High Tea for the Flowers of Cear

[Rheia Althia]

Meave nodded to Latishe and thanked her for her hospitality, a gentle smile on her face. She looked to Pylia and offered a kind smile and a farewell before she turned and glided out of the room towards the common section of the Mistyvale Inn. There was one thought on her mind...A nice cold ale.

[Pylia Ju'ein]

Pylia arose gracefully as she offered Latishe a warm smile. "Thank you very much for having me, Latishe. It was a pleasure getting to know you better." She gave the priestess a courtesy worthy of Court and made her way into the common room.

She immediately spotted him, sitting at a far table, reading. Her face lit up as she approached him and he looked up with a smile. "All went well, dearest?" His words were proper, but his eyes searched hers for any sign of distress.

Pylia smiled at her beloved in reassurance. "I will tell you all about it when we get home, handsome."

Draco chuckled as he took her by the arm and escorted her to their home. "Did I tell you I procured us a very nice vintage of wine?" His gaze was amused.

"After you hear about my tea, darling, you will realize how appropriate it is."

[SnorriHT]

Latishe smiled as she watched the two ladies leave. She then sighed with relief. That was hard was her thought. Oh Brintha you ask me to do the most difficult things. Casual friendship does not come easy to me, Oh Earthmother, For the backbone of nobile service has always been duty; to the emperor, to one's family and for one's personal benefit. However I shall continue and let your divine wisdom guide me.

Latishe then walked out of the room and closed the door.

[SnorriHT]

Later that night, with a glass of good wine in her hand, Latishe thought about the tea party again. Latishe mulled over the concepts about personal friendship, love and duty. Was she compromising herself or her family? Was she missing an opportunity for personal growth or power? Latishe put down the wine galss and then began to pray.

You have taken me under your wing as your own daughter, Earthmother. you have shown me great patience. But show me how I can reconcile being a priestess and a noble?

That night when Latishe was preparing herself to bed, she passed a small painting depicting one of her ancestors buying slaves, treating them well, and then releasing from service after they had earned their bond. It then showed many of the slaves deciding to remain on the estate as freedmen and women. Great-great-great grandfather was apparently an eccentric one she thought. Then it hit her: Philanthropy!

A plan suddenly hatched in her mind, and she glided back to the study to write it down.