Packages & Dealings

[Leo]

More than a few weeks had passed since Gwen had come to Fabrications by Design for her surprise visit to Leo. More had happened during that meeting than he would have thought but it was not anything that he had not wanted. He was fortunate that she did not think him to forward in it all because as he thought on it in the days and weeks that followed Leo had a feeling that he had. However, that was then and this was now and if she had been offended any then she would let him know, he was sure.

The items that he had requested made for her were done as well as the few items he had wanted set aside. They were carefully folded and wrapped in a heavy brown cloth that would keep them secure and tied with a white cord and all together the package measured 1x3x4, so it was thick and yet it was not that heavy. Attached in the string was a letter addressed: A mi Gaitto. He took it in his hands and made his way to the Inn.

As he had a room at the Inn there was no need for him to stop at the front desk nor was there any need for him to ask for help and therefore Leo continued up the steps. The package was carried steadily in his left hand and not under the arm. Package straight so that it wouldn’t bend or fold - there were two very thin boards inside the package the separate the three items so if the package were to be bent it would be met with slight resistance. Up to the second floor Leo knew where her room was: number 206.

When he reached it he thought about delivering the package personally as there was nothing like getting a personal delivery, not to mention that he would get to see her again. Alas, he knew that he did not have time enough for it – which is why he had written the letter – and he would see her soon enough if everything worked out the way that he wanted. Sometimes the best made plans get laid to waste and what he had to do, that was keeping him from handing over the package personally, was not one of those plans.

This package was placed on the floor outside of her door, the folded note clear for her to see. Leo knocked three times upon her door before he would disappear on the staircase headed to the third floor.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Gwen was inside of her rooms, thinking, she was not in the main room of her set of rooms, but back in the bigger room, the one with the sliding glass door. After her talk with Leoette, she still called her that even if she did know her real name. Violet had moved into the room that Gwen used to sleep in, and she still slipped into the kitty form around Gwen, because she did not want the young girl to miss her pet. She had been standing near the sliding glass door, it was open so just the screen stood between her and the outside. A small breeze was blowing in, alone with her thoughts, not that they were bad.

The sound of a knock at her door, caused her head to tilt, she shook her head to clear her thoughts. Turning away from the door and the outside, she made her way through her bedroom and the main room, before opening the door. By the time she got to the door, no one was outside, and her gaze drifted both sides of the hall. Nothing. It was when she was getting ready to shut the door, she noticed the package. Hmm. Picking it up, she would lift it carefully, and take in into her room. As she walked fingers ran over the brown fabric that was covering it.

Once she had the package in the room with her, she set down on the couch with the package, that's when she spotted the letter. The letter would be taken from the package carefully and she started to open it to read what the letter said. From the outside of the envelope she knew it was from Leo...and that had her wanting to see.

[Leo]

The paper for the letter itself was simple, nothing fancy could be said about it. The date of delivery was at the top and the ink black. It read as follows:

Mi Gaitto,
I've missed you and hope that it is your are well. I am sorry that I could not give this letter to you in person but understand that business has kept me from doing so. 

I would like to invite you, and a guest if you wish, to the Manor la Casa del Stry, for a few days. It is the residence of my employer and myself here in Rhy'din. The trip is lengthy but I am sending a coach that will arrive in the morning at nine am that will see you to the Manor in ten hours. The time it would take is reason for you to bring a companion if you think the long trip will leave you lonely. You may even bring your cat if you wish. 

I hope that you accept this invitation. The only thing I ask you to bring is the package this letter came with, you and any guest that you bring, do not have to worry about extra clothing. The coach will wait in front of Tel'Ranaemyn for an hour after then it will leave and I will know you have declined. 

Sincerely,
Leo

P.S.
If you do accept, show your ring to the one who greets you at the Manor  

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

From the front of the letter she guessed it was from her Hero. Once the letter was opened she would not be disappointed. From the moment they met she knew his work kept him busy, she did not expect that to change, so it was not a thing to her that weeks had passed. She was secure in the knowledge that they were together and she would stay that way until something changed it.

Her gaze would devour the letter and the words that were printed upon it. Oh she was smiling before she got to the end of the letter. The package that had been set next to her remained in that spot, she took the letter and folded it, as she stood up. Taking the letter she went into her bedroom, over to her nightstand, she would open the small drawer on the top, pressing the letter into the drawer, before leaving her room.

It wasn’t that she wouldn’t or couldn’t go by herself, but thinking of ten hours in a carriage sounded almost too much. She had tried to read in such conditions before and it never worked, the book always bounced and her eyes bounced and then it was just a big headache. He did mention bringing her cat, if she wished, and what better way to show Leoette, or Violet as her name was, that she was not holding things against her, then by asking her to go with. Gwen really did not doubt that she would go with her. Leaving the package on the couch.

[Violet]

Violet was so glad that Gwen had asked her to go with her. One it was easier to keep a eye on Gwen when she was near her. Two it showed her once more that Gwen was not holding a grudge against her. Jamison had been right when they spoke of Gwen.

It hit her then seeing that they were going to be gone a few days that she would need to make a few preparations of her own. She knew Gwen had said she was going to go speak to Jamison so he would know that they were leaving. She heard when Gwen said that they did not have to bring extra clothing, which she thought was a good thing, because the girl did not really have that much.

A trip, a trip into town would be what was needed. Sure she could of gotten food here at the inn, but she thought it would be best if she went out and got the food and a picnic basket in town. Besides she had something she wanted to pick up anyways from a crafter that had a small shop near the edge of the town. And off she went, she would be back in plenty of time to do what she wanted to do before she left with Gwen in the morning.

[Coach]

"Christopher? Christopher is everything in order for the upcoming events?" The plump head Housekeeper said as she approached the man while he was yet cleaning the windows of the Manors antechamber. Though she was getting along in years she was still rather spry for her age and moved along with stride and purpose, her head always held high she had a way of looking down at even the tallest person even though she herself was only a little under five feet.

Christopher brought down his hand and re-wrapped the once white cloth around his hand as he nodded. He was only a servant but he had been put in charge of the room preparations for the West Wing of Stry's Manor. "Almost finish Señora, there are only a few more light touches that need to be made."

"You better make them fast, the coach has already left." That was to be her last word and she heard Christopher going back to work on the windows as her ears had picked up on the gentle sound of cloth on glass. She stopped for a moment when she hear the man say: "I have yet to see of the Lords. Should I prepare the others for them to be late?"

As that was the only thing that Christopher had to say the Head Housekeeper started walking away again. "We will do what it is we always do." That was her answer and it was said nonchalantly as if that information did not matter. It did. With what was coming up and the coach already on it's way she had a bit of worry for the two unaccounted for men.

Meanwhile........

The coach did leave the Manor earlier that and the horses and the driver would take their time arriving at the Tel'Ranaemyn Inn. Just as Leo's letter had said they arrived at nine am - or a little bit before. Made of fine wood, sanded and painted black with a royal purple trim the coach looked very sleek and streamlined. It was enclosed with soft purple silk curtains that were pulled back on the six windows that framed it. The wheels were a polished wood with a dark metal trim so that they could withstand travel. The coach was big enough to four people comfortably and the seats had soft cushions and small circular pillows in the corners and thee was even a fold out compartment on the door to hold glasses.

The Driver was wearing a simple three-piece black suit but like the coach it too had accents of that purple color and there was the insignia of a tiger on raised hind legs, an 'S' imprinted over it. in the corner of the man's lapel. He did not appear to be older than 25. The two horses that pulled were black Andalusians and they stamped the ground as they waited. The Driver got down from his raised seat and opened the coached door. Now all he would have to do is wait to see if she came.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Gwen barely slept the night, she was to anxious, her mind was filled with thoughts of seeing Leo. She was like a little kid on Christmas Eve, that was pretty much the feeling she had, deep down. Thinking she had been behaved rather well, this would be the first night that she was restless, and it was only because she wanted it to pass quickly. Finally around four am she fell into a deep sleep, but she was up by seven thirty, oddly enough she was bright eyed and bushy tailed. Besides if she needed to rest there was a good chance that she would be able to catch a few winks of sleep on the carriage ride. Leoette wouldn’t expect Gwen to chat the whole way would she? That would be a lot of chatting! Though she was very thankful that she was going with her.

When she woke up, she heard a noise in the other room, which let her know that Leoette was already awake. That made Gwen smile, they didn’t really have to pack, so up she got dressed in her pj’s and peeked her head in Leoette’s open door. “Morning! I am going to take a quick shower….” She wanted to make sure Leoette knew what Gwen was doing, “You didn’t change your mind did you?” A bit worried as Gwens hazel gaze looked over at her. A laugh was given as Violet looked back at Gwen, her head shaking as violet gaze looked to the girl. “Morning. Of course I haven’t changed my mind.” A warm smile for the time of the morning was given, as she looked around the room, before looking back to Gwen. “Are you sure I am not suppose to bring anything?” She looked a bit worried about that. Gwen gave a shake of her head, “He said not to worry about extra clothing. So maybe if you have anything personal….” She let it drop because she didn’t know for sure what Violet/ Leoette had or didn’t have. Gwen had gotten her a comb and brush set and they had gotten a few other things but mostly the girl didn’t have that much. But she hadn’t asked for anything. And with that Gwen would slip out and head to the shower.

It was getting closer to the time by the time Gwen was done with the shower, dressed in a pair of loose jeresey gray pants, with a wide waist band and a draw string. Her feet were slipped into a pair of tye-dyed flip flops, the plastic molding that went between her big toe and the others was a bright pink in color. Upon her torso was a blank tank top hidden under a gray jersey zip up hoodie jacket that matched her pants. Long auburn locks were pulled back and braided in a thick braid down her back. A smile when she spotted Leoette whom was wearing a similar outfit except in a dark blue with a white tank top. Her hair was left loose though there was a hair tie around Violet’s wrist.

At the same time, both girls picked up the small bag that they put their brushes and other personal items in, and then without a word, both walked towards the door. Next to the door Gwen picked up the package that was wrapped in brown cloth like she was told to do. Once they were in the hallway, Gwen would turn and lock the door, partly because they would be gone but partly because she knew if she didn’t Violet would. Then they would make their way down the steps, pausing only a moment, and looking around, but no one was out and about. Down the steps the girls would go until they reached the main floor, which really was two flights.

Once they reached the bottom, Gwen looked to Violet once more. “If you want to change your mind….” She did not get the words out because Violet was giving her that look. Just because Gwen knew her secret did not mean that she was done with watching over Gwen. She wanted to check out this Leo, hero guy herself. Besides just because the cover was blown did not mean she wouldn’t report to Az if Gwen was in trouble. “Okay….thanks for coming with me…I fear the ride would be horribly boring without you.” A quick impulsive hug was given to Violet before they stepped outside to where the carriage awaited.

She picked out the carriage at once, even if there had been more she would of known, due to the coloring. Something about the color purple, a part of Gwen wondered if the coachman would be a coach woman, but when they got closer she noticed it wasn’t it was a man. Gwen would take steps, with Violet on her heels to the side no less, towards the coach. She paused when she was close enough that the driver would be able to hear her, because there was always a chance this wasn’t the right coach. “Hello! Do you happen to be the couch that was sent for Miss Gwendolyn and a guest if wished?” Now she used her full name because sometimes Leo did that, and without having known what the coach would look like for sure nor the coach driver, she wanted to make sure it was correct.

[Coachman]

Indeed it was a male. Later she may see or start to realize that male or female were used all depending on what the task was. The coachman had not been waiting to long when he saw the front door of the Inn open and when it did he stood up straighter and did a quick brush of his suit jacket with his hand. As they got closer he stepped forward to greet them, a welcoming smile playing across his lips.

If he had not been previously informed that Gwendolyn would possibly have another person with her then he may have second guessed that these were the ones he was waiting for. As it was he had never seen the Lady before but the description he was given was accurate enough. He was ready to introduce himself first but she had taken the initiative and spoke so he held his tongue until she was done.

"Mucho gusto, I am Cedro and you are the Lady Gwendolyn." His voice was deeper than one of his size would be likely to have and he spoke slowly (but not too slow) as the accent of his native tongue was heavy in his words. Speaking slow assured that he would be understood. "It is an honor to greet you and your companion. How shall she be called?"

He stepped back then and he opened the door of the coach. They did have a long ride to go ahead of them.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

It would probably go over her head for a while yet, unless it was pointed out to her, the fact that the job depending on if it was a male or female. When the man introduced himself Gwendolyn smiled warmly. He sounded like her Leo…that was a reassuring fact to her. Her smile warmed. “Tis a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cedro.” And then he asked what her companion’s name was and she looked over to her companion. “Her name is Leoe…err…Violet.” A blush crept up her cheeks, as she shot a look to Violet. She would repeat the name. “Violet.”

Violet whom was standing there, felt her lips creep up into a smile at the way that Gwendolyn struggled with her name, she had expected that. They had not had enough practice at saying the name, her real name and not the name that Gwen had given her. She would smile to the man, but she stayed next to Gwendolyn. “Nice to meet you Cedro.” She would not repeat her name, even if she had a bit of a impish grin on her face.

When he opened the door of the couch, Violet would stay back until Gwen got into the couch first, followed by Violet. Both girls looked around the inside and made themselves comfortable. Gwen had shared with Violet about the distance. Gwen sat the package and her bag down on the seat next to her, and Violet did the same with her bag.

[Coachman]

Cedro took to memory the name of the lady who was to be Gwendolyn's companion on this journey and gave them both a warm smile and nod before helping them into the coach. Once they were in he did not immediately close the door but instead he kept it open and moved back around to the front and his seat.

Under that was a rather large wicker basket of dark wood. He removed it from it's carrying place and brought it around to the door. With another smile he offered it up before setting it inside and at the side where Gwen had chosen to sit. "Something to keep your hunger." He said. "If you need to stop please knock on window." And he indicated the top slit window that faced to the front.

Out of it they would be able to see of to Cedro's side but there would not be much of a view for the horses would take up the rest. The trip would take them away from the city and much of the ride would be through country side and then along coastal line. The end of the trip would be uphill. So if they wanted to look out at the scenery they could do so through the side windows or they could release the curtains from their holds.

Inside the basket they would find some of what was considered to be 'light food' from his native country: Spicy chorizo (sausage) and cheese tortilla contained in a light wax paper to keep it at a room temperature. Artichoke rice cakes with manchego (a spicy cheese), this dish was in box designed to keep in the heat for it was a dish best eaten hot. Bread with Mushrooms and Alioli (a garlic mayonnaise). As it the weather was warm there was a bottle of Granizado - a chilled fruit juice made from lemons, oranges, and sugar - and Calimocho which is a dark fruit red wine mixed with coke. There were also a couple apples, oranges, banana's and cluster of cluster of grapes. No silverware as all the food was finger-food, but there were a couple glasses for drinks and napkins.

Once Cedro closed the door he went back to his seat and took up the reigns. With a flick of his wrist and a click of his tongue the coach took off with only a small jerk before it settled to steady motion and the clip-clop of hooves.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

The girls did not think anything strange by the door staying open. For all they knew he had others to pick up as well. If that were the case, the fact that they were told not to bring much so their items would not be in the way. Easily enough things could be changed in arrangements and items could be stored on laps. Even for a long long drive.

When the man came back with the basket, Gwen would shoot a quick curious glance to Violet before letting hazels rest upon the man, a smile of dawning would form when he said what was in the basket. "Oh thank you, Mr. Cedro, it is most thoughtful." She thought it was, and Violet gave a nod of her head as well, though she was more of the companion to Gwen so she didn't speak up about anything unless she felt the need. "Thank you, we will keep that in mind." The if they needed to stop. Thankfully both girls had used the rest room before leaving, but if they partook in what was offered to them they very well might be knocking upon the window.

Once the man went and closed the door, a small breath was released, she hadn't realized she was holding it. She was anxious to see what was going to happen once they got where they were going, but they had a long drive ahead of them. Hazel gaze twinkling as she looked to Violet though she didn't give a word, instead she moved to watch out the side window she was going to watch the Inn as it got smaller and smaller.

Violet would pipe up, "Not that I am hungry but if you don't mind I think I am going to look in the basket." She hadn't heard anything inside the basket that could be harmful, but even snakes slept. She was still on guard pretty much until she was sure that it was Gwen's Hero that really sent the letter and that her Hero was worthy. With a small nod from Gwen giving her the okay she would move towards the edge of the bench, and carefully open the basket, making sure that things were...safe. A small noise escaped of relief. "Very thoughtful there is plenty in here. If you happen to get hungry." Violet felt the hunger pangs still but not at the time.

Once the Inn was out of sight, Gwen would settle back into the seat, her back pressing against the back. She smiled over to Violet, "We are on our way!" She was rather excited and she did remind Violet of a kid on the night before Christmas. Well okay so Violet didn't remember celebrating Christmas but she saw enough tv shows, and Gwen had those acting kids beat. She let her lids drop she was just resting her eyes for a bit. That was until she heard Gwen going into the basket. Food would be tasted between the two of them, for that had awakened any thoughts of Violet snoozing that would work best after food, right?

Cedro would not get a knock upon the window because after partaking in the food, both girls fell into a light sleep. If the carriage did start going up a hill or got jolted just so they would both fly awake.

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