Re: Chester Medal Awards

[MackenzieGael]

"It does smell good!" Mackenzie slid off Crusher's back, loosened his saddle and patted him on the rump. He wouldn't wander far and would come to her when she whistled and was ready to leave.

"I know HRH Degas and Lady Cat were invited, as they were citizens here during the battles. I do need to go change first though." She motioned to the leather breeches and boots she wore, grabbing the satchel off of the saddle. "Give me just a sec, there's an old guard room over there I can change in. I'm sure that whiskey will keep you company for a minute."

Turning she briskly walked over to the guard room and slipped into the hunter green sheath of a dress, lacing up the front and running her fingers through her hair to tame the unruly curls. Looking down at herself she sighed, "I guess this will do."

Coming back out she glanced up at the bright stars. It was a lovely night for a party and it sounded like a very successful party at that. Now where was Aida so they could go inside. She also wondered if CG ever made it to the party. She thought for sure they'd pass along the way but hadn't seen him since that afternoon.

[Admin]

Aida leans against the wall in the shadow taunting Mac he knows she can’t see him
Watching curiously her beast seems to just randomly wander, foraging as if it were asked to stay close

Slowly he then crept out and snuck behind her trying with all his might not to burst in laughter

“HERE I AM Ma Lady”

“someday your gonna have to teach me those tricks with the beast I would delighted if the wretched things would stick around”

Reaching out his arm Aidazand says in a firm voice

“shall we make our presence known now” “you look as beautiful as the full moon ma lady”

[Admin]

Elmix returns the greet to Icy also with good handshake.

The new County is great! We are setting up militia and and lots of things have already been done.

After saying this Elmix remebers he saw just not too long ago when he arrived at Chester town.

I see also lots of improvements have been mabde on Chester Bowmen, i see all realy worked on it a lot!

Icy was right that Elmix has something to worry abaut, but he tried not to show this, not now.

Thank you for your help, let's have some drink if we can get some before ceremony!

[Admin]

Following Raz and Adancing roll the barrels into the castle, Trixiebelle follows slowly behind, smiling at the wonderful change in the bedecked hall. Letting her eyes take in the crowd, she spots old friends chatting nearby. Elmix! How wonderful to see you. Giving him a hug of welcome and smiling warmly at Icy in his finery.

[Admin]

Fugue starts, hearing heavy thuds on the stairs accompanied by the twang of mishandled strings.

Oops! she whispers to Boleslaw, I think that someone must have hired musicians. We'd better get out of the way.

She checks her dress for dust and sighs, thinking she'll have to try to brush it off at the bottom of the stairs.

Let's go as soon as the stairway is clear. I want to meet the Regent, if it is possible, and maybe ask Father Bloodstone why he removed that lovely cloak and kept the turban with the bouncing plume.

She giggles, thinking that this is the perfect time to tease someone who wants to keep a dignified appearance.

[MackenzieGael]

Mackenzie jumped as Aida snuck up behind her and purposely startled her. Hand on her chest she thought it must surely be the day for making her jump, be it the mouse, CG and now the duke.

"You do like to sneak up on people don't you sir! But I imagine watching me jump was humorous" She smiled "But Crusher, well I've had him since birth and he's now four so I've had a lot of time to spend training him." At Aida's next comment she blushed and looped her arm through his, letting him guide them to the front doors of the castle.

Upon entering she beamed at how glorious the castle looked. They'd spent all afternoon scrubbing and it certainly showed. No it gleaned! Jenn had done an amazing job setting up the tables, and now they were laden with delicious food of every kind, food that made her empty stomach rumble.

"Look there's Ceci over with Stone and..... ahhh there's your royalty. HRH Algernon. Let's go speak to Ceci and perhaps she will introduce us, or do you already know HRH?

[Admin]

After unloading all of the barrels into the storeroom, Raz and ADF were enjoying a final flagon of ale. Looking at ADF, Raz says "hey I think we should back off on the drink for a bit." Weaving a little from side to side ADF thought about it for a moment and finally came to his wits. Yea, we cant go in front of the Regent and fall flat on our faces. Both snickering, They both stepped outside to clear their heads.

[Admin]

With a deep, dignified bow, Stone greets the Regent of England.

"Your Highness, it is good to finally meet in person and, I am glad you have joined us for this celebration. We will be starting shortly"

With this, Stone excuses himself to greet the newcomers.

Looking about the room, he sees Degas and Cat enter, with Mac and an unknown gentleman.

As the room continued to fill, and heat up, Stone decided to remove the Wallachian Turban, and put it with his bear cloak.

[Admin]

They rode all night.
All the way thru.
Lydia, seated behind him and often having to hold on out of necessity or be thrown off the horse, was dropping off to sleep on occasion but there was no sleep for the riders.
Every time her head would hit his back she'd wake up suddenly, disoriented just to realize where she was.
Except for this last time...they had stopped when he nudged her to wake up and dismount, for they were here...in Chester.
They found the nearest Inn and Lydia thanked him properly and excused herself, speaking to the Keep and taking the key to her assigned room.
She throws the carpet bag on top of the bed and pulls out the one dress she has brought along with her.

She wanted it to air out and unwrinkle b4 the ceremony but there is no time.
Now, where are those shoes she had packed?
Oh yes, bottom of the bag.

She tries her best but there isnt much she can do with the hair. Not after the Knight's ride.

She is wondering who has arrived already, and if the Lieutenants are here yet.
She had gotten an urgent message from Elmix explaining the need for her appearance at this ceremony.

Too tired to go looking for the men, she sits and shortly after, decides to fall back on the bed fully clothed. Her arms plumed down across, the back of her hands resting on the sheets...feet still on the floor.
Maybe there is time for a nap after all...

[Admin]

Nodding in acknowledgment of Stone, the Prince again decanted his flask. He had hoped he might share with others its contents, but then again was not at all sorrowful in having his brandy to himself.

[Cecilywolfe]

With the ale finally being served and the drunkards escorted outside for some fresh air, Cecily returned to the party. Thank heavens he has taken that turban off...She caught Stone's eye and winked.

"Mac, you look lovely" she said, hugging her friend.

"And Your Grace, Aidazand" she curtsied. "Welcome to Chester and thank you for you willingness to serve the courts. I see that you have already found the refreshments. You'll need more than one after the day you have had." Leaning to his ear she whispered conspiratorially, "Might I recommend the Regent's brandy."

[MackenzieGael]

"Why thank you Ceci, you look stunning yourself!" Mackenzie hugged her friend.
"You do know Aidazand." She nudged him in the arm to draw his attention away from the refreshment.
"The party looks as though it is going splendid. Surely more people will come though, not even half of those receiving awards are here." She frowned, picking up a glass of whiskey herself. "Have you met the Regent yet? I would dearly love to meet his excellence-ness. I've been told he has a rare wonderful sense of humor!"

[Admin]

He knocked at her room's door 3 times "MSgt, are you in there?"he asked and waited for her reply...

As there was no reply he knocked once again "Lady Lydia?", he checked to see if the door was locked and as the door opened he saw her sleeping in her fabulous red dress. "She must be exhausted" he thought as he approached the bed.

Standing right next to her he leaned over and with a smile he shouted "On your feet Master Serg!!! You wouldn't want to be late for the ceremony would you?"

[Admin]

*slowly an quietly enters the Hall an heads to find a nice quiet an semi hidden spot to rest*

[Admin]

Looking about the room, he sees Degas and Cat enter, with Mac and an unknown gentleman.

Catching Stone's eye, cat waves and taking her husbands arm in hers she suggests they head over in his direction to talk to him and the Regent.

Greeting the Regent Algernon with a curtsie as they approach she says "Hello your Highness, 'tis good to see you again, how have you been?"

Then says to Bloodstone, "Stone, it's good to be back for this special occasion, and I'm so glad to see you again, I've missed working with you. My, you look fit and dapper in your new attire."


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[Admin]

v

Guiding his wife thru the crowd, he takes a couple of wine glasses from a passing servant and hands one to Cat saying "Here my Love is a glass of fine wine for the most beautiful woman I have ever known and will ever know". As they approach Bloodstone and the Regent he says "Greetings gentlemen, who would have thought 3 months ago this day would ever come?" And gives a quick nod to the Regent in respect. "Bloodstone, it's good to see you my friend, it has been a very long time."

[Admin]

'My very dear Lady Cat, Your Royal Highness, it lifts our heart indeed to see ye both. We be lifted in any ways by this brandy. Sometimes, it pays to have oblivion's kiss fade our concerns away.' He sighed. 'Tumultuous times, and I fear not ended yet. However, this day, we have a celebratory event.'

[Admin]

Mostly dustless, Fugue stands at the bottom of the little stairway. She hopes that her lute will be safe behind the curtain here.

Stone's taken the plumed turban off, now. Oh, well.

Everyone seems to be engaged in conversation as the waiters serve drinks and help new arrivals with their wraps. She'd like to stay for the awards, but wonders if it's too late to be a part of the party. It might be best just to stay here and observe.

[Admin]

Boleslaw, feeling slightly uncomfortable among so many important people, crept around the sides of the room having abandoned his lute at the bottom of the stairs. Wearing a faint odeur de'pigeon - not that fashionable, he suspected - and apparently under-dressed for the occasion, he saw the Lady Fugue and hoped that she would put up with his company a little more. Obtaining a couple of glasses on his way around, and smiling at his old friends, most of whom were deeply engaged in conversation, he dodged past various opportunities to embarass himself and found a relatively safe spot away from the bustle.

'If I may join you, M'Lady?', he said, bowing.

'When do you think that the ceremony will begin?'

[Admin]

Decus entered quietly hoping that he would find someone he knew milling about. After conducting a quick perusal of the room, he straightened his uniform, grabbed a glass of scotch, and stood near the wall, waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

[Admin]

Loyal Knight strod into the ceremony. His masked eyes hovered over every little detail. Very well put together, the county really did accpreciated all those that took their time to help the county. He felt sorry for those lost in battle. His eyes wavered to everyone, he knew most here...some he didn't. He found a table of food, but did not indulge himself for this was not his ceremony. He couldn't linger long for everyone was start to get suspicious as to why a single hooded man was walking around. Feeling statisfied with his discoveries he took off out the hall and into the woods.

[Admin]

Fugue smiles at Boleslaw,

I'm so glad to see you! I thought you might have been lost in that crowd up there. Please do join me.

My brother looks impatient; that probably means that he wants to get on with the business of the ceremony. Shall we see whether there are any seats available?

She moves closer and whispers, I am glad that someone other than me is dressed more or less normally. The glitter out there keeps flashing light into my eyes!

[Admin]

Saluting the gate guards, Sir Collen of Caen rode into the town square and eyed the manor house keenly. Just a few short weeks ago, the knight had been forced to cut his way out of these gates at sword point; yet now, the rule of law had returned, granting protection to all of England’s loyal sons and daughters.

“Let’s party,” muttered Coll as he dismounted and handed his reins to a soldier.

[Admin]

Lydia is deep, deep REM sleeping...her mind drifted, left her body and the hostel a long time ago.
Went somewhere where she doesn't have to share anything.
There is no secret to sleeping, just keep on dreaming...

She is in Oxford. There is a tree in the middle of the market square. A woman, new to town and England, had inspired everyone to decorate it.
One of her home land traditions. They are all gathered, all of her friends, near far, old and new, all here in the square decorating this tree with children's toys, fancy scarfs, apples, nuts, someone made a garland out of small fruit and vegetables...everyone is happy and peaceful.
Beneath the tree Lydia suddenly realizes things are stirring.
A closer look reveals a pack of puppies, all light in color.
She sits then lays on the ground, the weather is fine, not cold at all.
The puppies come waddling,brushing by her thigh and hips. She tries to pet one but he is suddenly grimacing and growling at her...then screaming....making strange SCREAMING noises. She is confused and her wrinkled brow says so.
But the dog keeps on screaming SARGENT!!! WAKE UP!!
Sleep won't release her and Lydia is writhing from side to side with the nightmare that started out so nice and mellow.
Mere seconds pass as she slowly regains consciousness...and realizes that....
She jerks upward smacking straight into a man hovering closely over her. Her eyes burn from lack of sleep and her vision is therefor impaired. The first thought was for her knife and she reached deftly toward her thigh, gasping as she realized she did not have it strapped, due to the discomfort it had caused her on the horse's back and no time to re-strap. Cold panic grips and washes over her. This is not how she ever wanted to die. Then she remembers something....Msgt? She can't get a close enough look at the face of the man looming above her.
She wonders if she should strike him...somehow?
But she is not inclined that way. Negotiation first.
After all, he's not touching or hurting her, right now. Sir! Please. Let me up...? she lays rather quiet and peaceful, awaiting his reaction.

[Admin]

"Certainly M'lady" he replied with a smile. He offered his arm to support her , she was still looking numb. "You need to wash your face a bit and brush your hair, cold water should wake you"

He noticed how young and vulnerable she looked in that dress, so different than the way she looked in uniform... His military duties were taking so much of his time and he was used of being surrounded by men and women in military outfit.

He was always checking, inspecting every little detail, always worrying about the safety of his troops. Sometimes it would be so hard for him to behave like a simple butcher.

"M'lady it seems to me that your military training has abandoned you the moment you got rid of your uniform. You were sleeping so heavily, unarmed and your room's door was unlocked. You were lucky it was just me knocking. Next time you have to be more cautious, as for now hurry up we have a ceremony to attend"

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