The Worlds of Katherine Kurtz

FanFiction => Collaborative FanFic => Topic started by: revanne on November 12, 2016, 03:14:35 PM

Title: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on November 12, 2016, 03:14:35 PM
May it please your majesty:

We who are living in turbulent and uncertain times do most humbly beseech asylum and refuge under your majesty's protection in your realm of Gwynedd. Though we be but human we have ever had the most profound admiration and respect for all things Deryni and can assure your majesty of our heart-felt loyalty and devotion towards your majesty and all your council, in especial towards his excellency Bishop Duncan and their graces Duke Alaric of Corwyn and Duke Dhugal of Cassan.

If it should please your majesty to incline with merciful assent to this our piteous petition, may it also please your majesty to send the aforesaid luminaries of your majesty's court to enable our coming to you by means of the portal at Rhemuth Castle, by which we have learnt much of the glorious doings of your majesty but have so far, alas, been unable to enter into your most blest realm.

Begging to remain your majesty's most loyal and obedient servants.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Jerusha on November 12, 2016, 06:38:30 PM
Those of us in the northern quadrants would humbly accept passage into your most noble realm. We do not fear your magic, but would welcome it with the mysteries of our own northern lights.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Laurna on November 12, 2016, 10:07:33 PM
We of the western Provence do likewise ask if temporary asylum can be granted, at least until such time as our own people regain their sanity. At which point, we would humbly like to return home bringing all that we have learned from Good Gwynedd to our crazed friends and family.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: drakensis on November 13, 2016, 02:10:56 AM
Your majesty,

I commend to you those seeking sanctuary, and request your hospitality and compassion towards them until they feel - as only they may justly judge - ready to return to the honest welcome of those who remain within our lands.

To your, and their, very good health.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: DerynifanK on November 14, 2016, 06:01:54 PM
We sincerely hope you will consider our petition favorably and welcome us as loyal subjects in Gwynedd and allow us to offer our talents to your service
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 18, 2016, 05:04:37 PM
Sextus Arilan reported to Kelson and the Royal Council after returning from a fact-finding mission regarding requests for asylum: Hell no, Your Majesty, HELL NO!

They can communicate with each other from screens hundreds of miles away...but they are angry and petty and spiteful.

They ride in fierce beasts with wheels for legs...at speeds far faster than the swiftest R'Kassi stallion...and threaten and kill each other every day.

They had something called an "election" where people got to choose who would be their king or queen. The one who wanted to be king and the one who wanted to be queen had a contest to see who could insult the other the most. His supporters and her supporters insulted each other as well.

I have never been so terrified in all my life. I beg you, do not allow these people into Gwynedd.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on November 19, 2016, 03:13:16 PM
Your most gracious Majesty,

Though we understand - from what source we prefer not to put in writing but will be for your Majesty's ears only - that your Majesty has received a hostile report of us, your most humble petitioners, yet we beg to plead somewhat in favour of our request.

For there are still some of us, though in truth only a small proportion of our whole, who keep to the old ways wherein our Sovereign lady has been chosen of God and duly crowned and anointed.  (Of the current uproar in her high court of parliament it is not meet that we should speak). Moreover though we be without magic yet we have the most wondrous incantation, the repetition of which at auspicious occasions has been proven to achieve long life and health unto the Queen's Majesty. Being of simplicity enough for the most rude to learn in both words and music we are assured that the teaching of this to your subjects will rebound in blessings upon your Majesty.

Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Laurna on November 20, 2016, 11:57:49 AM
Unto his Majesty, King Kelson of all Gwynedd, Greatest Kingdom of the Eleven Kingdoms,

I have learned that certain members of Rhemuth Castle did take great humor from the report given to you by your privy council. Understandably the plight we are experiencing here in 2016 is not humorous to us,  non in the least, however, the way in which it was conveyed to you as the would-be-King or Queen insulting the other to gain our vote through the process of election was indeed a laughable comment. It actually heartened my mind to hear it phrased so. But alas. our lands are a bit in more turmoil than mere insults and name calling. Though there has been too much of that for my peace of mind, as well.

Being as how I would have preferred to keep the current regime in place for the future four years, I now request a four year sabbatical. Perhaps in your schola for Deryni, where I can learn as much of your history and ways as can be learned for any non-magicked person is able to learn. I do love learning and history and if you grant my request, perhaps you could grant the request of the few others who also have good acquaintances within Rhemuth Castle. We would make a small gathering that would incorporate ourselves well into your society.

Your humble admirer
Lady Laurna of California

(P.S know that I am smiling and enjoying this turn of communication greatly.)
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 20, 2016, 12:19:41 PM
I apologize to Evie for making her Sir Sextus (Lord Braxton) deliver such a crushing blow to the hopes of the humble petitioners. I urge them to request he reconsider. I have heard that Queen Araxie has asked Lady Rothana to look into the desperate pleas. Unofficially, of course, as neither noble lady would dream of interfering...

I have also heard that many senior squires and young knights are interested in visiting the seashore. After hearing rumors circulated by men who were present when Lord Braxton gave his report, these brave young men of Gwynedd believe it their duty to personally observe the bathing attire ebb and flow of the tides. Lord Derry has graciously volunteered to chaperone.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Evie on November 20, 2016, 09:12:32 PM
Bishop Duncan McLain:  "What's this about some sort of political kerfuffle in the year 2016?"

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8737/28136884324_bdfab79895_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JSmTrf)

Sister Helena: "No idea. I've been avoiding Evie's magic pictures box lately. By the way, do you think I've put on enough sunscreen?"

Duncan:  "I don't know, what's sunsc--?" *pointing past her*  "Wait...is that a troop of horsemen under the command of Lord Derry?"
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on November 21, 2016, 06:00:26 AM
I would be most willing to act as aide to Lord Derry in his duties as chaperone on this side of the pond. And, yes, I know I'm old enough to be his granny .*Sigh*.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 21, 2016, 10:42:28 AM
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the manor
After they've seen Cailfornee?

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/andrewbird/howyougonnakeepemdownonthefarm.html



Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Jerusha on November 21, 2016, 06:26:42 PM
Lord Derry might not be so worried if we were not showing up on the shores of Gwynedd in Viking ships.   ;D
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Laurna on November 21, 2016, 07:08:18 PM
Far off to starboard, over the top of the oar rails against the grey of the western sky, two black dots married the smooth seeming horizon. Their distance was difficult to judge. Nothing but the roll of swells could be seen between the Coroth galley and the triangular specks afloat on the sea. Lord Muir balanced the spyglass to his eye. With a slight turn of the fucus, he noted the black sails and the multiple oars sweeping the water's surface.  From this distance, without opening himself to a true Scrying, the earl could see little more than that. If the vessels flew pennants of their home port, he could not discern it. He did not push his powers to answer the question. He had little training in recognizing the flags of the ports along the Southern Sea's coastline; he knew the green- black- green pennon of Corwyn's maritime service which flew from the masthead of their vessel.  He could even name the pennons of the ports along Gwynedd's coast, such as Dessa,  Nyford,  and Dunluce, but few others held any importance for a mountain lord who was rarely at sea.


Muir lowered the spyglass and handed back the treasured device of cylindrical metal with its precision glass lenses and aligned mirrors. "Nice item that," he said as he returned it to Captain Sloan's keeping. "I gather from your change of course, that there be no friend."


Excerpt from the Lord Muir Cynfyn's log in Chapter 5 Pretender's Gambit. :o

Little did he realize that those two ships may very well have been carrying people of the 21st century back in time to the 10th century.
Oh! but wait! If that is so, they have wrongly enter the year 985 instead of 1132. No wonder the two ships so quickly disappeared right after this sighting to make that time leap correction and be found by Lord Derry's men off the southern shores of Gwynedd in the reign of King Kelson.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 22, 2016, 05:03:36 PM
Kelson: Sextus, I need to you go back...

Sextus: Back? Back where?

Kelson: Back to the realm in which our petitioners for asylum currently reside.

Sextus: (Panicked) But...but...I...no...but...

Duncan, Alaric, Dhugal, and Derry exchange nervous glances at Kelson's sharp intake of breath. The king's eyes turn stormy grey as Sextus continues to babble...

Kelson: (Regally) Lord Braxton!

Sextus' mouth continues to move but no sound comes out.

Denis to Seisyll: I never thought I'd see my incorrigible nephew silenced.

Seisyll to Denis: Except by his lady wife, of course...

Sextus: (Kneeling with head bowed) Your Majesty...

Kelson: Did we, or did we not, permit you to marry Lady Avisa Moreau, the dowager baroness of Kinlochan--

Sextus: I...

Kelson: --against the recommendations of my council and the wishes of her parents?

Sextus: (Subdued) Yes, Your Majesty

Kelson: Did we, or did we not, gift you with the lands and title of Braxton?

Sextus: Yes, Your Majesty

Kelson: Are we asking if said Lord Braxton wishes to return to this realm of USA?

Sextus: (Thoroughly miserable) No, Your Majesty

Kelson: (Grinning) Good. (He looks around, highly pleased with himself.)

Derry, I need you to take a contingent of knights and squires to the seashores of this new realm. I have been told that the, uh, scenery is unlike any here in Gwynedd. Nigel, recommend a score or so of likely young men. Please know that both Rory and Payne have most earnestly begged to be included--

Alaric: Ha! Have fun telling Meraude where your sons have gone...

Kelson: --and Brendan Coris as well.

Alaric: NO!

Nigel: Ha! Have fun telling Richenda where your son has gone...

Kelson: Sextus, you will escort Lady Rothana, Sister Helena, and Bishop Duncan. Take some of your own men and a dozen Haldane archers. This USA seems dangerous.

Denis: Your Majesty, I request...on behalf of others...that I be allowed to accompany my nephew...

Sextus opens his mouth to object but closes it at Kelson's glance.

Kelson: (Innocently) What others, Denis? Surely Dhassa has no need to investigate this new land?

Denis: Not Dhassa, Your Majesty. I have...other associates...who are mightily curious...

Morgan to Duncan: If there's only half-breeds over there, his precious Council will quickly lose interest

Duncan to Morgan: Undoubtedly. But you're just sulking because you can't go. By the way, what is "sunscreen"? Helena asked Therese to make a generous quantity for the trip.

Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on November 23, 2016, 03:42:22 PM
It seems to me that Lady Rothana and Sister Helena will have their hands rather full in keeping a bunch of lively young men from being distracted by the "uh, scenery", and Sextus might find some compensation for his humiliation by Kelson.

Of course Derry is far too responsible to allow any of the young Lords to be led astray...
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 24, 2016, 08:50:14 AM
Of course Derry is responsible...that's why he was chosen. And I believe Countess Celsie murmured something about new embroidery on his intimate apparel...
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Evie on November 25, 2016, 03:39:36 PM
"Can you even make sunscreen with non-futuristic ingredients?" Sister Helena asked Sister Therese.

"It's a cream to block the sunshine from reaching the skin and tanning it, yes?" the Infirmarian asked. "Yes, I might have something here that will do the trick."  Scanning her shelves, she stopped before a stoppered glass bottle.  "Flower of zinc, yes, that should do it." She took the bottle down from the shelf.  "I'll mix it into a salve--or would you prefer an oil?--to make it easier to smooth over all exposed areas of the body."  She turned back to face Helena. "Of course, the salve will make them a very pale, ghostly white, but it works a treat.  We wouldn't want them to return more tanned than they set forth, of course!"

Helena laughed. "Of course not! Can't have them coming back to Court looking completely unfashionable!" She grinned. "Could you mix a bit of blue in?  They could pretend it's woad."

Tessa giggled....




"CELSIE!!!!!"

The Countess of Derry peeked cautiously into her bedchamber. "Yes, my lord?" 

Her irate husband glared back at her.  "What in the name of all that is holy did you do to my braies?"

"Just a little protective stitchery," she replied with a smile. 

"And who is it meant to protect?" he asked with a fierce scowl.

"Why, you, of course!"  If you're unable to remove them, you can hardly fall into temptation when you're faced with all those bathing beauties on the faraway coastline of Youessaye, now can you? She kept that thought to herself, of course.  Derry seemed quite annoyed with her as it was without adding insult to injury.

"And how," he asked in a steely, overly polite tone, "am I meant to remove them when it comes time to ...ah...answer Nature's call?"

A qualm of misgiving stirred up in Celsie.  "My lord?"

"HOW AM I  MEANT TO GO TO THE BLOODY GARDEROBE?!?!?!"

"Ohhhh."  Celsie blushed.  "Here, let me help you off with those.  I think I might need to rethink the stitchwork a bit...."

Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Laurna on November 25, 2016, 04:25:42 PM
 :o ;D :o ;D  ;)
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 25, 2016, 07:51:08 PM
OUCH! I was just thinking that Celsie might prevent Derry's admiration of scantily-clad damsels from becoming too...obvious.  I was thinking of Kelson's reaction to Aidilh in Outfoxed: '"Tight trews on a woman; sweet JesĂș, I'm glad I was on horseback and hid behind a saddle when I saw that!"' Celsie trusts Derry, of course, she'd just rather he be...immune to the charms...of bathing beauties and women old enough to be his grandmother!

Avisa might want a pair or two of subtly-stitched braies for Sextus. Meraude and Richenda might want several pairs each for their sons.

P.S. I'm glad no one has been offended by my light-hearted treatment of their petitions and their characters  ;D
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on November 26, 2016, 12:34:45 PM
As my original post was intended as light relief in trying times I'm delighted that folk have taken it forward.
Poor Sextus I'm not sure which is
worse:  his dressing down from Kelson or the step-son in holy orders I gave him in "Nunc Dimittis"
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 28, 2016, 12:40:21 PM
Sextus says his step-son priest is worse. There are now 2 too many priests at Arilan family gatherings. And Taggert just happens to mention Sextus' latest escapades whenever Denis is around...

Hope the escapades don't involve tu-tus...

Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Evie on November 29, 2016, 03:29:03 PM
Quote from: bronwynevaine on November 28, 2016, 12:40:21 PM
Sextus says his step-son priest is worse. There are now 2 too many priests at Arilan family gatherings. And Taggert just happens to mention Sextus' latest escapades whenever Denis is around...

Hope the escapades don't involve tu-tus...

No, Sextus' escapades tend to feature black leather rather than tulle, and the occasional over-indulgence in strong ale. In previous years, an attentive barmaid might have figured in, but Avisa seems to have broken him of that bad habit at least.  ;D
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on November 30, 2016, 09:15:04 AM
I suspect Grub had something to do with it too.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on November 30, 2016, 04:13:53 PM
Some of the squires found a magazine seller near the beach. They found some of the...scrolls...to be very interesting. They think they would have been more attentive to their studies if their tutors had had such interesting material  :D
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on December 30, 2016, 05:05:14 PM
I wrote a response from Kelson but when I went to post it it disappeared  :(
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on December 31, 2016, 01:33:32 PM
To the men and women who humbly petitioned for asylum in our fair kingdom of Gwynedd, Greetings.

You will be pleased to learn that our noble liege lord King Kelson has, despite bitter debate and vehement protest, agreed to your petition on the following terms:

You will travel first to Corwyn where our king's noble champion, Duke Alaric Morgan, will determine if each and all of you are trustworthy, which he highly doubts. While in Coroth you will be lodged securely in the dungeons housed in honorable captivity.

It has been suggested that you present yourselves as travelers from a land beyond Rum. As travelers from distant lands, you will not be expected to know Gwyneddan customs or much of anything else. Also, your fanciful and generally unbelievable accounts of your homeland can be dismissed as travelers' tales.

If our noble Duke of Corwyn does assure himself of your benign intent, you will be transported to Desse aboard the Rafalia. At Desse you will be met by a security team honor guard of Haldane archers and Anvillers from Djellarda.

Once in Rhemuth the Beautiful you will be lodged in comfortable apartments set aside for you use and warded securely at the Schola. For your safety, you will not be permitted to leave the Schola grounds without suitable escort several dozen armed knights.

If these conditions meet with your approval, we will come for you four days after Twelfth Night, at Terce. Bishop Duncan McLain and Earl Sean Derry assure us that the meeting place was established before they returned from your frightening yet fascinating land.

We will be pleased to receive you after you have settled in to your lodgings at the Schola. Until then, Farewell and Safe Travels.

Kelsonus Rex
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on December 31, 2016, 01:37:01 PM
Note: The luckless scribe who mistakenly sent a draft of the previous missive instead of the final copy has been seen scrubbing pots in the royal kitchens  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Jerusha on December 31, 2016, 03:53:36 PM
Hmmm.  I'm not sure whether I want to sign up to go or not!

On the plus side, there will be a meeting with his Grace of Corwyn....
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: bronwynevaine on January 01, 2017, 03:26:51 PM
Alaric's the reason for the less-than-enthusiastic welcome. He knows it's not fair to judge people on hearsay, but he takes his job of  protecting Kelson very seriously.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on January 01, 2017, 03:56:52 PM
Coroth Castle, the buttery passage alongside the Great Hall.

"Sean!"

Sean Derry wondered for a brief moment whether he could pretend not to have heard and continue on his way, but realised that he was just a few steps too far away from safety.

Turning he smiled deprecatingly,

"Your Grace", and taking refuge in the punctilious courtesy that he employed as his best defence he bowed low.

Richenda, for the Grace in question was the Duchess of Corwyn, was not however to be as easily placated. Her face was flushed and it was clear that her temper was rising to match her fiery hair.

"Since when am I "Your Grace" to you in private, Sean? No, don't bother to reply" - this as her victim opened his mouth as though to speak, - "Only when you are trying to hide something from me, you and that husband of mine!"

It was a mark of the closeness of the friendship between Alaric, Richenda, Sean and Celsie in these last years that Richenda would thus speak of her occasional frustration with her Duke to Sean, knowing that he would not question her loyalty as a dutiful wife or worse use her indiscretion to make mischief. On this occasion, however, Sean was too in awe of her wrath to be sensible of the privilege.

"These petitioners of Kelson's - that I am told we are to expect here in the Castle..."

Sean smiled soothingly, although he failed to meet her eyes,

"It is a mark of the King's high esteem for his Grace, and for you too, My Lady, that he entrusts such, er, unusual guests to your care."

"Indeed! And just when was I to be informed that the greater part of these guests are improperly dressed females who are looking forward to the sight of my wedded Lord in black riding leathers?"

Sean looked embarrassed for there was no answer, while inwardly he murmured maledictions on whichever member of the scouting party, who had ventured on that "interesting" trip to Youessay, had been dilvulging such information to Richenda. Sextus, it had to be Sextus, seeking revenge for his public humiliation by Kelson. Maybe a word in a certain Baroness's ear... though he was likely enough to have enough problems of his own with Celsie. He had no desire to provoke her to yet more painfully enchanted braies.

"Richenda, you surely don't imagine..."

"No" she snapped, then in more measured tones, "No, I trust Alaric to know what's good for him. But he's a man and as vain as the rest of you."

She smiled, not entirely reassuringly, "Be off with you, Sean, and if you could root out his Grace from where-ever he has gone to ground, I would be much obliged. Oh, and Sean, I believe that Celsie has undertaken a new piece of needlework."


Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: Laurna on January 01, 2017, 10:32:07 PM
Quote from: revanne on January 01, 2017, 03:56:52 PM
Coroth Castle, the buttery passage alongside the Great Hall.

"Sean!"...



"It is a mark of the King's high esteem for his Grace, and for you too, My Lady, that he entrusts such, er, unusual guests to your care."

"Indeed! And just when was I to be informed that the greater part of these guests are improperly dressed females who are looking forward to the sight of my wedded Lord in black riding leathers?"

Sean looked embarrassed for there was no answer, ...

ROFL.

Laurna smiled at the saphron gown and soft under-dress in which the Earl of Derry pointed to in the hands of the maid stepping into the basement cell which was the room she was lead to upon her arrival. She looked at the wool with mixed emotions, hoping against hope that the wool would not be scratchy and that it would instead be warm against the draft of this dark damp room; the smell of the near sea lingered with a more unpleasant smell of decaying seaweed (which was her hope that that was what it was.) 

"Thank you, Lord Derry, I have studied the fashion of your clothing through the arts which had survived into my time, but I have feared that our fabrics would in no way compare to those made on Gwynedd looms. Otherwise, we, the other ladies who arrived with me... are they safe?... hmmm... I assure you, we all would have arrived more suitably clothed, if that option had been available to us."

Derry scowled at the women's blue leggings, lavender under shirt and matching half length knitted open cardigan. "Her Grace has requested that each of you be given proper attire before being presented."

"Presented? Why, thank you, my lord. I, I mean we, for I hope I will not be alone, wish to offer the utmost respect to the lord and lady of Coroth Castle. I have admired... the deeds... of such persons for many, many years."

"So I have been informed."  Derry scowled at the brown eyed blond woman of years greater than his own who looked at him with hope in her eyes. The duchess had little need to worry.  "I was also informed that you were interested in the Coroth buildings and grounds. That you asked for a 'Tour', is that what you called it, of the castle?"

Laurna's features lifted with sudden pleasure. "Please, Lord Derry, yes, I would love that. I have speculated much on the looks of Cowryn's capital. I would dearly love to see it with my own eyes."

That and a good glimpse of the Duke, Derry mussed under his breath, knowing it would be only the duchess to whom the women of the modern world would be presented to, at least on this day.  "Make your self presentable, I will return in the hour." Derry said before he paced out of the dungeon.
Title: Re: Petition unto his gracious majesty and most good lord, King Kelson.
Post by: revanne on January 02, 2017, 06:02:06 AM
Poor Derry.

Hopefully Laurna, you can talk comfortably to Richenda about fabric and fashions and assure her that our intentions are entirely honourable  ( of course they are ).