The arrival of Lady Caitilin de Stryke-de Lusignon

Caitilin had long awaited the day when she could join her husband, Baldar de Lusignon, in the great city of Genoa. As the ambassador from England, he had spent much time in this beautiful city.

The carriage had been waiting when the ship docked. The voyage was not an easy one for Cait. She had spent most of the trip on deck with the sea breeze in her face to keep from being ill. She was more comfortable on horeback. Even now, with her feet on solid gound again, she could feel herself swaying like the movement of the sea. She must have looked like she had spent the day in the pub drinking. This will pass. she told herself.

Excited to see her husband, Lady de Lusignon asked the driver to come directly to the embassy. The carriage came to a halt at the gates of Savona Castle. Cait waited inside for the footman to open the door. She was wringing her hands. She had faced enemies in battle bravely but she was terrified to meet her husband's collegues in the diplomatic service. As the door opened, she took the footman's hand, lifted her skirts and stepped from the carriage. Caitilin's heart was racing. She shielded her eyes from the bright sun and stared up at the grand castle before her.

Swallowing hard and reminding herself to breath, Cait smoothed her dress and tried to recapture the loose locks of her dark hair that hung about her face. She took a trembling breath and approached the high castle gate. Her Italian would be limited and probably not grammatically correct but she wanted to make Baldar proud of her so she tried.

"Buongiorno a voi." She said to the guard at the gate. "Mi scusi, per favore. Sto cercando l'ufficio di Lord Baldar de Lusignon, l'ambasciatore inglese. Mi potete aiutare?" Caitilin blush, as the words she now spoke, felt strange and unfamiliar on her tongue. The guard nodded his polite understanding and sent a message up to the castle.

Caitilin waited for someone to come and help her find Baldar.

The Great Chambellain of the Republic, the Earl of Rocca Barbena, was alerted by the sentinel at the gate of tha castle that an ambassador, coming from the far Kingdom of England, was lokking for the office of the anbassador Baldar. He immediately run to the gate, but first he dismissed his clothes of Knight, the sword, the shield and the armor, by the way there was a war at Genoa and put an elegant cloth of Chambellan.

Milady let me introduce myself I am William VIII of the Aleramics of the Monferrat, known as Weissmatten, please let me show you the way to the office of Baldar, here is the key
then I will show you a clean and comfortable room where you will rest from your voyage

Caitilin curtsied low at the approach of the official gentleman. "You knidness is appreciated m'Lord William. I have been feeling very lost."

Caitilin followed Weissmatten, most grateful for his assistance.

Baldar hears the footsteps arrive outside his office, and opening the door he sees Lord William, and surprise his darling wife,

Eccellenza, bowing to Lord William, then he embraces his wife, He kisses her then he excuses himself with Lord William,

Eccellenza, puo la mia moglie avere l'acesso al mio ufficio,

Vi ringrazio x avere portato una cosi bella sorpresa.

Caitilin was overjoyed to see her husband. She stepped into the office after Lord William. She kissed Baldar and held him for a moment. Cait stepped aside as the two men spoke.

As Lord William was about to leave she turned and quietly spoke. "Eccellenza, Senore William, la ringrazio per la vostra assistenza. Sei stato molto gentile." Cait curtsied and bowed her head to the Chambellain. She smiled softly at her husband.

"Oh Sir William, I almost forgot. My letter of introduction." Caitilin retrieved the sealed scroll from her satchel and handded it to the Chamberlain.

Your Excellency,
May I introduce Lady Caitilin de Stryke de Lusignon. She is the wife of Lord Baldar de Lusignon and a member of the Royal Embassy staff as well. Please give her the same access as you do Lord Baldar and Lady Tasite,my two Ambassadors to your country.
Warmest Regards,
Lady Irish Leone Soldati-Dragons
Chancellor of the Royal English Embassy

Caitilin turned back to Baldar and kissed him tenderly.