… until Lenna finally blocked them out. The woman continued to stand there for a bit… and then disappeared.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 0:08:13 GMT -5
When the war was at its peak. When Rhys was a young child, before the king had a wall built up around the city to fully protect those that were not inside of the castle. The city was stormed by raiders in the middle of the night. Rhys had nightmares about it, she could hear her mother scream. She was shoved into the closet behind a hidden wooden door. There wasn’t much space, it was meant for holding valuables, but in the time of danger such as that. Her mother had no choice. Her father had been at the castle all day at the king’s request. Presenting new swords and shields to the knights. When the attack happened everyone that was in the castle was locked within the castle walls for protection. The screams of the townspeople still haunted Rhys. Her mother didn’t make it through the night. Her jacket that she’d always worn was the only thing that remained of her, the bandits fled when the knights stormed down from the castle to offer aid to the townspeople.
“No!” Rhys sat up in the bed, her head was pounding. Her breaths were quick.
“Shhh it’s alright.” The nurse came to her side. “Don’t worry dear.” She gave a gentle smile. “You’re safe now.”
Rhys looked around. “Where am I?” She asked. She blinked a few times, her vision was blurred but it began to clear up. “Was that a dream….?”
“No I’m afraid not, you were attacked by a drunken knight to strung up on losing to admit defeat. He nearly killed this boy too.” The nurse spoke.
Dorian lay on another bed next to her, still sound asleep. “Dorian…” Rhys breathed. “He…tried to stop him.” She spoke.
“A courageous one that it.” The nurse smiled. “Now settle down, get some rest hm? It’s very late.” The nurse turned and poured a few things. “Here, drink this, it will help you rest.”
Rhys brought the drink to her lips and took it quickly, she choked slightly, it tasted horrible. “Th-thank you.” She spoke and lay back. Soon enough, she was back into a deep sleep.
**
The warm rays of the run played over Rhys’ body in the morning. Once it reached her eyes she woke and sat up slowly. She looked around the infirmary as she slowly stood. Her head still ached and her stomach growled.
“Ah good morning.” The nurse spoke and gave a gentle smile. “Here you are.” She had a hot bowl of grits with bacon laid over the top. “That should fill you up nicely.” She spoke.
Rhys took the food and stared to it, this was something she never had for breakfast, bacon was an expense that her father just couldn’t afford. “Thank you…um…” She looked up to the nurse.
“Mindy.” The nurse smiled. “And you’re Rhys, Lady Lenna told me.” She stepped over to Dorian then checking him over. “He should wake soon, he’s a lucky lad, he could have died…”
Rhys drew her brows together and sighed softly. “He is brave.” She spoke and nodded. “To take on a knight like that.”
“I’ll be right back.” Mindy spoke and stepped from the room.
Rhys spooned some of the grits up and ate them. She smiled at the flavor and leaned against the wall. She took in a breath as she replayed everything. Sir Roderick was so destroyed by the thought of a woman defeating him, he chose to kill to get his revenge. If she’d been a man he may have gotten into a fist fight with her, but it wouldn’t have been as aggressive. She crunched on the bacon as she thought. Then it dawned on her, her father. He had been expecting her home. She stood quickly and just as she did the king himself stepped into the room.
“Sit.” He spoke. “You need your rest.” He came before her and looked her over. “I sent word to your father of what happened, I made sure that he knew you were alright after what happened last night, the queen requested that I do so.” He looked to her. “He hurt you quite a bit I see.” He noted the cut on her neck and the bruises that were on her body. “We told Sir Roderick to leave the city, but he didn’t heed the warning, clearly.” He then took in a breath. “The Queen also told me that you will be an understudy to her advisor, Lady Lenna.” He paused a moment. “It would be grand for you to learn from a lady such as her, perhaps she can make a lady out of you.” He paused another moment, “Just keep in mind, Rhys, your actions reflect upon Lady Lenna.” He turned then, “Good day, Lady Rhys.” He spoke and left the room.
Rhys sat a moment, thinking. She couldn’t miss-step. If she did, Lenna would be punished for it. She couldn’t allow that to happen, not after what Lenna did for her.
“Oh…what…” Dorian began to wake. He groaned in pain.
Rhys turned and moved to his side. “Dorian.” She spoke and knelt next to him. “You’re okay.” She held his hand. “You’re in the infirmary. You’re safe.” She searched his eyes.
“Oh that vile man….I do hope you put an end to him…” He winced in pain.
“No…someone did…I don’t know what happened. But you’re safe, that is what matters.” She nodded and moved to her bed. “You could have died, Dorian, that was really stupid of you…you didn’t have a weapon…”
“I couldn’t let him kill you, Rhys.” Dorian gripped his die. “I just couldn’t…it didn’t matter if I didn’t try.”
Rhys let out a soft sigh. “Thank you.” She spoke and leaned against the wall again, she looked around the empty infirmary.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 12:49:48 GMT -5
Lenna shot awake – as if something had shaken her. She placed a hand to her chest, heaving as she was ripped from her dreams. She slowly stood and sighed loudly, it was a miracle if she ever slept peacefully. Her barefeet led her to her wardrobe, where she selected a red dress, with a white corset, it was simple, to say the least.
She stood in the mirror and glanced to herself – her black tasseled hair was a wreck upon her scalp. Like she was involved in a pit fight, and the monsters won. She held her finger up – and created a circle in the air. With ease her corset, from her black dress… that she had not gotten out of… untied and became loose. She took in a deep breath and slipped the dress from her body.
“You need to eat more” Lenna whispered to herself, and then chuckled slightly. Before she was traded – she was a little more thick. But here… she just didn’t have time to eat… She stepped into her red dress and did the circle with her finger again. The laces on her back lifted and began to lace through the loops, and then cinch down.
She held a brush to her hair – when she heard a knocking on her door. “Lady Lenna, the two in the infirmary are awake…” the nurse spoke.
“Thank you nurse, I will be there shortly” Lenna replied and combed her hair gently. She pulled her hair up into a bun and pinned it easily, like she had done it a million times. A few strands were loose, but this would suffice.
Lenna made her way to the infirmary with two plates in her hand. She pushed the door open with her back and stepped inside. “Good morning” she smiled and handed Dorian a plate, and Rhys a plate. On it was eggs, bacon, and toast – with some jelly on it. “Nothing crazy, just a simple breakfast” she spoke and then sat down in a chair, which was near them. She crossed her legs and adjust her skirt, ensuring that It covered her legs appropriately.
“Out of everything who deserved to be stabbed – it was you” Lenna shook her head. “Well, at least you are well…” she reached to her waist, where she had a leather belt around, with two little pouches. She reached into them and lifted two leather bags of coins. “The Queen is giving you both a gift – Something for your troubles. You should be safe in the castle walls, and we have failed you both…” each bag had easily 150 gold, enough for 2 months of taxes…
“Rhys, I would like to begin your fellowship tomorrow, if you are well enough…” she reached out another bag of coins. “This is specifically for you, do not give it to your father. You will need to go out and get some dresses, unfortunately…” she smirked and handed it to her. “And indulge a little. The next few months will be hard work… don’t for a second think being a Lady is easy” she winked and then nodded. “I plan on stopping by the Blacksmith to speak to William… I would like you to be there as well. Say, dinner time?” she nodded and then slowly stood.
“Dorian – I am wishing you to a speedy recovery… Rhys, I will see you later tonight” she bowed her head and turned out of the room.
A few hours later she stood before the financial advisor, a paper in her hand. She set it down and slid it to him. The man looked over the paper and then up – “Are you sure?” he questioned.
“Yes. I am sure” Lenna nodded. A few minutes later she held a document in her hand. It was an agreement that – during the length of Rhys’s fellowship that he would earn 25 gold a week. Lenna rolled the parchment back up. This was directly out of Lenna’s pay, which was a ridiculous amount – which she had not spent much of a penny since her arrival.
Lenna ran some errands and soon stood before the Blacksmith’s home, she held a basket in her hand. “William” she poked her head into the smithy. William turned and then placed his hammer down, he smiled and bowed his head. “I wanted to have Dinner with you both, to discuss Rhys’s fellowship” she held the basket up. “I brought dinner, of course” she smiled. “I will set the table while you clean up?” she questioned.
William smiled and nodded “Very well” he took his gloves off and set them on his work bench. Lenna stepped into the small home and set the basket down. She pulled out a small baked chicken and set it in the center of the table. She then pulled out a loaf of bread, and a round of cheddar cheese. Lenna then dug through the pantry for their plates and set the table..
William came from his bedroom, he had washed his face and combed his hair. “Lady Lenna, thank you - this is all too kind”
“Do you mind carving the chicken?” Lenna pointed to the whole chicken.
“Ah, yes, of course” he picked up a knife and began to cut into the chicken… “Rhys should be here shortly” he spoke.
“I’ve come with the agreements for pay. I have one for her, and another for you” she spoke and poured a three glasses of milk.
“For me?” William questioned as he sliced into the breast of the chicken.
“Yes… I was able to convince her that you should receive some assistance. Your daughter helps provide for this home, and because of the poverty the King has placed you in… is why she has become what she has. She is a caring girl – and she loves you, she took up blacksmithing to help. I’m no fool” she sighed “and it seems that is what started the days of her trouble, hm? Well, never the less – I wanted to help you because you deserve it. You best accept the offer” Lenna smiled and then sat down. “But I can share those details after dinner” she spoke.
“Well, thank you Lady Lenna” William spoke and then began to place pieces of meat onto plates. “White meat?”
“Yes, thank you” Lenna replied and smiled.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 19:23:16 GMT -5
Rhys glanced up as Lady Lenna came into the room. She looked to the bags of gold coin and then to the second bag of coin that she was offered. She was quiet as she listened and nodded. “Thank you Lady Lenna.” She bowed her head.
Dorian bowed his head as well. “Lady Lenna may good graces bestow you from this kind act. Come by the tavern any time you are in need, I owe you.” He spoke. He watched as Lady Lenna left the room and then he looked to Rhys. “A fellowship?” He questioned and stood. He grit his teeth.
Rhys stood up quickly and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, her arm wrapped around his waist, holding him up. “Yes.” She replied softly. “She asked me last night to become her understudy.” She led Dorian forward. “Thank you again Mindy.” She bowed her head to the nurse.
“Do you need a cart down to town dear?” The nurse asked.
“No, we are alright. Thank you, kindly.” Rhys smiled sweetly as they left the room.
“That is no job for a Lady.” A knight stepped up. “Here my lady.” He carefully took Dorian and draped his arm over his shoulders. “You mustn’t task yourself with such work.”
Rhys looked to the knight curiously. “Sir, I can get him home, it is no trouble.” She spoke.
“The queen sent me to help you, my lady.” He bowed his head. “Lead the way.”
Rhys took in a breath as she stared to the knight for a moment. Dorian shifted and took in a shaken breath, he was still in a great deal of pain from the stab wound. “Come on then.” He spoke. “You know where I live, Rhys.”
She gave a nod and turned. “Could you show me the way out of the castle good sir?” She asked and looked to the knight.
“Of course, my lady.” He spoke and led the way, holding Dorian’s weight easily.
They moved through the halls of the castle. Rhys looked over the paintings and the statues as they passed. The king had quite the collection of fine objects. She shifted her eyes forward as they exited the castle. “This way.” She stepped ahead. She held her hand over a bloody stain on her white blouse, hiding it from view. She moved through the city that was still full of people from all over for the festival. It would last about a week longer, other competitions were going on now. There were showmen on the side of the roadway performing terrifying feats for spare change, swallowing swords that were lit aflame. Another was juggling short swords. Rhys led passed the tavern, she rounded it and motioned to the set of stairs that led up into the home. “That is where he lives.” She spoke.
The knight gave a nod and helped Dorian up the stairway. Rhys followed and she led them to his room where she turned back the blankets. She helped tuck him in. “Rest.” Rhys spoke and gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead.
Dorian let out a soft laugh, “I save your life and I still can’t manage a kiss?” He chuckled afterward.
Rhys cupped her hand on his cheek. “I am in your debt, Dorian, you are so brave, most would have fled and I wouldn’t have blamed you.” She leaned down and planted a quick kiss on his lips. “I hope that you recover quickly.” She rest her hand on his chest a moment before she stood and stepped from the room. She headed down the stairs and took in a breath. She looked back and Nicholas stood with her, he gave a warm smile. “You’ve helped me, and I thank you.” She gave a nod. “I have errands to run now.” She turned and began walking.
Nicholas kept at her side. “I am to accompany you, as ordered by the queen. For your protection after the events last night.” He spoke.
Rhys looked to him and let out a chuckle. “Alright.” She stated as she led him toward her home. As she walked toward the forage her father came from the door and ran to her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
“Rhys.” He breathed, his arms didn’t loosen. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” He looked her over and inspected her bruises and cuts. “That bastard had it coming to him. To attack a maiden!” He shook his head and then looked to the knight that stood behind her. “Oh and who is this fine sir?” He bowed his head. “Greetings.”
Nicholas bowed his head back. “My name is Nicholas.” He stated, “I am the Lance Corporal of the kings army. I have been requested by the queen to offer protection to your daughter until it is deemed that she is truly safe.”
“Oh, that is incredibly kind. My thanks to the queen for her noble generosity.” William spoke and then looked to his daughter.
“I have some errands to run in town father.” Rhys spoke. “Oh.” She held the lighter pouch out. “Here.” She smiled. “This should help out for a few months.”
William took the bag and opened it. “Rhys…” He shook his head and held it back toward her. “You’ve given so much to me lately, do something for yourself.” He pulled her into a gentle hug. “Thank you.” He kissed the top of her head. “Bring back some ale eh?” He chuckled and headed back into the forage.
Rhys turned and headed back into town. She made her way to the town square and stopped outside of the tailor’s shop. She’d only ever been in once. To get fitted for the very dress she was wearing. Everything else her and her father hemmed and stitched at home. They couldn’t afford to buy from the tailor. She stepped inside and the bell on the door jingled happily. Nicholas sat down at the bench and looked around the room.
“Good day.” The tailor came from the back, he looked to the dress. “My goodness girl.” He spoke and stepped forward. He pulled at the fabric and looked to the stains. “My work.” He grit his teeth slightly. “What happened?” He looked over her cuts. “Are you alright, Rhys?”
She gave a nod. “Just a drunkard. It’s nothing.” She gave a soft smile.
The tailor took in a breath and sighed. “My apologies.” He looked to the knight. “This happened at the ball?” He questioned and shook his head. “Dirty men from the other cities. You know we never have crime until those bastards come from the other cities.” He turned. “I can get that stain out for you dear, no charge….I just can’t believe this. Your father saved for so long for an idiot to ruin that dress.”
“Martin….” Rhys spoke. The tailor turned, his brows furrowed. “I…I’m here for more.” She gave a soft smile.
He let out a soft laugh. “Did your father come by some coin that I’m not aware of?” He then chuckled. “My dear, I would love to….” He paused as she stepped forward and set the bag of coins on the counter. “Oh…” His eyes looked over the glistening gold.
“I am to become an understudy to Lady Lenna, she has assigned me to get dresses so that I am presentable.” Rhys spoke.
“Oh I see.” He gave a nod. “You want to spend it all?”
“Yes, just leave me enough for a pitcher of ale for father.” Rhys replied after a bit of hesitation. She’d never even held this much money at one time.
“Well…let’s see here.” He stepped over to her and began taping her and pulled a pencil from behind his ear. “This way.” He had her step up onto a stool. He moved quickly as he began moving about the shop, holding things up to her and shaking his head, others he grinned and nodded.
**
Just as William placed the last piece of chicken on Rhys’ plate the front door opened. Rhys stepped in, her hair was curled and she wore a beautiful blue bow in it. She had on a gorgeous silky dress that was the same deep blue of her bow with a black silky material that jutted out from beneath it. It was ruffled and beautiful, it had a corset built in that accented her curves well. “Rhys…” Her father spoke, his jaw loose. He’d never seen her so beautiful. Even when she had dressed for the night at the ball it was nothing like this. He stepped to her and smiled.
Nicholas stepped in, he held a bag that held a few more dresses in his hands. “This way.” William spoke and led him to the trunk where he pointed. “Thank you sir.” He bowed his head. Nicholas then moved to the door and stepped back outside, giving them their time.
Rhys came to the table and sat down, she looked to Lady Lenna and gave a nod. “I spent all day at the tailor…and then he worked in a favor and had his wife arrange my hair for me…” She looked to the food. “This all looks incredible.”
William smiled as he sat back at the table. “You look stunning, my dear.” He smiled and then bowed his head. “Shall we say grace?” He asked. They joined hands at the small round table. “I thank our holy savor for this meal before us brought to us by the most kind Lady Lenna. Shall we feast, and shall great blessing be given to this caring woman.” He nodded his head and they began to dig into the food.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 22:06:43 GMT -5
“Wow – that is a seriously beautiful dress, I’m rather jealous” Lenna looked to Rhys as she entered, and took a seat at the table. She smiled and nodded when William offered to say grace. She reached her hand out and placed her hand in Williams, and her other hand within Rhys. She bowed her head, and then smiled as he spoke. When she raised her head she replied “Amen, and thank you…” she nodded.
She reached forward and sliced into the loaf of freshly made French Bread and passed a slice around. “I wont lie to you – I did not make this” she smiled and put jelly on her bread. “I suppose that is the only thing I do miss about my previous life, I have a few family recipes that will melt you into a bucket of stale water” she chuckled and then gave a womanly sigh.
“Well, regardless – I can’t say that I’ve had a well rounded meal like this, in quite some time” William nodded and took a bite of his chicken. “But why? Why have you done all of this?” he questioned.
“Well… let me give you some background. I am actually from the Kingdom Prymur, the small Kingdom off to the west. I grew up a scholar – since a young age I studied very hard. Over time I became quite interested in psychology and anthropology. In other words – the study of human behaviors, and cultures, society and so on. I discovered what makes a thriving society. And I don’t mean economically… what brings us together? What makes a Kingdom happy” she paused and took a bite of her chicken.
“Well, over time I published a series of studies – and while woman my age were off wooing men, I was busy learning. I should remind you, I am only 4 years older than Rhys herself.” She nodded “Prymur got themselves into a pickle with money, and owed much to our King. To prevent war – I was traded. I became a servant to the Queen…” she took another bite and sipped on her milk. “Now, this Kingdom doesn’t take well to a woman on the council, so by becoming a Servant to the Queen – I could advise in secret. A year ago – the King and Queen questioned themselves. They had money and power, but their Kingdom did not like them… and that is where I have come into play.”
“Since I joined, a year ago, you might have noticed the King and Queen make more appearances, offer more and do more than ever. So, all of that to come down to your answer. I do this because it is simply my job. I recognize the key players in the Kingdom’s economy and society, and I do everything I can to kindle that relationship. You, William, are a very very important key to this Kingdom. You are the maker of our power, our Blacksmith. While I cannot lower Taxes… I have been trying to fight the King and Queen to see the vision I have – for a few months now.” She took another bite.
“How come the King and Queen don’t do the kindling themselves? I would appreciate that more….” He spoke, confused for a moment.
“Hmm. I see your point, however – They can only do so much, naturally, as humans, and they too have their own faults. I have to see that and do what I can, in their place. Ruling a Kingdom, most importantly, cannot be done alone. The King must share responsibilities, because it is just impossible. And slowly over time I think I am showing him that this works. So, my current study is – the most efficient way to Rule a Kingdom, meeting Economical and Social goals” she took another sip and then thought for a second.
“But most of all, I help you because you are likely one of the more selfless people in this Kingdom. You have given blood sweat and tears to the King, with zero questions or arguments. He does not realize the poverish situation you are in, because he has never faced it before. A flaw he has is the inability to place himself in other people’s shoes, and sympathize… but an analysis of the King is for another time” she winked and continued. “A good Kingdom rewards the people who serve. I am simply doing that. You deserve this William. Just because you have been stomped on your entire career – does not mean things won’t turn around for you. If we have no hope, then what are we doing it for anyways?”
“Because the King requests it” William replied, his fork holding chicken in the air.
“And that is why you deserve it.” She took another bite.
“So that brings me to Rhys. You want everything for your daughter William, I know this personally. And I’ve studied Rhys – just a little. She wants everything for you, it is a mutual love… Now, I know that Ladyship is not exactly in the books of your top 5 things you wish to do in life” her eyes looked to Rhys now. “But it can open the doors to your wildest dreams. Each Lady in this Kingdom never did a thing to deserve it, and I feel as though there should be some kind of Fellowship for hard working young women. I will likely never install this by my death, but I shall write about it in my studies. Maybe in the future – someone will listen. But for now, you will be my pilot…” Lenna took another bite and nodded.
“To be quite honest… Being a Lady is one big show. Say the right things, dress the right way – and you are fitting the part. My true self is nothing you see now. I… I am the kind of girl that would much rather hallow myself away in my room, wearing lounge pants and a tunic, and speaking to no one while reading” she winked “but you might never think that of me… and everyone else in this world of royalty is exactly the same.” She laughed. “It is a game, truthfully. And the most hilarious part is every single one of us hates it, the Queen herself has agreed to this” she chuckled.
“So… Tomorrow we will actually be going to a log cabin for a few days. Where we will separate ourselves from the Kingdom and figure out… What do you want to do in life? What are your goals? How can I help you get there? And I will craft a Fellowship directly off of your answers. So, yes, if that means becoming the first Female Swordsman… I will figure out a way to make it happen. The reality of our world is – anything is possible. You just have to be a bloody Royal to get it done” she winked and finished her plate.
“So on that… I have brought both agreements to this fellowship. William will receive monthly pay, and Rhys you will as well. A Royal bank account has been opened in your name, and your name only… William – someone will personally deliver your pay” she spoke and handed both of them their scrolls.
‘By decree of the Queen – Under the new position of Fellowship of the Queen – Rhys Ryguard will receive 75 gold on a weekly basis, depositing into Royal Bank Account number: 8247. ‘ and then there was small print of royal disclaimers. William’s wrote 25 gold weekly, earning up to a total of 100 gold weekly for the entire family…
“All you have to do is sign on the bottom to accept the position, and agreement… Basically stating that you are becoming one with the King and the Castle – so on so forth. In the fine print – William – you are technology going to be considered an employee of the King himself. There will be no change to your job, only that you will be gathering historical time as a servant of the King. This means… I can open up a discussion about potentially upgrading your smithy, and home, because… essentially promoting you to the official Blacksmith of the King… but this is not final. It is a discussion I will have with the Queen…” she grinned “It is always a joy to be smarter than the King and Queen themselves” she winked and nodded.
She pulled out a Quill and Ink and pushed them forward. “So, what do you say?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 22:59:51 GMT -5
Rhys watched Lady Lenna as she spoke, her expression filled with wonder. She glanced to her father several times. This all seemed too good to be true. How could this possibly be happening. When Lenna spoke of the payment, and the possibility of upgrading their home and the forage she nearly dropped her fork. “This…” She looked at the scroll before her. “This can’t be true.” She spoke and shook her head. “75 gold?” Her eyes were huge. “That…that’s more than we bring in in 6 months of the year, after taxes we are lucky to bring home 10 gold each month….we’ve been surviving by trading nails for bread or beans…” She shook her head.
William looked to his own scroll. “Lady Lenna…” He looked to her. “You must be an angel.” He had a warm smile upon his lips. “There is no other explanation for you.” He shifted slightly and took the quill from her. “I accept.” He then scribbled his name onto the page. “Rhys, this is your chance to get out of this poverty, to make something of yourself. Lady Lenna will guide you. She has been most kind to offer this and to put herself into this position for caring for you.” He spoke. “You deserve the life of a Lady.”
Rhys took the quill and signed, she stared at the page a moment longer as the ink dried. “This all feels like a dream, like I will wake tomorrow and it will all be gone.” She looked to Lady Lenna. “Thank you, I am truly in your debt. This is incredible.” She spoke and shook her head. “I will be ready tomorrow.” She gave a nod. “I will meet you at the town center.”
Rhys began cleaning up the table as her father stepped outside with Lady Lenna to speak to her more before she left. When he came back in he lifted the plates from the table and took them away. He returned to his daughter and smiled to her, he pulled her into a tight embrace. “Don’t forget to visit your old man, hm?” He gave a hearty chuckle. “I will miss you, Rhys. But this is a miracle.”
Rhys hugged herself to her father. She buried her face into his chest for a long moment. The hardest part in all of this would be leaving her father behind, her home, the forage. “I’ll visit you father, as often as Lady Lenna will allow.” She gave a smile.
Soon she was packing things away, she carefully packed her things into the saddle bags that she would mount on her horse in the morning. Soon enough Rhys lay in her bed, she stared up at the ceiling, thinking of everything that happened. It had to be Lenna that kept the king from skinning her alive for impersonating a knight. Or maybe Lenna spoke to the queen and she stopped it?
Morning came swiftly and Rhys rose. She slipped from her long night gown and pulled on a dark red tunic that her father had helped her stitch. It fit her well. She pulled on a leather corset that cinched around her waist and then she pulled on her belt that she slipped her sword into. It was a very nice sword that she crafted on her own, with her father watching over her shoulder. It had taken her nearly a year to forage it, through trading for the items that she needed. It was a gorgeous sword. She had gathered red dye and heated it up in the process of creating the blade, she caused the blade of the sword to be a candy red, the polish on it was immaculate. The hilt of the blade was made of a gorgeous steel, a dragon’s head latched down over the blade and pointed tips came out from the blade itself near the hilt. At the very end of the beautifully wrapped leather hilt was a red marble that was held into place by dragon claws.
Rhys slipped on her riding boots that reached up to her knees and then she slipped her cloak upon her shoulders. Buckles held down in front of the cloak. She pulled on her black leather riding gloves that reached up to her biceps. She then tied on her leather gauntlets, they were thin, but would help protect her if anything did happen. She stepped from her room to see her father with a bowl of porridge. He nodded to the table. “Good morning.” She spoke as she came over and sat down with him.
“You look ready for battle my dear.” He chuckled.
“I can’t very well ride a horse in a dress. Can I?” She laughed and took a few bites of her breakfast.
William shook his head. “Lady Lenna will tell you the answer to that.” He winked. “Do you have everything?” He asked.
“All but my dagger.” Rhys smiled. “It’s in the forage, I was polishing it the other day.”
“Ah yes, of course.” He chuckled, “I remember when I gave you that, you were so young.”
Rhys smiled to him as she finished and stood. “It has protected me many times.” She said as they walked out to the forage. She stepped over to a shelf and pulled the dagger and slipped it from the sheath. It had their surname etched into blade with black accents. The hilt was steel with ruby laid into it. It had been passed down in the family for years. Rhys turned to her father as she attached it to her thigh. She stepped to him and hugged him a long moment. “I love you, father.” She spoke softly. “I’ll come visit you as soon as I can.” She clutched herself to his body.
William hugged her, he held back his sadness and took in a shaken breath. “I know.” He spoke softly. “I love you too, you’re my little girl.” He kissed the top of her head. He then walked with her outside and helped her up onto her horse. “Go and do great things, Rhys.” He spoke as he rode from the property, he held back tears. Even though it was good for her, it still hurt to think that she wouldn’t be with him each day.
Rhys trotted through the town, she looked as the merchants began moving about, the city was still asleep at this hour. She came to the fountain at the center of the square and pulled her horse to a stop, now all she had to do was wait for Lady Lenna.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 23:26:25 GMT -5
“I am pleased then” she spoke and then stood. “Very well, I will take the contracts back and you will begin accruing tomorrow…” Lenna scooped up the two scrolls and slipped them into her basket. “Good things come to good people, this is what I am trying to teach this Kingdom. Respect is earned, not given – and we, as royals, have a duty to our people….” She stepped back. “My personal request is that you continue life normally, please do not share this investment with anyone. You are the first people I have come to help, and I am hoping that with good returns – I can convince the King and Queen that this is a formidable movement.” She bowed her head then.
She stepped outside with William and she turned to him. “I promise to protect her to the best of my ability… I thought I would say before you could ask me” she smiled and then looked out to the sleeping city.
“Can she visit often?” He questioned, his eyes showed a hint of worry, and sadness.
Lenna looked to him and then smiled and nodded her head. “As long as she performs her duties and tasks, she will have the free will of a Lady” Lenna then bowed her head and stepped away. As she walked away William bowed deeply and then turned back inside.
Lenna same to the castle and spent several hours in her room – writing notes. She sat on her bed with three books opened around her, and parchment about her. There was a knock on her door – and the Queen opened it slowly.
“My Queen” Lenna nodded her head.
“How did it go?” The Queen questioned, she closed the door and sat down.
“Very well, we have done a great service for them.” She closed one of the books.
“Good… can you tell me the impact of this? I just want to be prepared for when my husband questions me more” she crossed her legs. “I want to fix the Kingdom where he cannot..” she nodded.
“Well, for the sake of the King - Helping William will increase his moral to perform. Meaning he will make more armor and swords, for likely a cheaper price as well. By taking care of his daughter – he can focus his efforts on his career. The quality of his work will increase as well, as the burdens will be lifted from his shoulders. Does this make sense?” Lenna spoke.
“Oh… I did not think of that, yes.. absolutely. It is hard to understand their position…” she whispered and then sighed.
“Yes m’lady, but that is why you have me” Lenna winked. “Investing in our people is equal to investing in our Kingdom. It takes every cogwheel to operate for a clock to work – a Kingdom is one of the same…” Lenna smiled “I will calculate the cost benefits, if that would ease his mind”
“You know the way to his heart, hm? Cheaper, better, stronger” The Queen stood then and nodded. “Very well, here is the Key to the cabin. I will see you in a week then?” she stepped forward with a bronze key in hand.
Lenna reached forward and accepted the key. “Thank you My Queen” she bowed her head. “Not everyone is as passionate as you..”
“I want the best for the Kingdom. And I know… if we continue doing the same thing as we ever have – then how can we improve? Your wisdom baffles me, but I am glad to have you with us…” Julia smiled and then left the room.
Lenna rubbed her thumb over the key, and then slipped away.
Morning came swiftly, she packed away her books and scriptures into a satchel. Along with another bag of clothing. Sir Henly helped her load her horse and prepared her. “Come on” she waved him. They both mounted a horse and made their way to the center of town.
“Good morning Rhys” Lenna spoke. She was wearing a grey dress, it was plain but comfortable. It was going to be a few hours on horseback. She rode on a side saddle, her legs comfortably. “Sir Henly will be accompanying us.” She nodded and then he led forward. “The ride will be a few hours, but we should be there by midday easily” she spoke and then they lead to the gate, to cross the bridge across the lake.
After a bit Lenna glanced over to her. “This week will be composed of relaxation, and lots of thinking. I want to discuss your goals and dreams, down to the finest detail. I want to understand as much as I can about you – so that I can ensure you grow in this time we have together…” she spoke aloud.
Sir Henly turned his head and smiled “I could only wish that Knighthood had this much development. A lucky lady, hm?” he smiled then.
“Well, I am trying to do something different, almost radical. Combining the idea of Royalty with Scholarly. I walk circles around the Queen, but yet she has the power… If we can educate the Royal… the world will truly turn for the better.” She chuckled “No sense in having a monkey lead us to our doom, hm?” she smiled then.
“But there is some else about you, Rhys. I have been curious, but shy to question… If you could – do you mind telling me of your mother? If it is uncomfortable, just decline” she looked to Rhys with curious eyes…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 4, 2018 23:54:15 GMT -5
Rhys looked up, she was rubbing her thumb on the horn of the saddle. It had been her mother’s saddle that her father gave to her as soon as she was big enough to climb upon the horse. “Good Morning, Lady Lenna.” She bowed her head and then looked to Sir Henly. “Good Morning to you Sir Henly.” She looked to the side saddle that Lady Lenna rode on. To her it didn’t seem all that comfortable. Though, she’d only known the riding saddle. She clicked her tongue and her horse started off up the trail. She looked to Lady Lenna as she spoke and gave a nod.
She still couldn’t wrap her head around the thought of being trained to be a Lady. It wasn’t anything she’d ever dreamed of. Though, it was for the best. It would help her father, that was all she cared about. She looked back to Lady Lenna when she asked of her mother. Her eyes showed sadness then and she looked back ahead, she rubbed her thumb on the saddle. The horn had the name Elise burned into it. Her mother had purchased this from the leather worker years ago before she was born. It was a fine item. “My mother.” She spoke and took in a slow breath. “She died.” Her voice was soft. “A long time ago, though it still feels as if it were yesterday.”
Rhys didn’t look back to Lenna as she spoke, she stared ahead, her voice had become small. “When the wars came to our kingdom, I was about 4 years of age. Very young, I didn’t understand what was happening.” She spoke, her voice trembled a bit as she thought of the memory. The bells chimed, a horn bellowed in the distance. Father was at the castle, displaying swords and armor for the knights…it all happened so quickly. My mother shoved me into a hidden storage space in our bedroom. I could hear everything. I heard her cries…” She paused then, her hand gripped onto the horn tightly as she fought back tears. She shook her head. “They defiled her, and much like many of the women in our town they took her for their own barbaric fun. The knights were locked up in the castle while we all suffered…”
Rhys fell silent then she sucked in a sharp breath, tears welled in her eyes. She never talked about her mother, bringing it up only brought pain that she’d buried deep down. “The only thing that was left was this cloak and her necklace…” She ran her fingertips over the buckles of the cloak. She didn’t speak passed that, she stared ahead and brushed away a few tears. It took several minutes for her to regain her composure. “She was the town apothecary.” She spoke softly. “She could cure many ailments…her herbal mixtures were incredible, we haven’t had an apothecary since…” She shook her head. “My father after that he shut down and…without the coin from the shop…” She sighed softly. “It took them both for us to afford the things we did…this horse…mother bought him so that she could gather supplies to bring back to the city easily.”
Rhys took in a breath, “I’ve…never spoken to anyone about her…” She whispered. “Father told me to never speak of it…that day brings back such pain for everyone in Strathmore. Many died. I still have nightmares about it…” She whispered.
Rhys bit her lip slightly, her breathing had quickened from speaking of the event. She was visibly upset. “I’m sorry…” She whispered softly.
Rhys didn’t speak the rest of the ride. She looked to the surroundings, she hadn’t been outside of Strathmore since she was a child. Her father always had work, so there wasn’t any time for play. The last time she’d been outside of the city was with her mother to gather herbs for a potion. Soon they crested a hill and the cabin came into view. It was nestled up against the base of the mountain. A stack of wood was set perfectly just a bit from the cabin. The foundation was made of stone. It had a beautiful rounded door as the entrance and a balcony for the second story. Rhys looked to it in awe, it was at least twice the size of her home. As they approached she climbed from the saddle and glanced around. It was silent here, peaceful. “Such a beautiful place.” She spoke. “I’m so used to the movement of the city that this seems…silent…” She listened to the slight breeze as it pushed around the leaves, and a chirp of a bird here and there. She could hear the stream in the distance as it rushed over the rocks of the streambed.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 5, 2018 0:20:40 GMT -5
Lenna looked to Rhys as she spoke… she was quiet as she listened. She could see Rhys’s chest trembling, she was fighting back tears. “It is alright” she spoke softly, her horse trotted next to Rhys’s. Lenna’s looked to her and then she looked forward. “The King and Queen tell me of those attacks – as the greatest moment of failure they face. They were only a year into their leadership…” she sighed softly. “Well… thank you for telling me this. It answers a lot of questions I had… but I am terribly sorry” she spoke and then focused.
Soon they came upon the cabin, Lenna slipped from her horse. Sir Henly took both horses to the small stable and got them inside, and then fed them. Lenna approached the home, her boots tapping on the wooden deck. She dug for the bronze key and opened the door, holding it open for Rhys.
“A getaway from the hustle bustle, hm? For a moment we can relax, breath, and allow us to slip into our natural states. Before I can make you comfortable as a Lady – you must become comfortable with yourself.” She stepped inside then.
It had an open living room, where a couch and two chairs sat in front of a fireplace. To the right by the window was a bookcase and a cove for reading. It had a beautiful dining room table, and large kitchen space. Upstairs were the bedrooms, which it had multiple.
“Right then, let’s get settled and we can start, hm?” she stepped back outside and pulled her bags from the saddle and brought them in. She carried them upstairs and she picked the first room on the right, and dropped her bags off. Lenna came back down stairs, with a book in her hand. She sat down at the dining table and set a ink jar down and pulled a quill from her book.
“Sit sit sit” She pointed to the seat across from the table. “My intention is to try and educate you. But I’m going to teach you the realistic version of being a Lady. How to play the game, and how to get where you want.” She opened her book to an open page and dipped her quill. “I’ll be taking notes along the way. Please do not be bothered by it – I just need to document everything, as part of my research” she smiled and scribbled on the page. She had neat cursive, her quill never left the page…
“Right then. I will list my first few questions….and you can answer them in whatever order suits you best” she paused and then scribbled. “I will ask you questions because I want to know what you already know, and provide my expertise. Just… keep an open mind. I can give you all of the fundamentals and tools to succeed, it is just up to you to accept it. But, I do encourage you to question and even battle me if you wish… but no in the kind of battling you do” she winked and smiled.
“Alright – What do you think being a Lady is?”
“In a perfect world – where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?”
“What is your opinion on the term ‘kissing ass’”
“And… what kind of pie is your favorite?”
She scribbled the questions down as she asked them, smiling to herself at the last one.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 5, 2018 0:39:19 GMT -5
Rhys pulled her things from the back of her horse as well and followed Lenna upstairs. “It is nice to get away from the city for this.” She spoke as she then headed down the hallway to a room on the left. She set her things inside and then made her way downstairs. She stepped up and sat across from Lady Lenna as she was told to do so. She looked to the quill and her elegant writing. She hadn’t done much writing or reading. Her father wasn’t the best at it, it was her mother that was more educated, though…without her mother William hadn’t had the time to teach her such things.
She smiled and let out a soft laugh to Lenna’s joke and then gave a nod. “Of course. I wouldn’t dare draw a weapon on you, Lady Lenna.” She laughed lightly then. She then fell silent as she was asked the questions. “Being a Lady.” She paused a moment thinking on it. “Nobility, is the first word that comes to mind when I think of a Lady. I see a woman that is well dressed and carries herself well. She attends many gatherings such as balls and tea time, and can even be invited to large feasts for celebration.” She then shook her head. “Beyond you, I haven’t been given the time by any other Lady. Nobility has always looked down upon me for my stature, I’ve never had quite the clothing to even come close to speaking with anyone of your stature, Lady Lenna. Even when I dressed in the most expensive clothing my father and I could make to help him deliver swords and shields, I was still a peasant in their eyes.”
She then searched Lenna’s eyes. “What is it that you see as a Lady?” She asked. “I imagine your view, from the outside as a foreigner in our land creates a different lady. You are more kind than any other noble I’ve met…” She then paused as she was asked the next question. She let out a laugh. “If I could have anything?” She asked and smiled. “I would wish for the king to recognize that I am a talented swordsmith, as well as a talented fighter. I’ve trained since I was young. My father trained me, in hopes that if our city is ever under siege again I can protect myself…” She looked away then. “I want to protect our people…from that.”
She then looked to Lady Lenna, “What is it like, where you are from? How is it different from Strathmore?”
She paused and thought about the next question. “Dorian always kisses ass to my father.” She chuckled. “He has been begging to take me to the ball for years. He even offered up coin to help my father pay for my dress.” She shook her head. “In the right instances, I suppose it could get you places, though…I am one for honor I suppose would be the proper word. To have integrity.” She nodded. “Does a lady even do such a thing?” She asked.
Rhys chuckled at the last question. “Blueberry, in the spring.” She smiled, “My…mother made the best.” She paused a moment, “Luckily I have her recipe in one of our books in the kitchen. A bit of cinnamon and honey, it is a splendid mixture.” She sat back in her chair, “Though, we cannot afford it really, unless I go and pick the berries myself.”
Rhys then looked to the page that Lenna was scribing onto. “You’ve beautiful penmanship. My mother had lovely writing as well.” She looked about the home. “Where you come from, do they look down upon talented women, as they do in our kingdom?” She searched Lenna’s eyes. “I’ve not met many women that can even write, let alone in cursive as beautiful as yours….”
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