Blue/grey mk3s are pretty abundant, so I'm not sure this pack is really valuable despite its scarcity unless you find someone who really wants them for the running numbers.

After the Carol Service, as they exited the ancient Chapel together, Giles was drawn into a conversation with Eli in the Castle Courtyard.

"Giles", Eli began, her voice barely above a whisper, "you always seem so strong, so self-reliant. Have you ever faced a struggle that made you feel vulnerable?"

Giles looked at Eli, his ice-blue eyes—sharp and assessing—reflecting the moonlit snow. He took a deep breath before responding, "Eli, my dear, even the strongest of us have our moments of vulnerability. I may not show it, but I've had my share of struggles."

Eli looked up at Giles, her blue eyes softening in the moonlight. She reached out, gently touching his arm, and said, "Giles, your strength is not diminished by your struggles. Our struggles shape us. It's okay to let those who care about you see your vulnerabilities." She smiled gently at him, the depth in her eyes reflecting his own. "Giles, would you be willing to share more about these struggles?"

As they walked across the Castle Courtyard, the snow crunching under their feet, Giles turned to Eli, sighed and began to speak. "You know, Eli", he started, his voice steady against the quiet conversation of those around them, "after I left the Army, I took over my late father's wine and spirits importing business. I was eager to continue the family legacy, but filling my father's shoes was no easy task."

He paused, his breath visible in the cold air. "Just a few months into my new role, we were hit by a severe financial crisis. The future of the company was uncertain, and I found myself steering the ship through a rising storm."

Giles continued, "The pressure was immense, but I was determined to rise to the challenge. I worked tirelessly, often until the early hours of the morning, examining every possible solution to save the business. There were moments of doubt and despair, times when I felt vulnerable and overwhelmed."

"But", he added, a note of steely determination in his voice, "I didn't let these moments of vulnerability deter me. Instead, I used them as fuel, driving me to work harder and smarter. I learned to negotiate tough deals, make difficult decisions, and confidently stand my ground even when the odds were against me."

"After many months of struggle", Giles concluded, "I managed to steer the business out of the crisis and back to stability. This experience was a significant challenge that tested my strength and resilience, but it also shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me that strength is not just about power, but also about perseverance, patience, and the courage to face one's vulnerabilities."

Giles paused for a moment, his gaze distant as he recalled the past. "You know, Eli", he continued, his voice softer now, "when I took over the business, I knew absolutely nothing about it. I was a soldier, not a businessman. I had to learn everything from scratch."

He sighed again, a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "And the worst part was, I couldn't turn to my father for help or advice. His untimely death due to a massive stress-related heart attack left me on my own. I had to navigate the storm without a compass, without any guidance."

His words hung in the snowy air, a poignant reminder of the struggles he had faced. For Eli, it was a testament to his character, a demonstration of his determination, and a profound moment of vulnerability that brought him closer to her.

Eli listened intently, her bright blue eyes reflecting surprise and newfound understanding.

These dont come up very often, what would be a sensible price do you think ?

Quote from: GlenEglise on April 19, 2024, 10:26:01 PMIf the Ngaugenews website is a one man band then I think people need to cut him some slack.

They are not posting on here because they were sourching pitchforks and torchs 

11 guests at once! I am flattered. Thank you for reading.

The Sixth-Century Byzantine painting of St. Petroc

As Sylvie and Jeremy settled into the oak chapel pew next to Eli and Giles, Eli turned her head slightly. Her bright blue cornflower eyes met Sylvie's big, brown ones in a silent greeting. A soft smile played on her full lips, a quiet acknowledgement of their shared understanding. Giles, on the other hand, offered a nod to Jeremy, his expression one of respect and camaraderie.

The words exchanged were few, yet meaningful. "Sylvie, Jeremy", Eli began, her voice barely above a whisper, "it's good to have you here". Giles echoed her sentiment, adding, "Indeed, you're just in time for the service".

The glances they shared spoke volumes. Eli's eyes were filled with gratitude as she met Sylvie's gaze, a silent thank you for their trust and openness. Jeremy's sea-green eyes held a similar warmth as he looked to Giles, a mutual understanding passing between them.

As the Carol Service began, the four of them sat in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts yet united by the shared experience.

The chapel, its grey granite walls bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, seemed to echo their sentiments, creating an atmosphere of peace and introspection. Sylvie's mind was a whirl of thoughts. Her mother's wise words echoed in her mind, each possibility presenting a different path towards happiness for Giles and Eli.

She recalled her mother suggesting a Moment of Vulnerability: Giles could reveal a personal struggle, demonstrating to Eli that even the strongest individuals have their vulnerable moments. This could help Eli understand that strength does not equate to bullying, and vulnerability does not signify weakness.

Her mother had also proposed a Test of Character: A situation might arise where Giles could misuse his strength, but chooses not to. This would reassure Eli that Giles is not like her father, and that he uses his strength in a positive, protective manner.

Another possibility was a Promise of Patience and Understanding: Giles could assure Eli of his patience and understanding, promising not to pressure her until she feels ready. He could acknowledge her fears and assure her that he is different from her father.

Lastly, her mother had mentioned an Act of Love: Giles could make a grand gesture, a clear demonstration of his love for Eli and his commitment to their relationship. This act could provide Eli with the reassurance she needs to overcome her fear and take a leap of faith.

As the Carol Service began, Sylvie found herself hoping for these possibilities, for a future where Eli could overcome her fears and embrace the love that Giles so clearly had for her. The chapel provided a serene setting for her anxious thoughts.

The moving service over, as each member of the congregation leaves the chapel, they pass by the icon-like painting of St. Petroc. The painting, a masterpiece of Byzantine artistry, is encased in a frame of pure gold. Its vibrant and lively colours seem as if they are imbued with divinity. The frame's simplicity and elegance serve to accentuate the painting, rather than detract from its beauty. The saint's eyes, painted in a deep, soulful brown, seem to follow each person, his gaze benevolent and full of grace. It is as if St. Petroc himself is there, blessing each individual with his heavenly presence.

The Sixth-Century painting is a symphony of colours. The background and the saint's robe are rich, royal blue, symbolising the heavens and divine grace. His halo is radiant gold, symbolising the divine light of God, while the saint's face and hands are painted in realistic tones, giving him a human touch amidst his divine aura.

But to Eli, the painting seems to come alive. As she passes by, she feels St. Petroc's gaze upon her, filled with infinite blessing and calming reassurance. It is as if the saint himself is smiling at her, his painted lips curving up in a subtle smile that seems to radiate warmth and comfort. To her, the colours of the painting seem even more vibrant, the blues deeper and the golds brighter. It is a moment of divine connection, a silent communication between her and the saint, a moment she would cherish forever.

Entrance, St. Petroc's Chapel, in the snow

In companionable silence, Jeremy and Sylvie, hand in hand, navigated the labyrinth of passages and staircases of Trevelver Castle. Their winter coats, scarves, and hats were draped over the arm of their free hand, a testament to the chill of the winter night outside. After dressing warmly, they emerged into the Castle Courtyard, where the freshly fallen snow painted a serene, white landscape under the moonlight. Together, gloved hand in gloved hand, they embarked on the short walk to St. Petroc's Chapel, their footprints leaving a trail in the pristine snow.

As they walked, Sylvie's mind drifted back to her earlier meeting with her mother. Her mother's words echoed in her mind, "Some things, my dear, need to be kept between us women." The conversation had been a profound one, revolving, yet again, around the complex dynamics between Giles and Eli.

They agreed that Giles unquestionably harboured a deep love for Eli. His actions, patience, and understanding demonstrated his deep affection. His love was as clear as day, as undeniable as the moonlight that bathed the castle grounds.

Eli, they agreed, however, was at a crossroads. She yearned to reciprocate Giles' love, to surrender to the comforting embrace of his affection. Yet, she was held back by the chains of her past. The ghosts of her childhood, the bitter memories of her father's bullying, cast a long shadow over her heart.

She wanted to love Giles, to give him all the love he deserved and more. But the fear of history repeating itself, of being left alone to face the aftermath of a strong man's downfall, kept her from taking that leap. It was a delicate dance between desire and fear, between the past and the present.

Sylvie's thoughts were interrupted by the memory of her mother's words. Lady Penelope had mused, her voice filled with wisdom and understanding, "What we need is a pivotal moment. A moment that could help Eli overcome her fear, a profound demonstration of Giles' love and commitment." Her words hung in the air, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. It was a thought-provoking perspective, one that added another layer to the intricate tapestry of relationships within the castle walls. As they approached the ancient chapel, Sylvie wondered what this pivotal moment could be and how it would unfold in the days to come.