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Post by Tandar on Dec 4, 2012 14:52:38 GMT -5
As the ornate, rented carriage rolled to a stop in front of the grand palace, the guests and spectators gathered outside the main gate murmured in anticipation and turned to see who had arrived. An attentive doorman promptly stepped forward and pulled the door open. Tandar Polaris climbed out of the carriage and glanced to his left at the magnificent beasts pulling it. The two white horses were adorned with festive plumes and jingle bells, and they stood patiently while he paused to admire their beauty.
“Good evening, Sire.”
“Thank you,” Polaris said to the doorman. “I’ll take it from here.”
The man politely bowed and retreated.
Tandar moved aside and offered up his hand. Emerging from the coach, Allison took his hand and carefully stepped down. She was dressed in a tight, beautiful blue princess-style evening gown, and her long, dark blonde hair was done up in a bun with a small blue poinsettia in it. There were gasps of awe from the watchers and many approving glances. Her mouth broke into an excited smile. Tandar grinned back and bent his arm at the elbow to make an L shape. She slipped her hand around his arm.
They began strolling through the light crowd. Some were guests, mingling outdoors before the ball officially began. Others were just curious locals interested in all the activity. Vendors lined the sides of the street, taking advantage of the visitors and increase in commerce by hawking goods of all kinds. Servants expertly navigated the crowd balancing trays of beverages to keep the people pleased. There were several check-in tables, each with their own line and since registration was required by couple, and in advance, the process seemed much easier than last time.
“How do I look?” Allison asked as they walked.
Tandar turned his head a little and replied almost immediately. “You look great.”
Allison laughed. “You’re the best. You know that?”
As they neared the check-in tables, Tandar scanned the throng for familiar faces. He spotted Brandy waiting off to one side just as he had expected since she disliked crowds. He steered Allison in her direction. They came to a stop in front of Brandy, and Tandar executed a bow with a smile. “Brandy, I’d like you to meet Allison Motte. Allison, this is Lady Brandwyn Elfstone.”
Allison performed a curtsey. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Lady Elfstone,” she said. “I’ve heard quite a lot about you. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’d like to head over there and see if I can find something to drink.” She gestured behind her. “I’m parched. Would either of you like anything?”
“No, thank you,” Tandar replied. “I’m fine.”
“Suit yourself. I’ll see you inside.” Allison leaned in close and planted a kiss on his left cheek. “Stay sweet!” A moment later, the throng swallowed her up as she ventured off to track down one of the servants.
Tandar turned back to face Brandwyn, blushing. His ears were beet red.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 11, 2012 11:18:23 GMT -5
So far the evening was off to a bumpy start as far as Brandwyn was concerned. She had been looking forward to the formal ball for weeks, knowing that she and Tandar would both have the night off and could relax and have fun.
After days of planning the perfect entrance, wearing the perfect gown and trying out hundreds of different hair styles, Brandwyn thought that she had everything worked out to the last detail to completely knock Tandar off his rocker and then in one fell swoop it all fell apart.
Early that morning she had gotten word that she was going to have to fill in for one of the escorts for the Baron and Baroness of Meric from their Araluen estate to the ball at the palace. Weeks of planning were suddenly down the drain but there was nothing she could do about it.
So she had arrived in her Royal Scout blues a half hour earlier carrying the Meric banner at the head of the Baronial procession, with her dress carefully wadded up in her saddle bag. As soon as the Baron released her she flew to a private room in the castle and began her transformation with the help of a small army of servants.
In spite of the monkey wrench thrown into her plans, she had managed to arrive moments before Tandar and was waiting for him as far from the crowd as she could reasonably get and still be able to see the entrance. She had decided a month ago to forego her usual blue outfit and was wearing a cool lavender silk gown. It was modestly low in the front, not really giving any glimpse of her cleavage, but the back of the dress scooped very low, to just above her waistline where it began to flair out around her hips and drop straight to the floor. It shimmered when she moved and she had spent a great deal of time embroidering a large floral pattern all over the skirt out of a matching lavender thread with a thin thread of silver wire in it. From a distance you could not see the embroidery but you could occasionally catch a silver sparkle as she moved. The dress was sleeveless, but she covered her arms with long matching silk gloves that ended just above her elbows. Her long blonde hair was braided in many long thin braids that were then coiled around each other on top of her head with a few loose strands escaping to curl down around her neck on the left side. She was wearing a silver circlet with a small amethyst set in the front around her forehead. On her feet were soft, dark purple slippers. She had even applied a bit of makeup to her eyes, cheeks and lips and her perfume was just a hint of lavender and vanilla.
Brandwyn had snagged a cup of blue punch and was sipping it casually when she saw Tandar walk through the door with a gorgeous blonde on his arm. Jealousy stabbed her heart and she froze for a moment wondering who the girl was and why Tandar was escorting her. Had he come with another woman? She took a deep breath and steadied herself, determined not to let this night go awry. She managed to smile at him as he turned and saw her and led his date over to her.
Tandar executed a bow with a smile. “Brandy, I’d like you to meet Allison Motte. Allison, this is Lady Brandwyn Elfstone.”
Allison performed a curtsey. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Lady Elfstone,” she said. “I’ve heard quite a lot about you.”
Brandwyn bowed her head back, “I am so pleased to meet one of Tandar’s friends,” Brandwyn smiled at her, resisting the urge to cock an eyebrow at Tandar. Why hadn’t he said anything to her about Allison?
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I’d like to head over there and see if I can find something to drink.” She gestured behind her. “I’m parched. Would either of you like anything?”
“No, thank you,” Tandar replied. “I’m fine.”
“I have one already, thank you,” Brandwyn held up her half full glass of sparkling blue punch. “Watch out for this stuff. Whatever it is, it’s deadly” She warned Allison. Already Brandwyn was feeling flushed from the alcohol in the punch. She hadn’t even known it was there until she’d drunk half the glass.
“Suit yourself. I’ll see you inside.” Allison leaned in close and planted a kiss on his left cheek. “Stay sweet!” A moment later, the throng swallowed her up as she ventured off to track down one of the servants.
Tandar turned back to face Brandwyn, blushing. His ears were beet red.
‘At least he has the decency to blush,’ Brandwyn thought but pushed her jealousy aside. She set her glass down and smiled warmly at him. She wasn’t about to let some former paramour of his ruin her evening. She slipped an arm around his waist and pulled him close into a hug. “I’ve missed you,” she breathed into his ear, her lips just barely brushing his earlobe. As she drew back she pouted slightly, “I didn’t realize you were bringing someone else to the ball.” She looked down at his chest trying to hide the stab of pain and disappointment she felt. She shouldn’t have assumed he was going with her to the Formal, she supposed.
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Post by Tandar on Jan 4, 2013 10:50:37 GMT -5
As Brandwyn wrapped her arm around him and pulled him close, Tandar embraced her firmly, overcoming his embarrassment. They had not seen each other since the Royal Scout commencement a few weeks before, and he was overjoyed that they would be spending the evening together.
"I missed you too, beautiful," he replied to Brandwyn in a low voice. He had never told her, but he thought she looked extremely cute when she pouted. "You look positively ravishing tonight. I apologize for Allison. She can be a bit forward on occasion. Cheer up. She's my sister, not my date." Tandar grinned. "Well, half sister," he amended.
Offering his arm, he led Brandwyn toward the musicians on the stage at the end of the ballroom. There were already about fifty people dancing on the floor to the slow tune. He waved to several familiar faces that recognized him along the way. Tandar talked as they walked.
"I was only escorting her here until she met her date. He should be around here somewhere. I'm sorry I never mentioned her before. I realize that was kind of awkward. The truth is we grew up separately, and we weren't on speaking terms for many years until my father passed away. It's strange though. I feel like she and I have been close for our entire lives. I think I've bored you enough with my family relationships. What's new with you? Enjoying life as a full-fledged Scout?"
He pulled her into the light crowd, and they began to dance. "Hey," Tandar said gently as he noticed her glancing around nervously. "Look at me, don't pay any attention to them."
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 19, 2013 16:53:24 GMT -5
"You look positively ravishing tonight. I apologize for Allison. She can be a bit forward on occasion. Cheer up. She's my sister, not my date." Tandar grinned. "Well, half sister," he amended.
Brandwyn's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Your sister?" she asked dumbly. You'd think he would have mentioned he had a sister before now. She suddenly realized that neither of them knew a whole lot about the others history, though she was certain he knew more about her than she did of him. "I didn't know you had a sister." She looked after Alison, trying to get another glimpse of her and pick out the traits that were similar to Tandar's, but Alison had been swallowed up by the growing crowd. Brandwyn glanced around then, noticing how many people were continuing to crowd into the huge ballroom.
Tandar pulled her into the crowd on the dance floor and deftly led her in a slow dance as he elaborated.
"I was only escorting her here until she met her date. He should be around here somewhere. I'm sorry I never mentioned her before. I realize that was kind of awkward. The truth is we grew up separately, and we weren't on speaking terms for many years until my father passed away. It's strange though. I feel like she and I have been close for our entire lives. I think I've bored you enough with my family relationships. What's new with you? Enjoying life as a full-fledged Scout?"
"You could never bore me when you talk about yourself and family. I know so little about your history really." Brandwyn countered as another dancing couple brushed up against her skirts.
"Life as a Scout has its moments, but I am finding out that a great deal of it is rather tedious. I'm afraid I got a bit spoiled by the war in Gallica thinking that every day was going to be an adventure such as that. The cold reality is that guarding Royalty is quite dull I'm afraid." She smiled ruefully. "I had fun a couple of hours ago, though, escorting the Baron and Baroness of Meric here. There was a last minute change in assignments and I got elected. Lucky for me I was able to commandeer some of the servants to help me dress or else you'd be dancing with a bedraggled looking Royal Scout right now," She laughed.
The same couple dancing behind Brandwyn pushed in a little closer and as Tandar turned her, Brandwyn's elbow collided with the other gentleman's back. She murmured an apology, which went unobserved by the man, and clutched Tandar tighter while looking around the room. "Is the air getting a little thick in here?"
Hey," Tandar said gently as he noticed her glancing around nervously. "Look at me, don't pay any attention to them."
"Kinda hard when they are running into me," Brandwyn muttered and then took a deep breath. She hated crowds. It always seemed like everyone was sucking in all the air and there wasn't enough to go around. "Okay, so distract me," She smiled mischievously, "what have you been up to lately - and don't you dare say 'just ranger business' or I'll stomp on your foot!"
She grew thoughtful, "have you heard anything from Tory? I really wish we could get word to her that she's not in trouble with the Baron of Meric. You think she might show up here?"
Tory was Tandar's apprentice and she had run off a couple of months ago thinking she was going to be arrested for assaulting a noble. Brandwyn had spent hours searching the old Meric law books and records and had discovered a very old law that was still valid that would clear Tory of any wrong doing. The only problem was that they hadn't been able to find the girl to tell her.
"Her poor father is beside himself with worry and the whole situation has taken a toll on her mother's health too, I'm afraid. At least I managed to get her mother out of that miserable hovel and into my estate where she is working for me now and has a warm bed and plenty of food." Brandwyn shook her head, "I can't even imagine what Tory's childhood must have been like. It has made me look at my servants differently, I can tell you that."
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 29, 2013 22:28:33 GMT -5
Sir Katrina de Montgomery sat at a small table tucked into a corner of the ballroom and stared dumbly at the crinkled envelope in her left hand while she downed her third mug of warm spiced apple rum punch.
She wasn't paying any attention to those around her, most especially not to her mother who was hovering over her and scolding her for drinking so much. She hadn't wanted to come, not after the letter came bearing its ill news. She certainly wasn't in any mood to put up with her mother's usual stream of do's and don'ts'. She caught her father's eye and nodded her head toward the dance floor, hoping he would get the hint.
Her father patted her on the shoulder as he walked around her and dragged her mother off to the dance floor.
'Peace at last.' Katrina thought and sighed in relief and motioned a page for another mug of punch. She went back to studying the envelope, seeing the words of the letter in her mind as she gazed blankly at the Araluen Army Intelligence seal on the envelope.
We regret to inform you...
Why did they always start those letters with those fateful words? Katrina blinked back tears. She hadn't told her parents what the letter contained, but somehow she knew that her father had already known long before the letter had arrived this morning.
She heard a rustle behind her and the clink of chain maille as someone sat down in the chair on her left. Katrina recognized the crest on the back of the black glove.
"My Lady, what is troubling you this evening?" The dulcet baritone voice penetrated her depression, but only enough to take note that Sir Timothy was not alone. His young squire was seated on her other side looking at the food tables with pure longing in his eyes. "Roath, feel free to roam about as you please. I suspect there may be some gambling going on over there in that side parlor." Timothy pointed as he leaned in closer to Katrina. "Or perhaps you can cheer our pretty fellow warrior up with your clever banter."
Katrina tried to smile at her old friend, but it probably looked more like a grimace instead. She took another gulp of the rum drink, hoping it would numb the pain. At Timothy's look, she just handed him the letter, unable to put her worst nightmare into words. Maybe if she didn't say it, it wouldn't be real.
Timothy took the letter and unfolded it carefully, smoothing out the wrinkles and began to read...
Unto the Honorable Lady Sir Katrina de Montgomery from His Majesty's Royal Army, Secretary of Kingdom Security and Defense...
We regret to inform you that your fiance, Dougal of Skandia, is missing in action and believed to be captured or killed by Picta forces. He has failed to report or send any communication for over a year and all attempts to find his whereabouts or what has happened to him have failed.
Know that he has given the ultimate sacrifice in service to his King and Kingdom and has been granted the highest honors and title of war hero by His Majesty.
Before he left he named you as his sole beneficiary and has left all of his possessions to you. An army courier will be arriving in a week to deliver those items to you.
We are sorry for your loss. Please do not hesitate to contact our department should you have any questions. ...
Timothy sat for a moment after reading the letter and slowly handed it back to her. He was unsure what to do until Katrina covered her face with her hands and leaned forward as if she was trying to blot out everyone in the crowd around them.
Timothy gently pulled her into his embrace and held her close as she tried to fight the tears that were determined to come. "I can't do this, I have to get out of here," She whispered hoarsely. Her voice was muffled against his chest.
Timothy nodded and stood up, pulling her to wobbly feet and deftly led her through the crowd and down a quiet hallway. Eventually he found an unoccupied room and closed the door behind them. It was then he remembered she had left the letter on the table. He hoped Roath would keep charge of it.
As soon as they were alone, Katrina's composure melted and she sank down on the settee and let the tears flow. Timothy sat and held her stroking her hair for a very long time, not knowing what else to do or what to say.
Finally Katrina got somewhat back under control and wiped her eyes with the back of her silk sleeve. "He's not dead."
It was a statement, such that if she said it enough times, it would be a fact. Timothy nodded but didn't say anything.
"He's not dead. If he were dead I would feel it." She said again. "I am going to go find him."
"Into Picta?" Timothy asked with concern. "Do you think that wise?"
Katrina shook her head, "of course not, but if it were me, he would come find me and rescue me."
"Even if he had no idea where you would be and across closed borders? I hear nothing is getting in or out between Picta and Araluen these days." She was thinking wildly and this was no time to make rash decisions. "What of your duties here?"
Katrina glared at him, "Duties be damned! I don't care about duties or borders or this stupid stand-off between Araluen and Picta. I am going after him and that's how its going to be. I have friends there who can help me."
"You have many enemies too. Perhaps this is just a trap to ensnare you. Didn't you have that group of Scotti warriors stalking you last year before the plague hit?"
Katrina glared at him defiantly, her hands folded across her chest. "We ran them out of here, those we didn't kill in the battle anyway. Things have been quiet since." If she stopped to think about it, things had been way too quiet lately along the border. But she was being obstinate in her grief and neither Timothy, her mother or even her old mentor were going to talk her out of going to find out what had happened to Dougal.
Timothy saw the determined look in his eye and knew that right now there was no reasoning with her. He would have to have a little chat with he Baron and clear things for them both, for he intended to go with her and keep her safe. The Baron would not want to loose two knights and a squire when he was so short- handed, but maybe they could press him into letting them do an intelligence gathering trip. If anyone could get into Picta, it would be Katrina.
"Okay, so when do we leave?" Timothy asked, folding his arms across his chest and looking just as determined.
(OCC: This plot picks up in the Norgate board in Northern Fief's under "Dougal's Trail")
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Post by Tandar on Mar 20, 2013 22:56:25 GMT -5
"Distract me," Brandwyn told him. "What have you been up to lately, and don't you dare say 'just Ranger business' or I'll stomp on your foot!" Tandar grinned but subconsciously stepped backward away from his girlfriend's slippered feet. "Well, as you know, thieving has become a major problem as of late. Crowley has had me on patrol in the countryside to deter and intercept highwaymen, but I can't say for sure whether or not it made much of a difference. I can only do so much on my own, and people are desperate for resources. They'll go to great lengths to get what they want because they're fueled by necessity, not greed. Not to mention most of them aren't the usual scum. They're farmers, merchants, and smiths with families to feed. I kind of feel bad arresting them." "No, I haven't heard from Tory at all. I hope she's all right." Tandar looked around thoughtfully, wishing he'd spot his apprentice's mousy brown shoulder-length hair. "I don't think she'll make an appearance if she's trying to lie low," he stated wistfully. The couple danced for a while longer with Tandar in a bit of a melancholy mood as he pondered the state of things. The song came to a close, and the musicians took a minute to refresh themselves and switch instruments. "Come," he told Brandwyn. "There's something I want you to see." Taking her by the hand, he pushed through the throng toward the stage. He released her when he reached it and climbed onto the raised platform. The percussionist sitting there handed him a glass of water. Tandar took a swig of it before setting it down. He nodded to someone offstage, and they tossed him a guitar. Throwing the strap over his shoulder, the Ranger turned to face the crowd. He raised his voice to be heard. The guests became hushed. "This isn't really a dancing tune," Tandar began. Those with a keen ear could detect the nervousness in his voice. "But I hope you all enjoy it just the same. It's called Not Enough." He began strumming, and some of the musicians played an accompaniment. "I never thought I'd find a way To express the words I want to say My tongue gets tied, and my heart beats fast I pray what we have will forever last This phrase comes close; it'll have to do Brandy, girl, I love you
There's not enough water in the seas To fight the flame in my heart Not enough stars in the sky To fall for us when we're apart Not enough hours in a day To spend with you, but come what may
If the world ended this year I'd just be happy holding you here" The melody was relatively simple, but Tandar's jongleur-quality vocals and heartfelt lyrics carried real sincerity. His bright green eyes met Brandwyn's. "You took the pain that was loneliness Completed my life, that's what you do best When I feel down, you urge me, 'Don't quit' I'd give you my heart, but you already own it I relish the taste of your lips on mine Brandy, girl, you're so fine
There's not enough water in the seas To fight the flame in my heart Not enough stars in the sky To fall for us when we're apart Not enough hours in a day To spend with you, but come what may
If the world ended this year I'd just be happy holding you here" As his voice faded out, Tandar took off the guitar, and a waiting servant relieved him of it. The musicians continued to play the tune quietly in the background. Walking to the edge of the stage, Tandar reached out to help Brandwyn up the steps. "Take my hand," he said in a low voice with a smile. Someone gently nudged Brandwyn forward from behind. Once she was standing with Tandar, he removed a small, plain box from his jacket pocket and dropped to one knee. He opened the lid, revealing a dazzling gold engagement ring accented by four medium-sized beautiful cut diamonds arranged in a square in the center. A row of four smaller diamonds with a polished finish ran down each side. "Sweetheart, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Will you marry me?"
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Post by Tandar on Mar 24, 2013 19:36:02 GMT -5
After dropping off his reports at the office, Drenith descended the large palace staircase looking yearnfully around him at all the happy couples attending the ball. It seemed everyone was having a good time this evening except him. “Another Christmas alone,” he murmured to himself. Drenith and Wraith were working. His partner waited for him outside the main gate to the castle. Drenith fought off the negative feelings by reminding himself that he had never been comfortable at social events like the Yuletide Formal anyway. It was getting more crowded by the second as guests flooded the ground floor of the castle. Even more reason to link up with Wraith as soon as possible.
Stepping off the last stair, Drenith made a beeline for the exit, bumping into a well-dressed young lady in his haste. "My sincere apologies, madam."
She looked up at him. Instead of anger, her eyes were filled with surprise and wonder. "Dren?"
"Lexi?" Their faces broke into huge smiles. For a fleeting moment, Drenith struggled to find an appropriate reaction. The two had been close friends at the ward in Redmont Fief, but they hadn’t been in touch since Drenith began his apprenticeship five years ago. A lot can change in that time. Fortunately, Lexi saved him from an awkward situation by pulling him into a tight hug. He returned the gesture, and when Lexi pulled away, he noticed how much she had changed. He remembered Lexi had been somewhat attractive when they were both younger and in the ward, but now she was all grown up and drop–dead gorgeous.
Her long, dark brown hair cascaded down her neck and shoulders, ending around the neckline with silky smooth curls. Silver chandelier-style earrings dangled from her ears. She wore a magenta dress with long sleeves decorated in sequins. The front of her gown dipped low enough to reveal the slightest bit of cleavage. Looking up and down Drenith’s casual attire, Lexi asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m working tonight,” Drenith replied.
"Oh! How is the Ranger Corps?"
Drenith had forgotten that she didn't know he had left the Corps. "I—I really like it," he said lamely. It wasn't a complete lie. He had enjoyed the time he spent as Ranger Polaris' apprentice. The last thing he wanted was for word to get around that he was some sort of spy for the Araluen government. For the time being, it seemed best to keep Lexi in the dark about his current occupation.
"I'm glad," she said. A tall, handsome, young man with familiar features appeared at Lexi's side and handed her a glass of sparkling blue punch. Her face lit up as she accepted the drink from her companion. "Thanks, Hon." She took a sip and returned her attention to Drenith. "Hey, you remember Tim, right?"
Drenith's eyes snapped back to the man, and instantly, he recognized his childhood tormentor—Timmy.
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 14, 2013 20:59:33 GMT -5
"Come," he told Brandwyn. "There's something I want you to see." Taking her by the hand, he pushed through the throng toward the stage. He released her when he reached it and climbed onto the raised platform.
At first Brandwyn thought he was going to lead her out of the crowded room and nearly sighed in relief, but instead he led her deeper into the throng right up to the stage. She watched him curiously as he climbed up onto it, wondering what could possibly be on the stage that he wanted her to see.
He nodded to someone offstage, and they tossed him a guitar. Throwing the strap over his shoulder, the Ranger turned to face the crowd. He raised his voice to be heard. The guests became hushed.
"This isn't really a dancing tune," Tandar began. Those with a keen ear could detect the nervousness in his voice. "But I hope you all enjoy it just the same. It's called Not Enough." He began strumming, and some of the musicians played an accompaniment.
Brandwyn grinned at him in delight. She’d heard him sing just a few times before and loved to listen to his voice. She glanced around the room and noted he had the attention of most of the crowd. The Baron and Baroness of Meric were particularly attentive and Brandwyn thought she saw the Baron give Tandar a slight nod of approval or encouragement, she wasn’t sure which.
She turned her full attention to Tandar as he began to sing;
"I never thought I'd find a way To express the words I want to say My tongue gets tied, and my heart beats fast I pray what we have will forever last This phrase comes close; it'll have to do Brandy, girl, I love you
She put her hands to her mouth in surprise and blushed, knowing that nearly every person of noble birth in the Kingdom was watching them both. As he started the second verse she began to smile and stare at him intently, willing him to see her own feelings for him reflected in her eyes. She clasped her hands together and held them under her chin as she used to do when she was a little girl and was waiting for her father to reveal some pivotal plot point in one of his stories he used to tell her.
Brandwyn forgot about the rest of the people in the room and could only see Tandar as she listened to every word.
"There's not enough water in the seas To fight the flame in my heart Not enough stars in the sky To fall for us when we're apart Not enough hours in a day To spend with you, but come what may
If the world ended this year I'd just be happy holding you here"
The melody was relatively simple, but Tandar's jongleur-quality vocals and heartfelt lyrics carried real sincerity. His bright green eyes met Brandwyn's. Brandwyn’s breath caught in her throat and her heart started beating so fast she thought it would gallop away as their eyes met. All of the past months of uncertainty seemed to melt away. He really did love her and wanted to be with her. She hadn’t known for sure before now, but she had hoped and prayed he felt the same toward her as she did toward him.
"You took the pain that was loneliness Completed my life, that's what you do best When I feel down, you urge me, 'Don't quit' I'd give you my heart, but you already own it I relish the taste of your lips on mine Brandy, girl, you're so fine
There's not enough water in the seas To fight the flame in my heart Not enough stars in the sky To fall for us when we're apart Not enough hours in a day To spend with you, but come what may
If the world ended this year I'd just be happy holding you here"
As his voice faded out, Tandar took off the guitar, and a waiting servant relieved him of it. The musicians continued to play the tune quietly in the background. Walking to the edge of the stage, Tandar reached out to help Brandwyn up the steps.
"Take my hand," he said in a low voice with a smile.
Panic! For one brief moment Brandwyn thought she was going to faint. Why did he want her on the stage? She started to shake her head. She didn’t want to be the center of attention. She glanced away from Tandar for only a moment and realized every eye in the room seemed to be on her. More panic! She felt someone push her gently forward with a bit of pressure in the small of her back. Then she nearly leapt onto the stage to get away from the people. Tandar was her refuge. He was her rock and she would be safe from all the people as long as she was with him.
She fought down her irrational fears as she placed her hand in Tandar’s and he helped her up onto the stage. She wanted him to fold her into his arms, but instead he dropped to one knee. Suddenly she realized what he was about to do and her mouth formed a huge O. She again covered her mouth with her gloved hands as she watched him pull out a jewelry box.
He opened the lid, revealing a dazzling gold engagement ring accented by four medium-sized beautiful cut diamonds arranged in a square in the center. A row of four smaller diamonds with a polished finish ran down each side. "Sweetheart, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Will you marry me?"
For a moment Brandwyn stood there like a deer frozen in the hunter’s sights. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly breathe and then she realized that she was actually holding her breath. She let it out slowly. ‘This is really happening?’ she thought. For a couple of years she had been daydreaming about this moment and all the ways it could play out. Several times she thought it would never happen because Tandar didn’t really want her or love her.
Then she realized that she hadn’t talked to the Baron of Meric at all about getting married. As his ward, he had the final say in who she could marry. She glanced up at him in question and saw a big grin on the Baron’s face. He gave her a wave with both hands as if urging her to answer the ranger. Brandwyn looked back at Tandar and could tell from the twinkle in his eye that he had approached the Baron and likely the two of them had cooked this all up quite some time ago.
“Come on girl, don’t keep the lad waiting!” some gentleman in the crowd called out. “Yeah, answer him!” a couple of others agreed.
Brandy ignored them as she slowly pulled off her lavender silk glove from her left arm and held out her hand to Tandar. She wanted to feel his warm hand on her fingertips. “Yes… I will,” she said with a smile and her heart skipped a beat, leaping for joy as her eyes never left his.
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 22, 2013 20:37:08 GMT -5
Guests continued to pour into the main gate of the castle dressed in their finest garments and decked out in jewels and polished weapons. In spite of the festive atmosphere with what happened last year at the Winter Revel in Norgate, most people had taken to arming themselves, especially at functions of state.
Tory was standing on the bottom step of a huge arched staircase leading to the balcony and upper floors of the great hall in Castle Araluen watching the crowd milling around and couples dancing before her. She hoped her disguise was good enough that no one would recognize her, but she was still trying to hide her face from certain individuals such as her father and mother, Tandar and Brandwyn, the Baron and Baroness of Meric and especially the Coltraines who seemed to be conspicuously absent.
She had dyed her hair with black walnut juice which made it dark brown with a slightly russet sheen to it and rather liked the effect. She had been on the road for a couple of months with Patrick Palisade, her former ranger mentor and during that time had been letting her hair grow out long again. It was barely long enough to pull back into a good pony tail, so she had tucked it loose into a gold snood that sported fresh water pearls. She was wearing a formal dress made of dark green velveteen with embroidered hounds galloping around the bottom done in gold thread. It had a high neckline with gold bobbin lace that tickled her throat but did an admirable job at hiding her whip scars. The long sleeves also ended in gold lace and it buttoned up the back with stuffed golden wool buttons. Around her waist was a belt made of brass circles connected by tiny bands of gold plate. The ends of the belt were inlaid with large round pieces of clamshell.
Although she had never dressed as a noblewoman before, she discovered she looked the part and should anyone question her, she had a claim through her father for the right to be here at this ‘nobles only’ Christmas party. Of course she hadn’t gained access to the castle by the normal means, preferring to avoid any questions to her identity. It had been much easier to scale the wall under the cover of darkness, enter through an open window on the third floor and slip through the servant’s corridors until she found an empty room within which to hide until the guests started to arrive. She had then donned her finery, stowing her pack and bow where she hoped to be able to retrieve them in a hurry and went down to the great hall to mingle.
Tory was here to try to gain information about who might have set Patrick up and accused him of murder three years ago. She was also trying to find out if she was still wanted in Meric for assaulting a noble who had abused her for her entire childhood. Although she was covered from neck to toe, she felt naked and exposed as she nodded to guests politely greeting her.
She felt someone brush her skirts and looked up to see a handsome young man passing her on his way down the stairs. Something in the way he moved looked familiar to her. He appeared to be in a hurry and a bit nervous and nearly ran right into a lady coming into the hall.
She looked up at him. Instead of anger, her eyes were filled with surprise and wonder. "Dren?"
"Lexi?" Their faces broke into huge smiles.
Tory nearly snapped her fingers as she recognized Drenith, Tandar’s first apprentice and her first friend besides Patrick in the Ranger Corps. She watched the exchange a few steps from her with interest, able to overhear everything.
Lexi asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m working tonight,” Drenith replied.
"Oh! How is the Ranger Corps?"
Drenith hesitated and then answered, "I—I really like it," he said. Tory could tell he struggled with the answer. Drenith had always been very forthright. She wondered why he hadn’t told the truth tonight.
"I'm glad," she said. A tall, handsome, young man appeared at Lexi's side and handed her a glass of sparkling blue punch. Her face lit up as she accepted the drink from her companion. "Thanks, Hon." She took a sip and returned her attention to Drenith. "Hey, you remember Tim, right?"
Tory saw Drenith recognize the other man and the flash of alarm in Drenith’s eyes before he hid it. She remembered him talking about another boy who had bullied him when he was in the ward growing up. This must be the kid.
Of all the people she had expected to see tonight, Drenith was not among them, but she had wanted to find him and talk to him ever since she had returned from Gallica. He had been wounded so badly and she never found out any more than he was too ill to continue as a ranger. Tandar would hardly talk about it, the pain and guilt for him as Drenith’s mentor was just too much. Tory knew she couldn’t pass up this opportunity even if it risked her freedom to talk to him. If she was wanted, Drenith might even turn her in himself if he thought it was for her own good.
She decided in a split second to extricate him from the awkward situation. Stepping forward she came up behind him and slipped her left hand onto the crook of his arm and smiled up at him. “Drenith, My Dear, there you are! I have been looking all over for you tonight. Don’t tell me that snooty old man put you to work again during the ball.” Tory pouted, playing the part. She turned to Lexi and Tim and extended her right hand, palm down. “I see you have met some friends. I am Tory. So pleased to meet you both,” she smiled at them and allowed Tim to lightly kiss the back of her hand as he introduced himself and Lexi.
“If you will excuse us,” Tory said to Lexi hinting that she was Drenith’s jealous girlfriend and didn’t care for the other girl’s intrusion into ‘her’ territory. “Dren and I have a date with the dance floor.” Not waiting for a reply, or the chance for Drenith to protest, she dragged him by the arm into the crowd of people and began to dance.
She smiled at him just long enough for him to figure out what had happened and then asked, “So Drenith, how have you been?”
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Post by Tandar on Jul 2, 2013 11:53:31 GMT -5
Drenith's head snapped to the right as Tory slipped her hand in his arm. He opened his mouth to say something, but she spoke first. He managed to mask his surprise as he saw through her disguise and identified her as his old Ranger friend from the Gallic War. He reflected with some amusement how Tandar would react to being labeled a snooty old man. Perhaps Wraith would fit the bill better, at least for the old man part.
Tim followed protocol by planting a polite kiss on the back of Tory's offered hand. "The pleasure is mine," he said gallantly. "Sir Tim of Maplespring at your service, and this lovely young lady is Alexis."
Lexi smiled and bowed. As Tory led Drenith away to be swallowed by the crowd on the dance floor, Lexi stared at their retreating backsides in wonder.
Drenith walked along sluggishly, not wanting to leave, but knowing full well that Tory had just saved him from a confrontation. The pair began to dance, and Drenith took advantage of the opportunity to examine Tory more closely as he consciously kept his emotions in check.
"You're different," he said with a crooked grin. "In a good way though. I don't mean just the noblewoman garb. Your poise has improved too." He enjoyed the moment and even forgot that he must have looked like a fool without ballroom attire on. "I'm glad to see you. I've been all right. Just tired. You don't look any worse for wear."
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Post by Brandwyn on Jul 4, 2013 14:27:10 GMT -5
Tory smiled back at him, a mischievous glint in her eye as she said, “Looks can be deceiving!” She winked at him, “though not as deceiving as I would have liked.” She laughed. “You weren’t supposed to recognize me.”
She studied Drenith and he seemed different too. “You do look tired. Don’t you get any time off? I heard you were in the army now and Tandar said you were injured too badly to continue with ranger training.” She knew he had wanted to be one very much. “That must have hurt worse than the arrow in your shoulder that day in Gallica,” she said sympathetically. “I am sorry that all happened to you. Are you happy now in this new career?” She was curious about what he was doing now, but didn’t want to pry too much. She hoped he liked it and had been able to move on.
“I’ve had quite the unusual apprenticeship myself. In fact I am not even certain if I am still Tandar’s apprentice or even in the Ranger Corps for that matter,” she mused cryptically. Drenith moved her slowly in a circle to her right as they danced and as his shoulder moved, she caught a glimpse of the crowd parting behind him. “Damn! Here he comes with Lady Brandwyn too.” She ducked her head back so Drenith was blocking her from Tandar’s view as he made his way up to the stage. “Don’t say anything to him!” she whispered to Drenith as Tandar and Brandwyn passed within five feet of her.
She watched as Tandar jumped up on stage and took a sip of water or something. “What on earth is he doing?” She hoped he wasn’t going to make some announcement about being on the lookout for his missing apprentice. Butterflies flitted around in her stomach as she tried to see what he was up to without Tandar spotting her. “I knew I shouldn’t have come here, but I had to find out…” she said to herself, forgetting for a moment that Drenith could hear her.
The music had stopped and several couples left the dance floor while most of the others were watching the stage wondering what was going on. Tory stood behind Drenith and peeked around his shoulder at her mentor up on stage. “Don’t let him see me!” she urged Drenith softly with a whisper in his ear.
As soon as Tandar finished his first verse Tory sighed with relief. She nearly laughed because she was amused by the fact she’d been so worried about her own situation that is never occurred to her that he was thinking only of Brandwyn. When the song ended she peeked around Drenith from behind his back as he faced the stage, to watch and saw Tandar reach down to bring Brandwyn up on stage. “Oh my, he is going to ask her right here in front of everyone!” she breathed; glad she did come now and was going to be a witness to this moment.
As his voice faded out, Tandar took off the guitar, and a waiting servant relieved him of it. The musicians continued to play the tune quietly in the background. Walking to the edge of the stage, Tandar reached out to help Brandwyn up the steps.
"Take my hand," he said in a low voice with a smile. Someone gently nudged Brandwyn forward from behind.
Once she was standing with Tandar, he removed a small, plain box from his jacket pocket and dropped to one knee. He opened the lid, revealing a dazzling gold engagement ring accented by four medium-sized beautiful cut diamonds arranged in a square in the center. A row of four smaller diamonds with a polished finish ran down each side. "Sweetheart, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Will you marry me?"
Tory was mesmerized and held her breath as she waited for Brandwyn’s answer. There was hardly any noise in the crowd and Tory could tell Brandwyn was having some internal struggle as she hesitated in answering. Brandwyn glanced over to the side of the hall and Tory followed her gaze. The Baron of Meric was standing there and gave Brandwyn a wave with both hands as if urging her to answer the ranger. Brandwyn looked back at Tandar. Tory kept her eyes on the Baron for a few moments more, hoping he wouldn’t see her hiding behind Drenith. She scanned the crowd for any signs of the Lady Coltraine but didn’t see her accuser.
“Come on girl, don’t keep the lad waiting!” some gentleman in the crowd called out. “Yeah, answer him!” a couple of others agreed.
Brandy ignored them as she slowly pulled off her lavender silk glove from her left arm and held out her hand to Tandar. She wanted to feel his warm hand on her fingertips. “Yes… I will,” she said with a smile and her heart skipped a beat, leaping for joy as her eyes never left his.
Everyone cheered and clapped their hands, Tory included with a big grin on her face. “It’s about time!” she said to Drenith loud enough to be heard over the din around them. “They’ve had a rocky time of it, but anyone can see they can’t seem to function normally without the other one.” She was very happy for them and wished she were able to go congratulate them, but she needed to find out what she’d come here to discover about Palisade being set-up and then get out of here before anyone else saw her.
She turned to Drenith, “It was great seeing you again. I have wanted to come visit you for a long time, but things have been…rather strange… errrr, difficult on my end.” She said to him. “I do need to tell you one thing, though, so you don’t think so badly of me.” She took his hand and held onto him as the crowd milled around them. Everyone was trying to get to the happy couple to wish them well. A union such as this, among two fairly prominent noble families in different fiefs, was big news and very rarely was the engagement agreed upon so publicly. Everyone wanted to be a part of it, so it seemed to Tory. She tried to ignore the crowd and forgot for a moment to keep out of sight, figuring Brandwyn and Tandar were far too busy to notice her anyway.
“I was right about Patrick,” she said to Drenith. “He is not a murderer and he is not a traitor. I just wanted you to know.” She squeezed his hand to emphasize her point. “I found out he was set up by someone who wanted him out of the way, I am just not sure why. But I am trying to find out so I can clear his name.”
Tory turned her head and glanced back up to the stage where Tandar and Brandwyn were still greeting people. The crowd parted again just at that moment and Tandar glanced straight down the impromptu avenue and locked eyes with Tory.
Tory froze in fright. For one moment all of her training just flew out the window and she couldn’t move as her brain sent out panic signals to the rest of her body. She couldn’t get caught now. Patrick needed her to ferret out some information and he couldn’t do it himself when everyone thought he was dead. Besides which, she was not in favor of being dragged back to Meric in chains and hung for killing a nobleman.
Tory saw recognition in Tandar’s face and knew she’d been discovered. Suddenly she could move again, “Bye Drenith, I gotta go!” She dropped his hand and whirled around, pushing through the crowd in her panic to elude Tandar, knowing he was going to come after her. She had to get back up the stairs to the third floor and the room where she’d stashed her ranger gear and change of clothes. From there it should be fairly easy to get back out of the castle without being caught. The problem was getting through the crowd on the dance floor that seemed to be deliberately closing in on her.
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Post by Tandar on Aug 27, 2013 21:44:43 GMT -5
“You weren’t supposed to recognize me,” Tory told him.
“Oh,” Drenith mumbled with mock seriousness. “Sorry.” He followed up with a lighthearted chuckle to keep the mood relaxed. “We do in fact get time off, but since I’m still in field training, I don’t get to take advantage of it yet.”
He reflected with fondness and some sadness on his time as a young apprentice Ranger under the direction of Tandar Polaris. “It was my arm, actually,” Drenith corrected her. “I was shot in the forearm.” He rubbed the spot where an arrow had been lodged during the Battle for La Rivage. Other than the patch of unsightly scar tissue, the injury had miraculously healed completely, and Drenith felt that it was just as robust as his other arm. He wondered where he would be if he had remained with the Corps, if he hadn’t been wounded in action. Oh, how he had loved the Rangers.
“I think it’s too early to say for sure if I’ve made the right decision, but I really enjoy this position so far. Granted, I haven’t been tasked with any major operations yet, so I’ve barely gotten my feet wet.”
“I’ve had quite the unusual apprenticeship myself,” Tory began.
This news piqued Drenith’s curiosity, and he tilted his head in interest. As she went on, his face showed mild surprise. “Tandar is—” he paused to amend his wording. “—was your mentor? What happened?” The pair danced, leisurely rotating counterclockwise, but before Tory answered, her eyes landed on someone that made her tense up. Drenith turned his head to see Tandar leading Brandwyn by the hand to the stage. Neither of them appeared to have recognized him or Tory despite passing so close. Drenith pursed his lips, but kept silent as the noble couple parted the throng. He was concerned Tory might be in trouble.
“What on earth is he doing?”
Drenith let go of Tory and turned his attention to the front of the room. “I don’t know; it looks like he’s about to say something.”
“I shouldn’t have come here,” She murmured. “But I had to find out.”
“Find out?” he asked, confused. He quickly forgot about the unanswered question though as he watched the proceedings. Drenith grinned with excitement as his former mentor proposed. Although he hadn’t seen either of them in years, he had been good friends with the couple, having met Brandwyn during the Meric briefing on the Gallic War. Brandwyn was even more beautiful than he had remembered, and he was very happy for her and Tandar. Drenith felt lucky that he had stayed for the dance with Tory, otherwise he would have missed the engagement.
Drenith searched her face for signs that she was lying about Patrick but saw none. It seemed he had misjudged the Ranger. Suddenly, Tory froze, and he stood watching as she departed in a flurry.
Tandar and Brandwyn made their way toward him and seemed to be looking for Tory. “Stop her!” Polaris yelled over the hullaballoo of the well-wishers.
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Post by Tandar on Dec 5, 2013 15:55:13 GMT -5
"I'm positive it was her," Tandar told Brandwyn as he pulled her along by the hand in pursuit of his apprentice. "Excuse us. Pardon me."
Confused partygoers helpfully pointed the couple in the direction of Tory's hastily retreating form. It also helped that the musicians had begun playing again, and the crowd significantly hindered Tory's withdrawal.
Tandar stumbled by attempting to ascend the staircase too quickly, and a passing gentleman grabbed him by the arm to steady him. The Ranger nodded his head in thanks as he and his fiancée continued upward. "Use the handrail," he said, more to remind himself than to urge Brandwyn. Seeing Tory in the long, sparsely occupied hall ahead, Tandar called out. "Tory! Tory, wait!"
Drenith pushed open the small wooden door that barred the servants' entrance to Castle Araluen. As he pushed the door closed behind him, the festive tune and din of the throng faded.
"I checked with one of my buddies in the Corps," Tim said. He was alone, leaning against the decorative stone wall in the courtyard. He took a swig of blue punch from a glass before setting it on the ground. "You were discharged from the Rangers long ago. What are you really doing here?" He stood up straight, displaying his full height in a challenging posture.
Drenith noticed his rival's hand came to rest on the grip of a longsword sheathed at his hip. "I don't have time for this, Timmy." He tried to push past the knight, but his adversary blocked the path and shoved him backward.
"You're not going anywhere until we sort this out. I saw you eyeing my girl inside."
"I wasn't—" Drenith began, but Tim cut him off with an angry retort.
"Don't lie to me!"
Drenith advanced again in an attempt to leave the grounds.
Blocking passage with his arm, Tim demanded, "Tell me what you were doing here."
Drenith hesitated, then averted his eyes and spoke softly. "Please."
Tim genuinely laughed. "Are you seriously pleading with me? I thought you would have grown out of that after you left the ward.
Drenith continued. "Please don't make me do this. I don't want to hurt you."
Grinning in amusement, Tim drew his sword. "Hurt me?" he asked incredulously. "I bet you don't even have a weapon on you."
In a flash, Drenith stepped in close and trapped the knight's sword arm using his left forearm and upper arm while his right hand struck the bundle of nerve fibers on the side of the neck. The blade clattered to the ground, and Drenith followed up the move with a couple of blows to the face. As Tim was reeling, the agent grabbed him by the shoulders and slammed him headfirst into the wall.
Tim slumped over, unconscious, and Drenith wasted no time vacating the area.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 31, 2013 13:10:40 GMT -5
"I'm positive it was her," Tandar told Brandwyn as he pulled her along by the hand in pursuit of his apprentice. "Excuse us. Pardon me."
Brandwyn tried to see through the throng of people engulfing them as Tandar pulled her along. It was difficult to keep up with the evening gown swirling around her legs and fancy shoes on her feet and she didn't want to get her hair or makeup messed up. She'd worked too hard to make it here tonight in her finery to have it all ruined by a 'high speed chase' after a missing apprentice. She didn't want Tory to escape either though. She knew Tandar was pretty upset about the girl running out on him and concerned for her safety. They had reached the stairs and Tandar stumbled slightly as he climbed up them.
"Use the handrail," he said, more to remind himself than to urge Brandwyn. Seeing Tory in the long, sparsely occupied hall ahead, Tandar called out. "Tory! Tory, wait!"
Brandwyn caught site of Tory as she cleared the top of the stairs af few steps after Tandar. The girl had filled out since last time she'd seen her a few months ago. She was lean muscle now and was beginning to get her womanly curves. 'It will be hard for her to pass as a boy pretty soon,' the random thought popped into Brandwyn's mind. She saw Tory pause and glance back at them at a doorway.
"Tory, you are not in trouble!" Brandwyn yelled after her. "You can stop running!" She ran after Tandar who had almost caught up with her. "We just want to talk."
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Tory took the stairs two at a time with her dress hiked up to her hips. She'd left her shoes at the bottom knowing she could run faster barefooted. Tandar still managed to gain ground on her as he climbed the stairs and she pelted down the hallway.
"Tory! Tory, wait!" He called and she tried to run faster but the old pain in her thigh pierced her leg bringing tears to her eyes. She had to pause for a moment at the door that housed her gear and the open window inviting escape beyond. She was in a panic. She couldn't get caught now. Patrick needed her information.
"Tory, you are not in trouble!"
Brandwyn's voice cut through the fear in her head and she lingered a moment longer at the doorway. What if it was a trap, a ruse to get her to stop? But Brandwyn had never lied to her, why would she now? Tory searched Tandar's face, looking for confirmation, and then leapt into the room just before he reached her.
She dove for her bow and arrows and came up with an arrow knocked, bow drawn and the tip pointed straight at Tandar's heart. "That's far enough!" She said in a low voice with her breasts heaving from the run up the stairs. "I have no intention of going to the dungeons or being hung." Tory stated as she nudged her carysack closer to the window with her foot. "If you care anything about me, you'll let me go, Tandar." She pleaded with her eyes.
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