::Fawnwiz looked at the children and then to Gynger:: "That was most interesting Lady Gynger" and Fawn could tell by the look on their faces they had enjoyed it too. "I am sorry for your misfortune, and truly glad you found your way to us." Seanessy looked up at Gynger with a serious look on her tiny face. "May I call you Auntie Gynger?, cuz I feel like you need a good family and I want to adopt you." I could tell by the sudden tearing of Gyngers eyes, that she felt much the way I did. Seanessy was a very special 4 year old. Gynger reached over and hugged Seanessy, "Nothing would make me happier." "Now come over here children,"I said, "I want you to see this very beautiful butterfly that has come in." "Ohhh" cried Seanessy, "That is not just a pretty butterfly, there is something more about it!" I didn't know how she knew, but I felt she was right. "If only it could speak to us, we could know what has made this butterfly so unusual." All agreed that this was true.

Subject: Return
Posted by:ErdrickKE On: 09/04/00 11:34 AM
Knight and Lord Mayor of Tannisbury

Erdrick joins the rest of the war party in packing up and returning to Tannisbury. The trip back is joyous yet somewhat uneasy. The battle was far easier than expected and over sooner than anyone had hoped.  The trip back through the portal was as the first. very fast and without any of the usual side-effects. We all arrived back in Tannisbury amongst cheers and revelry.  Erdrick rode ThunderCloud back to the stables and stroked the huge warhorse leting him know how much he was appreciated even though the town life had not given them much adventure until now. Having help from a page, the gear was returned to the tack room and Thundercloud brushed thoroughly was let out into the nearby pasture to roam freely.  Erdrick returned to his office and debriefed Astalder learning of all the events in his absence including the tale of the stranger turning out to be a raving beauty named Gynger. He was quite taken with her as I'm sure most of the single men would be. During this time, a page was taking his pack to his quarters and he would soon follow to get out of his armor, get cleaned up and return to his duties as Mayor.

Subject: R: Return
Posted by:FawnWiz On: 09/06/00 03:19 AM
Tannisbury Wizardess

 "Children Children!!" FawnWiz said excitedly, "The trouble is over and your parents are on there way home!" "You can all be proud of the terrific job they did to keep us all safe." she added.  The children had been eating breakfast when Fawn was able to give them the good news. She looked at the happy smiles on their faces and then looked at Gynger. "Lets get there faces and hands washed and make them pretty and handsome for when their parents pick them up." She smiled at Gynger.  Seanessy walked over to Fawn, and asked her, "Did I do a good job for my Mommy and Daddy?" Fawn bent down and put her hands on Seanessy's shoulders, "Perfect!" she anwered. "Your mom and dad will be soo proud of you." She stood up and looked at all the children around the table. "You all have done wonderfully and I know your parents will be proud of you." she smiled at each and everyone of them. "Now quickly, lets get ready for they will be arriving soon."
Subject: Atena Butterfly Says "Hello"
Posted by:atena On: 09/11/00 01:07 AM

Hello Everyone i just figured since I am in the tannisbury castle before the window closes on me again I would say hi.. I think of you all every day of my butterfly life...Lady Paula is doing great also.. Well I going to my flower garden and pick some more honey flowers for Paulas house.. take care and god bess everyone .. I well tell you more about the butterfly once I open up and read my diary to you.. Love Atena Butterfly glad the war the is over and the gentlemen and ladies and the children are safe ;-)

Subject: R: R: Return
Posted by:Felena On: 09/11/00 01:55 AM Lady of Tannisbury

 Once they had passed through the portal and emerged on the Tannisbury side, Felena felt an overwhelming feeling of weight lifting from her shoulders. Though Winterbrook was the home of her birth, Tannisbury was her home now and she was more than glad to be there.  They passed over the drawbridge and into the courtyard amid cheers and floating rose petals thrown from the ramparts. Seanessy stood on the steps leading to the great hall, Fawnwiz at her side. She could see the excitement in her sweet child's face as she and Murt reined in at the head of the procession and dismounted. The next moment she had jumped into Felena's arms, then leaned out to loop her other arm around Murt's neck to pull him into a family hug.  The group paused on the steps, turning to wave to the gathered once more before entering the great hall. Once inside, Fawn retrieved Seanessy again, promising the child she would see her parents once again as soon as they had rested. Knowing how tired they all were, Seanessy gave no protests, kissing them each again before they headed off toward their quarters.  Bone weary from all they had been through, Felena could do no more than stand still as SilentSong relieved her of her armor. She felt as though she could sleep for a week, but knew that was most impractical. As if reading her mind, her squire ducked into the bathing chamber and had the her bath prepared before leaving to tend to her armor. "SilentSong?" she called as her squire started to leave. "Aye, milady?" "You did well," she said with a smile. Her squire beamed and curtsied, "Thank you milady."  A path of the remainder of her clothing leading to the bathing chamber was the tell tale sign that she had been there, though once she had submerged herself in the hot water, she fell fast asleep.

Subject: R: R: R: Return  Back to Folder
Posted by:Murtano Laorte On: 09/12/00 02:45 PM Lord of Tannisbury  < > Reply

 Releasing Fel and Seanessy from the hug, Murt kisses Fel gently and bids her off to Silent Song's care.  Scooping up Seanessy, he places her on a shoulder as she giggles. "We've got to take care of Legend before we can rest little one, Daddy doesn't have a wonderful squire to take care of details like Mommy does." With a wink and a quick grin for his little girl, they take Legend's reigns and head off to the stables for a horse grooming lesson.

Subject: R: R: R: R: Return
Posted by:Seanessy Laorte On: 09/13/00 12:10 AM
The Little Lady of Tannisbury
 Seanessy listened to Gynger's story, eyes showing an empathy much more developed than her years would betray. Once the story was complete, she hopped down from her chair and approached Gynger. Chubby little arms reached around the lady's neck as she gave her one of her famous all encompassing hugs. "I'm glad you came here, Lady Gynger," she said with a smile. Her eyes lit up when Fawn suggested she adopt Gynger for her other "special" Auntie. "Oooooh, yes!!!" she agreed, clapping her hands together in delight. "Anudder Auntie!!" She danced around excitedly until the beautiful butterfly at the window caught her attention. She knew at once there was something very special about the wonderous creature.  Then something even more wonderful happened. She heard the trumpets sounding in the courtyard announcing the return of the troops. Seanessy didn't wait for any word as she bound from the room and down the steps, through the great hall and out the open doorway leading to the courtyard. She stopped on the top step, excitement barely contained as she awaited the arrival of her parents. Feeling a presence beside her, she looked up into the sparkling eyes of her Auntie Fawn.  Fawn took hold of her little hand as the first horses flying the banner of Tannisbury crossed the drawbridge. Fawn was all too aware of the unpleasant surprises returning armies sometimes brought, and she didn't want the child to go running into the midst of wounded soldiers...or worse. Seanessy was unaware of Fawn's concerns as she saw Silvermyst and Legend walking side by side carrying her parents. She waited just long enough for them to dismount before breaking free of Auntie Fawn and bolting into the arms of her mother and father.  Grinning up at them both with eyes full of love, she said, "I missed you! Guess what...I saw a magic box, and a special dagger..but I didn't touch...and a special butterfly...and I helped with the cookies and I was a big girl and didn't cry...but some of the other ones did...so I sat by them and I got to give cookies...and oh...I said that..." The chatter continued until they were standing on the top step. She was just about to go off again with Auntie Fawn when to her surprise her daddy scooped her up eliciting squeals and giggles from her. At his suggestion that she help him with Legend, she sat very straight on her daddy's shoulder. "Thas okay, Da!" she said. "I kin be yer squire...can I can I huh??"

Subject: R: R: R: R: Return
Posted by:FawnWiz On: 09/13/00 12:12 AM Tannisbury Wizardess
 ::Curtsy's to Lord and Lady of Tannisbury:: "Rest well, M'Lady" Fawnwiz says as they enter the great hall. Fawn watches as Lord Tanisbury places Seanessy on his shoulder and walk out towards the stables where Ledgend is. She feels suddenly sad and glad at the same time. So happy they are all back and sad because all the children have left the center and are back with there parents. How she will miss them.  Since FawnRe and Sylphan took the twins back to Cambria Manor, she had missed having little ones under her charge. The shop had not given her the satisfaction she had hoped. Perhaps she would put a notice on the Town Bulletin Board and apply for a Nannie's positions once again. But for now, she would collect her things from the center, and go home to the house she had been overseeing for FawnRe and Sylphan.

Subject: R: The Dagger and Return
Posted by:Gynger On: 09/13/00 06:37 PM

  FawnWiz and the children look at each other, their eyes shining with unshed tears, then they look back at me... "That was most interesting, Lady Gynger." said FawnWiz. "I am sorry for your misfortune and truely glad you found your way to us." Seanessy hops down from her chair, comes over to me and gives me a hug, then says... "I'm glad you came here, Lady Gynger." Seanessy's eyes light up at a suggestion from FawnWiz. "Ooooooohhh, yes! ! Anudder Auntie! !" she claps her little hands in delight. "May I call you Auntie Gynger?, cuz I fink you need a good famly an I want to 'dopt you." I smile down at her and give her a big hug... "Nothing would make me happier."   FawnWiz gets up from the table and calls the children over to look at a pretty butterfly. Seanessy walks over with her, Taliesin steps near me and says quietly... My mother died a few years ago from a sickness. My father left today to fight in Winterbook. He warned me that he might not be back... such is a warrior's life." his voice choked up a bit. I touch his arm in sympathy, there might be a lot of orphans by the time the battle was over. "I have to get back to my work. Thankyou for trusting me with your story, Lady Gynger." He bows and leaves. I sit at the table for a few more minutes pondering his words. I hear the children stirring in the next room and go out to be with them.   The next few days are uneventful but very busy. Then it happens. We hear the trumpets announcing the troops return. Everyone is so excited. Taliesin pops his head around the door and in a breathless voice says.... "They're back! !" Then he runs off to find his dad.   "Children, Children!" FawnWiz says excitedly... "The trouble is over and your parents are on their way home! You can all be proud of the terrific job they did to keep us all safe." She looks at the children's happy faces then at me and smiles... "Let's get their faces and hands washed and make them pretty and handsome for when their parents pick them up." Seanessy walks over to FawnWiz and speaks with her. FawnWiz smiles at Seanessy then looks up at all the children... "you all have done wonderfully and I know your parents will be proud of you." She smiles at each of them, then adds... "Now quickly, let's get ready for they'll be arriving soon." Seanessy is so excited, she can't wait any longerand runs out to greet her parents. FawnWiz throws me a helpless look and follows Seanessy out the door. The children finish getting their things together and soon the parents arrive to pick them up. Some children tho, are picked up by a relative or friend with the sad news of the parent's death. In less than an hour, all the children are gone, the room is empty and very quiet.   I walk out of the room and find my way to the courtyard. It is still a bit busy with people, horses, dogs and a few children. The children are rolling a hoop between them (it looks to be about 3 feet tall), a dog is running beside it and then jumping thru it when a command is shouted to it. I laugh in delight and enjoyment at their antics. As I walk towards the stables, I hear a commotion and loud excited voices behind me. I turn around to see the hoop had gotten away from the children and was almost upon me. I move aside but the hoop still grazes me and I push it over onto the ground to stop it. The children come running up to see if I'm okay, I bend down to help them pick it up and notice something under a wwater trough about 20 feet away. They get the hoop up and rolling again and I walk over to see what is under the trough.   I kneel down and look under the water trough to see what appears to be a child's stuffed animal. I pull it out and see that it is a cute dog with large soulful eyes and long floppy ears. It's leather skin is well worn and looks like it is well loved. I walk over to the children and ask... "Does this dog belong to any of you?" They all shake their heads 'No'. I decide to take the stuffed dog back into the room where all the children had been since that would be the sensible place for a parent to come looking for a lost toy. I look down at my dirty skirts and decide to clean up before resuming my walk to the stables.
 

Subject: Stables
Posted by:SilentSong On: 09/14/00 07:29 PM
Squire to Lady Felena

 I curtsied to Lord Murtano as I passed him in the hall and smiled brightly at lady Seanessy. I still beamed from the compliment My Lady had given me and I took the stairs two at a time as I descended the main stair case.  I reached the stables and took over brushing Silvermyst.  Samuel left quickly, heading back for the castle. I leaned against a wooden beam and hummed quietly to myself as I finished the job Samuel had begun. As I finished I spoke softly, "How'd he do?"  Silvermyst knew I spoke of the young page and he could hear the worry in my voice. I knew there'd be times like this when I'd have to set a page to aid me (seeing as I could not be in two places at once), but at the same time I had trouble handing any of my chores over to someone else.

Subject: Wanders in...
Posted by:Sabriel On: 09/19/00 12:40 AM

 The air was cool; not cold, not yet. It was that dry sort of cool, u know; the kind that draws the moisture from your skin and fills the air with the scent of change, and of passings.  I stood at the edge of a forest, a falling leaf brushed against my cheek. Before me, I saw a village and a castle. I had been traveling for a while (as the layer of dust and dirt against my clothes portrayed)and I was in need of a place to stay for the night.  Wandering into the village I looked about. I would find no employment here. The people i passed did not seem the type that would hire a freelance sword or sorceress and I was sorely lacking in money.  It was becoming more and more probable that I would once more be spending the night in the forest. I scowled at that thought.  The winged black cat that was my constant companion and guide rubbed it's head against my leg and spoke. "I hope you realize that I don't care if you temporarily must sing for your supper as a bard...but I'm not sleeping in that forest again tonight."  "What's wrong Tabitha? I know u aren't afraid of the dark."  Tabitha delicately licked one of the claws on her right paw. "There are powers there...well there are powers all over this place but the amount of life in the forest makes them espeically high there.... hmmm...you had to take that right path at the fork. Now we're, pennyless, jobless, and lost. Start singing."  I smiled a kind of half smile that did not touch my eyes. After a few seconds the smile was gone and I found myself standing in the middle of the main street with no more direction or purpose than I'd had a moment ago.
 

Subject: R: R: R: R: R: Return
Posted by:Murtano Laorte On: 09/19/00 04:31
PM Lord of Tannisbury

 Smiling up at his little girl, he looked across the courtyard to all the returning warriors and their happy families that greeted them. His gaze swept across them all and fell on the few that lamented their fallen heroes. Absentmindedly he replied in a whisper, "Of course sweetie, you can be daddy's squire." Turning back to the stables, tears fell silently from his eyes as the cries faded into the distance.

Subject: Sitting
Posted by:SilentSong On: 09/19/00 11:23 PM
Squire to Lady Felena

Samuel had done a fairly good job on Silvermyst. I finished quickly then went ahead and brushed Lord Murtano's horse Legend, attempting to work off the thoughts that were trying to surface.
We were victorious, but now that the immediate elation and relief had worn off I found myself feeling empty...I had fought before but never like this. This had been my first War. We had won, but I didn't feel like celebrating anymore.
I stepped outside the stables. Lord Murtano would be along shortly to care for Legend. I hoped he wouldn't mind that I had gone ahead and taken care of it.
I needed to be alone for a while. Turning the corner, I headed around the back of the stables and found an old crate in a darkened area. Sitting down on the crate, I put my back against the building wall.
Tilting my head back I let the tears come.

Subject: My Walk
Posted by:Gynger On: 09/19/00 11:44 PM

  I walk into the room carrying the stuffed dog and see a sad faced FawnWiz. I set the dog on the table and in a voice filled with concern I ask... "What's wrong, FawnWiz?" She sighs heavily and replies... "I miss the children. I had so much fun taking care of them. Now, I have to go back to an empty house." I thought of the children going home with their parents and then I thought of the children whose parents didn't return. I looked at FawnWiz and said... Have you thought of the orphaned children? Some of them didn't have family to go to. Maybe they would need a home." FawnWiz didn't say anything but she did look thoughtful. She looked at the stuffed dog now sitting on the table. "That is so cute, where did it come from?" "I found it in the courtyard under a water trough. I asked some children if it belonged to them and they said 'No' so I brought it here in case a parent comes looking for it." I answered her. FawnWiz nods her head in agreement and picks up the dog, turning it around and looking at it. "Some child will be missing this and a parent will probably be here tomorrow looking for it." She set the dog gently back onto the table, then looks at me, smiles and teasingly says... "It looks like your skirt needs to meet the washer woman." I grin back at her and agree. "I'm going to clean up a bit and go for a walk. Would you care to join me?" I ask her. "No, I think I"ll go back home now. Thank you for inviting me." She replies... "Thank you for helping me. I'm glad Astalder thought to bring you to me." I smile and say... "I'm glad I was able to help you. I had fun also. I hope we'll meet again soon." I curtsie to her and go to the room that was loaned to me.   As I walk to my room, I think about the squire I hope to see again. Last time I saw him was several months earlier, when I had come to Tannisbury the first time. I was hoping he had found the small package I lost at that time. I walk into my room, close the door behind me and undress on my way to the washstand. I clean myself up then look at my clean clothes. I want to look nice for this meeting but not too nice. I smile at myself as I slip into a sheer light pink chemise with a darker pink bodice over it. I put on a dark green underskirt then a light green overskirt. I then pick up the right side hem of the overskirt and tuck it into my waistband. I brush my long hair and braid the front with pink and green ribbons, leaving the back to hang loose. I open up the box that holds my daggers, choose a plain throwing one, close the box and put the dagger on my belt. "Now" I say to myself, "I'm ready to go out searching again." I walk out of the room and find my way out to the courtyard. I walk to the stables, picking my way around the activity still going on. Finally, I'm at the main stable door.   I step inside and wait until my eyes adjust to the darker interior, then I walk in the direction where I last remembered being. I hear a young familiar voice. I look into the stall where the voice is coming from and see Seanessy helping a tall man take care of a fine looking horse. I start to walk on by when Seanessy looks up and sees me. I smile at her as she says with pride... "This is my Da." and she smiles real big up at the man. I curtsie before him as I realize who he is. He looks at me, smiles briefly and nods. I notice the look of weariness about him and the love in his eyes as he looks down at his daughter. As I walk away I hear Seanessy's voice talking with her father and his lower voiced replies.   I keep walking down to the end where I notice a tack room door open. I peek in and see the squire I have been looking for. He is cleaning and polishing a saddle. I reach for my dagger and throw it into the wall about a foot from his face. I laugh as he looks up and says... "I wondered when you'd come back." Then he smiles and looks at the dagger still vibrating in the wall... "Nice calling card." I walk in and give him a hug... "Hello QuiGon." I grin at him and remove my dagger from the wall. "How have you been since I was last here?" We talk for a bit about the things that have happened to us, then I ask... "Did you pick up a small package that I dropped when I was last here?" "Yes" he replies... "It's in my room. I'll get it when I'm finished here." I sit down on a box and watch him finish his jobs. He extends his arm to me and I place my hand on it, then he escorts me out of the stable and to his room. On our way, I notice a man across the courtyard from us. His bearing proclaims him to be a man of importance but he doesn't look overbearing. I nod in his direction, smile at him and slowly wink. He looks surprised, then nods his head and smiles back. QuiGon and I continue on to his room.
 

Subject: The Orphanage
Posted by:FawnWiz On: 09/20/00 01:31 AM
Tannisbury Wizardess

 Entering the empty house, FawnWiz thinks over what Lady Gynger had to say about the orphaned children. The Center would be a great place to have an orphanage. All that she knew about those kind of places left a bitter taste in her mouth. She would of course have to speak to the Lord and Lady Tannisbury about opening it and the Mayor also.  One thing for sure, if given permission this orphanage would be like none other. In fact "The Center" was a far better name and "Special Children" better then orphans. Her mind whirled with ideas now that she was sure this was what she wanted to do.

Subject: R: Wanders in...
Posted by:Sabriel On: 09/20/00 11:45 PM
 Unsure of which way I should go, I made my way down the main street of the village and found what appeared to be a street corner near the castle where a lot of people might pass.  Removing my cloak, I placed it on the ground and laid my last coin on it to encourage others to do the same. Tabitha sat a couple of feet away licking the remaining dust from her coat with feline disinterest.  Taking a deep breath, I swallowed what remained of my pride and was struck by the realization of just how desperate I had become. I could taste bile in the back of my throat and a sneer formed on my lips.  When I managed to smile, it was strained and unpleasent.....then I began to sing.  My voice was not as high as many of the girls whose talents have been widely praised through the ages, but it was clear and filled with emotion: of loss and joy, of determination of the most basic sort.......that of survival.

"I lived for life as it was:
I gave my heart with hope and trust,
The fires red and flaming bled,
Turned all they touched to blackened dust.

I lived for life in the past:
I followed a quest that could not last,
The blood red fires whose flames stretched 'nire
Themselves were turned to dark gray ash.

I live now for a life that's all my own:
The fires 'wait me in my sleep,
Each night it is them I seek to beat.
It is them I seek to beat."

Subject: R: R: Wanders in...
Posted by:Felena On: 09/21/00 12:36 AM
Lady of Tannisbury

 Felena emerged from her bath refreshed, and padded into the bedchamber with grim determination. She donned a fresh gown and soft boots, twisted her damp hair into a knot and headed down the hallway. Lives had been lost to defend her homeland, and that, in the very least, warranted a visit from her. She would see that the families who had been effected would be well cared for, and though that could in no way replace their loss, she hoped it would at least be helpful.  She ducked through a side door and headed along the wall into the courtyard where the wall ran near the stables. Rounding the corner, to her surprise, she came upon her squire, still clad in her armor. SilentSong jumped to her feet when she realized Felena stood next to her. "M-m-milady..." she stammered, trying to hide the fact that she had been weeping. Felena smiled at her young squire. She had fought along side her Knight with not so much as a single complaint, holding all of the horrors of battle within, to be buried deep inside her.  "Please, dear squire...retake your seat. I wish to speak with you a moment." Her squire's eyes went round, and she started to protest...surely she shouldn't sit in the presence of her lady while there was obviously no where for her to do the same. Felena quieted the girl's protests and waited until she was settled. Gently reaching out to her, she pulled SilentSong's helm from her grime streaked face and set it aside, coming to kneel beside her so that their eyes met. "You have seen much for one your age, dear squire," she began in a soothing tone. "Do not ever forget those who went before us, for once that happens, their sacrifice is forgotten along with them." She smiled softly at her squire and continued. "What makes us Knights is what is in our hearts...not just the heroic deeds or blind charges into battle that ballads are written of, but also that which we hold within ourselves. Allow yourself time to grieve, but do not allow it to overwhelm you. For then, it becomes your controller rather than you controlling it. By allowing yourself to feel your sorrow and anger, you deal with it and then are able to put it aside." She paused a moment to see that her squire understood what she had said. "Now...go and allow yourself the luxury of a hot bath. You have more than earned some time for yourself."  SilentSong smiled as she got to her feet and curtsied, "Thank you milady...I will remember what you have said." Felena nodded her head, and gave her squire a hug before heading along the wall and through the gate to town. She was lost in her own thoughts as she wound her way down the short distance to the town, but as she rounded a corner, a sweet voice broke through. She stopped before the girl to listen to her song.

I lived for life as it was:
I gave my heart with hope and trust,
The fires red and flaming bled,
Turned all they touched to blackened dust.

I lived for life in the past:
I followed a quest that could not last,
The blood red fires whose flames stretched 'nire  Themselves were turned to dark gray ash.

I live now for a life that's all my own:
The fires 'wait me in my sleep,
Each night it is them I seek to beat.
It is them I seek to beat."

Once she had completed her ballad, Felena approached her. "Good day to you, and thank you for your story." It was obvious to her that the girl was empty handed. "My name is Felena. Would you care to break bread with me?" The girl's eyes widened in surprise, a gambit of emotions crossing her face. Felena smiled, reaching down for the girl's cloak and handing her the coin she had placed upon it. "Please join me...I do hate to eat alone." The girl seemed to reach a decision at that, taking her cloak from Felena as they turned to walk toward the Inn at the center of town.