Forging Bonds: A Wise Decree; pt of Clan Wars

[Lady Liliana Campbell]

forging bonds, 1333
part of clan wars

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"Mm..ye are right Liliana. Ye are righ. May I charge ye both with these tasks, tae bring about some sense o' normalcy tae this place, tae encouragin the bonds as laid out in our decree? Make it sae, Ahdam shan't object." Beathag couldn't say that with impunity but knew he wouldn't object to seeing their decree strengthened by some bonds, come what may, something other than the legality. Maybe something unforced, pure could come of this.

the planning begins

"Lady Campbell, what is it we do here today?" The young lass, Annot, was a maid in service at Dun Durroch just like the others gathered about her in the dining hall. All of them had been summoned by Liliana this day, every servant except for a handful incase someone needed something, and if not for her status as one of the Queen's Ladies it would be most likely they'd have been kept about their duties. However, this was their duty today. Annot was curious as were the others for Liliana stood gathered with several of Bess's ladies, mostly those still being trained, dressed in their Queen's colors and the picture of demure women. About them the tables had been made orderly as though for a meal yet it was not near time for any.

"Please do be seated. You've been summoned here today for planning. I have been charged with a duty that I shall see goes fulfilled. Once I have some news then we will begin." Liliana watched them glance around in disbelief for a moment before they took their seat. The dining hall was not for servants. This was where clan members or the Chieftain's family ate. Yet Liliana knew this to be the largest place to summon the staff of Dun Durroch and make preparation. Bess had spoken of forging bonds and to Liliana's mind this was an interesting place to start, no?

A wave of hand was given that sent those ladies in training gathered around her to passing out sweets and drinks. The servants were being served, and that started conversation amongst all in the room. Giggling amongst ladies who had a moment to sit and gossip, and amongst the men low conversation with hearty chuckles that was probably unfit for a lass's ears. Nonetheless a smile formed in copper-skinned face as Liliana moved around too, stopping to share a friendly word with a lady or teasing admonishment to a gentleman. Things continued so for nigh an hour when another of Bess's ladies came into the hall and to Liliana's side where they took part in private conversation.

"Wonderful!" Both hands drew together in a clap and then another, louder, that finally brought silence to the hall. Though it still seemed to hum with happy energy. "I've just been informed that the fair festivities have been moved to a neighboring village which means we can begin our plans. Today marks a day for friendship. It is with this in mind that we make arrangements for all clans and their members."

Brows lifted, murmuring sounded, yet all kept focus on Liliana where she stood on the steps leading up to the family table. That was where the Robertson royalty, direct family and an occasional guest, would sit during meal. However, today it was empty and the only presence commanding attention was Lady Campbell. "Now, we'll begin in a simple manner. First we have these missives that are to be delivered." The ladies that had previously handed out drink and food now moved around with different missives. Some were decorated with an intertwined ivory and gold ribbon and some with an intertwined black and gold ribbon. Yet all missives had the seal of King and Queen pressed in wax. "Now, the men are to be given the ones with the black and gold, and the ladies the one with the ivory and gold ribbon. Do not confuse them please. We would not want them showing to the wrong spot now."

This brought about a murmur of agreement as each accepted their missives. Every one was addressed to a different member of each clan within Struan at this moment. MacGregor, Robertson, Campbell, and so on and so on. Liliana had asked that Bess write these up early this morning. Otherwise she feared that none would gather with just her mere summon. The men were ordered to gather out in the fields of Struan along with their sons where Kendrew would be making his own preparations. Meanwhile the ladies and their daughters were to gather here.

Liliana had sent sweet Davina her own personal missive this morning. She would be hosting a personal gathering. Cooks and servants were at her behest, several tents to make one big one being erected in another section of the fields for the young ladies- heavily guarded, of course, as Kendrew would see that the heirs were protected in every way humanly possibly- where they'd spend the whole of day and night until next morning doing whatever the young Princess deemed. Even the citizens of Struan were at the call of the young lady- performers and more. She could imagine the fun to be had with one so young and full of life planning.

As for her part? A day of music, dance, laughter, shopping, food, cards, and sewing to finish it off. For the sake of Lindall it'd be with many breaks in between and with transportation by open carriage as well as servants to carry anything that may be bought. Liliana had a mind that worked quickly. Even Bess was requested to attend this gathering once the other ladies had gathered- a timely entrance after Liliana had announced the decree to see who should dare object. The same was requested of Adam for Kendrew's gathering- which Liliana was sure would entail separating the big men from the little men. That was the goal here: divide and conquer. With the adults away from the children there'd be less chance of the former influencing the latter.

"Now, once you finish your repast please see to delivering them." It did not take long and soon all the servants were off delivering missives as ordered. Liliana looked at the others, a bit anxious, and gave a soothing smile as they sat now to wait for the arrival of the women.
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