" {RP} Beaumaris Castle

Alisa fidgeted in her seat in the hired carriage. She smiled as her husband Egbert took her hand in his and squeezed it. The coachman had said the castle was just around the next bend in the road. She kept looking out the window hoping to get her first glimpse.

Then suddenly there it was. It was just what she had expected, grand and stately. Alisa looked down at her best dress and hoped she wouldn't look totally out of place with the Princess's other guests. She had never officially met the former Regent, but had seen her at offiical events and knew how beautifully attired she always was.

She looked over at her husband and asked for at least the dozenth time, "Do you think we will know any other guests? I mean I know Barnaby will probably be there, but anyone else? And I hope my dress is suitable. Do you think we will fit in?"
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Lady High Chancellor of England ~ Duchess of Devon ~ Countess of Yeovil ~ Baroness of Taunton ~ COH ~ RHA

Robin glanced over to his son, even as he held his wife against him, one hand in hers, the other resting atop her stomach where their next child grew. Adam was watching avidly out the window at the countryside as they passed. Glancing out himself to see where they were, the archer said with a quirk of his lips, "You should be able to see the castle soon, Adam." Looking back at his wife, he smiled at her as they crested the hill and Adam's eyes grew wide, and exclaimed about how grand the castle looked.

Llyres, he knew, would be eager to see Barnaby again, meet the Princess, and visit with other friends that may have been invited. Adam was hoping that there would be some boys his own age there to talk to, though he had also asked many questions about the castle, and Robin knew he might have to keep an eye on the lad so he didn't run off to explore. Robin himself had somewhat mixed feelings about arriving. He would enjoy seeing Barnaby again, and anyone else he knew, meeting the princess, and he would enjoy finally getting out of the carriage they were traveling in -- not that he would even consider the idea of asking his wife to ride on a horse from Bridgewater to the Castle at four month pregnant. However, he was not looking forward to changing out of his travel clothes for something a little more... refined. He much preferred his worn clothes and the old cloak of his father's that Llyres had repaired and relined for him. His own past and the adventures he had undertaken with his family made him uncomfortable dressing up, and distrustful of castles as a whole, though he would be there and polite and try to have fun, because his family would be there.

Shifting uncomfortably, Robin frowned slightly at the part of the castle he could see from his position in the carriage, absently lifting one hand to trace along the necklace he had gotten Llyres for their first anniversary. "We'll be there soon, love. Are you sure you're warm enough in that cloak?" He asked, almost redundantly. He knew the cloak was warm -- it was fur lined and he had picked it himself for Llyres to travel in, especially in winter, but her pregnancy had made him far more protective.
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Co-Captain of the Wind Ballad | MC Quartermaster | Baron of Burnham-on-Sea

Just after Barnaby's arrival at the Hawthorne Inn...


Amelia had ridden hard for two solid nights being careful of the roads as she had been sent ahead alone to ready Beaumaris Castle for the grand Christosmas celebrations. The list she held folded tightly against her breast contained not only the enormous guest list but also a listing of instructions for Cook and the kitchen staff as well as for the steward, Giovanni, and for the groundskeepers. There was also a small note to Mistress Mairwen in Beaumaris town, the contents of which Amelia was not privy to, for her lady had sealed it well, and the lady in waiting wondered many times along her swiftly passing route exactly what business the Princess had with the town woman for the holidays.

Amelia arrived at the port of Holywell in record time, looking bedraggled and road weary, covered over in a very slight misting of dust. Not daunted by either the tiredness in her bones or the less than pristine condition of her appearance, she went straightaway for the docks to hire a ship to cross the Menai Straits and reach the castle at last. A slightly prim looking clerk was the first official that met her gaze.

“You, man!” she called out to the clerk, who looked up at the lady in waiting startled. “I’ve need of a ship for passage to Anglesey Isle on the Princess’ business.”

“The Princess…?” the clerk queried with a single upraised brow.

“Yes, Princess Jennet, the Countess of said isle of Anglesey, the Marchioness of the ground that rests beneath your feet, Admiral of the Fleet…” Amelia glared at the man as if he’d gone witless. “Surely you know the one.”

The harbor clerk pursed his lips in consternation, his tongue positively threatening to leap out of his mouth and lash the lady in waiting, but he managed to refrain. “Yes, yes, I know the Princess. What I meant was you are not the first to mention her name in my presence today.”

Worry creased the lines of Amelia’s face for a moment, afraid that one of the NNGO’s minions had been seeking after her mistress’ location. “Did this person happen to leave a name?”

“Of course he did,” the clerk said haughtily, his face portraying the belief that all people would leave their names with such an honored clerk as he. “It was the Earl Marshal himself. Lord Pembroke. He instructed me, should I hear anything about the Princess or about the Persephone…or if anyone else should ask…” he looked Amelia up and down judgmentally, “then I should come and find him on the very moment at the Princess’ Inn.”

The list containing the guests’ names slipped easily from where she had stashed it away while riding and Amelia unfolded it and scanned quickly. There Lord Pembroke’s name was clearly written. “Oh, for heaven’s sake…” she grumbled, figuring that if the invitation would catch up to the traveling Earl Marshal at all, it would likely be quite late. Someone would need to ride to the Hawthorne Inn and formally invite the Earl, but Amelia herself could not spare the time, knowing that some of the most important guests in the kingdom would soon be surprising the slumbering castle inhabitants.

“Has Rhys been about of late?” Amelia quizzed the clerk.

“That good for nothing rapscallion, you mean?” the clerk responded before he bit the mischievous tongue and placed it carefully back into his mouth.

“Her Royal Highness’ messenger,” Amelia amended.

“Yes, the very one,” the clerk nodded. “He was in just this morning. Said he was going to the town market to place some orders and that he would return this afternoon.”

“Excellent,” Amelia smiled smugly. “Then I have a task for you Master Clerk.” She tore a page out of the indignant clerk’s harbor book and dipped his own quill in the pot of ink at the edge of the desk, writing a note to Rhys with instructions to seek out the Earl of Pembroke and to invite him to Beaumaris for the holidays, as well as to procure a few things that she was certain Cook would need.

“Have your fastest runner go to the market with all haste and deliver this message into no hand except that of Rhys.” Amelia tossed a few pieces of gold down on the clerk’s desk to drive the point home.

“Y…yes, my lady,” the clerk stammered, scooping up the gold and the note, holding the parchment carefully as if it would shatter should it be dropped.

“Now…about that boat…”


Lady in Waiting to Princess Jennet

Egbert tried to reassure his wife. Im sure there will be some familiar faces here aswell as some opportunities to make new friends. Your dress is beautiful. I assure you, my dear, that you will outshine all the other ladies at the party. We got invited to this party, so we belong here as well as anyone else. We were in another castle for a party before, for the award ceremony, remember? So we are getting some routine at these finer parties.

The carriage rolled into the courtyard of the grand castle and Egbert helped his wife down the carriage. he held her arm in his and looked up the majesty of the castle. In front of them were a broad stone steps leading up to the castles grand entrance. The large doors were opened and guests had begun to arrive.
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Malan stared out the window of her carriage as it made its way toward the castle. She sat stiffly upright in her clean starched clothes. The invitation she had recieved was neatly folded next to her. She'd almost decided against coming. She never felt very comfortable at fancy parties and festivities. But then, this was a chance to see her family again. And it had been far too long since she'd spent Christmas with family.

Sergitov arrives closely behind his Aunt Malan,His greatcoat speckled with wet and snow.He slows his horse next to Aunt Malan's coach."My dear Aunt Malan,I see you enjoying the cover from the dreadful weather."Sergitov luaghs jokingly."This weather is good for sailing."Sergitov smiles as he keeps his horse next to Malan's carriage.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuBPg1D7_O8

Cordelia raised a brow at the letter that had arrived. Chuckling slightly to herself, she goes down the hall to the nursery where Viceroy was putting Michael to bed. Leaning against the doorframe, she smiles as she watches her husband with thier son. After her blows out the candle, he turns and notices her at the door. Pausing to kiss her, he asks, "What's up? You have that look..."

Cor chuckles and passes over the parchment. "It seems we've been invited to a party on my own land. I think we need to make an appearance."

Viceroy reads the invitation and laughs. "Yes, it seems so." Wrapping his arm around her, they go down to the kitchen where the servants were gathered. "Prepare for a trip to Anglesey, we leave in the morning."

The servants look at each other, used to the decisions to travel at the last minute, espically from the Viscountess. As the Lord and Lady leave the room, they spring into action, provisions being set out while the maids hurry to pack the trunks.

*Several days later*

The family arrives in Holywell, while Viceroy and the rest of the retinue warm in the Inn, Cordelia goes to the harbor office to see about passage to the Isle of Anglesey. Going to the clerk she says, "I, along with my husband and our retinue, require passage to the Isle."

The clerk eyes her, wary after his encounter with the Earl Marshall, "Angelsey seems to be a popular place these past few days."

"Of course it is. Though I suggest that you do not question my motives for going, and learn my face. As Viscountess Beaumaris, I intend to be a fixture around here."

(OOC: Vice godmodded w/ permission)
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Dowager Queen, GPKoA, Duchess of Surrey, Earl of Herstmonceux | Let Us Lead By Serving Others | I'll come back when you call me...

Alixandra was forced off the road time and time again as coaches and carriages passed her by. A few with horses passed her as well. She was glad it wasn't muddy otherwise she worried she'd get splashed.

Finally it looked like the road was clear again so she went back to walking. 'I guess I didn't have to worry about being to early' she thought. Maybe the Princess will let her stay the night before walking back. She once again fell into daydreams but these were of curling up in a feather bed for the night with her belly full.

Less then a year before, she had been a stranger to hunger. To cold, to plainness of all sorts. She hadn't been a noble lady, but her family was a very wealthy merchant family. She had been spoiled rotten. And only now, after leaving her home to be on her own, has she realized how much narrower her life was. Everything she could ever want, but nothing in her to appreciate a bit of what she had.

'Oy that's changed' she pondered. 'A warm fresh biscuit after a long day tastes better then any feast I ever attended then.' She unknowingly licked her lips. 'Imagine how holiday fare will taste now!' As this dawned on her she hitched up her robe just a bit more and lengthened her stride. She may not be early, but Jah bless her she wouldn't be late!

Malan poked her head out of the window. 'Well, knock me over with a feather, if it isn't my new nephew Sergi!' Though she was really delighted to see him she made her face look a little stern. 'I hope you're not planning on bringing any of that snow and wet into the castle. That wouldn't do at all. You don't seem to be any the worse for riding out in this cold, though I can't say the same for that young lady over there.'

There was a young woman walking just ahead of them. She had hitched her robe up and was walking fast but was evidently cold.

When the carriage came close to her Malan signaled the driver to stop and open the carriage door. She called out to the girl, 'Well, young lady, are you going to get in or stay out there and catch your death of cold?'

((ooc) Alixandra you're the young lady)

Sergitov smiles as he dismounts his horse to help the lady into his aunt's carriage."Mi' Dear lady, I am Sergitov,but everyone calls me sergi.Can i be of asisstance?"Sergi offers his hand to help her as the snow falls harder.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuBPg1D7_O8

Resting warm and drowsy against Robin in the carriage that carried the Ballard family this final distance to the castle, Llyres opened her blue eyes in response to Adam's excited voice. Their journey from southern England had been long, though with enough interest to keep their adopted son’s restlessness in check. He’d particularly enjoyed the boat ride across the straits, insisting on helping coil the wet mooring ropes on the cold deck. Though he’d never been to sea, the lad was familiar with all manner of ships, having frequently accompanied his mother to the port office.

Glad that Adam was enjoying himself, Llyres felt Robin’s shoulders stiffen at mention of the castle. Her hand squeezed his knee reassuringly. For the two of them, castles and grand estates went hand in glove with misadventure. It was hard to dismiss a certain uneasiness at the looming stone walls of the seaside fortress. But for Llyres, her own inheritance of Somerton Court in the small town of Somerton had calmed her unease. Not every castle and mansion held unpleasant secrets. Actually, she was eager to tell the Princess about her family’s project at Somerton, how they were using the estate to shelter those in need.

Stretching to see what her men watched from the carriage window, the blonde smiled at the lit windows, welcoming all. We’re almost past the gates, she announced settling back in the crook of Robin’s arm. And Adam, when we arrive, best manners, a light meal and bed for you! We do not want to impose on the household, she winked at her son. Their foundling had an appetite that matched his growing height.

The carriage rolled through the courtyard, joining other arrivals, to halt in front of a brightly lit grand entrance. A doorman pulled open the carriage door, offering her a hand down. Waiting for Robin and Adam, Llyres wrapped her cloak tightly around her travel leathers. First order of business was to change into appropriate garb.
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Because Nice Matters....|Captain Silver Sun| DN| REN|THC

Alixandra wastes no time responding to the offer.

"Thank you Sergi. Thank you lady. Jah bless." She lets the man help her into the coach.

She sits in the seat, wrapping her arms around herself. " 'preciate you stopping for me like that. Almost there, but it feels like it's gettin' to a whole new level of cold." She smooths out her robe's skirt, looking at the woman, probably comparing their clothing.

She smiles out the window at Sergi. "I'm afraid if you two hadn't stopped you would have run me off again. The side of the road is getting muddy I'm sad to say."

Sergi smiles as he accepts the lady's thankfulness."It was no trouble at all Mi' Lady.We all are humbled in jah's grace." Sergi smiles as he mounts his horse again and closely follows the carriage as the snow drops faster.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuBPg1D7_O8

the world is a marvelous place... so new... so fresh... wonder where mom and dad are taking me?

At the Hawthorne Inn in Holywell...


“Ah, Eleri, I faint, I die…your spurns are like the prick of a needle to my heart swollen and sick with affection…” Rhys tossed his sun kissed brown hair over his shoulder and grabbed at his chest dramatically, affecting a very manly swoon before the tavern maid who, in turn, rolled her eyes and swatted him away.

“Well, then, if I keep at it perhaps I’ll deflate your ego in the process,” she wiped her hands on a well used towel used for wiping down the tables at the Hawthorne Inn and turned back to filling a tray crammed full of ale tankards with a thick yeasty smelling brew that sloshed as she poured.

Rhys persisted in his protest, “Forget that rusty old sea barnacle. You need a strapping young man to compose love sonnets in your honor and…”

“Save it for the court ladies, Rhys. Your silver tongue will avail you nothing here in Holywell.”


Suddenly, the door to the inn swung open and a very young lad garbed in a seaman’s cast off clothing stood backlit in the doorway panting. “Mistress…Eleri…?” the lad looked around uncertainly, clutching a letter in his frail hands as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer light of the inn’s tavern.

Eleri set the tray down in the midst of a group of thirsty looking sailors, who eyed the lad only briefly before returning to the far more interesting matter of ale. “What is it, boy?” Eleri bent down to place a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder in reassurance.

“Rh…Rhys…a letter for Rhys.” The boy held onto the letter as if it were a thing of inestimable worth, his teeth suddenly chattering from the chill that flowed in from the sea on the December air.

“Come in here, lad, come in and warm yourself by the fire. Rhys is here,” she shooed the boy in and closed the tavern door, waving a hand for Rhys to come attend to the letter, which he did, the messenger’s entire demeanor suddenly changing as he attended to business.

Eleri wrapped the harbor clerk’s lad in one of her shawls and fixed him a bowl of stew while Rhys flicked the letter open and read it once over, then again, his eyes going wide. “The Earl of Pembroke is staying here, isn’t he Eleri?” Rhys asked with eyes still fixed on the words written on the page.

She nodded and tipped her chin up to take in the expression of the royal messenger from where she knelt next to the boy, tucking the woven shawl over his bare arms as he ate greedily. “He should be upstairs at this hour. Came back some time ago from the docks, if I’m not mistaken. Room furthest down the hall on the right.”

Rhys nodded and turned as if to go, quickly turning back in afterthought. “Um, how are your stocks, my lovely Eleri?” he flashed her his most suave smile which made the tavern maid’s eyes fill with suspicion.

“Amelia says that the Princess will be needing several things and rather in a hurry, if your ladyship would oblige me?” he winked and explained the contents of Amelia’s letter as succinctly as he could while Eleri grasped her chest in shock and took a few moments to catch her breath. At last, she snatched the letter from Rhys’ hand and looked it over with a practiced eye.

“I will see this is taken care of and the goods delivered to the docks. You go up those stairs this very instant and speak with the Earl.”

“Your wish is my command,” Rhys bowed in an exaggerated flourish and bounded up the stairs to knock on the Earl of Pembroke’s door.



Royal Messenger to Princess Jennet