Morning tea is oh so splendid...we should make a day of it! Ara-Lynn/Marilynn/Bertram, 7/28, morning-ish just prior to attach on Fallon

[Ara-Lynn Mar-Stellar]

Morning tea is oh so splendid...we should make a day of it! Ara-Lynn/Marilynn/Bertram, 7/28, morning-ish just prior to attach on Fallon

Ara-Lynn sat on the balcony, glancing over the stone-wall parapet, looking at the dark and sinister clouds rolling in. Soon, there'd be a storm and she wasn't about ready to end this tea they were having.

Marilynn had joined her, and Bertram had found his way over into the Azure Parlor as well. For the most part, this was becoming her favorite room in the castle, but she took care in using it so that she could avoid the other members of the Severne household, since they liked it too. Ara-Lynn loved the way the Indigo Goat rugs felt beneath her bare toes, but her toes were not bare today.

In fact, Ara-Lynn was dressed in a gown of pastel yellow, almost butternut colored silk, along with matching sating slippers. The light fabric billowed beautifully in the wind, which was now picking up.

"Perhaps we should take the rest of the tea in the parlor?" Ara-Lynn suggested to her companions, glancing over Bertram, then Marilynn as she looked for approval on her idea. The auburn beauty wasn't ready for her parade to be rained on yet. She smiled over the two of them before instructing the servants to move everything inside—the entire table setting, complete with tea, toast, fruit and jam, as well as the flowered decorations that had been set up.

Ara-Lynn's ice-blue eyes had become normal again, having shed the look of damage from that bitch, Fallon. She had tried to push it to the back of her mind. Being hit wasn't Ara-Lynn's idea of a good time, be it her father, or anybody else. But even so, Ara-Lynn just tried to avoid the damnable woman as much as possible. She sometimes wished Fallon would feel the humiliation that she herself had endured at her father's hand, but not the physical damage. No, for Ara-Lynn, she much rather hoped Fallon suffered emotionally—she couldn't wish physical harm on even the worst of her enemies. Well, maybe her father because he deserved to be beaten to a bloody pulp. But not any other woman.

"Well now, let's get back to what the previous topic of conversation," Ara-Lynn said, glancing at the two. The servants had been extremely quick and diligent in moving the set up indoors. Ara-Lynn had settled easily into another chair and looked over her companions again. "By the by, what were we talking about anyway? Seems the storm might have preoccupied my mind and I seem to have forgotten," the auburn beauty added with a blushing smile. It wasn't like her to forget so easily. Mother!

[Bertram Cromwell]

Bertram was not one for settings such as these. Propriety, being gentlemanly... these were things he never really cared to perfect and left to his brothers. In fact, typically, he would rather fake a near-death illness than be called to a parlor for tea. Or, make himself scarce and go hunting with his companions who were all at the tavern now imbibing and taking liberties with the willing wenches. But, if enduring stuffy surroundings was what he had to do to see Ara-Lynn, even for a moment, then that's what he had to do. But damn, it was hard keeping himself in line, a task made important by the presence of the province lord's wife, Marilynn Severne. It wasn't that he didn't like Marilynn. On the contrary: He could hug Marilynn for being a friend to his Ara-Lynn. It was just... well... she was Theodoric's wife, and Theodoric wasn't somebody he wanted to cross for a multitude of reasons.

"I believe we were discussing the wedding of Jarvis Ashpool to Evelyn Castell or some such event. It would seem like everybody is getting married lately. Must be the thing to do." He honestly didn't care, and was going to say a few personal opinions on the topic, but he also knew that Marilynn was an Ashpool by birth and was not sure where she stood with her brother. Of course, Bertram had his own feelings about House Castell. Not all of them, but their patriarch in particular. It wasn't that he didn't respect or like Victor, he just could assume that his views on certain issues that were important to Bertram weren't necessarily aligned with his own. But that had nothing to do with Bertram and was none of his business.

"It looks like it will be a good one," he said, looking out at the clouds. "I had hoped to go hunting later, but it would seem that it may not be in my best interest." He looked back at Marilynn and Ara-Lynn. "So, what is there to do on a rainy day in Alska?"

[Marilynn Severne]

Marilynn was enjoying herself, even if the tea had been a bit unexpected. She wasn’t exactly certain of why Bertram joined them, but she didn’t mind his company. He was definitely not someone she would have thought would enjoy this kind of setting, but she wasn’t going to say anything. He seemed to genuinely want to be there and that was enough for her.

She shook her head clearing the thoughts away so that she could better concentrate on what her companions were saying. Marilynn didn’t like to get caught wool gathering after all. She glanced up at the sky briefly when Ara-Lynn spoke up, noting the gathering clouds before saying, “I think that’s a good idea.”

Marilynn moved to follow the other two back into the parlor, setting in to a chair once she was there. Bertram answered Ara-Lynn’s question before she had the chance to do so, which was just as well since she hadn’t been terribly fond of the chosen topic of conversation in the first place. She nodded and replied dryly, “Yes, everyone does appear to be getting married now. As for Jarvis and Evelyn, I can’t honestly say that I’m terribly fond of that match. It was rather surprising when Jarvis announced his marriage to the rest of us. Still, he’ll be happy I guess ...” That was something at least. Her brother did seem honestly happy about getting married to Evelyn, though Marilynn would never be persuaded into believing that Evelyn didn’t have plans of controlling her brother.

She turned her attention back to the stormy clouds outside the window before responding to Bertram. “Back in Vadra, I would probably have just read a book on rainy days. I haven’t been here long enough to know all the best things to do on a rainy day.”

[Ara-Lynn Mar-Stellar]

Ara-Lynn raised her eyebrow. Oh, she could come up with plenty for herself and Bertram to do on a rainy day, of that she was certain. Most of the activities involved being nude. She tried to suppress her smile, keeping her face as neutral as possible.

"I guess horseback riding would be out of the question," she offered, taking a sip of tea. "And I definitely agree on the book idea, Marilynn," she said, smiling. "There's nothing like a good book to get lost in."

"We could always play cards," Ara-Lynn continued, giving another suggestion. "I must admit, embroidery isn't on any of my lists of suggestions," she laughed, taking another sip of tea. Even though she had both Bertram and Marilynn here, who weren't exactly friends, Ara-Lynn felt most comfortable around these two, considering these were the only two that had gone out of their way to be friendly with her.

Marilynn had already proven herself a friend through and through--something Ara-Lynn would not forget. And Bertram...well, he was another story entirely. Mother! She was so in love with Bertram that it was hard keeping her eyes to herself and most of the time, she kept herself trained on Marilynn. Ara-Lynn figured the other girl wouldn't put two and two together, at least not yet.

"I guess nobody would be up for a game of cards, hmmm?" Ara-Lynn wondered, knowing the deck was safely hidden away in one of the drawers a few paces away.

[Bertram Cromwell]

"Well at least there's that," he said about Jarvis' happiness. It was more than he could say for the sham weddings taking place. One he could list off the bat, but as Marilynn was the Lady of the house, he would keep his opinions to himself. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting too many members of House Castell, but the ones I have met have been rather... interesting? Yes. We'll go with that word for now until my mind comes up with a better one."

Horseback may be out of the question... for them. Bertram wouldn't be opposed to doing that in the rain and had done it in the rain before. But, the whole point of staying in Alska was so that he could spend more time with Ara-Lynn. Sure, he shouldn't enjoy himself in the company of a married woman, but these were strange circumstances and it's not like her husband gave a damn. His loss. He shrugged at the suggestion of a book. Not that he didn't enjoy a good book every now and again, it just wasn't his cup of tea.

"I suppose cards would be fine with me," he said, taking a seat. "And you, Lady Severne. You will be joining us in our little game, correct?"

[Marilynn Severne]

Marilynn gave Bertram a bland smile as she said, “Interesting is a good word choice I suppose, though I probably could think of a few others. Honestly I haven’t met more then the women of the Castell family but I can’t say that they made a great first impression on me.”

She was actually fairly glad that horseback riding was out. While she was able to ride a horse confidently, it wasn’t something she especially enjoyed doing. She was more at home doing other things such as embroidery and knitting, or as she had said reading. Marilynn almost laughed when Ara-Lynn followed her train of thought by saying that embroidery wasn’t on her list of suggestions. She took a sip of her tea to smother the grin before saying, “A game of cards sounds like an excellent idea actually ...”

[Ara-Lynn Mar-Stellar]

Ara-Lynn smiled, quickly getting up and grabbing the cards from the drawer. She took her seat and began dealing out eight cards for a game of Parlor Rummy, smiling and laughing the entire time, feeling like a burden had been lifted from her chest.

"So, we all know the rules: try to make sets of at least three cards each and put them down here," Ara-Lynn said, patting the table place before her after she moved the teacup out of the way. "Whoever has the most sets wins. Draw one from the pile to start your turn and discard one in the discard pile to signal your turn over." Ara-Lynn had never played cards with either Bertram or Marilynn, so she glazed over the rules really quick to ensure neither felt like an outcast from the game.

Well, even if neither had played the game, Ara-Lynn could not fault them. Bertram's life was the outdoors and Marilynn loved reading and embroidery and all the other womanly things. She just had to make sure her friends were comfortable with the game before they started.

"Ok, Marilynn, you go first," she offered, as she picked up her own set of cards. Within a few minutes, the game was moving smoothly and the trio was spending quality time together, at least in Ara-Lynn's opinion it was definitely quality. If either wasn't familiar with the game, then they played their cluelessness off very well.

After a few rounds and the game coming to a close, one of the family servants appeared at the door.

"Pardons, but Lord Severne immediately requests your presence, Lord Cromwell," the servant said, bowing. The look upon the youth's face was one of concern and worry. Ara-Lynn allowed herself a sideways glance, slightly alarmed as to why Theo would call him so immediately? Surely Theo didn't know of their illicit affair?! And if he did know, he'd have called her in too. But Ara-Lynn still couldn't be sure.

Glancing over at Marilynn, Ara-Lynn's eyes tried to read her expressions. If she knew anything, her face probably wouldn't be able to hide it.

[Bertram Cromwell]

Bertram enjoyed cards. They had there entertainment value for a while. Though he couldn't imagine doing this all day. He hated staying still for very long. But it seemed that wouldn't be a problem. He didn't think much of it when the servant came in. He suspected they were there for Marilynn or something like that. So, when they mentioned his name, he was more than surprised... and confused.

He had never been summoned by his province lord before. What reason would merit such an occasion now? Surely he did not know about his happenings with Ara-Lynn? He knew for a fact she would not tell anybody, not even Marilynn, and he certainly hadn't told a soul.

Well there was no point in speculating. Only one way to find out. "Of course," he said, getting to his feet to follow the servant out. If nothing else, this would certainly be interesting.

[Ara-Lynn Mar-Stellar]

Ara-Lynn watched Bertram get up and leave, trying to keep her face masked. What in the name of the Mother was going on? The servant calling looked distraught, terror-stricken, worried, concerned...? Ara-Lynn couldn't exactly tell.

"I wonder what's going on?" she quietly said to Marilynn after Bertram and the servant left. She dropped her cards. The game was basically over at that point. Ara-Lynn wanted to follow along and find out, but she'd be damned if Theo was calling Bertram out for their affair only to have her show up and get an earful herself.

[Marilynn Severne]

Marilynn enjoyed the card game, though it wasn’t something she regularly did. She had played the game before especially on days that her sisters and brother had nothing particular to do. While they played, Marilynn couldn’t help wonder why Bertram was spending time with them. She was an inquisitive sort, always had been, and so once her mind had came up with the question she couldn’t help trying to figure it out. Bertram had expressed interest in hunting later that day and she couldn’t really believe that he would mind the rain. He didn’t seem the sort to mind being out riding in the rain and yet here he was spending the afternoon with two married women. There were unfortunately only a few reasons her mind could come up with and none of them were particularly great ones, ones she didn’t really wish to wonder about too much. Besides, it was all just idle speculation. She really had no way to discover why Bertram had chosen to spend time with them at this point in time.

She had just decided not to worry about it too much, after all maybe he was just being polite and not wishing to abandon them, when the family servant came in and said that Theo wanted Bertram’s immediate presence. Marilynn was far too observant not to notice Ara-Lynn’s slightly alarmed glance but she didn’t think much of it at the time. Most of her thoughts were centered on what Theo could possibly want with Bertram. The servant looked upset and that could only spell some sort of trouble.

Marilynn glanced over at Ara-Lynn when she spoke up after Bertram and the servant had left. “I have no idea, but I intend to find out.” She rose to her feet adding, “If you’ll excuse me ...” before heading in the direction the other two had gone.

[Ara-Lynn Mar-Stellar]

Well that's just dandy, Ara-Lynn thought to herself, watching Marilynn leave too. Maybe the woman would come back and tell her what had been going on?

After playing a couple of rounds of a solitary game, Ara-Lynn realized neither was in a rush to get back. The auburn beauty sighed, throwing down the cards and making ready to go back to her room. Eh, if Theo wanted her for answer for her affairs, the servants knew where to find her. No point in bringing attention where attention wasn't needed.