The Worlds of Katherine Kurtz

The queen's spring garden party was a lovely event. The weather was well behaved, the sky clear blue without a blemish of cloud or haze, the sun lit brilliantly the rose hedges awash with the majestic colors of reds, pinks, and yellows. Those were not the only brilliant colors of the day. The Rhemuth court did what it does best, stroll among the queen's gardens resplendent in fabrics that dazzled brightly in every shade of reds, blues, greens, golds and silvers.

An event like this was an honor and a formal invitation was greatly prized. Queen Araxie did not invite just everyone of court to her spring garden party. Nay, she chose her guest list with care. Honored citizens of the countryside, men and women who made a difference to the community and kingdom were among the happy throng who wandered about the grass lawn, surrounded by the queen's prized roses, all secretly hoping that they will be the one to greet the queen with a curtsey or bow and a kiss on her hand, in return for a warm smile and maybe even a pleasing conversation.

It was all very grand with afternoon refreshments of candied fruits, finger cakes, and fine wine. And Washburn Morgan had been appalled that he had received such a coveted invitation with his name boldly ascribed under the words:


At first glance Washburn was convinced there must have been some mistake. Certainly, he had been to the queen's garden parties before,  but always to assist the Captain of the Castle guard.  presence of knights among the guests assured the peace. He had never been expected to dress as a courtier, to mill around the lawn like a star struck puppy. It just was un... unspeakable. This was the very part of court life that normally had him riding out for the hills. Hunting Dragons was by far a better use of his time than parading about a green lawn among the brambles of thorny rose bushes. YES?

Wangle as he could, to find any possible excuse to miss such a prized event, his sister and mother had equally contrived that he would be at court with free time on his hands at just the right day and afternoon for the Royal Tea. To make matters worse his page had chosen this day to give his riding boots a resewing at the back ripped edge, his normal woolen shirt and tunic had been sent to the laundry and his squire had accidentally spilled citrus oils from a bottle over his head. Thus he had been forced to have a full bath along with a scrubbing of his hair, which was starting to grow out to a good length now that he had stopped having it cut. Coming from the bath, with still the faint scent of citrus, his eyes fell upon the fine green silk shirt and heavy black silk tunic, both edged in gold, lying upon his bed.

"Oh No!  This has gone too far!" Wash exclaimed. "I will not dress as a Dandy before the court and queen!"

It is the Morgan colors and you will wear it with pride! A sweet crisp female voice came to his mind.

Wash spun around expecting to see his sister Grania standing there. But she was not. The soft joyous giggle that he remembered from childhood echoed in his mind. Grania must have been waiting for his rebellion, ready to pounce on him with her feminine ways, as she always had when they were growing up. 

"Did Maman put you up to this?" he yelled to the ceiling. The servants around him must have thought him mad.

She is not the only one! came the teasing voice. Dearest brother, don't be such a bore. Wear the Morgan finery and perhaps you will be surprised that you might enjoy yourself. A visual sparkle of lights fell down over his head.

How was he to say no to Grania Morgan Haldane? He never could.

So he walked among the citizens on the lawn, eyes down, determined to be miserable. Then Washburn happened upon a face more miserable than his own. And at that moment he had to smile widely and give his friend and cousin a hug.

"They got you too, did they?" Wash said with a pleased smile.

Father Columcil was a man drowning in a puddle of roses. His Haldane red royal chaplain robes, most becoming on any other priest, was a shining example of why the St Mellengal Priest despised the royal court. He was flashy and standing out like the brilliant roses around him. The color brought out the coppers in his hair and the fiery amber of his eyes.

"Don't ye daur say a wuird!" Columcil muttered under his breath. "I will greet our queen as is my duty" he said in his stiffest court voice. "But after that, Ah am gain! Ah believe it is time Ah made a visit to Lord Darcy and Lady Aliset. At leest wi' them Ah am allowed tae be me."

"I will join you," Washburn said, tugging at the gold embroidery that was scratching his neck. But then his fingers stopped and his eyes opened wide, and his mouth fell agape.

The priest turned around just to see the prettiest of maidens, all buzzing together, come into view. Most were dressed as the roses, in pinks and yellows, but one stood out among her friends. Not in the colors of the rose garden, but rather in a green under-dress and black silk over-dress, heavily accented in gold trimmings. Trimmings that had the Morgan family crest. The lady's hair glistened like snow as it cascaded over her shoulders and down past her waist. As a rule, Maidens need not wear veils and on this day the girls of the Schola, gathered in a knot of giggling lasses , were all wearing their hair dangerously loose.

Not that Wash noticed any of the lovely maidens but the one. His eyes were bewitched by her beauty.

"Oh my heavens!" Washburn let slip. "That angel looks finer than I in Morgan colors. Do you have a ring upon your person, Father? I think I must propose to she who is so beautiful."

Columcil was shaking his head. "If it is only that th' lass looks guid in th' dress yer sister lent tae 'er, then Ah believe ye dinnae ken Fiona weel enaw tae propose tae 'er? She woods nae be interested in someain who is only interested in 'er physically."

"I don't care what she looks good in," Washburn stammered, taken back.  "It's what's beneath all that finery that interests me!"

Columcil cleared his throat in an indignant tone, "May Ah remin' ye, ye ur talkin' tae a priest. Dae Ah need tae tak' yer confession fur havin' salacious thoughts for th' fair maiden."

Washburn quickly ducked his head and fell silent.

"Laddy? When the time is right, and her guardian, Lord Iain, has given his approval, then you can bend a knee to her and ask her to take your ring. Until such time... well... it looks like we are to line up to have our smiles set for the Royal family as they arrive.  Join me at the front of the line, and then after, I shall be happy to chaperone you while you speak to the fairest lass in all the land, Lady Fiona."

"And keep me from bending my knee to her, I suspect."

"Tae keep ye frae doing somethin' 'at will brin' ye tae confession." Father Columcil clapped Sir Washburn on the shoulder and led him forward to the head of the garden lawn where the clergy were honored first.

Washburn murmured, "It looks like I am your Plus One."

Queen Araxie and Princess Grania entered the garden both with bright smiles for the two men at the head of the garden throng.

Very cute, @Laurna !  I love Wash's whole "do I have to?" regarding his attire for the occasion, and the sweet lad is absolutely gone over Fiona.

And Columcil being his usual acerbic, perceptive self is just *chef's kiss* perfect!

It is all Revanne, DerynifanK and Evie's fault, you know. In chat, I just commented on how nice Fiona looked in Morgan colors and it is they who took it a step further. Columicl seems very good at reading Washburn's mind. LOL. I just had to tell the whole story. Of course, it is open for Columcil and Fiona to have more say on the matter at hand.

I love it. What a delightful tidbit. If Queen Elizabeth has a garden party, so should Queen Araxie and Fiona is anxious to show off her new outfit, especially to her special Morgan. And Wash is now happy that he got that invitation to the garden party. Now where is a bower, partially hidden by rambling roses, where the two might have a quiet word, with his chaperone nearby of course.

With all the paparazzi and tattletalers at the queens garden party, I think it best that Wash stay out in the open where he won't have to make confession later. Although, if one special lady does trap him behind a secluded bower of roses, he will not put up a fight. If asked for the truth, he will say they spoke of nothing but the weather and the beautiful single rose that caught his utmost attention. 

A lovely little story!  I can understand Washburn's consternation about the whole affair, but in the end it was worth it.  Good thing Father Columcil had him well in hand.   ;)

I think Father Columcil enjoyed his day as well. The next day, during their ride to Caer Mariot, Columcil was happy to tease the smitten knight about how Lady Grania and Prince Javan had been searching for Washburn and how he had managed to point them honestly in the direction of the sweet cakes where his eyes had last seen Washburn... far far from the partially hidden rambling climbing rose bower where his senses told him the knight gave the fair maiden a prized bit of cake. According to the royally honored Priest, Washburn was now indebted to him for his rations of Darcy's fine ale. Darcy did know how to secure the finest ale in all of Meara. Mayhaps, it helped calm the nerves when caring for two lovely, fidgity-like their father, pretty like their mother, wee lasses. Washburn and Columcil would be happy to help in all ways.

Aliset looked wistfully outside the window of her solar.  The roses in her garden were just beginning to bloom, not like the full blossoms Sir Washburn had described in the Queen's garden.  A garden party!  Pretty frocks, tasty cakes, all the scents of summer!

She looked around the solar.  They had found a wet-nurse to help with the twins, and Aliset was thankful for it!   But still, her solar seemed to be always in a state of disarray.  Piles of cloths ready for when the girls needed changing, other cloths for burping (and cleaning up the occasional spit-up that always occurred at the wrong moment).  Darcy tried to help, bless him, but bouncing a lassie on his knee right after a feeding never ended well. 

Aliset rose and went to look at her sleeping daughters in their cradles. She smiled at them in the way only a mother could.  A garden party would be nice, but she had her own roses, right here. 

A fun story!

Darcy will eventually learn the proper timing for bouncing his wee lassies upon his knee.  ;)

Love Love, Aliset's roses.

Love it.
Poor Wash - though I'm glad he managed to get some time with Fiona. He definitely owes some good ale to Columcil, although the latter might well need something a bit stronger - like a large dram or three of old Ballymar- to recover his equilibrium after the garden party "lookin' fer all th'world like yon popinjay Jaxom."

"Three Drams of Old Ballymar? Most assuredly, my dearest Father Columcil, I didn't fall that far indebted to you? Did I?" Wash stumbles as he finds a chair before Darcy's inviting Hearth. Darcy only smiled happy to hear other peoples troubles for a change.

The priest frowned in all seriousness."If not for you need'n my..." he clears his throat "... chaperoning... I would have been well away from Rhemuth before that peacock of a knight had the indecency of standing before me to tell me he had earned a lieutenancy in Earl Brendan's army. All the while you were enjoying the Roses."

"Just one rose," Washburn clarified rather shyly with a wistful gaze into the fire.

"Oh, Aye!" Columcil's frown softened for second, but then hardened again. "But that doesn't change the fact that you owe me three drams. One for the day, one for misdirecting the prince, and one for saving ye from the lieutenant, else-wise you would have had as miserable a time as Ah!"

Washburn held out his hand and shakes the priest's extended hand. "I pay my debts, Agreed." He looked across at Darcy, "Lord de Caer Mariot, where oh where might we go tomorrow to find such liquid gold?"

"Closest would be Ratharkin, but if I led you there, you would be owing Me more than three drams for the wrath that would fall upon my head from the lady. Nay, your debt will have to remain unpaid for a while longer. I need you here, and sober, to help remake the nursery to Aliset's liking. You did promise to help with that?"

"Yes, tomorrow you have our hands at your disposal. I will have you give Columcil my portion of ale for the interest at the delay of my paying my debt."

"Only for your kind lady and your bairns do I agree," Columcil added with a feigned disapproval.

Darcy livened up as he poured Columcil an second glass of ale but offered none to the knight. "The two of you make me so pleased to be far, far away from Rhemuth. But I would love to hear more about it. Seamen do love a good yarn."

Ma puir wee Columcil. Ah didn'a mean fur ye to bring yon Jaxon to th' garden party.

Every garden party needs a peacock, right?  ;D

Y'all are cracking me up. :)

Fiona smoothed the skirt of her new outfit, feeling especially well turned out in the black silk overdress over an underdress of Morgan green. Ever since she had received her invitation to the Queen's Garden Party, she had been worrying what to wear to such an important event since her wardrobe was still somewhat limited. Princess Grania had taken note of her concern and had summoned her to the royal apartments. When Fiona arrived, conducted by a royal page, she was shown into the princess's dressing room where she saw a beautiful gown of dark green with a black silk overdress embroidered with gold Gryphons around the edges.

"I thought you might be concerned about what to wear to the Queen's garden party. You have only been at the Schola a short time and I am sure your main focus has been settling in and beginning your studies, not replenishing your wardrobe. As for your guardian, men never think of these things. They think we women just magically appear in lovely gowns and accessories. They have no idea of the planning that goes into our appearance." Grania smiled at the young lady.

Fiona was almost speechless, not something that happened to her very often. "Oh thank you, your Grace. The gown is beautiful! It is true that the invitation caused me concern as I didn't think I had anything suitable to wear. I would not want to disgrace my guardian or my family."

Grania reassured her. "I don't think there is any chance of that. You are too lovely but we certainly want to look our best at court events. Come, try on the gown and let us see how it fits."

Fiona removed her dress and, with the help of the princess's maid, slipped the new gown over  her head, first the underdress, then the silk overgown.  It was a little big on her but once the maid adjusted it and laced it tightly, it felt quite comfortable. The princess had Fiona turn around so she could look at it from all sides. "Perfect!", she said. "It looks as if it was made for you. Constance will press it for you and bring it to your room in time to dress for the party. I hope you will enjoy the festivity. The ladies of the court will be there and some of the knights will also be in attendance."

Fiona blushed." Will the rest of your family be there, your Grace? "

"Oh yes, even my youngest brother, who usually tries to escape such occasions, will be there as will my older brother and his wife. My mother always attends as she is close to the queen. We all look forward to seeing you there."

"Oh, thank you, your Grace!" Fiona curtsied and returned to her room, so excited she could hardly wait for the party.


Now the day had arrived. Fiona, dressed in  the lovely gown leant to her by the princess, made her way to the garden surrounded by the other girls of the Schola. They were all dressed in their best and hoping to be presented to the Queen or to Princess Grania. There was a lot of giggling behind their hands as they surveyed those already present. The royal family had not yet appeared but most of the court were present. The ladies noted the presence of several young, handsome knights in the crowd and were whispering, comparing them.

 Fiona thought the giggling and whispering rather silly. She stood a little apart from the others, scanning the crowd for one particular knight. She did not see him at first, but then a priest in Haldane crimson cassock attracted her attention. It was Father Columcil, looking somewhat uncomfortable in his finery. And there, next to him, was the one she sought. He was dressed in black silk edged in green and gold. Just then their eyes met. As he stared at her, looking bemused, he said something to Father Columcil. The two men started to work their way through the crowd to where she stood.

Fiona also started to move, edging her way toward them. As they drew near, smiles broke out. Fiona curtsied to the good Father while Washburn bowed over her hand. She spoke to him, "I've missed seeing you, have you been on a mission for your brother or the king? "

Wash responded, "I have been in the north, overseeing repairs and additions to Morgan Manor.  I hope to be able to show it to you soon if your guardian approves."

"How are you settling into the Schola? Is it everything you hoped it would be?" Wash asked. The two were becoming absorbed in their conversation and did not notice that they were attracting the attention of others who were beginning to move closer in order to hear what was so interesting.

Fortunately Columcil did notice. "Ah think we shuid mingle wi' ta ithers. We are excitin' more interest than is guid. Perhaps after th' Royal Family appears we can find a quiet corner fer a brief talk. Once the royals are present, they will draw everyone's attention.

Reluctantly, the other two agreed. "Don't worry," Wash told Lady Fiona. " I will find you." They separated,  moving among the crowd and speaking to those they knew.

As she moved among the attendees at the garden party, Fiona noticed that it was becoming more crowded and therefore more difficult to find any particular person. As she edged her way closer to the rose arbor, she heard the sound of the trumpet fanfare announcing the arrival of the Queen and her attendants. The crowd began to shift toward the entrance to the garden where the royal family were entering. She passed the trestle tables where refreshments had been laid out for the guests. People were shifting away from the refreshments seeking a good spot from which to see the royal family and, if they were fortunate, be presented to the Queen or one of the nobles accompanying her.

Fiona paused near the entrance to the rose arbor, looking about and trying to see Washburn or Father Columcil. Unable to see either of the men she sought, she started to turn away from the arbor in order to move closer to the place where the Queen and her ladies were beginning to greet the guests and speak to them.

Just as she began to walk, she felt a touch on her arm. She turned and there was Washburn, smiling down at her. "I have found you, just as I said I would." Father Columcil stood a few paces behind him, also smiling. "The Queen and her entourage have arrived and I believe the guests will be sufficiently distracted by their presence and the chance to be presented, that they will have little or no attention to spare for anyone else. I believe we can retire to the seat in the rose arbor and talk a bit about our own concerns." He bowed and led the way through an arch covered in roses to a seat just inside. "I think this might serve our needs, my lady, if you agree."

Fiona curtsied but hesitated to take a seat on the bench. "Should we be apart from the other guests in this part of the garden where we cannot readily be seen by others? I want very much to talk with you but I don't want any gossip carried back to the Queen, Princess Grania, or my guardian about improper behavior during the party." Fiona  blushed as she looked up into the knight's blue eyes.

Washburn reassured her. "I too want to avoid any such stories reaching your guardian. I have asked Father Columcil to remain nearby and serve as a chaperone to stop the wagging tongues.
Our meeting will be carried out as it should be with nothing to excite comments."

Fiona seated herself on the stone bench and Washburn stood in front of her, leaning a little forward with one foot braced on the end of the bench so that they could talk. "Tell me now, how are you settling in at the Schola and is the instruction meeting your expectations? Is it all that you thought it would be?"

"For the most part, it is what I hoped it would be. I am learning more about the powers I have, and how and when to use them. I am studying with the younger students at the moment as the teachers try to determine what I already know and what I need to learn. I benefit from the instruction Darcy and I received from Aliset during our travels and am working to add to my knowledge. Although I learned to construct a ward and feel comfortable in my skill, I still have no ward cubes of my own. I hope that Iain or Uncle Mac might consider that a suitable gift for my next birthday. I am practicing establishing rapport with others approved by my teachers. Perhaps as I improve, it will allow us to communicate more easily. And what of you? What changes are you making to your new manor?" Fiona smiled at him.

"I am hoping to establish a Center for Healing at the manor, a place where novice healers can learn and develop their talents as well as a place where those needing healing can come for help. I am adding a separate building to be used as a royal hospital to treat those in need. I hope to become an accomplished healer and to help others develop their healing talents. The king is supporting my efforts both with his approval and with funds. We need more healers. I also hope to demonstrate to both Earl Iain and to Lord Darcy that I am well able to manage an estate and support a family as well as earn the respect and love of those who look to me."

Wash continued. " I know you have heard of the safe arrival of Darcy and Aliset's wee lassies and all went well with the birth although I believe Darcy found it a bit stressful. However, the good father and I have heard from Lord Darcy that some help and support from friends would be welcome. We have decided to answer that appeal and will set out for Caer Mariot early in the morning to spend some time there and offer our support."

"Oh, I do wish I could go!" Fiona's excitement showed in her face.

"And we would be happy to have you with us, but you are still early in your studies at the Schola and this would not be the best time to leave. Also we would need to find a chaperone and our time is short. Perhaps you could write a letter that we would carry with us and you will certainly be invited to the christening. We will remind your guardian of the need to escort you there, and I am sure Darcy and Aliset will urge him to see that you are present. I think it possible that you will be asked to be one of the godmothers therefore your presence will be strongly advised."

Washburn looked down at the young lady seated before him. She wore a disappointed face but did not argue.  "I think of you often and I am doing everything I can to convince your guardians of my love for you and my commitment to you. I hope that, on completion of our studies, you will still care for me as I do for you and that you will accept my proposal for a betrothal between us."

Fiona looked up at the knight with a soft smile curving her lips. "I often think of my first sight of you when you arrived at my uncle's manor with Darcy and Aliset. I saw a handsome knight on a great black war horse and thought to myself, "Dreams do come true, for I had often dreamed of such a knight coming to sweep me away. In our meetings since then, I have become more convinced that you are indeed the answer to my dreams. I too will work hard to complete my studies and convince both our families that marriage is our destiny, and we will walk together into the future with confidence."

As they gazed into each other's eyes, they became aware of someone clearing his throat nearby. They looked up quickly to see that Father Columcil had drawn nearer. " Tis time ta part and join th' ither guests. Wash, yer brother is lookin fer ya and I ha' already directed Princess Grania ta the refreshments as th' last sight I had o' ye. And yer Lady Mother is also lookin fer ya. Best ta join the Schola students, Lady Fiona."

Wash took Lady Fiona's hand to assist her to stand. They clung to each other's hands briefly then moved apart, Fiona toward two or three of her fellow students standing nearby and Wash toward where the Queen stood, his brother Kelric standing nearby. Both would remember this lovely encounter and hope to meet again soon.


"

Oh a wonderful encounter!  Thank you DFK. 

I suspect it is going to be harder and harder to keep our Maiden and Knight apart. So far decorum has prevailed. Since reputations are everything, let us hope our two continue to abide by the queen's rules until the time is right. I am starting to look forward to a wedding.

"I believe Darcy found it a bit stressful."  That is probably the understatement of all time!   ;D

Quote from: Jerusha on June 17, 2022, 06:49:43 PM"I believe Darcy found it a bit stressful."  That is probably the understatement of all time!   ;D

"DARCY found the twins' birth stressful?!," gripes Aliset.... ::)

Quote from: Evie on June 17, 2022, 07:01:57 PM

Quote from: Jerusha on June 17, 2022, 06:49:43 PM"I believe Darcy found it a bit stressful."  That is probably the understatement of all time!   ;D

"DARCY found the twins' birth stressful?!," gripes Aliset.... ::)

Because what Aliset endured was more along the lines of "pain" and "fatigue" than mere "stress."  ;)