[RP] Wedding Preparations

[arthur_loxley]

He sat at his desk looking over the list of things that had yet to be completed for his wedding on the 31st of January.

To do List:

Transportation for Bride and Groom
Accommodations for Bride and Groom
Coventry Castle reception decorations
Food for the reception
Order Decorations that Lynna had chosen
Invitations
Meet with the Deacon performing the wedding (Gawain)

He had less than two weeks before the big day and he was slightly worried he wouldn't have enough time to complete the preparations to his high standard. He wanted the wedding to be perfect. Lynna deserves a perfect wedding, he thought to himself.

He'd spoken to her a few days ago about the preparations and she was worried things would not be completed in time. He had given her his usual grin and reassured her that there was not much left to do, and that with his organizational skills everything would be completed by mid-week of this week. It was mid-week, and he had not had time to finish the preparations, so he was starting to worry!

He was also a little anxious. Lynna had told him that her family was traveling to Coventry to meet him before the wedding. The only one he'd met from her family was Logoth. He had met some others but not in a social/familial event. It was pure politics and he didn't know how they felt about him outside of the political arena. He could be a completely different person and he was hoping they would see that.

OOC: This is a closed RP for now. Unless invited (or directly involved), please do not post.

[arthur_loxley]

The invitations Arthur had ordered had arrived and Lynna was to have the bulk of them delivered. He had kept a few for himself to send out that weren't on her list. I do hope they get these in time she thought as she sat at her desk penning the names and addresses on each, she was going to have to hurry so they get to their destinations...

She finishes the invitation to her cousin Griz and attaches a note, as they will have a long trip ahead of them.

Her excitement of the fast approaching day evident as she leaned back in her chair smiling and thinking about Arthur and just how happy he makes her. Still so much to prepare, she wanted to do more but Arthur was insistent on organising most of it and assured her he had it under control, she grins again as she thinks about how Arthur does like to take control of things.

She bundles some of the invitations up and runs them down to the Postal Office.

[arthur_loxley]

Myxti, having received the inviation, is at home surrounded by her ladies trying to makes plans for the wedding. She only has a few days journey from Ludlow to Coventry, but she still needed to make travel plans, the perfect dress, and most of all…the perfect gift.

(Thinking) “If only I knew what they needed or wanted. I’ll figure something out.”

She starts the fitting for her new gown, when Sophia (her main servant and loyal companion) comes running in the room.

Sophia: “My lady, are you bringing an escort? You tell me everything, how could you leave this bit of information out?”

Myxti sighes.

“I haven’t decided if I’m going to ask anyone.”

Sophia: “But what about…..”

Myxti cuts her off.

“I don’t know…maybe. Might be fun to go alone…….I’ll think on it. But don’t worry you’ll be the first privy to that information.”

Sophia grins and starts backing her belongings.

[arthur_loxley]

Another day had gone by, and still he had not had time to make any more progress on the wedding to-do list! In fact, after spending time with Lynna, he actually had more to add:

To do List:

Transportation for Bride and Groom
Accommodations for Bride and Groom
Coventry Castle reception decorations
Food for the reception
Order Decorations that Lynna had chosen
Invitations
Meet with the Deacon performing the wedding (Gawain)
Table centerpiece and favors

Lynna and he were discussing housing for her family. The tavern backrooms would not be sufficient or to the standards of people as there was no heat or security. He had offered Lynna, a few guestrooms at his Castle. The renovations on the Coventry castle had been completed a while back and he had not been home long enough to enjoy it.

His mind was swirling with everything still left to do. He knew that Lynna had sent most invitations, but he had a few to send as well. He needed to personally invite one of his closest friends and his aunt, Brianna, and her new husband, Evan. He hadn't even met his new uncle yet. He was a little worried though. They had interacted in the past on military issues, and he was not sure if they would get along in a social setting.

Both he and Lynna had agreed on a small wedding with personal invitations sent out. They wanted to have a wedding that was memorable and filled with their closest friends and family. He was adamant about his nieces and nephews being left with a nanny. They would require a lot of attention, and take the focus away from Lynna. It was to be her day! In time, the marriage would change focus from the couple to the children.. but he wasn't ready for that yet.

Now his mind began thinking about children. Would he be a good father and role model? He and Lynna had talked briefly about children in their many discussions but not in depth. He shook his head. There was no time to think about that now. He had to focus on the wedding. The start of his marriage had to be perfect.

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain feels honoured to have been asked to perform Arthur & Lynna's wedding ceremony. He is looking forward to performing his first wedding ceremony since becoming a Deacon in August last year, and he is proud to be performing this ceremony for his friends.

He packs his belongings in preparation for the trip from Ludlow to Coventry which will take four days on the road. He wants to be there on the Monday before the wedding day so that he is available for discussion at any time that he is needed during the final week to go through all the final arrangements for the ceremony with them.

Having packed all that he needs to take with him, he ties his bags onto his horse which is already saddled and mounting it, he sets off on his journey to Coventry.

[arthur_loxley]

Lynna arrived home from talking to Mousemasteross, the Coventry Postmaster, she had given the information needed to get the invitations to family and friends who live out of Stafford.

She stopped off at Arthurs on the way home concerned about where their visitors might stay while in Town, her home was comfortable but far from the size of the family estate where they had many rooms. Her mind drifted for a moment, as she recalled his soft touch caressing her cheek when he said not to worry and the guests would be well taken care of, and able to stay in rooms at the Castle.

He is wonderful to her, his reassurance that everything would be perfect on the day is all that she needed not to worry so much. As she sat back down at her desk she checked her list of things to do again, tomorrow she had a final fitting for her gown, and final arrangements to make for the cake.

Taking a piece of parchment and her stylus she started to sketch an idea she had for the cake and hoped the baker she had asked might be able to make something similar...

[arthur_loxley]

Zelana was quietly sat at her desk sorting out finances for the Town when she heard a knock at the door.
Come in.

A new squire came in looking a bit nervous as he held out the letter he was tightly gripping.
Taking the note from him she inclined her head to the boy in thanks.

Thank you, though theres no need to be so nervous around me, i'm not going to shackle you up for being new.

Grinning at the boy as his face flushed she ushered him out of the door and gave him a coin or two for his troubles.
Sitting back down behind her desk Lana studied the letter and the writing of her name on it, somehow the curves of the letters looked familiar to her...
Opening it up it all made sense, Arthur and Lynna, her CO's in the Stafford Guard, had sent her an invitation....to their Wedding!

Lana's jaw dropped, she knew that they were an item but she hadn't realised it was this serious.....or perhaps she had. Either way she wasn't expecting an invitation to a Wedding this morning!

Stumbling out of her chair Lana started pacing to and fro, uncertain as to what to do with the Town Hall and the finances for the 2 days she would be away at Coventry.

"Perhaps I could just have someone monitor things for me...it is only 2 days and I can catch up on all the financials when I get back."

Stopping dead centre of the room Lana made up her mind...She was going.
She'd never been to a wedding before and Arthur and Lynna had been invaluble to her when she first came to Stafford and all thr way leading up to today. She owed them greatly and it was about time she got out of this dusty old office!

Striding outside Lana mounted up Moonlight and rode back to her manor to make prepartions for the coming nuptials.

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur was walking home from the University. His self study at the University had been highly unproductive (OOC: 2% with IG lordship!) in the subject of history; one of the basic foundations required before taking more advanced classes. He couldn't quite focus at all. He had spent the last few days frustrated with everything. For anyone who didn't know him well, he looked normal with his usual demeanor. But for someone who knew him well, the slight furrowing on his brow would let them know there was something on his mind that was more than just wedding jitters.

There weren't many who did know him well though. Was that his fault? It was. It has to be. He answered himself. He tried to recall how many he could trust completely. He had always been very guarded and closed off. It took a lot of time to let people in. There were only a few he had gotten close to in a short period of time. It was no surprise they were all women. He had always confided in women. He centered his thoughts on the three most important people in his life: his sister, his fiancé, and his best friend.

Bridget - how he missed her. She'd passed away not long after having William. He smiled remembering being informed of his nephew's birth; and how she had named William after him. He had many vivid memories of his sister. He'd visited her in Scotland, supported her in Stafford during the whole NNGO ordeal, even defended her honor in the absence of her husband against JerseyRocket.

Lynna - he hadn't had much time to speak to her the last week. She was always a voice of reason. They'd been friends for a while, and he'd not really seen her in a romantic light until the auction. He laughed at the memory. He remembered speaking with his Aunt Bri about it and never thought he would actually go through with it. The auction definitely changed his life for the better. He was betrothed to a wonderful woman. He couldn't wait to share his life with her.

Lizabet - he hadn't spoken to her much at all lately concerning his upcoming nuptials. He didn't really know how to approach her, nor understand many disagreements they had. He wanted to invite her to his wedding. It was important for him to have her there. He didn't know what to do, or what her reaction would be. Would she even have one?

He entered his home, setting his books down. His mind was still swirling over the important people in his life. Lynna had made sure the wedding invitations were sent. He'd pulled a few out of the bunch to personally send though. He needed to tackle the hardest one now. He couldn't postpone or leave it any longer if he wanted it to reach its destination. There was one potential blight on what would be the happiest day of his life, and he was determined to overcome it and gain support. Sitting down, he began to pen a letter, praying there would be understanding and acceptance from her.

Dear Lizabet,

You probably know why I am writing you. I'm sure you have heard that Lynna and I have set a date for our nuptials, January 31st.

It would give me great pleasure for you to attend. You have been my best friend for so long, standing by me, your support invaluable through the years. I am not sure I understand the tension between you and Lynna, but I love her. I cannot envision a life without her, and I cannot help but hope the two of you like and accept each other. You both mean a great deal to me. It pains me to see the two most important people in my life having such animosity towards each other. I am asking that you be happy for me.. no, to be happy for us, because I am more at peace and happier than I have ever been. I want our circle to be whole, not fractured.

If you cannot do this, then I have no choice but to end our friendship. It will pain me, but it is worse knowing you do not support me because of personal tensions.

Enclosed is an invitation to my wedding to Lynna. Lynna and I both hope to see you (and your husband, Evilwolfman) there to celebrate and share this significant moment in both of our lives.

In friendship,

~ Arthur

It was done. He folded the note, and pressed his seal towards it.

[arthur_loxley]

Moose had just arrived home after a long days work for a wage in a neighbours field.

As he went to go inside he noticed a letter had been deliverd and left on his front door step. Picking up the letter he headed inside and grabing a piece of fruit he sat down at the table and opend it. Inside was an invite for him and a guest to Lynna and Arthurs wedding.
A smile came accross his face, he had knowen for sometime that they planned to marry and was glad they had finally set a date.

He took a bite out of the piece of fruit he was holding, he was thinking about who he could bring to the wedding. There was one person he had thought of almost instantly and he was thinking to himself I wonder if she will come....I'm sure she will....but then again maybe not. I should send her a letter

So grabing a piece of parchment and his quill he set about to writting the letter

Dearest Lizzy

I have just recived an invitation to the wedding of two friends of mine Lynna and Arthur and the invite is for me and a guest. When I saw this I instantly thought of you. I would be honoured if you would do me the pleasure of accompaning me to the wedding. It takes place on the 31st of January in the Coventry Church.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Lots of Love

Moose

He then seals the letter and pulls another piece of prachment towards him

Dear Lynna and Arthur

Firstly congratulations on your up coming wedding, I couldn't think of two people more made for eachother than you two.

Thank you very much for the invitation and I would be honoured to attend your wedding, and I may even be bringing a guest.

Congratulations once again

Moose

Sealing this letter also he picks them both up and heads to see the local post master to send them away

[arthur_loxley]

Liza sits at the desk and looks at the envelope. She recognizes the writing and has a good idea of what it contains. Carefully, she slits the seal and opens it, her eyes scanning down the parchment to the signature. She raises her eyes back to the top and reads it again more slowly.

Liza breathes a deep sigh and leans back in her chair, absentmindedly tapping the letter on the desk as she stares out the window, deep in thought.

Liza and Arthur had been friends for a long time. She had always been there for him and she was deeply saddened that he would think she’d let him down now. Her eyes drop back to the letter and she frowns. Her thoughts drift back to her own recent wedding and the hurt she had felt when Arthur hadn’t come. She knew now it had been a miscommunication, somehow the invitation had gotten lost in the mail, but the hurt was still there that he hadn’t been there to share the most important day in her life with her. She shakes her head and sighs again before picking up a fresh quill and a clean parchment. She stares at the blank parchment trying to gather her thoughts. She finally begins to write, the words coming hard but the feelings sincere.

Dear Art,

Thank you for the invitation to your wedding. I understand that it is to be a small, intimate affair and I am deeply honored you would include myself and Wolf.

I have always treasured our friendship, it has been one of the few constants in my life. I am happy that you have finally found someone with whom to share your life. I know how much joy and happiness that brings, how much meaning it gives your life. For that I can happily accept Lynna as your wife, and she will always have my gratitude.

Wolf and I will be honored to attend your wedding.

I realize that you and Lynna will be expecting many out-of-town guests. Please feel free to consider my home yours if you need any additional accommodations. I have several guest rooms that would be much more comfortable than the local taverns. I will send instructions to Ana to prepare them in case they are needed if your guests arrive before my return to Coventry.

I am looking forward to seeing you again and to sharing this very special day with you.

Your friend always,
~Liz

Liza reads the letter through once more before placing her seal upon it. She sets it aside to be delivered as soon as possible and rises, relieved to have gotten that finished. She picks up Arthur’s letter and folds it, tucking it away with the rest of her correspondence. She smiles softly as she goes to find Wolf to tell him that he might be called upon to dance with her soon.

[arthur_loxley]

After four days of travelling, Gawain finally arrives in Coventry.

Arthur has invited him to stay at the Castle. Having been to Coventry before, he knows where the Castle is (although he has actually never been to it) so Gawain makes his way there and enters the Castle grounds. Asking directions to the stables at the gatehouse, he heads there. Untying his bags from his horse, he gives his horse to a stable hand to take care of, and carrying his bags, he heads towards the Castle entrance.

Entering the Castle, he is greeted by Oswald, Arthur's main servant and Gawain tells Oswald to tell Arthur and Lynna that he has arrived (he knows that Lynna will be there to personally arrange her family & guests' rooms). Oswald nods, he beckons to a page boy and then departs to tell them. The page boy picks up Gawain's bags and takes Gawain up to the guest room that he will be staying in.

Gawain quickly cleans up from his journey, washing away the grime and dust from the roads and changing from his dusty riding clothes into something more presentable. Soon after this, he hears a knock at the door, when he answers it, the page boy is back with a message from Arthur.

Gawain follows the page to the main parlour, he takes a seat and waits for Arthur (and maybe Lynna also) to arrive.

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur walks into the Parlour with a stack of parchment in his hands. He had been informed that Deacon Gawain had arrived from Ludlow for the wedding and needed to speak with him urgently.

Gawain! My friend. How are you? How was your trip? I am so happy and relieved you decided to come earlier this week for the wedding preparations. Did you receive my letter concerning the final details of the wedding? I hope it was alright. There is still a lot to organize! And Lynna thinks everything is under control, he whispers in case she is within earshot.

Lynna is around here... he looks around.. somewhere.. I haven't seen her yet today! There have been guests arriving from out of town and she is getting them situated. She is a great host! He chuckles. He thought it would help her de-stress and relax in socializing with the guests.

[arthur_loxley]

Moose arrives home after spending the day working in the town malitia. It had been a quiet day with only a few travellers arriving into town for the wedding. As he approached the front door he noticed another letter sitting on the door step. Hopeing this was the reply he had been waiting for he picked it up and opened it immediatly.

Dear Moose,
How lovely to hear from you, I would be delighted to accompany you to Lynna and Arthurs wedding, although I have to warn you, I am likely to get very drunk and end up singing obscene songs about sailors...I tend to do that at parties...
Love from
Lizzy

He reads the letter and a big grin comes over his face, he is overcome with joy that she has aggred to come with him to the wedding. He then reads on and thinks to himself
Oh good we should have a great time at the wedding then. I thought I was going to have to limit my alcohol consumption but by the sounds of things it's not going to be a problem
He then walks inside and sits down. He is really happy that she has agreed to come, but he is over come with nerves also, he has never had a date for anything in his life before.

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain stands to greet Arthur after he walks into the parlour, then sits down again.

"Hello, Arthur. I'm fine, thanks. How are you? The trip was good but very tiring. I thought it would be best to come earlier in case either of you might need me during this final week - in other things we needed to talk about that either of you may have thought of/or will think of before the day. Yes, I got your letter, let me just read it again..."

Gawain pulls a piece of parchment out of his pocket, and glances at it.

"Yes, that's fine. The other reason I came early was that I just want to settle in, and not be rushing as it is the first wedding ceremony I have performed so guess I may have nerves too on the day, so you are not alone in this"

Gawain laughs softly.

[arthur_loxley]

Well, I'm glad your travel was fine. I believe your room has been prepared in case you were tired. He looks back to his head butler, Oswald, to confirm the room was ready. With his head down, Oswald nodded slightly to acknowledge.

I most definitely will be nervous. I know that Lynna is nervous already. But is trying hard not to let her feelings overwhelm her. He paces back and forth in the room, looking over the details of the wedding in the stack of parchment he has in his hands.

What do you think about this for decoration of the church, Gawain? He walks over to him and shows him a drawing forwarded to him by the local florist. I still have so much to do, and time is dwindling!

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain takes a look at it and nods .

"Yes, that's good."

He glances at the stack of parchment in Arthur's hands.

"Looks like you still have a bit of arranging to do. If I can help with things other than the ceremony or give opinions on things, I am willing to try, if you want someone to bounce them on."

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur grins, and pats Gawain on the shoulder. That's the spirit! Actually, as you are aware, Lynna and I have decided to write our own vows for the wedding. But I still haven't had time to write them. I was wondering if I could gather your opinion after I did?

He offers the Deacon a drink to unwind from the long travel from Ludlow. Some whisky? My sister had sent me crates and crates of fine Scottish Whisky when she lived there. Feel free to make yourself at home. My home is open to you.

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain smiles.

"Of course, feel free to!"

Arthur then offers him a drink.

"Thank you, I'd love one. I really could use a drink to unwind from my journey. Thanks, I shall."

[arthur_loxley]

Great. He smiles appreciatively. You must be hungry. I certainly am! Let's talk more over some food. We can discuss the wedding preparations more in detail. He leads Gawain towards the dining room, and requests food and ale from Oswald.

The dining room was simple. The dining chairs had vibrant colors; there were candles in the center, and a beautiful fireplace. It was rather cold outside, and the fire warmed the room.



Arthur set his papers down, and chatted with Gawain while they were being served.

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain grins "I am certainly am hungry after my journey, and yes we can talk more while eating "

He then follows Arthur to the simple dining room, and chats with him while being served.

"Okay, which details would you like to discuss more?"

He is then served food and ale, then begins to eat.

"This is good."

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur was about to begin eating, but decided to wait. He tore a piece of bread instead chasing it with a bit of ale. It had been a while since he had any ale. He used to be the at Wooly's getting drunk every night.. he didn't want that reputation though. He needed to grow up, and although sometimes he does have his party weekends, they are few and far between lately. Well, actually I wanted to show you this. He pulled out from his pocket, the wedding rings he had gotten forged for the wedding. Do you think Lynna will like this?

He heard some footsteps coming up from behind, and he quickly replaced the rings back in his pocket. The footsteps were light. He sensed it was Lynna, but didn't say a word. He gave Gawain a look hinting at not telling Lynna anything about the rings and hoped he would understand.

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain was about to reply when he caught Arthur's look, and silently nods his approval.

He had also heard footsteps, so he takes a sip of his ale and turns to look ...

[arthur_loxley]

Lynna had been checking on some finer details of the decorations which will be put in place in a few days when Oswald came in search of her informing Lynna that Chaplain Gawain had arrived and was meeting with Arthur in one of the dining rooms.

Oh thank you Oswald she smiled .I'll go and welcome the Chaplain after his long journey

She made her way to the smaller dining room as she walked in both the men looked a little suspicious, as they stopped talking when she entered the room. Lynna was very observant but decided to let it pass without question as the next few days are going to be full of surprises and excitement.

She smiled broardly Hello my Love, as she got close enough to place a hand on his shoulder and light kiss on Arthurs lips, she turned her eyes to Chaplain Gawain, My dear Gawain how wonderful it is to see you again and thank you so much for travelling all this way to perform our wedding ceremony giving him a hug before sitting down at the table next to Arthur to join them. She smiled at Arthur again placing her hand on his.

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur knew it. He could sense her. She gave him a light kiss, and he frowned. Once she sat down, he acted sad. He pulled her hand lightly, so she would lean towards him as if he was going to whisper to her. As she leaned in, Arthur gave her a more passionate kiss on the lips. He had missed her and wanted her to know it. He caressed her cheek gently, looking into her eyes as their lips parted. He grinned and made a slight joke to ease the tension that he was sure Lynna was feeling. Seems my fiance is shy to show affection in front of a Deacon! He chuckled and brought her hand to his lips where he placed a kiss. How are your cousins, Love? Did they manage to find the Castle alright once they got to town?

[arthur_loxley]

Gawain smiles as he is greeted by Lynna.

"Its wonderful to see you again also Lynna. You're welcome , and I'm glad to be here and to be doing this for you both. I think it is fitting that my first wedding ceremony is for my friends. "

He looks at them both, and takes another bite of his food.

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