The Tresson Family Travels [5/12, Night, Open]

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline shifted her things around in her travel bag and put all her weight on it so it may shut. "I really do have a lot of things, don't I?" She asked herself. "How I got half this stuff, I'll never know!"

She looked over at Jaxon, a smile she found only for him. "My Lord, may I find refuge in your arms from the horrors of my suitcase?" She made a playful pouting face as she snuggled up to her husband. "The sea is always so quiet, I just love it."

[Jaxon Tresson]

Jaxon wrapped his arms tightly around Madeline. Their room was below the decks of the "Raging Bull," a merchant ship traveling with the King's entourage for the financial opportunities that presented themselves when surrounded by Lords. Jaxon planned to request passage on Lord Jarvis' ship for the remainder of the journey - from Nystra on to Vadra - but he wanted a few days away from Lord and duty where he could hug his wife and chat with his son and serve the needs of his family first.

He kissed Madeline's forehead softly. "If you would not bring so many clothes, your trunks would close just fine," he teased, although truth be told Jaxon was pleased that Madeline had enough variety to show off her station. While the Tressons were not provinces Lords, Jaxon fancied that his house was the highest ranked in Sanka. And if other's disagreed, he would not be opposed to fighting them for his honor.

"If you like the sea so much, come, let's take an evening walk on the decks before we retire." He rose, pulling her up with him. "If a walk pleases my Lady Wife."

[Edmond Tresson]

Edmond sat above decks, watching the sky and the water slowly become the same shiny black as night closed around them. Being on a boat was odd, and he was still more comfortable above decks than below. When he couldn't see the sky or the horizon, the rolls and pitches of the boat caused his stomach to flip and flop and very nearly he'd been ill a few times, although he'd tried to keep it from his parents. He knew soon they would be coming up from below, telling him it was much too late to be up, that he would have a long day tomorrow and needed his sleep. But for now, he stood leaning against the railings, peering around him into the darkness.

[Madeline Tresson]

Clinging to her husband's hand, Madeline shuffled up to the decks, the sea's breeze playing with her hair. "You know I love it out here, no one else to bother us, no business for you to attend to, no gossip, no annoyances, just peace and quiet!"

When they reached the deck, her eyes landed on her son, watching the waves go by and enjoying the night breeze. "Shall we not bother him? Let him manage himself for now?" She peered silently around her husband and watched Edmond looking at the sky, these sights she did not want to rob from her son, who soon will be doing too much business to pay attention to them again.

[Jaxon Tresson]

Jaxon strode the deck of the ship with Madeline on his arm. The night was peaceful, thankfully. Jaxon had not spent much time on ships, except for the few times his family had traveled to Solbra, but his stomach never bothered him, something he was glad of. "There will always be matters of business to attend to, my love, but I agree that the peace of the evening is enjoyable." His eyes glanced across the ship to where his son stood looking over the railing.

"Let's join him. You know, I didn't realize how old he has gotten. I should begin to include him on family business and soon he will need a wife. How quickly they age." His other children were still in Hsynga, although he expected to collect the entire family for Jarvis's upcoming wedding.

"Edmund," Jaxon called out as he and Madeline approached. "How are you this evening?" Even in the cramped quarters of the ship, the day had busy enough that he hadn't seen much of his son.

[Edmond Tresson]

Edmond stood, oblivious to the workings of the ship as he looked out into the water, lost in its ripples and waves. He paid only enough attention to stay out of the way of the ever-present dock workers, stepping out of the way when they needed to be where he was. When he had been small he had wished he could have been a sailor, but he knew even then that the duties of being a lord's son meant he couldn't do what he wished for himself.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard his father's voice calling him. He straightened, tucking a small bow to his parents. "Hello Mother, Father. I'm doing quite well this evening; I find the waters to be very calming. I hope you both are also well?"

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline smiled to Jaxon as he approached their son. Edmond was growing quickly, and soon they would start searching for a match for him. Her mind wandered to their daughters, how she missed them so. Melina, trailing along holding to her skirt, as she held Tarra's hand. Tarra would be next after Edmond to be wed, that would be very difficult. Her eldest daughter would be leaving her, at least she'd still have Melina.

Nodding to Edmond, she answered quietly. "We are doing well my son, I just worry for your sisters, they have been alone for too long!" Still the peace and quiet was nice, she wouldn't get that when her daughters were around.

She looked out over the water, the stars high in the sky. How she loved it out here, she'd miss it when she was back among the gaggle of old women. It's about that time isn't it.

[Jaxon Tresson]

Jaxon did indeed miss his daughters, but felt they were too young to be exposed to the court at Solbra. They would have their own heavy dose of noble life when they traveled to Vadra for Jarvis' wedding, and Jaxon would consider then if he wished to bring them to Solbra or not for the Sterlyn affair. He had already decided they would travel again to attend, as Sommara was his Liege Lord's sister.

"I am more comfortable on the ground with two mountain ranges between me than on this ship," Jaxon commented as he looked out over the water. "I am sure that Tarra and Melina are both doing fine, and Stevon may be young, but he's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll keep them safe." Jaxon had ordered Stevon to remain in the confines of the city with his daughters until their return to Hsygna.

[Edmond Tresson]

"I'm sure the girls are fine. They're tougher than you give them credit for, Mum." Edmond grinned, knowing his parents knew nothing about what their children were like when they weren't around. If he were right, the girls would have driven their caretaker insane by now with questions and arguing and requests.

He leaned his arms against the railing again, taking a deep breath of the sea air. "I quite like being out on the water...it's a big change from home, certainly, and everything smells and feels different. Even sound carries differently over water. Quite fascinating, really! And I certainly like being out here on the water much better than I like being in the stuffy halls with the grown-ups. They all look at me like I'm some toy or something...it's uncomfortable."

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline left Jaxon's side and approached Edmond, wrapping her arm over his shoulder she pulled him closer to her. "Adults are foolish, my dear. Please remember this. They will look to your father for his knowledge, they will look to me to stand and stay silent, and they will look to you and your sisters to follow behind me and do the same. When a child speaks they feel as if it needs comfort or pity. Rubbish, but the truth."

She kissed him on the top of his head, which she noticed was getting closer and closer to her face these days. "My how you've grown." she spoke in just above a whisper. "We're getting older Jaxon, isn't it awful!"

[Jaxon Tresson]

"I say we are still quite young," Jaxon replied, giving his wife a smile. "Perhaps I'll participate in the next Melee just to prove it. Edmond's getting old enough for the vesper's as well. Maybe I'll see if Jarvis will hold a tourney for his wedding to give Edmond a chance to participate." He gave his son a pat on the shoulder then looked back at the water trying to see what his son found so fascinating. It was big, blue, and uninviting in so many ways. He simply shook his head. Sometimes Edmond was so different from his father.

"I suppose the ladies and their daughters are the ones who regard you so easily. Our family is old and well off. I imagine they are watching to see how fine a husband you will make one day." He turned back to face his son. "I was just speaking to your mother about how much you've grown and how I should begin including you more when I do business. I'll have a meeting with Lord Jarvis when we arrive in Alska. Perhaps you should attend as well."

[Edmond Tresson]

Edmond's eyes grew large at the prospect of fighting in a vesper's tournament. He liked swordplay well enough...he knew it was a thing he had to do, had to get good at. He just...wasn't too keen on actually getting hit. If his father decided, though, that he should take part, he would do so, and without much complaining.

The idea of learning the business side of things scared Edmond more than getting smacked around with a wooden sword. Sure, it would be good to know how things worked, and if he became good at it then it would be a very good thing both for himself and for his province, but it was still intimidating. "I would be honored to be included when you are doing business," he said, not quite sure what else to say. He had every intention on ignoring the whole marriage bit for now.

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline laughed as Jaxon spoke, "If you believe that you must compete my love, do so. As for Edmond, I suppose it is his time to show the world what a man he has become." Ruffling his hair, she remembered the day he was born. He was such a fat baby compaired to his sisters.

"But when men start to talk about business is when the women run away. Not because they don't belong in the middle, but because they want to keep their sanity!" she laughed to herself, as she knew Jaxon and Edmond would think her insane.

[Jaxon Tresson]

"There are times when a man must show he still has his youth, my Love, else the other Lords will think me weak. You and I know both know I still have all my youth and vigor.." Jaxon shot Madeline a knowing look. Perhaps he'd remind her later than night just how vigorous he could be. "Edmond, when we arrive in Alska, I will ask Lord Devin if perhaps his son Garrick would spend some time practicing with you. You two are the same age, and Avskar certainly walked with the young man when he won the Vesper's at the King's tourney. To win for the King is a great honor."

He smiled at Madeline as she ruffled her son's hair. "Darling, really. Don't you think Edmond is a little old for such treatment?" His son would soon be old enough to wed a woman and provide him grandsons, another heir for his house. "Besides, I expect you to start behaving as a man would. I am hoping for a strong match for your marriage bed."

Jaxon reached for Madeline and pulled her close. "You think we men don't watch with wonder when you ladies go off to your gossip? Your ways are as elusive to us and we are to you." He kissed on her forehead. "That doesn't mean we don't like having you around."

[Edmond Tresson]

Edmond made a face as his parents spoke. He may be young, but he knew what they were implying, and not only was that sort of thing nothing he wanted to think about, but it was really nothing he wanted to think about his parents doing. His smile returned as his mother ruffled his hair, though; it may be a bit demeaning sometimes, but it was a comfortable gesture, and it made him feel safe. He was a bit saddened when his father suggested she stop...he had hoped she'd always do that.

"I shall do my best to practice well, so I may honor you in the next tournament, Father. And I'm not sure what I can do to make myself more..." The word Edmond wanted to use was 'saleable', since he saw the whole marriage thing as a giant business transaction, with children as the products, but he knew that as realistic as that may be, it wasn't kind to refer to it as such. "..attractive to everyone involved, but I shall be on my best behavior so you can obtain the best match possible for the good of the House."

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline blushed as Jaxon mentioned how vigerous he must display his youth, she was hoping the display included a private show for just herself. However all the talk of her son competeing in games and finding a woman of his own, put her in a sober mood.

As Jaxon pointed out that he was growing up and no longer needed his hair ruffled she frowned "I took the pains to bring this young man into this world, if he deserves a tousaling I shall be the one dealing it out!" Hands on her hips, she gave Jaxon a stern face, that only turned into a giggle a moment later. Spinning around to her son she used two hands this time to mess his hair. "Though in the privacy of family, to be sure. I'm sure Edmond wouldn't want to see him being picked on by a girl!"

Edmond continued to speak of finding a good match for the family, and as Madeline listened she couldn't help but tear up. Of course this was a noble thing for her son to say, but was it really what she wanted for her son? Again, she couldn't expect for much but could hope that he would find love in the way that she and Jaxon had. Chance was on Edmond's side now, and a sad smile crossed Madelines face.

[Jaxon Tresson]

"At the upcoming wedding, ask the young ladies to dance. Get some practice while you're young, and offer them a compliment or two. You can just ask your mother, but women love to hear about how nice their hair looks or how lovely their dress is. Even if you know nothing of style and fashion, a woman will appreciate the compliment." Jaxon smiled at Madeline. "Right dear?"

They would need to begin negociating a match for their son, although there was still ample time. He would likely not be wed until he was older than 18, and Jaxon still had his younger brother Stevon to consider as well. His brother had spent most of his time squiring for Lord Trymond. His skill was excellent, and Jaxon expected that Stevon would soon be knighted for one valiant deed or another. Stevon had displayed no interest in a wife, and having one was not required of a fourth son, even if Stevon was the only brother Jaxon had left. He frowned at the thought; Jaxon still missed Jeremy. Time had not dulled the wound of his brother's death, but naught could be done until they returned home.

I will find a way to make those gypsies suffer.

There was to be a trip to the gypsy's home after the first Severne wedding. There had to be away to find out information on the savages from the trip. Jaxon had some planning to do. But for now....

"You should dance with some of the older ladies as well. They will take a fancy to a cute young boy and teach you the steps without expectations as they understand the difficulties of youth more than those experiencing it.

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline agreed with her husband fully, "Learning how to dance will be the most important thing for you now my boy." She took Edmond up into dance position and with a slight shuffle positioned him to match herself. "Complements, I'm sure for such a nice boy like you, will come as you go." She began to dance along to music in her head and closed her eyes.

She was sure that her son was looking up at her, confused and embarrassed, but that didn't matter. She'd teach her son to dance soon enough, He'd become quite a handsome young man as he'd grown. He still had the slight awkwardness of youth, but all that would be grown out of soon enough.

[Edmond Tresson]

Edmond listened to his parents talk, honestly tuning them out a little. His own marriage wasn't something he liked hearing about, and dancing was something he liked hearing about even less. It was scary enough having to speak with girls, but to dance with them, when he had not even the tiniest ounce of grace? Bah! Awful.

As if she were reading his mind, his mother swept him into a dancing stance and began to lead, dancing to music in her head. He thought of complaining and planting his feet so he couldn't move, but one look at his mother's face and he knew she was enjoying herself, so he let himself go with her, trying to pay attention to the steps and watching her feet so as to not step on them. He wasn't doing too awful a job, and after a few moments he almost felt himself beginning to maybe enjoy this whole dancing thing. He still felt small and clumsy, but who safer to learn to dance from than his own mom?

[Jaxon Tresson]

Jaxon leaned against the rail and watched as his wife and son danced. She was so beautiful when she moved, lovely when she smiled, amazing when she had that sparkle in her eye. Even though fifteen years had passed since they'd joined at the alter of Alathia, Jaxon still loved every inch of Madeline - perhaps even more than ever before. She was always there to support him, raising their children in her perfect way.

"Look at you two, a perfect pair. Madeline could teach you everything you need to know about dancing. Watching you, I'm ready to steal her away and take her back below the ship." He teased, open enough about their love that he candid words didn't bother him to say aloud.

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline blushed at Jaxon, as she danced with her son more. "Getting jealous, my love?" She teased. Jaxon had always been so open and it had taken quite some time for Madeline to warm up to him, but now she was head over heels!

She made eye contact with Jaxon now, covering Edmond's ears, "And what exactly happens below the ship?" A sultry smile dancing across her lips.

[Jaxon Tresson]

"Of my son?" Jaxon responded, glancing at Edmond. "I have to admit, he does have my smile. He could sweep a women off her feet if he but tried. But really, my dearest, I don't think he has a chance against his old man." Jaxon crossed the distance between them and motioned to cut in, stealing his wife from his son and gliding across the deck with Madeline in his arms. "He has a long way to go before he can match my skills on the dance floor. Or the ship's deck." He grinned, his smile open and honest. There would be fun below the decks tonight, even if that meant sending Edmond to bunk with the sailors.

Leaning over, he whispered in his wife's ear, his voice low and husky. "I think you know exactly what that means, but if you wish to see your son blush ear to ear, I can always speak my needs aloud."

[Madeline Tresson]

Madeline allowed Jaxon to cut in, releasing her son. She was sure Edmond had enough of dancing and figured it would be a welcome release. She nuzzled up to Jaxon's neck and took in his smell.

"I have no desire to embarrass poor Edmond further." She said with a giggle. "But I'm very interested to hear of your needs once we are in private. Maybe I'll be able to help you with some of them." Her roguish smile was followed by a wink.

[Jaxon Tresson]

Jaxon pulled Madeline close. The sun had finally dipped below the horizon and the sky was blood red and fading fast. "Let's retire then, my love. Our cabin awaits." Jaxon bid his son fairwell; Edmond might wish to remain on the deck and Jaxon felt no need to order his son below. Edmond should be old enough to make his own decisions. Instead, he wrapped an arm around Madeline waist and led her down the stairs back to their cabin.