Reading of the last Will of Sir HenryX of Castle Combe [RP]

News of Henry's death traveled fast and was sad to hear but getting the message he had left me in his will was quite a surprise...how sweet of him to remember me in such a way...

Llop and I arrive and take a seat in the back as Lydia reads over the will and find the image of Cat beating down the members of the HOP very amusing ...taking the bow I look at it ...running my hand over the smooth curved wood and thought of those first days at the WA when I tried to spark their interest with this weapon and a slight smile crosses my lips ...he taught me more in those days about tempering my anger than I was able to teach about the bow...he will be dearly missed...the warhorse stood outside and would make a find addition to the stables...

When the drinks are offered I take up a mug and raise it in toast...

To Henry...a good man who will live on in all of our hearts...
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Some people really need to learn the difference between OOC ...IC ...RL and Rk...

Yes, Tenshi, thank you.
Turns briefly to look for Collen, things have been exceptionally grand for me. How is everything with you? How are the children?

Lydia gives her mother a kiss on the forehead, Don't leave without me, please?

Her eyes survey the area and her attention raises to greet HRH Princess Kerri in the company of Lord Harlan.
Lydia greets their acquaintances. So glad they could both make it; wonderful to see them again.
Had their journeys been safe after the had left Paradise Cove?
Friendly smiles and greetings are exchanged.
All are ever so glad to meet once again.
If it were only under happier circumstances.

Collen comes around and holds her tight for which she is ever so grateful as she needs his reassuring touch right now and always.
She just didn't want to disturb him believing he may be grieving in private for the loss of Henry or the two of his own not too long ago and possibly taking a moment to rest from his long journeys.
Glad he was near, she kisses his cheek gently.
Thank you, my Love, is whispered while she turns her head and gently presses her lips against his neck.

Daniel was in a daze, the fact that Henry was dead was a huge blow to him. Henry had taken him in, and given him a place to call home, something he had never really had. he had cared for him, educated him, and in every way been like a father to him, and now he was gone.

he was honoured to hear that Henry had thought of him as a son, but to be given so much responsibility and trust by a man that in reality had no reason to do so was overwhelming, he was only 18 years old yet responsible for the upbringing of three young kids, babies even, not to mention running an estate as caretaker. he did not know what it was Henry had seen in for him to believe, that he was cabable of carrying this great honour, but he resolved then and there to do his best to honour the memory of his adopted father

taking a flagon of ale he stands up and joins in the toast

Although Llop had not been named in HenryX's will, also he had inherited something from him.

He had first met HenryX in the halls of the Knights of England, and had admired the person and the warrior, the man and the knight. Llop's choosing of the Order of the Rose had something to do with HenryX's pertenence to its noble rows.

Now, escorting his beloved Lady Jealeaia, he remembered HenryX as her mentor. She had treasured his teachings. She had often commented with Llop of them. He knew more of HenryX through her than through him.

Yes, also he had inherited something from him. A keen sense of honour. And the company of his former squire, Lady Jealeaia.

When she toasted, Llop raised his filled mug and emptied it in his innards.
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Tenshi's eyes drift over to Henry's children again as Lydia asks her about her own. They're doing well, thank you. Zak is five now but seems to have the maturity level some days of a child three times his age. Miaka is a year old. She's just learning to walk and talk but if her babbling is any indication I think I'll have trouble keeping her quiet!

She smiles at Lydia and Collen before nodding to acknowledge him. It's good to see you again, Sir. It seems life has been good for you by blessing you with such a woman.

She watches Manerta get herself a drink and laughs lightly before standing and getting a mug of ale for herself. Back in Marlborough it seemed they spent more time in the tavern than they did in their own homes. Of course, that could be partially because of the practical jokes they would each pull on each other and the fear of not knowing what creature would be in one's bed when one got in it each night! She raises her tankard in the toast and drinks. She whispers quietly to Lydia, Collen, and Manerta, If you'll excuse me I'm going to go and see how Daniel is holding up. I wonder if he'll even remember me.

She nods to them all before slowly approaching Daniel, her hand extended to him. Hi Daniel. I don't know if you remember me or not...it's been a while since we last saw each other but I'm an old friend of, she pauses while she wonders if she should refer to Henry as Henry or as Daniel's father, Henry's. My name is Tenshi.
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brought out of his daze by the words of a young beautiful woman, he looks startled for a second then clearing his throat he stands up and smiles, as he thinks back to try to put a name to the face.

ah yes, lady Tenshi, Henry allways spoke highly of you, it is an honour meeting you again. it has been too long, in fact I don't believe we have met since before he left for Ireland

As the evidently very military woman called Jeal cheers a toast to Sir HenryX,
the Squire watches the Lord of Caen and his Lady Morningstern from a set apart corner of this most beautiful place everyone refers to as The Glen.
They join in voice not drink. Perhaps it was the Lenten fasting but neither of the two Nobles had reached for a glass yet and Johan is not going to offer one.
They have not partook in the spirits much or none as of late, that he knew of.
Right now it may also be due to the fact that they have standing there a good long while just clinging to one another. Hands full with that most precious cargo there.

The Lord and Lady did stay after; meeting and greeting; consoling.
His eyes rove for a second to take in other parts of the Glen and when they return to his Master and Mistress, he finds them speaking to the Lady Stern's mother Manerta now.
About something he obviously can't hear from his vantage point.
The Mistress seems bashful and rather shy about some parts, often looking around and seemingly trying to whisper and lower and steady her own voice even further.

Johan nods his head as he pushes himself away from the tree he had been leaning on and watches his Lordship procure the legacy he had been given by Sir Henry as the two women part in farewell.

It is time to return home. It had been a long month for them all.

The farm hand checks the coach once again.
He knows everything is safe, he dismantled, arranged and secured it himself; makes sure all wheels are fine.
Checks the strappings of the bed which Sir Henry had bequeathed to Lady Lydia.
Jah forbid there may come a strong head wind to tear it off the roof of the carriage.

One more glance and he realizes they are bidding their final farewells and are heading toward their waiting coach.


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Finding the mug empty after a surprisingly short time, spent talking to and being whispered to by her daugther, Manerta gets it refilled. She looks around at the people who have come together from different parts of the land, and raises it in another toast:

'To Henry, a man who was generous with practical jokes, drink, advice and friendship. We should think of that great and honourable man with every drink and smile at the memories!'

Manerta takes a generous sip of the ale and adds in a lower voice, after her stomach, which hasn't seen a breakfast on that day yet, inserts a *hips*:

'And may those drinks be many!'

Tenshi raises her mug again as Manerta makes her toast, giggling as Manerta's drinking prowess shows itself with the perfectly placed hiccough. She then turns her attention back to Daniel. Aye, it has been quite some time. I hope Ireland treated you well up until recent events. It seems so exciting to travel to a new country. Will you go back there now or find a new place to start fresh?
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it seems Henry left me as custodian of the Castle Combe, until Valdemar comes of age, so I will settle down here in England to raise my brothers and my sister by adoption, and manage the estates of Henry.

taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly Daniel shrugs almost apologetical

beyond that I don't really know what I will be doing. I have applied for membership in the Knights of the Realm to follow in Henry's footstep there, but it is all so new to me. up until a few weeks ago I was content getting an education as a blacksmith and learning to read and write, and now I have so many obligations... to be honest it is a bit daunting

Tenshi nods sympathetically. That's a lot of responsibility to have thrust upon you so suddenly. But it must mean that Henry believes you capable of it all. He never did things lightly without thought.

She refills her mug and Daniel's before clinking them together with a sad little smile. If there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask. I can help you with your studies if you like and I'd be more than happy to help you raise the children. It's a hard job for a young man to care for so many little ones, even if they are family, while still taking care of other things. I live at 17 Henley Road in Reading. Please, come call on me anytime you need anything whether it be a hot meal or someone to watch the children or anything else you can think of.
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at this offer Daniel cocks his head sligthly to the side and gets a thoughtfull look in his eyes

well now that you mention it I have started looking for someone to continue my studies. I only just started to learn how to read and write when Henry left for Ireland and to be honest my eagerness to learn was never that big. I never really saw the need to be highly educated while the plans for my future was to be a blacksmith, but running the estates I recon I need to be able to read, write and do math, not to mention a host of other things, so if your interested I could really use a teacher, and being a good and close friend of Henry's I know I can trust you to tell me your honest oppinion when I am about to do something stupid

I would be honoured to teach you, Daniel. I'm afraid I've never taught anyone before, so as long as you promise to be honest with me I will be honest with you. She grins at him before wagging her finger. But...I seriously doubt you'll do anything "stupid."

She takes another sip before turning back to him and laughing lightly. However, you'll have to find someone else to help you further your blacksmithing skills. I'm a weaver which is probably as far from being a blacksmith as one can be. The reading and writing I can definitely do. In fact, I've begun working with Zak on how to read and write. I wasn't going to worry about it right away and let him play for a while longer, but with him being the man of the house now I think he should probably learn as well. I'm sure you won't learn the same way as my five year old, but it will be a great experience for us all, I'm sure.
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