[ORP]Merryweather Fortress

ahh food would be excellent my Love

* stands and bows to the young lady

a pleasure to be sure

that sounds excellent my Love

good bye young lass

hope we see you back here soon

As she filled her plate with the wonderful food Schnee had prepared, Veroncia heard her big brother's voice and her smile widened. She quickly put her plate down and ran to him, hugging him tightly.

"Oh, Paddy! It is about time you showed up! I thought for sure the smell of this delicious food would have brought you about sooner. How have you been, hon?" V smiled as she pulled away from her brother and looked at him closely. "Seems Snow has kept you well fed and cared for, no surprise there I must say...", she said as she winked and tried to hide her smile.

"And Snow...I would love to take the ride to search out the perfect Christomas tree with you. I will be ready as soon as I am finished eating...All I seem to be doing lately..." V laughed again as she picked her plate up and sat down to eat.
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After many hours of travel, they arrived at the Carlisle Prospective. Aiiane had dozed off and on, but had been awake during the last leg of the journey. What she saw did not hearten her. Little had changed since the war. Buildings looked dark and abandoned and she’d not seen many homes with apparent habitation along the road into town. Mostly what was seen were the bivouacs of the many military units. Did nothing ever change upon the frontier?

Rooms were secured, although it was not easy for there were many rooms taken by the officers whose men were out in the camps. A room was secured for her and Josina to share and one for Toby and Nicolas. The guards, driver and footman would make their bedding in the stables with the coach and carriage. Toby carried their luggage to their rooms and Nicolas carried the sleeping Josina.

The following morning, much refreshed, they sat around the table breaking their fast. Nicolas had been scouting about and gave her the news that could be had. Most, as usual, were tight-lipped about the goings on in Carlisle – ever fearful of giving the opposition the advantage. Aiiane only hoped the many groups who defended Cumberland and England had at least learned to trust one another. He had seen Lord Gregarious, but had not had speech with him as he was in conference with other military leaders. Nothing new there either, Aiiane thought.

After hearing Nicolas’ report, Aiiane decided she would only make one stop here, although it was out from Carlisle.

Once all was in readiness for travel, they struck out for Merryweather Fortress. Here also were there festivities and it was not difficult to gain entrance into the courtyard. The dove grey coach drew to a halt and the footman dismounted his post to open the door, bearing Aiiane’s crest, pulled out the step and placed it upon the grown. He then assisted, Aiiane and then Josina from the interior. Toby had secured the reins and dismounted from the driver’s perch and Nicolas had dismounted and tied his horse to the coach’s boot.

Aiiane was dressed in her favorite color, a deep forest green; the brocade overskirt puffing over an underskirt of cloth of gold. The bodice and sleeves were made of the same brocade. Peeping just over the top of the bodice and puffed out of the slit in the sleeves was a heavy gold silk chemise with matching lace. Strings of pearls and emeralds dressed her neck, ears and hair. The chemise was pulled to a vee and attached just at the top of the bodice by the fleur brooch that had been a gift of Lord Gregarious so many years ago. He’d had it commissioned from a element of his personal coat of arms and it was ever upon her person, even when it was not visible.

The dark coloring of Josina was accentuated with a deep burgundy gown, using the same cloth of gold for her underskirt but using a white chemise that made the red pop. Aiiane had authorized the use of Lady Brianna’s favorite sapphire jewelry to adorn the child’s neck and hair. Hooded cloaks, made from the matching material of their gowns and lined with mole fur for warmth finished their ensemble.

Toby and Nicolas, recruited for their tuneful ears as well as for their baritone and tenor voices, were outfitted in the de Grey livery. Dark gray, finely woven wool, piped in scarlet silk with black leather accoutrements completed their outfits. As they would be traveling about Cumberland for their wassailing, a contingent of guards had also been assembled, outfitted with the de Grey livery also.

They grouped together near the entrance to the Hall. Toby gave them the tone on his pitch pipe and they began their song.

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And Jah bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And Jah send you a Happy New Year.

We are not daily beggers
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children
Whom you have seen before
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And Jah bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And Jah send you a Happy New Year.

Good master and good mistress,
As you sit beside the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who wander in the mire.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And Jah bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And Jah send you a Happy New Year

We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And Jah bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And Jah send you a Happy New Year.

Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a cheese,
And of your Christmas loaf.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And Jah bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And Jah send you a Happy New Year.

Jah bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And Jah bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And Jah send you a Happy New Year.

* with a tear in his eye, and a cheer in his voice Paddy clapped loudly in applause. then stepping forward he embraced his dear friend

Aiiane, it honours us greatly to have you here with us this day

* turning to Marklin his man about the house

please bring warm food and plenty of hot drinks for these wonderful people

let the festivities run hard

Snowlynx opens the doors into the Grand Hall.
The twins both hanging on either side of her skirt ends.
Paddy walks over from the end of the Grand hall, where him and Johnny were setting the Christomas tree up and securing it.
Snow picks up Alexis.
Paddy bends down and picks Jules up at the same time.
From behind them they can hear others coming from the other rooms to also listen to the carolers.

After they were done,
"That was beautiful Lady Aiiane. You all were wonderful."
They all give applause. Even the twins imitate and clap, excited.
Snow walks over to the door table and takes two peppermint sticks with bows on them to hang on the tree.
She hands, one to each, Toby and Nicolas, with a pound note snuck in behind the bow. She watches their reaction and quickly puts a finger to her lips,
"Merry Christomas, it is yours."
Snowlynx turns to Aiiane and gives her a hug,
"Welcome to Merryweather, Aiiane, Merry Christomas. Yes, Please come in and warm yourselves by the fire. We have some fresh hot cocoa. We will be trimming the tree, shortly."
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Thanks For Making Me a Fighter!

Aiiane returns the hug, “Thank you for the warm welcome, Lady Snow, Lord Paddy. Merry Christomas to all within this house. As this is the first year I have had Josina in my care and I wished to do something special for her. We have been traveling all about Cumberland and I do believe it has been a better gift to us than we thought to give to others.”

She noticed Toby and Nicolas with their gifts, making their way outside to share with the others in the phalanx which accompanied and guarded Aiiane and Josina. The girl still held on to Aiiane’s hand as they moved towards the fire to warm themselves. Aiiane took up a cup of the cocoa and handed it to Josina before taking a cup for herself. “Most excellent”, she exclaimed after taking a sip, “and we would love to stay for a short while to watch you dress the tree, but then we must be upon our way. We have one more town to visit before we are through.”

On Christomas day she arrived at the gate of Merryweather Fortress. The ride from Egremont was not long compared to the journey north. Caitilin threw back the hood of her cloak and announced herself to the guard.

Would you tell Lord and Lady Douglas that their cousin from the south is here, Caitilin?

The man nodded, remembering the lady, and let her pass. Cait gave him a smile and wished him the best of the day. She gave Dancer her heels and headed for the main fortress entrance. A groom greeted her as she dismounted and promised the best care for her mare. As he lead Dancer away she called back... Wait! From the saddle bags she removed a few items wrapped in skins and then nodded. Merry Christomas, lad. and then tossed him a sovereign.

Caitilin had dug deep in the stores she had brought north with her. The loss of their home in Plymouth had destroyed much they had. From a trunk she extricated a few bottles of her last remaining mead.

The keep was brightly lit and the sounds of the season echoed all around. Caitilin stomped the snow from her boots and a servant took her cloak. The warmth of friends and family surrounded her her. Thank you Jah. she whispered as she entered the room where merriment could be heard.

It was Aiiane's beautiful voice she heard as she entered. Caitilin smiled. When she had finished singing she raised her voice above all. May I wish this house the blessings of the season...Merry Chistomas! Cait hugged everyone in sight. and then handed the bottles to Paddy. I bring some sweet summer wine to warm us. She winked playfully.
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Forever is not long enough to love you. ~CoH~ Countess of Wigton

thank you Cait

you are a minx

and welcome indeed

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Wife to Kelster Wallace; Baroness of Hawkshead, Viscountess of Whitehaven; Goodbye my King!

oh look her Snow, a most lovely letter from Hik. she is such a dear lass

Snowlynx reads the missive.

I have not been to Eggy for such a long time. I would love to take a trip to go visit their home. I have a gift for her little one coming. In fact, I have something I was saving for Alexis, but she will not be able to use it for many years, it would be perfect for their new daughter to use.

We should send missive that we will come for a visit, very shortly.
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Thanks For Making Me a Fighter!

Jamie enjoys a hard work out in the court yard. The lads of Merryweather Guard certainly know their business was all Jamie could think as he surveyed a few welts ad bruises that were developing on his arms and right leg.

* wrapping his arm about Tawny's shoulder he plants a kiss on her forehead

sure you can Love

V will be so happy to have your company

what do you think Snow?

Snowlynx smiles as Tawny speaks, knowing the visit had more to do with the lad Jibbs then V. Snow thinks for a moment and responds,
I would prefer that you did not ride alone to Clifton Manor, Tawny.

I have plans to ride over to the Wallace Castle for a visit. I have a few gifts to deliver there. Thanks for reminding me I have a couple to Clifton, also.
We will escort you over to Clifton Manor on the way.

Not waiting for a response Snow steps in the hall, speaks to the guard.
Go tell Captain Johnny, to have Lucy Girl saddled and a mare for Tawny.
We will travel to Clifton Manor and Wallace Castle.
I want a retinue of 5 ready within the hour for an escort.
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Thanks For Making Me a Fighter!