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Post by Sir Dmitrii Zurban on Nov 20, 2009 15:45:23 GMT -6
Dmitrii was talking about his work that day, while Aegraine walked beside, and they were laughing. Suddenly a hand shot out from the space between two buildings and grabbed Martin's arm. lePower reeled about, surprised for he had his mind on too many other things to notice he had been watched. "Why, it is you." Ae's father turned and began speaking to the shadow figure still hidden in the gap between structures.
"Where's Da?" Ae finally noticed him not with them. "I was about to tell him, one can smell Dora's cooking clear from the ..Look! Da has been robbed!" It did appear that was the truth as Martin came walking to them, carrying an almost coin purse in one hand. His expression was both questioning and alarmed.
Unimportant conversations and humorous quips turned to concern as the pair looked behind them to find Martin not even close. Then her exclamation of robbery caused Dmi’s hand to react to behind him… but to no avail, as he did not wear his twin blades this day. Realization of the fact then summoned his hand to his hip, where a simple dagger hung.
"No, no money was taken. It was given." He showed both of them what had been given to him, back at the tiny alleyway. "I talked with the Mute. You recall him, working at the wall repair project. Good worker, he was. I had no idea he could speak." Martin opened the purse and showed Dmitrii and Aegraine a small collection of coins, English coins, and a man's ring. The design was that of three red crosses on the top third of a white background, with the same crosses on the lower space, a wide red band across the main background. It was obviously a family crest, in enamel work atop a basic gold ring.
Dmi’s hand moved away from his hip without retrieving the blade as Martin walked back to them, relieving them of the concern. Dmitrii nodded in acknowledging Martin’s comment about the Mute.
"Why did a workman give you this? What does he want?" Ae had suspicions for this very turnabout exchange. "Usually folks hit you up for donations… because they know you always help them out?"
As the three walked on, closer to Ae's cottage home, Martin elaborated as much as there was to tell. "It seems the man was mute because he has a very English accent, that of Yorkshire area, I suspect. This ring, he asks for Jenks to take with him to London Town and let the man's family know he is alive. If possible, let Jenks take him along as a servant. He has been trapped in Turas Lan since the war. Can you believe that?"
Dmitrii inquired as to how did Martin know to trust the “Mute"? “Father, how do yu know to trust that man… especially since he misguided yu as to being mute…?” The man displayed a true concern for his soon-to-be Father-in-Law.
"I know he tells me the truth because he gave the secret sign of... er, a club I once thought about joining. They are all honorable men; who else would know the proof sign but one of the 'good ones'?"
Club? Honorable men? Dmi thought… the only club related to symbols that donned the ring was one he knew of… He looked to Aegraine, then to her father, his hand rubbing his chin in contemplation. He remembered Ae’s unwillingness to accept the Knights Templar as honorable men. But he glanced at her briefly, then refocused back on her father, his steel grey eyes darkening at the fact that martin seem to hold deep dark secrets.
Either Ae did not hear her Father's remarks about the organization or she ignored it on purpose. No matter; she did not remark on it. The three continued onto Weir Lane, drawn onward to Aegraine's cottage by the aroma of a spiced venison and beef stew, with mutton but do not tell Martin which parts of the sheep Dora had minced up to add into the thick vegetable sauce.
The servant stood at the doorway, waving her stew ladle and calling out, "Come along you; 'tis done and stew waits no one. Bring your appetites." Dora Lynch did look a little different today, her hair covered with the wimple of a married woman, for it hid her gray-white hair and therefore she seemed younger. She was plumper now, too. From her outline in the doorway, one knew it was not fat but that the older woman was actually expecting her first child. After all these years, all the husbands and men in her past and Dora was going to be a mother, in who knew what time; From all appearances, soon.
Good Wife Lynch had set up a plank table before the hearth and seated Aegraine, Dmitrii, and Martin on a bench. Each had before them a wooden carved trencher loaded with thick stew, vegetable chunks rounded with their long simmering; the meat cubes sharp cut edges gave them a starring role in the medley. There were wooden carves spoons and that was it. No table cloth or napkins. If anything spilled, why Beo and Wulf were more than eager to clean it off the floor planks.
"I come to cook one more dinner, before it might be time. Clovis is going to sign his mark to the papers and take possession of the lands and house their Majesties granted to him, upon winning that joust. Now eat. Enjoy." Lynch set round loaves of fresh baked oatmeal bread upon the table, to tear up and use with the meal. "We be grateful to the Almighty for the bounty here." Dorie nodded her head and respectfully took her own trencher of stew and bread chunk to sit outside on the door stoop. It had been a long day for her, too.
After such a meal, all stuffed and sipping a glass of wine that Martin had provided, the three relaxed before the hearth. Across the room, Dora took herself to the far edge of Aegraine's curtained bed and there slept a while, loud snoring proved that fact without a doubt. In the shadows those huge dogs rested, an occasional yawn to show their teeth glittering in reflected light was all they moved.
Despite the revelation of Martin’s associations, Dmitrii enjoyed the company of Lady Lynch’s hospitality. He had also said a prayer to the Almighty giving thanks for bounty and friends… and he too indulged in the stew, until he was full, and could eat no more…
Doing likewise, he sat next to Ae near the hearth. He watched the flames dance as Martin made his way to a comfortable chair.
"I am just resting my eyes." Martin collapsed into the one chair, feet propped on a footstool.
"That is what he tells us when he is going to sleep." Aegraine whispered to Dmitrii, as they sat together on a big high -back wooden bench near the dying down hearth fire. Both of them propped their feet on the same crate, as the huge dinner and long workday did their magic even on the young, making them both drowsy.
Leaning his head toward her, he could smell her as she leaned toward him and sparked thoughts unmentionable… then he glanced toward Martin nodding at her comment.
"Do you think he is really asleep" , meaning Martin, of course.
Dmitrii shrugged and wrapped an arm around Aegraine. “Nyze ny ishse…” with a smile… “we could hope…” he winked back.
It was late, the cottage was quiet and the wonderful meal became a memory, its aroma still lingered in the air. Ae rested her head upon Dmitrii's shoulder and half dreamed of wonderful days to come.
Relaxing with someone you love and good friends means oh so much to Dmitrii. With a life of war and strife, could old age in peace be so bad?? He looked to Ae and smiled…
~~~~~~
Aegraine brought apples to Troika and Alt, when she visited the stables on her way home. These days of late became as busy as war time, in spite of the ongoing peace time. Now that she lived without a servant, Dora gone to her own home with a new born son, how much work was done for her became all too evident to the engineer.
Each evening, after training classes of new recruits, Ae visited their horses and made a loop through the marketplace, where vendors sold already prepared dinner. One time it was the lady with beef stew, another time the woman who made chicken pies. Good, but not like home cooking. "I wish I had let Dmitrii or his cook teach me more about preparing food." She tasted a small loaf of dark bread she bought for breakfast the next morning.
Like Aegraine, whose daily routine consumed all her time, Dmitrii had been occupied with work as well. Her father was no help, as he went about gathering things in readiness to send the aide, Jenks, to London, with advertising for the construction company. Printed pamphlets and a salesman visiting was such a new concept.
The coach size dogs, Beo and Wulf, followed her every step so Ae was not really alone, but she did feel lonely. How much company her serving woman was she did not know until now.
"Here. Go run for a while" Aegraine let the dogs out to do a few runs about the town streets on their own and sat on the cottage step. She watched them race each other and leaned against the door frame. As she sat there, waiting for her pets return and thinking what was Dmitrii doing now and how was his long lost cousin doing, she felt as if someone was watching. Across the cobblestone Weir Lane, a house down, from between the sides of two buildings, someone was observing her. Someone knew she was in that cottage, alone.
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Dmitrii smelled of smoke and charred animals… luckily it was not human. Grime and soot blackened his face and he was sooo tired. His muscles ached from carrying so many buckets. The Mo’r Traith had now formed shifts to battle the remaining blaze and Dmi was free once more. Down Weir Lane he strode… bootfalls heavy upon the cobblestone. He missed Aegraine and wanted to be near her once more.
Knowing full well she did not cook, he had stopped by a vendor and bought some food… Round the corner and down the lane, he whistled an old Rus folk song as he made his way to the home of his beloved. As he neared, he saw her sitting upon the stoop… and he waved to her with his free hand.
“Dmi?" Aegraine stood waving, and then she ran to meet him, arms out wide. "Are the fires out? I had no idea what was going on." At this point she greeted him with a kiss that left soot on her nose and chin.
Dmitrii waved as she called his name… and as she ran to him, they embraced, picking her up easily and swinging her in a circle. “Good eve, m’luv… Such a greeting I can get use to…” then he set her down and shook his head at her question… “Nay, some burn below still… it might be days before it is extinguished completely…”
One arm around him, Ae walked with Dmitrii to the direction of her cottage. "Come for dinner...I got some bread and a bit of mild wine. The table is not quite like when Dora was here." The dogs Beo and Wulf ran around each side and pushed their way into Ae's home, in for the night.
Dmitrii chuckled and held out some fruit and fresh duck… “I know yu do not cook…” then he laughed and swatted her arse as she stepped thru the doorway. “We must be married soon, or yu shall starve to death…” he winked… “I must have yu healthy to bear us children…” offering her a sultry smirk.
"Oh! That smells delicious!" She got a plate for the duck and two dishes for their dinners. "Soon as we get permission and set the date." she spoke cheerfully, rolling her eyes. "Heaven forbid that I starve!" There was of course no chance of that while market ladies sold cooked meals.
"How bad are the streets? I was doing training today for the young folks who are going out to check on the roads and do repairs to make them passable, supports from the underground pathways and all. I am told that will begin as soon as the fires are out." Talking while she worked, Ae got a basin, soap and a towel so Dmitrii could wash a little, before dining. The room clearly showed there was no servant at home. Open curtains revealed a rumpled unmade bed. Shoes and a change of her clothing strewn about the bench and hearth were covered with the same grime that came from the burned passages under the streets.
“The streets are cluttered with debris… Adam has ordered teams to begin the clearing… Others are still below fighting the remnants of the blaze… The biggest concern is a restart of a blaze, or streets falling thru….” He glanced around the room just before returning to him with the basin… “I see that Lady Dora is nay about… maybe yu should return to Lake Manor…” waggling his eyes just before smothering his face with water.
"I am so glad you are not injured. I prayed for your safety and that of all the others fighting the blaze." It had been three years since Ae had prayed. She had not lost faith, only her confidence she was worthy of being heard.
Wiping his face with the towel, he side-glances at her… “Pray?” canting his head… “Really?” Laying the towel down, he walks to her, taking her into his arms… his rough fingers tipping her chin up, as they stood face to face. “I’d walk the very paths of hell to be with yu…” he did not have to say he loved her, his steel-grey eyes could say it for him… This usually gruff individual melted to mere butter when they embraced… God help him if ever she left his life…
"From the way it looks in the fire zone beneath the streets, you might have just done that." They had the same goals in life, to their sworn duties to this land and to each other.
Over near the hearth, Beo and Wulf lounged, with a glance over to the young couple, and went back to their near slumber. What do humans know? The dogs thought their people were amusing, to say the least. Kisses did not interest the canine family members, but there did keep a slit of an eye open, to make sure they did not miss a thing.
Dmi chuckled at her comment. Now sitting at the table in her small cottage, holding hands, he looks to her. “Aegraine, I would like to approach the Mo…” Just then a knock upon the door interrupted him… Looking at Ae confused, he glanced to the door.
At the door stood the man from the shadows, who had been watching Aegraine, not moments before Dmitrii arrived. The man wore a black hooded cloak that covered his shoulders. Under the cloak were the dress of the Isle of Raasay… Dmitrii immediately stood and moved between Aegraine and the man, his hand going to the dagger at his hip. “Sir Robert?? What are yu doing here?”
Déjà vu !!! It was Sir Robert who had captured Dmi and Willa over a year ago. Now Dmi was more hesitant of Sir Robert…. Though it was he would had saved Dmitrii and Adam from death in the Highlands. Dmi nudged Aegraine back a bit should Robert try anything.
“Lord Dmitrii…” he bows then looks to Aegraine. “I beg yer pardon MiLady for the intrusion…” he bows slightly again. Cold blue eyes, aged more than 50 now, looked at Aegraine emotionless. “Yu are more like yer mother than yer father…” he says nonchalantly. “Speaking of Lord Martin… have yu seen him o’late? I must see him…”
Dmitrii glances back at Aegraine over his shoulder, then back to Robert.
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Post by Sir Dmitrii Zurban on Dec 11, 2009 12:45:00 GMT -6
Ae grabbed a collar of each of the dogs, as they stood to face Robert, a low growl in both their throats. As she stepped back into the shadow of Dmitrii, Aegraine held the shaggy gray mutts at bay. The instinct to let them free itched at her. "How is it you know of my Mother?" The question was more of a cloak to her recognition of that voice than an inquiry. That voice. It echoed from the distant past, when her Da traveled with his family, to France.
Sir Robert bowed and glanced at the two sets of glaring white teeth. Rising, he nodded and removed his hood. “I knew yer Mother for many years before yu were born… and remained close to her… well, until yer Father came along… After that, yer Father and I had business arrangements together.”
Aruilla, the engineer's Mother was a woman few men forgot. She was tall beauty who stood proud, long curling blonde hair filling space about her like a halo, a cloud. Martin's second wife was, it was said in those days, temptation incarnate. Safe enough to be herself in Ireland, Aurilla was not one to change her ways just because she was in a different country, with more "protective" customs for females. How indeed was she anything like her Mother, Ae wondered. Unless it was her career here in Skye. Yes, Robert caught her off guard. At least Aegraine was not alone here.
She glanced to Dmi, in case this was someone who ought not know where to find Martin. Beo snarled but Aegraine kept him back; Wulf sniffed the air as if he was going to remember the scent. Who exactly was this man and how did he know Dmi and her parents?
Dmitrii watched Robert. He owed a debt to Robert for saving his life, yet he did not trust him because of what occurred before. “Sir Robert… state yer business now… here. What is it yu wish from Lady Aegraine? Her Father is nay here… he is upon his own… Yu retain resources vast enough to find Lord lePower on yer own.” Dmitrii was not as pleasant as he could have been, but hard feelings were hard to dispel.
Robert nodded his head. “Lord Zurban, I know yu retain hard feelings agin me… I pray forgiveness…” he paused, then looked at Aegraine. “Lord lePower constructed some foundations for us… and he is the only one outside the Templars that knows the plans… and the Illuminati has been attempting to locate any plans that may prove advantageous to felling those foundations… I pray I find him before they do…”
Dmitrii’s expression changed when he mentioned Illuminati… he just looked to Aegraine…
The Illuminati. It was a word her parents cautioned against, before she had ever had an inkling what it meant. Later, she had reasoned that the Illuminati were the sworn enemies of her Father's friends, for generations going back to the Crusades. There were lePower holdings in those olden days, Martin's ancestral lands, in Sicily, Rome, Messina, and smaller plots in other locations. As a young man Martin had traveled worldwide, studying stone work, and in that capacity had visited many of the old abandoned home places. Each spot he was told of the bickering and power struggle between the two factions.
Now Aegraine was in a stage in life in where she had become strongly pair-bonded with Dmitrii in all ways except that reserved for their eventual marriage. He was her soul mate; she trusted him more than any living being. Priest or parent included. So, not knowing what to say to this Sir Robert, she looked back to Dmi and replied to the inquiry. "My father is an old man, Sir. His memory is not what it used to be." This was not a lie. Martin often forgot an obvious word or name. He did not, however, forget one bit of business and of construction. "If you think it prudent, Dmi, how can we help this gentleman?" Aegraine kept her hands on the dogs’ collars, just in case.
Robert nodded again. “We are all in the path of death MiLady. Though Lord Martin is waning in years, I am sure his stone memory is solid.” He started to take a step inside the doorway, but immediately froze when the dogs growled, baring white teeth, and strained against Aegraine’s hands at the collars.
Dmitrii looked to Robert as he stepped forward, shifting to his left foot, placing himself more in front of Ae. Keeping an eye on Robert, he speaks over his shoulder. “Tis your decision… but I shall be with yu every minute. All discussion are thru me, and yu shall heed my decision, no questions asked. Agreed??” he looks back at her and then to Robert for an agreement.
Robert smirked… “Agreed !!” Bowing slightly, his eyes looking to the pair. “Someone will contact yu in the next few days… They will produce a ring such as this. Speak to no one unless they show yu the sign.” He held out his hand displaying a ring such as the one given to Martin days before. Robert stood erect deep in thought. “Some of the Templar members were some of the best architects in the known world… Martin was no different… how else could Aegraine be so good at what she does?” The man bowed and backed from the cottage, turning and disappearing into the dark night, as if by magic.
Dmitrii huffed and quickly closed the door, securing it with the heavy bar; then closing the shutters on the windows, walked back to Aegraine… His strong hands upon her arms as he looked into her eyes. “My love, yu have chosen a dangerous path… I know not what lies ahead, but know my life is yers… I would give it freely to save yu…” His steel grey eyes would lighten as he looked at her. “I love you…” then he pulled her to him in a loving embrace, his hands lightly rubbing her back.
Ae leaned her head against him, looking up with eyes glassy with tears she would not allow to happen. "I wish we had been married before this, before I realized that Da was in trouble again. One time, he took us to France and there were terrible consequences. We have been, our family, in Scotland, in Aberdeen and in various islands, working for similar secret constructions and sometimes he took me along, to see what he had accomplished." She had been very little but that photographic memory of hers was in full action, even then.
Dmitrii nodded in agreement that he too, had wished they had been married before. And he listened as she continued.
"My Father knows more about this land and others than I want to admit. You should know, I walked with him through arched passage ways, when I was a young girl. He was showing me where to find the stone worker's marks, the ones that tell who should be paid for building this part of the whole. "These marks, " he told me in that whisper of his that says do not repeat but remember, "are those of our workers; to see this one..for example, tells he is one who works for the Templar; a man to be trusted. Therefore, a mark on this list tells who is on their side or one of the company. Those others..." She does not say the word Illuminati but Dmitrii knows that is what's meant. "The others would pay well for a list of those mason's marks." That particular tunnel system was billed as a "sewer" to serve a monastery with a population less than two dozen.
She told him about a part of her life that was a well-guarded secret… one worth safeguarding… “Da…” nodding… “…they would be willing to do anything to get that list… even after all these years…” he paused, shaking his head… “I do not know how they can call themselves Priests, or Holy Messengers of God, when they commit such atrocities…” he remarked.
"Dmi? I don't want to vanish; I want us to have a normal married life, happy with our children and living at Lake Manor. Not looking at every shadow for someone who might snatch me away and pick my brain for Da's secret information. We waited for so long for war to end and find this peacetime. And now this?" Ae was afraid that she and her Dad, Dmitrii as well, were going to be in the middle of an age old quarrel of bitter enemy factions.
If anyone asked, Ae wanted to be married then and now, the next day, yesterday. With the cloud of troubles hanging over them right now, was this a wise idea? Logic and love are very different ways to look at life. There might be no tomorrow.
He took her into his arms… “I swear, yu shant disappear… Yu are my wife are yu not…” he spoke a bit premature… then chuckled. “Maybe we should have counted the turns around the fire instead of being so drunk…” then he broke into a laugh, nudging her a bit. “We will be fine… I know it… I have not felt the hair upon my neck raise yet.” He teased.
* * * * * * * *
The next morning, they both went to visit her father Martin at his rented luxurious residence in one of the finer neighborhoods in Turas Lan. They entered through ten foot high, paired, bronze-embossed oak doors and crossed a swirl pattern golden wheat color marble floor, to the hall. The great room was centered about a wide hearth, glowing with warmth in the early frosty morning air.
Dmitrii was amazed at lePower’s residence. He looks to Aegraine. “The man has funds…” he teased. Meanwhile, he just looked around and took in the surroundings.
At table, Elder lePower waved his servants away and gave Rhupert directions that took him away from their presence. "Take the new man and show him the horses and let him know what is expected in regard to their care. You may take the other one with you, too. In fact I insist." The other one was the one and same man who gave Martin that mysterious ring. He was the very man Rhupert Jenks was supposed to sneak back into London.
"Sit. Please. Breakfast with me; dining is best with good company." Martin indicated where he would like his daughter and Dmitrii to sit, directing others as was his way. "I suppose you have come to let me know when I need to be there to give the bride away, to sign that contract, eh?" It was his way of fishing for their reason, right off the top.
"Da? There might be a problem with some business deals you did a while back. A long while ago." Aegraine had bread and mug of warmed wine before her but did not touch the food yet.
Dmitrii sat down next to Ae… Soon, he too, had bread and wine before him as well. Mimicking Ae’s actions, he waited for her. For the time being, he just looked to Martin.
"Problems? I paid all my contractors; no one owes me. I have had no complaints. What can be wrong? Zurban? Have you any idea what the hail she's talking about?" lePower took up a thick slab of oatmeal bread and covered it with honey and bit into it.
What he was about to hear was going to make the old man choke on his breakfast.
Dmi would remain silent while Aegraine and Martin spoke. And when the old man asked of him, Dmi just shrugged.
"I see." The old man laced his fingers together and held them before his face, elbows propped upon the table. His breakfast had no appeal to him anymore. "I have had similar doings with him and job sites in other countries, as well as here. Illuminati came snooping about and once they got a good look at Aurilla, saw her. Heard wind of her talent for divining not only water but empty spaces in underground rock, they got the local churches set against us. Wanted to burn her at the stake." Martin thought about it and continued anyway. "Such death sentences were legal in that time and place. Point in history, the execution of DeMolay, but a year later."
"He is a good man, Sir Robert, but like hounds after a fox, the others come after him, sniffing out what they can. I might be in some trouble if that comes to be." His voice was gruff and fading at the end of that sentence.
At that moment, Aegraine who had been standing in the kitchen doorway, came over to kiss her Dad goodbye. "I have to be at work soon. The new ones are going to be going over proper weapon cleaning and storage, for the armory."
Dmitrii listened to Martin, only to glance to Aegraine to watch her expressions. He was divided… to stay with Ae or go to the Infirmary as requested by his Sister. He knew, should Ae get involved with the Illuminati, things could get difficult. But he also knew she had to resolve the family situation. He just shook his head in thought.
She turned to Dmitrii and handed him two folded linen cloths. "Please, when you go to see your cousin give her the green one and the blue is for your sister. I have been embroidering." They were scarves for hair cover or neck decoration, both covered with sewn on wild flowers typical of the woodlands near Lake Manor. "I look forward to meeting your cousin, when she is well enough for visitors."
Dmi looked at Ae and smiled… then taking the linen cloths, he smiled… “I am sure they would be greatly pleased…” then folding the material and shoved it into his jacket. “Luv, I am sure she will like to meet yu… but I fear the worst is yet to come for her… she has been deathful ill…” Limiting the conversation about Eryn, only to keep the situation lowkey.
His hand moves to her lower back, urging her closer to him, lulling into an embrace… He would whisper in her ear… “Be extremely careful luv… tis dangerous to say the least with the Illuminati… but I MUST got to Kaelyn and Eryn… please understand… mine is pressing and unavoidable, yers is not… please delay if at all possible until I return…”
Dmitrii feared for Ae… he knew how the crazed the Illuminati could be… He would kiss her deeply, disregarding her Father near them. “I luv yu my dear… be mindful of those around yu…” as his eyes veered from her to Martin and back. His steel-grey eyes would speak volumes. Then he would depart the immaculate home of Martin lePower.
From a distant, a shadowy figure would watch the man leave, knowing full well, the woman and her Father remained behind closed gates… safe… for now.
Dmitrii feared for Ae… he knew how the crazed the Illuminati could be… He would kiss her deeply, disregarding her Father near them. “I luv yu my dear… be careful…” as his eyes veered from her to Martin and back. His steel-grey eyes would speak volumes. Then he would depart the immaculate home of Martin lePower.
"I will be careful. Give my love to your cousin and say that I wish for her recovery soon." Ae waved from the doorway before she closed and barred it. It was very early morning and there were no guests expected at this hour.
"So now, almost time for me to go to the castle." Aegraine looked over at her Dad and saw the man slowly shake his head no. She was comfortable with Dmitrii going to see what was what with his long lost cousin. His sense of duty and care of family made her even more proud of the one she loved.
"Stay home today, daughter. You have no idea what is out there, who is out there waiting for you to go out walking alone." He patted the wide arm of his chair at table and motioned for Aegraine to come sit, like she used to when she was young and her father had something serious to discuss. "I am remiss it telling you some details of our family history and of their dealings with the Templar and the ‘others’." The old man still did not like pronouncing that word.
The engineer let go of her surprise visit to the new recruits and the class she was going to spring on them and like a good child, she seated herself on her Da's chair, one arm around his weary, slumped shoulders. "If it is something I ought to know, tell me. I'm listening."
"First of all, it is necessary to tell you from the beginning. That being from before I married Aurilla." He drew in a deep breath, like going into a forbidden territory. It had to be done. His eyes drooped at the corners these days and lines began their tracks across his face, worries took their toll on a man already old by the era's standards. "Let me tell you how I met your Mother."
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Post by Martin lePower on Dec 11, 2009 21:09:14 GMT -6
From the memories of an old man: Martin tells his daughter a few facts about the family history.
“How I met your Mother.”
Aegraine sat upon the arm of the chair and listened to her Dad telling about the old days. Recently Martin lePower was reviewing his life, like flipping through the pages of an almost forgotten story. The following is what he related to her that morning.
“ Now you realize I have had two real earth shaking loves in my life, the castle Caernarfon and your mother, Aurilla. You know about the castle as it has been my main employ of work and thought in over the past fifty or more years. It is constant and solid, solid and never moving. Aurilla was very different."
“At that time, I had been a widower for some years, sons gown and with grandchildren but had me no inclination to remarry. Yes, there were women here and again, but no one I would consider a decent wife. In fact, I did not consider them at all.” Guilt of how he was did not sit with Martin. He was only out for fun and did not think that hurtful for anyone.
“One day between seasons of construction at Caernarfon and the warring spring time, for we went out hiring our siege machines for profits, to the “good” side, the ones with the means to pay us. I took a few dozen of my fellow management workers with me to Waterford, and then headed up in direction of Ulster, a nice horse ride in the early winter. The bracken thickets provided us deer, boar and birds for shooting and a nice roasted dinner each evening, We drank and talked of what it would be like to be a hero. Among the group was Issac Curran, Robert of Raasay, John O’ Dale and Hawk Lewellen, him being from Gwynedd where Caernarfon is built. “ Here his voice had the old lilt to it and the words flowed out one after the other, without effort or ahem and er, ah between phrases. He was in his glory, storytelling.
“We had a messenger come by foot, gasped a call for aide in a nearby by hill fort; it seems sea raiders were at their door, in a strange matched up siege. The Hill fort had the numbers and he raiders the weapons, a few capable to striking across the defenses of the fort, “ We need your help. It be a re-enactment.” Although with his accent we were unaware what he meant, exactly. Re-enactment.”
“I know that place, Daggenwier. Good folks there; I vote we go see what we can do for them” Robert looked to me as host to make the first move to head up there and make like heroes. I did not feel like a hero that day. It was late and my feet hurt from the jaunt over hill and I ached from hauling the boar back to the camp. Yes, the helper might have done this for me, but the experience of the hunt, feeling the experience as if I were still young man in my Father’s house was why I came to the north. “
Hawk Lewellen sat back, for this was a foreign land to him and he was still learning Irish ways, some things he considered odd, like laws in the north being spoken in poetry, unwritten. Well, siege weapon are un written or drawn out complete; I did see how he was uncomfortable with speaking out at this moment.
Issac and O’Dale were already getting their armor ready and the grooms rounded up the horses, saddling up before the order came.
“Mart. Do this for me. See, there is this young lady I would not like to see her suffer what can be changed.” Rob knew what was going on.
“Right. We go and investigate. I do not even know how many of the besiegers there be.” At that point training and conditoning took over and we all, dozens of the men with us as well, come up to the crest of the Daggenweir. It was clear but windy. Snow and frozen puddles make the grass crunch under the horse hooves and we rode in slow to see maybe seventy men with hand weapons and six ballistae. It was those machines which could site and hit across the ditch, over the spikes logs set up against invaders.
I looked in the fading light and I saw a little pale figure bounding along atop the pallaside of logs and packed earth, high above the enemy. With my spyglass to eye, I saw the loveliest young girl, billowing curling blonde hair dancing in the breeze and she was dancing along the wall, calling some kind of taunt to the raiders, She was dressed in not white clothes as I thought but streaks of white and blue paint. Oh she did have the attention of the raiders, one and all. She was doing acrobatics atop the wall and it hit me that this was the time to take out their ling distance weapons. "
"Robert saw me take the spyglass away and motion to the six machines, and of course there were no horses. I imagined some of them to be still in their ship, but we dealt with here and now. Strange men I saw through the spyglass, dressed in bits of armor from the olden days and armed with bastilla of the style used back at Hadrian’s wall. This I knew from our lePower history."
Hawk yelled a signal and the entire bunch of us, fueled by the whiskey that washed our dinners down, came cascading down into the vale, with much whooping and stumbling over the brushwood , to chase the ‘villian’s off.”
All the time this went on, the cheerleader atop the wall kept up her verbal barrage, although what few words we heard were in her language, not one I knew.
It was a weird fight, for soon as we got there, the villians threw their weapons and ran. Ran they did, and looped about to join in a huge fair and party set up in the hill fort. It was a re-play of an age old victory over enemy gone so long ago, their ghosts are faded.
After the ruccus was over, the leaders of the fort invited us all to dine with them, and of course a few more rounds of drink. Isacc had snagged a jug of the brew being passed about and we tasted true strong drink, after which much got forgotten, except one golden moment.
Across the room came this little girl, for she looked s young, a thick cloak wrapped toe to chin and come before my face, face to face. She was tall.
“ You did good, sir. I knew Robert would not let us down.” She smiled brightness, like the sun did over a cold frozen day. “Tis the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, the night when we act over our victory of the invaders.” From the look of them, it must have been as long ago as Roman days.
“I am Aurilla, wall dancer. And you are my Victor-he.” It was difficult for her to pronounce some of our words, still learning the language. “Come lets dance. Just a few rounds about the campfire, yes?” She had me by the hand, dragging me to the dancing area.
“Well, I was a guest and a drunken one at that. Round and the fire we went, until I woke the next day with one of a doozey of a hangover and there beside was Aurilla. I had that blue and white paint of hers transferred all over me! They tell me we got wed. “ Martin laughed out loud, at the absorbed idea of it all.
“Well, her folk had decamped during the night, so she got dressed up in Hank’s spare suit of clothes, right over her body paint and I carried her back to the estate in Waterford, much to my family’s disapproval.
“Your Mother converted to Christianity of her own will, but it was not so much of a change as an adding to her own beliefs. You see she saw that the Church offered something new, something she wanted . The concept of forgiveness. We were wed in the chapel at home; you were born the next year.” He gave a sigh like the wind exhaling out of a bagpipe at the end of a long song.
“This is how I met your Mother. Sir Robert set it up, for she was his friend long before she was mine. Him and others, I later found out.”
“Daddy! You told me you met Mum at church.! This story? This cannot be true, can it?” Aegraine was enlightened but disappointed at the same time.
“I tell you this now because Sir Robert is here and will be speaking with us. You need to know also, your Mother’s folk were close to the earth, to nature and she did have skills unlike most of us do. She could cure things with a few herbs and sweet words. She spoke to animals and birds and they came to her hand like tame children. Worst of all, as if these things did not make her suspect ,” He dared not saw the words accused of witchcraft, “ she had the talent of finding water under the earth, with just a forked stick. She could find empty spaces under the land or where solid rock was with the flick of a willow wand. I forbid her to teach you any of this, for your own safety, Aegraine. “
“Whatever you do, do not let Sir Robert or anyone trick you into trying to see if you have inherited her talents. Ever.’
Martin did what he had to do, said what he must to protect his only daughter. The rest was up to her.
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Post by Dame Aegraine lePower-Zurban on Dec 30, 2009 22:39:14 GMT -6
It was still 1329, late in the year...
After Martin told his daughter the story about meeting her Mother, Aegraine went to a drawing table and finished placing covers on the drawings of castles on parchment, as she had recorded in her memory. Over each one that her Dad had requested, there was a cover page of almost clear vellum where Ae had drawn what the improved, better defense against cannon attack walls would be. This collection went along with the carton of pamphlets printed by the Gypsy to advertise lePower Constuction. When Rupert Jenks took this collection to visit important buildings and contact new customers, he was going to be the first traveling salesman for the family. Until this time. word of mouth and wars spread their business possibilities.
She put the story about the old days and Sir Robert aside, concerned on the surface by getting the drawings done in time and in her background thought, she hoped all was going to go well with Dmi and his long lost cousin. Martin dozed in his chair near the hearth, a thing he did more and more these days. There were few sounds besides flapping of pages and crackling of the fire. Suddenly there was a loud rapping at the front doorway. Martin startled awake and Aegraine looked over at the doorway. "It's alright, Da. Cook is answering it." No one told their cook to screen any visitors, so she did not. Through the side room led by the well meaning cook came Sir Robert, the very man who had come to call at Aegraine's home. Good thing Dmitrii was there at the time. Today, it was only Martin, his daughter and tiny shy little Maggie the cook. "Gentleman want see you, Sir. He say it is important. " Maggie ducked out to tend the baking, for answering a door was not her job. Sir Robert stood at the door, the hooded cape shadowing his face, waiting for entry. It had been a very long time since he had seen Martin lePower up close. Often he had shadowed the man, but failed to make the proper appropriate appearance. Now he had to see the old man.
LePower sat up in his chair, still half alive in the dream he was jolted from to see his visitor at the door. Standing with some effort, the elder called out, "Come in! Rob, tis you? After all these years, come on in man. Let me get a good look at you. Has time done to you what it has to me? Look my red hair gone to white and gone entirely?"
Happy to see his long away friend, Martin opened his arms to wrap them about the man, lest this be some apparition, a figment of his previous dream still visible in a waking state, if indeed he was awake. Martin stood with creaks in his knee joints and he required both hands to the chair arms to rise, not quickly as he had jumped up even last year. Time was catching up with lePower, so much that he even admitted to being older. Wrinkles about those eyes still bright blue as ever had company with the lines all over his face and what showed of his neck.
Aegraine was watching and stuffing her drawings into the travel pouch for London, so that Sir Robert could not see the current project for her family's construction company.
Sir Robert Frail was an imposing figure, with a large muscular frame of a man in his mid forties. It was something about him that disheartened people. His movements were slow and calculated, and his eyes are always scanning the area, even when he spoke to you. When his eyes fell upon you, you feel as if he is seeing through you to what you hide, and that he knew just what it was. His clothes were made of dark dyed wool, and his sword is stuck into a leather belt. He continued his prayers of a Templar in secrecy. His wealth was not advertised as many would suspect. He too was a strong goodhearted person with a dark past. Robert shook back the hood as he stepped inside as Aegraine closed the door behind him. “Aegraine? Yu are beautiful as ever… I did not even recognize yu…” then he looks to Martin… “I, as always, am more handsome than you Martin…” he stepped to the older man, their hands clasping in a strong grip…. Then they broke into an embrace, their hands clasping the backs in a series of heavy pats. Robert’s hand smoothed over a very close cropped head of hair… “No more long locks for me lePower… I, unlike Samson, depend upon hair…” then he laughed as he sat in the chair near the hearth indicated by Martin.
"Aegraine, bolt the door and tell Mag that none enter this eve except Rupert or Dmitrii. And let her know there will be another for dinner tonight." Then turning to Sir Robert, he added, "You will stay and dine with us, won't you. We have much to discuss." How was he going to tell Robert that Aurilla was gone?
Robert sat, and as Martin spoke, his facial expression changed. “Dmitrii? As in Zurban?” He looked down and shook his head… Glancing to Aegraine, then to Martin… “Lord Zurban and I do not see things eye to eye… we have past history.” Then he looks to Aegraine and back to Martin… “I shall stay MiLord… and I pray no ill shall come from my presence…” Robert was not one to waste time, but he would not turn down food from lePower. He looked back at Aegraine who had returned to her table. Rising, he made his way to Aegraine… and in a low voice… “My apologies MiLady… When I saw yu with Lord Zurban, I did not presume it was yu…” and even in a lower voice, almost a whisper… “You are more beautiful upclose than I ever expected… much like yer Mother…” he paused… “Yu have a relationship with Lord Zurban?”
Martin looked over his shoulder at his daughter, half afraid of what she might reply.
The Ae, Sir Robert met last night, was dressed in plain standard work uniform with the addition of a short skirt, so the church did not charge her with dressing in men's clothing. Then her long dark hair was back in a long braid. Today, it framed her face, the curls let free. She was wearing a plain dark blue gown with long sleeves, in her father's house. It was no wonder Sir Robert did not recognize Aegraine at first glance. "Thank you for the compliment, Sir." Ae slid the packaged drawings aside, and tilting her head to one side, considered if this was the time to ask him about her Mother, but let that wait. "Yes," and there was no hiding the glowing smile when she mentioned his name, "Dmitrii and I are planning to be married. We have yet to set the date, but that is the next step." Now the word relationship has many levels to it but the young le Power did not consider that when she answered Sir Robert. "A second time, you mention my Mother, Sir. Can you tell me what she was like back then? I am so curious." She settled upon a side chair, near her father and listened, like a good sweet young girl should. Perhaps, Ae reasoned, that would get the careful, guarded man to talking.
Robert chuckled… “Good ole Dmitrii… Congratulations My dear Aegraine… He is a good man, though his luck lies with the battlefield, nay the women…” he smirked… “Maybe yu can change that…” Sir Robert had reflected back to Willa for a moment, then saw they were not meant for each other… but Aegraine… if she was anything like her Mother, would be perfect for Lord Dmitrii… “I pray that yu shall be happy with the Kievan Rus…”
Robert glanced to Martin as Aegraine asked about Aurilla, then smirked and looked back to Aegraine. “Aegraine my dear, yer Mother was a beautiful siren… full of life… a lure to every man that gazed upon her… and very very talented…” Robert once again looked to Martin and smirked… Robert looked to Aegraine once more… “I see Martin refuses to speak to you o yer Mother and her talents?”
Martin slid down a bit in his comfortable chair and gave a frown and side glance to Sir Robert. " You are right I have not told her anything about Aurilla's rather unusual talents. So, sit, man and listen. I will do it now, lest she hear from someone else." Sir lePower inhaled and braced himself to do what he chose not to do; tell his daughter how special her mother really was.
To be contnued - Martin relates his memories of the stunning Aurilla and her many talents. .
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Post by Dame Aegraine lePower-Zurban on Jan 15, 2010 14:43:21 GMT -6
FORGIVE
“Forgiveness liberates the soul. That’s why it’s such a powerful weapon.”……Nelson Mandela
It was late in the year, 1329. Martin sat by the hearth with his old friend Sir Robert and Aegraine. The elderly man had to hope that he was doing the right thing.
“Now you know, Ae, the church is stricter in some lands in than it is in others. You Mother was not born a Christian but converted. Do you recall how when you played in the fields, your Mum just reached out her arms to the sun and butterflies flocked about her? She had the natural scent of flowers. Would the church see that as a good thing? Her voice calmed any animal in range, with its sweetness. There was a calm confidence to Aurilla that changed the mood about her like a soothing cloud."
During this speech, Sir Robert just nodded his head, the cloak dipping up and down as if it were unihabited. His thoughts too were in the past.
"One time I went along with her, you and Sir Robert here to a place where her particular talents were urgently needed. A long sea voyage. Do you remember, Aegraine?"
Robert was watching for any flinch, any sign that Ae knew what was going to be told next.
“We went out on the high waters in a ship and there was a storm. Mum tied me to a barrel and laughed at me for being afraid.” It was a joke to ‘Rilla, her daughter was so cowardly.
Ae did not say that she spent the clear nights being taught the patterns of the stars, to guide like a map for their journey.
"Now in this land there was a man in this city, a very powerful man, who noticed your Mother as we rode into the rest stop. Rilla was like a golden goddess, riding the finest horse ." Drab little women watching her drew their head wraps over their faces and muttered at the fact Aurilla was wearing a man's suit, for it was more practical for the saddle.
“I was riding with you, Da. “ It slipped out but that was harmless.Like a sea of hushed waves, the reaction to Aurilla’ apperance spread through the locality.
“As you know, Aurilla is gone…” He began but was cut off by Ae.
“Gone? Da. Tell the man. My mother is dead. Killed by a lightening bolt atop the tower at home. I know. I was almost standing up there on the wall, beside her.” The smell of burned hair and flesh did not go away so easily, especially when the girl still felt some guilt about why Aurilla was out on the tower, trying Ae not to be so afraid of storms.
Robert drew his head back further into his hooded cloak and did not react. “Are you sure she is dead, child?” His voice tone was clinical, without emotion. Sir Robert hid what he thought , here again.
“Ah, well. I did not mean to mislead you, but your Mum is alive and probably well, wherever she be now.”
"You told me after the accident that she was with the healers and I did not question. Three years later, after my foster schooling, did you not tell me that Mum was gone?” Had she missed something here?
“Gone, not as in to the afterlife…but Gad! Do I have to admit this before God, you and old “Handsome Bobby, over there? Gadzooks! You Mother left me. Walked out. “
“But she left her hand mirror behind. Mother would not leave her looking glass if she went anywhere but into the grave.”
“Yes she did. In fact she threw it at me to end our argument. Grazed me, too.” Martin pointed to a small silvery scar across his scalp. “She must have meant to miss me.”
“Oh Daddy! The whole matter was so awful! I forgive you for not telling me before this.” Ae hugged her dear father with both arms. She did not care what Sir Robert saw or thought about her. In her heart she knew her Da only did what he had to do, to protect her from running after her Mum. Where ever it was she went.
"Then forgive me for what I am about to ask of you, Aegraine. “ The old man was pushing this forgiveness to the limit. “ When your Mother comes to your wedding, for she has been keeping tabs for you all along, Ae.” Elder leMartin paused and then cut to the quick. “ I want you to allow Aurilla to teach you about searching for things like water or empty spaces under the ground. It is only logical that you have inherited her talent.”
“Da? Has the Church changed its mind on that? I will learn if it is not something I can be censured for doing.” Aegraine had added a short skirt to her work uniform, to make certain the Church did not make trouble for her. She had keen recall of what had happened to her Mother back in France, for the same reasons.
Somewhere not far, Aegraine’s long lost Mother watched and waited for the Banns to be announced. She was going to be there for the wedding, come hail or firestorm.
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Post by Dame Aegraine lePower-Zurban on Feb 13, 2010 22:57:41 GMT -6
Mother Dearest
Somewhere not far, Aegraine’s long lost Mother watched and waited for the Banns to be announced. She was going to be there for the wedding, come hail or firestorm.
"I get it, Sir Martin." The cook came running and opened the door for Aegraine forgot to give her the message. Therefore, Dmitrii was there waiting to return to dine with the lePowers, not knowing that Sir Robert was still present.
Back of Dmi, a woman wrapped for the cold weather slipped into the house, holding a basket of fancy cakes. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves was enough to perk any appetite. " I come to bring the party goods." There was almost laughter as she headed to the kitchen with Cook.
Dmitrii stepped aside as the woman made her way to the door and entered. His head cokeed at her laughter.
" Dmi!"Ae ran to greet him, arms wide out. "Da is going to finish our contract! " Close up, she added in a whisper. " Sir Robert got in and Da is talking with him." “Robert? Again?” he exclaimed as he hugged his beloved Aegraine. “What interests him here?” Dmi was leery of the old Templar... “I am pleased that yer Father agreed to finish it... I just returned from a meeting with the Mo’r Traith...” he smiled and held her hand... “We are set to be married upon the new year, Ae... Adam and Bess gave their blessing...” he squeezed her hand and smiled bright... his neatly trimmed beard quirked in a usual manner.[/color]
They walked into the room and when he saw Martin, he bowed... “M’Lord...” then he looked to Robert... “Robert...” omitting the title as the two had once been close friends, since then, they have shared an unfriendly past dealing with Lady Willa. Looking back to Martin, Dmi smiles... “M’Lord, the Mo’r Triath has given Ae and I blessings to wed... Unless yu have changed yer mind, we marry upon the new year...”
Martin grinned like a Cheshire cat, pulling a scroll out of the case and unfurling it atop the desk top. "Approved they did? I just happened to have this contract ready. Have a seat, young Dmitrii. Read it over. See? Dowry to be deposited in her Skye bank for Aegraine to use. You provide the house and have enough income. A Church wedding, so there is no problem with inheritance, with either your country or ours." lePower slid the document around for Zurban to read. "My old friend Sir Robert can witness."
Dmitrii listened to Martin and sat in a chair across from him. Glancing to the man, he began to read the document. Seeming all was in order, Dmitrii signed the document, then pour some of Martin’s wax on it. Pressing his ring into the wax, he looked back at Aegraine. “I hope this is suitable to yu my dear...”
Aegraine whirled around as she heard someone else walk into the room, still in fear of those who seemed to swim in the wake left by Roberts passing near. It was only the bread delivery lady, who was rushing into the room, not in search of payment but smiling and joyous to see someone here.
"Bobby! Dear man! You be as handsome as ever you were!" Her arms wrapped around Sir Robert and Aurilla gave him a big kiss, smack on his lips, "Did you not see me there in the market place? I am there at work each day, near the spider elm tree." The Veiled Scribe
"You can see me in the marketplace, any day, I am the veiled scribe. Love letters written and replies crafted. I write for those who have no letters or learning but want to send their heart's message to a special someone." True they all had observed the lady with the flamboyant flowing multi colored robes near a spindly tree, her folding writing desk and inks, busy making lonely hearts happy by sending words in script that folks were too reserved to speak, at least at first. Aurilla wanted to see her only child up close yet not reveal her identity. If it were not for Sir Robert present, Rilla's disguise would have been still covering her face, the flowered veil, silky and opaque.
"I was in Ulster when the exodus came about, after the castle was overcome and got into a ship, wearing a nun' habit. Yes, Aegraine I saw you there, paying passage for all of us, away from the chaos. Better a bargain there was not to be had. I would have given all those rings and gems to get just me self away and you them to give us all passage." The still golden haired one next hugged her long unseen daughter but she did not kiss her and the hug was quick. "So this will be my son-in-law?" Aurilla stood back and gave him a once over look that missed nothing. "All I ask of you man, is to keep her happy. If you do not, I will not be as easy with you as I was with my husband. I will expect you to make things right, not run off to work or to that tramp!" She had shifted her focus from Dmitrii to Martin, mid sentence.
The woman Dmi thought a merchant, was actually a scribe he had seen many times before, yet paid no attention to... who was actually Aegraine’s Mother. He stood in bewilderment as what was going on... and her more-than-friendliness she showed Robert. At her request of him, he could only nod. Aurilla was not a bad looking woman, and he saw where Aegraine got her looks.
Martin sat there, the signed marriage contract signed and all approved, and he gave a frown to his estranged wife. "Tramp? That is the nicest thing you have ever called Clodee." he stood, his temper straining to get from his control. In mere seconds the bickering and name calling were about to explode. "In second thought, woman. Where have you been for the last seven years? A few more days and I was to have you legally dead. But here you are." Now it was his piercing blue eyes looking directly at 'Rilla, without blinking.
There was an awkward silence. You could hear the kettle boiling way out in the kitchen, like something that was about to spill over. The a little sweet and polite voice cut the air thick with tension. "Dmi? I want you to meet my mother, Aurilla." She slipped her arm through his and waited for the hum of normal conversation to begin again. Aegraine’s voice broke his bewilderment, and the apparent odd look upon his face. He swallowed and glanced at her when she slipped her arm through his... Had he lost something in translation? “Mother?” he canted his head... “She is not dead I see...” then he looked at Martin... then to Aegraine.
He did see the angst Martin displayed.. and even Dmi was not too enthused Aurilla knew Robert. “So my dear Teuo, sha [polite Russian for mother-in-law]... do yu plan on attending the wedding...?” he took Aegraine’s hand again.
"Yes dear boy! " Aurilla wanted to just reach out and tweak Dmitrii's cheek but drew her hand back, in deference to the fact he had a beard. "I want to plan the party!" She simply was so bubbly with enthusiasm.
"Mum, Dmi and I had our promise ceremony in your and Da's traditional way; our wedding at church we both have been pledged to and the party will be one of his family traditional ones." She looked at Zurbran, so far from his homeland, "We can find musicians here, can't we?" She worried what kind of party the wild Rilla had in mind. Dmi smiled and looked between the two women... “It may be difficult to find Rus musicians, so we could let yer Mother plan the party...” he chuckled... “It cannot be as wild as yer father’s... can it?” he said with a bit of hesitancy...
Dmi finally had a family... as dysfunctional as they were... he had no real family growing up in the streets of Paris and Kievan Rus... so he was ecstatic in new ways with his future bride... Aurilla looked puzzled as she racked her brain for what her family had done for their own wedding party. "Do you recall any of that, Mart?" At last she looked to her husband for something, anything. The party was a blank to her.
Martin mumbled for he did not want his daughter and Dmitrii hear what he replied to her. "Rilla? There was a party? I do not think we attended. Your Da gave us a big jug of Honey Mead and that is all I recall." Their first wonderful wild romantic days and he had no idea what went on. "Maybe it is not a good idea to get so drunk that one forgets." Oh yes, now that memories were all the old man had, he regretted losing anything connected with the lovely Aurilla. The fights, the arguments, when she left him, the gash in his head when she slung that mirror at him. Even these were treasures. "Robert? You were there. What was the party like when I got married?" Oh did he put the old friend on a spot or what?
Dmitrii just chuckled listening to them and remembering the dance around the fire. Dance? More like drunkardly hopping. “I am sure we will do fine with our own plans, if definitive suggestions are unknowing...” he piped in, then glanced at Aegraine with a smirk. “I do not plan on being so drunk I cannot enjoy my wedding night...” an elbow nudged his beloved as they stood before her parents. Bold? No, just truthful... while his beard quirked in the most familiar manner, and that charming smile crossed his face.
“M’love, shall we go, and leave old friends to remember, if possible, their yesteryear...” Dmi finally had a chance to offer digs against the trio and initiate his and Ae’s escape.
So it came to be that with their wedding date set for December 31, 1329 and Banns announced, Dmitrii and Aegraine did not have to be concerned for the party afterwards. After all, her Father was going to provide the funds and her Mother was doing all the planning. See? Nothing to worry about - or was there?
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