Cats in the Garden [6/10, Tempest/Madeline/ Lorrella/Renilde, Closed]

[Tempest Castell]

Tempest had grown born in Alska, and longed to return home even if it meant being without some of the those that she rarely saw. The accommodations were alright, but could not match up to House Castell. For all their faults, Castells at least did not skimp on the decor or linens. It was odd for her to be around so many strangers, as even though she had met and been introduced to many people she did not really know them. It would take more than a fancy ball or wedding for her to get to know someone.

Strolling the gardens, Tempest relaxed slightly, pleased that the gardens afforded her at least a small reprieve from the prying eyes of the castle. They still lingered, but not as many. Which was why she had invited Madeline Tresson, someone who she had shared tea with, to stroll with her. Though she didn’t like talking to others, she felt it important to make some connections outside of her house. Just in case, at least.

Which was why she was standing in the gardens, near the fountain at the left bench. Tempest had arrived early, making sure to be there before Madeline. It was only proper, and it meant a few more moments away from her sister or other various family members. She stood straight and still, watching around her for anyone that walked by, hoping that Madeline would arrive soon.

[Madeline Tresson]

She had truly had enough of rubbing elbows with the prats of the lands. It seemed as though they had gathered the 'Simple Gang' to hang out and trot round weddings like show ponies. That was what this was though wasn't it? Become friends with those people who could produce favors, and hope to the lords they never asked you for anything bothersome in return. Damn this hierarchy of shit! Jaxon was a loving man, and everyone knows she's in love with him just the same, but the people they've had to spend time with as of late, was getting to be a bit disgusting.

Madeline shuffled up to the gardens, eyes searching for Tempest, finally spotting her. It wasn't her style to plaster a smile on her face, but remembering how entertaining this girl was at the tea party, it came as a natural reaction.

She stepped forward and bowed to Tempest, "Lady Castell, it's a pleasure." She finished with a grin.

[Lorrella Leiham]

Lorrella was taking a stroll in the garden with her mother-in-law. The gardens were lovely, Alska was a lot further north than anywhere Lorrella had lived so the plant life was interesting and different. As they walked, she spotted two noble women on a bench. She thought one was that awful woman who had given Lorrella such trouble back in Solbra, and the other Tempest Castell.

She knew that Tempest was Renilde's niece, but she and Lorrella had never been very close. They knew each other, a virtue of Lorrella's summers spent in Trista in her youth, but Lorrella hadn't been taken the time to try and speak to her. She wondered if Renilde would want to stop and chat, though.

[Renilde Leiham]

Renilde enjoyed gardens in and of themselves, but she enjoyed them more because they were generally less busy and less frenzied than the castles or towns, especially in a time like this where there were floods of nobles everywhere. This morning she'd joined Lorrella for a stroll, hoping that maybe a bit of leisure would relax any tensions going on in the Leiham house currently. They walked without speaking of anything in particular, but instead exchanging comments on the things they saw.

It wasn't long until Renilde noticed two women farther up the path they were on. It took her a moment to recognize them, and although she barely knew one, the other was her niece, Tempest Castell. Saying hello would be nice, but she didn't want to force Lorrella into a situation she was uncomfortable with, and the look on her face hinted that she was wary about approaching the women.

"Do you know them, dear? If you'd rather, I can greet Tempest and we can move on just as quickly."

[Lorrella Leiham]

Lorrella smiled. Renilde always seemed to be looking out for Lorrella's feelings, even during the unpleasantness in Solbra. She'd have liked to put the whole thing behind her, but whenever she'd see Victor on this trip, she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Of course, it was silly, he had more important things on his mind than Lorrella. Things were improving, however, the change of scenery had done nothing but good.

"No, it's fine. The other woman and I had an uncomfortable meeting in Solbra one night while I was taking a walk outside the Inn. But you should greet your niece, Tempest and I have no issue."

[Tempest Castell]

“It is a pleasure, Lady Tresson, though do call me Tempest,” Tempest replied, genuinely delighted to see Madeline. She had been able to tell that Madeline was a no non-sense woman; someone who spoke honestly. It had made the tea far more interesting than usual.

Sitting down, she motioned for Madeline to take a seat as well. “Now, how are you? I haven’t seen in quite some time, which is surprisingly since it seems as if everyone is required to come to all these dreadful activities.” Tempest was eager to hear of any stories that Madeline had, and perhaps even get in a joke about Regina if she got the chance.

[Madeline Tresson]

"Tempest." Madeline said with a smile, correcting herself, as she sat on the bench next to her friend. "I've been fine, trying to avoid all these dreadful activities to be honest. I know I can't get out of all of them, but the ones I can I dodge!" She spoke with a giggle.

As she looked up she noticed two ladies walking towards them, one she had met before but the other she had not. "You see that young woman there, the brunette, she's pretty to be sure, but I saw her out by herself at night speaking to another Lord. For the life of me she will not tell me her name, nor shall I tell her mine, but I had a nice spat with her." She spoke quickly and quietly to update Tempest on her displeasure with the Lady in question, "Young ones like yourself even, should not be out at night you know? She spoke of her Lord, husband, but I fear for her reputation that many may think she's chasing the coat tails of others!"

[Renilde Leiham]

Renilde smiled reassuringly at Lorrella, lowering her voice a bit. "Should you feel uncomfortable and wish to leave, feel free to say we're expected somewhere. I don't want you to be put in an unpleasant situation, and there will be more opportunities for me to speak with my niece."

Their pace had slowed, but now they were close enough to greet one another. Renilde moved forward of Lorrella, her smile bright and happy as she greeted her kin. "Tempest, my dear niece, how good it is to see you." She curtseyed to the pair of ladies. "Forgive me for interrupting," she said as she did so, mostly to the woman Tempest was sitting with. She didn't know her by name, but had seen her at other events. "We won't linger, if you two would perfer some privacy...?" She left the question open to response, allowing the women to decide if she and Lorrella should stay for a moment and speak or move along their way.