Garden Tea (Tempest/Amalie/Ladies of Court Open) 6/22

[Tempest Castell]

Tempest needed the sun, like the gardens needed the rain, and together they would walk in its glory.

The Garden.


The day had started, and for the first time Tempest rose with it. She was up with the sun; having only left the night a few hours prior, but somehow found the rest she needed. Her heart was lighter after the events of the night, and the need a little less desperate. Through the great gossamer fabric hanging over her windows she could already feel the warmth radiating on her skin, and this ache overcame the selfish desire to prowl the night. Tempest needed the sun, like the gardens needed the rain, and together they would walk in its glory.

Today she traded her heavy gown for a much lighter blend, and the pale color of the rose blush brought out the natural hues of her youthful complexion. It made her appear very much the part of this court, but more importantly--alive. There was a greater part of her that needed this, and perhaps just like her old nan had once said--all could be forgotten in the company of flowers.

A few gathered outside in the courtyard, taking tea in the early light, and already she found herself walking towards the gentle sounds of a true ladies laughter. They were fierce women, strong and beautiful, and Tempest realized that she would never be like them no matter how she painted her face. Their happy smiles and warm laughter made her think of her lover, and how badly she wished to see her. Yet, even now the war took its toll on the land, and cracked away at the beautiful exterior.

At first glance it was easy to feel intimidated, but even Tempest with her hair pinned like some glorious portrait of a princess could blend in as just a single flower in a bed of rses. Slowly, she made her way around the courtiers, and found herself wanting to stow away to the furthest bench. Yet, the day had drawn her here, and already her eyes searched for the reason.

[Amalie Delamere]

What was she doing? She was insane. Amalie had gone mad with grief, or well just mad period. She was not the grieving widow she was supposed to be. It was true she felt no love for her husband, he had been only a friend to her and now even though she wore only a little black she cast aside her mourning clothes for ones more vibrant. Her husband was proclaim a traitor- why should she have felt bad?

Even in the castle here with the Castells she was reminded of who she still was. A prisoner. Amalie wanted to take her children and return to Blasa, safe from everywhere else. Yet she was a Delamere widow now in the home of her mother. Had her mother enjoyed life here? She was a prisoner but still given her freedom as she had no part of her husband's treason. Yet dressed in a fine gown, ladies around her she too felt lonesome. She missed her children but she remained stoic, cold. Just as her birth name suggested. Winter.

She saw one of the Castell women pull off to the side and seeking a break as well Amalie followed her. “Care if an old widow joins you?” She asked politely.

[Tempest Castell]

Tempest was pleased to see Amalie was quick to shed away the drab dark fabrics of mourning as it brought out the more vibrant hues of her skin. Rumor had it that the traitors wife was beautiful, but seeing her now in the glory of the morning light it was easy to see what the fuss was about. Her voice was sweet, and warmed Tempest’s blood. And when her question came, Tempest could only smile.

“Of course. I am rather fond of spiders.” She spoke with a coy grin, and her play on the word widow would have earned her a reputation by now. However, Tempest would dare not think this woman anything of the sort. She seemed so put together to be a prisoner here, but that was something they had in common was it not?

“How are you, Amalie? Truly.” There was a trusting face behind Tempest’s cruel lips, and there was sense of wildness to her despite her rather calm demeanor. Her addiction was easy to hide now with rest and the sun, and the hollow nature of her face only added further to the rarity of her easy heart. “Given up on your dreams of escaping?”

Tempest had no idea if the Lady Delamere had dreamed of running, or if she was the sort wanting of a white knight on a valiant steed? Regardless, there was a great part of her that wanted to take Amalie’s hand and carry her off into the world she discovered when the all the lights went out.

[Amalie Delamere]

How was she faring? Well her husband was dead, she was taking care of a commoner’s child and Amalie was trying to entice him into her bed but that seemed to be failing. Amalie had better days but really she wanted to return to her child. She felt a lone here, cold and she wanted her sons and her daughters. She wanted to hold her granddaughter and coddle and pamper her. She missed Trinda, she missed Blasa. “I am well as I can be. Henric's death was a loss for me but he was a traitor. I know that justice was done.” She remained the composed woman. It wouldn't do to lay all her troubles down especially to a Castell, even if she may have trusted them oddly.

“I know I must be kept her to spare my children. If I wanted to leave they would be killed. You do not have any children of your own Lady Tempest do you? Surely you can understand a mother's love for her children.” She sat down by the woman, glad for the company at least. “In truth I may not be a total prisoner here. I have Castell blood- as do my children. My late husband's mother was a Castell as well as my own. I am amongst family here.”

[Tempest Castell]

Listening to the Lady Delamere was like listening to the rain, and even now in the glory of the sun she felt cold. It was heartbreaking to hear her, but to witness this sort of love—Tempest couldn’t understand.

“No, Lady Delamere, I haven’t children. I’ve not married, and though the man I was betrothed too died long before I could become a widow.” In the way Tempest spoke, it sounded as if she would have carried that name with honor. It meant she survived right? However, seeing the look on Amalie’s face made her thankful she wouldn’t know that sort of pain.

Amalie’s dark hair and sweet eyes reminded Tempest of home, and in many ways she wanted to reach out just to be close to her—she felt like home; in the sort of way Tempest was reminded of her mother. Had she loved her daughter as much as Amalie clearly loves her children? She liked to think so. Leaning in, Tempest whispered,

“Family wouldn’t keep you from your children.” Was that treason to speak that way? She didn’t think so—it was the truth. With that said, Tempest moved to tuck a strand of Amalie’s hair behind her ears, and sat back rather coldly.

“Do not worry,” Her hand fell over the back of the bench, “This will all be over soon, and you will be together again.” It was her first broken promise this year, but somewhere even she had to pray for the truth. “For now…” Tempest looked over the gathering group of ladies, and heaved a rather annoyed sigh, “We sit in gardens….and talk…and wait…and sew…and wait.” She hated to wait, but this was her own troubles. Tempest didn’t know where her life was going, and therefore had lost the ability to care of finding her place amongst the flowers.

“Do you like to dance, Amalie?” Came her question, rather out of place and sudden; the worn soles of her shoes, and messy hem of her dress made it very clear Tempest did. But where did one dance when a Court was preparing for war?

[Amalie Delamere]

Amalie thought the girl was lucky. “Then you are truly lucky to not experience such sorrow. There is none greater than being away from your children or knowing they could be in harm. I know not what the pain would be if I lost any of mine as well.”

Amalie raised a brow at the woman's response. “They wouldn't no but if I leave here and set out for home then surely I would get killed. My children matter most to me. My sons were stricken from the line of succession of House Delamere. My husband was executed for a traitor and I stay here to protect them. I would leave if I could but I could not bare it if their blood were on my hands.” Amalie answered truthfully, although she realized maybe she had spoken too much. “I am afraid I must remain here for their safety but it is not so lonely here.”

Amalie wished she could return home she was fine for now. “I have not danced in some time. Not since I was young.” Amalie was a bit startled by the question. “Do you like to dance Lady Tempest? I once thought it rejoicing when I was younger but now that I am older I found it rather frivolous and flighty. I am afraid I am not as good on my feet as I once was.” She smiled. “I am sure you have many men that ask for your favors at tourneys or even for a dance.”

[Tempest Castell]

Tempest found her heart breaking further with every sorrowful word such a beautiful lady lamented. This was the eyes of the outside watching them, and how easy it was to think the lot of them barbaric in nature hearing this Widow’s tale. Wars were such fickle things, and far too often Tempest felt closer to the outside of it all—helpless.

“You are a brave woman, and your children someday will be very pleased to have known their mother did everything to secure their safety.” Tempest spoke as if she could understand, but she had once been the daughter of someone great had she not? Her mother was an amazing woman.

Carefully, Tempest took up Amalie’s hand, and squeezed her fingers gently before placing it back down, “Maybe I can talk to my cousin for you.” Her cousin being Victor, though she wondered where they stood. “Would it be such a crime if they were brought here? The roads are unsafe…” She thought out and narrowed her eyes to think. She hated being powerless, and wanted nothing more than to ride off with the army when they went. Tempest wasn’t a warrior by any means, but she had learned to wield a dagger enough to save her skin. She was cunning, and smart; the sort to lurk in the shadows to learn your deadliest secrets.

“Sometimes, I sneak into the city. I hide behind dark clothes, and a hood. No one knows me there, and no one cares that I’m there. And I dance until my slippers are ruined.” She whispered, and took a deep satisficing breath. “It’s exhilarating, and you should come one night.”

[Amalie Delamere]

War always happened. She had grown up through one and now she would face another. War was just another part of life. She would survive and move on but Amalie wished her children did not have to face it nor her children. “I would not want my children harmed. They are my greatest joy in life and the things I live for most. You can see why it pains me to be parted from them.” Amalie admitted quietly although she returned once more to her dark exterior.

Yet when the lady took her hand was she comforting her? Comfort from a Castell? Maybe she did not know that family as well as she thought. “You would talk to him truly for me?” Amalie's exterior changed once more, turning perhaps even more hopeful. “I would wish to see my daughters...they would need me the most. But the roads are dangerous and I would not wish them to travel if they were threatened.” She loved all her children, including her little granddaughter. “It would not be a crime no but your cousin may suspect they had a hand in their father's treason as well. I know naught what would become of them if they were here.”

Amalie however let out a laugh Tempest admission. “I would love to dance but what would people say if I snuck out at night amongst the castle grounds? I am a prisoner here and it might look suspicious if I were gallivanting off at night. What would your dear cousin think?” The girl was certainly amusing. “Is that your darkest secret Lady Tempest? Many women have more secrets more scandalous than that.”

[Tempest Castell]

Tempest was not one of the greater women in the Courts. She was not as beautiful as the rest, nor did she quite have the constant fluid grace as their Queen. However, what Tempest did have was the ability to always be true to herself. She could not quell these thoughts of how wrong it was to keep a mother from her child, nor would she stuff them in the back of her concerns because it was not her place. Deep down she was not a rebellion, but had always thrived on the shades of grey than simply the dark and light.

“You should not be without them. Daughters need their mother, and I’m sorry if my words make you feel sorrow.” She spoke of the feeling ‘sorrow’ as if she had never felt it herself, and just in the tone of her voice made it appear that Tempest hardly felt anything anymore. “For his reasons I am sure they are great. I doubt my King would allow such suffering if there was not good reason. I will see what I can find out.” With that Tempest curled her lips once more, but when the Lady Delamere laughed it warmed her very soul.

Amalie was beautiful when she let go, and if only for an instant Tempest admired her small bit of ease. It gave her fire to her own idea, and she would talk to Victor when she could; even if it was in letter. However, when Amalie asked of her darkest secret Tempest grew quiet and still while her eyes shifted out over the courtyard to make sure no one was listening, and finally moved to slip out a little glass vial from her laced shoe.

“It takes away the pain.” The drug inside the vial was from the streets, and used on the ill. It was a small-deluded amount of an opium like substance that would make her forget. The sun still warm on her face could easily mask the signs of her addiction, but when Tempest turned her attention back to the Lady Delamere the dark shadows around her eyes made themselves known. Amalie had trusted her with her emotions, and now Tempest trusted her with one of her secrets.

[Amalie Delamere]

Amalie missed her children, that was true but she had to remain strong for their sakes. Besides, she had her own things here to entertain her. So why did she worry? She was a mother. She was always worried. “I shouldn't be without them no but I am. So long as I remain safe here, I can still write them. My sons will not rescue me as long as they know I am treated well.” She wanted them to stay protected and safe even if that meant she had to be away from them. “His Grace has his purpose for me being here and I know he will not harm me. My brother in law is here as well.” She only hoped Feran would not prove to be a grave fool.

Amalie's eyes widened however at the woman pulling out a vile. What was that? Was that from Strom? “You take this?” She asked her, her voice had gone gravely quiet. How could such a thing help? “What does this do exactly?” She asked quietly. She would not subject herself to such...unless...

No. She was a lady. What was she thinking?

[Tempest Castell]

“Victor may be many things, and I have heard they call him a tyrant. But even I can not see this in him. He would not hurt you no, he would not deny you your children for very long. I feel that you must have suffered much with the death of your husband. You carry a lot of weight, Lady Delamere, for one so young. These are the troubles of women outgrown by their children.” It hurt Tempest; deeply, but when Amalie studied the vial she had to laugh.

“A few drops in your tea will take the pain away, and help you sleep. But if the entire vial is consumed you shall find a true death. I know well the traces of it, Amalie.” Tempest pulled her wicked lips back into a small grin, “So do not go trying it on anyone of my family, but keep it safe. Sometimes it’s the only protection women of our stature can have.” Tempest slid her own long fingers down her bodice into the depths of her breast where she pulled out another to only show a moment before slipping it back between them.

[Amalie Delamere]

Amalie did not think Victor a tyrant, nay. He was perhaps a grieving father that wanted vengenance and she saw that within him. Had it been her own children she would have done much the same. “My husband's death was sad yes but was a traitor. My allegiance and his should have been to House Castell, not against them. I am not truly that young Lady Tempest. How old do you think I am?” She asked honestly.

She looked at the vial, wondering if she should partake in it. The other ladies were sipping their tea. “What grievances do you know of in life Lady Tempest? Have you truly experienced pain? Given birth to a child, wed a man you perhaps never grew to love, left your childhood home for another?” She asked her, listing all the things she had experienced. “Life comes with pain but one must always overcome it, not try to subdue it. Is this a solution to all my problems, or is it one you use for your own?” Amalie was frank, curt even.

"I have had my fair share of pain and I will endure it. It is the only way I can become strong Lady Tempest. I will only hope I can be reunited with my own children soon enough."

[Tempest Castell]

“No, I have little to atone to you, Amalie, but this is why I feel myself wanting to be close to you.” Tempest swept her eyes over the beautiful form of the Delamere, with her radiant skin and strong nose; it was hard to think of her anything other than perfection. It was a self claimed fetish of hers, women with dark hair, but Tempest would never truly admit that. “I have offended you…forgive me.”

Carelessly she sat back on their bench, allowing the sun to fill her and warm her neck as her thoughts drifted onto another place; and despite her careless nature it appeared that Tempest held all the world by her fingers. Though in truth…all of that had slipped away.

“I did not mean to make you appear inexperienced, my friend. I simply mean you are too young to have known such hardships. I only offer you this in exchange for your own peace of mind. It is like a good wine that warms your blood, and dulls your thoughts. Perhaps, it might come in handy when the time has come for you to make your stand.” But Tempest had to wonder if Amalie had the same thoughts as she? Did she feel their sex to be something they suffered of? Amalie who was not much older or really at all seemed to have gone through what widows did twice their age. It was only in this she had wanted to reach out to her. However, it was with her last statement did Tempest truly feel her heart swell. Amalie was strong, and she admired that greatly. Perhaps…she should take a few lessons.

“So then what is next for you? Do you move on? After your children are returned? Do we dare pray that this time it is for love?”

[Amalie Delamere]

Amalie smiled. “I have a little to atone to myself. I lived in a marriage with a man for over twenty years that I did not love. I had four children that I loved more than my husband, is that not something that requires atonement?” Amalie whispered, admitting something she herself didn't want to. She took the vial and clutched it as if it were some secret. “Then I will use it to dull the pain, mayhaps I may sleep better tonight.”

She looked at Tempest now in a different sort of way. Was she truly helping her? “I, I am not sure what I will do. And love-love is something I've never experienced truly. We are noblewomen, we do what men tell us. I love my children, but loving a man fully- that I do not know. I am too old Lady Tempest. I will perhaps now remain a widow the rest of my life. Maybe I can return home to Blasa. I miss the pine forests.” She admitted. “What of you? Do you love in particular? That is a luxury you can afford- I, I cannot.”