Tea and Roses [Open to Nobility, Royalty and Breton]

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Date: 1 week before Morgg Event
Time: Late Morning/Noon

It was just a little before noon and Yuki has finally finish setting up for the tea tasting party, with permission and help the garden was decorated with few round tables and chairs with white table cloth with snacks on the tables that range from cookies to small sandwiches. At each table was a pitcher full with ice, teapot and cups matching the teapot. Taking a few moments to over look it all making sure everything was in place checking each tea making sure that it was still hot while over looking all the tables that nothing was out of place to her liking. Near one of flowering brushes that had purple and white flowers a small stage was set up where the court musicians tuning they instruments getting ready for the party.


Taking a deep breath to try and calm herself since she has sent out invites to all the nobles of the court, along with visiting nobles and royal, she had even taken time to sent an invite to Noku, Lilith and Breton not that she expected any of them to show up. Still it didn’t calm her nervous even a tiny since this was the first official event that she was hosting that her mother had no ties to and if it went wrong it would all be on her. She couldn’t even use magic since she had yet to get her permit to use magic within the walls of the city to cold things down not that she needed to with a light breeze blowing though the garden without any assistance from outside forces.


Lifting the edge of her dress she walked towards the arch way that was covered in red flowers and some white ribbons as she waited for her first guest to arrive. Her dress was a long-sleeved cream that reached just above her ankles, it had a flora pattern to match the sun harvest season and the fact that it was in the garden. To complete look she wore a pair of white stockings with black Maryjane heels. Her hair was down her back, with a light pink almost white ribbon tied at the end. “Just relax Yuki you can do this. It’s just a tea tasting event to introduce people to a few latest items your family have acquired and will be selling this season.” She said to herself to calm herself a little before the first person showed up.


As soon as the first person arrived she would smile warmly and curtsy welcoming them to her tea party.

Dress

[Deleted]

After receiving his invitation, he felt joy and delight fill his system. He had waited quite some time for the tea party that Yuki had mentioned in their previous business meeting. His anticipation of the event only built the more he waited. In preparation of the event Theo went out and purchased a fitted suit. It was a light grey tweed suit with boxes outlined in a navy blue colour. He also took the liberty of purchasing some new shoes, dark brown and newly shined. He sported this with a dark red tie, and a matching pocket square. He sported a silver pin with his family crest engraved in the center. His hair was properly styled, with length at the top, shorter on the sides.

He rode his Clydesdale over to the event, tying it up in the barn. He wandered over to the gardens of the castle grounds, seeing Yuki from afar. He brought with him a wrapped gift, wrapped in a yellow floral cloth, embroidered with lace. As he approached the party area, he offered his hand out to hers, if she accepted, he would then bow before the hostess. "Lady D'avranches, you look lovely this fine day." he smiled a toothy grin. He handed the gift over to her after bowing, then stood upright. "I cannot express my excitement for this event you've planned. I have the highest hopes that you will be an excellent hostess." Theo was glowing with excitement "Not only that, but I am also excited to try your tea." he smiled.

He would wait for her to either open the gift, or gesture towards the tables for him to take his place. When she opened the gift, it would be a set of silverware engraved with her initials, and the image of a teapot with a small four-petaled flower in the middle of the teapot.

[Deleted]

Aria had received an invitation to attend a tea party hosted by Yuki; the girl who annoyed her when they first met was slowly growing on her. So Aria was happy to accept; immediately after receiving the letter she had sent one in reply. Aria said she would be happy to attend; so Yuki knew to expect her. It also gave Aria time to make something for the party. Aria prepared several lemon tartlets that were perfectly bite sized, topped with a raspberry and dusted with powdered sugar. Aria placed them on a silver platter with a glass cover over to keep them safe overnight and for the trip. On the day of Aria made sure to rise early to get ready.

Aria pinned her hair up in a messy bun, with soft ringlets escaping here and there; some ringlets going as far as brushing her shoulders. Her bun was held up by a gold hair come decorated in simple pearls and amethysts. She wore a thick gold choker necklace with a diamond cut ruby embedded into the center. Small gold chains came down from the necklace and overlapped in waves. Each chain having a small amethyst drop hang from it. Her dress was mainly made of a summer silk over the breast, sweet heart neckline corset that drastically defined her waist. The corset was made of light pink and lavender silks, with a dark purple lace along the top hem. Around her shoulders was a transparent wrap, made with a very light lavender material that shimmered with a pearl pink shine. The fabric wrapped around her shoulders and was held together by a gold butterfly broach; the rest of the pretty material draping down loosely. The long ankle length skirt was certainly the statement of the dress, as it had three layers, two of which were asymmetrical. The top layer was a deep purple mosaic lacey fabric. The second which was visible underneath the first layer was also made of lace, it faded from yellow, to a coral orange, and finally to a pretty pinkish red. The pretty think about the second layer of lace was one could make out a large rose among the pattern. The last and base layer was made of pearly pink fabric that faded to a shimmery white at the hem. Her shoes were one she had been fated in; a light rosy pink with gold trim; with two red god stones embedded into the shoes. Dress

Once ready she made her way to the portal with treats in hand. She’d arrive perfectly on time for the little get together. When she approached she found she was the second one of the guests to arrive; she smiled at both. Normally when attending a party you greeted the highest stationed person there first, but only after greeting the host or hostess. So Aria turned and gave a small curtsy to Yuki ”Good afternoon, thank you for inviting me. I brought a little something if there’s room for it? Also if you need any extra hands I’m more than happy to help.” She then turned to Theo. ”A pleasure to see you again Duke Bankes” Aria didn’t think she had any run ins with him since the party several months ago that she attended. However she had an excellent memory for faces and names.

She looked back at Yuki with a smile; the girl did look adorable today; and had even gone to wear shorter dresses favored by some commoners. Aria personally thought if she tried to dress in such a fashion people would mistake her for even younger than they already did.

[Deleted]

Lilith was nervous. She had received the invitation from Yuki, and harmless as it was, Lilith had been keeping away from basically everyone; inside the castle and out. It had been a few months, and her little bump was starting to be quite visible no matter what she wore. After some contemplation and discussing with Noku, Lilith decided she should attend. It was time she stopped hiding; after all she and Noku were to be married... her being pregnant with his child was natural. Though, she'd leave the marriage part out for now; one bit of news at a time.

When the time arose, Lilith readied herself, still refusing a handmaiden. She was quite capable of handling herself. She chose a slender dress, a soft blue in colour, a slightly darker blue floral pattern gracing the fabric. Dark blue lined the entire gown, accenting it beautifully. The collar went up to her neck, but the sleeves stopped before her shoulders, and the hem ended at her ankles (no slit up her leg, despite the picture), showing off her baby blue flats; heels caused pain. She'd chosen that dress in hopes it would make the announcement for her, slender as it was it really showed off the baby bump.

She kept her hair down, braiding the parts around her face back into a rose shaped bun at the back of her head. The rest flowed like platinum silk down her back, ending at her thighs. She wore no jewelry, and only a little bit of lip colour, not finding the need to really go over board. She stopped by the kitchen before she went to the Garden, sneaking around slightly so as to avoid the head chef. She'd asked one of the lower bakers to prepare a medium sized cake, decorated with flowers and pale pink icing; vanilla in flavor. She'd known Yuki liked things like cake, so she just hoped someone hadn't already brought her one.

As she approached the event, she stopped to take in a deep breath. Everything was okay. She stepped within view of the others. G-good afternoon. She spoke softly, migrating immediately towards Aria after placing the cake on Yuki's beautifully decorated table. Thank you for inviting me..

[Sareth Edara]

Sareth finally decided to accept an invite to a get together that was being held thanks to the recommendation of Duke Banks during their meeting to set up some trade agreements. He arrived on time for once and was dressed in a formal manner for once as well. He had a dark emerald green trench coat on over a white silk shirt and matching pants all of which had gold embroidery. Various pieces of jewelry adorned his hands and neck even some earrings hung from his ears all of which were gold with emeralds set in them. Both swords were attached to his dark emerald green sash though he doubted there would be any need for them.

He entered after the others who had accepted the invites so far taking a moment to greet Yuki as she greeted him taking one hand in his own and gently brushing his lips against her hand in greeting. "Thank you for the invitation Duchess D'Avranches, I can't wait to taste your famous tea." He let her hand slip from his and was doing her a small favor as he could feel the nervous energy radiating off of her and started to slowly feed her some of his calmness to help settle her nerves. Turning he greeted the other guests next starting with Theo, "It is nice to see you again Duke Banks I'll be able to get back to you about some of the agreement terms in a few days providing nothing comes up to get in the way." Next he turned to Aria giving her a small bow, "No big entrance this time Duchess Wurud? A little disappointing." His voice held a bit of a teasing tone as he spoke to Aria before he turned to Lilith to greet her as well, "A pleasure to meet you finally Lady Harmonia, I've been wondering where King Noku has been hiding you. Has it all sunk in yet? Sorry you don't have to answer that just a little idle curiosity." With that he waited to let Yuki direct everyone to their seats and was half waiting for Aria to be sassy with him since he was being so with her.

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki smiled when she saw Theo, with Aria not far behind him, giving a low curtsy. “Good Afternoon Duke Bankes, Duchess Wurud. I am happy that you are able to attend.” Seeing the gift in Theo’s hand she looked at the wrapped it was cheerful and happy just like the current season and it also fit the party given that they were surrounded by flowers. “You can place the present on the empty table under the tree.” Her eyes moved to the snacks that Aria had brought thinking for a moment since she would prefer they go on a table that would pair well with the tea with the table. “Your treats can go on the second table to the right of the white lavender brush.”



Taking a small moment to look over Aria’s dress it was lovely though now she was bit worried that it might get dirty with the little that did touch the ground. Still Aria looked lovely in her dress and it suited her very well. “Oh, no you don’t have to help. You are my guest here I don’t want you feel like you need to help.”



Stepping aside a bit so that Theo and Aria move beyond her and enter the party only to notice Lilith. If she was honest she wasn’t expecting her to show up, she had sent her an invite because Liltih was being courted by Noku but she thought that she would turn it down, since it wasn’t an official function that she had to attend. She was not going to lie she was bit thankful that someone else showed up because she was a bit unsure on how to properly address Lilith, though her nervous shot up seeing that it Sareth. A small blush dusted her cheeks when he greeted her and kissed the back of her hand. “Prince Sareth Edara of Pherana, it is an honour to have you here.” Feeling a bit of calm come over her she relaxed a bit and realized that Sareth had made a small mistake in greeting her. “Oh Your Highness. I do apricate the honour of being called a Duchess but unfortunately I am only a simple Baroness.” She said correcting him on her proper title not that the idea of being a Duchess wasn’t appealing it’s just she hoped that her marriage would not be another business transaction.



Taking a moment to greet Lilith, “Lady Harmonia, I am glad you can make it. I was worried you were sick since I not seen you much it is good to see you in good health.” Giving a smile she took in Lilith’s appearance she looked healthy and her eyes seem almost brighter than before her eyes did stop at her belly when she saw the small bump. Putting it together her eyes shot back up to Lilith’s it explained her glow though now her mind was racing ahead thinking of teas that Lilith should avoid given her condition since not everything that was out was safe for pregnant women to drink and she didn’t want Noku to kill her if harm came to Lilith even if it was unintentional.



Giving a small curtsy and she walked away from the group of guests and when to the little stage that was set up. Feeling calmer she smiled before speaking, “Thank you all for being able to attend my little tea party today. I’ll be doing this party a bit different than most since this is unveiling of few new products. First there are no seating order so please feel free to sit at any of the tables. Second each table host a pot of tea along with a pitcher of ice, the reason being is that the teas in each pot can be drank hot or cold. Finally, each table also has a different flavor of tea so please feel free to socialize and try the tea and snacks that pair well with them.” As she left the stage the musician started to make a light upbeat tune, as Yuki greeted the guest that came in afterwards before wandering to each table making sure everyone was enjoying themselves, while keeping an eye on Lilith to see which tea she was trying.



------------
Note: There is no posting order for this thread. 

[Deleted]

Theo began after speaking to Baroness D'Avranches towards the empty table under a nearby tree. He set his seasonal gift down carefully so not to break the china, then walked back towards the entrance, this time standing within closer proximity to a table, and awaited other guests.

Seeing the recognizable red-head coming up behind him, being the second invitee to arrive, he smiled and bowed to her. "The pleasure is all mine Duchess Wurud, its always nice to see a familiar face." Theo would stand upright, and continued "You look lovely this fine day." Theo would nod his head, he wasn't very familiar with Duchess Wurud, and had only ran into her at formal gatherings... as well as that one time on the beach when she suddenly appeared standing above Sareth. Theo grinned at the thought, she must really keep things interesting.

Theo, seeing the woman who was being courted by the king, immediately dropped into a bow at the sight of her. Though she didn't have an official title, it was still appropriate considering... whoa. As Theo raised his head back up to stand upright, he couldn't help but notice the baby bump that was protruding from Madame Harmonia's mid-section. He made a point not to stare, and when we was fully standing once again he would smile kindly at the woman. He thought that her and the king would make an official announcement, and never expected something as... well, unexpected as her simply showing up at an event, with hopes of making a statement. "Good afternoon Madam Harmonia, you look lovely today. You're absolutely glowing." Theo smiled, she was glowing. Pregnancy always made women look more beautiful, and more radiant.

Next, Theo was greeted by Prince Sareth. Theo extended a hand to the man, and smiled. "Ah Prince Sareth,
how wonderful to see you... and in formal attire too." Theo joked "I look forward to seeing the arrangements that you will be making. I plan on arranging a meeting soon after for you and your new business partner." Theo looked over to Yuki, and smiled. "I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the product that her organization provides." he nodded in conclusion, glad that he could help with their business arrangements.

Theo looked over to the stage setup as the young Baroness took center stage to start the party. Theo smiled, proud to see her taking pride in her work. He knew that she was nervous, but had full confidence that she would be an excellent hostess and named partner - nay, owner - of her company. After listening to her announcement, Theo would let the women take their seats first, then would follow suit, sitting at a table a rare dark chocolate milk tea. Theo would grab the tea pot in the center of the table, would pour the tea first for other people. and ending with himself. 

[Deleted]

For the first time in about a week, Aireth was late. Not because he forgot and not because he set his alarm clock wrong, no. Alarm clocks didn't exist. He just dreaded needing to...be so proper. It wasn't exactly his scene. For a noble, he didn't care for nobility duties and mingling. However he knew if he was going to further his book, he needed to make these connections. Getting dressed was somewhat tedious for him. Today he had opted for some lighter weight clothes compared to his usual garments. A thin, white frilly shirt complete with 150% more poof, a fitted navy vest, a decorative leather belt, and black pants. Topped off with a pair of hardly used boots he had polished. His Rapier, as always, was dangling from his hip, the red basket style handguard and scabbard stood out in stark contrast with his dark vest and pants. He also had a pair of sturdy leather gloves tucked into his belt, the back of the gloves having a few thin metal plates riveted to the back. He even had someone add some etchings to the plates, being that they were a decorative piece unless he was pulled into a duel.

As he approached the party location, a ghostly figure drew his attention away. The upper body of his father floated near a bush, his lower body concealed by whispy black smoke.
"I'm glad you're finally doing your duties. I didn't build this family for you to neglect the actual work." spoke the specter.
"It's not my idea." Aireth replied, running a hand over his pulled back hair, "But i had met Baroness Yuki previously and she invited me. I couldn't turn it down." Aireth glanced over to see if he was being watched by any of the attending guests, then looks back to his father. Or rather, the empty space previously occupied by his father. Flustered by his father's random appearances and sudden disappearances, Aireth took a deep breath then turned himself towards the gathering and made his way in, a long, thin wooden box tucked under one arm.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda was delighted when she received her invitation to Yuki's tea party. She'd been cooped up in the castle for quite some time, what with the cold and her studies. Recently, she'd taken to reading everything in the library she could find on the history of Nova. So when the invitation came, she was excited for an excuse to get out of the castle. She picked out the perfect
Dress for the occasion. It was a pinkish red color. The top had a square neck with short, rounded sleeves and was corsetted. The corset was tied up on either side of her rib cage with red ribbons and there were matching red ribbons hemming the sleeves. It had a light pink ruffle around the collar of the dress and under the corset. The skirt was comprised of two layers. The under layer was white and ruffled. The top layer was the same red color as the dress, but it only wrapped around the back and sides, leaving a swatch of white visible down the front. The front edges of the red skirt on either side were embroidered with a dusky gold thread. A large red ribbon, the same color as the corset ties, was tied in the back, the ends of which hung down the length of the dress. To top it off, she braided her hair and then pinned it up, leaving her bangs to frame her face. She had a matching hat for the dress, as well. The same pinkish red color, with a red ribbon tied around it. The hat was edged in in same pink ruffled material that lined her collar and it had a small flower pin attached.

When she arrived, it occurred to Lucinda that she was running a bit late. There were already several people there, a few of whom she didn't know. She smiled apologetically at Yuki. "Thank you so much for inviting me, Duchess Yuki. Please accept my apologies on my tardiness. How have you been?" she greeted the other blonde royal. She nodded to the other guests assembled. "Good morning. It's so nice to see all of you today," Lucinda smiled. "I am unfamiliar with a few of you, but it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Princess Lucinda Noru," she added, by way of introduction.

[Deleted]

Lilith turned as the forgine prince addressed her; she blinked in surprise and nodded her greeting. I-oh. I'm slowly getting the hang of it. She responded kindly, feeling the need to answer him anyhow. She turned back to Yuki and flushed bright red as she voiced her thoughts of illness, not responding. She saw her eyes dart back up to meet her own, realization clear in her eyes. Lilith blinked and looked down, turning a tad pinker. This was a terrible idea. She should have continued to hide it... She should have known!

She felt another set of eyes on her, and out of the corner of her eyes she saw Duke Theo watching her. She turned as he greeted her, complimenting her as well. Thank you.. She responded quietly, growing more nervous. She'd handled public events before, but she'd made a mistake... one she couldn't come back from.

She turned as another person entered the garden plaza, someone she'd never seen before. She would smile kindly to him if he looked at her, but otherwise didn't greet him yet, leaving that to the host. Lucinda however, she recognized fairly quickly. The site of the Princess made her nerves double; she was Noku's relative! The pregnancy wasn't meant to be announced to them yet... at least... she didn't think so... Noku hadn't really said... She bowed lightly to Lucinda in greeting, staying quiet.

[Deleted]

Aria smiled at Yuki doing as was asked and placing the treats down on the table; waving her had when Yuki got worried that she felt the need to help. ”It’d be no trouble at all, I always feel so useless hanging around these events. So really feel free to put me to work.” She turned to the Duke with a smile; she didn’t know much about Duke Bankes but he seemed like the nice sort. ”Thank you, your looking fine as well. Did Ladies comment on how men looked as well? Was that a thing? WELP too late now, Aria figured it would be polite. But then again she still didn’t know all the ins and outs of greeting nobility.

The shuffling of footsteps caught her attention as Lilith joined their little party, her slender red eyebrows raising. Really that outfit? Aria didn’t skip a beat as she slapped her hands on either side of her face which masterfully turned to that of surprise. ”Lilith! Congratulations! What a surprise” She skipped over to her friend. ”How long have you known?” Yep best not let on that Aria already knew about the twins. Might make other nobility uncomfortable seeing how she was foreign. She would certainly be scolding Lilith later.

Prince Edara addressed her shortly after; eliciting a chuckle. ”I find those entrances exhausting; a girl has to take a break every now and then yes? Lovely to see you again Prince Edara.” She bowed; least he wasn’t a stuffy prince. Lucinda would like this one. She chuckled as he called Yuki a duchess, an honor for a baroness. Yet Yuki certainly handled it with grace as she politely corrected him. She smiled as Lilith seemed to stick close, it was good to see her friend….even if she did just make her future in the castle a little harder by her way of announcing her pregnancy.

As if by magic, summoned by her thought, Lucinda arrived. ”Glad to see you’re feeling better Princess. I believe you know Lilith yes?” Aria slung an arm around the elfs shoulders. Her voice dropping lower a bit ”Stay away from tea’s and snacks with raspberry’s” no point in drinking something midwives gave to induce labor. She turned her attention back up to Lucinda. ”Lucinda, have you met Prince Edara? I believe you two would get along lovely. I believe he knows Adrain as well.”

[Yuki D'Avranches]

Yuki listened to everyone hearing that Theo mention a business partner then looked at her, looking at Sareth she smiled warmly. She wasn’t aware that Sareth wanted to do a business deal with her. Though now some of that nervousness came back since she wasn’t sure how he would feel about her selection of tea’s given that she had chosen each tea to showcase some of the more fruity selections of teas plus with a nice cold twist on it for some of them though she did have a rare dark chocolate milk tea.



Once she had addressed everyone she notice a few people arriving late. The first person was Baron Aireth, upon reaching him she gave a small curtsy since he was the same rank as her. “It is nice to see that you could make it.”



Her eyes looked up as she saw another guest it was princess Lucinda, giving a slow curtsy. “Princess Lucinda I’m happy you could make it. I heard you were in Nova again but I wasn’t sure if you would be able to make it.” She said as took the princess’s hands in her own. “You’re not too late. I been well though it’s been a bit stressful planning this party.” Letting go of her hands she walked back into the party. Happy that everyone was getting along for the most part though unlike Aria she wanted to get Lilith alone and tell her congratulation and that she was looking forward to the wedding.



Taking a moment she decided that for now she would have a seat at the table with Theo. “I see you found the chocolate tea.” She said with a small giggle, taking one of the glasses she poured a few of the ice cubes from the pitched into the glass as she extended her allowing him to pour some of the tea for her. “You know this tea taste well both hot and cold.”

[Deleted]

Theo laughed as Aria complimented him as well. He appreciated the compliment, it was not often that a woman complimented him on his appearance - not that he didn't mind it. "Ah thank you." he said smiling brightly. Theo's demeanor changed slightly at Madame Harmonia's quick and almost defensive response. Theo hoped that he had not crossed any lines by complimenting the both beautiful and obviously pregnant woman. His face continued to have a friendly smile on it, as he thought it inappropriate to say anything further to Madam Harmonia. Theo thought a moment on the subject, he wasn't sure if an announcement had been made. If one had been made, it would have been announced before the kingdom. Perhaps this was their way of announcing it. No matter, Theo continued to socialize.

Another gentleman arrived very quietly and also a bit late. Theo noticed it, but paid him no mind as he thought that if he wanted to interact, he would join the group. In mentioning joining the group, Princess Lucinda joined shortly after. Theo bowed before the princess, being that this was both a formality and was the first time he had met her formally. "Good afternoon Princess, you are looking beautiful." Theo was taught by his mother that it always a kind gesture to compliment a woman on her appearance. "I am Duke Theodore Bankes, its a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." and as soon as he could introduce himself, she was swept away by Aria, hoping to introduce her to others. Theo didn't mind.

After speaking to some of the attendees and tasting some of the delicious tea, Theo made his way over to Yuki hoping to speak to her for a brief moment aside from others. "I had hoped to arrange another meeting with you regarding business affairs, however I wanted to speak to you about some recent affairs if you do not mind?" Theo began. If she agreed, Theo would continue "I wanted to inform you that Prince Sareth is interested arranging an exchange between his kingdom and your business. I feel that this could be a great business opportunity for both of you, with some very promising outcomes." Theo was very proud that he was able to transition into his role quite fluidly. He hoped that Yuki was interested in the exchange, as all he wanted to do was help her business to grow. She was a promising leader after all. Theo didn't mean to bring up business at a relaxing tea party, but he felt that this matter should be spoken to.