Holiday Feast at the Tudors (Christmas 1457)

[Aasha]

Tudor family is preparing for a holiday feast! Arthur was sending out invitations like crazy, but knew that he probably missed a few.



OOC: If you would like to invite someone, please send them an invitation. If they RSVP, let me know who needs access.

[Aasha]

Tas was so happy to be back home. She missed her family so much that she was thinking of locking herself in her room. Na... that wouldn't be fun for me. Besides how would I cause any mischief if I’m lock in my room. After getting Marius settled and making sure their things were put away she heading down stairs.

Tas had just reach the last step when she saw the staff going in and out of family room so she decided to take a look. Approaching Tas tried to peak in without opening the door all the way but that didn’t work so she walked in. Standing before the fireplace was the most beautiful decorated Christmas tree she thought she ever seen...



Martha approached and whispered, I know your family didn't raise you to leave your mouth open like that. Besides it's not lady like.

Tas was so enchanted by the tree she didn't mind Martha mothering one bit. So she closed her mouth and watched as the staff finish the last minute touches. Before they left the room one of them spoke.

What does Milady think.

Tas taken back by all the wonderful smells and charming images when she heard him.

I love it she said. I think you all did a remarkable job this year.

[Aasha]

The odd little lad had rushed off in a hurry. Aasha wasn't sure if it was the irritation upon her face when he'd interrupted, the dagger she'd pulled when he'd tapped her shoulder, or her curt reply when he'd asked her name. She just wasn't used to anyone looking for her. Well...Axle seemed to look an awful lot, but he'd been smart enough to keep his mouth shut about her moment of weakness, so she'd let it go. Even tolerated him following her around. Truth be told, she was getting used to seeing him, almost took comfort in his presence. Not that she'd admit that to anyone, including him.

Shaking her head at her flight of fancy, the girl looked around, glad her shadow wasn't in sight as she broke the seal of the fine looking parchment. Her fingertips gently tracing the lettering, she slowly read the words, pausing in frustration at the word cordially. Cor-dilly? Wha' is thats? Her hand tightened on the missive, balling it into her fists before she calmed down. She hated not knowing things, especially when it was obvious whoever sent this expected her to understand.

Aasha looked around to see if anyone had noticed, letting out a relieved sigh when she saw she was still alone. Smoothing the parchment self consicously, her fingers went back to underlining the words as she read. Hollyd'y feast? Hmm...wait? Eyes opening in shock, she dropped the invitation as if it had burned her hand. Her name came into her line of sight as it floated down to land on the ground. It was addressed to her, not Donnor...so had not been sent to the wrong place. But why would they invite her to their family gathering? Her husband had left her, the betrayal still burning deep in her heart.

The girl bent her head, controlling the urge to cry at what she'd lost before scooping up the parchment. Stuffing it into her pack, she shook her head, then went to find some food. She couldn't shake the curiosity at the invitation, sorely tempted to go just to find out why. The more she walked, the more her interest grew, until finally Aasha decided to go. If nothing else, she could watch their faces when the one person they were sure not to expect actually walked through the door of the haughty Tudor estate. Giggling to herself, she quickly stuffed a few items into her pack and headed to the port to catch a boat.

[Aasha]

With the turmoil and insanity that gripped Ireland, it was with no small shock and surprise when a messenger came bearing an invitation from England… to a party no less. The shock, and of course awe at the finely embossed lettering on the blue paper was enough to keep the Lady quite confused for a moment or thirty. Shaking her head for want of any other idea of what to do she re-read the invitation again. “Tudor...” Her voice sounded odd even to her, “Wait I know that name!” Rummaging through the pile of papers on her desk she finds it, scrawled in black letters above orders and demands from a Lord of Tappinassis… “Clearly this is what going mad feels like…” Just then one of her brothers walked through the door, “Hrm’lass, ye’be talk’n te yerself ag’n? That ain’t a good sign!” The tall man inquired. “No Obli, but it would seem I’ve travelling to do…”

Tucking a few spare items from her desk into a pack she rushed about. “Obli dear, would you mind sparing me our dear Brother Rahl? I think I’m going to need an escort to this –Party. And what with all the castle storming, troop movements, saving the country, and retaking of the Mayor-ship, you can’t hardly be spared!” A soft laugh crosses her lips at that, so natural that her brothers would be so engaged. Slipping the pack over her shoulder she looks down at the armor and frowns. “By the by, what would you think is appropriate attire for a guest at the Royal House of Tudor?” Picking up her daggers she tucks them into her pack… “I wouldn’t want to break fashion protocol my first jaunt to England.” Her brother having already ducked out to safety, she simply sighs and finishes packing alone.

Little more ado is made and she was away to see what this invite was all about.

[arthur_loxley]

Myxti received the letter and sighed. Her first Christosmas as a married woman and it would be spent without her husband. The life of a military wife, she supposed. She called to Blanche to pack a bag for herself and the baby. When things were gathered, they hopped into the carriage and headed to the estates.

Perhaps her husband would get leave for a day so that he could come. That was her only holiday wish. Silently, she prayed for Jah to answer her only wish.

[arthur_loxley]

Radh was waiting beside Corcaigh-harbor, his canvas travel-cloak wrapped tight against the winter cold, he hides in the shadows under the capitol's wall. A guard passes by overhead, Radh presses himself against the wall. The less they know of what he's doing the better. The guard continues his round and Radh peeks around the corner, back through the Gate he sees Aayla walking up.

Hey me sis. Ye aint be leavin with nae'o one of us by yer side, ey would ye? Me I would like tae keep ye frem harm if it e'er be necisarry, bu' it's rather if ye'd go and return without me, then I would ne'er believe yer drinkin stories unless I'd been there to see it with me own eyes. Radh chuckles as he approaches Aayla and offers her a hug. I've found us a captain willin tae ferry us over, but he's nae riskin his ship on a landing here and has ankered down yonder out the coast. The winds are fa'erable today, the boatsman has brought a sloop ashore and waits fer our boarding, let us go meet merry ol' England again.... :wink:

[arthur_loxley]

Kenrich busy with perperations of taking command in Stafford he recieved a invite to a party at the tudor estate, he would make sure to take some time to be there

[arthur_loxley]

Tas was lounging in her room in front of a warm fire when she heard a knock at the door. Yes she said to let who ever it was know they could enter. Glancing towards the door when it open she saw Martha coming in with a very strange look upon her face. Martha is everything alright.

Yes Alyna, everything is fine. I just have a note for you for Lord Arthur.

Tas knew when Martha call her by her middle name. She was either in trouble or not going to be happy about something. Since she hadn’t had anytime to get into trouble after being stuck in an army. She figure she wasn’t going to be happy about the note. OK!! What has he done this time Martha as she took the note from her.

[rp]Congratulations Tas
You are the host of the Tudor Christmas Party.
So get to work missy!![/rp]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! she yell . I’m not ready for this. Just wait to I get my hand on him. ARITE!!!! I’m going to kill him.

Alyna breathe!! Now sit. Martha move to sit neat to her. Listen Lady Tasite, you can do this and all of the staff is here to help. So young lady get your butt in gear and don‘t let your family down.

Tas did one last scream in a pillow before standing and moving for the door. Yes, I can do this, but I'm still going to kill Artie after Christmas just you wait and see she said as they headed down the stairs.

[arthur_loxley]

Aayla linked her arm in her brothers, beaming a broad smile at the taller man. “Of course I wouldn’t dream of going without you my brother dear!” giggling she led the pair on down the road towards the docks and ship Radh had mentioned. As insane as the times are, they were hardly the only fares who booked passage back to England. Cloaked figures stood, in small groupings, huddled against the bitter wind that picked up off the coast and blustered inland.

The pair made a quick boarding, having been somewhat expected, and Lady Aayla settled in to try and enjoy the passing. Try in vain would be a much better assessment of the trip, having quickly become the object of fascination for a young gangly lad clearly just out of short-pants. “Didd’na hear about the defenders of Corcaigh Miss? Oh brave they be! I hear’ed tell that they’s took on the whole army… wit only five people!” He gasped with amazement and clear adoration. “Really?” The lady responded dryly, not wanting to burst the boys delusions. “Aye, and didd’na hear that the Rahl’s be there?” Nodding solemnly he cleared his throat and recited his clearly superior knowledge. “Aye Lord Rahl and ‘is brother Radh is big as giants they is! Over eleven feet tall!” Reaching up over his head he does his best estimation at such a great height.

“Oh is that so?” Sarcasim now dripping from Aayla’s every word as she stood to find a new place to hide on the ship, walking rather unsteadily down the length of the ship the young lad skipping at her heels. “Oh yes’miss! An didd’na know they’s has sisters... women folk that fights along sides them! Me Da said that they’s not women-folk at all but Banshee’s that the Rahl boys did trick to do’er bidding!” Spinning on her heel she sputters to a stop, her cloak’s edge just brushing another passenger some three feet away. “WHAT!?” she chokes out in shrill surprise. “Aye, magic women-folk that does whatever thems brother’s tells’em!” the young lad insisted, clearly taken aback by Aayla’s disbelief. Opening her mouth with every intention to scream at the lad, she pauses doing her best fish impression… mouth open, mouth closed…mouth open. Finally opting for this ‘tact’ her brother Obli keeps telling her about she simply stomps her foot in huffy aggravation and walks off.

[arthur_loxley]

The ride from Ireland to England was long, boring…uneventful. Aasha stayed hidden for most of the voyage, not feeling like dealing with anyone or anything. Even Axle had been smart enough to stay out of her way, though why he had decided to follow her onto the boat...fool man...not like she was in any danger here.

Her biggest source of amusement was watching Aayla deal with a besotted lad, clearly annoying the other lady. Not something the girl would deal with well, she'd sooner stab him than listen to his insistent chatter. Staying out of sight with any Rahl onboard was safer, she wasn't in the mood for a confrontation about NNGO or Cork, hell she'd not even been in that particular battle.

Watching the pair without them seeing her pulled her out of her thoughts, mostly contemplating how she was going to face Donnor’s family. It was going to be awkward, either they didn’t know he left her, or they had ulterior motives for inviting her. If this was a way for him to humiliate her further…Aasha sighed, then got up from her cramped position as she felt the boat dock.

Ignoring the rude comments from the ship’s crew, the girl made her way onto shore. Glancing neither left nor right, she headed towards a tavern. Waiting until she saw a man well into his cups tie his horse to a post, she grinned, then stealthily moved to the horses side. The mare was gentle, a soft whinny greeting her as she stroked her muzzle. Swiftly mounting the mare, Aasha turned the horse towards the Tudor estate before remembering Axle. She could probably lose him here if she wanted...but if she did and he got hurt, she would feel responsible. Sighing, she lead the horse in a gentle canter towards him, hissing; If'n ya gets me caughts wit' this 'ere horse, I'll be feedin' ya to the sharks when we goes back ta Eire. Her hand outstretched, the girl continued; Whatcha waitin' fer? Gets on sos we ken gets goin'. Tis a long ride ya knows.

[arthur_loxley]

By the grace of Jah, and willpower alone, Aayla managed to lose the hound of a boy who’d dogged her every step on the voyage. Keeping her cloak’s deep hood pulled up she glared out of its depths and fought the urge to succumb to the swaying boat’s lulling pull into sickness. It was as luck would have it that is what saved that lad, Aayla thought, trying desperately to not think about her stomach. Had she not felt as though the waters would open and swallow them whole, she’d have likely hurt the poor thing. When of course the ship reached the far shores, Aayla nearly vaulted the other passengers to extract herself from the churning torment of the boat.

Gratefully grasping at solid ground, her senses returned to her slowly. Had the queasy feeling not receded the moment that her world stopped heaving to and fro, Aayla might have missed the dark figure of a woman she knew from her travels. A soft hmmm was the only evidence of her comprehension before she was distracted by how to actually –get- anywhere. “I suppose we ought to find a way to this party…” She commented as much to herself as her brother. Looking up, she noticed as always he was vastly more prepared and had already gotten them horses. Shaking her head with a small laugh she mounted up and followed his lead. “You –do- know where we’re going right?” she queried looking at the unfamiliar countryside with a quick nervous glance.

[arthur_loxley]

After a few more objections to Martha about hosting the party. Tas decide it was time to get the ball rolling. Her first stop was the family room to make sure the trees was finish and the table was set .



I greatly appreciated all the assistants you’ll are giving me. The table and tree are amazing. Has anyone seen Missy.

In the kitchen she heard.

Thank you she said heading that way.

Missy there you are. Can I ask that you put these cookies out for the guest to snack on. More so for the kids to keep them quiet but I sure the adults will eats some to. Oh, Missy make sure there is plenty to drink for everyone too. Just as she was bout to leave she heard the cook call her name. Turing she saw the cook holding some eggnog and more cookies.



Tas gigglesyou don’t have to twist my arm for me to stop as she took a seat a the table.

[arthur_loxley]

Missy had just finishing making the eggnog when Tas walked in speaking to her. Turning she saw a nice basket of cookies. Looking at the basket she did her best not to laugh as she thought about the kids and how that basket of cookies will not last till the guest arrive. Poor guest might not get any she thought.



Yes Ma'am.. I will see to it without delay then she started to leave when she heard Milady Tastie speak again. Plenty to drink, Yes Ma'am will see everything at once. Then she left to complete her task.
__________

[arthur_loxley]

Daniel (the groundskeeper) carefully finished putting the final touches to his contributions to the outdoor decorations for the Holiday Feast party.









Smiling as he glanced over his finished work, Daniel wistfully looked at the castle, imagining the merriment, fun and celebration that would take place inside later, yearning to be helping alongside the other servants inside during the party, but knew his place as a servant was outside looking after the estate grounds.

Sighing, he turned away from the castle and set off to clear the snow from the garden paths, gazebos and benches and from the path leading to the frozen lake in case the guests wished to take a walk in the gardens or go skating during the celebration.
_________________

[arthur_loxley]

Strolling through the door after the kids were put down for bed. She straightened out her dress. Her date would soon be arriving hopefully, she alerted the guards his name and description to allow him on the grounds. She made her way across the room to the bar and poured herself a stiff drink and enjoyed the beauty of the room.

[arthur_loxley]

Father Gawain had received an invitation to the party. He had packed his bags and placing them and other things in his wagon, he hitched his horse to his wagon, climbed into the drivers seat and set off for the Tudor Estate.

As he travelled along the roads, Gawain smiled as he recalled marrying his friends Arthur & Lynna at the beginning of the year when he had still been a Deacon as it had been his first wedding ceremony, he is happy to join in this Feast celebration with his friends as it is his first Christomas as a fully ordained Priest.

[arthur_loxley]

The carriage had been loaded up and Arthur, Lynna and William were eager to get to the family estate for the festive season. It would be wonderful to see everyone again.

As they entered the gates, the gardens surrounding the castle had been tended to magnificently. Oh my Lynna gasped in awe, don't it look wonderful Baby she said to Arthur as they got closer. Look William! She said as she leaned back and helped him onto her lap so he could take it all in

[arthur_loxley]

After finishing in the kitchen Tas started to feel panic again. She wanted so badly to hide but she knew that wasn't an option, so she decide to do her best. After making her way back to the family room she saw Bri standing there beautiful as always. At first she thought she was dreaming but know she was moving about the room and Tas knew that red hair anywhere. Bri it's you Tas said as she ran to hug her. Dear Jah!! It's so wonderful to see you. Please tell me you come to save me she said with a slight panic in her voice.

[arthur_loxley]

Bri smiled in delight as she wisked across the room and wrapped her arms around Tas "Ohhh its so good to see you dear.. You look wonderful, how is everything?" she kissed her cheek softly.

"And what do I need to save you from? By the looks of it your in charge and doing a great job." she chuckles "Perhaps a drink will calm you or two, maybe threee or four." she giggles

[arthur_loxley]

After making sure his duties in Stafford were progressing enough for him to leave for a short time, he rode to the Tudor estate for the party, he was unsure if his wife had arrived yet or not, riding up he dismounted and made sure his horse was tended too, he walked toward the door

[arthur_loxley]

As Daniel looked around at the work that he had just completed, he noticed a page coming towards him. The page reached him and relayed the message that Lady Tasite Tudor has requested to see him.

Daniel looked down at himself and quickly brushed himself off as he walked towards the castle with the page. After entering the castle and being told that Lady Tasite was in the family room, he entered the room, approached her and bowed respectfully.

Daniel Brown at your service, Lady Tasite. I was told that you wished to see me?
_________________

[arthur_loxley]

Arthur, Lynna and William came upon the Tudor estate. His duties in Stafford had kept him busy this time of year and he hadn't had the time to finish arrangements of the holiday party. Thankfully, he had sent a missive to Tasite and she was willing to be the host.. or at least he had never gotten a letter back stating she wouldn't. He laughed to himself, knowing he was probably going to get an earful later.

The carriage finally stopped in front of the door. The coachman got down and opened the carriage door. Arthur stepped out, offering his hand for Lynna to take. William always preferred to be carried by Lynna then Arthur. Once they were all out of the carriage, they walked towards the door. Oswald opened the door, welcoming them to the estate. Wow! Aunt Tasite did a great job. The tree looks great.

[arthur_loxley]

Yes Arthur stuck me with the Christmas Party, but I'm scared to death. What if I might mess up. What if I forget someone’s name or something like that. She tried to laugh but her stomach was all in knots. As always Bri you have a way of making me feel at ease. A lot of drinks sound great to me. Did you come back from Ireland with something new to drink. she giggles

Hearing someone enter the room she turn just in time to see and hear him speak.

I'm very please to meet you Daniel Brown and might I say your doing a wonderful job with the grounds. call you... ah yes yes I did. Thank you for coming so quickly. Daniel, could please come up with some outdoor winter activities for the guest.

[arthur_loxley]

Kenrich walked in quickly looking around too see who was all here, he wasn't for sure if his wife had made it yet or not

[arthur_loxley]

Lynna took Arthurs hand as she stepped down from the carriage she smiled excitedly at him as she was looking forward to the family getting together. She turned back to the carriage and put her arms up to William so she could carry him inside.

Oh, it's beautiful, she took in the rest of the decorations as they went through. It's going to be wonderful to see everyone. I wonder who is here already.

She placed William down on the ground, he didn't go far this time as he wasn't familiar with the surroundings when they had all been decorated. He went all shy and Lynna picked him up again. You know there are going to be other children here again today, all family she tickled his chest.

She moved in close to Arthur as they walked through looking to see who was about.

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