Hi everybody! Nooo don't throw tomatoes! I'm sorry I'm sorry! I've no excuse about not posting cause I've been having an 8 month long holiday, I was writing out snippets for multiple chapter but when I decided to write out this chapter in full (I seriously set my heart to do it) my com crashed and my beautiful writings WITH ALL MY DATA disappeared. Yes. My whole computer didn't even start up anymore. Mourn my readers, mourn.
Anyway, this chapter isn't really very very happening, but it is important. I probably would try to spice it up if I have no motivation to write out the next chapter but er hopefully I'll just be able to churn out the next chapter before Uni starts next month. (instead of just updating this)
Buchard of Stone Mountain stood with his wife on his left while his two sons flanked his right. One was fair haired, his blue eyes showing his lineage as a true Stone Mountain and a proud tilt of his chin. The other, slighter boy had a cap full of fiery curls and stormy eyes that gazed around innocently.
The boys and their father were dressed in varying shades of ice blue, black and silver, sleeveless tunics trimmed in silver over thin black shirts, high collared and buttoned to the neck. The hose was the newest fashion, cropped close to the tights and overlaid with velvet boots.
Meldrose was just as fashionably dressed, a high collar in the front contrasted an open backed dress, which hugged at the waist before draping itself to touch the floor. Laced designs scattered from the waist and shoulders to meet the black that rose from the hems. Her hair was curled and pinned, interlaced with blue pearls, any of which could have fed farmer's family for a year or two. Fortunately they tempted no thieves that night at the celebration of the birth of His Majesty's fifth daughter, Lianne of Conté where security was tight, and the hallways were packed with guards and nobles alike.
On the other side of the hall, far closer to the dais stood a stout, brown-haired man dressed simply in emerald and black with simple silver trimmings, deep in conversation with His Majesty. Piers of Mindelan was discussing the newest proposal by the Emperor, however King Jonathan was proving to be reluctant in betrothing Princess Kalasin to the third prince of the Emperor's second wife.
While the two men debated, Ilane of Mindelan was a few paces away conversing with the lady of King's Reach. Nyethelia was half a head shorter than Ilane, but she made up for it with animated conversation, in which had Ilane's musical laughter tinkling through the noisy court. By her side was six-year old Keladry, hazel eyes roaming as she took in the sight of the finely dressed nobles, very unlike the formal Yamani garments she was used to. Servers and squires wove in and out of the crowd, carrying platters and wine goblets. One unfortunate squire passing by the ladies failed to notice the small girl at her mother's skirts, causing him to start as he bumped into Keladry. Nyethelia had been known at the convent for her quick reflexes which she demonstrated by righting the wobbling goblets swiftly, while glaring at the squire.
"Do mind your surroundings Squire! Really! Must I lodge a complaint to the Master of Ceremonies on the incompetent nature of his squires! What would have happened if you had spilled that drink onto Lady Ilane and her daughter?" as she scolded, the squire muttered apologies and bowed repeatedly as he scurried out of the hall.
As soon as he was out of sight, Ilane put a hand on her friend's arm. "Really, 'thelia, must you scare them so? The poor boy's face could not have turned any more red! Besides, Keladry should have known better than to get in the way of the servers, shouldn't you Kel?" Keladry gave a shy nod and shifted closer to her mother as she bowed her head.
"Well, no one said you aren't allowed to have a little fun at times like this! Did you see his hands shaking?" Nyethelia grinned and reached out to tilt Keladry's head up. "Heads up girl, it wasn't your fault a clumsy squire didn't see where he was going. There's a good girl, don't let your mama scold you!"
Ilane laughed as she pulled Kel closer. "Hey, don't go turning my daughter against me! She's only six!" Nyethelia winked at Kel and returned to her conversation with Ilane.
Across the room, Buchard greeted his companions with a nod as they coagulated together in a group to discuss the latest motion passed by King Jonathan. Small outbursts of prejudiced rants would occur before the speaker's companions hushed him and they continued discussing looking warily at the throne from time to time. Esthar of Cavall was in a loud conversation with Meldrose about her latest breeding programme for her dogs, or rather Esthar was monologuing at her usual volumes while Meldrose stood and nodded, murmring replies every once in a while. She started to look for an escape route when Ilane caught her eye.
It was a subtle action, practiced and developed to deter the prying eyes of too-alert conservatives watching the Stone Mountains' every move. A flick of the the skirts and a slight shoulder shrug , Meldrose made sure to glance casually around the room before she excused herself from the chatty matriach. As she drifted in the opposite direction of where Ilane seemed to be headed to, she picked up several pastries for her two sons before slowly leading them to the many open-air wings of the ballroom. The night air was a cool wind, promising of the winter to come, and as she chaffed her sons hands, the heavy velvet draperies wrinkled and the French doors inched open to allow a tall elegant lady, her dress a stunning blue with her young daughter through.
Ilane looked at her friend's two sons and smiled widely. "Joren and Jayce! My! You two look so handsome tonight! Are you enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes Lady Ilane, Mama gave us food and it was delicious!" Joren nodded enthusiastically showing his crumb covered fingers, while five year old Jayce still wary of the elegant, tall stranger copied his brother to show her his chubby palms.
The ladies laughed as Meldrose smoothed Jayce's head. "Jayce, this is Lady Ilane, say hello to the Lady." At his mother's request the boy gave toothy smile and did a clumsy bow, stumbling as he did. Meldrose caught her son before he could fall and as she righted him, her eyes fell on Keladry. "Never mind my boys Ilane! What is this your daughter is wearing? The fabric is beautiful on her!"
Keladry ducked her head, shy that Meldrose had taken notice of her as Ilane explained, "It's the latest import from the Yamani emperor- guiffe, in an attempt to bribe King Jonathan about the betrothal." She rolled her eyes "But the King keeps giving these non answers, which clearly means he doesn't want to give up Kalasin as of yet, not that I don't empathise, but it's putting Piers and myself in a spot." Ilane sighed, but a sudden sly gleam came ino her eyes as she looked at her friend again "By the way, I saw you talking to Lady Esthar, you two seemed so very involved in the conversation, I almost didn't want to interrupt."
Meldrose was about to roll her eyes when she saw the three children still trying to make sense of their conversation. "Joren, why don't you introduce your brother to Keladry? I'm sure Jayce wants to make friends with her too. Sit near the doors but don't pull back the curtains or open the doors."
Ilane nodded as her daughter looked up at her and she let an eager blond boy pull her over. As he began to chat animatedly, they stood as Meldrose had bid them hidden by a large potted plant and an overhead banner. This would conveniently shield them from prying eyes of anyone watching in the gardens below. Meldrose turned to Ilane and gestured for them to sit on a stone bench hidden in the shadows and rolled her eyes.
"Mithros. That woman. No wonder her husband is so involved in dogs, Ilane you couldn't have saved me earlier. Her voice was so loud I'm quite sure even Genlith looked over a few times from three tables away. Not to mention it has that really high pitched whine, I mean I'm interested in how Fief Cavall manages the special training and all but I just would rather not hear it from her."
They shared a laugh, when Meldrose suddenly stopped, her face contorting to an odd expression. Her hand passed over her midsection and splayed over the fabric. Seeing her best friend's face, Ilane put her hand on her friend's shoulder. "Mel? Mel? Are you alright?"
The moment passed and Meldrose relaxed and she gave a smile. "Remember when I sent a note for you to come find me during the celebrations today? Ilane- Ilane! I'm with child! It just kicked for the first time!" Ilane's mouth formed a comical 'O' as surprise gave way to delight and she gave her friend an excited hug.
"Mel! Congratulations! How far along are you? Have you thought about the names for the baby? Does Buchard know? Do Joren and Jayce know?"
Meldrose laughed, "So many questions! It's been almost six months, yes I have, what do you think or Danae for..."
"Keladry, this is my younger brother Jayce. He's five years old this year. He likes to play the flute and paint but Papa doesn't like him to. Papa wants him to pay more attention to horse riding and his sword classes. Jayce say hi to Keladry." Joren gave a push to his younger brother.
"Hello Kera-drie, I'm Jayce, it's nice to meet you" Jayce attempted an awkward bow as he had been taught by the tutors his father employed, which made Joren laugh at his brother's attempt.
However, Keladry simply placed her palms flat on her thighs and gave him a bow. As she straightened she gave Jayce a small smile. "Hello Jayce, my name is Keladry. Nice to meet you too." She paused to look at the confused boy before her and thought for a moment. "Jayce, would you like to learn how to perform a Yamani greeting?"
"Ya-Yami greeting? What's that, Kera-drie? How come you didn't curtshey like Master Keive said girls do?"
"Jayce!" Joren frowned at his brother. "You can't say that to Keladry, she's special cause she didn't grow up in Tortall. They do things differently where she stays. In the Yamani Islands. But you can't tell Papa you know her? Understand? Because Mama will get in trouble with Papa."
Jayce thought hard for a few seconds, then he nodded his head as solenmnly as a five year old could and tugged on Keladry's sleeve. "Keradrie? Teach me, I promise I'll keep your secret."
Keladry looked at Joren, who only shrugged his shoulders. "That's what Mama said." She gave a small nod and took up one of Jayce's hands in hers. "Okay so open up your hands like mine..." as she showed him her open palm. As she turned it to face down, she explained to Joren and Jayce where to put their palms and the different angles to bow when they met different people. Joren smiled inwardly, delighted that his shy brother had opened to his friend so quickly. although he had to admit that he had an uncomfortable feeling that she was showing Jayce something she hadn't taught him before. It wormed its way into his heart and made him a little angry. Brushing it aside, he paid attention to the girl as she explained to them in her clever way. She was teaching them where to look at when they were bowing when their mothers interrupted them.
After the Mindelans had said goodbye to Meldrose, Joren and Jayce, Ilane inched open the heavy doors again and led Keladry out, surreptitiously closing the curtains behind her. She smoothed her daughter's hair as they gracefully made their way to the dais where she could speak to the one of the ladies-in-waiting.
Outside, Meldrose bent down to neaten up her sons' tunics and fuss over their hair. As she finger combed flaxen hair, she looked at her son in the eye. "Joren, the bows that Keladry has taught you today must never be repeated in our house, you understand that right?" As he nodded, she turned to Jayce and stressed the same point to him, ensuring that her two sons would not find out of their acquaintance with the progressive Mindelan house. Satisfied, she queried them about what they learnt and after a while she stood up and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she re-transformed into Lady Meldrose of Stone Mountain with her two perfect sons, and opened the doors to head back into the ballroom.
A/N: Yes their interaction was very short! And this chapter was very dry I'm sorry! But this chapter was very important! I do have the skeleton set out for the next chapter! Please be patient! It has set in motion a couple of things!
For those of whom have followed the story and reviewed a big thank you, reading them and receiving emails from my readers have been the source of motivation to keep writing whenever I get a writer's block.
alanna9631: Hello! I'm so sorry! I only saw your PM very very late! But thank you! It was the last catalyst to spur me to finish this even though it's waay past my bedtime! Hope that you'll stick with the story until the end!
Fun fact: As I was researching I happened to realise SEA region is one of the few who use pass motion to refer to deficate hahaha (ok not funny don't kill me)