Topic: No Harm In An Afternoon Stroll: Part III

Aubrianna Lynn Kensington

Date: 2006-09-08 10:31 EST
Aubrianna descended the stairs in a plain but elegant yellow sun dress which made her hair seem all the more red. Just as she reached the bottom the front door opened. Stepping into the foyer was Colonel Chadwick Shafer. Aubrianna froze when she saw him but his eyes instantly spotted her. She knew it was too late to turn and run so she forced her best smile and made her way towards him.

"Good day Colonel Shafer," she said as she passed him and stood in the door way gazing out over the town.

He bowed deeply. "Good day Aubrianna," he said and managed to catch her hand as she stepped past him. He stepped towards her as to not let her slip from his grasp. Then he pressed his lips to the back of her hand. "A beautiful day for a walk wouldn't you say?" His eyes locked with hers and were filled with an unmistakable need.

Aubrianna ignored the look as his eyes called out to her. She pursed her lips and lowered her head in a lazy curtsy. "Yes it is. And since you mentioned it I am sure you were meaning to ask me for one."

"My lady," he chuckled and covered his heart with his other hand. "I would want nothing more than for you to accompany on a walk." He handed her a sun umbrella from behind the door and then tucked her hand into the bend of his arm. He led her out and down the front steps.

"Where do your errands take us today Colonel?" She said from under the shade of her umbrella as she scanned about the crowd.

"First I must make a quick stop by the blacksmith to check on an order we placed with him a week or so ago," he laid his other hand over top of hers that was on his arm. He leaned closer so his whisper could be heard and made to sound more sensual, "Then I thought we could take a nice quiet stroll down to the lake."

"Colonel Shafer," she said ghastly but loud enough for ones near to hear. "Even though you are a Colonel it would be devastating to my reputation to be caught alone with you."

He chuckled and looked up spotting Iolani waiting for the smithy. He steered Aubrianna in that direction.

Iolani Bennet

Date: 2006-09-08 19:28 EST
Iolani paced the large forge, the sounds of hammers so early in the morning were loud enough to wake the dead. The smithy had been keeping her waiting for quite some time now. But she enjoyed the heat and the sounds of the forge and watched the workers with patience, after all the blades she had asked for would take time to produce... This request had been given a week prior, surely he should have something. Her battle red cape hung neatly at her shoulders showing off her rank and revealed a battle hardened bronzed beauty beneath in the tight fitting uniform of Colonel Shafer?s army. She hardly noticed the muscle hardened men roaming about her, just watched them work. Her jaw set as the forge keeper finally emerged from the back. He was holding a particularly exquisite piece of work in his hands.

Iolani's hand rose to stroke beneath the sharp beak of the huge bird perched on her left forearm, those violet eyes watching one of the forge keeper approach. He wasn't quite sniveling but he certainly looked remorseful, already she didn't like him as he said "Here ye are m'lady." But she took the sword from him, turned to the side and tested the tang and the balance. She nodded an approval and looked back to him. "Ye have more ready yes?" Her look was he had better to have had them yesterday. But she gave him a smile. "Aye they are quite to my liking sir. Ye have done well."

Maybe it was the way he saw Iolani, as his leutinent, one of his men, someone he trusted his life with, that he didn't see just how much Aubrianna had resembled her. "Iolani!" He shouted over the pounding hammers as he and Aubrianna approached.

Aubrianna looked around and waited for the person to acknowlegde their name. She wondered why Chadwick would be calling out a woman's name in a smith shop.

The blacksmith bowed gratefully and reported that all of the swords were of that quality and that no one in the town could do better and yes all of them were ready. Iolani had already dismissed him, still holding the sword, she turns as she hears the voice call to her over the sound of hammers. She moves away and steps into the sunlight, those violet eyes taking in both the colonel and his wife to be. She visibly stopped as her eyes took in the woman who looked so much like her...She recovered quickly however and moved to Shafer. "M'lord Colonel the order is just as it should be! I will admit, I had my doubts about the man, but he pulled through." The bird looked to Shafter then flew to him just as he always did for that bit of scrap meat that was waiting for him.

She saw the woman step into the light and her grip tightened on Chadwicks arm. This woman was almost like looking through a mirror. She quickly glanced around to see if anyone else had seen what she was seeing. Surely someone would have noticed this close replica of Lady Kensington and reported it, or at least be staring slack jawed. Aubrianna did not stare at the woman; she kept her gaze slightly lowered, thankful for the cover of her umbrella.

Iolani bowed gracefully to him handing off the sword for inspection then moved to Aubrianna. Her eyes never wavered from the woman as she approached, a hand having moved to an inner pocket of her cape. She extended a hand of friendship to the woman" and this must be the lovely Aubrianna, ye have told me so much about. Though ye did nae tell me she was such a beauty...."

She knew she heard Chadwick speaking but all she heard was a dull hum. "...Yes this is fine work." He held the blade and worked it in a striking motion. "I am glad to hear we've found ourselves a good smith." He stepped away from the two and began aksing question to the black smith.

Aubrianna took a deep breath as she watched Shafer step away and she was left here, alone, with this stranger who appeared to be family. The colonel fed the creature as he moved away, scratching beneath his beak as he walked. Aubrianna held the umbrella with both hands, and tried to keep her gaze from being directly on the woman.

Her voice was a hard whisper, but it was etched with excitement "Dear sister, we dare not speak here." Her hand moved quickly taking hold of one of the woman?s hands. A neatly folded note with a wax seal was placed in Aubrianna?s palm. Her voice rose to an audible tone for the fellows around her to here. "She has a figure indeed. Ye have chosen well my colonel!" and that was it, she didn't spare another glance to her.

Aubrianna's mouth gapped at the woman's words. She did not have time to question the term of endearment. Who was she? Was she a sister? No...no impossible she was an only child. And her father had only loved her mother. She watched the woman leave, and then looked to the wax sealed paper in her hand. Smart enough to know anything sealed was highly secret she slipped it into the sleeve of her dress. Glancing around quickly to make sure she wasn't spotted. Shafer finally returned and place a hand beneath her chin. She jumped sharply but planted one of those fake smiles so many fell for.

"Something amiss my love?" The colonel looked over her face. "You seem disturbed." The hawk takes off from his arm, spreading his wings and returns to Iolani. She grinned as the hawk perched itself on her forearm, bringing the bird closer to her face. The bird seemingly nuzzles into her cheek letting out a screach of happiness. Iolani had backed toward the darkness of the forge moving to speak with the smithy once more about where to deliver the weapons.

Aubrianna gritted her teeth. She hated when he called her love! She held the smile determinably and blushed pulling her chin from his touch. "I am well. Just a bit too much sun." She lied, as most proper ladies weren't used to spending anytime in the sun, Aubrianna rather enjoyed skinny dipping. "I think I will retire to the keep. Please stay and finish your business. I will see you tonight at the celebrations." She did not give him time to respond. She turned and rushed towards the castle. The note in her sleeve was burning through her skin.

Iolani Bennet

Date: 2006-09-11 13:59 EST
Despite the mundane dialog of delivery directions, Iolani had a smile on from ear to ear; something that rarely happened short of her killing someone in battle. Her heart was racing; she could hardly believe the search was over, she had found her. But there was much to do yet...the celebrations were to be held tonight and she still needed something to wear....She could hardly go in her battle stained armor.

Shafer watched Aubrianna rush away then moved to stand next to Iolani. "Who spit in your bean cured?" A sarcastic remark. Never seeing her smile unless her sword imbedded in an enemy and covered in their blood, something caught Shafer's eye. He canted his head and squinted at her, and then it hit him. He straightened his posture and cleared his throat. "You seem to resemble Aubrianna more than I remember." He rocked on his heels running a finger over some of the wears the smith had displayed.

Her smile turned to a smirk. "I certainly do nae!" Her voice was incredulous. ?Surely ye are mistaken. I could nae possibly be compared to yerr castle primed bride to be." She made no hesitation in her retort, but it held an edge almost of hurt that he could possibly think such a thing. She wasn't one to be hurt not by something so trivial, but there it was just that tiny edge of jealousy. Those violet eyes moved to square up with him. "Sir." One hand was on her hip the other occupied by the hawk, who offered a screech in reply to the conversation

He snorted a laugh, "I meant in the face." He gave her a rough pat on the shoulder as he would any other man of his company. "But yer right, how foolish of me." He made a mental note of her over reaction. She seemed a little out of sorts today. He gave a friendly nudge to the hawk's beak. "I know you'll see to the refitting. Be sure to squeeze in some time to make an appearance at the celebrations."

She harrumphed slightly. "I suppose with all of the preparations it slipped ye mind that I was to escort ye to the hand of the Lady Aubrianna?" She had a right to react in the manner she had, he was comparing her to some hoity toity castle bred thing that put to the test would probably run from the blood, despite having been trained by the best in the land.

"Of course." He gave her a hard pat again. "What would I do without you Lieutenant?" He rubbed his hands on his vest. "I suppose I'll let you finish up here. Unless there is anything else you wish to talk about." He turned to her.

She grinned at that, "Aye, ye would have had yer head sliced from ye neck long ago." Indeed he truly would have, Iolani had, in an instance or two, saved his neck from that very thing. ?I will be sure to have ye horse ready for this evening and meet ye at the stable.?

She was done with the preparations here and clapped the Shafer on the shoulder with a tight lipped smile. She truly admired him despite her hard looks at times. "I will see ye tonight milord Colonel. Everything is finished here. They will meet the company at the barracks.?

He nodded. "Very well then. I will see you at the stable." He turned and headed towards the castle.

Iolani turned as well, giving a nod to the smithy before heading out. She needed to buy a dress. She scowled at the though. ?Good knight,? she muttered. ?This is going to be a terrible afternoon.?

Aubrianna rushed into the front room and turned up the stairs. She didn't even acknowledge the questioning Gloria. She ran down the hall and burst into her room. Leaning against the door she locked it and panted to catch her breath. After a couple large gasps she rushed to her bed and dove onto it on her knees. Fumbling quickly she pulled the note from her sleeve; noting the intricate seal that reminded her of a flower in full bloom. She thought she'd seen the symbol somewhere before but was too concerned with the contents of the letter to give it anymore thought.

Iolani Bennet

Date: 2006-09-11 14:06 EST
The letter was sealed with a red dot of wax embossed with an elegant Celtic diamond-like flower. The paper was slightly rumpled and had apparently been around for a long time. The script was flowingly elegant and unrushed. The parchment had the scent of rose water when opened.

She paused a moment then broke the seal and skimmed the letter quickly picking up only some words. She took a deep breath and then started at the beginning, slowly she read.



?To the dear woman I call sister,

For all of my knowledge, ye are an only child. However I have searched so long for ye that I have affectionately affixed ye the title of sister. There is much ye do nae know, and even more that ye need to know. Forgive me for being so vague but letters too often become found by those who have no business placing their eyes upon the words. If ye heed nothing else, your life has become endangered by the very idea of ye looking at this letter. Ye are my cousin. Please forgive me for endangering ye, but there are words that must be exchanged about the man ye call ?father?. Believe me, we shall speak again. Now that I know who ye are, we will meet again. It would do ye well to burn this letter, your life depends on it. Please, please take care.?

The letter was left unsigned



Her hands clutched the letter and they fell into her lap. Blinking a couple of times then reading it again. She huffed a laugh, "Vague is not the word for it." She read on, "Cousin? But how?" She shook her head and looked up, moving her eyes over the furniture in her room as she thought. "My parents were only children," she whispered and looked back to the letter. "And how can finding family be such a danger to my life?" A knock came on the door and she jumped back into the pillows clutching the letter to her chest. "Who is it?"

"My lady," Gloria started. "Are you alright? Colonel Shafer asked me to see after you. He said you weren't feeling feel?" She tried to turn the knob but it was locked.

"Aye Gloria I am just tired from the sun," she looked around frantically to hide the letter. As she realized her words she groaned, there was no point lying to Gloria, she had the ability to 'see' through people. Gloria knew Aubrianna would rather sleep in the sun all day than be shut away in her room.

Gloria gave a large laugh. "Do you think I?ve gone mad girl?" She giggled the knob again. "Open up this door."

"I am coming!" She stuffed the letter under her pillows and rushed to unlock the door. It swung open and Aubrianna stood there with a beaming grin.

Gloria glared. "What is going on?"

She knew she could trust Gloria; but what was it she would tell her? And would she understand anything about the letter? "I...I just needed to get away from the Colonel." Please believe me, please believe me, she prayed.

Gloria gave the girl a wry look. "I was not born yesterday girl, now what has got ye all a fluster?"

She sighed and lowered her head as if to concede. She then stood aside and gestured for Gloria to enter.

She gave the girl a touch to the shoulder as she passed, noticing the rumpled bed and pillows that she had straightened earlier.

Aubrianna shut the door and locked it. Then rushed to the bed and pulled the letter from the pillows. Clutching it to her chest she gave Gloria the most pitiful look anyone had ever seen. "Please, please swear to me that if any of this makes sense to you...you will tell me." She held up her hand to stop a comment so she could finish. "And...swear not to mention this to anyone?" Her eyes pleaded seriously.

Gloria took in the pleading look her daughter was performing then the letter. Her eyes moved slowly back up the girls face as she listened to her plea, her face a touch paler as she moved a hand to wipe her own brow. She looked to the door making sure of the bolt the back to Aubrianna. She quieted her voice as she moved like lighting to Aubrianna's side. "If that letter is what I believe it to be, I may not have to promise....they may just cut my tongue out.?

Her eyes widened and then she clutched the letter tighter to her chest. "They who?" Her hands began to shake at the thought of what could be so terrible they would cut out a woman's tongue.

Gloria hesitated, a hand had moved to touch the peak of a seal between the girls fingers then stopped. Taking in a deep breath she braced herself looking about at the fireplace and paintings around the room. She had almost forgotten herself. Her eyes sought those of Aubrianna. "These walls have ears dear one. I have kept you safe enough this long..." Gloria gives a grunt as she moves away hastily toward her writing desk.

Aubrianna scooted off the bed and followed Gloria, her eyes welling with tears from the confusion and danger. "Safe from what?" She whispered staying close to her.

Her hand hastily sought after the ink well, a sheet of parchment, and a quill. Upon the paper she wrote. -Your father would be the one who would take my tongue.-

She shook her head and kneeled next to Gloria, just moving her mouth. "Why?"

Gloria jumped and almost gave a squeak as a harsh rap on the door shattered the silence. A male servant?s voice came after to announce that the lord Colonel awaited an audience with the lady Aubrianna

Aubrianna jumped and gripped Gloria's skirt hem. "We...I will be down in moment!" She shouted.Her heart was beating out of her chest. She looked to Gloria and her look begged for her to continue. "Please," she whispered.

Gloria chimed in as well right behind her. "Thank you Kevin"

Gloria looked ready to kick the girl for accepting the offer to have the audience, but she looked to her and shook her head. "Not now child," Gloria's hand reached for the chain around her neck and pulled the charm from her bosom. Untangling it from her hair as she pulled it over her head, she looked at it for a long moment before placing it over the girls head. "This was given to me by your mother before she died. It is yours, but you must keep it hidden. Your father must not know of it. Now go before we draw suspicion upon ourselves.?

She took to emblem in her hand and looked at it. Her eyes widened and then looked to the seal on the letter. "What is this?"

?If you had not answered to Keven, I could have covered fore you but your tongue is quicker than your head sometimes. I love you girl. Now, skit.?

She scoffed the Colonel. "He is about to catch a lashing from my tongue. What more does he want with me?" She pushed to her feet. "You know I love you too Gloria." She sighed.

?Aubrianna, do not bring the world down upon your head. The world is doing enough of that already. Do you have enough information from that letter? I will take care of it. I will be down in a moment to rescue you. Play sick little ol' me, it will go well with your complexion as it is." Gloria extended her hand out for the letter.

She tucked the symbol into her dress. She gave the letter one last look and handed it to Gloria giving her a knowing smile. "Please hurry." She turned and rushed from the room, slowly making her way down the steps, she put on her best, 'I am not well' face. "Colonel..."

Gloria scanned the letter, absentmindedly locking the door behind Aubrianna. ?Dear heavens protect us. Cordealia?s ghost is in our mists.? She shakily lit the candle on the bed side table. It took two tries before it lit into an amber flame. Taking the candle she moved over to the fireplace and knelt in front of it. Quietly saying a prayer for their souls and lives she watched as the letter browned then blackened as the flames licked at the words scrawled over the parchment. Satisfied that the letter was mere cinders she swept them into the ash keeper.

Shafer stood in a doorway looking up the stairs to watch for the first glimpse of Aubrianna. He had merely wanted to be sure she was well least that is what he had told himself.

She smiled weakly. "Colonel," she made her way to him, her complexion pale. "I am sorry for rushing off like I did. Please do forgive me. I...I am just not feeling well."

Looking her over he nodded slightly. "I do apologize for bringing you from your bedchamber. I hope you will still be able to enjoy the festivities.?

She smiled but she never met his eyes; always keeping them on the room or floor. "No apology needed Colonel and I am sure the festivities will be wonderful. I do plan on being there."

?As a delight as my lieutenant is...I would hate to have to spend my entire evening with her."

She kept a smile, though forced. Yes the woman, the one who gave her the letter...Iolani was her name, yes. "She is dreadful? She did seem to pay nice compliments."

Gloria then moved down the stairs having finished her business with the letter, tisking the Colonel for risking the constitution of the dear Lady Aubrianna in this manner.

Her gaze went quickly to Gloria, and it was one which could burn asking, 'What took so long?'

Shafer looked to Gloria then back to Aubrianna. "No she is quite the character, just a little rough around the edges. She is one of my men; my top advisor and confidant. She more than once has saved my life. But that is not something my lovely Aubrianna should worry herself over."

She batted her eye lashes and laid a hand on his arm. "How nice of you to be concerned with my...worries. And this woman," she said almost distastefully. "Sounds like a wonderful soldier."

Catching the look from Gloria, he raised an eyebrow. "Well my dear, I suppose the Lady Gloria is right?I should be going. We shall see you at the festivities." His hand moved to hers, a smile playing on his lips as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. He bowed to them both then turned to leave

She smiled watching him drool on her hand, making a mental note to scrub it clean when he was gone. "I shall rest up and be very much delighted to see you there." She watched until he was gone and then turned to Gloria. She took her arm and led her quickly through the kitchen and out to the small garden attached to the side. Going directly to a bench she sat and pulled Gloria down with her.

Gloria looked to Aubrianna and gave a sigh, her look was slightly sad, either knowing she did not wish to marry the man or for the trials that were to come. "Come dear, you need to start getting ready. I will help you into the corset and dress ye father bought."

She sighed sadly and lowered her head. She turned and followed behind Gloria quietly, always one to do as she's told.