• Closed • Tea For Two (Darcy)

[Valeria Burhan]

4 Zi'da 717, Morning

As the 10th break approached, Valeria wondered what had come over her the previous night to accept such an engagement. She must have been drunk, or given leave of her senses. A combination of the two would probably be accurate although she hadn't been intoxicated by wine but by power. The blonde had been weaving her abilities through the room and even after they wore out, she'd been so caught up in her duet with Darcy that she'd finished on a high and decided that it would be an excellent idea to flirt with a woman in public! In hindsight, she could see her madness for what it was although she certainly hoped that the Venora hadn't. Frankly, she didn't know if it be worse for the woman to arrive or to neglect to come. The uncertainty of it meant that she found herself pacing around her small house, feeling uncharacteristically nervous as she waited to see whether she'd have a guest or not.

The young woman was in an outfit similar to the one she'd worn the night before although this time, she hadn't slipped a corset on under her blouse and she wasn't clicking around the place in heels. Instead, she was left moving back and forth in her bare feet, eyes roaming over everything in her small living room, searching for some fault that the other might spot when she entered. She'd done her best to remove what cat hair she could from the couch but of course, it was a losing battle. It didn't matter how many times she managed to brush it together with her hands to peel it off, it always seem to come back almost instantly. Not that it helped that the cat had chosen to curl up on one side of the settee, a sprawling mass of fluff. Not that she could blame Alena for enjoying her comfort.

Having set a pot of water to boil over the fire and set up everything she would require for tea on the coffee table, the blonde settled down on the couch beside her pet, hands fidgeting in her lap.

"Come here to me, you," the Burhan murmured, reaching over to pick up the cat. The creature let out a soft mewl of protest, shifting a little as she was transferred to the young woman's lap. The animal stretched with a yawn as her owner's hands moved over her, fingers trailing almost frantically over her fur. Alena settled down again, purring deeply. The girl started to scratch her behind the ears. "I might be sitting here like an idiot for no reason, you know. I mean, I have no idea if she's actually coming or not but I've gone and set everything up. Although if she doesn't show up, no one will know what I fool I've been except for you but you won't tell anyone, will you, Ally?" she said, her voice changing to a coo at the end. She continued scratching the cat, chewing on her lip as the animal rolled and lazily punched the air with her four paws.

"I'd be worried if you could tell anyone, yes I would! I don't have a talking cat, do I? No, you're just a purr baby, aren't you?" Valeria cooed, rubbing the cat's belly. At that moment, a knock came at the door and sent her jumping. She dumped her pet off her lap unceremoniously, eliciting a grumpy sound from her while she stood and tried to brush the light coloured hairs off of her black skirt, grimacing at the little cloud that she created. Hopefully none of it would end up in the cups - it would definitely end up in the cups - because that would be a nightmare. Even if the cups had been on the other side of Rynmere, the cat hair would have managed to get into them; it was a well-known law of the universe that cat hair had to get everywhere but especially in unexpected or inconvenient places.

"Just a trill!" the noblewoman called out brightly, eyes scanning the place once more before she moved to answer the door, a soft thump from behind signalling that Alena had hopped off the couch to come investigate. "Good morning! I'm glad to see you again. Don't sniff her, Ally! Don't mind the cat, she's just a nosy little- Shoo! Do come in, Darcy," she blurted out, her greeting awkward and slightly distracted as she tried to move the cat aside with her foot as she held the door open. She settled for bending down to pick up the curious creature, cradling her to her chest with one hand while she held the door wide for her guest to enter. Once she was in, she'd shut the door and set the cat down.

[Darcyanna Venora]

4th Zi’da, 717

Fates, she was so not okay.

Darcyanna sat at her dressing table, applying her make up and brushing her long blonde hair, before resting her head in her hands. After leaving Valeria for the night, she had rushed home and locked the door behind her. Nerves a mess, seeing Pythera in the shadows even when she wasn’t there—couldn’t possibly be there—the young Venora had consumed a large and overly strong dose of brain berry tea, followed by a large reevi cigarette. Whilst the reevi itself wasn’t so bad, the tea had a tendency to leave her feeling almost hung over when it wore off.

Sitting back and pushing the hair out of her face, the pianist sighed and finished getting dressed. Nothing to special, just a simple fitted black dress with a sweetheart neckline and long lace sleeves, and her cloak. Leaving her blonde locks loose, the woman moved around the small university home to gather her bag and slip on her black ankle boots, before leaving for Valeria’s.

It was bright, for a winters day. So sarding bright. Either that or her hangover. Regardless, tea sounded really really good right now. Walking through the streets to the Burhan nobles abode, she briefly paused at the door. The night before had been wonderfully surprising with their impromptu duets, and for a moment Darcy had felt...something. Peace? Joy? Something had overcome her in Valeria’s presence. It was both interesting, and confusing.

Too many hits on the Euphoria, that’s what it was.

Taking a deep breath, she rapped on the door, smiling as the blonde Burhan appeared almost immediately. Darcy couldn’t help but smile at the comical struggle with the furry grey feline that seemed to just want to greet her.

“Good morning, oh by the Seven she is adorable! Hi there!” As she stepped inside the pianist reached out tentatively to stroke the cat, delighted at how incredibly soft she was. Like how a cloud seemed it would feel. Taking her hand away, she glanced down with a laugh.

Hair. Hair everywhere.

“Thankyou for inviting me. I must admit, I am feeling a little under the weather this morning so recalling we had an engagement for tea was quite a wonderful wake up.” Turning around the room, Darcy nodded.

“Looks like the University doesn’t stray far from town accomodation. No manor houses for us here I’m afraid.”

[Valeria Burhan]

.

Valeria couldn't help smiling in true delight as Darcy entered and greeted the cat enthusiastically. She was extremely thankful for the cat's presence, especially as in light of trial, her actions the previous evening made her wonder how the Venora would act towards her. Casually flirting her and kissing her on the cheek at the end of the night had seemed excellent ideas to her as she enjoyed the high of her Elithem use and the gentle erosion of boundaries caused by the wine. Now that she was sober and completely clear-headed, the Burhan didn't think that her actions had been the wisest. At least she had Alena as a sort of buffer and a topic of conversation.

Noting the way that Darcy glanced down at her hand after petting the feline, the blonde gave an awkward laugh. "Oh yes, I should have warned you that Alena's greatest talent is covering everything in her hair. I'm sorry, I did tell you that she was fluffy, I just neglected to mention that she likes to share," she admitted as she carefully set the animal down. Almost at once, she trotted over to their guest to sniff her curiously, giving a throaty meow in a demand for attention. "Oh, she's also quite chatty. If you ignore her, she should get bored and wander off to sleep somewhere, probably on my bed."

She rubbed her hands together to clear them of fur, brushing down her blouse as well before she moved to the fireplace to check the condition of the water. It wasn't boiling yet but she could see little bubbles forming on the top of the pot so it probably wouldn't be long. "Oh well I'm sorry that you aren't feeling very well. Do you think that you're coming down with something?" she asked, fiddling with her skirt before she moved to the couch to sit. The noblewoman wasn't entirely sure how to conduct herself and she felt that it was quite obvious to her visitor. She might not know her well enough to determine what the mix of soft greens and blues in her irises meant but that didn't mean that she couldn't pick up on the nervousness in Valeria's demeanour. Although she brought her hands together in her lap, they couldn't remain entirely still. As such, she was quite glad when her pet leaped up, prancing around on her lap, her claws kneading her skirt gently as she sought to make herself comfortable. The blonde clucked her tongue in disapproval but she allowed her fingers to trail down the creature's coat all the same, allowing her nails to dig in slightly.

"Oh well, manor houses aren't all that. If I want to go somewhere fancier, I can always drop into the Burhan Embassy. It's a lot closer than Senlin - that's my home barony," Valeria explained, earning a purr-filled meow from the animal on her lap; she shushed her softly but to no avail. "It must be quite easy for you to visit home. Venora is easy country to travel through and not far away. Whereabouts is home for you?" she asked, her gaze altering to a curious silver-tinged blue.

[Darcyanna Venora]

4th Zi’da, 717

Darcyanna chuckled as she removed her cloak, unable to resist the talkative cat as it wandered immediately back to her.

“Well I don’t mind a little sharing, especially when the one sharing is so adorable. Yes, that’s you I’m talking to.” The pianist said with a sweet tone, addressing Alena directly. Straightening she moved through the small apartment, taking her own seat on the couch beside beside the blonde, waving her hand at the comment.

“Not quite. I think the uh...the wine tasting went to my head.” She said with a blush, not entirely a lie but not quite the truth. Looking at Valeria, the Venora made a small grimace.

“I don’t drink often, and I’m afraid even a small amount seems to set me off.” Smiling again as the affectionate feline returned to the centre of attention, Darcy noted the slight nervousness in her host, and put it down to embarrassment. The house was no estate, but then Darcy didn’t sarding care. She was living in no better, and both women had lavish homes elsewhere.

It wasn’t like Valeria was a commoner or anything. And even if she was, it wouldn’t matter.

Reaching out to stroke Alena’s downy cheek, delighted at the rumbling the cat created, the pale musician’s eyes shifted to a less vibrant grey and her smile dropped slowly.

“I don’t...I haven’t...I haven’t visited Venora in at least four arcs.” Picking herself up with the political speed of her namesake, Darcy smiled again.

“But you’re correct, it’s a beautiful countryside to travel through. Only two trials ride too. Our farmers and artisans make the view as such. Home for me, when I’m not secluded in the University, is Bellesoir. We house the finest perfumery in all Venora...maybe all of Rynmere. Oh, and the Bluebell Vineyard does the most amazing vintages, better than that stuffy Hawthright swill.” She giggled, nostalgia hitting her hard.

“I think my fondest memories are of climbing the hill where our estate resides and looking out across the village. Fields of flowers and produce paint it like a patchwork quilt in the warmer seasons. It really is amazing.” Making a sound in her throat, Darcy placed her hand companionably on Valeria’s knee with a pat.

“Here I am rambling about home, when all I know of yours is it’s name. Please Valeria, tell me more. I’m not very travelled so I live a little vicariously through others.” She said with a grin, offering the Burhan a swirl of comfortable sea blue in her shifting eyes. It was completely normal for Darcy to see the shifting in others eyes, the lack of shift in fact being a curious oddity when seen.

“I must also discuss with you items of musical nature.” The Venora said, as though suddenly reminded.

“I have never heard a voice quite like yours Valeria. It’s as though I was...calmer...listening to you sing. It’s a beautiful skill, one that I would love to selfishly take advantage of...if you’ll indulge an idea I’ve had?”

[Valeria Burhan]

.

The Burhan had been worried about how her guest would take to Alena but it had been a waste of energy. She should have known that her darling pet would endear herself to the Venora. She couldn't deny that she was pleased though and glad that the meeting seemed to be going well, especially as if Darcy was to be believed, this was the first time she'd encountered a cat. Not that she thought that the young woman was lying of course, it was just so difficult to believe that she'd truly never encountered a feline before. It was good that everything was going smoothly and now that the initial excitement was past, the animal would settle down and allow them to carry on undisturbed.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that alcohol doesn't agree with you. It seems a shame given how common it is to consume it at parties and the like. It really was such a small amount," the blonde commented, truly sympathetic but also suspicious. The blush could have signified embarrassment for being seen as such a lightweight but she wasn't sure that that was the case. She was certainly embarrassed but Valeria suspected that it was the result of a lie, although she couldn't imagine what she could have been lying about. Presumably she was sick for another reason although she couldn't guess what. Her gaze grew pensive, eyes shifting to a soft grey as she considered the matter.

She didn't miss the change in the Venora's demeanour when asked about her home and it was clear that Valeria had unintentionally touched a sore spot. Unfortunately, there was no taking it back. She could have backtracked and risked potential awkwardness but she held her tongue and the crack that had appeared was smoothed over with clean swiftness. Still, brief though it had been, it was clear that Darcy had either felt it necessary to keep away from her home or she'd been told to keep away. It was difficult to believe that she'd have done something so awful to have been banished so she guessed that it was a self-imposed exile. Considering some of the things she'd heard about what went on behind closed doors within the major Houses, she could hazard a few guesses as to why she'd do such a thing. Presumably she was avoiding a family member. The blonde didn't pursue the thought further, not liking the upset it caused, eliciting an anxious blue in her gaze before she focused on Darcy's enthusiastic endorsement of her home barony.

Although she'd been told the distance to the Venora's home the previous night, she hadn't been told precisely where she lived. Of course, the name held some familiarity for her, which was unsurprising; once upon a time, she had been schooled to know all manner of things about the kingdom. However, the Venora reputation for beauty had always held her attention in a particular way and thus, it seemed that she'd retained a bit more information about it.

The pat on her knee made her start, the Elithem surprised by the casual contact after the discomfort the other had shown the previous evening. That had been a kiss though and the intent behind it had probably been rather different although she couldn't be sure. Women could be difficult to read sometimes and she knew that contact that had the appearance of nonchalance was often very effective in a seduction. Considering that she'd also shifted focus to Valeria, exhibiting a verbal interest alongside the touch, made her wonder if it was more pointed than it seemed. She felt warmth enter her cheeks, eyes almost fidgeting as they swirled through anxious blue mixed with green, curious silvery hues and a pleased brown. The question about her homeland only added to her unease.

Irises settling on a shifting storm of grey shades, the blonde carefully unhooked the cat's claws from her skirt so she could lift her free and stand. "Here, you can take Ally - Alena - for a moment; I suspect that that water must be boiled now," she explained, setting the creature down on the other's lap and taking the time to brush her skirt free of fur as she contemplated how to answer. "I've lived in Andaris for the past four arcs and I haven't been home very often, certainly not more than I could help."

She moved to the fireplace, going through the ceremony of taking the water that she needed into the teapot while avoiding scalding herself. "I don't seem to bear the same fondness for my home as you do for yours, not that there's anything wrong with Burhan in general or Senlin in particular. I suppose it was too isolated for me. It's so difficult to travel from Burhan to anywhere else and it's just as much trouble to receive visitors. It's something of an ordeal to get to us so I can understand why we aren't a popular travel destination," Valeria explained as she spooned tea leaves into the pot and set it on the table to brew. She resumed her seat, practically poised on the edge as she anticipated pouring the tea once it was ready.

"Senlin's south-west of Fort Burhan, and we have the Burning Mountains and the end of the Avari River not far to the south of us. We're close enough that you can see the tops of the mountains from the ground above the tree line and honestly, I wish that we could get snow on them because it'd be nice to see. I only ever saw green and brown there except in the cold cycle then you'd get white and green and brown because the conifers would keep their needles and the other trees would lose their leaves. So much green and brown, by the Seven, the sight was enough to drive me mad. I didn't think that there was anything else for arcs. Even when I left Burhan and saw other places and other colours, it seemed like a dream when I got home."

With a sigh and a slight grimace, the blonde shook her head, signalling that she had no desire to say more on the matter. Instead, she poured tea for Darcy and herself, one hand on the lid while she tilted the pot over. Her gaze flicked sideways to Darcy, brows raised as she wondered what she would ask of her. Her eyes shifted to silvery blue. "I don't know that my voice is always calming but if I can indulge you, I shall," she murmured, picking her words carefully. She had to be careful here; the woman was asking her to use her abilities.

"Do you take honey in your tea by the way?" she asked, the small pot of amber liquid close at hand.

[Darcyanna Venora]

4th Zi’da, 717

Taking the feline in her arms without hesitation, Darcyanna smiled and whispered sweet nothings to Ally whilst she watched Valeria fuss with the tea. Listening to her speak of he isolation Burhan provided, the blonde nodded in understanding. Gawyne, from her understanding, was very similar in its geographical restrictions. In the colder seasons you couldn’t physically go or leave from the barony.

At the heartfelt complaint of only enduring green and brown for so long, the Venora couldn’t hide a small giggle.

“One day I should show you Bellesoir. In the warmer seasons it’s like a rainbow fell over the entire barony. You would probably drown in the colors.” Watching as the beautiful Burhan poured their tea, Darcy felt Ally fussing and let her go, brushing her dress with a shake of her head.

“I’m sure you are being hard on yourself my Lady. You’re voice is unique and very beautiful. If I could sing and play, I would. Unfortunately whilst I can hold a tune, somewhat, I can’t play at the same time. My mind gets so involved in my songs that I just...well it just doesn’t work. Yes, honey please.” Looking at her hands, the blonde pianist smiled a little, entirely unaware of the fact that Valeria’s unique voice was due to her abilities. Unaware in fact that the woman was even marked by an Immortal. If told, she would probably scoff and call it nonsense. Immortals wandering the world marking people? Please. Her faith was in the Seven, not some fantastic folktale.

“I felt that with your voice and my piano, you might like to help me on a project. You see Valeria, I don’t just play. I write.” Glancing up again with a slightly shy smile, the musician shrugged.

“I wondered if you would like to work on a composition with me? A song. I already have a sound in my head, but I need help with...words and singing as such.” Blushing again, eyes shifting a little more hazel with embarrassment, the Venora shrugged.

“Only if you’d like to I mean, it’s nothing if you don’t...I just figured two musicians...and...well...if you...you’re probably busy. It’s fine.” Her confidence deflated as though burst with a pin, awkward that she’d even asked in the first place.

“Sorry I have these ideas at night that just...they sound great at the time.”

Because you’re usually high you sarding fool.

Flashing a quick smile that didn’t reach her eyes, Darcy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with burning cheeks. Real jewel of Venora right here, she thought angrily at herself. This whole social business, she was no good at it.

[Valeria Burhan]

.

The blonde sighed, envious of what sounded like a far more beautiful region than her own. It made sense but it felt grossly unfair. Why did Venora get to have all the beauty? Why did they get to be extremely beautiful and a beautiful piece of countryside?

"I'd love to drown in a rainbow," she remarked dreamily. What she wouldn't give to marry a Venora and have everything that she'd always wanted! Darcy might marry and have her surname changed but everyone would know simply by looking at her what she'd come from, whereas Valeria felt that she needed to marry into that stunning family to have her appearance truly acknowledged. However, the chances of such a thing happening seemed slim; she didn't know any Venoras aside from Darcy although perhaps a friendship with the girl might change that. She wondered if the pianist had any brothers. It was something she'd have to ask about later, albeit discreetly and only if the matter could be brought up in a natural way. The last thing the Burhan wanted to be was obvious in her attempts at gathering information.

"Thank you but I'm sure that you can do more than simply hold a tune. You're just being modest, I'm sure," she remarked, flashing her companion a smile as she deflected attention away from herself and onto the pianist. "I do tend to get quite lost in a song when I sing it so I can understand the difficulty. I never took to instruments but I know what it is to be caught up in the music."

Adding honey to the tea so that the liquid wouldn't be too tart, she moved it so that it was in front of her guest. She would have picked up her own if the cat hadn't started butting her head against her owner's leg, earning the creature an absentminded pet before she nudged the animal's head away. Perhaps she should have been grateful to the feline because if she'd been holding her teacup, she might well have dropped it on herself at Darcy's suggestion.

"Oh, I don't know that I- I doubt I have the talent, not to create anything," Valeria murmured, heat rising in her cheeks at the prospect. Just the idea of it delighted her and made the colour in her face heighten. The opportunity to spend more time with the woman, to discover her inclinations and perhaps make valuable connections sounded like a fantastic one. Of course she wanted to be involved, but she doubted that her talents would be of interest to the Venora. After all, she didn't think that her natural voice was trained enough and she didn't think she had a head for music, not really. Unfortunately, she couldn't tell her companion that most of her talent was courtesy of Zanik. Darcy was probably a staunch Rynlist and the mere suggestion of Immortal worship, never mind Immortal marking, would probably send her into a tizzy.

"No, really it's a lovely idea but I don't know if I'm what you could call a proper musician. I have a little bit of talent that I get by on really but it isn't anything fantastic, not really. Not to mention that I was always incredibly lazy when it came to my studies," the Burhan explained, her tone regretful. She hated to admit it but she could now see how right Ulyna, her tutor, had often been.

Playing absently with her hair with one hand, she reached for her tea, taking a careful sip - still too hot. She set it down again and picked the cat back up so she had something to do, taking some comfort from the warm ball of fluff in her lap, especially as she could feel the purring that vibrated from the animal's throat.

"I'd certainly be willing to try, especially if it would help you but I don't know that I'd be any good. You'd have to be quite patient with me, I'm afraid,". Her hands stroked down her pet's fur, the young woman not seeming to notice as she dug her nails into it, her expression thoughtful. "Is that what you study in the University? Music? I realise that I never asked before, which was rude of me, although last night was a busy one," the blonde laughed, hoping that such an excuse would cover her previous negligence.

[Darcyanna Venora]

4th Zi’da, 717

Darcy leaned forward to take the tea, blowing on it whilst her cheeks burned, grateful to have something else to focus on after her little ramble. Of course, Valeria wasn’t interested, it was silly to have even thought to mention it.

“It’s okay. Like I said it was just a thought. I understand.”

Sipping her tea, the pianist winced a little at the heat, putting it back on the table and smoothing the creases in her black dress, looking at the woman with a small smile.

“There’s no ‘proper’ about it Valeria. Either you’re talented, or your not, and you most certainly are. A piece of paper doesn’t make one a musician.” The blonde Burhan toyed with a gentle curl, a habit she seemed to have, maybe a nervous movement. The Venora was about to suggest they just forget the whole thing when the buxom woman seemed to make a choice. The musician couldn’t help the way her smile widened.

“I’m very patient, my good Lady. Excellent. I will look at my schedule and perhaps set some time for us together, maybe at the University itself. I know you’re not a student, but I can bring you on campus as a guest. You can see my...er...grand abode.” She said with a chuckle, picking the hot beverage up again to try another sip.

Nope. Too hot.

Placing it down again, Darcyanna nodded.

“Last night was very busy, agree. Yes, I’m studying for my Letter of Music, but I also study Medicine.” Laughing softly, the Venora blushed and looked down at her hands with a wry grin.

“I’m not any good at it yet though, so if you have a headache, come see me. If you’ve cut yourself, you’re probably better off stitching yourself. I mean, I’ve darned a sock once, so...I could probably stitch a wound? Maybe?” Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head.

“Maybe not.” Looking up at the Burhan, Darcy smiled again.

“What about you Valeria? I know you mentioned you’re not a guest in the city as such anymore, but what keeps you here aside from the ghastly travel to Burhan? Do you have an invested interest here business wise?”

[Valeria Burhan]

.

The Burhan found herself blushing with pleasure at the other's compliment of her talents. Admittedly, Darcy had fallen under the spell of Elithem but it hadn't been a constant effect. She'd always been told that she had a good voice and that she'd be able to do wonders with it - provided that she put in the necessary work of course, something that the blonde had always been too lazy to do. Still, the pianist had heard her at her average as well as her very best, hence if she had talent, she evidently meant it. Considering how very talented the Venora was, it seemed like quite high praise indeed.

"I- Thank you. I appreciate you saying so," she murmured, irises taking on a pleasantly honeyed hue. As she talked about her willingness to be patient and about having her as a guest, Valeria's mind wandered to matters other than music. It was a simple invitation, not something that she needed to read into more. Still, her own invitation this morning might have had the most innocent appearance but her intentions hadn't been, at least they hadn't been last night after she'd been drinking and revelling in her seductive power. It was ridiculous really, to view her words as being in any way flirtatious or suggestive but then she had laughed. It might just have been part of what was becoming something of a running joke about small accommodation but how could she know for certain?

Just focus on nice safe conversation and try not to flirt. Just don't flirt, she told herself.

When she revealed her field of study though, she couldn't help having her admiration for her grow. Her brows rose and her lips formed into a smirk. "Beauty, brains and talent? Oh well, that hardly seems fair for the rest of us!" she commented, her voice almost a purr. Her smile widened as her irises nearly shone gold, eyelids hooded in a way that gave a sultry cast to her features. "I'm sure that you're just being modest. You certainly seem more capable than me. It's a near miracle that I can put on a sock, never mind darn one and put stitches in a person? Oh I doubt that I could. I almost get sick when I have to clean up this little one's messes, don't I, Ally?"

She raised the cat, pressing her front paws to her chest so that she was looking straight into the feline's face. She giggled. "At least people don't cough up fur balls! Ew!" she added, wrinkling her nose and giving another short laugh before she let Alena drop back into her lap. She reached for her tea and took a meditative sip, trying to consider how best to explain her reason for being in Andaris. The truth probably wouldn't hurt.

"Like I said, Burhan isn't the most... thrilling place to live so I was eager to get away from it if I'm honest. It's just so cut off from everything and things are far more interesting in Andaris. You never know who you'll meet and at least things happen here," Valeria pointed out. "My parents were quite eager to send me here when they realised that it would be a best way to find a husband. Once I suggested it, of course," she added with a soft giggle and a shrug.

[Darcyanna Venora]

4th Zi’da, 717

As she watched the Burhan speak, Darcy noticed her eyes had shifted to the same color as Caius’, a beautiful rich honey color that oozed like so much liquid amber. The Venora blushed again, her mind wandering with thoroughly improper memories and her heart slightly heavier in her chest. It had been so many trials now, and the man was still missing.

Where in all the fates was he?

Shaking off the strange thoughts that ran around her mind, the pianist looked back at Valeria with a chuckle.

“I guess some day I’ll find out, but till then I’ll avoid any stitching. For the good of the people.” Watching the blonde woman play with the cat, Darcy tried her tea again, this time able to at least sip on the beverage. At the mention of husbands and stuff, the Venora raised her eyebrows with a laugh.

“Andaris is a good place as any I suppose. My mother and father haven’t yet pursued my options in that regard. They would probably have more interest if I wasn’t at the University, or maybe if Oliver wasn’t the next in line. I tend to get away being the middle child.” Her gaze drifted a little, staring into her tea with a strange smile, before sipping it again and shrugging.

“I could never accept an arranged marriage. I am a person, not property. I’m sure though I’m not far off getting that letter, given the nature of my parents. They are very...strategic.” She said with a roll of her eyes and a grin, knowing that almost any noble woman would have a similar gripe. Years ago, as a child, she was everything her parents wanted. She strived to be just like Oliver, for the good of the Rose.

But time had a way of changing things.

Putting down the cup, she smiled again.

“You know, my brother is holding a gala sometime soon. There would be all sorts of nobility there. Lots of....unattached nobility. You no doubt would get an invite, being the representative for Burhan in Andaris currently.” Her voice was almost conspiracle, as though plotting something dreadfully wicked with the other woman.