Re: Look Who's Coming for Dinner

aasha · aasha on Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:41 am

It wasn't that long ago that she'd shied away from contact, but the moment Tiff 's arms went around her, Aasha clung. She'd been worried when the dinner had been canceled the first time, concerned that Tiffany was working too hard. When she hugged back, she felt the obvious padding Tiff had added, trying to disguise the weight loss. It was exactly what she feared. Everyone was taking and taking, and giving nothing back. - And I'm no better...she worries 'bout me...even Aimar said as much...me livin' here makes her responsible, and that's just not fair.

Even knowing she was only adding to the burden couldn't stop the desire for support, giving and receiving with just a touch. Shaking her head in denial, even as she moved to the divan with her, Aasha protested. Ya ain't been a bad friend Tiff...yer jus' too busy. Too many pullin' an' yer not gettin' to rest. She took a closer look, noting the pale complexion, and an odd look in her eyes. Ya gots to slow down..take care of you fer a change...lets me help some.

The divan was a challenge, she had to sit in this? She could barely walk right. - Least I ain't wearing all those extra skirts that were on the bed with the dress, I'd never sit then. - She didn't want to mess the dress up, not in the first few minutes she had it on, so it was with care that she finally perched, repressing the urge to prop her boots on the table. A bit of color stained her cheeks when Tiff mentioned how nice she looked. It's the most prettiest thing I ever owned...hopes I gots it on right...

She watched as Tiff pulled something out, shocked when she handed it to her. It was exquisite, she couldn't help but run her fingers over the letters, tracing the words, then the detailed drawings on the cover. Its...ya didn't have to get me this...I...oh thank you Tiff...I'll keeps it always. She started to confess to her reading and writing knowledge, but before she could, Tiffany pulled out the letter she'd sent. A beaming smile crossed her face, she was still proud she'd managed to write it, even if she'd had help.

But the tone of Tiff's voice, along with her words gave her pause. She looked from the letter to the woman's face before she murmured; Yah...I knows 'bout the letter... Mention of Red brought the color back to her cheeks. I wanted to make ya proud of me. Red's been teachin' me letters sos I ken write an' read some. Ain't too good yet, sos he helped me wit' that. I...I asked him if'n he'd come... By the time she'd gotten to the end of the sentence, she was out of breath. She was talking quickly to get it all out before she lost her nerve, and was praying Tiff wouldn't mind the addition to the dinner party.

aasha · aasha on Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:41 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:Tiff smiled at Aasha's concern. The girl had come with nothing, too ill to stand and hunted by beasts in the coats of men, and still she had the heart to offer something to Tiff. The thought of stopping to care for herself was as alien as allowing someone to care for her. Images of Jay there while she healed from the attack by the men flitted into her mind and she absently touched the scar that still marred her shoulder. Just you being here is more help than you know Aasha. Having someone to come home to.

It was tempting to grin as Aasha perched on the divan, trying to stand and sit at the same time. She pushed the smile down, not wanting the girl to think she was making fun of her. The dress is fine Aasha, though you seem to be missing a few layers to it. I know it looks delicate but it's not going to fall apart from sitting or walking around. She patted Aasha's hand. There was a time when I never wore dresses either. But I've grown accustomed to them. Though I still wear breeches under my dress from time to time. She gave Aasha a conspiratorial wink.

So much had happened while Tiff had been engrossed in the world of politics and diplomacy. The promise she had made to help the girl read had been fulfilled by another, and Red of all people. The idea that Red had taken an interest in Aasha filled her with faint unease. The girl was so trusting and innocent. Red was neither of those things.

What is that man up to? And why Red instead of Aimar? Has my whimsical cousin made the mistake of leaving this girl behind?

Red helped you write this? Tiff kept her hands still in her lap, forcing herself to stay calm lest she have another fainting spell. Then I can only guess that Red is the one who put 'Obedient Servant' at the end. Even with keeping her breath slow she could feel her heart rate increase. I think you should be very proud of your accomplishments Aasha. You've done very well for such a short time. But I want to make one thing perfectly clear. You are no ones obedient servant, least of all mine. I don't know what kind of fool nonsense Red has been telling you, but as far as I'm concerned, you are family. Breath slowly, don't get excited or you'll scare her. She's seen too much anger in her life. And even if you were not family, I would never expect you or anyone else to humble themselves in such obeisance for the sake of protocol.

Tiff stood up, pacing to the window, holding the ledge until her knuckles turned white. I worked with him side by side in the castle and he still doesn't get it. I ruled the county with the idea that our efforts belonged first to the lowest and weakest of the people. And still he teaches my very own little Aasha to humble herself. The words were said more to herself than Aasha.

The darkness was edging into her vision again and she gripped the window ledge tightly, willing herself to stay up, locking all of her muscles in place to keep from sinking. When the vision slowly returned to normal Tiff looked over her shoulder, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. I'm sorry, I haven't been myself lately. Of course you can invite whomever you like to dinner. This is your home too.

And soon, it would just be Aasha's home. But the girl didn't need to know yet. Didn't need to know that if things went badly they would take everything from her and that giving Aasha the home and stables and most of her other holdings would be the only way she could care for her if something happened. Aasha had lost too much in life. It would be better to lie to save her tender little heart.

aasha · aasha on Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:42 am

One statement, that's all it took for Aasha to suddenly decide that moving from Tiff's was a bad idea. One sentence, and she was determined that Tiff would always have someone to come home to. - Jah willing... - Not even the snippets of conversations with Red and Aimar about Tiff being responsible for her could dent her resolve.

When Aimar had disappeared the first time, she had decided to face her past. Now she knew she would do more than that. She would make sure that her past could never hurt anyone she cared about. Surprisingly for her, it included herself. It hadn't seemed to matter before, but after losing Aimar, and hearing the sincerity when Tiff said coming home to her helped, it did now. She couldn't, no wouldn't put anyone through losing her because of him. - He won't touch her...won't touch nobody I care about...no one...not even Red... -

She was glad when Tiff pulled her from her musings, thoughts of Red confused her, especially on top of the others in her mind. She didn't plan on caring for anyone, least of all a man. Look what happened last time, yet she did... - ...steady Ash... - She almost giggled when Tiff mentioned missing layers, she already felt odd in the dress, all the other material would only make her feel trapped.

Ain't sure 'bout gettin' used to wearin' finery like this...but britches under is a right fine idea. Wouldn't matter if'n I trip then. At ease for now, Aasha's grin broadened as she talked to Tiff, though a faint tinge of pink stayed on her cheeks. Yah...Red done helped me wit' that...an' gave me chalk an' a slate to write my name on sos I ken get better. She only nodded when Tiff mentioned the obedient servant phrase, though hearing her words had her simmering inside. - He said it was expected. That it was polite. I didn't have to put that? I told him I wasn't no servant! - What came out was; Yer better'n fam'ly to me. Yer here...an' not exp'ctin' nothin'...sos better...Face flushed from her wayward tongue, she hurredly added; I ain't writin' it on nothin' else. Them prat'cals be damned.

Springing up, almost glad to be standing and not worried about the dress, she moved closer to Tiff. There was something about the way she moved that made Aasha uneasy, she'd been hurt enough in her life to read it in someone else. The sheen of barely suppressed tears was easier to spot, both had her moving faster, until she was right beside the other woman. Ya ain't gots to be sorry fer nothin'... Her hand hovered, then rested lightly on Tiff's arm. You've never done nothin' but helps me. Lemme helps you now, please? She didn't try to hide the worry in her eyes, she couldn't lose Tiff too, she just couldn't.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:49 am

TheRedChef wrote:Red had seen Tiffanyanne perched in the window. He hated that look. There was no way he would have set foot here, if not for Aasha.

...if not for Aasha. Red let that thought roll around his mind before settling on alarming ones about Tiffanny and Jasmyne. No easy way of placating that mother bear, and Jas- best not to think about Jas.

The always put-apon Ellie showed him to the sitting room, where the two most important women in his life sat talking. The broadcloth of his resplendent crimson finery caught the firelight with a soft glow.

"Lady Aasha," he bowed, favoring her hand with a kiss, "I've never seen loveliness such as yours tonight," Red murmured so that only Aasha could hear.

"Duchess Tiffany," he bowed mockingly deep, "how good of you to finally favor our unworthy town with your presence. It's been some time since Birmingham." He proffers a battered wooden box with bits of straw poking through the slats. "I've brought you something from our friends in Glenmorangie. I think you'll enjoy it."

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:49 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:Tiff was going to answer Aasha's offer when she saw Red pass the window and heard him enter into the sitting room. She remembered the rags he used to wear fishing from the shores of Dorchester. How proud he had been of his first set of decent clothes paid for with his efforts. The man had slid easily into politics, like slime beneath the rocks. She could have laughed at how he moved to allow the firelight to glint from his pompously flashy clothes. Red, indeed...

When he took Aasha's hand and bent over it, his lips pressing against her little hand, she could have thrown something. Her eyes flickered with bearly contained rage.

Duchess... unworthy town... and the fool gives me a bottle to smash over his head.

The darkness crept into her vision again and she leaned against Aasha's shoulder to steady herself. My dear friend, I'm afraid the easy life has made you as soft between the ears as in demeanor, you seem to forget I am no longer the duchess. She took the box and inclined her head slightly. And perhaps also that this is my home and I would be the last to call this town unworthy of anything. Unless you feared the unworthiness was on your part, something to which I cannot speak...

She put an arm around Aasha and pulled her farther back from Red. You'll have to ask your obedient servants on that score.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:50 am

TheRedChef wrote:"How silly of me to forget. You left so fast. Poof! Gone in the middle of the night."

Red helped himself to a drink form the sideboard. Burning matched burning.

"I've no doubts about this town and it didn't take getting bored with Derby to realize it. I stayed."

He sighed and stared into his whisky.

"We needed you, Tiff..."

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:50 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:Gone in the middle of the... You really should watch your consumption. She plucked the glass from his fingers and set it down. I not only told you but invited you.

Her eyes glittered with anger and hurt. I was the duchess, I couldn't put my love for home above the need of a town. You know what situation Derby was in. And you know I was gone because I ended up in a face off with the Wolves in Stafford City. She swallowed the remained of the drink he had poured, her eyes never leaving his. It was set down on the bar top with a sharp clip and she turned away from him.

They needed me? How many pieces do they think I have to give before there is nothing left? She poured another glass for him into a fresh tumbler and grabbed up her own half tasted one from before. She handed it to him, painfully aware of the hollow feeling inside. I let a lot of people down Red, don't feel special. Much more of this and perhaps she would disappear all together.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:50 am

Aasha was about to put her arms around Tiff again when she heard the sound of footsteps. Turning, she noted a look of was that disapproval? - on Ellie's face as she showed Red into the room. Suddenly self conscious about the dress again, she almost fell over when he kissed her hand and complimented her. Even as her cheeks turned red, she wondered at the sincerity, especially when he called her lady and snippets of their conversation about how to act around nobles came to mind.

Before she could formulate a reply, he'd turned towards Tiffany. There were strange undercurrents between the two, unsettling for a girl who was already confused. The words seemed to be political, but the tone was something else entirely. Either way, she was starting to get angry. Tiff was too fragile right now to take this, and shouldn't have to. Not with her there. Ignoring the warnings in her head, as well as the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, she finally spoke up. I thinks I needs a drink too. Welcome to Lady Tiff's home m'lord. Maybe ya ken have a seat an' relax...lets others relax too. She was glaring, her eyes flashing fire with just enough moisture in them to really catch the light.

Turning toward Tiff, she took the lady's arm protectively, then whispered; Lets go sit... Louder, her voice broking no argument, she said; Ya didn't lets nobody down. Yer here, an' thats what matters. Too many pullin' ya don't help nobody...jus' makes those what love ya miss ya more. She didn't give herself time to think on that admission, any more than she allowed herself to feel hurt that this wasn't going the way she'd envisioned. Any other time, she'd be doing what Red accused Tiffany of, and running away from all of this, but she couldn't do that to her...nor could she leave with him there, even when he was making her angry. Her heart wouldn't let her do either. What she did manage was to grab a drink for herself and drink it quickly, sputtering when the fiery liquid burned from her throat down to her stomach.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:51 am

Jasmyne wrote:Jas and Justheero started towards Tiffanyannes door, she found it to be open, but Jas was different these days, she had been in a war, she was more toned, muscular, she didnt know if she wanted to tell Tiff what war she was in and with who's side, maybe that's best not said.

In her tow you could see an arm that was apprehensive belonging to Heero. Come on sweety, she wont bite, its me you have to watch out for.

Both standing before the table, Jas introduced Heero as her fiancee with a sparkle in her eye's Tiff had not seen in Jas's eyes for a longtime.
Jas asked Tiff if she was feeling any better since she came in last night. If she had even remembered seeing her last night, she did not know.

She turned to exchange greeting with Aasha and Red. without really thinking about it she eyeballed Red in a fashion as if to say, you had better not hurt her or you'll answer to me, one of those looks. She doubted anyone saw this look but Red.

So Tiffy, hows things going for ya...

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:51 am

TheRedChef wrote:Leaving from Derby... How could she forget abdicating as Dutchess and vanishing from Stafford Castle in the middle of the night? No warning, no note, no invitation, no nothing. Then she came skulking back. I had to hear it from Aasha! Why did I ever leave Dorchester? The slight tremor in her voice...the quick fire of her spirit...the way pride made her shortness seem 10 feet tall...that hidden gentleness...the way her eyes flashed...the tears just held back. At that moment, Red fell forever and he knew he didn't want to see Aasha upset ever again.

"Quite right, Aasha," the bitterness was easier to swallow now. "I do believe I'll have a seat."

"My apologies, I seem to have misplaced my manners. It really is good to have you back, Tiff. The town just hasn't been the same." He raised his glass to her in salute.

"Heero, Jas, how are you two?" There was that glare again...

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:51 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:For a moment there seemed to be too many people in the room. The walls were shrinking in on her. The accusation in Red's eyes every time he looked at her. And what of the dinner? Jas and her love, and Red and Aasha so suddenly thrown together before her. Loneliness was a terribly conspicuous thing. The room wasn't shrinking, she was.

Just a little more and poof.

Despite the hollow ache in her core, she couldn't help feeling that the picture was off. Aasha's companion for the evening should not be Red... Where was her cousin? She wanted to know, wanted to ask, and yet something kept holding the question from her lips.

Every time I said his name Ellie turned tale and ran. Aasha hasn't so much as mentioned him. Someone would tell me if something was wrong right? He's my family. Jas's too, for that matter.

Well, I suppose now that everyone is here, we should make our way to the dining room.

No, not everyone. There were very definitely people missing.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:52 am

Hoping she'd not clutched Tiffany's arm too tight as the liquid fire continued its journey, she finally let go. The hope that she wouldn't forget Aasha was there if she needed her was there, along with the prayer that the rest of the dinner wouldn't be nearly as awkward as the last few minutes.

The change in Red's tone threw her off balance. She expected a glare, or even a scathing reply, but not the agreement he offered. The odd fluttering was back in full force as she met his eyes. She was caught, drowning in a sea of blue. - Stop looking, you're gawking...good Jah, why am I feeling like this? Why can I not act natural around him anymore? - The ease in the taverns swam into focus, his arm around her, making her feel safe. The fire was back in her face, she said not a word as she unthinkingly swallowed another drink of the vile liquid.

- Oh Jah, what have I done? - Blinking rapidly to dispel the tears threatening to overflow as it burned through her system, she struggled to keep from coughing and sputtering.

Saved from too much attention when Jas entered, she swallowed hard before attempting to speak. Lady Jasmyne...nice to see ya here...an' this is yer fin'nce? It was another new word, but not one she could ask meaning to now,not in front of so many, especially not a total stranger. The connection between the two told its own story though, she bowed slightly before sinking into the divan, the dress forgotten.

She didn't realize how closely she was sitting to Red until she leaned to place the drink on the table. Her leg brushed something solid, obviously not the divan as she could feel a curl of awareness, an electric current that told her it was him even through the material. Her breathing felt erratic, her movement towards the table checked as her hand tightened around the glass. Better keep it, in case I need it again. -

She'd barely sat before Tiff was suggesting they move again. - But how do I get up with a drink in my hand, and this confounded dress on? - Tiff looked odd again, which was making her uneasy, she didn't know what to do now. But others were here, surely one of them would be able to help.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:52 am

Tiffanyanne wrote:As the group slowly headed for the dining room, following on Ellie's heals, Tiff grabbed her sisters arm, holding her back slightly from the crowd. This new thing with little Aasha following Red around like a puppy, how long has this been going on? She kept her voice low.

She didn't like it. Red was a flirt but he'd never given any woman serious consideration. He had no right to be drooling over the shiny innocence of young Aasha. Poor girl had learned a bit of reading from him and was now following him around with worshiping doe eyes. She was so easily swept up by any man that wasn't a complete oaf. She had so little experience with men who didn't hurt. Better not hurt, I know where he lives and they'll never find the body. And where the hell is my cousin? He should at the very least be here to make some snide remarks at Aasha.

She looked over at Jasmyne. Jas was only a couple of years older than the girl. But she had none of the look of the waif in her. She looked hardened and ready to handle whatever came her way. But still, she was what, 19? And the engagement and courtship with JustHeero seemed rather sudden...

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:53 am

She was trying so hard not to focus on him beside her that she totally missed his arm going around her shoulders. His whispered concern caused a deepening blush, further throwing her off balance. No one else seemed to notice her distress, a fact that she was thankful for. Hopefully no one would pick up when she leaned on him slightly, drawing strength from the comfort, even when that same comfort increased an already erratic heartbeat.

- Don't look at him, not now...you'll forget everyone here... - Red saved her from further embarrassment by rising beside her, then taking her forearm gently and helping her up. The twinkle in her eyes matching the glow in her cheeks. Not trusting herself to speak, she inclined her head in thanks. - Don't look Aasha...you'll be lost... - As he escorted her into the dining room, she passed Tiff and the others, avoiding their eyes as well. The warmth of his hand still supporting her arm was bringing back those same tingly feelings she was trying so hard to ignore.

She blessed fate for getting her into the room without mishap, the last thing she needed was to fall on her face after such an unusual start to the evening.

aasha · aasha on Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:53 am

Jasmyne wrote:Jas felt the taunt grip upon her arm by Tiff but once realizing it was Tiff it no longer bothered her.

Aasha is no longer a little girl dear.

Maybe you should take Aasha in the back quarters and have a little talk, if you need me have Ellie fetch me, but i think both of your questions should be answered from her, not i.

Death was something Jas had seen upclose and personal, but it wasnt something she cared to talk about with anyone