A Holiday by Decree
~~ Day 3 ~~
When he arrived, Sansa sat looking radiant in a floor length cream colored gown that softly clung to her body when she rose to greet him. Flowing butterfly sleeves that split just above her elbows, floated daintily, when she lowered herself to be reseated. The dress' shallow, scoop neckline was comparatively demure, but Tyrion noticed how the cut beautifully highlighted her slender neck.
"It seems we got the message about the color scheme," she joked, as she gestured between their clothes.
"Yes, but one of us is surely wearing it much more beautifully than the other," he replied, hoping it was a safe enough way to compliment her. He still wasn't very sure of himself around her in the midst of such unfamiliar terrain, so it was to his relief when she simply smiled in return before looking away to take a sip from her water goblet.
Their lounge area was set up under the open sky on the flagstone lanai next to the swimming pool. Small bronze lanterns lit with flickering candles had been placed at intervals around the pool's edge. Plush cushions and throws of rich, warm colored fabrics were exotically piled around a low table surrounded by stuffed bolsters the size of ottomans. Sansa was seated on one, and Tyrion took a seat on another next to hers. Settled, together they exchanged a few comments as they admired the clear sky over the water. The sunset was painted in hues of indigo, red, and orange.
A young man dressed in servant's livery came out with a rolling cart, diverting their attention.
"My Lord, my Lady," he addressed them, giving them each a porcelain tea cup decorated with a cerulean and white pattern. From a matching tea pot, he poured them tea. The comforting aroma of mint filled the air, drawing Sansa and Tyrion to pick up their cups. In quiet fascination, they sipped the unusual tea, observing as the servant set up the requested water pipe.
First, fresh water was added to the shiny, aquamarine-colored glass base, before a long, buffed-brass stem fitted on top. From a canister and using a rounded spoon, the servant measured out the supple combination of darkly-colored fragrant herbs and spices they would smoke. He also offered them a chance to inspect and smell the mixture before he packed it in the pipe's tall bowl, which Tyrion appreciated; eager to ensure their safety as much as he could, he had confirmed with the staff in the afternoon that they would smoke only of items that were already in the royal stores, at least making them known quantities.
The bowl was covered and attached to the stem, along with a long hose, tipped with an ornate stem and brass bit mouthpiece. Then, once satisfied that the pre-lit, glowing coals he had finally topped the pipe with had heated things enough, the servant explained to them how to take in the smoke. Then, he politely presented the hose into Tyrion's hand and excused himself.