HAVEN'T YOU HEARD I'M THE NEW CANCER ;;

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:25:27 GMT

[Filter: Private]

Well, well, I suppose the time must be coming for Anita and I to consider our own departure. Not to actually leave, most certainly. Not with her family coming, and her so sweet and eager. But to begin making plans, I think.

The question is whether or not to go home. Surely they're in need of me there, and it's been so long since I've got my arthmatic that I rather miss it all.

But when opportunity knocks ...

Why, it's never unwise not to open the door, is it, Eliza, my dear?

[Filter: Public]

Why, lately, Eara's been talking about much she misses her dear playmate Ethan. It surprises me, to be perfectly honest. I thought that she'd have forgotten all about him, by now, but she never fails to amaze me with her sponge-like little memory.

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:06:57 GMT

[Filter: Lord Hasten]

Ah, yes, Miss Rebekah. She's apparently quite good. I'm surprised it took you so long to recover, in her care!

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:20:21 GMT

Why, what an unfamiliar sight this is! If it isn't Lord Hasten, finally gracing this gathering with his presence.

I take it you're finally feeling above the weather, my lord? How thrilling!

Wed, 06 May 2009 22:56:33 GMT

[Filter: Lord Hasten]

Why did you do it?

Sun, 03 May 2009 17:38:33 GMT

[Filter: Private]

Why is it that would remain just outside of my grasp? What exactly is it that I'm doing wrong? You're intrigued. You're fascinated. It's in your eyes, the way you hold yourself. What is holding you back?

Give in.

[Filter: Public]

Eara is utterly enchanted with Eblar. It's quite made up, in her eyes, for the fact that her father was too busy for her birthday this year, which is becoming a really terrible trend! I need to stop it, really, she's going to come to hate me. But the magic of it all is like a dream to her, and she does love her room in our townhouse.

And so, Lady Anita, what have you thought of your first days in here?

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:28:55 GMT

[Filter: Private]

I suppose you have been away from your city too long, Eliza, my dear. If you actually gave in and spent more time with me as I requested, I might have lost interest in you.

Yes, you would have become just another pathetic woman.

But you're every bit your father's son, aren't you?

[Filter: Public]

My sweet Lady Anita! Do tell me. I've heard so many reports from the road coming here and there and everywhere, but absolutely nothing from my very favourite women in all Dentoria. How are you and Eara coming along? Can I expect to see you soon?

You're both missing out on quite a celebration, let me say!

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:25:59 GMT

[Filter: Lord Hasten]

You lap up attention, don't you?

I've been watching, you see! You're slightly uncomfortable with the need to be social and diplomatic -- perhaps more than slightly, even. I can see you sweating from half a room away. But the admiring eyes please you and you're especially happy when they look at you from afar and you merely have to pose with your stoic Northern face carefully etched in stone.

[Filter: Anita]

I do apologize for being so late in addressing you directly, my dear, but you can't possibly imagine just what a whirl of activity it is here in Eblar.

[Filter: Eliza]

Now.

Are all of your last, niggling doubts about Her Highness finally put to rest?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:56:00 GMT

[Filter: Private]

Now, now.

I suppose that does answer some questions. Really, Lord Hasten! I always knew that you were hiding something, but this? I never expected.

But really, have no fear. I would never breathe a word.

Unless, of course, you make me.

We'll talk about this when you're healing a bit. Feeling up to writing. I think journals would be ... appropriate, don't you?

[Filter: Lady Anita]

Well, my lady, I have the most astoundingly good news for you.

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:12:50 GMT

[Filter: Private]

What are you waiting for, Lord Hasten? We're sitting in the most sensitive place in the world we could be, right now, waiting for a signal from you, a signal that isn't coming.

Will it come? Or have you called us to our deaths here.

I've always known there was something you've been hiding. I always thought it was something harmless, considered you a comrade in arms, but now I begin to suspect that it's more than that.

Don't prove me right. All of this is riding on you.

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:24:06 GMT

[Filter: Lord Hasten, Lord Glenn, Lord Kiefer, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

All of this waiting is accomplishing nothing. The men are becoming bored and complacent. It seems fair to assume that if the bandits are coming, they're taking their time. We should be able to prepare.

I suggest we assign four scouting parties, one for each of us Lords. Small, lightly armed, moveable. We'll take one out a day a search the area to the North, seeing if we can catch a glimpse of the enemy approaching. Something harmless for the men to do, as well as giving us a warning if they are, in fact, on their way.

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:22:41 GMT

[Filter: Lord Hasten, Lady Mariana, Lady Eliza, Lord Kiefer, Lord Glenn]

Can I hope that you've calmed down now, my lord?

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:32:48 GMT

[Filter: Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

Lady Eliza and I have secured the might of House Rowan. A portion of it, at least, but Lord Morgan was very helpful when it became clear how dire the situation was.

Not that we've given full details. I still think its best to keep this quiet until absolutely neccessary.

Can I hope the two of you have had similar success?

We've also heard nothing from the Princess ... normally I'd say no news is good news, but in this case ...

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:51:54 GMT

[Filter: Princess Seraphine, Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

Lady Eliza and I think that we've managed to agree upon a suitable plan of action. She's been terribly hard to work with, let me just say! Eli, dear, you have no sense of showmanship.

The short version, because I don't feel like writing it all out when I'm spent all day, after many other days, talking about it:

We leave for Eblar on the 9th.
As we leave, a small note will be sent to Eblar informing the King that we believe we have found the Princess Seraphine and will be presenting her to him in due course.
A large company of guards and three carriages carrying the five of us shall be moving in a company.
Every security precaution will be observed.
There will not be a grand parade or anything of the like when we reach Lucre, just a quiet meeting arranged with the King so that he can see her himself and decide his own path from there. To my eternal chagrin.

I trust there are no arguments with this arrangement?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:52:13 GMT

[Filter: Private]

Sigh, must you make this so difficult? As much as I enjoy the games, my dear, there's a time for everything. I'd be more than glad to continue with more ... appropriate stakes, once this is dealt with.

[Filter: Lady Eliza, Lord Hasten, Lady Mariana]

I must say, Eli, dearest! You don't have a reputation for being so blastedly indecisive. It's been more than a month since you've arrived. Surely you have to have made a decision by now, even if you're deeming to keep it quiet. I just have to suggest that there isn't exactly time for it. We really are on a ticking clock until this reaches the King. Surely you don't think you're the only person in Dentoria with ... sources. I can't believe he'll be pleased if it comes to him that way ...

And all of that! What else do I say to convince you?

Just give us a hint, dearest, where are you leaning?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:11:43 GMT

[Filter: Lady Mariana, Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Princess Seraphine]

It is my greatest honour and deepest pleasure to invite each and every one of you to a dinner party. (Another dinner party, as it were, but I assure you, this one will be much more interesting!)

You see, I believe that in order for us to truly appreciate Her Royal Highness's return, we need to see her in her element. And so, Princess, you will be the guest of honour. And no simple dresses and hiding in the background, looking like a serf! No, that simply won't do, not for the occassion. You'll be dressed and attended fully like the heir to all of Dentoria you are.

A private affair, only the five of us and one trusted attendant! No risk of unwanted, prying eyes, and no need to hold ourselves back in the slightest.

This Thursday evening. I expect it to be a grand affair, so come in new clothes and jewels, and be armed with your finest small talk.

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:36:15 GMT

[Filter: Eliza]

Eli, dearest! Would you care to provide and update as to your progress? I hesitate to remind you that you're already behind promised schedule!

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:18:22 GMT

[Filter: Private]

Even if she is a clever hoax ... well, silver linings.

It's been far too long, Eliza, dearest. I'm looking forward to this, aren't you?

[Filter: Public]

Lord Hasten, I'm afraid I have to impose myself upon you to make a request! (I promise it's nothing too terrible.)

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:52:40 GMT

[Filter: Eliza]

I'm sure this is all likely quite stale for you already, my dear. Should we go through the motions, anyway, or just assume you already know the real reason Lord Hasten is in Conare?

Sat, 31 May 2008 20:06:55 GMT

Well, as expected, unless some miracle happens in the next few hours, Lord Hasten will be riding in the finals at the lists, tomorrow! But, ah, the burning question is, who will be riding against him? There are several promising candidates, now aren't there?

[Filter: Lord Hasten and Lady Mariana]

All right, then! I must admit, I'm intrigued, and, for the most part, convinced. Even if this is some elaborate set-up, who designed it deserves to benefit from it, because it's all ingenious.

We'll need Temair on board before anything is done about this, however, I can promise you that. Rhia isn't quite so neccessary, but until Lord Martin -- ah, pardons, until Lady Eliza will back your story up, it's fairly useless. That's just how this sort of thing works, I'm quite sorry to say.

You're in luck, of coure, as Lady Eliza is a very close friend of mine, as her father was! I'm sure I can work something out ... if you could all stay here in Conare, I could have her here within several short months, and then things can get moving. What say you both? I can come up with a very convincing cover story.

[Filter: Private]

Fascinating, isn't it all, Eli, my dear? I should thank Her Highness for reappearing at a time when I'm missing you the most.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this road leads.

Sun, 25 May 2008 01:17:29 GMT

[Filter: Lady Mariana, Lord Hasten]

She is very convincing, is she not?

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:46:21 GMT

My, it would seem we're amassing quite the guestlist, now aren't we? I'm hardly complaining, however, and in fact I'm quite thrilled. As are my two favourite young ladies, of course! I'm having a set of gowns made for the two of them, in a slightly archaic style. We think that's going to the theme of the event, the glory of days past. (Hardly so glorious, if you ask me. A little heavy on the barbarism and death, but history does tend to romanticize, and I can hardly complain with polishing up the dirtier spots for the sake of antiquity!)

I'm sure the journals are frightfully tired of hearing about it, but I frankly don't care! I'm enjoying myself, and want to share it with the world!

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:11:18 GMT

My, I think this is going to be one of my best events in years! Dear Lady Anita is tapping into every story of grand tourneys that she can find in her repetoire, and coming up with the most charming ideas. And in the meantime, hopefuls from just about everywhere are pouring in requests to cross lances with the Lion of Lireth. You should should put your reputation to use like this all the time, Lord Hasten!

I need to see to finding the right harpers, but Anita has many favourites. I do hope it won't be too difficult to track them down, they do have such a wandering lifestyle!

And, of course, Eara is simply beside herself with excitement, which is the most important part. I wonder how she got so old. They grow up so quickly!

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:14:25 GMT

Why, Lady Mariana, how kind if was of you to write me! No fears, I'm quite fine, just busy with my own things and not paying complete attention to these books of late. I do note, however, that we've had some more of our all-too-rare Westerners join our pages, and allow me to extend my greetings!

And an invitation, as well. Lord Hasten! It's been years since you've been in Conare, and I was just thinking, recently, how I'd love to do a full fledged tourney for Eara's birthday, this year. Yes, I know that was days ago, but I've decided to save the celebration for later in the spring, what with the long winter we've had this year! My guest and dear friend Lady Anita is a passionate patron of such events, you see, and she's gotten Eara quite intrigued. And I remembered that you're one of the best jousters in Dentoria, or have the reputation for being so much, and, well, I'm sure you can follow my train of thought, as it develops!

You could feel free to bring any members of your household as neccessary, of course. Do let me know!

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 05:37:19 GMT

I have exercised all the restraint I could muster so I wouldn't open this package early! I must say, Eli, you certainly do know how to hit a man where it hurts, don't you? Sigh, already in my thirties. How depressing!

That said, perhaps it can be used as a fashion statement of sorts! I'll set a trend. Handsome, rich men with canes. It has potential!

(And I feel the need to announce that dear Lady Anita adores the gown I've purchased for her. It's always so rewarding when generousity is appreciated!)

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 05:27:51 GMT

[Filter: Private]

You would find this absolutely disturbing, Eliza. I find it ... tempting. Lady Anita want to play, you see. Were we to do so, she would change her mind about what a hero I am fairly quickly. It has been far longer than I'd like. I fear I could not hold back.

I can see you purse your lip and grimace in distaste as you read this. It's a sick thing for me to even consider, after all. She is only fifteen. You really should stop disapproving of me, Eli. (That is what your charming sisters call you, is it not? Charming.)

Rise to the bait, if you will.

[Filter: Public]

In all that has happened, I suppose I should be only grateful that the dear little Lady Anita considers my unfortunate injury a heroic war wound! Truly, it's rather charming, how she fusses over it and waxes near melodramatic about how I rescued her from almost certain rape, torture, and murder. (Or so she believes; I personally find it far more likely that their plan was ransom.) She truly has made my trip up over the hill slightly less unbearable.

A dear, truly.