Delayed Greetings (Serenity) Midwinter Day 4

[Deleted]

The week of Midwinter, she had been back almost two weeks now. Frankly she had been busy, very busy, since she had gotten back. The bodies had all been buried and rituals preformed, she no longer had to keep in consistent contact with the forest inhabitants, keeping them from a potential feast of corrupted flesh. She even had worked up the nerve to tell Garret what had happened; so a small weight was taken off her shoulders. There were still a couple of matters to take care of, one in particular was her maid. She hadn’t gotten the chance to pack her off to Palico, nor did she think it was fair to make her leave so suddenly. But that also meant she had been left to her own devices since Aria had disappeared those past couple of months. Which was probably a blessing for her; as Palico hadn’t been the friendliest of places. She was sure Serenity would have been targeted if she had been. But being back she still had to give the young girl an explanation.



So Aria sent off a few birds in different directions to go find the red haired woman. Each with a little note saying to Meet Aria at the castle for lunch. As she waited Aria sat in a little atrium at a table, a book in her lap. There was a pot of tea next to a plate of finger sandwiches. She was enjoying a cup of the warm brew as she quietly read her book. Her hair was half tied up and pinned back; soft curls cascading down her back; her dress was a deep emerald velvet dress with a square neck line. It was hemmed with gold embroidered leaves, and it was tied up in the back in the corset like pattern. The skirt was loose and flowing and came down to cover boot clad feet. A gold plated decorative belt was fitted loosely around her hips. The sleeves she wore were form fitting and overlapped her hands in points. In addition to her outfit, a thick bear fur cloak was draped across the back of her chair.

[Serenity Caine]

The plans had been made. Aria had summoned her directly after the Ball she had attended a couple of months ago. That even held a bitter taste in her mouth, despite being able to dress and act her old status once more. Serenity had gone through a bit of training, some of which included her ear being pinched and pulled until it was chapped and red, as well as having to not only tolerate, but apologize to a snotty princess who could do no wrong. Despite the odd circumstances, she had agreed to the position... Only to be abandoned before it could start. Serenity had returned to the castle a few days later, prepared to move in and continue her training, only to find out from the serving staff that Lady Aria and Princess Lucinda had left for Palico without much of a word to anyone one. In truth, Serenity probably would have protested to going with her anyways, but the fact that she'd taken off without a word after hiring someone and giving them this big noble "You can help save the Fated" speech... well it was kind of a piss off.

But here she was, holding a note in her hand with a request from "Lady Aria" herself, to meet at the castle yet again. Due to the possibility of running into royalty, Serenity of course dressed to impress. Her hair was up in its signature due, braided against the back of her head with small ringlets framing her face. She wore an elegant but simple (for her) sky blue dress, with white embroidery and trimming. The sleeves were long and the skirt was full, however the neckline, as always, was plundering. Around her shoulders she wore a black velvet jacket of sorts, fastened at her chest, and falling down to her knees. She brought nothing but her physical form and open mind as to why her newly found boss had left her without so much as a leave of absence note.

When she arrived at the palace she was directed to where Aria was, and it wasn't long until the other signature red head came into view. Serenity cleared her throat to announce her presence. How was Palico? Serenity strode over, bowing slightly before sitting down across from the returning Duchess. She didn't see the blonde anywhere to be found, which she deemed odd, but the possibility that she didn't return when Aria did was enticing to say the least.

[Deleted]

Aria heard a clearing of a throat and looked up from her book; she took in Serenity’s presence; as always she was dressed to impress. Aria inclined her head in a small bow of return as Serenity had bowed, motioning for her to take a seat. They could have a small chat before going out for a walk…something that the red head probably would protest at first.

”It sucked balls.

That was elegantly put; Aria closed the book she had been reading and placed it on the table. Sitting up in her chair.

”Tea?”

If she agreed Aria would calmly poor her a glass before refilling her own. She did owe the red head a clear explanation as to why she had left without a word. It had been a rushed affair and she had felt bad for leaving the other red head here; well almost bad. To more accurately put it she felt bad after she had first left, after a time spent in Palico she had come to envy the woman’s position. But none the less it would seem Serenity was not doing too badly for herself even in her absence.

”First off my sincere apologies for having left without so much of a notice; after the fire the fire it was a fairly rushed affair. However rushed it was rude of me none the less to leave so unannounced, I do hope you can forgive me.”

Aria did not hold herself above apologies, she had left without much notice and it was rude of her despite having little choice in the matter. She had time for one note of explanation and Garrett had taken priority over the rest.

”I am grateful though it spared you the experience. Tell me, how have you been the past couple of months?”

[Serenity Caine]

Aria's response caused a familiar smile to take over Serenity's face. Becoming a Duchess hadn't changed Aria much at all it seemed. Noted. I'll take it off of my life of places I didn't know existed but somehow planned to visit someday. Serenity leaned back a bit in her seat, crossing one leg over the other, getting more comfortable. Tea would be lovely, thank you. She wasn't mad at Aria. Really, her leaving kept Serenity from having to play the role of maid. In truth she wasn't far from that role, and in this world she was hardly above it, but it still felt wrong for her.

I understand. I heard about the fire actually, though I didn't know it was related to your departure. I had assumed the Princess had just dragged you off on an extended shopping trip. Speaking of which, did she choose to stay home? Serenity picked up the tea cup and lightly sipped it after her question was asked. Her resentment towards the girl didn't come through, as Serenity had actually taken that advice from both Lucinda and Aria, and had practiced hiding what she felt on the inside when speaking about certain topics.

Well not horrible. After I found out you had left, I had to find another way to make money. Though I didn't have a job before, I at least had Rivers keeping the house stocked... But he as well as Roxy and Lia... well they've all run off somewhere, and needed to find a way to support myself. So I opened a shop. Something that you'd probably guess was owned by me; jewelry, clothing and hair salon type of thing I suppose you could say. But I am no longer living alone, so I needed to start somewhere. A man named Henry moved in with me for the time being. He'd fated from Earth, like me, but another time period, like Killian. Serenity sipped her tea again. Opening the shop had been good for her. It kept her busy and out of that empty house. Even though Henry had moved in, he'd been spending more time with Kail, working in the shop. She had originally opened the shop in Gallows Bane, but with the lack of business she might end up having to move it to the merchant district... at least once the Fated war calmed down enough. Though at least now she could get to and from the palace without covering her bright hair with a scarf. When she spoke of all her previous house mates disappearing, her voice cracked slightly. It was no secret, probably to anyone, that she had felt something for Rivers. It was something she had been constantly working on since a month or so after his "disappearance". She had no idea if he had something important to attend to, or if something had happened, or if he had simply moved on, like the wind did. All she knew is he had left her dizzy after that dance, dizzy with questions and weird feelings. But once she realized that he may never come back, it had been her goal to push whatever she had felt for him out of her mind. She could have anyone she wanted, and waiting on him was useless.

All in all I haven't been doing too badly for myself. I've made sure to keep tabs on Killian and Henry, and occasionally the new Fated appearing. But aside from them I don't see many people. After you left I stopped having a reason to come out here to be honest. And the house is silent all the time... there's only so much time you can spend relaxing in private springs. Serenity sighed. She realized she had probably spoken more than expected, but she hadn't been kidding when she said it was quite. The only people she really spoke to was Kail and Henry as well as the occasional costumer. Having a woman to talk to was a beautiful feeling.

When did you get back?

[Deleted]

A small hint of amusement reached her eyes at Serenity’s response, Palico certainly did lack the life Nova had. She was even amused by the idea of Lucinda taking her on an extended shopping trip, frankly it probably was not out of the realm of possibilities for the young Princess. Actually Aria could very much see something like that happening.

”That fire was in the room above mine, it made the ceiling collapse, and it was by pure luck and a quick reaction time that I wasn’t injured in the process. Seeing how that was one close call to many and too soon after the last, I was shipped off to Palico before another event could happen. As for Lucinda she wasn’t to come on this trip. I returned with aid from Palico to help handle the attack of undead.”

Aria listened to Serenity as she caught her up. Aria calmly sipping on her tea while doing so. It would seem the girl had been doing alright for herself, though she did sound a bit lonely…Plus it was the first she heard a word about Rivers since he so rudely drop the note in her lap and the worse time possible. Really it was a childish thing to do…but leaving the thieves meant she did have to activate the mark. Wiping the memory of the thieves and everything regarding it. She had lost a longtime friend in the process. Aria noted the name of a fated man she was not familiar with by the name of Henry. Along with Serenity having started a shop of some sorts.

”I congratulate you on your shop, I hope it does well…Where exactly is this house and shop for that matter?”

Aria had to think about the next question, she had been busy enough she hadn’t been keeping track of the days.

”Um I think almost two weeks now; first week here was spent helping bury the dead after the attack.”

[Serenity Caine]

Well I'm glad you made it out uninjured... though I'm afraid I haven't a clue what you're talking about. What undead attack? Serenity leaned forward. She hadn't heard of an attack of any kind... though she had been in Bane for a couple months without leaving... nor had she see Killian in a couple weeks... What had she missed while she was hiding away?

Thank you. And oh... I keep forgetting its a hidden place. It's known as Gallows Bane... I can't really describe to you where it is... simply because walking there would take a week. Thankfully Rivers did leave one thing behind. He gave us a tunnel in and out of Bane, so we would be able to come and go as we please.

Serenity finished off her tea and placed the cup carefully back on the table. An image flashed in her mind, as the events of The Gallows once again reminded her what had happened. You want to find Kail, don't you? Serenity leaned back in her chair. Not that I blame you. He outright shot you... and I did try to stop him, I promise you that. But stubborn as he is, he had to get one more shot in before we left. He can be so stupid. He has whatever you have planned, coming for him. Serenity shook her head. She adored Kail, there was no doubt about that. He was her friend, and fellow Fated from earth. But god was he stupid.

[Deleted]

Aria quirked her eyebrow, where ever Serenity had been it must have been past Heavens pass, or below Nova. Due to the fact of her escaping the red mist. Otherwise she definitely would have known about the undead. Seeing that the conversation could be containing, well sensitive information, Aria casually warded the area around their table with a silencing spell, layered with an illusion of just idle conversation. To Aria and Serenity the conversation would go undisturbed.

”I rather not describe it, be happy you missed it. However it’s a very recent event, everyone’s pretty shaken up over the whole affair….just be careful and don’t go places alone.”

There was still the matter of a good chuck of the bodies being fated, Calix confirmed quite a few of the fresher corpses had been those that had come to his inn. A good chunk she recognized herself as those who had been chained up with her waiting execution. It seemed they had met that gruesome fate despite Rivers bloody attempt to liberate them. She did not want to see Serenity meet the same fate. Aria tilted her head as Serenity described bane; she lived there? Well then, maybe she could show her where the bloody hell River’s took all her stuff. Perhaps she would be able to bring her there one of these days.

”If it’s hidden I can’t imagine a shop doing so well in such a location.”

Aria thanked her freakin lucky stars she had assumed Serenity wouldn’t take into account their surroundings. Elsewise the girls loose tongue would have damned her blonde friend. Considering Noku thought the attempt on her life was an attempt on his, Kail would be wanted for treason if the news got out…and his new position put him in well…a unique situation. Along with his employer…. Aria was pissed he had attempted to kill her, or worse Garrett, but frankly the fated had enough against them without adding to it. She would deal with Kail personally, for now until she gathered more information on the subject.

”I know where he is…Lets move this conversation; do you want to go for a walk?”

[Serenity Caine]

I can’t believe I missed something to big… Not that I would have been much help.. Serenity cleared her throat. The last time she tried to help she had ended up tossing a bomb in the wrong direction… that part hadn’t been her fault, but she couldn’t help but blame herself. The screams still hadn’t left her mind. I will keep that in mind, thank you.

Serenity laughed, You’re not wrong. It’s not doing great. I planned to move it to the merchant district… once things… well once I can walk around freely without worrying of being killed, captured or otherwise. She gave a sad smile. The current truth told her that it would be a while until she could move the shop, but she didn’t mind much.

When Aria suggested they move, Serenity’s didn’t mind. Her tea was finished, and her butt was getting sore from chair. If you would like. Serenity stood from the chair, and pushed it back in, waiting for down Aria.

[Deleted]

Aria stood up taking her cloak from her chair and wrapping it around herself; allowing her spell to drop. She pushed in her chair as a page nearby came and cleaned up the tea. Aria thanked them before motioning for Serenity to fallow her. She decided they would take a small walk outside.

”Probably not in the battle part of things; but we could have used help during clean up. But fortunately that is done and over with.”

Aria took a breath of fresh air the smell of death a forgotten memory, replaced by salty sea air.

”It might be best to move to the merchant district sooner than later; but while I am here you still have your job with me if you choose to keep it….if someone touches you then they are assaulting me. As a noble’s handmaiden you’d be under my protection as well as my responsibility….however I cannot promise you there will be no risk. But you wouldn’t be alone in it. Plus this time you don’t have to play nice to the Princess yes?”

Really Aria wouldn’t need her for much; but she would prefer to have someone she trusted running messages of importance or such. Most people didn’t understand the by bird thing….

”Maybe I could help you out with your shop or what not in return as well.”

They entered the first district walking along the stone pathways; this part of the city was always pretty quiet; and it was pretty for those who liked the clean cut stuff. It certainly was the roomiest out of the rest of the city.

”So besides for the shop what do you want to do; going forward?”

[Serenity Caine]

Yes I agree. I may be moving it soon. I’ve just been waiting until the right time. Serenity begun to follow Aria as she walked, not knowing where they headed, but not really minding either. the weather was nice, and not as cold as usual.

I wouldn’t mind working for you again, I never really got to start as it was anyhow. And.. for the record… I would have learnt to shut up. She crossed her arms in defence, knowing full well she disliked her.

If you’d like to help I won’t say no, but I think it will be alight. It’s not my top priority right now anyways. Serenity thought for a moment. Hmm… well, I want to establish a real home here. Living where Rivers set us up has been nice, but I want to come back to the city, make a life for me. i don’t mind sharing my home as I do now, but I just want to belong here. Maybe even move up in the world from Fated spoiled brat, to earned it noble or something..

[/colour] Serenity laughed slightly, knowing that was a long shot.[/span][/div][/font]

[Deleted]

Moving a shop might be difficult; especially when it wasn’t making a profit. But if Serenity did well with her dresses perhaps Aria would begin wearing them in court and get the publicity needed for her to pick up business. Aria chuckled at Serenity learning to shut up, for some reasons he would think that would have been difficult for the red head. But if the situation really truly called for it, Serenity did seem to have the potential to adapt. She was happy that Serenity accepted her offer; she hadn’t picked any handmaidens while in Palico anyways. Her job was a bit rough for that delicate sort of thing….

”I would not have picked you if I didn’t think you could live up to the challenge. Plus that night I was injured I could hear you rip Kail a new one. You earned some of my respect with that act.”

They continued to walk; a small smile showing on Arias face as she listened to Serenities hopes. Aria came to a stop in front of a small stone cottage. Located near the edge of the first district; it currently was a plain little thing; with no personality to it. Just a blank stone cottage and a little piece of land just wanting to be cultivated. Everything was covered in snow; no walkways to be seen. It sort of looked a little sad at the moment with no love put into it. But Aria had looked for that when she had purchased it.

”Well spoiled little fated brat; pray to your god and she shall hear you”

Aria pulled a key from her pocket and held it out to Serenity.

”Happy Midwinter Serenity.”

She motioned to the cottage; the little cottage was a blank slate for this reason. Aria had wanted to give Serenity a place she could make completely her own. Rivers had given her such a gift; now she was able to do the same for another.

”I can help you decorate; along with being a kick ass gardener if I do say so myself.”

[Serenity Caine]

Yes yes I know, I’m loud and obnoxious get it out of your system. But the fact is, i know what I’m doing. She teased Aria lightly, knowing that Aria knew full well why she’d picked her and not someone else. Serenity knew her way around Aria’s position, and the duties Serenity’s own position entailed. However the detail about Kail was something she’d long forgotten about.

Heard me… How… Oh. Wow. I completely forgot that you had the tunnels too. I mean, I knew but until I had to confirm you were alive, I didn’t even think to realize that you heard all that.. well… then you know I’m not lying when I said I told him to screw off. Serenity laughed a bit, before turing a tad serious again. Aria getting shot was not part of the plan, similarly to a few other things that had happened against the plan. Only Aria getting shot could have been far more avoidable.

When they stopped, Serenity looked around for a moment, confused as to where they were. They hadn’t yet reached the merchant district, so she knew they weren’t going on a random shopping trip. Did one of her friends live near by? Serenity turned to look at Aria as she spoke, her eyes widening with every word before turning to look at the house they stood before.

You’re joking. I’ve heard of Midwinter… I know that gift giving is in order, I mean I got something for you as well… but… this? This is huge! Serenity was in shock. She’d just finished telling Aria that she’d hoped for something very similar to this in the future, and this set her forward more than a few paces.

Oh my goodness, thank you! Thank you so much! Serenity dropped formalities for the moment and pulled Aria into a hug. She could finally start a life. She could get out of the house that Rivers left her in, and start over. Maybe even pull Henry along with her. She knew she couldn’t convince Kail to leave his little forgery set up, but Henry could be convinced. Once she pulled back from the hug, she exclaimed a simple “Oh!” and putting the key in her pocket, she began to dig around in her bag for a moment, before pulling out something wrapped in simple patchwork fabric. She thrust it into Aria’s hands.

Now, this shines absolutely no light on the present you just gave me… But I figured this was a welcome back slash happy Duchess… becoming… gift, thing. I don’t know. But, I thought this could get you started on a style all your own. I mean.. I know it’s not something you can just wear around the castle on a daily basis… maybe at the next event or something… Serenity babbled on, but when Aria would unfold the fabric, she would find a floor length gown sewn together from a soft silky fabric. It was many shades of green, starting from the top it was dark, then the midsection was light, and as it progressed down it had an ombre back down to the darker colour once again. The skin was wavy and bunched up by to gold clasps at the hips, while the bodice was loose and revealing. The neck was fashioned of a gold hoop with green emeralds to compliment it. The neckline was like a halter, coming up to go around the neck, but instead fashioned to the gold hoop instead. There was a gap in the fabric around the breast area, only held together by another gold piece with emeralds.

There’s no real gold… I could never afford that. The emeralds however… well when you live alone, you get bored… so i went and found some… Serenity turned slightly pink around her cheek bones, and looked up at the house again for the moment. Her hands slipped into her pocket and gripped the key tightly in the palm of her hand, her heart racing.

[Deleted]

At least she knew it…Aria was amused by Serenity; a mousierish person wouldn’t be able to handle Arias shenanigans. After all her handmaiden would need to have a strong back bone to what they were up against. Aria frowned thinking back to that day; a lot of things were fuzzy, she had lost so much blood and got stuffed with so many lunar flowers. She was high as a freaking kite….seeing pretty lights and pink dragons…. Damn it was trippy.

”I heard and grasped pieces of it; Garrett the man I had been protecting was stuffing me full of lunar flowers and trying to keep me from passing out. Since I was impaled through the wing and shoulder…the wings were a part of a larger transformation and unfortunately bled a lot more then what this small body was able to handle. Quite frankly Kail almost succeeded that night.”

As what she said slowly sunk into Serenity, her reaction was priceless. As she was tackled by a hug Aria let out a warm laugh and patted the girl on the back.

”Consider it an investment; and a sorry for taking off without so much of a notice after offering you a job. Plus I get paid handsomely for being Palicos head dragon trainer; and I don’t really spend all that much. I think this was a good use of the money”

Aria blinked when Serenity pulled out a gift for her; she hadn’t been expecting on in return. After all it had only been a little while since she had returned…She didn’t want to open it just yet while outside and then accidently get snow on it. So she motioned for Serenity to fallow her into the cottage. Aria trudged through the snow; not really caring that the hem of her dress was getting snowy; and approached the front door. Unlike Serenity she never really needed a key to get into most places. She placed her hand over the lock and something clicked allowing her to push it open. Inside was well lit by the natural light and had nice wood floors….even if they were a bit dusty….Serenity could explore a bit and get an idea of how she wanted to do up the place.

Once inside Aria plopped onto the floor, and unwrapped the packaging. She pulled out a dress made with very lovely material; the color was pretty to. A bit revealing for her tastes….however her phoenix dress for the ball had been as well…so was her attire from the glade. If Ai or Ven could see this dress she was sure they would have loved it. Aria smiled; touched that Serenity had taken the time to make the pretty garment; she would have to wear it sometime….maybe give Garrett a shock or two.

”I’ll have to wear it during a warm event! I love the dress thank you. The style very much reminds me of something my adoptive granny would wear, it’s nice to have things to remind me of my family. I’m touched you went through such trouble to make it for me, even in my absence.”

Aria carefully wrapped up the package again, making sure it was nice and neat and laid it down next to her.

”Now I’m more than willing to help you clean this place up and decorate it as you like. I know my tastes and yours differ, since you got to see my home turned into an infirmary. I’m handy at wood carvings and wood work; and I can sew…probably not as well as you but when it comes to simple things I can at least help there. All I ask just keep a couch open for me to crash on every now and then”

[Serenity Caine]

Garrett… She’d heard that name… Oh… Garrett… isn’t that the man I met when I met you in the springs? Serenity successfully avoiding the memorable part of that encounter. She was glad Kail had failed, and she would have killed the blonde if he hadn’t.

That’s a heavy investment, but alright. Serenity laughed, still stunned that this was happening. She looked around the house, liking everything she saw. In her world this would be beyond a downgrade from the mansion she grew up in, but here, she couldn’t be happier. Day by day she missed her home a little less.

Oh, I’m so happy you like it! I saw what you wore to the last ball, so I thought maybe you’d like this. Though I’d be happy to make others. Serenity smiled. Making clothing was something she’d rather come to enjoy.

Actually, I liked the little place I saw. I didn’t know at the time it was your home, but I remember it quite well. The details were really well done. So I will gladly accept your help, and of course you always have a place here. Serenity was still giddy, and she wasn’t lying. Aria’s cottage was very quant, and she remembered it so well, because Rivers had taught her quite a lot while they were there.

[Deleted]

Aria chuckled with a small smile at the memory; that man was always a bit over protective of her. So much so that his tweakyness around woman was thrown to the wind when someone was insulting towards her. So many years she was clueless that behavior was specifically around her.

”Yes; also the first person I ran into here in nova when I was fated. I broke into the guard barracks looking to steal clothes…..mine weren’t really cold weather friendly.”

Aria smiled when Serenity mentioned it being a heavy investment….Serenity hadn’t had much motivation to remain loyal to her before. This was a bit of an incentive…compared with the potential shit that could go down being involved with her, this was the least she could do. Aria kept the smile on her face when she talked more about the dress which if worn could easily mark her as a concubine. Technically the worse that her dress had from the ball was a very low cut back, her front bits were well concealed.

”Yah….that dress led to me having a really awkward moment…..Noku accidently felt up my ass while we were dancing….then ran away.”

Aria was glad to hear Serenity liked her home, and noticed the little details she had put into it.

”There’s more to that house then meets the eye. But it was in shambles when I first got to it; I spent most of last year repairing it. I enjoy carving and such so it was a task I enjoyed. I’d like to restore some of the other buildings on the property.”

Aria got up dusting the dust off the back of her skirts.

”Well you have more room than I do in my cottage, do you want to explore the upstairs?”