Wenn & Wolf Tales

wwe0140 (from May 27 1997 and then some)
~~~ Wenn acquires a Guardian ~~~

"Whom shall I ask?" Sir Poet inquired as he and Wenn strolled through the garden. It had oft been their pleasure to do so, when not sitting together at the hearth. Wenn had just knelt to get a closer look at a pillow of chrysanthemums, letting her fingers brush lightly over their bright yellow blooms.

"Ask?" She looked up over her shoulder to see Poet smiling at her and watched him kneel at her side.

"Yes. I must make request to someone. I'll need permission to... well to continue seeing you. Tis only proper."

Wenn turned slightly toward him then sat on the soft grass with her feet curled up beneath her skirts. "Oh... Yes, of course. I'd not considered... I mean I'm out of practice in the protocol of courtly life, I suppose. Seems we may have gone about this out of order. I just hadn't thought much about it." Her eyes looked over his handsome face ringed with curls of his dark brown hair that seemed always anxious to escape the tie he used to pull it back. His smile was always there for her, soft and caring and her own smile reflected it. For a moment he wondered if her words hinted that she didn't want him to seek sanction to court her, but her smile warmed away his doubts.

Settling onto the ground beside Wenn, Poet plucked a tufted yellow bloom and lifted it to lightly brush her cheek. Wenn lowered her gaze from his and fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "My father has passed on, as well as Uncle Medric. I haven't any notion who would take their part in such a thing as this." She felt the loss of home and family just then. Her life with the Stone Warren had been more the way of gypsies than that of the court of Camelot. How could she have thought she'd fit into this life?

Poet grinned, seeing her trouble over this but knowing she really shouldn't. He leaned forward and lightly kissed her cheek then whispered. "Furrow not your beautiful brow over it, M'Lady. There are surely those here who would serve. You are well liked. I am certain you need but ask a knight or other nobleman."

Wenn looked up into Poet's eyes again. "But who? Whom shall I ask for such a favor, I ---" Her face lit up when it occurred to her. "The Admiral! I think perhaps he might. I already have Simon's approval and for my aid on the quest... Yes! Perhaps the Admiral would see to this task?"

Poet hesitated to share her enthusiasm as he considered his chances with the Admiral. He was unsure whether Cartwright knew much of him. Still, as he gazed upon Wenn's lightened expression, her smile was infectious and Poet smiled too. "Yes. Yes, speak with him perhaps. Let me know as soon as you can, if he agrees. I'd not want someone else to get to him ere I can make my plea for you!" Poet chuckled as Wenn blushed through a giggle. However, Poet knew his jest was not far from the truth. Wenn had caught the eye of several in the firehall, for her fair countenance and friendly consideration of all. He was indeed concerned that he be the first to ask for the privilege of courting her.

~~~

Early on the next day, Wenn was to ask Admiral Cartwright to stand for her. She was nervous as she stepped into the firehall but even more so when she saw Poet standing off to one side, not too far from Admiral Cartwright himself. He must, she thought, he must agree to be my guardian and please, oh, please let him meet Poet with approval.

Sir Poet turned and his emerald eyes beheld Wenndolyne. His breath caught within his chest as he crossed the firehall to meet her and bow graciously. Yes, Wenn thought, he has surely made a good impression on the Admiral. But in truth, Poet could not help himself. He felt the same rush to his pulse each time he saw her, only today there was the added tension of an admiral's approval. "Greetings I offer thee, M'Lady Wenndolyne."

Wenn sighed softly in the presence of her Poet and curtsied to him in her finest courtly manner. He gently took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips, softly kissing the back of it, prompting a deep blush from her as well as a warm smile. Sir Poet straightened and reluctantly released her hand. "I have missed thee, M'Lady Wenn. How are thee this day?"

Wenn hurriedly whispered, "I have not yet spoken with him." then in a normal volume continued, "Always better in your company, Sir Poet." This brought a broad smile to Poet's face.

Surprising them both a bit, the Admiral stepped toward them. "Greetings, Sir Poet." who turned and bowed, "And to you as well, Paladin Cartwright." he offered in his most gentlemanly manner.

Wenn dropped an all too brief curtsey to the Admiral, she thought, but she feared her nervousness would not hold a more ceremonious one. "Good morrow, Admiral." She greeted then blurted out, "Sir, I would have a word with you when you have a moment." Her eyes flickered to Poet then back to Cartwright. Her nerve was slipping so she needed to get on with this task.

Poet smiled to Wenn, trying to allay her apprehension, but her hands still worked together at her waist. After what seemed a long moment, the Admiral nodded to Wenn's request and bid her come see him at her leisure. He said he would be in his office adjacent to the armory for most of the morning. Wenn took a relaxing breath then, as the Admiral bowed and turned to leave in that direction. Her eyes flashed to Poet who now wore a decidedly sneaky grin.

"M'Lady does seem a bit jittery today?" He was teasing her of course but she played his game. In any case the toying might help ease the tension.

"So I am. I have important business to attend to."

Poet began to walk them toward the bar and ordered coffee for himself then, "Business? Is there something I can help thee with, M'Lady?"

Wenn waved off his gesture of ordering a drink for her too. "Nae, Sir Poet, 'tis something I must do alone and without the aid of drink even." She giggled lightly but it was mostly from her discomfiture.

He took up his mug of coffee but offered, before grinning into a sip, "As M'Lady wishes."

Wenn smirked to him then whispered in a hiss. "Your lady wishes she could have your steadying hand, sir, but in this task it cannot be. I just do not like asking others for selfish favors."

Sir Poet smiled to her as he set his mug back on the bar top again. Then his hand slipped to cover hers where it now rested on the edge of the bar, perhaps to brace herself. His voice, soft and smooth, did his best to comfort her. "But this is not only for you and I trust that you will meet with success, Dear Lady. I shall await thy word when your solitary task is done."

She looked to his hand on hers then turned her hand gently beneath his before slipping it slowly away. She took a deep breath and put on her best smile, practicing it. "If you'll excuse me then, I need go speak with the Admiral."

Sir Poet nodded and sipped his coffee as he watched her step away and out toward the armory. He'd put on his confidence for her. Now he must wait and see the outcome of the meeting.

~~~

Wenndolyne knocked at the Admiral's door, even though it was open. She dared lean in just a bit to see him pouring over stacks of parchment on his desk. "Admiral? Have you a free moment now?" He made no move or hint that he'd even heard her. She stood in the doorway, trying not to fidget audibly.

At last Cartwright looked up from his papers and his attention focused on his visitor. He rose from his chair, crossing to her with a warm smile. His hand extended to take hers. "Beg pardon, m'lady. I was deep into budgetary thoughts."

She curtsied as the Admiral kissed her hand then led her to a fine leather chair, one of two on this side of his desk. She took the offered seat as her voice faltered a bit, "Oh, I am so sorry to interrupt. I could come back another time." The Admiral took the other chair and turned a bit to face her. He was so relaxed. Wenn envied him.

"Nonsense, child. I've time and I'm rather grateful for the respite from other matters." His warm smile encouraged her. "So, what might I do for you this day?"

"Well," she began. Her hands were locked together in her lap, to keep them from wringing. "I am... that is, I have a rather important matter to discuss."

"Please, by all means..."

"I am from a nomadic people, of sorts, but have found a home in Camelot. All modesty aside," A blush warmed her face. "I am starting to get inquiries about my availability, if you get my meaning, sir."

To this the Admiral grinned. "Indeed, I do." He did not press her, but let her proceed at her own pace.

Looking down at her hands now, she let her quiet voice make her case. "Admiral, I have no one to act as intercessor with potential suitors, as I am alone here, and in fact my father is deceased. I understand that court protocol would dictate a need for a surrogate or guardian to entertain such petitions from suitors."

The older gentleman's smooth voice helped calm her. "Yes. That would be correct."

Her fingers were still smoothing the fabric of her dress though. "So, I would ask, sir, as I am fond of you and more than fond of your precious Simon... I would ask... if you would consider being my intercessor for such petitions, my guardian... as it were." She swallowed, searching for moisture, which seemed to have left her completely, as her hands again clasped in her lap.

The Admiral leaned forward and placed his hand over Wenndolyne's. His touch was warm and comforting. "I would indeed be honored and I do thank you for asking."

Wenn looked up, a tear slipping down across her cheek as relief washed over her. One of her hands slipped over his and squeezed gently. "Oh no... my thanks to you." When he drew back and made to stand, Wenn stood as well, quickly wiping the unexpected moisture from her cheek. "I know you are a busy man and I shall leave you to it but ere I go... How is Simon? I've not seen him since our return from Water Deep."

"He is well." The Admiral smiled proudly thinking of the young lad. "He's back to his school studies and of course pleased to have his memory returned."

Wenndolyne sighed with her bright smile. "Oh, so glad he is recovered from such an ordeal." She curtsied to the Admiral then made her way toward the door. "I thank you again sir and will direct any inquiries to you."

"Wenndolyne, I am here if you ever need me, and my house..." He grinned. "That is, my ship, is always open to you." Cartwright bowed graciously.

"I do appreciate that. Tis more than I could have asked for. You are truly a nobleman, sir. And now, I've troubled you too long, I'll leave you to your other business." They spoke farewells and Wenn turned to leave but whirled back again when the Admiral's voice stopped her.

"Oh! Wenndolyne…"

"Yessir?"

"I almost forgot. Just a moment…" He shuffled papers on his desk until he sifted out one particular piece of parchment. "Yes, here it is. The Chancery, specifically the Ministry of Affairs, has a position to be filled and..." He looked up again with a warm smile to Wenn. "There are a few of us who think you fit the requirements."

Wenn just looked at him, wide-eyed and silent for a moment. Finally when she found her voice, all she could say was, "I do?"

"Yes," he chuckled. "I won't bother with the details, but if you will take this notice to the Chancery, I am sure any questions you may have will be answered."

Distractedly Wenn took the paper as he handed it to her. She looked at it but didn't have the presence of mind to really read it just now. "But I have inquired several times. I had… I have asked about a need in… I…" She looked up at the Admiral again, totally perplexed and unable to make any sense for him. She was also rather loathe to tell that she had not actually been to the Chancery to make her inquiries. "The Ministry of Affairs? As in, relations with other realms and such?" How strange, she thought, that any would think of her for this. Yes, she was a seasoned traveler but only through small shires and places as the Stone Warren was wont to frequent. She had no notion how she could be useful to such a lofty office in such a lofty place as Camelot.

"Now, now…" Cartwright grinned and patted her on the shoulder, easily turning her toward the door again. "Go see the Chancellor or if he is not there, then the Minister of Affairs. They will be glad to speak with you about the duties of the office and if you have no wish to take the position or feel it is not suitable, I am sure they will understand."

Wenndolyne nodded to his words, still looking at the shaking parchment in her hands and still unable to concentrate enough to read it. She idly smiled back to the Admiral as he chuckled and bid her a good day. Her steps were slow and absent minded as she began to take in the content of the letter. She muttered her farewell to Cartwright while proceeding back to the firehall.

Nothing within the hall broke her attention from her reading. She mechanically went to her usual place near the hearth and turned to sit but paused there. Poet watched her. He was anxious to hear the outcome of her meeting with the Admiral and couldn't imagine what paper he might have given her that would have her so engrossed. Finally, Wenn fairly collapsed next to Poet and lowered the paper, staring out across the hall, unseeing.

Sir Poet watched her as she took a deep breath and sighed heavily. He began to grow concerned but kept it to himself. She took out her journal and lay it open in her lap, tracing her fingers gently over the pressed rose from him. She folded the parchment from the Admiral and filed it among the other pages of the journal.

Poet could not disguise a wrinkled brow. Was she disturbed by what happened with the Admiral? Was that a wistful sigh? He said nothing though, letting her tell in her own time. He didn't know what her whispers would reveal, when she finally leaned in to speak quietly to him.

Having stirred from her daze, Wenn tried to curb her smile and began for Poet's ear only. "I asked the Admiral to be my intercessor for petitions from suitors, as my father is dead and I have no other guardian." Poet sat very still, anxiously waiting. He feared her pause was not a good omen but then her words changed that. "He said he would be honored to do this for me and that I was welcome to come to him anytime." At last Wenn looked up to see Poet's eyes on her and she caught the mild concern in his expression. "I am so happy that he accepted." she added, finally revealing her smile.

Poet was still a bit nervous. It was good for Wenn to have a guardian but he was not at all comfortable with the prospect of having to ask the Paladin for sanction to court the lady. Their eyes met and his smile softened. "I am happy for you, M'Lady. You see? I had no doubt you would be well received."

Wenndolyne lowered her gaze and let her fingertips idly examine the stone of the hearth between them. Would it be too bold of her to ask Poet to rush in now and speak with the Admiral? Likely. She'd have to wait. Sir Poet knew how these things must be done and she must have patience and let him determine his timing.

As she watched her fingers, another hand joined hers against the stone, a strong but fine hand. Poet's fingers traced over hers as his voice quietly assured her, "Nae worry, M'Lady Wenndolyne. I will speak to the Admiral but feel I must wait a bit. We can't have it appear as though we schemed this, can we?" There was mirth in his voice and Wenn's gaze drew up to his face, grinning. She giggled lightly. "No, I suppose not."

Sir Poet then gently drew her hand up to his lips and softly kissed the back of it. "For the moment, I've some other business I must attend to. Something to pass the time, you might say." His smile was genuine and Wenn shared it. "Til next we meet, M'lady..." She nodded to him and watched as he rose, bowed to her with a flourish, then picked up his satchel and left the firehall. She sighed a deep sigh, one of contentment. She had a guardian, someone whom Poet might make request to and his assurance that he would.

Wenn stood with her journal after Poet's leaving. The folded notice from the Admiral fell out of it. "Oh! I forgot to tell him… " She picked up the parchment and opened it again. Tell him what? I don't even know myself, she thought. She left the hall then and started on a path through the garden toward the Chancery. Curious and confused as she was, over this possible place for her in Camelot, she still had a secret smile on her lips, thinking of Poet. She opened her journal and slipped the parchment back into the same page where Poet's rose was pressed.

With her eyes on the rose and her thoughts away, Wenn didn't watch her steps and nearly bumped into Lady Raenthrea. "Oh! Beg pardon, M'lady Raen. I was rather lost in thought."

"So I did see," came Raenthrea's amused reply. "And a good thing one of us did, ere your rose might have taken a spill."

Wenndolyne blushed then hugged her journal against her. "Aye and I couldn't bear to part with it. How are you this day, M'lady?"

"Aahhh, I cannae complain. And yerself?"

Wenn liked Raen, she seemed always cheerful and friendly. "I am very happy. Very happy indeed."

"Was that not the rose given you by Sir Poet?" Something else that Raenthrea was, always abreast of the gossip in Camelot. Wenn just giggled lightly in her blush then nodded. "Well, tis beautiful, Wenndolyne. I gather yer a wee bit taken with the good sir, m'lady?"

Wenn grinned broadly, "Aye, a wee bit. Yes, Raen, you could certainly say that." She barely finished before another giggle escaped her.

Raenthrea grinned impishly. "Aaaannnnnd hae the good Poet also made feelins for you known?"

The blush returned to Wenn's pale cheeks and she drew the journal up closer to her, before whispering her reply. "I believe he may be just a bit taken with me as well, aye."

All too happy to hear more, Raen turned and drew Wenn with her, back toward the firehall, hoping to get her to discuss it further. It took very little coaxing, of course. "Sir Poet has indeed shown interest, but must seek permission from the Admiral to court me as I, only today, have asked the noble paladin to intercede for me in such matters. Thankfully, he accepted."

"Oh! I'm SO happy for you. That be wonderful! Poet's such a dear soul. I hope you two find ev'ry happiness." Rean was bubbling at Wenn's news.

"You speak absolute truth." Wenn beamed. "He is quite dear! I shall do all I can to keep him very happy."

"Well..." Raen slipped her arm around Wenn for a warm hug. "My bet is tha' ye be just the lady t'do it! All th' best t'ye both." Wenndolyne could only smile brightly in reply, through her modest blush.

At the garden entrance to the firehall, Wenn finally realized she'd gotten turned around from her intended path. She thought to try again and take a more direct route, but the sun was starting to slip behind the tallest trees and she was sure no one at the Chancery would appreciate her mounting list of questions just before they were to close up offices for the day. Besides, the tense but exciting day started to wear on her.

So, she slipped back into the firehall, without giving Raenthrea any news about the Chancery. After all, there wasn't really any news to tell yet. Taking her usual place on the hearthstone bench, Wenn pulled her feet up beneath her skirts and wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her head against her knees. News and conversation drifted to her but all began to fade. Before long, she was napping lightly and dreaming of the roses in the garden and her Poet.

Later, movement near her stirred her from rest. She raised her head slowly and stretched from the brief nap, eyes not yet focused on anything or even what might have awakened her. Poet, having slipped back into the firehall quietly, watched Wenn stretching, with more than idle appreciation, until she looked up and blinked at him. He was there, as if he'd stepped from her dream. Immediately they both realized he had been watching her stretch and two blushing faces looked away.

When they dared look back, each had a smile for the other. Poet took the last few steps to her and in his smooth style, bowed with a flourish. He took Wenn's hand to gently kiss the back of it, before sitting next to her. She could not take her eyes from his graceful motions. "Business concluded?" She asked.

"Nae, just begun I fear, but I wanted to see if the Admiral was about this evening. I think it time to approach him. I've already heard word through others this afternoon." Poet grinned. "I gather you said something to Lady Raen?"

Wenn giggled. "Yes, she tagged me out in the garden for an inquiry. The news is traveling already? Should I be flattered or frightened?"

"Perhaps a bit of both. Tis one of the reasons I made a point of coming back so quickly." Poet squeezed Wenn's hand and lowered his gaze to watch his thumb play over her pale soft skin. His voice grew more quiet. "I've no wish for another to have the privilege of your company."

Wenn's breath and voice caught in her throat briefly before she could respond to his words. Her own resulting voice was equally hushed. "Nor I, my Poet, nor I... for tis I who am privileged. Doubt it not."

A warm smile and sparkling eyes lifted to meet hers. "Good then. Where is the noble Paladin that I may make short shrift of this task?" There was still a wee bit of doubt in Poet's mind, wondering if Cartwright would immediately approve him or not. Still, Sir Poet was spurred by his deep caring for the Lady Wenndolyne and ever hopeful there'd be no stay of his affection.

Wenndolyne's bright smile faded as she thought back and a cloudy memory brought her a vague recollection. She slowly shook her head. "He has left, I believe. I think I heard this afternoon that he need sail out ere sunset and I'm not certain when he is to return."

Poet's smile faded too. "I... I must be on the road midmorrow to complete the business I was away for this afternoon." He sighed. "Well, naught can be done of it, I suppose. At least if the Admiral is away as well, I can still get back to see him..." His smile began to return. "... and make my request of a certain lady's attention..." Again he lifted her hand to kiss it and whispered there, "... ere others find their way into her heart. Rumor also tells me there are a few besides myself who would vie for her affection?"

Wenndolyne felt the warmth from Poet's kiss spread from her hand but smirked to his posed question. "Yea, m'lord but none so fine as Sir Poet. Perhaps you know him?"

Poet grinned back to her. "Hmmm... No, I don't believe I do know him. Still, he must be a very lucky man to have thy notice."

Wenn could hardly contain a giggle. "Nae, m'lord, 'tis I who have been blessed. I always thought it would be nice to sit near him here, upon the hearthstone, so I could hear his witty Poetisms better."

Poet chuckled and blushed "Ah, but he may think such praise overly kind, or so I might say, if I knew him."

Unable to hold it back any longer, her giggles finally burst from her. "Oh but tis true, Poet-- I mean, kind sir..."

Now both were overcome with amusement. When the laughter settled again and their hands rested between them on the hearthstone, clasped together, Wenn looked out across the firehall. Her face had gone more somber, her concern too strong now to worry over what was too bold to express. Her voice, when it came, was quiet. "Pray you, should you see my Poet... Pray you ask him to return to meet with the Admiral at first opportunity."

Again there was a reassuring squeeze to her hand. Poet regarded her profile, the curve of her neck and soft line of her jaw, pale rose of her cheek and lips, her dark sapphire eyes glittering and long light auburn hair glowing in the torch and firelight of the hall. "I shall, M'Lady Wenndolyne. I shall see to it." Wenn's eyes closed as she silently prayed this would be so.

(dp/dj - log conversions IC and OOC and some more after that)