Sleep was in fact something he desperately needed. Not even sure by the time he did properly awake that he was awake. Being tugged done in a sense of repeated behaviour from the seeking beast that was the slumbering demon to ensure he was pulled down and held down for hours. Admittedly he could easily write that day off as nonexistent outside their conversation. He needed to heal, he needed to recoup the loss of rest and eventually he was going to have to eat but first the conquering of sleep sought to keep him well binded at least for a singular day. Not even sure if and when Araminta had risen to go and play for that of her adoring new masses that were the women of the place.
He wasn’t going anywhere much to likely his own distaste to the comfort that had been oh so sweet and plush and ensuring that there was no escape.
Whatever happened that day, well, he’d have to be told. As he personally wasn’t really all that coherent till the very next morning when there was a mighty need to do the second task that demanded him to get further outside his comfort zone. Of course after the means of tending to bandages that were in place and needing to be cleaned up for his own wants.
It was just the waking took a bit of a toll. Being sore and certainly feeling like this cushy hell was liable to eat him like a overgrown marshmallow; he had risen with great difficulty. Sitting on the edge of the bed with an apt confusion to what year was it!
Araminta, when at her healthiest best, could get a surprising amount of things done in a short amount of time. Granted, she did so even under the effects of pain and poison, but when she could walk properly and was properly rested, it was doubly more effective!
She’d awoken first to Olive’s gentle knocking on the door with salves and cold cloths, shocked that Theon hadn’t alerted himself awake. Finding that proved just how desperately in need of rest he truly was! Araminta made sure to tell the woman that Theon was quiet on a good day, and moreso on a hurting one… just to be extra sure the woman didn’t feel as if she’d been snubbed or done something wrong. He’d been so knocked out still that even when she made good use of those cool cloths to help the swelling in his face go down and applied a bit of the salve he seemed to sleep his way right through it.
Once Araminta was satisfied that he’d be alright for the time being, she went about handling errands with that same amount of foresight and studious enthusiasm she took on for everything. Taking her letter to Sir Reeves off to the post personally, to be sure it go there fast was her first stop.
Her second stop was to visit Bo at his atelier, cheerfully announcing she’d bring her Ghost with her for a fitting as soon as he could be up and about safely. Araminta offered her services as a temporary seamstress to help pay for all of the things she wished to get for herself and for her guardian. However much it took to cover what the silk wouldn’t, and should he run out of work for her she was happy to work for his wife Adra on any tasks that she might have. Be it watching over her little ones or learning the tasks of a cobbler.
After that Araminta took the opportunity to get to know the town better by quickly walking the streets to find where most of the businesses were, as well as their open air markets. The wooden stalls and caravans were always a good place to find simple jobs, ones she could complete fast and easy on foot as the sellers there never wanted to risk leaving their stalls for tiny deliveries or fetchings. The princess spoke to everyone that had a friendly and open countenance, learning about the town and what the local gossip might be. There was a noble family that looked after the town, but they were not very sociable outside of their our class, prefering to keep to their manor home on the outer boundaries. A kind woman at one of the stalls had warned Araminta that she might want to lighten the color of her hair to avoid the string of murders, thus the news of Gusteau and his terrible dungeon keep burning down to the ground had not yet spread out this far.
One of the stalls in particular caught her eye – a food stall making up food right there in a variety of steaming copper and clay pots in a style she certainly hadn’t seen before during her travels in the twelve kingdoms. With a few quick questions of how the devices worked and an exchange of coin that she maaaybe didn’t need to be spending, Araminta acquired herself one of the hotpots ad was quite pleased with the find.
The last leg of her evening was being Madam Jasa’s effervenscent pearl, dressed in white like a preened swan as she played harp for a tavern full of guests. Despite her mentionings of not holding back because of Edgar, Araminta did so anyway. Feeling that antagonizing the man wasn’t a kind thing to do, even if he was surly and unpleasant. Thus her playing was respectful of him and his companions, dutifully background ambiance instead of taking the center stage. Although… Araminta could not help dropping loudly in polite conversation within Edgar’s earshot that she could play the cello just as well. Let the man stew on that for awhile!
Araminta had been a little concerned that Theon was still good and knocked out when she’d come to bed herself, yet didn’t dare to disturb him. Actually feeling a smug sense of gladness that he was finally getting a proper means of sleep somewhere plush and comfortable. Knowing he was going to refuse that it was comfortable at all when he did finally awake, but still pleased all the same.
When he finally roused, Araminta was there on her knees at the table trying to light the little cup of pasty tallow that was meant to be the flame source for the cooking. Whatever Theon had told Madam Jasa had allowed her what had to be an inappropriate amount of freedom in the place, so she’d managed to talk her way into the kitchen itself to charm the chef there. There was a tiny bowl of whole eggs, fresh fruit and the contents they’d brought along with them. With the hotpot Araminta was certain Theon would be able to make himself food as he pleased there in the room without worries of others tampering with it.
At least if she could get the blasted thing lit to try and boil eggs!
The action to reach up and rub at his face was nearly completed, save for the niggling thought that arrived to point out that doing so would result in a very strong stabbing pain from where he had been every so lovingly clocked; forcing him to avoid doing so. Instead playing the part of wink-wonking owl that had been disturbed from its slumber far sooner than it wanted to be. Even if he knew it was useless for him to remain sleeping any further less he wanted to magically acclimate bed sores with all his other injuries.
Better to avoid. Never mind how much his brain needed a strong kick start to realize that Araminta hadn’t been laid in the bed but rather tucked aside currently trying to do… well he wasn’t sure what she was doing. Staring as if the very process of thinking was struggling to get itself running. Though there was a bit of thoughtful watching till body deemed it necessary to get up.
A wooden process that was merely missing the snaps and cracks of a dried twig, the heft of half awoken steps was certainly not the means of his usual walk style. Proving he was likely still somewhat a zombie himself, making a feeble attempt to sort the wayward mess of red that was fitting every note of bed head. Migrating in a shambleman’s walk closer to the table she was kneeling at and just watching. Looking at the variety of items that had been collected to the little cup of tallow that was situated in a purpose that he guessed was some sort of fuel source. “Ara?” One croaked out in the morning husk, narrowing the bad eye to a squint and the other proving he was pretty damn confused to what efforts she was up too already.
Just barely missing the means of gesturing at her variety of items in a soundless what is this?
“Drink some water, Theon,” she instructed brightly as a response. Not quite looking up towards him beyond the briefest of glances before she was back to attempting to get that bit of fat lit up. When she’d managed to touch her candle to it in the perfect way to make it go fwoof! (ignoring the way she jumped from the startle of it) there was a soft squeaky sound of triumph, as she tucked the little cup of tallow up inside her contraption so it could begin it’s work.
“The vendor told me this is a hotpot! It can use coal or wood too, but that felt a bit dodgy inside a room like this. Any sort of burnable fat can go down is this part to burn cleanly and it heats up this top portion as hot as you’d like! It’s not nearly as heavy as a skillet or clay, so it might travel well too. This way you might cook things as you please. It may not be good for everything, although I am sure it’ll do plenty just fine.”
Now that she had it lit, Araminta finally got herself off the floor to dust her hands off and look him over. Sleep did him well, even if he did look disheveled and a bruised mess. As much as she felt terrible that he was still in pain, Araminta didn’t mind this unkept look either as it had a certain amount of adorable charm to it.
“The eggs will be good for you or you could experiment. Either way, once you have eaten at least a little something I’ll see about changing out your bandages for something fresh. Then you might go back to resting, or if you feel up to it you can join me at Bo’s atelier while I work?”
A slight slide of eye to the right to locate the waterskin that had been retrieved the day prior, he wasn’t liable to decline the means of being told to hydrate himself. Although a lot of his attention was still prying over this copper looking oddity that she was very invested it. Clearly it had some food related purpose even whilst he did the effort of wetting down that of mouth and throat alike. Even as his gaze became a little wider when she seemed to have gotten the pad of animal fat struck up into a flame and her own surprise that came with it. Though she spared no real moment for that little item to go into its neatly little tucked away spot.
Seemingly being the catalyst for her to explain the thing that was called a hotpot. Recorking the waterskin with a bit of struggle due to being a hand down; he studied the copper item once more. Eyeing it up and down, left and right. Debating its purpose and ease of use for travelling while Araminta jovially gave him the run down. Allowing him added moments to truly put the knowledge away into his thoughts with a pleased sort of nod to express he found this item both intriguing and potentially helpful. Although it would take a bit of trial and error to figure out how expansive its utility would be.
However, it hadn’t gone unnoticed by himself even in the slow awakening stupor that her efforts of bringing food here not yet made into some mesh of a meal, were done likely because of his finicky problem with eating at all. Unless he was the one that constructed it.
Though till his arm was properly mended, a lot of the gourmet construction was going to have to be done a bit verbally for Araminta. Suppose that didn’t matter, she had expressed a want to learn anyways.
There was a want to physically check over the item. Getting a literal feel of it but knew right now that was practically useless. Instead direction attention to the aforementioned eggs then back to her as there was a clear pep in her step. Delighted and likely having been up for a while unlike himself. Their roles reversed currently, till he was somewhat narrowing the lids once more at the idea of crawling back into that deathtrap of a marshmallow. “Latter.” He wasn’t about to go back to bed for a while and didn’t want to really discover just how easy he was being warmed to the idea of something soft and cushy anyways.
Then pointed to the hotpot with the eggs beside. “Experimenting will be to you for now.” As if he needed to point out the lack of other arm. Sidestepping with a slightly tilt with noggin towards the privacy screen. “I will wash up first. Then, help if you need me too.”
There was an immediate knowing smile to his dislike of heading back to bed. Just as quickly shifting to something more akin to an uncertain alarm at the suggestion she herself was to do the experimenting with the cooking. Only in that moment realizing that it was going to be difficult for him to do much on his own with only the single hand. Araminta had thought she might be his assistant not the other way around!
She nodded at least, so he could shuffle off to see if he could somehow make himself look like a wakened man and not a bed beast.
It didn’t take her long to consider this new challenge though, deciding without trouble that boiled eggs were in fact the best and safest way to provide a meal without creating some sort of terrible tasting concoction that terrorized Theon away from trying any new foods by others in the future. Taking the water to fill up the little bowl of the hot pot so it could heat up to it’s boil.
Araminta then pondered the rest of her array of items, figuring keeping it simple would be perfectly fine this morning. Picking up her bone knife to cut up some of the fruit for a nice mix of sweet things. She’d brought up the smallest of kettles too for making a plain black tea and figured her new contraption could heat that up well.
“I dropped off my letter to Sir Reeves yesterday. Regardless if he and his ward can come here to us, I believe we’ll be here for some time yet. Since you’re able to at least walk around alright, I can take you with me when I work. Although, maybe not on days when it’s raining or when I have to do a lot of running back and forth.”
While he certainly could have instructed, it didn’t seem like a terrible idea for her to try out whatever she wanted. Of course he could be uneasy about the means of food but at this point if it wasn’t obvious that he trusted her, then there was never going to be any clearer sign of it. Had she wanted to kill him, she’d done so already. Without the influence of anyone else. Quietly once he was certain she knew the means of preparing a meal was left to her devices, the shuffling movement was made over to behind that of the privacy screen. Looking about its variety of prepared items with the intrigue of how water came from these marvelous contraptions in the form of copper piping. Particularly hung from the walls and roof, they were leveraged by gravity.
And likely –if he were to guess- a large vats of water elsewhere in the building. He’d seen the sort of creations before but typically used for agricultural needs. To use such efforts in the means of internal water use without needing a bucket and many hands was inventive.
With a opening of one of the pipes to allow the flow of water through, it wasn’t hot per say. Luke warm if that but suitable to work for washing face with a delicate care and making use of it to give hair and beard a quick rinse out. Using a provided cloth to wipe along that of neck and such that he could do without needing to make some strenuous or awkward movements. Eventually coming back to the main portion of the room to find her having put together a plan with this hotpot and then mentioning her activities in which had been putting a letter to the mail for the Paladin Reeves. Listening acutely up till she mentioned that he apparently was not to go outside or something while it was raining.
“I am not made of sugar, I will not melt if it rains.” Theon didn’t exactly get why she would think rain would cease his activity. “No a invalid. I would prefer to still help where I can. Regardless of what sort of state I am in.” Disliking the idea that he was potentially being treated with kiddie gloves, “Being kept in once location is liable to make me crawl the walls. Some stimuli of any sort is necessary.”
“It’s not good to have wet bandages until the wounds are healed far enough along,” she explained easily on his comments of not being made of sugar. A slight twist of a grin gracing her face to consider the silliness of the possibility. “We will find ways to keep you busy while minimizing the risk of you reopening any wounds or growing a fever from infections.”
Theon would at least understand that logic even if he struggled against being idle for too long. Araminta wasn’t sure what he’d be able to do yet with only the one arm, but there was bound to be something in some fashion or another. Perhaps Adra would like a stoic silent ghost to watch over her children while she worked. Something that gave Araminta this delighted little scene to imagine of Theon with one of his ever so subtle expressions as the two little ones squealed and ran circles around him.
In the meantime he needed to eat, while Araminta was waiting for that water to come to a nice boil, she popped a piece of fruit in her mouth only to then promptly hold out a piece for Theon to take.
“At the very worst if we cannot find you something to do, I might teach you to play a drum. Then you might sit behind a curtain and play ever so faintly off beat as a haunting specter.”
Such an explanation was better understood than the original belief that she merely wished to scoot him inside like some potentially ill-behaved beast that required a timeout due to their mischievous nature. A very word that ought to apply to him somewhere but lacked the ability to hook onto the personality that was very much devoid of fae-ness. Leaving the curious expression to linger upon her while noticing how her features were already turning into a winsome grin that bid him to be a little more attentive. If that was even possible. Striding closer to play the dutiful observer to the mass of creation she had put together while pointing out that there would be ways to keep him from staying idol. Whilst giving him the mention of how it would be best to keep him from potentially opening or inciting an infection.
Almost feeling a need to stare at her as if she were calling the kettle black. Reserving such mental scoffs for the safety of skull.
Nodding to show he agreed with her logic. Not about to start trying to feel along it for holes that could be poked through. Simply responding when the motion of something being held out was indicating the need to eat. Still giving it a cross examining consideration before doing as indicated. Taking that of a piece and raising it for further inspection. Deeming it suitable after a lengthy moment to find that she had likely waited till his mouth was full to point out the insanity of her little quip. Surely a jest over fact.
Just that he lingered in the watchful presence, “I think you find this idea of me being a specter far more amusing than originally intended, Ara.” He decided to point out after palate was cleared. “Nor would I want to test my limitations or the ability to butcher any instrument even for amusement sake. Especially when it is something you love to your very core.”
If Araminta had spotted that subtle look that she ought to be minding her own wounds in the future, she very deliberately ignored it. Perrfectly fine with knowing that this means of fussing over each other would be turned back and forth time and time again. Would either of them behave while sustaining injuries? She doubted it. They’d both be well cared for, however, and that was what was important.
The princess gestured her fingers for him to actually take a seat at the table, sliding over the plate of cut up fruit for him to grace at his leisure. Occasionally plucking up a piece for herself now and then until the water in her hotpot finally began a slow boil. Very carefully she dropped in one egg at a time, only once splashing a tiny bit of hot water onto her hand and snatching it back with a quick shake.
“I do love my music… but a little mischief is amusing too,” she pointed out with that soft smile. Mischief had to at least be a little bit liked by Araminta, after all she’d described her favorite brother as such, and she’d seemed to have no issue whatsoever with the antics of strange ethereal fae until one was trying to knock her out of a tree.
With a slight indication that he was to sit down –obliging no sooner seeing as there was no reason for him to act the part of living statue, shortly looking over that of the slid over plate. Considering it no longer than a span of a second before seemingly about to allow himself to fairly eat. At least for a moment before baring witness that she was putting the eggs into some boiled water within the curious contraption.
And splashing herself with how fast she moved her hand back. Earning a new look that was concerned. Turning the useable hand over to indicate he expected her to give hers in return. To look at even if it didn’t sustain any burn.
“You seem more akin to fae blood than one may believe if that is your thoughts. Regardless, I would not seek to do anything of the sort. Simply listen as you asked prior.” Theon knew that apparently nokkens were still musical but once more that never seemed to hit to him anyways. “Will you play this evening then?”
Araminta peeped at his waiting palm for all of a split second before giving over her hand – she wasn’t hurt at all, at worst there might be a stinging red spot. If Theon wanted to look her over, though, she was fine to let him. Finding that any excuse for touching was good with her, especially when she was so worried that her usual physical affection might squeeze or poke him somewhere sore and hurting.
“Maybe there is something faeish in me somewhere along my mother’s side,” she mused out loud, entertained with this thought. “Fae legends were always popular in her village. Of changeling children and forbidden romances. To still be alive, I must be fae-touched.”
Of course, Araminta didn’t truly believe so. Not that it wasn’t possible, she just didn’t think there was anything left in her that was even remotely special. Even despite all of the things Theon liked to insist about her! He was clearly biased on multiple levels!
“I’ve promised Madam Jasa I will play every night we are here, or at least as many nights as I am able.” she confessed, looking rather pleased about it. “If what you gave her is not enough my playing will add to it… and it will be a pure joy to do regardless, I would have played for nothing at all if given the chance. Though, I suppose we ought not tell her that!”
With a light brushing of thumb and a slight lifting turn to consider her hand in case there was something blistering all the sudden, he was relieved to find absolutely nothing. As he ought too. No need to start kicking up the healing wealth that was far more useful to others than himself. Settling to just hold the dainty little palm as long as she allowed him. Sweeping thumb over while he had made his suggestion that she could very well be far more of a fae than he ever was. It seemed applicable considering what he had seen her do, live through and act like. Actually between the two of them, she was the mark for a proper spriteling that had all sorts of stories and jovial twists.
The idea that her mother’s farming village had stories about such things didn’t surprise him. Merely earning a hum even if it sounded like she was just being a little impish now.
Allowing him a second to ask if she would continue to play which was also not surprising. Listening to her talk about the joy she felt while looking probably the most pleased he had seen her in some time. Leaving his mind to fold over the thoughts that were a lot more glaring than former. Till, “Then why continue the trials… you love music. You are enjoying this to the point of uncaring about coin… would it not be better for you and your own safety to live as you wish too as a musician?” He didn’t understand it of course, not to the degree that she likely felt, but why not give up on the trials?
Would she not just be happier to live as a free person? “You could do so much and have no ties that make you feel less.” And he would do whatever he could to assure she was comfortable. Be it that things changed in all ways or not at all.
That was quite the serious question, drawing Araminta into a long thoughtful pause. For her, the answers were obvious, in layers, in multitudes. Theon wasn’t raised the same way she’d been on the other hand – both in terms of what responsibility meant for a royal figure and what family meant. He had no connections to anyone or anything, at least not ones that were wanted. Thus, how did one explain them?
She ended up sliding into the opposite chair, still keeping the means of holding hands by grasping his in both of hers and pulling it onto her lap.
“I have a connection to my home that… runs deep, so to speak?” she started, not quite sure that was the right way to say it, but continued nonetheless. “If I were a refugee villager, letting go of the loss and starting a new life somewhere would be the wisest thing to do. It may not exist anymore, the people may be dead and gone. Starting a new life would make sense.”
“I was not just a villager, though,” Araminta continued. “I was a princess. Perhaps not Heir Apparent, yet I do not know if my brother is still alive somewhere lost in the Twelve Kingdoms. I do not know if my sister is still fighting for her life and others in Caeldalmor. People could still be there trapped in a hellscape of demons. I can find moments of peace here, but I will always, always have it in the back of my mind that people I loved and cared for have been left behind. How I can just leave it be when I know I could do something, even if that something is highly unlikely to succeed?”
One of her hands released him to raise and point a finger at him, a cheeky lil motion because she could see those wheels turning in his head looking for alternate solutions. She knew, because Araminta herself had also pondered many, many scenarios and alternative plans.
“I cannot dig open the mountain pass on my own, nor build a new bridge across the mountain river. You and I together alone are still not enough. Even if we did somehow manage that, if the kingdom is still over run with demons we would have to be able to defend and drive them out. I need resources and people on a scale that only people in power can provide. …unfortunately the first person I sought aid from is as fearsome as any demon.”
“…I am maybe not so lucky after all.” Araminta sighed, not defeated but certainly weary with the weight of it. “All of the Imperial Kingdoms seem to be in just as much trouble as my own, and I fear I might’ve started a snowball rolling down the mountain to create an entire avalanche of trouble for everyone. So I can’t stop, Theon. My conscience won’t allow it. If me doing these trials can affect this much change, then maybe by the time I am done we’ll have done something extraordinary.”
Connection. Logistically the word was understood. Fundamentally and personally in the depth she gave it, it was so lost on him that he might as well been a star in space. Billions upon billions of miles away because there was nothing concrete for him to even remotely identify with. To him, connections that she spoke of were things of nonsense. However, this was a big thing, he could see in her features that outside his understanding these were things that were vital to her. Liable to never understand anyways, so there wasn’t a strong desire to feel impassioned by it for some sort of new discovery on his part.
Even as she spoke and was doing that thing that made it clear that he was certainly by leagues and bounds no royal, she had a sense of strong responsibility. A want to do better. Create things for those that could or may not be alive. While seeking something so much larger that even if she was trying to paint the bigger picture, he was still too far away to really see it.
Easily he could comprehend her reasoning but feeling it was nothing. Even as she seemed to be spurred towards determination that was so raw that it might as well have been a sense of magic on its own, her waggling finger only seemed to catch on that he was thinking. And liable to start coming up with plans for her to have it all even if it was highly improbable.
Pair on that he thought it odd her inclusion of him on these all seeing as he had no ties, no reason and no purpose to even be included. Outside simple wonderment to how she as a real royal would behave. And if he was going to travel that thought, it was about to bloom into a whole other bit of dour thoughts that would be secluded in that of his own being. Still, he would have to rely on her belief and steadfast dedication to feel as though any of this was possible. Surely there were other resources she could have found over that of the Imperial Queen. She wasn’t the dominant force in the entirety of the world but there was no telling if there was someone possible worse than her. A fearsome thought.
Stealing a peek to where her finger had waggled, he wisely decided not to try and beat a dead horse. “Okay.” Accepting what she had to say about it all due to that lack of evidence on his part. Knowing that between the two of them, she was the arrow pointing the correct way on this compass that he simply followed.
She knew what she wanted and he was okay with that. Just one could only hope that this direction of most resistances would be fortuitous at the end.
Leaning back as he retrieved his hand then as not to hold her own that long in case it felt stifling; he glanced about the room. And contemplated, “Then a new castle would need to be erected for you and your family when it comes together.” As if trying his hand to think of the future she would succeed towards rather than anything bleak.
For all of her explanation, his answer was to build her a castle to live in. Such a simple, single thing that was so absurd, Araminta immediately erupted into laughter – and what a strongly joyous sort of laughter it was! She might have kissed him again then and there as how could someone not love and adore the very beautiful and lovely gentle soul that was Theon.
“If any of my family still lives, building a castle will be their problem. I have every intention of living here in the twelve kingdoms with you,” she declared confidently. Deciding not to tell him that they could always take residence in the Imperial Castle once she threw his evil mother down a mountain. Or had the women fed to bog hags. Or… whatever it took to get that wicked witch off the Imperial Throne and into a dungeon pit where she was no longer going to menace and torment anyone else ever again.
That was an impossible dream. Even Araminta doubted she would succeed! No sense in giving Theon more things to fear when he already was so concerned about her well being to begin with. Especially if he were asking questions like these, pondering why she wasn’t simple settling down somewhere quiet and peaceful and just living the rest of her life.
Sometimes Araminta wondered why she didn’t just quit as well. Then all it took was a few moments with Theon, recognizing his hurt and remembering that someone had to fight and protect people like him. Someone had to try.
“That is a long way from now in any case,” she finally murmured, turning back to the hotpot on the table and having to stand again to pick up a spoon and poke her boiling eggs. “If you wish to continue this spoiling me in the present, we should focus on the hut itself. All I wish for at the moment is a room with a proper bed and a bathtub to wash in.”
Surely these eggs were done enough and Araminta wouldn’t mind at all if the yolks inside were a little jammy. Getting them out of the boiling water was the tricky part, though! Leaving her trying to chase the things with her spoon in an attempt to scoop them out without burning herself again.
At this point he was a little more adjusted to her bursts of pure laughter at something he had clearly said. No longer feeling as though he ought to slip away because whatever left his mouth to set her into a fit wasn’t because she thought him an idiot. But something about it had just made her amused that he ought to just be pleased she was giggling at all. It didn’t lessen his watchful eyes however. Waiting till she was able to gather her wits and give him a hint or full on reason why her sides has split in half at all. Apparently in this case it was the mention that a new castle would likely have to be built for the rulers of her kingdom. Which apparently would be her family’s problem if any lived.
Though he wasn’t sure how. If she managed to bring back any help, he suspected those who survived would wish for the princess who challenged the Imperial Queen to be their guiding light. Their resolution and also their arrow pointing the way. After all, it would be no small feat for her to complete the trials while taking the crown from the Imperial Queen. As that would have to be required.
Right now he just accepted her folly of a thought of living here. Not about to challenge it when she was saying it was how it would be.
Watching a moment as she gathered up to likely start trying to deal with the pot of boiling eggs, before mentioning the hut and what she wanted it to be. Leaving him to think on how it could be arranged for her to have for her desires. It would likely need to be adjusted to suit a small room for that of a bathtub while the rest could be fitted to suit the bed that she wanted. Still living in that mindset that with such a vocal statement, it would be hers entirely. That lack of possessiveness or care for the place in any mentality meant he didn’t even think of it being anything else but her new little place to live in. He’d just build something out of sticks and brush as a sense of a roof elsewhere as not to impose upon what the hut became for her.
Surely at the village anyways there was someone who had carpentry familiarity and would be able to size the hut to be her new home. “When it is suitable, I will see to find a soul that can adjust it to your needs and wants.” Theon pointed out whilst watching her attempting to remove an egg from the water. Leaving him a moment before motioning that he would help by grabbing another spoon to pinscher the egg between the two utensils to make it easier to remove.
“We will live together, Theon, don’t forget. It needs to be enough for two,” she explained, just in case he was still holding fast to thinking that he was not a part of her plans. Honestly, the man could be so brilliant and so dense at the same time. Somehow despite everything still putting himself so far beneath her that he did not think that he was a vital part of her life even when she’d insisted so, over and over again. Almost as if some little part of his heart had been so damaged it simply wouldn’t allow him to see it.
With his added help of a second spoon, drawing a renewed fresh giggling smile from her, it took no time at all to pull the few eggs out to set in one of the small bowls where they could cool down enough to be peeled and eaten as they were. Araminta then went about fussing with the pot, trying to figure out the best way to switch the bowl portion to replace it with the kettle for the means of making tea. She should’ve considered how hot the metal would be and made the tea first!
“I bet there is at least one in our village that could use the work and enjoys carpentry and building. I wish I knew how they did the running water in places like this, but that seems more than necessary for our little home. The stream is plenty close enough.”
He wasn’t sure if she was peering into his thoughts or not but there was a look offered that likely told her that she already figured out that he was putting together plans for the place just for her. Needing additional moments to contemplate this repeated statement that somehow he was included. Looking at the table like its wooden grain had the secrets of answers written there. Naturally there was no verbalized reply to this, a simple nod. Seemingly still needing time to really fathom why on earth she included him at all. Knowing that he’d be just fine living outside if he just constructed a little makeshift roof for the days that it got a bit wet out. As if his mind couldn’t even put together that her idea of being around him and now seemingly wanting him to be with her included a sort of solidarity that wasn’t sinking in.
That she wasn’t expecting him to do everything to assure she was able to live even a little modestly, but it was to include him as part of it.
It truly was likely because he didn’t really, entirely understand that there was more to this all than just continuing what they were already doing.
For now he was looking to help her get the eggs out of the water while wondering what on earth she was still doing to the system without burning her fingers off. Save that she mentioned someone in the village likely doing carpentry for the enjoyment but then came across the very thing he had been thinking about previously. Considering her a moment before, “Gravity feed.” Theon stated so factually, turning some in chair to point backwards like the privacy screen wasn’t there at all. “It would not be difficult per say. It’s a system of taking an tank of water that has been elevated with a copper pipe or hose out the bottom of it with a likely a tap that is similar to a keg twist that stops it from just constantly running. It uses gravity to push the water through the pipes in this place. I am not sure how they heat the water somewhat, but that would be the means of it.” Theon looked back to her with a neutral expression, “Some farmers use this method to water crops. Here, is likely a far larger setup but likely the same way.”
Then he was thinking. Reaching to rub at his bearded chin, “A blacksmith, proper metals and some diagrams, it could be an option to create a large enough reservoir that could hold water from the stream but having a metal bottom to emulate a forge and bellows while being an elevated platform, one could heat the water. Using the conduction of heat to the metal to boil the water and then with a spigot controlling the flow, one could fill the bathtub. It would just be a means of figuring out a way to drain it without hand to pail.”
Mercury eyes looked to her and then shrugged casually. “It is merely an idea. I do not know if it could be put to practice.”
It only took her a brief moment but she’d finally clued in that she could use one of the wash cloths to shield her fingers from the heat, exchanging the boiling pot over tiny flame to rest the kettle there instead. Thankfully being able to set it aside on the table with spilling and actually burning herself in a way that was serious.
Finding herself pausing to watch as Theon mentioned a gravity feed and point off towards the tub. Listening with an interesting that seemed to grow, along with the widening blinking of hers as he went on to explain how the piping and such worked for a place like this, how farmers used it… and seeming to have ideas of his own that might be applicable.
How she processed it likely appeared plain as day there on her face as she put word to imagination, trying to picture it in her own mind’s eye on how the pieces might come together. What it might look like behind the walls… that meant somewhere in the building or perhaps outside of it, there had to be a big water tower. Araminta had seen those before in some villages and larger towns, but it never occurred to her to consider how they actually worked!
Mostly the surprise came in that Theon seemed to know how they worked! For a man who did not get the typical royal education, that was an advanced bit of knowledge. Araminta hadn’t thought she could be surprised by him any more!
“…well I imagine if to get the water in the tub would require the gravity well, then you would have to do the same for the drainage? The tub would need be elevated with piping itself that carried the water outwards and away from the house.” A simple logic that didn’t need much explanation from there.
“Where did you learn such a thing! That’s actually such an extraordinary sort of knowledge to have! You keep calling me a tactician, but this is the sort of knowledge that could help so many more people!”
The idea about the drain left him a moment to think further before humming. Seeming to need more to consider as the idea of removing the dirty water would need to be done further away from the homestead rather than allowing it to fester and become fetid because it started to carry other bacteria than what was normally in the water. It was perhaps something that he could think about in his spare time when there was little else going on. Curious in a turn what sort of state the water would be in after a bath from a singular human. Was it contaminated to a point that it couldn’t be used for anything else?
Considering her handiwork that was putting the kettle as the replacement for where the eggs had been boiling. Realizing in a delayed fashion that the intent was to make herself tea. Leaving ears to be open and then, “Farmers.” He expressed again. “In the lower quadrant of Ashe kingdom, they have fields setup with large examples of this. I’ve just… watched.” Theon admitted seeing as he sure as heck wouldn’t have asked to about it. “It is common enough in the means of agriculture but I do not know if many would apply such knowledge to be in house. If what I believe is correct for here, then it’s likely The Sable Fawn is a rarity.” Then he considered Araminta, “And likely that Jasa is from around the Ashe region. Her hair looks familiar to many of the women there.” Coiled, springy and just absolutely curiously interesting.
Once more he gave a one shoulder shrug, “You are very tactical. In ways that are unique, what I know is just learnt by watching.” As the ghost aspect of himself, he had merely drifted around and observed. Eventually he’d either pick up on how something worked or he didn’t. There wasn’t much of a in-between. “I find your ability to think outside the box rather enthralling. I would not downplay it, Ara.”
“What I know is through watching and reading, it isn’t any different from you, Theon,” she excused. Enjoying that moment of just watching him thinking and that subtle movement of his brow when he did so. Inner impulses were strong again and this time Araminta caved, reaching out in a barely-there touch to brush back an errant strand of slightly damp red hair back into proper place. Not lingering for too as if they kept this up, he wasn’t going to eat like he needed to!
Araminta turned back to her table spread, still snacking off the fruit plate herself while she arranged too cups and peeps into her kettle. It too a little searching on her table of treats to find her satchel of herbal tea and into the kettle it went. The stronger it was, the better, she figured! To brew out every bit of useful nutrients to get them into Theon so he might heal faster.
“I feel even despite the dangers of the trials and the trouble I am in, to get to travel across the twelve kingdoms has taught me a great deal already. It’s a sort of learning experience most never have the chance for. And it’s so interesting to discover of all these things! There is so much that could be done and shared.”
There was a readying reply to her statement of how she watched and read to learn what she knew, just that in a manner of seconds and a gentle touch from her was enough to keep him from getting too focused on one thing. Blinking a little curiously at the gentle motion but seemed to soften just enough that whatever potential verbal quarrel of semantics was dulled. Moving to accepting her statement as fact. A gentle debate about their differences in learning could have been pointed out to where she likely had a dowager or a teacher in her years as a princess, expanding her mind for the purpose of her kingdom and whatever man she ended up marrying off to benefit the lands they owned.
However, she was good at distracting him to not getting into that nitty gritty.
Rather making an effort to keep eating at a gradual pace before she was mentioning about how her travels –while not intended and certainly dangerous- had given her a whole new world to discover. Things and people and actions and all were experiences. Leaving him to thoughtfully chew with a internal hum. Slowly expanding outwards to agree that with such a insight, there was much that had expanded for learning. “Then, if things are handled eventually… you wish to travel more?”
If things were handled as he put it… what would Araminta like to do for herself? Curiously, with that pondering openly in her expression, she thought it over. Testing the eggs with her fingers to see if they were cool enough to peel the outer shell – still warm, not burning – Araminta plucked one up to crack and roll on the table to removed that hard outer layer. Using her leftover water in the hotpot bowl to rinse any remaining shell off – that water WAS still hot, she had to use the spoons to pluck the egg back out!
“…I am a little afraid if I tell you, you might be completely overwhelmed with the scope of what I dream,” she answered, the corner of her mouth turned up in a wry sort of smile as she repeated the process of cracking free more eggs.
“If come the end of the trials and the very best of scenarios happen, my kingdom will be under the care of my siblings and I will be here with you. We will travel the whole of the twelve kingdoms to repair what was broken and left neglected. To create an actual treaty of peace amongst the kingdoms for a true alliance instead of being conquered and subservient to a wicked rule.”
A lot of things would have to fall into place for such a dream to happen and it very well may take a decade or more to ever realize it, this Araminta knew. It was no simple or humble dream… leaving her casting an almost worried glance to Theon to see what he thought of it at all. What he seemed to want was nothing more than just a simple living, and here Araminta was with ideas and dreams that were so ridiculously complicated they may as well have been impossible.
There was a gentle motion of hand to indicate that while she may be nervous to express her thoughts, he was hardly about to get all emotional about it either. Outside of authentic curiosity due to that statement. What was her plan that she worried that it might overwhelm him.
Unless she was intending to become the next evil queen, he wasn’t sure there was much that could bring him to his knees now. Anything else just didn’t register as necessary or grand enough to earn a placement in one’s thoughts. Yet, she was busy attempting to peel her eggs in a intriguing fashion till the full of lips begun to express her desire that was for all intents and purposes, lofty.
It was grand.
And he felt a sort of niggling peculiarity at the scheme of it all. While she stated her own land would be attended too, she wanted to be a diplomat. An ambassador to attempt to mend the relationships that had been more of a noose than a treaty currently. Wrapped around throats because the one holding the ends was a Queen who simply didn’t care. She wanted their lands, the power and was good at informing all that she was very capable of ensuring no one escaped her clutches. Not forever.
As she finalized the last of her statement, he turned thoughtful. Mulling it over with due care, “How would this be done?” Theon asked then maybe not cluing in that there was an almost expectation that his placement might be on a throne still.
Araminta eased into a laugh, glad that at least so far he did not seem put off or horrified by the idea. Though she doubted Theon realized that he had a role to play in this as well… even if that role was simply being her companion along the way. While he had a royal title and a responsibility that he was still adamantly refusing to acknowledge, Araminta was not going to force him to take up that mantle either. If come to it, Theon decided he wanted nothing to do with the Imperial Throne, she would figure out how to make it all work.
The curious expression he was giving her made her wonder if perhaps that was a worry on his mind in that moment too.
“I am honestly not sure how it will be done yet. It is so far in the future, all I can truly do is have a vague idea of potential. What happens in the coming months could change things so drastically that any ideas I did ponder could be completely unusable.”
Simple facts that was. Araminta might end up dying in the trials, or losing a leg. Or her sense! …or Theon, much to a soft dawning horror. The thought of losing Theon himself was such a horror she quickly shoved that thought out of her head, hoping to never encounter it again. That simply would not be allowable.
With all of the eggs peeled and placed back in the bowl, she gestured to them with a finger for Theon to at least attempt to try one. Setting her attention to checking the tea and finding it plenty brewed enough to pour them each a healthy cup. Once that was settled, Araminta finally sat down proper so she herself could pluck up one of the eggs to split in half and add a pinch of salt to.
“At least in simple terms, the Imperial Castle without her royal pain in the rear would make a wonderful central place of meeting. To consider the Imperial lands as a neutral place where other kingdoms could come together resolve issues without having to take to border wars or other damaging things. Something similar is done in the mountains with the clans there beyond Caeldalmor. Where chieftains and kings would come together to hold discussions. My father said sometimes the kings would just solve their issues through a fist fight with each other and avoid having to bring warriors into it. I would hope discussions never come to that, but it does seem like a much better way than an outright war, don’t you think?”
There was a lot about the imperial prince that had him entirely doubtful. He had no training, no education and certainly no damn clue about the very position outside that it was simply a name people incorrectly used to him. If one noticed, he was never directly assigned as the heir apparent. Not the crowned prince either, so they really ought to realize he was nothing more than a lip service figurehead of no importance. Even Araminta surely could figure those out. They were assumed to be on the same level of the hierarchy in the terms of royalty, but he was so far beneath her in that frame that he was no more than a dirt snorting farm animal in comparison.
Naturally none of that commentary found its way to lips. Rather following her direction of pointing to in fact respond to that means of eating the hardboiled egg. Reaching and taking it into grasp while she seemed to point out that the future was still so murky that any plans she could have had were just as delicate as a cloud.
Liable to be blown away into nothing with one good wind. Leaving him to pull apart the egg to consider and quietly eat as she continued. Becoming that astute listener to where it seemed at least her idea of a Imperial Castle without the dreaded she-beast within could be a place of neutrality. Although that would take quite a bit of work itself. To convince others that it was to be used as a place of equality instead of a reign of terror, it was all the more reason he believed the Edmonstone name was better to be wiped away in permanence. The less the tainted name was associated in the name of peace, the better.
Managing to knock down half the meal source, he considered her a moment at the suggestion that her father had once uttered that a king ought to just fist fight a king to settle their more violent disputes.
Quite a comment that was.
But it was a good one. Enough to earn an agreeing nod before he was finished with a clear palate and looking at the table once more. “It would be best to remove all monikers that rely to the Imperial Queen if this idea was to be realized. A clean slate without the taint of cruelty anywhere upon it. If possible, to create a council fitting of the twelve kingdoms or more, rather than what it is now. Then you would be able to acquire that idea of neutrality.”
Araminta herself was wasting no time in enjoying the simple meal, taking a silent amount of pride and preening to find that Theon was actually eating and seemed to be too involved in their current conversation to side-eyed and be skeptical about the items on the table. Claiming herself one of the left over pastries even while popping half an egg in her mouth.
Doubly pleased too that he seemed to follow the logic and validity in her dreams of the future to add his own suggestions into it. Taking a sip of her tea and smiling brightly.
“I will name it the Alliance of Aramintheon! And if they wish to join, each kingdom can appoint their own ambassador or council as their mediator and representation. I may even host a meeting of Kings and Queens once a year as something joyful to bring them together and look forward to.”
Perhaps her naming it such was ridiculous, but Araminta could not think of a better representation of what the Imperial Queen was trying to destroy now. For she and Theon both had come from dark places – different situations as they were – yet now could strive for a future full of hope.
Skepticism present itself swiftly at the silly name suggestion. Laying gaze upon the woman that was both so impressively pretty on the inside and out while being clearly wild in the means of entirely goofy. “I would prefer my name not to be attached to anything.” That was probably one of the more solid things he was liable to be stubborn about. Refusing to be associated in any manner to the politics of their world or the means of royal antics even by some Alliance. All he would do if the time came that his mother was properly roosted from her basilisk seat of thorns and skins, was insist someone of good standing take claim of the place.
Or it could just be absorbed into something else. He wouldn’t care.
Fairly, if there was a chance for anything in his future; he’d just prefer to turn into a hermit. Staying away from people and living by himself in a place that didn’t care whether he was alive or not. Preferring seclusion while taking peace that Araminta would manage these potentially crazy dreams to her fullest.
Turning the remains of the egg over in fingers, the man considered though, “It would be in your better interest to start laying the ground work now. No matter how small, the other kingdoms are oppressed beneath the Imperial Queen’s thumb. It might seem nonsensical but even a drop in the water makes wide ripples eventually.”
“I don’t mind your name being attached to mine. I think it sounds lovely.” she defended the name. Why not Aramintheon? It rolled off the tongue in a way that was musical, as if their names had always meant to go together.
…and that perhaps was an interesting line of thought now popping into her head. A curiously fun thought to go along with the new steps they’d taken in whatever strange journey their relationship was taking. Deciding she needed to file that away in her mind for later, as it wasn’t something the needed to be thinking about during breakfast or when they were discussing something that might actually be achievable in their future.
Instead putting her focus on his newest statement with another, telling smile.
“I think the ground work had started the moment you decided not to kill me, Theon. The ripples were already long started before you or I even knew what we’d done. But if you mean that we ought to make direct contact with the nobility and royals of the twelve kingdoms to begin that weaving, we could take advantage of the letters I sent to create confusion? We could actually visit whomever may be nearby during our travels and test the waters, so to speak?”
This thought did draw her to pause, twisting her mouth into a considering frown.
“I’m not opposed to it, although… that is a different sort of dangerous. Monsters and beastlies are predictable, even if they’re fierce. The politics of nobles isn’t as easy to navigate, especially when we can’t be sure if someone is loyal to the queen or willing to strike at us simply to protect themselves. I know that you are already uncomfortable when people acknowledge you as the Imperial Prince, we would be under a looking glass in such places.”
There was no more than a simple look when she seemed to wonder in a verbal manner just why he thought their name wasn’t suitable together. Needing no reason to really declare why as he was sure she’d figure it out eventually. Settling instead into the thought that if Araminta wanted this idea of a future to be obtainable, then groundwork ought to be placed even starting now. Miniscule things that would later have a big impact.
With a ginger shrug and a then consideration of the tea that had been poured when she mentioned this all started when he made that decision not to follow his mother’s orders to slay her. Which was true. All of this had been put in motion by one act of defiance. Sure the Imperial Queen was loathing and screeching about the very same thing with very different thoughts behind it.
Waiting and watching her with due interest that wasn’t entirely honest to this moment. Allowing mental intrigue to play a bit of curious observation that were hardly simple looks. Before she was frowning and pointing out he already disliked how people knew him as a false title. “The only time I will be able to escape the lies of a title is when the Imperial Queen is gone or I’ve fallen.” He admitted, knowing that as much as he hated it, there was no escaping it. “It would be a benefit however in this to be this lie. The twelve kingdoms know who I am and believe in some capacity of my loyalty to that of the Imperial Queen. It would be a clear marker in itself to learn whom is an avid follower to her or not simply by my existence.” Theon looked to her, “And many of the kingdoms were taken over by hostile means one way or another. I doubt there is much love in all aspects. One would just need to find the martyr or the hero in each area to determine whether they would want to fight or not.”
“I don’t know…” she admitted with all concerned honesty. Twisting in her chair towards him to look him over, as… well. Theon was not in good shape now. He’d been injured before, both by her own doing and his own over use of magic, but he’d never been so poorly as now. Having to face the fact he could actually be grievously injured and actually die somewhere along the way had kicked up a lot of fears and truths she’d thought she’d accepted. That they’d both sustain injuries during the trials… Araminta was finding she wasn’t so okay with it now that she was faced with the reality.
“I’m not sure I like the thought of using you as honeypot for potential enemies to target. It’s a good idea – an excellent one, really. I know I can handle court politics myself and play their silly games. I just… I’m not sure I can handle you coming under fire of vicious words, or worse some brazen attempt of assassination.”
Well now that was a bit surprising. Having expected Araminta to have voiced some colourful plan that had used his own reputation to assure that they just might start earning even a little bit of that future idea of hers. To hear instead that she was uncertain, it had him looking at her. A quizzical expression that couldn’t entirely decipher her own. Looking as though she had swallowed something a little bitter rather than actually occurring. At least he didn’t think the food and drink thus far had been warrant of such a reaction. Not that he didn’t give it a bit of a look over. Just in case he missed it.
This was the good thing about Araminta. She often expressed the why’s to her thoughts in most situations.
Right now, it was apparently something to do with him being used as a target. Something he was hardly unfamiliar with, though he could tell after her explaining that she was bothered. “I don’t think I could simply sit while you were to handle such things.” Theon remarked gingerly, “What you are worried about isn’t anything new to me.” He knew that was a bit of a odd thing to say, “But if you would want me to be elsewhere, I would go and do as you asked.” Still showing that he was hardly about to start stamping his feet and raising his arms up in frustration because she didn’t like something or told him no. If she wanted to do such things by herself even in a hypothetical situation, he was no one to argue.
“I know that it is not new to you and that you can handle yourself,” she answered, softening into a smile, still there was that air of concern though. Araminta pondering how best to explain, finally deciding they were doing perfectly well so far with simple truths, there was no need to dance around it.
“I am not sure how I will respond to someone mistreating you, even just verbally,” she admitted. Scrunching up her nose and using her hands to gesturing at her chest. “There is this squeezing need to wrap you in the blankets and set you somewhere safe and sound where no one can hurt you. I know it’s a silly thing to think and I am not going to push you out simply because I am afraid. …but I will roll up my sleeves and tussle with anyone that’d dare make an attempt.”
There was no need to give him examples either. Even before now, with that fear so deeply set in her, she’d been ready to roll down a hill with the Lady Thebe had the crazy woman actually tried to attack or capture Theon. Araminta had been ready to stab Gusteau right in the neck to spare Theon his dreadful torture. She was not one who went to violence as a first thought, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t do anything to protect him either. Now more than ever Theon needed someone to protect him from the evils of the world.
“I’m not sure how you get through a day worrying about me and all the trouble I get into!”
There was a good reason why he ought to wait to see what she had to say aver such a gentle smile was holding the motion of worry all the more within it. Leaving him to abandon any bit of food that had lingered –deciding it was more than enough for now- so he could address her properly with an undivided attention. Waiting and finding that what came about was this odd sense of protection that had never actually been something given to him before. Well outside the one nanny that had rendered her life moot because of it.
Yet, this gentle spunky woman that was no bigger than a grasshopper’s knee was telling him that she’d throw down every bit of her personality if it meant going after anyone who thought so speak poorly of him a second further.
It felt a multitude of feelings in him.
Concern that Araminta would feel like that at all.
Amusement to think of her tussling with anyone larger than a bug’s ear.
And a strong urge to chuckle at her care because it was genuine and he knew that she wasn’t saying such just because. Urging a want to reach over and well… he wasn’t sure if it was just to hold her hand or something else. It might have been something else to the point that even if it was subtle, the slip of gray had drifted momentarily to the woman’s mouth and back up again.
Settling for the latter of that last part. To offer a hand the singular hand so she might take it. “I worry yes. But I also know you are capable in ways that should typically offset my worry. In most scenario’s. Not to say it doesn’t lessen entirely, however I know that if I lend you a chance, I will learn something at the same time. While appreciating that my concern could be mollified even a little because you allow me to be present.”
Theon hummed and then glanced towards the door. “The morning is growing ever longer. When do you wish to leave the room for whatever task you have next.”
Automatically she took his hand when he reached out, no second thoughts or questioning about it. Still a little dubious about how he manages those worrying fears about her, but at least understanding the general gist of it was that when he was near he felt he could still do something if she needed the help. Araminta shared that sentiment completely, and while it wasn’t going to help her in moments she knew they needed to separate… at least when they were together she could worry less.
“Regardless, I won’t be making any attempts at meeting nobility until you are well mended,” she confessed with a cheeky grin. Especially with following his gaze towards the door and knowing this was his subtle hint that he didn’t wish to be trapped in this room for the entire duration of his healing.
Rising to stand, Araminta leaned to pluck up some of his unfinished food to pop in her mouth and finish off herself. Only releasing his hand to give him a gentle squeeze on the shoulder and step away to get ready herself for a day of working.
“I suppose we ought to get going now, else Bo will think I am a lazy girl! We’ll spend the day there at the atelier unless his wife needs assistance.”
The smallest notion of even her just taking that offered palm was liable to be quite the warm push upon his heart. Making him mutely preen before her statement that she was not about to go after any nobles till he was back to potentially a state that was busted, bruised and broken. Which he would have to appreciate, he would not be able to do a whole lot otherwise. It wouldn’t really bother him if he just had use of both arms but that was clearly not the case. And the main part now that was properly annoying. Missing the use of his dominant arm was enough to irritate him silently.
Somewhat soothed with her cheeky grin and further encouraged when she agreed that they were both allowed to leave the space. Not sure he would do well to be ushered back to that damnable comfortable trap and told to stay put. He just might become like that obsidian spider and start crawling the walls to find something to do because the idea of being idle and purposeless, were two great evils in his mind. He could be one or the other but not both at the same time!
As she stepped away to get to the means of prepping herself to leave the abode, he took a moment to consider the table and its state of being. With no reason to start trying to tidy it with the copper hotpot likely still quite warm, it meant that all he could do was prepare similarly. Gathering up and glancing in her general direction at the suggestion that Bo would think her lazy and that she could also offer assistance to the wife of the man should it come to it.
“Let us hope they are not bothered by an additional presence.” Theon mostly muttered that as he gathered to go towards his gear that still needed to be sorted and checked properly, to at least grab the cloak. Granted it was going to need some mending itself and a good wash at this point, it was still in good enough condition for him to wear. “You will need to lead.” Of course she would, he had no idea where this place was.
“Bo will be glad that I have brought you, as he fussed quite a bit about clothing being fitted properly. He is passionate about his craft,” she revealed with ease. Taking the opportunity for freshening herself up as well, a few cool splashes of water on her face was all it really took. Then Araminta combed through her long ebony tresses to do quick work of a simple braided twist, using her leafy pin to keep it all in place where she’d be able to work in peace.
“His wife, Adra, is just as passionate if not more! A woman of absolute candor as Sir Reeves might say! She has this stunning aura of confidence and no-nonsense that it’s almost intimidating.”
Having gotten dressed when she woke, Araminta didn’t need to change her clothes. Happy to stay in the blouse and long skirt that Theon had purchased for her in Essurn. She did stop by the table to at least do a little straightening up so it wasn’t a mess for whichever of Madam Jasa’s girls was in charge of their room. Hospitality services is how they described to her, but Araminta wasn’t about to make their job difficult by leaving a mess behind. She stacked the used plates and covered up the bits of food they could finish off later. Even emptied out the water from the hot pot and her kettle – with a small moment of drinking up the rest of her tea and as well as Theon’s.
Araminta was tempted to tell him she was always leading, but kept that comment to herself, perhaps only hinting at it in the way she grinned. Pausing just long enough to get on her new boots provided by the lovely Adra herself and to pin on her own cloak before leading them both out the door.
Oh how he was about to turn around at her non so subtle reveal that she had wanted him to go along with her because she wanted him to be fitted for something that was highly unnecessary! That the work she had done in the means of keeping the silk safe and brought it to that of its destination was to be used for him instead of herself. Going through the mental list of ways that it may be able to shoo away this orchestrated event she had put together without just outright staying put inside the room.
Realizing that he was between a rock and a hard place to such a matter.
Granted he knew he could just outright refuse the efforts when they went to this tailoring atelier. She might have started the means of putting it all together but he could always declined or insist that the tailor not waste his efforts on one who had not done a lick of the work for any of it!
It would have to be something he kept to himself while watching this woman clean up a bit to the point that they were soon enough leaving the room. Watching Araminta quietly with the following behaviour that eventually took them to the front of the inn and out the door, seeing as no one was currently present at the front clerk desk. Potentially a good thing.
Taking his due time to watch Araminta instead as if the action was going to reveal any other little plans she had in place or not!
Araminta could hazard a few educational guesses on that ever so slight narrowed-eyed expression he was giving her. Prompting the princess to smile all the more brightly, as this was one time he wasn’t going to try and wiggle his way out of getting his own proper new things. The deals were made, her time was promised, it would be done.
She’d warned him that he needed to get used to her taking care of him!
Once they were out on the street she was quick to grasp his hand, having to be content with simply that instead of full on hugging onto his arm. Watchful too about his gait to see just how stiff he was and where, if she needed to adjust her pacing or if he might be hiding pained things from her.
“You may be able to help me with some of the long gowns, as it’s always a trick to handling all that fabric while trying to sew in alterations or doing beadwork. So I can’t imagine you’ll be too idle. Not that sewing work is even remotely interesting, it’s honestly about as boring as anything can get in terms of work. Though, I wouldn’t dare say such a thing out loud and insult Bo’s beautiful work. It’s fun to watch him bustling about working on a piece and muttering all sorts of things about it, and he’s delightful good conversation.”
Without much pause or even thought as she claimed the decent hand for herself to hold onto, had he known she was giving him the eyeful to check whether or not he was walking like an old man that had been sitting far too long, he may have promptly shifted his gait. As it were, he was almost immediately distracted by the infrastructure around them. Considering how the town wasn’t as glamorous as the Imperial City but not so bumblefuck small as the village the hut was nearby. Not entirely too small or too big, leaving him to walk with an obvious stiffness that had to just simply be worked out rather than being a stubborn cripple refusing to relax.
Eyes flipped here and there –ignoring looks from those that were obviously about to consider the state of him and her- till the gentle comely maid spoke up about the means of lengthy gowns. How he might be able to aid there –so long as she wasn’t about to use him as a broken mannequin to lay them on because he was considerably taller- before tacking on how she considered sewing work to be mundane. Boring and he had to wonder about that.
Any bit of stitching he had done, he hadn’t thought it terrible. Not his favourite thing in the world by no means, but not so dull that it made his eyes roll instinctively into the back of his skull. Guessing that Araminta had some history with the task to the point she could say such things with a earnest familiarity. Knowing that it wouldn’t be very polite either to express it in the company of the man that was apparently Matilda’s son. That still was a thing of wonderment.
Humming quietly as a sort of acknowledgement that he certainly had heard her but didn’t have that much of a spectacular reply that would be considered dazzling conversation, he did have to admit he was all the more curious now about this fellow. He knew Araminta was a good judge of character and polite to practically everyone. Even those who weren’t exactly sweet about giving her the same consideration, it still made him curious. Just whom Bogart was to where their efforts of walking only a few streets over to the tailoring shop was. Certainly able to tell the strict difference between her and the woman’s at the village. How Bogart’s was a little more upper class while the other was evidently not. Which fit their general location.
Releasing Araminta’s hand, he could still use his own to open the door to allow her the first means of passage indoors as a gentleman would.
Where Bo was aptly well at work with a look backwards over his shoulder that did a double take. “Araminta.” He greeted warmly with a equally beaming grin, “I was wondering if you might have gotten lost today,” There was motion just behind the worktable that resulted in a pair of big blinking eyes belonging to the littlest girl and she was already giggling from behind her bad hiding spot. Managing a wave of fingers to the princess before slipping back to resume her hiding.
As the door was closed, it seemed Bogart had registered that Araminta was truly wasn’t alone and sort of stopped mid measure upon that of a posed statue draped with new clothing; to blink and eventually mouth parting and closing in a sense of repeat. Till it was clear as he stepped in a bit further to see that Bogart’s express wasn’t the same as others had been but one of acknowledgement. An uneasy sort, “I… had not expected your companion to be… of high stature.” Bogart looked nervous, trying to debate on how one dealt with apparent royalty and one who was surely not in the state of regality either. “I… er…”
“Araminta!” Sophia jumped out as though she had been unseen previously, waving her hands above her head. “Hi!” Only for her brown eyes to lift, “Wow, whose the man behind you! You look like you fell down a set of stairs face first!”
“Sophia!” Bogart looked perfectly horrified and it might have been one of those rare moments that Theon blinked, and smirked a little softly. Unbothered by the honesty, “I… I apologize, she… she has no…”
“Woweee! That must’ve hurt!”
Bless these tiny little things, Araminta was not certain how many Bo actually had when they were always popping up here and there. They were always a delightful joy for her, though, and Bo’s exasperation mixed with awkwardness to apparently have recognition of who Theon actually was made it difficult for Araminta not to be a bit giggly herself.
“Admittedly it is a bit of a late start this morning,” she greeted, managing to hold back her giggling to turn her attention directly to Sophia by means of leaning down with her hands rest on her knees.
“This is my Ghost, of which you may call him such unless he says otherwise. A bunch of awful bandits caught him by surprise so we must be gentle with his person.” Araminta held up a hand then to block the view of her mouth, not that it prevented anyone of the room from hearing what she then whispered. “He is so very bored of resting, though, if you have a simple game.”
Once righting herself back to standing again, Araminta unpinned and pull off her cloak in a fluid motion to hang up out of the way on a waiting cloak stand and was already moving towards the workstation she’d been busy at the day before.
“You’ve been spending this entire time with someone of high stature already, one more is nothing to worry about,” she relayed to Bogart, perhaps with that air of mischievous cheekiness, especially now that she was familiar enough with the man to give a gentle teasing. “You did say it was better to have him here for fitting.”
The man seemed to pull inwards to himself upon that knowledge of recognizing while his proper eldest had showed that there was not a single care in the world to consider. Behaving like the youth she was about calling out exactly as she seen it whilst father nearly had a heart attack thinking that the prince’s known reputation might suddenly snap out and sever child’s skull from neck. Although none of that happened, merely that Theon was as he ever was. Silent but attentive in the means of listening. Granted, he had a fondness for children. They were earnest typically and lived as freely as they were allowed. He was hardly about to get all fussed up because his features and body were in less than stellar state.
Sophia eyed Araminta when she was bending to her height. Putting hand in hand before herself as she rocked on her heels back and forth with attention being dedicated. Listening and then huffing and puffing. “Well that wasn’t every nice of them.” Leaning a little closer, “I’ll be oh so gentle!” Bogart was trying his best not to fret too noticeably before eyes followed after Araminta. Leaving the girl to come hopping forward and looked about the space as if she needed to find something in the mean’s of a game at all. With her missing other two siblings, she was the queen of the roost as it were. Needing not to worry about being the eldest in that regard.
Of course Araminta was being her impish self with commentary, pulling the man’s gaze in a sort of judgmental squint. Seemingly attempting to figure out her play on words before sighing dramatically. “A little heads up would have been appreciated in this case, dear. Had I known the beau you were wandering with was that of the… uh…” Seemingly catching on that the prince was going by Ghost, Bogart shooed away the vain attempt of address. Looking more as though he were debating on to go about this at all.
Never mind that Theon presently had knelt down to be formerly spoken too by Sophia, the pair of them apparently having shared a similar lack of care to the rest of the room.
“I did, but still. I had expected a little sprig of a fellow toddling after you with puppy love struck eyes, not a,” His arms spread out to suggest width then height and finally pressing lips in such a way that indicated the last prince commentary that went unspoken. “You keep very peculiar company, Araminta. Especially considering how much my mother hates the very… ruler… having that of her kin present well—” The man was massaging the bridge of his nose, “I don’t even think we have anything that would be up to the courtly state of someone of his caliber.”
Eyes were turning to watch daughter with the murderous hound of the damnable Queen, finding that surprisingly for someone who was apparently a stooge of his mother’s plots and a bloody killer; the only thing red about him was that of hair. Otherwise, the prince looked impressively docile. Not that he didn’t steal a look at Araminta in case this was some strange trick that he didn’t understand. If she wasn’t worried then he was going to be astute in watching but not looming over when Sophia seemed to have encouraged the man to give over the only seemingly good hand so she could direct a means of follow me. “It would be best not to mention this to Adra. I fear what sort of verbal explosion she would have. You should have given me a warning.”
Araminta at least had the sense to look properly apologetic and chagrinned as Bogart gave her what was a true fatherly lecture in lack of providing him without enough warning. Though, it was hard to focus on that when her gaze kept stealing over to watch Theon interacting with the very tiny Sophia and how the bloom of warm delight in her chest seemed to override anything else.
“I am truly sorry it’s caught you off guard like this. For his safety and mine it is better we don’t mention it outright, as he does not like to be treated with the fear and posturing of his title and I am presently not her royal majesty’s favorite person for reasons that may now seem more obvious.”
Knowing the amount of information and gossip that spread so easily in towns and villages, Araminta was sure she didn’t need to explain how she may be the Imperial Queen’s number one biggest problem. And here she was with that very reason presently being led around by a tiny little girl.
“If it helps, should Adra be angry I will accept all of her ire without complaint. I’ve been honest about what we need – just proper clothing for traveling and dealing with the trials. We don’t wish to cause you any disruption or trouble and I will certainly work for as long as necessary to cover the costs. Theon would be grateful as well for any work he can manage with right now as he likes to be useful.”
Similarly he was stealing a look to his daughter taking the imperial prince by his claw and leading him over to one of the nooks as she seemed to be explaining something to the man. Though much to his own surprise, the prince wasn’t snarling. Hissing. Puffing up like some pompous pufferfish. Leaving him to watch and well, “Yes, knowing now that you were the royal that had asked for her assistance only to be chartered with quite a rather… large scale problem,” Bo turned to address Araminta then while stepping up to his mannequin once more indicating said problem being trials –she was a little bit of hot gossip after all paired with the thought that there was a mad beast hunting as well- “I don’t actually know if it would have done be better to know about you both previous or not.”
He’d likely have turned them both out. Before they got a chance to explain. Using rumours and hearsay as gospel rather than letting someone’s character speak for them. “Granted, who is the majesty’s favourite person?” Bo asked purely in a rhetorical manner. Raising his brows in such a way that suggested the answer was no one.
Instead he picked up where he had begun before they entered and pressed lips into a thin line. “I don’t think we want my wife speaking in her gungho fashion towards that of the prince is my largest concern. I’d hate to insult and well… sometimes somethings are better left unsaid. The saying, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” Shrugging in such a way, of course he was watching what Sophia and… Theon were doing. The latter was just attentive. Quietly speaking while his daughter seemed to be explaining likely a game that would be easy enough to play.
Eyeing the fellow a moment before looking back to her. “He doesn’t appear to be in the best shape currently, it may not be in our best intention to start trying to measure him when he is clearly down an arm.” Seeing as one was slung close to indicate either a massive sprain or broken parts. Moving it around seemed foolish. “But, I can take at least some measurements when the prince is ready. Though what I have that will work, that may take a bit of thoughtful consideration. He’s not a small lad.” Blinking once, twice and shrugging while the wheels in his head continued to think, “I think he’s already found something to do. Keeping Sophia occupied is a job itself, so that ought to do for now. Just now I worry I may owe you more than you owe me at this rate.”
“I believe he would appreciate her honesty and boldness,” Araminta attempted to reassure him, shifting to take a seat at her work station, where it would be easy enough to pick up where she’d left off from yesterday if she wasn’t so distracted spying on the other duo.
“He values people that say what they think, even if it is unflattering to him. …sometimes is too accepting of unnecessarily cruel things in a way that concerns me.” At this she scrunched up her nose and frowned ever so slightly. Theon took way too many statements as fact of truth when they were not true about him at all, and other moments he would clam up to silence and retreat, even when he should stay put and not take something to heart. Araminta felt Adra seemed like a wise women who would judge someone on their actions and reactions, to not be quick to dress him down. But Theon was also so very gentle of heart that he was deeply upset about things, even if he didn’t openly admit it!
Now she wasn’t so sure. Perhaps Bo had the right idea of it for the time being!
“In any case, whatever we earn I would like to go towards clothing for us! It seems we’ll be here longer than originally intended so my hands are at your service.”
Then she paused, tilting her head with thought as she remembered her conversation with Theon that morning. Now being reminded to with the beautiful matching set Bo was presently working on for some noble couple.
“…now that I think of it, maybe we might need something of a royal caliber. I’m not quite sure yet, though. Practical clothing is my priority and I don’t wish to add more onto your plate without needing to.”
“While I love my wife and her boldness, sometimes… just sometimes such things can come at the expense of fragile feelings.” Bo seemed to know Adra would not overly intend to hurt someone but at the same time, if she felt passionate about something… feelings be damned. She’d likely have already lost her head if they lived in the Imperial City. Because she said something in a whipping soap box rant that would have insulted someone of a higher class and resulted in a prematurely cut short life.
While currently he was falling over his own thoughts and murmured hearsay about said prince, he wasn’t willing to risk his wife pushing buttons even as Araminta seemed to point out that the man with his daughter was apparently very accepting to people’s honestly. Unkind or not. Yet she tagged on a measure of concern which likely spoke in ways that didn’t need to actually be said.
Humming in such a way that may have indicated he understood.
Smoothing hands along the posed dummy before smirking at how they were likely to be around a lot longer highly due to the prince’s battered state. Anyone with eyes could see that.
Just as he was about to pick up where he had been contemplating adding beadwork to this particular shroud across the female’s shoulders, Bo stopped. Slightly leaning over to peer around to the woman that had picked up her place from the day prior and mentioned that they may need something of a more frou-frou nature. Earning that look that loudly stated he would need more details that were obviously not so vague. “I mean, is this going to be potentially something that would make me question your royal highness’ tastes, or would it be something that would flattering properly instead of being outlandishly gaudy.” He had prattled on long enough surely that Araminta could figure out he liked to match the clothing with the people. Rather than the people picking the clothing and thinking such things complimented them because they were merely the trend of the time.
Where nobles thought they knew better instead of merely letting the artist work. “I do like a challenge, if you haven’t figured as such. And you seem to be carrying around such a mark that if you entice me enough, it may just set my artistic blood to a flame of impassioned want and need to do it. Regardless of my plate size.”
Araminta erupted into an amused, easy laugh, knowing the poor man likely had to step in to soothe ruffled feathers on behalf of his wife often. Feeling she herself too was that sort of person, hoping to keep the peace while mediating so many very differing personalities. In her present life it seemed to come in the form of explaining others to Theon so he could understand when people were not meaning to be insulting, and then explaining Theon to others, whether they were confused by his strange behavior or simply had preconceived misconceptions.
“Is it safe for me to tell you what we might be getting up to? Do clothiers keep confidence?” she asked with a grin and a clear tone that Araminta wasn’t even the slightest bit wary on whether or not he could be trusted. The princess had known the very day she met him that Bogart was a man of good nature and passion. She’d seen it in how much he cared about his work and how much love he showed for his family. As well in the kindness he showed her as a weird little stranger!
“Because of my progress in the trials and Theon’s joining me, there has been… an obvious shift of things. I have been told that a little splash can still make a big ripple and so there is an idea of visiting he noble and royal houses to test the waters so to speak. Showing up in our tattered gear, ripped, dirty and bloodied might be a nice effect in some situations, but it will not be useful in all. …I’m just not sure yet what we might actually need.”
Perhaps the understatement of the year! Araminta could actually think up an entire royal wardrobe ranging from pure elegance to simple everyday, but it wasn’t going to help them any to waste money on such things when there were so many other priorities! She had to think practical to spend their resources at the right time and the right places.
Brows lifted on that of his forehead in a playful manner. Playing a false scandalous twist of lips that he was hardly the one to go out telling anyone what sort of things came into his shop. His wife and perhaps one other in the form of a close friend may have heard a few items that had come from the local nobles mouths, but when there was obvious need for secrecy, his lips were sealed. Plus he already figured at Araminta was hardly assuming he was a gossipy hen just waiting for the hot tea to be poured so one could gush.
He heard a lot of things in this shop but he had no reason to go about repeating them. Unless it was general safety that one had to be concerned.
With a new look over shoulder to make sure his daughter and the prince were still in good graces, currently having settled down on the floor –much to his own double take to see a royal ever so casually sitting on the dirty floor- with a couple pieces of paper and colourful bits of crayon that they had gotten for Sophia, the two of them were clearly just drawing and colouring. Leaving him a moment of dumb awe before turning slowly back to Araminta.
Blinking rather hard like his vision need to be cleared. Shortly offering his attention back to the woman when she explained that they had an idea of checking out those the courts that were aligned into the Twelve kingdoms. “Depends where you go.” He stated factually, “Some of the kingdoms are civilized and others are a little more…” he didn’t want to say savage because that wasn’t the correct term, “Less so.” Deciding that was the best way of explaining it. “Each has their own style and norms for fashions too. So one would have to consider just who you want to cozy up too and how you need to fit the part. Plus I am sure as a royal yourself, you know that one of your blue blood cannot wear the same outfit twice less it be considered less than.”
Bogart turned to point out one of his other mannequins that had been finalized and now was just waiting the final fitting. “Like this would be accepted in a few kingdoms, but it is so noticeable that to repeat it in one than one place would be hard. So it would have to rest on what sort of impression you want to make.”
Araminta had to force herself to break away her line of sight from what might’ve been the sweetest most darling thing she’d ever seen to actually set about her work. Gathering up thread and needle, jar of sparkling beads, and the current delicate piece of silk that she’d been working on prior. Having no idea why some seemed to enjoy this means of intricate, time consuming, repetitive, delicate… mind numbing work! At least her time here was giving her an even deeper appreciation that was the art of clothing.
Switching her sights over to the lovely garment draped over the mannequin that reminded her of a goldfish swimming in a pond. Such a gorgeous gown was indeed beautiful, even if it wasn’t to Araminta’s own personal tastes. It also would be the most impractical thing in the world to have right now. Wear a dress once and then never again? Wasteful nonsense! She wasn’t keen on playing that sort of game, nor the amount of time and money that it’d cost.
Then she paused to an expressive finger in the air to accent her idea.
“Royal travel clothing! If it’s plenty known we’re traveling all the Twelve Kingdoms as I do my trials, then it’s natural to assume we’d not be carrying along with us more extravagant things. We can appear posh and proper while also practical. Calling on the doorsteps of noble houses for hospitality and a moment’s respite.”
This would keep them down to maybe one or two very expensive sets of clothes, only to be brought out on occasions Araminta was certain they’d need to pay a visit to a noble figure of a persnickety stature.
“I doubt we would be welcome in many parties and balls, in any case. I don’t dance and poor Theon would be flocked to like a prized chicken at a fair. I’ve been away from courtly things for so long I am half afraid I might flip someone on their rear instead of using proper words.”
After an additional moment to consider the piece most recently finished and awaiting its fair lady to assure it’s fit: of course her declaration of royal travel clothing had drawn back focus. Paired with an curious amount of dubious consideration. Trying to determine if Araminta was being her puckish self once more or if her mouth were speaking honest suggestions.
Seeming to announce the latter no sooner. Leaving the tailor a long moment of holding his own needle aloft, while repeating her thoughts over in that of artful gray matter.
Damm this girl. For while he thought her suggestion was odd, it also latched onto his mind. Attempting to decide just what would it be that determined this. How stylish would it need to be to both be practical and stunning.
Shortly scowling at the girl. Blaming her naturally for strumming up his intrigue. “Perhaps no grand balls and I doubt any would approach the man in such a way outside of terrible curiosity. Though yourself would be likely included in the same manner, indulge my wonder. What would you believe this idea of such travel wear to be?” Evidently she had him on that of a hook, baited and ready to be pulled in. Whilst the sound of tinkling giggles sounded none too far from them in the form of perfectly distracted daughter and prince.
Araminta was glad that Bo seemed to be intrigued enough by this idea… except she wasn’t quite sure herself what would make for appropriate royal traveling gear beyond expensive fabrics and detailed embroidery work to prove they were at a station that could afford the cost of such items. And that felt… disingenuous to who she and Theon actually were. Theon did not care for frivolous and fancy things. While Araminta did like to look pretty, she also didn’t like flaunting wealth like some sort of preened peacock.
At least this line of pondering had her so wrapped up in her own thoughts she couldn’t breeze through her needlework without feeling as if it was agonizingly dull. When her mind was busy, detailed busy work was a breeze.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted, setting her green eyes to being sure she was following the line of the beads where they were meant to be stitched in. “We need an honest representation of who we are and not some grandstanding nonsense. …but who we are now is a bit broken.”
A refugee princess with nothing to her name and barely making it through the trials, with an imperial prince freshly severed from his evil parent and no direction of his own. These were not terrible things, but they didn’t quite inspire confidence.
“Maybe if it were to represent who we could be,” she thought out loud with a thoughtful hum. “Practical and grounded, approachable. Hope and confidence about our future. Theon needs to be able to wear his lighter armor with it, as he is the strength in this partnership. And I… well, I suppose I need to look like a proper princess again and not a wild animal that’s stumbled out of the forest!”
Well as long as they were both sitting on that same page of I don’t know. Alleviating that he might have potentially been missing some sort of trend that yet to make it to this part of the woods. Only now he was intrigued by the idea, watching this young woman go about her efforts of working while thinking on this line of topic. Urging him to neglect that of his current work to instead gravitate over to work area.
Leaving her to speak whilst he listened but took up a same thought as Sophia with paper and well, less crayons. Arranging a quick little area so that pencil could be plucked and scratched over the surface to detail models of slender build and larger. Representing each of them, as he stole a look soon enough at Araminta and her nonsense about saying she may look like a wild animal. “You may need to look in the mirror more often if you think you even vaguely represent or look as such.” Bo seemed to give her a fatherly look that expressed he didn’t much care for her self-depreciating commentary, amusing or not.
“Armour is easy to decorate.” Bo stated, “But it would be best to think of colours for your infamous beau to shake off the means of his reputation without removing too much. Brighter, lighter and more of a clean aspect while I would do the opposite for yourself. With winter also approaching, fur and moodier colours would suggest a growth and maturity to yourself that has come from hardships whilst still lingering on the means of pretty, bold and unwaviering.” The tip scratched and slipped over the paper.
Putting lines of scribbled effort before he seemed to pause and put the sheet aside. Starting again, this time looking at Araminta and stealing looks to that of the man playing with his daughter. “Actually scratch that. I think something complimentary to you both would be a good idea. A suggestion of uniformity without it being perfectly matching. Taking some colours to match instead.” It was all theory of course and it would take a bit of work. “I would suggest for your prince, that he visit a well tailored leatherworker while the accent pieces could be done with myself.”
Tapping the end of pencil to lip before seemingly scribbling further before humming. Yet he repeated the process of taking the item and putting it to the side to start for a third time. Lingering in a moment of prolonged silence till it seemed the statement the third time’s the charm, had him after ten or so minutes offering the scribbled mess over to Araminta. “Idea, not solid.” Pressing that this was just thoughts coming out in his mind but nothing cemented. “Why not impress the idea that you are a wild princess of the mountains. Furs and fluff pressed with soft silks and leathers alike make an image that you are not a pretty primp that needs to be coddled. Without looking like a wild animal.”
The side-eye she gave him about looking in a mirror was a fun combination of demurely amused and oh-so-disbelieving, but Araminta decided it was wiser not to make an argument about it. Today she was clean and properly dressed, while they travelled there was no telling what sort of nonsense she and Theon would get into and how they would inevitably arrive at the doorstep of a noble house. She may very well be windblown, covered in sticks and twigs, and in worse cases blood with a guardian just as wild and grim!
It was far more interesting to consider how the two of them could be dressed in opposite colors. Finding herself delighted with the idea of Theon wearing lighter things along the styles similar to the Paladins… as what a striking figure he would be! So different from the dark crimson hues that she’d remembered his mother sporting, as if the woman wished should stroll her castle in a curtain of blood.
Yet just as quick the wily clothier was pondering matching colors for them both, something Araminta had considered herself in moments of delightful silliness. It might be practical in many ways, but Araminta quite liked the idea in general of sharing things with Theon in ways that proved they were a duo. A true partnership and not just two singular people with completely different objectives.
Her curiosity was certainly piqued by the time Bo had something scribbled and sketched at a pace that was truly impressive. Leaning to peer at the drawing and immediately giving a giggle of joy.
“That is quite striking, isn’t it! Properly elegant without being ridiculous to wear out on the road.” This prompted her to pause, sliding gaze over to that of Theon and his presently charming companion. Remined of the Queen’s preferred colors and now wondering what would be a better representation of herself and Theon.
“The colors… natural ones, I think? Brilliant blue waters, deep green forests, and grey mountains. Faeish midnights and earthy browns. Anything that isn’t the blood and bone of her majesty’s Imperial Crown.”
Sketching and scribbling was part of the feats of a tailor of his caliber had. Though they were rough and certainly not as defined as he might do when the design was finalized to commission, but this was something he was coming up with. Debating a moment after the first two slips were pushed aside for a third. Settling on what he might believe was suitable for both travel and appearance. Without it being ornately done to the nines with garish beadwork and jewels. Less the two of them wanted to be assaulted by bandit’s once more.
Shortly watching Araminta when she took the offering and was giggling at it in a sense of approval instead of not. Only that she seemed to be thinking before mentioning colours.
“Having the queen’s colours might be a boon if you wish to enter certain places.” Bo pointed out but also understood the want to separate from that.
With a tapping of the pencil to lip, he was still thoughtful. “I like the idea of leaning into the wild feeling all the more.” Seemingly he wanted something based in the means of earth as well. Once more taking a new sheet to start trying to pen something of a thought down. Making it rough with its scratching lines though stealing looks to Araminta to lean more towards practicality while of course decorating the sketch into ideas of winterize clothing but mobility. Removing the gown for something of pants that would still be stylized but less hindering. Eye catching but not lesser. While wanting to imply the means of wild animal seemingly liking the idea more and more. More of a sign to Araminta’s desire to be unbound rather than the Imperial Queen’s hard fist.
Taking due time before seemingly moving to another side of the page. Putting a few scratched out ideas but started peeking at her companion once more. Humming and tapping the pencil in various moments.
Shortly humming and offering over a new piece, “Colours can always be traded for something else of course and these are simply ideas. Nothing set in stone of course.”
Araminta had no idea what he might’ve been drawing inspiration from when he kept stealing looks at her as if he could pluck up all the thoughts from her brain to morph into lines on paper. It was curious to watch, though, leaving her forgetting again to actually keep steady pace with her bead work, for watching someone who was brilliant at their craft was always an incredible thing.
He did have a point that wearing the Queen’s colors might gain them favor in some spaces… Only Araminta was certain those were spaces they didn’t want to be welcomed into. Better to know who would deny them because they were loyal to the imperial crown, to be clear on who might be dangerous to them.
Bo was quick to work though, seeming on a roll of ideas to present her with another sketch so quickly. This time she brightened up so visibly that it came with a squeak of delight.
“Oh! This is so wonderfully fae! How perfectly appropriate for Theon!” He’d certainly been cut off from his ancestry long enough, it’d be about time to pull in those elements to help him connect further with himself and the blood of those he’d been cut off from his entire life. “We would make such a stunning impression. I do love this!”
One could scribble and scratch out rough details with ease, it would be the refinement of a final selection that took time. Not to mention determining what fabrics would be used, what colours. The stitches and any sort of embellishments that might further add to the overall design. Those parts took far more time and were very commonly held back when one idea didn’t pan out the way originally believed. There were plenty of times the fabrics selected really only worked in theory rather than practice.
Then there was fittings and trimmings, it was a painstaking process that only seemed simple because it was on paper thus far.
No less, he wanted to put some of these scribbles out so he could think about them, while bouncing the ideas off Araminta. Seeing as it was her idea in the end, while he was attempting to translate what he thought to mirror what she did. Even if originally that thought was I don’t know.
Rotating the pencil through the articulated finger tips as she came to apparently like more so this newest set of harebrained penned thoughts, Bo hummed. Tilting his head a little obviously at the suggestion that fae was a suitable selection for the imperial prince. As if he needed confirmation they were thinking the same people, looking over to the two that were peacefully unbothered by anything else. A softness budding in his chest knowing that children and animals had a better idea of people’s personalities than adults that had been influenced roughly by the world, would. Sophia had taken to the prince like a butterfly to nectar. And he had proven thus far that while he was rough looking because of his state, he was docile. Such an oddity to really think about.
Although fae was still lingering in his thoughts. “It’s a start of a thought. Would still need a lot of refinement of course.” Bo shrugged as nonchalantly as he could, “Clothing can only do so much of course, the rest of it all would be up to your both. Though for now, simple attire is the goal yes? I can stew on more of these ideas of course while you both rest as much as possible.” The man stated clearly rather than letting either of them getting too far ahead of themselves, “Though with a mention of fae, my artistic thoughts have already wondered on a line of clothing that could be crafted. Perhaps less so for a Blood wenches, child.” Chuckling at himself, the considered Araminta once more before looking at her work left untouched currently. “We’ll have to start taking a tally at this rate for what we both owe another.”
Reminded that she ought to be working and not stealing looks over at the imperial prince, the came the faintest of an embarrassed flush to her features as she promptly got right back to sewing. Him being there was meant to lessen her worries over him, not keep her distracted!
“We both have very little to our names now, so everything you can do for us will be a blessing. I do intend to make sure you are fully compensated one way or another,” she admitted with a laugh. If that required boring herself to tears with sewing a million tiny beads or taking in hemlines, so be it! For now they had the time and it would do them well to keep busy.
On that note, Araminta got much more serious about actually doing her work. Not that she still didn’t take curious peeps ever so often towards that of Theon and Sophia, but at least now with a much more dedicated sense of purpose. Using the opportunity to consider their morning conversations and how visiting nobles across the twelve kingdoms was going to fit in with her plans between doing the trials.
To make allies along the way as she did the trials had been her plan. To seek people that would help her get home where the Imperial Queen failed to do so. Now too it would be about helping Theon find his home… or take back his home. Or… simply exist with Araminta in their own home, hut or castle. It didn’t matter which to her. A life with Theon would be good no matter where they landed.
And she couldn’t help but have this pleased little thought of him surrounded in a garden full of cerulean snails, chickens, and children. Digging up garden beds and planting pretty flowers.
Their work had gone on for some time till it seemed that the youth of the very room had decided it was now time for other matters. Quite literally taking the prince by the hand –seemingly that was a thing emulated in the same way Araminta had- to lead them both up to the workspace that her father was currently working from. Whilst the princess herself was bent over needling and sewing together whatever it was that needed such delicate work. Leaving Sophia to peer up over the top of the large workspace, “Pa, it’s getting to be lunch time.” Sophia’s big brown eyes did a bit of a blink-blink while she seemed to be very content keeping Theon the willing hostage.
The man himself was curiously just looking at the mass arrangement of items all over the counterspace whilst Bo seemed to regard the work and time that had been floating by.
Stopping to stretch that of back with a long groan and rub, “Araminta, you’ll become a knotted crone if you hunch there too long.” Bo stated before Sophia seemed to inch a bit closer with finger’s leading along, “Your mother was supposed to be bringing over a meal after but I suppose she has her nose also deep within her work.” There seemed to be a thought then, “Do you want to go check on your mother and siblings, Sophia?”
The girl looked thoughtful and then nodded. “Araminta… can I take Ghost with me?” The girl asked spontaneously, though Theon seemed curious about this, he didn’t voice much of a disagreement. “We could go for a walk and grab Chloe and Philip while Ma comes over when she knows its lunch time.”
Lunch time? Araminta was dubious about that, but between Bo telling her to stop hunching over like an old crone and the shift of sunlight beaming through the front windows, maybe it was! The princess straightened up and rolled her shoulders, giving Bo a bit of a sassy little look about the correction of her posture, but was quick to set her attention to Sophia and the captured prince in her hand.
“If it is alright with Ghost, it is fine with me. I will be here for quite awhile yet with so much work to do,” she answered easily. “Don’t let him try to fight off any more bandits or scoundrels, though. He needs to actually rest. ..and your father, it has to be alright with your father.”
Araminta added on quickly, remembering that even if she trusted Theon wholeheartedly, that didn’t mean Bogart himself felt safe enough with the man being led around by the hand by one of his children. Or to meet the potential ire of his stunning wife! Looking to Bo himself to see what he decided about it.
Such a look was replied in kind. Seemingly whatever sort of fast friendship they had made, Bo didn’t have any qualms about getting back every bit of sassy look that Araminta offered him. Liable the two of them could be quite the formidable pair if the timing was right. Of course, there seemed to be some other questions floating about in the form of whether or not Sophia would like to go and rattle her mother out of whatever thought process she was having. Or business she was attending too to bring her and the remaining other children together. In which Sophia asked her million dollar question of whether or not she could take the unknown prince out as though he were a pup needing a potty break!
Of course she asked Araminta first. Looking at the woman with a sense of private awe, then turned to look up at Theon in which he merely replied back. Her gaze was thoughtful before humming and shortly laying a whole new look upon father that Bo immediately set to grumbling about. Them eyes, they couldn’t possibly get any larger and the tailor was rubbing the back of his head in vain effort to avoid the puppy dog look.
Shortly raising stare to the imperial prince with a silent sort of judgment. “Let me write you a note. Just in case Adra gets a bit fussed about the fact that her daughter is leading around a man by the fingers.”
“Yay!” Sophia giggled immediately and then turned to face that of Ghost, “It’ll be alright. Ma’s place isn’t that far and Chloe and Philip will just be happy there’s someone new to play with.” Seemingly already taking the unspoken words of Theon to mean he agreed. “And there’s no bandits here Araminta.” The girl looked over her shoulder, “And if there were, I’d scare them away.”
Theon chuckled softly but seemed to reply in kind when it came to a folded note having been scribbled out and held to him from the man. “Give it to Adra immediately. She’s a spicy little woman so she’ll give you the gears and then some. She’ll mean well but spicy no less.” This amused Sophia but she had no hesitation taking fingers to bounce forward. “Don’t wear him out, Sophia!”
“I won’t!” Potential lies as the two were made to exit so quickly one might have believed hell itself was cracking open just behind them. Leaving Bo to sigh.
“You may not get him back. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He turned back to Araminta, “And if you do get him back, I doubt he’ll be anything less than properly tired.”
Now Araminta was a little bit worried about sending Theon off under the protection of a small child to face the potential spiciness of Adra! Seeing herself in little Sophia, on how easy it was to spot a good soul and go dragging them about town… but suddenly realizing if she were the girl’s own mother, she might be startled to death to find her child dragging home an entire whole man! Even if he looked a bit beat up and harmless!
So worried too how Theon might react to Adra – not concerned in the slightest about her safety, but rather Theon having his sensitive feelings hurt and potentially pulling away from a lovely family that could be such good friends for them to have.
“Tired is good, at least, I’d not mind that at all,” she admitted. Resuming her sewing even if she was still fretting a small bit. “He treats bed as if they are monsters attempting to swallow him whole. If he’s worn out he won’t fuss so much about laying down.”
Telling Bo such a thing was easy, as the man had his children and likely knew how difficult it was to get one into bed when they didn’t want to. At least children could be picked up and stuffed under the covers to be tucked in. If Theon didn’t want to do something, Araminta might as well attempt to move a mountain, she would have better luck.
Staring at the door an added minute hoping nothing was coming to fly back in, the statement of how Theon might be stolen or worn completely out, Araminta seemed to favour the latter. Dishing out a statement about how the man treated bed likely the same way a imaginative toddler might. As if believing there were real monsters under the bed, “I’d be more worried about the monster that is his mother.” Bo stated bluntly as if he weren’t worried now that the man was out of earshot. “If what I’ve heard is even a portion true, the man probably hasn’t had a proper bed since he was old enough to be the hound for the Imperial Queen. Liable to enjoy a plank of wood instead of something better suited.”
Bo smirked with a rising chuckle at the statement. “Not so easy when they are stronger than you. Children are easy, granted Adra just has to give the look and there’d be three afterimages of the sprouts as they high tailed it into bed like they ought too.” Stepping back around to try and put himself back into the measure of detail and work, he found his concentration had been properly bungled. Stretching again before sort of just giving the piece of item he was working a half assed wave. “Now that the prince is gone, this would be the moment I suppose I ought to ask you just how in the hell does a young lady get herself all tangled up with someone such as that. Outside his notorious reputation, how did you manage to survive. He’d been a dutiful threat as long as I can remember. After the line of the other children that just poofed into nothing.”
Araminta could certainly tell that Adra was the authoritarian of the household, reminding her very much of the balance her parents struck themselves having a household of four children to deal with. Though she suspected her father was a bit more gentle with his daughters than he was with his sons, and her mother had never had the spicy temperament of Adra! It was a sort of small wonder how she herself might want to teach her own children one day. Always knowing one day she’d have them, but never really caring much about the hows and when. Now Araminta was finding that she had a sort of wistful wish for them in a way that was genuinely wanting instead of just a passing thought.
Of course, Bo seemed to have found his proper questioning voice now that Theon was no longer in the room to curb his curiosity. Causing Araminta to laughed brightly as she put thread through silk.
“That woman is indeed a monster in every sense of the word for what she’s done to her own children. He was meant to make sure I died in the first trial and kill me if I didn’t. Who has children just to twist and abuse them until they are nothing more than empty, obedient shadows.” Araminta didn’t hide the bitterness in her voice, feeling safe enough to do so here with Bo who had proven to be a trustworthy friend. With the freedom more still without Theon there to know just how much she had grown to despise the woman that made him… For that woman had made what she felt was the most special thing in the world, yet had treated him like nothing for his entire life.
“I’ve asked him the same question and he told me that he found me curious because I hadn’t done what he’d expected with the first trial. I traded a sandwich for a bog witch’s hair – and nearly got eaten by another one for the efforts mind you! On my second trial I scaled down a cliff with a sack full of geese as a distraction to get a handful of harpy feathers. That’s where I should’ve died but he’d saved my life instead. He’s been taking care of me since, through the trials and beyond that too… much to the fury of the Imperial Queen.”
Araminta paused her stitching, visibly pondering about it before she stole a look over to Bo with that earnest smile of hers.
“He isn’t anything people assume, you know. Somehow, despite that woman trying to snuff out every willful thought he’d ever had, he is still kind and generous and thoughtful. Full of compassion and care that he’s never been allowed to share with anyone, as who could trust the Queen’s Assassin! If he can exist with such a gentle heart, even with all the cruelty that was done to him and he’d been forced to do then there is still hope in the world.”
“Personally I lost count of how many children she had till it was only Prince Theon as the remaining heir. The woman is every bit a villain as one can ever read in a storybook or tell a tale about. Even the rumours of Prince Talon had long since died out and he was the one that everyone truly believed might be the next in line to the queen’s throne. If, she ever left it.” Bo looked momentarily thoughtful but didn’t say much more about that, waving a hand through the air instead like he was banishing the thought. “Children, especially ones that are depraved of natural care are likely to become desperate. Wanting, yearning, hoping for that unconditional love from a parent that eventually they just become the most obedient in vain hope that one move done right, would earn them praise.”
The man considered her again, “Hearing you did well from someone who is supposed to love you, it’s like a noose. It feels good and is liable to make you try harder. If you never receive it, then unless that expectation is entirely gone, people will chase it.” Picking up a few scattered papers to sort them, he could only theorize of course. “There was plenty of rumours about the multitude of the Queen’s children all attempting to usurp the other. Some of the eldest fought great battles against another only that well,” Needing not to say more seeing as from what all knew, Theon was the last one at all.
But it made him curious all the more how on earth Araminta managed to have the bloody prince dogging alongside her. Which he ought to have expected some zany tale. Shortly giving this woman the most disbelieving look when she said sandwich and bog queen in the same sentence. “Curious is right.” He expressed in awe only finding that it just the start of Araminta’s ability to spin a yarn!
Harpies and geese in a sack. “You ought to consider yourself a storyteller instead and start going around doing just that, dear. I don’t think a veteran teller would even be able to match up with the truth you’ve had.”
Papers were laid down and writing utensils were plucked to be sorted. Finding himself on the gentle end that Araminta was being protective of the man in absence. “Not everyone has their kindness stamped out because of cruelty, sometimes it just slumbers like a hibernating seed. It sounds as though your prince may have been the sort. Who is to say but seeing my daughter sit with him, I’m inclined to believe you.” Naturally he stole this movement to wander over to where the coloured bits of paper and scribbles had been done by his daughters hand. Picking up the items and noticing where girl drew and where man followed. They weren’t either spectacular by any means, but that wasn’t to be considered. It was the fact that Sophia had been enjoying herself and Theon had no qualms getting to be involved. “Be it the day that I’d come to have the imperial prince sitting on the dirty floor colouring with my eldest. If people could see that side, well… I think the Imperial Queen just might have a heart attack. If we’d be so lucky.”
“It is what I hope for,” Araminta admitted with a long world weary sigh. “I called him Ghost as a jest when we first met, but that is how he has been living. How he seems to prefer it too, in that he is silent and not perceived at all if he can help it. I did try to let him go so that he could find himself a life outside of this mess I’ve gotten myself into, but that did not quite go as anyone would’ve hoped.”
With a guilty expression and shifting in her seat, Araminta went back to her working. Huffing the smallest of huffs.
“…and truthfully I was miserable without him. He has chosen to stay with me, though, despite my very lofty ambitions and I am trying to remember that. We are better together and I’ll take care of him where I can.”
Araminta that guilty look to turn a sly glance towards Bo.
“If she doesn’t have a heart attack on her own, she might find herself tripped down a flight of stairs if I ever get bold enough! For all of the rotten things she has done to him, and worse yet how she’s menaced all the twelve kingdoms into such a terror of bloodshed and murder. I may not get very far, yet I can do something. Even if it is just being a thorn in her side.”
“I feel that might be the way anyone would want to live after the mere rumours of the castle. And he had to live it, being called a Ghost was probably one of the nicest things you’ve done for him. Rather than seeing him as a prince or a murderer as many would and do.” Unaware that Araminta hadn’t been aware of who Theon was when they first encountered another.
Of course he was then working on cleaning up the little doodle spot that had been made with the absence of the two that done so, looking back to Araminta when she spoke up about how she had tried to let the man go –and the rumours of the mad butcher killing women came to his mind with a dim frown- though she was still here and he hadn’t actually heard much more about the slaughters. But decided not to bring that part up, instead listening and nodding to means of hearing her suggest that the two of them had agreed to be together.
Only that he was shortly chuckling at the devious intent uttered by such mischievous lips, “Well if your prince is half the mage that his mother is, you may both be a thorn in her side. Taking her dedicated pup and turning him against her while completing the trials. I feel like being that rock in someone’s shoe that they just can’t get out is far more fitting than simply letting them take a unceremonious tumble. A bit of suffering for one who had made so many more suffer, seems suitable.”
He might have said more but the door had opened with a ringing of bell and a telling sound of footsteps belonging to that of his everlasting bride. And yet, his smile had come but halted, looking at her sides for, “Lark… where are the children?”
Her eyes lifted and she smiled sweetly to see Araminta while striding in to bring the basket of various goods to the table. “They went off in a eager sprint to play with Ghost. I read the note and Sophia wanted to go run about, Chloe and Philip as well. He offered to keep an eye and I thought if my husband was so trusting that he would give the man a passing note while expressing upon it that the fellow was the newest sparkle to our dear gem of a miss,” Indicating Araminta, “Then there was no reason to say no. Plus, well… he seems like he needed some fresh air and what better than a gaggle of wee babbin’s to toddle after.” Adra grinned cheekily.
So Adra hadn’t clued in that Theon was the Imperial Prince which was good, just well… “I didn’t think you’d be so willing.”
“He seems gentle. Minus the whole black and blue appearance. Ought to have a healer step in to make that mend right up, yes. Unless, were you expecting him back?” She blinked then looking between them and then the work Araminta had, “I would think the work piled ought to keep our lovely gem plenty busy while we employ the amoureux to do some gentle babysitting and playing. Hmm? No?”
With Adra’s sudden cheerful appearance, there was to be no more talk of the Prince this or Prince that, at least if her disposition were any hint. Surely she’d make at least one comment or two about her daughter dragging along the Imperial Prince!
Although, once Araminta clued-in to what amoureux meant, her features went a soft shade of crimson and suddenly she was so very busy and focused on very important beadwork! Not about to correct the woman’s assumptions while also suddenly having a fair amount of instant thoughts popping into her heard that she was trying to shoo right back out. Araminta had barely managed to handle her impulsive kiss and that certainly had NOT been done with grace or elegance!
“I hope they run him ragged, then!” she declared. “He has a need to be kept busy so I was a bit worried what could be done with him so he wouldn’t be too idle. I have sent a letter to our paladin friends and I hoping they’ll be able to join us here within some days time. Else I fear he might rip those bandages free and rebreak his bones all over again out of pure stubbornness.”
Eyes sparkled with a brightness when the spoken of gem was suddenly looking like she was attempting to take shade cues from that of a red fruit of any sort. Flushing shyly and it only spurred Adra into a wicked wide grin. Liable to make her husband shake his head with exasperation that dulled barely at the proclamation that suddenly Ghost was to be kept out of the building, busy with wee ones till he was no more than a useless broken lump. Turning Adra to barely conceal the giggle behind fingers, “Zu ta lor.” Bo shook his head a little longer at the wording, “I would think you wish him ill will to be run wild with children all under the age of ten. Did he earn your ire this day, Araminta?”
Picking at the cloth that kept the basket from being exposed, it was tossed aside. Allowing her to pull a medley of items from within. Fresh bread, fluffy and thick with a bit of cheese and rounded sausage that could be cut and generously laid upon the bread’s surface. With a few jars of various condiments, with a brined vegetable for a bit of crunchy savour, Adra did little to hold back her guffaw’s.
“You tease too easily, my lark.” Bo decided as he was once more moving things on his work table to turn it into a lunch one instead. “She is young.”
“True, true. But how she speaks that she wishes such tiredness of dog upon a fellow whilst similarly stating she sent for big grand armoured healers, signals are a little crossed eh?” Lips were brandished wide, “Perhaps with her desire I will keep the man as a babysitter and deem your need for work diminished. A babysitter is good work.”
Bo looked conflicted, “Come and eat, girl. We mustn’t starve you while was exploit your work under the guise of help paying for costs.”
“He is only stubborn about sleeping in the evenings and I am hoping to have him well exhausted so he won’t fight going to bed,” Araminta attempted to explain. At least handling the teasing well, even if she could feel the burning in her cheeks. Being beckoned to lunch, however, meant that she couldn’t use the work to help shield herself or as a distraction.
Still she set the piece of silk aside to rise from the chair, taking a few moments to bend and stretch to loosen up her muscles again after being hunched over like an old crone, just as Bo had said. Tailoring work was truly agony in so many unpleasant ways!
“Truthfully, letting him watch over the children could be good for him. He likes to feel useful and it bothers him a great deal that he’s not able to use his hand right now. Usually when we need to take time between our travels he would go out to do hunting to make money, while I do work in the village. He is battered to pieces right now because he is so insistent on giving me far more than I actually need.”
Never one to waste an opportunity for a good meal, Araminta didn’t hesitate any longer to approach the spread that was being laid out. Quick to snatch up one of the pickled things to pop in her mouth to make vanish with thoughtful chewing.
The delicate brow arched seemingly in a curious manner to hear Araminta talking about the fellow and his sleeping habits. Pointing out that they had at least been close enough that such things were known. Stealing a look to that of her husband who for all intents and purposes, was looking like he wasn’t included. Listening but not about to involve when it had the likelihood of devolving into what he called hen talk. They were no hens however. Yet she must have had a look on her face that prompted Bo to speak up, “Adra, I would not.” There as a fear in his eyes that was more innocent than harmful.
“How is it you know what I would say, lover?” Immediately he gave her an all knowing look, “Fine. But it is a good way for ensuring sleep for both man and woman.”
Husband muttered something beneath his breath before she was checking the depth of basket for any stragglers, leaving the figurative door open for Araminta to talk more about this Ghost of hers. Only identifying all the more that she was properly smitten with the fellow. Young love, it was wild, dumb and precious all at once. “Even if he had other jobs to do, it seems my eldest is quite smitten with him. And he appears to like children too. There’s softness in his gaze,” She noted verbally before snorting at Araminta stating that the large fellow tended to insist on giving her things that were seemingly more than needed. “So your Ghost, he likes to give things. And pampers you spoiled even out on the harsh open road. Gem, my dear love, do you know how many other women would die for their spouse or liked fellow to even give them a handpick flower once a month? Men are silly creatures. But when they go so full into the actions, they do it with love. Even if they are silly creatures.” Reaffirming her statement as the girl ate the okra rather swiftly.
“If you do not wish him to be giving, that he drives you crazy. Then give him to me,” Bo’s head lifted up in horror, “I will take him to the salon and drive a bargain for another. Hmm?” She was obviously teasing but still her husband looked horrified. “I will not replace you, Bo. Do not fret, my pet.”
“That’s not what I was fretting about.”
Araminta was not quite sure what telepathic conversation was happening between husband and wife to prompt that I would not! no understanding where it related to better sleeping. She enjoyed watching the dynamic of closeness, all the same. Almost preening to hear that Adra recognized the softness in Theon and that he was doing so well with the little ones, only to find herself on the receiving end of a motherly lecture on how she ought to appreciate his giving nature.
No one had to tell Araminta to appreciate Theon, he was by far the greatest gift she had ever received. There need be no reminder that he was a treasure.
She took this lecturing as the affection it was meant to be, with all good humor and a puckish smile. Growing ever more fae-like with Bo’s horrified exclamation, understanding it was because of the secret title and the very salacious idea of trading one man for another. Even softly giggling while she helped herself to whatever morsel she could snatch up.
“I intend to keep him, so I am afraid you’ll not be able to create a handsome harem,” she chirped, giggling further still at the alliteration of words. “I’m glad that you find him to be of sweet nature. He’s had many struggles and deserves to have good people looking over him. Even if he is silly of things he shouldn’t be.”
Years of marriage and the very fact that they knew each other inside and out. Bo highly knew that his wife came from a culture that was far less prudish than their own. That they worked on being direct with their commentary without any means to beat around the bush. It also meant that Adra could and would say things that were potentially not meant for gentle ears while having no sliver of embarrassment to be found when she said it. Unbothered by looks and comments that came after, the man sought to keep his wife from scandalizing that of the princess. Not sure they wanted to delve down that road when it could be fraught with more holes for Araminta to be bashful in. Or just him.
Which apparently was turning into that moment considering in a manner of a few seconds of his wife playing mother and clucking in the tut-tut sort of way, she was suggesting that if Araminta did not wish to have Theon’s attention, then to give him to her. She would take him to the ladies salon to be fawned over to the highest bidder and then poof! Gone. Although surely he was not the only one who would put two and two together to realize that the tall fellow as the only living bloodied prince of the Imperial lands!
That would be an utter disaster!
Adra for the moment shrugged. Playing it up that it was a loss that she suddenly couldn’t barter away another life like it was no big deal. “Cie la vie. If you wish to keep him, then I won’t attempt to convince otherwise. Though I am surprised that you’ve managed to keep him together in the Sable Fawn. Lots of pretty ladies there that would be quick to snap him up and be sure to make more than just the water’s steamy.”
Bo rolled his eyes with a low muttering that might have been a prayer, “Let’s just focus on the food, my lark. And less potentially mortifying the young lady that has come to be with us for the time.”
“What?” Adra shook her head, “I cannot talk about the skin that is plenty at the Sable Fawn. It sort of impossible to do when there is pretty things running about with dainty clothing and hot waters that men and women alike frequent.” Bo sighed, even under his wife’s slight eye, “Such modesty after so many years married. It is not as though I spoke of penises this time.”
If his gaze could have bugged out any harder, it would have. Coughing instead between a biteful of his arranged slice of bread and meat. Setting it down and banging on his chest in hopes to make the sideways food go down better. Leaving Adra to scoff, “Eat gently my love, your modesty is showing in droves.”
Araminta would not consider herself a prudish person, nor was she clueless to salacious activities – but she was still a lady and there was a delicate art to speaking about intimate matters. A delicate touch that Adra herself did not seem to have in the slightest, which was leaving Araminta in this mixed state of pink flushing and being giggly delighted to be a part of a married couples gentle teasing.
The princess lost her composure at penises, though. Erupting into full on musical laughter the same moment Bo was coughing and sputtering.
“It’s not to say they have not made attempts to charm him or twitter about him in the baths. He’s told me he is not interested,” Araminta admitted. Olive’s interest had been from the start, but Araminta had heard plenty of chitter chatter about Theon between the ladies and their wishing to spend time with him. Now that Theon had declared he has no intent to spend time with them, or interest for other activities that twisting jealous feeling no longer lingered.
Maybe a watchful eye in case one of the ladies scooted up a little too close, but not jealousy!
Finally ceasing her snacking, Araminta took the time to make a proper sandwich with full accoutrements. Watching the pair as if they were a life show there just for her amusement.
They bickered. Naturally. This, however, was no fiesty fued of lips attempting to get the upper hand but rather an couple that had many years together that were generally love filled. Comfortable. To such a point that even as Bo attempted to wrangle that of his wife’s saucy mouth for over detailing and teasing every second, she in return skirted the line of his tries. A practiced dance of curved lips, playful glances and empty exasperation. Flowing easily that even when the meal was eaten to their fill, leaving the remains plenty for hungry absent bodies, the atelier was moving swiftly along.
Adra kept much of the conversation going. Asking and talking about anything and everything that came to mind from that of Araminta. Engaging countlessly while eventually setting herself to cleaning where Bo had not gotten to whilst his attention had been pulled away by the entry of a customer. Slipping slightly away to begin a fitting of articles with the hope of a pleasant final sale.
It was a least an hour -if not a little more- before door opened allowing the passage of a trio of tiny feet with that of unlikely battered guardian to herd them along. The little ducklings eager to come in after they adventure of play to promptly locate mother. Hastening feet towards to gather at Adra’s nonexistent skirt with rapid mouths speaking plenty. “One at a time.” Insistence arose and Chole scampered away to Araminta. “You should eat now–”
“Ghost took us to the café!” Sophia declared with the other two nodding excitedly, “We had lunch.”
“And a treat each!” Philip announced with arms raised, “Then we went for a walk and played hide and seek at the park. Ghost couldn’t fund any of us.” They shared a giggle as three as if they truly had won such a game on repeat. Unaware that said Ghost merely played as much.
Adra smiled as she cupped a hand to eldest cheek, wiping thumb to the corner of mouth. Stealing a look at Araminta, “Would pay well to keep him, seems the children are fond and well, surely you do not need him terribly. ” loudly jesting Theon just looked confused.
Araminta did love a good conversation in all of it’s forms, grateful to have it too once her lunch was polished off and she was resuming what she personally felt was very dull work. At least she’d finished the beading on that particular gown, ready to pluck up the next piece she was meant to work on so she had a different color silk to stare at and a different style of stitch to poke and pull.
It was an absolute joy to see Theon return with three bouncy excited children, and further amusement to know he spoiled little ones just as much as he spoiled lost princesses. Brushing her hand fondly over the nearby little Chloe’s hand even while she gave a soft look over of Theon to be sure he hadn’t been running wild to give chase and inevitably reopening wounds or shifting unmended bone.
He appeared to be relaxed, which meant he enjoyed his time out and that gave Araminta such a lovely warm sense of contentment herself. Easy moments of domestic life were good for Theon.
“I do not think I could live without him, but he may just enjoy the job for a few days,” she murmured with amusement. Unable to hold back that soft cheery grin for the man that was as good as a babysitter as he was a hunter.
That same sort of confused passive blinking was made as it was evident he had entered a conversation that had been already well into play even outside the moments of now. Not sure what Adra was asking about paying to keep him, though it seemed to be an open joke between the two women. Surely not about to obtain any clear answers outside that he might be employed to be the caretaker of the three. Something he didn’t have a complaint about –granted what did he openly complain about anyways- whilst Adra gave a empty sounding huff when Araminta seemed to be meeting the woman’s amusement.
Turning his gaze a little further to consider the accented woman when she was shortly looping her arms through that of Philip’s stature to embrace and murmur sweet nothings. Earning his further curiosity seeing as the whole familial bond was still such a glaring question mark to him. Baring witness to how the children were properly adored by mother and vice versa, he had listened to them chatter swiftly in their time together. They were bouncy and energetic with a ton of things to say that may or may not have been important by any measure, but they were loved. Influenced by their bonds and he had been just pleased to bare witness to them. “Well if you say so, best get him healed proper to spend additional time chasing around the littles.” Adra claimed smoothing hand no sooner over Sophia’s crown with the similar sounds of affection till Chloe seemed to realize she was potentially missing out.
Smiling easily at Araminta but naturally gravitating towards mother dearest. To receive that of her own well deserved attention, “Ghost, yes?” He looked to Adra, “Your ward has indicated that you are free to be supplied as babysitting work, this is good, no?”
He considered the children and idly felt the pressure of how he wished he was in a better state but be it far from him to say no. Nodding instead, “Mhmm, good. It will aid well to have them occupied while we work in the shops. Then, how long is it you wish to remain here Araminta?” Turning to ask the woman, he wasn’t particularly surprised when Sophia was leading the groupling of the trio back towards him. Pointing to where they had been before on the floor as if they knew the routine that they were to wait for parents to be ready to go. Easily hand of good standing was taken up to be lead aside leaving the women folk once more. Earning a smirk from Adra, “Unless you intend to put roots here?” Adding onto the last of her statement to see whether or not Araminta was instead ready to put her grounders in place.
“Oh, we have a nice little home already. Soon to have a bathtub and a pretty garden if all goes well,” she revealed, something they could set into motion on their next return back to the little hut. At the very least it was time to expand into an actual bedroom where Theon could fuss about sleeping in his own home.
Having to tear wistful gaze away from a gaggle of babies with an Imperial Prince, Araminta guided her focus back to her own hands. Glad that things were working out well enough where Theon could have his own job to do during the day, to not have to feel trapped in that of the Inn, nor forced to stand around like a silent statue and feeling useless.
“We will stay until his bones are mended, whether that be through the means of healing friends or the long route. As long as we have work and good company, I won’t mind the delay at all. It’s nice to be able to commission valuable supplies as well as a chance to play music! We’ll be able to move in a much better state than we arrived!”
…and full of new ideas, but this thought was not something Araminta was about to blurt out in present company, Theon included. To discover something new that she wanted for her life was an expected surprise, unfortunately it would be a very very long time before she could ever really give it serious thought.
Adra gave the young woman a long look over as she spoke. Like she was looking for something in particular but not finding it with an accepting sort allowance. Smirking soon at the suggestion of the home they apparently possessed but the two had not from her knowledge cemented anything outside of them being traveling companions. Yet it seemed to her that there was already that fine sense of moving along where she already picked up the redhead man didn’t seem or didn’t care to raise any sort of fuss over anything. Liable just enjoying the fact that a pretty woman was even present at all.
Sorting some of her items that she had decided needed a proper cleaning –rather than sewing, that was her husband’s thing to do, not hers- while the question of how long they would stay was given a rather broad answer. If her paladin’s were able to mend, then less time. If not, then they’d likely be here well into winter. Which one would have to consider as she stole a look to the little gaggle of happy chicks with their newest companion, and assessed that from the fact that the right arm was slung, bones were liable to take up to twelve weeks. It would be quite the stay. “If it is the long route, you may start thinking about temporarily renting a small place. Staying at the Sable Fawn is nice but your funds will quickly dwindle, unless you intend to work in ways that are well paying but highly invasive.” Adra stated in a far more modest way than she could have.
“Bones heal slow in adults. We are not as rubbery as children.” Adra looked thoughtful then before setting down a box of bobbins, deciding they were in her way. “We are to experience a dry winter as well, so supplies of meals would be necessary too. It depends on how eager you are and fairly it is the long lengths of time spent on one place that can unexpectedly have you settle in permanence.” She looked thoughtful, “Where is it your paladin friends, dwell?”
Twelve weeks! That was quite a bit longer than Araminta was even expecting… half of that time, perhaps at the worst of cases. Not an entire season and then some. Now the princess was trying to do a bit of mental math on just how long they could test Madam Jasa’s patience with room and board. Araminta had confidence that her music was quality, but that didn’t mean it was worth such a lengthy expanse of time! Additional work on top of it could be done, if Araminta limited her time sleeping. That was easier to do now that she wasn’t being pulled into unconsciousness by demon poison. Scrubbing down naked old men in the bathhouse wouldn’t be pleasant, but Araminta could do it if she needed to.
“They reside at a temple dedicated to the Lady of Light, quite a way from here. If they are not still on a mission.” answered Araminta, now pondering the means of a potential temporary residence. Renting was a potential, but was that truly less expensive than staying at the Sable Fawn? Araminta supposed all they actually needed was a tiny enough space to sleep in and store their things, it needn’t be an entire home.
“I can work more,” she mused. “Enough to cover a fair while. …but it is a good idea to look for something else less costly, if our stay lingers too long. I will in inquire around about small little places.”
There was something utterly amazing watching Araminta when she was in thought. Something Adra had mentioned to her husband after the day prior. She became solely focused and looked more like a thoughtful woodland creature that was completing great leaps and bounds of thoughts while her comely features went thoughtfully terse. It was purely amusing especially when she seemed to have a plethora of choices coming to decisions. Where eyes of jade arose to lay upon her once more and Adra raised her dark brows almost knowingly. “I believe I know the one, a solid week ride for most. If they do not push their beasts of burden too hard.” Fingers brushed through the air at first and then tightened into a fist before releasing.
Shortly looking at this woman when she mused out loud about how she could just work more to afford what she wanted.
“So you work more and then what happens when you need to tell your stalwart guard that he ought to rest while you put your bone to the mettle.” As if Adra was calling Araminta out then and there about her own tendencies to do more and more. “Or when you need a break, then what? Will you work, work, work till you keel over. Work is good but knowing balance is better.”
She hummed and then thought about something unspoken. “One cannot slave all day without care. It is easier to do when you are one but not many.” Still shoulders shrugged, “But it is a thought. As I said, work is good. But too much is just as bad. Especially when one has relationships to maintain too.”
The way Araminta pursed her mouth and looked very much the petulant argumentative child at the chiding of finding balance and not working herself to the bone. Of course it was exactly what she intended to do if necessary! With Theon unable to do much, she needed to b sure they were cared for so he wouldn’t have to fret about being unable to work himself. Regardless of that, Araminta had plenty enough energy to do so without going too far, anyway. She understood balance, she’d been trying to teach it to Theon for weeks.
“…I will not work so much that I am a stumbling mess!” she defended quickly. “Goodness knows if I did, my Ghost would have a fit and then he’d try to go off on some job he isn’t ready for himself to make up the difference. I’ll work smarter, not harder.”
Still, she gave a curious, wary glance in Theon’s direction just in case he was listening in and taking notes in that way he often did. Coming up with his own plans and plots to do things he really didn’t need to, and in this case shouldn’t be attempting when he needed all of his strength at present to actually rest and heal. Really, managing Theon was a more difficult task than any attempts of making money.
Palms lifted upwards to suggest that she would not say too much more about it. Not about to step into the means of giving this one a sort of shoved lesson that new relationships –friend or not- needed work. And if she was picking up everything in this moment, it was apparent that Ghost was liable not to respond well to Araminta working so hard. Her own commentary of how the man tended to go up and above for spoiling her, it would likely be safe to say that the man would pick up on what she was doing. Then going on the means of doing the same regardless of his state of being.
At least Araminta acknowledged it. “Perhaps hope that your paladin friends are able to mend enough that you won’t need to go to such efforts.”
Following the line of gaze towards that of the grouping, she wasn’t overly surprised to find that her youngest had seated themselves perfectly within Ghost’s lap. Chloe had a streak akin to her own, doing as she wanted. Damn the means of others or thoughts for it; she’d just do it. Thankfully, the man was proving to ooze leagues amount of patience. So long as her children weren’t using him as a playground as well, it seemed not to be anything too worrisome. He was obviously not as mute as it behaved, speaking lowly enough that his voice wasn’t carrying but the children were all attentive in their own various ways. Philip currently being the most animated with likely a rather disjointed story that had no beginning or end. A ramble fest that was being entertained.
Adra smirked and leaned a little to see if Bo was still currently dealing with the newest client. There had been no cursing or screaming, so it was safe to say that all was going well.
“If worse comes to it, speak with Bo and myself. Services you offer in the means of mundane sewing and your Ghost being a child wrangler, well… we could use that. And a place is always available within our abode. Nothing like the ohh la la Sable Fawn, but enough that it would be comfortable. Hmm. Until then, I suppose my efforts of cleaning this damnable place is wasted.” Adra looked at the arrangement of items that Araminta was to work on and frowned. “Sewing, it is such a terrible enjoyment. Alas, is to be done.” It seemed they were at a comfortable point that the means of conversation could be taken any which way at this moment.
Araminta fell silent for a moment or two, considering Adra’s offer of room and board. Aside from the lesser cost, there were plenty of other reasons it could be a better choice. Just in watching Theon now with the way he so gently interacted with the children, it’d be such valuable time for him to experience what family life was meant to be. To see how children were meant to be fed and clothed, tucked into bed. Allowed to play and how they learned. The experience would be more valuable than any amount of money she could earn.
“…thank you. I think it would be prudent for us to take such an offer. I’ll spend a day or two more at the Sable Fawn, simply because my Ghost went through so much trouble to pay for it. Then I’ll speak with Madam Jasa to make other arrangements.”
If Araminta would no longer playing to manage the costs of their room, she intended to actually get paid. Not about to foolishly waste her time, even if it were her favorite thing to do! In fact she was starting to like this new plan. This forced break was unfortunate, but it was unintentionally providing them the extra time to heal not just body but spirit after so many traumatic events so condensed together.
Pleased with these new ideas, Araminta set back to work and having quiet conversation with Adra until the woman needed to return to her own work. For once not minding the banal never ending sewing when she had so many pleasant things to think about. And that slow growing excitement about getting to play music and have Theon finally getting to see it as it was meant to be played. Not just her silly strumming for a glade full of equally silly fae.
He wasn’t personally aware of how long they stayed in the atelier, just that at some point there was the clapping motion that seemed to bring the three children to attention. Eyes forward and ears figuratively perked to the woman that had been quite the bold personality. By no means had he been deaf in the time here, when she spoke. She was a bit loud and honestly if he hadn’t heard her, then there would have been some concern with his hearing. Regardless, it seemed that the very woman was set to wrangle up her children with the mention that it was getting late and they still had things they needed to do in the form of going home, prepping a meal and spending time as a family.
A few of those things left him a little quietly curious but nothing so large that he felt a need to ask about it. Only that the boy seemed to be less enthused by the idea of chores. Grumbling enough that even though Bo had returned after his appointment, he was giving a mere look that indicated there was to be no complaining about such menial tasks.
The little ones were meant to clean up their associated messes so no one else would have too, and Bo was stretching his back with a tilt to head to add in the motion of neck into that. Looking at Araminta, “Ought to be a decent dent in the backlog of garments. Another day like this and we’ll have not thing left for you to do here.”
“Plenty of shoes and soles to work upon.” Adra seemed ready to point out while he personally came to just silently stand nearby but not imposing any closer than that. Feeling the fatigue that the day had pulled and more aches in parts of him that were intending to slowly heal though he wasn’t visually or verbally expressing any of that. “Try to go and get yourselves a half decent meal. Something with good meat, help heal you up.” The woman’s dark mysteriously playful eyes indicated with a closed lip smile.
Bo seemed to agree with this though he didn’t really think that protein was going to help much. Still, he nodded and looked expectantly to Araminta as if to wait for her newest declaration of their location to go.
Much to Araminta’s luck, the only thing she was weary of was sewing. Seemingly still full of enough energy at the end of these working hours, to still go on for awhile longer yet. Good too, when she had a second job to get to.
“I don’t doubt for a second that you’ll both find plenty for me to do, I am ever so good at errands,” chirped Araminta. Already quickly cleaning up her own work station to have it ready and easy to get started on the next day. Never pausing a moment in her motions when she bustled across the room to claim her cloak.
“Back to Madam Jasa,” she told Theon’s unspoken question with a wide smile and a gentle look, reaching up to straighten his own cloak. Only pausing then to glance him over, examining face and form to see if he even had the energy at all to join her in the tavern that evening. Pondering now that maybe she ought to make something simple for him to eat and fuss him into bed early! This suggestion of meat would be a good idea, but unless Theon wanted to be brave and get something from the kitchen, Araminta might have to go hunting loose squabs!
There was a loud chuckle at Araminta’s enthusiasm to work, paired with Adra’s mischievous look in her eye that seemed to invoke Bo to mumble just something quiet enough to stave off whatever it could have been that wife was about to say. The two just then giving another a short unspoken back and forth before they were giving their own unified waves, “Try to rest up, Araminta. With such eagerness, I may see how much you want to do errands.” Adra had curbed but clearly not all the way. Unlikely she would and it didn’t really seem that Bo was truly that fussed about it.
With their little gaggle of children, it seemed the family was well on their way to locking up the place of business. Leaving him to look at Araminta and her means to straighten his cloak. Idly glancing at it in case he had missed that it’d been turned entirely sideways with a nod to agree that returning to the tavern was likely the wisest of choices. Aware that she was itching to play once more and show the room that of her musical talents. Curious in some regard if she was able to bewitch humans as she had the fae but knew that was probably not the best conversation to have ever.
Likely because he already knew the answer.
Still, his mind was moving. Already disliking this idea that Araminta was so busy working at everything and yet he was proving to be a rather useless lump. Mentally playing that game of cursing the fact that healing only worked outwards with that of magic. Finding it stupid more and more but sought wisely to merely keep his stride aligned with her own. Leaving the atelier into the cool starting of an evening breeze, he made an effort to reach over to pull at her cowl so it could be insisted to go on. Doing much the same with his own shortly after but proving he was content to be that usually hushed self. Doubtful there was much for him to discuss anyways. Outside of, “It went well?” Asking about her work that is.
With him tugging her cowl up, she only lift a hand to situate it where it needed to be, casting him a quick glancing amused look and a crinkle of her nose. Not at all a sign of fussing about it, but rather how she found him wonderful and sweet and charming. Holding her back from declaring so out loud, as he tended to wriggle and refuse such compliments when she did.
“Sewing is sewing, there’s not much exciting or fresh about it. As long as I don’t prick my fingers, it is a good day.” she answered easily. Slipping to thread her hand with his as she always did.
“I am far more interested in your own day!” she declared without hiding the excitement. “What did you think of Adra? She is stunning, isn’t she! I imagine she and Matilda have quite the wild conversations and Bo is trapped in between. And the little ones treated you well? They didn’t attempt to climb you like a mountain? It wasn’t trouble looking after them?”
This was possibly the most important question of all for a wide multitude of reasons, some suspiciously more important to her personally than others, and those thoughts she shooed out of her head before she got herself in trouble.
It was almost expected at this point. Turning his hand just enough that when she went to meld her own fingers into his own, there was no resistant. Or awkward bumping leaving him to be mentally attentive whilst looking about all the same as the reply about sewing came from her. Although the mention of pricking her fingers did have him raising their combined hands. Turning the bundle over as to get a look at said fingers with a hope that they hadn’t suffered unkindly a few pricks as she expressed. Not sure that Araminta would say anything anyways if she had. Still he could understand the monotony of sewing, “Your work is more delicate than I’ve done.” Considering he has repaired plenty of items, he noticed the effort of beading patterns that were put together.
It seemed very meticulous to a point that not even he was that diligent. “Bogart’s shop seems very different from the other. Higher in wares.” Suggesting it was just a bit more of a larger caliber than Ester’s had been. As to be expected. “Is beading such things necessary?” His lack of understanding fashion proving to show itself.
Of course it seemed that Araminta had a rise in energy when she wanted to ask him of his own day. Not that he thought it was worth a conversation. Tilting gaze somewhat to her when she spoke and he hummed about Adra. Not really needing to explain a lot there, she was pretty certainly. Bold and loud and seemed like she probably would have either meshed well with Matilda or went together like water and oil. “I am sure it is very interesting.” He offered unable to really determine what sort of topics the two women would have talked about anyways. Just that he could agree that Bogart probably was in the middle often.
Then came the other bits in which due a thoughtful recollection. “Yes. No. No.” Three simple replies that were meant to give her a quick succession of commentary. Studying the first two questions again with a decision that they didn’t really need further elaboration but the later was probably a question because well, there was likely concern that he may have been too much of a bother to be around the youth. “They were behaved. Excited, simply wished to play. But respectful, I wouldn’t say it was trouble looking after them, but the opposite. Enjoyable.” Theon remarked easily. Unbothered by the simplistic commentary back, “They were good and simply enjoyed the chance to go about I think. I don’t have knowledge or history really with children but I’ve never found them troublesome.” More just another thing he’d been curious about. Outside that, there was little else to think about.
Kids were kids.
“The show of a master is the intricacy of their work. I imagine he can do the beading himself at thrice the speed I can, although he’s not had an assistant for quite awhile to help with the amount of work to do so it’s piled up. Because the pieces are so time consuming and beautiful, noble classes are willing to pay a small fortune to be the ones wearing his art.”
That was the way of most things, Araminta had found. Once you hit a certain level of skill, people were willing to pay you to acquire that thing or time. Be it skills with silly little errands, protective pieces of armor, or gorgeous gowns for extravagant balls. It was a handy skill in itself to be someone who could learn quicky and collect a good amount of practice in many things. A jack of all trades.
Yet Araminta was far more interested in his day with the children. Almost afraid that his three word answer was going to be the all of it until Theon finally elaborated. Delighted beyond words that he found the time with them enjoyable, enough to be squeezing his hand between both of hers and having a slight bounce to her step.
“That is good to hear. You were worried about being useful, and this is a very good way to be busy. Adra is thrilled about the idea of having someone to look after them for awhile. She’s offered too for us to stay with them while we are here, as to not spend all of our money at the Sable Fawn. i think it’s a good idea too, for you can watch the littles while I do errands for Bo and Adra. Then I might play sometimes for Madam Jasa for the coin and fun of it if she is willing, and if not, well, we will already be perfectly taken care of.”
Suppose if he put into the frame of thought the same way a veteran weaponsmith could make some of the best pieces in the current area, then the understanding of why one would expressively torture themselves with such delicate work made all the more sense. Nodding and humming in agreement. Knowing that if someone had their craft most perfected, it was often sought after with hefty bits of coin. Just he had never really considered such things for garments. Clothing that was worn for typically more of purpose than to peacock. Yet, he suspected it did well enough that people were still apt to go ga-ga for it all. It was a good thing Araminta knew how to help because it seemed that her services were well enjoyed.
Or that just might be the fact she was Araminta. Hard to hate.
Still it seemed she was curious about his day though he didn’t think it important. No less replying when he had more to give and finding that his reply had purpose to her. Not so much just listening to him express something potentially new but now to employ him with the intention of being the minder of the children whilst Araminta did more with them and then the Sable Fawn. Turning his stomach just enough to feel perfectly worthless and absolutely useless, seeing as apparently there was a lot more that had been hashed out in regards to staying. Longer.
While she didn’t say it, he knew why this was. Because of him.
“Okay.” Agreeing as to help out and follow that means of lead to accept that Araminta had laid the groundwork of what was to happen next, he nodded to express a period to his acceptance. Although he was going to have to find some way to do more because of this delay had been due to his own folly, something she was trying to fix when it wasn’t hers to do so.
“Okay.” She mirror the simple word with his exact tone, squinting her evergreen eyes at him full of suspicion. “I know what that look on your face means.”
Anyone else might’ve seen Theon then and thought his face was as blank as an unpainted wall. That he was made of frozen stone. Not Araminta! They’d spent so much time together that every nuance, twitch and flick was burned into her brain in a beautiful picture of what made Theon, Theon. And she was certain he was already twiddling in his head, assuming somehow, insanely, that he wasn’t doing enough.
“I am not sure which part your are twisting up to find yourself lacking, but I can see it all over your face. This is an unexpected change of plans and you are not used to doing less. It’s not a bad thing that we need to stay longer.”
Araminta hugged his arm, trying to press her excitement into him by physical means if necessary. Earnestly giving that arm a little tug to be sure he could see that at least she wasn’t the slightest bit upset or worried by the means of a gentle smile.
“I hate that you’re hurting and can’t do everything you wish… Yet I think this time will be good for us. Spending time with a sweet busy family and calm sense of routine. You will be helping and doing your fair share, and in staying with Bo and Adra, I will not work so hard either. We can spend evenings together doing whatever we wish. A quiet night in bed, or playing music, or this cafe of treats I am now very interested in.”
“…let me be the one to take care of you this time, please.” She added. As it was something he did indeed need to get used to. Araminta wasn’t going to stop any time soon.
The practice of the impassive, lack of emotive expression was no longer enough to stave Araminta from discovering that he might have had thoughts a lot deeper than just skin deep. Feeling the squinting stare settle upon him in such a way that even as she began to point out that she now could read him a lot better than any time before, he found himself shyly nervous. Adjusting features just enough to keep an eye upon her from the corner of the space without looking at her straight on. Not yet certain if he liked that she could figure him out so swiftly. Although to think that she might not have been able to pick up the faintest change at this point of being present as long as she had, would have been insane to believe.
In a manner of well aimed seconds, she figured out his thoughts.
Just in the same way, he was geared to listen to the wisdom and sagely knowledge that she was about to lay down. Trying her damnest to suggest that what lingering pressures resided inside him were invalid to feel but there was something he couldn’t exactly halt. While he wasn’t saying much about any of this, he couldn’t exactly turn off every bit of his thoughts or emotions entirely. They might not show well on his visage, but he still felt them. And found that unless he wanted to beat a dead horse, he had better just simply listen to what she was saying.
Though he had doubts about a few things of her commentary, Theon nodded no less. Knowing that between the two of them, he was the tag-a-long. If she felt this was the most suitable thing to do, then he would believe her. Trust her intuition and learn from it as best he could. So he adjusted vocally and gave a more leveled, “Okay.” In hope she knew he was going to try to do as she was trying to get him to understand.
“Hmn,” the soft sound was her only reply at first. Still eyeing him carefully in an attempt to somehow see past the outside to read his inner thoughts. Swiftly realizing that her need to pry and fix it, fix it now was rearing it’s ugly head and being unsure how to manage her own impulse on wanting to smooth things away, rather than letting him have his feelings. Even if she didn’t agree with them or felt they were misplaced.
“Alright,” she conceded with another squeeze of his hand and that earnest look of concern. “I will leave it be. Just know that I am content because I am with you, that is all that is important to me.”
Likely because of that importance to her it was what drove her now to be so pushy about soothing him and banishing away those self-deprecating thoughts, when before she’d been perfectly fine to say it once and leave it alone. This means of deeply caring for someone came with so many twists and turns that she had no idea how to navigate! Hoping that he knew it was from her affection and not an attempt to stamp him down into some perfect shape of a man!
Now her own spiral of dark thoughts were trying to creep in again! He’d be trading Bloody Heirra for Stomping Araminta!
“Would you still like to see me play or would you prefer an early evening to rest?” she changed the subject.
There came a soft wonder if he was going to have to really learn how to outwardly express himself when it came to… well he wasn’t exactly sure what they were at this point. Friends certainly just with added bits that expressed that she wanted him to be ever present and the means of vice versa. He wasn’t sure if one called that a relationship or if that was what some called courting. Whatever it was, right now feeling those probing knowing green rings making their way up and down, he couldn’t halt the thought process now. Seeing as she looked concerned too, trying to juggle likely a bunch of things at once. “I’ll speak up if I am overburdened or bothered.” Theon did well to point that out.
Naturally he wasn’t that willing to express those things such as complaints or darker thoughts that were just an ugly tempest of pure misery to her –not wanting Araminta to be exposed to that- but he would try to start saying more in the ways of thoughts.
Squeezing her own hand in return and hoping that she knew that he was going to earnestly try. It was just another thing that was glaringly obvious to him that he was missing in fathoming properly. Realizing too just how one was shaped by their upbringing is such vast ways.
If he wasn’t as busted up, he might have tried to be a little more forward. Alas, that just wasn’t the case.
The change of subject was as obvious as a cow trying to hide behind a blade of tall grass. Considering her query and then sort of gave it a proper thought instead of a initial reaction to do as she was likely wanting. “I should rest. As to keep you from growing too worried about my state of being.” The man knew it was the wiser of the options though he was hardly unaware that she wanted to show her abilities. It was a lost thing on him certainly even after this long but it was more the fact he was present to support her. “Nor… do I want people to recognize me any further today. Just in case.” He might actually use the hot water properly then to relax if she was going to be out of the room anyways.
“You enjoy yourself. I will stay in the room. Behave. Not do anything.”
He seemed to be finding ways to read her own thoughts, in his declaration that he’d speak up if he needed to. Managing to at least give her a small measure of peace, as she knew he wouldn’t say so if he weren’t trying. Araminta could always trust his word, even if she worried about how he treated himself.
Especially when he admitted a need for rest instead of coming to sit at the tavern as she played her music. Araminta wouldn’t deny that there was disappointment there. She wanted very much to share. Yet it wasn’t as if there wouldn’t be more opportunities! There would be other nights she played for Madam Jasa and there would be future moments still where she might get to show off and dazzle others with one of the few things she might’ve genuinely had an ego about.
“When you say it like that, Theon, it sounds like you are especially going to do something and misbehave,” she teased gently with a soft laugh. Returning his squeeze of hand with a hug to his arm and a giggling sigh.
“There’s always time to see me play, so I’ll be glad to know you’re resting. I imagine little ones are a lot more exhausting than could be expected too.”
Perhaps had he been anyone else, she ought to be concerned that he was going to get into something! For him, his word was pretty cemented. Liable to just take a chance in her absence to once more try to clean up, it had been since Essurn since he managed to groom in the ways of looking less like a highway mad-man. Although the black eye likely wasn’t helping much of that either! Hearing her chuckle about it however was enough to allow him just to avoid making some unnecessary commentary of excuses or trying to sound like he was entirely innocent of any sort of ideas.
If they were going to be stuck here a while, then yes. He’d likely have a chance to linger in the background as she finally got to play to her heart’s content. For a proper audience that wouldn’t insist she play till her finger’s bled. And housing great mythical beasts across her lap.
“I would not say exhausting. Energetic, yes. They are young, able to enjoy their freedom and it was merely nice to bare witness without judgment.” Theon voiced then, “Their ability to just do as they want within reason and not fear many things,” As he had, “Is nice to just watch.” A gray eye was upon her, “I’ve never disliked children. Unlike adults, they typically do not hide or lie as fervently. They do of course, do it. But their interest is usually in the sense of protecting themselves from things they perceive as dangers, rather than adults who will lie to get what they want.” Any time he travelled, he always found the youth to be the most curious. To watch their lives in a single moment, it was always wondrous.
“It is good to know they are happy and healthy.”
“You are going to make such a wonderful child herder,” she chirped, practically beaming about it as if she somehow had always known and now she was the proudest person in the world to know that she was right. Further than that, Araminta could so easily see him with his own small hoard of children, clear as day, and what a wonderful image it was! She could bet her life that he’d love and adore every moment of being a father and getting to do the things that were denied for him.
To say so would be crossing some boundaries that she doubted Theon was anywhere near ready for yet. Her cheerful chirping would have to be encouragement enough.
“I love children,” she confessed, though she doubted this would come as a surprise at all. “Everything in the world is new and exciting for them, and things you take for granted and never think of anymore are so important to a little one discovering it for the first time. They make everything feel special again.”
As they reached the bathhouse and stepped inside, Araminta paused them in the main lobby area to grin up at him. Not quite ready to let go just yet, but it was where they’d need to part.
“I must go become an musical siren for an audience that barely looks up from their lady companions to notice. Try to eat something more filling than little nibbles. I’ll try to be quiet when I come to bed.”
A dull blinks were made at her remark. Not sure why she would even say something like that as he highly doubted such things. Add on that he would likely never want to pass down the genes of his miserable lineage anyways. That seemed unnecessarily cruel to put on a child, truly. Yet, that didn’t seem like something he ought to say when she looked so happy by this conversation. Shortly listening to how Araminta found the means of children also interesting to the point of pronouncing it as love, with detailing just how she enjoyed their everlasting wonder.
How things were new and bright and worth every bit of discovery. Leaving him to hum as well, that he would have to just trust her on. While he had certainly watched from afar, the depths of knowing were vastly different. Today was just a first for him to realize what a proper childhood was like –identifying that similarities were likely what Araminta had to the trio of children- before they were stepping through that of the front door.
Where the bustle of a busy night bespoke of the means of patrons and employees alike doing everything they would have too; it was also the departing point for them as well. Nodding slowly at her selected choice of words about becoming the musical siren once more for that of likely eager audience fans but not without telling him to eat of course. “Mhmm.” He’d eat what he could but wasn’t about to force too much. “Enjoy your time, Ara.” He gave her hand a squeeze so he could release and start up the stairs to that of the bedroom. Leaving her to be swept away by whomever to become her newest rendition of a maid of song.
The ladies of the Sable Fawn seemed to enjoy dressing up Araminta as a pretty doll just as much as the princess enjoyed the chance to try all of their lovely gowns and the intricate designs of makeup. Most of the dresses were not things Araminta would ever choose for herself – there was a sultry allure to them that she never quite felt like she truly filled out or embodied. Yet it was still an enjoyable experience to masquerade for a few hours as this mysterious musical temptress, to live for a short time as someone other than just Araminta.
While that mild disappointment that Theon would again be missing out lingered, Araminta did not let it fester or sour her mood. In fact, not even Edgar’s side-eyes and quiet huffing could break through the pleased cloud she was floating on. Where things weren’t perfect, but they were doing better and heading in the right directions. Hope about all the great and wonderful things the future could bring was such a powerful thing, and it lived within Araminta as a tiny ember on her dark days to become a roaring fire on days like these where she had a clear sense of comfort and a knowing of where to go next.
Luck would be on Edgar’s side again as she was too wrapped up in her daydreamy thoughts to care much about musically teasing him. Sticking with proper playing and following along like a proper lady would. Simply enjoying this time while she had it.
Although… if she were soon to leave the Inn, she might be able to convince Madam Jasa to allow her a solo performance at least once. A wicked plan surely, but it would be worth the Edgar’s ire to play with full freedom!
By the time she was done, Araminta was plenty worn. Having at least opted for a quick bite of something just to have her stomach content, but otherwise skipping the means of a full meal downstairs so she could flee back to the room. Opting for not even bothering to change out of the dusty rose gown in the changing rooms, and carrying up her clothes and boots back to the room herself.
As much as she loved to play, it was just as nice to finally go back to a space of peace and quiet without a room full of eyes on her. Sneaking back in as quietly as she promised to avoid waking Theon if he’d gotten brave enough to actually lay down in bed – or more likely had propped himself up in a chair to doze instead.
Any and all attempts to groom up were properly kibashed the moment the means of his left hand proved that it was clearly not the dominate one for a reason! And he wasn’t about to trust it to start taking grain off that of beard or anywhere else less he was looking for a new wound to explain. If he didn’t catch something highly vital. Settling for more of the awkwardness that was trying to do much of anything in that regard because who the hell knew that you’d use both arms for plenty of things. Basic behaviours that lost their ability because they were hindered by one arm, he’d have to just be happy that he’d had hot water without worrying or stressing that Araminta would need the privacy first and foremost. Knowing that he’d do so easily if she wanted the chance but hoped she was enjoying the evening far more so while playing that of her musical heart out.
Hoping that the fellow that joined in was a little more pleasant today seeing as she was a reoccurring character now in their little band.
At least eating was a lot easier to do with one hand, making more of a effort to have something a little more substantial as per request. No nibbling. Just a lot of mind games and having to talk himself off a figurative ledge at random intervals to remind that the food here was not poisoned. It would be rather unlucky for all the patrons’ if they had been! Although his request to have something somewhat proper had been met with one of the other girls serving it seeing as he made use of the chord dangling from the roof. And met with a woman that had probably the most useless bits of clothing on he had ever considered. Honestly, she might as well just been naked, it would have just been a hell of a lot easier.
She grinned and crooned in a obvious effort to that of woes towards his pains, but he hadn’t paid keen attention to it. Merely thanked for the food once it was brought in and to her own surprised, didn’t give a secondary look to her. Just that she was asked to depart and he went through the mental battle of eating.
Settling for that being his hurdle this day and not about to chance that of the bed, settling instead to work at the awkwardness of changing bandages. A new feat. An awkward feat! Managing probably poorly before somewhat nearly giving up on the means of re-dressing himself from the torso up only due to the effort that it took to deal with a tugging, awkward and highly unpleasant pain that came from the broken clavicle. Accepting that when he finally had his shirt managed, it was going to just be as it was. Not about to re-attempt fixing anything too wild.
To him it was plenty unclear what the time was besides it being clearly late. With the singular window showing the night gleaming upon its pane, the sound of the door had pulled his attention to look up from his mindless settling task at the table to the image that was… well… he wasn’t sure what it was. Just that the Araminta looked like she ought to have been jingling and jangling with the dress she wore. Sure that its pattern and embellishments weren’t actually as musical as she, Theon straightened in that of chair. The first passing look had been assessing, the second had been well… a little more investigative in ways that expressed he wasn’t nearly as blind to the world or her as it may have seemed. Just that he was shortly adjusting his line of sight not to gawp at the low cut of neckline and turned sights downwards to table once more. “Welcome back.” Theon hummed, “The bed was remade while we were out. If you need privacy, I can step out.”
Good to know that Theon was exactly where she expected him to be, in a chair not sleeping. A little disheveled at a first glance and it didn’t take her long to realize that he must’ve had a hard time trying to take a proper bath and change out his clothes with only the single arm. Feeling a small guilty sense of failure that she hadn’t thought of that before – Araminta could have helped before leaving to play music!
“You don’t need to step out,” she relayed easily, taking her bundle of clothing to set aside on the other free chair. “I may just wash my face and come straight to bed.”
Approaching Theon was a fluid motion, both in the way her verdant eyes looked him and table over to access just what state he was in and if he ate enough. Plucking up one of the morsels of food to pop into her own mouth, with no fears or concerns about tampering or care at all that he might’ve nibble on something himself. Gentle hands first to help align and straighten his shirt so it wouldn’t be uncomfortably awkward, with any sort of concern about being shy or embarrassed to touch him at all. Giving a quick examination of bandages too in case she needed to help rewrap those, finding that he’d done alright on his own.
Next time, though, Araminta was going to take care of it.
“It was a pleasant set of music and a relaxing evening. Madam Jasa runs a tight ship,” she revealed, reaching to steal a few more bites of the unfinished food and casting him a wide, bright smile.
She was more akin to a soundless damsel as she made across the floor without so much as the believed jingling of dress ought to make. Approaching seamlessly till she was present. Near enough that he was able to tell the details of her gown were that of beaded flowers and bits of additional fabric that gave it is unusual texture. Framed with the belt and where the makeup dawned upon her features was highlighting but not overwhelming. Never mind that he was certain there was a particular fragrance she was wearing when he was very astutely aware it was not something she normally had present. Leaving him a moment to bashfully watch her from the corner of eye like he was shy of her all the sudden.
Actually, he was. He was very accustomed to Araminta looking like well… herself. Not all prettied up in such a way that it didn’t diminish what she was already for a beautiful women, just accented it. Influenced it to a point that if he hadn’t been aware of her before, he was now. Which was a stupid thought to have.
Considering she was still very much Araminta. Sweeping over to study the meal portions that weren’t as devoured as most would, helping herself to the bits of picking greens that were grazed at originally before, he was realizing she had spoken to him about not stepping out. That she would simply wash up and climb into the bed, though he didn’t think she would do so in the gown. Yet, it lingered on his mind strangely.
Interrupted some when she seemed to be suddenly set on straightening him out in such a way that he even looked at the details she was doing. Before blinking in bewilderment when she was going about assessing the state of bandages to assure all was well.
Another couple of blinks and he was returned to a state that was possibly more cautiously admiring whilst she appeared to reach out and started to hen-pick at the meal once more.
He wasn’t even sure what had happened initially before he was looking at his own good hand having reached out to grab thankfully lightly at the bare of her wrist. Not so much stopping Araminta from munching but there was a short circuited influence that felt suddenly bristled in vast interest to use her limb as a sense of guiding tool to bring her impossibly closer. Which, he was prompt to release. Somewhat feeling blood lift to cheeks as he used his own grasp to rub at the bridge of his nose then like the action would soothe away whatever sense of sparked interest that had wanted to insist on closeness. “Sorry.” Theon mumbled and cleared his throat. Repeating what she had said so he could properly respond to it. “Good. It is good that you were able to enjoy your evening once more. Was there many listening this eve… and the fellow… behaved?”
He’d reached out to take her wrist and pulled her closer for what Araminta thought was going to be for some sort of serious comment, only for him to murmur out a soft sorry and to turn the faintest flush of pink. That smile of hers bloomed into something softer, assuming it was meant as a motion physical of affection – which was presently hard to do when he only had the one hand.
“I didn’t pay much attention to the crowd today, nor Edgar for that matter.” she replied, returning his gesture with one of her own in the form of a gentle quick brush of her fingers through his hair. Deciding not to make a big deal about these affectionate things so he’d not feel suddenly on the spot or embarrassed. Rather inwardly pleased that he was comfortable enough to do so at all! Her attentions went back on scavenging what was left of his dinner without any worry.
“Regardless, I think he has settled into accepting me. Reluctant, of course, but I haven’t been antagonizing him to leave him thinking I am a problem or threat so him ignoring me is perfectly fine.”
While he knew he wasn’t devoid of affection –he didn’t have an distaste to it either- it was a thing that was a bit new to him. Observing it from afar was once thing but letting his mind try and reason out ways that he could be in reply to Araminta for it well… that was taking a bit of grand thinking. And apparently just reacting in ways that made him properly embarrassed. Not about to start getting all handsy and man-handling her like some porcelain doll either! Just that he apologized for the motion before trying to make his mouth work in the effort of asking questions.
He hadn’t been there but he knew this was important to her. Her music was a key component of her very life that he wanted to be at least encouraging in some way towards. It didn’t matter if he understood it or not, so long as she felt like he was listening and willing to be part of it in some way.
Yet, Araminta was just another level of impressive when she was making fingers rake over red. Silently bidding his gaze to rise and consider her even under the blush pink that had coated at least one side of features. Not sure when he had started to really gravitate towards the gentle touches but he practically warmed like softened butter under a sunbeam with the motion. Thinking a moment as she spoke up about how she had not paid attention to much besides her own fluttering fingers and of course pointed out that it appeared the man that had been so bum-hurt about Araminta’s appearance was thankfully lessening.
That was at least a bit of good news.
As she was seemingly being a scavenger bird at the moment to keep picking off plate which made him worry that she hadn’t eaten at all. Bidding him to chase down the nervousness that settled in belly with a unusual twist, to adjust grasp once more to raise and find the bend of waist to hip under the gown. “Don’t hover.” He suggested gingerly, “At least sit if you are going to finish,” Theon cleared his throat even as his gaze seemed to then take interest in the gown again. Brushing thumb along to move the fabric flowers, “Seems… busy.” Deciding he wasn’t a fan of it really outside the cut and colour that flattered well, “But pretty on you no less.”
Araminta supposed she was making him nervous, hovering there like some sort of over-protective mother hen to loom and be certain he was well and as he ought to be! Giving a sort of cheeky grin the instruction to sit… to now find herself on that end of faintly blushing features and skipping of her heartbeat when he’d decided to touch waist and comment on the dress.
“Thank you,” she murmured soft, accepting the compliment even if she still felt like she didn’t embody the sort of romantic allure the gown was supposed to portray. “I do love the color, but I could’ve done without all of the flowers and frill. It’s certainly a gown to be seen in and not one made for comfort.”
Araminta did finally sit at his bidding, twisting in her chair to pull plates closure to have at her leisure without causing undue anxiety. Testing her fingers to the tea kettle to see if it was still warm, and pouring herself a cup. Taking a brief moment there too in pulling pins out of her hair to finally let it loose and free again without feeling like things were poking into her skull!
“Dresses are far more comfortable than pants,” she stated, that cheeky grin returning again. “At least when they’re not covered in beads and lace and nonsense.”
Approving when she finally decided to take a seat rather than potentially gathering up on the side of the table to start perching like the prey seeking bird that she was slightly behaving like, he was relieved that she didn’t find a reason to say otherwise. Though that may have been due to the fact that he made a comment about the particular frock that was adorned. Humming quickly in his own way of expressing his welcome to her thank you, it was again that vision went to consider the pomp about it’s very existence.
It was… was busy the word to use? Potentially as he shortly seemed to agree with the means of the colour. “Works well.” Theon mused softly, “Less in this case I think would be more.” It seemed so much potentially because the neckline was low and the belt was also pulling the eye but the rest outside the colour was just a lot. And he found himself thinking it would be better with a simpler design to its overall means. “Then it worked for tonight, as to be seen. At least you were sitting rather than wandering in it. It is nice… compliments you without trying to say you are something you are not.” The man didn’t know anything about fashion but he felt that was at least accurate.
Leaning and somewhat sinking into his chair to perch elbow to the armrest. Providing a lifted perch for unbruised cheek to settle into, just that if he was about to find his attention settling; it wasn’t. Rotating the knife bright eyes up when she had poured out the tea for herself before following suit to let the bundle of dark hair waterfall down to where admittedly, he found himself staring.
Not that sort of thoughtful one he typically could present but something a little more bewildered in ways of mindless interest. Blinking once or twice so he would stop it, and side-glance to the table. Like it had become his newest focus, “Not functional for adventuring though. Comfort aside.” Murmuring back to her cheek grin, palm rotated to stop holding his cheek but rather covered mouth in a open statement that he might be a bit flustered. Feeling a flurry of thoughts rush over his mind without stopping so he could grab one in consideration, “Regardless… you look beautiful in whatever you wish to wear.” Throat was cleared and he let his gaze shut proper.
So he could pick up on the subtle hints of his own form was implying he was currently enamoured, surely not a terrible thing. But it was hardly appropriate, now was it!
While Araminta was well used to compliments, be they outlandishly charming or filthy and crude, generally taking them with a laugh and a thank you or a moment of preening… it was a very different thing to hear them from Theon. When Theon made statements, he meant them with all genuine earnest. Drawing her features into a rosy hue close enough to the shade of her dress and warm enough she could feel it in her cheeks. Having to set her attention to lifting up her cup of tea to have a sip before she fell into some sort of bashful giggling.
She was a grown woman, giggling at compliments was such a silly thing to do!
“If I were not having to climb cliffs and trees and chasing monsters, I would be in dresses and skirts all of the time,” she confessed, pulling apart a piece of a bread roll to pop in her mouth and thoughtfully chew. “Luckily I’ve had the opportunity to try several lovely things here and the ladies have been sweet enough not to put me in the gowns that seem more like a teasing of clothing rather than anything useful.”
Oh, she knew why it was all scraps of strategically placed fabrics, gauzy silks, open slits and bare skin. Didn’t feel any less silly to Araminta, and likely was exactly why she’d look so ridiculous in them. Araminta lacked that sultry means of body movement that was required to truly make those sort of garments speak. She’d like to see men try to pull such things off!
…and then her thoughts went into some wild imaginations that drew out those silly giggles anywhere. Inevitably just allowing herself the moment to be in good humor.
“Some of the menfolk in the mountain valley clans where kilts up above their knees and don’t think twice about it. I always wondered if such a short skirt gave them trouble while they’re working.”
“For the future then?” He asked to her commentary about once they had managed to do all she wanted, then it would mean she would want to be able to enjoy her attire to however she pleased. Though he suspected when the time came –still doubtful that she would be able to shirk away her duties as a savior princess- she’d be able to be dressed to the nines in all the sort of whimsical gowns and skirts she wanted. No longer having to work about climbing cliffs and monsters. Sure she would cut an impressive figure regardless but he figured that come the future was enough of a blanket statement to avoid her prying into his mind this way.
Although her mention of how the women here had been respectful not to put Araminta into something that was perfectly cut in the means of attracting prolonged gawping eyeballs, he had two sort of mental flashes. One to the woman earlier that was practically just wearing a grandmother’s knitted doily upon her frame and then –perhaps thankfully- not so able to put Araminta into such a skimpy appearance. Sure he wouldn’t be thrilled had she been, seeing as she would have drawn all sorts of attention in ways that made his stomach twist in a sense of annoyance. “That’s good of them. I don’t think such items are good for anything besides trying to work the imagination anyways. In ways that would be—” Theon trailed off deciding he didn’t need to elaborate.
Having fixed himself into a space where he wasn’t being one of those gawping fish stare men at her, the mention of kilts had still pulled gaze back open. Brows slightly bunched, “What’s a kilt.” He asked seeing as he hadn’t ever heard the term before and well, he had never seen a gentleman running around in such a thing anyways!
“For the future,” Araminta nodded in agreement. Content to graze the remains of dinner without any sort of rush or urgency, not starving as she’d certainly eaten earlier, but happy to finish off what was left. “I might slowly acquire a proper wardrobe over time.”
Theon had seemed to have settled too in not feeling so embarrassed about affections and conversations, though the look on his face about the ladies and their skimpy costumes hinted that he might’ve gotten a nice view of one earlier when his dinner was brought up. Prompting her to laugh and nod again as… well, indeed. Elaboration wasn’t needed.
Though it seemed he had not scene or heard of a kilt before, drawing Araminta to grin all the wider in delight of getting to share some new bit of information.
“A kilt is… well it is like a short skirt! A wrapping around the waist usually in some sort of tartan or plaid pattern, but I have seen plain ones too. Usually pleated as well. I’ve only ever seen the menfolk wearing them as the ladies tend to keep their long skirts. I imagine because it is such nonsense to be wearing things so short when the weather in the mountains is so much cooler. Mountain men tend to like to prove their mettle and strength in silly ways, so I imagine they think frosted knees is the way to do it. Or perhaps it is simply cooler in the summer months for a nice a breeze, I cannot fathom.”
Once more he voiced a vocal hum to agree to the future sentiment. Never mind that they likely had very different views of said future, he could take some hint to the suggestion of acquiring a proper wardrobe. Knowing now that it wouldn’t be too impossible to watch and make those mental notes whenever Araminta seen something she liked in the ways of garments. To put them into the Araminta necessities file in that of one’s mind. Knowing that it would only help her in said future when she had to return to her duties as that of a proper princess. If her siblings lived, he had a good feeling they would not wish for her to leave them with the sole responsibilities.
It would be a melancholy day that one. But one he would be good not to voice any sense of discomfort or sadness because he knew it was best that she find those who were her rightful family. To start a new process of healing.
While he was welcoming the means of mental conversation change, the suggestion of the skimpy attire had left him obvious. Clearly getting his own eyeful. Perhaps it was a good thing that he was unlike most men –not all, but most- that didn’t leap on that chance presented. He’d be living up to his word and then some to Araminta that he was not interested in such people here. Nor did he want her to feel miserable again if he so much had an inkling. Valuing her point of view and comfort far more. Clearly.
Of course she didn’t need him to fill in the gaps. For she was laughing about the unspoken understanding. Grateful to push away such thoughts less they linger in ways they shouldn’t.
Promptly encouraged to leave further as she said something about an article of clothing that apparently the menfolk in her mountain land wore. Leaving him hungrily curious though maybe now all the more confused to why the men would wander around with such an piece of attire. And in the winter? He could only imagine they were truly the most hardy of folk with such a statement. “I see.” He didn’t but he could guess enough that he would have to just follow Araminta’s line of reasoning. It had to be something cultural as well seeing as he had never heard of such a thing before, and he knew pretty much nothing about her kingdom outside what she taught him.
Still, learning was a good thing. No matter how odd it was.
Filling lungs carefully only to relieve the breath that entered, Theon glanced to the plate. To her, then away in such a suggestion that he was relying that when she was ready to slip away, he was not about to stop her from doing so. Insisting on companionship of conversation. Instead, “Do you need anything else before you would like to rest?” Was the asking.
Theon had his thinking face on and goodness only knew what he was plotting up now. Still, in those moments of his silence Araminta enjoyed stealing those glances at him, unable to read his mind even though it’d be so handy in some cases, yet glad they were learning how to communicate better to avoid silly sorts of misunderstandings. It made their little conversation cozy and comfortable in a way she appreciated more than anything.
“I am content,” she answered with that honest beaming smile. Stopping only long enough to finish up her tea before she finally rose from her seat. Straightening up the table briefly so it wouldn’t be a mess to clean up later. Then reaching to give him that gentle stroke through his hair as she passed by to take some of her clothing to disappear behind the shelter of the dressing screen to get herself out of the wild rose dress.
“Get into bed, Theon,” her voice sang amongst her wiggling and shifting to get herself out of the garment. “You can’t catnap in the chair, it’ll be terribly rough on your shoulder.”
Hearing that, he wasn’t sure why, but it managed to tug the barest corner of lip very, very slightly up. Knowing that she was expressing contentment was always a little bit of a private relief considering that all of this started because well… unpleasant things. Her kingdom, her people, her family, and all relying on the help of a mad queen that didn’t want to do any of that. Besides making Araminta dance to the dangerous tune of the trials after declining an offer of marriage that would have only been a short lived existence.
As she gathered up with an clear motion of straightening the table, he might have thought to put some things away if she hadn’t already been doting on him the barest bit of passing fondness that had him stopping even before beginning. Yet as she disappeared behind the safety of that privacy screen, she was pointing out the means to crawl into that damn bed again. Good for her that she was being the screen because she missed a real glare this time. Aimed at the privacy screen and then to the cursed fluff mess of a bed, “I’ve had worse.” He muttered just low enough that it ought to have been nonsensical outside clear distaste.
He’d prefer hanging from the roof than laying on it continually but doubted there was a feasible way for him to convince her that he was perfectly fine in the chair without the tut-tutting.
Beds were just stupid useless things, he was sure of it!
Granted, without a way to get out of it that would be in his winning favour, he could only procrastinate so long. Becoming a lethargic snail that picked itself out of the chair to pad barefooted over to the edge of it. Glaring again –it might as well have been a mimic at this point, and carefully plopped his butt on the soft surface. Having a spree of curses running rather wildly through the plains of his thoughts, merely sparing the hand to reach over and pull back the blankets and topsheet for Araminta, but made no further effort than that on his part.
This might be one of the few things he would have preferred to be on the road for. Avoidance of this comfort and being able to do as he usually would with gentle cat-napping. He’d take a hammock over this!
If only Araminta could see his silent tantrum all over the fluff and stuffing of a comfy bed. She’d be doubled over howling with laughter – or fighting desperately not to be. She was not without awareness, though, that he was taking his sweet time about shuffling over there, practically hearing it in his sloth-like steps. Theon was going to thank her eventually, when his body and mind got used to actually sleeping properly and he could heal the faster the way he was meant to.
With the dress removed and hung up over the screen to be returned to the ladies of the Sable Fawn later, Araminta turned around to the water basin sink to mix a bit of the soap and water to wash away the subtle layers of makeup from her face. As much as she enjoyed the look of it for the means of masquerading, she much preferred being without it! Her skin could breathe again!
A nice hot bubble bath would have been even better, yet it was one of those rare moments she was just tired enough she didn’t want to bother with it. Finding she was far more interested with snuggling up in bed where it would be warm and cozy. Especially in those soft moments of drifting off with Theon now that he wasn’t as unconscious as the dead.
Remaining in just her romper of undergarments, without having any sort of sense to have some bashful shame about it, Araminta was yawning when she finally came around the screen. A graceful walk across the room to blow out lanterns and candles and lights until there was only the beside table left. Pausing to eye Theon’s precarious perch on he edge of the bed as if he were ready to leap up at the slightest hint the thing was going to come alive and try to bury him in it.
It was so difficult not to laugh.
Araminta fussed him gently to move and scoot until she could pull back blankets and sheets further. Not about to let him get away with sleeping on the top covers this time. Prepared to grab his legs and start rolling him if it came to having to wrestle him in!
“In,” she gently expressed, trying not to reveal her humor with it. “I’d like to be cozy with you, if you do not mind. It’s easier done without blankets in the way.”
Of course he was attempting to plot some elaborate way of escaping this means of ‘comfort.’ Sure it was some grand ruse of nonsense that had been built into the younger woman when in actuality, they could just function without all the fluff and cushion and whatever else went into making something squishy as it were. Though he was unable to think of anything grand enough to make an appealing case, as she came trouncing out in the undergarments to blow out lanterns and candles, he knew his time was up.
With nothing to his name to express that he would much rather not. Following her with sights alone till she was making that motion to insist on the requirements of getting into the bed. With blankets and sheets tugged away enough that made it clear that he was supposed to do the same. Earning a slight look of incredulous disbelief only that she gave her voice a strength to suggest that he was to go into them.
They both knew he could be stubborn at the most inopportune times. Not so much a dead piece of stone as much as that was beneficial to protect himself, Theon looked at the bed he sat upon even as she declared she wanted to be close and cozy. The latter being a near swear word. Practically about to start growling in some odd sense of defiance, merely missing the hair bristling up on hackles to accent the point he really fought the strangest things.
And, “No.” Theon pointed out in his means of refusal for once. Looking at her straight in the eye as he told her straight out this time. “I do not see the need for something so…” he wasn’t sure how to describe it, just that it was a too luxurious! Of all the things to take insult too—
“I am present in the room. Unless there is some stronger reasoning to use this overfluffed means of ostentatious unnecessary comfort, I am okay to rest in the chair.”
Picking the oddest hills to die on, truly he was.
A No! One so curtly serious too. Araminta stood straight and rest her hands on her hips. Staring him down with those deeply fir green eyes of hers and trying her absolute best to look serious about this and not like she was about to erupt into laughter. His mistake here was not in saying no, but in declaring unless there was a reason. Oh, she had plenty of reasons even on a good day, so this would be a breeze!
“When you are in good health you can get away with whatever hard surface you please. I won’t force it if you don’t like it – but you are NOT in good health, Theon. Broken bones need gentle surfaces so they’re not shifting about. Your body needs real sleep so it can mend while you’re actually resting, as they cannot do so when you’re propped up in a chair jolting every time you start tilting over or hearing a strange sound.”
Araminta straightened her arms to gesture down at his feet.
“You’d not let me be this stubborn. So I am going to grab your legs and shove you in there if you don’t do it yourself, and you can’t fight me with one arm, so I’ll win and you’ll be mad at me and feel silly. Then I’ll feel silly trying to cuddle up to an angry fae mage and neither of us will rest!”
Somewhere in the hold of his mind he knew this was the dumbest, most asinine thing to dig his heels in about. He knew it. Understood it and yet, he set the steely gray eyes upon this petite woman standing there with her hands on hips. Looking like she was trying to will him into compliance that he usually would. Likely thinking through every scenario with that clever mind of her own till she had latched onto facts. Drumming up the reasons of health and healing and, well… he sort of just gave her more of a felid look than ever.
Potentially expressing his sense of fae-ish influence when he glanced to feet that was being gestured at. Looking at them, then under brows at her again even if she was making all the sense in the world.
So what did he do, he got up. Stood straight up and gave her a look of now what. Tilting chin up in a angle that bespoke of his showing stubborn tenacity that was almost banking that she wouldn’t try to shove him about when she just pointed out that he was one armed. “Ara, this isn’t the first time I’ve been wounded. I’ve healed fine any and every other time. That is not an excuse I will bend too.” Well it wasn’t an excuse, it was fact. Yet, here he was still trying to push back over something stupid.
Even he knew it was!
Sidestepping and keeping his chin up in such a means of defiance, “I’ve made due just fine.”
Having the man out right stand up and peer those silver eyes down at her with all the wildness of a true fae was not where she expected this battle to go. Genuinely both impressed and proud that he’d reached a level of comfort with her that he no longer bowed to anything that she asked him to do. …yet also so very frustrated that he had to choose a moment where he actually did NEED to do the thing that was asked. For his own sake!
“You were alone those times too, without someone to care for you, so of course you were free to be stubborn!” she retorted back. Eyeing him carefully as he side-stepped her to attempt his easing escape from a plush rest. Clearly wily enough to understand Araminta wasn’t going to tackle or push him in such a state.
Seemingly forgetting that Araminta was just as stubborn as he and had an uncanny talent for solving problems.
So Araminta grabbed his good hand before he got much farther and pulled.
“I will not rest until you’re in this bed with me, Theon! I will spend all night honking like a goose if I have to!”
Mouth parted and promptly closed itself at the blunt statement that any time prior he had been left to his own devices because well, as she said, he had been alone. Able to do the means of merely existing in the peace that nothing else mattered. So there was no one nearby to gingerly nag at him for the efforts of mending out of care, rather than shrugging it all off. Whether he healed or died was of no matter to anyone else. Of course she knew this and was using it as leverage to appeal to the more sensible part of his mind. Latching onto it to the point that when he was intending to go back to the chair to plant his rump like a newly sewn seedling, she took hold of the arm.
Claiming it with a pulling back towards the devil’s hellscape that was a bed and put it out loud that she was not about to let this go.
Pointing out that she was going to honk like the very animal that she apparently had grown to dislike after stuffing them into a pack ages ago. Dulling him to stop, blink and try to consider quietly if she was really about to go so far.
Earning a low huff on his behalf. Glancing at the item once more before he internally was stamping feet and behaving like a child that was more annoyed to be going to bed, than being put into it! Knowing that truly of all the things he could develop this strong of loathing towards, it was something so inanimate that its biggest threat was potentially suffocating him with its softness. If he somehow was absorbed into it.
Lips pressed into a thin line. Prolonging the moment before sealing gaze and exhaling through nose. Eventually settling the argent gaze on her with a glinting of near annoyance that she was so gungho about this at all. Whatever man she chose in the future to be that of her significant other, they were going to have to be either as strong as steel or as pliable as cotton. “Fine.” Bitterly he knew there was no way out of this. Even if he thought the bed was stupid.
He was liable to refuse the comfort in the future when he was no longer nursing injuries, that was for certain.
Turning back to pad towards the surface and once more. Sat down. Feeling want to roll his eyes at the dramatic stupidity of both himself and this all but made himself lay down instead of leaning into budding frustrations at silly little things. Settling under the covers too, less she start trying to wrap him up in them like some wild animal.
“Oh, thank goodness!” she declared with the most relieved of audible sighs! “Everyone here would think we were up to something truly peculiar if I were to spend the whole night honking!”
Araminta would’ve done it too. If Theon was going to be ridiculous, she too would resort to the ridiculous. To be a shameless nonsensical idiot if that was what it took to get him to actually care for himself. The only thing in the world she had to lose now was Theon himself, and she would do anything to be sure he stayed in good health.
…even if at present he looked like he’d been forced to swallow a whole lemon.
Before he changed his mind and decided to pop back out of bed like a jack-in-the-box, Araminta carefully climbed over his legs to her preferred spot and shimmied down under the blankets herself. Instead of scooting closer immediately as she usually would, she paused sitting up and giving him a questioning glance.
“Am I allowed near?” she asked gently. At least understanding his true reason for being so difficult was simply because he felt so out of control right now. She had to force him into bed for his own good, but she wasn’t about to force him into further cozy comforts, especially if he were angry and frustrated with her.
Considering all the thing that he had to work on, this was probably the most ridiculous thing to decide had to be pushed against. Of course he knew it. Just because he was proving to be a bit of a dunderhead about something so basic as sleeping properly, it didn’t always means everything worked in perfect sense. Just in this case, he found it far more useful for each of them if he wasn’t making Araminta honk to the point that someone would come knocking. Only to find the mountain princess mimicking a goose and him being a donkey in that of the chair. Proving they were no more than a pair of barnyard animals.
Actually the very thought was enough to nerf all the more his irritations with being required to sleep in the bed.
Just leave it to Araminta to be a little more wild with her antics which had her climbing over him like he was some sort of obstacle. Earning a following look as to what the heck that was about before she was scooting herself well into the covers. Ready to roost and nest herself comfortably till those green eyes were aimed towards him. Raised in new question that came from a softer space in wonder. Granted he was a little surprised she was even asking, needing a second longer to be assured that was what had happened.
Surely he was annoyed but it wasn’t entirely aimed at her. Half at himself for being so stupidly stubborn about the most miniscule thing in the world and half at the softness of this very thing! She was just being insistent while using logic to weedle down his guard till there was nothing more for him to go against less he just wanted to prove how frustrating he could be. That was fruitless and entirely not worth the effort.
With a careful position of being on his back –as it was the lesser of painful evils- arm lifted as if it were a gate giving her access to come in as close as she wanted. “Yes.” Making sure it was also stated in case she thought he was just being petulant now.
Araminta certainly did wait to get that verbal confirmation, just to be extra sure he wasn’t just bending because she’d asked. Scooting herself up as close as she could possibly get to rest her head in the crook of his shoulder without leaning too much weight on his shoulder itself incase it would cause that broken clavicle discomfort. Tucking one arm around herself while the other took safe rest over his stomach where it wasn’t going to be a bother to stab wound stitches.
“Be forewarned,” came an ominous whisper, “to remember this for the future. As I am not afraid to wrestle you and will do so when you are being too stubborn.”
Let him stew on how he’d get himself out of that!
With due care and a slow nestling down to make herself suitably comfortable where the nook was presented, at first he assumed that she wasn’t going to have the last word about this. How foolish he was about that. Just that she waited till she was plenty tucked in to make it difficult to shoo her out if he was that sort of person. A good thing he wasn’t that type of person because they’d both be flipped out of the bed in some manner.
Shifting skull just enough so he could look down at her with less of an arch seeing as their heights were less drastic when they were melded as such, but found that mouth giving so much guff that for a solid moment in time, he was repeating it in skull to find holes with it. “Ara.” Settling on the shortened form of a name he had started to address her as, with a gentle softness but it was a bidding for her to turn chin upwards to look at him. Waiting a good moment till she could brandish green eyes in a sense of challenge –not doubting that she would attempt to wrestle him into submission if she felt it was her own good conscious to do so, however… however, he had a good feeling that if she attempted to be physical in that sense, he was liable to prove that he wasn’t so easily moved.
It might be in her better interest to use her tactical mind to be sure to reason or bring his stubbornness to folly instead of physically attempting.
Surely she knew that.
Still he waited till she was properly eyeballing him till he was giving her a strong look over. Debating and recollection a plethora of thoughts that had been spoken in the present and in the past. Shifting somewhat further to tilt more of the weight onto the good shoulder. Arching the palm of the arm she was using as a makeshift pillow come up. Melding through the tendrils of dark chestnut to sink to cradle upon the back of neck and admittedly letting himself dare to challenge her in a way that he wondered if she would.
And to check to see if he might be able to overthrow her in a way that he could use in the future if necessary. “Hush.” Drooping close enough to flit lips across that of her own, seemingly using her own behaviour a day prior of catching him off guard to be quelled into surprised silence.
Araminta was still quite pleased with herself that she’d got him into bed at all without having to become a honking menace to him and everyone else staying at the inn. Willing to leave it just at her whispered warning and let him be, only for Theon to oh so gently utter her name for ahat she assumed was going to be some further means of stubborn. To warn her that this wouldn’t be happening again. To give her some silly reason why beds were the bane of his existence. A bed bit him when he was a child.
She knew, of course, he had good reasons and needed to work through them. That didn’t mean she was going to let him keep avoiding it, however. So naturally at his bidding she did in fact have that quirk of her brow, and that expectant look, practically daring him to come up with some new yarn of an excuse she’d have to swat.
What she’d received was a hush and before she could even scoff and declare her usual goodnight, Theon he kissed her.
Surprised silence wasn’t quite what he got, but rather a surprised squeak. To stare at him with those wide green eyes in a brief moment of being shocked. Melting just as quickly with a blinked of feathered lashes with a soft return of said kiss and a wriggling curl of her toes.
He’d won! He’d won, she was defeated, and he could do whatever he pleased. Araminta did in fact shush, not even able to dig up a hum of sassy protest or complaint. Head still spinning and reeling unable to figure out how they might’ve landed there at all!
It was a good thing he was a humble person. Otherwise this may have been a perfect moment for unnecessary bravado.
Relenting grasp from its meld upon crown and locks alike, to slip back finding that she was just sort of gawping at him a moment, it did in fact, working to stave off whatever sort of general retort that could have happened at being told to hush, or even that he was challenging her wit by being bold enough to settle this with a short liplock. Working back to lay as he had originally whilst letting her get back to how she wanted too seeing as she already was the victor in getting him to lay down, stay put and such. As much as he hated it, he knew he would sleep too.
Damn bed.
Rather he made an effort to feel along for the covers to tug up so she could nestle back in, as he wasn’t about to gloat or much of anything. Just offering her a singular look before he let head rest on the pillow. Maneuvering grasp to lay down and accept that the moment right now was more or less a draw of sorts. Come the morning well, it would be a new day and a new repetition of the same it had been this day, he imagined. “Rest now.” A mere mumble was his last indication that he was going to do much else. Accepting his comfortable demise.
What a ridiculous man.
Araminta made no protest at being told to rest and couldn’t even find any reason to be mad about pulling something so cleverly devious. After all, she’d told him he was allowed to kiss her whenever he pleased, she never gave him the condition of not using it to bewilder her into silence! Though if he were not careful, she might start expecting bed time kisses the same way she expected him to cuddle up with her for sleep.
Wriggling only a bit more to find a comfortable space to nest, she had to resist attempting to squeeze him in a grappling hug. Letting her mind settled to it’s usual routine of plotting out the next day. About making arrangements with Madam Jasa on how she might work if she no longer was paying for a room. Arrangements with Adra on where exactly the woman intended to put Araminta and Theon, with hopes that it wasn’t going to be a barn horses. He might enjoy that, but this bed argument wasn’t going to end any time soon.
When she did finally drift off to sleep it was nothing but pure amused contentment. Their next few days would be busy, but in the best sort of ways.