675-11-05 - Harvest Feast
| Harvest Feast | |||||||
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| Summary: People gather on the marketplace of Woodwatch, to celebrate the harvest. | |||||||
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Squirrel Market appears pretty much different on this day from what it usually looks like. First of all, its center has been cleared, leaving enough space for a small podium, upon which a number of entertainments will take place during the evening. To the far side branches and twigs have been piled up to provide the means for the harvest fire which will ingnited later. A number of stands and booths surrounding the square have several beverages on sale, such as ale, cider and even a bit of wine, but also snacks like smoked ham, roasted chicken legs, cheese, and a local delicacy called felgie, which is basically a small bread, sliced and filled with cheese, garlic and some herbs that has been roasted for a bit over the fire.
It is already late afternoon, and given the season, dusk has settled long ago, the absence of the sun causing the light chill of autumn. A merry flickering but nonetheless colourful light is provided by oil lamps and torches, as well as some paper lanterns holding candles. Laughter and music fills the air when a number of musicians on the podium strum a merry tune, and there are already some couples engaged with dancing on the space near the podium left intentionally for this purpose.
Tables and benches have been placed to the side, providing those of noble birth in attendance with a minimum of comfort, and it is here that some guards have been placed to ensure a certain privacy to those of higher birth.
At one of the tables sits Lord Ralph Fennim, a black doublet worn over a shirt of white, along with black breeches. His usually so brooding mien less so, maybe due to the fact he is holding a goblet of wine in his hand. A faint smile curls his lips as he leans over to his cousin the duke, and offers a casual remark about the festivities - alas, it can hardly be overheard in the current racket. In his other hand is a piece of felgie, from which he will take a bite next, a pleased grunt muffled slightly as he chews on the small lump of roasted bread with melted cheese.
Sometimes it is wise not to seek the spotlight, and being a part of a trio is certainly preferable to entertaining on one's own, when members of a certain minor noble family of Beresgond may be less than pleased to see you. Leander plays on his lute, with remarkable lack of flashiness, blending rather well to the background for once, instead of seeking to impress. A minstrel needs to make a living though, and what else can he do but practice what he has done all his life, a life dedicated to music. And so the Vainhill strums merrily along, content to display only a fraction of his talent, while his deep blue eyes scan the crowd now and then.
Strolling about among the common folk is Sir Baldwin of Equis, as he keeps of course close to his wife, the healer Rayne Devantry. The time that has passed since his return to Two Rivers has had a remarkable effect. All traces of his serious illness have vanished, gone are the shadows about his eyes, and the slight paleness to his face. A smile curls his lips as he leans over to his wife to offer some whispered comment, mischief dancing in his eyes as his steps come to a stop by a stand to the side with several ribbons and a avriety of fabrics on display. "Let me buy you something... a token of my love if you will." The ribbons on display are inspected in the flickering light of an oil lamp. "Which one would catch your fancy, Rayne...?", the knight inquires.
The Duke of Woriscant has been making a late entrance as to maximize effects, riding in on his finest black horse, a voluminous royal-blue cloak draped around his person. But alas, it seems that he arrived without the lovely young Duchess. No explanations are offered but there are whispers of the young lady being unwell and that she may join later. For now the Duke offers a little wave to his people before making his way to the table from which the nobles can oversee the festivities.
The healer wears a look of fascination when taking in the sights alongside her husband. A laugh more visible than perhaps heard as comments are passed between the two. If one is observant enough, the young healer keeps a hand against her midsection for the moment, perhaps protecting something? None the less, as they stop at one of the stands that is selling ribbons of various color, the spark in Rayne's eye is more vibrant as she glances among them. "I like that one..." Gesturing with her free hand to a longer ribbon that is green in color.
The young looking female is standing in all the crowd of the commoners. She is just one of these poor people, who can afford that only one cup of cider in one hand, and the only one slice of felgie in the other. Though, at the same time she is different.
Even if her eyes have color as blue as a cube of ice, it is easy to see a little fire there, which betrays various emotions of this young woman. Each of her emotions may be easily stressed out with these wonderful wriggling, sticking this way and that, brightly red locks.
The thin figure spreads joy, amusement and excitement. She has a warm silken flowery scarf wraped around her neck just once, leaving long ends to blow in the wind together with her wild wavy hair. The scarf is dark itself, but the flower pattern has green and red colors.
The redhead also wears manly long dark green trousers and warm jacket on her shirts of the same color. There are some small pouches attached to the trousers and a bag is tossed over her shoulder, dangling somewhere beside her side. The bag is obviously filled with many things.
The duke's dramatic entrance will be noted when Ralph eyes this goblet of wine suspiciously, and then the guy sitting beside him, some minor Fennim relative obviously whom he had mistaken for his most noble cousin. A light shrug follows as he decides to down the goblet and then rises to greet the Duke of Woriscant. "Your Grace. Impressive indeed. A good eve. as you can see the fstivities are in full swing. Where is your wife, the Duchess if I may ask?", the Fennim lord inquires politely and just swaying ever so slightly in his movements.
Also present, and at least for now without his wife by his side, Argon's making his way into the area as well. He's rather quiet as he does, looking between the people present and offering them all nods now.
Baldwin smiles at Rayne, his grey-blue eyes lingering for a moment on her hand that is placed gently on her midst. He will nod, and lean over to offer his wife a kiss to the cheek - scandalous behaviour? But then again, it's the harvest feast, and they are married so who could possibly take offence. "Very well then," he concedes and indicates the green ribbon of Rayne's choosing, as he gets out his purse to pay the man the required amount of money.
Alajos takes his time to enjoy a first sip of wine, while his eyes trail over the crowd. "It does look rather lively.", he agrees and shifts a bit nervously. "Surely nobody expects me to make a speech?" He sighs a little. "Lady Avaline was rather unwell this morning, so I told her to rest. She promised to join later though, when she was rested. Is there anyone I should meet here?", he then asks, since Ralph is basically doing all the PR for Woriscant.
"Hello..." Quiet whisper should reach the ear of Argon and he should feel the soft touch on his shoulder. It's the young princess Barbeta Brais. If allowed, she will tiptoe to kiss the cheek of her beloved uncle, "Where is your wife, lady Livessa?" She asks and slides her hand to wrap it around Argon's if allowed.
The young princess is weaing her usual black gown and is followed by a handmaiden. The one from Kingdom of the Golden Lion. And some guards.
Entering the area a bit late, but then these are foreign styles to deal with. Dressed in Felagurian silks and style enters the tall 'barbarian' who is now the husband to the princess. Patrician Agostino scans the crowd with his dark eyes, seeing his young bride the leader of the Ningo people slowly makes his way over to her, taking steps to avoid bumping into people, or knocking even servants over. While not overly bulky he is tall and takes up some space. He is dressed in royal styles, but the colors of his attire doesn't match the colors of any house, not even his cape. A few stare at the scars that cross his face, others watch him for his height or build, most watch because they've not had the chance to see one of the former 'Northern Barbarians' as of yet. But they are allies now. As he draws closer to Barbeta he says in a lowered tone, so as not to disrupt the festivities more then his presence has, "My apologies Principessa, I had some trouble which delayed me." in a soft voice.
One hand is held out to a servant, to give Ralph a refill of his goblet while he ponders Alajos' questions. "Let me think...", he murmurs, shaking his head as if to free it from a possibly existing slightly drunken haze. "I... well. t's up to you, cousin, really. There is enough merriment going on at the moment, so... I think a speech is not really required to entertain the masses. Drink. You should have some wine." And losen up a little maybe.
It will take a lot of wine for Alajos to losen up. But he notes the entrance of Agostino and leans closer to Ralph. "Is that the man Princess Barbeta was in such a hurry to marry? Surely we should be introduced.", he comments quietly.
Argon reaches out to offer Barbeta a quick hug as she kisses his cheek, offering her a smile. "Barbeta..." A brief pause, before he smiles, "I hope you are well today." A pause at the mention of his wife. "She was a bit tired from the travel here, so she is resting a bit," he replies.
"Oh, sad! I would loved to meet her before leaving..." Princess says to Argon.
Barbeta's smile politely to her husband, when Agostino shows up. If allowed, she will slide her own small hand into the palm of her husband, before introducing, "My husband Patricio Augostino," she points at the man, "My beloved uncle lord Argon..." She points at the man, "I hope you will like each other..."
While the man will exchange some words, her gaze will wander around the crowd, as if looking for someone.
Once pointed to the foreigner, the older Fennim will straighten and clear his throat. "Oh yes, indeed. That must be him. And isn't that... Princess Barbeta as well?" Unaware as he is of her current title as she has married the leader of the Ningo. "Shall I... take care of that?", Ralph muses, before he nods. Ah. Well. Of course. Someone has to take care of it, and it will be cousin Ralph as usual. Venturing over to Barbeta and Agostino, with Alajos hopefully in tow, the Fennim lord will offer a polite bow. "Greetings, Princess Barbeta. I believe this is your husband, the famed Patrician Agostino Cornelia?" Drunk he may be, but informed nonetheless. "Allow me to introduce to you the Duke of Woriscant, His Grace, Alajos Fennim. I am his cousin, Lord Ralph Fennim."
Alajos has indeed followed along and now hovers at Ralph's elbow. When he is introduced, he offers a deep bow, before taking Barbeta's hand to bring it up to his lips. "A pleasure to see you again, Your HIghness. And to make your acquaitance, Lord Agostino." He bows to the man as well.
Rayne blushes a shade or two at the kiss to her cheek offered by her husband and then beams when he presents the coin to purchase the ribbon she was so taken by. Acquiring the ribbon, she tucks it into her satchel for safe keeping in the moment. "Shall we get ourselves some refreshments perhaps? A cup of ale or some such while we look around?" Asking this as she sets her mossy gaze upon Baldwin, still all smiles in the moment.
Barbeta smiles to Ralph, giving him a polite nod, "My lord, It's a pleasure to meet you again." However, her opinion about the Duke of Woriscant is not the best. So, when he takes her hand, the young woman's smile fades and Barbie just offers a polite nod for the man, being glad to get her hand back later, "Good day, your Grace..." She tells, looking back at Argon, and quite proudly at her husband.
Agostino nods respectfully to Argon and says, "Patrician Agostino of Family Cornelia." perhaps the occasion requires a more formal introduction, or perhaps he was correcting his wife. He tone would suggest the former. It is clear he hasn't mastered the common language of Felaguria yet, though he seems to know enough for general conversations at least. He does speak slowly, as though to make sure he is properly enunciating the foreign words. Agostino then looks to the pair of Fennims and says to Alajos, "Patrician is both my title and what I am called as you understand it." he then nods respectfully to each. Then to Ralph he adds, "Patrician Agostino of Family Cornelia is the proper use when full name is required. Patrician or Patrician Agostino will suffice for less formal occasions." Except of course for his wife and family, as they are permitted to refer to him by Agostino alone. He then adds to Argon, "Forgive the absence of the rest of my family, they are still unaccustomed to your ways and do not speak your language. I felt it better they remain at the castle to avoid potential unintentional offenses."
"Refreshments. Certainly." Baldwin agrees with a smile, noting the slight blush on his wife's cheeks. "There you are," he says as he hands her the ribbon. "Ale. Over there maybe?", he suggests, pointing towards another stand, where cups of the beverage are poured.
Ralph inclines his head towards Agostino. "I see, Patrician," he smiles politely, taking the advice about the proper address to his heart at once. "Let me... compliment you on how well you master the language. I understand you are not used to speaking Common in your lands...?"
"A pleasure to meet you, Patrician Agostino," Argon replies with a nod and a smile to the man. Nodding a bit to Ralph's words. "You speak our language quite well," he replies, before he looks back to Barbeta, offering her another smile. "How have you been since last we spoke?" he asks her.
Alajos arches one brow at finding himself at the receiving end of a lesson without a formal greeting. "Very well then - Patrician Agostino.", he replies stiffly, nodding to him and Barbeta before stepping back. A servant is whispering something into his ear which makes him smile. "It seems my lady wife is on her way at last, so if you'll excuse me..." He heads away, back to the Fennim table to look out for her.
Agostino nods to the Fennims and says, "Thank you, it is only through the efforts of translator Esther and my wife. As to how challenging my own language is, my wife should be able to help you with understanding that." He then glances to the side and if allowed leans in to give his wife a peck on the cheek and says, "Excuse me, I need to attend to something." Before lookign at the others around him adding, "Excuse me, I shall return."
A little tardy, though certainly the Duke gave proper excuse for Duchess Avaline's absence from the open feasts. Finally arriving, even if yet looking a little peakish, but it would not due if she did not put in some appearance. Escorted along by one of her maids for the time as her pale blue eyes scan the crowds,"I am sure I shall be just fine. You need not fret. It was just a disagreeable egg."
When Agostino is ready to leave, Barbie offers a polite nod to the people of the Kingdom of Two Rivers, "It was nice meeting you all again," and she turns to Agostino, giving him a kiss to his cheek. Then the young princess leaves to, getting through the crowd with her own goals.
Rayne follows along, her closer arm shifting to link with Baldwin's own. Of course, her gaze is also scanning over the crowd of those gathered, and there are a few random commoners who greet her with a smile and gratitude. "Yes, ale would be lovely I think...or, perhaps wine for myself..."
Alajos approaches his wife and places his hands on her arms to lean in for a peck onto her cheek. "IT's good to see you well again, my dear.", he smiles, "Do sit down and enjoy a glass of wine. The lighting of the harvest fire will commence any minute now, I've been informed. So you haven't missed the most important part." He gallantly pulls out a chair for her.
A smile comes for Alajos from Avaline as she spots him, gently offering a faint peck to his cheek in return. "Thank you, a glass of wine does sound lovely. And oh, I have not missed the lighting? Good, I had feared I would come to late. " A gentle bow of her head given as he pulls the chair for her, settling to it easily. "And was that my dear cousin I saw vanishing off already?"
So many happy couples, and Rayne and Baldwin are one of them. The knight of Equis leads his wife over to where the ale is poured, and soon he hands... himself a cup of ale and gets her a some wine instead. "What is this?", he murmurs into her ear. "Are you developing a taste for the expensive?" A slight rolling of his eyes indicating he is not quite serious with his question. "Many have gathered," he muses, his gaze following where her glance already has gone. "Even the Duke. And Princess Barbeta." Catching a glimpse of her before she moves off with the Ningo, whom he has never met in person. But realizing then who it must be he lowers his gaze briefly for a moment.
Argon nods a bit as Barbeta and her husband moves off, before he turns to look over at the others present. Seeing Avaline has arrived, he starts making his way in her general direction, although his steps are slow for the moment.
There is a slight smirk that covers her lips even as a blush takes over her cheeks. "Hardly. Just something more fine than ale, as I do have a condition to take into consideration. Wine is better, for myself and the child." Speaking that, even as she caught the rolling of his eyes and a chuckle follows her words. "Indeed. Though I'm not sure how fitting it would be to approach any of them...and the last time I met with the Duke I made...a rather wonderful fool of myself." She shrugs at that comment and then silences herself by taking a sip of wine. "Here, I shall buy us some felgie..." Moving then to make such a purchase.
Avaline's cousin may have left. Th cousin of her husband has not, and so Ralph strolls over after offering the required polite bow to Agostino and the Princess, a Fennim following in Duke Alajos' wake. After all, by the table are where the beverages and... more felgies can be had. "Your Grace," Ralph greets, when he spots Avaline, the warm smile curling his lips genuine, but maybe a little tempered by his wine-heavy breath. "You look astonishing." Now, is that a compliment fit for the wife of your cousin?
Alajos is content to settle down beside his wife and enjoy some more wine while servants bring her food. He arches a brow when Ralph pays her such a flowery compliment, then asks rather tersely "Isn't the fire about to be lit? I would like to retire to the castle soon."
"If that's the case, go and get you some," Baldwin replies with a wink. "After all, you are the healer. You should know best." He cannot help but follow her with his eyes, fondness evident in his features as well as adoration for his wife.
Well certainly the more fun cousin who has taught her so much this past month has not left! Avaline offers Ralph a warm smile as he appears as well, demuring dipping her head,"You are to kind, Lord Ralph. Thank you." A bit of the wine being sipped as the food brought out is considered, though there is a glance to Alajos at his rather terse questions.
And indeed. Being a man of Woriscant who knows the usual way of how this particular feast is held, Alajos' slightly impatient words anticipate a group of young men that appear beside the pile of branches, with torches in their hands. A murmur of Ahhs and OOhs goes through the crowd when the fire is lit, and flames start a merry dance that spreads a pleasant warmth against the autumn chill. And many stare with fascination at the spectacle of the burning pile, mayhaps reminded of the transiency of all living.
Acquiring some of the food, and with a drink in her other hand, Rayne returns to her husband's side. A glance among the crowd once more, and she clears her throat before taking a bite of her food. Only a moment after is her attention drawn to the fire as it is lit and she leans gingerly against her husband for the moment. "We should do something at home, as well, to welcome this new season...the best time for harvesting shall be coming soon after all."
"Ah, here we are.", Alajos notes, smiling contently. Perhaps thinking that it were his ducal words that spurred others into action. He remains silent though, watching the flames rise into the night sky. "Did you have harvest fires at home?", he finally asks Avaline.
"Planning on retiring this soon, Your Grace?" Argon asks as he reaches Avaline and the people around her, his quiet words offered to Alajos. "Duke Alajos, Lord Ralph." And then a smile to Avaline. "Avaline. You look well."
His goblet is raised in a silent toast to Avaline, when Ralph inclines his head towards her. So refreshing is to have someone with some sense around, really. His attention is soon distracted from the comely duchess when the fire is lit, and Ralph stares like so many others towards the flames, sipping pensively from his wine.
Pale blue eyes take in the fires are they come to life and the flames lick at the skies. Avaline smiles as she watches the whirlwind of activity that seems to occur with it all, briefly tranfixed by it all herself. A quiet little hmm going to Alajos at first before she blinks and looks to him,"Oh, we have something, not quite like this though. " Argon's question she leaves to Alajos but she does give her 'uncle' a smile,"Thank you, Argon, you are looking quite well yourself."
Rayne will find Baldwin where she had left him, with a mug of ale in his hand. When she leans against him his free arm will wrap about her as she looks over her shoulder towards the fire. "True," he replies. "We should. And prepare for the winter." His first winter in Woriscant.
Ralph turns when Argon approaches, and he greets the man. "Lord Argon. We are honoured to have you here. A memmber of the Royal family. I hope you enjoy the festivities...?"
Alajos offers a polite greeting to Argon as well and a weak smile. "We have been here for a while.", he tells the man, "So I do not think it wrong to retire soon. Surely the commoners will enjoy their party more without the gazes of their rulers upon them?"
Avaline gives a bit of a smile,"I imagine they shall relax a bit more without our gazes upon them, just as we did as children when our parents' gazes were not upon us. Yes?" Enjoying a touch more of the wine as well as some of the food brought, though certainly if her husband wishes to retire she shall do so with him.
"Probably, yes," Argon replies to Alajos, before he smiles to them all now. "Thank you, Lord Ralph. It's a pleasure to be here. And the festivities are quite nice." A grin is offered to Avaline. "It's nice of you to say so to an old man."
"Mmn, yes, prepare for winter. Something else to keep in mind..." Which also had Rayne wondering if her baby would be born during the winter - which would make things a little more difficult but not impossible. Taking another bite of her food, she stares in awe of the harvest fire, or perhaps she's simply drawn by the dancing flames. Either way, she's down to basic functions of eating, drinking, and watching.
It will take Alajos comment and the one that follows from Avaline to draw Ralph back to the here and now, away from the brooding thoughts he may have dwelt on. "Oh, come on. What will the commoners think of their Duke? That he needs to go to bed - early?", he offers with a shrug, and a tone that is somewhere between a bit annoyed and challenging. "Cousin, honestly." As Ralph certainly will continue to enjoy himself over here at the festivities, with probably more than another goblet of wine.
Alajos shrugs at Ralph and, after making sure that Avaline is out of earshot, leans in to whisper to his cousin: "They might think that with a pretty young wife, the Duke will have every reason to withdraw early." Then, before Ralph can reply to that, he quickly gets up and offers his arm to Avaline, so they can depart. Seeing some looks upon them, the young couple waves and smiles to the crowd, then disappears in the darkness.
