Heathfield ~ A Port of Call

[Carlotta]

As Draven followed Carly out, she turned to the bar to wrap her hands around the mug of hot chocolate Alex brought her.

Turning to face him, a serious look upon her face. "Who am I Draven? What is my life like? Can you answer that for me?"

Jessamine shook her head slowly before slipping the parchment and pressed flowers behind the pages of her journal.

He gave that some thought but it was all good things as he glanced to the darkening sky. Snow was starting up again in light flurries. There then upon her. "A very lovely woman I have the privilege to know. You're smart in the work you do, a witty humor and have helped and befriended many here. That's what I know of you Carlotta Basinstoke." Hoping her name repeated would be of significance.

"I am afraid that I don't know where much is around here. I do know however, I could not just leave it out there." Looking down at the thing as it didn't seem to fight much. Perhaps the thing was dying for all she knew. If she did take it. She would be walking.

"I must not be as smart in life as I am in work." Glance over at him and then out into the darkness. "All the more reason I need to be upon familiar grounds. I think the manor is where I need to be, and perhaps where answers might be found." Majorly hoping.

"You seem to be the type that will figure out your puzzles. Perhaps if you mention of anything in particular, I might be of service in helping that along."

"There's a surrey that you can take. One of the stable boys will drive it for you and take you right to the clinic." He smiled easily. "Dr. McKnight is very good."

She turned her attention back to Maurice, brows lifted in question again. A small smile and she looked back down to the journal and flipped it open, pulling out the loose parchment as well as the two pressed flowers. "A friend sent these to me this afternoon, but I do not know what they mean..." The only thing on the paper were the initials 'J.B.'

She sighed slightly, as she now seemed to be in charge of the poor thing.

"You seemed smart in life as you are in work. You designed and had the manor of your dreams built. I'd say it is about equal so that means something happened to you by others." Brows were dipping as he remembered something. "I had sent guards out because you were being watched or felt you were. There were precautionary measures being taken and JD stepped in too."

"He will attend to this creature then?" She blinked a few times, and then seen the rag that she tore to dress the leg with. Started to soak with blood.

"You don't wish to take it?" He turned that intense gaze on the young woman. "Yes he will. He's never turned away any animal needing attention."

Slow blink as she looked back over at him puzzled. "I had asked for protection? How long ago was this?" Did this have anything to do with her condition now?

She glanced over at Keleah then. "If do not wish to, I would be more than willing to take it in..." A small smile before glancing back down to her puzzle.

There was a flash of blue eyes towards his brother and that look which would say volumes of the situation with the fawn. There and back focus would shift to Jess.

"Of course I will Milord." She didn't mean it like that. She just wasn't sure if she should do anything more before going. But that leg was not getting better. "I should not waste anymore time." And with that she turned to go back out into the snow carrying the small animal. Hoping it would make the trip. Looking for that stable boy.

He exhaled the vanilla scented smoke as he calculated. "A good half a year to a year ago." It felt like a different lifetime to him. One of change for himself.

"Which would place it not long before the last time I was seen." More mulling the thought out loud than looking for a positive or negative response. Looking back towards the darkness. "All the answers lie out there, somewhere. At least now I have some sort of direction to follow. Especially after milling aimlessly from place to place, looking for anything to spark something."

He pinched the bridge of his nose before pushing off the bar. "I'll be in the office, Ice." A few minutes needed to collect his thoughts. The manor was oddly quiet without the five though Maggie kept it feeling like a home. He patted his vest pocket to make sure the gift he had for her was still there, then headed for the corridor.

She held up the little yellow flower to him. "This is coltsfoot, or ass's foot. And this," holding up the pressed purple on, "is harlequin.. I think." She tipped her gaze up at Maurice again. "She is not the type to send something without reason." As Xander took his leave, she dipped her head to him. "It was nice to meet you, Lord Xander."

"Are those the initials of your friend?"

Back towards Maurice, she shook her head slowly. "No. That is why I cannot figure it out."

"Then you don't mind me sending two guards with you back tonight to make sure you remain safe. They're easy, leave them some coffee and shelter and they will have it good. They will stay with you until JD can be reached. I know she will be here once she knows you are here and need her."

"Good evening to you all." Devon received a kiss to the cheek before he continued on and down the corridor to the office.

Slow nod of her head. "I agree to those terms, and in fact, am quite thankful for the offer." Looking over at him. "I feel as if later I'm going to regret saying this, but I feel better knowing they're there." Uncertainty is a very scary state of existence. "Thank you." Small smile before looking along the streets. "I'll be ready to go as soon as you can notify them and have a carriage arranged." She was anxious now as to what she'd come to learn.

He would catch up to his brother later "Now that was very odd." A hand stroking his beard in thought. "Traps are only allowed up in the mountains. I'll have to investigate that to make sure none were set anywhere near the commons or inside the outer castle walls." Which was where they were.

She nodded. "Aye, ye can say that."

Looking Devon's direction. "Things around here have been a bit odd lately. I have put in a request to take over the light tower. It seems that Mister Douglas is looking for a keeper." She shrugged a shoulder.

"It might be that full moon out there." Slow grin on the rise tipped to the left.

"Good... then ye've thought about stayin' have ye? I bet Cassie is thrilled."

She smirked. "I would not go as far to say that, and we shall see if Mister Douglas will accept me. I know nothing of keeping a light tower."

"I'm pleased I'll not have to take you over my knee," the butt was crushed out under a heel as he was over to take her into a hug. One needed as friends. "It will be all right but knowing you're safe will have me sleeping at night too. So you're doing both of us a favor and the others in the tavern that care about you. Maybe you'll find some of your answers tonight. You are not alone."

A comforting hug would never be refused, and truth be told, she really needed one. Not that she'd openly admit it! Returning the hug, easing back to look up at him. "That's a comforting thought, nice to have one of those for once." Bit more of a smile. Releasing her hold and stepping back. "I don't know what happened, or why.... but how you explained it leaves me to deduce one thing..." Glancing over at him. "What ever I did, I'm sorry. You seem like a good man. I'm not sure if I would say something like that to you, when in my right mind, but I'm saying it now because it seems the thing to do." A slight smile before she'd turn away to gaze off in the direction she figured the docks were in.

"All things happen for a reason." If she was talking about what he wondered she was talking about. What happened between them. "It didn't stop me from being a friend and I hope the same of you. That is important." Leaving her to ease from his arms as the hug was meant and like a comforter on a cold night. "You were young and uncertain?" A slight shrug of his shoulder, didn't matter in that it happened and some time ago. "I admit I was hurt and feeling an old foolish man but I got over that too. All is well now. You will be well too."

"I have a feeling all will be well, in time. There's still such an empty void, I can't help but to feel uncertain. If nothing else, I'll be in my home tonight, in the warmth of my bed, instead of curled up in the doorway of a shop to keep warm through the night, without the grace of cover." Head tilted in thought. "Once I regain my memory, I'm going to do something about those who are left in need."

Jessamine put the flowers back, giving up on the puzzle for now and glancing towards the window, smiling at the beautiful glow of moonlight fighting the candlelight of the tavern.

"That is a great idea. You know how it can be. Yes, you will sleep in a warm bed tonight in your own home with two guards to ensure your safety. Tomorrow will be a new day and the step to filling in that void." He placed a kiss to her forehead before he was stepping way and hailing one of the guards he knew. "William, you and Stephen accompany Miss Basinstoke tonight and make sure she stays safe until I release you from this duty." Which meant they would be prepared for the duration. "You can have one of your buddies bring anything you need out to her place so you can start on your duties now." Yes, Draven had that kind of clout to assign guards as needed. "A surrey or horse at her discretion and its the new manor build down along the cliffs." Which they would know exactly for it was the talk of the town after it was finished.

"You'll be sleeping at the foot of my bed, you will." A tease in the fullest sense, she'd not mortify anyone with such actions. It just popped into her head and out her mouth. Might as well make light with them now, surely being babysitters for a grown woman wouldn't be their first choice of duty. Polite smile offered to Draven as he took charge of the situation, and quite thankful for it. Beginning to feel the toll of the day upon her shoulders, bearing down with it's worldly weight. Rest was needed, perhaps it would be then that things would fall into place.

"I think they will be thanking me tomorrow! Pretty lady beats the regular beat of walking the streets." Wink given Carly. "Now, I need to get back but I will be checking up on you and send word here to Alex if anything develops."

Journal was picked up in her hands and held against her chest as if it were something cherished. She smiled to Devon and Maurice, dipping a curtsy to them both in one graceful movement. "Good night to you, Lord, and Miss Devon. I look forward to seeing you again. " Standing, she moved towards the side door, hand moving to tug her hood up into place, anticipating another walk.

"Thank you again." Offered with a smile. Turning when the carriage arrived and awaited the footman. A glance back at him, then into the carriage she'd soon climb, to be carried off to the manor and let the healing process begin.

The surrey was brought around and made ready for when she was ready. "It is good to have you home, Carly." Sincerity in his words was there in undertones. He watched her go before turning back into the tavern. "Good night everyone." Passing by them to head down the corridor to his office and heavier cloak to be picked up along with a few other things needed to be taken home with him.

[Carlotta]

Out the window of the carriage, she watched as the world passed her by. She should have been elated in knowing she was going home, yet there was nothing but trepidition within her heart. Unsure of what she was to find, if there would be any clues as to what happened and when. Is this state of existance to be to be how her life was to be? Or would her memory return and all will be well? Were things well before she disappeared? And if she was missing for 4 months, why did none come looking for her? She could understand those whom called her friend no seeking her out, if they thought she had set sail out to sea with the one they kept refering to as JD. But what of JD? Had she been aboard the sea captains boat when tragedy stuck? Was JD lost at sea and she only the lucky one because she washed ashore?

So many questions that needed answers, and she'd do all she could to ensure they were found. Perhaps visualizing the great manor on the cliffs she was told about, would help to spark to life a memory or two. Only to find herself to still be wanting as the carriage lumbered up before the massive home. Stepping from the carriage with the assisting hand of one of the guards sent to help her. A small smile and mumbled thanks before she turned to face the building she called home.

Draven was right, the place was magnificent. She had a hand in the creation of this? Quite impressed, at least she was a woman of means and self sufficient. She must be doing well from the looks of things, which did cause a tinge of guilt to be felt, after seeing those who did without over the past week of what she'd come to call, her "awakening".

Feeling the hand upon her elbow, a glance of to the guard who stood at her side. A small smile offered as she allowed him to lead her to the door of the manor. The other guard had already proceeded them upon entry, to check the place out and ensure that it was empty. He would meet them at the front door to express this was indeed a fact. He had even lit a few candles in the foyer to offer them light upon entering the home.

"I'm just going to wander around for a bit, see if things are familiar." Offered to the two guards without awaiting a response in return. The guards would nod, then proceed to begin their rounds. Checking all the windows and doors to ensure they were latched, secured, and locked if able. She began to slowly move along the hallway. She couldn't believe her luck upon viewing her surroundings. How magestic the home she walked through, and this was all her's?

[Carlotta]

Irish Rose Manor

What better name could she have given a place such as this, when she noticed the title that had been engraved upon the brass plate, embedded within the stone pilliar which rested at the driveways end. The manor was two stories in height, both floors built with nine foot ceilings overhead. Windows were plentiful, but sparce at the same time. Less glass meant better warmth in the winter, and coolness during the summer months.

Mosaic tiles of a forest green and midnight black coloration covered the floors of the lower level. Colorful rugs of red, blue, and green trimmed with gold adorned living spaces that furniture was arranged around. Bought from a market area in Ballicastle, in an area that was populated by the most interesting group of individuals she's come to meet; Egyptians.

Furnishings were very comfortable in their large size and extra padding beneath quilted covers of velvet material, that matched the coloration of the carpets bought. A complimentary combination of high polished mohagany, black oak, pine, and redwood created the various rooms walls and ceilings. Large fireplaces took up the space of one wall, with their flat rock faces, ornate mantles created out of that black oak and richly stained.

Such eligance to be presented, yet simplistic in nature. Nothing overly done, yet each room was filled with eye pleasing visuals that offered comfort. Tapestries that adorned the walls where brass holders for oil to burn, or partial candelabra's to light one's way, depicted scenes of various places about the world. All of celebrations of one sort or another, would be the scenes viewed upon their surface.

There was a femanine hint to the decor, yet there was also the ease of a manly setting. That which touched on her tomboyish side, the part of her that detested frills and notions. This to be noted in the leather additions to furnishings, and the occassional placement of weapons to grace certain areas.

The exterior of the stately manor was a mixture of stone work, brick, and stucco. Gable ends to be graced with woodwork in the form of Celtic Knots, also known as works of love.

This was what she found herself walking through..... her home ... who ever she was.....

[Carlotta]

As she moved from room to room, things were hauntingly familiar to her. Yet nothing stood out to cause a genuine recognition. In fact, it took her a few times to locate her own room, which was embarassing and thankful she was no one was here to witness this fact.

Her wanderings would soon have her make way to her office, pushing the door open the heavy smell of leather and polished wood. Easing within, the door closed behind her, first she moved to start a fire in the large hearth there, then lighting a few candles that rested upon that mohagany desk. She sat in the chair behind the desk, slowly looking around the room she was in. Surely something here should spark a memory or two.

Nothing, not a thing glinted familiar. she began to look through the drawers of her desk, looking through the paperwork that was maintained there. That's when she found it, much to her delight! a journal, also known as a diary to many. Placing the leather bound upon her desk, she'd stare at it for a moment, then opened it to the first page.

A fine script of writting upon the pages there, a piece of scrap paper gained and the quill sitting before her. she copied a few words to verify it was indeed her writting she gazed upon. Satisfied, she'd now begin to read. this was a dictation to herself of her past, perhaps this will help her learn who she is again, reawaken memories, if only a few. Tonight had been a good night so far, only a few things remembered, but the main thing was, she was remembering.

There's nothing worse that living like a stranger, especially amounst those who claim to be friend. Her only hope, is that when her memory returned, she'd not find that which was told to her to be opposite. So called friends were all but such. time will tell, and so mayhaps will the journal of her life.

candles drawn closer to her to enlighten the parchment of the pages. She'd begin to slowly read the first passage, that was taking her back to her childhood years........

[Carlotta]

Tea and Memories

It was one of those days she had decided to go out for a ride. The unseasonable warmth gave a most beautiful day to enjoy with the brilliance of the sun and mild weather. In her wake were Draven's men, keeping a close tab on their ward. None still new the circumstances behind her disappearance, so all were unsure if a thread still existed, if there was any. They were passing the area where the Lighthouse rested, it was then she remembered the woman whom she met at the Dockside Tavern. "I'm going to make a stop at the lighthouse." Informing the men behind her. Moving from the main trail, they'd ease down towards the looming building, who's light has guided so many sailors to Heathfield's shores. The men would remain outside as she dismounted and her reins taken from her. Adorned in a simple sweater of gray coloration and a pair of tan colored riding breeches, the pant legs tucked into the top of those black riding boots. To the front door of the main house she moved, gloved hand lifted to knock a few times. Unsure if the lady of the house was around, it was a whim upon which she enacted.


Oh yes, she was certainly home, and up in the loft tinkering about with her herbs and notes, as she did pretty much every morning. The door was left unlocked while she was there, but unfortunately, she hadn't put any kind of bell outside the front door for people to ring, one of the few things around the house that she wanted to alter. She sang softly as she continued to fiddle with pieces of the dried plants before a growl in her stomach stole her attention. Leaving things where they were, she headed down the steep staircase and into the kitchen. "Eric, my prince? Are you awake yet?" She was calling out to the cat; when she broke her fast, the tabby would do the same. Water was set to boil before she moved back into the main room. "Eric?" Maybe he got locked outside and she'd forgotten to let him back in -- oops! Hand went to the door and she opened it. "Er-- Ack!" It was a surprised squeak that parted her lips, her expression lighting up with shock and delight, one hand flying to her heart to calm it. "Miss Carlotta! I did not know you were out here!"


About to knock a second time when the door was opened and there stood the one she had come to visit. The suprised look upon Jess's face was a bit comical to say the least, and she couldn't help but to chuckle. "Miss Jessamine, I hope I haven't dropped in at a bad time?" It was an unannounced visit, and she'd well understand if the woman turned her away. Upon seeing the door open, the men would tend to the horses and set up their positions of watch until the Barrister decided to continue her ride or return home..


She shook her head briskly, sending loose hanging auburn tresses to swirl about her shoulders. "No, not at all. I was just about to make myself some breakfast if you would care to join me. I would adore the company of another human. Usually, the only breakfast companion I have is Eric... if I can even find him." The tabby, as if on cue, came wandering up from around the corner of the house and sat by the women's feet, taking a moment to lick his paws. "Ah, good morning, Your Majesty." Eric meowed, and Jessa laughed.


A glance down to the tabby and she smiled. Looking back up to Jessamine. "A mug of coffee sounds delightful, if you have such to provide." Knowing the woman was newly settled, she was unsure if she was provided necessary staples. She'd await Jess to lead the way, and of course, for the majestic domestic to enter as well.


"Oh dear, you may have much more besides simply coffee..." She looked beyond Carly to the gathering of men and horses and she giggled. "Would your... entourage... like to come in as well?"


She'd look back to the men, a lift of a brow. "Would you two wish to join us for tea and crumpets?" Where ever that came from, it was unclear to her, but the reaction was priceless. The men just stared back, then shook their heads, stating they were fine right where they were at. Couldn't keep an eye on their charge if sitting and gawking at two women at a table. She'd wave them off with a chuckle and look back to Jess. "Stiff shirts those two are. They fear the wrath of Draven, even when he's no where in sight." A small shrug.


Jessamine laughed unabashedly at the reactions. "We shall have to send something out for them..." Another chuckle and she backed into the house, looking back to make sure she didn't step on the tabby's tail, and opened the door wider for Carly. "Please, come in out of the cold."


"Thank you." Offered for the woman's kindness to her and the men, she'd step through the door and into the main room. Unclear if she had ever been here before or not, a glance around found her surroundings unfamiliar. She'd not dwell on the unfamiliarity for now. A warm smile offered to Jess as she began to remove the heavy coat worn. It would be placed upon the coat rack that was near the door before turning back to face her hostess once more. "How are you settling in? I know you said you've just taken over, but now how long ago. If I had known I was going to stop by, I would have brought a welcoming package."


"Oh goodness, Miss Carlotta! That is hardly needed. Having someone come to visit is plenty... Especially when the company is as striking as you are." She was grinning ear to ear at her from over her shoulder as she moved into the kitchen to answer the whistle of boiling water. "Would you prefer coffee over tea or were you merely suggesting it because you felt it would be less inconvenient."


"You're most kind Miss Jessamine, and please, call me Carly." Responded with a chuckle as she followed after. "Tea would be just fine. I only stated coffee because most usually have a pot already brewed and I wish to be no trouble, especially arriving unannounced." Looking around her, then back to Jess. "Is there anything you find yourself in need of? I can see that it's delivered before the coming of dusk." A friendly offer.


"I am not certain, honestly. I don't think so... but if I happen to think of anything during your stay I shall certainly let you know." Tea was added to cups and hot water poured over them. There was a basket of muffins sitting on the table already. "Would you like to breakfast here or in the sitting room?" Holding both teacups as she turned to face the woman.



She'd move to intercept one of those cups, no need in the woman bearing the burden of both since she was standing there. "Where ever you usually enjoy your's would be just fine." Offered with a kind smile. "If you find yourself in need of anything, just send word to the Dockside and I'll see that you have it. I'll have one of the men come to check on you occasionally to ensure you've all you need as well as access to a messenger."


She smiled and nodded. "Then if you would like to move back towards the couches, you may make yourself as comfortable as you wish..." Her smile warmed as she snagged the basket and hooked it over her arm, then took up two small plates before following Carly towards the cozy room. "How very kind! Thank you! I do not imagine that I shall need to call upon you very often because the guard sees that I am well taken care of, but I may do so just to have an excuse to visit you."


Moving to the aforementioned couches, she'd settle upon one holding that cup between her hands. "Ah yes, the guard." She had forgotten how well the lands took care of it's citizens, a blink of remembrance to accompany those words. "I'm sure a young woman alone can become tedious in having only a tabby as a companion. They don't make the best conversationalist, but then again, neither do guards." A light chuckle as the mug was lifted to inhale the aroma that floated upwards with the steam. A pause, slight furrow of brows and a sip taken of the warm liquid. Something familiar, this taste was not common, and it was nagging at the back of her mind. "What type of tea is this?" Looking over at Jessa inquisitively.


She nodded as she settled into one of the chairs, tucking her feet up beneath her, wiggling until she was circled by a nest of her own skirts. "Ah, I think I chose licorice root this morning.... Is it not to your liking? I can certainly pour you a fresh cup with a different flavor. I know that not all enjoy the taste; it is rather unique."


"No, no...." Waving off such a thought. "It's very tasty, just something about it. I've had this before, I remember the flavor .... I just can't seem to pinpoint the where and when." Another sip of the tea was taken before the cup was lowered. "Is it more prominently sold in certain areas then others?" Perhaps a local of where it's often served might help to bring what ever she was trying to remember to the fore front of her mind.


"I think so... but since I have such a large collection of herbs anyway, I always have some around somewhere." She grinned suddenly and leaned back. "Lord Malcolm said that I may use the garden here for my own use... I cannot wait for spring!"


"Lord Malcolm?" A name that rang familiar, yet it was just something nagging in the back of her mind. Her memory was slowly returning, that much she knew, because she found herself going directly to where certain things were kept, or places to gain what was needed. A few faces she was being exposed to daily, was also helping a bit. Still, for some reason, her mind refused to open wide and let all return.