Rabbit Pye

Master Lemay Family Cottage.

Rosalie gazed around delighted at the greenery surrounding the cottage that would be their new home. She had grown up in the walled city of Rouen with it's cobbled streets, dense population, and high buildings. Even though she had loved that busy life, the new grand Cathedral in the Gothic style was starting to be quite advanced by the time they had left, but she felt as she was truly breathing for the first time. She remembered Lord O Cléirigh had mentioned that the cottage came with a small plot of land and though she had never farmed in her life, she looked forward to the possibilities it would offer to grow some of their own food and flowers. She was certain her mother would have loved it hear even though she was a lady of bright sunshine and warmer and drier climes.

She turned to look at her younger twin with a smile on her face. "Well, what do you think Ben?" She asked curious to know his thoughts.

He nodded with an appreciative glance. "Oui, I mean, yes, I like it. It has a lot of potential. The air here is cool and easier to breath." Her smile widened, glad that they could agree in this at least. She found the thatched roof cottage and the small adjacent building charming, but she knew that there would be a great deal of work to be done. She waved to their father as she saw him come to a halt with Neige and their wagon.


((Ben, Jacob))

Ben helped his father with the chests filed with their blankets, extra clothes, wood or pewter dishes and wooden utensils. Rose carried baskets and pots inside. Items to help clean were then brought in by the whole family; empty pails to get water, two brooms and buckets for waste. Ben helped his father bring in a heavy wooden coffer with a padlock where their valuables were stored.

Several trips were made until only their tick down mattresses remained and curtains to hang up as divisions to offer each family member some privacy. Ben then went to unhitched Neige from the wagon that was placed on the right side of the cottage. He returned inside to fetch a yoke and two pails to get water at the pump where Lord O’Cléirigh had indicated it would be. He would also accompany sister as she brought Neige to the Lord O’Cléirigh’s stables.

"I will clean up and get our beds set up while you and your sister head to the stable and get water. We can then walk to eat at the Fleece Inn afterwards." Jacob told his children. Rose nodded with a smile, but Ben wondered how he might be able to find a place to get some ale or any drink that was better than mere water. It had been three weeks of fasting now for lent and he didn't think he would be able to hold out much longer. He plastered a smile on his face and nodded to his father as he picked up the yoke and pails as he waited for Rose to lead Neige by her bridle at a walk besides them. She had taken a horse brush and hoof pick.

((Jacob ))

Jacob picked up one of the two wood and straw brooms and began to clean the hard earthen floor. He thought back to what the man at the well had told him of checking the water levels. He couldn't recall the man giving his name, but he would have to inquire with him if the village had ever been flooded. The rising water might also effect the quality of the drinking water. Thankfully with lent being over soon they could go back to drinking wine or other beverages where they needed worry as much about contamination. Hopefully the water from Lord O'Cléirigh's would prove safe for everyone using it, but his primary concern was for himself and his family, including Neige.

He tidied up as best as he could. A smile came to his face when he thought of his wife Jendayi and what she would think of all this. His leaving his home and workshop in Ruen to start all over again with the children. They had left a comfortable life, but a life where he felt there would be no advancement for either himself or his children. The village of Muggleswick offered a chance at a better life than the city and more mobility for those who were willing to work hard, or so he hoped if Lord O'Cléirigh was a fair man. They would see soon enough, he thought. At least he hoped Rose could make a good marriage and that he had gotten Ben away from the influence of some less than reputable money lenders. He had seen to paying off his son's debts for his drinking and gambling and he intended to keep a much closer eye on his son or have Rose do so.

((Rose and Ben back outside Branlock Manor and the Stables))