Stitching Time (Open)

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Oh the light in the castle was dreadful this morning; the sky was overcast with dark grey clouds that promised cold spring rain. Ansley had hoped to work on some embroidery to pass some time. However she hated doing any kind of stitching by candle light. The best to work from was natural; however very little natural light penetrated one of the many sitting rooms within the castle. It was work to find a room where the windows were position just right to allow her to be able to sew with the right lighting.

Things were certainly quiet in the castle over the past couple of weeks; things were calming down from those dreadful events. The King had been so brave to put himself on the front lines; it was so nerve racking. She and some of the other woman had stayed in the castle. Doing what they could do to aid healers. It had been tough work; usually such work was left to servants. However the kingdom needed every helping hand they could get. After the siege was over; she had rode back to check on her father and there barony. Their barony had not escaped the siege; her father needed all her help organizing and directing repairs. At the very least she did get to spend Mid Winter with her father. She had just arrived back at the castle late last night; so she was looking forward to an afternoon of relaxing.

Ansley was dressed as fine as ever; she wore a pale pink gown with silver and gold stitching. It had a tight bodice with a modest square neckline. A pale gold lace ribbon that lined the edges and framed the front panel of the corset. The corset was decorated with pretty pearl chains on gold fittings that brought out the pretty peal pink of the fine fabric. The top of her sleeves were cute puffy caps, which formed into form fitting sleeves that covered up to her wrists. To accompany her dress she wore a pretty pearl necklace; and bracelet. Her feet were covered in brand new fur lined white silk slippers that paired wonderfully with her dress. They had been a lovely gift from her father for midwinter. Ansley had her hair up in a high ponytail, followed by a loose plaited braid. Completed with a pearl embroidered hairpiece. Ansley had lined her eyes with coal, and had her lips painted light pink.

Yes her goal was to have a relaxing afternoon, but one could not go under dressed when within the castle. After all one never knew when they would they would run into royalty. Ansley took a nice spot near the window; and took out a silk belt which she was sewing a flower design into. It would be a lovely piece once it was finished.

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Melda had gone for her morning walk through the gardens, as she always did, but the dreary weather cut it short, as she feared the rain would hit and decided to head inside before it did. She wore her usual dark colours of purple grey and blue, with hints of light lavender accenting the dress. It went to her ankles in hem, and mid hand in sleeves. The neck line went across her shoulders, but she wore a black velvet cloak over them to conceal them from he weather. The corset was tight fitting, revealing her elegant figure for once, while the skirt fell out in a silky manner. Her hand maiden had insisted on it today, and she had been too tired to fight it. Her silvery hair was done in curls, falling down her back to the middle, and pinned back out of her face. She looked young today, as she never curled her hair. Diamond had not accompanied her this morning, as she'd wanted some alone time before the day began.

She had wandered back inside and was slowly making her way back down the halls. She glanced through the windows as she passed them, sighing for the dark weather and hoping for spring to arrive soon. In the same fashion she glanced through open doorways as she walked. There were rarely many people up and about at this time in the morning, so aside from servants, the odd person was out of place. Glancing in another doorway, she saw a young woman in pink, looking out a window much like she did, and working on a sewing project. She recognized this maiden as the Baroness Crawford. They'd met now and again, living in the castle as they did, but Melda had never been quite the social type and had never formally introduced herself.

Decided to do something new, Melda stopped and entered the room with the young woman. She'd known that she'd left for some time when the battle had been brewing, but it seemed she had returned, though Melda couldn't have known when even if she'd guessed. Good morning young one. Melda announced her arrival and entered the room further after doing so. When the Baroness would look at her, she would curtsy lightly, keeping up formalities as she always did.

Melda's Dress.

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It was a rather dreary day for anything. Too damp to paint or bake, too little light for needlework of any sort, too chilly for a walk in the gardens. Acacia had only recently come to the castle at her parents insistence to further refine her manners and perhaps find a potential suitor. This day, though, she felt called for neither of those things. Instead, the lovely brunette was idly wandering the castle, peering into each room that was open to the public and appearing to diligently assess it before turning it down.

Acacia was wearing an odd outfit for a noble, for the weather. It consisted of a unevenly sleeved tunic, dyed black but with no other adornment, the right arm being sleeveless while the left side had a long sleeve that was a bit loose at the end. This was paired with a long skirt, dyed a rich royal purple with a pattern of white roses and black vines hand stitched along the hem. Her shoes were plain, white flats a little scuffed with age, and which only partially covered her socks. She also carried a small canvas and her set of charcoal supplies.

The young baroness poked her head around another doorway into yet another of the many sitting rooms in this castle, thinking that no place needed this many different rooms anyway, casually scanned the area and started to move on. She walked a few paces forward, then did a double take, stopping and then going back for a second poke. It had been awhile since she'd seen her but, yes, she was sure it was Ansley.

Acacia moved fully into the room, clutching her art supplies to her chest and giving an awkward curtsy to the older woman who was also reclining here. "Good morning, ladies. Do you mind if I join you?" she inquired politely, not sure of the ranking of the other two.

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In, out, cross stitch, in again; the repetitive pattern was relaxing. She quietly went on like this until the sound of footsteps made her look up from her work. Ansley was surprised to see Duchess Vanya; Ansley quickly put down her sewing and stood. Dropping into a formal curtsy, her head bowed low.

”Duchess Vanya, you grace me with your presence. I hope this day finds you well.”

She rose; keeping her hands folded in front of her. During her greeting a glimpse of dark fabric caught her eye. She blinked when a familiar face crossed her vision. Ansley’s features brightened considerably; her dear friend Acacia was in the castle! Oh what a joy; she always did enjoy their time together although rare. What a blessing this was, especially when her time in the courts had gotten so lonely. With Severine falling from favor and all; she had distanced herself from that circle and was feeling a little lost. But oh…oh Acacia and her fashion choices; they would need to spend some much quality time with her wardrobe. So dark and dreary she was looking. However presently it would seem she would need to make introductions as was proper.

”I would be most pleased if you would join us; allow me to make introductions. Duchess Vanya this is the young baroness Lady Acacia Sutherland, Lady Acacia this is Duchess Melda Delsaran Vanya.”

It was improper to talk to a noble without first being introduced. She was fortunate enough to have made Lady Vanya’s acquaintance through her time learning under Severine. Thus she could make the proper introductions for her dear friend.

”Lady Acacia why on earth did you not write and tell me you would be coming to the courts! I myself just returned from my father’s barony last evening; have you been here long?”

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Melda nodded, appreciating the greeting. It wasn’t often people continued to think to be formal with her. All the young nobles were getting less and less formally correct. It was all nods and handshakes these days. Beautiful curtsy dear. Very well rehearsed. Melda offered a formal smile. The day has treated me alright so far. Aside from this gloomy weather. But even Mother Nature has off days it would seem. Melda waved her hand and sat carefully in the chair opposite to the one Ansley had been in. She opened her mouth to speak again, but the girl had been distracted it seemed, with another being. She closed her mouth and turned her head to watch the entrance of said person.

Melda knew she should stand up, but her body was still weary enough from the recent battle, that sitting would be more wise. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. You’ll excuse me if I do not stand up to greet you; my old bones can’t do all the sitting and standing you young women can. Melda bowed her head and smiled, playing up the old lady card, despite how she looked, and the fact that in her race, she had just hit her middle age era. They didn’t need to know that however.

Melda looked out the window while they exchanged greetings and questions. The clouds were forming together, getting darker and darker. A storm, Melda could predict easily enough. It seemed about right with everything going on recently. Ansley’s dress was the brightest thing Melda had seen on the castle grounds in a while. After the battle, even the flowers in the gardens seemed to have dulled significantly.

You girls should come take a seat. Don’t let me ruin your fun, but standing around in the middle of a doorway is a little improper. Anyone walking through the halls may hear your words and spread what you may not want spread. Melda’s voice was light and not at all chastising, simply truthful.

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Acacia's face lit up as she realized who was in the room but of course, first things first. Introductions had to made, as was the proper way. "Duchess Vanya, it is an honor to make your acquaintance," she said, giving Melda a proper curtsy. "It's no trouble at all, Duchess" she added in reference to her not standing to greet them.

Turning back to Ansley, Acacia grinned. "My old friend. Lady Ansley, you are looking most well. I am sorry I didn't write to let you know I was coming. It was a rather sudden decision on my parents' part. I arrived this morning, actually. I was settled in and you fine ladies are the first people I have spoken with since," she explained, smiling. "I've been well, thank you for asking. What about you, Lady Ansley? It's been quite a while since we last met," Acacia added, answering the other girl's question.

Duchess Vanya's gentle prompting was nothing short of the truth and Acacia nodded. "You're very right, Duchess. Thank you, we got quite caught up," she said, making her way into the room and settling in on one of the chairs. She pulled the ottoman towards her and took off her cloak, exposing the uneven top, and draping it over the ottoman. Acacia then placed her canvas and charcoal materials on top, clearly intending to use it as a makeshift work surface.

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Ansley bowed her head; and bobbed a curtsy once more. Not of greeting but one of thanks.

”Thank you your grace, your words flatter me”

On the outside Ansley remained the picture of humble grace; on the inside she was squealing like a little girl. Duchess Vanya had complimented her! She approved of her curtsy! Oh what luck she couldn’t wait to write home that such a distinguished noble in the court had praised her so kindly. Ansley nodded in response; fully agreeing it was a gloomy day. She didn’t see how anyone could like such overcast skies. But even gloomy days had their silver linings; Acacia’s presence certainly brightened hers somewhat. It was a shame though that Acacia hadn’t had more notice; they could have arranged to arrive back in the courts together.

”If you need any help settling in, my handmaiden and I, would be more than happy to lend a hand”

She offered the girl a kind smile; she was about to respond to Acacia’s question on her wellbeing when Lady Vanya made a very valid point. She motioned for Acacia to take a seat across from her and returned to her seat by the window.

”I have been well; after the attack on our dear city I returned home. Father’s barony had been hit as well unfortunately; not as bad as the city mind you. But most of my mid-winter has been reorganizing the barony. Things are once more able to be handled by my father on his own; so I returned to the courts. Lady Vanya; how have the courts faired since the attack. Like Lady Acacia I have not had the opportunity to reacquaint myself with the latest news.”

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You’re very welcome. She smiled and bowed her head, happy to know her compliment meant something to the girl. It had been a while since she’d been around someone who respected her in such a manner.

Melda smiled fleetingly at Acacia’s greeting. She would let the two catch up before interrupting again, and instead watched the clouds rolling in, quickly covering the sky, only speaking when she gave the girls her advice. Thankfully, they both agreed without hesitation, and moved themselves inside and taking their seats. Upon glancing over, it was clear Acacia intended to work on an art piece of sorts. While Melda was on her walk, she always brought with her a small note book and a a quill, with a closed capsule of ink, should she decide to jot something down. Seeing as these two ladies would be working on something, she decided to pull said items out of her cloak which had sewn in pockets on the inside layer. She began writing about the clouds, and how the flowers outside had been drooping with such little sunlight.

Stopping mid sentence, she looked to the women as they spoke to her once more. The courts? Well, dreary as you can see. Everyone is in a tense state as of now. I haven’t involved myself very much as of late- so my answer may not be the most descriptive… I saw the attack first hand, and helped fight in it, so really all I can tell you is that no one would be cheerful so soon after such an event. She shook her head, placing her quill down on the table and sighing.

The King hasn’t spoken to anyone much since then, not that he spoke much before. All the servants and maids are tense… The kingdom as a whole has suffered a great loss… You won’t find much joy or colour for some time yet, I’m afraid. This day rather matches our lives. Melda looked out the window, a terribly sad look covered her face, her eyes looking dull and dreary. After a moment she shook her head once more. Anyway, don’t worry about it. Just go about your days as usual, things will change back soon enough. And don’t go asking around about the attack; you may cause more damage that way. She looked at them both in tern, seriousness in her voice and clear in her eyes, before looking back down at her book, picking up her quill once more.

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Acacia smiled at Ansley as she made her offer of assistance. "Thank you, Lady Ansley. I did not bring that much with me, in all honestly. A few servants and my own handmaiden had me settled in quite well within an hour of my arrival. It was marvelous," she said, smiling.

Ansley's answer to her question was good news indeed! How she loved to hear that her friend and the family were well and safe. "That is most excellent news, Lady Ansley! Thank the gods that you are alright and I am also pleased to hear such good tidings concerning your father and your family land. I heard about the awful attack on the city! Of course, our own barony was also not spared, but it was something Mother and Father insisted I not concern myself with," Acacia said, sounding somewhat displeased with her parents choice.

As she listened to Ansley's and Melda's chit chat, Acacia began a rough sketch on her canvas with a thinner piece of charcoal that was very carefully selected. At first, it was impossible to tell what she was drawing. "If I may, Duchess Vanya? I'd like to say that is simply very hard news to hear. Though, I do wish to thank you for any assistance you provided in the attack. It must have been awful, dealing with that first hand. You are more courageous than I by far," she said, clearly impressed by the Duchess and her efforts.

When she hears Melda's warning, she nods her head in understanding. "I appreciate your invaluable advice concerning the matter, mi'lady. I shall do well to keep such questions to myself," Acacia says, bowing her head to the older lady. Her drawing was starting to take some shape at this point. There were multiple half circles and angles and with a few more strokes, a one could almost make out that it was a rose.