Norma now enjoys frequently gazing in her own trumeau. Seems that Seamus didn't have room for his trophy in the cottage. Photo by Seamus Gabardini.
The Traveler closed the door of his room at the the tavern behind him and sat heavily on the bed. Hunched over and with his head in his hands he looked like a man weary to the bone but after a few moments he sat up straight and on his face was a look of sheer joy. Despite his tired body, his soul was free for he had found it! He had in his possession all the pieces of the Queen's Trumeau! He glanced wearily at the bag holding the pieces then decided after a few moments to take a closer look at the legendary thirteenth piece. As he crossed the room he noticed the bag was no longer the same shape as when he placed it on the floor. As he drew near, he hesitated for he knew something wonderous had happened. Crossing slowly to the bag he knelt and opened it to find the Queen's Trumeau intact and as beautiful as the day it was made! He sat on the floor and gazed at himself in the mirror and saw instead of an old man, one much younger and less wise.
"As tempting as it is," he said to himself, "I much like the man I am today for one cannot trade youth for wisdom." With a smile he placed the Mirror carefully back in it's container and wrapped it with cloth. He then rose and went down to the tavern to see Maria, his stepdaughter.
"I have a present for you," he said with a smile as he approached her where she sat in the garden court.
"One always accepts presents with a smile, " she said as she began to open the wrap. As the mirror came into view and she realized what it was, she began to cry. "But, how can this be?" she said with tears of joy.
"I don't know Lass, " said the traveler, "but I have learned to never question the ways of this mysterious world. " "Still," he said," it is yours to keep."
Maria gazed at herself in the mirror for a long time. "No, she said, it is not mine. Many have searched for this prize and it should belong to everyone. " I will place it out for a final hunt tomorrow then it will go into the possession of the Duc and Duchesse de Coeur for display in the Grand Chateau de Languedoc. There, it can be seen by all and enjoyed or not as one prefers." " The first to find it will be rewarded as due. " She said.
"You are wise for one so young". said the traveler with a grin.
"I think it runs in our family, yes father? " She replied with a haughty smirk.
"It does indeed child, it does indeed." He laughed.
By SkyeRyder Varriale
MariaLouisa Muircastle assembles the winning pieces of the Queen's Trumeau. Photo by SkyeRyder Varriale
After a long, arduous adventure, the final pieces of the Queen's Trumeau were laid out for all to see at the Coeur Fair on Sunday, March 6th. It seemed only fitting that MariaLouisa Muircastle was one of the winners, given that it was her family's honour at stake. Seamus Gabardini also came away with a trumeau, which he shared with his other "partners in crime", Drake & Norma. After all, they were a big help in the process!
"It is so your turn ... get in here". Photo by Seamus Gabardini.
For those adventurers that haven't quite finished yet, the clues & mirror pieces are still in the Duché and twenty RPS Influence points will be given for each piece collected. Contact TatianaDokuchic Varriale for more information.
The Duché de Coeur is delighted to announce it's Egg Decorating Contest. Open to all courtiers of the Royal Courts, prizes will be given in both RP$ & L$. Two hundred RPS Influence Points will also be awarded to every contestant.
Once upon a day gone by
The Duchy will begin hosting a monthly Fair the first weekend of every month with the first one slated for February 6th & 7th. This will be an opportunity to meet & mingle with your fellows and have an all-around good time in a relaxed, country atmosphere.