A Traveling Visit

MackenzieGael · MackenzieGael on Sun Sep 28, 2008 6:17 am

This story takes place in Shrewsbury, Staffordshire beginning Sept 27, 1456

Her hand slid down the silky black coat of the tall stallion's back but her eyes were lost in the grain of wood opposite his back. It'd been forty five days since leaving Beeston. A moon had come and pass and the days were beginning to have a cold chill in the mornings. Did she miss home or was she content traveling? Aye, it was fun visiting new towns, seeing the scenery of countries so unlike her own. Shrewsbury was as far West as Mac had ever traveled in her life and the people seemed to be in general kind hearted and willing to help, but she had not enjoyed the tavern visits, had not enjoyed the swaying of the wheat field across from the tavern, and had not allowed herself to befriend anyone along the trip. Did she miss Beeston? Mac ran her hand down the horses side, pressing her forehead against his shoulder. Miss Beeston? Not exactly. She missed the man left in Beeston. The man who, even if he didn't know it, still held her heart in his hands. Did he know it? Did he sit at night thinking of her as she did him? The image from the council chambers danced again in her head; that stupid grin splayed across his face as he glanced up from his desk opposite a door with a line of women waiting to see him.

"Och the wee bloo..." She spun around on her heels, closing the stall door and heading with fierce determination from the stables. Enough was enough! She was purging him from her mind, determined to walk until her feet hurt too bad to think, or to get drunk enough it didn't matter anymore. Ah better lay off the whiskey. If they decided to leave in the morn she must be able to balance atop Crusher's back. "I will be more cheerful and make new friends.." She spoke softly to herself bursting into the blackness of the night as it hugged her with twinkling stars. A single light beam cascaded over the ground from the tavern but inside it was quiet and tame. Cecily and Stone were probably above in their room settled for the night. CG had disappeared. Turning to walk toward the other end of town Mac stopped short, hearing the sound of footsteps behind her. "Hello?"

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:13 am

Pillow was restless inside the tavern, they'd been there quite a while and though Aasha didn't mind, and even encouraged him to annoy Ferix and sometimes Red, she didn't think letting him find a corner would be a good idea with Mayor Moose. - Wouldn't be fair for someone who's so nice to me to have to clean up after my pet. - Visions of moose cookies dancing in her head, Aasha got up and motioned for the fox to follow as she walked out of the tavern, virtually unnoticed by the town folk still chatting inside.

Even with the lateness of the hour, Pillow showed no signs of energy loss, and was running around sniffing trees on the path and marking territory as he ran. A smile lit Aasha's face while she watched, the fox could always lift her spirits when he was doing what he did best, it reminded her of her freedom to do as she pleased as well. - Well...what freedom you have within those blasted rules. Why are there so many for women, and so few for men?

Given the time, she was surprised to see someone else ahead, with apparently the same amount of energy as her pet. As she got slightly closer, she studied the form, trying to discern in the darkness if this was a man or lady. When the woman spoke, Aasha froze. The voice was familiar, but why? Eyes straining in the darkness, she tried to dig through memories before she got any closer.

Pillow had other ideas though, and ran straight to the lady, his nose twitching as the smell of horses reached his nostrils. Before he could jump up and sniff more, Aasha called out; Pillow, no. Don't be botherin' nobody now. Hoping this wasn't going to be a huge mistake, she stepped out of the shadows to face the voice she'd not yet placed.

MackenzieGael · MackenzieGael on Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:25 am

While the town was a lot livelier than the ones she'd visited in Worcestershire and in West Staffordshire, Mac didn't expect to meet anyone here on the streets. She had rather hoped to spend time alone thinking, but her thoughts were not happy ones, they were more melancholy and sad so perhaps not thinking was a good thing. She wanted silence and solitude but yet knew she needed speech and company... ahhh why life why?

From the shadows appeared an animal. Not a dog, nor a cat. A fox? Here in town? She studied the creature curiously, his copper colored coat glistening in the stray light from the tavern's windows. He appeared friendly. Was he someone's pet? Squatting Mac held her hand out slowly for him to smell while she spoke in soft undertones, the speech of her home. It's lilting syllables creating a rhythm many animals seemed to find comforting.

"Pillow, no! Don't be botherin' nobody now." A lady's voice preceded her appearance from the same shadows which the fox had come. Mac glanced up quickly offering the lady a smile before turning back to the animal. "Aye so yer name is Pillow?" Her fingers longed to bury in the thick fur and scratch behind the animal's ears but she respectfully waited. "I can see where yer master would think ye make ah good pillow. Good E'ven'n m'lady." She glanced up again with a more genuine smile and studied the figure that had appeared. The lady looked familiar... very familiar but Mac couldn't place her face. Had she ever been to Beeston? There were a lot of travelers in and out of the town, it being on the main route North, but it was seldom she could not remember a face. Och don't worry about it Mac, she thought, you have a lot going on now I'm sure it will come to you.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:35 am

The lilt to the voice was unmistakable, this was a lady Ash new well, and not one she'd thought to see again. But then, the world was smaller than she'd ever thought, after all, this wasn't the first chance meeting she'd had with the lady since Chester. During their last one, this lady had possibly saved her life, and who know what else, due to the infatuation of the wolf with her. Aasha owed her a debt of gratitude the woman would probably never understand, but did she want to let her know who she was? Could she in good conscious not? - Trying to be a lady Ash...you faced the wolf, maybe this is Jah's way of telling you that you need to face her too. Thrice in such a short time? It's definitely a sign of something. -

She was nervous, but hid it well as she continued forward so the moonlight could touch upon her face. Ya, his name is Pillow...an' I'm his friend, not sure 'bout mast'r though. He ken come an' go if'n he wants. She had to look up to meet the lady's eyes, being short as a female had many more disadvantages than it had when she was dressed as a lad. Umm...we done met before m'lady... Changing her tone to the deeper, huskier ones she used as Ash, she continued; ...an' I'm thinkin' I owes ya...

MackenzieGael · MackenzieGael on Mon Oct 06, 2008 5:18 pm

"Och, ye remind me o' things I shouldna be forgettin'. I's been away from home too long. The civilized English ways are settlin' in." Mac chuckled reaching her hand out tentively toward the animal, her fingers lightly touching the crest of his head and running smoothly over to scratch along his ears. "Ye dinna own an animal nor are ye mast'r o'er one. An animal may choose ye but nay the o'her way a'roond."

She glanced up again at the lady, letting her eyes roam freely over her face, curiously. Just where did she know the lass? Beeston? "Ummm. we done met before m'lady... an I'm think' I owes ya..." Owes me? Mac could feel her brain shift into overdrive, running through all the faces she could remember along with names and spare bits of information. When the lady lowered her voice, however, recognition seemed to dawn on her like the break of light in early morn. The laddie! The laddie at the tourney and in Manchester. The laddie Grave swore stole from her. Grave.... Uuurrrgh Mac! Don't think of him.

Her hand ran idly down the foxes back. Why would the lass have dressed as a boy? Was she in trouble? Was she running? Or was it just more fun? Hmmm.... "I must 'member to try that sometime." She chuckled softly under her breath.

"Ahh so twas ye in Beeston at the tourney. And ye in Manchester as well with the tall handsome fella I meant ta help ye there." She offered up another smile, this one more sincere and hopefully more welcoming. The lass looked fearful, as though she would sprint away at any moment. "Why though, do ye say ye owe me?"

aasha · aasha on Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:32 am

Her words made sense, she'd pinned exactly how Aasha felt about Pillow. She wasn't his owner, she wasn't his master, she was just his companion, and considered herself lucky he'd chosen her. She loved him, unreserved. He expected nothing save her presence, there were no rules attached, no second guessing if she was doing things right, just a mutual affection that was special.

She saw the moment recognition came, and braced herself for the lady's reaction. It was curious, the expressions crossing the woman's face so quickly seemed to be that of someone pulled to another time, lost in thoughts just as Aasha was wont to do. The words that came next made no sense. - Probably talking to herself, you do it, I guess you're not crazy after all. Others do too, only out loud sometimes. Good thing your arguing with yourself isn't out loud, folks would be thinking you're nuts. -

Finally, the lady spoke to something she could answer. The smile allowed her to only margionally relax, she wasn't yelling for guards, so maybe she'd live another day away from the gaols. It was me there...an' I'm 'prec'atin' yer help with yer man. Weren't sure I was gonna live through that meetin'. Taking a deep breath, hoping this wouldn't be the same sort of mistake when she met with Grave, she murmured; He was tellin' the truth though...I'm guessin' he gaves ya yer coin back...but I owe ya fer helpin' me, an' fer a skirt.

She tensed back up by the time she finished, and looked around to make sure there were no guards approaching, nor anyone else who might have overheard her softly spoken words.

MackenzieGael · MackenzieGael on Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:21 am

"My man?" That stupid gut feeling was back, like someone had punched her in the stomach and jolted her heart with electricity at the same time. Her man. Grave. At Beltaine he hadn't been her man, though there was no denying the pull, the energy, the attraction between them, and now.... now she had no idea. Do not cry Mac! Her grandfather's low voice came to her soothingly and suddenly she missed him more than ever. She missed home. She longed to crawl in his lap, like she'd done as a child with his strong arms around her and her head on his shoulder while she cried. Cried.

Mac turned her head to the sky, seeming to intently study the sprinkle of stars when instead she was blinking back the tears that threatened to spill over the dam. Aye at one time Grave had been hers. That night at the campfire was magical in every sense. It left her with the wonderful feeling of being loved, cared for, and.... and feeling special. Then it had all gone to hell in a lavishly designed basket called Chester Council. The fact that they hadn't spoke since then ate away at her heart like maggots on a dead carcuss, save that it hurt more than she was sure anyone was meant to feel.

"My coin?" Maintaining control over herself Mac turned back to the small lass, choosing to ignore the question of "her man". There was no need to correct a statement that she didn't know the answer to herself. She wanted him to be but... "Ahh the coin ye stole from me? He dinna return it but nor have I spoke to him in many months. 'Tis okay. If'n I dinna notice it's absence then ye surely dinna take enough to matter and ye seemed to be in much more need than meself. I like to help people, even if unknowingly." She forced a smile although could feel it was weak. Smile and ye'll feel happier no? She was beginning to disbelieve that statement long ago spoken. Smiling didn't change the past nor did it make things better. "Owe me for a skirt? Nay! Twas nay a problem a'tall. Ye merely provided for a wee bit of amusement that day. Seems it were only fair. I pulled McMannanan's kilt down earlier. Ye missed that one did ye?"

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:50 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:The solitude of night pulled her out of the house. No one to see her and ask the many questions she couldn't answer.

You were a duchess and walked away. You spent most of your time angering every force that could lead the demise of your county. And then, you left. Failure, embarassment. Did you leave Stafford better than you found it?

Day after day these words ate away at her. But nothing tore her inside as much as the fact that she found herself agreeing more with the criminals than the law makers. What was she becoming?

Why is it that what I believe to be right is so wrong to those in power?

She stopped. In the scarce light she saw Aasha speaking to some woman. The girl looked worried. Tiff gathered her cloak closer around her and walked toward the pair letting her footsteps fall heavy enough to be heard.

Aasha, I swear you never spend more than a moment in the house. Eventually I'm going to have to get you some outdoors gear or risk you catching ill in the cooling weather. Tiff made sure to stop shoulder to shoulder with Aasha, facing the woman opposite. Her demeanor and posture meant to show protection of the girl. Evening lady. It seems to be a busy evening. I hope it's finding you well.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:51 am

Being so adept at hiding her own emotions, it was easy for Aasha to note that this woman was doing the same. Sometimes, the best thing to do was to not notice, she hoped it was best now, though she couldn't help but wonder what caused this lady's spirit to be down. She gave her all the time she needed to speak, only keeping an eye out for people approaching, this was not a conversation she wanted to explain. The sympathy she was experiencing was new though, not an emotion she expected for a relative stranger. - But then, all strangers don't lie about who they are to protect a body either...not like she did in Manchester. -

So there she stood, until Mac finally spoke. Once again, the acceptance and kindness of people around here shocked her. - Did she really say it didn't matter? Where were all these people when I was growing up? - Then if'n theres somethin' yer ever needin' from me...jus' let me knows. A slight smile and relaxing of tense muscles followed, along with ; M'nahmooonah's kilt? Is that the man what was wearin' a skirt? Thems is called kilts? There was no way she could keep a straight face then, just the thought of a man in a skirt made her grin.

It was at that moment that Pillow barked, and the distinct sound of approaching footsteps was heard. In fact, seemed to Aasha that the footprints were meaning to be heard. She'd already relaxed, and Pillow wasn't growling, so she didn't tense back up. Tiff's voice in the darkness only made her smile grow. She'd missed the lady, more than she'd realized. Don't likes bein' in the house less I gots to be...an' Ellie don't likes me underfoot too much, not since I almost burnt her kitchen when she was teachin' me to bake a cake.

MackenzieGael · MackenzieGael on Thu Oct 16, 2008 3:54 am

Pull yerself together Mac. She chastised herself before standing, brushing down her skirt and giving the fox another scratch behind the ear. Yer not a blubbering idiot, yer a Fraser, a strong intelligent and hardheided one.

"Aasha I swear..." Another voice shifted through the night air and Mac turned to greet the approaching lady. Ye wanted to meet people no? Well here's yer chance! The woman seemed unfamiliar to her but with a grin, this time very genuine, tugging at her lips, Mac quickly noted her stance; the valiant tilt of chin, flashing eyes and shoulders thrown back and even with the small lasses to form a wall. Oh she recognized that power for it was a strength she wielded herself; or had at one time. She needed to find it again, to harness the raw intensity and in the stream find who she was.

"Good Ev'ning m'lady." She smiled again, finding the action a little easier than it had been before. "I were just speaking to me new frien here aboot the tourney held in Chester last fall. And aye lassie, McMannanan were the fella wearin' the kilt." Oh what McMan would say did he hear his kilt called a skirt. She would be sure to mention it to him, if'n she ever saw him again. "He's Scottish an weeell... we rather fancy a man's knees.... so aye 'ees skirts called a kilt."

aasha · aasha on Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:20 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:This was what she loved so much about Shrewsbury. Everywhere you went there were smiles and welcomes. And a rather large lot of people who abused the poor language of English fouly. If she heard Aasha add an unnecessary 's' to something again she was going to scream. Ah well, she's an orphan without the luck of education your mother left you. Imagine how you would sound if your education had been left to your father.

Tiff raised her eyebrows at Aasha. Burnt the kitchen? So that's where that strange soot coloring came from next to my dried herbs. I was wondering about that... She placed her hand firmly on Aasha's shoulder, affecting a frown. And since you like the outdoors so much you can help me pick some replacements for those ruined herbs. The frown quivered and melted into a grin, the expression to hard to keep in face of Aasha's large innocent eyes blinking up at her.

The woman with them explained the Aasha the finer points of man-skirts... kilts. Tiff knew Scotsman tended to be rather less than fond of having their kilts called man-skirts. My dear Lady, I can only assume that Scottish men have much nicer knees than English, for I can't imagine a less romantic site than a bunch of skinny Englishman's peg legs. She extended her hand out. I'm Tiffanyanne, but most people call me Tiff.

aasha · aasha on Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:21 am

She'd never get over how quickly everyone but her called someone friend. She could barely figure out how to trust, let alone relax enough to make friends easily. And forgiving, no one was as forgiving, it shook the foundations of what she thought she knew of human nature. She couldn't dwell on it though, Tiff's hand on her shoulder and frown drew her out. She done chased me out...said I was too wild or somethin' to be helpin' much in theres...i'pat'ent was one of them words she used. She didn't want Tiffany too upset though, so hearing her 'punishment' was reassuring, and almost sounded like fun. I ken help with that. Ain't nothin' likes pickin' weeds to pass a day.

The glimmer of mischief was unmistakable, as well as the amusement even in the wan light. Mac's mention of the skirts,then Tiff's comment about skinny peg legs caused twitching lips to change to a full blown laugh. Ya'll ken fancy men's knees...but them men'll be in trouble when a wind blows and shows their bra'es. That'd be funnier then pegs fer legs.

aasha · aasha on Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:22 am

Mackenziegael wrote:Smiling, Mac took the lady's hand in hers, giving it a light squeeze followed by a smile. There was no better way to push back the emotional feelings than to direct her attention elsewhere and stumbling upon these two new aquaintenances in the dark had been a blessing. "My name is is Mackenzie but everyone calls me Mac. I'm newly arrived in your town from.... weel I hale from Beeston but we've been traveling a good bit lately, stretching our legs and seeing the countryside so to speak."

She dangled her fingers at Pillow, and was rewarded with by his movement to her, allowing her fingers to scrape down his back and back up again soothingly while the two of them listened to the banter between Tiff and the small lass. She still didn't know the girls name, and curiosity was bubbling up in like a brew pot. Why had she been disguised as a laddie? What circumstance left her homeless and without food. Who was the tall handsome laddie whom she'd seen the lass with in Manchester. Beltaine. Manchester. She sighed trying to push those thoughts back into the recesses of her mind. I will not think of him. Will not!

"My dear lady..." Mac found herself back in the conversation and couldn't help but smile at the mention of Scottish men's knees and then a quick chuckle at the thought of a good stiff wind. Her eyes caught Tiff's with a mischievious glimmer. Clearing her voice she spoke, trying to hold back the laughter. "Weel, I've seen a migh' many bonnie knees back home. I daresay the men there wouldna be caught in trews a' all. My wee cara... the ehh... traditional dress for a true Scotsman... 'e doesna wear bra'es under e's kilt."

Tiffanyanne wrote:It was happening, the two women were so bad at correct pronounciation that now their bad language was feeding off each other. Much more and Tiff wouldn't have the slightest idea of what either was saying. Though she had the idea that both of them were now talking about seeing more than just knees on Scotsmen. She felt her face warm at the turn of the conversation and was thankful that it was evening.

Great, even Aasha is less easily embarassed than me.

Tiff cleared her throat and placed herself at the elbow of each woman, grabbing hold. While this is a very... ah... interesting conversation, the night falls heavily upon us. Shall we see your mount safely tucked in and then move on to the taverns Lady Mac? Anything to stop this conversation from getting any worse either in content or form. And what the blazes was a bra-ess or trews? Never mind, it's probably not something I want to know.

The Taming has moose cookies if you are interested in snacking on the best cookies this side of the England. And... hmm... the other taverns are newer. Lets go to Taming. Without waiting she started tugging the women away.

Maybe that's why she called cara wee... poor man has no idea we are learning such private things about him.

Fugue wrote:Fugue was sitting in her usual corner poring over the tomes in hope of understanding Advanced Medicine soon. She felt dazed with words (and not a few mugs of ale) when she heard voices. Without looking up, she reread the last sentence and marked her place with her hair ribbon. Company would be welcome!

aasha · aasha on Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:23 am

She was too busy chuckling to realize mentioning mens undergarments in company was taboo, though Mackenzie’s comment about Scotsmen not wearing anything under had her eyes glazing in disbelief. She was so shocked in fact, that she didn’t think to question what wee cara meant, even when her brain yelled something about another person thinking she was a child. Why would… Even Aasha wasn’t dumb enough to complete that sentence, she swallowed it back, avoiding both ladies eyes.

Tiff’s voice broke her silence, doing much to dispel the tension of fighting her own instincts. Moose cookies…them’s somethin’ once ya start eatin’, ya just can’t stop. She’s been spoilin’ me right good, slippin’ me some when I sees her. Grinning once more, she gracefully gave into the tugging before Tiff pulled her over, following her into the tavern.

The lighting was only slightly better indoors than out, just enough difference to make her blink. Pausing to let her eyes adjust, force of habit had her scanning the occupants, noting who and where just in case. It was much emptier than when she’d left, though the die hard regulars were still in attendance. The lone figure in the corner caught her eye, it was someone she met, but who? Oh…it was when Pillow went missing…that’s…umm…Lady Fu…Fugue. Yah, that’s it, Fugue. –Proud she remembered, but not wanting to disturb anyone, she waited to see if the lady approached as she turned back to her companions.

aasha · aasha on Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:25 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:Oh .... oh dear... this could be even worse that conversations about various naughty bits of Scotsmen. She and I certainly didn't see eye to eye when we were both duchesses. Maybe if I get her drunk...

Tiff had paled and stilled at the door, standing next to Aasha. She waited to see what the other woman would do. The tavern was too empty for it not to be conspicuous if she didn't greet the woman, but she didn't want to run over with a false cheer she didn't feel.

Everyone in front of the regent, angry and arguing. The halls of Parlaiment rang with more discord than normal. Those sitting on the opposite side of parliament had the power...

She pushed the thoughts back and smiled at Lady Mac.

Where shall we sit?

Fugue wrote:It was Mac's voice she recognized first. Fugue looked up with a blink and shake of her head to clear the hair now falling over her face. And Aasha, the girl with the fox!

The table rocked as she suddenly stood, Mac! Aasha! What a surprise! Fugue blushed as she realized that she did not know the other woman, someone obviously important by her carriage and her dress. And here I am shouting like a schoolgirl. She curtsied, intending to wait politely for an introduction, but the excitement of seeing an old friend was too much. The grin broke out again and she reached to hug Mac.

A Traveling Visit

A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit

Re: A Traveling Visit