Oh, What a Beautiful Morning (open)

[sheriff_vaizey]

Who: Open to Michaelmas partygoers
What: An after-party brunch
Where: Nottingham Castle, Great Hall
When: 30 September, late morning

Comments

[not_a_maid]

Marian was far from happy this morning after barely any sleep the night before. After seeing Robin beaten and taken to the dungeons she had other things on her mind than getting enough sleep so she could be present at the Sheriff's celebration this morning. She knew he would be happy and she knew this would only make her mood this morning worse. She had hoped to skip the brunch of course but it seemed Vaizey had other ideas when he sent for her that morning, a guard rudely bringing her from her wishful planning with a loud bang at her door

[nico_debeaumont]

Good God, his head ached. He'd woken soon after dawn, before even a servant came to rouse him, despite retiring extremely late. The hours of darkness were barely longer than the daylight this time of year and still he had not found his bed until the sky had already begun to pale. Perhaps he should have slept in Nottingham, but there had been enough strange beds for him in the last year, and the floor of a tent for the five before that. The extra discomfort was an acceptable trade for the luxury of waking in his home

[not_a_maid]

Having taken a goblet with a smile Marian took a small sip as she glanced around at those who had managed to leave their chambers after last nights festivities. She wasn't sure if she had been spotted by the Sheriff yet and she knew the next best thing would be moving to the top table and adressing him but that would mean speaking with him and she was rarely in the mood for conversations with him, especially when he seemed to be in such a good mood even if that was a very rare occurence. And a rather scary one as well if she was honest. Surely the Sheriff in such a good mood would only result in something she really would not benefit from, even though the Sheriff in a rotten mood usually ended with the same result. Perhaps it was fear of the unknown that made her think this situation was just going to get worse

[nico_debeaumont]

The young woman smiled sweetly at him as he approached but her brow soon creased again as he enquired after her identity. Nico found himself wondering if perhaps she had been somewhat upset by a suitor the previous evening. Her behaviour towards him was perfectly pleasant, but it was clear that her genial facade was indeed for the sake of appearance only. Although she was remaining diplomatically silent on the subject of her low mood, her face was far more communicative than were her words

[not_a_maid]

She returned the smile that she was given since it didn't really cost anything to be polite. And until this man gave her reason not to be then polte she would be. At his introduction her head tilted as she thought through the name. It was familiar but she did not know the face. Perhaps she had heard of him in the past during some conversation or other, or maybe she had overheard the name. Either way, it was a name that certainly stood out. And he was at the crusades? Now she was certainly curious as to who this man really was. Does he support King Richard was her main thought

[nico_debeaumont]

Again the girl smiled with her mouth, but not her eyes. It seemed she was determined to hide her low mood as far as was possible. Nicholas found it interesting how hard she strived to appear genial. He was far more used to expecting women to pour out their sorrows at his feet as soon as enquiry was issued. Clearly despite her relationship with Guy, whatever that actually amounted to, she was not comfortable freely expressing her feelings in present company. The sheriff's company, most likely, from the furtive glances she repeatedly sent in his direction

[not_a_maid]

The moment he leaned closer she felt herself moving towards him a little in case he really didn't want anyone but her hearing whatever is was he had to say. She was genuinely curious of course, she wanted to know what so many men were facing out there. But of course she had personal interest. Robin never talked about his time in the Crusades and although this man may not be able to tell her what Robin specifically experienced it would be a close enough tale. Probably too close

[nico_debeaumont]

She leaned forward in concert with him as he spoke. Whether it was merely an instinct to move in sympathy or a sign of the depth of her interest he did not know. But as he spoke she certainly seemed riveted by the account, eyes wide, clearly absorbing every morsel she could. A beatific smile spread gradually across her face when he passed over the subject of the joy of cameraderie. Interesting. Did this girl love war, or warriors? Or perhaps merely a certain warrior, although it was something of a stretch to apply such a label to Guy of Gisborne, as far as Nicholas knew. When he got to the meat of it and her face began to fall, it was of no surprise. It would be surprising if many had learned the true extent of the mess in Palestine. No doubt the propaganda-obsessed recruitment officers carefully spread a thick layer of honey on top of the truth as they roamed England looking for fresh bodies for the mill. Still, she bore the news stoically, forcing a weak smile back to her face. This one was strong-willed, it looked. Perhaps as much

[not_a_maid]

Who courts her attentions? She frowned at that until the name was mentioned and she tried not to show any other reaction. After all, a man who had not long returned from the Holy Land thought Guy had some claim on her, which the man in question also thought. She may have gotten stupid and ran away with thoughts and feelings of being wanted not too long ago, but it meant nothing. It was a foolish girls actions, one that would lead to trouble if she was not safe. She regretted what had happened there but she was beginning to realise the power she held over men as a woman; what she could do with that aspect of her. She had been rather ignorant before, she would admit that much. Perhaps what was a girl lost in foolish happiness over being lusted after had given Guy the wrong impression, and rightly too. What else would a man think if a young woman was in such a situation with him

[nico_debeaumont]

The Lady Marian seemed a little perturbed when Nico mentioned her suitor. Perhaps the two had had a lover's tiff the evening before. She certainly seemed weighed down by some knowledge or remembrance this morning. It seemed that Guy was not well schooled in keeping women happy, if the story about her bolting from the altar were true. Or - Christ, Nico could have kicked himself for his stupidity - more likely her father's whereabouts was the main source of her unhappiness. Nicholas found it hard to imagine what crimes Edward had committed in order to justify his imprisonment. Although as a younger man he'd rarely encountered the man, he'd always remembered Sheriff Fitzwalter as a somewhat even-handed official. His father had always seemed to hold the man in rather high regard. God's eyes, he ached to ask for the truth, but it would be unseemly beyond tolerance. It was doubtful Guy would offer up the information willingly after the brief exchange they'd shared at the ball. It had been enjoyable to repay the man's aloof and disinterested

[not_a_maid]

She didn't know if she should laugh along with him when he laughed, but the sound was short that there was little time to think about it. Since when did she start debating if a time to laugh was right? Mentally rolling her eyes at herself, she kept her smile in place. She didn't want to seem like she lacked in manners, she just didn't know the right reaction at the moment. Was unsure about what was actually funny about what she said. Deciding to stop thinking too much on it, she just in time to catch him speaking again. Good, it would appear she had said nothing too forward or out of line and if she wanted to appear the perfect Lady, under the thumb of the Sheriff and Guy, then she had to stay in order

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas gave a wry smile. "Perhaps he has changed, but not in demeanour. He was always the same when I knew him. His attitude to me; now that has changed, and as of yet I do not know why." The Lady seemed perfectly comfortable discussing the personality and theoretical motivations of her beau, and since Nico was as yet unaware of what drove the man these days, it would be certainly wise to encourage her to continue. He noticed her face cloud once more at the mention of outlaws, and frowned at his oversight

[not_a_maid]

She wanted to question him, make him give more details about what had changed in his reaction to Nicholas but something told her she had to stop the interrogation. She barely knew the man and so many questions was not the best thing for a first meeting. Perhaps, if she got to know him better, she could discuss this matter in a more detailed manner. She always wanted to know more about Guy since he wasn't so willing to speak so she would find out from other sources if she had to

[nico_debeaumont]

Even as Nicholas offered apologies, she could not bring herself to eye contact. It was endearing. More than that; it was outright coquettish, although almost certainly not deliberate. A part of him stirred, despite his fatigue. A woman with the stomach for a fight that could still control her emotions. Unusual. Small wonder Guy was so eager to marry the woman, even after their abortive wedding. God in Heaven, he would have to know this woman better. Her head was full of things he burned to hear. This woman, this little slip, had hit Guy of Gisborne in front of a church full of spectators, and still walked and breathed. And most likely she carried more tantalising information about Nottinghamshire's inhabitants than the Sheriff himself...of whom Nicholas still had need to make aquaintance.

"It was a pleasure to meet again," replied Nico honestly, bowing his head slightly. "Please convey my greetings to your father when next you see him."

[not_a_maid]

She looked up at him when he began to talk, smiling at the bow of his head. He was a gentleman it would seem, and she was still unsure on what to make of him. A man who appeared to be on Richard's side, or was that just for appearance sake. After all the Sheriff had often 'celebrated the King's birthday'. She would have to keep a close eye on Sir Nicholas when she didn't have other things occupying her, mainly the outlaw currently being held below her in the dungeons. And then he mentioned the other man currently being held in the same situation only she knew the treatment Robin was receiving was different to that her father was getting. She was glad, of course, that her father wasn't being hurt like Robin no doubt was but that didn't mean she was happy that either man was locked there