A nice cup of tea...

Maire had Rensain escort her back to her tea shop. It had been running efficiently without her but she had missed it. The last months unrest and the change of the monarchy had left business in the hands of her overseer. Rensain had wanted her home in the Thunderlands away from the turmoil and possible unrest.

Angels appointments had been a relief. Maire had thought that they would all be thrown out and dipolmats from Aurora be instilled. It seemed that Angel was trying to keep the stability of Merriddia for the people. A fact that Maire was relieved for. Wholescale civil war could have ensued and to tear the country apart would have been not only determental for trade and with winter coming the people would suffer greatly.

Rensain had said very little only asking about her weariness. Tension was starting to drain from her as she no longer had to keep a facade. Her pregnancy was heavy and not knowing what the evening had held...having been given guests unexpectedly and also having Vlad show up had taken a toll. She was anxious to see the shop and to settle into the small apartments above it. Hardly their mansion in the Thunderlands it was a cozy rendevous that they had used many times. As far as she knew her current children had been concived there.

The carriage pulled up to the shop, the streets were deserted because of the lateness of hour and the coachman opened the door and helped Maire decend. Despite her pregnancy she still had a grace and a posture that many women not in her condition had trouble with. She was met with the overseer who slept in the shop. He was bleary eyed but bowed "Milady, Milord, you will find your apartments fresh and ready for you" Maire gave a tired nod and then the overseer quickly moved inside and upstairs to tell the maid to light the fire and lanterns for the Lord and Lady Caladore were there.

It seemed that she had just settled in when Rensain got a summons. They had only one night in the apartments in Merridda and he was off again on business. She reassured him the best that she could for she knew by the look in his eyes that he was concerned leaving her alone once again.
"Go, go, I shall be fine. I got through the ball did I not ? I promise that I shall do nothing that I wouldn't do if you were not right here beside me." That could be a tall order since he did not seem to want her to do much. She gave him a quick kiss and then watched him dress in his usual elegant attire and leave.


Maire had been in the Thunderlands working on the house there, especially her solarium. She had left the shop in the hands of a trusted man that Rensain had appointed. She spent the morning after her repast, looking over the books to make sure all was in order. Each transaction and shipment had been neatly written down . They had not turned really any profit but she had not expected it. With the change in the monarchy , even though the threat of war had passed many businesses were experiencing a sluggish time.

Her other enterprises though seemed to be doing well. She handled that herself and though things were just getting put in place soon it wouldnt not only be tea that was sold but other more exotic types of wares that would be a alchemists dream.

A cup of tea lay cooling at her hand as she studied the books through the mid-morning. She was assured that all was in order and that of course Rensain had picked rightly. Looking out into the street the traffic was a bit light. The usual hawkers were having as much trouble parting people of their coin as the shops were. She hoped that things would finally settle down and life would find some semblance of normal. She was a Lady of the court now, but she was not going to be much of a asset in her condition. She knew that the Queen understood and Maire planned to keep abreast of things via Amarra at the first possible moment.

~wanders down the market street, peering politely into the windows of each shops she passes. She knows it has to be here somewhere, but she's not exactly sure where. She keeps her cloak close about her shoulders, though the cold doesn't bother her all that much. It's more a habit than anything, and a reaction to so many people around, brushing past and bumping each other, and her, in the process. She's never been one for crowds, even comparatively small ones. Not if she doesn't have a focus for her thoughts, at any rate. Still, she shouldn't be out here long...

With a relieved smile, she stops at one shop and pushes the door open, peeking her head inside~

Lady Maire? I was hoping I'd find you.

Maire looked smiled warmly as Amarra came in "Lady! Please come in. " she stood with a elegance despite her cumbersome state. "Have a cup of tea with me? I fear that I am here alone. Rensain got a summons from court...or at least that is what I am thinking. He was a bit vague but perhaps he didnt know either"

She moved to the small fire and pulled off the kettle with a large mitt. Sitting it on a trivet she continued "Quite the ball was it not? I am sorry I dont have any sandwiches or cookies. We just got back right after the ball and I havent had time to take too much stock in things" she poured the water into the teapot and dunked a teaball into it to let it steep and then returned the kettle back onto the fire. She then canted her head "What brings you ? "

She liked Amarra and always had since her visit at the Thunderlands she had come to appreciate her more and found that she liked having a friend. Maire had kept to herself for a long time because of the reputation that Rensain had. She knew Rensain like no one else and he had started to show a different side since they had gotten married. People had started accepting the couple more and more in social circles and this made the Lady Caladore happy. Amarra was the closest friend she had so far and she was grateful especially since they were both Ladies in waiting to the Queen. Amarra had experience where Maire did not and she hoped to learn proper court behavior and what was expected from her friend.

~smiles warmly and steps fully into the shop, letting the door close behind her. She loosens her tight hold on her cloak, allowing the hood to fall down off her head~

That's alright, it was you I was looking for. Tea would be wonderful, thank you.

~takes a seat near Maire and relaxes a bit, glad to be in the company of a friend. It's still a fairly new experience for her, not having had very many of them over the years. At least not those she could spend much time with and truly be herself~

Mostly I wanted to see how you're doing.

Maire carefully poured the tea into a fine cup. Rensain would have nothing but the best even in Maires tiny shop. She had endeavored to make it not too fine however. She didn't want to run off customers that would feel uncomfortable within excessive finery. The shop was cozy and the only thing that definitely stood out was the teaset and that Maire reserved for her own use. Handing the cup to Amarra she slowly sank back down into her seat.

Placing a delicate hand on her burgeoning stomach she remarked simply "Tired, that is the one word I can use" she reached for her own cup of tea and before sipping it she continued "I was wound very tightly while Jaric and Angel were at the Thunderlands. One false move or slight and I felt that I held my fate in my hands. The Queen is more open and welcoming but her husband is very protective over her and should he feel she wsa insulted then ...I do not think he would have heistated"

The ordeal had wrung her out and then there was the ball while they all waited to hear their fates in the new Kingdom. "What about you Amarra? How is your Prince? Is everything as you hoped it would be?" she smiled warmly despite her physical weariness, always the Lady of elegance and dignity whatever the circimstance. A lesson from Rensain, who always had a refinement about him. They had affected each other the two becoming one had drawn the best of both of them to the other. She hoped this would be the case for Amarra and Jared as well.

~takes the teacup with a smile and holds it in both hands to let it cool a bit before drinking. She nods thoughtfully at Maire's comments and gives a sympathetic smile~

Lord Jaric is... daunting, that's for sure. I will admit to hoping that, even though we'll be spending a fair amount of time with Queen Angel's, we won't encounter him very often. I don't doubt he would be displeased to see me, at least, though I'm sure it wouldn't so bad for you. All that stress couldn't have been good for you, though. It's no wonder you're tired. How long now before you give birth?

~takes a small sip of the tea~

This is very good, thank you. Jared and I are doing very well. I think we're getting long better now than we ever have. We're still getting used to each other. And used to... other things, too, of course.

~lets her own hand rest on her still-flat belly, but only for a moment~

{The beautiful ladies would find themselves interupted by the sound of a gentleman dressed in the fine uniform of one of Rensain's personal staff. The gentleman stepped inside the Tea Shop, formal, with his back straight and his white gloved hand behind it. The other carried an envelope wrapped in dark red ribbon. He clears his throat. "This is for the Lady Maire Caladore and for her eyes only, I am instructed."

His hand held out the letter to Maire, knowing who she was. As she opens it, she will find that it reads the following:

My wonderful Wife,

Please forgive that I have to be away from you like this..it is not what my heart desires. It is always never good enough, to simply part ways and be done. It takes great willpower to do so.

Yet I trust in you, and how you will keep our beautiful children safe. Say my name, and I shall find you. As I speak, I sit in council with the King, and what is being said is dire. I cannot say anymore, I am grateful you always understand my work.

You have my love and devotion, my dear, and do not forget it. I shall return soon - I promise it.

Yours,

Rensain Caladore

Maire noticed the brief hand that Amarra lay upon her stomach and was about to ask if she had a upset stomach. Maire had a tea for that if it was the case but as she opened her mouth the carriage pulled up. At first her eyes alit thinking it was Rensain. She was a bit disappointed when it turned out to be the staff member. She craned her head just to make sure that the carriage did not contain her husband.

She took the note and untying the ribbon she eagerly read the elegant script of her husbands hand. Her face was unreadable as she scanned the letter. Standing she spoke softly "Excuse me a moment Amarra" she turned and seperated the ribbon from the letter, throwing the letter into the fire and making sure it had fully caught the flames she pressed her lips to the ribbon and then tucked it into her pocket. Turning after the letter was engulfed she spoke to the servant "If my husband asks, tell him I eagerly await him and his will shall be done" Simple words but ones that he would understand.

She dismissed the servants and watched as they took their places in the carriage and then disappeared from her sight up the street. She sat down and folded her hands in her lap and gave a slight smile as she continued her conversation "Other things? I quite find "other things" most pleasent myself. I think that is how I got to be this way" she laughed as she moved her hand over her large stomach. "Will you two be living in Merridia? I know we will be staying here in the apartments over the shop often. At least until I give birth, and that can be any minute, I tell you ...it almost cannot be soon enough for me. I am growing weary of not being able to see my feet and having my belly enter the room before I do"

~politely examines her teacup while Maire is otherwise occupied. She almost asks if everything is okay, but decides instead that if it was something Maire wanted to talk about, she would do so on her own~

We'll be staying in Grorr for a while, where Jared will be working. Duke Ralean has very generously granted us rooms in the castle. I'll be traveling here to Meriddia daily for my own duties, at least for a while. I may take a room here anyway just in case the queen requires anything that would keep me late. And in a few months, the travel might become a bit uncomfortable, so I might need to stay in the city anyway.

~smiles sheepishly~

Those other things do lead to trouble, don't they? Actually, it's part of why I came to see you.

Maire was a bit surprised at the oddness of Amarras statement. She did not want to assume and so asked tenetively "Are you asking my advice about ...well about affections between a man and a woman or the result that happens." her brow furrowed a bit and she smiled encouragingly not wanting to embarass Amarra .

A look of dawning crossed her features then as she recalled the brush of the hand across the womans midsection. She suspected that it might be the latter but still she did not assume. Whatever it was Maire was glad that Amarra felt comfortable enough with seeking her out for whatever advice might need to ensue.

She drank more tea before it cooled and refilled her own cup giving her friend some time to muster her thoughts as Maire tended to be slightly blunt and Amarra had always struck her as a bit shy.

Oh! I'm sorry, I thought you'd have known already. Most everyone else found out at the ball. Not on purpose, I didn't even know until then. Jared was a little... well, surprised. He drew a bit of attention to himself. And to me. I can't really blame him, of course. That wasn't the way I'd have chosen to tell him, but it caught me off guard and I couldn't stand to wait till after the ball was over...

~her cheeks color slightly as she realizes she's rambling, and she takes a drink to stop herself from chattering further. While it became mostly common knowledge at the ball, whether she'd have wished it that way or not, this is the first time she's spoken this way to anyone besides Jared~

It seems I'm, um, expecting, as well. I don't have very many friends, I'm sure you know, and you obviously have some experience, and I thought, well, that it might be good to talk to you about... things.

Maire listened and then smiled truely happy for her friend "I am sorry I was not paying attention. All my will and strength was on what the Queen was doing. I wasnt sure she would give Rensain any quarter and I was exhasted from her and Jarics visit." Things had happpened on that visit that she had kept silent about even to Rensain. Vlad had made it very clear that theere was to be no discussion about his clandestine visit.

"I would be happy to help in anyway. I will tell you that sometimes your moods will perplex even yourself. There were times when I believed Rensain simply had paperwork to escape the potential that I might in a single moment ,cry, laugh, chide and fall asleep from weariness" she held her cup in both hands letting the warmth seep into her cold fingers.

"First off, make sure you get plenty of rest and eat well. Have you been sick yet? With Marcus I was weak and hardly ate. I threw up everything but I made a concoction of tea that helped settle my stomach somewhat." she chuckled "Now listen to me babble on and on. What questions or help do you have specifically?"

~nods in understanding~

I wasn't sure if I'd make it through in one piece, either. I'm very glad your husband was spared any trouble.

~smiles in relief and listens carefully to Maire's descriptions and suggestions~

My people don't usually get sick unless something is wrong. We get the hiccups. They come on suddenly, and randomly. In fact, it's amazing I've managed a conversation for this long! I knew women in my city that would just stop talking to people almost completely until they had their children, because their hiccups were so constant. The moods, though, I'm not looking forward to that. Perhaps I should warn Jared of that ahead of time.

~laughs softly~

It's not really that I have questions. I know I will as things progress, but right now... well, I'm just... if I'm to be honest, I'm scared. Not in the sense that I don't want to have a baby. I do! But I don't know what to expect, and my marriage is so new, and I don't know how to be a mother. What if I do something wrong?

Maire took a deep breath "I was very young when I was taken to the temple to learn. I do not remember my family at all. I was scared when I had Marcus because I had never seen parenting and did not know what to do. The priests and priestesses were mentors and not unaffectionate, they were simply not parents." she her brow furrowed slightly "I did alright though. Rensain has been the biggest influenece on our son. He always used to complain that I was too overprotective and if Marcus was to become a man I would have to quit coddling him."

She spoke matter of factly and without a hint of bitterness. Rensain had been right. "I did not mean to coddle but my son was the first family I had that was part of me, my flesh and blood and I...wanted to protect that at all costs. Marcus was sent away for part of the year but he wrote me and his father was correct. Though he still loves his mother he is not weak. He is much like his father although not so concerned about his clothing. You know Rensain, he would never go out without looking impeccable"

She continued "Being scared I think is natural and especially since you have no family around for support, but you can rely on me Amarra. I will be there for you in every way in my power." She continued "Spend as much time as you can with Jared for when the baby comes you will be consummed with feeding and changing...unless you have a wetnurse of course. Did you plan for that or do you and Jared prefer to raise your child without the concept of nurses and governesses?"

We haven't talked much about what will happen after the baby comes. I can't imagine leaving my child in the care of a nurse, unless their are immediate duties I must attend to and can't bring it with me. Jared may know better than I what is better for a baby here, but at the moment I'd much prefer us to raise it on our own as much as possible. My people fashion slings to carry small children on our chests or backs and still keep our arms free. Things are less complicated in our cities, though, than they are here.

~shakes her head, wondering if court intrigue is the place for an infant, and feeling glad to be only a lady in waiting again~

I will have to work hard not to be overprotective, I think. I know how dangerous this world can be. It will take all of my willpower not to try and hide my child away somewhere safe and secure. But if I did that, of course, I would likely have to leave it. It isn't easy, is it? I have so much to learn, but not much time to do it in.

Maire listened to Amarra and gave a smile "Well one reason that I remain here instead of the Thunderlands is so that I can be near Rensain and get word to him quickly if the children decide to come" she shifted wincing surreptiously. Her body always protested when she sat a bit too long in one postion. She shifted in her chair and then brought the conversation back to babies.

"I can give you a list of things to start gathering if you wish. I must say that diapers are the thing you will find that you need most. With two I fear that there is going to be someone put on washing them around the clock to keep up. Clothing of course, if you are a Caladore son or daughter you cannot go looking like a frump. Even if you will just spit up on your silk shirt still must look dashing at all times." she gave a amused smile "Marcus ruined so many silk and velvet items between his infancy and childhood. Rensain never cared though. You know particular he is about his dress. He might though reconsider since it is twins."

Taking up her tea cup she added "I am hoping for a girl at least, someone that I can teach to sing and dance and pass on my jewelery too instead the wives of my sons" she asked Amarra "I know you do probably not care the gender of your child but what are you looking forward to most?" she was trying to get Amarras mind on the positive side of parenting instead of the things she had to learn or worry about messing up.

~laughs softly, imagining Rensain dressing his children in miniature versions of his own perfect and precise clothing. The thought of Rensain as a doting father is a hard one for her to grasp, but then, she knows there is a lot about him she'd found surprising lately. She makes a mental note to remind herself to visit, and to invite them both to visit, once Maire's twins are born and she's more comfortable~

If you don't have a girl this time, there's always time to keep trying! I think I want one of each. A daughter that I can share womanly things with, and a son to take after his father. It's strange to think of it. I've always wanted a family, but for most of my life I'd decided it would be forever out of my reach. Or at least, I expected some kind of political marriage. It almost happened more than once. I feel very lucky.

~sighs softly, a contented sound, and smiles~

I think I'm most looking forward to showing my child the world. There's so much I'm still learning about this surface world, and so much I've come to take for granted, both above and beneath the sea. What a wonder it must be to watch a child learn and grow, and to know that you are helping guide them into being a good person.