Castle News

01-11-2009

Early in the morn, Lady Cheryl was up and about, removing the decorations for Halloween. Se smiled as she set about her task, remembering the joy of watching the children the night before. It had been well worth the effort taken to make it so successful. At the same time it had allowed Sir Trevor o do a census on how many new children were living in the village.

That there were so many more than had previously been counted bode well for the health and wealth of the community. Added to that was the fact that so many parents had accompanied them showed good family values were being observed.

Later in the day, Sir Trevor with Lady Cheryl riding pillion on Beamer, rode to the huge marketplace next to the canal, where a special walk had been made. There was plenty of stabling for the horses, and for a small fee they would be closely guarded. There was an astonishing variety of stalls, specialising in the best goods to have been brought by ship, from lands both near and far.

Our Lord had seen a fine pair of shoes at the stall called Aldos, that he desired to purchase for his Lady. Knowing her taste could be fickle, he had brought her with him, so as to avoid numerous return visits. On sight of the shoes, Lady Cheryl voiced her approval of his choice and immediately donned them. Looking in the mirror provided she stuck out one foot at a time admiringly. Kissing her love Thank You, she smiled happily and remarked what a lucky lady she was, to have such a caring Lord.

Castle news

31-10-2009


Yesterday was the eve of All Hallows night, known by most as Halloween. Lady Cheryl had been out and about preparing for the following night, when all the children in the village would come calling. It was a tradition that had lasted for centuries, and was celebrated in many Kingdoms.

Our Lady had decorated the castle and grounds. Using hollowed out pumpkins with candles placed inside. Spider webs with make believe spiders were put in window casements and entrances. She had raided the broom closets and taken the brooms , strategically placed to look like witches brooms. Caricatures of skeletons and bats adorned the castle walls and ceilings. Murals of skeletons climbing over dungeon gates were pasted on the boundary walls. Banners ran along the perimeters warning all who entered that they did so at their own risk.

Believing that the children would be suitably duped into believing that this was a place of nightmares, she returned indoors to prepare the bucket for the treats of sweetmeats and pastries. This was the reward for the children dressing up as vampires, witches and pirates or whatever ghoul took their fancy. She covered the top with fake cobwebs and a huge spider with red glowing eyes. She had collected the hair for the spider from the stables. So lifelike was it that it would require nerves of steel to plunge a hand into the bucket and claim the reward for being so brave. A true test for the future Knights and Ladies.

Castle News

30-10-2009

The health of our Knight's father, Lord Gilbert, was failing. He had been taken to the infirmary in the county of the flat cliff (Plattekloof). Accompanied by his wife, the Dowager Lady Edna, who found it difficult to restrain herself from having a panic attack, which she was prone to do.

Sir Trevor, unable to to return to the castle in time to be of any aide, called on the service of his sister, the Lady Rose. Hastening to answer the call, Lady Rose went straight to the infirmary, to watch over their father and to give comfort to their mother.

It was cause for deep distress to see Her father lying there so helpless. She was glad when the opportunity arose to take her mother back to her castle. She left her father Lord Gilbert, in the more than capable hands of the experienced ladies in charge of the ward. After her mother was bedded down for the night she sent a carrier pigeon to her brother, Sir Trevor, informing him of the health of their father.

Sir Trevor , after reading the message made sure he would be able to see his father in the Infirmary the following day. Lady Cheryl knew her beloved so well, sensed that he dreaded seeing his father in that condition, and had tried to avoid it. Even though as everyone could attest to, he loved his father dearly and would anything for him. About this situation though he was helpless and could nought to alter it. It was this helplessness that drove him frantic, he was used to having the answers to most problems and being able to right them.

Castle News

Virtute et Valore
(By virtue and valour)

29-10-2009


Sir Trevor had duties to perform once more in the county of Constantia. It was always a pleasant ride, crossing the bridge over the Deep River, then following the meandering trail along the Black River. Keeping close to the mountain shaped like a table, passing the forest of the New Lands then up the hills to the scenic vista laid out before one entered this fair place.


It was a place favoured by ambassadors from far away Kingdoms. A veritable stewing pot of who's who. No matter race, colour or creed, as long as their pockets and their treasure chests were full, they were made welcome to make this there home.





Sir Trevor though never felt out of place and easily held his own. He had been fortunate to receive the very best private education, tutored by none other than St. George's best. Had he not been hellbent on becoming a minstrel, who knows what he might have become?


Happy and content he was that he had followed his own path. He had the fondest memories, that only one who had been able to do exactly what he wanted, could possibly have. Now he was a noble Knight , owner of his own castle and land, a seaside cottage and with a lovely Lady by his side.


Life was good, with a wonderful steed to transport him, going about the duties for the Lords of the Privy Purse and aiding so many people every day. He was most grateful for his choices made years before. In truth at the time they had invoked the wrath of his mother, the Dowager Lady Edwina, who had made it clear to him, how much they had sacrificed to pay for his education. Now it was obvious that the good education had never been wasted, but instead had aided Sir Trevor in achieving his goals. Needless to say he would always be grateful to his parents for that.

Castle News

News 28-10-2009

Sir Trevor gave Lady Cheryl a few pennies for the market. She had to replenish their vegetables before baking her favourite pie later. He would remain at the castle completing reports and answering messages from the people who had need to replace possessions stolen or lost through fire or flood.

Of course there were always those who became cantankerous, and would raise their voices, making lewd suggestions as to what they would like to do to the Lords of the Privy Purse and Sir Trevor alike. Over the years experience had shown that most people who blustered and shouted, had something to hide, and most if not all of them, were fraudsters attempting to gain pennies unlawfully.

The honest folk saw the Lords of the of the Privy Purse and Sir Trevor as benefactors to their cause. Thankfully these were the majority who made the tasks and duties a rewarding venture for our Knight.

Lady Cheryl meantime, at the market, had chosen and purchased juicy orange carrots, freshly picked wild brown mushrooms, rich ripe red tomatoes and a few other provisions. Seeing that she had time to spare Lady Cheryl went to listen to her favourite minstrels, at the stall called Musica. There she found the shiny discs that had replaced the recorders. The called these new discs seedees. Purchasing three of these, she then stopped by the stall of Inside Intelligence. It had become one of her favourite stalls, she needed to purchase scrapbook software for her small box of moving pictures. She had been wanting to start a journal called " Castle News".

Finding exactly what she wanted, she rode her riding hack The Grey, back to the castle with plenty of time to spare, before preparing the evenings repast. Steak and Kidney Pie, followed by apricot jam tartlets were on the menu. Her love would eat well that night, the mood set with the songs on the seedee.

Castle News

27-10-2009


There was a fearsome storm overnight in the county. Winds gusted at hurricane force, bending the limbs of trees and whipping their branches. Thunder and lightning rent the air, waking up most of the people asleep in their beds. Sir Trevor alarmed jumped from his sleeping mattress and quickly donned his suit of armour, fearing they were under attack.




He felt more than a little foolish when another bolt of lightning struck outside, followed by a rumble of thunder. It was nature demonstrating her power over all things. Greatly relieved that they were not under siege, he returned to the boudoir and removed his armour. Pulling back the bedsheets he felt quite consternated looking at the sleeping face of his love. She was normally so alert and here she was sleeping right through, oblivious of the raging storm.


There had to be a good reason for this, may hap our Lady had given herself up in exhaustion. She had experienced a particularly stressful few days. Smiling gently he tucked her in and retired to the parlour. Knowing sleep was out of the question he made a pot of calming tea. As he started to relax he gave thanks that there were no canons aimed at the castle walls.

Castle News

26-10-2009


It had seemed to be anything but a day of rest for our Knight and Lady. Sir Trevor had much to catch up on for his duties with the Lords of the Privy Purse. He was also suffering from a small dose of the stomach cramps, keeping him tied to the chamberpot for most of the time. He could ill afford for this to happen, but nature would have her way. In the meantime Lady Cheryl busied herself round the castle and the gardens, planting new seedlings.


Having a few seedlings left over and no room for them, she took them to Lady Jowyne, her neighbour and friend from the castle next to their boundary. On her arrival she found Lady Jowyne and Lord Marvyn hard at work in their own arbour. Lord Marvyn had purchased a fountain for the grounds as a gift for Lady Jowyne. Standing back to admire it Lady Cheryl remarked how pleasant it was to see others also take pride in their surrounds.


Gifting them the seedlings, she was touched indeed by their insistence that she accept in return a selection of plants they had grown. Thanking them for their generosity and visiting awhile our Lady hastened back to her castle. Feeling the pangs of hunger grip her, she went directly to the parlour. Choosing her ingredients she prepared a repast in the kitchen. Bacon, toast, wild mushrooms and double yolked eggs.


Summoning her love who was much better, she served the repast with a goblet of freshly squeezed orange juice, grown in the orchards in the valley of Ceres. Following the meal she poured a fragrant pot of herbal tea. For Sir Trevor it was the tea picked from the red bushes grown in the Kingdom. Found nowhere else the leaves were sent to lands far and wide. It was a favourite of our Knights. For our Lady it was the brew favoured by the Earl of Grey. Feeling replete after their meal the two continued with their day.




It was late in the afternoon when Sir Robert the Scot and Lady Angelique called on them. A cask of Rose mead made by the Four Cousins was cracked open and a good few chalices were drunk. While they were enjoying each others company Sir Trevor was directing work on the illumination of the picnic area. He had bought many different coloured lamps and they could hardly contain themselves till nightfall, when they would be lit, and they could see the effect. As night fell, the lamps were lit. The picnic area was transformed to a magical playground. To say our Knight and Lady were well pleased with the result would be putting it mildly. They would be spending many an hour here in the approaching hot summer nights.

Castle News

25=10-2009


The day before had marked the birth date of Lady Giselle Brigitte, our Lady's youngest daughter, who after marrying the wandering Portuguese, Sir Joaquin, had set up home with him in the Kingdom of The Long White Cloud, New Zealand. It lay far away on the other side of the world. She was sorely missed by Lady Cheryl, who did her best to keep up communications via racing pigeons and using the signals that had been discovered in the stars. Called satellites, they allowed communications via the little boxes with moving pictures.


Lady Giselle's siblings, Lady Angelique and Sir Peter arrived to send greetings to their sister and assure her of their love and support. Obvious it was just how greatly she was missed. Her tender heart and great sense of humour were admired by so many. She would always be affectionately remembered.


At noon, leaving Sir Trevor penning his reports, Lady Cheryl visited the local nursery. She loved to wander around looking for unusual plants for her own gardens. Soaking up the fragrances as she went about, it was not long before she had a bevy followers, all admiring her choices of plants. She could not help but impart some of her knowledge to those who needed or asked for assistance. Her experience stood her in good stead to recognise what needed to be done in order to be successful raising plants, in what could be unforgiving conditions in their county.


She returned with her bounty and offloaded The Grey, who snorted with indignation at being treated as a common cart horse, and not the beautiful riding hack that he was. Sir Trevor came out to see what his love had returned with. Shaking his head, he gently suggested that they would need a larger stretch of land, to accommodate all these new acquisitions. Not to mention far larger pockets to hold the many pennies it took to pay for all this.

Castle News

24-10-2009


The morning dawned, and Sir Trevor rode Beamer to his fate with the tooth puller, who had everything prepared in readiness for him. He gave our Knight a dose of Laudanum for the pain, prior to starting the pull. Once the painkiller had taken effect he rolled up his sleeves. Grabbing the tooth removing instrument he told Sir Trevor to brace himself.

Gripping the sides of the chair , to help with leverage, he gave a nod of the head indicating he was ready. The tooth puller, who had the unfortunate name of "Kuck", flexed his biceps and with a mighty jerk pulled the offending tooth out.

After paying an outrageous fee for his services, our Knight returned to the castle. Lady Cheryl was waiting anxiously for his return. Enquiring after his health Sir Trevor muttered as one who had imbibed far too much mead, and could not control his facial muscles. His mouth was still quite numb from the Laudanum and he had difficulty speaking.

Lady Cheryl sympathised with her love and suggested he tarry awhile till he reclaimed his power of speech. The Lords of the Privy Purse had been enquiring after Sir Trevor, and were speedy in sending notes of sympathy for his plight, rubbing their lucky rabbits foot it was not them. The very thought of the Tooth Puller was enough to make grown men quiver, and solicited an immediate prayer that this not happen to them.

Our Knight replied to their notes and assured them he would be back about their business within a few hours. True to his word as always, that is precisely what he did.

Castle News

23-10-2009


Beamer,Sir Trevor's steed, needed new horseshoes. Our caring Knight had taken him to the farrier, only to be told that the shoes for Beamer would have to be custom made, and would only be ready on the weekend. Until then if he rode Beamer, he was advised that it would be best if he not gallop on Beamer or come to sudden stops, which could cause injury to the steed.


It went without saying that Sir Trevor would take the utmost precaution with his Silver Steed as he had never before owned a steed so noble and well bred. Lady Cheryl agreed that he might use The Grey, her own riding hack. Of course she was always very wary of anyone else riding The Grey, as she never for one moment believed anyone other than herself would or could handle him as she did.




Lady Cheryl could not help noticing that Sir Trevor's cheek had become swollen once more. It looked the same as it had the week before. He agreed that it was. He was so perturbed by it that he felt the need to call once more on the dreaded tooth puller. On inspection of his tooth the tooth puller agreed to do remove the tooth the following morning. Back at the castle he relayed the news to his love, who shuddered at the very thought. Lady Cheryl asked him if he was not filled with dread ? Brave Knight that he was , he insisted that he was not at all apprehensive.

Castle News

22-10-2009

There had been cause for double celebration the day previous. It was the birth date of Lord Gilbert, Sir Trevor's father and also of Lady Chery's grandchild, the page Christiano Fernando, who turned one. You could tell by his names that he father was descended from the nation of seagoing explorers, the Portuguese.

Sir Trevor received a message via the tiny box that rang to alert him. It was from his shoemaker. Our Knight was most particular of his attire and insisted on only the best footwear available. Hence, he had called on a shoemaker famous throughout the Kingdom. His name was Aldo, this man prided himself on the workmanship of his shoes, which were always at the height of fashion.

Sir Trevor had need to return his last pair purchased which had cost a pretty penny. The stitching had come apart at the toes. Finding that Aldo was not there, he spoke to the apprentice. Lacking the finesse of his mentor, he dared to suggest that may hap Sir Trevor knew not how to walk in them. Sir Trevor took the hapless lad to task for his impertinence, and, was quick to inform him that he was not known as dashing for nought. He demanded that this impertinent lad report to Aldo as soon as he returned.

It would appear that on his return Aldo was aghast at the inference dealt out to Sir Trevor, being a valued customer he hastened to put matters right. He told Sir Trevor he would be only too pleased if he would allow him the opportunity to make him a new pair.

Mollified, the gentle side of our Knight returned, it was rare indeed to see him so out of sorts as he had been. What was amazing was that Beamer, his silver steed, also had problems with his shoes which needed to be replaced.

Castle News

News 21-10-2009

Lady Cheryl set out early, leaving her riding hack, The Grey, behind in his stable. She had decided the walk would afford her an opportunity to mingle with the folk living in the surrounds of the castle. After all, what better way to ascertain if all went well in the running of the village of the Cape.

On her return, cheeks rosy from the exercise, she searched out Sir Trevor to see what duties he had to perform that day. The peace and quiet were rudely interrupted by a loud knocking on the castle doors, announcing the arrival of the serving maid Lena. Lady Cheryl hastened to instruct her in her duties for the day.

Realising the futility to expect any measure of quiet whilst Lena was there, Sir Trevor set out on Beamer. He was to travel to the county of Claremont. There, along the min thoroughfare, was a huge stadium. Originally built at great cost, as a meeting place for the affluent to go to, to enjoy many pastimes, it had instead, been snubbed by the elite. It had been built on the wrong side of the road, and the elite would rather die than be seen there.

Losing its former splendour due to lack of funds and neglect due to a lack of commerce, the stadium had become a ghostly shell of what it could have been. Now it was vulnerable to vandalism, by the thieves and robbers who frequented the area. It was now up to Sir Trevor to assess the resulting damage left by these vagabonds.

Lady Cheryl knew she would be uneasy until he returned. Many a fine steed had been stolen from there, and a prize steed such as Beamer, would be very tempting indeed. The purses of the rich were also at risk of being pilfered as pickpockets abounded there. Sir Trevor though gently scoffed at her concerns, assuring her he was always alert to possible dangers. He vowed he would always return safe and sound to his love.

Nonetheless, it was with relief that Lady Cheryl heard the sound of Beamer's hooves entering the castle courtyard, running into the courtyard she admired the magnificent beast, steam emitted from his flaring nostrils, his once shiny coat covered in the dust of the trails. He was a horse worthy of carrying her love. As soon as Sir Trevor dismounted she flew into his arms and welcomed him with a kiss.

Castle News

19-10-2009

Lady Cheryl visited the castle of Lady Jowyne and Sir Marvyn. She had need to thank them for their gift, a beautiful journal. It was a gift that had much thought and caring spent on it. After being welcomed inside, she complimented Lady Jowyne for being so beautifully turned out at the banquet.

Lady Jowyne informed her that they had really enjoyed themselves and though they were reluctant to depart early, they had no choice in the matter. Lady Jowyne's mother the dowager Lady Constance had suffered another bad turn and could not be left for long to fend for herself.

On her return to the castle, our Lady found Sir Trevor ready to set out on Beamer, to the the Valley of the Tiger. He had need to see a seamstress to have new shirts made. He enquired if Lady Cheryl would like to accompany him? She declined his invitation saying she would rather take the time to relax in the gardens.

When he returned our Knight displayed his new attire for his lady's approval. He did look handsome she thought. He then presented her with a gift in a box tied with ribbons. It was a lovely set of lingerie, perfect for the coming hot summer nights. Lady Cheryl was delighted. His reward would come later, but, in the meantime she had prepared a loin of tender mutton to be served with crisp roasted potatoes. A motley mix of colourful vegetables would be added. Served on a bed of white rice she had made a delicious gravy to top it off. Descending down to the cellar Sir Trevor chose a mead of rose blended by Four Cousins, this he decided would be perfect to wash down their meal.

Castle News

20-10-2009

Our Knight Sir Trevor, after spending the morning penning reports to the Lords of the Privy Purse, kissed his Lady adieu, and set forth once more on his silver steed Beamer. He had been called to assess damage sustained at a castle in the county favoured by the rich and wealthy, called Constantia. Some of the "uneducated" and called this place "Can't stand yer", revealing their envy of the opulence of the Lords and Ladies who owned castles in this county.

As our Knight had discovered though, being wealthy was not an indication of intelligence. Clearly confirming his theory, was this particular assignment for the Lords of the Privy Purse. It would transpire that unlike most other castles in the realm that had been built on top of a good lookout point, this castle had been built in a valley. This had left it vulnerable to attack from flood and foe alike.

A dam had been built by the constructors for the realm,the water was transported to everyone via canals. Unfortunate it was that there was a fault in the canal above the castle in question, this had caused water to cascade down and flood the aforesaid castle. The damage had been great. The Lords of the Privy Purse faced with a claim for a very large amount, had to decide who or what was at fault. The stupidity of the Lord or the shoddy workmanship of the constructors.

All would hinge on Sir Trevor's report. It was good fortune indeed that much trust was placed in our Knight, for being unbiased and fair at all times, and known to be honourable, never prone to bribery and corruption. Hence the honour bestowed on him as Knight of the Realm, Sir Trevor the Noble.

Castle News

18-10-2009

Needless to say it was a very hushed day in the castle and its surrounds. Sir Trevor and Lady Cheryl had retired to their boudoir after half past two, a mere two and a half hours before cocks crow.

It had though been worth it they agreed, as they dragged themselves from the canopied bed. A severe case of the giggles racked our Lady as she suddenly remembered Their friend Lord Graham, a larger than life character, attaching a small bottle top shaped like a sombrero, to the top top of his balding pate, and trying to balance it there. He liked to perceive himself as a modern Sir Lancelot who enjoyed having a bevy of lovely ladies around him . He was a minstrel whose expertise was on the drums. He was as a brother to Sir Trevor and the two shared many a likeness.

Standing next to him had been Sir Robert the Scot, small in stature he could still croon a merry melody, and was a master on the pianoforte. He was as short as Lord Graham was tall and the difference was marked with his head not even reaching Lord Graham's shoulder. He and Lady Angelique, Lady Cheryl's daughter, were a couple. She was much younger than Sir Robert and a prize indeed. She was so fair to behold and many a Knight had asked for her token.

The much married couple of Sir Richard the Black and his wife the Lady Wendeline , also stayed longer than intended. He was a minstrel of longstanding and had played with a troupe who called themselves Late Final. They had initiated many customs still enjoyed in the Kingdom, the most famous of these being "Suip (drink) the Cape in Shape". The tradition was for everyone in attendance on hearing these words to lift their goblets and down the contents in one go when the word "Suiping" (drinking) were bellowed across a room.

Yes it had been a remarkable evening, and if truth be told a little throbbing of the temples was a cheap price to pay after such entertainment and the lasting memories they had gained.

Castle News

17-10-2009

It was a day of celebration, that had continued well into the wee hours of the following day. Lady Cheryl's birthday started early in the morn with the sound of pages arriving with scrolls containing greetings from far and wide, as well as visitors who lived nearby leaving calling cards.

Sir Trevor kissing her adieu, promised that he would hasten through his duties and return to the castle to ensure that all would be perfect for his love, when later in the evening their guests were due to arrive. They had especially been chosen for being gentle Knights and Ladies who were close to our Lady's heart.

After his departure, Lady Cheryl set her maidservant, Lena, about the castle with instructions to make sure that everything would be clean and shining. As always happened the maidservant tested our Lady's patience, misinterpreting her instructions, she unpacked the larder and cupboards, putting the contents on the floor. Calling her mistress she suggested that Lady Cheryl should be the one to repack as she never did it correctly. Not having a clue, she had in the past put the bird seed with the rice and Sorroccos food with gravies. Heaving a sigh of exasperation, our Lady ordered Lena to depart to the far regions of the castle, she would sort the cupboards and larder out herself.

Finally she was ready to to spend time on herself, and get ready for the banquet. She bathed herself in sweet oils, brushed her hair to a shining crown. She stained her lips with wild berries and pinched her cheeks to a rosy blush. Her hazel eyes were outlined with a Kohl obtained at great expense from the Far East. Choosing her perfume called Opium after an opiate that when taken muddled the brain, she dabbed it delicately between her breasts, and the inside of her elbows. The ankles were not forgotten either and a tiny drop was dabbed there too.

Finally she was ready to put on her dress she had had made and only received an hour ago from the seamstress. Gazing into the mirror, she was well pleased with the result. Slipping her stockinged feet into her pumps, she declared herself ready. Sir Trevor nodded his approval of his love. He it had to be said looked extremely handsome in his finery, tucking her hand through his arm they descended the stairs to welcome their guests as they arrived.

Castle News

16-10-2009

Lady Cheryl was very perturbed about Sir Trevor. He had used his small box to inform her that there was something amiss with him. Dutifully he first completed his alms giving and assessing, before he returned to the castle.

On entering the parlour, where Lady Cheryl awaited him. Our Lady immediately noticed that his countenance on the left side was quite puffed out. Our Knight had the appearance of a grey squirrel with its cheeks filled with acorns. He even shared the same startled look in his big brown eyes, as that creature when suddenly disturbed.

Lady Cheryl knowing her Knight well, suggested he hasten to the physician to find out what it was that ailed him. Surely he had had the mumps as a child? On being informed by his love that it was not the only thing that ailed him, he also suffered a throbbing in his groin. Our Lady was now also alarmed, and wondered if it was due to an excess of physical activity a day or so before.

After a carefull examination, the physician informed Sir Trevor, that there was no need to leech him, instead a mixture of herbs from the apothecary would suffice for the swelling, which he had decided stemmed from a brewing abcess. He further went on to reassure our Knight that his family jewels werein no danger at all. It was simply a strain, which had caused the pain in his groin. Sir Trevor returned to the castle a greatly relieved man.

It was a remarkable recovery, once he knew all would be well. Our Lady smiled to see her love back to his normal self again. They shared a goblet of mead, whilst enjoying the warmth of the fire in the hearth, as their rack of lamb rib turned over the coals.

Castle News

15-10-2009

Sir Trevor had ridden Beamer to a new assignment for the Lords of the Privy Purse. He was to assess the damage caused by flooding at a castle in the county of Blouberg. The county was famous everywhere for its awe inspiring sunsets from the beach.

It was not very far from their own county, and had a view of the mountain that resembled a table. Yesterday had seen a cloud covering resembling a tablecloth, on the top of the mountain. On sight of this our Knight and Lady knew, as did all in their county that it foretold strong winds and a change in weather.

Lady Cheryl hoped that it would soon blow over, as a banquet had been planned to celebrate her birth date.

Sir Peter, Lady Cheryl's firstborn had come to visit with his mother, she enquired if there was a Lady in prospect for marriage yet, only to be told that after a failed union some years before, he had no desire for a permanent partner, but preferred to play the field, living a rakes merry life. Sir Trevor always took his side, scolding our Lady for interfering. He suggested she leave him be, as he obviously was enjoying the life he led, and reminded her that he had been the same, prior to meeting her of course.

Castle News

13-10-2009

The day was wet and raining, dousing everything but, the colours of the castle gardens. They appeared more intense than usual. The fragrance of the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow blended beautifully with the jasmine and roses, Lady Cheryl's favourite plants.

Our Lady found it extremely difficult to tear herself away from the bay windows, where she could observe the antics of the birds and look into the castle mote.

She needed to assure herself that the crab had not returned. It really was most vexing, and had caused much trouble over the years. Every year they managed to catch it and return it to the river. You could put a wager on it that it would be back the following year. Our Lady feared for Sir Trevor bathing with the crab in the water, in case it nipped some bodily part of his with its strong nippers. So cheeky was this crab it had once been discovered in the entrance hall, clapping its nippers at Sorrocco, Lady Cheryl's pet cat, who had bristled with outraged, but was not prepared to tackle this strange creature.

Later in the day our Lady received a visit from Lady Anne. They had once been very close and dear friends. They shared many a trial and tribulation together. Of course, if one was completely honest, there were also times of great hilarity and naughtiness, for they were both wont to flirt outrageously, and had had quite a following of young bucks vying for their attention. The table in the hall was always filled with calling cards from the young men, hoping they might be invited back to call on one or the other of the Ladies.

Needless to say an end was put to all of that, and the bucks put to flight, after our Lady met Sir Trevor. She knew that non other than he could still he fire in her breasts. He was her one true love. He was at that time a minstrel of great talent, who sing a merry ditty or two whilst strumming his lute. He would always keep her entertained and send shivers down her spine. Oft it was that she yearned for him to sing again.

Castle News

14-10-2009

It had been a day filled with sunshine. Sir Trevor had left early on Beamer to go to the beach cottage. He had called for a carpenter to install a new larder, as Lady Cheryl had complained that damp had somehow spoilt the wood in the old one.

On his return to castle , he found the serving wench Lena, dithering about noisily. Unable to concentrate on his reports to the Lords of the Privy Purse, he set forth once more to assess further claims. Leaving Lady Cheryl in charge, ignoring the look of budding frustration on her countenance, at the shenanigans of Lena, he only did what most intelligent Knights would do. Disappear.

Later in the day he called his Lady, using the small device that had changed communications forever, he enquired about the meal for the evening. He soon realised that this had been a huge error, as Lady Cheryl let it be known, that at no time in the day had she had a moment to herself, and of a certainty had not yet thought of their repast for the night.

Our ever gallant Knight, once more, made haste to the inn, famous for its baskets of ocean fare. There he ordered fresh mussels in tangy sauce, prawns roasted over the coals, meat from the Octopus, crumbed and fried. All served on a bed of sweet yellow rice.

Putting a spur to Beamer, our Knight galloped home, whilst the picnic was still hot, and presented it to his Lady fair, who was not shy in showing her love her appreciation of his thoughtfulness. Together they feasted, licking their lips and sipping their mead from the Tall Horse.

Castle News

12-10-2009

Our Knight and Lady woke up feeling the effects of the physical activity the day before. Both were a little stiff, and to make matters worse, Sir Trevor was most disgruntled. The lamps he had so meticulously laid out the day before, were not working. They would not light at all. He would have to remove them and have them returned to the craftsman who had made them. He would rather seek out another lamp maker elsewhere.

Leaving the castle behind them our Knight and Lady rode to the marketplace to purchase sweetbreads and cakes from the bakery. They were a treat for Lord Gilbert, Sir Trevor's father. He had become frail and infirm after cracking a bone due to an accident. He was left unable to walk. There was no choice but for them to retire to a home designed specially for folk like themselves, with similar frailties. Here they would be cared for day and night. After spending time with them, our pair bid them farewell and returned to their castle.

Waiting for them they found Lady Rose and her children, so invited them to join them for supper. Lady Rose needed advice on hoe to deal with her rebellious daughter, the maiden Kirsten. Having just reached her teen years, she had become embroiled with entirely the wrong group of youths. Sir Trevor gently reminded her that she too, had done similar things at the same age, and she had turned out all right in the end. It was best to watch her closely without making her feel that she had turned bad, he advised. Much relieved Lady Rose returned to her home, thankful that she had a brother she could always count on.