Re: Holiday Feast at the Tudors (Christmas 1457)

[Aasha]

Deekay laughed at Plotnik's comments about the food. He went across to where Helen was sitting.

"May I escort you to the table M'lady? The food looks and smells delicious.

Not too many oysters, or I'm locking my door tonight."

He winked as he led Helen to the food.

[Aasha]

Helen had rested well and was happy to join Deekay at the feasting table.

The spread was literally fit for a Queen, which was appropriate considering a previous Regent was present.

Helen assiduously avoided the oysters. She had taken Deekay’s warning seriously and she did not want him to be burdened with expectations of performance that were clearly beyond his advancing years to provide.

She however was able to satiate her appetite for food quite adequately with the choices the feast provided.... her other appetites, which she rarely allowed herself to notice, would have to wait.

Helen had finished eating and was enjoying a wonderful mead that had come all the way from Ireland, with some of the Irish guests.

Suddenly she felt a small hand take hers and an excited and familiar little voice say

“Where have you been? I couldn’t find you! Mama says I can take you to the stable to see the new baby foal!”

Helen excused herself from the table; Deekay was engrossed in conversation with Lord Plotnik about the finer point of some legal matter.

She donned her cloak which Alice had fetched for her and she and the little boy, also wearing a cloak, made their way to the stables.

The stables were light and airy and very clean. The hay smelled fresh and the horses were in excellent condition. The Groom must really know his job she thought.

Her young guide quickly led her to a stall where a beautiful chestnut mare stood, while a very young foal drank from her enthusiastically, his tiny tail flickering as he suckled.

“Oh! He is so beautiful!” Helen cried in delight and the mare seemed to nod her head in agreement which made Helen and the little boy laugh.

“M’Lady welcome to our stable” the Groom greeted as he approached the stall.

“The Young Lord ‘ere said he might bring a visitor...” he grinned at Helen and then turned back to the mare and her colt and watched them proudly.

A healthy mare and foal after a birth, was a bonus that could not always be counted on, and the Groom was very relieved.

“M’Lady would you like to name the wee colt?” the Groom asked

“How lovely! I would indeed!” She replied

Helen, the boy and the Groom stayed by the stall for some time enjoying the peaceful scene of the mother and baby bonding.

Helen was deep in thought when she heard the Groom ask

“M’Lady have you thought of a name for the little ’un yet?”

“Why yes I think I have”, she smiled to herself wistfully, for she rather liked the idea of a virile and robust stallion bearing the name Deekay.

[Aasha]

Anya laughed along with Plotnik and Lord Deekay. His wit never ceased to amaze her. Graciously, she took his hand to be seated, her mouth watering at all the divine food before her. Watching Plotnik chatting with Deekay about political topics throughout the meal, Anya smiled. He was always so animated speaking about his favorite subject.

She chuckled when a young lad approached Helen and took her away. Helen was so good with children. She wondered what mischief the two would find.

Sipping her wine, she scanned the room, thankful Plotnik asked her to attend as his guest to such a wonderful party. She was looking forward to getting to know some of the others better a bit later.

[Aasha]

Please forgive me I really do not know what came over me. It's really not like me to get distracted around a man like that. Being in the army you see all kinds of men but I've never seen any quite like your brother. Lets get us something to drink I'm sure we can both use it. I do believe your bother will catch up when he is ready.

A soft laugh and rueful smile falls from the woman’s lips as her arm is linked and Tasite shares the insight. “Really, I’m used to it, I’ve four brothers and they seem to garner this attention everywhere we go. There was a small amount of joy when LordRahl found Bethiar, at least one is finally settling down.” Giggling again she shakes her head in mock distain “Honestly you should try being in the army –with- them, I swear sometimes the lasses would run headlong into a castle wall if my brothers ordered it.” As she is introduced to the lovely Brianna she drops into a well practiced dip of a curtsey, careful not to pull the other woman with her movement. “An honor my lady, I’ve only heard stories of you by those who speak well of you, it is a great excitement to meet the woman behind the tales.”

OOC: sorry for being so slow, real life ate me up through the holidays.Thank goodness thats over with now!

[Aasha]

Deekay noticed Helen slip away in the company of a small child. He was sure she would find something to amuse her ... wherever she was going.

He turned to Anya and Plotnik

"I'm sorry - I'm boring you with talk of politics and the law. I've already scared my own guest off. Perhas I should have told her a few lawyer jokes ... or perhaps not."

He took another sip of wine

"Do you have any festivals in Sussex in the next few months? I hope to travel when our army is disbanded and I have restored my finances.

Last year I was in Beeston for May Day. They had a festival with bonfires and dancing. It was great fun."

[Aasha]

Helen returned from the stables and as inconspicuously as she could she resumed her seat beside Deekay.

She seemed preoccupied and quiet, certainly by her standards, but it went unnoticed as there was much conversation and merriment around her. She took her cup of mead and sipped.

[Aasha]

Brianna smiled and looked at the young woman "All good huh well i must try harder to be a pain then. " she chuckled taking a drink "So many brothers I had nephews and cousins who were all older than me that were like that. " she looked around her children were all in sight playing not moving from the room as instructed. She could always count on them to be ladies in gentlemen at a party.

"Sorry must make sure the little ones aren't plotting they can come up with some instresting ideas at time. So Aayla, is this brother you brought with you single? Cuz you know my sister here is single. " she smiled innocently taking another drink.

[Aasha]

Anya chuckled at Deekay's joke. "Lord Deekay, please do not worry yourself. It seems you and Plotnik have much in common, and that is good. He is happiest talking politics and law, and I love to see him happy. I, myself, am happy just to be taking in the wonderful surroundings and meeting new people."

She noticed Helen slip back in, so she smiled and nodded to her, leaned over and whispered "Lady Helen, please do tell what sort of mischief you and that young lad found yourselves in!" She winked and sipped her drink. She could not help but find Plotnik's hand with hers and feel quite contented.

She turned again to Deekay "Sussex always seems to have some sort of celebration going on lately. I think Dover is planning something for the spring. As do Arundel, Lewes and Sevenoaks. We seem to try to space them out so that there's always a party going on somewhere!" She murmured half to herself "always seems to be a pole dance involved, too, somehow ..."

[Aasha]

"Every day in Sussex is a celebration, when French armies are burning down Dover Castle! And extra special to us, when the French armies are burning down French Castles, as is now the case. I cannot quite figure out what the disagreement between the Holy Roman Empire and France is; I think they avoided war, but cannot follow the action.

"February has a celebration of love in Canterbury. I shouldn't want to guess what that's about.

"Dover's Spring Fest in March. We'll fix up the catapult for that. We often call it the Spring Fling because of the Catapult rides out into the English Channel. You can see all of France from the top of your flight! And never has anyone come down complaining of how cold the Channel is... the flight just warms your heart to distraction!

"Then there is an Egg Hunt in early April in in Arundel. 'You find it, you eat it' is the kind of motto that can only cause troubles, but the tradition involved insists that you cannot change the motto," he laughs. "What can you do in the face of traditions?"

"So come down and visit anytime. I hope your time in the army ends pleasantly. We have a few friends healing in Ludlow after their unwelcomed experience in Chester. They will be returning to Sussex either this month or next, perhaps you can travel together if the timing works out.

[Aasha]

Aayla's words made Tas laugh. I can just imagine what you must go through with your brothers on a daily basis. I'm sure I got myself under control now. Just as Tas was about to speak once more she felt a small tugging at her dress. Tasite looked down to see her son smiling up at her. Hello honey, is there something you need.

Mama can I have somekin sweet pweazzzze. He then smiled at them very big.

Sorry Aayla this is my son Marius, Marius this is Lady Aayla. Yes you may have something sweet but only after you show our guest you have some manners. See if your cousins are getting something and ask if they would get you something. Marius be good and don't you dare leave this room with anyone unless I know about it first.

Pweazzze to meeet you; as he bow in her direction. See, Mama.. I learnin just like Cousin Artie show me. Ohhh I forgot somekin mama The boy looked up and took Aayla's hand and kissed it then smiled proudly. See I learning he yelled to Arthur. K bye he yelled again, running off to catch his cousins who were with their mother Bri.

Tasite's face was flushed but she was proud of him. Aayla I am sorry for that. Since his father died my nephew Arthur and brother Novaphoenix have been the men in his life. I think I may need to yell at them a bit later.

[Aasha]

The servant's giggle broke through Aasha's reverie. She glanced up, the look of foreboding on her face causing the maid to blanche, avoiding her eyes and quickly vacating the area. Some o' the servants inna fancy house is jus' odd... she mused out loud, wondering what was funny about her sitting on the stairs, or Axle...well hell, she'd forgotten him again. Good thing...she hoped...the he'd found her. Why had she brought him to England anyway?

- Well girl, you wanted someone with you. Who else would come? Time to step up and face the...Tudors... - Shuddering slightly as a sense of panic engulfed her, Aasha forced herself to rise, just as Axle began to make his way down to where she sat.

Suddenly, all the girl could see was limbs flailing about, the fool man tumbling towards her. Hopping down the stairs two at a time, the girl moved to keep from getting hit, laughter bubbling from her lips. Yer tryin' ta breaks yer fool neck? I didna leaves ya...yer jus' slow followin'. A body woulda be thinkin' ya canna gets off'n a horse easy or som'thin'. Is ya broke som'thin', or jus' wind'd? If'n nae brok'n, gets up. Time ta be lettin' 'em knows ima 'ere.

He was blinking, and blinking.. trying to make sense of what she was saying but nothing was sinking in. He tried to sit up and sharp pains seemed to be squishing his brain and then shooting down his back. The pain from his shoulder was nothing compared to the pain of falling down a flight of stairs. At least now he knew what hurt more. He brought his hand up to his head, closing his eyes tightly so the pain would cease. I think I broke my head... Maybe he just wanted some sympathy from her. He liked her attention: good, bad, or anything in between. Maybe she would help him up.

[Aasha]

Of all the fool... Aasha sighed, then moved back up to Axle's partially prone form, muttering the entire way. Damn idgit, canna walks, gots ta fall down an' breaks 'is fool neck. This vis't wasna a'kw'rd 'nuff, he's gotta makes it worse. Why did I brings 'im 'gain?

Kneeling down, she did her best to help him sit up. Ya brok'd yer 'ead? How does a body br'ak's a 'ead? Her fingers gently probed the back of his head, feeling a knot almost as big as her fist on the back. Well hell, ya brok'd anythin' else? Le'st ya ain't bleedin'...yets... Sitting in a huff beside him, she glanced down when she heard a giggle, catching the servants eye. Go gets Lord Tudor, tells 'im he's needed inna stairs. An' dun be bringin' the whole damn room wit' ya, o' I'll be takin' it outta yer 'ide.

[Aasha]

Stand at the front door, rub toe into rug. Bored, quiet. No new guests arriving. Thump. Thump? What was that?

Look up, eyes widen. Giggle, glance up again. Giggle some more. These parties were always so much fun. Giggle, blanch. She saw me, not good. Listen, nod. Lord Tudor, she could do that. Oh, Lord Tudor. He always rolled his eyes at her. Rolling eyes, lose hide. Rolling...no contest.

Scurry off to find Lord Tudor. Weave through guests, dodge children. Reach Arthur's side. Shuffle feet, eyes downcast. Milord. Curtsy, look towards hall. Shhh...I need you to follow. Alone, or I lose skin. I like my skin. You're needed at the stairs. Shhh...nobody else...there's a little... Giggle, force lips to stop twitching ...problem.

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[Aasha]

It was nice to see so much life in Tudor keep. It seemed like the last few family gatherings were tense. This one was much more relaxed and genial. He was fully enjoying the small talk between the guests, careful not to get too caught up in politics with Deekay and Plotnik, politely welcoming Helen and Anyamariee into their home. Catching a servant's eyes from time to time, making sure guest drinks were refreshed in short order. Arthur could even feel the tension seep out of his wife, held close to his side. It was an even greater joy to see his aunt here from Ireland, though there were still a few family members noticeably missing. Arthur wondered which of the women present would catch his Uncle Nova's roving eye.

Arthur shook Gawain's hand, welcoming him to the Tudor Estate. It has been such a long time since we have been in such a social event together, Father. Always a pleasure to see you.

Brianna's enthusiastic hug took him unawares, though he should have been prepared. Nice to see you made it Auntie Bri. The dalmatians have already found me, where did they run off to now?

He turned to Deekay, offering him a handshake. I'm glad you and your friend could join us. I was afraid you would be unable to make it, I know how busy the Court can keep you. He smiled as he offered a fruit wine to Lynna, nodding appreciatively at the gesture. He greeted his companion, Lady Helen. It is nice to meet you. Yes, we traveled here today from Coventry, but this is our family estate. The Tudors always migrate back here when we get a chance. he said. He listened as Deekay explained the relationship between Myxti and Salter to his companion. Oh.. do you know Salter? He inquired to Lady Helen. Even saying his name brought a bad taste to his mouth.

It was great seeing Kenrich and Myxti together, Arthur knew how busy the other man had been, and could imagine how Myxti missed him. probably as much as Lynna did him when he was mired in political intrigue. Seeing Kenrich's drink of choice, he caught the attention of a servant, reminding them to get many guest rooms ready, a little too much liquor would guarantee more than one stay, although he'd already tried to prepare them for the possibility.

He heard as Myxti mentioned his brother. It saddened him a bit, thinking about the way things had occurred in Ireland. He'd been given few details, and had been told of Donnor's visit to the estate, the broken furniture pitched out the window, and the makeover done. He felt responsible somehow for his brother's callous treatment of his wife, and had sent her an invitation to the feast. The girl had so little family, and Arthur was determined to show her that she still had them, regardless of his brother's actions. Myxti, Blanche is welcome to use the nursery for Alex. There is no reason to tax the poor bairn, and I'm sure at some point she will want to relax away from the noise.

Turning, Arthur shook Plotnik's hand. It's great to have you here Plotnik, and with such a lovely companion. I can see why you've been slightly distracted lately, he says with a laugh.

The unmistakable sound of a child caught Arthur's attention, his name on the boy's lips. Glancing over, he grinned widely, giving Marius a wink. Good job, he mouthed, sure that Tasite was proud of her son. His amusement was short-lived as the nanny approached. His eye cast down to the floor, as he was trying to listen to her words. She seemed to be mumbling and he only caught a few of the words. Shh.. Follow.. Alone.. I like my skin.. Nobody else.. He looked up at her confused, thinking about what she could possibly be talking about.. What? Her giggling nature sometimes overwhelmed her ability to speak properly..

[Aasha]

She could see it now, she was going to be flayed alive. Skinless. Could she walk skinless? The children would be scared. Skinless, not good. Sighs, shakes head, holds finger to lips.

Follow me, come alone. To the stairs. Hurry, I need my skin. Look up, curtsy again, rush out, glance back. See if he is following. Move faster, rub arms, glance down. Skin still there. Hurry.
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[Aasha]

irish turned when she heard her name and smiled at Lady Helen, Lady Helen is it not? No,I'm afraid we left the little demons,er children at home. All four are a handful these day, not that they are bad or spoiled children. They are just at an age where they tend to get into everything,especially Kathryn who is only two. Her three siblings are six. Now if you would excuse me I see a very dear friend from Ireland here.

Irish then turned to Rad,raising an eyebrow at him. got your brother into a wee bit of trouble ya did? You haven't been putting him in Rocket powered ejection seats again in the taverns have you?
Ice is here with me right over there. Please don't apologize for mentioning Merces. He was a good friend to everyone, Ice included. I am reminded of him every time I look at Liam. He is the spitting image if Merces.
Now I believe you said something about a sister? Aayla? How nice to meet you. I have family up in Ireland. My sister lives in An Mumhaim,Port Lairge I believe it is. My sister-in-law lives in Laighaen. she is the Chancellor of the Embassy there.
Where in Ireland are you from Aayla?

[Aasha]

"Sorry must make sure the little ones aren't plotting they can come up with some instresting ideas at time. So Aayla, is this brother you brought with you single? Cuz you know my sister here is single. "

Grinning conspiratorially, Aayla nods faintly as she speaks. “Aye, single very single…” Glancing over at Tasite with a grin, she notices the small gentleman who approaches the lady.

Sorry Aayla this is my son Marius, Marius this is Lady Aayla. Yes you may have something sweet but only after you show our guest you have some manners. See if your cousins are getting something and ask if they would get you something. Marius be good and don't you dare leave this room with anyone unless I know about it first.

“Pleased to meet you young Sir..” Dropping into a small curtsey she smiles at the boy.

Pweazzze to meeet you; as he bow in her direction. See, Mama.. I learnin just like Cousin Artie show me. Ohhh I forgot somekin mama The boy looked up and took Aayla's hand and kissed it then smiled proudly. See I learning he yelled to Arthur. K bye

A cascade of soft giggles comes from the lady as her hand is taken and then kissed by the boy. “Oh my aren’t you just the sweetest little thing ever…” unable to keep back the giggles she watches the boy run off to his cousins again.

Aayla I am sorry for that. Since his father died my nephew Arthur and brother Novaphoenix have been the men in his life. I think I may need to yell at them a bit later.

“Oh don’t be sorry, he’s adorable really, more manners then most men I’ve met” wrinkling her nose slightly she rolls her eyes, “Then you have brothers as well then?” she asks with a hint of curiosity, “Are they here?” Sneaking a brief glance around with a smile she’s caught by her brother and Irish’s conversation.

Now I believe you said something about a sister? Aayla? How nice to meet you. I have family up in Ireland. My sister lives in An Mumhaim,Port Lairge I believe it is. My sister-in-law lives in Laighaen. she is the Chancellor of the Embassy there.
Where in Ireland are you from Aayla?

“I live in Corcaigh in An Mumhain, the capitol, with my brother Obli... though we’re trying to talk Radh, LordRahl and his dear Bethair into joining us there.” Grinning she winks playfully at her brother. "It isn't easy getting them out of Ros Og'Cairbre very often, short of war and fancy parties."

[arthur_loxley]

She noticed Helen slip back in, so she smiled and nodded to her, leaned over and whispered "Lady Helen, please do tell what sort of mischief you and that young lad found yourselves in!" She winked and sipped her drink. She could not help but find Plotnik's hand with hers and feel quite contented.

“Ah! Anya I have been to inspect a brand new foal in the stables. He is just gorgeous! And he and his mother are doing very well I am happy to say”

Helen leaned toward Anya and whispered

“I must say Anya, I do envy your relationship with Plotnik. Deekay is kind and thoughtful and a wonderful friend, but I fear he does not feel drawn toward me ‘that way’” she sighed sadly.

Helen had refreshed herself and her headress in her room with Alice's help.

She descented the stairs wondering what Deekay's reaction would be when she returned.

One thing she felt sure of. This would be her first and last date with Deekay and she was a little sad about this.

[arthur_loxley]

[He listened as Deekay explained the relationship between Myxti and Salter to his companion. Oh.. do you know Salter? He inquired to Lady Helen. Even saying his name brought a bad taste to his mouth.

Helen knew from Lord Loxley's expression there was bad blood between him and her adoptive father.

'Oh dear, she thought to herself, I do hope that Lord Loxley will judge me on my own merits, rather than on his associations with my father'.

But after the fiasco with the love potion she was sure she was doomed to be banned from the Tudor Keep forever anyway.

Never-the-less Helen was a brave spirit and announced to Lord Loxley clearly and without shame

"My Lord Loxley, Salter is my adoptive father"

[arthur_loxley]

Deekay listened to Plotnik listing the Sussex festivals. He liked the idea of celebrating the French storming a castle - it sounded surreal. After a while he decided that a good part of the list was invention, but if he visited Sussex he could find out.

He noticed Helen shifting slightly at the mention of the Canterbury love festival.

He was delighted when Arthur came over. They hadn't met in ages.

"The Court is fairly quiet at present - just a couple of Chester cases. I have three very capable Cornish Justices handling them. I thought I deserved some time away."

He noticed Helen slip away, and then return followed by some older guest. He was aware of raised voices and then the guest disappeared. Fortunately only a few ofthe guests seemed to notice. He thought the man had a bit of a reputation for chasing ladies, but he was confident Helen could look after herself.

"Helen - you need to be careful with men like that. Too much wine and they spoil a party.

Lord Plotnik was just telling me how delightful Sussex is in the Spring. I hope to visit. If you wanted to travel, perhaps you could do part of the journey with me."

[arthur_loxley]

Anya smiled warmly at her new friend, blushing a little. "I am a very lucky woman indeed to have found such a wonderful man, and that he's had the sense to put up with me for such a long time!" She winked. "There is a new foal in the stable you say? Oh! Should like to see that for myself!" She hoped she would have time before they left to do just that.

She noticed a glint in the other woman's eye and wondered, yet again, what mischief she was up to. Jah sakes! I should like to get to know this woman better ... it would seem there is always something interesting going on with her. She sipped her wine and headed out to the sitting room. She noticed Helen leave for a bit and shook her head, chuckling. Helen seemed like a woman with a purpose. When Helen returned, quite some time later, she noticed ... was that? .... were her cheeks a bit flushed? "Lady Helen are you all right?"

[arthur_loxley]

After wandering around making small talk with those he had been introduced to, Gawain notices that the food has been served.

He takes a seat at the table and bows his head in a silent blessing over the food he is about to eat. After a while, he then looks at the fine array of food spread along the table and chooses a few items. He pours himself a glass of wine, then starts to eat.

[arthur_loxley]

Myxti thanked Arthur before relaying the message to Blanche. With a curtsy, Blanche quietly headed to the nursery and relished the time she had to rest.

Myxti went back to the bar to continue drinking her whiskey.

[arthur_loxley]

Irish then turned to Rad,raising an eyebrow at him. got your brother into a wee bit of trouble ya did? You haven't been putting him in Rocket powered ejection seats again in the taverns have you?

Radh laughs at beein reminded of rocket seats then with a slyish look his face, he says Nay, meh fears its much worse than that; Meh've nearly gotten 'im killed defending Cork against the nngo-army, bu' he's already doin much better now in the caring hands of his lass, Bethair. Probably wont mind at all beein immobilised fer some time, he adds with a grin.

Ice is here with me right over there. Please don't apologize for mentioning Merces. He was a good friend to everyone, Ice included. I am reminded of him every time I look at Liam. He is the spitting image if Merces.
Now I believe you said something about a sister? Aayla? How nice to meet you. I have family up in Ireland. My sister lives in An Mumhaim, Port Lairge I believe it is. My sister-in-law lives in Laighaen. she is the Chancellor of the Embassy there.
Where in Ireland are you from Aayla?

Radh quickly looks around the room and sees Icedragon engaged in conversation with some people, but he doesnt see Radh lookin at him. Radh looks back at Irish as she conitnues and smiles warmly when she talks about recognising Merces in Liam. Then as he looks back and turns to let Aayla get drawn into the conversation, Radh notices lady Tasite still standing there with Aayla while he had had his back turned to them, and another well-dressed woman who Radh hadnt met yet, is standing beside her now and both are eyeing him intently. Radh feels quet awkward all of a sudden, then Aayla says to Irish,

“I live in Corcaigh in An Mumhain, the capitol, with my brother Obli... though we’re trying to talk Radh, LordRahl and his dear Bethair into joining us there.” Grinning she winks playfully at her brother. "It isn't easy getting them out of Ros Og'Cairbre very often, short of war and fancy parties."

Radh winks back at his sis and starts to grin aswell, he looks at Tas and Brianna and says, House of Rahl, we'll spill our blood bu' ne'er our beer. Radhruin Rahl, at yer service, m'lady. He bows to Brianna and the leather of his armor-vest crackles as he bends.

[arthur_loxley]

Teezme looks back again. Arthur following? Please Jah, make him follow. Look down, skin still there. Hurry, hurry. Oompf...oh no, forgot to look. Hit Lady Tasite. Its ok, pushed her into a man...oh my, it was the man Missy was drooling over. Pause, glance at man. Look back. Is Lord Loxley there? Will be in trouble later. Don't get fired. Fired, skin. Skin, fired. Skin on fire? No, flayed skin. Blood, skin. Ewww, stop thinking. Hurry and keep skin. Oh Jah, Lady Aasha's going to be angry. Hurry.

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