MacLaaran Village

[zandra]

*stretches out lazily upon her blanket... yawning... curls up and picks hay out of her hair as she ponders what to do for the day... listens carefully for the Guards who are up and about, yet as she suspected, the majority of the horses were gone for the afternoon. feeling it safe, she repacks her blanket and cautiously climbs down the ladder... being ever so quiet... she hears some words exchanged outside, and makes a "sshhhh" motion to the stable lad brushing a horse. thank goodness he recognized her*

"who is that dirty wench brushing my horse?"

"just a friend Sir, who has offered to help me. i have much to do this morning"

"well tell your friend to take a bath once in awhile" the Guard replied, leading his horse outside. she was embarrassed by his remark, as she rarely went without a bath... but the trip from Edinburgh had been long, and she went without many small luxuries in order to make it here faster. kisses the lad on the cheek* "yes, you have grown much more handsome than i had imagined" *and skips out on her way towards the Castle, carrying her big bag behind her*

*she gets a few odd looks from the Guards, yet none question her... she stops by the coffee shop for a cup and a cookie and a newspaper, squealing with excitement as she reads of M'Lord Praegorn and M'Lady Serenitee's upcoming wedding. nodding to the coffee shop attendant with a smile, she heads back towards the Castle, stopping for a moment to run her fingers through her hair as she approaches the Guards, dropping her bag of stuff to the side where it would not be noticed for awhile*

"You don't remember me kind Sirs? i've been away for quite a long time."

*they do not recognize her, and despite her insistance that she is known, they grab her and gently start to lead her away from the Castle... squirming madly, she manages to escape and takes off running inside... leading the Guards on a wild goose chase through the Castle grounds and inside where she is caught and roughed up a bit. she hollers for someone to fetch the captain of the Guards or Sir Kyle...*

*and she is told neither have returned for lunch yet... so she is thrown in the dungeon until further notice... hoping soon someone will get her out of there...*

[zandra]

*skips past the Guards with a brazen smile, heading out to enjoy the afternoon... stops by the stables, seeking out the handsome lad that she had seen the previous day and fills him in on what happened, dragging him away from his work to join her for a cup of coffee at lava's shoppe, lifting her chin to show her beautiful, soft collar*

*they enjoy a couple cups of coffee together before he returns to work, and she heads to the dress shoppe for a few things before returning to the Castle to help make lunch*

[Serenitee]

~the modest carriage rambled slowly at daybreak..rolling to a stop in front of a coffee shoppe, in a village she knew not the name of.  So many days of travel were beginning to take their toll on her but not more that three remained. The carriage sways as the driver gets down to take care of a few things. Maddie looked out the window from her seat, a smile touching her lips. Quickly stepping out to stretch her legs and tend to another need, returning quickly to her seat.  Feeling the carriage shift side to side again, she knows the driver is back in place. Lifting her cane to tap on the roof of the carriage, signaling the driver to move on...she then sits back to close her eyes for a moment...weary from her long trip from Colchester..her thoughts drifting back into time~


*It was the bright spring morning of April 16th, 1297. Rays of sunshine shone through the sheer draperies of the Overton's bedroom...a peaceful ease spread across the room as Anna and her precious baby girl lay nestled together. The earlier hours had not been so easy but as with all small bundles of miracles...any strife had been forgotten. The sight of the Overton's daughter had brought tears of joy to everyone's eyes.

Maddie peeked into the bedroom, smiling softly at the snuggled mother and baby. She quietly stepped into the room to tidy up a bit, trying to not make a sound as to disturb them as she straightened the coverlet. The bed cover stirred, Maddie looked up and smiled.

"M'lady Overton, I did nay mean ta' wake ye" Maddie whispered

Lady Overton lifted her hand in a small wave, inviting Maddie closer...softly smiling.  "Ye did nay wake me Maddie. I've been drifting in and out of the present..as if in a world of dreams"....tilting her head downward to gaze at the serenely sleeping baby...her fingertip gently brushing over her rosy little cheek....then looking back to Maddie.  "We've decided on a name Maddie"....she spoke with excitement.

Maddie stepped closer, peering down at the swaddled, sleeping child...smiling warmly.  "Really M'lady?  What did ye and M'lord Overton decide on?"

Anna Overton beamed as she turned a smile to Maddie.  "Serenitee"

"What a lovely name M'lady"...Maddie nodded..."It certainly suits her at the moment"

At that moment Lord Overton entered the room, greeting Maddie then going to his wife's side...nudging her over a bit as he sat beside her, his arm going around her shoulders while he leaned to gently kiss her forehead then lips....murmuring  how much he loved her before reaching his other hand over to gently brush Serenitee's cheek as she slept....a few more murmured exchanges between husband and wife..subdued laughs and giggles.

Maddie stepped back, viewing the scene with misty eyes....how she had always longed to have what was pictured before her....stepping back further, her hands reaching for the door...a tear slipping down her cheek...not from pity for herself...for she knew there was a greater plan for her....but tears of joy.  She quietly closed the door as she set off to her daily tasks*

Maddie's eyes fluttered open, she gasped for a moment, blinking again to clear her sleepy vision.   Shaking her head a bit as she softly chuckles and rolls her eyes.  Nodding off had become quite the pasttime on this long journey...but certainly reflection was a good thing. Sighing softly as she leans to the side a bit....gazing out the window at the country side slowly passing as the carriage moves...."Just 3 more days".....she murmured to herself as she sat back and closed her eyes again.

[Serenitee]

The driver grumbled as he pulled the carriage up to a stop in the middle of the road.  The carriage rocked as he jumped down and went to inspect the horses.  Earlier on they had come across a weather beaten part of the path.  It had been a bumpy, rocky ride through that area.

Maddie moved about the carriage, stepping outside to see what the problem was.  She walked around to look over the driver's shoulder as he was kneeling down inspecting the hooves of each horse...listening to many mumbled words...."nearest farrier" being only part of what she could understand.

Standing up briskly, nearly bumping into Maddie, the driver, a man perhaps 4 or 5 years her senior, smiled tightly.


"Tis a good thing we're within a day's time of MacLaaran M'lady".....He didn't say anything more as to what the problem was but Maddie assumed a thrown shoe would be a good guess.  He walked with her back around to the carriage door, held it open as she stepped inside....for a moment flashing a warm smile that made her take a second glance and slightly giggle.  It had been many years since a man had smiled at her like that.

Boosting himself back atop the carriage, waiting to hear the tell tale tap of her cane to the rooftop...chuckling to himself as he gets the team moving again toward MacLaaran.

Resting back into her seat inside, Maddie's thoughts drift back through a myriad of memories.....

*Serenitee's10th birthday. Her father had gotten her a horse.  What a fiasco that had been.  Seren, being a bit head strong even then, thought she could do anything perfectly the first time. It had only taken her a few moments to realize the error of her thinking.  She had managed to lift herself to the horses back, only to find herself falling from the other side, having put a little too much spring into her step.  Her father grinned and chuckled loudly while her mother elbowed him good naturedly while covering her own giggle.  Seren growled and glared a bit, proceeding to try once again, but again not quite making it.  She picked herself up off the ground, pouting greatly.  Turning her back to the horse she made her way into the house, mumbling about horses and how she didn't really want one anyway.*

  As far as Maddie knew, Seren hadn't tried riding again and her father sold the horse to a neighbor. Softly chuckling to herself at that memory before her smile fell into a soft look.....

*Seren's 10th birthday came and passed. Anna Overton grew ill that winter, though she never let on just how ill until one evening.  She summoned Maddie into the library....a small cloth covered box in her hand. "Maddie,"...she spoke quietly..."this is a very special gift."....Anna pressed the box into Maddie's hand, her expression pained..."please, please make sure Serenitee gets it on her very special day.  You will know the day Maddie....please...do this for me."  Maddie had to blink back the tears, knowing...seeing in Anna's eyes what Anna had not confided in anyone.  Taking the small box...she tucked it safely away....the holiday season came...and passed...leaving the Overton house cloaked in sorrow*

The bumping carriage tossed Maddie around inside for a moment, startling her back to reality....touching her fingertips to the damp streaks on her cheeks....turning to look out the window...she smiled a sad smile...looking upwards...whispering a prayer...then closing her eyes and rubbing them....thankful her trip is nearly at an end...at least for now.

[Serenitee]

Seren sat behind her desk at the shoppe, making a list of things yet to do before Sunday.  Sighing lightly she shook her head....thinking she would never get everything done. Setting the quill aside and leaning back in her chair, closing her eyes while lifting her hand way above her head..stretching and arching her back against the chair...a soft squeal escaping her lips at the peak of her stretch. Sitting up suddenly as she hears the door of the shoppe open.  Smoothing her hands down over her skirt, patting a hand to her curls then stepping into the main shoppe.

Her eyes shone bright, a huge smile crossing her lips.

"Maddie!!".....Seren exclaimed joyfully, promptly wrapping her arms around her dearest friend and adopted mother.

The two women hugged for a few moments.  Maddie took as step back to look at Seren, softly smiling and commenting on what a beautiful woman she had become, then hugged her again...whispering how proud her mother would have been.  Tears instantly welled up in Seren's eyes.

A soft cough came from the doorway behind them, the women turned and looked, both grinning from ear to ear at the driver.  Maddie walked over to him, placing several coins into his palm...blushing at the wink he gives her.

"Is there where I should unload ye baggage M'lady?"  He asked

Seren stepped up.  "Oh, let me lock up here Maddie...then I'll come with ye as to direct to the cottage."  Locking the shoppe up for the day then climbing into the carriage with Maddie...the smile seeming permanent on her lips at the moment.

They arrived at the cottage. Seren and Maddie stepped from the carriage while the driver was unloading the baggage.  Seren nudged Maddie and giggled...teasing about the wink the driver had given Maddie.

"Ye thought I did nay see that, didn't ye".....Seren grinned.

Maddie blushed gently nudging Seren then turned to offer the driver a few more coins for his trouble.  He wouldn't take them of course, but instead took Maddie's hand, lifted it to his lips....boldly pressing a soft kiss there.

"T'was more than a pleasure M'lady.  I'll take a room in the village.  When ye are ready for ye return trip, send message and I'll again be at ye service."

Maddie could only smile warmly and nod, watching as the driver boosted himself atop the carriage again and headed back toward the village.  She turned just in time to catch Seren clasping a hand over her giggling lips...lifting her own brow and chuckling...shaking her head.

"We have lots to talk about my dear girl"

The two women went together into Seren's cottage....tea was made and they spent hours talking and catching up on things in Colchester and her father.

[Serenitee]

Serenitee lit the candles around the cottage livingroom.  Walking to the scullery, humming softly while she filled the kettle and set it to heat for tea for when Maddie awoke.  The trip from Colchester had been very long and tiring for her..so she had laid her head to rest once they had reached the cottage but only after a few hours of catching up.

It was wonderful having Maddie there...she needed her greatly at this special time. Marriage scared her..her father's fiasco of an arranged marriage had daunted Seren's spirit...making her feel unworthy. Prae had come along though and brightened her days and filled her nights with warm, lovely dreams...could this dream really come true?  Could it be possible that she's not the "cold fish" Alex Sinthale had claimed she was?  Her mind reeled as she closed her eyes...reliving that awful moment with him...her fingers clutching the edge of the counter...her grip only being broken at the whistling of the kettle. 

Blinking a time or two, taking  a breath the setting about to prepare tea, smiling warmly as she hears Maddie come in from the bedroom. Grinning, fixing the tea, setting up the tray with goodies, sugar and lemon wedges then taking into the livingroom to set on the low table in front of the divan.

"Maddie, sit with me?  I've made tea."......Seren smiled, patting the divan...."I hope ye slept well"

Maddie sat down beside Seren, smiling warmly..."I did nay think I was going to wake Seren.  T'was such a long trip. I'm getting too old for such adventures."....she chuckled softly.

"Do nay say that Maddie.".....Seren spoke as she passed a saucer and cup of tea to Maddie..not wanting to think of a time when Maddie wouldn't be with her anymore.

Maddie took the tea with a thankful sigh..."So tell me all about him dear"....she sipped her tea slowly.

Sipping her own tea then settling back into the divan...a warmly soft smile gracing her lips~..."Tell ye about Prae?  Oh, where to start....~sipping her tea again~...Where to start....~softly chuckling~ He's simply wonderful Maddie.  I've nay met a man who can irritate me so pleasantly...tease me so thoroughly...yet make me feel like I'm the most important woman on the face of the planet....~her smile softening once more, a twinkle showing in her eyes~

The older woman softly smiled, patting Seren's hand..."That is wonderful my sweet girl.  I'm very happy for you both."

Seren's cheeks blushed suddenly, her voice lowered...."He makes me feel warmly strange Maddie.  Like I can't take a breath.  I can't stop imagining....wicked things Maddie"...her cheeks crimson now as she sipped more deeply from her cup.

Maddie looked to Seren with a loving smile...."That's perfectly normal Seren....you're in love....and he obviously makes you feel loved....you're going to feel many new feelings my dear."

"Oh Maddie, he really is perfect...although at time I'm nay sure if I want to throttle him..or just be wrapped in his arms, never to be disturbed".....softly chuckling...setting her cup aside then curling to Maddie's side...sighing softly and closing her eyes...remembering her mother would gently stroke her hair and coddle her....Maddie had taken over that position over the years.
 
Maddie set her cup aside as well and wrapped an arm about Seren...tugging her close while smoothing a hand over her curls...softly smiling and humming...pausing for a moment to speak.  "I love you Seren...you'll always be my daughter...I just want you to know that"....her voice softly drifting back to humming.

They would sit there the entire evening...murmuring and giggling girl talk....the hours passed...their soft laughter lifting into the quiet night air....

[Serenitee]

The garden was beautifully decorated.  Flowers adorned the seating, billowy lengths of softly sheer fabric draped in ivory layers around the trees nearby.  A small table was set just in front where her and Praegorn are to stand...two single candles lit while a larger candle set, nestled in the midst of a spray of roses, in the center between then other two. The aisle was carpeted in white rose petals and softly hushed whispers could be heard amongst those gathered.  The musicians stand and start playing a soft, lilting  melody.

Poised near the garden entrance, Serenitee stands.  A tied bouquet of collected flowers clutched in her hand....ribbons trailing.  Looking to the faces of their closest friends as she starts her walk.  Pausing for a moment to smile warmly to Maddie then continuing her walk until reaching Prae.  Her heart aflutter as she tries to take in a breath...slipping her hand into his.

Turning back to those gathered. Blinking, her brows furrowed, looking to them again with a gasp!  Sheep!  There were sheep where there used to be people.  Sheep in fine clothing no less!  Her head begins to swim as she feels something tugging at her dress.  Looking down just a squirrel does a lap around the full fabric then up along the skirt.  She squealed and jumped, spinning to get the critter off her.  The bouquet flew, hitting one of the sheep who proceeds to eat the bouquet.  The squirrel had since disappeared.

The soft music was replaced with bleats while flocks of birds began to swoop and pick at her perfectly coiffed hair.  Flailing her hands in an attempt to fend them off.  The garden scene suddenly turning comical with all the woodland creatures there in fine clothing, now dancing to the tune being played by the minstrels, who were now in fact a horse, a cow, a raccoon and wee little mouse.

Feeling something touch her arm.....she sits up quickly in her bed, gasping....a cry escaping her lips....her heart pounding as her eyes focus.  Lifting a hand to her forehead, feeling a beading of sweat.  A voice breaking though her hazy state of mind.

"Maddie!"...she called out.  "It was a dream!  Only a dream!"

"I know my dearest girl"....Maddie touched Seren's arm again.  "I heard you calling out in your sleep and came to check on you"...she smoothed Seren's hair back, softly cooing, comforting her..."Everything will be fine sweetheart, beautifully perfect."

"B-b-but, there were sheep Maddie!  Sheep!  They were wearing clothes!  The birds Maddie!  They were everywhere!"...Seren's lips slowly curved into a smile...soon parting in bubbly laughter realizing the absurdity of her dream. "Oh Maddie, I'm so nervous"

Maddie sat and gathered Seren close in her arms, hugging her warmly~..."Seren, be calm dear.  All is well.  I viewed the garden just last eve.  It's beautiful and there were no animals of any kind.  You my girl, must take a breath and enjoy this special day.  Think of your Praegorn.  Think you not that he is a bundle of nerves at this moment? I'm going to draw you a warm bath with some lovely scented oil.  I want you to soak and relax..then when you are finished, we can go check the garden once more.  We still have much to do you know."

Seren smiled warm and bright at Maddie....how lucky she was to have here..."You're right Maddie and I'm going to do exactly as you said."

The two parted...Seren laying back to her pillow while Maddie took care of getting the bath ready.  Sighing softly as she touches the pillow next to hers, a warmth moving through her as she realizes this is the last morning she will have to wake up alone....closing her eyes as a strong wave of some deeper feeling washing over her...bringing a crimson color to her cheeks.  Curling her body in a much needed stretch before getting up to go get her bath...

....thus, starting her day.
 

[~lava~]

*dashing around the castle gardens carring bolts of tulle and handfuls of flowers as the decorations for the wedding begin to go up…checking things off my list as i oversee the workers…gasping as i see one of the servant lads begin to sprinkle the beautiful rose petals along the path…i run over and bop him on the head with a bolt of tulle….”NOT YET, lad…those can nae be dropped on the path until just before the ceremony begins! Do you want to be responsible for Seren walking on DEAD brown rose petals? Take them back to the cool room now!”…*rolling my eyes as the lad runs off, mumbling under his breath something about a bossy sub can’t tell him what to do…i return my attention to the many tasks at hand, smiling now as i realize just how beautiful the ceremony will be*

[Serenitee]

*Earlier in the day Seren and Maddie had seen to "after wedding" details.  A small cottage a short distance from the village had been found, hidden away in a forested area.  A waterfall cascaded into an otherwise peaceful pond, surrounded by beautifully colored flowers.  The colors of fall a warm mixture of reds, browns and oranges, carpeting the forest floor.  The cottage had only one room.  On one side was a well cushioned divan with a small table in front of it. Off to the side was a large fireplace.  The bed was placed on the opposite side from the divan. 

Seren had draped panels of tulle and lace over the posters of the bed.  Softly scented candles were placed on the nightstands.....romantic floral arrangements dotted every here and there in the cottage.  On a tray, arranged around another candle was a bottle of wine, goblets, little morsels of cake dipped in icing, bits of fruit, cheese and squares of freshly baked bread.  The tray was centered on a table near the hearth where a thick fur rug lay...the edges piled with soft, plump pillows. If you listened carefully, you could hear the soft rush of the waterfall from inside the cottage.  It seemed to be the perfect place to spend their special moments*


Seren gathered her necessities into a basket, reminding herself to breath as Maddie came along behind her, ushering her out the cottage door toward the castle. The hour grew near quickly and yet there were many tasks left to tend. They made their way to the castle gardens.  Seren gasped, clasping a hand over her lips at the beautiful garden.  How would she ever thank lava for all she had done.  It was perfect...completely perfect.  Her eyes misting over...knowing that it's just the beginning of the tears this evening.  Touching Maddie's arm.....Maddie softly smiling and patting Seren's hand....murmuring reassuring words as they start preparing for the wedding.

[Praegorn]

Prae sat upon a tree stump in a nearby field, and looked up the Castle of MacLaaran and sighed.  The time was drawing near and though he had faced many a nervous moment and fared well, still this was a path nae yet walked upon and not one that couldst be seen past the start of the night.  T'was one thing to have courted and yet another to have proposed, but this was still as close yet as he had been to the true happiness he had sought for so long a while.

Though seldom thought of, his time at Château Fort-la-Latte still weighed upon him, of that moment when his heart, so easily given then, had been torn asunder so cruelly and had ultimately forced him to flee the land for a new place abroad.  A long time had passed since and a love with his Lady Serenitee had blossomed and flourished and his times from long ago had but nearly left him, until he looked this day upon the Castle and the guardsmen upon it and had been struck with the thought of that long ago. 

Glancing to his side now, Prae stared at the saddle laying upon the ground, and his steed standing patiently near and pondered, just for the moment, if he should think again and perhaps spare himself a chance to be hurt deeply once more.  Nodding to himself, then chuckling, he waved the stable lad over and had him lead his steed back to the stables once more along with his saddle, then relaxed and breathed normally.  The thought of leaving a chance to live a life with Serenitee as his wife and love was all too strong a potion for any such nonsense of the past to resist and with a cheered look, Prae stood up and brushing himself off, started making his way to the castle and the evening's most wonderful event.

[Serenitee]

Husband...the word felt new rolling off her tongue.  Reaching over to gently touch Prae's cheek while he slept.  She had woke much earlier and been unable to get back to sleep, so laid there, thoughtful of recent events.  The wedding had been beautifully perfect.  Heartfelt endearments exchanged, friends and family gathered around. In a way, it all seemed to happen in a blink of an eye so her mind replayed it often, noticing new details each time. In another blink of an eye, farewells were being said...her eyes misting over remembering Maddie's words to her.

"Darling girl.  I suppose I can't call you a girl anymore Seren. You and Praegorn have something very special.  He looks at you as your father looked at your mother. Hold tight to what you love Seren, let not the struggles and trivial misunderstandings come between you and your husband for anything worth having is worth working toward. I love you Seren, my little girl...and I'm sure you're mother smiles down daily seeing what a lovely young woman you have become."

With that, Maddie had stepped into the carriage for the long trip back to Colchester.


Turning to her side, slipping both her hands up, palm to palm, to rest between her cheek and pillow.  Smiling softly she watched him sleep a while longer.  Finally deciding to get up, brushing a soft kiss to his cheek before doing so.  Sitting up, tugging her nightshift back into place then swinging her feet to the floor...mumbling as her foot kicks something.  Leaning over to pick up the object...lifting a brow then turning to look over her shoulder at her sleeping husband...chuckling. Standing up with the boot in hand, walking about until she finds the other before setting them neatly down together by the bedroom door.

Making her way to the hearth in the livingroom, warming her hands by the fire.  Looking to the divan, back to the fire then quickly back to the divan...lifting a brow.  Walking over and picking up a man's shirt and vest....chuckling and shaking her head..taking the items back into the bedroom.  Her lips quirked into a bit of a grin as she neatly folds the garments and lays them atop Prae's chest of drawers.  Stopping at the edge of the bed where he remains sleeping.  Softly chuckling, reaching and smoothing her hand over his roughened cheek.

"Ye and I M'love are going t'have a word or two about tossing ye things about"....her voice just a whisper into the still morning air.  They had yet to decide where they would make their home together.

A sudden movement taking her off guard, squealing at first, being startled..then giggling and warmly smiling as Prae's arms wrap about her, tumbling her back to the bed...snuggling them warmly together...neither having to say a word...the looks in their eyes expressing all the love they felt for one another.

Moments passed before a soft chuckle escaped his lips while he turned her back to his chest, snuggling her into the curve of his body....his lips resting near her ear.

"What were those words ye wished to have with me?".....his voice soft and deepened by still being a bit asleep, the warmth of his breath sending wonderful shivers through her before he softly kissed her neck just below her ear.

"Oh....~she softly chuckled~...they can wait M'love, t'was nothing of that much importance."  She sighed nicely, contentedly...wrapped warmly in his arms her eyes settling closed again as they both drift back into the world of dreams.

[Aurora]

*a messenger lad makes his way through the village toward the Castle looming in the distance.. he gasps when a cloaked man steps into the path... "what have you, boy?" the voice sneers... he feels his heart skip a beat, having been warned about this possibility.. he stammers out..."n-n-nothing more than a missive for Sir Kyle, m-m'Lord." he shows the scroll, something he had picked up in town to deliver.. the man snatches it from him and... curiously, sniffs it, then throws it back and melts back into the forest as if he had never been there.. the lad shudders, then continues trotting up the path with the scroll clenched in his hand.  Reaching the Castle he speaks to seth and is led into the Hall.  Letting out a sigh of relief at having made it, he leaves the village scroll where indicated for Sir Kyle.. nothing more than the usual village note.. then reaching inside his tunic, carefully removing several other scrolls.. laying one at Kyle's spot... one for Sir Tristram.. and one for the Lady Seren. he then goes in search of food and drink while he waits any return messages."

For Kyle:
           My dear friend.. happy holiday to You and the whole Castle. I hope things are well there. I hope my messenger has arrived safely... I have a feeling My Brother is still hanging around down there, since nothing strange has happened to Me here. Any return message to Me can go with the same lad.. just send him with something to the village so he doesn't seem to be going empty handed. I am well, although I miss You all terribly. How goes the orphanage?  I deeply regret not being there after we discussed plans. I truly hope to return one day. Give everyone My love.
                                                           Aurora

For Tris:
             Ah, Tris... You can't know how much I miss You. Every day I find Myself lost in thought and then having to figure out where I am once I realize My daydream! It's amazing how One can get lost in a Castle they grew up in when something else is on Their mind. With nothing to do, I've started helping at the orphanage in the little village here. I'm trying not to run it Myself, in hopes that one day I can return to My former life.  I do give the mistress there a good deal of help, though. It keeps Me busy, rather than Me trying to cross treacherous mountains in the middle of winter. I hope You are keeping Yourself in line, Captain.. and not causing Kyle too much trouble. I know You. 
                   Always,
                                Aurora

For Seren: 
               M'Friend, Your glad tidings reached My ears not long ago, but too late for My proper congratulations.  I'm sure the ceremony was loving. I'm only sad I could not be there for You on Your day. I wish You and Prae many blissful years of negotiations.

                 Aurora


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(OOC)

My friend in Mac.  Happy Holidays to you all. I hope everyone has been well. I miss you all very much. Be well to you and I do hope to return eventually!

All my love.. Aurora's Typist.

[Sir Kyle]

Happy New Year, M'Lady... I do hope it works out that way for You.
Kyle

[Serenitee]

The shoppe had been bustling recently due to a wave of travelers through the village. Boosting herself to the stool behind the counter, tugging the heavy ledger out from beneath...slowly flipping through the pages.  What a tiresome chore it was, keeping records.  Fidgeting with numbers made her head hurt...~pausing for a moment while she lifts her fingertips to rub at her temples~...Sighing heavily as she goes back to the pages, scanning down the columns, nodding once in a while, lifting a brow now and then...finally shaking her head and slamming the book closed and grumbling. Her voice lifting through the shoppe.

 "I can nay do this anymore!"...~closing her eyes and rubbing them.  She must have not slept well last eve as she had dark circles beneath her eyes~

Upon her raised voice, Dahlia...as if on cue, emerged from the storage closet.  Seren jumped in surprise since she hadn't known Dahlia was even there yet.

Dahlia tilted her head to the side a bit, quirked her lips in a bit of a smile as she spoke. "M'lady Serenitee, all is well?

Seren sighed again, looking up to Dahlia....frowning.  "Do I look well?....~lifting her fingertips to her cheeks, curving along the dark circles beneath her eyes then growling and dropping her head to the countertop, her forehead making a sound "thunk"....a soft cry of pain escaping her lips.

Dahlia, perplexed for a moment, then spying the ledger out upon the counter top. "Ahhhhhh!...~shaking her head, knowing what the problem be now~...Tis time to reconcile the sales ledger. Nay wonder ye are...~not wanting to use the word grumpy or grouchy~....stressed.

Looking up just slightly from the countertop, pouting and grumbling at the same time.  "Aye!  Dahlia...~Seren's eyes started to brighten as she lifted her head, a hand rubbing the pink tinged goose egg now on her forehead~...can ye do them this week?  Please?  I'll raise ye pay!  I'll take in ye laundry...~pausing for a moment remembering how much she hates laundry~....alright, I'll nay take in ye laundry, but Dahlia...pleeeeeeeeeeease?"

A warm laugh bubbled past Dahlia's lips as she came to stand by Seren's side..."Seren, ye know I can nay. I do nay see as I once did and it doth cause tremendous pain t'my eyes.  The sewing hath started to wreak havoc with my sight as it is....~softly looking to Serenitee,  moving an arm about her shoulder~...perhaps it's time ye thought of replacing this old woman, or mayhaps hiring someone else to help."

"Dahlia!....~Seren exclaimed~...I will nay replace ye.  Ye are irreplaceable....~turning to hug her dear friend~...but, ye have a wonderful idea.  In fact.....~her thoughts going back to a conversation at the castle two nights past, the light shining in her eyes once again...her lips parting in a whisper~....Tis the perfect solution".

"Dahlia, ye are wonderful!....~grinning~  T'was just two nights ago I was approached on behalf of Bella...~looking to Dahlia, seeing the look of confusion on her face, Seren laughing and shaking her head~...I'll explain it all. Ye 'ave noticed the new faces in and around MacLaaran nay doubt?...~Dahlia nodding yes~..Bella be one of them and on her behalf, her gentleman friend did approach and ask of employ.  Dahlia,....~a big smile crossing Seren's lips~...this, is perfect!"

Dahlia laughed and hugged Serenitee again..."Then ye 'ave it'all worked out, and ye did nay even know it!  I 'ave t'get back t'the closet M'lady, I left several things undone when rushing out here to see if ye were okay".

Grinning, Seren, nodded to Dahlia..."I'm sorry Dahlia...I did nay mean t'scare ye like that. I must get back to work too...~putting the ledger aside for now, a fresh outlook brightening her mood for the day....setting about her other tasks for the day~

[Sir Kyle]

February1, 1322

My interest perked up when lava told me that apparently Michael MacDougal spent all evening on Thursday night chatting up her sister, abby. Michael wants a date with abby and even though abby has been dating Gavin McLeod, one of my Carriage Shoppe employees, she's decided to give Michael a shot.

This made my mind drift back to the attention Michael was paying to abby during the period when we were purchasing the Castle MacLaaran and the surrounding lands. That was the same time that somebody pushed Dami down in her well so he could rummage through her cottage in the woods. I always wondered if this was the MacDougals trying to interfere with our purchase of the MacLaaran estate.

Maybe it's time for me to have another visit with Douglas MacDougal.  Could those raiders that Tyra stumbled be people that Douglas is hiring? Is He planning devious methods to regain possession of our lands?

((Page 7 of this history describes Dami being pushed down the well))