Post by Master Claramae St. Laurence on Sept 19, 2010 0:01:58 GMT -6
continued from the scene in the under-dark
Kill Not the Light
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
What had Edward made of the good brother that he had been entrusted to? Brother Diarmuid had kept his hand firmly on Edward's shoulder, as they had left the Underdark and made for Laurence Hall. Brother Diarmuid gave all the appearance of being a stoic man of God, for he not said much as they had made their ascent to the world above. As they walked, too, Edward would surely catch a glimpse of something that marked Brother Diarmuid has a rare type of clergyman. For as they had walked, now and again a sword and buckler were revealed to be worn upon the good brother's hip. (Necessary for defense, or so he had been lead to believe, when doing the work of God in the Underdark.) It was interesting also to wonder as how the Laurence household would greet his return. Not only from journeying alone from the Underdark -- but also in the presence of a young boy. (D)
Edward
The boy kept pace with the man, he was smaller then most lad's his age. Then again poor nutrition had added to his size and gaunt appearance. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of the God's Man. Now and then the dark brown eyeslifted upward to veiw the man. He was not at all like the other God's men he had seen. Those men had frightened him, sent good people scuring away , not wanting to meet their eyes. Of course none of them bore weapons, surely none came without guards. He seemed to shrink even further into the oversized patchworked clothing as they approached , would they demand to send the boy back? Would he? <d
Lord Voltaire
The spectacular failure of the evening was on the mouth unspoken of the guard as he moved through the house behind the pair as if he'd never left their side. A fraction too late to be exact, the male head of the home would arch his brow, watching as the door was opened by a page "Brother, welcome home. Who is this you bring, and why did you move so far along unguarded?" Voltaire must have appeared a frightening vision come from his corner roost. Black, wavy hair soaked in the perpetual light of the lamps on the wall whilst the gray salting it bounced it back. At least he wore his eye patch, or there would have been one scarred eye to accompany the one as yellow as a cats. He bowed, ever smooth in his mannerisms as he appraised the Brother's young 'guest'. Saved from some scandal? A bit of charity brought home that should not come to this home? No one was without a heart but the home had a soul God fashioned to be black as its true name for the purpose endowed it. "The Madame will not be pleased you were left unattended. It is far more dangerous in the lower streets than in the upper." (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
"Good evening, Master Voltaire," Brother Diarmuid said as though there was nothing untoward about his return or anything out of the ordinary had happened in the Underdark. The liar! Still, he was doing it more for his new charge. A pleasant air, he suspected, would do more to ease young Edward in to this new life. "This is young gentleman is Edward....and he has been placed in my charge for a time." The question about being unguarded, however, would go unanswered for now. "If you please, have someone show him to quarters near my own? Since we have traveled far and he is but a young lad, I think he wants of a hearty meal....." And perhaps a bath. Once that was said, he would ask, "May I ask where Madame St. Laurence is? I would like to speak with her." Well, if it was indeed true that the whole of the Ebon Talon had a heart and a soul as dark as it name.... then all the more fitting that Brother Diarmuid had been sent to them? Much as the Ebon Guard's lantern had shed brilliant rays of light in the Underdark, so to did Brother Diarmuid's own soul - and acts of charity - shine brightly in the midst of the Ebon Talon. There was a glance out of the corner of his eye, to make certain that Edward was otherwise occupied, before he would say quietly, "I return alone... because my Guardian apparently holds firm to those foolish superstitions regardingsorcery! The man trembled before a woman of exotic appearance." Brother Diarmuid rolled his eyes. Only a decade ago had Pope John XXII pressed the Inquisition to involve itself in witchcraft and sorcery, his decree had flown in the face of 530 years worth of Church teachings and doctrine that said witchery was nothing but a superstition! There was a smile, "And while it may be true that the lower streets are more dangerous than the upper, I place my faith in God's law...and barring that...." He removed his sword belt and buckler, handing them to Lord Voltaire without further comment. The buckler's shield boss would likely give young Edward his first indication of what type of clergyman Brother Diarmuid was. For the shield boss was enameled with a white Maltese cross upon a red field -- the heraldry of the Knights Hospitaller. "Oh, and is the Lady Viscreed present? I would speak with her as well... or at least have a message sent to her expressing my want to speak with her as soon as possible." (D)
Edward
The boy didn't let his gaze linger long on the other man, Voltaire? Yes he would remember the name as he edged back a step and practically behind, the Reverence. He bowed his head and did not raise it again while his small arms werewrapped tightly around the book. He kept to himself, willing himself invisible while the two men talked. The man with the patch over his eye was frightening, if truth be told. He looked up at the idea of being sent off elsewhere,yet that too was set aside when the mention of a meal? The bath, thankfully hadn't been spoken aloud.. as Edward would have gladly pointed out he had one a week ago! It rained and Mean shoved him outside with a bar of lye soap. Itwas still warm enough that he hadn't a fear of catching a sickness. The boy's attention roamed and wandered, curiosly he looked around. When the Reverence had spoken of the witchcraft of the gypsy woman he ignored it, as Mean had always told him to. To not be tricked by what the eye saw. To do so was to fall easy prey to the thieves and con artist that lived in the lower end. He brought his gaze to the buckler and such when it was offered open. Worn butcared for , not rusted or dented as he had seen among some that bullied the shadows. <d
Master Laurence
"Hmm." He looked at the ward of the man who had only just come himself. There could be something said about keeping his flock better pastured but he was not one to use such humor at inappropriate times. High columns in this level of the house came up from marble floors to a high interior; had the Brother ever been to Greece or Rome? Classical ideals made the home's construct appear to be a Cathedral from what had once been a temple. Gothic marriages were fascinating this way. Beckoning his hand alone a maid waiting near the door came with a deep curtsy, "Take the young master, see that he is bathed, it is late but awaken someone for clothing. Supper, at once..hearty. Fetch one of the physicans to see he is looked over. Allow him to follow you, and be kind. Perhaps another one of the pages, as well." Delilah was an odd name for a maid. So aptly named woman would curtsy to brother Diarmuid "I can take him sirat your pleasure." Voltaire would beckon Diarmuid "I will take you to the Madame myself, so that we might..speak along the way. The boy will not be far, just a beckon. Remember that. Will you young master?" He looked at the boy ""But a need, ask the maid, she will come to fetch Diarmuid. Her name is Delilah." The mind ingested the information of a guard's weakness with no relish. He moved his fingers in the air as if through whisps of smoke while he thought Gazing at the man with stone expression the guard's inner recoil shook. "To the yards with you. Perhaps a practice set of hours in the growing dark will strengthen your resolve. If you return before I allow, you will wish those supersticions were real." (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
Brother Diarmuid would smile to the maid Delilah, offering a half-bow in return for her kindness. "Thank you, Delilah." Brother Diarmuid would look down to the boy, reaching down to place a hand upon his shoulder. "It is as Master Voltaire says, young sir. Just let Delilah know, alright? No harm will come to you." Out of sight of the boy, Brother Diarmuid would fix Voltaire with a glare that could have fixed him with daggers and was clear in its meaning: no harm should be visited upon the boy! Temporary charge or no, the boy was still Brother Diarmuid's responsibility.... and remain as such, until either a good and faithful household had been found, or Edward's entry into a monastery arranged. This matter was set in his mind. Should those of the Ebon Talon seek to turn the boy out before then? It was likely that they would find themselves short a confessor as well. Once Edward had been placed into Delilah's care, he would nod to Master Voltaire. "At your discretion, milord." (D)
Edward
Edward froze and looked at the maid then back up to the Brother and gave a small nod. He took a small step forward, once more dark eyes looked at the woman. His heart half hoping she was kind as Mean. The glance back to Diarmuid was filled with apprehension but he would follow the orders given. As the young lady lead the way, he followed with the scuff of his shoes from time to time on the floor. The book still held firmly within his grasp, uncertain as to what this venture Mean had sent him on would hold for him. <d
Lord Voltaire
"With whom do you stare at with such eyes, Brother? Think you so low of us as we would kill children? He spoke in the absence of the young master with no desire to return such an expressive face. "Judge lest ye be judge Brother, or so said you on the pulpit this Sabbath last. So remind you each holy hour of God's love" Flat voice called him on the vicious stare he executed: yes, he judged them in a blatant manner not conducive. "Many of us have had our own sons, or are we incapable of rearing our own progency beyond apprentice. Come." Delilah had far sweeter things to say to the boy "You know, young one, I was thinking. Like you beef or chicken..I can't peg you for which one. Is it beef? and I see you've a book there..my favorite story is of a knight who fetches him a lady fair, but must go through seven trials as to seven virtues." They walked up the staircase from the lower level, higher..higher. Pastdark, empty lamps that sprang to light with fire as the darkness increased in one area or another. Voltaire proceeded with Diarmuid through the 'quicker' direction. One of the secrety was, a way only concieved of by an illusionist master. " I trust you would not have taken the young man without a just reason. Such conditions are condusive for no soul, lest alone a child." (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
"Mm," Brother Diarmuid said. That was not a concession of it. After stretch of walking with the Voltaire, Brother Diarmuid would speak, "There is truth in what you say, of course. That such a suspicion that I harbor runs contrary towhat I preach - and what I firmly believe. I do ask your forgiveness." Even on saying, he would pause. Then turn to face Master Voltaire, "I know the business of the Ebon Hall, Master Voltaire. I know that the business of the Ebon Hall is to uncover the secrets of its allies and enemies...and to keep safe the secrets of the Queen and King -- and the secrets it learns. Would you truly tell me that my fears are unfounded? For I have brought an outsider within these walls, where secrets - both sought after and kept - flitter through the air." And in truth, that had been a fear that Brother Diarmuid had entertained on his own arrival to the Ebon Talon. If he had refused the invitation that Madame St. Laurence had extended, would that have been the end of Brother Diarmuid? As they began walking once more, Brother Diarmuid was in thought. "I, too, hope such reasons that the young man has been thrust in my care.... I found the boy in the company of a young woman - Mean, in name... or at least that is all the boy said - who I took to be his guardian. She begged me to take young Edward in to the priesthood with tears in her eyes. While such a life is far more comfortable than life in the Underdark....it can still be harsh." Brother Diarmuid spoke from experience. Before he had taken a sword up in the name of Christ, his life in the preceptory at Clontaf had seen his eyes strain to read the Gospels, his throat go sore on sing hymns to God, and his form grow gaunt on the meager meals. (D)
Edward
He followed quietly behind the young maid as she began talking to him. He seemed lost for a moment as he shrugged. " Dun know Missus.. "he spoke softly. The mangled tongue was not so far fetched. " Not sure of which is what. "he
replied as she shifted off onto another topic of knights and virtues and ew..girls. The boy looked to the book and brushed his cheek against it, almost as one would if it were a stuffed toy. " Mean was teachin me ta read. "he
admitted quietly. The book itself was simply one of history, one that Mean's own father had given her. Or so she had said. He sniffled quietly, still following the girl, not entirely sure what to make of being given away as Mean had. He tried to help, not being a burden.. he tried to do the right thing. He had picked up the knack of relieving pockets of items.. of course that had earned him nothing but a truly smart backside and a furious Mean. The washer woman had threatened to break his hands!! And he believed her! <d
Delilah
"We'll have to get a bit of both hmm? And I am sure if you practice you will read all the more better..and please your Mena. It will all be set to right, you'll see young one. Would you be willing to help me? Come, pull this chording here for me to make your lamps come on in your room while I open the doors." What child didn't enjoy magic? How hard set was a child's suspension of disbelief or the fact it could all be proven false? For if he pulled thegolden heavy chord he would watch a series of flames dance across oil pools above a mantle. Corners would light, allowing Delilah to go in and go about the task of lighting the candleabras herself. He would see she walked in to a room as large as two and a half regular rooms put together. Or was it three full? There was a bed to a child that hosted immersurable space who's curtains she began to draw back. "Come in, young one. What is your name? Hmm?"
Lord Voltaire
Erstwhere they were outside of the large doubled doors that would lead to the madame's true inner sanctum, her personal apartments. "My lord your fears are not only unfounded, but consider this -- why would we have allowed the child inside at all? Despite how...spineless your guard proved, of which I apologize it shan't happen again, if we were truly *that* without scruple you both would have been dead before you left the underdark." Embissary's of Death would not even have allowed him to breathe within the doorstep. "Speak nothing of such to the Madame," he instructed almost as a father does in defense of one's household, instructing one's children or protecting one's own daughter. Bonds ran deep in a world where none should exist. "I will not have her offended. If she swore upon your rosary, that should speak volumes. Why else would the household have a confessor? You are not a fool." He knocked on the doors before opening them to a plush sitting room. Oriental carpeting ran across the floor atop the expensive stonework. Chairs awaited them, all in the Italian style. One would have thought to be entering the aparments of a doge's wife, perhaps. Paintings of venitian waterways, the interior of a Florence Cathedral done in fine oils. Tapestries from France. The woman could finance a monestary on this one room alone! (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
Brother Diarmuid smirked and arched an eyebrow at Master Voltaire, as though to say 'My, what a lovely thought.' Still, Brother Diarmuid would sigh softly. There was truth in what Master Voltaire was saying....and Brother Diarmuid knew himself deserving of the reproach that Lord Voltaire gave to him. For all of the business that the Ebon Talon was engaged in, they had shown him nothing but kindness and good piety. "You are, of course, correct Master Voltaire.... for I have revealed to you a weakness of my own. I seek your forgiveness for it. And ask what I may do to make it right by you and this household." Brother Diarmuid looked toward the ceiling as they had walked, giving a soft sigh. "This place," he reached out his arms wide and motioned, "Weighs upon me." It was clear that in the gesture, he had taken all of Skye. From his encounters with the Queen's Lion to his journey to the Underdark, he found many needing the succor of the Church....and not receiving it. When he was last given a chance to pray, it was likely that he would ask God why this state of affairs of revealed to Brother Diarmuid. And the good brother was deeply aware that he was but (seemingly) one man keeping the words and teachings of God alive, while he could not ease the suffering of all the needy he found. It could well bring about a crisis of faith, if he did not act upon it now. (D)
Edward
The boy continued to follow her, a bit confused by the idea of having both for a meal? While he didn't speak it the expression certainly on his face would say so for him. When she asked for him to pull the chord, he slowly , reluctantly did so, the corners lit up causing him to jump a bit , spinning toward each new glow. The eyes widened at the sheer size of the room. The thing that simply amazed him all the more was the size of the bed.. he was fairly certain it was just as big as the room he and Mean shared! He didn't walk in far, his mind seemed to be working overtime in its attempt to soak the whole thing in. " Who sleeps here? "he asked, surely not he, it must be for the God's man. <d
Delilah
"It is going to be your room, though I do not know your name young master so it will be hard to say who's room it really is. Come inside, come! There is light now all over. Look at you shaking...by heavens you will need warming. You poor thing." Mother hen clucked clucked at the chick who looked as thin as whippet! "I'll have some supper brought up for you." And ample amounts of it, for the child needed stuffing. Women, always wanting to stuff. She would usher him in, and find one of the wandering servants to fetch trays of good things to eat and one of the most hated objects in a boy's life - water for a bath.
Lord Voltaire
Unknowingly near the same level but some ample distance they would come in to the Madame's sitting chamber. Beautiful though? Of course. Voltaire spoke only the truth. If the child were that undesirable he would have been dead. So would Diarmuid. The fact they lived in a house where they could die any second spoke volumes of the trust the Madame and other Masters placed in God. "You are forgive, Brother. Again you are no fool or you would not have asked such questions. Merely, consider this as well. We do a great many things no mortal man or woman would ever do for fear of their immortal souls, yet are by far, I believe, the most pious of their majesties forces. Again, as I said, many of us are not without our own children, at least among the aged. The bonds within the house became patriarchial, matriarchial. Sibling-like. I would go so far to say the apprentices become our extended sons, daughters, niece or nephews.Your ward is merely..younger."
Master Laurence
"Whom is younger?" The other doors would open that led away to a bedroom the size of one within a palace,for here, was she not queen?Two maids lowered themselves, having only started to prepare her for bed yet returned her to a state worthy of receiving guests, though the brother was now greeted to the rarity of braid hair over shoulder, unstead of the mass pinned or veiled. Black silk whispered lullaby over the oriental rug. With a pull of a chord, she lit the lamps on the wall as the maids lit braziers in the siting room to warm it. "It seems there is some matter at hand. Gentleman.. good evening" She moved this time in grace but with the cane's use, it had been a long day and some were better than others. Still, he wouldn't know to look at her her flesh was screaming (d)
Brother Diarmuid
Brother Diarmuid could not help but flash a smile to Master Voltaire that seemed to imply an 'uh-oh'. As he would for all the worthies that he met, he would bestow upon Madame St. Laurence a half-bow... although it could be said, with much more respect. "Good evening, Madame St. Laurence..... I am sorry to keep you from your rest." There was a glance to the cane the used, "Are you feeling as though you are on the mend, milady?" Ever the KnightHospitaller, he would worry not only over the soul of the Ebon Talon... but its health as well. After he rose, he would take a somber expression. "Yes, milady....there is a matter at hand." He paused, forming his thoughts. "Only just moments ago, did I return from a sojourn into the Underdark.... to distribute alms of bread and clothing to those most deserving of them. While there.... I had an extraordinary encounter. I saw a washer-woman amongst the crowdwho appeared to my eyes to be malnourished. I went to her, offering bread..." He frowned. Recalling that she thought he had sought her out to earn some coin for the Church. But it was only a moment's frown. "On hearing that I would take on any task to give her succor...she led me to her hovel. And presented me with a small boy, Edward by name, and asked that I take him to the upper streets... to see him invested in the priesthood." He took a breath. "While not so harsh as the life left behind in the Underdark, the priesthood has its own harshness.... I have brought him here, for a time, until God reveals a favorable path to him." After a beat, he said, "I thought it wise to make you aware of his presence - the young master's name is Edward - and...perhaps... seek out your guidance on the matter. I would rather see him turned to a good and pious family that desires a child.... than deliver him to the priesthood. If there is no other recourse, I had thought perhaps to take him to Bant Chan Ser.... to see whether the Franciscans or the Cistercians would fit him well. Or, if his temperament is better suited to it, to see him safely to a preceptory of the either the Templars - since they have much truck here - or my own Order." Being the Knights Hospitaller, instead of the Ebon Talon. (D)
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
The sun had fallen from the sky, but still the light of the tower burned like the once vivid sun. Tonight the sounds of heavy sighs turned with the spinning of the orrery, and caused the glass to burn with an amber glow. A madman was at work whose long fingers spun webs like that of a spider, and the silk that of fine ideas that replaced what logic had left in the world. He was a dreamer, one who connected with the world around him with small smiles, and stark features. Jean-Claude, was a man of mystery though for those who could see beyond the kindness of his navy eyes they could see a world of something else. Who knew that the towns dressmaker would turn from sewn fabric to sewn flesh, or sewn inspiration into greatness. High within the tower's high ceilings the cages loomed where once rumored bodies died, and decayed at the long black beaks of his ravens. However, only now the birds remained, and ever so often a single onyx feather would find its way to the floor like a soul from heaven. "You should not push yourself, son." Jean-Claude spoke to the bare chested apprentice of St. Laurence who was victim to the man's stitch from his first round with the Lord Voltaire's son. "He is a gifted swordsman, Julian." The once gloved hand of Jean-Claude had been a mystery, but now the mangled flesh had dulled to a small silver and touched the youth's cheek with such pride.
Julian Monroe
"It is a scratch." The mind of mathematics could hardly compare it to what happened in Spain, but it was the last time his own blood spilled.
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
"Mmm yes, but outwit him next time hmm? It will be easier on my heart." As Jean-Claude finished, Julian pulled his shirt back on doing up the lace as they both made their way down into the hall. Often after the hours he slipped into the more private parts to laugh with Claramae as she started her venture to bed, but on this night it appeared she had company. "Good Evening.." Questioning eyes shot first to the Brother, then to Claramae as silent conversations slipped between them. Was something going on? It amazed Julian how two people could be so connected with the other words were not needed. (d
Master Laurence
"The day has been more trying than others, thank you for inquiring sir. My body has strange limitations. At times it is able to ignore them, at others, not. The Later half of the day its been the second." A woman of high breeding didn't discuss her ailments, but suffice to say beneath the beautiful black silk dress that outlined a figure so perfect ( a lack of child rearing) it was sinful (she hardly smiled either, so she had a flawless face)had scars that denoted the sinful minds of others. She was a walking freak of nature. As others entered from pars unknown she made introduction before going further to Diarmuid's dilemma "Ah, good evening. Master Jean-Claude de Aqutaine, and his apprentice Julian Monroe, allow me to introduce Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain. He is in charge of our spirituality within the house, delivering holy hours each day and masses. He is a Knights Hospitaler, recently come to us from Canterbury, quite a healer as well his reputatin proceeds him. Brother, Master de Aquitaine, and Monroe. Members of our household. Please sit you both we were discussing a ward that the Brother has taken on, a child fromthe under-dark on promise to see him better elevated. Now let us come to it then, sir." She put a hand to her front as she adjusted to a straight back with mildly shut eyes before opening them. That was trustworthy. She blinked. "Forgive me if I stall. Now...we are not without our feeling despite outward appearences," they all looked dead in the face at times, disturbing, like gargoyles. "I am certain Lord Voltaire has told you that some of the other masters have gone on to produce or take on their own heirs, without making them apprentices. We are humanist in our studies, and in a sense my master best described it by saying we simply strive to be more human to remember that we. I will say if the child is young..it would be better to use our connections to see him well placed until he is older at which point he may reside here again. Some of the things trained or discussed at is not for the mind of a young boy..but until such time or decision you make of him..he may stay. If no other place is found him..and you are fond of the child..than I will allow him to stay yet under the condition you understand my household will amend itself only so far for so young a guest. Of course things will be arranged for him, suitable outings, naturally a child would be bored here or get in to trouble. I trust this is why you have sent for Lady deBrabrant? I suppose you see her sense of piety is suitable for a religious and civil education for the child, and at times she will make a suitable compaion as would many within the household..actually. I just wish to task you with information to recall.." She put fingers to her mouth, then stood.."The last child to be so close to affairs was lady debrabant, as a child, but we lived in courts.not here as you can imagine.She paid a price for that proximity, one myself and Voltaire only found out in later years. The reason she recalls not everything of her earlier years was because her memory was fractured by witnessing the murder of her father, my master, and his torment. I do not say this is the child's fate, but understand your proximity to us and thus his to us..we will guard him but there are many things he might be brushed with far too soon.Not by your want either, if he stays. Of course we will strive against that..even now while you figure his future. He will be cared for, educated so if you do place him within one of our other families or with another all together.. is given start." She walked a bit to the fire "Innocence, sir, should be guarded."
Delilah
and bathed. Delilah had already brought in ample hot water and a large tub enough for the child to no doubt swim in, given this room hadn't a bathing place of its own. Bath before supper was cruelty to a boy that age but she wouldn't have him getting sick on lord knew what under those nails "Come young sir, in to the tub, so then you can dress, sup, and meet the lady of the household. In with you now. Goodness what is that behind your ears...blessed virgin.." In other places someone arrived in the libraries to fetch a girl who didn't sleep because her love of books tonight wouldn't let her (d)
Edward
"Me?"He whispered and looked up at her a bit worried. He hadn't the slightest idea of what to do with a room so big. He still hadn't come to grips with it all as he was lead into the room. His own filthy mismatched clothing was rivialed only by the thatchwork of hair that could have been of any shade , currently? Brown. Maybe. The boy still hadn't released the book from his arms while he watched her and the others move in with the buckets of water. " Edward. "he finally gave up the name , before realizing she..was going to make him bathe. He looked at the tub then her..then back again. " I washed las' week! "he protested, then ducked away from the inspection he was gaining
from her and rubbed behind that ear. It would take the poor girl some doing.. more so to pry the book from his hands then dumping him into the tub. Oh..he was not a happy boy, not at all. " I want to go home. "He declared after another dosing of water. Scrawny was an understatement for the lad, then again it wasn't as if there was much to be anything else. <d
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
"Good evening to you, Masters," Brother Diarmuid said to Master DeAquitaine and his apprentice. Brother Diarmuid would offer his hand to each of them in turn. Once the introductions had concluded, he would turn his attention to the words that Madame St. Laurence said. "He is not so young, a lad of eight....." Brother Diarmuid reckoned that somewhere near the boy's majority, for that had been the age when his tutors at the precpetory in Contlaf had begun teaching him swordplay. "And I do thank you for allowing the young man to stay here... for however long that it may be. " He was quiet for a few moments, considering his next words. "I had considered keeping the lad on as my ward...but I view that as an option to be taken if there is no other left." There was a soft smile, "I fear I would prove a poor Master to the boy, if I were to keep him as my ward..... I would much rather see him given in to the care of a good couple who desires children -- and has yet to be so blessed. If such cannot be arranged, there is the Church." The Church was never known to turn those away who came to the nunneries and monasteries seeking to devote their life to God. There was a sheepish smile, as Brother Diarmuid said, "....and I fear, Madame, that you are of keener mind than I. I had not thought to have the Lady Viscreed school the child during his stay here.... I had thought only of how I did not know the families of the parish, and would seek her advice in this matter...." (D)
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
A small conversation in French on behalf of the child had the pair smiling with a small bit of laughter. Perhaps reminded of how Julian came to the life of Jean-Claude, or perhaps it was a conversation of feeding children to the pool of sharks. One could hardly tell with this pair, but Jean would leave his apprentice to the arm of the chair while making his way round to Claramae bending to kiss her cheek in greeting, and of course asking how she felt before he settled into his seat beside her.Of course Jean-Claude would take the man's hand with a bow of his head, but in his chair he was a great deal of a man who seemed nearly eerie in ever aspect. His hair as black as the wings of ravens fell over his chest in perfectly straight strands with the easing contrast against his pale skin. At first glance he could appear like stone, motionless--until the light finally did reflect in his gaze as he looked over the scrawny boy.
Julian Monroe
"It is good to let him choose." Julian spoke up on behalf of the child, perhaps out of place, but his sudden outburst was not like him at all. Yet, somewhere he had in fact connected with the boy holding to that book for dear life. "Let it be up to him if he wishes to be part of the church or not." As they escorted the boy out, he would look to Jean-Claude and Claramae for a bit of an apology for his outspoken voice, but when Julian gave his opinion he gave it without restraint. "Lady Viscreed, would not have the time." Jean-Claude sat in his chair like the French Lord that he was would let his fingers rest against his lips while one leg crossed over his knee, and his voice would rise to challenge his apprentice.
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
"Julian, Janice would find time if it was asked of her, and frankly I feel that it would be a good match for her at the moment. She spends far too many of her evenings locked away in her study." He would look to Claramae, lowering his voice, "I think.." He would not be able to finish his thought without Julian coming to question him once again of it being her choice, and this frankly went right through the Old Master, "Of course, it would be up to her." He spoke rather sternly, "But we give ourselves willingly to whatever the cause, do not forget that." Julian's jaw would tighten as he lowered his now narrowed eyes. (d
Delilah
Delilah rolled up her sleeves and shook her head. Oh no, she had two older brothers and three younger! She knew these tricks, these frustrations and though it would be a clash of titans that child would be tubbed and scrubbed if she had to join him! All manners of chasing went on no doubt pouncing, until she was scrubbing his hair at some point herself as if she were trying to find the boy in the dirt! (She was, Edward was terribly dirty. She sighed, shaking her head, even splashing him back when he evaded her.) "C'mon now...there's dessert with your supper, just be a good lad and lets finish it!" What little boy didn't like dessert, let alone hed' be able to stuff his face (She saved fresh water to scrub his hands afterward, she just couldn't let him eat like this.)
Lady Janice deBrabant
-- The double doors would open to the private apartments, now the gathering place of Masters and Apprentices, as if a council of great minds must be called over to decide futures. In contrast to their dark apparel she wore no less than a gown of muted gold, like the sun rising over their dreary, maudlin selves. She lowered in to the respectful curtsy before paying all a good evening "Masters, Brother, Monroe." She then turned her eyes to Claramae "How may I serve you?" Julian probably was so sick of her saying that even if he felt it in his own core. This place....it possesed its residents. The belief in service and fidelity dug in them, coursed like their blood. --
Master Laurence
"Good evening Lady. I should ask before we begin, which you prefer. You have not changed your name of yet. If you truly prefer your wedded name. "
Lady Janice Viscreed
"Viscreed, within the house, Madame if you please. It would confuse people in business if it changed yet again..but I do prefer Viscreed."
Master Laurence
Claramae would nod, "Lady Viscreed then it is. Brother Diarmuid is championing the cause of a young man he seeks to take on as a potential ward. He may be here temporarily if a better, suitable household is found...or here permanetly. At any rate it is the brother's pleasure to ask of you if you know any suitable families within the parish for the boy, he is about 8..his name is Eward. Erstwhile..I should like to know if you would be of a mind to have time for the boy's education. Monroe suggests you may not have the time, and I have noticed you are of ferocious work ethic.Yet I can think of no one better suited. You are an ambient source of all good things, child."
Lady Janice deBrabant
Janice wondered at the age of the boy, marveled in fact he was allowed to stay beyond a night! Eight was so young, so young as she recalled herself so faintly as if her body had been in a fog."Why of course, to both tasks I can amend myself. Poor child, I should like very much to see to his education, it is not so hard to do. I used to do the same for my servant's children, Mistress Lynch. Loomis and I still get on famously. If you should like Brother I can see he has suitable playmates as well, a young boy should run. All lessons will make him quite fussy." She smiled with a warmth to rival the sun's magnitude. "Within the hall and without of it at certain times I will companion him. Consider it done," Her heart raced. Would the child like her, she him? A child..within the halls? That was as daring as any endevor ever undertaken. Claramae insisted she come sit beside her, so she did. Her Master would have told Jean-Claude in French of her health "I asked God for a new skin, but it is not so. Ah well." (d)
Edward
"HELP she's tryin ta drowned me! " he called out in the attempt of climbing out of the tub to be caught by a shoulder and sat back down into the tub firmly. ACK SOAP! The lad swished this way and that to get away from the dreaded maid and her wash rag of doom. Then it was all said and done, he looked more akin to a drown rat , skin pinkish in color due to the scrubbing , his only victory in this? Poor woman was nearly as soaked as he! The dark eyes glared up at the woman. <d
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
Perhaps it was the upbringing of both the Lady Viscreed and Brother Diarmuid that made them so ready to accept a belief in service and fidelity in the name of their chosen tasks and respective Masters. For they had both found
themselves raised in the strictness of the Church, for the Poor Claires nunnery and the preceptory of the Knights Hospitaller cleaved to the rules of monks and nuns respectively. And Brother Diarmuid had endured such an upbringing longer than the Lady Viscreed -- having been given to the Church at the age of five! (And atop the upbringing that one could expect to receive in a monastery, Brother Diarmuid had further endured military training -- the Order of Saint John was a martial order, after all!) There was a smile to the Lady Viscreed, "I think you for your kindness in this matter, Lady Viscreed..... I truly did not know who else to ask but yourself in this matter. May God bless this endeavor, for I do not look forward to having to take the boy to Ban Chan Ser." And the monasteries that Brother Diarmuid knew to be there... a journey from which the boy was not likely to return. There would a smile, as he rose, "Do forgive me, won't you? But I long to take some time to myself -- to get out of this --" He firmly patted his chest, causing the links of the hauberk worn under his habit to clink "and look in on the boy before theCompline mass begins." He would bid them good evening once more, before taking his leave. (D)
Lady Janice deBrabant
The Lady put a hand to her heart as if to suggest his words went straight there to stay forever preserved in the sweet place. "Thank you, sir, and you are most welcome. It is my honor to be of service to you in any way that I can. I promise to see that while he remains with us, and should he stay further..that he is given all that he should require. Please..please. It is late sir, you must be so tired after all your excursions. Rest you well, and God go with you." She curtsied as he took his leave before sitting back down beside her Master, the Madame. By whichever name you called Claramae it was synonomous with prestige, prowess or death.
Master Laurence
"He will be presented to us before we retire, Lady Viscreed, so that you may look on our youngest ward. This house has not hosted one so young in its walls, though I can not say we have never had so young a ward among the company of the elders." In the lingering quiet of others leaving she revealed her affection, for now it was only an observing deAquitaine, an annoyed Monroe, and them. Masters with the following generation of young adult beside them.
Lady Janice deBrabant
"We were longer together than our few years so far. Were that I could recall them. ah well. What matters is the here and now. I should like to see him."
Delilah
Oh she would..for Delilah wet as a rat herself had to call for two changes of clothing one being for herself. Next came putting the boy in a robe so he could eat, then be changed to some loose things to rest in. A struggle again? Well, what child wouldn't want good cuts of roast, brazed chicken in honey? The vegetables she'd have to negotiate with him on surely "C'mon eat them n' you can have cake?" As if they negotiated nations. (d)
Edward
The boy looked over the food after getting dressed in clean clothing. He had felt better now capable of breathing without the layer of sufficating dirt. He stared at the plate of food.. "all o' it mine?'He asked with an awesome whisper. The boy hadnt' seen so much food in once place.. unless of course it was a seller's staw. and none of which smelled so good. The lad didn't eat much, but tore into everything. The food was managing to disappear from his plate.. Straight into a napkin on his lap that he hid away.. never know when the meal like this could come again.. so best to keep something for later. <d
Kill Not the Light
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
What had Edward made of the good brother that he had been entrusted to? Brother Diarmuid had kept his hand firmly on Edward's shoulder, as they had left the Underdark and made for Laurence Hall. Brother Diarmuid gave all the appearance of being a stoic man of God, for he not said much as they had made their ascent to the world above. As they walked, too, Edward would surely catch a glimpse of something that marked Brother Diarmuid has a rare type of clergyman. For as they had walked, now and again a sword and buckler were revealed to be worn upon the good brother's hip. (Necessary for defense, or so he had been lead to believe, when doing the work of God in the Underdark.) It was interesting also to wonder as how the Laurence household would greet his return. Not only from journeying alone from the Underdark -- but also in the presence of a young boy. (D)
Edward
The boy kept pace with the man, he was smaller then most lad's his age. Then again poor nutrition had added to his size and gaunt appearance. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of the God's Man. Now and then the dark brown eyeslifted upward to veiw the man. He was not at all like the other God's men he had seen. Those men had frightened him, sent good people scuring away , not wanting to meet their eyes. Of course none of them bore weapons, surely none came without guards. He seemed to shrink even further into the oversized patchworked clothing as they approached , would they demand to send the boy back? Would he? <d
Lord Voltaire
The spectacular failure of the evening was on the mouth unspoken of the guard as he moved through the house behind the pair as if he'd never left their side. A fraction too late to be exact, the male head of the home would arch his brow, watching as the door was opened by a page "Brother, welcome home. Who is this you bring, and why did you move so far along unguarded?" Voltaire must have appeared a frightening vision come from his corner roost. Black, wavy hair soaked in the perpetual light of the lamps on the wall whilst the gray salting it bounced it back. At least he wore his eye patch, or there would have been one scarred eye to accompany the one as yellow as a cats. He bowed, ever smooth in his mannerisms as he appraised the Brother's young 'guest'. Saved from some scandal? A bit of charity brought home that should not come to this home? No one was without a heart but the home had a soul God fashioned to be black as its true name for the purpose endowed it. "The Madame will not be pleased you were left unattended. It is far more dangerous in the lower streets than in the upper." (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
"Good evening, Master Voltaire," Brother Diarmuid said as though there was nothing untoward about his return or anything out of the ordinary had happened in the Underdark. The liar! Still, he was doing it more for his new charge. A pleasant air, he suspected, would do more to ease young Edward in to this new life. "This is young gentleman is Edward....and he has been placed in my charge for a time." The question about being unguarded, however, would go unanswered for now. "If you please, have someone show him to quarters near my own? Since we have traveled far and he is but a young lad, I think he wants of a hearty meal....." And perhaps a bath. Once that was said, he would ask, "May I ask where Madame St. Laurence is? I would like to speak with her." Well, if it was indeed true that the whole of the Ebon Talon had a heart and a soul as dark as it name.... then all the more fitting that Brother Diarmuid had been sent to them? Much as the Ebon Guard's lantern had shed brilliant rays of light in the Underdark, so to did Brother Diarmuid's own soul - and acts of charity - shine brightly in the midst of the Ebon Talon. There was a glance out of the corner of his eye, to make certain that Edward was otherwise occupied, before he would say quietly, "I return alone... because my Guardian apparently holds firm to those foolish superstitions regardingsorcery! The man trembled before a woman of exotic appearance." Brother Diarmuid rolled his eyes. Only a decade ago had Pope John XXII pressed the Inquisition to involve itself in witchcraft and sorcery, his decree had flown in the face of 530 years worth of Church teachings and doctrine that said witchery was nothing but a superstition! There was a smile, "And while it may be true that the lower streets are more dangerous than the upper, I place my faith in God's law...and barring that...." He removed his sword belt and buckler, handing them to Lord Voltaire without further comment. The buckler's shield boss would likely give young Edward his first indication of what type of clergyman Brother Diarmuid was. For the shield boss was enameled with a white Maltese cross upon a red field -- the heraldry of the Knights Hospitaller. "Oh, and is the Lady Viscreed present? I would speak with her as well... or at least have a message sent to her expressing my want to speak with her as soon as possible." (D)
Edward
The boy didn't let his gaze linger long on the other man, Voltaire? Yes he would remember the name as he edged back a step and practically behind, the Reverence. He bowed his head and did not raise it again while his small arms werewrapped tightly around the book. He kept to himself, willing himself invisible while the two men talked. The man with the patch over his eye was frightening, if truth be told. He looked up at the idea of being sent off elsewhere,yet that too was set aside when the mention of a meal? The bath, thankfully hadn't been spoken aloud.. as Edward would have gladly pointed out he had one a week ago! It rained and Mean shoved him outside with a bar of lye soap. Itwas still warm enough that he hadn't a fear of catching a sickness. The boy's attention roamed and wandered, curiosly he looked around. When the Reverence had spoken of the witchcraft of the gypsy woman he ignored it, as Mean had always told him to. To not be tricked by what the eye saw. To do so was to fall easy prey to the thieves and con artist that lived in the lower end. He brought his gaze to the buckler and such when it was offered open. Worn butcared for , not rusted or dented as he had seen among some that bullied the shadows. <d
Master Laurence
"Hmm." He looked at the ward of the man who had only just come himself. There could be something said about keeping his flock better pastured but he was not one to use such humor at inappropriate times. High columns in this level of the house came up from marble floors to a high interior; had the Brother ever been to Greece or Rome? Classical ideals made the home's construct appear to be a Cathedral from what had once been a temple. Gothic marriages were fascinating this way. Beckoning his hand alone a maid waiting near the door came with a deep curtsy, "Take the young master, see that he is bathed, it is late but awaken someone for clothing. Supper, at once..hearty. Fetch one of the physicans to see he is looked over. Allow him to follow you, and be kind. Perhaps another one of the pages, as well." Delilah was an odd name for a maid. So aptly named woman would curtsy to brother Diarmuid "I can take him sirat your pleasure." Voltaire would beckon Diarmuid "I will take you to the Madame myself, so that we might..speak along the way. The boy will not be far, just a beckon. Remember that. Will you young master?" He looked at the boy ""But a need, ask the maid, she will come to fetch Diarmuid. Her name is Delilah." The mind ingested the information of a guard's weakness with no relish. He moved his fingers in the air as if through whisps of smoke while he thought Gazing at the man with stone expression the guard's inner recoil shook. "To the yards with you. Perhaps a practice set of hours in the growing dark will strengthen your resolve. If you return before I allow, you will wish those supersticions were real." (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
Brother Diarmuid would smile to the maid Delilah, offering a half-bow in return for her kindness. "Thank you, Delilah." Brother Diarmuid would look down to the boy, reaching down to place a hand upon his shoulder. "It is as Master Voltaire says, young sir. Just let Delilah know, alright? No harm will come to you." Out of sight of the boy, Brother Diarmuid would fix Voltaire with a glare that could have fixed him with daggers and was clear in its meaning: no harm should be visited upon the boy! Temporary charge or no, the boy was still Brother Diarmuid's responsibility.... and remain as such, until either a good and faithful household had been found, or Edward's entry into a monastery arranged. This matter was set in his mind. Should those of the Ebon Talon seek to turn the boy out before then? It was likely that they would find themselves short a confessor as well. Once Edward had been placed into Delilah's care, he would nod to Master Voltaire. "At your discretion, milord." (D)
Edward
Edward froze and looked at the maid then back up to the Brother and gave a small nod. He took a small step forward, once more dark eyes looked at the woman. His heart half hoping she was kind as Mean. The glance back to Diarmuid was filled with apprehension but he would follow the orders given. As the young lady lead the way, he followed with the scuff of his shoes from time to time on the floor. The book still held firmly within his grasp, uncertain as to what this venture Mean had sent him on would hold for him. <d
Lord Voltaire
"With whom do you stare at with such eyes, Brother? Think you so low of us as we would kill children? He spoke in the absence of the young master with no desire to return such an expressive face. "Judge lest ye be judge Brother, or so said you on the pulpit this Sabbath last. So remind you each holy hour of God's love" Flat voice called him on the vicious stare he executed: yes, he judged them in a blatant manner not conducive. "Many of us have had our own sons, or are we incapable of rearing our own progency beyond apprentice. Come." Delilah had far sweeter things to say to the boy "You know, young one, I was thinking. Like you beef or chicken..I can't peg you for which one. Is it beef? and I see you've a book there..my favorite story is of a knight who fetches him a lady fair, but must go through seven trials as to seven virtues." They walked up the staircase from the lower level, higher..higher. Pastdark, empty lamps that sprang to light with fire as the darkness increased in one area or another. Voltaire proceeded with Diarmuid through the 'quicker' direction. One of the secrety was, a way only concieved of by an illusionist master. " I trust you would not have taken the young man without a just reason. Such conditions are condusive for no soul, lest alone a child." (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
"Mm," Brother Diarmuid said. That was not a concession of it. After stretch of walking with the Voltaire, Brother Diarmuid would speak, "There is truth in what you say, of course. That such a suspicion that I harbor runs contrary towhat I preach - and what I firmly believe. I do ask your forgiveness." Even on saying, he would pause. Then turn to face Master Voltaire, "I know the business of the Ebon Hall, Master Voltaire. I know that the business of the Ebon Hall is to uncover the secrets of its allies and enemies...and to keep safe the secrets of the Queen and King -- and the secrets it learns. Would you truly tell me that my fears are unfounded? For I have brought an outsider within these walls, where secrets - both sought after and kept - flitter through the air." And in truth, that had been a fear that Brother Diarmuid had entertained on his own arrival to the Ebon Talon. If he had refused the invitation that Madame St. Laurence had extended, would that have been the end of Brother Diarmuid? As they began walking once more, Brother Diarmuid was in thought. "I, too, hope such reasons that the young man has been thrust in my care.... I found the boy in the company of a young woman - Mean, in name... or at least that is all the boy said - who I took to be his guardian. She begged me to take young Edward in to the priesthood with tears in her eyes. While such a life is far more comfortable than life in the Underdark....it can still be harsh." Brother Diarmuid spoke from experience. Before he had taken a sword up in the name of Christ, his life in the preceptory at Clontaf had seen his eyes strain to read the Gospels, his throat go sore on sing hymns to God, and his form grow gaunt on the meager meals. (D)
Edward
He followed quietly behind the young maid as she began talking to him. He seemed lost for a moment as he shrugged. " Dun know Missus.. "he spoke softly. The mangled tongue was not so far fetched. " Not sure of which is what. "he
replied as she shifted off onto another topic of knights and virtues and ew..girls. The boy looked to the book and brushed his cheek against it, almost as one would if it were a stuffed toy. " Mean was teachin me ta read. "he
admitted quietly. The book itself was simply one of history, one that Mean's own father had given her. Or so she had said. He sniffled quietly, still following the girl, not entirely sure what to make of being given away as Mean had. He tried to help, not being a burden.. he tried to do the right thing. He had picked up the knack of relieving pockets of items.. of course that had earned him nothing but a truly smart backside and a furious Mean. The washer woman had threatened to break his hands!! And he believed her! <d
Delilah
"We'll have to get a bit of both hmm? And I am sure if you practice you will read all the more better..and please your Mena. It will all be set to right, you'll see young one. Would you be willing to help me? Come, pull this chording here for me to make your lamps come on in your room while I open the doors." What child didn't enjoy magic? How hard set was a child's suspension of disbelief or the fact it could all be proven false? For if he pulled thegolden heavy chord he would watch a series of flames dance across oil pools above a mantle. Corners would light, allowing Delilah to go in and go about the task of lighting the candleabras herself. He would see she walked in to a room as large as two and a half regular rooms put together. Or was it three full? There was a bed to a child that hosted immersurable space who's curtains she began to draw back. "Come in, young one. What is your name? Hmm?"
Lord Voltaire
Erstwhere they were outside of the large doubled doors that would lead to the madame's true inner sanctum, her personal apartments. "My lord your fears are not only unfounded, but consider this -- why would we have allowed the child inside at all? Despite how...spineless your guard proved, of which I apologize it shan't happen again, if we were truly *that* without scruple you both would have been dead before you left the underdark." Embissary's of Death would not even have allowed him to breathe within the doorstep. "Speak nothing of such to the Madame," he instructed almost as a father does in defense of one's household, instructing one's children or protecting one's own daughter. Bonds ran deep in a world where none should exist. "I will not have her offended. If she swore upon your rosary, that should speak volumes. Why else would the household have a confessor? You are not a fool." He knocked on the doors before opening them to a plush sitting room. Oriental carpeting ran across the floor atop the expensive stonework. Chairs awaited them, all in the Italian style. One would have thought to be entering the aparments of a doge's wife, perhaps. Paintings of venitian waterways, the interior of a Florence Cathedral done in fine oils. Tapestries from France. The woman could finance a monestary on this one room alone! (d)
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
Brother Diarmuid smirked and arched an eyebrow at Master Voltaire, as though to say 'My, what a lovely thought.' Still, Brother Diarmuid would sigh softly. There was truth in what Master Voltaire was saying....and Brother Diarmuid knew himself deserving of the reproach that Lord Voltaire gave to him. For all of the business that the Ebon Talon was engaged in, they had shown him nothing but kindness and good piety. "You are, of course, correct Master Voltaire.... for I have revealed to you a weakness of my own. I seek your forgiveness for it. And ask what I may do to make it right by you and this household." Brother Diarmuid looked toward the ceiling as they had walked, giving a soft sigh. "This place," he reached out his arms wide and motioned, "Weighs upon me." It was clear that in the gesture, he had taken all of Skye. From his encounters with the Queen's Lion to his journey to the Underdark, he found many needing the succor of the Church....and not receiving it. When he was last given a chance to pray, it was likely that he would ask God why this state of affairs of revealed to Brother Diarmuid. And the good brother was deeply aware that he was but (seemingly) one man keeping the words and teachings of God alive, while he could not ease the suffering of all the needy he found. It could well bring about a crisis of faith, if he did not act upon it now. (D)
Edward
The boy continued to follow her, a bit confused by the idea of having both for a meal? While he didn't speak it the expression certainly on his face would say so for him. When she asked for him to pull the chord, he slowly , reluctantly did so, the corners lit up causing him to jump a bit , spinning toward each new glow. The eyes widened at the sheer size of the room. The thing that simply amazed him all the more was the size of the bed.. he was fairly certain it was just as big as the room he and Mean shared! He didn't walk in far, his mind seemed to be working overtime in its attempt to soak the whole thing in. " Who sleeps here? "he asked, surely not he, it must be for the God's man. <d
Delilah
"It is going to be your room, though I do not know your name young master so it will be hard to say who's room it really is. Come inside, come! There is light now all over. Look at you shaking...by heavens you will need warming. You poor thing." Mother hen clucked clucked at the chick who looked as thin as whippet! "I'll have some supper brought up for you." And ample amounts of it, for the child needed stuffing. Women, always wanting to stuff. She would usher him in, and find one of the wandering servants to fetch trays of good things to eat and one of the most hated objects in a boy's life - water for a bath.
Lord Voltaire
Unknowingly near the same level but some ample distance they would come in to the Madame's sitting chamber. Beautiful though? Of course. Voltaire spoke only the truth. If the child were that undesirable he would have been dead. So would Diarmuid. The fact they lived in a house where they could die any second spoke volumes of the trust the Madame and other Masters placed in God. "You are forgive, Brother. Again you are no fool or you would not have asked such questions. Merely, consider this as well. We do a great many things no mortal man or woman would ever do for fear of their immortal souls, yet are by far, I believe, the most pious of their majesties forces. Again, as I said, many of us are not without our own children, at least among the aged. The bonds within the house became patriarchial, matriarchial. Sibling-like. I would go so far to say the apprentices become our extended sons, daughters, niece or nephews.Your ward is merely..younger."
Master Laurence
"Whom is younger?" The other doors would open that led away to a bedroom the size of one within a palace,for here, was she not queen?Two maids lowered themselves, having only started to prepare her for bed yet returned her to a state worthy of receiving guests, though the brother was now greeted to the rarity of braid hair over shoulder, unstead of the mass pinned or veiled. Black silk whispered lullaby over the oriental rug. With a pull of a chord, she lit the lamps on the wall as the maids lit braziers in the siting room to warm it. "It seems there is some matter at hand. Gentleman.. good evening" She moved this time in grace but with the cane's use, it had been a long day and some were better than others. Still, he wouldn't know to look at her her flesh was screaming (d)
Brother Diarmuid
Brother Diarmuid could not help but flash a smile to Master Voltaire that seemed to imply an 'uh-oh'. As he would for all the worthies that he met, he would bestow upon Madame St. Laurence a half-bow... although it could be said, with much more respect. "Good evening, Madame St. Laurence..... I am sorry to keep you from your rest." There was a glance to the cane the used, "Are you feeling as though you are on the mend, milady?" Ever the KnightHospitaller, he would worry not only over the soul of the Ebon Talon... but its health as well. After he rose, he would take a somber expression. "Yes, milady....there is a matter at hand." He paused, forming his thoughts. "Only just moments ago, did I return from a sojourn into the Underdark.... to distribute alms of bread and clothing to those most deserving of them. While there.... I had an extraordinary encounter. I saw a washer-woman amongst the crowdwho appeared to my eyes to be malnourished. I went to her, offering bread..." He frowned. Recalling that she thought he had sought her out to earn some coin for the Church. But it was only a moment's frown. "On hearing that I would take on any task to give her succor...she led me to her hovel. And presented me with a small boy, Edward by name, and asked that I take him to the upper streets... to see him invested in the priesthood." He took a breath. "While not so harsh as the life left behind in the Underdark, the priesthood has its own harshness.... I have brought him here, for a time, until God reveals a favorable path to him." After a beat, he said, "I thought it wise to make you aware of his presence - the young master's name is Edward - and...perhaps... seek out your guidance on the matter. I would rather see him turned to a good and pious family that desires a child.... than deliver him to the priesthood. If there is no other recourse, I had thought perhaps to take him to Bant Chan Ser.... to see whether the Franciscans or the Cistercians would fit him well. Or, if his temperament is better suited to it, to see him safely to a preceptory of the either the Templars - since they have much truck here - or my own Order." Being the Knights Hospitaller, instead of the Ebon Talon. (D)
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
The sun had fallen from the sky, but still the light of the tower burned like the once vivid sun. Tonight the sounds of heavy sighs turned with the spinning of the orrery, and caused the glass to burn with an amber glow. A madman was at work whose long fingers spun webs like that of a spider, and the silk that of fine ideas that replaced what logic had left in the world. He was a dreamer, one who connected with the world around him with small smiles, and stark features. Jean-Claude, was a man of mystery though for those who could see beyond the kindness of his navy eyes they could see a world of something else. Who knew that the towns dressmaker would turn from sewn fabric to sewn flesh, or sewn inspiration into greatness. High within the tower's high ceilings the cages loomed where once rumored bodies died, and decayed at the long black beaks of his ravens. However, only now the birds remained, and ever so often a single onyx feather would find its way to the floor like a soul from heaven. "You should not push yourself, son." Jean-Claude spoke to the bare chested apprentice of St. Laurence who was victim to the man's stitch from his first round with the Lord Voltaire's son. "He is a gifted swordsman, Julian." The once gloved hand of Jean-Claude had been a mystery, but now the mangled flesh had dulled to a small silver and touched the youth's cheek with such pride.
Julian Monroe
"It is a scratch." The mind of mathematics could hardly compare it to what happened in Spain, but it was the last time his own blood spilled.
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
"Mmm yes, but outwit him next time hmm? It will be easier on my heart." As Jean-Claude finished, Julian pulled his shirt back on doing up the lace as they both made their way down into the hall. Often after the hours he slipped into the more private parts to laugh with Claramae as she started her venture to bed, but on this night it appeared she had company. "Good Evening.." Questioning eyes shot first to the Brother, then to Claramae as silent conversations slipped between them. Was something going on? It amazed Julian how two people could be so connected with the other words were not needed. (d
Master Laurence
"The day has been more trying than others, thank you for inquiring sir. My body has strange limitations. At times it is able to ignore them, at others, not. The Later half of the day its been the second." A woman of high breeding didn't discuss her ailments, but suffice to say beneath the beautiful black silk dress that outlined a figure so perfect ( a lack of child rearing) it was sinful (she hardly smiled either, so she had a flawless face)had scars that denoted the sinful minds of others. She was a walking freak of nature. As others entered from pars unknown she made introduction before going further to Diarmuid's dilemma "Ah, good evening. Master Jean-Claude de Aqutaine, and his apprentice Julian Monroe, allow me to introduce Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain. He is in charge of our spirituality within the house, delivering holy hours each day and masses. He is a Knights Hospitaler, recently come to us from Canterbury, quite a healer as well his reputatin proceeds him. Brother, Master de Aquitaine, and Monroe. Members of our household. Please sit you both we were discussing a ward that the Brother has taken on, a child fromthe under-dark on promise to see him better elevated. Now let us come to it then, sir." She put a hand to her front as she adjusted to a straight back with mildly shut eyes before opening them. That was trustworthy. She blinked. "Forgive me if I stall. Now...we are not without our feeling despite outward appearences," they all looked dead in the face at times, disturbing, like gargoyles. "I am certain Lord Voltaire has told you that some of the other masters have gone on to produce or take on their own heirs, without making them apprentices. We are humanist in our studies, and in a sense my master best described it by saying we simply strive to be more human to remember that we. I will say if the child is young..it would be better to use our connections to see him well placed until he is older at which point he may reside here again. Some of the things trained or discussed at is not for the mind of a young boy..but until such time or decision you make of him..he may stay. If no other place is found him..and you are fond of the child..than I will allow him to stay yet under the condition you understand my household will amend itself only so far for so young a guest. Of course things will be arranged for him, suitable outings, naturally a child would be bored here or get in to trouble. I trust this is why you have sent for Lady deBrabrant? I suppose you see her sense of piety is suitable for a religious and civil education for the child, and at times she will make a suitable compaion as would many within the household..actually. I just wish to task you with information to recall.." She put fingers to her mouth, then stood.."The last child to be so close to affairs was lady debrabant, as a child, but we lived in courts.not here as you can imagine.She paid a price for that proximity, one myself and Voltaire only found out in later years. The reason she recalls not everything of her earlier years was because her memory was fractured by witnessing the murder of her father, my master, and his torment. I do not say this is the child's fate, but understand your proximity to us and thus his to us..we will guard him but there are many things he might be brushed with far too soon.Not by your want either, if he stays. Of course we will strive against that..even now while you figure his future. He will be cared for, educated so if you do place him within one of our other families or with another all together.. is given start." She walked a bit to the fire "Innocence, sir, should be guarded."
Delilah
and bathed. Delilah had already brought in ample hot water and a large tub enough for the child to no doubt swim in, given this room hadn't a bathing place of its own. Bath before supper was cruelty to a boy that age but she wouldn't have him getting sick on lord knew what under those nails "Come young sir, in to the tub, so then you can dress, sup, and meet the lady of the household. In with you now. Goodness what is that behind your ears...blessed virgin.." In other places someone arrived in the libraries to fetch a girl who didn't sleep because her love of books tonight wouldn't let her (d)
Edward
"Me?"He whispered and looked up at her a bit worried. He hadn't the slightest idea of what to do with a room so big. He still hadn't come to grips with it all as he was lead into the room. His own filthy mismatched clothing was rivialed only by the thatchwork of hair that could have been of any shade , currently? Brown. Maybe. The boy still hadn't released the book from his arms while he watched her and the others move in with the buckets of water. " Edward. "he finally gave up the name , before realizing she..was going to make him bathe. He looked at the tub then her..then back again. " I washed las' week! "he protested, then ducked away from the inspection he was gaining
from her and rubbed behind that ear. It would take the poor girl some doing.. more so to pry the book from his hands then dumping him into the tub. Oh..he was not a happy boy, not at all. " I want to go home. "He declared after another dosing of water. Scrawny was an understatement for the lad, then again it wasn't as if there was much to be anything else. <d
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
"Good evening to you, Masters," Brother Diarmuid said to Master DeAquitaine and his apprentice. Brother Diarmuid would offer his hand to each of them in turn. Once the introductions had concluded, he would turn his attention to the words that Madame St. Laurence said. "He is not so young, a lad of eight....." Brother Diarmuid reckoned that somewhere near the boy's majority, for that had been the age when his tutors at the precpetory in Contlaf had begun teaching him swordplay. "And I do thank you for allowing the young man to stay here... for however long that it may be. " He was quiet for a few moments, considering his next words. "I had considered keeping the lad on as my ward...but I view that as an option to be taken if there is no other left." There was a soft smile, "I fear I would prove a poor Master to the boy, if I were to keep him as my ward..... I would much rather see him given in to the care of a good couple who desires children -- and has yet to be so blessed. If such cannot be arranged, there is the Church." The Church was never known to turn those away who came to the nunneries and monasteries seeking to devote their life to God. There was a sheepish smile, as Brother Diarmuid said, "....and I fear, Madame, that you are of keener mind than I. I had not thought to have the Lady Viscreed school the child during his stay here.... I had thought only of how I did not know the families of the parish, and would seek her advice in this matter...." (D)
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
A small conversation in French on behalf of the child had the pair smiling with a small bit of laughter. Perhaps reminded of how Julian came to the life of Jean-Claude, or perhaps it was a conversation of feeding children to the pool of sharks. One could hardly tell with this pair, but Jean would leave his apprentice to the arm of the chair while making his way round to Claramae bending to kiss her cheek in greeting, and of course asking how she felt before he settled into his seat beside her.Of course Jean-Claude would take the man's hand with a bow of his head, but in his chair he was a great deal of a man who seemed nearly eerie in ever aspect. His hair as black as the wings of ravens fell over his chest in perfectly straight strands with the easing contrast against his pale skin. At first glance he could appear like stone, motionless--until the light finally did reflect in his gaze as he looked over the scrawny boy.
Julian Monroe
"It is good to let him choose." Julian spoke up on behalf of the child, perhaps out of place, but his sudden outburst was not like him at all. Yet, somewhere he had in fact connected with the boy holding to that book for dear life. "Let it be up to him if he wishes to be part of the church or not." As they escorted the boy out, he would look to Jean-Claude and Claramae for a bit of an apology for his outspoken voice, but when Julian gave his opinion he gave it without restraint. "Lady Viscreed, would not have the time." Jean-Claude sat in his chair like the French Lord that he was would let his fingers rest against his lips while one leg crossed over his knee, and his voice would rise to challenge his apprentice.
Master Jean-Claude deAquitaine
"Julian, Janice would find time if it was asked of her, and frankly I feel that it would be a good match for her at the moment. She spends far too many of her evenings locked away in her study." He would look to Claramae, lowering his voice, "I think.." He would not be able to finish his thought without Julian coming to question him once again of it being her choice, and this frankly went right through the Old Master, "Of course, it would be up to her." He spoke rather sternly, "But we give ourselves willingly to whatever the cause, do not forget that." Julian's jaw would tighten as he lowered his now narrowed eyes. (d
Delilah
Delilah rolled up her sleeves and shook her head. Oh no, she had two older brothers and three younger! She knew these tricks, these frustrations and though it would be a clash of titans that child would be tubbed and scrubbed if she had to join him! All manners of chasing went on no doubt pouncing, until she was scrubbing his hair at some point herself as if she were trying to find the boy in the dirt! (She was, Edward was terribly dirty. She sighed, shaking her head, even splashing him back when he evaded her.) "C'mon now...there's dessert with your supper, just be a good lad and lets finish it!" What little boy didn't like dessert, let alone hed' be able to stuff his face (She saved fresh water to scrub his hands afterward, she just couldn't let him eat like this.)
Lady Janice deBrabant
-- The double doors would open to the private apartments, now the gathering place of Masters and Apprentices, as if a council of great minds must be called over to decide futures. In contrast to their dark apparel she wore no less than a gown of muted gold, like the sun rising over their dreary, maudlin selves. She lowered in to the respectful curtsy before paying all a good evening "Masters, Brother, Monroe." She then turned her eyes to Claramae "How may I serve you?" Julian probably was so sick of her saying that even if he felt it in his own core. This place....it possesed its residents. The belief in service and fidelity dug in them, coursed like their blood. --
Master Laurence
"Good evening Lady. I should ask before we begin, which you prefer. You have not changed your name of yet. If you truly prefer your wedded name. "
Lady Janice Viscreed
"Viscreed, within the house, Madame if you please. It would confuse people in business if it changed yet again..but I do prefer Viscreed."
Master Laurence
Claramae would nod, "Lady Viscreed then it is. Brother Diarmuid is championing the cause of a young man he seeks to take on as a potential ward. He may be here temporarily if a better, suitable household is found...or here permanetly. At any rate it is the brother's pleasure to ask of you if you know any suitable families within the parish for the boy, he is about 8..his name is Eward. Erstwhile..I should like to know if you would be of a mind to have time for the boy's education. Monroe suggests you may not have the time, and I have noticed you are of ferocious work ethic.Yet I can think of no one better suited. You are an ambient source of all good things, child."
Lady Janice deBrabant
Janice wondered at the age of the boy, marveled in fact he was allowed to stay beyond a night! Eight was so young, so young as she recalled herself so faintly as if her body had been in a fog."Why of course, to both tasks I can amend myself. Poor child, I should like very much to see to his education, it is not so hard to do. I used to do the same for my servant's children, Mistress Lynch. Loomis and I still get on famously. If you should like Brother I can see he has suitable playmates as well, a young boy should run. All lessons will make him quite fussy." She smiled with a warmth to rival the sun's magnitude. "Within the hall and without of it at certain times I will companion him. Consider it done," Her heart raced. Would the child like her, she him? A child..within the halls? That was as daring as any endevor ever undertaken. Claramae insisted she come sit beside her, so she did. Her Master would have told Jean-Claude in French of her health "I asked God for a new skin, but it is not so. Ah well." (d)
Edward
"HELP she's tryin ta drowned me! " he called out in the attempt of climbing out of the tub to be caught by a shoulder and sat back down into the tub firmly. ACK SOAP! The lad swished this way and that to get away from the dreaded maid and her wash rag of doom. Then it was all said and done, he looked more akin to a drown rat , skin pinkish in color due to the scrubbing , his only victory in this? Poor woman was nearly as soaked as he! The dark eyes glared up at the woman. <d
Brother Diarmuid O'Corrain
Perhaps it was the upbringing of both the Lady Viscreed and Brother Diarmuid that made them so ready to accept a belief in service and fidelity in the name of their chosen tasks and respective Masters. For they had both found
themselves raised in the strictness of the Church, for the Poor Claires nunnery and the preceptory of the Knights Hospitaller cleaved to the rules of monks and nuns respectively. And Brother Diarmuid had endured such an upbringing longer than the Lady Viscreed -- having been given to the Church at the age of five! (And atop the upbringing that one could expect to receive in a monastery, Brother Diarmuid had further endured military training -- the Order of Saint John was a martial order, after all!) There was a smile to the Lady Viscreed, "I think you for your kindness in this matter, Lady Viscreed..... I truly did not know who else to ask but yourself in this matter. May God bless this endeavor, for I do not look forward to having to take the boy to Ban Chan Ser." And the monasteries that Brother Diarmuid knew to be there... a journey from which the boy was not likely to return. There would a smile, as he rose, "Do forgive me, won't you? But I long to take some time to myself -- to get out of this --" He firmly patted his chest, causing the links of the hauberk worn under his habit to clink "and look in on the boy before theCompline mass begins." He would bid them good evening once more, before taking his leave. (D)
Lady Janice deBrabant
The Lady put a hand to her heart as if to suggest his words went straight there to stay forever preserved in the sweet place. "Thank you, sir, and you are most welcome. It is my honor to be of service to you in any way that I can. I promise to see that while he remains with us, and should he stay further..that he is given all that he should require. Please..please. It is late sir, you must be so tired after all your excursions. Rest you well, and God go with you." She curtsied as he took his leave before sitting back down beside her Master, the Madame. By whichever name you called Claramae it was synonomous with prestige, prowess or death.
Master Laurence
"He will be presented to us before we retire, Lady Viscreed, so that you may look on our youngest ward. This house has not hosted one so young in its walls, though I can not say we have never had so young a ward among the company of the elders." In the lingering quiet of others leaving she revealed her affection, for now it was only an observing deAquitaine, an annoyed Monroe, and them. Masters with the following generation of young adult beside them.
Lady Janice deBrabant
"We were longer together than our few years so far. Were that I could recall them. ah well. What matters is the here and now. I should like to see him."
Delilah
Oh she would..for Delilah wet as a rat herself had to call for two changes of clothing one being for herself. Next came putting the boy in a robe so he could eat, then be changed to some loose things to rest in. A struggle again? Well, what child wouldn't want good cuts of roast, brazed chicken in honey? The vegetables she'd have to negotiate with him on surely "C'mon eat them n' you can have cake?" As if they negotiated nations. (d)
Edward
The boy looked over the food after getting dressed in clean clothing. He had felt better now capable of breathing without the layer of sufficating dirt. He stared at the plate of food.. "all o' it mine?'He asked with an awesome whisper. The boy hadnt' seen so much food in once place.. unless of course it was a seller's staw. and none of which smelled so good. The lad didn't eat much, but tore into everything. The food was managing to disappear from his plate.. Straight into a napkin on his lap that he hid away.. never know when the meal like this could come again.. so best to keep something for later. <d
