Lady Katherine Lawley entered her office, heading towards the chair behind her grand, oakwood, gold embroidered desk without a slightest halt. The seat was soft, with a red pillow that had evidently cost a fortune. Most would have considered such an 'investment' ill-planned, especially since the only purpose of the rich decorations was for them to be covered by the skirts of Katherine's grand dresses. But by Katherine, it was not an investment. It was luxury. Luxury was something she enjoyed, because it brought along prestige and opportunities. Impressions were everything, and that included impressions of houses just as impressions of people.

Katherine sat down gracefully, her green eyes fixed flatly on the still-open door. Within a few seconds, she knew Owain was going to enter, following her at a respectable distance. He was going to close them, silently and properly, and then he was going to bow and politely ask for her to relay her needs to him. After she told him what she needed, Katherine was going to issue invitations for the engagement ball and the wedding of Elena. Another surge of accomplishment streamed through her veins at the thought of her daughter catching the eye of an influental fiefdom owner. No-catching his eye was easy. Catching HIM was more difficult, and it had occurred. Katherine saw it as no one else's triumph but her own.

Owain finally came along, doing as she had known he would have. Without further ado, Katherine began speaking, her tone firm, commanding and icy as always; "Owain, as you know, my son is to depart for the garrisons soon. I wish to be informed of his actions and his steps. All of them. " Owain was one of the few persons that appeared to have actually enjoyed her clearly loking down on them and ordering them impulsively. If there was one thing impulsive about her, it was her tendency towards ordering. Owain actually liking that was slightly amusing to her. But it did make him a most faithful servant.

He had diligently followed her from the lounge at a respectable distance. Gently closing the door behind him he followed her graceful steps as she led them into her office. “What will be my ladies next course of action?” he wondered. An excited shiver dancing down his spine in anticipation. Whatever it was, it would be deviously delicious. A slight smile appeared on his face at the prospect.

Softly shutting the ornate door to her office he turned to face her, his lithe form bending as he bowed subserviently to his lady. The lavish interior of the room was almost unparalleled in the many fine rooms of the castle, its gaudy yet intimidating flair meant to impose any visitor with a sense of awe.

“My lady, how is it you would have me best serve you?” he said, his gaze lowered in reverence as he awaited her command. Potential scenarios of her next course of action flashed through his mind. “A lavish ball most likely,” he mused. “With only the finest throughout the land attending to celebrate the soon-to-be alliance of marriage between Lawley and Newbury.” He would not be disappointed at that prospect. His ladies grand balls were renown for being only slightly less auspicious than ones hosted by the King.

Her tone was direct and commanding as she spoke "Owain, as you know, my son is to depart for the garrisons soon. I wish to be informed of his actions and his steps. All of them. " He blanched slightly before he could harness his reaction. Quickly regaining control of his outward emotions he nodded. “As my lady commands I do,” a slight tremor in his tone that he was unable to overcome. His mind worked fast “I will make my preparations and depart within his train….my stated purpose will be that I have become overwhelmed with desire to battle the barbarian beasts and protect my lady and this household from potential harm.”

“The f*** you will!” his mind screamed. He had not expected to be sent away to war. Almost any potential quest he would have taken with honored joy and willing feet…but war?! He stood motionless waiting to be dismissed; his mind a wash of thoughts and emotions as he tried to fathom the reality that he was being sent to take part in the skirmishes and seemingly inevitable war with the animal like barbarians to the south.

Katherine's left eyebrow made a regular arch above her emerald eye as she listened to Owain proclaim he was going to depart to war together with Darien. The slight tremor had not gone unnoticed by her, a tremor she would have known would've been there had she truly intended to send him off with her son. Owain's loyalty to her was unparallelled by other servants, save for maybe Albert, but Katherine knew him well, and she knew she could not trust him when it would come to fighting. He simply was not cut out for such a thing. It would have been as if entrusting a cat with swimming over an ocean. You would know in advance the cat would not do it. No, Albert was the brave one, Owain was the one she could ask anything of other nature, no matter how fiendish, dirty or challenging it was.

I have to teach him to lie better, though. She thought entertainedly. Of course she was not goign to do that. Katherine had taught Owain to lie good enough to others. She would not show him how to deceive her. No matter how good a pretense he put up, she would have read him, but she wished not make her own job more difficult when it could be avoided. That would have been rather stupid. Besides, Owain's ability to deceive had proved to be fine enough to work on the highest ranking Lords and Ladies in Thiasa.

For a moment, she debated on whether to tell him the truth straight away, or to keep him deluded for a while, just to see his actions and analyze them. In the end, she decided for the former. She was in a good mood today, and there was a lot to be done. Weddings did not prepare themselves, and neither did engagement parties. Servants prepared them, but Katherine was the one that needed to oversee those incompetent fools. Letting a slight smirk onto her face, she addressed Owain.

"You shall do no such thing. You will find an informant in those accompanying my son, an informant you trust, and if you fail to do that, you will insert one there. They are to report their findings straight to me. Feel free to pay them what they desire." Of course, Owain would know that he was not to make such an offer to that person, whoever they were-he was going to set a reasonable price, and the rest of the money was available just in case they raised that. She needed not tell that to him.

The most important matter settled, she moved on to others. Owain would, she thought, certainly find those far more pleasant.

"I will require you here, in order to manage the preparations for the engagement ball in the honor of my daughter's engagement to Lord Julian Newbury." He knew all that, too, she was sure, "Invite everybody important in the Kingdom, and bring me a list of dates that would be most appropriate for the event to take place. Then bring me the invitations for signing."

Still tensely waiting for her to respond his mind continued to swirl with the terrifying possibility of him fighting in the war. “You shall do no such thing.” She then said, “You will find an informant in those accompanying my son, an informant you trust, and if you fail to do that, you will insert one there. They are to report their findings straight to me. Feel free to pay them what they desire." Relief flooded through Owain’s veins. “Praise whatever god or devil that has kept me from these stupid battles of stupid men,” he thought joyously. Immediately he began to think of possible candidates for spying on the Lord. “Whatever they desire?” he mused, “hardly. They will get what I offer them or I would cut off fingers until they agree.” The thought brought a peek of a grin to his face.

His Lady then continued, "I will require you here, in order to manage the preparations for the engagement ball in the honor of my daughter's engagement to Lord Julian Newbury." He knew all that, "Invite everybody important in the Kingdom, and bring me a list of dates that would be most appropriate for the event to take place. Then bring me the invitations for signing."

A bright grin flashed across his handsome face. This was the sort of job he most enjoyed doing. Directing the lesser servants, administrating the ordering of the foods and seeing to it everything was properly directed and prepared in the name of his Lady. A few names of serfs he could bully to get reduced prices played through his mind. Oh yes, this was what he enjoyed doing.

Plans began to formulate in his mind as to where to get the foods and what course menus he should suggest. What servants should be told to keep an open ear around certain guests? It was staggering what Owain had discovered for his Lady by having the serving servants spy during banquets and balls. The face of a certain pretty young prostitute found its way into his mind. “Hmm…perhaps I will have to hire some outside help to deal with the pressures of such an event.” His heart skipped a beat.

A sudden thought struck his head. “Oh….what interesting potential that has,” he mused. His eyes rose and he met his Lady’s stare. “M’lady, if I might be so bold as to ask. Would you like for a personal invitation to be directed to Lord Cullen’s former heir Sir Robert? From what I have heard of him, he must be missing the social circles of the nobility sorely, and would be deeply indebted to any noble house that would be so bold as to invite him to a function. Also, you would be easily able to misdirect any accusations for inviting him, as it is his brother’s engagement party, and you so very innocently assumed all differences would be put aside for such a loving, family oriented occasion.” A cunning smirk covered his face as he finished his proposal.

Lady Katherine had never once doubted she had made the correct decision upon hiring Owain. There were certain moments when that was more mephasized, though, as this one. The young servant, in spite of the fact he had been born to those of lower class, had potential-potential she had recognized and brought out into the open. Now, she dared even say his stream of thoughts moved in the same direction as her own. His plans were nearly as ingenious as her own(Katherine was, alas, too vain to ever admit anyone was as good as her). Rare where the occasions when they did not see eye to eye to a subject. Even if that was to occur, however, Katherine would win, due to Owain's faithfulness when it came to following her orders. But he would have, no doubt, as humbly and as properly as ever, informed her of what he would advise her to do openly.

"Lord Roger Newbury shall be invited." She said. Owain had only gotten the name wrong, "Make certain, Owain, that he does understand he is indebted to me. Subtly, of course. I do not want him to think such thoughts had ever even crossed my mind." There was another thing she had intended on mentioning to Owain, but had been saving it for somewhere near the end. The servant did not know of Darien's treasonous schemes. She also did not intend on telling him yet. Firstly, his spy needed to follow her son and see what exactly was on his mind. What exactly his plans were. Then, judging on what she found out, she would see whether informing Owain was necessary or not. As little people as possible were going to know of that.

"The person you hire to spy on my son. They need to be trustworthy. You shall make certain that they do not tell a living soul except for me of what they found out." A halt, during which she let her eyes pierce his, "It would be most convenient that, after they have told us all they know, they stumble upon a fatal accident." Katherine was no stranger to having people murdered. Even before she had gotten married to Elliott, she had had Albert disposing of Lords that had taken her refusal of their proposals a little to personally. This did not mean she ran around like a lunatic, ordering people dead. Oh, no. Katherine knew caution well, and knew how to discern when killings were necessary(or preferable), and when not.

As soon as he heard her orders, Owain would know that the matter was grave. He would also know better than to ask about it. Had she wanted to, she would have told him in the first place. The fact she expected utmost discretion from him was clear without a single word pertaining to it.

On to another thing; "Include a Lady Niamh McNamara into those you invite. Subtly make it known that it would be taken as a grave offence if she was not to appear. Again, I don't want her to think such a thing had crossed my mind, either."

If the Lady Darien had said would be visiting was not to be Niamh McNamara, it would be more than just possible she would be meeting Darien at the garrisons. Not really a place for a Lady, but ambition did things to people. A Lady planning treason would certainly not be put off by such a minor detail as war, would she? Not if she indeed possessed the ambition necessary. In spite of the seriousness of the matter, it seemed rather amusing to Katherine to ruin all of her dear son's plans by letting him sulk around the garrisons, while his accomplice is at his sister's wedding.

Of course, there was always the possibility Darien would return to Lawley Fiefdom during the engagements, or the wedding. Or he would, maybe, delay the departure for the sake of it. But what truly mattered was that Katherine would get to know Niamh McNamara...and then, she could easily deal with both of them.

After she had finished issuing her commands Owain bowed low, and exited the office.

~A day passed without incident.~

Two days after their previous conversation on the subject Owain (after gently knocking of course) entered her office with a pile of papers in his hand. “Milady," said with a bow, "I have written up the letters requested and would like your final agreement on the contents before sending them out. I have added a separate letter to General West as an additional insurance.” A sly grin played across his face as he spoke.

He quickly hurried over to her side, gently set the pile of letters before her, and stood back patiently for her assessment.

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Lords and Ladies of Thaisa,

It is with great pride and joy that I, Lady Katherine Lawley, have the honor of announcing the impending marriage between Lady Elena Lawley and Lord Julian Newbury.

The honor of your presence is requested at Lawley Fief on the 17th day of Sextilis, 318th year of our lord; to join us in celebrating this merging of our families and our hearts.

We will celebrate this event with three days of feasting, entertainment, and games; followed on the fourth day by the couple’s consecration of marriage.

Lady Katherine Lawley

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To the most esteemed Lord Roger Newbury,

It is with both deep regard and admiration I am sending this letter to you. The thoughts and prayers of myself and all within my household never stray far from those of you who daily risk life and limb protecting our kingdom from the heathen barbarians to the south.

This being so, I am proud to be the one who can shine a ray of joy into your dark situation, and share with you news of the impending marriage between your young brother Julian, and my dearest daughter Elena.

Whilst I am certain your duties at the garrison are foremost on your mind; I extend a personal invitation to you to come and join us in the wedding celebrations at Lawley Fief on the 17th of Sextilis. Here, in the spirit of brotherly love and kinsmanship, I pray all familial differences will be set aside and friendship will be found between all attendees.

Within the three days of feasting and entertainment preceding the marriage ceremony; I will be hosting a small jousting tourney. Having had the great pleasure of witnessing your impressive skills within such an arena; I supremely hope you will be able to attend and take part in the event. As many of the nobility of Thiasa will be in attendance at the celebrations; any victory won there would most certainly bring the winner extensive glory and renown.

I look forward to your apt response.
Lady Katherine Lawley

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To the most esteemed General Laurent West,

While having not had the personal honor of making your acquaintance; I am nevertheless bound as a mother who wishes nothing but happiness and joy for her only daughter to humbly send this message to you.

An exciting and proud event will be taking place within the lives of my family and the family of Lord Cullen Newbury. His heir Lord Julian Newbury and my daughter Lady Elena Lawley have joyously announced to us all their intentions for marriage. This most wonderful event will be celebrated here in Lawley Fief on the 17th of Sextilis, this year.

I do fear that one absence threatens to dampen the frivolity and familial spirit of the celebrations; this absence being that of Lord Julian’s elder brother Roger. As he is stationed there in the garrisons, within the ranks of our king’s glorious knights, and under your personal command. I beseech you; allow the lad the freedom of a week to join his family and mine in the celebrations of his brother’s matrimony.

Dearest General, I have found myself in a bind regarding this situation. Here I am a pleading mother; asking a hardened soldier to give up for a week a fine soldier under his command, and I have naught but prayer and words to extend in return. Alas, no solution to this plight has become self-evident, but I implore you to take into account the easily marred happiness of youth, and the heart of my daughter who will have her wedding day but once.

I pray God keep you safe in battle.
Lady Katherine Lawley

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Dear Lady Niamh McNamara,

It is with great pride and joy that I, Lady Katherine Lawley, have the honor of announcing the impending marriage between Lady Elena Lawley and Lord Julian Newbury.

The honor of your presence is requested at Lawley Fief on the 17th day of Sextilis, 318th year of our lord; to join us in celebrating this merging of our families and our hearts.

We will celebrate this event with three days of feasting, entertainment, and games; followed on the fourth day by the couple’s consecration of marriage.

As the happy couple wishes to share this loving occasion with those who are their respective family’s closest and dearest friends. Each family member has been encouraged to place one or two specific names upon the list of invited guests. You, having been placed on this list by a member of the immediate families, will be granted a seat at the head table during the nightly feats. We hope you will be willing to share this time with us; as your lack of presence will cause you to be sorely missed.

We look forward to your apt response and attendance.
Lady Katherine Lawley

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When he noticed her reading the letter to Niamh he softly interjected. "She need not know what member of the family it is that has requested her presence." He chuckled as he spoke.

((After you sign off on them I will post them in the “History’s Scribes” thread. I have a font and paper-like background all picked out so just make what corrections you want through RP))

Katherine read through the letter relatively quickly, satisfied with the job Owain had done with them. She hadn't expected anything lesser, of course, or she would have chosen someone else for the job. As she signed the invitations, placing them into one neat pile and handing them to him, she moved on to the most important one that had not yet been written. Due to the status of those she would be writing to, Katherine had decided to form this one on her own. It was, of course, the letter to the Royal Family. Not inviting them would have been considered as a grave offense, but, most importantly, Katherine wished for their presence.

"Wait." She ordered Owain, producing a paper and beginning to write.

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To Their Royal Majesties, The Royal Family Of Thiasa,

It is with great pride and joy that I, Lady Katherine Lawley, have the honor of announcing the impending marriage between Lady Elena Lawley and Lord Julian Newbury.

The grave honor of your presence is requested at Lawley Fief on the 17th day of Sextilis, 318th year of our lord; to join us in celebrating this merging of our families and our hearts.

We will celebrate this event with three days of feasting, entertainment, and games; followed on the fourth day by the couple’s consecration of marriage.

I, and all of us, realize indeed how hard this war must be on those who command the entire Kingdom, as it has not been an easy and a restful time for those of us who command fiefdoms, either. We can only bring ourselves to imagine the duties and the importance of the struggles you must be facing on a daily basis, and that we so vividly see you deal with victoriously and pridefully. However, even the highest ranking deserve distractions from their routine, in the form of joy, celebration and entertainment. Therefore, we hope most earnestly that you shall all be able to arrive.

We look forward to your attendance.
Lady Katherine Lawley

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"Here." the Lady placed the letter on top of those Owain was holding, "Send them now. And do not forget your other duties."

Owain made a sweeping bow in recognition to her orders and collected the letter she had composed to the King. “This will be the greatest event ever seen across the kingdom,” he mused haughtily. “Milady, it would seem, has complete control over the situation. I look forward to seeing her……our planning come into fruition,” he moved toward the door as he thought to himself.

“Now I must complete the list of potential meal courses, see to it the stables are given fresh hay….” His mind wondered on for a while as he went about his tasks; the first task being the sending out of riders with the letters and invitations. Finally, after the day had been finished, and he had completed his duties overseeing Katherine’s meal, his mind began to wander to other, less business related, topics.

He was by this time standing in the quiet servants corridor behind Lady Katherine’s wing. “Who am I going to find to spy on Lord Darian for Milady?” his frustration over the topic obvious on his face. “I know of none outside these walls I would trust.” His thoughts, being of people outside of the walls of the castle, soon opened up the door for Lucy’s beautiful face to appear in his mind. “I wonder what she is about currently,” he allowed himself to think. A quick glance out of the bullet shaped windows told him it was dusk. “Most likely just starting her nights work.”

His eyes became unfocused as he pondered his feelings toward that. “Did the fact that the girl he had come to care for rutted nightly with other men and women bother him? No, no he knew what life was like out there. You do what you can to survive.” Her obvious survivor’s mentality was a fact he found alluring about her, and entirely worthy of respect. “Sadly she does not even reciprocate my feelings, nor is she aware of them. Not that I am exactly sure how I would go about showing them either.” His sigh was heavy and soulful as he moved away from the corridor. “Milady’s chambers must need tending to….” Thoughts of work once again covered the hole in his heart as he strode away.