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Maidens of Mayhem Chapter 10

Started by Evie, July 07, 2010, 08:55:23 PM

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Evie

Chapter Ten


   "Have you seen them yet?"  Sophie peered anxiously around the Great Hall on Christmas Eve.  The girls had all gone to early Mass that day, figuring that would leave the rest of the day free to greet Sophie's family when they arrived and assist them in getting settled into their rooms for their two week stay, but now the evening meal was over and they had still not made their appearance.

   "Not yet," the Contessa said, frowning slightly.  "But you know, mi cara, there was another inch of snowfall this morning, and it's possible that conditions were worse between here and Nyford.  Your family got such a late start in setting forth for Rhemuth, it's quite possible they ended up delayed by the weather."

   "You're probably right."  Sophie sighed.  "Still, it's not like Father at all to miss Christmas Court.  I'll feel much better when they arrive.  Do you think they'll try to push through, or wait until morning?"

   Constanza shrugged.  "I'm afraid I don't know Sir Ranulf enough to know what he'd decide to do.  But I'm certain he'll send a message ahead, if nothing else.  In the meantime, worrying about them isn't going to help matters.  Just try to relax; I'll be sure to let you know the moment I hear something."

   "A message....That's it!  I'm going to check the message room."  Sophie jumped up from her bench.  "If they arrive while I'm there, can you come get me?  Father should be wearing gules and sable...."

   "'Per pale gules and sable, three kestrels or, and in chief or, crusilly sable'.  Yes, we know."  Celsie patted her hand reassuringly.  "We'll keep an eye out for them.  Go!"

#

   The message room was nearly empty, but Sophie spied a familiar face as soon as she entered the small chamber.  The bowed head looked up from a packet of letters.  Upon recognizing her, the knight bowed, smiling.

   "Lady Sophie, we've got to stop meeting like this," Sir Seisyll Arilan teased.

   "How may I help you, my lady?" the older retainer in Haldane livery asked, after sparing a brief chuckle for the young knight's jest.

   Sophie remained in the doorway, almost too frightened to ask, but at last she summoned up the nerve to make her inquiry.  "I was expecting my family to arrive today, my lord, but they've not arrived yet.  Have you any messages for me from Sir Ranulf de Varnay?"

   "No, my lady, I don't believe I have, but hold on a moment and I'll check."

   All traces of humor disappeared from Sir Seisyll's eyes as he studied Sophie's worried face.  "What time were you expecting them, Lady Sophie?"

   "I'm...not really sure.  Father's last message said they'd be here in time for Christmas Court, though, so I was sure they'd be arriving sometime today at the very latest."

   He nodded.  "Your father is Carthane's liege man, is he not?"

   "Yes, my lord."  Sophie was surprised; despite her father's long years of service to the Kingdom, she didn't think he was so well-known in Rhemuth that another knight, especially a much younger one, would immediately place him as the Earl of Carthane's man.

   "Might they be traveling together?  I believe Carthane sent a message ahead a few hours ago, saying his party was delayed by the snows and would be stopping for the night a few miles south of here.  They planned to travel the rest of the way at daybreak."

   "Oh."  Sophie considered.  "I suppose they could be traveling together; the Earl's seat is near Nyford after all, so they'd be coming from the same direction."  She bit her lip.  "I just wish I knew for certain."

   "I imagine so, my lady." He studied her a long moment. "Is your chaperone still in the Great Hall?" he finally inquired.

   "Yes, I believe so.  She was going to wait there in case they showed up." She looked suddenly wary.  "Why?"

   The knight gave her a reassuring smile.  "Because I think, if your family is close by and still trying to get to Rhemuth tonight, we might be able to see their party's arrival from the top of one of the watch towers, even if they're still at a bit of a distance.  But of course, I would need to make myself known to your guardian first, and secure her permission to bring you up there."  He bowed over her hand.  "And yours too, of course.  Would you permit me to assist you?"

   Sophie studied him cautiously, then remembered that Bishop Duncan had entrusted her to this knight's keeping when the bishop had escorted her upstairs to the Royal Apartments.  She knew the bishop would hardly have done so if the young man weren't to be trusted.  "I suppose so," she finally answered, "if the Contessa agrees."

   They entered the Great Hall together, Sophie feeling a bit self-conscious.  As they approached, the Contessa stood, studying the pair curiously.

   About to make the necessary introductions, Sophie suddenly froze as she realized she had forgotten the young knight's surname.  Fortunately she was spared any embarrassment when he took matters into his own hands, bowing over the Contessa's offered hand and introducing himself.  "Sir Seisyll Arilan, Laird of Tre-Arilan, at your service, madam.  I understand Lady de Varnay's family hasn't arrived yet.  Would you permit me to bring her up to the watch tower, my Lady?"  He smiled at the very curious young ladies flanking the Contessa.  "And, of course, her friends."

   Constanza gave the young man an appraising look.  "Arilan.  Are you related to Bishop Denis Arilan?"

   "His nephew, my Lady."

   "Ah."  She smiled.  "Well, I suppose that would be all right.  Celsie, why don't you accompany Sophie; Ailidh, you remain here with me in case Sophie's family arrives, so you can fetch her back if necessary."

   Not fair! Ailidh mindspoke to Celsie.

   I thought you've sworn off men?
 Celsie replied, smiling to herself.

   I can still look! Ailidh retorted.

   Celsie suppressed a giggle as she followed Sophie and Sir Seisyll out of the Great Hall.

#

   They stopped at the ladies' apartment just long enough for the two ladies-in-waiting to grab warm cloaks, for Sir Seisyll warned them that the top of the watch tower would be quite cold now that the sun had set and the winter winds blew briskly overhead.   Once they were bundled against the winter's chill, the knight led them up to the top of the tower that would afford them the best vantage point of the lands southeast of Rhemuth, the direction from which the de Varnay household would likely be approaching, for it was almost certain they would be traveling northwards from Desse.

   "Will Sir Ranulf be traveling under his colors, do you know?" the knight asked.

   "Probably.  Not that we'll be able to tell in the dark," Sophie said, fretting.

   "True.  But look, there's a full moon tonight, and with the moon reflecting off the snow and the rivers, we should at least be able to spot signs of movement on the road, if they're not too far out."  They gazed out at the view below, noting a few parties here and there on the surrounding roads making their slow way towards the gates of Rhemuth, but the groups were too distant for Sophie to be able to make out if any might be her family's party.  She shivered a bit as the breeze picked up, the thin wool of her cloak being insufficient to keep out the full force of the draft.  Sir Seisyll, noticing both girls' discomfort, moved up to stand directly behind them, opening up his own cloak to enfold them both.  "Better?"

   "Yes, my lord," Celsie added with a sidelong look at Sophie and a quiet giggle.

    "Um....Thank you."  Sophie blushed, suddenly a little too warm despite having felt nearly frozen just a few seconds earlier.  She reached a hand up absently to tug a fold of the knight's cloak away from her body.  

      His gaze dropped to her exposed fingers.  An arm tightened around Sophie as Sir Seisyll craned his head around slightly to study her profile.  "My lady, do you happen to know what manner of stone that is in your ring?"     

       Sophie glanced up at him, startled, then hastily withdrew her hand back into the protective warmth of his cloak.  "I—I'm not sure.  I think...maybe it's amber?"

       "Hm.  Could be."  He studied her in silence for a long moment.  "Might it be shiral instead?"

       Celsie glanced at Sophie, startled.  Sophie averted her gaze, pretending to study the distant figures approaching Rhemuth, but her mind was whirling too rapidly to notice if any looked familiar or not.  "I'm...not really sure, m'lord," she whispered.

        "I see."  Young Arilan looked pensive.  "A pity, though.  There are some folk who can use a shiral crystal to see over distances, given the right conditions, which would certainly be helpful just now."  He glanced down at Sophie.  "Your friend Bishop Duncan is one, I believe.  I...don't suppose you would happen to have such talents?"

      Sophie stared at him, wide-eyed.  "I—No."  It was true, at least, that she hadn't learned how to use a shiral crystal for scrying yet.

   "Ah, well.  It was just a thought."  His lips quirked in a faint smile.  "Shall I just assume, then, that your ring is no more than a pretty little bauble you picked up in Nyford market, just as my own bit of golden gemstone is nothing more than an old bead fished out of the Eirian?"  He tugged at a thin leather cord around his neck, revealing a simple round bead strung upon it.  "I can go on assuming that, if that's what you wish, my lady."

   "I—"  Sophie bit her lip, glancing uncertainly at Celsie, then back at their escort.  "Are you Deryni?" she breathed, her voice barely audible.

   Seisyll tilted his head, a ghost of a grin on his face.  "I suppose that all depends.  Is this conversation ever going to leave this tower?"

   Two wide-eyed ladies shook their heads.  The knight chuckled.  "Well, in that case, let's just say my shiral bead is an old family heirloom, and that I know a few uses for it."  His voice softened.  "Your secret is safe, Lady Sophie.  I have a few secrets as well, at least for the time being."

#

   Ailidh, after checking with a liveried guard to ensure she was heading up the right tower, took the stairs two at a time until she reached the top.  "Sophie!"  She paused, panting for breath.  "Your family just arrived."

   "They're here?"  Sophie glanced up at Seisyll, blushing as she realized she was still enveloped in his cloak.  "But when....how...?"

   "Your father said that your stepmother started feeling ill when they approached the gates of Rhemuth earlier tonight, so they stopped at an inn for a few hours to give her time to recover.  He says he meant to send a message on ahead, but—well, at any rate, they're here now."  Ailidh stared curiously and a trifle enviously at the handsome young knight still sheltering her friends under his cloak's warmth.  "They've been assigned to quarters just a few doors down from ours.  Come, I'll show you."

   Sophie glanced up at Sir Seisyll, wondering if she dared attempt to send him mind-speech.  She decided on a whisper instead.  "My stepmother doesn't know about us."  Realizing from his upraised eyebrow how that statement might be misconstrued, she turned scarlet and added, "That we're Deryni, I mean.  Father and Stefan and I.  She hates Deryni!"

   Seisyll nodded in sudden understanding.  "As I said, my lady, your secret is safe," he whispered back.  Escorting the two ladies back indoors, he extricated himself from them, bowing over their hands once they were safely within the castle's shelter.  Spying the matching ring on Celsie's hand, he gave her a wry smile.  "Both of your secrets."  The blue-violet eyes gleamed.  "Or should I make that all three of you?" he asked, with a smile at Ailidh.  "I'll see you safely into your father's keeping, at any rate.  I've not seen Stefan in a couple of years."

   "Oh!  You know my brother?"

   Seisyll nodded.  "We trained together."  He took the lead as they descended the spiral stair towards the ladies' apartment level.

   "So that's how you knew my father swears fealty to the Earl of Carthane!"

   He smiled.  "No.  Or at least if Stefan told me, I'd forgotten it."  Seisyll stopped at a door, pulling it open and holding it for the three ladies to enter.

   "Well then....how did...?"  Sophie's face was a study in puzzlement.  The young knight laughed.

   "I took the liberty of looking you up."  He grinned down at her.  "In the Royal Library.  Father Nivard was most helpful."  He waved at a familiar figure standing further down the corridor.  "Stefan!"

   The two former squires exchanged a hearty greeting while, behind them, two ladies giggled and a younger sister gaped.

#

   Sophie threw herself into her father's arms, reveling in the comfort of his warm embrace after her long hours of worry.  After a minute, she stepped back to give her stepmother a cordial, if less fervent, greeting.

   "I heard you felt unwell during your trip into Rhemuth.  I'm very sorry to hear it.  I hope you're feeling much improved now?"

   Alienora nodded coolly.  "For the moment.  It's mainly in the mornings, though the bumpy roads unsettled my stomach during the journey up.  Ranulf, dear, I could use a bit of wine, please."

   "Mainly in the mornings?" Sophie asked as her father scurried off to fetch a goblet for his wife.

   "Yes, before breaking my fast.  I'm almost past that stage, though."  Alienora narrowed her eyes.  "He hasn't told you yet?"

   "Told me what?"

   Her stepmother smiled proudly.  "I'm with child."

   Sophie, after a stunned moment, smiled, carefully masking her feelings.  "You are?  Well...what a lovely surprise!"  Turning to her father, returning with a wineglass, she mindspoke, I thought Alienora was barren!

   So did I, he answered her, flushing slightly as he handed the wine to his wife and tucked a warm blanket around her.  "There you go.  Warmer now, I hope?"

   "Much better. Thank you."  Alienora's blue eyes looked back up at Sophie.  "So.  Turn around, let me take a look at you. Is that a new gown?"

   "Yes, my lady."

   "Hm.  Not quite your color, is it, dear?  Makes your hair look a bit mud-toned."

   Sophie willed herself not to react, although she could sense Ailidh's and Celsie's shock behind her.  

   "I think she looks lovely," Stefan said, coming up from behind to give his sister a warm hug.  "Even if she is diabolical."  He grinned down at her, and she laughed.

   "You got the game book back, then?"

   "I did, indeed.  Unfairly played, sister!  I had to work for hours to come up with a new strategy."  He handed the bound volume back to her, his eyes sparkling with mischief.  "Your turn now.  And are you going to keep us in suspense, or do we get to meet your friends?"  He turned a welcoming smile towards Celsie and Ailidh."

   "Oh!  Yes, these are my sister ladies-in-waiting, Lady Celeste de Chervignon, and Mistress Ailidh nic Ardry, originally of Transha, but step-daughter to the Baron of Marlor.  Celsie, Ailidh, allow me to present my father, Sir Ranulf de Varney, his wife Alienora, and my brother Stefan." She glanced around, belatedly realizing that Sir Seisyll had entered with her brother.  "And...um...do you already know Sir Seisyll Arilan?" she added, coloring slightly as she noticed the frankly appraising look her father was giving the young knight.

   "We've met a few times before, I believe," Sir Ranulf affirmed, with an inquiring glance at his daughter.  

   Young Arilan witnessed the nonverbal exchange with a faint smile.  "A pleasure to see you again, Sir Ranulf."

   "Arilan.  Hm.  And who is your family?  Anyone of importance?"  Alienora asked.  Sophie suppressed a gasp, wishing the floor would swallow her.

   "I'm Laird of Tre-Arilan, just a short distance outside of Rhemuth, my Lady," he answered, no hint of offense in his tone as he answered her.  "My father was Sir Jamyl Arilan, formerly on the late King Brion's Council, and my uncle Denis is Bishop of Dhassa."

   "Ah.  Those Arilans." Alienora frowned slightly, but sounded somewhat mollified.  "A respectable enough family, I suppose."

   Sir Ranulf frowned, looking uncomfortably at his young wife.  "Alienora...pet...."

   "Yes, well, it's quite late, I suppose we really ought to be heading back to our quarters," Celsie interposed, her voice a bit brighter than normal and a slightly desperate gleam in her wide blue eyes.  "It's been...delightful meeting you!" she added with a curtsy.  Sophie wondered that she didn't choke on the unaccustomed lie.  She looked up at her brother for rescue.  Stefan gazed back, an ironic gleam in his eyes.

   Happy Christmas, little sister.  I do apologize; I'd love to have left her hogtied at Kestrel Mote with an apple stuffed in her maw, but I'm afraid Father wouldn't allow it. The mental image he sent with the apology nearly made her burst out laughing.

   An unaccustomed mental touch startled her.  Will you be all right if I leave you here to walk your friends back to your quarters, or shall we wait for you? Sophie glanced sharply at the young knight, who regarded her steadily, his twilight-colored eyes dark with concern.

   I...suppose I should stay, at least for a short while.  I'm so sorry about Alienora!

   No need to apologize.  A hint of a laugh in the mental voice. Stefan forewarned me before we entered. He bowed over her hand.  "I'm glad your family arrived healthy and whole, Lady Sophie. If you'll excuse me, I'll see your friends back to your quarters."  He directed a respectful bow at Sir Ranulf.  "Sir, might I have your permission to call upon Lady Sophie tomorrow?  Perhaps after Mass?"

   Sir Ranulf's speculative gaze fell on his daughter again.  "I suppose I could allow that."

   "Until the morrow, then, my lady."  

#

   Sir Seisyll actually caught up with Sophie before the Mass began, managing to find a place just behind her. I hope you're well this morning, he mind-spoke.  And how is your family?

   Fine. She blushed.  Except...they all assume you're courting me.  I am sorry!

   He grinned as he caught a glimpse of her flushed cheek in profile.  So I gathered.  And would that be a problem?

   Seisyll felt her startled reaction through their link. I...um...you're not, are you?

   He stifled a laugh. No, not yet, he reassured her, sensing her skittishness.  It might be best if we were to become a bit better acquainted first.

   An inaudible sigh of relief.  Yes, that's what I thought.

   You're not unalterably opposed to the idea, though, I hope? He nearly held his breath, awaiting her response.

   What?  Oh...no.  I don't suppose so. The mental voice was uncertain, shy.

   Sir Seisyll smiled.  Then let's just take things one day at a time.


Chapter Eleven: http://www.rhemuthcastle.com/index.php?topic=555.0
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Evie

Quote from: Elkhound on July 07, 2010, 10:07:37 PM
Quote from: Evie on July 06, 2010, 09:54:53 PM

Elkhound, I came this close to spewing iced tea across the table when I read this....   :D

Well, if sweater fits. . . .

Doubtful, if you're putting my ladies into a triple-D.   :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Elkhound

Quote from: Evie on July 07, 2010, 10:13:23 PM

Doubtful, if you're putting my ladies into a triple-D.   :D

I don't imagine any of them being endowed with quite such bounty.

Let's see, if Kelson and Dhugal are co-captains of football, I guess Derry would be soccer and Arilan would be basketball?  Duncan and Alaric would be youngish professors.  Nivard would be a nerdy but kind of cute graduate student.  Meraud would be the Dean of Women.

Evie

#3
I assume you mean young Seisyll Arilan.  Denis strikes me more as the older curmudgeonly professor.  And I was referring back to Tri-Delt.   :)
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Alkari

Ah yes, a most 'respectable" family, those Arilans!     *Ponders Alienora's reaction if she ever found out about Denis *     I rather like young Sir Seisyll ... I think this is going to be a very interesting Christmas!   :D

Evie

#5
Ah, yes, Sir Seisyll of the stealth courtship.  "Oh, she's shy?  Well, then....*Jedi hand wave*  No, I'm not courting you.  We'll just be friends...really!  Forget that I said all that stuff about looking up your family history and having a cozy chat with Father Nivard... */Jedi hand wave* "     :D

So, you think her reaction on learning about Denis might be a bit...extreme?  Yeah, me too.  Does tend to make me wonder what her reaction's going to be if she ever finds out she's carrying a Deryni's baby....
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Evie

Elkhound, last night I dreamed my three ladies-in-waiting were cheerleaders.  At Hogwarts.  And Father Nivard kept going around singing Weird Al Yankovic's song "White and Nerdy."

I blame you.   :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Elkhound

Quote from: Evie on July 07, 2010, 10:22:46 PM
I assume you mean young Seisyll Arilan.  Denis strikes me more as the older curmudgeonly professor.  And I was referring back to Tri-Delt.   :)

Yes on both counts.

If the Countessa is the DDD Housemother, the Dutchess Meraude is Dean of Women, and Nigel the Atheletic Director (kahkis & a polo shirt, whistle around his neck, baseball cap, clipboard.)

Elkhound

#8
Quote from: Evie on July 08, 2010, 08:50:18 AMSo, you think her reaction on learning about Denis might be a bit...extreme?  Yeah, me too.  Does tend to make me wonder what her reaction's going to be if she ever finds out she's carrying a Deryni's baby....

What would be a more linguistically appropriate way of expressing the concept of "freak out completely"?  I mean, the general rule for pregnant women is 'handle them as you would a live grenade', but dropping that kind of news on one?

Gyrfalcon64207


Evie

I was going to say "go all woogy-woo," but I doubt that's any more linguistically appropriate.   :D
"In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis libertas, in utrisque caritas."

--WARNING!!!--
I have a vocabulary in excess of 75,000 words, and I'm not afraid to use it!

Elkhound

Quote from: Evie on July 08, 2010, 02:10:52 PM
I was going to say "go all woogy-woo," but I doubt that's any more linguistically appropriate.   :D

"Throw a hissy fit."
"Have kittens."
"Cut a conniption."

Gyrfalcon64207

She'd probably be happier to have kittens.

Alkari

Given she's a de Nore, I am seriously wondering about that poor child's life likely expectancy ... especially given the high infant mortality rates we see.

kirienne (RIP)

I do love Sir Seisyll, he's quite a fun young knight.