Post by Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius on Jul 10, 2011 22:56:27 GMT -6
A Favor to Ask, Easter 1334
Lady Janice Monroe
Another year come while another one was put to bed. To Janice, she understood why the ancient rite began the year anew herein and not while the snow still fell. How could new come while everything was not alive! Here, here it was almost brazenly alive. Country tradition deemed that now color would return to grace the keeping of Easter's Vigil. Before the sunset, Turas Lan was treated to every man, woman, and child of the country bedecked in their splendor to walk the miles. While the city would have its own Cathedral mass, these people would head back to the countries. It could be said that no one understood the story of Christ better than they. His life, death, and resurrection played out for them in the depths of last year's weeping rain, it bled out as a sacrifice on the snow. "Look at how happy they are, Julian. No more a somber face ever did they have trying to impress another with the severity of their Lent adorations." She leaned over in the saddle to speak to him through a little veil of soft lavender, the tip of a feather tickling her nose before she pushed it back upwards. Some rode instead of walked. She was among them, feeling the movement of the powerful creature under her thighs. Horse hooves and soft human foot along the road was beautiful instrumentation for the singing of hymns. "They are of a genuine heart - and have proven so many wrong, so many who thought they would not return.. - " She knew her husband had paid his penance with a rite of blood and sweat, with reparation to what was torn. She knew his hands were among those rebuilding villages, erecting a new church, and tilling the fields waiting for the brave to return to them. They walked in a parade of iconography; St. Francis beside St. Cecilia, some holding the images of their own namesakes. A beautiful Virgin would enter the church at the beginning of the countryside that would mark the return to home for them all - farmers, laborers, shepards, and now even artisans. So many artisans! It seemed a different sort of service than ever she'd attended. The vigil began at Sunset and would continue for many hours. People would come and go as they saw fit, some continuing home, with promises to assemble for the processional toward the heart of their parish - The Church of St. Francis of the Valley. She was among those who walked outward, leading her horse on. So happy to walk, so happy to be in this place reborn in Spring she almost hardly noticed as the Lady of the Valley came upon them as they walked
Lady Eirian Apollius
"Happy Easter, m'lord and lady," she smiled to them, letting a guard hold the reigns of her hose a moment. "You return no more as strangers, and ever friends you both (d)
Master Julian Monroe
So much in him had not changed while all the rest seemed to come to life again just as their Savior had found his ground again. Julian had chosen to walk along side his wife, with an ever steady hand to the reigns to protect her even then. He was a humble man in the walk, silent as ever, but more thoughtful then he had ever been. Slowly he took in the surroundings, the ever faithful scenery that had always been a constant reminder of light in this world. He no longer felt the outsider; the hated, and finally Julian felt as though he belonged. However, there was the constant steady ache still to be connected to the very earth beneath his feet that was now his greatest battle. He walked upon God's land, but felt an intruder where he knew his wife to live among it. Eirian, in all her glory was the very essence of the world, with the wind in her hair, and the earth beneath her; he often wondered if only for a moment if they could trade souls if he would understand to be truly at peace. Still the ever silent figure he let his wife break first the conversation, as he slipped into her shadow once more. Julian felt very pulled between the separate parts of his life like smoke over water he felt himself drifting between the two, but only ever truly grounding himself in one. He no longer questioned his fate, for it was true and pure (at best it could). However, he questioned his true right of ever really belonging to this nation. God had made him a son of Scotland, Jean-Claude made him a man of France, and Janice made him the sun..yet he still felthis spirit elsewhere. "Happy Easter." He spoke quietly pulling his eyes from the horizon to find them in their company. "It is a beautiful one." Going through the motions, his comment on the weather seemed forced, or out of place...Janice would make up for that no doubt. (d
Lady Janice Monroe
"Your grace, thank you.." She sought out a word only to use the first one that came to mind, for you see, Eirian was all that was the word. The Artisan laughed, she who had been so many things. A constant consort of Kings, beloved of the green lands bobbing in these waters from North to South, East to West! An Empress in a far away land for a man who would never claim another. Surely she, of all things, was grace. "It is beautiful, this new church. I can only imagine the parish one is even more so, God has blessed the land very much."
Lady Eirian Apollius
Eirian could have spoken to Janice with no quandry but Julian was the puzzle, wasn't he? So it was to him she addressed "Will you sir, and your lady wife take your comfort at my estate tonight, and tomorrow join the processional to Easter Mass at St. Francis? It would be my honor, and pleasure to have you." She looked at him with eyes that never changed but to be a mirror of the soul who looked at them. Janice felt her heart stop, wondering what he would say. It was as if in this moment they came full circle, this woman looking at them in no malice, though so much pain had been caused. It was said beneath her gloves were hands worked as hard as Julian’s in the winter past. That she had taken a great commission among others, soon to be shown, and worked her fingers as if to loose their skin as to see that all had money for seed, feed for their animals, materials to build, and that the coffers of her own family were not spent. (d)
Masters Julian Monroe
"I am pleased you like it." There had been many long hours spent of his own hands building it again, but once it was finished Julian didn't return. He felt an outsider here, but understood why. He worried of his wife, worried of the reputation that still remained, but knew well enough that even now there was so little to be said about the past. All of the Valley lived for the future, and this he found as refreshing as the return of the vibrant green to the lush rich countryside. "I," He started slowly looking to Janice, and catching her eye. She wanted to, he could tell by the way her lips tried to hide back the excitement, and if he said no--the disappointment. "I don't see why not. I think My Lady would enjoy the country." She was like a child when it came to being outdoors, and this he loved dearly about her. He cherished each moment that lit up her eyes, and they could both use the break. "I would like to see the progress of the village." They had yet to have a deep rain, but Julian knew the winter had long left the countryside; leaving with it enough water to start the growing seasons. "Just so long as you do not mind the company." And there it was--a small smile, happy with the invite, and happy to see his wife so.
General Maahes Asad-Aziem
"She would not ask if she did not, and if she does then you come sleep with me." Maahes would never understand how horrid that sounded on the ears of the public, and how their lips twisted in polite smirks at the General's lack of proper grammar. None dare laugh. "I do not see enough of you boy." Julian blushed lightly when Maahes pulled him into an embrace, and the rich fragrant scent of the wild overwhelmed his senses. He smelled of fresh cut grass, and musty rich soil--and stole Julian's breath as he was squeezed. However, Lord General would replace Julian by his wife who for once didn't seem bothered by the onslaught of affection, but he would only bow his head to Janice. "Lady Monroe. Your cheeks are pink." Meaning she was beautiful in the sun. His amber eyes danced over the rest of the company to only fall on Eirian's, and with careful words asked for her to find him when she had a moment. (d)
Lady Janice Monroe & Lady Eirian Apollius
"It so pleases my husband, we will happily join you!" She exhaled delight in to air pregnant with the scents of the wildflowers opening on the bend in the road ahead. Were she not before such esteemed company, she might have squealed! A Baroness does not squeal! No one here was stuck up or laced too tight as to be beyond the calls of joy. Eirian laughed softly. Why, she was content enough in herself to never go about with a hat upon her head at all! That she could be so bold as to be uncovered of hat, or once so, unpinned in the hair. She turned to see Maahes next, offering up his hospitality in a way that seemed to invoke sodomy? She laughed behind her gloved hand. Eirian joined her, riding up beside the woman who only blushed at Maahes compliment. By now she knew it was so. "Yes, sun and much happiness sir. Oh my lady...your children have grown hearty and handsome!" Why, it was indeed the Lady Hope sitting astride a shared mount with her younger, yet strong brother Master Luke. Both of them waved to her before canting their heads, and Janice did the same back. "Nothing can stop life, Lady Monroe, nothing at all. The General's children are also sprung up, their mother and I spoke much of such things. Now I will talk of much with all of you, I shall see you in a little at the estate? General, will you come with me? " He would have his time.
Lady Janice Monroe
Watching her leave was as intoxicating as watching her arrive. "Julian," she said thoughtfully, "I do believe we live in the finest country on earth. With the strongest and most brilliant people of court, no matter what the lesser minded will say. Do you know that all winter in sewing circles I had to avoid because of talk for the likes of them, they said the Artisan spent all winter holed up with an Italian lover!" Who was no more than her dear friend, a muse, if one will. Scandal set one free. "They said the Church was set to discipline her fiercely, can you imagine? I can't. Even for a woman so honest of her own faults, I hardly see how there can be a one. Much as I look at you. Not a fault to your name. Merely strength, interest, vim and vigor is all." (d)
Master Julian Monroe
His demeanor never changed despite the sins that washed away, Julian was still a cold person who shied away from the public eye, and found comfort in the confines of the Ebony Hall's secret passages. He wasn't very outspoken nor very well versed in the native language of the art of word. However, his tasks were accomplished well enough, and his manners got him through the best of it. "I would not go so far, Janice. We all have our faults. My name may not be at fault, but my record is not perfect. "I am not certain an Italian would have gotten that far with her Ox like husband, my love..I would not look too far into that rumor." He sounded like Jean-Claude when speaking of Italians, as if they were a separate sort of race; somewhere between the German and the Spanish. "So no, my answer is I can not imagine it. Besides. The true rumor lives there." Maahes cherished the ground Eirian walked on, and even now ahead of them he helped her with what he could. He took whatever it was she would be holding, and would help her over where the winter was unkind to the road. "I am never surprised with.." He stopped suddenly and worried over his bottom lip at what he was just about to admit. Guilt stained eyes shifted to his wife to see if she had picked up on his betrayal of the Church, for the next line would have been how fast the Church is to condemn from sins they themselves honor. Somewhere he was afraid to realize there was still doubt, but at least now he could not put his worry in if God existed; it was in what ran his teachings.
General Maahes Asad-Aziem
"In Winter, I come up with a plan." His native rich accent always glorious when it beamed with pride, and this one he had worked well on. "This plan has come, and from all over the world Masters of War come to study in our nation, while teaching of theirs. The court gave me this idea when so many countries were there in one place, eating..dancing..dressing." He had struggled with it until finally he had become so lost in it, but even with the new look Maahes was still himself--simply growing. "Like trading goods, you with your art, me with mine." He was living in a dream at the moment, but somewhere he knew this was his ticket to retirement. (d
Lady Janice Monroe
"Perfection is the realm of God, and it is for him to bestow it to any, even if our eyes are flawed to see it. What we think is perfection pales to his magnitude I am certain..but I am also certain that he has had some hand in this place. Why else would the world look on Scotland? Imagine it. A man travels many hundreds of miles to seek out our good patroness. People of all manner of color here converge, better than elsewhere. Our Masters who by God's grace, live," She crossed herself that all came to this spring. Adelaide and her new child, Jean-Claude and Claramae. Each were not ravaged by old hurts. " could reside anywhere in the world but sit here, on what they claim to be the most uncultured, uncouth rock in Christendom, you know it is true. You laugh at it." Anything to see his mouth flicker to smile in public, even a ghost of it! "Never suprised with what, husband? Come, say. We have a little ways to go yet." She reached out and was able to reach the back of his head with her gloved hand before turning it back to the reign. She rode sidesaddle, noticing the Lady Eirian did not employ such a thing at all, only when it was necessary (to which she believed she'd seen once all season) She could tell for the way she steered her horse with as much thigh as with guided hands.
Lady Eirian Apollius
Further ahead Eirian was engrossed in the dream of an old General .Masters of War all coming to teach the art, but not to practice it. To see it passed to younger generations with the hope that one day the swords may become plowshares. She knew in his heart somewhere Maahes favored that, the valley had hypnotized him or he would not have settled there. The waving grain fields yet to grow, the grasses already high. "It is a good plan, and so the Lion may lord over a great den of learning. It is like trading goods. We will both do that. I, too, came to a plan over the winter. It would seem that your art of war, and my art of capturing life will reign together side by side. Many of my old apprentices, now journeyman or masters themselves long studied before me, and other masters like minded have come to settle. We shall have our apprentices come hither, to the valley to study the arts: composition, color, drawing of hand. There shall come too teachers of music and poetry. We shall enrich our minds further with the classics of our subjects, and philosophy, theological discussion. I have even heard a dance master may soon come to reside. We talked much and taught more over the winter. All shall also understand what it is to work with their hands. They will till soil and watch flock, build the hall for the education with their own hands. For now there is enough room in a wing of my estate, but we shall build anew, so that much as the house there shall be halls passing through the great waterfalls and the evergreen tree, and others, to see the leaves change all the year through. So then we are a land of tilled fields and old teachers it would seem.” She smiled down at him, for only on a horse could she ever design to be taller than him.” I promised we would turn out, my cohorts and I, once a month in the city to see how the maiden hall of artisans faired. Yet my heart, as theirs, in the Valley go. To our art. It is as if this whole winter awakened a sleeping thing in me. I must thank the Italian many times over!" Erstwhile Janice was pondering Julian's 'true rumor'. What was it the large Beast saw in a woman so tiny? (d)
Master Julian Monroe
"Our Masters live well..for the time." He smiled lightly then, thinking of how Jean-Claude was hardly sleeping, and how Claramae was no doubt beyond ready to have his parents from her home. "They plan to travel with Lord and Lady Aquitaine when they return to France. Those of the estate wish to see the grandson, and I will accompany them as planned. When I return, we will spend the summer in the Orient, and see Rome on the way." He spoke as if he were speaking from his dreams, little to-do lists he kept on his lists, but Julian longed to travel like they had in Spain. He wanted to see the world with her, and upon their return see about that family she had always wanted. He wasn't a man of the sea, but he was one who wanted to be locked up inside a captains cabin with her for months on end simply to have her to himself. She would read like they did on the way to Spain, but this time he wouldn't pretend to not be interested. Julian always had been before, but of course he dare not show it. "I was just questioning the Roman Church, how they are so quick to throw stones at the Lady Artisan when there is so much perversion inside their own temple, but I figured I would save you the trouble of worrying of my soul. It is still the same, though my cynical nature is as well intact. I am protective of the few that I hold close, even if a little blind about what not to admit." Julian spoke so seriously then, with that monotone dull voice of his, but when he looked up to his wife he smiled lightly to imply his jest. "You still love me though, so it must not all be so bad." While the rest of the world was busy in their march Julian reached beneath the hem of Janice's skirt and brushed her ankle lightly before giving her foot a playful squeeze. He also instantly felt guilty for exposing the skin, and quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching. Lord..what sluts they were.
General Maahes Asad-Aziem
Maahes listened to Eirian as if to listen to the birds in the summer afternoons, and he was instantly drawn into his thoughts. Her art was her passion, he could not fault her for that, but it was very hard for him to relate. He had tried to paint once; Ealora even hung it in the hall for weeks until he tore it down. In light of the conversation, he moved his eyes over to where Hope was upon the back of her horse talking to her brother, and he figured her to be telling him a story. She was so beautiful, and growing more like her mother every day, "Then you will not mind my asking of a favor? In each country I have a speaker, a teacher to help understand. We are so diverse here, even with the German there is littlethat can not be spoken." Meaning, he couldn't understand a damn word they said, even when it was translated, "There are few coming from the land of your daughter, I would pay you all the same as any other to see to their comforts, and perhaps if they were not warriors I would ask for Hope's help. I know you keep her father well in her mind, but I hear even the ships they sail are a sight." (d
Lady Janice Monroe
"So it is so then. All the hints over the winter that you wanted me with you for travel seems to amount to much truth. You have no idea how happy this makes me, husband. I love you so well that second only to the love of you is the love of the continents moving with different things each day. To see the seasons pass across the world. It will be good. The kingdom can do without the masters and how they need their own chance at peace. Of a worldly sort. While so, my lord, I hope to make note of the passing world with you at my side, often." So bold! Beneath the folds of a dress too-long for usual riding gown (of course to hide her feet) would peek a hint of stocking and brown leather boot held together by purple stitchery.
A maiden's blush on the face of a wife? Hilarious. The glow of settled matrimony, not new bliss, was their minted coin near a year come summer. What anniversary would they mark? It was a private joke between them many were not blessed with two, only one. Yet to have Lerida in Rome, in cities all across the world! A little open window, a bed, and him.
Lady Eirian Apollius
As the road dipped down and Arianna Hymerodraeth appeared glittering in the heart of the crescent floor, the sun did indeed make it shine silver. It stole Eirian's breath! It was no longer strange that she, like the estate, had her own magic glow. Luke was telling Hope how he would climb in to a tree as soon as they dismounted! He was indeed his father's son. She would join him, this child who was indeed a child of three lands now. As he spoke of those who had come as far away as the Orient, as far off as the land where Empires rose in different kingdoms seperated by slights in dialect she turned her head to Maahes. The sight of home was different than the sight her mind conjured of the ships. "It matters little if they are warrior or artisan. She has known both in her short life time, small parties have long since passed through the valley. We are long more than a valley of English and Welsh birth though that is fame's claim I would suppose. Hope is able to speak and understand very well of the language of China, because Kahaknian Chinese is much atune to Mandarin. I learned a little Cantonese, but I speak, read, and write the language of the Kingdom of the Phoenix God. We would both be content to help you. The ships they sail you will find are similiar in some features to our own, because of the reading of works. But the sails are very different, and very beautiful." It was then Eirian stopped, allowing the Monroes to pass her and with the Steward go on toward the Estate. She looked to Maahes, as her children stopped to admire the blossoms of the fruit trees. It was so good to be home! "I am going to tell you something Maahes, it is something I need not confess but I feel it is a good thing to say.As much as I am given credit for my piety and observation for my faith, God has forgiven me of a very heavy sin: to have divorced the girl's father, and to provide some land and monies ample for his comfort should he to return. Some will never fathom how the Crown nor the Church allowed it so, but it was. And I sought it. I would have sought it even if I had not gone to Talion when he suffered loss. You, being my friend, may or may not understand, but I will tell you anyway." She smiled a little, looking to the blossom. "There is so much life in this world. For me, life had come, blossomed, and withered when I was a woman not much older than Janice. I mourned...and was set to go on yet he returned...and I forsook an engagement to be a fitting wife, in the eyes of a king, and of the Church even if my husband was not of my faith. I admire her father for his unwavering commitment to what we had been. For we were not bad together, in fact, we completed one another.Yet I now see it was not the will of God to be for always. His messenger told me something, I see it is true. While the moon, myself they say, and he the sun, can not keep the same house we may reside together side by side in the same world. Talion has been my friend as long as Za-Hak. I believed that fate would not design to put Talion before me again. We've long been friends, and our paths long joined. He, for all his brashness, would never have made an adulteress of me in my youth, nor I ruin him nor is it my way. And we passed one another. I could have had him when I lived in Inverness, long ago, but we parted even then... I..felt much guilt over what I had done.I told Talion once that how could it be that he could keep beside him a woman who would so cast aside a man, when she was rounding with his child, and how could he lover her, with that child. Do you know what he said?" She picked the fruit blossom and looked at it, "He said: It takes more strength to hold on for hope, and love, and all good things than it does to make war to ruin them. I have seen you lead in the absence of a Queen, and be faithful subject wherever you go. Counselor, sister, and friend. Yet while so many care of your happiness they would sooner see you suffer and call that wasting sickness beautiful piety. Many can also say the same strength is foolish, and I say it because you have waited many times for him, days to weeks, weeks to months, and even years to have mourned him with more honor than anyone would pay me." She sighed softly ."I knew when he left my door Za-Hak was not coming back when he left. I saw it, yet prayed it not be true. I prayed that my love of Talion be plutonic, and sisterly. But it was not so. I did what I did to be free..yet.. I could have had no scandal to my name to have..waited a year perhaps..two..before becoming Talion's wife. I asked him what he wanted of me, and he fumed. He said what do I want? He looked like a man who had twisted his mind to be honorable and said fye it all. He kissed me. You know I have done the same for him, days to weeks, weeks to months yet..."She sighed softly "I would do it all of my days. Many can only claim the love of one when I have been very beloved of three men, two I have called husband..and it is those two by which my life has been defined. It is my Talion that my star is made ever North. It was no mere coincidence both men were Phoenix knights, and Phoenix baring kings. Do you understand Maahes? I will bare no ill will if you do not. Even now when I see these men, and speak their language, they are a side of me that none could ever else be. Za-Hak opened a young heart to many things, and furnished things that have stayed with me since .I thank him for this. Talion finished what had begun. " Both men were very similar in many ways. As much as Talion would rue to ever acknowledge it; both practiced the art of war once, both were wise of books yet vagabond in manner at times, and both could be gone for long stretches that broke the heart. Yet Talion was the only one who learned to stay. (d)
Generam Maahes Asad Aziem
"You forget Eirian," Maahes started speaking very low, and his arms came to cross over his chest as if to ward away a chill. There was so little that kept him cold, but the thought of her words chased a shiver down his spine. They would not come after her, not while he was living, and even beyond that her husband. "I do not believe you have loved only one. Like Adelaide, she loves Jean-Claude, but she loves me too. You love like her, and with your heart I do not think that God would ever condemn you." It concerned him she would speak like that, and all the times she was without Apollo made him question what it was that kept her sane. A woman's place was beside a man, but if that man so saw his heart with another was she to walk alone? No, "Women in my country are killed, their nose cut off their face to forever show their sin. You are blessed to live here, and be as you are. Do not think anything other then what you are. You do what is best for you." Deep down he was a very faith driven man who believed in signs like that of omens, and the world around them was their greatest gift. "The difference between your husbands and the fire bird is that one was born beneath the flag, and the other bled to see it rise. You old husband is not dead, but here he might as well be. I do not think even Hope would take him back now." She was such a beautiful woman, but that shy little artist was long gone--it broke his heart. "When Hope is older she may seek him out, but do you think she is content?" Like his children she was different, she stood out as a rare beautiful, but even she knew why. "I would not want her around these men by themselves. They come from the mountain, with tigers on their backs, and dragons in their chest. They kill a thousand men, and defeat armies. I worry for you as well, but I fear I have no one else to ask." (d
Lady Eirian Apollius
"You have taken then the wandering men who would serve Emperors. They are possessed of great knowledge but can be hard to..persuade to remain still. Some of their leaders hold to their religious ways, ancestor worship or the writings of a man known as Confucious..others would worship a different thing entirely. You must be very careful of them. Some would slice the throat of their Emperor, the way to heaven on this earth in their home, if it served them. I will do my best" She had heard of men much similiar, and more vicious, from Nihon, yet the ones who were the mainland's variation of that country were no less so. "Perhaps you will be fortunate enough to host warrior-monks. Far better in skill, far more temperate, and prefers of peace. But we will do what we can until that day." He did understand. He understood better than she thought he ever would. Much had changed in the man so driven by faith yet so open to the new principles of this free land - a land where they could walk together, where she could call him brother, and where he could have power no matter the shade of his flesh. She led them towards where the others were going with the setting of the sun. To feast. To put away their horses and make ready for the glorious morning of the resurrection. "Hope has a heart that would rival any to love. She bares her sire no ill will, and is apt to learn all of herself. She holds him in high esteem for I have not told her ill things of him, it isn't fair. But you are right in that nothing can remove the place of father for her as Talion. She was held by him after her birth. Those two are as bonded by heart as Luke and he and she are by some shared blood. Look at how she loves her brother, so tenderly. Luke loves her with more vigor. To each other, the other can do no wrong. This is how Hope loves. Very purely. When she is introduced to the men of the mountains no doubt it will be easier for them to call her by her Orient name: Xiaodan. We will help one another.In turn you may find we will be apt to entertain them. I have a few in my company who remained, dancers and such of that country. Both Hope and myself do play instruments of the land, even Luke is familiar with the singing." She let him hold the reigns steady as she came down, now smaller to her place in earth.All of her hair was braided and twisted on her head, held by gold threads that shimmered in the dark locks as she walked "I think things like this are the only things that anger Talion now, or hurt his heart..these men. When the one came a summer or so prior, Lee, as a representative of the Emperor..I believe Talion would have killed him if he but put one finger or even suggested Hope should leave for the East now. Za-Hak is not so shallow as to do that..yet it does give me some pause. Should any come from those provinces of that Kingdom..they would know what they were looking at. I have feared some might consider it - a noble enterprise - to return the Emperor his heir, or convince me to return with her." (d)
Lady Janice Monroe
Another year come while another one was put to bed. To Janice, she understood why the ancient rite began the year anew herein and not while the snow still fell. How could new come while everything was not alive! Here, here it was almost brazenly alive. Country tradition deemed that now color would return to grace the keeping of Easter's Vigil. Before the sunset, Turas Lan was treated to every man, woman, and child of the country bedecked in their splendor to walk the miles. While the city would have its own Cathedral mass, these people would head back to the countries. It could be said that no one understood the story of Christ better than they. His life, death, and resurrection played out for them in the depths of last year's weeping rain, it bled out as a sacrifice on the snow. "Look at how happy they are, Julian. No more a somber face ever did they have trying to impress another with the severity of their Lent adorations." She leaned over in the saddle to speak to him through a little veil of soft lavender, the tip of a feather tickling her nose before she pushed it back upwards. Some rode instead of walked. She was among them, feeling the movement of the powerful creature under her thighs. Horse hooves and soft human foot along the road was beautiful instrumentation for the singing of hymns. "They are of a genuine heart - and have proven so many wrong, so many who thought they would not return.. - " She knew her husband had paid his penance with a rite of blood and sweat, with reparation to what was torn. She knew his hands were among those rebuilding villages, erecting a new church, and tilling the fields waiting for the brave to return to them. They walked in a parade of iconography; St. Francis beside St. Cecilia, some holding the images of their own namesakes. A beautiful Virgin would enter the church at the beginning of the countryside that would mark the return to home for them all - farmers, laborers, shepards, and now even artisans. So many artisans! It seemed a different sort of service than ever she'd attended. The vigil began at Sunset and would continue for many hours. People would come and go as they saw fit, some continuing home, with promises to assemble for the processional toward the heart of their parish - The Church of St. Francis of the Valley. She was among those who walked outward, leading her horse on. So happy to walk, so happy to be in this place reborn in Spring she almost hardly noticed as the Lady of the Valley came upon them as they walked
Lady Eirian Apollius
"Happy Easter, m'lord and lady," she smiled to them, letting a guard hold the reigns of her hose a moment. "You return no more as strangers, and ever friends you both (d)
Master Julian Monroe
So much in him had not changed while all the rest seemed to come to life again just as their Savior had found his ground again. Julian had chosen to walk along side his wife, with an ever steady hand to the reigns to protect her even then. He was a humble man in the walk, silent as ever, but more thoughtful then he had ever been. Slowly he took in the surroundings, the ever faithful scenery that had always been a constant reminder of light in this world. He no longer felt the outsider; the hated, and finally Julian felt as though he belonged. However, there was the constant steady ache still to be connected to the very earth beneath his feet that was now his greatest battle. He walked upon God's land, but felt an intruder where he knew his wife to live among it. Eirian, in all her glory was the very essence of the world, with the wind in her hair, and the earth beneath her; he often wondered if only for a moment if they could trade souls if he would understand to be truly at peace. Still the ever silent figure he let his wife break first the conversation, as he slipped into her shadow once more. Julian felt very pulled between the separate parts of his life like smoke over water he felt himself drifting between the two, but only ever truly grounding himself in one. He no longer questioned his fate, for it was true and pure (at best it could). However, he questioned his true right of ever really belonging to this nation. God had made him a son of Scotland, Jean-Claude made him a man of France, and Janice made him the sun..yet he still felthis spirit elsewhere. "Happy Easter." He spoke quietly pulling his eyes from the horizon to find them in their company. "It is a beautiful one." Going through the motions, his comment on the weather seemed forced, or out of place...Janice would make up for that no doubt. (d
Lady Janice Monroe
"Your grace, thank you.." She sought out a word only to use the first one that came to mind, for you see, Eirian was all that was the word. The Artisan laughed, she who had been so many things. A constant consort of Kings, beloved of the green lands bobbing in these waters from North to South, East to West! An Empress in a far away land for a man who would never claim another. Surely she, of all things, was grace. "It is beautiful, this new church. I can only imagine the parish one is even more so, God has blessed the land very much."
Lady Eirian Apollius
Eirian could have spoken to Janice with no quandry but Julian was the puzzle, wasn't he? So it was to him she addressed "Will you sir, and your lady wife take your comfort at my estate tonight, and tomorrow join the processional to Easter Mass at St. Francis? It would be my honor, and pleasure to have you." She looked at him with eyes that never changed but to be a mirror of the soul who looked at them. Janice felt her heart stop, wondering what he would say. It was as if in this moment they came full circle, this woman looking at them in no malice, though so much pain had been caused. It was said beneath her gloves were hands worked as hard as Julian’s in the winter past. That she had taken a great commission among others, soon to be shown, and worked her fingers as if to loose their skin as to see that all had money for seed, feed for their animals, materials to build, and that the coffers of her own family were not spent. (d)
Masters Julian Monroe
"I am pleased you like it." There had been many long hours spent of his own hands building it again, but once it was finished Julian didn't return. He felt an outsider here, but understood why. He worried of his wife, worried of the reputation that still remained, but knew well enough that even now there was so little to be said about the past. All of the Valley lived for the future, and this he found as refreshing as the return of the vibrant green to the lush rich countryside. "I," He started slowly looking to Janice, and catching her eye. She wanted to, he could tell by the way her lips tried to hide back the excitement, and if he said no--the disappointment. "I don't see why not. I think My Lady would enjoy the country." She was like a child when it came to being outdoors, and this he loved dearly about her. He cherished each moment that lit up her eyes, and they could both use the break. "I would like to see the progress of the village." They had yet to have a deep rain, but Julian knew the winter had long left the countryside; leaving with it enough water to start the growing seasons. "Just so long as you do not mind the company." And there it was--a small smile, happy with the invite, and happy to see his wife so.
General Maahes Asad-Aziem
"She would not ask if she did not, and if she does then you come sleep with me." Maahes would never understand how horrid that sounded on the ears of the public, and how their lips twisted in polite smirks at the General's lack of proper grammar. None dare laugh. "I do not see enough of you boy." Julian blushed lightly when Maahes pulled him into an embrace, and the rich fragrant scent of the wild overwhelmed his senses. He smelled of fresh cut grass, and musty rich soil--and stole Julian's breath as he was squeezed. However, Lord General would replace Julian by his wife who for once didn't seem bothered by the onslaught of affection, but he would only bow his head to Janice. "Lady Monroe. Your cheeks are pink." Meaning she was beautiful in the sun. His amber eyes danced over the rest of the company to only fall on Eirian's, and with careful words asked for her to find him when she had a moment. (d)
Lady Janice Monroe & Lady Eirian Apollius
"It so pleases my husband, we will happily join you!" She exhaled delight in to air pregnant with the scents of the wildflowers opening on the bend in the road ahead. Were she not before such esteemed company, she might have squealed! A Baroness does not squeal! No one here was stuck up or laced too tight as to be beyond the calls of joy. Eirian laughed softly. Why, she was content enough in herself to never go about with a hat upon her head at all! That she could be so bold as to be uncovered of hat, or once so, unpinned in the hair. She turned to see Maahes next, offering up his hospitality in a way that seemed to invoke sodomy? She laughed behind her gloved hand. Eirian joined her, riding up beside the woman who only blushed at Maahes compliment. By now she knew it was so. "Yes, sun and much happiness sir. Oh my lady...your children have grown hearty and handsome!" Why, it was indeed the Lady Hope sitting astride a shared mount with her younger, yet strong brother Master Luke. Both of them waved to her before canting their heads, and Janice did the same back. "Nothing can stop life, Lady Monroe, nothing at all. The General's children are also sprung up, their mother and I spoke much of such things. Now I will talk of much with all of you, I shall see you in a little at the estate? General, will you come with me? " He would have his time.
Lady Janice Monroe
Watching her leave was as intoxicating as watching her arrive. "Julian," she said thoughtfully, "I do believe we live in the finest country on earth. With the strongest and most brilliant people of court, no matter what the lesser minded will say. Do you know that all winter in sewing circles I had to avoid because of talk for the likes of them, they said the Artisan spent all winter holed up with an Italian lover!" Who was no more than her dear friend, a muse, if one will. Scandal set one free. "They said the Church was set to discipline her fiercely, can you imagine? I can't. Even for a woman so honest of her own faults, I hardly see how there can be a one. Much as I look at you. Not a fault to your name. Merely strength, interest, vim and vigor is all." (d)
Master Julian Monroe
His demeanor never changed despite the sins that washed away, Julian was still a cold person who shied away from the public eye, and found comfort in the confines of the Ebony Hall's secret passages. He wasn't very outspoken nor very well versed in the native language of the art of word. However, his tasks were accomplished well enough, and his manners got him through the best of it. "I would not go so far, Janice. We all have our faults. My name may not be at fault, but my record is not perfect. "I am not certain an Italian would have gotten that far with her Ox like husband, my love..I would not look too far into that rumor." He sounded like Jean-Claude when speaking of Italians, as if they were a separate sort of race; somewhere between the German and the Spanish. "So no, my answer is I can not imagine it. Besides. The true rumor lives there." Maahes cherished the ground Eirian walked on, and even now ahead of them he helped her with what he could. He took whatever it was she would be holding, and would help her over where the winter was unkind to the road. "I am never surprised with.." He stopped suddenly and worried over his bottom lip at what he was just about to admit. Guilt stained eyes shifted to his wife to see if she had picked up on his betrayal of the Church, for the next line would have been how fast the Church is to condemn from sins they themselves honor. Somewhere he was afraid to realize there was still doubt, but at least now he could not put his worry in if God existed; it was in what ran his teachings.
General Maahes Asad-Aziem
"In Winter, I come up with a plan." His native rich accent always glorious when it beamed with pride, and this one he had worked well on. "This plan has come, and from all over the world Masters of War come to study in our nation, while teaching of theirs. The court gave me this idea when so many countries were there in one place, eating..dancing..dressing." He had struggled with it until finally he had become so lost in it, but even with the new look Maahes was still himself--simply growing. "Like trading goods, you with your art, me with mine." He was living in a dream at the moment, but somewhere he knew this was his ticket to retirement. (d
Lady Janice Monroe
"Perfection is the realm of God, and it is for him to bestow it to any, even if our eyes are flawed to see it. What we think is perfection pales to his magnitude I am certain..but I am also certain that he has had some hand in this place. Why else would the world look on Scotland? Imagine it. A man travels many hundreds of miles to seek out our good patroness. People of all manner of color here converge, better than elsewhere. Our Masters who by God's grace, live," She crossed herself that all came to this spring. Adelaide and her new child, Jean-Claude and Claramae. Each were not ravaged by old hurts. " could reside anywhere in the world but sit here, on what they claim to be the most uncultured, uncouth rock in Christendom, you know it is true. You laugh at it." Anything to see his mouth flicker to smile in public, even a ghost of it! "Never suprised with what, husband? Come, say. We have a little ways to go yet." She reached out and was able to reach the back of his head with her gloved hand before turning it back to the reign. She rode sidesaddle, noticing the Lady Eirian did not employ such a thing at all, only when it was necessary (to which she believed she'd seen once all season) She could tell for the way she steered her horse with as much thigh as with guided hands.
Lady Eirian Apollius
Further ahead Eirian was engrossed in the dream of an old General .Masters of War all coming to teach the art, but not to practice it. To see it passed to younger generations with the hope that one day the swords may become plowshares. She knew in his heart somewhere Maahes favored that, the valley had hypnotized him or he would not have settled there. The waving grain fields yet to grow, the grasses already high. "It is a good plan, and so the Lion may lord over a great den of learning. It is like trading goods. We will both do that. I, too, came to a plan over the winter. It would seem that your art of war, and my art of capturing life will reign together side by side. Many of my old apprentices, now journeyman or masters themselves long studied before me, and other masters like minded have come to settle. We shall have our apprentices come hither, to the valley to study the arts: composition, color, drawing of hand. There shall come too teachers of music and poetry. We shall enrich our minds further with the classics of our subjects, and philosophy, theological discussion. I have even heard a dance master may soon come to reside. We talked much and taught more over the winter. All shall also understand what it is to work with their hands. They will till soil and watch flock, build the hall for the education with their own hands. For now there is enough room in a wing of my estate, but we shall build anew, so that much as the house there shall be halls passing through the great waterfalls and the evergreen tree, and others, to see the leaves change all the year through. So then we are a land of tilled fields and old teachers it would seem.” She smiled down at him, for only on a horse could she ever design to be taller than him.” I promised we would turn out, my cohorts and I, once a month in the city to see how the maiden hall of artisans faired. Yet my heart, as theirs, in the Valley go. To our art. It is as if this whole winter awakened a sleeping thing in me. I must thank the Italian many times over!" Erstwhile Janice was pondering Julian's 'true rumor'. What was it the large Beast saw in a woman so tiny? (d)
Master Julian Monroe
"Our Masters live well..for the time." He smiled lightly then, thinking of how Jean-Claude was hardly sleeping, and how Claramae was no doubt beyond ready to have his parents from her home. "They plan to travel with Lord and Lady Aquitaine when they return to France. Those of the estate wish to see the grandson, and I will accompany them as planned. When I return, we will spend the summer in the Orient, and see Rome on the way." He spoke as if he were speaking from his dreams, little to-do lists he kept on his lists, but Julian longed to travel like they had in Spain. He wanted to see the world with her, and upon their return see about that family she had always wanted. He wasn't a man of the sea, but he was one who wanted to be locked up inside a captains cabin with her for months on end simply to have her to himself. She would read like they did on the way to Spain, but this time he wouldn't pretend to not be interested. Julian always had been before, but of course he dare not show it. "I was just questioning the Roman Church, how they are so quick to throw stones at the Lady Artisan when there is so much perversion inside their own temple, but I figured I would save you the trouble of worrying of my soul. It is still the same, though my cynical nature is as well intact. I am protective of the few that I hold close, even if a little blind about what not to admit." Julian spoke so seriously then, with that monotone dull voice of his, but when he looked up to his wife he smiled lightly to imply his jest. "You still love me though, so it must not all be so bad." While the rest of the world was busy in their march Julian reached beneath the hem of Janice's skirt and brushed her ankle lightly before giving her foot a playful squeeze. He also instantly felt guilty for exposing the skin, and quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching. Lord..what sluts they were.
General Maahes Asad-Aziem
Maahes listened to Eirian as if to listen to the birds in the summer afternoons, and he was instantly drawn into his thoughts. Her art was her passion, he could not fault her for that, but it was very hard for him to relate. He had tried to paint once; Ealora even hung it in the hall for weeks until he tore it down. In light of the conversation, he moved his eyes over to where Hope was upon the back of her horse talking to her brother, and he figured her to be telling him a story. She was so beautiful, and growing more like her mother every day, "Then you will not mind my asking of a favor? In each country I have a speaker, a teacher to help understand. We are so diverse here, even with the German there is littlethat can not be spoken." Meaning, he couldn't understand a damn word they said, even when it was translated, "There are few coming from the land of your daughter, I would pay you all the same as any other to see to their comforts, and perhaps if they were not warriors I would ask for Hope's help. I know you keep her father well in her mind, but I hear even the ships they sail are a sight." (d
Lady Janice Monroe
"So it is so then. All the hints over the winter that you wanted me with you for travel seems to amount to much truth. You have no idea how happy this makes me, husband. I love you so well that second only to the love of you is the love of the continents moving with different things each day. To see the seasons pass across the world. It will be good. The kingdom can do without the masters and how they need their own chance at peace. Of a worldly sort. While so, my lord, I hope to make note of the passing world with you at my side, often." So bold! Beneath the folds of a dress too-long for usual riding gown (of course to hide her feet) would peek a hint of stocking and brown leather boot held together by purple stitchery.
A maiden's blush on the face of a wife? Hilarious. The glow of settled matrimony, not new bliss, was their minted coin near a year come summer. What anniversary would they mark? It was a private joke between them many were not blessed with two, only one. Yet to have Lerida in Rome, in cities all across the world! A little open window, a bed, and him.
Lady Eirian Apollius
As the road dipped down and Arianna Hymerodraeth appeared glittering in the heart of the crescent floor, the sun did indeed make it shine silver. It stole Eirian's breath! It was no longer strange that she, like the estate, had her own magic glow. Luke was telling Hope how he would climb in to a tree as soon as they dismounted! He was indeed his father's son. She would join him, this child who was indeed a child of three lands now. As he spoke of those who had come as far away as the Orient, as far off as the land where Empires rose in different kingdoms seperated by slights in dialect she turned her head to Maahes. The sight of home was different than the sight her mind conjured of the ships. "It matters little if they are warrior or artisan. She has known both in her short life time, small parties have long since passed through the valley. We are long more than a valley of English and Welsh birth though that is fame's claim I would suppose. Hope is able to speak and understand very well of the language of China, because Kahaknian Chinese is much atune to Mandarin. I learned a little Cantonese, but I speak, read, and write the language of the Kingdom of the Phoenix God. We would both be content to help you. The ships they sail you will find are similiar in some features to our own, because of the reading of works. But the sails are very different, and very beautiful." It was then Eirian stopped, allowing the Monroes to pass her and with the Steward go on toward the Estate. She looked to Maahes, as her children stopped to admire the blossoms of the fruit trees. It was so good to be home! "I am going to tell you something Maahes, it is something I need not confess but I feel it is a good thing to say.As much as I am given credit for my piety and observation for my faith, God has forgiven me of a very heavy sin: to have divorced the girl's father, and to provide some land and monies ample for his comfort should he to return. Some will never fathom how the Crown nor the Church allowed it so, but it was. And I sought it. I would have sought it even if I had not gone to Talion when he suffered loss. You, being my friend, may or may not understand, but I will tell you anyway." She smiled a little, looking to the blossom. "There is so much life in this world. For me, life had come, blossomed, and withered when I was a woman not much older than Janice. I mourned...and was set to go on yet he returned...and I forsook an engagement to be a fitting wife, in the eyes of a king, and of the Church even if my husband was not of my faith. I admire her father for his unwavering commitment to what we had been. For we were not bad together, in fact, we completed one another.Yet I now see it was not the will of God to be for always. His messenger told me something, I see it is true. While the moon, myself they say, and he the sun, can not keep the same house we may reside together side by side in the same world. Talion has been my friend as long as Za-Hak. I believed that fate would not design to put Talion before me again. We've long been friends, and our paths long joined. He, for all his brashness, would never have made an adulteress of me in my youth, nor I ruin him nor is it my way. And we passed one another. I could have had him when I lived in Inverness, long ago, but we parted even then... I..felt much guilt over what I had done.I told Talion once that how could it be that he could keep beside him a woman who would so cast aside a man, when she was rounding with his child, and how could he lover her, with that child. Do you know what he said?" She picked the fruit blossom and looked at it, "He said: It takes more strength to hold on for hope, and love, and all good things than it does to make war to ruin them. I have seen you lead in the absence of a Queen, and be faithful subject wherever you go. Counselor, sister, and friend. Yet while so many care of your happiness they would sooner see you suffer and call that wasting sickness beautiful piety. Many can also say the same strength is foolish, and I say it because you have waited many times for him, days to weeks, weeks to months, and even years to have mourned him with more honor than anyone would pay me." She sighed softly ."I knew when he left my door Za-Hak was not coming back when he left. I saw it, yet prayed it not be true. I prayed that my love of Talion be plutonic, and sisterly. But it was not so. I did what I did to be free..yet.. I could have had no scandal to my name to have..waited a year perhaps..two..before becoming Talion's wife. I asked him what he wanted of me, and he fumed. He said what do I want? He looked like a man who had twisted his mind to be honorable and said fye it all. He kissed me. You know I have done the same for him, days to weeks, weeks to months yet..."She sighed softly "I would do it all of my days. Many can only claim the love of one when I have been very beloved of three men, two I have called husband..and it is those two by which my life has been defined. It is my Talion that my star is made ever North. It was no mere coincidence both men were Phoenix knights, and Phoenix baring kings. Do you understand Maahes? I will bare no ill will if you do not. Even now when I see these men, and speak their language, they are a side of me that none could ever else be. Za-Hak opened a young heart to many things, and furnished things that have stayed with me since .I thank him for this. Talion finished what had begun. " Both men were very similar in many ways. As much as Talion would rue to ever acknowledge it; both practiced the art of war once, both were wise of books yet vagabond in manner at times, and both could be gone for long stretches that broke the heart. Yet Talion was the only one who learned to stay. (d)
Generam Maahes Asad Aziem
"You forget Eirian," Maahes started speaking very low, and his arms came to cross over his chest as if to ward away a chill. There was so little that kept him cold, but the thought of her words chased a shiver down his spine. They would not come after her, not while he was living, and even beyond that her husband. "I do not believe you have loved only one. Like Adelaide, she loves Jean-Claude, but she loves me too. You love like her, and with your heart I do not think that God would ever condemn you." It concerned him she would speak like that, and all the times she was without Apollo made him question what it was that kept her sane. A woman's place was beside a man, but if that man so saw his heart with another was she to walk alone? No, "Women in my country are killed, their nose cut off their face to forever show their sin. You are blessed to live here, and be as you are. Do not think anything other then what you are. You do what is best for you." Deep down he was a very faith driven man who believed in signs like that of omens, and the world around them was their greatest gift. "The difference between your husbands and the fire bird is that one was born beneath the flag, and the other bled to see it rise. You old husband is not dead, but here he might as well be. I do not think even Hope would take him back now." She was such a beautiful woman, but that shy little artist was long gone--it broke his heart. "When Hope is older she may seek him out, but do you think she is content?" Like his children she was different, she stood out as a rare beautiful, but even she knew why. "I would not want her around these men by themselves. They come from the mountain, with tigers on their backs, and dragons in their chest. They kill a thousand men, and defeat armies. I worry for you as well, but I fear I have no one else to ask." (d
Lady Eirian Apollius
"You have taken then the wandering men who would serve Emperors. They are possessed of great knowledge but can be hard to..persuade to remain still. Some of their leaders hold to their religious ways, ancestor worship or the writings of a man known as Confucious..others would worship a different thing entirely. You must be very careful of them. Some would slice the throat of their Emperor, the way to heaven on this earth in their home, if it served them. I will do my best" She had heard of men much similiar, and more vicious, from Nihon, yet the ones who were the mainland's variation of that country were no less so. "Perhaps you will be fortunate enough to host warrior-monks. Far better in skill, far more temperate, and prefers of peace. But we will do what we can until that day." He did understand. He understood better than she thought he ever would. Much had changed in the man so driven by faith yet so open to the new principles of this free land - a land where they could walk together, where she could call him brother, and where he could have power no matter the shade of his flesh. She led them towards where the others were going with the setting of the sun. To feast. To put away their horses and make ready for the glorious morning of the resurrection. "Hope has a heart that would rival any to love. She bares her sire no ill will, and is apt to learn all of herself. She holds him in high esteem for I have not told her ill things of him, it isn't fair. But you are right in that nothing can remove the place of father for her as Talion. She was held by him after her birth. Those two are as bonded by heart as Luke and he and she are by some shared blood. Look at how she loves her brother, so tenderly. Luke loves her with more vigor. To each other, the other can do no wrong. This is how Hope loves. Very purely. When she is introduced to the men of the mountains no doubt it will be easier for them to call her by her Orient name: Xiaodan. We will help one another.In turn you may find we will be apt to entertain them. I have a few in my company who remained, dancers and such of that country. Both Hope and myself do play instruments of the land, even Luke is familiar with the singing." She let him hold the reigns steady as she came down, now smaller to her place in earth.All of her hair was braided and twisted on her head, held by gold threads that shimmered in the dark locks as she walked "I think things like this are the only things that anger Talion now, or hurt his heart..these men. When the one came a summer or so prior, Lee, as a representative of the Emperor..I believe Talion would have killed him if he but put one finger or even suggested Hope should leave for the East now. Za-Hak is not so shallow as to do that..yet it does give me some pause. Should any come from those provinces of that Kingdom..they would know what they were looking at. I have feared some might consider it - a noble enterprise - to return the Emperor his heir, or convince me to return with her." (d)
