The annoyance which this stranger radiated washed over her immediately, and she took a step back with her free hand settling over her heart. "Oh my..." she breathed, quietly so as not to seem rude, before lowering her hand down to brush against her skirts in an attempt to correct her appearance.
How very stupid she must have appeared then and there, a child of barely fifteen speaking to a guest as though she had any right to. I have a distinct feeling that these duties will only become harder as time progresses... She had been spared the worst of it since Emmanuela's passing, but no doubt this was the first sign of the storm which lingered on the horizon.
Safe no more, are we of Cedarvale? All of our structures have been lost to us, the supporting pillars that were my Mother and Aunt... How will so fine an establishment survive under the likes of myself? It did not bear thinking of.
This stranger was no longer frustrated with the disruption, however. Quite the contrary, tears had formed and were falling down his cheeks before he could hastily brush them aside. Arzela quite coyly diverted her gaze downward so as not to embarrass the gentleman, and felt a constriction around her heart as he spoke of her Mother. Of their similarities.
Do not think on such. You have present company, and you must hold yourself properly, Little Lottie...
Settling her hand back up to fully support Keri, Arzela managed a slight lift of the chin in order to regard him with a more steady gaze. "Of course, good Ser, forgive my ignorance." And the fact that Mother never once mentioned your name to mine ears... "If you would follow me, Ser, it shan't be too long before you can be seated once more." Away from Mother's seat.
She led the way through the remainder of the Garden and up the steps into the most lavish house. While there were several solars throughout the estate, the one she usually held lunch within was on the ground floor, just beyond the study. It would not do to use her private rooms at such a time of day, no that was reserved solely for breakfast and supper. And only if Arzela had time to relax. Otherwise she ate with the others.
The study was beautiful, large hardwood bookcases with a dark stain lined the walls, plump leather armchairs, desks of the same grain, and tables lay throughout, and a heavy rug softened the floorboards. By contrast to the dark room within which she spent most of her time, the adjoining solar was a wonder to behold. Windows framed the majority of the walls, an unfinished hexagonal shape which framed the somewhat ornate table. The seats held cushions, and at this time of day sunlight pooled into the room and cast an almost ethereal glow about the place.
"Please, Ser, help yourself to whichever seat you prefer." She prayed he did not sit in the one just right of the window, again her Mothers. Even Arzela herself did not take Lady Emmanuela's place. The table was laid perfectly, and upon it rested an assortment of afternoon delicacies. Dainty sandwiches and cakes, a steaming teapot... Chances were this poor individual did not appreciate such traditions as afternoon tea. Perhaps she would have to have something a little more hearty sent for.
By this point Keridwen was sound asleep, so Arzela lowered her into a woven basket set to one side specifically meant for such occasions. Quite forgetting present company, she took a moment to tuck the sweet babe in alongside her favourite stuffed animal before laying a kiss atop her head. "Sleep well, Little One" she whispered, before turning to face her guest. Just which seat had he chosen...
[member="Darth Ferus"]