In Stitches: Everybody Wins

Writers: Estelle, Nici
Date Posted: 18th July 2005

Characters: Lindria, Enriline, Badia
Description: Lindria and Badia show Enriline their finished cushion
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 2 of Turn 3

Lindria watched her mother anxiously as she surveyed the finished cushion which had supposedly taken up so much of her and Badia's time the day before. Stylised vine leaves had been sewn onto the fabric, twining around the central embroidered landscape which was unmistakeably the Hold. Although Argena might have said that she couldn't do too good a job, she clearly hadn't been able to bring herself to bungle it too much!

"This is very beautiful," Lady Enriline said, sounding almost surprised. She turned and smiled at Badia. "I would very much like to put it on display in the Ladies' Solar, though perhaps you'd prefer to have it in your rooms at the Vintner Hall?"

"Oh, it's really not so fine Lady Enriline!" And it certainly wasn't due to _her_ handiwork. The seamstress had outdone herself...shard it all...

"Your modesty does you much credit, Lady Badia - but I know you must have done the lion's share of the work." She spared an indulgent glance for Lindria. "I know that my daughter's talents lie with pots and pans rather than needle and thread. It was very kind of you to help her so much with this lovely piece of work. I must admit, if I'd known you were such a talented embroiderer before your wedding, I would have asked you to show some of your work to the fosterlings. They do benefit from a good example. In fact..." She paused. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to come and talk to them one afternoon, and give them a few pointers? Perhaps look at their work, and make some suggestions?"

"Ah...you can't be serious?!" Badia was feeling slightly queasy now...

"Oh no, I'm perfectly serious! This," Enriline said, indicating the cushion, "is needlework worthy of a professional. I would be so much obliged to you if you would spare the time - though perhaps you're busy at the Vintner Hall?"

"Well, I would naturally have to discuss it with my husband. So newly wed, he might have duties there that might take my attention, Lady Enriline." She tried to find an endearing smile in all her nervousness. "You do understand, of course."

"Of course. I wouldn't dream of keeping you from your regular duties..." Enriline replied hastily. She frowned. "Though I'd thought Lindria told me that you were still finding your place at the Hall?"

Lindria winced and looked apologetically at Badia over her mother's shoulder. "Perhaps I may have overstated the situation, Mama."

"Well, if you find you have a minute or two to spare during one of your visits to the Hold, the fosterlings and I would be very grateful," Enriline said, hiding her disappointment. "Your mother must be very proud of your talent with the needle!"

"Oh, she's proud of me all right..." Badia's smile was a tad, tepid. "I'll think on it, Lady Enriline. I truly would like to do something since I've been so warmly welcomed here but I'm afraid I simply don't do well in crowds unless familiar with those in them. It is a failing of mine that I've always tried to overcome." Crackdust, she'd _really_ have to start practicing at home now...and Fielton would not be happy at her being distracted by it.

"Oh, I understand, and of course I won't be so rude as to insist on it," Enriline said apologetically. "But I hope you'll think it over, at least." She handed the cushion to Badia. "I'm sure it will look very beautiful adorning your husband's rooms back at the Hall."

Frankly, Badia never wanted to see the bloody thing again! "Oh no, milady. Please accept it as a gift to you and Lord Alalir. Both of you have been so welcoming after all. I insist!"

"I agree, Mama," Lindria added quickly, guessing Badia's thoughts. "Perhaps you could place it in the private sitting-room, to be admired by our most honoured guests?" At least then it would be out of sight of the other ladies!

Enriline's eyes widened in delight. "Oh, Lady Badia, how generous of you! Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Again, you and Lord Alalir have welcomed me so well. It's the least I can do."

"Why, thank you - thank you very much! But it's a pleasure to have your company at the Hold - you needn't bring gifts." Enriline smiled. "Now I'd best return to my duties and leave you with Lindria. Someone who produces such beautiful embroidery will surely be a good influence on my daughter."

Both young wives watched as the Lady of the Hold slipped out the door. When she was safely out of earshot, both ended up in a hopeless fit of giggles.

"Oh, Lindria..." Badia wiped her eyes. "I'd feel much guiltier if this hadn't been _such_ a challenge to get out of!"

"Don't feel guilty. Mama has a lovely cushion to display, Argena got an interesting project to work on...and I have a new friend who Mama _thinks_ is a good influence on me." Lindria smiled. "Everyone wins!"

Last updated on the September 7th 2005

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In Stitches: Everybody Wins