675-09-01 - The Healer and the Duke

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The Healer and the Duke
Summary: Duke Alajos stumbles upon the Mistress Rayne while riding through the woods.
Who: Alajos Fennim and Rayne Devantry
References: Re:Baldwin of Equis
When: 675-09-01
Related Logs: none
Date of RP: 2014-09-01
Where: Deep Woods and Devantry Cottage
Room Desc: In the Log


The afternoon is early yet, and a light rain falls from clouds heavy with it. They grow a bit darker, as if to threaten a heavier downpour is upon the land, but for the moment Rayne is content to ride out the rain in the open. Kneeling in the dirt, she pulls flora and plant alike from the ground, placing it into a burlap piece next to her. Of course, she replaces a pulled flower with a seedling so that something will grow in place as she always does. After a moment she settles back on her calves, resting herself a moment. Shirt and trousers covered in mud splotches as well as her face, and her hair is disheveled, strewn about her face in a wild frenzy.

A horse's steps are barely heared in the muddy ground and with the sound of rain on the leaves, but suddenly there is one, a fine steed, carrying a cloaked rider. The horses stops beside Rayne and a voice inquires politely: "Can I help... oh." He realizes that she hasn't fallen to the ground but is sitting there because she wants to. He clears his throat and looks embarrassed.

Rayne glances up and gives a smile, shifting to wrap the plants up in that burlap cloth to then place into her satchel. She stands and then lowers her head once more. "Quite alright. It would be hard to tell if someone slipped in the woods or not. I do thank you for your offer of help, kind sir." Saying that much, because while the voice was male, the cloak hid most features so that his identity was not truly revealed just yet.

"You should not be out in the rain, Ma'am, you may catch cold.", the man continues, while a little steam rises from the damp horse. "There is a little hut nearby at the lake if you wish to seek cover until it stops.", he offers.

Rayne smiles a little. "My own home is within the woods here, good sir. I am none too far from my own home. Still, I thank you for your concern." Saying that much more while lifting her satchel to slip over her shoulder. "If you're looking for a place to rest, I can offer you a meal and a drink if you would like."

The rider hesitates for a moment, then shrugs. "Oh, why not. I wouldn't mind a little rest.", he decides and gets off the horse, so he can walk beside her. The hood dropping away from his head as he dismounts, revealing the Duke Alajos himself.

There is a moment taken to watch the rider dismount, and upon the hood being knocked back, that the Duke himself is revealed, Rayne would do no more than smile. Then she would take a step back, and bows to the Duke. "Your Grace, it would be my honor to provide you a place to rest on this dismal afternoon." Standing upright, it is hard to tell if she is mocking propriety or being sincere, and yet either way she begins to lead to her cottage none too far from here. "Interesting to see you about the woods, personally, Your Grace. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I enjoy my daily rides... have done so for a long time.", Alajos replies with a little shrug to indicate that it really isn't news. "You know, they say there is no bad weather, there are only unsuitable clothes." He leads the horse by the bridle, following the young woman curiously. "You seem to know who I am ... but I am kept in the dark at present?"

"Well, that is good to know. That you keep such eyes on your lands...I've heard of rulers and leaders who have done far less." Rayne would state this much before she looks herself over. "I suppose such is true, about clothing..." Then a smirk would settle her lips as she shifts her gaze back to the Duke. "Then you do not remember me? I suppose that is fair. I am Rayne Devantry, healer and occupant of the woods." Moving then towards the cottage that comes into distant view.

Alajos looks puzzled for a moment, then ahs softly. "Yes, we met in the village once." He doesn't mention the other issue. What happens in the Isles stays in the Isles. He studies the cottage for a bit as they approach, then smiles. "How quaint! Do you live here all alone?"

Rayne gives a blink and then shakes her head after a moment. "No, Your Grace. I do not live alone. I live with my husband, Sir Baldwin of Equis, formerly of Ivounel." She says that much and then when they reach the house, she motions to where her own horse is tied and moves to open the door. "Welcome, Your Grace, to the Devantry Cottage."

"Ah, wonderful. I do not think it would be safe alone here.", Alajos replies and accepts the greeting with a nod and a smile. He ties his horse next to hers and enters the cottage, looking around curiously. See how the other half lives, so to speak.

"Why does everyone say that. This home has been in my family for many generations, and shall remain so. It has always been our safe haven." Rayne speaks as she walks in, setting her satchel off to the side. "Might I offer you some wine, Your Grace? Or something to eat?" Wanting to seem like a decent hostess at least.

"Perhaps a bit of wine.", Alajos suggests, "I would hate to inconvenience you and I cannot linger long. There is so much to do all the time at the castle." He sighs a little and fits himself a seat near the fire to sit and stretch his long legs.

Rayne nods, moving into her little kitchen space to fix the man the requested drink. Bringing the glass back to him, offering it over with a smile. "Sounds like you are quite the busy man. And I hear tell you'll be marrying soon as well? How will you keep up with everything as well as a wife?" Eyes sparkling with a bit of mirth perhaps, but also with a serious undertone to her question.

"It is a Duke's duty to have heirs and assure the survival of the dynasty.", Alajos replies in a carefully neutral tone, "I believe that it may actually be beneficial to my workload since my wife, the new Duchess, will be able to take over some of my present duties. Did you not attend the tourney that was hosted to celebrate the betrothal?"

Rayne blushes after a moment, glancing down to the floor after he takes the glass. "I--yes Your Grace--I wouldn't have missed it. Though... I tended to Sir Baldwin after you and that other bested him...and then...well it's been a mess since then Your Grace. What with Baldwin becoming denounced of his title, stripped of his name, and myself branded as nothing but a common whore..." She shakes her head then. "I do not think I will ever forget that day, and not for the right reasons."

Alajos tilts his head. "I ... do not think I am aware of the full story.", he says diplomatically, "Why do not put your story into a petition to me, so I can discuss and review your case?", he suggests after a moment, "At the end of the day I'm the ultimate law in the Duchy."

Rayne gives a soft chuckle. "Perhaps, Your Grace. Yet Sir Baldwin's home is not of this Duchy. He resided in Athereyne, the city of Equis. There really is not a case to make, except that I do wish some sort of entitlement could be restored to my husband. If nothing more, perhaps I could gain an audience with you when you've more time to discuss matters?"

"Do not forget that the ducal houses are all connected to each other. And a wedding is a good opportunity to offer benevolent deeds. So yes, do send me a petition and I will see you before the wedding and then we'll see what can be done, alright?", he suggests with a smile and empties his wine glass quickly.

Rayne blinks a moment and then nods her head. "Of course, Your Grace. You shall likely receive this petition in the morrow if not sometime later this evening should you receive my messenger later." A smile still. "Thank you, Your Grace. I do appreciate such a concern taken on the matter."

Alajos smiles. "I wish to see my subjects happy.", he admits, "Our dear county has been through much misery and it is time for a change and a new start, mhm?", he muses and rises to his feet, "I thank you for your hospitality, Mistress, but I should be moving on."

Rayne nods. "Of course. You're always welcomed here, Your Grace." Saying that much while walking him to the door, perhaps even holding it open for him. "Safe travels and fair weather. I shall speak with you soon I am sure."

"Of course. Be well, mistress." Alajos offeres her another smile, then heads out to ride home at last.