[alaklondewen]

Pelien and Adrama had a lovely lunch. It reminded Pelien of the small tea parties she and her daughter would have when Adrama was a small girl. They would dress in their beautiful gowns and bring out the best tea set, and then the mother and daughter would sit at the table, Adrama’s legs dangling from her chair, and talk about the affairs of state. Pelien smiled inwardly as she remembered her daughter sitting up so straight and proper, trying to be the perfect little lady she was born to be.

As soon as they finished their salads, Rummel was summoned to clean off the area and to help Pelien dress. The servant tightly laced Pelien’s corset and then helped the woman into her gown. Looking in the mirror, the older woman touched her waist with her hands and turned from one to side to the other. She was aging, but she still had a nice figure…not to large, yet not tiny, tall and proud.

Pelien came down the stairs just as the guests arrived. The young ladies stood in the corner, close together, almost giggling nervously. Pelien noticed immediately and saw their behavior as a weakness…their inability to keep control over themselves.

“Ladies, welcome to my home. This is my daughter, Adrama. I’m not sure whether you were acquainted at the ball.” Pelien motioned to her daughter as Adrama took her place at her mother’s side.

“Thank you for letting us come here today, Lady Pelien.” The first of the young ladies approached the hostess. Pelien nodded as she looked the girl over. She seemed to be older than the others, slightly. Her thick chestnut hair made her stand out from the others, but Pelien liked the fact that she seemed more aggressive and looked her in the eyes without nervousness. “My name is Averyll. I’m looking forward to making your acquaintance.” While Pelien raised her chin in acceptance, Averyll offered her hand and slightly curtsied. Averyll then motioned individually to the other ladies behind her. “Lady Vieana…” This lady seemed younger than Averyll with her small frame, blonde hair, and cool gray eyes. “…Lady Eleniel…” Eleniel was a beautiful young woman, whose long lashes and black hair made her appearance strikingly unique. “And here is Lady Tessa, the Lady Finduilas’ sister.”

Finduilas’ sister is she? Pelien thought smirking at the girl who appeared to be the youngest in the group. Tessa stepped forward and took Pelien’s hand. The young woman was strong, and Pelien could see fire in her eyes. Next, she offered her hand to Adrama, and as Pelien looked at her daughter, she saw the color drain from Adrama’s face.

After the introductions and greetings were made, Pelien led them into the parlor where she took her usual place in the high backed, floral chair. The other ladies were seated on the matching rose couches that faced one another. Rummel brought a large vase with fresh seasonal flowers and set it in the middle of the coffee table. Soon the tea was delivered and the ladies began daintily sipping from their cups and chit chatting about the weather and other unimportant topics.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: alaklondewen ]