Amethise
Tahsa wrote:
Smiling she agreed with Amethise, that she too had been having a great time in the parade. The shortbread I did make but not without some hints from our famous baker Bill. We should have a celebration soon in Mercia, to show off the grand dragon before we take it apart? Perhaps we can get others to bake more delicious sweets too? she said with a big grin.
Looming closer and closer was the Abbey. She gasped at how large a building it was. Have ya seen something so beautiful Amethise? Its grand size over shadowed anything she had ever seen, as she kept looking skyward. Her eyes kept darting around looking for Alun, who had promised to wait for her near the Abbey so that they may attend the ceremony together. The motley throngs of people seemed to push closer and closer to the parade as they got to the Abbey. She felt a few tugs at her skirt and looked to see small, blue eyes looking up at her. She looked in the basket to see only a handful of shortbread left. There ya go, have em. she said with a smile as she handed the basket to the small child. The child's eyes grew wide and she said Thank ya Miss! as she scooted away. Tahsa remembers when she was without means and was hoping to always give back to those when she could. There was something about this trip which brought on an epiphany.
Looming closer and closer was the Abbey. She gasped at how large a building it was. Have ya seen something so beautiful Amethise? Its grand size over shadowed anything she had ever seen, as she kept looking skyward. Her eyes kept darting around looking for Alun, who had promised to wait for her near the Abbey so that they may attend the ceremony together. The motley throngs of people seemed to push closer and closer to the parade as they got to the Abbey. She felt a few tugs at her skirt and looked to see small, blue eyes looking up at her. She looked in the basket to see only a handful of shortbread left. There ya go, have em. she said with a smile as she handed the basket to the small child. The child's eyes grew wide and she said Thank ya Miss! as she scooted away. Tahsa remembers when she was without means and was hoping to always give back to those when she could. There was something about this trip which brought on an epiphany.
Amethise smiled on hearing of Bill offering baking tips; his baked goods were indeed famous in Mercia -- and perhaps further afield, for all she knew. "Well, you made a splendid job of it!" she replied, "I have simply never tasted better shortbread anywhere!"
Tahsa's enthusiasm was infectious, and Amethise couldn't help grinning in response, "A Dragon Disassembling Party back home would be an excellent idea although it may need a much catchier name than that!" She chuckled, before adding, "Many years ago, before I became a weaver, baking was my first profession, and I have been known to produce a cake on occasion since then, although not very often, I must admit."
Following Tahsa's gaze, she looked up at the Abbey as they drew ever closer. "I have been here before for previous coronations and " she hesitated to mention sad events on such a happy day "state funerals " recovering her spirits, she smiled, "but its sheer size and the beauty of the architecture always impress me, just as much as they did on my very first visit."
Smiling at Tahsa's warmth and kindness, as she gave away the remainder of her shortbread, Amethise checked her own basket; only a few pieces were left. On impulse, she handed the basket up to the driver of their wagon, but only after discreetly slipping a pouch of coins inside it -- the promised ale money for the two men, who had served them so well this day. "We may become separated shortly," she told him, "but we shall meet again after the ceremonies are over, to ensure that all is in hand for the journey back to Mercia." She smiled warmly at the two men. "Until then, please enjoy the festivities. Thank you so very much for all you have done -- your service today has been truly invaluable!"
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