The Bearer of Mysterious Gifts [5/8, morning, Nathaniel/Kenna]

Nathaniel Merrick · 04-14-2012, 10:29 AM

Nathaniel had been the one to find the letter and the rose outside his house. The note itself had been rolled up and tied with a ribbon, and since it hadn't been otherwise sealed or addressed he had opened it, reading its contents through. Apparently, both the note and the gift were intended for his wife, and the counciller spent a moment in puzzled thought before he rerolled the note, scooped up the rose and headed back inside of his home.

The existence of the letter was a curiosity to him, although he saw no need to become angry or needlessly concerned. Nathaniel loved his wife, and trusted her implicitly. He wasn't about to jump to any irrelevant conclusions just yet, or assume any kind of foul play. Finding Kenna, he would simply hand the things over for now, as was meant.

Once he had found her, he would present her with the items in question, along with one of his trademark, cheerful smiles. "These were outside the manor, my love. For you." He would tell her, internally hoping that she would allow some of the mystery to be revealed.

Kenna Merrick · 04-17-2012, 09:56 PM

Kenna heard her husband enter the room, but she didn’t look up from the book she reading. She had a headache from the excess wine she’d drunk the night before, and rather than move about the house, she’d found comfort on the sofa of their solar, a blanket over most of her body and her head still resting on the pillow.

So when he handed her the flower and note and began to speak, she dropped the book and reached for it, confusion on her face. “From who?” she asked, setting down the rose and rolling open the note. Her eyes scanned it, quickly, for it was quite short, and then she looked up at her husband.

“I have no idea. Is this some joke of yours, Nathaniel? She glanced back at the rose. It was beautiful, but she realized immediately that it hadn’t come from their gardens. Someone had brought it from elsewhere, likely the expansive gardens that surrounded the land just south of the castle. “No, this can’t be yours. I really don’t know. I know no one in my past that would ever leave this.”

Nathaniel Merrick · 04-26-2012, 07:50 PM

It seemed that his wife was as clueless on the matter as he. A fact which proved most strange. Even Nathaniel had to frown a little, although the expression was only brief, and quite transitory. Soon enough he was smiling, his countenance open and warm once again. It remained tinged, however, ever so slightly, with concern. If Kenna did not know who the letter and the rose were from, then how could they possibly know her?

Taking a seat right beside her, he closed one hand over her own. "They seem to know you, my love. Perhaps it was someone you'd forgotten." Perhaps from her life back in Maldenham, even. "I would imagine the writer as male, just as I imagine you've left little impressions on many men's lives." His wife was undoubtedly pretty, after all. The most lovely of women inhabiting the six realms.

"Are you concerned?" For if so, they could certainly double the guard. "There might be a chance that one of the servants, perhaps a gardener might have noticed our mystery gift-giver pass."

Kenna Merrick · 05-04-2012, 02:00 PM

Kenna looked down at the letter again. There was no one she could immediately think of, but perhaps she’d had some childhood friend when running around the castle and manors while her father worked? She had spent so much of her youth with Kenneth though, up until that tragic day, that she couldn’t place any face without his being part of the memory.

And Kenneth would never do this. Especially not after they’d finally talked.

“I think the rose would imply this was a man as well. What if it is not someone I know, but someone looking to drive a wedge between us? There are so many politics at play right now, and our connection makes the Montrose family stronger.” She could honestly see no love interest in this. Kenna did not flirt. She was like a block of ice. There was no reason for some man to want to her, especially when she was taken already.

“I am more apt to be suspicious than anything. You know I have no suiters off to the side.”

Nathaniel Merrick · 05-17-2012, 10:31 PM

"Then they will discover that it is far more difficult to do so than simply leaving a letter and a rose. If that truly is the intent, then I would find their lack of effort insulting." Nathaniel smiled, as always unable to keep the laughter from his eyes. It was a curious thing, that someone might wish to drive a wedge between them in order to off-balance the influence of House Montrose. But then again, such was always the nature of political games.

"And you know that I trust you in that implicitly." The Authority spoke to his wife, reaching out to give her hand a gentle squeeze. A little of the laughter had subsided, adding something a hair more genuine to his voice. Kenna was his wife, and they were a family, together with Maddox and Tyler.

"So... leave this for now? If your suspicions are true, a reaction is likely what they want, and I see little reason to give them that."

Kenna Merrick · 05-18-2012, 09:23 AM

“I think we should still be careful though,” Kenna replied softly, moving to embrace her husband. “The effort may look poor on purpose, because there is more planned by these people. Someone had a reason for this. I doubt they will leave well alone no matter how we react. I think...”

She trailed off. It might be time to tell her husband. “I think I will let Kenneth know, so that he can be on the look out for... something. someone. If there is an issue.” She had yet to tell Nathaniel that she and Kenneth had spoken. But she hated the secrets she kept from her husband, and this one was not worth keeping.

(ooc, also, something big is going to happen at the ball. Maybe we can assume these two left before it happened thus don’t know yet?)

Nathaniel Merrick · 05-18-2012, 11:43 AM

"We'll be careful." Nathaniel agreed, folding one arm around Kenna's shoulders as she drew close to him, even as his mind continued to muse. The nature of the letter and the rose was certainly strange, and he had a hard time imagining anyone trying to drive a wedge between them. Neither of them could boast of any dalliances in their marriage, for all that the counciller's friendliness could sometimes be taken as him being a flirt.

That she had been talking with her twin again came as far better news. "That might be a good idea." Nathaniel replied, imagining that more eyes might aid them in getting to the heart of this mystery. "And I'm happy that you're speaking with Kenneth again." Not that he had even known what the problem had been to start with, and he'd never felt compelled to probe and ask. "You know what my thoughts are on family." That they were important, and how much he endeavoured to keep close. He wrote the Merricks as often as he could find the time, though he understood that things may have been different, for Montrose.

[OoC: Sounds good to me!]

Kenna Merrick · 05-18-2012, 03:44 PM

Kenna drew in a breath. He hadn’t even questioned. But she knew he wouldn’t. He just always accepted whatever she said with smile. He was pleased though, as she knew he would be. “I know how you feel about family. It is good that Kenneth and I have...” She trailed off, trying to find the right words, “Started to repair things. It will be some time, I think. I find his presence still difficult but we spoke of what happened. I told him; he did not know. I should know he wouldn’t have known but it has been easier for the last eight years to cope with this by blaming him.”

She turned away then, to stare out the window. Her husband did not even know and somehow she couldn’t imagine telling him. Kenneth was ready to kill someone, but Nathaniel … Kenna had a hard time even picturing him as angry, not because he wouldn’t be angry, but because she had never seen him enraged and the image just would not form in her head.

“He is a good brother. I would like to invite him here soon when he has a day of leave to visit with the family.” The boys would like that. They loved their Uncle Kenneth.

Nathaniel Merrick · 05-18-2012, 04:53 PM

Nathaniel was pleased for his wife, and so glad that she and her brother had evidently started making amends. Life was far too short to have gaps driven between what should otherwise have been close relationships. Alas, there were seemingly many who simply could not see that. Oftentimes, Nathaniel had to wonder why.

"He'll fill their heads with the idea of becoming knights, I'm sure." The boys were only three, but they seemed to be growing so quickly... Tyler the quieter, with Maddox growing more boisterous with each passing day. "We'll invite him as soon as he is able to pay us a visit." He spoke the words in earnest. Unsurprisingly, Nathaniel liked Kenneth- he was a fun sort, and easy enough to be around.

Drawing Kenna closer, Nathaniel placed his lips against the temple of her head. "I'm so glad you have taken this step, my love."

Kenna Merrick · 05-19-2012, 01:19 PM

“There is nothing wrong with becoming a knight,” Kenna replied softly. “It is a better fate than others that the children of a second son could have. Although I suppose they could hold castles for your brother’s children or help making alliances for the family. It is too far to think. And I’m sure we will have more children.” She was sure her husband would like that. Kenna was fine with her two boys.

She didn’t smile, but she felt pleased at her husband’s response. “You and Kenneth are friends. I suppose it is only right that I am friends with my brother as well. And he is... it is good. I don’t think I understood just how much he hurt to be away from me. I should have. We are more than just siblings. But... It was...”

No, she was done. Nathaniel wouldn’t ask and so she would not have to tell. That was just another thing about her husband her loved. He trusted her with her secrets. So few men would ever be that way.

How had she gotten so lucky. “Are you planning to stay here today or head back to the castle? Does the king need his council?”

Nathaniel Merrick · 05-21-2012, 12:05 AM

"Yes, let's not get too ahead of ourselves yet." Nathaniel chuckled, well aware that their little family could yet expand. He hoped for more children, of course, though he loved his two boys dearly. There would be time enough to make arrangements pertaining to their future, and they would make certain that said futures were as good as they could be.

As for the matter of Kenneth... Nathaniel had no real intention to pry. He trusted his wife well, and was simply glad that she and her brother were repairing their relationship once again. The original reasonings behind their becoming distanced hardly mattered as much now, in comparison.

"I will go to him if he needs me." He considered when Kenna asked whether or not he would be heading to the castle today. "I fear all these noble lords and ladies are keeping him quite occupied, however. Especially the younger ladies." He paused, his dark eyes lighting up with his smile.

"So long as you can stand my company, love, I fancy I might stay here with you... at least for a good part of the day. Unless you happened to have other plans?"

Kenna Merrick · 06-02-2012, 04:23 PM

Kenna was about to speak, when a servant stepped into the room and bowed. “M’lord, a message from the castle. The king is calling his council immediately.”

“The sun has not yet rise!” Kenna exclaimed, somewhat surprised.

“I know, m’lady. But last night... there was attempt on his life. At the ball. Had you not heard?”

Kenna hadn’t heard. And obviously Nathaniel hadn’t either. “Then of course you must go. I will ponder this message, but...” Where they related? The attempt? The letter? What else was to happen, with Jon’s death so close. No, she was overthinking. She wanted to speak with her father, but he would be at the meeting as well.

“Nathaniel, when the council quits, will you tell my father I should like to speak with him?”

Nathaniel Merrick · 06-02-2012, 05:08 PM

An attempt on the King's life? Dire news indeed. The line of Nathaniel's lips tightened, pressing together into something quite grim. If the Council had been summoned, then he needed to depart right away. Still, he paused, planting a kiss on his wife cheek before rising to his feet.

"Of course, Kenna. I will let him know." He told her, before taking his leave. This night was going to be far longer than he had originally expected, it seemed.

04-14-2012, 10:29 AM	#1
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	The Bearer of Mysterious Gifts [5/8, morning, Nathaniel/Kenna] Nathaniel had been the one to find the letter and the rose outside his house. The note itself had been rolled up and tied with a ribbon, and since it hadn't been otherwise sealed or addressed he had opened it, reading its contents through. Apparently, both the note and the gift were intended for his wife, and the counciller spent a moment in puzzled thought before he rerolled the note, scooped up the rose and headed back inside of his home. The existence of the letter was a curiosity to him, although he saw no need to become angry or needlessly concerned. Nathaniel loved his wife, and trusted her implicitly. He wasn't about to jump to any irrelevant conclusions just yet, or assume any kind of foul play. Finding Kenna, he would simply hand the things over for now, as was meant. Once he had found her, he would present her with the items in question, along with one of his trademark, cheerful smiles. "These were outside the manor, my love. For you." He would tell her, internally hoping that she would allow some of the mystery to be revealed.

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04-17-2012, 09:56 PM	#2
Kenna Merrick The Ice Queen Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 263 Player: Jenn Profile Plot Page Mentioned: 3 Post(s)	Kenna heard her husband enter the room, but she didn’t look up from the book she reading. She had a headache from the excess wine she’d drunk the night before, and rather than move about the house, she’d found comfort on the sofa of their solar, a blanket over most of her body and her head still resting on the pillow. So when he handed her the flower and note and began to speak, she dropped the book and reached for it, confusion on her face. “From who?” she asked, setting down the rose and rolling open the note. Her eyes scanned it, quickly, for it was quite short, and then she looked up at her husband. “I have no idea. Is this some joke of yours, Nathaniel? She glanced back at the rose. It was beautiful, but she realized immediately that it hadn’t come from their gardens. Someone had brought it from elsewhere, likely the expansive gardens that surrounded the land just south of the castle. “No, this can’t be yours. I really don’t know. I know no one in my past that would ever leave this.”

04-26-2012, 07:50 PM	#3
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	It seemed that his wife was as clueless on the matter as he. A fact which proved most strange. Even Nathaniel had to frown a little, although the expression was only brief, and quite transitory. Soon enough he was smiling, his countenance open and warm once again. It remained tinged, however, ever so slightly, with concern. If Kenna did not know who the letter and the rose were from, then how could they possibly know her? Taking a seat right beside her, he closed one hand over her own. "They seem to know you, my love. Perhaps it was someone you'd forgotten." Perhaps from her life back in Maldenham, even. "I would imagine the writer as male, just as I imagine you've left little impressions on many men's lives." His wife was undoubtedly pretty, after all. The most lovely of women inhabiting the six realms. "Are you concerned?" For if so, they could certainly double the guard. "There might be a chance that one of the servants, perhaps a gardener might have noticed our mystery gift-giver pass."

05-04-2012, 02:00 PM	#4
Kenna Merrick The Ice Queen Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 263 Player: Jenn Profile Plot Page Mentioned: 3 Post(s)	Kenna looked down at the letter again. There was no one she could immediately think of, but perhaps she’d had some childhood friend when running around the castle and manors while her father worked? She had spent so much of her youth with Kenneth though, up until that tragic day, that she couldn’t place any face without his being part of the memory. And Kenneth would never do this. Especially not after they’d finally talked. “I think the rose would imply this was a man as well. What if it is not someone I know, but someone looking to drive a wedge between us? There are so many politics at play right now, and our connection makes the Montrose family stronger.” She could honestly see no love interest in this. Kenna did not flirt. She was like a block of ice. There was no reason for some man to want to her, especially when she was taken already. “I am more apt to be suspicious than anything. You know I have no suiters off to the side.”

05-17-2012, 10:31 PM	#5
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	"Then they will discover that it is far more difficult to do so than simply leaving a letter and a rose. If that truly is the intent, then I would find their lack of effort insulting." Nathaniel smiled, as always unable to keep the laughter from his eyes. It was a curious thing, that someone might wish to drive a wedge between them in order to off-balance the influence of House Montrose. But then again, such was always the nature of political games. "And you know that I trust you in that implicitly." The Authority spoke to his wife, reaching out to give her hand a gentle squeeze. A little of the laughter had subsided, adding something a hair more genuine to his voice. Kenna was his wife, and they were a family, together with Maddox and Tyler. "So... leave this for now? If your suspicions are true, a reaction is likely what they want, and I see little reason to give them that."

05-18-2012, 09:23 AM	#6
Kenna Merrick The Ice Queen Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 263 Player: Jenn Profile Plot Page Mentioned: 3 Post(s)	“I think we should still be careful though,” Kenna replied softly, moving to embrace her husband. “The effort may look poor on purpose, because there is more planned by these people. Someone had a reason for this. I doubt they will leave well alone no matter how we react. I think...” She trailed off. It might be time to tell her husband. “I think I will let Kenneth know, so that he can be on the look out for... something. someone. If there is an issue.” She had yet to tell Nathaniel that she and Kenneth had spoken. But she hated the secrets she kept from her husband, and this one was not worth keeping. (ooc, also, something big is going to happen at the ball. Maybe we can assume these two left before it happened thus don’t know yet?)

05-18-2012, 11:43 AM	#7
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	"We'll be careful." Nathaniel agreed, folding one arm around Kenna's shoulders as she drew close to him, even as his mind continued to muse. The nature of the letter and the rose was certainly strange, and he had a hard time imagining anyone trying to drive a wedge between them. Neither of them could boast of any dalliances in their marriage, for all that the counciller's friendliness could sometimes be taken as him being a flirt. That she had been talking with her twin again came as far better news. "That might be a good idea." Nathaniel replied, imagining that more eyes might aid them in getting to the heart of this mystery. "And I'm happy that you're speaking with Kenneth again." Not that he had even known what the problem had been to start with, and he'd never felt compelled to probe and ask. "You know what my thoughts are on family." That they were important, and how much he endeavoured to keep close. He wrote the Merricks as often as he could find the time, though he understood that things may have been different, for Montrose. [OoC: Sounds good to me!]

05-18-2012, 03:44 PM	#8
Kenna Merrick The Ice Queen Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 263 Player: Jenn Profile Plot Page Mentioned: 3 Post(s)	Kenna drew in a breath. He hadn’t even questioned. But she knew he wouldn’t. He just always accepted whatever she said with smile. He was pleased though, as she knew he would be. “I know how you feel about family. It is good that Kenneth and I have...” She trailed off, trying to find the right words, “Started to repair things. It will be some time, I think. I find his presence still difficult but we spoke of what happened. I told him; he did not know. I should know he wouldn’t have known but it has been easier for the last eight years to cope with this by blaming him.” She turned away then, to stare out the window. Her husband did not even know and somehow she couldn’t imagine telling him. Kenneth was ready to kill someone, but Nathaniel … Kenna had a hard time even picturing him as angry, not because he wouldn’t be angry, but because she had never seen him enraged and the image just would not form in her head. “He is a good brother. I would like to invite him here soon when he has a day of leave to visit with the family.” The boys would like that. They loved their Uncle Kenneth.

05-18-2012, 04:53 PM	#9
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	Nathaniel was pleased for his wife, and so glad that she and her brother had evidently started making amends. Life was far too short to have gaps driven between what should otherwise have been close relationships. Alas, there were seemingly many who simply could not see that. Oftentimes, Nathaniel had to wonder why. "He'll fill their heads with the idea of becoming knights, I'm sure." The boys were only three, but they seemed to be growing so quickly... Tyler the quieter, with Maddox growing more boisterous with each passing day. "We'll invite him as soon as he is able to pay us a visit." He spoke the words in earnest. Unsurprisingly, Nathaniel liked Kenneth- he was a fun sort, and easy enough to be around. Drawing Kenna closer, Nathaniel placed his lips against the temple of her head. "I'm so glad you have taken this step, my love."

05-19-2012, 01:19 PM	#10
Kenna Merrick The Ice Queen Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 263 Player: Jenn Profile Plot Page Mentioned: 3 Post(s)	“There is nothing wrong with becoming a knight,” Kenna replied softly. “It is a better fate than others that the children of a second son could have. Although I suppose they could hold castles for your brother’s children or help making alliances for the family. It is too far to think. And I’m sure we will have more children.” She was sure her husband would like that. Kenna was fine with her two boys. She didn’t smile, but she felt pleased at her husband’s response. “You and Kenneth are friends. I suppose it is only right that I am friends with my brother as well. And he is... it is good. I don’t think I understood just how much he hurt to be away from me. I should have. We are more than just siblings. But... It was...” No, she was done. Nathaniel wouldn’t ask and so she would not have to tell. That was just another thing about her husband her loved. He trusted her with her secrets. So few men would ever be that way. How had she gotten so lucky. “Are you planning to stay here today or head back to the castle? Does the king need his council?”

05-21-2012, 12:05 AM	#11
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	"Yes, let's not get too ahead of ourselves yet." Nathaniel chuckled, well aware that their little family could yet expand. He hoped for more children, of course, though he loved his two boys dearly. There would be time enough to make arrangements pertaining to their future, and they would make certain that said futures were as good as they could be. As for the matter of Kenneth... Nathaniel had no real intention to pry. He trusted his wife well, and was simply glad that she and her brother were repairing their relationship once again. The original reasonings behind their becoming distanced hardly mattered as much now, in comparison. "I will go to him if he needs me." He considered when Kenna asked whether or not he would be heading to the castle today. "I fear all these noble lords and ladies are keeping him quite occupied, however. Especially the younger ladies." He paused, his dark eyes lighting up with his smile. "So long as you can stand my company, love, I fancy I might stay here with you... at least for a good part of the day. Unless you happened to have other plans?"

06-02-2012, 04:23 PM	#12
Kenna Merrick The Ice Queen Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 263 Player: Jenn Profile Plot Page Mentioned: 3 Post(s)	Kenna was about to speak, when a servant stepped into the room and bowed. “M’lord, a message from the castle. The king is calling his council immediately.” “The sun has not yet rise!” Kenna exclaimed, somewhat surprised. “I know, m’lady. But last night... there was attempt on his life. At the ball. Had you not heard?” Kenna hadn’t heard. And obviously Nathaniel hadn’t either. “Then of course you must go. I will ponder this message, but...” Where they related? The attempt? The letter? What else was to happen, with Jon’s death so close. No, she was overthinking. She wanted to speak with her father, but he would be at the meeting as well. “Nathaniel, when the council quits, will you tell my father I should like to speak with him?”

06-02-2012, 05:08 PM	#13
Nathaniel Merrick Authority of Diplomacy Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 198 Player: Collette Plot Page Mentioned: 6 Post(s)	An attempt on the King's life? Dire news indeed. The line of Nathaniel's lips tightened, pressing together into something quite grim. If the Council had been summoned, then he needed to depart right away. Still, he paused, planting a kiss on his wife cheek before rising to his feet. "Of course, Kenna. I will let him know." He told her, before taking his leave. This night was going to be far longer than he had originally expected, it seemed.