Magpie
23
Noble
L.I.W to Princess Cera
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Post by Rosemary McIntyre on Mar 3, 2021 21:26:02 GMT -5
Rosemary was a bit startled to be getting so much attention. The events of the party had been terrifying, certainly, but she hadn't been the main target. And as much as she was more on edge than ever, and worried that she was seeing and hearing things, she hadn't expected every member of her family to be so worried about her. She was alright, truly. She accepted Risa Devany's hug and gave her a tight squeeze, grateful for the reassurance it provided both of them. "I'm just fine, Risa, I swear. All in one piece. Thanks to Aoife, that is." She smiled, glancing off toward the door she thought Aoife had gone through
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Cassiopeia
33
Married
Lady of the House
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Post by Sinead Lee Frye on Mar 3, 2021 21:38:48 GMT -5
Oh, Uailean Lee Frye could send all the notes he wanted. Sinead wasn't home to get his apologies. No, she'd taken the boys out to pick up some flowers and candies to gift to the hostess, because she was well aware her husband and the others would be at Lasairdubh for dinner. And, whether that was Catriona Lee Frye 's plan or not, she was going to be there too, with all three boys in tow. She wasn't sitting this out just because her husband was too busy to come home. She was just as much a part of this family as any of them. So, though she was running a little late thanks to a fallen toddler and his skinned knee, at least she came bearing gifts. Thankfully the servants recognized her and let her in, taking her to the room where the others were. She put on her brightest smile as she came in, and waved merrily at the others. "Sorry I'm late! Sean tried to catch one of the starlings outside the florist, and wound up injured." She had the toddler in question on her hip and kissed the top of his head before she set him down and nudged him gently towards his father. "Go say hi to Daddy, baby."Once the little boy did as she asked, she made her way to Catriona Lee Frye , holding out a bundle of early crocuses. "For our lovely hostess. Thought I ought to show my appreciation."
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Aquila
33
Single
Ranger
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Eoghann Lee Frye on Mar 3, 2021 23:45:31 GMT -5
He heard the voices before he saw the faces of his family flood into the dining hall, and Eoghann popped a grape into his mouth before that cheshire cat grin of his spread across his face at seeing his mother. He rose to his feet, walking towards her and taking her in a hug. He caught @risas eye from over his mother's shoulder and shared that silent look with her before he gave her a wink. They could speak about possible concerns later. His eyes went to Remy as well, nodding at him and Lucas before he pulled back from his mothers hug. "You know me mother, I practically have three stomachs, this is nothing." He exclaimed, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. He looked to see which of his brothers were already present, and he tossed a grape at Niall in greeting. Giving his brother a cheeky grin as Ciaran arrived. Eoghann watched in smug amusement as younger brother came over and Uailean arrived, shortly followed by his wife. Sinead Lee Frye made her way over to his mother, and while the two greeted each other, he swooped down and snatched the running body of Uailean's second son up as he ran by. "Where do you think you're goin' small fry?" He asked as he hauled Fionn up, turning him upside down as he tickled him mercilessly. He had to move his head to the side to save himself from getting kicked as Fionn's shrieks of laughter filled the air. Eoghann laughed and then turned the boy right side up, holding him with one arm. "Whaddya think Niall Lee Frye , should we cook this one a stew?" He asked, eyeballing Fionn as if he'd look tasty.
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Aquila
28
Single
Noble/business owner
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lucas McIntyre on Mar 4, 2021 0:09:53 GMT -5
Lucas didn't hide the grin at seeing his aunt, and gave her a good squeeze as she hugged him. "Aunt Cat, good to see you," He chuckled. "Oh but of course!" He said. He did have some particular good stories, specifically about his new friend that he was more than happy to share with the family as well as news on Aunt Beth and the Count. After he hugged her he kept his eye on Remy and followed him and the rest of the brood inside, where the smell of dinner greeted them. Lucas took his time, letting his dark eyes roam over the cousins and his siblings. He nodded at Eoghann when he looked over and smiled at Risa and Nilsana. He glanced around for a particular cousin, as if Aunt Cat had concerns about the mystic attack, Lucas could only assume another group had concerns. He'd been away for a several months and had no clue how Ruairc was doing. So when Uailean Lee Frye appeared, Lucas was rather pleased to see him. "Uailean," Lucas said with a bright grin, coming over to clamp a hand down on his shoulder. "How are you cousin?" He asked. He leaned in a bit and then spoke lowly so only he could hear him. "How's our mutual friend?" He asked, giving him a look so he knew who was returning too. It was at that point he noticed the toddler coming towards them, and he did a double take. "My goodness, he's gotten big!" He exclaimed. Trying to remember the last time he'd seen Sean. He'd practically sprouted like a weed. He was suddenly very thankful his own mother hadn't joined them or else the children would be a reminder that she was not yet a grandmother, and Lucas didn't want to hear that again.
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Pyxis
55
Married
Marchioness
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Post by Catriona Lee Frye on Mar 6, 2021 16:14:15 GMT -5
Somehow, despite her children all being adults in their own right: the chaos had only grown with them. Catriona had learned to love it, she hadn’t had much of an option. Aoife had crept in with nary a sound nor a word, settling herself in her usual seat. The only Lee Frye daughter seemed preoccupied, as though she wasn’t really listening to the idle chatter of her brothers and cousins but was rather lost in her own thoughts. Cat didn’t know if her daughter was pondering the Unseelie attack or something else- either way, the older woman made a note to check in with her later. At least Aoife had changed into a dress more appropriate for dinner, it was only a few months ago that Aoife had rarely even changed from her nightgown or ran a brush through her hair. Though she was still somewhat quiet and reserved, Aoife seemed to be returning to the girl Cat had known- and that could only be good. She held Eoghann at arms length after their hug, dark orbs taking in each and every detail of the man, looking for new scrapes and scratches- possible scars he may have picked up serving in the rangers. ”Well I expect your plates cleared then Eoghann Lee Frye , don’t forget the kitchen also knows your appetite.” Cat said brightly, her tone matter-of-fact, but her expression softened. ”Are they feeding you properly Eoghann?” She stepped back once more, finally allowing her son free of her inspection. ”It’s good to have you home.”She had barely finished her sentence before Ciaran came skidding into the dining hall. Catriona raised an eyebrow at her middle son, Ciaran Lee Frye . ”You were very nearly late Ciaran Lee Frye.” The woman said sternly, languidly folding her arms across her chest as she fought to keep a straight face as she watched the man fight to catch his breath. He might have been late, he might have missed the carriage she had sent… but what was important is that he had made it. The woman let him suffer for a moment, let him think that she was furious with his tardiness, before breaking into a beaming smile (after all, she didn’t want Ciaran to make a habit of this- when he was older he could choose when to arrive, how early or how late to be, but not for her dinners. Especially when the chef was on his last nerve trying to cook a dozen different meals and have them all on the table at the same time). Stepping into his open arms, Catriona embraced him, squeezing him tightly. ”But I’m glad you made it my son, we could do with your insights into this matter. Now sit down, no doubt the food will already be getting cold.”Stepping back, dark eyes flitted towards the door to see her eldest son making a much calmer entrance than his younger brother had. ”A sorry sight? I better not be included in that Uailean Lee Frye .” The matriarch said lightly, mirroring the jest in his tone as she moved to take him in. Catriona had sent invitations both to his home and to his residences in the capital. When their father was gone, it would be up to Uailean to make sure the family stayed strong and weathered any storm that came their way- this would be good practice at worst and a chance for the oldest Lee Frye boy to shine at best. Catriona didn't just want him here, she felt as though he was needed here tonight. ”Take your father’s seat Uailean, he can’t make it tonight.” Gracefully, Cat gestured to the empty seat at the head with a pale arm: long fingers pointing to the high backed chair by the fire. She didn’t look to see how her other children had reacted to this, it was common for Cat to offer the seat whichever of her children present was the eldest. Which meant more often than not Uailean or Niall found themselves seated there, even Eoghann on occasion when the others were busy with work or their young families. She was looking forward to Lucas McIntyre ’s stories over dinner, travel had never held much allure for Cat (like many of her children) but she still adored hearing about her nephew’s adventures. The Lee Frye’s had always held their doors open for their nieces and nephews and big family dinners had been common even when the children were younger- so as adults they knew to just settle themselves wherever they were most comfortable. Catriona allowed them all to settle, find somewhere to sit or catch up- she would call them to dinner properly in a moment or two. Next was Sinead Lee Frye and she had brought the boys. If Catriona had been beaming to see all her children and their cousins present, she practically radiated joy now. Granted, their conversation tonight was probably not one to be heard by children- but that didn’t mean Cat wasn’t thrilled to see her eldest grandchildren. ”Sinead, my dear! Fionn! Sean! My you boys have grown so much!” Another warm greeting and warmer embraces before the boys toddled off to play with their uncles or say hi to their father. ”There’s nothing to apologise for, Ciaran has only just arrived and we’re still waiting on one or two of the boys- take a seat, make yourself comfortable, it really is lovely to see you.” She took the flowers gently, bringing them up to her nose in order to inhale their perfume. “And such lovely flowers too, I shall have to have one of them pressed as a keepsake, you really are too thoughtful Sinead. Though I’ll call for Mairi to take care of the boys whilst we eat.” Dropping her tone, so the younger children couldn’t hear her if they tried (though it seemed Fionn was too busy being tormented by his uncles to even notice). ”Tonight’s agenda isn’t one for children, I don’t want them having nightmares about mystics and executions after all.”. Catriona settled herself in her seat, giving them all a few more minutes to catch up and for any last minute stragglers to arrive before clinking her spoon against her glass- gesturing for the assembled family to take their seats.
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Lunari
28
Unwed
Noble / Unseelie
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Risa Devany on Mar 6, 2021 18:09:33 GMT -5
Perhaps she was acting like a hovering mom, but she genuinely had been very bothered to hear some of her family had been at that event...despite what side she was on. Fortunately, neither cousin had been hurt, and she nodded towards Rosemary in acknowledgment.
That dark gaze wandered across the many gathered faces to spot Aoife; a corner of her mouth curling up. "Indeed. She has not forgotten her training, it seems. And thank goodness for it," she added. It was then that their aunt was beginning to usher everyone towards the table, so with one last squeeze of Rosie's hand, Risa led her sister to their seats.
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Pyxis
35
Noble
Magistrate
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Post by Niall Lee Frye on Mar 7, 2021 6:09:11 GMT -5
Niall couldn’t remember the last time so many of them had been corralled into one room without some kind of special occasion to celebrate. Despite how stressed the carriage ride to Lasairdubh had made him, the pressure of making sure his siblings and cousins made it to dinner (a task at which Niall had almost failed), the man quickly found himself relaxing in the familiar comfort of home. Months had passed since Niall had even seen most of his brothers, several of his cousins too, even Aoife had been little more than a stranger during her time in the capital- it really was good to be home: even in the current circumstances.
As he settled into his favourite seat at the table, close to the fire but not quite at the head, Niall felt the tension leave his shoulders as he reached forward to pluck a few grapes from where Eoghann had been picking. Unlike Eoghann however, Niall managed to avoid their mother’s scrutiny- he didn’t even attempt to keep the smug smirk from his face as Eoghann was scolded by Cat.
Even though his mind and body were heavy with fatigue, and the overwhelming desire to take a nap right there in the dining room, Niall rose to greet everyone as they walked in. His jaw clenched as Sinead walked in with his nephews in tow. Shit. Niall would never hear the end of this, how was he to know that he should have brought his own family? Part of it had just been oversight on his part, but most of it had been a desire to keep them away from all this. The mystics, the Seelie, the Unseelie, and the war the crown was waging upon all three: his family included. Not that his wife would see it that way, she would no doubt see it as another missed dinner and another night on which Niall missed tucking his children into bed. Well, fuck.
He kept these thoughts to himself, brought back to the present by the shrieking laughter coming from his nephew. Niall rose from his seat to crouch in front of the boy, appraising him with a cocked brow. ”Oh I don’t know Eoghann… he’s a little scrawny for a stew don’t you think?”
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Lunari
37
Married to Sinead.
Army Captain
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Uailean Lee Frye on Mar 9, 2021 16:42:43 GMT -5
"Doing well, cousin," he said, turning to regard Lucas as he clapped a hand down onto his shoulder. His expression sobered with the mention of their "mutual friend", but he didn't want to look as though something was wrong in case anyone was watching. "Angry...last I heard." Uailean hadn't spoken to Ruairc directly, but many heard about his reaction to the Unseelie attack. This wasn't good, none of it was, and it was becoming increasingly dangerous. Now, it appeared as though his mother wanted to discuss the matter and he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to.
He also couldn't say he was aware of everything that was happening and what the Seelie plan was...because no one but Lucas knew. This was going to be a long night.
Catriona was finally making her way over, and the wide smile that spread across his face was automatic and sincere. 'I better not be included in that...' He chuckled, "Never, Momma." Leaning in to plant a kiss to her cheek, he was taken aback by what she said next. It wasn't unusual for him to take that seat- it certainly wouldn't be the first time- but it still made him uneasy. Maybe it was because of what tonight's discussion was going to be about.
'My goodness, he's gotten big!' Lucas exclaimed, and that's when he turned to find Sean rushing towards him. Dark eyes trailed up from the boy to find his wife with his children in tow. Gods dammit. She either didn't get his note or completely ignored it. There was no time to dwell on it because, for one, he couldn't exactly tell her to go home now (and feel the wrath of not only Sinead but possibly his own mother's), and Sean was already crashing into his legs.
As always, his demeanor instantly changed as he bent to scoop the toddler up into his arms, kissing the top of his dark head. "Heeeey, buddy. I didn't expect to see you here..." He might've said that a little too loudly, but oh well. "Did you have a bit of a fall?" Or so he heard his wife say. Sean nodded, rambling on in his broken speech about his knee, pointing at it to make sure his father and Lucas understood.
Lee held back a sigh, knowing he couldn't avoid Sinead. Mairi was coming in to gather the children since Catriona was about ready for dinner to begin. "Be good for Mairi, alright? And I'll read to you later," he told the boy, handing him off to the elder woman until he drew up enough courage to approach his wife.
"This was a surprise." His tone was flat, neither actually surprised nor angry. In truth, he didn't know how to sound at this point. It had already been a long day. Stepping beside her, he kissed her temple in greeting before leading her towards the grand table where they could take their seats. If she had a lot to say to him, they would have to deal with it later. The Lee Frye matriarch was waiting.
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Lunari
29
Uh...
Army Soldier
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Ciaran Lee Frye on Mar 9, 2021 17:15:46 GMT -5
He was so rudely interrupted by Lee's ruffling of his hair in which Ciaran tried to duck out of the way, knowing his mop of hair was already a mess. He didn't say anything except try and swat at his brother as he moved away because Catriona Lee Frye was looking at him...no, that seemed more like a glare. Maybe?
Wait, so he wasn't late then? Perfect!
He offered his mother a cheeky grin. "Yes, nearly. I've made it, I wasn't about to disappoint." With at least one thing in his life, anyway. Still, he stood there, stewing just like she wanted, wondering if she was going to change her mind and scold him anyway. Then, somehow, his smile widened more when Catriona's own beamed across her lovely face. He hugged the woman tightly, murmuring how glad he was to see her before he withdrew.
Everyone was greeting everyone, saying their pleasantries, and even Sinead stopped by with his nephews. The look on his face faltered a little, but it had nothing to do with his sister-in-law or the boys. It was just his own dilemma.
As he went to head towards his seat, Lee's eldest son narrowly missed running into him. Ciaran grabbed his arm when the young boy nearly toppled over. "Whoa, hey!" "S-sorry, uncle!" Cullen stammered in a small fit of laughter. Crouching down, he regarded the boy with playfully narrowed eyes. "Have you been staying out of trouble?" "...yes?" That earned a deep, full-fledged laugh from him before he turned the kid around and ushered him towards Mairi. "Alright, off with you."
Climbing back up to his feet, Ciaran found an empty chair and sunk into it, only now beginning to catch his breath from his frantic rush to get here. And thank goodness for food, too, because he was starving!
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Soleil
26
Single
Ranger Sergeant
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Post by Iain Lee Frye on Mar 24, 2021 21:39:04 GMT -5
He was genuinely happy to see the family coming together, and even more relieved to see Aoife had come. While he loved all of his brothers, he felt he had the closest bond with Aoife and Ciaran, maybe due to their closeness in age, but more so because he could relate with them the most. "That makes the both of us," he responded in regard to getting away from court. He didn’t frequent there too often, but he had more or less meant the term for being out and about with the military, his duties as a Ranger, and the time he spent with his training.
Iain smirked at his sister's words and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, you know… I'm not much for the attention. Wouldn't want to steal any of that away from the other boys." He smiled, breathing a short and silent laugh.
He could tell something was bothering Aoife, she seemed slightly less than herself, but he was never one to pry. Iain wasn’t the best at handling emotions, but he was still a good listener and was there for anyone who decided to confide in him.
Iain laughed again at Aoife’s suggestion of Teddy still being alive because of Eoghann's shocking power, and he nodded in agreement. “Keeps the heart going, right?” He hit his fist against his chest over his chest to exaggerate his words.
As she excused herself, he offered her a smile and nodded. "I suppose I should too." It had been another reason he hadn't used the front door. "But I would love to catch up later, if you would like."
After she disappeared into her room, he went into his own, cleaning up and changing so he would be more presentable for dinner.
Iain was quick in cleaning himself up, as he didn't want to keep everyone waiting. Once finished, he made his way down the stairs and into the dining room, slipping into an empty seat just as their mother was clinking the glass to get everyone's attention.
He sat quietly as if he had been sitting there all along and was mentally preparing himself for whatever was about to happen at this dinner.
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Aquila
28
Single
Noble/business owner
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Lucas McIntyre on Apr 3, 2021 19:17:44 GMT -5
A small smile graced Lucas’s lips at hearing their mutual friend was angry. He could only imagine why and didn’t really blame him. The unseelie were a pain in everyone’s side and giving a bad rep to the mystics who didn’t believe in violence to get what they wanted. Ruairc had more class then this Oberon they had heard so much about. Lucas was anxious to meet with the Seelie leader, and soon. To see how they could control this situation and what their move would be. Lucas didn’t have any children of his own. Something his mother constantly made sure he knew about it, as she practically griped and pouted whenever she could that she had no grandchildren to spoil yet. Lucas wasn’t ready to marry anytime soon however, and he certainly wasn’t ready for fatherhood. He didn’t know the first thing when it came to children, so he just stood by and smiled at little Sean. “You had quite the fall there.” He agreed with the toddler, nodding his head along as if he understood him completely. “You best be careful.” He said with a small smile before it looked like everyone would sitting down to dinner. He slipped away while Lee greeted his wife, and took his place at the table. Sitting towards the other end near his aunt Catriona Lee Frye and other cousins. A front row seat of sorts he was viewing it as, when really he wanted to be able to whisper to his aunt about more serious details should he need too without being overheard by the wrong ears.
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Aquila
33
Single
Ranger
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Eoghann Lee Frye on Apr 3, 2021 19:18:46 GMT -5
“Put me down, put me down!” Fionn shrieked, as he continued to laugh. Eoghann was merciless in his tickling attack, and he grinned widely while he glanced at Niall, halting his assault enough to let the kid breathe. “Mmmm, I think you’re right. Not enough meat on those bones, Fionn.” He said turning the boy right side up before settling him down. It looked like dinner was about to start and the children weren’t allowed. “Of with ya.” He ruffled his hair and then watched in amusement as the boy chased after his brothers to the nanny where they would be in good hands. “Where’s your spawn Niall Lee Frye?” He curiously asked as pulled his seat out and plopped down into it, taking another handful of grapes and popping one into his mouth, before he took one and threw it Iain Lee Frye . A small smirk of mischief appeared on his face. He didn’t know how soon mother would want to get into business, so he leaned forward a bit more. “How was your last patrol?” He asked him, keeping his voice down. Iain was the only other ranger out of the Lee Frye’s, as a rank lower than Eoghann, technically he was his little brother's boss, even if he wasn’t fully in his unit. He was also the only brother he saw the most frequently, and didn’t have to put much effort into seeing him if he wanted too. He was curious to know what Iain had seen in recent days and whether or not he would need to tell Oberon to be on the look out more.
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Pyxis
35
Noble
Magistrate
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Post by Niall Lee Frye on Apr 4, 2021 13:04:54 GMT -5
The man was already unsettled, dreading the conversation that was going to be had over dinner. What Niall Lee Frye did not need was his younger brother reminding him he was going to get an earful when he did return home. ’Where’s your spawn Niall Lee Frye?’ Rolling his eyes, Niall looked sidelong at Eoghann- offering his brother a shrug. ”At home, didnae realise it was going to be a full house.” It was true, to an extent- he had written home, to explain that he would be away at Lasairdubh for a few days- but he hadn’t extended the invitation. As much as he knew his mother would want to see the children- he hadn’t wanted them to worry about the Unseelie, their aunt possibly getting hurt, the Warden’s probable retaliation… no, he had wanted to keep them as far away from this as he could. He didn’t give that reason though, not wanting to give the impression he was criticising Lee’s parenting- besides, the older Lee Frye had seemed just as surprised as they were to see Sinead and the boys. ”Don’t play with your food Eoghann- the kids will copy you and we’ll have a war on our hands.” He said, some trace of humour sneaking into his tone.
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Pyxis
55
Married
Marchioness
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Post by Catriona Lee Frye on Apr 5, 2021 13:57:46 GMT -5
After their few minutes were up- Catriona coughed ever so softly, knowing full well they would all hear it above the din and fall quiet. Her family could be a handful, but they all knew their table manners. There would be a little while before the first course was brought out, Catriona had wanted to say her piece without distraction. A glance, and the last few servants in the room left- closing the heavy elm doors behind them. They would be back shortly, carrying platters piled high with steaming dishes- all of her childrens’ (and her nieces’ and nephews’) favourites. But for now they left the family to it. Catriona trusted her staff, some of them were mystics themselves- seeking refuge and safe employment. But not all knew they catered to a family of mystics, a family in hiding, which was why this dinner was behind closed doors- away from curious ears and eyes.
She had possibly five minutes to speak before the doors opened, albeit briefly, again. So the Lee Frye matriarch was brief. ”I’m sure you’re all aware of the Unseelie attack by now.” Rising from her seat, Catriona addressed them all- looking at each of her assembled guests in turn as she continued. ”I won’t insult any of you with accusations or questions as to whether you were involved- you are all adults now with your own stakes in this. We were lucky Rosemary and Aoife were not hurt, if they had been, you would have not had the benefit of my disinterest in your allegiances. Seelie, Unseelie, elsewhere. I do not care, so long as you all remember that family comes first in this instance, in all instances.
We look after our own, do not forget this.
Things are getting worse, not just in Ethion but across Teronna. We need to protect each other, which is why I’ve called you all here. We are stronger together- Lee Fryes, McIntyres, Devanys. And moving forward, we need to do so together, Which is why I am asking you tonight, whether you all think it best we stay neutral in the shadows as we have been… or if there is an alternative.
I am not suggesting we openly declare war upon our king, not tonight or in the next moon- but Teronna is shifting ever closer to war, and it is time we decide where we will stand when the time comes.”
When, not if. War was looming, war was coming. Catriona could feel it. Whether it was a war fought in the forests and shadows, under the cover of night. Or whether it would be civil war… she didn’t know. And even though she may not be able to shield her kin from it, she would not let any of them go into it without the full might of their household behind them. ”I do not need an answer tonight, we still have the luxury of some time… however if you wish to speak, you may do so. If you wish to consult those not present, there will be time for that also.”
Settling back into her seat, Catriona took a sip of her wine and waited to see who would be first to speak.
They still had a few minutes more before the food came.
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Cassiopeia
33
Married
Lady of the House
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Post by Sinead Lee Frye on Apr 10, 2021 17:09:10 GMT -5
Though I’ll call for Mairi to take care of the boys whilst we eat.” Dropping her tone, so the younger children couldn’t hear her if they tried (though it seemed Fionn was too busy being tormented by his uncles to even notice). ”Tonight’s agenda isn’t one for children, I don’t want them having nightmares about mystics and executions after all.”. Sinead's smile didn't drop, although her stomach did at Catriona's words. Well. That hadn't been clear from the garbled news she'd gotten, else she would have left them at home. Still, she didn't think Mairi would mind caring for the boys--they were adventurous but not nearly as troublesome as the last generation of Lee Fryes had apparently been as children. "A sound plan," she responded with a nod, and turned to move towards her husband. The whole place was filled with lively talk and laughter as her boys were passed from uncle to uncle, teased and tickled. That much made her smile, at least. Her boys deserved the best, and it was good to see that their uncles at least knew how to make the most of the time with them. She looked to Uailean Lee Frye, whose comment to their son about his arrival being unexpected only thinned her smile to one of grim satisfaction. "This was a surprise." he said as he kissed her temple. She smiled brightly back at him with a coy shrug. "A pleasant surprise, I'm sure," she retorted, eyes flashing as she pushed past him to where they'd been assigned to sit. She was already silent when Catriona cleared her throat and began her speech, and she listened intently to the woman's words. Her fist clenched a handful of her skirts at the mention of the family coming first. If only her husband would heed those words...but this wasn't the time to air her private grievances. The others were quiet for a moment, so she opted to break the silence. She wasn't afraid of drawing attention to herself. "I may not be a member of this family by blood, but I would certainly be willing to shed it for any of you." She looked around the table, meeting the eyes of the women in particular. "For me, there is only one answer--anyone who seeks to harm this family is my enemy." She shrugged one shoulder. "All that to say, I trust you all. I'll follow you to glory or into my grave, whatever may come."
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