[Arien]

Pelien's Luncheon

Alethea allowed herself to be lead to the luncheon. In truth she did not really want to go, she had tried to stall by saying something about her hair, but Meirelle had insisted and Alethea felt too tired to fight. So reluctantly she was now being led towards the door of Pelien’s. The two halted outside and Meirelle checked over Alethea’s hair and clothes. Alethea gave a exasperated look but Mieirelle missed it while combing althea’s hair down with her right hand.

Meirelle stepped back and beamed at her, and Alethea gave a little smile. She really did not feel like going today, she would have rather gone home and done something productive with her day instead of gossiping, but their job must bee done. So after a few words of encouragement from Meirelle, Alethea opened the door and found the room where the luncheon was taking place. All eyes turned to her as she stepped into the room.

“Ah my sister has finally decided to arrive!” exclaimed Dryea, a little laughter followed. “Too busy getting ready I suspect.” Alethea gave a sarcastic smile to her sister and Alethea sat herself down next to her mother and muttered under her breath, “Yes something like that.”

“Alethea, I am glad you graced us with your presence… I was getting worried that you had forgotten.” her mother said, then taking a sip of tea.

“Oh no, I was just…..well as Dryea so accurately put it I was getting ready.” she smiled to her mother who was fully aware that Alethea was being sarcastic. She raised and eyebrow and placed her cup on the table. Alethea face burned and suddenly felt ashamed, her mother seemed annoyed with her. Her eyes looked into her mothers apologetically. Ruiel nodded and then turned to Pelien.

“This is Alethea, my youngest daughter,” she smiled at the host politely.

“Alethea,” Pelien said and then pointed to a girl who was near, “ Alethea I am sure you know my daughter Adrama.”

“Yes, I have seen her, but never had the pleasure of speaking to her.” Alethea’s sarcastic tone of voice floated over the air but the only ones who seemed to noticed were Dryea and Ruiel. Pelien was blissfully unaware and smiled courteously back. Alethea could see it was an act. It was obvious to her that Pelien did not think much of her and thought more highly of her mother and sister. Well it was her loss, people were not always what they seemed, Alethea knew that. It did not bother her that much, though she dreaded the thought of having to talk to Adrama if she was anything like her mother.

“Well we will let you two get to know each other…”Pelien motioned for Alethea to join her daughter, so she did reluctantly. She sat down next to the girl who ignored her, she seemed to Alethea to be ignorant, not wanting to talk which Alethea did not mind. But under the critical eyes of their mothers the needed to at least greet each other. Alethea turned to her and prepared to make the first move.

“I’m Alethea, don’t worry I already know who you are, Adrama, you mother told me. The two of them have gotten the idea in their heads that we may have something in common..”

“Really…how interesting,” she said carelessly. “Well I doubt that.”

“So do I, but if we are to survive their nagging after this little gathering then I advise we at least look like we are getting acquainted.” Alethea smiled, she liked this girl she acted much like herself, maybe they did have something in common.

[ July 23, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]