| Maggie Greets the Newcomer Chosen... |
| Setting: Maggie’s Cottage Gathered already are Maggie, Halloran, Fiona and Ksheyna. (Refer to RP Transcript – “The First Meeting” |
| Maggie Heatherwick The rising dawn and the sun coming through my window wake me to another glorious day. We had talked long into the night when Hall had returned with Fiona, Kshey silent once they had done so. I look over and see the bed empty... she had up and gone, but her presence was still here, I could feel it. The others would come soon. Hall has risen and started breakfast. I awaken more fully and sit up. I look at her. "Increase the portion Hall dear, we will have more guests this morning. Ahhhh." I stand. "Here is one now." Willow Whitewolf Arrives I open the door to see a young woman, with a hand raised to knock on my door. She smelt of water. The Water Bearer. Halloran Oh, joy. More mouths to feed. More dirty dishes. More laundry. More bedding. More horses in the paddock. Please, let none of em be mares in heat. Kraheera would be impossible to deal with then. Although he's a bit full of himself already. Thinks he thought of limping all by himself. Ha. Stallions always did have a false sense of their own self worth. Well, it’s a good thing I set an extra batch of porridge to simmer last night. It's been my experience that anyone who comes knocking at Maggie's door inevitably needs large copious amounts of food and drink to restore their flagging energies. Not to mention fortify them for dealing with Milton and his terrible vocabulary. Such words that come out of that beak! Would make a sailor blush. I yawn, not having gotten much sleep last night. Cross between the newcomers’ restlessness and the damn book whispering in my mind. I'm sure Maggie hears it too, Only she can speak back at it and tell it to shush. 'Bout the only thing I can do is keep the nearby wolf clan's song down to a manageable pitch. For a large a family unit as they are, one would think they never get lonely.... Wouldn't have been too bad if I could just understand what the damn pile of kindling was saying. Maggie obviously can. *sigh*. She'll tell me when she thinks I'm ready, not when I do. And here I was about to suggest that my Apprenticeship was about over. Not bloody likely now. The latest arrival smells of wolf, though faintly. that, and something else...water?! Hmm. Intersting. No matter, she's probably starving like very other lost soul that wanders in here. ' I begin to ladle heaping bowls of porridge, thanking Providence that Milton decided to behave for once and had not helped himself to fresh bread in the night. He'll get me another way. I know it. he lives for that sort of thing. Maggie Heatherwick "So, Maggie. Just how many do you expect? I don't exactly have a bottomless kettle here, ya know. Should I go hunting?" Halloran asks. I turn to grin at her and she rolls her eyes, getting her bow and arrow and exits the room. (ref: Halloran’s POV within the tale “Maggie Summons the Chosen”) I greet Willow, "Hello dear I have been expecting you. I am Maggie." I peer past her into the forest and search out with my senses... ahh another one is coming.. a young lass, and a man.. ((ooohh!! He is flying!)) chuckles inwardly. ((Well maybe those mages in Carpathia put their magic to some good use after all.)) I step aside and say aloud to the young lass.. "Come inside, you are just in time for breakfast dear. Put your horse in the paddock with yon other one." I point to the corral. She smiles slightly and enters. Willow Whitewolf Just as I'm about to knock the door opens and a peculiar, but warm grandmotherly type meet me. "Come inside, you are just in time for breakfast dear. Put your horse in the paddock with yon other one." I blink in amazement as she points to the corral. "Ah yes ma'am. Is right after breakfast alright Maggie?" I say smiling slightly and enter. "The food sure smells good." I look around. The cottage appeared much larger inside than it did from the outside. Interesting I think to myself. I sit where shown and nod to the other women there, "Hi! My name's Willow. Did Maggie summon all of you here too?" speaking to all of them with a bit too much exuberance I'd say from the expression on their faces. Oh boy isn't this going to be fun. The one called Hall comes forward with bowls of porridge for us all. "Thank you. It smells absolutely yummy." I say smiling at her. She looks at me oddly but manages a slight smile. Ah sheesh Willow do ya think you could be any more perky I growl to myself. I sit and eat quietly, thinking maybe I will have to take time with these people. They don't seem as open to new people, to making new friends as those I had lived with the last few years. Dodger circles my ankles excitedly, then crawls up into my lap and peers over the top of the table at the others. "Now cut that out Dodger," I say with just a hint of a scolding tone. "Not everyone invites animals to the table." I tear off a piece of warm bread for him and let him curl up in my lap nibbling away happily at it. "Sorry about that, Dodger rather thinks he's human at times plus he's a bit overly curious." We finish breakfast and I head outside to lead WindDancer to the paddock. Dodger skits playfully about my feet as I walk. We enter the paddock and immediately WindDancer begins strutting. I give her a look, "What are you doing?" Then I laugh, "Ohhhhhhh now I see. You're showing off for the hot stallion aren't ya? You're such a flirt." Shaking my head and still chuckling I lead her to a stall a couple down from the other horse. Stabling and grooming her, I make sure she was comfortable and well stocked. I head back outside and to Maggie's cottage. K'Sheyna Nighthawk I had awoken in the middle of the night. The cottage had become claustrophobic. I was used to the open air. I rise silently and make my way outside with out disturbing anyone. I look up at the moon. Full and glorious. Silently I go and check Kraheera. The traitorous beast was fine and munching his head off in a stall. He nuzzles me on apology, whickering softly. I slap his nose in forgiveness. He and I had been together since he was a foal. I had been there at his birth and I had been the one who had commenced his training. We had been together a long time. Too long a time to hold grudges. Besides it was forbidden for me to sell a Stallion/Warhorse to Outlanders. They weren’t even supposed to come off the Grasslands. I wander back out and find a comfortable place under an old elm tree. I settle back onto the tree, it’s voice soothing me into sleep. Around dawn I awake again and begin doing my exercises and training. Then I see to Kraheera making sure he gets some exercise, much to his disgust. I feel a restlessness build up inside me. Did I want to stay here? No!!!! But those books...Gods the knowledge in those book. Silently I curse my father for instilling this hunger for knowledge in me. It would have been so much simpler if he had left me with my mother. The temptation is too much. I silently make my way back to the cottage. They are still asleep. I go to the bookshelf and run a hand along the spines of the books, reading each title. Finally choosing one. "The History of the Races of Praelan" Placing the volume under my arm I escape back to my comfortable Elm tree and sit beneath it reading. Absently I note the day passing. I forget breakfast and lunch. Only being recalled to this time when the smell of supper lingers on the air. Hesitantly I get up and silently make my way back. I walk in and am immediately hit by exuberance. Hi! My name's Willow. Did Maggie summon all of you here too?" I sigh. but accept the bowl of porridge. I sniff it. Gruel was not my favourite thing in the world, but these people were feeding me for now so I would try to be grateful. I pour plenty of honey into the gruel. Absently listening to the girl tell off her rodent. The girl wanders away to see to her horse and I move to the books. Curling up in a chair I finish off the rest of the book I had started that morning. "Geez and here I thought you were leaving." I look up at the bandit Fiona. " I am after I’ve finished this shelf." I say it absently and am almost startled by Maggie’s laugh. When I look at her and scowl she says nothing but goes back to showing Halloran something healerish. I mutter under my breath. The Parrot squawks something at me and I throw a nice shiny flat rock at him. On that note I think I'll go sleep. I rise and walk out the cottage door, but not before I snagged another book. One Eyed Fiona "Finished the shelf?" No doubt that was meant to impress me, she looks at me as if I'm some sort of ignorant street monkey from the city, looking over the book disdainfully. Maggie laughs, but then ignores her. It seemed to be the best way to handle her, so I walk over to Maggie and the healer... "I've come through the forest after you on foot, I don't suppose there's a horse quartered here who might know his way back? One you are willing to loan to a bandit? Not that your hospitality goes unappreciated, but the house is filling up and there's nothing here I'm of use for." Maggie Heatherwick Bowrie arrives… More of my chosen approach my cottage. I smile and look towards the door as it is thrown open a girl stands there grinning and leaning on the doorpost pointing an accusing finger at me, "So, Are you gonna tell me why your inside my head. And what do I have to do to get a decent meal round here?" She grins. "No. The purpose is served now." I grin back at her as she opens her mouth to reply, and spoon some of the waning stew into a bowl and pass it to her. "Decent meals abound here when Hall does the cooking." Hall mutters something but continues to add to the pot. I grin she was coping well with all the unexpected guests. Yasmin Arrives…. Another knock on the door this time a sharp rap, I stand up and open it knowing the next lass would never push the door open without invitation. She stands straight. Not exceptionally tall, with dark plaited hair and the narrow angular features of Terasian. Ahh the Sokudo. I bow to her in Terasi fashion, "Welcome." She looks at me a moment and then steps into the hut looking around cautiously, hands resting lightly upon the hilts of her two swords, she issues a short bow to everyone as I introduce them, "I am Yasmin Toshido, Captain of the Imperial Sokudo Guard, Terasi." She then turns to me, "I understand you require my services Old Mother?" "I do lass, but I shall wait until the rest arrive before I start briefing you all." Her eyes narrow slightly but she only nods and accepts the bowl of stew given her with a short nod, I note her studying everyone within, paying attention to their weapons as well and smile to myself. What a collection of people all so different, yet bound to the same purpose.. but they were all women. So far those gathered were myself, Halloran, Fiona, Ksheyna, Willow, Bowrie and Yasmin. I wondered when some of the boys would arrive, so tardy are the men. Never reliable. (:P!!! hehehhe) Hall stands up and looks at me. I smile at her as she leaves to go hunt some food picking up her bow and arrow and shortly returning with a large deer carcass in tow. She was shaping up nicely, already developing a fast rapport with the resident wolf pack of these parts. Yasmin stands up silently without a word and helps Hall bring the carcass within and to dress it into storable hunks. Yasmin sits back down and asks, “Are you expecting more Old Mother?” "Yes I am expecting one or two more.” I nod. “Two young men. One of them is riding a companion whom is rather special. Then we will set out. Events are rising now. I will explain to you all what is to happen." I turn my attention back to the rest of the group, it is a rather uncomfortable silence, no one really knowing what to say to one another.. and avoiding each other’s eyes. Fiona approaches me, "I've come through the forest after you on foot, I don't suppose there's a horse quartered here who might know his way back? One you are willing to loan to a bandit? Not that your hospitality goes unappreciated, but the house is filling up and there's nothing here I'm of use for." "On the contrary dear, you are useful and a very much part of this gathering." I grin at her. "Humour me dear. Stay a while, I assure you there is ample room in this cottage." I wink at the one called Willow, she seemed to be the only one to have twigged how much bigger inside this hut was then the exterior. "There is enough room for all of you. And, by the time it is finished you won't need to hide in the forest any longer. Rest a while lass, when everyone is here all shall be explained." I grin at her dubious look as she turns away muttering and wait complacently for the rest of my little chicks to gather. One Eyed Fiona Looking at the old woman... Honestly, I think to myself, this place scares me just a bit. I remember the time when my mother had taken me into Wyldewood when I was a child. We had gone deep into the forest, I was used to the dark, that part did not scare me. Being with my mother was always a bit disquieting, Auntie Meg would not have allowed this if she'd known. Mother was in one of her more recalcitrant states of mind, like a child conspiring. She had come into my room, shushing me and pulling me down the back stairs. We had walked, Mother almost delirious with giggles, far into the wood. Coming to a place where the ground was open, both of us, child and child-woman, sat on the ground. I watched as my mother began singing to herself, eyes closed in rapture and face raised to the trees above us. Suddenly she reached out and grabbed me by the shoulder. "Listen, can you hear them, aren't they beautiful? Look, look there in the trees!" She knelt on her knees, reaching toward me, putting a hand to either side of my head and forced me to look upward. It hurt. I had been frightened, Mother would not let go. I had no choice but to be still, watch and listen. It had seemed that I could hear a faint music, the trees had seemed to shift and change...I had begun to cry, it seemed I might be as mad as my mother was. The thought of this was more frightening than anything. Breaking away from mother I had run back out of the forest alone in the gloaming, coming back to Auntie Meg's house and hiding in the scullery, dirty and in tears. For some reason, I now had the same uncomfortable feeling here at this house, things seemed to shift and change shape, there seemed to be whispers all about when no one was near, perhaps it was the madness taking hold. I was grateful of the food, but felt increasingly uneasy. I listen quietly to the old woman’s words. “Dear, you are useful and a very much part of this gathering. Humour me. Stay a while, I assure you there is ample room in this cottage. There is enough room for all of you. And, by the time it is finished you won't need to hide in the forest any longer. Rest a while lass, when everyone is here all shall be explained." "Very well, then, I'll stay for just a bit, but I'll need to get a message to friends. N o need to get them stirred up looking for me..." I was not sure why I had agreed, I watch Maggie feeling bemused and wondered how to let Connor know I hadn't encountered any dire misfortune, other than my own foolishness. I shiver as an ice-cold chill runs down my spine and the distinct sense that someone stood behind me, tho no one was there... Bowrie Taking the bowl as its thrust into my hands, I’m about to answer the old woman when another appears at the door. She introduces herself as a Captain of the Imperial Sokudo Guard. I’d heard of them but not seen one before, from what I knew of the Sokudo, they were an elite force. Better stay on her good side. I think to myself. I sit down at the table as she converses with our host. The food was delicious, tempting me to ask for another bowl, but I think better of it and lean back against my chair watching the others. Quite an odd bunch. I think to myself. Dysanter and Gringlasarian Arrive… A horse and rider appear. Everyone looks up. "Greetings I am Lord Gringlasarian of the southern tribes I have travelled far and fast to attend the Guardian with my companion the Lord Dysanter de Reinscourt of Mezria. May I see her please?” Taken so much by surprise, I fall off my chair, and my hand goes right through the floor. Pulling it out, I look round hoping no one had spotted that. I exclaim “A talking horse, now I’ve seen everything.” I rise and pick up my chair and sit down, grinning at the horse and everyone around me. Willow Whitewolf Back inside Maggie’s, I exchange a wink with the kindly old woman as she makes small talk with one of the others. I guess no one else barring perhaps Hall who lived here noticed how large a place this was inside compared to its appearance outside. Maggie seemed to get a chuckle out of the knowledge someone shared her secret. I poured myself some water and found a seat just inside the next room, a gathering room of sorts it appeared. It was full of overstuffed chairs and pillows, shelves upon shelves of books, tables, and all sorts of things to make one person or a group comfortable. I sat in a chair next to the window overlooking the garden and the stable. The place was bustling with people arriving left, right and centre. I was a bit overwhelmed. I sat, quietly fiddling with the goblet of water, making the water dance and grow inside the container. The entrance of one of the newcomers startled me so the water poured out of the goblet and into my lap. ‘Oh crud’ I mutter to myself. I look up and stare at the beautiful warrior. She was definitely from the Imperial City. Her look, her demeanor left no doubt to that, for some reason I felt as if I already knew her. Perhaps it was just that I had visited the city so many times with my mother but I had another feeling watching the woman with the hardened, yet very feminine face. I find a towel in the kitchen and hastily rub at my pants, wiping the water from them. I laughed to myself how ironic it was I was bothered by a little spill, after all the time I’ve spent in and around water. I look and see her moving about cautiously, as if casing the place. I shrug a bit. Made sense I suppose, one can never be too careful and this place was certainly different. I walk over to her, feeling more and more like I know her already the closer I get. I can’t help the exuberance in my voice as I greet her. “Hi! I’m Willow. Your name is Yasmin, right? That is what you told Maggie isn’t it? Are you from Terasi? I used to go there a lot as a child with my mother. She made the ball gowns and fancy suits for the Emperor and his family. She also did some work on some of the dress uniforms for the imperial guard.” I look at her blank expression and laugh. “Oh god you must think I’m a loon. I’m sorry; all of this was leading to the feeling that I swear I know you. Have you ever heard of Kailyn Duvery, from Roque Bluffs? That’s my mom.” I say with a proud smile, which fades quickly as I note the look of annoyance on Yasmin’s face. Thinking to myself now, ‘Oh wonderful. You’ve gone and done it again. What the hell’s wrong with you? What are you doing, trying to win the Ms Congeniality award here? God Willow, give these people some space. You’re lucky that one didn’t make sushi out of you.” I back off slightly from Yasmin and lower my head. “I apologize for coming on so strong. I should have at least let you get settled. I…….” A loud ruckus from the stables grabs my attention. ‘WindDancer?’ I think. ‘What the?????’ I start out the door and come face to face with a rather large horse and his rider. I almost choke as the horse addresses the room, then hide a snicker as one of the newer girls falls off her seat at the sight of the talking horse. I shake my head, thinking I’ll have to ponder this later. Right now I need to get to the stable. I run towards the corral and see WindDancer’s head straining out the small window of her stall. I give her a strange look before I run in and confront her. “Alright now missy what the heck is going on here?” I stand there with my hands on my hips waiting. The mare turns to me and with all her weight pushes on the gate to her stall, her head turned, peering out the open stable doors and towards the front door of the cottage where the large talking horse stood. “Oh dear God! Not again Winnie?? Didn’t you just strut by this other handsome stallion? You’re one of the reasons ladies have the reputation of being fickle.” I chuckle and rub her snout. “Do I have to get a bucket of cold water to toss on you? You know I will.” She neighs loudly and huffs at me before turning her backside to me once again in protest. I laugh, “I mean it Winnie, I’m gonna find a chastity belt made for equines if you keep this up.” With that I make my way back to the cottage just in time to see Ksheyna barge back into the place, looking rather worse for the wear. Yasmin Toshido I sit quietly looking around, keeping my face calm. Who were these people? It made me uncomfortable, I was used to working alone, others just got in the way or were a hazard to my line of work. I stiffen slightly as a lovely, open faced woman approaches me with a broad grin, as if she knows me. Her grin broadens as she greets me like an old friend. "Hi! I'm Willow. Your name is Yasmin, right? That is what you told Maggie isn't it? Are you from Terasi? I used to go there a lot as a child with my mother. She made the ball gowns and fancy suits for the Emperor and his family. She also did some work on some of the dress uniforms for the imperial guard." I look at her blankly rather stunned by the sudden flow of words. I am about to reply when she continues with a laugh and a flush. "Oh god you must think I'm a loon. I'm sorry; all of this was leading to the feeling that I swear I know you. Have you ever heard of Kailyn Duvery, from Roque Bluffs? That's my mom." I blink a little as she smiles proudly. A spasm of annoyance flicks over me. I was unaccustomed to such unrestrained greetings, it was not done in Terasi. Why would I have knowledge of a seamstress? I gained my uniforms from supplies. The Sokudo had their own tailor though how that worked I was not sure, or at least a tailor altered clothes for the Sokudo, to include lots of small surprises. A flicker of disapproval must have shown in my face because her smile fades and she backs off slightly, lowering her head with a small flush, "I apologize for coming on so strong. I should have at least let you get settled..." I am about to reply when a ruckus ensues and she looks up and runs out the door. I stare at the now empty doorway, it was like a small whirlwind rushing by and suddenly there was a calm in the wake of a wave of sound. I shake my head and wonder at the group I found myself with. Maggie Heatherwick Fiona turns back to me decided, "Very well, then, I'll stay for just a bit, but I'll need to get a message to friends...no need to get them stirred up looking for me..." "Of course." I grin at her. She looks at me bemused. I cock my head, and smile in delight.. "Oh good another one has arrived. You will like this one!" I see Yasmin and one or two others tense slightly, Yasmin's hand drifting to her sword. I look at her and she lets it drop with an unrepentant shrug. I laugh slightly and move outdoors into the courtyard. I can feel the others following me outside as a rider approaches. Dusk was falling quickly and he was a shadow, though I knew the equine, one of the special tribes of intelligent beasts within Wyldewood. I smile. "Greetings I am Lord Gringlasarian of the southern tribes I have travelled far and fast to attend the Guardian with my companion the Lord Dysanter de Reinscourt of Mezria, May I see her please?" I chuckle out loud as the others gasp the thought audible.. "But horses can't talk, can they?" I step forward and bow to Gringlasarian. "Well met dear horse. I am Maggie, we can drop the Guardian part for now hmmm?" I look at him meaningfully and move my eyes to the one on top. "Welcome Dysanter of Mezria. Now climb down from that great bit beast and get yourself some hot stew. You look in need of it." I shift my gaze to include both of them.. "I shall explain things shortly, we are just waiting for one more person to join us. Now come through into the cottage.. Gringo, the window is wide enough for you to stick your head through if you wish or you can go off and do as you like. I lead them back indoors and seat the young man whom looked bemused.. the others whispered and looked at him oddly, I hear one talk of the horse and smile to myself. I shall let Gringo explain his special tribe to them. “A talking horse, now I've seen everything.” I hear Bowrie mutter to herself and look over at her. She is righting a chair with a bit of sheepish look there was just the trace of nebulous mist around her hand too. I smile slightly and resolved to talk to her later. She grins at everyone.. I sit back and watch them all, it was coming together nicely though what could be happening to the other one I do not know! I frown as the trees whisper to me of dark things moving.. The prevention of approach. I keep my face calm though I stretch out my senses. Near the edge of Wyldewood a gathering was taking place of ill-assorted bandits and robbers. I nod grimly, well when we set out, I would not say anything, and the companions would have to be tested somehow. This would be a good opportunity to see just how they fared. I didn’t like it, but it was necessary.. I lean back and watch as they talk shyly to each other, getting to know one another. Gringo and Dysanter Gringo turns to Dysanter as Maggie re-enters the house "You heard the Lady, pretty boy. You go in and I'll find the window." With a grin to everybody else he nods and walks in to the cottage. Gringo looks to Bowrie "Are you alright M'lady, I hope that it was nothing I said or did that made you lose your seat, if it was I apologise." He then bows to her leaving her slightly lost for words. As he brings his head level again he neighs and whinnies something in Equine in the direction of the stables, which seems to create quite a stir amongst it's (female) occupants. Then with a smug look he turns towards the window... Gringo on his way to the kitchen window looks up to see a man on a flying horse "I suppose it's no more daft than a talking horse" He says with a snort as he put his head through the window Dr Richard Darius Arrives…. Yasmin Toshido I look up sharply as yet another magic user announces himself. I narrow my eyes and return my eyes to my task at hand, sorting through my pack and sitting quietly waiting for Maggie to explain. The old woman grins at the newcomer and welcomes him, thrusting a bowl of stew into his hand. "Welcome Dr Darius. Now our party is complete. I guess I will set you all down and tell you properly your task at hand." She waves him in and he bows to her and the others within before taking a seat. I study him critically and turn my gaze to the others also. A mixed group, but I would rely on my own weapons and skills as yet, I wasn't ready to put my life in the hands of these strangers, particularly the magic users. Maggie looks at us all and smiles, eyes crinkling.. "Everybody comfy? Let's begin." ************************************************************************************** Next - Maggie Explains the Purpose and the Quest.. or you may return to the library .... |