High Tea for the Flowers of Cear

[SnorriHT]

Latishe busied herself checking the private first storey room at the Mistyvale Inn. She didn't need to bother as Roggins had personally seen to it himself. The room looked over the fields of Farmer Cobb and was airy and clean. Roggins had also strategically arranged the room with fresh flowers, and a floating menagerie of flowers filled a bowl of fragrant rosewater.

Roggins had also supplied food fresh from the markets and bakery; delicate pastries filled with sultanas and honey, tea cake with sprinkled icing sugar, fresh fruit bursting with flavour and golden almond bread.

Latishe chuckled to herself and smiled. Ever since Roggins had discovered she was a Priestess of Brintha, he held her with charming and happy reverence. Not that Latishe ever abused her position, but it was handy to get something for a special occaision. And today was a special occaision, as Latishe as holding a High Tea for Maeve and Pylia. It was an occaision to forget about their respective trials and tribulatons, and to discuss those little things that bring joy - clothes, music, books and a glorious sunny and warm afternoon.

Latishe herself was wearing a simple silken white dress that was beautfully embroidered with a rose flower pattern. The dress exposed her creamy white shoulders and chest and then shaped to a V. At the centre of this V was a single white rose. Around her neck she wore the mithril necklace of Brintha with a diamond symbol. Although the dress was very comfortable, Latishe was always conscious that it seemed to hang on her curvy hips. To compliment the dress she decided to wear her hair back using a silvery white hair comb with the symbol of House Vaine.

All was ready and the hour was upon her, so she sat down and waited...

[Rheia Althia]

Maeve sat on her bed in her room in the Mistyvale in combing out her long pallid locks, they flowed over her shoulders and down her back like an endless ocean. She studied herself in the mirror, those luminous jade eyes staring back at her. Her tall figure was draped in a robe of white and yellow, a piece of clothing that she wore when she wasn’t in her armour. The neckline went almost to her chin, meeting with the porcelain texture of her fair skin. She had hidden a small dagger in her bodice, like usual when she wore this robe. She felt uncomfortable without her great sword and wanted some measure of defence in case she needed it. After all, Cear was a dangerous place.

She stood, looking towards the door. How long had it been since she had gone for something like tea? Ages…Latishe wanted to talk of fabric and fashion. Maeve had warned her that she knew very little of the subject. Fashion wasn’t really covered during her education of prayer, battle and literacy. She placed a finger to her lips. Ah yes! She could talk about cooking. Her mother had taught her something before she was rushed off to the temple. She would just have to be careful not to go off on a tangent about her recent slaying of the undead. That would be received well over tea…Ah well, she thought, this should be a nice outing.

Maeve sighed lightly and smiled to herself. She closed the door of her room behind her and walked down the stairs to the private room, knocking softly on the door.

[Pylia Ju'ein]

Pylia checked her appearance in her mirror, her eyes meeting Draco's in the reflection. She wore a green silk that made her eyes shine like the emeralds in the engagement ring she wore. The dress was simple, but elegant, the neckline modest. She smiled at Draco as she fussed with her hair.

"Are you certain you want to attend this, dearest?" Draco's eyes were unguarded for once, worry clearly showing in their depths.

"Well, it would be rude of me not to after offering her my friendship." Py smiled and shrugged. "Maeve will be there and I really think Latishe isn't at all bad."

Draco frowned at her, well used to Varanite noblewomen and their intrigues. But he also knew his Pylia would see the best in the female until proven otherwise. "Then take this, hide it on your person."

Pylia looked at the ornate silver dagger in a fine leather sheath that he pressed into her hand. She arched a brow at him but raised her skirts to fasten it around her thigh, oblivious to Draco's shock.

Draco coughed then took her arm, escorting her to the doors of the Mistyvale. He raised her face gently to plant a small kiss on her lips. "I will be nearby if there is any trouble. Be careful, dearest."

Pylia looked at him, an utterly impish gleam in her eyes. "Darling, it is a tea party, what is the worse that could happen?" She quickly turned and entered the Mistyvale as he groaned.

"Hm. I forgot, she has never attended Varanite tea."Draco shook his head as he found a spot to sit and read. With these three beautiful females, one a Varanite noble, one a paladin and the last his beloved? Well he would conclude the Mistyvale was in for massive chaos.

[SnorriHT]

Latishe heard the soft knock at the door. She stood up and unconciously smoothed her dress over her curvy hips with her hands. She cautiously opened the door and saw Maeve standing before her. Latishe was stunned by her simple, natural beauty and all she could was smile warmly. Her thoughts turned to the predatory nature of the court. She wouldn't survive a day. If it wasn't the noblemen vying for her favours, it would be the Cult of Sapphos drugging and then luring her away. She stopped. This is not a Varanite tea Party. There shall be no baiting behind a mask of civility.

Latishe regained her composure, "Welcome Maeve and please come in. You look gorgeous! Is Pylia with you? You may not have known but I invited her as well. Pylia has been a great friend recently. "

There I said it. Latishe happily thought. Friend.

[Rheia Althia]

Maeve smiled to Latishe, her crimson lips a contrast against her pale skin like blood on satin. She turned her head to glance behind her in the direction of the common room of the Mistyvale.

"Hello Latishe, you look lovely as well. I think I saw Pylia enter, she should be here any moment now.." She turned again to regard the Priestess of Brintha, her face calm and warm yet still hinting of someone not quick to trust.

She unconsicously placed her hand on her hip, where the hilt of her great sword would usually rest. She smiled to herself. Ever since she started wearing this robe she found herself looking for that familiar object that was no longer there.

I must be crazy to have tea with a noble. I should be out slaying the undead that plague Aucklorn...She thought to herself, smiling to Latishe, Besides, I can't help but wonder why a Varanite noble would want to invite me for tea. I guess I could give her the benefit of the doubt, that is why I'm here afterall.

[Pylia Ju'ein]

Pylia walked calmly up to the door and took a deep breath. It is just a tea, Pylia, most likely much like the ones you attended with your mother in Rian. The weight of the dagger against her thigh dispelled that voice in her head. This was not Rian, Latishe was not one of her mother's elven friends and she was beginning to feel like she was swimming in waters way to deep.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And you are not a weak little painted doll. Head up high , Pylia."

Pylia's head lifted with pride, the usual cheerful smile creasing her lips. With a decisive but graceful motion, she rapped lightly on the door.

[SnorriHT]

"Well, I'm sure Pylia won't be long" Suggested Latishe. "Please come in and sit down. It is unsightly for ladies to stand at doors."

Latishe smiled and motioned for Maeve to sit down at the circular citruswood table. The tastefully arranged table afforded all of the ladies a glorious view of the summer's day out of the opened windows. Latishe had taken the middle chair, and a silken white shawl was hung over it.

As she shut the door and moved to sit down herself, she heard heard light knocking at the door. She cautiously opened the door and saw Pylia resplendent in her green dress.

"Pylia!" Latishe said with hesitant but growing friendliness. "Please come in. It is good to see you!" Latishe quickly spied the engagement ring. "A gift? please let us be seated and I look forward to the story around that gorgeous ring."

Latishe smiled with growing confidence. So far so good She thought.

[Rheia Althia]

Maeve's face brightens as Pylia walks though the door. She stands from her seat, easily towering over both woman, and inclines her head. She radiates confidence and moves with ease.

"Hello Pylia." Her voice is calming in the quiet room. She glances to Latishe, the smile still upon her lips as she takes her seat...

[Pylia Ju'ein]

Pylia smiled warmly, nodding to both Maeve and Latishe. "Goodday to you both, and don't you both look lovely." Her emerald gaze looked around the room with approval as she crossed to her chair. "Do pardon my tardiness, I am the worst when it comes to early arrivals."


Pylia sank down gracefully into her chair, smiling cheerfully at the two other females.

[SnorriHT]

Latishe pursed her lips at Pylia, like something was on her mind. "Why thank you." She then lightly bit her bottom lip. "Pylia and Maeve, I do have a confession to make. I...have never actually had a morning tea with friends before. I mean, I have attended many Noble Varanite High Teas, but they are usually a means to score points against rivals, rather than a relaxing afternoon with friends." Latishe paused and search for understanding. "Please forgive me if I appear a little uncomfortable". Latishe then looked at Pylia. "But I believe Brintha has shown me how to become a better person".

Latishe blushed. I can't believe I just said that. She thought. I have dropped my guard. Is this what friendship is about? Latishe smiled at Pylia and Maeve, and just hoped that she wasn't leaving herself open for a verbal dagger to the heart.

[Pylia Ju'ein]

Pylia looked at Latishe earnestly, a gentle smile on her face. Suddenly she reached out to pat the priestess on her arm, the infectious sound of her laughter chiming through the room. "I must confess the last tea I attended with my mother was little more than an excuse for females to trade thinly veiled insults or to gossip about each other."

Pylia smiled warmly at the two, her eyes glinting with mischief. "While I am not one to turn down a good piece of gossip, I truly dislike insulting my friends. There is really so many better things to talk of, don't you both agree?"

Her eyes traveled over the room, their green depth's shining with approval. "Like how Latishe managed to get Roggins to decorate this room in such a lovely manner for our enjoyment."

[SnorriHT]

Latishe jumped a little bit as Pylia touched her arm. But then a warm sense of reassurance flood through her, and she began to giggle along with the others.

"Thank you Pylia. Oh and please everyone help yourself to Tea and treats. We might as well keep it informal."

"So yes...Indeed Roggins has done a wonderful job. In fact he insisted that today's soiree' was his gift to Brintha. But, being the good priestess as I am, I asked him if he would like me to bless the kitchen, and he literally beamed from ear to ear and said...".

Latishe then copied Roggin's voice, which sounded more like a pirate with tight pants than a Dwarf: "Aaaaw cross-eyed Wright said you were a fine lass and its plain to see you are the Earthmother's own. It would be an honour for you to bless my kitchen".

[Chia]

A soft rustling of the vines draped over the wall of the inn comes through the open window, as a gentle breeze brings in the smell of verdant greenery enriched by the early morning's shower. A bumblebee circles near the window, the smudged outline of its wings glimmering in the sunlight seeping in from the clear skies.

The vines rustle again, this time less peacefully. The insect hastily departs, droning loudly, as two leaves flutter down past the open window. The sound repeats, followed by increasingly urgent scraping from somewhere above.

"Curs-!"

A wide swath of the vines plunges down in a rain of floral destruction, with a pair of soft leather shoes appearing in the upper part of the window. For a few heartbeats the legs slowly emerge, wiggling for purchase in the empty air, before another ripping sound announces yet more damage to the thick creepers decorating the outside wall.

The person comes into full view as a chaotic rain of leaves and twigs flies past the window. Plunging down, she bends, causing her upper torso to hit the windowsill with a loud “oomph” of air forcibly expelled from the lungs.

With majority of her body still outside the window, the gray-skinned female with a set of tiny horns on her head scrambles for support. The discoloration of her face, particularly of the thin skin of the large scar covering the left side of her face, indicates the apparent breathing difficulty caused by the impact.

Teshalia must smile on the woman, for her feet appear to finally find a spot on the wall to lodge the tips of her shoes in. She stops struggling, resolving instead to hanging limply over the window’s ledge with a furiously focused expression of one trying very hard not to asphyxiate.

(Couldn't help it! )

[SnorriHT]

Latishe, upon hearing the initial cacophony of falling vines, leaves and greenery, instinctively reaches under the table and pulls out an ornate Stiletto dagger from a hidden scabbard.

Then thinking of her guests, she turns and politely smiles to Pylia and Maeve. "My apologies friends, but a girl has always got to be prepared."

[Pylia Ju'ein]

At the sight of the dagger, a look of almost mischievous amusement crossed Pylia's face. She turned to face the source of the sounds, instinctively singing a song of protection for her and her companions.

Her emerald gaze carefully watched the scene and as the tiefling swung into view, a small sigh issued from her lips. She looked to Latishe, her eyes rolling slightly. 'I do believe you will have another guest for tea, Latishe."