|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 6:19 pm
A new nursery.
Bustling about the Manor, Lady Siri sighed, hand poised above two swatches of material. One was a fine grey silk, the other black linen. She was attempting to choose the material to make curtains for a room to be outfitted as a second nursery.
The previous night, she had been informed of all that had gone awry in her short absence, been acquainted with Elsa's grievances, dealt with a fit of sobbing Eydis had indulged in when told Breena would return to their nursery soon, and been privy to the cook's long-winded suspicions about the kitchen maids.
The solution, now so simple, had not occured to her until roughly four hours into an entirely sleepless night. For the aforementioned hours she had tossed and turned over the multitude of problems to overcome, while the hours to pass after a solution occured were wiled away with tears over what she had seen and dealt with before such troubles were launched.
This simple idea was as such; make a seperate nursery for Breena, thus the unwilling siblings would be seperated, and locate Breena's abode away from Elsa's small room. As far away as possible.
In this task she had a very willing helper in Riife, always keen to put forward some mention of Breena's favouring one thing over another. It was refreshing for my lady to see that at least one member of her household shared that unexplainable soft spot for the deathly pale babe she cherished within her breast.
And so since break of dawn had Lady Siri toiled over arrangements, desperately trying to get the basics of the room set down, which room was chosen, the furniture, placement of said furniture, proper toys, fabrics, all that there was to see to. It would take several days, this she could see, and none but Riife would allow her ward to return before all was in place.
It was a shame for those nay-sayers, then, that a certain knock came loud and resounding upon the door before light two mornings after Lady Siri's return.
Cross-posted.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 8:32 am
Back to the Manor. Morning springing slowly over the sleepy sky, the first timid tendrils of grey light crept idly over the dew-kissed earth, catching, with some surprise, the figure of a woman waddling behind a heavily pregnant belly, young babe gripped in her arms.
The face of this woman, as grey light revealed it, was quivering in anger, eyes twitching occasionally onto the child in her arms.
Teeth gritted more in anger than the morning chill, Naita kept a studied silence as she struggled with those of Breena's possessions in her care, and the demon child herself. She didn't care if my Lady had returned. She didn't care if Riife had the house full of rabid sheep. That kid was not staying with her one. second. longer.
The fact she had not eaten for a good hour or so was not helping the bad mood the kid had put her in, and it was likely Goliath himself would have quivered in his boots at the sight of an enraged, pregnant, Naita.
Breena, however, did not.
Instead, the child looked postively cheerful. Her black eyes sparkled, a smirk snaked over her rosebud mouth, she was right pleased with herself.
At last, that familiar red bricked building rose upon the view of our heroine, and with a burst of speed unbelievable in one so laden, the woman hastened up the drive.
It was a matter of a very few minutes before she was slamming her fist on the great oak doors, hollering for Riife to come out and face the music.
At length, the butler, rather bleary-eyed, answered the door, brow quirked in query at his old friend.
She, eyes narrowed, thrust the babe into his arms, exclaimed "your problem now," turned tail, and headed for home.
She was not a fan of children.
Cross-posted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:25 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 8:33 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:49 pm
The newlyweds.
And within, the movements of a pair on the polished wood floor noted the small signs of life springing up.
Gazing out the window for a moment, Linaia's eyes then travelled to her husband. A very few weeks had passed since their union, and yet how she had grown!
Putting off their wedding until their secret was evident had provoked knowing looks in the priest to perform the ceremony, but had guaranteed them no chance for her family to attempt to hush up the matter, send her away to be little more than a blot on the Siri dynasty's history. She would not have been the first.
But now, she was safely married to a man that adored her, with a child swelling inside her.
A hand snaked around her middle, pale almost as the crypt. With a smile, she turned to meet her beloved, sealing his lips with her own.
When the embrace came to an end, Aelus' hand remained on her stomach, and with a blissful look, he smiled down at that growing waistline.
"What shall we name it, darling?" came that soft, deep voice, as his dark eyes locked with her own.
"Do you think it will be a boy, or girl?"
Entwining her fingers with his own, she laughed.
"At this size, both, I should think!"
In truth, she was a good deal larger than she had expected at this point in the second trimester, and the thought of a pair of children loomed high in her mind.
"And if it is twins, Aelus, shall we cope?"
His answer, "undoubtedly," came hoarse and almost inaudible as he dropped another kiss on her.
~~~
The coach was not brilliantly sprung, for it leapt and jarred on the road, leaving it's inhabitants clinging to the straps swaying from the ceiling.
At least they were nearing home now, for out of the window the sea could be seen, glistening in the afternoon sunlight, a golden ray catching on the crest of each wave, sending a beam of light skittering away to play with it's brethren.
The beaches were forming, too, a sure sign they were near.
Out of the cool waves sands began to rise, jagged and pebbled at first, gradually fading into the more established, finely pressed sands which had that gift of appearing as soft and mobile as the water itself.
And out of these layers of white sand came the first few buildings, first just the sheds and dock-buildings, then shops, houses, marvels of architecture and wrecks alike, all seeming to smile upon the happy couple as they passed.
Home.
The word had been so long simply a part of Linaia's mind, and yet now it danced before her eyes, scented the tangy sea air, was a gentle murmur on her lips. They were home. And the Manor waited.
It took twenty minutes from sight of the first building to catching a glimpse of the Manor. The buildings had fallen away, giving way to trees, greenery, and that cobbled road which would, once through the park, feed into the drive of that beloved building.
Anticipation building, Linaia clung to her husband's arm, face a mixture of excitement and fear. What if Naita did not wish her return? What if she was away at court, and worst of all, what if she had alerted their father?
Finally, the drive began beneath the hooves and wheels of the carriage, and leaning to see best, the familiar red bricks came into view.
It was, in truth, breathtaking to approach, and the woman marvelled quietly away.
The bricks shone almost golden in the day's late light, each of the many windows winking as a beam hit it, and those huge oak doors standing proud, inviting visitors into the atrium.
The horses drew to a halt. The breath caught it Linaia's chest, and a footman handed the pair down.
The next few moments were a blur. Ringing the bell, the greeting from Riife as he embraced each, and then a girl's scream above stairs.
So little had changed. Riife, warm and yet proper as ever, Breena torturing Ceiba, and Lady Siri, her dear sister, allowing her young Eydis escape.
Aelus, Linaia, Riife, Ceiba and Breena were all seated, the adults discussing their travels, before Naita returned, her eyes widening as she caught first her sister's face, then girth.
Running forward first to kiss Linaia's cheek, then congratulate her, the young woman exclaimed;
"Why, you must be about to pop!"
A laugh met this.
"I hope not just yet, sister. But soon there may be two more children in this place."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:15 pm
Changes in the Manor.
As the early afternoon wore on, a chill wind rippled through the air, a tiding of winter's coming wrath. It came from the west, billowing the curtains and disturbing a babe from her light slumber.
Breena's lids fluttered momentarily, before the light of day came streaming in, a knocking at the door toying momentarily on her sleep-drenched mind. A soft blanket of ebony curls fell over one side of her face as she pushed herself up in the crib, keen gaze sweeping about the room.
In an armchair by the open window Lady Naita Siri sat, completing a piece of embroidery for yet another nursery in the process of completion.
That nursery, unlike the one currently housing her youngest ward, Breena, would not be coated with black silks, a chest full of items to delight the youngster locked for safety. The dagger to most delight the babe worried Lady Siri no end.
But for now, her mind was clear of such worry, the plans of purple bedding and cheerful embroidery on walls interrupted by curiosity as to who could be calling.
Standing, the woman stopped to kiss the pale youngster before continuing out the door, ceasing on the landing, gasp caught in her throat.
There, stood in the doorway, imparting some greeting upon Riife, was a familiar figure. Golden hair shining in a sudden, inopportune (in her eyes) burst of sunlight, strong figure accented by the garb of a court guard, was Eshal. Eshal, a man to have known her since childhood, to have made far too bold, and a man who yet drove her to distraction for no apparent reason.
Applying as haughty an expression as possible when so shocked, Lady Siri nodded her sister back into her room. The expectant mother had stolen out to greet their guest, but the sight of a court official struck any joy from her face. Why should any from there be in such a place as the Manor? Could her father have learned of her union? What consequences would there be?
Linaia safely tucked away, Lady Siri continued down the stairs, meeting Eshal with as unfriendly an eye as she could muster.
"Sir," she greeted him coldly, though this manner had no effect on his obvious look of admiration.
"My Lady," he replied, "I bring terrible news from court."
Though his eyes never left her, his features faltered, a frown burgeoning on his brow.
"You may wish to be seated."
Grey eyes narrowing for a moment, Naita obeyed, depositing herself on a red velveteen sofa and meeting his blue gaze.
What possible news worse than that she had known could come? She had lost her mother and baby brother but days before her brother's execution. There was little sadness left for her family.
"Your father discovered your sister's return."
So fate still had tricks up her sleeve after all. Lady Siri shuddered at the thought of his wrath.
"He disowned Linaia once he heard of it, feeling it an insult to his late wife and sons. In truth, he had been ill for a time when he heard the news."
Though this fate for her sister was horrifying, the woman was sure there was more, from his manner.
"He died last night, before sending this letter to your sister;"
here he delivered her an envelope, the Siri seal pressed into the burgundy wax. Much the colour, she mused numbly, of blood. Fitting, of late.
"His fortune falls on you, m'lady," Eshal continued on, though Naita had long since ceased hearing.
"However, the duchy, unless an heir is produced within the next half year, will become void. I hold myself at your disposal for the legal proceedings."
At this, she merely blinked, a single tear glistening on her lashes.
"And I wish you my heartfelt sorrow," he said last, before dropping a kiss on her hand and instructing Riife to bring her some wine.
With that, he bowed and was gone.
Cross-posted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:01 am
Trudging through the snow, wrapped in many layers of clothing, a young woman approaches the great manor. Tucked neatly under her arm is a package - a gift. Gently placing it upon the doorstep, the girl quickly slips away again. A small note is tapped to the brown wrapping, Note Eydis, This book came to me, but I am not sure how. I wish you luck with it, though I must confess, I do not know what it contains! ~Allie Inside the packaging contains a mysterious book of ice~ 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:22 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:52 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:45 pm
 A return, wiser and older.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:53 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:42 pm
Back, Eshal?
Mere days had passed since the arrival of Aelus and Linaia's twins, and The Manor was scrambling to return to it's quiet routines, while allowing the arrival of new ones.
Each morning wore a little longer, for as well as two toddlers, a young girl and the adults to ready, there were two newborns, unable to last the night without awaking some portion of the inhabitants a few times.
Thus a knock, coming early in the day, found the house ill at ease to answer immediately. Riife was above-stairs dealing to an incident between Breena and Ceiba, Elsa was styling my Lady's hair, the nursemaid was dressing Eydis, and Linaia and Aelus were holed up in the hind-parlour, simply admiring their twin children.
The visitor sighed, eyed the watch dangling from his waistcoat, and knocked again. It was unlike Lady Siri to allow her hospitality to lag behind.
At last Riife, rather flushed and with Breena on one hip, flung the door open.
"Apologies, sir," he breathed, before waving the man in.
In he trudged, tall figure denoting power, training. He still wore the King's livery on his chest, though relieved of his mail when not on official duty. The livery was instead small, tucked above the heart on his coat, grey apparel doing little to play up that swathe of flaxen hair, that tanned skin.
His form folded carefully into one of the velveteen chairs in the reception room, and with a surety of manner the butler was informed the visitor wished to see my Lady, he fancied himself of some use.
It was a short wait behind Naita ushered herself into the room, though she stopped dead once through the door. Those grey eyes widened, one hand fluttered, yet was pinned back down to her side. Still and silent she remained for a moment, before at last her voice was found, her legs once more drove forward.
"Back already, Eshal?"
"Indeed, ma'am. I heard of the arrival. Has your family an heir?"
How he had known she dared not guess, and pausing to seat herself, she nodded.
"We do indeed. Named for his grandfather."
Eshal, too, nodded, his eyes never leaving her for a second.
"The King is ill," he stated, shortly.
"His eldest son, Lucien, is acting as Regent until the death we all know is imminent. I would advise you address him, state the boy's birth, and beg his rightful title. He is young enough to feel for the child, though the issue of fortune is beyond even him."
Lady Siri's eyes met the man's, her face taken over by her thoughts.
He nodded once more.
"Compose the letter, I will return for it."
Cross-posted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:42 pm
Dear Sir.
To His Royal Highness Prince Lucien,
Dear Sir, on hearing of your appointment to Regent, I felt it incumbent upon myself to write, not only with the humblest wishes for the recovery of your father, but with news that will I hope, in time, allow a Siri to once more sit at court.
My sister and her husband were recently borne of twins, the elder of the pair of the male gender. Given the circumstances surrounding my father's death, his is a precarious position.
My sister, as you will know, was disowned, but matters in the late Duke Siri's will dictated that were a boy born to either myself or my sister within the mourning period, he would have rights to take up the Duchy, though no money from the family would be settled upon him from my father's estate.
I ask that you allow the child, of the name Cassius Linquas, to take up the Duchy. I shall take his wardship upon myself for any official matters pertaining to court, my sister knows it to be impossible for her to return.
I beg of you, sire, to allow a line old as the Kingdom to not die out when an ember still glows.
With best wishes for your highness and your highness' family,
Your humble servant,
Lady Naita Siri.
Cross-posted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:43 pm
Guard no more.
Bleak was the morning Lady Naita Siri chose to walk the grounds of The Manor, alone for the first in a long time.
She had none of the three girls in her charge, nor her sister, brother in law, nephew or niece to keep her company, merely the rustling of her black silk gown, it's every fold chilly in the crisp morning air.
"Last of a dynasty," she sighed to herself, all to aware that the days of the Siri were over. Either the Linquas dynasty would be forged, or her family's toil would come to nothing.
She held no romantic notions of how their family had risen. Politics, innuendos and intrigues had resulted in the sharp claws with which her family both clawed their way up, and guarded their place once there.
And now all for nought, and for what? Foolishness. All frippery and fornication. Such was the Siri legacy, such she hoped to pass on to the latest Cassius?
But such were the ways of the world, and a position based on the lies of others was better than no position at all.
Hoofbeats stole her mind away from this train of thought, a blind hope occuring that it were news of her request speeding her forward with such a burst of speed the single rider almost collided with her at the head of the drive.
In the tumult to pass, insults were heaped upon the skill, intellect and mother of the horsemen, until at last one such remark froze on the woman's tongue, a familiar set of blue eyes laughing down upon her.
"I have no doubt you will forgive the implications upon your mother, Eshal, for the rest I make no apologies," came Lady Siri's icy tones.
"Oh, of course," came the rejoinder from that abused fellow as he dropped from his mount, stepped forward lightly, then, laughing, wrapped his arms around Naita, much to her protestation, his grip vice-like.
"And I make no apologies, either," were his last words before he sealed his lips to hers, almost crushing the breath out of her.
Minutes passed, the entwined pair oblivious to the possibility of being caught, until at last Eshal released his somewhat eager victim, her usually pale face scarlet, her breath coming in bursts.
"Your letter, my lady," he bespoke in jovial accents, before mounting his bay once more.
Before he rode away, however, he shot back one remark;
"I had it with my last commission."
With that, he was off.
Cross-posted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:44 pm
A response.
Lady Siri,
Your nephew is as all Cassius' before him, a Duke.
Please, ensure he is not as all Cassius' before him.
Yours,
His Royal Highness Prince Lucien, Prince Regent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
