A/N: I've got this starlet-heavy chapter, then a Marquis/Marchioness fluff one in the works. Getting up update for this story is always pretty neat

Rough ages are as follows: Johan at 67, Daniel at 50, Clara at 48, Martha at 45, Lena at 17, Astra and Tara at 15, Keisha Jones(!) at 13, Sterling at an old 10 (his birthday's next), Oriana turning 9, Maglina at an old 8, Seren at 4. This looks very screwed up to me, hence "rough ages".

Chapter Twenty-Three: Silver and Gold (II)

It was the dead of winter as Sterling shuffled his way through knee-high snow to the glasshouses. His feet felt frozen solid by the time he finally made it to his destination, closing the door quickly as to not upset the plants.

"It's a rare treat to see you here, young master," the head gardener's assistant chuckled as she saw the boy. "What can I do for you?"

"I have a problem," Sterling said. He sat down in the chair the assistant offered him and frowned. "You know Ori, right?"

"Lady Oriana Pink? Why of course I do," she replied. A grin spread across her face that nearly gave away her amusement. "Isn't it her birthday tomorrow?"

"It is, and I want to get her an adult gift on my own, because I'm out of the nursery, but no one I talk to can give me a good answer," he complained.

"Well, who have you talked to?"

"I asked the cook first, thinking about maybe some biscuits or brownies, but she said no. Then I asked one of the footmen, and he didn't know anything that was any good. The butler only had ideas that involve asking Mama and Papa for more spending money, which I don't want to do, and the maids only giggled at me. What do you think about flowers? Are flowers a good present for Ori?"

"Hmm… I think so," the assistant nodded. "Do you know what sort of flowers you want to give her? Different flowers have different meanings."

"That's what Papa says!" he gasped, a switch flipping in his brain. "Then it must be true! What's a gladiola mean?!"

"Honor, amongst other things," she said. "Why do you ask? That's very specific."

"Ori's middle name is Adeola; I heard it when Sir Daniel was lecturing us last month. They're related names, right?"

"No, not exactly," the assistant chuckled. "If I recall correctly, Lady Coal-on-the-Hill's cousin died in battle with Cybera a few months before her daughter was born. I think that was who she was named after. Not every girl has a flower as their second name like your sisters."

"Oh… okay…" Sterling thought for a moment, taking the information in. "Is it still okay to give her those?"

"I don't see why not. Come—let's go take a look at what we have in bloom right now." She allowed Sterling to take her hand and she led him over to another glasshouse, where most of the flowers were open and blossoming. "Here we go. Do you see anything you like?"

"Those!" he said, eyes going wide as he pointed. There was a cluster of brilliantly-pink flowers, precisely the kind he wanted. "Can I have those, please?"

"I think I can do you even better," the assistant said. "Do you want to give her the flowers today or tomorrow?"

"Today would be alright, if you have them."

"Then one adult bouquet of gladiolas coming right up." She took a small knife from her pocket and began to cut some stalks from their bases. Gathering them into a bunch, she arranged them neatly before wrapping them up in paper and handing it to the boy. "How do these look?"

"Really pretty," Sterling agreed. The assistant had given him not only the ones he requested, but flowers that were also a deep golden color. "Why do those look different?"

"It's a hybrid—that's how we got the color," she explained. "Some flowers don't come in the colors we want them to naturally, so in order to achieve the desired colors, we mix them with other flowers. It's not easy, but it works if you put in a lot of effort."

"Wow… thank you, ma'am!" Sterling gave the assistant a hug, careful not to crush the bouquet, and scuttled out the door. The assistant smirked as she watched the boy wade his way through the snow, protectively shielding the flowers from the cold in his cape. Her boss was going to have a fun time hearing about this.

Sterling stared at the door to Sir Daniel's cottage, chewing his bottom lip in indecision. The singular person in his family he had told about liking Oriana was his father and that had been a disaster. Not only was he barred from betrothal, but from courting as well. While his father had him helping with papers that day, he had explained many, many nuances of marital law when it came to those born into positions of authority compared to those who weren't, agreeing how very little of it seemed fair, though it was partial payment for their inherited power. What the love-struck boy had decided that day, however, was just because he wasn't guaranteed that his feelings would get, let alone could be, returned, did not mean he should prevent himself from being kind.

He rapped sharply on the wooden door, hoping for the best. The physician was the one who answered, looking down at him with a smile on her face.

"Well, now this is a surprise," she said, opening the door. "Come on in, Sterling. Do your parents know you're out here? What about Daniel?"

"No—Mama and Papa are with Seren and I don't want to bother Sir Daniel during Lena and Astra's lessons," he replied. "Lady Martha, is Ori here? I want to give her these."

"Hold on just a moment," the physician said kindly. She called up the stairs for her daughter and offered her young guest some tea. He politely declined, waiting for Oriana to come thundering down the stairs, Maglina close behind.

"Sterling! I thought you said you couldn't play today!" Oriana marveled. She looked curiously at the bundle of paper in his arms. "What's that?"

"It's for you. Happy birthday, Ori," he said, blush spreading across his face at an alarming speed. Once the bouquet was in her arms, Sterling bit his thumbnail as he watched her uncover the flowers. Eyes going wide, she was struck speechless.

"Wow! Gold and pink! Like your name!" Maglina said. "That's really neat!"

"They're gladiolas, which is also like your name," he added. His eyes dropped to the floor, nervous beyond belief. "I know it's not exactly like your name, but…"

"They're pretty Sterling! Thank you!" Oriana said, cutting him off. She kissed him on the cheek and held up the bouquet towards her mother. "Mum, can you put these in water? I don't want them to die."

"Don't worry; I know how to make these keep for at least a couple weeks," the physician nodded. She took the flowers and laid them down on the table. "Why don't the three of you go play? After bringing such a thoughtful gift, I think it'd be nice to let Sterling stay for a while."

"Yeah! Come on Sterling! Let's go!" Maglina cheered. She and Oriana each took one of his hands and pulled him along as they went back up the stairs. The boy was just barely able to kick off his boots before being tugged out of the kitchen and was only allowed to shed his cape once he was in his friend's bedroom. Toys were scattered everywhere, seemingly discarded almost as quickly as they had been played with.

"So, um, what were you playing?" he asked awkwardly.

"Well, we were playing Knights, but I guess now we can play something different now that you're here," Oriana said. She began to pick up some dolls that were laying at the foot of her bed, pondering what faerie story to enact now that their numbers had risen. "Oh! We can play Genovefa and Eskandar! Do you want to be Eskandar or King Volmar?"

"Umm…" Blush began to rush to his face, unsure if he wanted to claim the role of the dashing, rogue swordsman for himself.

"I'm Volmar! I'm Volmar! I want to do the voice!" Maglina gasped, jumping up and down. She threw open the chest in the corner of the room and began to dig for their play-costumes.

"Okay," Sterling said. He tried to sound defeated, he really did, but his heart couldn't help but flutter in joy. "Do we play in here? It's a bit small for the fight for Genovefa's honor."

"Ah, we know how it goes," Maglina scoffed. She pulled a beaten wooden crown out of the chest and put it on her head. Scrunching her nose into a scowl, she picked up the small wooden walking stick that sat at the side of the door, bringing her voice to an odd pitch. "My NaMe Is KiNg VoLmAr! I aM tHe GOBLIN KING! I sEaRcH fOr A wIfE tO cAlL mY oWn! WaIt A mOmEnT! WhO iS tHaT fAiR mAiDeN yOnDeR?"

"I am Genovefa, the finest sword in all the land!" Oriana announced, grabbing her practice sword and standing atop her bed. "No one, man or woman, can defeat me in battle!"

"I'd like to challenge that!" Sterling countered. He reached for a bat and he and Oriana crossed weapons. She jumped down to the floor and they fake-sparred for a moment, dropping sword and bat at the same time in pretend agony. "It is a draw, milady; you tell the truth."

"No—I am no longer the finest sword in all the land, for now we share that title," Oriana said. "What is your name, good sir?"

"Eskander, milady. I am just a simple soldier, over-practiced at the sword and too bold for my place."

Oriana dropped down to her knees and looked up at Sterling, holding out her hands. "Then, Eskander, become more than a simple soldier and meet me on the wedding platform, where we will join as one and the title of the greatest sword no longer need fighting over."

"It will be my honor," he replied. Helping her to her feet, they leaned in to kiss, only for Oriana to freeze in place before their lips could touch. "What sorcery is this?! She has turned to stone!"

"ThAt WoUlD bE mY dOiNg!" Maglina cackled. "I hAvE dEfEaTeD tHe MiGhTy GeNoVeFa! NoW sHe HaS nO cHoIcE bUt To BeCoMe My WiFe!"

"You have not yet defeated the best sword in the land, for that is the title her and I share," Sterling recited. "Fight me fair, Goblin King, and the wrath of both my wife and me shall be your downfall."

"ThEn I sHaLl NoT fIgHt FaIr!" Maglina said. She moved the hand not holding the walking stick and pretended to shoot a spell towards Sterling. He dodged and picked up his bat, miming parries as his sister continued her imaginary sorcery. Oriana began to wobble in place as the fight wore on, her only saving grace coming from her mother knocking on the door.

"Kids? I hate to break it up, but Lord Johan and Lady Clara just sent a messenger," the physician said as she opened the door. Looking at the scene before her, she chuckled as she recognized the story. "Genovefa and Eskander?"

"Yeah—do Papa and Mama want us back at the castle?" Maglina asked.

"They say it's time for your lessons in the ceremonial tongue," the physician replied, ushering out her guests. "Run along now; we'll see you tomorrow for Oriana's party."

"…but Mum!" her daughter whined, trying her best to not move. "I'm still stone!"

"Oh yeah," Sterling muttered. He tapped Maglina softly on the head, at which she dramatically collapsed, and then went over to Oriana and kissed her lips. "The Lady Genovefa is stone no longer. See you tomorrow."

"Bye, Maggie; bye Sterling! Thanks again for the flowers," Oriana said, waving at her friends. Her mother disappeared as she brought their guests to the door, coming back to find her cleaning up her toys.

"Did you have a fun time playing?" the physician asked, picking up a doll and placing it on a shelf.

"Yeah, I think we did," Oriana replied. "I like playing with Maggie, but we can do so much more when Sterling comes over too." She put some blocks that had formerly been a fortress in the chest at the end of her bed and frowned in thought. "Mum?"

"Yes?"

"Sterling doesn't come over as much as he used to—do you think I should invite him to the next sleepover Maggie and I have? He seems a bit lonely."

"Well…" her mother began. She sat down on the edge of the bed and waited for her daughter to climb up next to her. "You and Sterling at about the age when boys and girls usually find different things to do that don't involve the other. That doesn't necessarily make him lonely or sad; it just means he's growing up."

"Then growing up is dumb," Oriana pouted. "If it means my friends don't like me anymore, I don't want to grow up ever."

"I don't think Sterling would come over and bring you flowers if he didn't like you anymore," the physician noted. She wrapped one arm around the girl, hugging her tight. "I think as you get older, you'll be surprised at how much you stay friends. He's a good boy and I think he'll grow up to be a decent man."

"…as long as he doesn't end up like King Volmar from the story," the girl said. "He's kind of a jerk."

"Yeah, King Volmar is a pretty big jerk," her mother laughed. "If anything, I think he'd end up being like Emeka the Noble and be there for you no matter what."

"…but Emeka the Noble died serving his liege lady!" Oriana gasped.

"There are other ways to show your friendship than by dying," the physician said, amazed they were even having the conversation. "He will likely be your Emeka by following you no matter what. Just because he was born here in Gallifrey doesn't mean he'll always remain here."

"Oh… okay…" the girl mused. "Emeka did go a long way to serve Lady Rudo. Won't Lena need his help with the march? Lady Clara says that Maggie has many siblings so that they can all help each other when they're older."

"Maglina is one of six children—something tells me that there won't be any shortage of help, even if Lena only wants her siblings as her advisors."

"Maybe, if Lena keeps Astra and Tara around to help her, then that would mean both Maggie and Sterling could come to Coal-on-the-Hill and stay there!"

"…and what about Seren?" the physician chuckled.

"Seren barely wants to leave Lady Clara's side—he's gonna be the one staying with her and Lord Johan when they're retired and let Lena run the march."

"He might, he might not… we don't know anything yet." An odd thought crossed the mother's mind and she pondered for a moment.

"Mum…? What's the matter?"

"Nothing, sweetie," the physician lied. She kissed her daughter on the forehead and stood, going towards the door. "Finish cleaning up and come downstairs to help me in the kitchen, alright?"

"Okay, Mum," Oriana agreed. She did as she was told, not noticing the look of worry that spread across her mother's face.

The following day in the Pink-Jones household was filled with excitement from the moment the youngest member woke up. Oriana was thrilled as she had her birthday breakfast with both her parents, something that didn't always happen due to the nature of her mother's career, and by the time they were done, one of the assistant cooks from the castle and a maid arrived to help prepare for the party the best they could. Having lived with and without household help, the Lady Coal-on-the-Hill was thrilled to have the extra sets of hands that could fully reach over tables and counters, while her lord husband, having grown up with very little, tried to be at-ease while people other than him and his family worked about in the house.

Noon did eventually come and, to the tutor's relief, so did the guests. The Marquis and Marchioness and their children came, as well as Martha's brother Leo, with his daughter Keisha. While Lena and Astra volunteered to help the cook, Tara started bickering with the Jones two years her junior, and the Marquis and Baron (aided by his brother-in-law) attempted to corral the younger children with minimal success.

"It's probably a good thing that we kept the party small," the physician smirked, sitting down next to the Marchioness. The friends clinked their drinks together as they watched the fray from the couch, laughing at their husbands' futile efforts.

"Wow, it is a good thing Keisha goes to the College and not the Academy," the Marchioness noted. Her attention was caught by the verbal sniping occurring in the corner. "I can't imagine needing to march Tara down to your brother's purely to apologize for getting into schoolyard fights with Keisha."

"My niece is a Jones—we're more than capable of dealing with some huffy lady who thinks she knows better because she lives in the castle." The baroness paused for a moment before the two women burst into laughter. The girls would likely get along one day, though that particular day was stretching it. They continued watching the men try to keep the children calm. "Hey Clara?"

"Yes, Martha?"

"You want to share grandkids, right?"

"Of course." She glanced over where Sterling was, nervously picking at his fingers while he watched Oriana and Maglina run circles around the latter's uncle. "Is something the matter?"

"Sterling came over to give Oriana flowers, but was all jittery as he did so," the physician explained. "Later on I tried telling her that he's only acting odd because he's growing up and I remembered: isn't your father still looking around for an heir?"

"Stars," the Marchioness hissed. "Papa needs a boy to succeed him and if Sterling does…"

"…he is automatically forbidden from marrying my daughter thanks to inheritance laws," the physician finished. "Seren?"

"I was never that thrilled with the idea of Linda getting Sterling, but my baby?!" She sighed at the sight of Seren scaling her husband's back via his cape, wishing her youngest would stay that small forever. "I can't let that witch of a woman take and turn my Seren against me."

"Maybe not against you, if you and Johan keep in mind to teach him friend from foe early, like you did Lena."

"What about me?" Lena wondered, butting into the conversation. She gave the two women small plates of food, which they thankfully took.

"None of your business," her mother frowned. The teen shook her head and turned to leave, but a nearby vase caught her eye.

"Those are gorgeous, Lady Martha," Lena said, acknowledging the flower arrangement. "Did you get these for Ori?"

"No, Sterling did," she smirked. Lena's thick brows arched in surprise, turning her gaze towards her brother.

"Sterling? The one that can barely handle talking in front of her?"

"Lena!"

"I'm not blind, Mama—he's been stumbling around her for ages now," Lena shrugged. "It's a good thing Ori and Maggie are the blind ones, or I don't know what would happen."

"Not a word," the Marchioness warned. Lena raised her hands in surrender and walked away, leaving her mother and the baroness to themselves.

"Clara, I think things just became plenty more complicated than they already were," the physician noted. She took a cracker from her plate and chewed on it idly. "What do you think she'll do?"

"Knowing Lena? What's good for her… which coincidentally enough is what I say," the Marchioness said. "Don't worry Martha; this means we have more people on our side."