Call and Answer. [Aria / Open ]

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity made her way back into the castle the morning after the ball. The night still played in her mind on a loop. It was like a dream, her dancing in a beautiful gown with men who flocked to her. Her mind may have made it exaggerated, but she felt like royalty all night.  Aria had asked her to come speak with her when she could, something about a job. Serenity, being useless as she felt, though the opportunity would be good for her. She was still learning how to defend herself and she was sure Aria could take over teaching her from Kail and Rivers if she needed to. She didn't know what this job was, but if it got her out of the house for a bit that would be good. Roxy and Rivers were always in and out, having things to do and missions or whatever and she was always left at home, having nothing to do but read and practice her magic or form with her rapier. 

Serenity made her way of a flight of stairs hoping she was heading in the right direction. When she came upon a serving hand she stopped her and requested directions. Serenity made sure to dress nicely again today, in a stunning baby blue dress with white and silver accents. The neckline was squared off and her sleeves went down to her wrists, excess fabric flowing down around her. The hem line was at her feet only showing her shoes when she walked. Her autumn hair was half up in an intricate braided bun at the back of her head while the rest bounced in curls over her shoulders and around her face. Due to her appearance she was not initially questioned by the worker she requested directions from and was promptly sent towards Aria's room. 

Upon arriving Serenity knocked loudly. If the woman was asleep that was her problem, she asked Serenity to come and here she was. Miss Aria? May I enter? Her mannerisms from home did not fail her as she remained formal with those she did not know well or those who had yet to ask her to stop, like Rivers had. Serenity waited outside the door quietly until Aria answered her.

[Deleted]

Aria was already awake at a small desk working away on a reply to a letter from Silas, when she heard a knock she put the cap on her ink and her deep red feathered quill into a jar where she kept some others. She got up and walked over to the door, already pleased with what she was hearing. Today Arias hair was in her normal simple braid that was slung over one shoulder. The braid itself came down past her waist; it was pretty in the deep red found in garnets. It was tied off with a ribbon in the shade of lilac. She wore a dress today, with a square neckline and empire waist. It was fitted around the top with quartered sleeves; the top was in a darker shade of purple with silver thread embroidery. The dress flared out at her waist in a soft summer silk in the same shade as the ribbon in her hair. The sleeves which bellowed out after the fitted quarter sleeve of the darker purple, also were the shade of light lilac. Her shoes, soft slippers were a dark purple that matched the top of her dress. It was a very pretty thing, and comfortable enough for her. She opened the door with a smile on her face.

”Good morning! Come in”

Aria let the girl in, she would find Arias room small, but the quality of furniture was noticeable. All her furniture was made of a dark wood; neatly carved and lacquered. She had a bed, dresser, desk, even a looking glass was all set up. There was also a large chest at the end of the bed that was firmly locked. Her bed linens had improved as well, being the soft material that a noble could afford….she had always like Garretts bed back in her time…his sheets had been so much softer than the ones she had been used to. So she had brought herself to spend a little extra there. They were in a soft lilac color, and with a freshly sewn quilt of the same shades. Aria had made the quilt herself…it made the place feel a bit homier. Though there was a large chance she’d have to make yet another, due to the fact she would once again be moving rooms. One thing that was noticeable would be the large black egg that sat on her desk fitted neatly in a bed of glowing stones.

”Serenity! I’m glad you came; really you saved me finding a guard to go drag out in the woods to track you down.”

She closed the door behind the girl as she entered. The seal around the door glowing for a moment as her silencing spell which was always on her room activated.

”How have things been; it’s safe to talk here. Wasn’t so much last night with all the ears.”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity smiled as the door opened, stepping into the room. Before anything else Serenity noticed Aria’s clothing. Every time she’d met this woman her clothing was very low key, but this time she looked stunning. It was quite a nice adjustment in Serenity’s book. After this, her eyes did wander the room, taking note of the differences from the cottage Rivers had brought her. In all honestly, she’d never really needed directions, but she didn’t want to rely on the connection to the tunnels too strongly.

Well you did ask me to speak with you, but you wouldn’t find me in the woods. Ever. She chuckled, remember her time in the woods not so fondly. I must say Miss Aria, you look beautiful! Your adjustments suit you wonderfully. Serenity let her eyes wander on the details of her dress loving the silver. 

Well, not bad actually. We found a place to stay and hide — Rivers, Lia, Roxanne, Kail and I. Kail went his own way mind you, and found his own home. He has a workshop for weapons now. But the rest of us share a home. We’ve learnt to get along nicely for the most part. So really, aside from what caused everything, as far as I know things have been good… I don’t get involved in the bad things though, people know better as I’m rather useless currently.  Serenity shrugged as she shared the small details. She kept the exact location out just in case, as more of a habit. 

[Deleted]

Aria looked Serenity up and down…wasn’t the girl hot? She’d be dieing in long sleeves right now…unless they were drenched…..which she had done before. She smiled a bit when she complimented her look, while in the castle where she wasn’t doing hard labor, or having to worry about being attacked it was somewhat nice to look pretty. She even begun not to mind the skirts, they did provide a nice breeze in the summer months.

”Thank you; it’s an adjustment that I will be having to make for the long term of things. I suppose the softer fabrics are a plus. You look very nice yourself; your tastes fit in nicely here…though you must be hot.”

Aria nodded listening; she approved with the girl not exactly disclosing where they were. There was a good chance this would work nicely.

”You’ll be happy to know the fated won’t have to hide soon; his Majesty is finding another solution after he heard the situation. It was decided a couple mornings after the incident.”

She rubbed her shoulder thinking back to it, she was happy that her shoulder was healed well enough thanks to the lunar paste applied to it regularly.

”As in terms of usefulness; how would you feel about becoming a handmaiden for some nobility? You would be trained of course and not expected to know everything from the get go.”

For now she left out any titles; or ranks or any other bits that may be expected of her.

[Serenity Caine]

When Aria mentioned it may me a permanent adjustment Serenity felt a sense of pride. Though she had nothing to do with it, people coming to their senses and dressing proper was always a joy of hers. Thank you, and yes it does get very warm, but you get used to it. I suppose I got lucky, being fated to a place that still accepts most of the fashion I learned. Though the cleavage lines are different here. Serenity shrugged and listened carefully as Aria spoke of the king.

So we’re not being hunted anymore? We don’t have to hide? Serenity felt excitement bubbling in her chest and she grinned at Aria. She enjoyed living in Haven, and Bane was gorgeous and all, but the city was just… convenient.

Handmaiden?… Serenity thought for a moment. In her world she was the one being waited on, who hired the handmaids… not the other way around… But she didn’t have that status here, nor did she have any way to get back to that status. A handmaiden job may be as close as she got to living that kind of life again.

You know… I think that’s a very good idea. I already know the basics, having hired my own handmaids back home, and I definitely know my way around a proper wardrobe… I would love to. Serenity smiled, hoping whoever Aria had in mind didn’t care that their handmaiden was Fated.

For whom will I be working, and when does it start?

[Deleted]

Aria tilted her head in curiosity, she was always one for learning something new, even if it was clothes.

”What styles did you have? Personally if I have to dress nicely I prefer more of the woodland elves style to most. I find the eastern lands style of clothes comfortable as well.”

A warm smile spread on her face as Serenity’s excitement bubbled over. She pulled out her desk chair for Serenity before taking a seat on the closed chest at the foot of her bed. She crossed her legs, but sat up straight and motioned for her to sit as well. She really was working on her posture; hers wasn’t bad to begin with so really it was just getting into the habit.

”No, but you will be counted among the census and required to take on jobs that can help benefit the kingdom. The fated presences is already a burden on Nova, it’s partly why the riots which killed many already, took fire so fast. The lower city is like a hive, you throw a rock at it and it swarms. We are hoping if the fated learn trades in which are beneficial for Nova, they themselves will find their own places here and the adjustment will be easier all around. Now grant it will not be over night; the events at the gallows did much to damage the public’s view on fated….many will still be attacked… and no warm welcome awaits for you. I will make it clear it will not be easy….but a few need to step forth and take the brunt of it to clear the way for the others.”

Aria spoke with determination; it was quite clear why Aria had allowed herself to get caught and brought to the gallows in the first place.

”The fated have faced false accusations; so many ran…then gallows happened. It looks bad and did not help further our case. His majesty has taken care of the woman who was spear heading the annihilation of the fated. But I am sure there will be others.”

Arias blue green eyes bore down on Serenity; she wanted her to completely understand what she was going to be facing. But it was plain with Arias presence here she would not be alone in it.

”There is more to this job then just being a handmaiden, I’m picking you for his job, because you are fated, and I think you will be one of the ones whom will adjust most easily to castle life. You will be a good example that it is possible for fated to adjust the customs of Nova and become a part of the society and culture; so you will need to tread cautiously if you take the position. But it will help if you are successful in it. You will help drive in the point I have been trying to make. In this I believe you have use.”

Aria leaned forward, bracing her chin in her hand and her elbow on her knee.

”I am happy to hear you are familiar in this; then you know how important a hand maidens work is; and exactly what goes on while in the castle. A handmaiden is more than just a simple servant for nobility. They are trusted and privy to far more information; protectors of sorts….It can start today if your interested. It will be for the Duchess of Palico the Head Dragon Trainer to the Royal Army. The Princess of Palicos handmaiden will be doing your training. By accepting this job you will be swearing your loyalty.”

It was no small nobility she’d be hired for. However Aria neglected to mention who this Duchess was. With that Aria stood.

”If you wish we can go meet the Princess and her handmaiden now.”

[Serenity Caine]

What styles? Well, corsets were the main part of every womans attire, and most couldn’t breathe. Never thought I’d miss that, but they’re hard to do up alone. The dresses for higher ranking people in our society are similar to that of nobles and royals here, aside from some fabrics and layers. Men wore nice shirts and pants, and if I recall, woman wanted to start wearing pants, but I doubt that motion passed. The best I can describe is how I still dress… Lower classes had higher hemlines, different material, very similar to this world really. Serenity smiled, the fashions of her world would forever live in her heart, and she felt a bit upset in herself that she could not describe it better now. It had been so long.

When the topic shifted to the Fated hunt, Serenity sat as offered and looked at Aria excited. She’d known what happened at the Gallows was not wise, but it had happened regardless and from then on out it was a waiting game for them all. That sounds like a well thought out plan. I for one apologize for the incident at the Gallows… Memories flooded once more. Her duty had been to open the tunnel and throw the bomb through… the bomb that hurt or killed so many people. Serenity shook her head and came back to the present. My part in that day will haunt me for long yet to come… She shook her head again looking down. She’d dream hearing those screams for years and she knew it.

The topic changed back to the reason she was there and Serenity looked back at Aria eagerly. So it would be like setting an example that the Fated can live a normal life here while still contributing to the city and society? Very smart. Serenity nodded, listening carefully. She knew the rules of a handmaiden having been so hard on her own, but she listened to what Aria said anyways, making mental notes. She really couldn’t afford to mess this up, for multiple reasons.

The Duchess of Palico? She’d yet to hear of the person, though she knew of the Princess. Head Dragon Trainer? We have a baby dragon back at Haven, so maybe I’ll learn a thing or too. Serenity laughed and thought of the little thing. It was cute and all, but she tried her best to stay uninvolved.

We can start today… I’m already here and all. However, if I could, I’d like to make another trip home to gather my own belongings, and notify Rivers and Roxanne of my leaving. Especially if I move to Palico… I mean… I have the tunnel that connects to Rivers, but I can’t actually use it. Serenity wasn’t quiet sure why that was information she needed to share, but she had a feeling Aria already knew. After all, she could feel Aria through the tunnel as well, she Aria must be able to sense her, right?

Now? Of course. I believe I saw the Princess at the festival, but I never had the pleasure of meeting her. Serenity smiled and agreed.

[Deleted]

She nodded listening to the fashions, it really didn’t sound much different. Her eyes darkened as Serenity mentioned that it was a well thought out plan…for it was. It just hit a nich because of Gallows. That attack had been directly against what she had asked Rivers to do. However her eyes softened to that of a sympathetic look when she saw Serenities features shift. The girl knew she had spilt innocent blood in that escapade.

”Those memories will always haunt you; part of the consequence you pay for taking a life is to have that life forever imprinted on you. How you make up for those lives is something you have to find out on your own. My advice is find your way quick else wise it will fester…Helping to take steps to try to prevent an event such as that happening again in my opinion is a good start.”

Aria nodded; she got the gist of it.

”That’s the first part of it at least.”

Aria raised her eyebrows to hear there was another baby dragon at Haven.

”The princess also has one named Alli, whom owns this dragon at Haven? Perhaps they can have a play date. When that one hatches it can join them”

She jerked her head to the large egg that sat on her desk. Aria nodded with a smile when Serenity still seemed keen to take the job, along with agreeing to her request.

”Can I ask you to do me a favor, when you returned can you bring back some of my things? I do miss them. Rivers should know where it is; I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him fully since I was arrested. That and I’m not to leave the castle without a guard. As for moving to Palico, I don’t believe that will happen until the Princess is done with her stay here in Teair. So it will be some time.”

She nodded, she did know about the tunnel after all…she could hear what had been said through them during the gallows. Yet another reason she had picked Serenity for this; she had proven to be somewhat loyal to Aria despite their negative first impressions. She respected that at least. Aria opened the door and motioned for Serenity to fallow her to go see the Princess.

”She’s delightful”

They headed up to the princesses rooms and knocked on the doors.

”Princess, it’s Aria. I have the person I mentioned that would be good for the handmaiden job with me. She’s decided to accept it.”

[Lucinda Noru]

The morning had been relatively quiet so far, at least for the princess. She was dressed simply but elegantly in a gown of royal purple that had a sweetheart neckline and short sleeves, appropriate for the summer weather. She left her hair down, where it fell around her shoulders and her bangs framed her face. The color matched Alli's wings and spots, who was currently content to rest on the lavish bed. Lucinda was perched on the window seat, playing her harp which would be heard faintly through the door. The music being a well known tribute to the goddess Ai.

The knock on the door drew her curiosity but her fingers continued to pluck the strings despite the interruption. "Meghan, would you show whoever that is in, please?" Lucinda asked her handmaiden, turning her attention back to the harp. She heard Aria's voice follow the knock shortly and grinned when the other woman finally entered. Lucinda took a moment to finish the song first before rising and giving her a hug. "Good morning! How was your evening? I've never been to a ball quite like that one. You did a marvelous job with the decorations, Aria. One of the other ladies I ran into explained some of the symbolism. I'm sure the gods and goddesses were quite pleased with your contribution," the princess said, clearly delighted.

Lucinda then turned her attention to Serenity, looking her over with interest. "So this is your new handmaiden?" she asked, needlessly. "She has good posture already and her sense of fashion is certainly on point, though you might consider toning it down slightly," she mused, then smiled. "Forgive me. We haven't been properly introduced. I am Lucinda, Princess of Palico, and it's a pleasure to meet you," she offered then motioned over her own handmaiden. "This is Meghan, my handmaiden. She'll be training you. She's been with me since I was just a little girl," she explained.

Meghan looked Serenity over keenly before nodding her approval. "I will do my best to train her, though I suspect her upbringing is used to being on the other end," the older woman said, having a slight accent. Nothing got past Meghan, who had spent most of her 50+ years in service to the royal family. She had seen it all and could tell that Serenity was clearly not just another commoner dragged into castle life like the phioric.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity nodded, keeping her head down as Aria said the memories would haunt her. She knew they would and already were. Rivers told her it wasn’t her fault, but his. It was his plan, his directions that caused the bomb to hurt them… but it was Serenity’s job in that moment. Serenity took a deep breath and pushed it from her thoughts. Now was not the time to wallow.

The Dragon? Oh… I think it was Rivers? But Lia is taking care of her… I think. It was a blurry night. A lot of wine was involved. I can ask later thought. And yes, of course I can bring some of your things as well. It would be no trouble at all. With that she stood and followed Aria out of the room and to the Princesses. She was rather nervous, but only in the “Do I look presentable” kind of way. That mood shifted majorly when the Princess opened the door.

Serenity arched an eyebrow curiously. Her new handmaiden. She looked at Aria. The Duchess of Palico… is you? Serenity tried to hold it in, but burst out laughing. It only lasted a moment, but the thought was clear. She cleared her throat and looked at the Princess. My apologies Princess. Miss Aria had failed to mention the name of whom I would be working for. It simply took me by surprise. Serenity curtsied to the Princess, her eyes twitching when Lucinda said she should “tone it down”. Serenity was not one for self control, so it took all she had not to give a sarcastic retort back. Instead she stood straight and rolled her lips together.

A pleasure to meet you Meghan. Serenity bowed her head and watched as the woman looked her over. She had a great eye as she caught that Serenity was indeed from the other end of the scale.

Your suspicions are correct, though that can be a perk. Being from the other end, I know what is expected and the standards that many have when hiring a handmaiden. I know I was rather strict with mine, so keeping that standard shouldn’t be to difficult. I was never a royal or a noble, but from where I come from I was known to have a high status. Serenity explained, her accent quite thick as she was remembering her home. How she missed London, but she could never return. Never had she imagined she would be in the position of being hired rather than doing the hiring.

[Deleted]

Aria returned her hug with a smile, she always found Lucinda friendly. She found her easy to get along with.

”It was amusing; I stuck to his majesty like a bur for most of it. Though my entrance was completely unintentional. I just meant to get closer since I was late….fraid I fell asleep after decorating.”

She smiled she was glad someone else picked up on the symbolism.

”My adoptive grandfather was very into plants, he taught me a lot about symbolism along with medical uses for some of the plants. I was happy to put some of my lessons to use.”


When Lucinda revealed to Serenity she was the duchess she’d be working for, Aria looked up at the ceiling scratching her nose as the new lady burst out laughing.

”hmm…yes…did I not mention that?”

She looked back down at her with slow blinking owl like eyes. It would seem it really had just slipped her mind. She watched the interactions between the Serenity and the other two with mild interest. At least she could hold her tongue when it came to a few insults.

”I’m good with toning it down”

She grinned a wolfish grin.

”Your upbringing may make it slightly harder to take a step down though. Lucky for you I should be easy enough. I don’t like to be waited on hand and foot; I like work and doing things with my own hands. Your standards are likely to be higher than mine; which probably will do me some good. However I am a stickler for loyalty….but Meghan was it? How about you enlighten us both of what expected of a handmaiden, I will admit I don’t know much about it.”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda raised an eyebrow at Serenity's reaction to hearing Aria was the duchess of palico. "She was given the title by my brother, the King of Palico, not long ago for her devotion to the pantheon and outstanding work she's done in their name, among other things," she explained, clearly not finding the situation amusing. Her admission to confirm Meghan's suspicions only furthered her personal opinion that this woman would be a bit of a handful to train.

Aria seemed to agree slightly but insisted that it would work out well with her personality and agenda. Lucinda gave her a look of skepticism. "Her upbringing will almost certainly prove to be a bit of a road block with her training. She seems able to somewhat hold her tongue but her thoughts cross her face, which could be a problem. She will have to learn to control that," the princess said, remarking on Serenity's not so hidden distaste to 'toning it down'. "As for my own remark, I was referring only to the manner in which you dress. A handmaiden should not be dressed better than her employer nor even on an equal level," she added, gesturing to Meghan who was wearing a simple, plain dress in a pastel green.

For her part, Meghan simply nodded as the princess explained her remark, then waited for her chance to answer Duchess Aria's question. "A lot of what is expected of a handmaiden comes down to personal choice of the employer. The princess is correct on the issue of dress, though it's well within your rights as employer to designate a uniform or style which you find appropriate to whatever situation may arise, to a limit. As long as she in the castle, she will need to dress similarly to the other servants, for example. Loyalty and trust are also expected of a handmaiden. We often hear many things and it is our job to keep those things to ourselves unless given express permission by our employer or in the event one is questioned by his majesty, the king. Under no circumstances are you allowed, in good conscience, to trade information for money or reward offered by anyone. Yes, it happens, but it's deplorable and I've seen handmaidens lose their heads over it, literally. Manners are also very important. One must always been polite, formal, and only speak when spoken to. Again, this may vary somewhat in personal situations, such as Princess Luci's personal refusal on formalities," she explained, pausing finally to allow them to actually take in what she'd said.

[Serenity Caine]

Okay, you know something Princess? I come from a similar place as this one, and I don’t mean this world, I mean this situation. I know how this works, and I think Aria made a good choice. Who else do you think can handle her sarcasm, or her tendency to find danger in the weirdest of places? Her choosing a timid or shy person would just end up in her doing what she pleases and never learning how to act her role. So yeah, I may speak my mind and I may not entirely be able to hide my every emotion, but I’m not a freaking robot, and I know how to handle Aria. It’s already clear to me that you don’t know her that well either. You haven’t really seen her adventerous side, or snark have you? You’ve seen her since she’d resided in this castle, and therefore have seen the toned down version. She looked at Aria now, her eyes showing that she knew she should shut up, but her mouth kept running. I know I will have to learn to step down some, but you wouldn’t have picked me if you didn’t think I could help you. You need someone who’s able to make you wear shoes, and not climb trees. Serenity shrugged. As for her laughter, she knew Aria would get why she found it funny and found absolutely no reason to explain herself and future to this Princess. Her attire was her business, and it was the only thing she kept from her world. Unless Aria asked her to tone down, or they were at a public event that Aria asked her to attend, she would dress the way she always did. It was starting to dawn on her that this job would be more difficult than she though, and had the feeling that this Princess would be watching her every step of the way.

When Meghan spoke, Serenity listened quietly. Meghan she respected already, and had no reason to judge her in any way. She was doing her job the way she’d done it for years, and if she could deal with this Princess than there was no way Serenity could see her in a bad light. It was clear that Serenity would already be loyal to Aria. Half of what she’d said before was things she’d heard from Rivers or Arias other friends. Serenity herself had only spent a handful of moments with the other red head, but she wouldn’t let the Princess know that yet. When Meghan finished speaking, Serenity was nodding. She knew the others thought that Serenity would be hard to teach, as she needed to step down, but she already knew that this was her job now. Learning from Meghan would be easy, it was the Princess she would have trouble with. In a sense Serenity already idolized Meghan.

Loyalty is something I’m good for. Since coming to this world, I have made few friends, Aria being one of them. I would not jeopardize that for money, whether she’s my boss now or not. And manners are my pet peeve, so you needn’t worry about that… Serenity cleared her throat, knowing that her manners had been quite lacking just minutes before. But Aria knew her, and that would just have to be enough.

[Deleted]

Aria listened to the princess instructing Serenity, her own gaze watching the girl to see how she would react. This was as much a test for her then for anything; unfortunately there already seemed to be areas that would need a lot of improving before she was ready to accompany Aria on her most…Aria’ish days. She stood slightly behind Serenity as she was being spoken to, and when the Princess looked up to gaze at her skeptically she shrugged her shoulders. They said find someone loyal, Aria knew Serenity had the potential to be loyal…. But she would need some refining most definitely. But she had already observed Serenity was able to alter her behavior when a firm hand was used. …apparently one was going to be needed sooner rather then later.

Arias expression on her face soured as soon as Serenity opened her mouth and went on a tirade. Aria rubbed the bridge of her nose, while her eye twitched during her little speech. Even when she turned to Aria she did not look at her. As soon as she let Megan finish and responded to her Aria reached out to Serenities ear and pinched…and pinched HARD. She dragged the other red head down so she would have to walk at a bend; turning to look up at Meghan with a cheery smile plastered on to her face.

”Thank you Meghan that was enlightening”

With a grip like iron she then dragged Serenity over to the corner of the room and forced her to turn and sit. She bent down in a squat despite the dress and rested her arms on her knees as she looked at the red head with furious eyes. The smile on her face long gone.

”You listen here, and you listen good…. That is the PRINCESS of Palico. By taking this job you will become a citizen of palico which means you answer to her. You do NOT insult the family who pays you. If I EVER here you disrespect another Noru in this fashion again I will not hesitate to skin you. Unlike you I do come from a world that is the mirror of this one, the Noru’s are family to me, you do NOT insult my family is that understood.”

Really so much for manners being a pet peeve of hers…She waited for a nod or some response before she stood and continued with a hand resting on her hip.

”And let’s get this straight right now, you do not handle me. I am the one who is hiring you. Tell me right now if you were in my position and your handmaiden just spoke as you did with the intentions you have what would you do?”

Aria walked over to a seat and sat down draping her arms over the armrest and crossing her legs. She still looked down at Serenity with a serious gaze.

”I picked you because I know you will be loyal; while I had hoped you would have some understanding of what is expected in the area of behavior I have yet to see it. I also know that your tendency to be rude can be corrected, as I have seen Garrett do so once before. So I am not without hope for you yet. I do not wish to break your spirit, however you will need to learn to control the emotions on your face as well as hold your tongue. I do not care if you unleash all you have to say in the privacy of my rooms when it’s between you and me, but I already warned you, you’ll be facing much worse than a friendly warning that is not to your tastes. To play your emotions of disgust on your face is practically waving a banner, theirs trouble over here. Nobles look for signs like that; the slightest sneer, a causal glance, even where and whom you choose to mingle or stand by, all say something whether you mean them to or not.”

Aria thought back to the time the Princess had chosen to place herself by her side when she first arrived.

”The Princess here has given you some valuable advice, take it humbly. Lucinda like you is my friend, so lay down your quills miss porcupine and think before you open that gab again. The first thing out of your mouth I hope to hear is an apology to the Princess.”

She ran a hand through her bangs; hopefully this chat would make her think.

”As for the ‘toned down’ me that is accurate, however I know what is at stake if I can’t tone it down. Going forward, I don’t expect you to be meek as a mouse, and I do take advice when it’s given and your input will be valuable. We will work on you controlling the expression on your face, or your true emotions, that is a valuable skill to know.”

Aria looked over at Lucinda with a lop sided grin.

”Personally I prefer to take the fool or slightly senile method out.”

Aria turned back to Serenity, the tone in her voice was a serious one. Serenity had seen her fool side, and her angry side once before. Technically the Princess had already known Aria longer and more the Serenity had. But each of them had seen a different side to her. Aria turned her attention back to Lucinda after thoroughly having scolded Serenity.

”I apologize for her behavior, however I will speak on her behalf. I do believe she will take to the training and ease into her roll. Really all I require her is to act the part in public, personally I would loose it if I had an overbearing handmaiden. I’ll purchase her clothes fitting as Meghan suggested and at least get her dressing the part…. Do you think his majesty will allow her a room next to mine in the servants quarters….mine it’s a bit too small to share? OH I got a letter from your brother; I got extra copies of my papers along with a drake egg, its to be my first project. I expect it to hatch sometime during the fall months.”

[Lucinda Noru]

Serenity's outburst was not altogether unexpected and Lucinda kept her own emotions quite under control as she let the red head run her mouth. Her face gave away none of the irritation, amusement, or increased skepticism she felt as Serenity continued on. Rather, the princess began to tune her out almost immediately and instead focused her attention on Aria, watching to see how she would handle her newly appointed handmaiden. Lucinda didn't feel the need to say anything, half ignoring Serenity as she was, the manner with which she held herself clearly saying that she was above this sort of insult.

Lucinda found herself not at all disappointed as Aria firmly put Serenity back into her new place. Her methods were unusual but seemed effective and the princess resolved that perhaps if anyone could teach Serenity how to behave it was perhaps Aria. The verbal lashing she gave Serenity was quite lengthy and left her curious as to how the other red head would handle it. She allowed herself a smile as Aria defended her new family, clearly pleased. As Aria wrapped things up and apologized, Lucinda waved her hand dismissively and then looked shocked as Aria informed her she was still staying in the servant's quarters.

"Don't worry about an apology, that's hardly important but for manners sake, I will accept. I am sure between you and Meghan that she will come around. However, I am now more concerned with your lodging situation. A duchess does not belong in the servant's quarters. I will talk with Uncle Noku and get you rooms befitting your station, which should include a small room for her such as Meghan's here," Lucinda assured her, clearly surprised at this new revelation and not liking it one bit.