Logs:The Ladies Have Their Tea
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| RL Date: 17 February, 2013 |
| Who: Azaylia, Issedi, Hana |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Over tea, Azaylia and Issedi find out just how bad at politics they both are. With Hana to the rescue, their conversation stays appropriately girly. |
| Where: Azaylia and Hraedhyth's Weyr, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 4, Month 1, Turn 31 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Braeden/Mentions, Brieli/Mentions, Devaki/Mentions, Yuliye/Mentions |
| OOC Notes: Issedi played by K'del. |
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| Azaylia and Hraedhyth's Weyr, High Reaches Weyr Accessed via a narrow staircase from the Weyrleader's Complex, or from the broad, sunny ledge beyond, this weyr was clearly designed to be for one of the weyr's junior queens. Spacious, but not extravagant, it boasts a well-sized outer room, narrowing in front the well-sized dragon couch and ledge beyond. Much of this main room has been turned over to a couch and several chairs, which circle the hearth and the blue rug set down in front of it. There's a low table here, too, set in the middle of that rug. A tack-cupboard stands tidily behind the couch, keeping out of sight a rider's paraphernalia. Three low steps lead up onto a peculiar little landing, just large enough for the brand new desk and set of shelves that have been placed there. Here, too, there are definite pointers to the lived-in state of the weyr: the desk could in no way be described as tidy. Behind the desk, a narrow passage leads in an inner set of chambers, made up of a sleeping cavern and a private bathing area. A decent-sized bed fills much of the space, the mattress piled high with overstuffed down pillows and comforter. There's a nightstand on either side, and against one of the other walls, a tall, heavy wardrobe made from a dark wood that matches the bed. The bathing area is part of the same cavern, a folding screen shielding the toilet and slightly raised, double-sized bathtub built into the stone, and a small shelf to hold toiletries. Unusually, the walls, ceiling and floor of this weyr have all been whitewashed thickly, covering the natural stone. The hearth is brand new, too, as are most of the built-in fittings, as though they have recently needed to be replaced. It's a few days after Turnover when Azaylia invites Lady Issedi over for tea. Enough time has passed that even the weyrwoman has recovered from the festivities, freshly scrubbed and wearing a fine dark blue dress. Her weyr is as tidy as always, and while Hraedhyth's morbid trophies remain, she's done away with the more splintered and messy bones. With a roaring fire and pleasantly bright glows, the young woman is busy setting up a marvelous spread of both tea and baked goods on a low table in front of the couch. It's been fluffed, lacking a certain ex-convict's dip just as the man himself is nowhere to be found. For good reason. There's a cozy chair set just off to the side of the sofa, so that everyone will be able to chat without strain in front of the warm hearth. That Lady Issedi is excited about this invitation is hard to miss; she's been bubbling enthusiastically about it all day, and has changed her dress at least three times, determined to look her absolute best for the occasion. When she arrives, dressed in a fine pink wool gown, it's with an entourage of one, and sans baby. Issedi enters first, Hana behind, though the young Lady might nearly cause a traffic jam as she pauses in the entranceway to stare. "Oh my," she says, gaze seeking out Azaylia, but only after she's scared for several seconds longer than is absolutely necessary in the direction of Hraedhyth's trophies. "Goodness. Oh, Weyrwoman, it was just wonderful of you to invite us. I'm so excited." Hana's place behind Lady Issedi gives her plenty of time to look about - and make sure that nothing trails behind the Holder Lady that shouldn't. The decor gets a quick smile - and Hraedhyth's area only a quick look over. Because grisly trophies deserve either too short a look, or too long. Azaylia straightens up as pink fills her peripheral vision, smoothing a hand self consciously over her skirt. It's not new, but it hasn't gone out of style either, and pairs nicely with her warm black leggings. The bubbly greeting is enough to banish any unpleasantly distracting thoughts, the goldrider quickly rushing to welcome her two guests. "Lady Issedi. Hana. Please, won't you come in?" A glance for the various bones, as if just realizing that they're there. "Hraedhyth, my dragon, is very proud. She likes to be reminded of how well she can hunt." A short, sweet explanation as she intends to lead them further inside. "I'm the one who should be excited. I've been looking forward to this." As nervous as she might seem, she remembers to offer them a seat on the couch. "Oh!" Issedi's cheeks turn as pink as her dress, the flush coinciding with her returned glance towards Hraedhyth's trophies. "Oh, that's lovely. That she has--" Evidently, she decides better than to finish that sentences, and instead bites nervously and awkwardly on her lip. "It sounds exciting," she offers, uncertainly, as she moves to sit upon the couch, hands pressed daintily into the lap of her skirt. "Don't you think, Hana? We went to visit the eggs this morning. I hadn't expected them to be so-- big? And yet, of course they must be big. This is all very new to me. You have a lovely Weyr." "Thank you for inviting us, Ma'am - and pride in a job well done can only be expected," Hana offers, voice light and accompanied with a smile for the woman. "A very lovely Weyr - and the eggs were quite amazing. Do they get bigger?" she asks curious, pausing a moment to make sure Issedi is comfortable before taking a seat herself, though with a hint of discomfort at being a guest in such a setting. "Hraedhyth is very exciting." Azaylia answers with a soft laugh, taking comfort in a subject she knows inside and out. "Did you?" She doesn't sit as her guests do, instead pouring a cup for each of them, to let cool or ignore as they see fit. "Thank you. It's not just my Weyr, but Brieli's. The cafters, the folk, our visiting Holders," A dip of her head towards the Lady and entourage, "Everyone is important to making it so wonderful here." It's not just sentimental garbage, she really seems to believe in what she's saying. After taking a cookie, she sits down in the single chair with a smile for Hana, "No, but their shells get harder over time. Then we might let the candidates get a closer look." A very big 'might' given her lifemate's temperament. Issedi's sigh is one of contentment, as though she finds Azaylia's explanation of how the Weyr works absolutely perfect, or perhaps just utterly romantic. She extends her hands to take her cup of tea, evidently intending to hold it within them, daintily, as she continues the conversation. "It would be absolutely something, to get that close to them. Hana-- no need to fuss, please. We're all friends, here-- that is, Weyrwoman, would you like to be friends? I think it would be wonderful to say I have a Weyrwoman for a friend." Hana accepts the cup with a quiet murmur of thanks, before taking a very small sip to test out flavour and heat - a smile being the resulting result of such experiments. "I think I am alright with viewing from afar - no offense, Ma'am. Just, well... dragons seem to start out rather large - then get even larger." And people don't - at least, in comparision. "My apologies, Issedi," she adds with a quick smile, "And things are always better with many hands to make them." With her own cup still on the table, Azaylia is far more interested in sampling the goodies she's had prepared. She eats carefully, lacking her usual gusto though her bites aren't exactly dainty, either. "Oh." Pleasantly surprised, "Please, call me Azaylia. We're friends." Her smile grows into something more bashful, eager, "I would like that very much." Her gaze shifts to include Hana, "I used to be terrified of them. I understand." She takes a moment to dust off her skirts of crumbs, real or imaginary, "I'm sure I could talk Hraedhyth into letting you get a closer look. If you'd like. I'm sure she'd make exceptions for my friends." Though there is the other queen to contend with, Iesaryth is hardly any trouble. There's a moment of embarrassment, "I'm sorry. We've only been talking about the Weyr. I'm just as interested in your Hold." Honest. Issedi lights up like a Christmas tree at the prospect of getting a closer look at the eggs. "Oh, would you? Oh-- Azaylia, that would be wonderful. You must call me Issedi, of course." Issedi seems utterly fearless, or perhaps it's just her romantic sensibilities that make her entirely bypass any fear of the unknown. "Oh, no. The Hold is boring, I promise you. The Weyr is much more interesting, don't you think Hana?" Her smile is genuine. "I'm so glad Devaki decided to bring me. It's a wonderful experience for me, and I hope that having time away from us will be wonderful for Braeden and Yuliye, too." "Only if it won't cause any difficulties, I hope. I suspect the Hatching is going to be quite an amazing thing - and I've heard the feast afterwards puts most anything else to shame," Hana adds with a bit of a grin as Issedi takes off into joyous conversation. "So far, I've enjoyed our visit here greatly, I have to agree, Issedi." Now that everyone is friends, she drops the Lady bit, though there is still no little deference to both women. "Issedi." Just to test, while doing her best to school her wide smile into something more political, more polite. Nope, not happening. Azaylia doesn't have to think very long, as far as Hatchings go. "It'll be much more crowded than when I impressed, but probably more exciting to watch." Never mind that she was mauled by her lifemate, "And the feast will be wonderful. Like Turnover, with dancing and yes, a feast." She doesn't seem inclined to believe her new friend, reaching for her cup and taking a polite sip. "You're always welcome to visit. It's important for both Hold and Weyr. And, tea parties are fun." It's no great sacrifice to entertain them both, obviously. "How are Braeden and... Yuliye? I'd imagine he's more worried than delighted to have you gone." Big brothers do that, don't they? Sighing blissfully, Issedi avers, "I'm sure it will be amazing. So exciting! I can't wait to see. I can't even begin to imagine-- imagine, being out there, wondering if your lifemate, that other part of you, is really there." Nevermind that at least one of the people she's talking to has been there and done that. She recovers enough to take a sip from her tea, and, following on from that, answers, "Oh, they're well, I think, for the most part. Braeden worries, he always does, but he knows how pleased I am - we are - to be here. We're all hoping that while we're away, Yuliye will finally get pregnant. It's awful; I feel like I'm flaunting Vinien in front of them, when I'm sure they're trying so hard." Hana doesn't have a response for Braeden and Yuliye's attempts at procreating - in fact, she instead just takes a sip of her tea while that's being discussed. Which, actually thanks to her dear lady, has her having to clear her throat slightly. "More dancing? That will be lovely. And Vinien is a lovely babe, Issedi - it doesn't matter who's having the care of him." Even backup nannies like the kid - or at least, so she's claiming at the moment. Azaylia is more than happy to help, "It's terrifying. It happens all so quickly and then... you're the happiest you could ever be." She doesn't realize she's left out the blood and pain, lost in her nostalgia. Talk of the Lord Holder and his Lady have her looking vaguely surprised, "Oh. Well," Truths long since forgotten come rushing back, "I was surprised, when he married Yuliye. Ah... do you think she takes good care of him?" She can't hide how dubious she is of that pairing, for whatever reason. "Yes, dancing." Bless Hana, "Is he? I've not seen him but I can imagine he has the best of both parents." Fine breeding and all. Once a beastcrafter... Issedi may be thoroughly enjoying this talk of hatchings, but she's struck utterly dumb by Azaylia's reaction to the conversational thread about her brother and his wife. She's a pretty woman, but even she can't make fish-faces look attractive: she seems completely unable to formulate a proper response, and her pale skin has turned paler still. Her voice is squeaky when she finally manages, "Why would you be surprised?" Poor Hana. Poor Azaylia. Their efforts to keep the conversation moving are quite in vain. "Perhaps next time he can be included, at least briefly," Hana offers, before having to hide a slight flitch behind her teacup as attention is turned back to the inlaws. "I have not seen them act together in any way other than caring," she adds after a moment. Azaylia's cup is drained, still polite, and likely wishing it had something a little stronger than sweetner in it. When she's done, the conversation hasn't moved on as she hopes, "I meant nothing by it. Really." She stresses as she places her cup back onto the table, "There were those rumors, you know, and while I never pay gossip much mind, I... Well, if our Lord Holder wasn't the family sort, I imagine marrying Yuliye would be hard on him." While she's careful with her words, there's a strain to that unintentionally knowing smile and an apology in her eyes. Sheltered and naive, Issedi has never before been put in a situation like this one - and even she can read that expression of Azaylia's. It shows all too clearly on her face, in the pink flush that spreads across her cheeks, and in the way she hurriedly ducks her gaze. "My brother does his duty," she says, voice shaking slightly as she attempts to put words together. "It would hurt him very much, if others believed he did not." She can't help it - her gaze slides upwards just a little, attempting to look at Azaylia without there being any chance of her meeting that gaze. "I-- I expect my Hold would be very grateful if you-- if there-- was no further suggestion. Hana's quite right, of course. They're very caring." If that word could ever be applied to Yuliye. Caring, careful, it's all the same. Hana takes one look at Issedi, takes a deep breath, then throws out the usual careful dance of words, and looks at Azaylia. "So, Azaylia - I don't think I've heard it said, but do you have any children? How about nieces and nephews? I do not, of course - despite what words my family would offer, but one day, I'm thinking it would be a good thing. You?" Ah, the sacrifices to be made for her family of duty. Perhaps unsolicited, Azaylia reaches forward to place a hand on the Lady's own, "Please forgive me. I never meant to upset you. Either of you." She's desperate, doing what she can to fix the mess she's made of things. "Your Hold is in the hands of a good man, Issedi. I believe that over anything else. He does his duty well." The curl to her lips is a sympathetic one, for both the upset woman in her weyr, and the Lord Holder. The glance she offers Hana is one of relief, easing back to allow Issedi her space once more, "No, I don't. My sister might have a niece or nephew for me, someday." Her words remain soft, "I would love a big family, but I don't think it'll happen for a long time. If it ever does." She's accepted this. Issedi's hand is cold beneath Azaylia's, despite the tea she still holds. Her gaze drops to look at that hand, evidently finding it more comfortable than the bearer of it; she has no immediate response, though the wrinkle in her brow suggests she's attempting to think fast. It rather looks as though she's more upset at herself than Azaylia. Hana's intercept is clearly a relief, one that gives her time and space to regain control over her expression. "It would be a tragic thing if your position forbade you children, Azaylia," she says. "I do hope you will have the opportunity. Vinien is truly one of the best things that ever happened to me, aside perhaps from Devaki." Despite her earlier distress, there can be no question that she loves both husband and son. "We're hoping for a girl, next time." "I claim the right to teach her to embroider," Hana offers impishly, "And insist on getting to play with her hair." Speaking of which, Azaylia gets a long look, before another smile is shown, "Do you only do buns? With that wave, I would think a 'tail from one would be rather striking. Maybe fostering if your sister ends up with several?" she natters on, before getting to her feet. "Anyone mind if I warm up my cup? Issedi, would you like some more?" Fussing about, it would seem, even as she says, "Perhaps a bit of a nibble?" she adds, nodding towards the snackage. Not as sunny, but still warm, "Maybe." Azaylia's not certain it would be tragic, per se, "I know Weyrwomen who have had children. I just don't know if I'd be able to balance my duties and give a child the attention it needs. Let alone five." Or so. She wasn't joking about the big family. "You and Devaki make a lovely couple." Appropriately envious in her compliment, "I hope to see little Vinien sometime." The weyrwoman looks surprised by Hana's suggestion, reaching up to touch one of her buns, "Ah, yes. I wear it down on special occasions. Habit, from when I was a beastcrafter, and then a weyrling. It's no good to have hair hanging in your face during that sort of work." She gives a nod, inviting Hana to help herself, "A 'tail? You think so?" All too receptive to the other woman's suggestions. "That right is all yours," says Issedi, with a smile. "I never did have the patience." She was too much the dreamer-- more inclined to stare out windows than do handiwork. Shaking her head, the Lady refuses more tea, or snacks of any kinds, and instead turns her gaze back towards Azaylia. "I'll bring him with us, next time. It would be so wonderful to be able to tell him, one day, that High Reaches' Weyrwoman," Singular, and apparently deliberately so, "held him when he was a baby. If you'd like, of course. You do have lovely hair. Hana - you should show Azaylia some styles, sometime. Give her some ideas. Hana's very good with hair." "It would keep it mostly out of your way, and still give a bit of swing," Hana admits. "Or maybe a braid - we would have to play with it some." At Issedi's refusal, Hana turns to Azaylia, "More tea, perhaps?" as she refreshes her own, at least. "Oh yes, please." To both tea and the playing with of her hair, "I'm not very good with hair or clothes, I need all the help I can get." Azaylia admits with a self deprecating smile, tucking a loose bit of hair behind her ear. Her eyes drift from Hana to Issedi, bashful for the title but not feeling bold enough to correct her, "I... thank you. It's really a pleasure, I'm... just me." A nod for the Lady, "I love your dress, by the way. I meant to say it earlier, I feel like I should have dressed up more." A compliment for a compliment. "Pink suits you." Something in Issedi's expression suggests that she doesn't want to be corrected - perhaps even that she's making a point. But oh, she's not terribly good at expressing herself, really, not when she just smiles and smiles. "Oh, thank you! Perhaps we should visit the local Weavers together-- I would be delighted to help you out. Don't you think that would be fun, Hana? You'll need a new gown for the hatching, surely. One day I'd like to go to the Weaver Hall," she sounds faintly wistful. "One day." Hana comes over and refills Azaylia's cup, and replaces the pot before settling back down with her own cup, though it is not sipped at. "It is always more enjoyable to look at fabrics and such with other people, than alone. It would possibly just be a matter of setting up a good time after duties are taken care of, I would think. Or in the meantime, ask for a weaver to come visit and ply you with fabrics?" she offers with a teasing smile. "If Hraedhyth weren't guarding eggs, I'd offer to take all of us." Surely, the gold is large enough for it. "That might have to wait until I visit you at the Hold, though. A dragonrider swooping in to kidnap a Lady." Azaylia teases lightly between her gratitude in accepting Hana's refill. "We do have a Craft Complex. It's not the 'Hall, but I'm sure there are weaver apprentices and journeymen who would fall all over themselves to help the both of you." In that she can be certain. The young woman leans forward to pick up her cooled tea, as well as something sweet to dunk in it, "If there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask. During your visit or even after you leave." It's an offer extended to Hana and Issedi, even as brown gaze lingers a touch longer on the latter. "And the same-- even moreso-- goes for you, Azaylia," says Issedi, so seriously, and in that quiet, but fervent voice of hers. After that, she'll move the conversation back to frothy, light topics, enthusing at great length about the Weyr, the joys of fine clothes, and, of course, her husband and son. |
Comments
Devaki (Devaki (talk)) left a comment on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 06:16:13 GMT.
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So girly. And so delightful awkward re: Braeden! <3
Barnabas (Barnabas (talk)) left a comment on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:45:25 GMT.
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What a perfectly fancy little tea party! So prim and proper! Good thing Bones wasn't there.
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