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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 24, 2008 23:46:39 GMT -5
My Family Castle It consists of a tower twenty-six feet by twenty-six and a half and forty-six feet high. On the north side there is a little round turret containing a staircase to reach the upper floors of the castle. On entering the castle there is an arched chamber which, turning to the left up the winding stone staircase in the turret there is a small round spyhole commanding the gate and the gatehouse . The castle consists of three stories and an upper chamber (parents), the roof of which is arched exactly like the one in the basement. Fireplaces are visible on each story except the top one. Three steps to the left from the first floor, which has the dining hall and meeting room, takes you to the chamber over the gateway which has two apartments, one over the other (Nolan and Hagen share the one on the bottom & mine is over theirs). Then returning and ascending, thirty-two steps takes you to the third story. Fifty-seven more steps and you are on the roof of the castle. www.megalithicireland.com/Kildare/Kilteel%20Castle%20002L.jpg
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 24, 2008 23:57:27 GMT -5
It was essential for Terion to ride to the Kilteel fortress because it the castle provided the basis of protection against an invasion on Dublin and Terion figured that it would be a good idea strategically and politically to meet the family of nobles that lived there. So, it was on a fine Irish day, a clouded sky, promise of rain and a brisk wind, that Terion found himself and the royal guard of around forty men, riding down towards the castle. The Kilteel castle was a good deals away from Dublin and it was surrounded by fields and a steady incline or decline depending on which way you were coming or going. Terion rode at the head of the column, two flag bearers rode at his right and on his left, From there a column of soldiers four wide and ten deep rode behind him providing his guard. Their weapons were not fancy, nor was their garb. Terion's own attire was nothing to be impressed about. Terion was not a fancy King. He was a humble King. Terion rode towards the castle, his men several yards off now. Terion wasn't expecting a welcoming party because they were coming unannounced.
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 25, 2008 0:15:08 GMT -5
Alastríona was in her chambers (behind locked doors) practicing some of the techniques her father had taught her with her sword when then watchmen announced the approach of a party of about 40 men. She hid her sword in its secret place, then straighted her clothes. She managed to unlock her door just before her mother, Lady Riona, arrived to let her know. "It appears we may have visitors, my Dear." They waited in her chambers until they were notified it was safe by one of the servants. Her father, Lord Paen, was downstairs in the meeting room with her brother Hagen. When the announcement was made, the two of them left the meeting room and went to the door to greet the visitors. Nolan was out riding on the grounds.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 25, 2008 0:23:51 GMT -5
Terion and his party saw the young boy riding out in the meadows and Terion thought that it was one of the servants of the castle and he continued to ride until they reached the gate of the castle. Terion was the first to dismount and he beckoned for his men to remain outside. There was no reason to show too much force to this lord. Terion was not trying to intimidate him. He was just trying to meet the man. Terion was new as a King and he needed to meet the nobles that supported him. Terion walked into the courtyard of the castle and waited for someone to greet him. It was rather rude to walk into someone's castle and just walk in the front door. Terion's men dismounted and waited besides their horses for their King.
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 25, 2008 0:39:19 GMT -5
Lord Paen stepped out into the courtyard, looking at guard as he did. "Fine day we are having my lord. What may I help you with?" Paen stood observing this man and his guard. Who could he be? the new King he had heard of? He waited until he knew who this man was before extending any invitations. Alastríona was eagerly waiting to find out who these uninvited guests were. Hagen was at the door ready to draw his sword if need be.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 25, 2008 9:00:10 GMT -5
Finally someone other than a guard had come out to meet Terion. Terion looked at the man that came before him and the man did not bow. This troubled Terion just a bit because usually someone that he approached bowed to him in respect. This man did no such gesture, acting as if Terion was a simple lord. Terion was a bit higher of stature than a lord. "It is indeed a fine day." Terion agreed, looking up at the skies before he resumed his gaze at the man. "Perhaps introductions are in order." Terion paused, standing up straight. He was a bit taller than the man before him, but that was normal for Terion, he was a tall man. "I am Terion, King of Ireland." Terion announced boldly and a bit pridefully. He had ever reason to be proud of his rank. "I am coming to make myself acquainted with you my lord." Terion concluded.
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 25, 2008 14:04:00 GMT -5
Upon hearing Terion's introduction, Paen bowed. "Forgive me, my King for I did not know it was you.I had heard tales of a new King." Looking at Terion's men then at the King's attire. "Forgive my boldness Sire but I was decieved by your attire, those aren't traditional royal robes. Please be a guest at my house. I will have some of my men see to your horses." Paen turns to the side to allow him to pass. By this time Hagen has heard it was the King and forwarded the information to the servants to make ready for a visit. One of the servants rushes to let Lady Riona know. Upon hearing the news Riona, turned to Alastríona to get her ready for the visit. " I know I know! I have to wear one of my formal dresses" she sighes to her mother. Riona smiles, "Yes Dear, preferably the green one... it goes so wonderfully with your eyes and hair. Here let me help you." Alastríona changes out of one dress into the green one her mother has picked for her to wear. Then, Riona starts to fuss over Alastríona hair. She pulls it up in a beautiful twist with a few strands framing her face. "We will have you ready to meet the king before dinner." Alastríona smiles sweetly and sighs "Oh, Máthair."
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 25, 2008 17:12:41 GMT -5
(( Nice post dear ))
Lady Alastriona was still unknown to Terion. He did not have the slightest idea that there were two mistresses of the castle. The man finally bowed to Terion and Terion nodded his head, excepting the man's respect for his crown. Terion then smirked when the man said 'tales'. " I hope there are not too many tales spread about me as of yet, i have been king for not more than several months." Terion said calmly and then as he looked at the man and looked up at the fortress. "This is an impressive defense structure you have here. I would be honored to remain here for the night, until which time i will have to move on." Terion continued, "I apologize for my attire. I see the need to wear nothing beyond a kilt. I have always worn such, a king is no different." Terion said and beckoned towards the door, "I would be grateful if you were to show me in." Terion concluded. Terion was just learning the traditions and ways to act like a king. He had just been a healer and warrior for his village for so long he had become accustomed to such. This was an entirely different playing field. Terion had not changed his attire, not changed his personality, and really hadn't changed that much about him at all. He saw no need to change himself just to be king.
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 25, 2008 18:19:22 GMT -5
(thanks)
Paen smiled as he heard the King's explanation for his attire and nodded at the comment about the castle. "Right this way Your Highness." He leads the way into the castle, talking as he goes."I am honored that you have accepted my invitation. My son, Nolan will be eager to see you. He has been talking of joining your army." Pauses for a moment at the door and looks around for a moment. "Where could that boy be?" As they enter the castle, Hagen is waiting in the entrance hall. He bows to the King then tells his father "everyone was getting ready for the visit" with a slight smirk on his face. The servants are all busy making ready for the King's visit. Lady Riona was still in the room with Alastríona making sure she was the picture of Irish Beauty before meeting the King. When she was satisfied with her daughter's appearance, she left and went downstairs to greet the King. Alastríona remained in her room until it was time for dinner according to her mother's instruction. She didn't mind staying in her room, actually she liked it. But, in her best formal gown she couldn't practice with her sword. After all she had to stay presentable. So she practiced her dancing instead. She made her own music as she danced around the room.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 25, 2008 21:45:30 GMT -5
Terion's ears perked up at the mention of someone wanting to join his army. Terion was a military king and as such, he enjoyed commanding his military, commanding his soldiers and overall, just having the military he needed to protect his people and his country. Some kings turned to tyrants because they wanted every country to belong to them and they drove their own country into the ground because of their wars. However, Terion would e content to simply keep his country and be able to protect it, "I shall much like to speak to this man that would wish to fight for me." Terion announced. Everyone seemed to be coming out of everywhere when he entered the castle. A lovely woman came down to meet Terion and Terion bowed his head to the woman of the house, "Greetings lady," Terion greeted. He looked up at Riona and back at Paen before returning his gaze to Riona, "You must be the mistress of this castle."
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 25, 2008 22:48:28 GMT -5
Lady Riona smiled at the sound of the King's greeting. "Ello Your Highness." She paused at the base of the stairs and curtsied. " I am the Lady of the castle." She continued to smile as she looked at the King's attire. Not saying a word about his garments, ever the Lady . "This is my wife, the Lady Riona." Paen stated as he reached his hand out to her. "I am pleased to hear you will be joining us for the evening, Your Highness" She said as she walked to stand by her husband. Nolan arrived back at his home to find a troop of men outside the castle. He slowly worked his way closer, hiding from view, trying to discern the situation. He moved into position to be able to see into Alastríona's window. He was watching for a glance of her. If she was okay, the castle was okay. Alastríona just happened to dance by the window. All was well. He then rode up to the castle, nodding to the guards as he entered. Handed his horse over to one of the servants, which told him the King was here. A smile came across his face. He then entered his home to meet the King.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 26, 2008 10:15:15 GMT -5
There was a slight stir outside for a moment and it caused Terion to turn his head and look back at the gate from which he had entered the castle courtyard and look back at the archway through which he had entered the castle interior. There in the archway of the door was a young mad, probably only a year or so younger than Terion. Terion nodded his head to the man and turned his body halfway towards the man, standing sideways between Paen and Nolan. Terion knew better than to turn his back on his host for another guest. Terion figured that this man was not a servant of the home. He saw a servant behind Nolan taking a new horse to the stable. So, Terion beckoned to him, “You must be another lord, perhaps a son?” He asked, at the last part of his sentence Terion looked back at Paen for agreement, “Truly how many of you are there? Just the three?” Terion asked as he looked once again at Paen, his gaze fixed on him and his wife this time.
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 26, 2008 15:57:47 GMT -5
Nolan said with a bow,"That I am Your Highness." Lady Riona smiled slightly. Paen said with a slight twinkle to his eye, "Just myself, wife, three children and our servants, Sire." Nolan and Hagen both smirked at the way their father danced around the answer without telling him about Alastríona. Upon hearing the commotion outside, she stopped dancing and looked out the window. She smiled when she saw that Nolan was home. Now the family was all here. She listened at the door then opened it, stopped a servant that was passing and asked to find out when was dinner? She really wanted to listen to her mother but, she was getting bored. After waiting a few moments without the servant returning, she left her room and started quietly down the stairs. She stopped just out of sight but where she could still here the conversation.
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Post by Terion, King of Ireland on Feb 26, 2008 22:55:38 GMT -5
Terion nodded his head as he greeted Nolan. The boy was broad, strong and tall. He would do well in the army. He was already a noble and therefore probably more educated than most of the men in Terion's army. Terion wouldn't mind giving him a position of authority over several units of soldiers. Nolan looked like the type of person that could lead an army. Terion needed good leaders. He couldn't be in every battle that his army fought in and it would be a comforting thing to know that he had a capable general that could win battles for Ireland. Terion looked back at Paen as he mentioned that he had three children, "Surely, i must meet the entire noble family. Over dinner perhaps?" Terion questioned. Terion was always up for meeting new people. He enjoyed making acquaintances because it gave him a sort of knowledge of people. Terion then mentioned dinner once more, "Do show me to your dinning hall." Terion beckoned towards Paen.
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Post by Lady Alastríona on Feb 26, 2008 23:10:47 GMT -5
Paen nodded "Right this way, Sire" and turned to lead the way. He nods to Hagen, which meant to go get his sister. As the others were headed to the dining hall. Hagen started to go retrieve his sister. When he started up the stairs, he almost knocked her down. Alastríona smiled at her brother, "I got bored." "You look Beautiful, Albri." Hagen called her by his pet name for her. She hated it and he knew it."I'm not a baby anymore, Hagen. Shall we join the others?" She leered at him for a moment then smiled again. By the time they managed to get to the dining hall, the others were about to be seated. Alastríona walked in holding her brother's arm. As she entered the rest of the Kilteel family smiled, especially her mother. She was wearing a green formal gown with her auburn hair in a twist with a few strands framing her face. Her hazel eyes seemed to sparkle with a fire of their own. Upon entering the room she curtsied to the King."Your Highness"
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