Lady of the Winter Sea - Part 07

Ursa Blacksong - Mid-Autumn of 113 YSTR

Castle D’oir - Winterlunde

…

Most of the afternoon that followed that initial meeting proceeded into a long discussions covering an odd assortment of topics and interests ranging from the events of the day to inquiries about individual backgrounds and histories. It was during this exchange that it was agreed that for the time being at least, until the time came for the Duchesses to put her plans into motion, That Ursa would assume the long vacant role of priestess and spiritual advisor of the Duchess within Castle Dior.

Assuming the role of priestess of Castle Dior Ursa would be granted dominion over the castle’s sanctuary chapel as well as the theological library that had been left behind by those priests that had come before her. She would also be provided residence in the Hall of Ladies for the duration or until the Duchess saw fit to move her elsewhere.

By conversation's end the Duchess it seemed was taken aback regarding how much time the pair had spent together turning her attention to her ladies-in-waiting and wishing Ursa a good evening before kissing her lightly upon the cheek before motioning one of those attending to see to it that Ursa was able to find her assigned chambers. A distance that proved to be so distant from the Green Room. The young lady bowing deeply before motioning the priestess to follow.

…

To say that finding her way to her newly assigned chambers in the Hall of Ladies was no simple task was perhaps an understatement. Castle Dior for all its grandeur and majesty was also a fortification of war and designed to hold out against whatever unknown enemy might one day lay siege to it. The exterior walls were high and the corridors and passages within were a maze unto themselves.

This said the young lady charged to escort her led the way with surprising ease leading Ursa from the Green Room into the hall beyond where she had parted company with Sir Kristov some hours before. It was from here that the young lady spoke motioning the stairwell Ursa had taken earlier.

“When one arrives from the Hall or Ladies in the morning it is customary that one must arrive via the grand corridor. Her arrival to be witnessed by the captain of the watch and the house steward.” The girl spoke softly. ” This said at night a Lady may choose to exit the main castle via a secret passage located this way.”

The young lady started towards the stairwell at the opposite end of the corridor taking the steps downward leading her down to the lowest level just shy of the last step where she stopped and pushed upon an unremarkable part of the stonework which gave way at once to reveal a door to the outside.

“ This stairwell is known as the Queens stairwell and one may only walk down these steps.” The girl announced before motioning Ursa to follow. “ And here beyond is a secret balcony known as the Lover’s balcony which leads directly to the Hall of Ladies.“

As the girl continued on Ursa paused hearing the sounds of activity from the windows to her left. Her gaze spying through the glass into a large kitchen area where cooks and household staff were at work preparing for that evening’s meal.

“These first few windows overlook the main kitchen and these next few overlook the bakery.” The young Lady answered Ursa’s unspoken question.

“Can they see us?” Ursa thought to ask, noticing that she and the young Lady seemed to have gone unnoticed by those within.

“Not really…” The young lady announced. “ During the daylight hours perhaps if they are not too busy with their work but at night it's far too dark and one can pass by on the balcony unnoticed. if you have a need or want to learn the common gossip and rumor of the day this is the best spot to stop and listen for a time but don’t stay too long or else you might get caught by another wanting to learn the same thing.”

Ursa nodded her understanding and started following after the young lady again as she continued on her way pausing briefly when she noticed another secret door leading into the larder behind the kitchens but saying nothing of the discovery.

…

Ursa’s assigned chambers were located on the third floor of the Hall of Ladies as it turned out. The young lady who was her guide pausing now and again to give some small detail regarding each floor inturn as they climbed the steps to the third floor.

The First floor was for the most part unremarkable, serving simply as a public space for visitors and guests. A private dining room and tea room as well as some rooms that currently served as offices for members of the household staff.

The second floor in turn serving as the residence of one Lady Caroline who was a well respected Lady from the mainland who was retained by the Duchess as the children’s governess as well as music and etiquette teacher. Lady Caroline also retained an older maid of her own who shared her chambers and another small room at the end of the second floor corridor which served as the bedchamber for one of the Duchesses Ladies-in-waiting.

The third floor was where Ursa’s private chambers were located. A large central bedroom furnished with a large four poster bed and assortment of items that struck Ursa as being far too gaudy for a Priestess of the Black Order. The bedchamber in turn was adjoining a private office area that no doubt would serve for both business and private matters during her time there. The young guide than directed Ursa’s attention down the corridor to the door of another small room that she was told served as the bedroom for another pair of the duchesses Ladies in waiting.

…