A Lovely Idea

Writers: Avery, Leigh M-F.
Date Posted: 11th July 2017

Characters: Zelah, Audival
Description: Xeladrie has a conversation with one of the servants.
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 12, day 10 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin (indirectly)

Zelah

Xeladrie was sitting in her private quarters, laying out the supplies to oil Glimmer. The firelizard hadn't been getting enough attention from her lately, she thought guiltily. There were a few flaky patches of hide she didn't like. So with nothing scheduled, she thought she'd have time to get this done.

Then a knock at the door happened. "Come in," she called automatically.

A small, tanned, dark-haired young lady entered the room, pushing a small food-cart. "Your luncheon, my lady," she said with a quick curtsy. "With your favorite tea, as requested."

"Thank you," Xeladrie said. She pushed over some of the pots she'd just laid out so she could make room for the tea. "How is the weather outside today?" she asked.

"Warm and yet dreary," the maid said, setting out a covered dish and the promised beverage. "We might not be seeing an end to the rain anytime soon, sad to say. My apologies if that has forced an alterations of any plans you might have had."

"That's depressing," Xeladrie said, heaving a sigh.

"I know," the maid said sympathetically, returning to her cart. She went to excuse herself, but hesitated. "Speaking of depression, we- well, we servants are worried for you, my lady," she added carefully. "We've noticed you haven't been yourself as of late, and because you've been kind to us ever since you arrived to wed our Lord, we hope you can be happy again. So please, my lady, whatever it takes, we wish to see you feeling better."

Xeladrie was surprised by the maid's concern, and felt touched. "I didn't know it was so obvious."

The maid shrugged. "We servants just tend to notice things, and usually keep them secret," she said simply. "Do you require anything else?"

"Secret from who? My lord husband?" Xeladrie asked carefully, wondering what the maid was thinking.

"From everyone, if possible," the maid stated, then repeated, "Is there anything else you need, my lady?"

"Do you have a minute? TO just stay and talk?"

The maid glanced out the window to check the position of the sun, then nodded, came back and sat down. "What troubles you, my lady?"

"I've just felt so lonely and lost lately. I'm not supposed to be outside for too long because the Healers worry about the babe. Nothing seems, well...interesting," she said with a sigh.

"What interested you before you were pregnant?" the maid inquired. "What made you happiest?"

"I liked making pots," she said. "I liked long walks outside by the sea and hunting firelizard eggs and chasing spider claws."

"Why not ask your servants to bring the beach indoors? Have them find shells and serve you a seafood dinner," the maid suggested. "If you have a room completely to yourself, you can have it all there. Or perhaps invite your ladies to have a work party with the shells and a lunch. Open the windows and let the sunlight in as much as possible. Remember, whatever it takes, my lady."

That was an interesting suggestion and one Xeladrie never would have thought of herself. "Shells and a lunch...That's a lovely idea."

It truly was, it sounded like it could be an event she'd enjoy. And it was obvious the maid cared. She hoped the servants liked her, and more than her lord. It would make getting around him easier.

The maid blushed, obviously flattered. "I'm glad you like it, my lady."

"It was creative. I could use a lift like that."

"Is there someone who can help you plan it? If not, perhaps I could make a suggestion or two?"

"I'm all ears," Xeladrie said.

The maid smiled, and started talking.

Last updated on the July 28th 2017

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A Lovely Idea