For as long as any could remember, the house of Kenyard wed into the house of Brundage. The families lands marched along the border and each deemed it wise to combine their fates. As vassals to a zealous and grateful king, their wealth was great, and therefore worthy of arduous protection. Thus it was, Gwendolyn Kenyard, awaited the arrival of Godfrey Brundage, her betrothed, and a man she had never met. Promised at birth, they were to meet for the first time this day. Her nervous fingers plucked at the marriage gown, lovingly sewn by her mother and aunts. Those same ladies who, as many before had, in the absence of husbands and sons, governed in their names and were often called upon to defend their castles and homes. The words of her grandmother, Lady Alice, when faced with troops posed to take her castle were often retold, even today, though the crusades were finally at an end, "I will not leave possession of this castle to die therefore; and if you begin to break the peace or make war to get the place of me, I shall defend me. For rather I in such wise to die than to be slain when my husband cometh home, for he charged me to keep it." Gwendolyn might have smiled at the brave words, were she not closer to tears.

Gwendolyn felt the shivers slide up her arms at the venomous whisper, "He is a broken, wreck of a man, I tell you!" One might almost hear pleasure in the elder girl's voice. Though married and settled into her husband’s home, Eloise was still envious of her cousin's impending marriage into a far finer family. She relished the gossip, "I have it from old Bekka. He will inherit and so honors the bargain, but twill be a sad day for you cousin. He must be a fright under all those rags if he'll allow none to tend him." Gwendolyn crossed to the mullioned casements and flung them wide. She tried not to snap, for kin was kin, but Eloise was a trial to the best of natures. "It matters not. For I must also honor the bargain. The best men of this whole world have gone off to serve the king. Those who return deserve our most tender care," Then, so softly, "And nothing matters now, for he has gone forever." Before Eloise could speak again, she was briskly waved away. "I will be alone now. Fetch me when he arrives."

Gazing across the courtyard, Gwendolyn noticed her betrothed's magnificent stallion. The crescent shaped blaze struck a cord of memory and she sighed from the depths of her soul, for long ago, her heart had been stolen by the rider of a similar animal. The day had been fair and she enjoyed an unimpeded view from her hidden vantage point in the tree. As yet undiscovered, she closely watched the tall lad as he schooled his new colt. So rapt was she that her balance was lost and she tumbled from her perch and rolled under slashing hooves. By the god's good graces did she miss a sound trampling. Tall and brave, with wind tossed wheaten hair, he pulled her from harm..... and took possession of her heart and soul, then and there. Never mind the tongue lashing, "That will teach you to spy. Take care, for you may see more than you bargained." His rude handling mattered not as the wind wrapped her loosened raven tresses about them both. Then his grass green eyes laughed and in her eyes he was a young hero. One who was called to war, as had been all the others. Never to be seen again.

Amidst the clatter of wheels and hooves in the yard, rose the welcoming herald and she knew it was time. She reached the chamber door and swept past the startled Eloise and down the stairs before her cousin could utter a word. The great hall was bursting with good cheer. Her ailing father was trying his best to see this longed for day to its end. She could do no less than uphold his honor. With a gentle embrace, she whispered through her veil, "Dear Sir. You are soon to be rid of me?" His strong voice belied the wasted, pain racked frame, "Only to see you settled and safe before I die." She forced a smile, "And what of love?" Dark eyes gazed deeply into her own and his reply was almost lost in the din, "That will follow, my child." She darted a quick glance across the hall. Lord Brundage was head and shoulders above the crowd. Swathed in tunic and robes and with visage wrapped in silk, he made an imposing sight. She knew she would make a good wife, but wondered what manner of man was he? Did wounds fester in his heart as well?

The old lord gathered her hand and drew her toward the waiting groom. Head modestly bowed, she trembled as the tall lord took her hand. As they approached the clergyman, she darted a quick glance at his face. What was under the wrapping? She thought she heard a low chuckle rumble deep in his chest. What amusement did he find this day? The silk had slipped and rather than gaping wounds, she saw only the edge of a well healed scar. The couple neared the torchieres and in the light his eyes turned green as new grass. Gwendolyn faltered. She boldly reached up and gently caressed his ravaged cheek. Her whispered, "Your wound?" was answered by his curt, "Beware my little spy, for you may see more than you bargained."

After one heartbeat, she replied, "Yes, perhaps I might."

The Costume - is a blend of palest apricot silk chiffon, gold satin charmeuse, peach silk and mocha damask brocade. The underskirt is constructed of four layers. A gold metallic mesh has been placed between two layers of chiffon and is lined in pale peach. The gown is peach lined golden satin with a brocade bodice. The gown and bodice are accented with artist created gold foil trim, braid, golden glitter tracery, golden teardrops and tiny gold and pearl glass beads. The full, chiffon sleeves are gathered at upper arm and wrist under laced, brocade bands. The bodice is laced in front. Her little chiffon bag with jeweled golden frame and green feather fan with golden, jeweled fillagree handle hang from her bodice on delicate cords. Her upswept dark hair is captured in a rushed chiffon and jeweled golden band, ending in a tied, chiffon veil, which hangs down her back. Gwendolyn wears a jeweled golden ornament on a golden chain and a "pearl" choker with jeweled charm. Her matching earring have tiny "pearl" drops. Pale peach net stockings and golden sandals complete the costume.

Sydney as Gwendolyn - has been completely repainted. She has green eyes, shadowed in soft charcoal, feathered dark brows, beautifully shaded apricot lips, a tiny beauty mark on her left cheek, enhanced breasts, a natural manicure, new wig and carefully fitted, applied lashes.

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