Chester Medal Awards

[Admin]

These are the award medals that will be given out.

[MackenzieGael]

Mackenzie sat on the stone bench beneath the shady oak tree and gazed up at the castle. Whew! What a climb! Tomorrow she would have to ride Crusher so she didn't arrive at the celebration sweaty and filthy. She mentally started going over things that needed to be done to the Great Hall before the awards ceremony. The floor would need scrubbing and the tapestry's would need to be aired and she sure hoped there were buckets in the kitchen area.

Standing she wiped her hands on her skirt and dug an apple out of her satchel as she walked toward the castle. The day was heating up and the sun was bright. This would be a lot of fun! NOT! She thought of the pond behind CG's house, and how she might have to sneak a dip in it after dark tonight.

Throwing open the doors she was met with a musty smell and a clamor of scuttles from everywhere as critters ran to escape her intrusion. She stepped inside the threshold and began throwing back curtains to let the sunlight in. Dust flew everywhere and after a few moment she was sneezing and coughing.

"Gah this place was a wreck!" Had it really only been a month or two since it was inhabited!?

Tying her hair back with a leather thong Mackenzie filled a wooden bucket with water, found some rags and started scrubbing the floor. She hated scrubbing floors, but found herself humming after a few moments. She was really getting into the cleaning, letting her mind wander and thinking of... ahhh things... when she suddenly heard a loud SQUEAK! Glancing up she found herself nose to nose with a gigantic ugly, but sorta cute mouse. It took a minute for her body to respond but when it did she let out a loud scream that she was sure they heard in Beeston. The mouse, who now feared for his life, and his eardrums, ran in place for a split second before grabbing traction and disappearing into a small crack in the wall.




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[Admin]

Upon rallying the troops in the field nearby to the castle for a training exercise, Icy heard a blood curdling scream coming from inside the castle's great hall. Rushing to the door to see what the commotion was about he found fellow his fellow mayor MackenzieGael slaving away cleaning in preparation for the rewards ceremony. Finally realizing why she had been screaming, he let out a thunderous laughter. Upon laughing so hard Icy stepped backwards into the wash bucket and fell flat on has back into a dirty puddle of water.

Feeling a bit embarrassed now he figured he would help clean the rest of the place since he caused such a large mess.

[Admin]

Standing in the side doorway Cntryguy couldn't hold back his laughter after witnessing the scene, he lets out a loud laugh causing Mac and Icy to both scream again, scaring the mouse again as it was peaking out of the crack it started going in circles until it runs into the wall instead of making it through the crack again, the mouse looks back sheepishly like wishing no one was watching him. Mac, Icy and CG all let out another laugh. Taking out his hankercheif out to wipe a smudge of Mac's face he only makes it worse, he just smiles and figures it is time to help clean the place up so he rolls up his shirtsleeves and pitches in.

[Admin]

Timing his trip to arrive early enough to help prepare the Hall for the event, Bloodstone had mixed feelings seeing the walls of Chester come into view.

His pride in the way the people of Chester came together to fight against the overwhelming odds to carry the day fought with his saddness over the great and small tragedies of those days, and the ones that followed.

After a moment, he pushed the thoughts from his mind and focused on the tasks at hand.

His plan to pass through the town un-observed was successful. He made it to the Castle, and the Grand Hall with little notice.

"I guess they dont recognize me in this disguise" he thought, looking at the plain riding clothes, the sword worn on the right, dagger on the left.

He could see people working around the Hall, and relished some good hard work before donning his finery and closing the final chapter on the Battle of Chester.

Dismounting his horse, he tied it off and attached a feed bag then moved into the Hall.

"Spare a Mop ?"

[Admin]

Jen entered the hall and crossed her arms. Her eyes taking in the scene before she ushered in the band. "I think the floor is clean ... does it really take that many of you to clean it?" She laughed good naturedly as she followed the drum and fife player into the larger part of the room. "There is some bunting out there and some tables that still need to be moved in." Jen said before she left with Clover to start carrying the tables.

[Admin]

Boles arrived late at the Hall, as usual, having been lost in one of his madcap schemes. But he was not one to shirk away from hard work, and following Jen's 'instructions' called for help in moving some of the tables into position. He looked at his now dishevelled Mayor - 'Jump to it m'lord', otherwise we'll be here all day.

This was going to be a grand occasion, he thought to himself.

[Admin]

After wiping the sweat from his brow and felling utterly hummilated after everyone was taking notice of his appearance, Icy felt it was time to get dressed in his formal attire for this evening's grand event. Making his way back to his tent he wondered how the preceedings in the court room would have any effect on tonights event. Hard to believe how there were conveniently occured on the same evening. This has to be more than a coincidence. Trouble seemed to be brewing and Icy figured he should be on careful watch.

[Admin]

"OH the poor mouse!" Mac exclaimed, pushing a wayward curl away from her face and laughing along with CG and Icy. She wasn't usually jumpy and loved animals but the wee mouse had caught her by surprise.

She glanced up at CG as he attempted to wipe the dirt off her face but knew it was useless cause. She felt filthy from head to toe but knew that it would only make the nice hot bath feel that much better. Especially after a hard days work cleaning.

"OH hello Bloodstone! I'm sure there's a mop in the kitchen area! I found these great brushes, but do watch out for the critters flurrying around!" She smirked at that last comment, dipping her hand into the water pail and flicking water toward him as he passed by and then on CG.

Just then a loud commotion outside drew her attention and she heard more voices. There was Jen and Clover with Boleslaw on her heels. GREAT! more help! Now to clean up the mop mess and air the tapestries!

[Admin]

In between dusting and trying to avoid stepping on everyone's toes, for he was a bit clumsy, Boles tried to think of a pun that summed up the proceedings so far.

The best he could do was 'Well mouse about that!'.

It was not a good effort, he admitted to himself - but it was better than the 'Mice to see you' with which he had regaled Mac a bit earlier. Had he detected a slight glare in her return look? Or had she got polish in her eye? Oh well, the flagon of ale which he'd brought with him would soon make her forget the rascally rodent - and maybe the mouse also.

Back to work, he thought to himself.

[Admin]

Bored with the surly man officiating at the Duke's Trial and his oh so stylish doublet, Merkin followed the few that had moved over to the Grand Hall.

Passing by the announcement for the Upcoming Medal Ceremony, his interest was piqued.

"A Grand Ceremony... in this hovel ??? I've seen pigs slaughtered in finer places..." he thought, moving towards the now visible cloud of dust flowing from the Hall....

Peeking his head through the door, he is appalled by the scene. Scullery maids flailing aimlessly about, moving the filth from one pile to another, loafing stable hands chatting the maidens up, while doing the bare minimum to seem busy.

One of the dirtier of the maids made some obvious off colour remark to one of the workers, flicking water at him as he moved past with a pace slightly faster than drying mud.

"These people couldn't prepare for a barn mucking, let alone for any event requiring taste, or style!" he thought, as he moved away from the carnival of fools and towards the nearest tavern.

[MackenzieGael]

Standing in the doorway Mac looks over the great hall. Everything glistens and a nice peppermint smell fills the air. They'd worked hard. Real hard.

From scrubbing the floor, to beating the tapestries and rearranging the gigantic tables and chairs. They had set up a small raised pavilion for the awards and Mac had wandered around outside for a breath of fresh air when she'd stumbled upon the many different colored rose bushes and spread of peppermint. Those were what now freshened the air and added color to the tables. The great chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were lit with fresh candles and from the kitchen area she heard the maid banging and preparing refreshment.

"I sure hope Jen will play her fiddle for the celebration afterwards." she mumbles to herself before turning to go out the door into the fading sunlight. Looking down at herself, she realized she would be pressed for time to get ready and return for the ceremony, especially with the layers of dirt and grime in her hair. Enlightened with an idea she turns the corner looking for CG. Since he lived on the neighboring farm, if he rode his horse and would be willing to give her a lift, it would save her at least an hour from on foot.

[Admin]

Ahhh the Capital finally
Helius rides through the gates on his trusty Stallion saluting the guards
he left in a hurry from Beeston
did i turn the oven off?
Did i bring the uniform?
more importantly Wheres my trusty silver flask?
He feels around in his backpack nerviously
ahhh ok we are good here it is... for a second i thought i had to go back

[Admin]

Traveling up the road was a hazardous affair. Razinoth and Adancingfool sat on the cart filled with beer and booze. Both were drunk. having a good time they didn't realize that they were heading in the wrong direction. Dude that was the same tree! Was not! Kiss my .....

The tree didn't move. They both were thrown out of the cart and landed in the gully and didn't care. Dude you suck! proclamed Adancingfool.

[Admin]

"Seriously, this was soooooooo not the right way man" Adancingfool stuttered. "Now where the heck are we?"

[Admin]

Sliding into the saddle of his horse CG rounds the corner and almost runs over Mac, seems like she is getting startled by animals alot today. Holding out his hand he helps Mac swing onto the back of his horse and they head toward her house.

[Admin]

//OOC: The events below take place before the trip to Chester for the ceremony. We in the business refer to it as a "Flashback"


The former Duke of Chester was in a quandary.

He paced absently about his home, looking at the saddlebags he had began to pack for the trip to Chester and the Medal Ceremony for the Chester Medals.

He thought of all the hard work his friend Lady CruzinCat had put into the medals and hoped to see her, and Degas at the event. Their relocation to Cumberland seemed to be to their liking and for that he was happy....

"If any man and woman deserved some peace.." he thought as he moved around, picking up and discarding items in absentminded fashion.

With a sign, he resigned himself to the fact that he would need to stop stalling. He had to figure out what to wear, and he had to do it now.

Looking about, his eyes fell on his Priestly Robes. "No, those wont do... too sad and somber for a celebration" and, having just been worn to bury his friend Lorudce, he was in no mood to don them again.

Moving past his robes, his eyes lit on his Robes of Office from his time as Duke.

"Again, no.....wearing them again would be like wearing someone else's boots..... just not done.", he thought as he smiled, thinking about those times with some fondness that surprised him in a way. He did not expect to feel anything but relief that those days were over but, deep down, he knew he would miss it....eventually.

"I cant wear my leather apron and carpenter's belt" he said aloud, to the empty room and, "my other clothes are too plain for the event."

As chance would have it, his eyes fell to the Banner hanging on the wall, behind his old armor. Memories of the past flooded into him, good and bad.... with a half formed idea, he went to a chest and retrieved the contents.

The boots still shone from their last cleaning, the leather still soft and supple.
The dark shirt and breeches were crisp and clean, the medals on the chest dim but, with a quick shine, gleaned like the day they were rewarded.
The Red Robe, lined with fur, would be welcome this time of the year against the chill, as would the turban with it's white plume, earned at the Battle of Varna as a member of the Prince's Royal Calvary.

Testing the items for fit, he found them snug in a few places but not uncomfortable..

"This will do quite nicely", he thought, glancing at the mirror before moving to pack the items ....

"Wait until they get a look at me."

[Admin]

A knight came out of the woods of Chester and was seen from the walls of Chester caslte. All the forest roads and trees seemed so familiar to him. By looking araund all seemed to be as it was here.

When Elmix eneterd the town, the Bowmen who were guarding town recognized the knight and welcomed in. Elmix just stopped there for a while and had a little talk with them. From their talk Elmix could tell, that Chester Bowmen are now much more advanced and much more trained as before Elmix left, so he could just feel safe here in Chester town.

After that Elmix just went to have a more look how Chester has changed.

[Admin]

As the judges seemed to be sorting out their working arrangements, Fugue thought she could steal some time for another commitment, one she had been looking forward to.

She dashed down the street to her little house and snatched up her lute. Thank goodness she'd worn nice clothes this morning for the trial! She didn't need to change for the award ceremony.

Arriving back at the square, she looks for Boleslaw, hoping he hadn't given up on her.

I really need to stop trying to do everything at once. She sighs, knowing that will not happen.

[Admin]

Boleslaw looked like a scarecrow, and very embarassed by his appearance he was - but he had brought his lute with him, on the off-chance that the Lady Fugue would be around.

Smiling at Fugue, he pointed up to the upper reaches of the now spotless hall - was that a minstrel's gallery? What better place was there for a spot of luting? And had he just made up a word there?

Regardless, for his English was not yet perfect, this would be a good chance to let his hair down with a nice pavan or gaillard - something rousing to suit the occasion.

Shall we go, M'lady?

[Admin]

Fugue looks at the stairs. Why don't men ever think about how difficult it is to maneuver in skirts? Well, it was a good spot.

That looks fine, sir. I hope that we can stay there during the ceremony and not have to traipse up and down. She smiles, you seem to be learning English quite quickly. Do you think that your musical ear helps?

[MackenzieGael]

Thank goodness she had been able to hitch a ride back with Cntryguy, but as it was Mackenzie was still late arriving back to the castle, what with having to haul buckets of water and heat them over the fire for her bath. Oh but what a glorious bath! Her skin glowed and her hair was light and curly, falling in ringlets.

She nudged Crusher into a gallop, leading him through a close trail that was a short cut through the woods to Chester Castle. They were easing into a steady run when suddenly she heard laughter and the clinking of glasses coming from off the edge of the road. Pulling Crusher reluctantly to a stop she turned him around and stepped him off the road and into the bushes.

Seeing the sight before her she broke out in laughter. Both Razinoth and aDancingfool were propped against a large tree, their eyes glazed and a small barrel of liquor sat between them. She surveyed the rest of the area. The cart, laden with barrels she assumed was drink for the ceremony, was pressed against a tree, and their mule was about 20 yards away happily munching on grass. What a drunken mess, she chuckled. The ripe smell of their drink reached her nostrils as they cheered another round.

"Wanted to start the ceremony early? You crazy hoodlums! You... err... ran into a.. tree? Perhaps we should get you on the way since..." she laughed again "You are bringing the booze for the rest of the crowd as well.

[Admin]

Boleslaw - in a very un-Boleslaw fashion - grabbed Fugue by the arm and strode purposefully towards the stairs. He probably underestimated the difficulty of walking, nay walking very quickly, in skirts, but this was not something he had much experience of.

'C'mon, M'Lady - don't dally - we have to practice before the festivities commence, and we don't have much time'.

Between the lutes, the skirt, and Boleslaw's clumsiness, the stairs were not easily negotiated - but after the odd (very ladylike) curse they arrived at the top and took up position in the gallery. It was a sight to behold: all hustle and bustle as the final preparations were made and the guests began to arrive.

Between the pair of them, Fugue and Boleslaw quickly came up with a stirring tune to play - a famous one from France that even Boles had heard and played before. Fugue was the much better player and took on the treble part, while Boles hammered away at the tenor. It was not orthodox; but it sounded quite good. At least no one yet had told them to stop playing!

'If this doesn't get people dancing, then nothing will. Especially after a few ales.'

' I too hope that we don't have to go back down into the hall, at least not for a while. It is so nice to be able to play, and in such fair company, and on such a grand occasion.'

[Admin]

Fugue pushes her worries about what is going on across the square to the back of her mind. This legal warfare is heart-wrenching.

Thank you, sir. That was fun! I hope that our audience will enjoy it as much as we do.

She peers over the railing of the gallery at the gathering crowd.

Father Bloodstone is here; look at that unusual robe he's wearing! Do you think he'll wear that plumed turban while he's giving out the awards? If it bobs with every word, I'll have a hard time keeping a sober face!

[Admin]

Icy passes by the grand hall wishing he could attend this evenings event. He felt his time would be better spent keeping an eye on the court house instead. Looking forward to the drink and ale he had expect, he turned away and made round around the courthouse and stables to make sure all was in order with all the new faces intown.

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