Look Who's Coming for Dinner

Tiffanyanne wrote:It had been months since she had been home. On her return she had promptly found her way to her bed and hadn't left in two days. She was mentally and physically exhausted. But there were people she had made promises too.

Dear Aasha and Aimar,
Long ago I promised a Dinner. I would like to have it now and catch up. Depending on how things are going, I may be leaving again and the length of the journey is unknown. I fear for England and while there is breath in my body, I will fight to make her a home worth loving. But until then, I miss my family. Please let me know if you are available.

All my love,
Tiff

Dear Sister,
We never did catch up where we should. I want to have that long ago promised dinner. I miss you terribly.

Love you,
Tiff

Tiff picked up another paper, her pen hovering and unsure. Jay... what had become of Jay?

Dearest Tiffanyanne,

I heard a rumour that you were back and wanted to say hello. I hope to see you soon so that we can catch up! Oh, and here's a little basket of moose cookies as a welcome home present. You were missed.

-Moose

Tiffanyanne wrote:Tiff grinned when she walked out of her den to see the basket of moose cookies. Ellie peeked around the corner to watch. The girl had avoided Tiff since her return, feeling betrayed and left behind. Who could blame her?

"Ellie, come share some cookies with me." It was reaching out, it was more than she had done in a long time. She missed being around people who wanted nothing from her.

But she had seen herself in the looking glass, and she was not fit for company. Her normally pale complexion was more sallow now, her cheeks sunken in. Months in politics and facing down fire from the highest politicians in England had taken a harsh toll on her. She had lost weight and all of the muscle tone she had gained as a soldier. Her dress hung loose against her. Even her dark hair had lost all glints of fire and seemed a dull brown. The only thing that remained alive were her eyes. But the deep and shining hope they had always held had been replaced with a slow burning fire. It was this fire that told her she wouldn't be able to stay home long. If the flames weren't turned to something, they would slowly consume her.

She shook her head and looked around for Ellie. The girl had slipped away again. Ah well, she had never liked sharing her moose cookies anyway. Tiff took a bite, ready for the warm and sweet flavor that she always wanted more of. But this time, it was ashes in her mouth, like everything else. Even this bit of home, this favorite pleasure, denied. She swallowed the bit in her mouth and called out, forcing cheer in her voice. "Best batch ever Ellie!"

Tiff returned to her bed, still holding the bitten cookie.

Jasmyne wrote:Jas walked up to Tiffys door and found it ajar, without hesitation she entered the dark home, she could tell just by the state of her home Tiff was depressed so she went to the kitchen and made some of her special tea, it had a bit of liquor, bit o honey, this herb and that herb, telling herself, this will wake the dead.
She found Tiff laying down half in and half out of bed....poor thing, its been rough for you hasnt it, but your still my sis and that will never change, she propped her legs up, fluffed the pillows behind her and handed the tea to her, almost forcing her to drink the concoction and all that she could muster to say was: Im glad your safe and even if your home for just a bit...Ive missed you
Oh and thanks for the nomination for this shiny medal, i like it

Tiffanyanne wrote:Tiff coughed as the strange liquid hit her throat. There was some memory here, hidden by the hell of recent fires. A memory of healing people, and now someone here returning the favor.
"Jas, Long time no see." She felt the drink begin to burn through her, the herbs with their distinctive after taste, and something under, warming. It gave her the energy to push up, her bitten moose cookie crumbling in her hand. Oh well, crumbs, filth, waste, she was mired in it anyway. "I didn't write as soon as I came home. I should have. There are a lot of people here I haven't treated the way I should." She wished her voice reflected how badly she felt about that. But it was all dry monotone.

She pushed a dull strand of hair from her eyes and looked up at Jas. Her smile came out a grimace. "Does this mean you'll come to dinner?"

Jasmyne wrote:Jas sternly looked at Tiff. Of course i will, what kind of nonsense are you talking about, but first you need to rest. Jas swept the crumbs from Tiff's bed and helped her out of her cumbersome clothing.

Now, listen to me for once, lay back and rest for a day. Jas pulled the covers up to her chest and combed her hair with her hands. Nobody blames you for being away for any length of time, being countess just consumed you as things have consumed me in the past as well but no one critisized me, i really doubt they will do it to you, just dont try to take on the world by yourself, its impossible to please everyone.

Oh by the way, im engaged to Justheero, in case you had not heard yet. she winked at Tiffy

Now get some sleep and you can see everyone in the morn, ok. Jas blew the candle out and left the room, whispering, your still my sis no matter what, ya hear me

Tiffanyanne wrote:As quickly as the strength came, it flashed away again. Always she had been physically strong for a woman, but now, just Jas's hand against her shoulder was enough to force her back into bed. Her sister... and when to tell her what I found in the documents at the Balboa estate? gently put her to bed, tucking her in and letting her hair down.

How funny, I have been so constantly surrounded by people but this is the first time someone has touched me in months.

Tiff's eyelids, which had been slowly drifting down through Jas's stern lecture, popped open at the mention of engagement. "Oh, Oh Jas, Congratulations."

So much life around her, but why did she feel so entirely bereft of it. She drifted slowly down into the darkness where the demands and angers of the past couldn't touch her. It was a lonely darkness, but it was a safe one. And yet, even in the darkness, she could still feel the ghost of her sister's hands in her hair.

Maybe not completely alone....

Tiffanyanne wrote:The sun had risen high in the cool fall air by the time Tiff woke from the herb induced slumber. For the first time in ages she hadn't been plagued by the nightmares that kept her awake and broke her rest. She rose to make her toiletry and found herself stopped by her reflection in the silver plated mirror. When had her cheekbones become so prominent? Even with the sleep she looked like a woman haunted. It was the first time she realized how pretty she had been. Her hand reached out to the reflection as if to touch the face looking back.

She couldn't stay here. Not while she was like this. These were people who cared for her and even looked up to her. But now, she was no good for them. No good for anything but seeking out answers to questions she couldn't even form.

Tiff dressed in multiple layers of skirts and shirts. It gave her more volume and hid some of the damage stress had wreaked upon her. Her hair was left in a simple plait. Overall the effect made her look more like the waif of a child that Aasha had been when she first met her.

"Ellie, where are you?" The girl had been impossible to keep around since Tiff had come home. "It's time to start preparing for tonight's dinner." Ellie poked her head around the corner. "I need you to get some large hanks of beef. If we don't get enough Aimar will eat through the lot of the food and leave the rest hungry."

Tiff turned and headed towards the back where her mare was. Her pregnant mare, damn that Jas and her Stallion.

What was with the strange look on Ellie's face when Tiff had asked about the meat?

A messenger wrote:The boy started to wake up more once he got outside and began to move. There were lots of missives to deliver, the first one to Lady Tiffanyanne. It didn't take him too long to get there, he knocked, and handed the letter to the lady who answered the door, then took off for his next delivery.

[rp]Dearest Tiffanyanne
Viscountess of Shrewsbury
Lady of the Elysian Plains,

I am most delighted to hear of your return to Shrewsbury, and would be grateful to attend Dinner at your convenience. However, Aimar will not be able to attend. The Honorable Red, Esq. TM of Stafford shall escort me in his stead.

Your obt svt,

Aas ha[/rp]

Tiffanyanne wrote:Tiff dried her hands on a towel and went to the door. Ellie kept trying to shoo her out of the kitchen but after having been busy for so long, Tiff didn't know what to do with herself.

At the door a boy handed her a letter sealed and embedded with an A. She handed the boy a coin and went to sitting room to read, smiling at Aimar's need for formality. She wrinkled her nose at the formal and inaccurate title. What's the boy thinking? It's Byzantium now.... But then, this letter wasn't from Aimar, it was from... Aasha? She read it again, frowning.

Why isn't Aimar coming to dinner? The least he can do is come see his cousin and not have his lady love write in his stead. And why on earth is Red coming? Obedient servant? What the devil was Aasha thinking writing that tripe?

Tiff gripped the letter in her hand and stalked to the kitchen.

"Ellie, what has happened while I was away? Where is my cousin?" None of this made sense. She looked down at the letter again and back at Ellie. Aasha couldn't write. Had something happened to her? "Where is Aasha? She still lives here doesn't she?" Ellie burst into tears and ran from the room.

Tiff screamed and through an empty pan across the room denting the wall. She would have her answers at dinner.

Jasmyne wrote:Jas entered Tiff's home without knocking and saw Tiffanyanne in a state of panic

Young lady come sit, we need to speak. She knew Tiff knew she meant business.
Alot has happened while you were away. Aimar, well, maybe im not the one to explain the details, but he is no longer with us. asking Aasha for details may be your best bet, just dont go charging through town demanding answers, yes i know your style.

I know you have a million and one questions, give me a few and i'll do my best to answer them. Jas sat in the chair opposite Tiff

Tiffanyanne wrote:(I sincerely hope that no one finds this in poor taste but I'm going to 'cheat'. Love love!)

The rise in her breath and heart rate were too much for her body's condition. The light at the edges of her vision dimmed a bit. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jas stalk into the room.

Young Lady come sit down ....

Yes, that's a good idea, I should do that.

Her ears were ringing loudly and she dizzily groped for the edge of the kitchen table, sinking into a chair before she lost her footing. Jas was still speaking to her but she could only dimly read her lips, the words not quite making it through the fuzz in her brain. She was certain she saw Aasha and Aimar's names mouthed. But nothing else.

Tiff held up her hand, closing her eyes. Jas, I think I need to lie down before dinner. I'm not feeling well. Can you help me to my room? She hoped the rest would enable her to survive the evening ahead. Can you ask Ellie to finish the preparations and apologize to her for me? I think I upset her. I've never yelled at her before. Tiff sunk into the soft material of the bed, wishing very much that the ringing and darkness would stop. It was like being alone in a room of people. I know what that's like though don't I? But this is home, I don't want to feel so isolated here. Before she could finish her thoughts she sank into a fitful slumber. The darkness following her down.

--------------------Later--------------------

Tiff leaned against the wall, hearing Aasha yelling about pillows and peas. There was something so comforting about the young voice yelling and cavorting in the other room. At least Aasha was okay. But the letter... where had that come from? Tiff wondered if Aasha knew about it. With the girls past it was possible that someone was coming for the girl. But why respond to the dinner invitation? Why bait me? None of it made sense. She'd have to wait until dinner to find out.

She changed quickly, realizing how soon people would be arriving. It was a small dinner.

Should I have invited Jay? But I haven't seen him in so long, I don't even know where he is now.

Romance, love... these things always evaded her. She had nothing to offer him. He would be better off without her. For that matter, so would everyone else around here. At least for now.

She grabbed the wrapped packages she had. Gifts for Aasha, Aimar, Jas. Even one for Jay, but that would stay upstairs. At least Aasha could deliver the item to Aimar.

Downstairs was filled with warm cooking smells. She went to the sitting room and set out drinks, pouring one for herself, and waited. What would come of the evening?

Tiffanyanne wrote:She was lost in thought, staring down into the dark liquor in her hand, wondering if anything would ever taste good again. Even the warmth of the drink spreading in her stomach seemed distant and to belong to another body. Sighing she set down the half finished drink and returned her eyes to the road through her front window. Red and Jas would be there soon, and perhaps even Jas's new fiance.

The sound of Aasha's voice behind her broke her reverie. She turned, reminding herself to smile. When she saw Aasha wearing the dress she had purchased for the girl, what seemed ages ago, the smile became real. She is a beautiful girl... almost a woman now. Without a word she moved forward and embraced Aasha. The girl smelled like the outdoors... except for a strange undertone of... was that ale? What had the little one been up to while she was away?

I've missed you too Aasha. I'm sorry I've been such a horrible friend these past few months. She took the girls hand and led her over to the divan. You look lovely in the dress. It suits you just as I thought it would. Except for the fact that Aasha seemed very uncomfortable in the outfit. And were those boots under the skirt? Tiff smiled. It was so Aasha it almost broke her heart. A piece of home she'd missed dearly.

Behind the divan she pulled out a large leather bound book with gold leaf fairies and flowers decorating the front. I had promised to teach you to read and I picked this up on my travels. I thought you would like it. It's filled with tales of magical creatures and adventures. The book had been a lucky find. All of the tales featured girls and women as the heroines. She thought Aasha might enjoy tales of girls facing hardships and finding happiness. I don't know that I'll be around to teach you to read this, but... we can talk about that later. Even if you can't read it right now there are wonderful pen drawings through out the book.

From a pocket in her dress she pulled out the answer to the invitation to dinner. Aasha, I don't mean to alarm you, but I got this letter. It says it's from you... and that Red is coming to dinner. Do you know anything about this?