The day had finally come for Addie to meet with Lord Ethelwine and for Eduwiges to learn of her father’s fate; it was a day full of uncertainty, dread, and hope. The company woke, packed up their belongings and gathered outside the bedroom door on the upstairs floor of the tavern in Harwick to discuss final plans and concerns before departure. They had agreed the night before that they would remain together through the Wold, but would split into two groups once they reached the Norcrofts- Nethrida, Rhavanielle, Annabette, Masin, and Addie would ride west toward Cliving while Xanderian , Calidis, Eduwiges , Cyndwin, and Hawke rode toward Faldham.
Before they could depart, there was one final matter that needed to be resolved- the issue of Addie’s guards. Among the talk that morning, Xanderian had voiced a concern that Addie’s mother, Lady Addwyn, might already be waiting for her at Cliving, either in anticipation of Addie going rouge or to speed up the planned arrangement. If this were the case, they would have to slip into Cliving unannounced in hopes of finding Ethelwine alone, something that could not be achieved with the two guards in tow. Even if it wasn’t the case and Lady Addwyn was still waiting at Snowbourn, Addie knew that her mother’s soldiers would stop her from meeting with Lord Ethelwine.
“Eduwiges, I need to ask a favor of you.” Addie reached into her bag and pulled out a small vial containing a very fine powder. “Order two tankards of mead for the guards and place this powder into them, half in each. Once the powder can no longer be seen, go outside and present the tankards to them. They should accept them without question since Anna has been providing drink for them this whole journey.” Eduwiges smiled wickedly as she took the vial; she nodded her head in agreement and quickly moved down the stairs to accomplish the task. None in the group seemed to mind this course of action, and even agreed it was for the best, save for Calidis. Addie noticed the elf’s look of disapproval and tried to offer her some reassuring words, “Do not worry, they will wake from it; it is merely a sleeping powder.” However, those words did not seem to change the elf’s view of it.
The group continued to discuss more pleasant matters, but stopped for a moment as Eduwiges returned to signal that the deed was done. They waited upstairs a little longer until enough time had passed for the powder to do its work; confident that it should have taken effect, Addie and Masin left the tavern to check on the guards and found them both passed out in the grass near their steeds. Masin dragged both of the guards over toward the outside wall of the tavern and propped them up; after they were in position, Addie placed the empty tankards in their hands to make it seem as though they had just had a long night of drinking. Once that was finished, Addie returned inside to let the others know that it was time to leave while Masin readied everyone’s horses.
Xanderian led the way as the company left the gates of Harwick and traveled along the well-trodden road of the Wold; her keen eyes continuously scanned the landscape, her bow drawn and ready for whatever enemies might approach. It didn’t take long for a pack of wargs to catch the scent of humans and elves; they stalked the group from both sides of the road and as they neared, they began snarling savagely and readied their formation to pounce. The leader of the pack leapt toward Calidis, thinking her an easy target because he could sense her fear, but he was quickly put down before reaching his target thanks to one of Xanderian’s well placed arrows. The other foul beasts were quickly overrun and disposed of by the blades of the expert warriors- Nethrida, Eduwiges, and Masin- and the subtle magical abilities of Annabette and Rhavanielle.
Without further incident, the group entered into the Norcrofts and reached the crossroads. They said their farewells and parted, half for Cliving, the other half for Faldham. As they neared Cliving, Masin informed the group that it might be best if he were to wait outside the gates- he still had not received any word on those that might be hunting him here and he was close to his old home; it would be best that no one recognize him. Anna volunteered to stay with Masin to help protect him should the need arise and the others promised to hurry back once matters were taken care of inside the gates.
The steps leading to the wooden, barricaded fence almost had a certain ominous feel to it as Nethrida, Rhavanielle and Addie gazed up at them. Addie changed into more appropriate attire for a noble lady and then gave both Neth and Rhavanielle final instructions before the three entered the town. Once through the gates, Addie spotted an old friend of hers, Orduin. She spoke with him briefly and introduced him to the others, but her focus was on the meeting with Ethelwine. They wished each other well and the three continued on toward the Mead Hall.
“Well, this is it..” Addie took in a deep breath and steeled herself. Nethrida and Rhavanielle both looked to her, “Are you ready?” Addie nodded and they all entered into the Mead Hall together. Once inside, they could feel the warmth and smell the smoke from the two large fire pits in the center of the room. They looked past the fire pits and rows of banquet tables to the far side of the hall where three important looking men waited atop a dias that was surrounded by soldiers and the banners of Rohan; one was sitting in the customary seat of the Thane and the other two stood at his side, one on the right and the other on the left.
Nethrida led Addie and Rhavanielle forward with the confident stride of a true captain. Once they reached the steps, she bowed down to the Reeve. "My lady Addiela, daughter of the late Tirbold of Grimslade and Lady Addwyn of Snowbourn, requests an audience with the most esteemed Reeve and with Lord Ethelwine." Addiela curtseyed after being presented and waited to be addressed; two steps behind her, the proper distance for an attendant, Rhavanielle kept her head bowed and her gaze downward toward the hem of Addie’s dress.
Reeve Athelward looked to each, studying them carefully. “We did not receive word that there would be a change of plans. We were expecting you to come next week with Lady Addwyn and had been told that your company would number six, not three.” The Reeve looked over to the man standing on his right, “Ethelward, do you approve of this meeting with your son’s betrothed?” Ethelward considered the question for a moment and then looked back to Athelward to nod; both men seemed to be curious of the urgent matters that had brought the group here. Athelward then waved his hand to the man on his left and motioned him forward, “Ethelwine, you may speak to your promised.”
Lord Ethelwine stepped forward and looked down to Addie; his expression displayed that he wasn’t at all excited about meeting her, he only seemed to be following the etiquette that was appropriate for the situation "What is it that brings you here at this hour?"
Addiela inwardly fumed when she saw Ethelwine’s apathy, it seemed as though she had changed into this dress for nothing. She dips her head once in a half bow before looking back up to speak. "My apologies for not sending word in advance, there have been some developments that I thought you should know of since the date of our wedding fast approaches."
The young lord looked back to his father and then back to Addie to nod. "Indeed it is strange seeing you here" He tilted his head at her "I would have assumed your mother would be here as she has been most adamant in arranging this."
Addiela glanced over to Neth and then back to Ethelwine. "Her absence should be telling of the matters I have come to speak to you about; however," Addie looked toward the other two to make it known to them that she was addressing them now, "I mean no disrespect my lords, but this is a matter that I should speak to Lord Ethelwine about in private. There are too many ears in this hall. If he wishes it, he may divulge the information to you at a later time."
Athelward and Ethelward looked to each other and both seemed somewhat shocked and offended for a moment. Ethelwine, however, pursed his lips and shrugged. "Very well, if you insist" He then looked back to his father "Worry not, I shall fill you in on anything that is not too private" Ethelward nodded, but looked back toward Addie with a hint of mistrust in his eye. After receiving his father’s approval, Ethelwine made his way down the stairs and stood in front of Addie, a few feet from her.
Addiela unconsciously took one step back, not only uncomfortable with how close he had gotten to her, but also in an effort to give him room to walk past. "Lead the way, my lord, I am not familiar with your town or a place where we could go to speak." She then gestures her head over to Neth and Rhavanielle, "If it is allowed, I shall bring my guard and attendant with me."
The lord glanced to Neth and then to Rhavanielle, he didnt seem thrilled about them coming along nor did he seem eager to have this discussion. "They can remain some distance from us. Come, we may discuss this outside." He motioned towards the door and the three followed him outside to a spot near the back of the Mead hall on the wrap-around porch. Nethrida and Rhavanielle made sure to kept enough distance from Addie and the noble so the two could discuss matters in peace, but still be overheard.
Ethelwine crossed his arms and sighed. "Now, why isnt your mother here; and why have you arrived early? Are her claims of your eagerness for this wedding true?"
Addiela walked over to the railing and looked over to make sure that there were no listening ears before proceeding. She dropped all formalities now as she spoke. "Well, at least the condescension is better than your show of apathy before your faeder and faedera. Nay, the claims are not true and you should know that this arrangement was secured under false pretenses."
"It did have a feel of dishonesty to it." He shrugged and then glanced back at her. "I mean no offense with this, you are most beautiful, but my heart belongs to someone else."
Addiela smiled at hearing that and looked to be relieved, "No offense taken, in fact I am glad to hear of it... I assume though that she is not a noble?"
He shook his head "Nay, but her family is of good stock, and of decent wealth. But the Reeve seems… enamored with the idea posed by Lady Addwyn."
Addiela nodded at hearing that and then frowned, "As I would suspect he should be." She then reached down into her bag to bring out a piece of parchment with her father's writing and signature. "I believe that my mother arranged this marriage without my father's knowledge or approval by forging his name to the agreement. You can compare if you would like… Moreover, she is also in league with Wormtongue." Addie reached into her bag again to bring out a vial. "That worm poisoned my father and when I went seeking evidence he tried to have me removed where I could not tell of it, I know that you have most likely seen the bounty that was posted on my head. If you do ally with my house, you will also be allying with him since he has my mother in his pocket. I will see to it that he is convinced for my faeder's murder and if you are in league with him when that happens, your house will lose prestige as well."
The man's brow furrowed upon hearing all of that "These are very serious accusations. If this Alliance proves to be true, that will be very troubling to deal with. However, Wormtongue wields considerable power in the King's court; word is, he even banished the king's nephew from the Mark" He sighed. "My father is slightly suspicious of Wormtongue and I must inform him of this, but in secret for the worm has spies everywhere. I know not whether we can prevent Lady Addwyn's plans entirely, but we may attempt to stall them; 'tis all I can promise at this time."
"He is quite influential indeed... Know this, though, I have no intention of binding myself in marriage. I thank you for your willingness in helping to stall this arrangement, but I seek to completely nullify it."
Ethelwine nodded again. "I would wish the same, but as long as your mother has favor with the worm I fear there is little to stop them..."
Addiela took in a deep breath and slowly released it to remind herself of her manners. "Lord Ethelwine, this meeting was more of a courtesy to you; even if the plan remains the same, I shall not be in attendance at the wedding and I wished to save you the embarrassment of waiting on that day. With that being said, I also wish to not dishonor my father's name, which is why I have brought that paper to you, so that you can affirm to your father that his name was forged so that my actions will not speak ill of him."
The man chuckled and nodded, "I would expect no less. This act of forgery is disheartening and I wish you luck in your endeavors. You may rest assured my father will hear of these accusations, and we shall attempt our best to stall the proceedings."
Addiela seemed to be somewhat surprised to hear the chuckle. "Aye, and I wish you well in yours. I do ask one more favor of you; please do not send word to my mother of this meeting until I have had a chance to reach Snowbourn. She is holding my steed hostage to ensure that I come home to be her pawn. I need to free Lily before my mother learns of this."
The words made him reel with absolute disgust. "Gah!" What a foul, despicable act!" Ethelwine seemed outraged and grasped his heart while he recovered from the shock. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Very well, we shall keep this meeting a secret for you find no love for the Worm or his schemes in this hall"
A smile formed on the corner of Addie’s lips, "I am glad that you and your kin can see past his schemes. Thank you for your time, I wish you happiness and I hope that you are able to be with the one you desire." Addie curtseyed one more time and turned to leave.
"Likewise, Lady Addiela" he replied with a somewhat jovial tone. "I wish you well in undoing your mother's schemes for any damage to the Worm is a benefit for the people of Cliving and to the Mark"
Addiela called back over her shoulder, "Indeed it is." and then proceeded toward Neth and Rhavanielle. Ethelwine walked past them to go back into the Mead Hall and once he was out of sight, Addie smiled toward them, "Well, that went better than I had hoped for."
Nethrida nodded slowly. "I could overhear some" She smiled. "Where shall we head next, to Faldham to meet with the others?” Addie nodded. “Very well. This time you lead the way... My Lady."
Addie snapped her head back toward Neth, “Bah, you can drop all the lady stuff now..”
Nethrida chuckled, “I could, yes. But will I?”
Addiela glared daggers toward Neth, but quickly calmed herself. "I suppose you've earned the right to tease me, for one night that is…"
Nethrida chuckled merrily, “Ohoo... But I intend to make use of this... Ahh, but it's all in good spirit.”
Addiela stopped in the middle of the road and looked toward Neth, her tone turning serious. “I really do appreciate you being there for me. I can always count on you to have my back."
Nethrida smiled and attempted to put her hand on Addie's shoulder. "We are family. Not by blood but by fellowship. And friends look out for one another"
Addiela smiled back and returned the gesture by placing her hand on Neth's shoulder. "That is just as well for I consider you more of a sister than my own blood sister." Addie removed her hand and continued walking. "I do have a bad feeling in my gut though, Neth."
“Why is that? Everything seemed to have gone well, better I would say. For you seemed to have gained an ally.' Nethrida's lips then twisted into a wry grin. "Though I heard he fancied some commoner lady over you..."
Addiela didn't appear to be bothered by the last statement and her tone seemed sincere, "I am glad for him that he found a commoner, nobles can be so fussy and fake." She then looked around, "I don't know.. it's just a feeling. Perhaps I am thinking of Asmalinde's words or worried over Masin's enemies here.." Addie shrugged and continued walking. "I suppose we should rejoice in this small victory."
Nethrida nodded , “I would agree. I am sure the others will be elated to hear of our success aswell.'
“Aye, at least Xanderian can rule out killing him.”
The three continued to talk as they made their way through the streets and back out the gate to return to Masin and Anna. Today may have seemed like a victory, but none of them had noticed the figure lurking in the shadows as Addie spoke with Ethelwine.
