Reception for the World Conderence Guests

There was something about the tone of his voice, as well as the words themselves that did set her mind and heart at ease, even among so many strangers. Her smile widen and she gave him a look of gratitude, “Thank you, that would be most welcome. You have done much to put me at ease and for that I am most grateful.”

With an amiable nod of his raven head, the young man quietly slips off in search of the promised pot of tea. And a surprise to cheer the lady up.

Having heard the Duke of Stafford's refusal of a drink, Marie stepped forward and curtsied. My Lord Loxley, may I offer you a nice cup of tea on this cold day. It will warm you and keep your head clear. She motioned to Antony to prepare something for his Grace. Would you prefer sugar or honey an maybe a touch of lemon and a drop of cream?

Slipping back into the sitting room, the young fellow nearly runs over the housekeeper, Marie. Pulling himself up short, he nearly spills the small, steaming pot and cup on the tiny silver tray that he carries. Righting himself and his burden, he carefully makes sure that the cloth cover over part of it is still in place. Walking back to the great hearth, he says to Lady Aiiane "'Ere we arre, sister. A wee pot, an' still warm, even. I took liberty tae mix the honey in already. After looking around, Seamus discreetly removes the cloth over the rest of the tray, exposing a small plate of Marie's lemon tarts, and whispers Better enjoy 'em whilst ye can. Marie will swat me good for swipin' these.

From the corner of her eye Marie catches a glimpses of young Seamus and his stolen tarts. After Lord Loxley is taken care of she stands not far from the hearth and crosses her arms under her ample breasts. Placing her curled fist to her lips she clears her throat and raises an eyebrow at the lad. She whispers, Lad if I didn't know better I'd say you were a petty thief. She winked at Seamus playfully, turned and went about her duties.

At Marie's comment, and playfulness, young Seamus' jaw drops for a moment. Snapping his mouth shut, he looks about quickly, hoping he does not look foolish, then mutters Err...Perhaps I best find sommat else tae do. She's bein ornery..tha's never good.. With an impish smirk for Lady Aiiane, the young fellow steps out quickly to go round and look after the other guests in the rest of the castle.

Aiiane took the tea gratefully and eyed the lemon tarts, sighing. They looked so delicious! Giving in to her desires, she took one - balancing it next to her teacup on the saucer. "Well, I suppose a bit of extra padding will not hurt over the cold winter months", she said in a mock-resigned voice, adding a wink at Seamus.

After the by-play between he and Marie, which caused Aiiane to grin, he went about tending the other guests. Most of the other guests had moved on, making their way to the conference room. Aiiane held back, deciding she might slip in later, but did not feel that her presence there was truly necessary. She held neither power or sway - nor did she seek either.

Becki couldn't help smile as Remmi came in. "Hey there Remmi! How are you?" she asked before giving him a hug in greeting. Becki couldn't help but hope she remembered everyone she had just met.

Rothar had just walked down to the corridor to the sitting room, to fix himself another drink.
When he spotted a familiar face standing over the other side of the room.
No it couldn't be.

Roth went over and "bowed"... To Miss Arwenstar.
Your excellency, he was unaccustomed to see Arwenstar in such formal attire.

You look exquisite...."did you have a safe journey down I heard about the uprising in Glasgow
and feared the worst".

Rothar, "winked at Marie" the servant girl said, fine lass could I trouble you to a
Scotch Whiskey, and one for my exquisite chancellor.

Marie curtsied to Lord Rose. The elder woman gave him a wink and smiled at Lady Arwenstar. Aye m'Lord. She responded with her stiff southern English accent. And for the lady a dram of Lord Hagman's best whiskey? She turned briskly and snapped her gingers at Anthony, who appeared with a tray containing two fine crystal glasses of the aged single malt whiskey. Anthony bowed when they were served and took his place at the end of the sideboard.

Will there be anything else I can get you? M'Lady, I hope yours room is comfortable and warm. Please call on anything of the castle staff if you wish anything. With a curtsy she was off to inspect the conference rooms. The serving staff would nee to replenish the food and drinks regularly.

Rothar smiles at Arwenstar, "it would be my pleasure to accompany you
on a travel trip soon." We might have to stay away from Glasgow a while the war beckons.

He straightens his kilt, takes a sip of whiskey for a while.