A New Blessing Waiting Area

Seeing a quite ravishing looking Lady in the Sitting room Falcon made his way in. Bowing to the Lady, greetings milady, I don't believe we have met, they call me Falcon inside these walls and you would be?

Smiling at the Lady he wondered which one of his brothers had invited this lovely Lady.

Hikenai was shown to the waiting area by one of the castle servants and she nervously looked about, hoping for a familiar face!

"Victorious! I am thrilled to see you, my dear!" Hik's heart swelled with happiness seeing her friend there, and suddenly she became aware of Lord Falconfire, as well. "Hello! I am so glad to have been asked to come attend such a joyous celebration! 'Tis wonderful to see you outside the halls of the Tower, Falconfire."

Entering the beautifully appointed room, Hikenai felt all apprehension melt, and she looked forward to seeing Caitilin, Baldar and their lovely family. She hoped Kelster would be able to join them later, but was not sure if would be able to attend. Nonetheless, she was glad to be on hand to take part in such a family oriented occasion.

As she was talking to Falconfire, she saw her dear friend, Hik. She walked over to Hik and gave her a huge hug. You look lovely Hik. I'm so happy you are here with me. I didn't know I would see you here. This is going to be a grand dinner especially with you here.

Hugging Vic warmly, and careful not to crush her beautiful gown, Hikenai murmurred, "I am so happy to be included! To celebrate the coming birth of child is special, indeed. I remember the circumstances under which Caitilin gave birth last time....." Not wishing to bring up painful memories, Hikenai steered clear of mentioning those hot days last summer when Baldar lay at deaths' door and Cait, wounded from battle gave birth to her son. It was a magnificent victory, however, that birth was.... in the face of so much blood and death!
"I am pleased to see you, too, Victorious! I do hope we will see you in Egremont again soon.....it was wonderful when you were last there, coming in the tavern often!"

Ghostwriter hurriedly scooped Ora up and hurried from their rooms to the sitting room, conscious she was running late. Dressed in her red jaquered dress, her hair up on top of her head, and Ora wearing a pretty pink dress with full skirts, Ghost hoped not many had arrived yet. Outside the door Ghost set Ora down onto the floor, smoothed her skirts and then taking Ora's hand entered.

I am so sorry we got tied up doing something, Ghost said seeing Victorious and Hikenai, releasing Ora and hurrying over to hug Hikenai. How is everything going Victorious? she asked smiling, glancing round and spotting Falconfire. Falcon, so glad to see you, she beemed, hurrying over to hug him.

When do you expect others to arrive? she asked turning to Victorious, smiling as she saw her daughter wandering towards her, wondering how long before Ora noticed Falconfire. If Seamus feels up to it he will be along later but I very much doubt it.

I'm not sure Ghostwrwriter, I sure hope everyone shows that said they would if not I'm sure it still will be a lovely dinner.

You sure look lovely Ghost. It sure is nice to be women we get to wear the best dresses. I don't know where Darko is? He must be still busy getting things ready.

Victorious kneels down to Ora's level and shakes her hand. Aren't you looking pretty little one? You look just like your pretty momma.

Hik's eyes lit up at the arrival of her friend Lady Ghost. She hurried to hug the young woman, and wink at little Ora. The child had grown so! Hikenai wished she had brought Neonea, as well, for the six year old would have loved to act as 'big sister' to Ghostwriter's tot. Neo loved small children and was very good with them, preoccupying them for hours with her stories and games.
Victorious said, You sure look lovely Ghost. It sure is nice to be women we get to wear the best dresses. Hikenai could only smile and agree, for Hik loved to dress up and model her gowns for Kelster. "Oooh, Ghostie, you do look lovely! And Ora is exquisite in pink! Like a little bit of marzipan, with her creamy complexion...." Ghost said, I am so sorry we got tied up doing something, How is everything going Victorious?...... Falcon, so glad to see you.............When do you expect others to arrive? If Seamus feels up to it he will be along later but I very much doubt it.
Hikenai nodded with concern, she did not know if Kelster would be able to attend either, but had been running a little late herself. That had caused her a momentary bit of chagrin, but all was well now, and she smiled as she relaxed among her friends.

Falcon see's others enter and goes to give Ghost and Hik a big hug. It is very much a pleasure to meet you Lady Victorious, it seems I have heard your name around the Royal Guards offices, winking at her.

I think it would be best to let Marie get you into rooms where you can freshen up a bit until dinner. I trust you will find everything you need and Marie will be available to you in case there is something else.

Falcon looks to little Ora and picks her up, guess what uncle Falcon has for you my precious, looking to his pocket. I will carry you upstairs myself to moms room if you don't mind. Putting Ora up on his shoulders he plays like a horse going up the stairs.

Bows to Falconfire and says, Oh maybe good news I hope, I've been waiting on a reply with my application but I can wait patiently.

I guess we have to wait for Marie to show us our rooms. I'm not sure where to go, I know Darko said I could use his room but I don't know how long we will have to wait for Darko to announce the dinner. I might take a little nap, I am getting quite tired waiting. Marie wouldn't have anything to drink while we wait do you think.

It also is very nice to meet you Falconfire. It's so nice to be around friends. She takes a seat until Marie shows up since I'm sure she is busy trying to get the staff ready for the dinner.

Happily, Hikenai hugged Falconfire and then released him, stepped back as he addressed Victorious, and realized her friend must have applied to join the Royal Guards!

Victorious said,
....I've been waiting on a reply with my application but I can wait patiently.

"Ah, Vic, that is wonderful! What a fine organization it is! My friend Hamish, a deacon from Egremont, also applied to join a few weeks ago, I am not sure if he has heard back from them, however...perhaps it is a lengthy process.....and I believe Osbert intends to apply, as well."

Hikenai smiled warmly at Ghost, as Falcon picked Ora up and placed her against his shoulder.

.....guess what uncle Falcon has for you my precious, looking to his pocket. I will carry you upstairs myself to moms room if you don't mind.

Falcon, still holding the child in his arms, galloped up the stairs, but Victorious sank down upon her chair to await Marie, and Hikenai drifted over to the heavily beveled window, and gazed out the leaded panes.

It had been a rather long ride to the Castle, and Hikenai wanted to freshen up before the dinner. She wished she had brought Blythe along to attend her. Suprisingly, her stays felt very tight, and Blythe could have loosened them for her...but suddenly she forgot all about the minor discomfort she felt! With a big smile she turned back to Victorious. "Ah, I see that Irish has arrived! Perhaps she will join us soon! Have you met Irish Dragons? She is quite fun to be with! I am so glad we are to see her this evening as we celebrate the coming of Cait and Baldar's newest babe!"

Ladies and Gentleman I present to you Lady Irish.

Now listen up, it seems our host has been detained for a couple days and I have been put in charge. Big mistake!

All the rooms have been opened for your disposal to freshen up and relax. There is a well stocked liqueur cabinet in Caitilins and Baldars room, if one of you could bust the lock off there I'm sure they won't mind, hell we do it all the time. There is a pig in the kitchen, if I could get some help seasoning it I will throw it on the deck in the spit.

Since we are all here we will have a preparty to warm things up here. There will be a toga party at 7:00, I expect all to attend.

Why let any of this food in the Kitchen go to waste, might as well start this party now...lol

Are there any questions, oh we can have pony rides for the kids in the Grand Ball Room, and if we get some spotters that can catch we can have a slide down the banister contest too! I used to do that when I was young , grins



Thought Irish might get that

Lady Victorious Tudor stands up and curtsies to Lady Irish. It is an honor to finally meet you milady.

Victorious listens to Sir Falconfire and tries very hard to hold her laugh at his conversation with everyone. She didn't know he was such a humorous fellow. From what it sounds, Sir Falconfire, they may have made a mistake putting you in charge as she chuckles.

It is refreshing to know that you are full of surprises and once again Congratulations on your recent knighting. It is an honor to be in your presence.

So which way is our rooms, I didn't see any available. I would like to lie down for a bit since the dinner is delayed.

Marie stepped into the sitting room with her hands on her hips. Master Falconfire you have some clean up in the ballroom. She turned to the other guests and curtsied with a smile. My Lords and Ladies, your rooms are prepared and there is a valet or maid waiting for you there. If you will follow Anthony he will show you to your rooms. [http://castlestryke.heavenforum.org/f29-guest-apartments]

I can take all the kids with me to the Ballroom if you like and let the parents rest up. Marie I will be cooking out back a little later also. Falcon goes to the ballroom and knocks over some chairs to make little jumps for the young riders.

Marie I will need a sheet per person delivered to the guest rooms please...hehehehe make them white please and not those real thick ones . He gives Marie a real big hug for putting up with him all these years.

Oh Marie could you send one of the room personnel to polish up the bannisters please we will be using them later and yes I will be careful this time

Falcon sits down and pours a drink to get things started, that damn brother of mine throws a party and does everything but show up on time. Darko I am going to kill you when you get home!

Lady Victorious we have you a new room that might be a little better suited for you

Remember everyone, Toga party at 7:00 and your costume will be delivered to your rooms!

Hez smiles at Lady Caitilin as she escorts him from the Entrance Hall to the Sitting Room to join with the others. He saw some that he knew well, some that he knew from seeing the good works that they had done, and some that he had not yet had the pleasure of meeting. He was sure, however, that he would get to know them all quite well before the end of this happy event, and he smiled as he approached the group.