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Post by Kayla on Feb 16, 2008 22:17:30 GMT -5
Kayla was up before Terion was; the bakery needed started before the sun broke the horizon. Her parents - for she still considered them such - were up even before she was. This morning was special. Special and sad. They had started the ovens, making the small two story home warm and toasty. The smell of bread slowly filled the rooms, smelling heavenly. Kayla stood at her closet, her eyes tired from a night of little sleep. She finally picked a dress that was perfect for traveling. The cut was simple, nothing too flowy, and the dress was a shade of rich mahogany. It would not show dirt easily, and it would hold up while on the road. Dressed, her hair pulled back to keep it out of her face, she put on sturdy shoes and went downstairs. It was all so unreal, but within an hour or two she would be gone from this village. Already in the square life was beginning to stir. A few early risers chatted with Gemello, as they always did. Kayla smiled as she watched them scurry around. No doubt within the hour everyone would know that their village had raised a queen. She sighed. Life would never again be normal.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 16, 2008 22:41:38 GMT -5
Terion was embraced by the smells of the bakery. They did indeed smell heavenly to him and it made him long for some bread. He would have to ask Kayla's parents to let him buy some bread from them so he could take it with him on the trip back to Dublin, the capitol. Terion figured that he should go wake up Kayla if she wasn't already awake. Terion rubbed his eyes a bit, tightened his belt and began to walk up the stairs. He ran his hands through his hair, straightening everything out. He didn't know why he was making himself look more presentable for Kayla. It wasn't like her being a queen changed his opinion of her at all. In fact he really hadn't changed his opinion too much at all. He didn't care about titles, he cared about what the person was like, not what their title proclaimed them to be. Terion knocked on Kayla's door. "Are you awake Kayla?" He asked through the door.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 16, 2008 23:04:52 GMT -5
But of course Kayla was not up in her room. Having awoken a good deal before the young king, she was downstairs among the hustle and bustle of her mother. Ariana flitted about, taking breads, putting them back, trying to pack a bag for Kayla to take. "You must have traveling cakes.....and bread! Bread needs to be taken along. But it might get squished. Perhaps you can take another bag, dear. After all, our bread is as light as the air itself, so we have always said. Oh, do you think the king will want bread for his men? They will be hungry, of course - men always are." Prattling on like this, all Kayla and her father could do was roll their eyes over her head. "I'd best go see if Terion is awake," Kayla said. Escaping the growing chaos - for three people had arrived to see if the rumors were true - Kayla went upstairs. The couch was empty, so the young king was up. Hearing a knocking sound, she followed it to her room. "I'm up," she said dryly, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at him.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 16, 2008 23:11:52 GMT -5
Terion was not expecting Kayla to be up already and he turned around on the steps and nearly fell. He put his foot down and steadied himself. He smiled, shaking off the rather embarrassing moment. "Wow, usually i am the first one up." Terion said with a smile as he walked down to her and smiled at her as he stood over her, still on the stairs. "Is there breakfast ready? We must be leaving in haste. I am afraid that my men will not have shared the night's rest that i have." Terion said and moved his hand to his neck and winced a bit, "Of course i have a slight pain in my neck, but oh well." Terion said with a smile, walking down to her and kiss her gently on the cheek. "Come let us find us something to eat. Perhaps i will be aloud to take some of the food with me. It smells quite delightful i must say." Terion stated as he beckoned for her to lead the way.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 16, 2008 23:18:34 GMT -5
Kayla bit back a snort of amusement, though she could not hide a grin, as the king almost toppled down the stairs in surprise. "This is a bakery; I get up before the sun does," she said simply, "and my ma is already packing for us. You might want to direct her in what you need; she will overpack if you let her." With this warning she turned, smiling at his kiss, and led him downstairs. Gemello had managed to keep the curious villagers outside. The square was busier than usual, for everyone had been eager to come out and see the two off. To think that thier Kayla was the queen! This was no ordinary day. On the emergence of Kayla and the king, Ariana threw her hands in the air, desparing of ever getting packed. "What do you wish to take, your highness, I have no idea!" she lamented.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 17, 2008 14:38:30 GMT -5
Terion smiled at Ariana as she began to talk about what she should give them for their journey. Terion couldn’t really figure out what he wanted to bring with him on his journey. “Um, I am not really sure. Ask Kayla, I am sure that she would know what are the best pastries and loafs of bread.” Terion said, digging into his pouch. He took out a small bag of coins and put them on the counter, “These are for the bread. Do not try and talk me out of giving you money.” Terion persisted and then looked back at Kayla. “Where is my horse?” Terion asked her, “I wish to saddle her up and I need to find you one as well. You cannot walk behind or beside me. I would not allow it as a baker and I will not allow it as a Queen.” Terion said with a smile and he turned to Ariana. "Surely you agree." He said with a smile. The day was just beginning but he knew the amount of time it would take them to reach his men and they needed to hurry. He didn't want to lose them and have to travel to Dublin alone with just Kayla.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 17, 2008 22:20:31 GMT -5
All a-flutter, Ariana threw her hands in the air and finally just packed what would be best for a journey. There were the flat, dense journey cakes, crispy loaves of dark brown bread, as well as a few of the sticky-sweet honey cakes she knew Kayla enjoyed so much. Her daughter had always had a sweet tooth. Kayla turned from the packing and said, "Yes, I will show you the stables. Your horse was no doubt kept there." And no doubt pampered greatly. The villagers would love a chance to serve their king. Upon exiting the bakery, Kayla was swarmed by the helpful villagers. They wished her well, wished her happiness, and generally hugged and fussed over her. Or at least, the women did. Behind them Kayla saw the man who ran the stable approaching. His name was Clive, just Clive, and he led the king's horse to them. He also held another horse. Kayla recognized it as his prize mare, Mist. She was a gorgeous horse, a silvery gray in color, her mane as light and wispy as the mist over the moor, hence her name. Her lineage was impressive, and it showed in her slender legs, her well-built body, and her teacup muzzle. Kayla's green eyes widened as he presented it to her. "A fine horse for a fine queen," Clive stated simply. Clive was a man of few words. He also bequeathed the king's horse to him, then turned and left. Clive did not take to tearful goodbyes.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 17, 2008 22:27:47 GMT -5
Terion saw the man bringing two hours up towards them. One was a beautiful mare which he gave to Kayla and the second was Terion's horse, which was given to him as well. They were already saddled and that was a might fine establishment. Everyone in the village had turned out to see the nobilities. The day prior had brought but one nobility, but today there were two. Some of the villages just stared in awe at Kayla as she stood there with her new horse. Terion looked at her as well, but in a different manner. He looked at her with a great deal of care and concern for her well being. He wasn't sure why he cared for her. Perhaps it was because he realized his need to protect her as the queen. Terion mounted his horse and beckoned for Kayla to do so as well. "Kayla, we must be a gettin off now. Say goodbye to your family." Terion requested.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 17, 2008 22:41:17 GMT -5
With a few tearful children clinging to her skirts, begging her not to go, Kayla said goodbye. Ariana dissolved into tears, smiling and handing her the traveling bags that were to go with her. Lost for words, she merely hugged her daughter tight, comforting both of them, wishing she didn't have to go. Gemello, a bit awkward with all this tearful emotion, hugged her and said a bit hoarsely, "You come back anytime you want." The children finally sobbed out their goodbyes and stepped back as she mounted the horse. Sitting astride, she choked out a few last goodbyes, getting a bit teary herself. Knowing that the longer she stayed the harder it would be, she kicked Mist in the withers, breaking into a trot as she left the square. Little did the couple who had raised her know it, but she had left half of her coins on the table. It was the least she could do as thanks to them. Taking one last look back, Kayla wondered if she would ever see the small square again.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 17, 2008 22:51:41 GMT -5
Terion watched all the people around Kayla that were giving her sorrowful good byes. Terion felt sorry for pulling Kayla away from her friends and her family and those that she loved here in the town. He smiled and felt sorrowful as the little children pulled on her skirt and begged her not to leave. She had truly become attached to the children and they had become attached to her. Kayla was very loved in her town and Terion could see that. He vowed to have her return to the town at least once more in her life. Terion rode beside her as she rode out of the town with him. He turned to her and smiled, "I am proud of you." Terion said, riding a bit closer to you, "It takes a lot to leave the place you love for something you have never known before. Hopefully you won't be disappointed with the life that you are about to life. I don't think that you will be." Terion said, as he looked out onto the hills of Ireland. He moved his hand, gesturing towards the hills and the land, "All this is yours now." He announced.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 17, 2008 22:58:57 GMT -5
Deep in her own thoughts, Kayla controlled the horse just barely, generally letting the mare have her head. This was not a fast ride, just a gentle one, so the horse would follow Terion's. She forced herself to not look back, to allow her heart to begin to mend. It would be slow going. Terion began to wax poetic as he gestured at the sloping land. "No, not really," she murmured. Her green eyes perused the gentle rolling hills, the richness of the land, the blue skies. "It is for me to protect, but I could never own it," she continued with a sweeping gesture of her own, "the land belongs to itself and to God, really, and I would not be so rash as to claim it as my own. I am merely here to make sure Ireland is not overtaken by heathens or ruined. I am not here to claim ownership." As she settled into the rhythm of the ride, she felt a deep contenment as she realized this. Hopefully she would be a good queen. Hopefully Terion could help her to be.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 18, 2008 23:05:25 GMT -5
Terion listened to what she was saying about the land and how she would not claim ownership of it. She also said that everything belonged to God and that it was for her to protect and not manipulate." Terion smiled as he continued to ride, the town beginning to fade away in the distance. Only the steady galloping of the horses could be heard. Of course, Terion had to bring the peaceful noise once Kayla had been silent for a short time, "You are already starting to sound like a queen Kayla." Terion noted as he looked over to her, his eyes comforting and encouraging. His voice was kind and gentle, but it was also encouraging and rather masculine. "You shall sit well on the throne. I foresee that." Terion concluded as they continued to ride, the warmth of the sun and cool breeze striking them both.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 19, 2008 10:43:50 GMT -5
Kayla sighed, her troubled soul already soothed by the rolling hills and the blue skies. The gentle sun warmed her dark hair and she lifted her eyes to the clouds. It was a nice day outside. Somehow that made the separation easier. She tried to remind herself that she was still in Ireland, still in her home country. But now she felt like she didn't have a home anymore. She didn't belong at the village, and yet she didn't feel like the queen. Her green eyes looked curiously over at him as he spoke. "Time will tell," she mused. They rode for a while in silence, Kayla lost in her own thoughts. She really didn't feel like talking. Just thinking.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 19, 2008 14:41:57 GMT -5
Kayla was awfully modest for just finding out that she was a queen. Some women would immediately become hot headed or immediately try to implement new laws or decrees that helped them somehow. Kayla just seemed content to simply think about what she had to do. So many kings and queens had never taken that first step. So often rulers would simply assume ruler ship and then never look back at where they came from. Terion smiled over at Kayla, not caring if she saw it or not. It was of little consequence if she did. In any case, Terion knew that Kayla was going to be a great queen. She had that certain royal essence about her and it wasn’t the pompous arrogant kind. Terion didn’t say anything as they continued to ride; they just progressed through the hills, making good time. Terion was content to simply ride with her. It didn’t matter if she spoke or not. He was as much in thought as she was.
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Post by Kayla on Feb 19, 2008 15:43:46 GMT -5
After a while, they settled into a rhythm of riding and thinking. The hills sloped up and down as they traveled over the green lands, nothing of incident happening. Mist trotted calmly next to the other horse, content to just walk wherever her master wanted her to go. Kayla finally sighed, looking at the young king who rode beside her. "What do I need to know to be queen?" she asked curiously, "You mentioned having to learn things to be king. What laws are there now? What do I have to do? Are we in wars?" Having lived in a small and remote village, Kayla had never really know nor cared what went on in the country. Now she would need a crash course in queenly ettiquite.
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