RP:Tea Time And Good Tidings

Summary: Lanara is bored to death of having tea time with foreign dignitaries and so she invites her sister to the castle so that they can catch up as so much has changed in both of their lives. Talyara and Krice arrive bearing amazing news… They are engaged to be married! Also, Lana discusses future plans with Taly, as she hopes she’ll be more involved in Enchantment as she’s now the sister of the Queen.

Part of the Waxing Crescent, Wayward Course Arc

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara eagerly awaits the arrival of her special guests and keeps her eyes trained on the door to the formal parlor. It has been weeks since she spent any time with her little sister as she’s been filling in Lunalesca’s shoes at the castle and learning all the duties that go along with a royal title. She looks well on the exterior but to those that know the woman well, they’d see that she’s trying hard to mask her distress. Painted lips are splayed in a wide smile that looks just a tad forced and doesn’t quite reach her tired eyes. And, despite the fact that she’s sitting in a comfortable chair and clad in fancy garb, there’s no denying that Lana’s posture is stiff and her movements are rehearsed. The parlor is lavishly decorated and has several sofas, plush chairs, and small end tables aligned throughout the room with various types of desserts. A kettle remains heated on an enchanted warming plate and fills the room with the aroma of hibiscus tea, and there are three mugs and saucers waiting to be put to use.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara’s lavender dress has more tulle than she’s used to wearing and she dislikes how the servants pinned her hair up, but she’s relieved that she doesn’t have to wear her crown. Tea time with Taly and Krice is a personal matter. She hopes that they see her as they always have, before she was forced into such responsibilities, because she refuses to let a little power go to her head. A pair of guards stand at the door to the parlor and they abruptly open it and announce that her guests have arrived. Lana smooths her palms over the skirt of her dress and squeals in delight, much to the horror of the maid that means to tend to their needs during tea time. The woman’s eyes widen at the excitable elf’s improper demeanor but she remains tightlipped, lest she wish to seek employment elsewhere.

Talyara received the invitation for tea and refreshments at the palace in Enchantment and she had excitedly told Krice they were going (she didn’t give him much of a choice; however, if he chose not to come she wouldn’t force his hand). Taly looked at the formal looking invitation on the best quality parchment written in metallic ink, her fingers tracing over the delicate script–her sister had come a long way since they made homemade sheets of paper from scraps in Kelvar! The couple flew down to the border of Enchantment on the back of Gylworliath who trilled excitedly, thankful to fly and carry her caretakers where they needed to go. Unsure of how she was supposed to dress, the little witch opted to wear a chocolate brown jumpsuit, the bottom portion wide legged and the soft fabric cinched at her waist with a matching belt. The neckline was scooped and the sleeves short and her locks were secured in a fishtail braid over her left shoulder. She hoped the simplicity of the outfit was appropriate enough for visiting the castle, but casual enough to be comfortable. When the guards opened the door to the throne room revealing the elder witch, Talyara grinned widely and waved excitedly with her hand that wasn’t holding a bottle of elven wine. “Am I allowed to hug you or am I supposed to just curtsy now?” the little witch half teased.

Krice wasn't partial to authority figures of any kind - including guards posted for security. Even though they served the very good purpose of protecting his little witch's sister, they were still other men who were trained in combat. This wasn't typically an issue for Krice since he was highly skilled and abnormally efficient in battle, but it was still something that touched his deeper mind when he encountered them. Passing through the doors with Talyara's hand hooked on his left elbow, the silver-haired warrior dipped his head to greet the guards only if they glanced his way and seemed amenable to that limited interaction. Otherwise, his gilded eyes were focused ahead. Dressed in his usual black garb with his white katana strapped to his back, he hoped that Lanara had given them a description so as to reassure them that he wouldn't use his sword for evil here--that they didn't need to disarm him. With their arrival announced, Krice glanced briefly at the woman on his arm before scrutinizing the room with a transient sweep of his eyes, which ultimately angled in Lanara's direction. Talyara's excitement to see her sister was contagious enough that the warrior's expression softened pleasantly. He wasn't as concerned with dressing the part as his partner had been, but he figured that they'd politely escort him out if they had an issue with his smart-casual usual garb - and he'd oblige them without incident. Now, on the cusp of a curtsy or hug from Talyara to her sister, the warrior arched a brow. "We get a choice? Well, between a bow or a hug..." Naturally, one might assume that he'd choose to bow given his history, but he extended his right arm toward Lanara once she had greeted her sister and would offer, with a hint of a grin touching the corner of his mouth, "I've got a hug to give if you want it."

Lanara makes a beeline for Taly as soon as she steps into the parlor and she pulls her in for a tight hug, “I’ve missed you! How have you been? You look lovely, as always!” The bottle of elven wine is quickly grasped as she appreciatively reads the label, “I could really use a drink!” It has been an eventful fews weeks and Lana’s eager to kick back and get a little wasted. However, the maid that’s guarding the kettle seems to think it’s not a very queenly way to react, and so she bites her lower lip and forces herself to remain silent. Lunalesca never would behave in this manner and she rather dislikes this replacement! Lanara places the bottle on one of the end tables and moves to embrace Krice, “I will gladly take a hug!” She’s surprised at the warrior's affection towards her as of late, but it warms her heart that he’s softened over the years. “How are you doing, Krice?” The guards surreptitiously eye the katana but they refrain from commenting and make no move to try and pry the weapon from his person. They even move to stand on the opposite side of the door so they aren’t eavesdropping on their conversation! Lana had left specific instructions for the staff that Taly and Krice are always to be trusted and treated like family, because they -are- her family! “Neither of you better ever curtsey or bow before me… I’m the same old Lana. I just have more responsibilities now.” A task that she feels she’s not up to or worthy of accepting. “Please, both of you take a seat! There are treats all over the room but my favorite are the cranberry orange scones! And I hope you both like hibiscus tea? If not, I can have another type brewed.” She returns to her chair and smiles at the servant, “This is Nymeria. She’s going to pour our tea and then take an extended lunch break so we can have some privacy.” It’s a treat to have some time to herself, so Nymeria graciously smiles at the Queen and her guests, before she moves to pour three cups of tea. Perhaps, in time. Lana will manage to earn the respect of those that dwell in the castle.

Talyara didn’t hesitate to wrap Lanara in a tight hug when she rushed at her before the wine was wrenched from her hand. She arched her brow and a smirk curled on the corner of her lips when Lana expressed the rough week she’d had and the need to imbibe. Krice offering a hug to Lana drew her focus but there was a look of adoration on her face–he had come a long way. “I can’t imagine everything you’re responsible for now.” She could only imagine the amount of stress the witch was under; not only the responsibilities of being a royal but all the pressure to lead well, too. At the mention of orange cranberry scones, Taly made a little “ooh” noise of excitement before moving to the table and helping herself to one, and slipping an apple pastry on another plate for Krice. “That’s a very lovely name,” Talyara complimented the maid with a kind smile before taking a seat at the table. “Thank you for inviting us!” she said, turning her attention back to Lanara. “We haven’t seen each other since the coronation!”

Krice's affection toward anyone -not- Talyara was very limited and muted. When Lanara accepted his offer of a hug, all he did was press his palm between her shoulder blades to close the hug in a cordial way, but subtly maintained distance; his affection was reserved solely for the little witch at his side. "Fine, thanks," he said. Krice was always fine with Talyara at his side. At Lanara's invitation to sit, he stepped forward and pulled out a chair for Talyara, doing the same for the older sister if she sat on their side - and thus, was within reach to assist. Otherwise, he'd bow his head respectfully to Nymeria - whose experience would tell her that he was a classy guy, despite his casual dress - and move his katana from his back to his hip before sitting beside Talyara, answering wryly, "I have no idea what orange scone or hibiscus tea are." Obviously food and drink, but he had never had either one. With an apple pastry slipped onto his plate, he glanced at the woman beside him with affection and gratitude in his eyes. He could nibble on that while the sisters talked.

Lanara is probably on her third cranberry orange scone but she doesn’t feel any shame when she places another onto her plate. She shouldn’t gain too much weight from stress eating but she can always burn it off with her dancing or while running around in her wolf form. “Hibiscus is a flower and the tea is very sweet, similar to the flavor of cranberry. And, you must try a scone!” She motions for her sister to put one on Krice’s plate, in addition to the apple pastry. Nymeria softly replies to Taly, “Thank you… Your name is lovely, as well.” She meets the younger witch’s gaze before turning to Lana, “Will that be all? If you need anything else, please, just ring the bell.” The middle aged blonde waits until she’s excused before she offers a curtsey to the group and exits the room, leaving the trio unchaperoned. Lana bites into her scone and sighs, “You never need an invitation! You’re both welcome to visit whenever you wish, no matter the day or time.” The cup of tea is held against her lips to test the warmth before she takes a tentative sip, “You are sister to the queen and so there are many perks that are available to you, should you want them.” It’s strange to refer to herself in the third person, but she knows that it’s necessary. “You have your own private quarters in the castle, so you can use that room whenever you visit. Or you and Krice could move in, if you wish. You can always request a guard to accompany you on your travels and the servants are at your disposal. Also… It’s customary for the family of a ruler to take on some type of ‘charity’ project, though of course you’d be compensated under the table for your work. Maybe some type of community garden with floral and fauna from around the realm? Of course it would have to be properly maintained to meet each plants distinct needs. Or perhaps, teach at a school for youngsters that are just discovering their magic? Maybe an orphanage? Think about it and let me know, but there’s no pressure!” Lana lowers the saucer and cup and lifts her gaze to lock with Krice’s, before shifting to stare at her sister, “You both must be careful. I’ve received word that there has been an assassination attempt on Mayor Valrae’s life in Cenril. Rumor has it that Quintessa is behind all of this madness -and- that she’s the destroyer of two of the three sacred trees. I haven’t gotten any threats and I’m not frightened for my own well-being, but Taly, you -are- my sister and there could be a target on your back. Ransom is another factor.” Lana sighs and shakes her head, “The third holy tree remains standing proud and it’s heavily guarded. It is in Enchantment. I don’t think I’m in any danger, as I said, but I just wanted to warn you both to be careful because it would break my heart if anything happened to either of you.” The serious moment passes and Lana waves a dismissive hand to lighten the mood, “Enough about bad news! Tell me! What have you two been up to? Any good tidings? Are you still hoping to move from Frostmaw?”

Talyara bowed her head in thanks to Nymeria when she placed a cup of tea and for the compliment about her own name, before she reached under the table to rest her hand against Krice’s knee. She had managed to snag a scone for Krice, a companion to his apple pastry. Should he not enjoy the taste she would be happy to take it off of his hands! Once they are finally alone, Taly relaxed a little bit, feeling as if she could slouch a little bit in her chair and breathe a little easier knowing she didn’t need to put on airs about anything. Taly lifted the teacup to her lips and blew across the surface dispersing the steam before taking a tentative sip. “Mmm! This is really good.” Talyara placed her cup down and instead focused on her scone, breaking off a little piece and popping it in her mouth as Lana spoke. At first the list of amenities at their disposal was met with wide-eyed wonderment; but of course Taly was most excited at the part of spearheading some community service project. But soon a frown tugged on her lips and stole her excitement away when she spoke of the assassination attempt of Valrae and the belief that Quintessa was behind it. She gave Krice a sidelong glance; she wouldn’t soon forget that wretched woman had nearly poisoned her lover and destroyed the tree. The conversation continued to turn somber as Lana mentioned the real implications of being related to a royal and nose wrinkled at the word ransom–the little witch didn’t think she could survive another kidnapping and her hand squeezed at Krice’s knee anxiously. Lana is quick to play mental gymnastics and practically shrug off her possible demise to speak on Krice and Taly moving! “Oh! Um, yeah, we are thinking about moving! I don’t think we’ve settled on a place yet, though,” she said turning to the warrior for confirmation.

Krice would accept the orange scone put on his plate by Talyara, nodding his thanks before the plate was once more lowered to the table in front of him. He was quiet through the entirety of Lanara's speech, though even strangers would sense and notice the shift in him as the conversation moved from happy things to talk of assassination, the Holy Trees, and Quintessa. He had a history with that troublemaking little sh--. Before his thoughts could completely delve down into the shadows of those memories, Lanara was changing the topic back to more lighthearted things and he sat back in his chair comfortably, though his gaze drifted to Talyara. The thought of anything happening to her was enough to unsettle his mind and a frown broke through his composure, though only briefly. He noted the look in her eyes and she'd in turn see a distant, simmering animosity as harbored for Quintessa. The evil wretch -had- poisoned him, with some kind of liquid given to her by a God or the minion of one - three vials of it meant for each of the Holy Trees. He had been unlucky enough to receive one of those vials straight into the arm. His booted foot shifted under the table when Talyara squeezed his thigh and he reached under to take her hand in his own, though he kept it low by his leg. A shake of the head confirmed that they hadn't decided on a location. "Enchantment isn't an option, though," he said gently, reminding his little lady - though he knew she wouldn't have forgotten. In the shadow of the table, he glanced at the metal bangle around his left wrist before saying to Lanara, "Frostmaw's still unstable - since the recent war." This was small talk compared to the things Lanara had mentioned before. He opted to return to those things by stating to Lanara, unequivocally, "I won't let anything happen to her." Certainly not as a result of whatever ill came to the sisters as a result of Lanara's new status.

Lanara sips her tea and watches Taly’s expression through each of the things she mentions. She never wants to scare her sister with talk about another abduction in the works but she feels it’s imperative that she issues the warning. It’s better to be safe than sorry! “I’m sure you will be fine, Taly. You have Krice! He’s more than capable of protecting you. He’s probably more skilled than all the guards in this place!” She’s not exaggerating or flattering. It’s the truth. She’s seen the warrior in action and he saved her life on two separate occasions. Lana smiles as the discussion leads to Taly and Krice finding a new home, “Enchantment is lovely…” She giggles, but her tease is rejected as Krice says that he isn’t keen on being in Enchantment or in Frostmaw. “I would love to have you both closeby, but I know that it has to be what your heart decides upon. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know! Tiber and I looked at many homes and in many areas before we settled on Sage Forest. I honestly thought we’d choose the beach home in Cenril, but as soon as we toured the home in Sage? It was like our dream had come true and it felt so right. I had chills.” Lana’s eyes glisten at the memory from a year prior, before everything had taken such a dark turn. That house had been burned down, but a replica had been created in Enchantment. Not that it’s frequented much since Tiber and Lana are often in the castle. At Krice’s promise, she’s brought back to the present and she nods, “I have no doubt.” Lana looks at her beautiful sister sitting beside the warrior and she finds that she’s elated about the fact that she found someone worthy of her love. It’s rare that she’s overcome with emotion, but she’s clearly having a moment as she just openly stares at them.

Talyara understood that Lana wasn’t warning her to scare her or make her paranoid, but rather to make sure she was staying vigilant. Krice’s proclamation brought on a small smile and the little witch leaned her head sideways to rest against his arm. The truth was the pair hadn’t spent a lot of time looking for places to live yet; they were renting a cabin in Sage and while it wasn’t -theirs- it was comfortable enough until they figured out what they were looking for. As Lanara stared at the couple, Taly lifted her head to look at Krice and raise a brow silently asking him a question. “Actually, we did want to let you know of something else,” she said with a bit of a shy smile, finally tearing her gaze from the warrior to train them on her sister. Withdrawing her left hand from Krice’s, Talyara extended it across the table at Lanara and the elder witch would notice a sparkling diamond and amethyst ring on the left hand. “Krice and I got engaged!” Now, this might be confusing to the elder witch as once upon a time Taly -thought- her and Krice were already engaged (they weren’t), but the excitement in Taly’s expression and the shiny ring of her finger told her this was the real deal.

Krice watched Talyara in his periphery, though Lanara's unabashed staring kept his frontal focus a little longer than otherwise; he was temporarily locked in a state of absolute confidence, following his proclamation to keep his companion safe. When she rested against his arm, he remained strong but also relaxed, a comfy pillow of muscle for her to nestle into. In the absence of her left hand, his own felt the comparative chill in the air and he flexed his fingers under the table, as if struck by the tingles. Her happiness softened his demeanor and he was able to leave behind his more defensive thoughts in favor of enjoying his companion's shared moment with her sister. Gilded eyes narrowed gently with a pleased smile that relaxed his mouth but didn't fully take hold.

Lanara waits on bated breath to hear what news her sister brings because that coy smile doesn’t go unnoticed! As Taly’s hand is brought forth and rests upon the table, Lana leans forward on her chair and her eyes grow so wide that they look like chocolate frisbees about to pop out of her head and fly around the room. “You’re engaged?” At first her voice is just above a whisper and it comes out as an inquiry. Krice had given Taly a ring in the past and she had assumed they were to be married one day, but perhaps that was a promise ring. A pre-engagement engagement ring! This is clearly the real deal, especially by the clarity in those diamonds and the amethyst is a lovely addition! “You’re engaged?!” She repeats those same two words, at an even decibel, only to be followed by, “YOU’RE ENGAGED?!” The shout of the Queen, followed by the clanging of the plates that fall to the floor in her clumsy haste to tackle her sister in a giant bear hug, all draw the attention of those outside of the room. A trio of servants and a quartet of guards barge into the parlor; the former with weapons drawn and the latter holding cleaning supplies and a freshly brewed pot of tea. Lanara hugs Talyara close and openly cries, “Congratulations! I love you so much and I’m so happy for you, Sister!” She shifts to wrap one of her arms around Krice so the couple is forced into a group hug, “I’m so happy for you both! This is the best news in a very long time!” At the intrusion of the house staff, Lana glances at them and states, “Put away the tea. We need champagne to celebrate!”

Talyara waited patiently for Lanara’s reaction to the news. This was the person who she was most excited to share this with, and the little witch had refused to utter a word to anyone else until Lana had heard it from her lips. At first, Taly wasn’t sure how to take Lana’s reaction–it seemed like the news was taking a moment to process. Every time Lanara asked if they were engaged Taly dipped her chin in a nod. However, the explosion of a scream is met with a surprised wince before Lana practically threw herself over the table and nearly tackled the younger witch out of her chair. Everything is a whirl of purple tulle and strong arms holding her so hard Taly wondered if her ribs might pop! Somehow, Lana managed to snag Krice into this embrace and a few happy tears slid down Talyara’s cheeks as a laugh left her lips. All the commotion sets the guards moving and soon the door is being forcibly opened and they enter with weapons drawn while another adorned a broom and pail. “Sorry!” Taly said to them pulling herself free from Lana’s hug as she called for champagne. “Thank you,” Talyara finally managed to say breathlessly, pawing at the dampness of her cheeks. “It happened a couple of weeks ago but I wanted to tell you in person.”

Krice arched an eyebrow as Lanara's reaction to their engagement news unfurled, growing from bud to bloom in practically a single breath. He shot Talyara a brief, questioning glance to ask if this was a normal reaction to this sort of news--he literally had no idea if it was, or if this particular behavior was specific to Lanara--before the latter woman was stumbling over dishware to crash into her sister. "Easy," the warrior mumbled in gentle warning, lest the commotion draw unwanted attention. Like the guards barging in to protect her without thought. The warrior threw a look over his shoulder toward the other men and lifted a hand to gesture that all was well; he had only his warrior status to offer them, though whether it would take Lanara's word as Queen to reassure them - or not - only time would tell. Krice was unwittingly drawn into the celebratory embrace and, this time, tolerated it similarly to times of old when Lanara forced affection on him - partly because he was watchful of the guards, and in part due to the moisture that fell from Talyara's eyes. He frowned briefly, initially confused, but then realized that they were 'happy tears' and thus he relaxed a little more. "It's been four years, you know," he murmured directly to Talyara, though in such a way as to invite Lanara into the conversation. "Seems like we're stuck with each other." A fact that pleased him, immeasurably.

Lanara gently swats Taly on the arm, “You waited -weeks- to tell me?! I’m so happy that you told me in person though, because a letter wouldn’t have been as exciting!” She’d have had to march her legendary derriere up a mountain and into a war driven tundra to congratulate the couple! “I’m so happy! If you need help with planning anything, please let me know.” Lana’s planned enough public and private affairs to know a thing or two but she wouldn’t force her sister into anything or try to take chair of her special day. At Krice’s comment, she laughs, “You are definitely stuck with each other. I somehow -knew- you both were meant to be since forever ago. I love when I’m right!” She releases them from the embrace and dabs at her tears with a cloth napkin, while Nymeria pours them each a flute of champagne. Lana collects her thoughts and lifts her glass in a toast, “To friendship, to lovers, and to eternity! Congratulations to Talyara and Krice on their engagement!” She extends her arm to clink her glass with theirs before taking a sip and locks eyes with her sister, a look of adoration in her gaze before she looks at Krice and offers him an expression of gratitude. This tea time had turned into a memorable day for the witch, one where she gained a brother-in-law and trusted him with her precious sister's heart. The rest of the afternoon for the trio is spent with good conversation and in joyous celebration.