A Midwinter Delivery (@mel)

[Lucinda Noru]

It was just past noon on the next day, after Lucinda had given Aria her gift. The princess had over slept a bit that morning, which considering the late night, was not unexpected. She had hoped to catch the Duchess sooner and so she skipped breakfast, dressing quickly in a simple blue winter dress. It had long, bell sleeves with a neckline that skirted just under her collar bone and had a bit of silver embroidery in a swirled pattern along the neckline and hem. Lucinda pulled on some plain white slippers, and leaving her hair down, grabbed up Melda's gift and hurried over to her chambers. 

The princess arrived, only slightly winded, to stand before the Duchess's door. She took a minute to compose herself, running a hand through her hair and catching her breath. She checked that packaging on the gift hadn't torn. It was medium sized box wrapped in icy blue colored paper with a large bow on top. Simple, but elegant, much like its intended owner. Lucinda knocked lightly on the door and announced herself. "Princess Lucinda to see Duchess Melda Vanya," she said, doing her best to be loud enough to be heard but not so loud as to attract attention. 

[Deleted]

Melda had already returned from her walk through the gardens that morning, and was now sitting in a chair that she had turned to face her balcony window, to watch the sky change and mid morning took over. The winter air was still crisp, so the window was only partially open, allowing a slight breeze to filter the room. She had removed her cloak when she returned to her room, so the silvery fabric was draped over the back of the chair she sat in. Her dress she had also changed, for one more appropriate for the indoors, as opposed to the winter one she’d been wearing before. Now her dress was a light green, like spring grass, with small dark green leaves embroidered on the hem line, rounded neck line and the edges of her med length sleeves. Her silver hair was down her back in a simple French braid, some stray strands around her neck and forehead from the windy walk.

It hadn’t been more than ten minutes when she heard a delicate knock at her door, followed by a light voice she immediately knew to be Lucinda, even without the introduction. Come in dear. She called, just loud enough to be heard through the thick doors. As Lucinda would enter, Melda would stand to turn the chair back to be facing the table and other chairs, rather than the window. Melda looked Lucinda over, sitting back down. It was clear she’d just come from her chambers, and Melda found it oddly endearing, which was odd. Normally she’d say it to be inappropriate to wander the halls in ones night clothes, but she did not. An eyebrow arched high as she caught sight of the blue present, a small smile on her face. She was quite happy she’d thought of something like this happening, and had her own gift for the princess safe in the drawer next to her chair. Good morning princess. You may sit if you like. She smiled softly, gesturing to the chair in front of her.

[Lucinda Noru]

The thick door made it very difficult to hear, but Lucinda just managed to make out Melda's voice allowing her entrance. Lucinda did so, smiling as Melda greeted her and offered her a seat. "Thank you and good morning. My apologies on my sudden intrusion to your chambers and also my appearance. I wanted to make sure I caught you before you got busy doing anything," Lucinda explained. She wasn't presentable just extremely casual, which she knew wasn't exactly appropriate but no one else had seen her. She was grateful the duchess hadn't commented on it because that meant she wasn't offended either so on to other matters.

Lucinda made her way into the room, setting the gift on the chair so she could hug Melda first. "I really feel like I haven't seen much of you this trip, which is a shame," she said, then she picked up the box and offered to the duchess. "I picked this up in Palico and forgot it when I came back so I had to send for it. It's a bit late because of that, but I hope you like it," the princess explained. She then sat in the offered chair to watch Melda open the gift. Inside the neatly wrapped box, the duchess would find a spring dress. "I also hope it fits, I had to guess at the measurements but I'm sure the seamstress won't mind if you need to have it adjusted," she added, giving the duchess a sheepish smile.

Dress

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Don’t fret about it. You found me at a good time actually; I was doing quite literally nothing. She laughed lightly and stood to hug Lucinda when she approached. I’ve noticed that myself. You’re quite the busy bee this time around. I suppose that is both good and bad; you’re getting done what you needed to, whatever that may be, but I’ve hardly seen a wink of you. She smiled and sat back down across from Lucinda. 

When she went on to explain her present, Melda took the box from her, smiling softly as she opened it. Inside was a beautiful green gown. The neckline was a bit more interesting that she usually wore, but she would definitely make an appearance or two in the dress, loving it all the same. Oh it’s stunning! I absolutely adore the broach on the waist! Thank you so much Princess! She smiled widely at her friend, incredibly grateful for the gift. It looked as though it would fit her in most places, but she’d have to try it on later to know for sure.

Melda carefully placed the gown back in its box, and opened the drawer in the table next to her chair, pulling out a gold and red box, with a brass handle on top. She hadn’t wrapped it, because she felt it was already wrapped in it’s own way. Inside the box, was a type of jewellery box, but it was also a music box, playing a beautiful melody when opened. The lid was also a mirror on the inside. She handed the box, closed, to Lucinda. I found this in the market a few weeks back, but you had already left for Palico, so I decided to wait until the next time I saw you. So this works out nicely. She spoke softly, letting the melody play, assuming Lucinda opened the box.

Box.

Music

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda smiled as Melda noted how busy she'd been. "Well, I'm glad I caught you at a good time then but yes, I have been rather busy this time around. I apologize for not getting this to you sooner," she said, not elaborating on what she'd been busy with or whom, as the case may be.

Duchess Melda's reaction to the dress had Lucinda's own face lighting up. "I'm so glad you like it! I was very worried it might not suit your style but I really could see you in it. It's a bit chilly yet for it, and I considered a more winter style dress, but spring and summer last so much longer and are generally much more pleasant. I hope they get here soon," Lucinda said, sighing. This winter seemed very long and mostly unpleasant, save for the last week she'd spent here in Teair.

Lucinda was pulled from her thoughts by Melda rustling around in the draw. Her face settled into a look of surprise as the duchess handed her a gift in return. "This is beautiful! It's also wonderfully unexpected, thank you Melda," she gushed, marveling at the details on the box. After a moment, she opened it, revealing the mirror and the purpose of the box, along with a delicate tune. She listened for a moment, looking quite delighted. "Oh how lovely! I don't have a proper jewelry, well, I didn't. I love it!" Lucinda said, clearly excited about the gift.

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Oh don’t worry about it. You found a way, and regardless of that, it’s something you really didn’t need to do, so thank you. She smiled, placing the box down. Lucinda’s reaction to her own was simple adorable, and Melda couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. You made a splendid choice, I really do love this. Again, thank you Lucinda.

Melda watch as she handed the box to Lucinda, awaiting her reaction, and she was not disappointed. She seemed surprised that she’d gotten her anything, but Melda ignored that, people were often surprised by anything from her. The tune coming from the box was as lovely as it had been when she’d purchased it, and Melda smiled more as Lucinda said she loved it. I’m so glad! I purchased it more so for the melody than the actual box, I won’t lie, but if you can find a use for the box, then that’s a bonus. She laughed lightly again, happy that things had turned out so beautifully.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda smiled again as Melda insisted she really did like the dress, rising from her chair with the box in hand. "I'm so very glad to hear that," she said quite sincerely. She paused a moment to listen to Melda explain about why she purchased the box and laughed. "It really is a beautiful little tune. I think I am going to try and work it out on my harp. I'll let you know how that goes. In the meantime, I'm afraid I must be going. I have to find Uncle Noku and give him his gift but, ah..." she explained, pausing a moment as she caught her reflection in the window and looked down at herself. "Perhaps a change of dress first," she finished laughing.