Arcaea/Dining Hall/Wedding Plans
Jenred stretched happily. The latest news was very good, and all was looking right with Arcaea for the time being. And...At the moment, he was walking over to Edara's suite from his writing room, to have a long-overdue chat.
He smiled as he entered, quickly crossing the intervening space and holding her close against him, giving a quick kiss to her nose.
"Good evening, ke'chara?"
He smiled wider as she made a small affirmative sound, nuzzling against his shoulder.
"Mine too...And...I was hoping that we could have our chat about the wedding. I've been meaning to talk with you about it for a while, but things have just been busy, what with the food, and Nocaneb, and our respective relations...But now seems a good time, unless you're busy."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Edara cuddled against Jenred happily; it had been nice to have him home for a couple of days and simply…live like regular people for a bit. Each doing their own work, but taking meals together and talking together and thank-the-gods sleeping in the same bed together. Even with all the company…they’d had a lot of time to catch up and just be together…one thing they hadn’t quite gotten to though…
“Oh…yes, we should talk about the wedding. I’m not really sure how we’ve managed not to talk about it, really. I’ve certainly been thinking about it…a lot…and it sounds like you’ve been thinking about it…so, it’s kind of funny that we haven’t…thought about it together,” she smiled at him and reached up to stroke his face, “I can’t wait to call you my husband.”
She sighed happily…thinking how proud she would be to be his wife…and held him closely.
“I don’t really know much about weddings…I went to my mother’s…when she married Grafan…and I’ve seen servants and village folk get married. Mother’s wedding was…horribly formal and solemn, and the village weddings were more of a party…lots of fun. I guess what I’d really like…is something in between that. Something really beautiful and special…but still fun for everyone…something that…,” she flushed, “Something that shows…our love…”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
It always amazed Jenred how the littlest things could just take his breath away. When she told him she couldn't wait to call him husband...He had to pause and just hold her for a long moment before his voice would work again.
"Yes...We can't have something too formal...Weddings are supposed to be happy, not boring. I think...Well, it will be at a tournament, so I think the first few days will just be a big party, as tournaments always are. Save the real ceremony until the last day. We're going to have quite the guests, though, when I asked about it before several of the high-ranking members of the Church told me they would come, and, well, that was before our new titles and positions. The ceremony will have to be a fairly formal event, but...There's no reason it can't be joyous."
Jenred's hand went up to caress the side of her face, and she sighed happily, resting against it.
"After all...The only thing we really need is us, and a Priest. The only plans I had for the ceremony itself were for us to recite our vows to each other, and the Priest to bless it in the name of the Aenil. And I think doing it on the tournament grounds, in the open air...Beyond that, and being dressed in our finest, I don't think we need any real pomp and circumstance."
Jenred kissed the top of her head.
"Really...I just want to show off to the whole world that I'm the luckiest man alive..."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
“Oh…Jenred…” Edara reached up to kiss him tenderly; her eyes suddenly moist. He never failed to make her feel special and…gods…so loved.
“That sounds…just right…I’m so glad that it will be outside and not in a temple…I never think that the gods can possibly like the buildings that people build as much as they like what they build themselves, do you?” she felt suddenly silly, “…I mean…like trees and clouds and things…” Edara tapered off before another thought occurred to her…
“Oh…Flowers…I’d like flowers and greenery. Lots and lots. And music. Beautiful music…I love music…that’s all really.”
She looked up at Jenred…love suddenly swamping her…if he thought he were lucky…surely the gods were smiling on her every day.
“I would…I would be just as happy if it were just you and me…tomorrow,” she grinned at him, “But it is nice that we’ll have family…I’m not sure that I would feel properly married without Uncle Dougal there…OH…I almost forgot to tell you…Uncle says that Mother and Grafan are coming…here…to see us and attend the wedding…”
Edara hugged Jenred tightly, “I can’t believe that Mother’s coming all this way to see me,” she smiled…a happy smile, yet also vaguely…wistful.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
"Then flowers and greenery you shall have...And if you hadn't insisted on music, I would have!"
Jenred grinned, but his grin faded a little as he thought about her...parents.
"I'm not surprised they're coming...You a Duchess, myself Royal Ambassador...I'd imagine they must be very...proud."
Jenred's mouth twisted a little. He had a feeling he knew exactly how they were going to act...And it was going to have nothing to do with Edara, and everything to do with their ambitions. He was going to have to talk to Dougal about that...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
“Do you think that…they will? Be proud?” Edara bit her lip and looked worried for a moment, then with a bit of a shake she smiled again, “Oh, they must be…I know that they could never have expected that I would…have done so well…and in such a short amount of time. Oh, and won’t they just love you!”
She smiled even more broadly, “I can’t wait until you meet Mother…she must be so surprised that I’m getting married…she never thought…” she faltered, “I mean…she used to say…well…I’m sure that she’s surprised, anyway.”
Edara gave Jenred a crooked smile, “My Mother is the most beautiful woman…and so elegant…she’s like a painting…everyone falls in love with her. She always had ever so many suitors…before Grafan I mean,” she added uncertainly.
“Oh, but they are going to love you,” Edara hugged him happily.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred kept his thoughts on this to himself. He was quite sure that Edara's mother would not "love him". In fact, if he had anything to say about it, "run in terror from him" was going to be closer to the truth. But there was no point in telling Edara that. It would only upset her needlessly. Hm, but this step-father...He wondered how attached to him she was. Maybe he could do something to him...
"How could any parent not be proud of their daughter, who a bare year after arriving in a new realm was already a Duchess? Mm, but tell me a little of this Grafan...He must be quite something for your mother to choose him if she had so many suitors. When did they marry, anyway?
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
“Grafan…oh…” Edara thought, “They must have wed…perhaps a year before I came to Arcaea. He is quite handsome, I suppose, and very…well-groomed. Mother met him in the city…he was widowed and had two daughters of his own to care for, so I suppose they had a lot in common.”
She bit her lip again, “I think…I think there may have been…well, there was some sort of disagreement…about money…between him and Mother. I’m not really certain exactly what…I just heard Mother…she was angry one time…make a remark to him…anyway…they came back to Aureus to live after they’d been married a few months…opened up the house…and I went to live with them.”
Edara sighed, “Mother was…disappointed…in me…and in how Uncle raised us…which was a bit wild, to tell the truth…and she didn’t like me spending time training…oh…and she was horrified that we ran about with the Traveller’s. Grafan was quite pleased that I had been training up to soldier, though…he was full of stories of war and glory and foreign lands and adventure…” Edara laughed, “Not stories of his own, mind—he was never in battle…just…he made everything sound so exciting…and…well…here I came, didn’t I?”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred's smile thinned. It seems her stepfather was either smarter or more cold-blooded than her mother...He'd have to find out which. Only a year...He could probably get away with killing him...Although, alas, probably nothing more than killing. Jenred thought about it. Well, at least until after the wedding anyway. Jenred mentally sighed. Ever since he'd found out about how Edara had been sent off...He'd wanted to slaughter the man. The fires of that particular hate had grown over time, not diminished...
"Well, I agree with Dougal. Training in the fighting arts is never wasted...And life is meant to be lived. You'll have to tell me about these Travellers though, I don't think I've ever heard of them...Not by that name, anyway."
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Edara grinned at Jenred in delight, “Oh! Have I never told you about the Travellers? Gods bless, that doesn’t even seem possible…they were such a part of our life, really. I guess our Traveller’s didn’t really actually travel that much, though some clans do…ours were more rooted…Uncle let them stay on his land,” she frowned, “Some people chase them off…because…well…because they’re different, I guess, and don’t act…well…not like proper peasants at all.”
She became animated, “Oh, Jenred…we had so much fun…and learned so many interesting things…that’s where Ain and I learned to tumble and where she learned to juggle—I can’t juggle, of course I never practiced as much as she did, but I can do more tumbling tricks then she can, so I guess that’s fair—and they had the best parties with music like you’ve never heard before and glorious dancing…and the horses…” she gave a deep sigh of joy.
“They have the best horses…our Traveller’s were breeders…and you should see them ride…I only ride so well as I do because I learned from them…but, that’s what led Uncle Dougal into horse breeding himself…using their stock as his base. Uncle is very good friends with the head of their clan…he respects him, I think…which sounds…sort of…well, it’s not done, is it…but…they…if you knew them…they were so proud and even though they were like the peasants, they weren’t,” Edara looked confused for a moment, “They…aren’t tied to the land…they’re tied to their families…their clans…and they have their own language…well…anyway…we had great fun with them…but Mother was horrified when she came back home and discovered that I’d been running wild with ‘dirty Gypsies’ and put her foot down.”
Edara grinned wickedly at Jenred, “Not that that ever stopped me…I was pretty good at sneaking out.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred laughed, all thoughts of vengeance driven off by Edara's delighted tale.
"That sounds rather wonderful...These Travelers sound something like the Hawk people I knew...That's where I learned ke'chara and ashke and a few other things...Ran into them in my adventuring days. And...Wait. Tumbling? I never knew you could do tumbling tricks..."
Jenred trailed off as his mind began wandering. He'd met a few tumblers in his time, and they were all very flexible, and could do the most amazing things in be-hm. He'd have to bring that up sometime...
"Actually...I'd really like to see some of those. I've always enjoyed watching tumblers at work..."
Jenred looked down at her hopefully...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
“Oh…Hawk people…I would love to hear about them…what a fabulous name!” her happy smile shifted to consternation, “I’m sure that I told you that I could do tricks…well…” she added thoughtfully, “I do tell you an awful lot of things…all at once.”
She grinned up at him, “I would be happy to show you any tricks that you like, but I’m not really dressed for it,” she indicated the dress that she was wearing, “I’d need to take this off…it’s hard to flip over with all these skirts and things…easier in trousers…”
Edara’s smile turned wicked, “Or without them…”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
it had never once crossed his mind to watch a tumbling performance...while the performer was naked...and her breasts...oh...mmm...
His trousers suddenly felt quite confining, and he barely managed to speak at all...
"Ah, yes...that would...yes...please?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Edara stretched up to kiss him once more…not so tenderly this time…before backing away from him…unlacing the front of her gown as she did so…
“Now…Jenred, my love…how much of my tumbling will you actually let me show you, I wonder?” she laughed, exulting in the hungry look on his face.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred made a small noise.
"I'd...well...tumbling is nice...want to watch...but...yes...not sure...how long...might have to..."
He stopped as she grinned impishly and silenced him with a kiss as she finished slipping out of her gown. Then he couldn't speak anyway. Thinking was also diff-oh, by the gods. He'd never imagined what that would look...oh...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Jenred sighed happily and stretched, hugging Edara against him as she lay sleeping. So beautiful lying there...He could hardly breathe, just watching...
After a long, long time...He felt her roll over, eyes still closed, and nuzzled up against him. He kissed her forehead and pulled her tight against him, just luxuriating in the feel of her against him, until she finished waking up. When her eyes finally open, she looks up, smiling, and gives him a loving kiss. And, today at least...That's all. Just...kissing and holding. Jenred summons a servant to fetch a meal for them, and point-blank refuses to let go of Edara with his left arm, holding her all throughout the meal. Fortunately, the cooks were familiar with this by now (Jenred silently blessed Idelle again) and all his food was bite-sized and easy to eat one-handed.
Once breakfast finished, they cuddled a little longer, talking sometimes, and just enjoying the other's company. Eventually, though, Edara had to go oversee the repairs of Nocaneb, and Jenred was left alone for the day. He was waiting on developments to the Cathay situation, but for the time being...There was not much for him to do.
Except...He still needed to decide what to do about Edara's stepfather. Her mother was, alas, safe...Edara would be horrified if he did anything to her. But this Grafan...Jenred tapped his chin. Idelle might know...And he wanted to talk with her anyway.
Jenred began roaming the halls, trying to find Idelle...
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Idelle was taking a moment in her snug little sitting room just off the kitchens. Breakfast was finished and preparations for the mid-day meal were underway; she had reviewed the week’s menus with the—new—Head Cook; discussed the wintering of the kitchen gardens with the—new—Head Gardener; and, inspected the linens with the—new—Laundress. There were so many things to do, and she had barely a moment to sit and think: she was completely run off of her feet…and she had never been happier…
Once Idelle and the rest of the existing staff had arrived in Nocaneb…she had gotten things straightened out in quick order…sacking and bullying her way through the castle workers until she had people that she could live with and things running smoothly. The state that things had been in was shocking…Idelle didn’t know how Jenred and Edara had stood it. Of course, like as not, they’d had eyes only for each other and so hadn’t noticed. Still…her Lord Jenred could be particular about certain things…funny rascal that he was.
Idelle drank her tea and made a few notes for her afternoon’s activities…
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred had wandered through the kitchens, having heard Idelle might be found around here, and snagged a sweet bun to munch on while he looked. He peaked around the corner and saw Idelle making notes and drinking tea.
"Idelle, there you are...Do you have a moment?"
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Idelle started, surprised to see Lord Jenred poking his head into her sitting room…no business being down in the kitchens, but that man was a law unto himself.
She smiled fondly at him but greeted him with a bit of asperity, “My lord, found your way into the kitchens I see…well, of course I’ve got time for you,” Idelle paused, her eyes narrowed, “There wasn’t anything wrong with your breakfast was there? I told those wenches how you wanted it…sakes, do I have to check everything myself?
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred waved a hand.
"No, no, it was excellent, thank you. I actually wanted to speak to you about Grafan."
Jenred lost the easy smile he'd been wearing for most of the morning.
"Can I take it as given that he's the cold-blooded murder who would send his step-daughter to die in a foreign war that I've been assuming he is? And, if so, how distraught do you think Edara would be if I killed him? Could I maybe get away with torturing him for a bit? Or maybe more than a bit?"
Jenred tilted his head to the side, his eyes smoldering with barely-contained rage.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Idelle looked at Jenred with her mouth open for a long moment, then she sighed.
“Grafan…” she paused…considering her words, “…is a snake. I’ve no love for Edara’s mother, but the truth is that he flat out tricked her into believing that he had a great deal of money and esates of his own…” Idelled laughed, “Oh…I wish I’d been there when she found out…I heard that she…didn’t take it well…mind, she misled him herself…he thought that she owned the estates that she’d been living off…of course…they belong to Edara.”
Idelle looked bleakly at him, “There’s no question in my mind that he hoped my lamb would die out here…if you could have heard him…slipping tales into her ears…he’s a subtle one…persuading her that it would be a glorious adventure…slippery as an eel,” she humphed.
“Now…don’t you be getting any ideas about killing him, though…Edara would never understand…she’s no great love for him, but she worships the ground her worthless mother walks on and…no, me boyo, she’d never forgive you, I think.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Idelle looked at Jenred with her mouth open for a long moment, then she sighed.
“Grafan…” she paused…considering her words, “…is a snake. I’ve no love for Edara’s mother, but the truth is that he flat out tricked her into believing that he had a great deal of money and esates of his own…” Idelled laughed, “Oh…I wish I’d been there when she found out…I heard that she…didn’t take it well…mind, she misled him herself…he thought that she owned the estates that she’d been living off…of course…they belong to Edara.”
Idelle looked bleakly at him, “There’s no question in my mind that he hoped my lamb would die out here…if you could have heard him…slipping tales into her ears…he’s a subtle one…persuading her that it would be a glorious adventure…slippery as an eel,” she humphed.
“Now…don’t you be getting any ideas about killing him, though…Edara would never understand…she’s no great love for him, but she worships the ground her worthless mother walks on and…no, me boyo, she’d never forgive you, I think.”
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
Jenred pursed his lips. This was...unexpected. He'd figured he couldn't do anything to Gerda, but why...?
"Idelle...Gerda and Grafan can't be all that close. His death, especially if I sweetened the deal by buying Gerda off to stay the hell away from Edara, couldn't be too hard on her...Idelle, are you sure killing him would be such a big deal...?"
Jenred took another bite of his sweet bun, before a boy ran up with a letter from Goffrey.
"Oh, blast...I have to take this...It's the man who held off that mob and saved Edara, and I can't very well leave him waiting of all people...Think about it, will you? I have to do something to them...Killing after a long bout of torture would be preferred...Just think about it and let me know."
Jenred strode off, hurriedly finishing his bun and leaving word in the kitchen to send refreshments to his sitting room. He wondered...Oh. That letter Arlian had sent him...Could it...? Jenred stifled a laugh. He'd have to see...
He strode out, hailing Goffrey and clapping him on the back.
"How are you, my friend? You know you can call on me at any time. Come in, come in, food and drink should be waiting for us. Is this business or pleasure?"
Jenred grinned broadly.
Sir Jenred Bedwyr Royal Ambassador of Arcaea
Idelle sat…frankly stunned…for sometime after Jenred left her. She’d known, of course that he’d been a shadow-walker, and some sort of monster-hunter when he was younger…but…she hadn’t ever seen him discuss death quite so…coolly…that wasn’t right…he was hot enough about it, but the way he just…tossed it out there…and told her to think about it…
After a bit, Idelle nodded and smiled…he might have a bit of a…dark side…but, she was right fond of that scoundrel, and she was glad enough that his anger was directed at those that hurt her lamb. As for buying off Gerda, she chuckled to herself…well, that just might work at that…there wasn’t anything that useless tart wouldn’t do for money.
And honestly, she thought, getting to her feet to get back to work, the world would not be the less without Grafan in it.
Lady Edara Kindon Duchess of Nocaneb
