Catching Up

Three dozen men at arms, four nursemaids, two cooks, and five squires traveled to Lincoln with the Fendrels. Reyna and her younger sister, Lynette, road fitfully in the sleep carriage. They’d been traveling for a week now, and they were supposed to be arriving within the hour. They had the carriage all to themselves for the first time. Reyna’s new kitten, Chester, was pouncing all over the place.

“Rey, will you please tame that beast?” Lyn whined, pulling her doll to safety.

“He’s a kitten, Lyn, it’s his way,” Reyna laughed.

She gingerly picked up Chester and held him close, listening to him purr. He was absolutely the softest thing she’d ever felt, she could pet him for hours. Lynette knelt and peered out the little window to see what was going on. The thing Reyna admired most about Lyn (and envied) was her restless curiosity. She was an adventuress at heart, whereas Reyna was cautious about everything.

“It’s so unfair that Symon gets to ride,” Lyn griped, staring out at their big brother who trotted alongside the dashing Ser Cole and their father.

“Riding is uncomfortable anyway,” Reyna said, pursing her lips. “Especially sidesaddle, which you would have to do. You are a lady, you know.”

“We’re here!” her sister squealed, waving her to the window.

Reyna crawled over, still clutching Chester, and peered out. They were closing in on the gatehouse and the bustling city appeared before them. In the distance, she could see the small fortress of House Falaise, Lincoln Castle. They came here every summer to spend a week with father’s childhood friend, Lord Florian.

“I wonder how Dimia is,” Lyn smiled brightly as they neared the castle. They’d be there any minute now…

Dimia gently dabbed on the canvas, her painting apron around her dress and her palette in one hand. She was putting the finishing touches on her painting she's been working on for three months.

"My Lady, the Fendrels are almost here," her nursemaid, Eloise, announced, coming into Dimia's recreation room. Dimia smiled and dabbed at the flowers in the meadow.

"Annnnnnnnd, done," Dimia said, putting her palette and paint brush down. Eloise smiled and undid her apron and fixed her dress, the house colors, red and royal blue. Eloise was like Dimia's mother, since her real mother died about five years ago.

"It looks beautiful, My Lady," Eloise said as it dried. Dimia smiled and nodded, looking at her four paintings she painted this year. It was the same painting, same landscape, a lone pine in a meadow, but it was in the four different seasons.

"I'll be sure to hang it in the dining hall with the other three once it's dried, My Lady. But, now, it's time to greet the family," Eloise said. Dimia's paintings were hung up all around the castle, her best in the Great Hall and Dining Hall, her early ones in her father's study and everything in between lining the walls of her recreation room. Dimia slipped on her white gloves and walked to the Great Hall.

"Now announcing, the Lords and Ladies of House Fendrel," the crier announced. Dimia straightened her shoulders and smiled, wondering where on earth where her father. The Fendrels and Falaises were close (she was pretty sure that her and Symon were betrothed when they were smaller, but Lord Fendrel called it off), although they haven't been back to Lincoln Castle in the past five years. Her father's request. Fortunately, for Dimia, he invited the Fendrel's back. She hoped this would end her loneliness and hopefully mean that her father was cured of his madness.

"Welcome to Lincoln Castle!" she greeted, trying to act like the lady of the house, which was awkward for her. She was normally alone in her room or in the library or in the courtyard, not bothering with manners. But, she was trying her best. Lord Fendrel looked her over, a bit confused. Symon was looking around the Great Hall, looking at her paintings. Dimia could tell that Lynette was holding back a greeting.

"Dimia, darling, where is your father?" Lady Fendrel asked her, treating her like a child. Dimia knew that Lady Fendrel was always very kind to her, treating her like her own daughter even before her mother died. Dimia always chalked in up to motherly instinct.

"He's....." Dimia started, trying to think of an excuse.

"Right here," her father, Lord Florian, finished. Dimia was terrified to look at him; but, she turned to face him and she sighed in relief. He wasn't a complete mess, like usual. He was actually in decent clothes and he had bathe recently. He actually looks normal, Dimia thought happily.

"Florian," Lord Fendrel said with a smile. Her father smiled back and they exchanged a manly hand shake.

"Welcome to my home. I'm sure you will find it to your liking," her father said. Dimia watched her father closely, a smile plastered on her face. How long will the normality last? she thought.

"Let my servants take your bags. Dimia, would you like to show the ladies the gardens? I'm sure the men of the house would like to see my new hunting hounds," her father asked. Dimia stepped forward when her name was called.

"Of course. Follow me," she said, nodding to Lady Fendrel, Lady Reyna, and Lady Lynette. Dimia started to lead them to the gardens, hoping her father wouldn't make a fool of himself while she was gone.

(Ser Cole Corbray, Captain of Fendrel's guard and Reyna's "knight in shining armor" in her dreams, he's also her personal guard at times, like now.)


“I think I’ll go check on the rooms,” her mother smiled, signaling for Ser Cole to go with them. “But you three run along.”

While the servants took the trunks to their chambers, Reyna kept tiny little Chester in her dress pocket (what her mother didn’t know wouldn’t kill her). The cat mewed and purred, getting some strange looks from the household guards.

“So Dimia, how are you?” Reyna asked politely. “It’s been so long, I feel as though we’re meeting for the first time.”

“I practically am,” Lyn rambled. “I mean, it’s been five years. Five! I was four the last time I was here, I may as well have been a baby. Right?”

Reyna gave Lynette a look that said shut it, but the girl just rolled her eyes. She didn’t know the reason they hadn’t been back in five years. After Lady Falaise died, Lord Florian became known as the Shadow Lord, because he was just a shadow of a man. He became reclusive and, some said, slightly mad. Reyna didn’t blame him. It always happened in the songs, how could true loves part from one another without going crazy?

“Oh, wow,” she breathed as they stepped into the gardens. “I’d forgotten how beautiful it was.”

The gardens were breathtaking. Flowers of every sort grew in rings inside the rounded courtyard, with a fountain in the middle. It was an interesting sight; the statue in the fountain was the bow and arrow of House Falaise, and the water spouted out of the tip of the arrow. Chester immediately leaped from her pocket and ran around.

Dimia smiled when the girls approached the garden. It always took people's breath away. The rings of her and her mother's favorite flowers (tulips, forget-me-nots, and gardenias; a couple of marigold's were planted in between to keep bugs away) circled a fountain of the classic Falaise bow and arrow.

It was rumored that the Falaise invented the bow, although no one can say for sure. Of course, living up to the name, her father was a skilled archer, like his father before him and his father before him. And, being the only heir to Lord Florian, Dimia was also a skilled archer, although, not as good as a man. It ran in their blood, just like their magic.

"I've been fantastic. I'm ecstatic to attend Hogwarts next year. It would be nice to interact with people for a change," she said, picking off dead blooms. The gardener stood by but Dimia dismissed him.

"You don't have a lot of staff do you?" Lynette asked. Dimia blushed and looked at the water. It was true. When her father fell into his madness, he often killed servants when they stepped out of line. When he was acting normal, he was gentle and kind, a true lord. When he had his fits of madness, he ruled Lincoln with an iron fist. So, the Falaise kept a small staff compared to other castles.

"Ummmm.....ummmm....Ashes! No. Don't hurt him silly," Dimia called out to her cat Ashes, who was playing with Reyna's kitten. Ashes looked at her, tilted his head, looked at Reyna's kitten, and then sulked off, being scolded by his owner. Lynette "awwed" and Dimia  was glad for the distraction. Lynette's sudden question took her off guard.

"How has York been this year? Very prosperous, I assume?"Dimia asked, gesturing to a small table and three chairs for them to sit. A maid brought out tea and small cookies for them to snack on. Dimia noticed that Lynette mainly ate the ones with jelly in the middle. She also noticed that Lynette, only nine years old, wasn't as fine polished as her an Reyna when it came to mannerisms. Does two years really make that much of a difference? she thought.

"Yes. Very prosperous. We've had a great growing season," Lynette said, covering her mouth as she was still chewing on her cookie. Dimia smiled at the murderous looks Reyna was giving her rude sister as Dimia poured them tea. Dimia always wanted a sibling, someone to talk to, someone to teach, someone to play with. But, no. It was just her and her father. Best behavior, she thought.

"I'm glad. Reyna, have you looked at our new textbooks yet? They're quite interesting, if not a bit confusing," she asked. Dimia often flipped through the textbook, memorizing simple little spells or charms, like the Feather-light charm. She was pretty good at that one. She wondered if Reyna was ahead of her.

Reyna couldn’t believe Lynette was talking with food in her mouth. Shaking her head, she turned back to Dimia and studied her for a moment. She probably isn’t so different from Lyn, Reyna figured, again envious of these free spirits that surrounded her.

“I haven’t really given them much thought,” she admitted, sipping her tea. “And I still need a couple more, plus all the rest of my supplies.”

Ser Cole stood nobly a few feet from the table, watching all the entrances to the garden. He is so handsome, she thought dreamily. Even with the small scar on his cheek, the knight was easy on the eyes. In fact, the scar only made Reyna fonder of him, as it was a sign of how daring and brave he was.

“Rey, I asked you a question,” Lyn nudged her, snapping the girl out of her thoughts.

“What?” she sighed exasperatedly. Having a little sister was not all it was cracked up to be.

“Just kidding,” Lynette giggled, rolling her eyes. She always knew how to push Reyna’s buttons. “Sorry for interrupting your fantasizing.”

“I was not fantasizing,” she shot back, kicking her sister under the table. “So, Dimia...does your father keep an all wizarding household here? Ours does. I think most magic families do, actually, but I was just wondering.”

"Yes. We have an all magical staff. That's how the gardens are so nice," Dimia said, with a smile. Eloise came to the entrance to the garden and gestured to Dimia.

"Excuse me for a moment," she excused herself, raising from the table. She wrung her hands and she approached Eloise. Please not be father. Please not be father, she begged in her mind.

"Yes, Eloise?" Dimia asked, feeling extra nervous. Please dear Lord, don't let this be about father, she thought.

"I came to tell you, My Lady, that your father has taken Lord Fendrel and Young Lord Symon hawking for the evening. He has requested that you, as Lady of the House, run the household and prepare dinner until he returns tonight," Eloise informed. Dimia sighed with relief.

"Yes. I'll take care of dinner preparations. Thank you, Eloise," she said happily. Eloise curtsied to her and went back into the house. Dimia smiled when she returned to the table.

"Well, it seems that my father has taken Symon and your father out hawking. They should be back for dinner," she said, taking out a small notepad and coming up with menu ideas.

"So, you're in charge?" Lynette asked. Dimia smiled and nodded. "That's so cool! We're never in charge of anything at home," Dimia laughed at Lynette's sudden outburst. She wasn't quite as restricted as Reyna.

"So, do any of you have allergies or any dining preferences? Any special diets?" she asked the two girls, trying to tailor to their family while including her father's dinner. He ate the same thing every night: pigeon pie, three slices of wheat bread, cups of wine, and five jelly cookies for dessert. Although, Dimia wondered if perhaps he wanted something else since they had company.

((OOC: I made pigeon pie for my birthday. We used chicken, though. And dang, I was gonna make Symon show up. Also, you are really loving those jelly cookies, aren’t you?))

Reyna called Chester back to her, but the kitten ate a tulip and ran off. She had hoped Ser Cole might go after him, but of course, why would a knight chase a kitten?

“Wait, are you cooking the food as well?” Lynette asked stupidly.

“Don’t be silly, Lyn, of course she’s not,” Reyna chided. “And just because you’re never in charge of anything, doesn’t mean Symon and I aren’t. You’ll see, by next year mother will be teaching you how to run things and you’ll have a tutor and do everything I do.”

Lynette didn’t look very excited at the prospect of doing everything Reyna did.

“We don’t want to cause any trouble,” Reyna told Dimia politely. “We’ll eat whatever you normally do.”

“We eat a lot of boar at home,” Lyn burst, slumping in her seat. Reyna was positive she saw Ser Cole smirk.

“Only in the winter,” Reyna assured Dimia, not that Dimia cared. “Excuse me for a moment.”

Reyna stood and walked over to Ser Cole. He is just so wonderful, she thought as she approached. The knight looked down at her expectantly, awaiting her request.

“Ser, might I go find Chester?” she asked, as ladylike as possible. Lyn snickered in the background.

“I’ll have to accompany you, my lady,” he told her with that deep voice of his.

“Thank you, Ser Cole,” she smiled, and they left the gardens in search of her missing kitten.

((OOC: Filibuster until I come back))

Dimia watched as Reyna excused herself, leaving her with Lynette. It was awkward silence for a moment, while Dimia came up with a menu. Small venison steak, cheese, bread, a platter of fruit and vegetables (for them to pick from), and wine from the local vineyard. Nothing too extravagant but an elegant and generous meal none the less. Dimia also added an oyster soup option and apple pie as desert. Wonder what dad would have chosen, she thought. Eloise came to give it to the cook and scurried off without a word. More awkward silence between Lynette and Dimia.

”Um....I’m sorry. About your mum,” she said. Dimia sighed and smiled sadly, memories coming back.

Her mother was beautiful, with golden blonde hair and rich coffee brown eyes. Every young lord wanted her, but she was married off to Florian. They loved each other, a rare love that wasn’t common among nobles. Dimia loved her gentle, kind spirit. Dimia remembered the way she used to read her bedtime stories and the way she would hold Dimia close and rock her to sleep.

Then, IT happened. Dimia shook her head and came out of her thoughts.

”Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

”How did she.....how did....how did she die?” Lynette asked, trying to form the words. Dimia sighed. She didn’t blame Lynette for being curious. Lynette was only four years old. She probably didn’t remember it happening.

”She was poisoned,” Dimia stated. Lynette gasped and shuffled in her seat, suddenly uneasy with the topic. Dimia excused herself and walked to the fountain, watching the water splash to the bottom. She took in a deep breath and counted to ten. She then turned back towards Lynette and smiled.

”Mind if I get some archery practice in?” she asked. Lynette was staring at her with a “poor-girl” look, like Dimia was a kicked puppy. But, she smiled quickly, remembering her manners. A servant brought out Dimia’s bow and a quiver of arrows.

”Where’s your target?” Lynette asked, suddenly very interested. Dimia smiled and aimed towards the rose bush. She knocked an arrow and pulled it back. She took a deep breath and released, going through a rose.

”Who needs one?” she replied, letting loose another arrow. She then smiled and passed Lynette the bow.

Reyna and Ser Cole searched and searched for Chester, but to no avail. Truthfully, the girl didn’t mind the lengthiness of the hunt, as it gave her some extra alone time with her dashing knight. Cole Corbray really was her personal hero. Anyone who was knighted at the age of sixteen had to be special, right? Was it possible her father would ever consider marrying her off to him? He was twenty-three, but that wasn’t too terrible considering some of the old sods some ladies were betrothed to.

“Did you hear that?” Ser Cole said, coming to a halt.

It was a screech, sounding like it came from the training yard. With a nod, Reyna followed the knight out into the empty yard. Across the way, Chester was scratching through the cage of Lord Falaise’s dogs, the houndkeeper nowhere in sight. Ser Cole ran over and snatched the kitten up, bringing him heroically back to Reyna.

“The screech came from one of the dogs,” the knight chuckled. “Seems you’ve got quite a feisty cat on your hands, m’lady.”

“Thank you so much, Ser,” Reyna smiled dreamily, clutching the kitten close.

“I’m going to run down to find the keeper of the dogs,” he told her, bowing slightly, once they’d arrived back at the gardens. “Stay in here.”

Reyna watched him walk confidently down the hall, and sighed. It was only when an arrow whirled past her head that she snapped out of it.

“Lynette!” she gasped, jumping aside. “What on earth are you doing?!”

“Having a go at archery,” her sister grinned, gripping a bow. “Want to join us?”

“You will put that bow down immediately, or I’m getting mother,” Reyna swore, standing her ground. “Ladies do not handle weapons.”

Dimia wanted to disappear. She knew Lynette didn't mean to almost hit Reyna. They were just shooting at the tree behind her. Now, they were fighting. I'm an idiot, she cursed herself.

"But, Dimia's really good at archery. And, it's just a little fun," Lynette said. Dimia blushed. Was Lynette expecting her to take her side? Should she side with Reyna?

"Ummm.....well....ummm...." Dimia shuttered. She didn't know what to do. If she sided with Lynette, she risked a scolding from father about allowing other ladies to use her bow. If she sided with Reyna, she lost Lynette's trust.

"Lady Falaise," Eloise said, coming to the rescue. Dimia breathed a sigh of relief and walked up to her, handing her the bow and arrows to take away.

"Yes, Eloise?" she asked, happily.

"Messages for your father," Eloise said, hanging Dimia letters. She was Lady of the House at the moment. She was to receive these right. She scanned through them and her heart stopped when she saw that most of them were from households that had young lords her age in them. Suitors? Dear Lord, she thought with dread.

"Thank you. Put them in my room please," she said kindly. Eloise nodded and went to put them away. Dimia shuddered and walked back to her company.

"Dimia, please tell her that it was not that big a deal," Lynette insisted. Dimia sighed. She had to word this situation very carefully.

"It is true, Lynette. Ladies are not supposed to handle weapons," Dimia started.

"But, you were....."

"Following my father's rules. He requires that Falaise children practice archery at least once a day. Unfortunately, I forgot that this does not apply to Fendrel children. And, I'm sorry. I broke a rule," she said. She gave Lynette a look, saying 'Let me sort this out' and Lynette snuffed out her next comment. Dimia turned towards Reyna.

"I apologize. I should have realized that I should not practice archery while guests are here. I should act like a lady," Dimia said, deflecting blame onto her. It was an awkward silence and Dimia sighed.

"Would you like to see the library?" she asked happily.

Reyna watched as Dimia and Lynette spoke; they seemed to have some sort of silent understanding. Not surprising, as they were a lot alike. But she couldn’t help but feel a bit…sad. Lyn would much rather have Dimia for a sister.

“I apologize if I offended you, Dimia,” she said with dignity. “I didn’t mean to imply that you weren’t ladylike.”

Chester squirmed around in her arms, so she plopped him on the ground. He immediately darted into a bush.

“Let’s go to the library, then,” Lyn said, somewhat grumpily, glaring at Reyna.

How is it possible she can be so different from Symon and I? she thought, watching her little sister. These unhappy thoughts were interrupted, however, by a flushed Ser Cole jogging toward them.

“My ladies,” he said breathlessly, bowing. “I’m afraid something’s gone amiss on the hawking trip.”

((OOC: I was thinking either someone was injured or Dimia’s dad did something crazy, you pick.))

Dimia held her breath as Ser Cole escorted her and the Fendrel ladies to the back gate. The gate opened and Dimia was glad to see that Symon and Lord Fendrel were untouched. She gasped when she saw her father covered in blood.

"Bad birds.....bad,bad birds...." he muttered as he walked, almost in a daze, towards the house, dead hawks being dragged behind him. Dimia wrung out her hands and let him keep walking. She held up a hand as Ser Cole tried to step forward.

"You don't interrupt a mad man," she whispered as a warning. The air was heavy with suspense as Florian walked towards the house. Dimia felt tears stinging her eyes. Dimia knew not to get in his way.

Dimia sat in the library, reading a book. Her father was having an episode. He stormed into the library and started throwing books everywhere, some of them hitting Dimia, him not noticing that she was there. She was covered in bruises for about two weeks after that.

"It was so sudden. The hawks didn't bring any rabbits and he just.....snapped," Lord Fendrel explained. Dimia nodded, not taking her eyes off her father. He was rigid, tense, a robot, and stark raving mad.

"Bad birds!" Lord Falaise yelled, throwing the hawks off his shoulders and at the wall. Dimia covered her mouth and a tear streamed down her cheek. A bodyguard cautiously walked up to Lord Florian and brought him inside.  

"Dimia....." Lady Fendrel said gently, reaching out to the girl. Dimia shrugged her off, excused herself, and trudged off to the gardens.

Dimia sat in her secret alcove, in a corner of the garden. The tears flowed silently down her cheeks, a river of sorrow and pain. He was so close. So close, she thought, digging her long nails into her arms, her knuckles white. Why, dear Lord? Why can't you heal his broken heart? Why can't you return him back to normal? she prayed. She wasn't a religious person, but it helped sometimes.

"Dimia. Dimia, come on out," Symon called out. Dimia was partially hidden by a willow tree. She stayed very still. The Fendrel children were looking for her.

As they watched Lord Falaise’s episode, Symon put a protective arm around Reyna’s shoulder. She didn’t remember much about their visits to Lincoln years ago, but Lord Falaise was one of the friendliest men she’d ever met. He and her father had been as close as brothers growing up, and they’d each taken a turn warding in one another’s courts. Symon and Reyna even used to call him Uncle Florian.

“Where did it all go wrong?” Reyna asked as the Fendrel children searched for Dimia.

“This is why father hasn’t been here for years,” Symon sighed. “Lord Florian went mad and pushed everyone away.”

“Well, I’d lose it too,” Lynette muttered.

“What?” Symon and Reyna asked simultaneously.

“Lady Falaise was poisoned, I’d go mad as well,” Lyn said as though it was obvious.

Symon and Reyna looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Could that be true? Lord Brynden had just told them she’d ‘passed on’. Was she really murdered? And how did Lynette know about it? After about twenty minutes of wandering, they finally found Dimia sulking under a weeping willow. Reyna approached the girl cautiously.

“Are you alright?” she asked politely, sitting at the other end of the bench.

Dimia wiped her tears away and nodded. She really didn't feel like talking. Symon leaned against the tree and Lynette was playing with leaves in the branches. They all sort of hovered around her and treated her like a kicked puppy. The mood was very morbid.

"Was she really poisoned?" Symon finally asked. Dimia sucked in a deep breath.

"Symon! That's rude!" Lynette snapped at her brother.

"Well, we all want to know. And, our parents won't tell us anything," Symon countered.

"But, still, she doesn't....." Lynette started.

"It's okay Lynette. I can tell you," Dimia cut her off gently.

"Are you sure?" Lynette asked. Dimia nodded and took a deep breath.

"It started out as a normal dinner. Filled with laughter and jokes and music. But, little did we know, mother's wine was poisoned. It wasn't instant though. She was fine all night. But, when morning came.......she didn't wake up. Her body was....cold....and she wasn't breathing. Father was crushed and he just.....broke," Dimia weaved the tale, her voice breaking towards the end. Symon rubbed the back of his head and Lynette was silenced for once.

"Wait......didn't someone taste her wine first?" Symon asked.

"Of course. Like clockwork. He died the same way," Dimia explained. Lynette sighed sadly and rubbed Dimia's back. Dimia sighed.

"Well, let's go to supper. It's getting late,"Dimia said, standing up. She didn't want to be sad anymore.

((OOC: Dude, Symon would not be that rude. Lynette would. Not Symon.))

Reyna honestly didn’t know what to say. None of them did. What she really wanted to know was why Lady Falaise was poisoned. To be truthful, she wasn’t so sure she felt safe in a place where someone was clearly out to get the family. It was five years ago, she reminded herself. It’s obviously over now.

“Well, if there is anything at all that you need,” she said gently, placing a hand on Dimia’s shoulder, ”just let us know.”

They followed Dimia through the courtyard, Lynette practically glued to the girl’s side. Reyna motioned to Symon and they hung back a ways.

“You’re wondering the same thing I am, aren’t you?” she asked as quietly as possible.

“Of course,” he whispered. “Who do you think did it?”

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “But what if they’re still in the castle? It could be anybody.”

He nodded solemnly and they caught up to Dimia and Lyn. Chester ran out to them and pawed playfully at Dimia’s skirts. Reyna scooped him up and handed him to her, smiling. Kittens cheered everyone up, didn’t they?

((P.S. I haven’t actually described their looks; Lyn and Lady Marla have the same black hair and green eyes as Symon, and Lord Brynden as auburn hair and blue eyes like Reyna.))

Dinner was fantastic. Lord and Lady Fendrel tried their best to make the dinner light hearted, for the children's sake. But, it was obvious that the tension was still there. It didn't help that Dimia's father had retreated to his chambers for the rest of the evening.

"Dimia, last I heard, you were betrothed to  young lord Masterson. Is that true?" Lady Fendrel asked. Dimia blushed and nodded.

"Yes. At the moment, I'm betrothed to Alec Masterson," Dimia confirmed, a light blush on her cheeks.

Masterson's and Falaise's were neighboring territories. This marriage was purely to expand both their lands and profits. But, she's known Alec for a long time and knew that he was a great person. And, it helped that they were both Gryffindor (or at least she hoped she would be Gryffindor). They had similar artistic interests and held the same beliefs. That's probably why she was okay with this arrangement. As long as she was married to some old hoot or someone mean, she was fine with Alec.

"Oooooooo," Lynette chastised. Lady Fendrel shot her a look, but Dimia chuckled.

"Have you two met each other?" Lord Fendrel asked. It was clear that he was going to be finding a husband for Reyna soon, just like they found a wife for Symon. Symon looked a bit uneasy with this topic.

"Yes, sir. We have. He came for my birthday," Dimia remembered. She remembered as they danced on the dance floor and he kissed her hand. Dimia's blushed darkened and she shook the thought away. Truth be told, though she would never tell anyone, she was a bit smitten for the boy.

"Interesting," Lord Fendrel muttered. Eloise gestured to Dimia and Dimia excused herself quickly. Lady of the House matters.

"Your father is requesting your presence after supper," Eloise informed. Dimia sighed and nodded and then returned to the table. The table was alive with light conversation and laughter. Dimia smiled. She had accomplished her first perfect evening as Lady of the House.

((OOC: Again, chastise means to punish severely.))

Reyna listened to the conversation around her, hoping to turn invisible. They were talking about betrothals. Her father had already considered several suitors, but was saving the best for last. He was convinced he could marry her off to the prince. It would be brought up at the tourney next month in York.

“You’re so lucky you’re through with all this,” she muttered to Symon, who sat next to her.

He blushed and quickly stared down at his food, shoving bread in his mouth so he wouldn’t have to talk. Reyna rolled her eyes and shook her head. His betrothed was Lady Adelaine Beaumont of Newcastle. Reyna couldn’t place her, but of course they’d probably met before. She was positive this was one of the reasons Symon had been so reclusive all summer. Apparently, Lady Adelaine went to Hogwarts as well.

“Stop doing that, you’re going to choke,” she whispered, elbowing her brother.

“Dimia, this venison is excellent,” Lady Marla said kindly across the table. “Please give our compliments to your cook.”

((OOC: what now?))

"Of course. I'll be glad to tell her," Dimia responded with a smile. Eloise came and took their plates, then served dessert. Then, Dimia heard a knock on the castle doors. She looked at her guests then excused herself. Ser Griffin, her personal bodyguard, opened the door as she stood back a few feet.

"May I speak to the Master of the House?" a voice said. Dimia could only see a dark outline of a person, not knowing if it was a male or a female. She was very tense. She knew no one was coming over tonight.

"He is away on business," Dimia called out.

"Are you the Lady of the House?" the voice asked. Dimia was wary.

"At the moment, yes," Dimia informed. Ser Griffin put his hand on his sword in preparation. The shadow moved and Dimia realized that it was a person carrying another person.

"We need your help," the voice said.

"Let them in," Dimia commanded. Ser Griffin stepped aside and a tall lanky man came in, carrying a girl maybe a year older than her.

"Thank you. She needs a doctor," the man said.

"Griffin, escort him to a room and call for a doctor," Dimia said. Griffin nodded and took the man away.

"Thank you, Lady Dimia," the man thanked. Dimia shot a look towards Ser Griffin and he nodded. He had to stay on guard. How did he know my name? Dimia thought.

(OOC: Master of the house, quick to catch your eye. Never lets a passerby pass him by. lol I was really tempted to let the man and the girl be Robert and Marigold.)

((OOC: Dimia should join us, but don’t really reveal anything yet. I’m thinking Veela will have the men in a trance since the doc and guards are men, and while she does this the gypsy will sneak off. We can’t actually know what’s going on yet until York, so just little hints.))

Reyna felt frightened here for the first time (actually, second if you count the prospect of assassins). It was such a small castle and the guard wasn’t very large; luckily, Ser Cole and some of the Fendrel guard were there. These gypsies didn’t set right with her, if it was such an emergency why wouldn’t they have gone into an inn or a tavern? Why make the trek all the way to the castle?

“Do you have a good doctor here?” Lady Marla asked Eloise.

“Oh yes, he’s quite good, m’lady,” the nursemaid responded. “

They watched as the gypsies were led far down a hall to the sick room. Reyna noticed that the girl was abnormally pretty. Silvery hair nearly dragged along the floor as the mysterious man carried her, and her skin was as pale as the moon, and glowed like it too. No one else seemed as worried as her, though, so the conversation picked back up. A moment later, they all moved to the gardens for tea and cakes.

“Should we go make sure she’s okay?” Rey asked Symon.

“No,” he said firmly. “Something’s not right. Don’t go off on your own.”

Lyn overheard and raised her brow. They locked eyes and Reyna knew they were on the same page. Both of them were far too curious to stay put. Rey nodded to Lynette and snuck off in the dark. They were halfway down a corridor when someone tapped on Reyna’s shoulder and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

((OOC: Tells a saucy tale, makes a little stir!))

Dimia caught Lyn and Reyna sneaking around. She was settling in the girl and the gypsy when she saw them in the hallway. She smiled and walked behind them, and then tapped Reyna's shoulder.

"Dimia!" Lyn exclaimed. Dimia shushed her and she laughed.

"What are you two doing?" Dimia asked.

"We want to see the gypsy lady," Lyn informed happily.

"Well, you know you're going the wrong way. We moved the infirmary last year. I'll show you," Dimia said, as they walked to the infirmary. You could hear the doctors and the guards talking. But, there was a woman's voice too.

"How is that possible? She was passed out a moment ago," Dimia whispered to them as they listened.

"You're so funny, Ser Cole," the women said. Dimia was very confused and stopped Eloise, who was bringing a tray of food for the gypsy man. She took the tray and walked in with a smile.

"Nice to see you're awake. Where's your friend? Would he like some food?" she asked, waiting for a response.

((OOC: Fact: Veela can throw fire and turn into harpy-like creatures when they’re angry))

Reyna grabbed Lyn by the sleeve and pulled her aside while Dimia went into the room. She motioned for her to stay quiet, and they stood hidden behind the door. Symon had guessed correctly; something was not right.

“He went to fetch a pail of water,” the girl said in an airy voice.

They couldn’t hear what she said next. Reyna peeked into the room, her curiosity getting the best of her. It was a strange sight: the guards (including Ser Cole!) and the doctor were all staring oddly at the girl, in a daze. It was like they were under a spell. She couldn’t help but be jealous, with Cole practically drooling over her.

“What kind of girl is that?” Lyn whispered, poking Reyna.

In this light, they realized she was even prettier than they’d thought. How did she glow like that? And Reyna could swear her hair was moving slowly, as if it were blowing a gentle breeze. Dimia said something they couldn’t make out, then the strangest thing of all happened: the girl changed. Her face morphed into an ugly wiry bird face, and long scaly wings burst from her shoulders. Before they could scream, someone snuck up behind Reyna and Lyn and they were quickly knocked out.

((OOC: Okay so the gypsy man will do Oblivious on all of us.))

Dimia retreated from the girl harpy thing, who was screaming at her.  She wasn't flying around or anything. She was just screaming at her. Dimia dashed to the other side of the room and watched as the girl returned back to normal to keep the boys under her control. Dimia dashed out of the room to try to tell her dad, only to be knocked out by the gypsy man.

When she woke up, she was in the library with a sleeping Reyna and Lynette. She furrowed her brow, thinking about what happened. She couldn't remember going to the library. In fact, she couldn't remember anything beyond dinner. A book laid open in her lap. She looked at the title. You and Your Owl. What the.... she thought, not remembering picking this book.

"Something happened," she said aloud. Lynette jerked and woke up, looking frightened.

"What happened? How did we get here?" she asked.

"You can't remember either?" Dimia asked.

"Remember what?" Lyn asked.

"Wow. Well, I'm confused," Dimia said, puzzled as Reyna began to wake up.

"Do you remember anything?" Lyn asked her sister.

((OOC: Veela, in all her gypsy glory. Her name is Bisera, derived from the Slavic word for Pearl - veela originate in that part of Europe.))

Reyna’s mind was full of fuzz as she awoke with a jolt. Looking around, she realized she was in the library. Lynette and Dimia sat on either side of her, books in their hands. She looked down and saw that she’d apparently been reading a rather saucy chapter of the tome The Maiden of Kent.

“Do you remember anything?” Lynette was asking.

“What? Oh, erm, no…” she said, thinking hard. “I mean, we were eating supper and then the gypsies came, and then…well then we came here. Of course.”

It was the only explanation, right? She had no reason to think otherwise. Reyna slammed the book shut and yawned. Outside, the moon shone bright. The library door opened with a creak and Symon rushed in.

“Where on earth have you three been?” he began vehemently. “We’ve been searching all over the castle.”

“We fell asleep,” Lyn shrugged.

“Just out of curiosity, how long have we been, uh, asleep?” Reyna asked innocently.

“You snuck off, in spite of what I said, at least an hour ago,” Symon sighed, pulling them up. “Reyna, I specifically told you not to leave the gardens.”

“I’m sorry, honestly, I – wait a minute…” she furrowed her brow. “Did you say...the gardens?”

“But we were never in the gardens,” Lyn shook her head. “We came here straight from supperr.”

"No. We went to the gardens for tea and cake," Symon explained. Dimia fixed her hair and her dress as she thought. Something happened. 

"Are the gypsies still here?" Dimia asked.

"I'm not sure," Symon replied. Well, great. Just great. First day as Lady of the House and I ruin it, she thought with dread. Eloise came in.

"My Lady. Your father is better now," Eloise reported.

"So quickly?" Dimia asked.

"Yes, My Lady. He has moved the gypsies to the inn," Eloise explained.

"Oh. Well. Hmmmm," Dimia pondered.

"Don't worry, My Lady. Now, it's awfully late. Let's get all of a cup of milk and then off to bed," Eloise said, taking Dimia by the arm. Dimia looked back at Lyn and Reyna and smiled. We'll learn the truth one day, she thought.

Reyna furrowed her brow and sat in silence. What was going on? She couldn’t remember a thing that happened after dinner; it was like she’d blacked out, which was a prospect that frightened her.

“You really don’t remember?” Symon asked quietly after Dimia went off to bed.

“Not a thing,” Lyn replied, sounding her age. She looked close to tears. “Symon, what happened to us?”

“I have a hunch,” he sighed, looking pained. “It’s the only explanation…”

“Well, tell us,” Reyna prompted anxiously.

“No, don’t worry about it,” he shook his head. “Most likely, the old gypsy was just looking for a bit of coin to steal. Nothing bad. Let’s go to bed.”

“Symon, tell us now,” she demanded.

“Look…there’s a spell..” he explained through gritted teeth. “It erases your memory.”

“Who would do that to someone?!” Lyn cried.

Symon looked disappointed, but not in them..in himself. Reyna wanted to ask what he knew about the spell, but he just hugged Lyn and walked them to their chambers. It had been a long day, and Reyna just wanted to sleep it off. Perhaps she’d remember something in the morning…