The means of talking with Madam Jasa had proven to be generally fruitful as she didn’t seem to be put out with the idea that they would be leaving the tavern or inn alike. It was business after all and the room they occupied was always a hot seller. Not all rooms had a personal tub and it certainly worked favours for those who were too shy to settle in the bathhouse. Without detailing that there would be additional reasons to use the space for the fair women that were certainly far more interested in their work. Everyone had their preferences. Granted, she was also willing to point out that while the gold that had been gathered up even at the expense of having an princeling broken and bruised, it wouldn’t help them stay in the place for many more days.
The Sable Fawn was a lucrative business and it certainly didn’t skimp out on anything but some clothing for the fair dames. If anything, the Madam was all too thrilled to have the room back, yet when it came down to the means of a musical presence still within the walls, Jasa took on the contemplative role. Knowing that thus far Araminta had proven three times over that she was entirely capable of handling her own and much to Edgar’s chargin, was more than simply good. A compliment if there ever was going to be one. It was more so the means of potentially having her own showcase that put the Madam into the means of business. Giving it a critical think before expressing that she would need a few days to consider the contract she had with Edgar, the space allowance and generally how it would all work out in such a way that no one was feeling a pain in their bum that wasn’t requested.
So that was the current motion. They had been successfully extracted from the room and moved over to Adra and Bo’s abode which was hardly a downgrade. Actually, it may have been considered a homey upgrade with certainly less potential for rogue nipples to be out!
The woman had insisted their presence of course. Their home was modest by far but it certainly still held the station of well off that they weren’t living in a single room with a sliver riddled floor. Rather it was a home that was safe to say was as close to being noble without actually being so. With a room fitted for them to be comfortable without living on top of anyone else.
It had certainly been more than even he had expected. With Adra making it clear that they were expected to do their part with as much reasonability as they could manage. Such as Araminta working for herself or Bo, while he had truly become the child herder. Hardly about to find a complaint about it when the three of them had kept him plenty busy to the point that any stray bitter thoughts that could have arisen, didn’t have a chance.
It was hard to believe that when he was finally sitting down -currently having been told earlier in the day that he was expected to come to the atelier for that of the fitting. Wishing it had been forgotten about but Bo had proven that he was certainly not someone that forgot much of anything, – that it had already been closer to a week since they had left the brothel turned inn. Managing to at least look less black and blue in the ocular region, it was Sophia currently that had beckoned his attention. Squeezing on fingers as they were walking currently into the tailor’s shop as two –seeing as the other littles had been pawned off on fellow friends while Sophia didn’t feel the need to socialize currently in the same way. “Pa! Araminta! We’re here!” The girl called and she was waving her other hand around with the little message that had been collected from the house, seeing as a messenger has been sent by Madam Jasa to the abode with Araminta’s name scrawled upon it. “We have two messages for you Araminta!” One was just a folded note from the Madam saying that the girl ought to stop by when she had a spare moment to talk about their previous conversation and the other was a little more formal of a wax sealed item. Seemingly important.
Bo had straightened from his hunch, currently cutting fabric for whatever he was working on currently. “Love notes?” Bo teased looking at Araminta, “Secret admirers coming to write you sweet nothings now, that you aren’t showing your face at the musical stage, dear?”
Theon may have frowned at that but he resisted showing it.
Araminta had a sort of adaptability that was likely rare in most nobles. To go from one extreme to another and still find herself perfectly comfortable no matter where she was sleeping, who she was talking to, or how she was working. It helped a great deal that between Adra and Bo, she had plenty to keep her busy with it rarely being boring. The sewing perhaps could wear on her, yet was soothed with good conversation with Bo and idling listening to the conversations and gossip of the customers that wandered in. Adra’s work was far more challenging, as Araminta had no experience in cobblers work so there was a greater learning curve there and different sorts of tasks from the woman when Araminta proved to not be so talented when it came to shoes.
Theon did not give her further trouble about bed, though she could often see the pondering threat of it in his features. Guessing that he remembered her threat of goosely honking and wasn’t ready to test just how far a wildling mountain princess might go. Of course it also meant there’d been no further bed time kissing, which was probably for the best. Not sure what she would do when he realized how easily he could frazzle her brain and make her forget what she was fussing about in the first place.
With the wee Sophia and Theon appearing for his summoned fitting right on time, Araminta beamed a cheerful smile at both, followed by curiosity from the two messages. Madam Jasa’s she’d been expecting and bode good news, as if the women was wishing to speak with her directly that meant she’d had an opening or two for Araminta to play without getting on Edgar’s bad side. The other letter had a seal she didn’t recognize, leaving her curious enough to pop it open immediately.
Casting Bo a squint of her eyes at his teasing nonsense.
“I doubt anyone had looked up from their own laps long enough to notice me at all,” she retorted quickly. “Hopefully it is word from Sir Reeves on when we can expect them. They’d not know we’ve moved places yet.”
Bo looked momentarily exasperated with Araminta, “I’m going to make you stand in the fitting room with all the mirrors at this rate, girl. If you think no one is eyeballing you be it on stage or not.” Theon’s head tilted at the man’s commentary. Till he seemed to notice and arched a brow in almost a sense of defiance. As if there was a means of challenge here though in fall fairness, Bo wasn’t sure what sort of relationship the two of them likely had. Thus far, nothing really had changed outside the two kisses that were old news at this point. Pushed aside and mostly forgotten about on his part.
Instead Bo made a pointing finger to the side to indicate he was to separate from Sophia’s grasp, “Well if it is a seal with a hammer, it’s likely from the temple.” The man offered in case she needed affirmation that the wax laden letter was probably from the only person she had sent a message too.
Anyone else that could have found Araminta was highly not the sorts that they’d need to find them. “Ghost, you’re going to have to come over here to be fitted correctly. Sophia, can you go grab my stool, he might be crippled but you’re still a good half a head taller than me.” Theon blinked even as the daughter crooned in excited delight.
“Okay pa!” Releasing his hand with a nice pat pat to the back of it. Her way of instilling she wouldn’t be gone far while Theon internally made a sigh at this whole nonsense of tailoring and fitting and all the sort of uselessness that he didn’t feel was necessary at all. Still, he wasn’t about to start arguing with Bo –granted he really didn’t talk a lot to either Adra or Bo, anyways. Living up to his ghost moniker in some way.
Feeling the blue gaze following him as he came to stand where Bo had indicated him too, Sophia was already toddling back to set the stool down. “Araminta, what colours do you want him in?”
“Purple!” Sophia answered though Theon gave her a look that was probably more on the side of horrified. “What’s wrong with purple?”
“Not… my colour.” He quietly replied to the girl.
“Agreed, your skin tone doesn’t suit it. Unless we want you to look washed out in some regard.”
Sophia huffed putting her hands to her hips, “I think it’s a pretty colour.” Not that he doubted it but she was promptly distracted anyways looking at Araminta, “What’s the letter say, Araminta?” Ignoring the commentary about Bo saying something about being tall as he was wide!
Araminta painted quite the innocent look on her face as if she had no earthly idea what Bo meant about plopping her in front of mirrors. Not that she ever intended to argue about being a pretty girl, she was aware of that… but she did feel they tended to over exaggerate the amount of eyes that bothered to look up from their own busy thoughts to actually notice. Sometimes they made it sound like men and women were falling over in he street when she walked by and that was absolutely ridiculous!
“I like purple too,” she told Sophia with a soft, amused smile. “I’ll have your father make me a gown in purple one day should I get to go somewhere special.”
That should mollify the girl as well start a seed of pondering in the tailor to find himself some new muse of inspiration.
In the mean time, she paused opening the letter long enough to see what actually was on the seal, happy to find that Bo had the right of it in the form of a hammer. Quickly opening it back up to scan over the contents hoping for good news.
To the tenacious Princess Araminta of Caeldalmor,
Your letter was auspiciously timed, dear lady, as my ward and I had just returned to the temple as some winded messenger came running in. Our time in Neive proved to be more complicated than I can relay in this message. Truthfully, I would not risk speaking about it through parchment. Fear not, your Imperial Prince will not be left to suffer as long as our order still lives to serve. Our fealty is to him and no other. Expect us in a few days time of receiving this note. There is a lead we must follow and confirm before we arrive, as it may be a valuable source of information that will affect your trials.
My deepest respect to his Royal Majesty, and to you dear Princess. It is truly a blessing from our Lady of Light that you have survived such darkness thus far and have found your way back to each other again.
Regards,
Sir Reeves.
Relief! And curiosity? It’d be a few days yet of wondering what news Reeves had, but she and Theon certainly weren’t going anywhere.
“It says we can expect them in a few days. They must make a stop elsewhere first.” she revealed, rising from her chair to cross the room and hand the letter over for Theon to read himself, only because she doubted he’d believe the man would say nice things about him at all.
Eyes grew inside that of skull at the suggestion that Araminta would select a gown in purple, as if the statement was just enough for the girl to imagine her as a fairy princess. Unaware that one half of that was true, “It’s gotta have sparkles on it too.” She declared causing Bo to snort.
“Everything of yours must have glitter, my little one.” Of course Sophia had a look that expressed no less than yeah, duh. Properly amusing the father into a gentle muffle of chuckles whilst climbing aboard that of the stool so he might stand just a bit over Theon’s head. Pulling the measuring tape from around neck to stretch out intending to measure that of shoulders firstly from that of back. Temporarily ceasing any potential conversation to mirror the prince’s quieted persona while Araminta sought to read that of her letter without being made to storytell at the same time.
Of course it was more of a shortened form of time, “Sophia, come write down these numbers,” Bo asked, promptly having the little dot snatch up a piece of paper so she could come to attention. Ready with pencil to start scribbling down the numbers said.
It wasn’t long before Araminta was standing and expressing that her letter was in fact that from the paladin lord. Leaving him a moment to look towards her with hand coming out to where the letter was placed. “A few days time, well seems you both will be having another bit of busy-ness added on.” Bo peeked and climbed down from his roost a moment. Looking at his measuring tape once more, “Colours, Araminta?” Asking again, “Otherwise I believe your living statue just might give black and gray shades.”
Theon considered Bo then, about to say something but seemed to stop when it came to looking at Sophia. And he shrugged with the good arm instead. Apparently not about to express that dark colours hid blood better than light. Offering the letter back to Ara no sooner with a sense of oddity that Reeves was so… compliment-y inside the letter. He was sure Padma was probably huffing and cursing her master for being such a tart. “What errand I wonder they are doing between here and the temple.” Theon asked not expecting any sort of answer.
While Theon looked over the letter Araminta stepped back, mirroring some of Sophia’s energy in the way she wrapped one arm around her own waist and tapped a finger to her chin in thoughtful contemplation. She’d already told Bo before a good list of colors she’d felt represented her and Theon both, yet now that it was time to make a final decision it felt like such an important choice! These new sets of clothing were going to be a statement in one way or another, and it was so important to make the right one.
“A vibrant sapphire blue and deep midnights. Warm browns. Emerald tone greens. Foggy misty greys. The darker tones for the most of it, with the more vibrant colors for accent. Traveling is a messy business,” she declared, hoping that was close enough to Theon’s thoughts that he seemed to be holding back due to the little sprout of a girl. Guessing he might’ve had something much more bloody in mind!
“The same for myself, though you could reverse the palette. I would not mind a sneaking in of a dark indigo purple if someone small tripped and added the fabric to my set,” murmuring this with the smallest of winks in Sophia’s direction.
It’d be enough of a selection that they would be represented as a partnered duo without being too matchy-matchy and looking like a set of dressed by a parent. Or those strange couples that color-coordinated a little too exact that it was more nauseating than adorable! Araminta wanted them to appear as a proper team, not like they were identical!
On taking the letter back and almost seeing his confusion with Reeves all over his face, Araminta was grinning wide again. Folding up the paper to return to her workspace where there seemed to be no end of new things to puzzle together.
“We will soon know. It seems important, though and hope they travel safe.”
The way she listed out quite the variety of clothing, he was suddenly looking at her like she had grown a second head. Surely she was only giving examples and wasn’t expecting that many sort of clothing to be procured because that was absolutely far too much. “Traveling is messy business,” Bo seemingly agreed, “Though we’ll just get him currently situated to throw away these rags that he insists on wearing and work on the means of the flashy but purposeful attire for another time. Seeing as I will need to orchestrate the exact sort of garments that would still compliment both of you. And heighten that of well… particular titles.” Choosing his words carefully likely because if he hadn’t, Sophia would parrot back the commentary to mother.
Whom, from what he could tell, still hadn’t clued in that he was apparently the prince of this damned nation.
“You’ll be easy Araminta. There’s likely very little in the ways that would be unflattering to you. Paired with your cheery personality, it’s more what won’t be the colours that you’d prefer.” The man smiled easily whilst Sophia seemed to take this suggestion as ideas.
Dancing on her toes a moment before seemingly taking this as an option to trot over to the arrangement of fabrics to help.
Leaving him a moment to look between the tailor and assistant. “I wish you would not encourage another.” Theon lightly mentioned, “There is much already done. It seems… unnecessary to offer more and more by the moment.” He was naturally uncertain to this idea of receiving so much. Although he would have liked to know more about what was important enough to pull a duo of paladins to a detour, they would not know till the two arrived. “Depending on how swift their messenger is, a few days may be less than stated, Ara.” Theon pointed to the letter returned, “It may be an idea to speak with Jasa to let her know that there is the expectation of others looking for you. Ones of less un-savoury behaviour.”
Bo seemed to consider this with an arched brow, “Anyone else saying that and I’d be more than worried. Yourself, it seems on par.”
“I don’t enjoy having a reputation follow me, Bogart.” Theon stated then with a bit of twinge to his tone. Indicating he wasn’t about to have a discussion about anything relating to his bloodline. Blue or not!
“You cannot say something is unnecessary simply because it is for you. It is necessary, we are liable to ruin clothing with every trip we take at this rate. We should have extra sets prepared ahead of time.” Araminta retorted, being careful not to be too specific while the little one was still flitting about. Children seemed to pick up a lot of things adults didn’t realize they could hear.
Theon could be stubborn all he wanted about it, at this point the deal was already well made. He was going to appreciate the foresight later if some manner of beast managed to shred through his armor. Or if he found a spider on himself and burned all his own clothes off in the process of trying to remove it.
The idea that the messenger might’ve had some delays in getting to them, and thus their friends arriving potentially sooner than expected was enough for her to make some thoughtful considerations. Nodding quickly that she understood.
“I’ll inform Madam Jasa about them when I go see her. I may only get one or two more chances to play music there.” This time Araminta didn’t bring up having him come to see her playing, having decided by now it wasn’t important. Better to have Theon focused on being healed so they could head out quickly for the next trial.
It was hard not to notice how Bo pressed a hand to the lower portion of his face when Araminta went into the verbal clucking about how he was saying it was unnecessary to have so many garments! He felt it was, after all where would they put all these and why did they have to bother. If this was the biggest concern, then something less expensive that didn’t really matter about being destroyed would have made more sense and yet, Araminta was prompt at being sure that this made the sense of being prepared. Tempering and somewhat wilting under the reminder that this was for a purpose in her tactical mind, the tailor was trying hard not to look too amused. About a woman that was considerably only up to his chest, chastising the apparent prince of the lands because he’s means to be frugal were so ridiculous that it couldn’t even called that.
Of course Sophia looked just as intrigued. Blinking a few times before she had skipped over to look at fabrics because she was going to help pick!
Mollified down to simple silence after the statement about the messenger and of course Bogart seemingly sliding a comment in-between, Theon was already mentally done with this whole encounter. Aptly preferring if he were instead insisted upon by the young daughter to go anywhere else, just because then at least he didn’t either feel as a nuisance. “Mhmm, well perhaps you could convince the Madam to allow you to play a bit earlier if you wish too.” Bo mentioned before giving Araminta a bit of a shooing motion to back up and look at the provided samples of designs that she may have wanted the prince to be suited in. “Busy your eyes with that, what you want him dressed in for style. Tunics seem to be his preferred.” As if to make a point of pulling on the sleeve of the current one. “There are other styles present in there that may be better suited but I’ll leave that to your critical eye to decorate the gentleman in whatever you would like.”
Were they not presently in mixed company Araminta had plenty more points of argument – how Theon himself did so many spoiling things for her that were actually unnecessary, so he no room to be denying her a chance to provide him with things he needed. The look she gave him was enough to silently say it, though… followed just as quickly by the way she softened into a gentle sigh. To give his arm a squeeze before Bo shooed her off to go browsing fabrics.
She was still arguing with him in her head even as she joined Sophia in testing the feel and thickness of the varying colored fabrics. That Theon would be glad when it was done, as he would look like a man standing in his own confidence and power. Not like an extension of the Imperial Queen.
Taking Bo’s example of having Sophia help, Araminta let the girl scribble down her choices so that she could feel involved in her father’s business as well making it easier for Bogart to reference later. Even though the styles were meant to look a little more royal, she was keen to choose fabrics that were still practical and made sense for traveling and the trials. Silks weren’t appropriate at all for rolling around in the mud with beastlies so those were limited to what might make a special piece. Cottons and wools and linens were the better options. Testing how stretchy they might be, or how soft it felt on the skin. What she liked for herself was quite different from what was best for Theon, as he needed so much more freedom of movement and protection from the armor he wore. Likewise, Araminta had a feeling that he could not handle harsh winters in the same way she could. Liable to freeze to death if he didn’t have proper warm layers.
For someone who was not a clothier, her notes were thorough, allowing plenty of means for Bo to make his more educated decisions on what work would best for the items he created. Araminta wasn’t about to tell a master how to do his job and trusted the man fully to have a keen mind in knowing what they needed!
This whole being cared about thing was so strange. Kinda of miserable if he was going to be honestly privately with himself. Knowing this was just another thing he was going to have to learn through even though he would be absolutely content being sure anyone else was taken care over himself. Wisely he wasn’t going to verbalize the thoughts, just sort of slipping into that silent hold to where Bo, Araminta and Sophia went about doing their parts.
It wasn’t too long before the girl was trotting back and bouncing into line of sight with an excitement to hold out that of her paper that had been used to write down every bit that Araminta wanted as well, to father. “Ah let’s see.” Bogart smiled with a soft patting of hand to daughter’s crown, eliciting a giggle from her lips. “Uh huh… hmmm.” Going through and finally seeming to look at him once more. As if sizing something unseen before nodding, “Well for now, we’ll stick with some basic items seeing as you wear armour typically. Right Ghost?” he nodded at least, “Then something durable beneath for the time being and the rest will have to be works in progress. Which of course, I doubt Araminta or you are too bothered about.” His eyes flitted to the girl with a knowing sense, “Otherwise, well, I think this is a start.”
“So… then we can go?” Sophia blinked and reached to latch her hands around his wrist. Bumping cheek to the back of arm.
“Depends where you two are going?”
“First we are going to get lunch,” It had become a thing that Theon took the littles to that café as a routine, “Then I was going to take Ghost to the library. I wanted to get a new book and ma said that I could do so when Philip and Chloe weren’t with us. That way we can look around and not be pestered.”
Bo hummed, “Well I don’t see why not. Just make sure the two of you are back at the house before dinner. Preferably hungry,” That he knew was a slight dig at him but it went unreplied too, “I should at least have one tunic prepped by this evening. Seeing as I have extra hands that knows how to sewn and if it falls apart, then we can tease Araminta about it.”
Theon nodded some, before Sophia was jumping foot to foot, “Okay! Let’s go Ghost!”
If Theon wasn’t careful, he was going to have little Sophia trying to talk to her papa into a betrothal with an unbeknownst prince! Leaving the princess to have a private delight at such a sweet thing.
“Have a lovely afternoon, dear Ghost,” she chirped full of smiling mirth and amusement. Ready to shift her attention back to worth at hand. Even despite Bo’s wicked teasing.
Like most days, working at the atelier was a comfortable routine without surprises or chaos. Though there was a fun little scene of a particularly loud and unpleasant customer who spent a good thirty minutes or so talking BO’s ears off about what she wanted done. In Araminta’s opinion it sounded as if the woman couldn’t ever be happy with anything, as she hated Bo’s expert opinions, and then even hated her own suggestions once she saw them. Leaving Araminta to be glad she was not a craftsman of any sort to have to deal with these sorts of people! Somehow court felt less frustrating!
At the end of the work day, the princess cleaned up as usual and bided Bo a quick goodbye. Where normally she’d leave with him for the walk back to his home, today she was stopping by the Sable Fawn instead to see what the woman had in mind for Araminta’s playing. Hoping it was good news, as she truly did want to take every opportunity she could before they needed to leave town. Now with knowing the paladins could be there any day, Araminta needed the woman to be informed.
With the evening approaching and the natural influx of customers starting to flock in for their various treatments, it was the routine of normality. The girls were in every direction and she was currently playing host to those who were somewhat new or shy. The latter always being her favourite because well, sometimes the most sincere and hilarious commentary came out to the point that she couldn’t resist teasing them.
Of course, with the bustle, she hardly missed the woman that had come in. Eyes flitting up behind that of glasses to consider the girl momentarily and smiled easily. “Araminta.” She bid and opened her hand to indicate that she could approach safely regardless of those trying to be seen first. “Come, lets go have a chat in the office hmm?” She asked without actually telling the other clerk on hand that she was about to conduct some business outside of patron’s ear shot. “You know the way at this point, surely, darling.”
“The Sable Fawn has come to be a home away from home,” admitted Araminta cheerfully, easily falling into step alongside the Madam Jasa, indeed knowing the route to her personal office without even a single step of hesitation.
As usual the place was bustling with frenzied activity, that could honestly rival any of the popular places in the Imperial City, Araminta could bet. A testament to how the business was run, surely, as there never seemed to be a lack of customers even during the middle of work weeks. Leaving Araminta to suspect that many traveled here from outlying villages or made this a must-have stop along their travels through the Imperial Kingdoms.
“I have guests that should arrive any day,” she informed the older woman as they walked. “If they decide the spend the evening here, the ladies will be so very excited to have more youthful clientele!”
Araminta wasn’t so sure how Padma might handle a place like this, that woman tended to be a little more reserved of character than Sir Reeves. The lord paladin on he other hand, Araminta could easily see being delighted with the ambience, color, and general joy that tended to fill the Sable Fawn.
As they entered that of the office –a little more organized than it had been in recent times- Jasa cast a look over her shoulder. Considering the girl that had suggested the place was a home away from home, “I mean there are things we do here that is only done in the means of homes.” She smirked knowingly being a bit of a jester with her tone. Indicating that there was a chair that could be sat in while she took time to seal the door to ensure privacy. Not about to have all sorts of nosy nelly’s hanging about.
Shortly finding her brows lifting as hands smoothed across that of front. “Youthful clientele, well are you now becoming a walking advertisement, Araminta. Broadcasting our humble little abode to those that you are friends with?” Jasa looked impressed at this whilst coming around to sit down. “A prince first –though none of my girls were able to convince him for a bit of romping fun-” Eyes flashed playfully there but continued, “And now others. Well, we’ll just have to see how this pans out. But thank you for the advisement. Always do hate unexpected circumstances.”
With herself shortly situated on her own chair, she considered the girl once more. “But to the meat of the matter. I’ve spoken with Edgar and well, as much as it pains him to admit that you are talented and of course the means of potentially taking a slot away from him, we’ve discussed it. I’d only be able to offer you one or two days a week depending on your time here in town. He said since he is willing to offer a slot, he would also think of taking a percentage of the work, alongside the Sable Fawn. Which is what we are here to discuss. If you are still interested.”
Araminta slid easily into the chair, beaming happily to know Jasa welcome the business coming her way. The princess felt it was important to support people than ran their businesses well and treated their customers with a level of respect. The Madam and her ladies had done just that in away that was trustworthy too, even beyond just their job in being of service.
She was pleased further more that Jasa was ready and willing to let her play and to earn money for it as well, working around Edgar’s temperament. Though, to ask for a percentage of her coin! That little weasel! After being so rude and unwelcoming of her when she’d done everything to be sure she wasn’t upstaging or making a fool of the man in his own place of work. There was no hiding that dubious look on her face, nor did she need to with the Madam. Feeling secure enough to speak truth and better yet, not about to be taken advantage of simply because she was accommodating in nature.
“Luck is with Edgar, it seems, as once my friends have visited, Theon and I will be leaving town shortly after. I fear with that in mind, I may only have a chance for one more night to play. To which I will glady do for free as a thank you for your kindness and care. If Edgar wishes for more pay to make up for his missing slot, perhaps he should put out a tip jar and perform better.”
Lips curled to bare teeth in a friendly cackle when the girl showed exactly the sort of face she expected after hearing Edgar suggest that he was entitled to a percentage of the coin. Of course to him, he was giving up so much to accommodate this apparently nobody. While he had never said it as such, his attitude expressed it. Hardly the type to acknowledge that he may just not be the top of the top, and how Araminta had proven to be very talented. Able to meet his standards and do so without a fluff or a huff in petty commentary back. So he was attempting to line his pockets with the belief that should she play in his allotted spot, then he was still deserving of the coin.
Naturally, she personally didn’t say anything about this. Nor did she agree either, letting Edgar think that the lack of commitment verbally was enough of an agreement to get away with this. Yet in a manner of seconds, Araminta was suggesting that she might just be out of the town after her friends arrived. “Perhaps you are right. A tip jar would be helpful but I fear that might widdle down his ego in ways we aren’t ready for. Chopping a great tree with no reason at its base will only make it fall in unpredictable ways.” Jasa suggested as politely as she could. Basically saying that it would be quite the blow to the man to learn that he wasn’t nearly as valuable as he made himself seem.
He was here to play, but most of the patrons were far more attentive to oogling his female counterparts. Not so much here for the music.
“I would not have you play for free. If you wanted that, the corner is outside.” Jasa pointed just for effect, “But if that is the case then a contract is worthless, no?” Holding papers soon enough in a gesture that they would be torn, Jasa hummed knowingly. “We’d just let you play and see what happens as the night goes on, I would think. Either you earn something or you don’t. It would be up to the patron’s but of course, we’d insist success in our own ways.” Likely to gussy Araminta up to be the bell of the ball so she would attract attention. “Unless you want to try a new service where you play nicely and flirtatiously with our guests. Far more coin in that.”
Good that Madam Jasa understood Araminta’s opinion about Edgar’s weaselly behavior, and she understood too that it wasn’t any good for the woman’s business to suddenly lose a regularly form of entertainment just because a temporary soul had shaken things up a bit. Araminta had no intentions of leaving a hot mess in her wake, even if she felt Edgar might deserve it a teeny tiny bit.
Thus, she carefully considered for a few moments on what would be the best outcome for all. To allow Araminta the freedom to do what she truly wanted, what would be practical for herself and Theon, respectful of Madam Jasa’s establishment and perhaps profitable for all.
“We could make a spectacle of it,” suggested Araminta with some thought. “I don’t wish to do anything salacious, but I am sociable and good with a crowd. Make a grand reveal that you have been hosting the very Princess Araminta,” she revealed with a faeish grin, unsure if Jasa knew already – well she certainly knew now, it wasn’t just one royal but two! – “as your special guest. Set the standard I am not one of your ladies for the touching, but certainly a show worth seeing and perhaps even a rare chance of speaking to if I were to socialize in the tavern.”
The princess paused there, a second thought coming to mind.
“…my one condition would be providing a space where Theon can attend, but would not be seen or bothered. It’s more important to me that he has a chance to see me do something I love in a way it’s meant to be done than any payment. Though, I’d not mind leaving with a fair bit of coin.” she added with a cheeky smile. “Whatever you feel is fair at the end of the evening, perhaps even toss some to Edgar if he is there to watch.”
“A spectacle?” The question went out and only seconds next the girl decidedly made some verbal showing about how she was the one the Imperial Queen had sent to the trials. Well, that part may have already been known considering the whole Imperial Prince. Gossip ran fast and hard in these parts, though she was polite enough not to interrupt the girl.
Even if Jasa didn’t particularly looked thrilled about it as she could have.
Shortly leaning forward once all was said and done, “In all fairness Araminta, I’d prefer not to. While I had no problem hosting you and your wayward stone prince, I also don’t want to influence or even suggest to the Imperial Queen in any shape that you were here in some fancy show. With the rumours about the mad dog having chased you down and such,” Brows lifted, “I’d prefer not to invite any more trouble. And you are trouble.” She gave the word so easily, “Not intentional mind you but regardless, if we play it off that there was no clue of your arrival here as anything less than a guest rather than some spectacle, the better.”
Eyes somewhat narrowed, “Let’s remember this, darling. You and your prince are liabilities. You put everyone else at risk by simply knowing about you. The Queen is a venomous woman that won’t shy away from doing whatever she wishes and that includes clearly who she kills or sicks after you. The death count formerly with the mad dog should be enough of a showcase that subtly is better. And playing as much as humanly possible ignorance, even better. But we can still encourage some sort of venue without inviting the entire kingdom to come barging in. It is truly no offense, but you aren’t worth the lives of my girls and my establishment.”
Then she sort of frowned, “Fairly I also think it is better not to included Theon. I know who he is, likely others will clue in too in some way or shape. We want people to enjoy themselves, not feel uncomfortable.”
That was certainly a grim reminder that Araminta hadn’t expected. A cold, ice water slap to the face that Araminta was not just trouble, she was a dangerous omen to anyone that dared give her shelter. She’d been so distracted and concerned with shielding Theon, to find spaces for him to have a safe and pleasant life, that she’d forgotten the biggest threat to him and everyone else was herself. Simply because she existed.
“You’re right, my apologies,” she said quickly, carefully. A life time of being a born and bred royal taking over with the same practiced ease akin to her muscle memory with playing music, to keep that sudden churning twist in her stomach off her features. To allow the concern and understanding without revealing any inner turmoil.
“I can do a final performance in whatever way you feel is most beneficial and safe for the Sable Fawn. You have been a trusted and more than accomidating host, it is the least I can do for you and your ladies.”
Without Theon too, no less. That she could do as well. Araminta had let her ego guide her choices for long enough in this town, and the man didn’t truly want to attend anyway! Prefer to keep his solace and quiet, without wanting to draw anyone’s attention. Simply because she seemed to think she was so special did not mean she should put everyone at risk just to show herself off!
“Had this been any other time where you weren’t sitting on the Queen’s tailcoat, pulling at her hair whilst blaming someone else, we could certainly go a grand extravagant affair. Bells, whistles, you name it. But until you’ve accomplished what you’ve set out to do and pushed Bloody Heirra’s eyes away, it’s not worth that much. Here, inside, the last few times you’ve played; you were part of the band. Much to Edgar’s annoyance. Another one of the people, gussied and dolled to the nines. None the wiser. This idea however, blows that all out the water.” She could tell that her wording has affected the girl but that might have been a good thing.
The little woman was genuine and sweet but it was that innocence that could get her into a whole world of trouble, with many others included.
“In the future, if you managed your finer details, we could come back to it. Put a pin in it rather than putting it away in a box never to look at again.” Jasa tried before nodding to agree she could likely think of something. “I do want to showcase your talent, that’s for certain. If we must, we’ll lay into the mysterious charm of the wandering stranger. Put you in something that makes it hard to see Princess Araminta but rather just another pretty face with a set of good skillful fingers. Discretion is one of my biggest things after all.”
Fingers tapped softly on the desk, “Why don’t we do it like this. Wait for your friends to toddle along and then see how long you have left here. We can always work on that timeline instead of trying to put the cart before the horse, as it were. Unless you are leaving tonight, I think we’ve got time. Let you have your hair down a while longer before you’ve gotta get back to what it is you’ve gotta do.”
“A mysterious masquerade would be fitting,” Araminta agreed. “I’ve enjoyed experiencing the sort of looks and personas the girls have put me in, things I would never have chosen myself.”
Best to leave Princess Araminta out in the wild where she belonged. Not to be out and about within the company of others, where bloodshed and mayhem was sure to follow swift behind it. Remembering very vividly again the actions of Gusteau to so vicious torture and murder so many women simply because they bore a similar enough look to Araminta. Something she’d attempted to push aside out of her head, trying to tell herself she couldn’t be to blame for something that wasn’t her own actions. Knowing deep down, it was her, though. Araminta’s choices.
“This is a good plan,” she finally said. “When my friends arrive here, schedule the night of your convenience and I will play. I’ll make our plans to leave for after that. It’ll be my pleasure to have that last chance.”
Easily she bore a swift lackadaisical grin at the suggestion of a mysterious masquerade. It wouldn’t be difficult in the least to do it as such and she knew that of her girls would have a lot of fun putting such things into action. Plus, if it could put some shroud over the woman before her, then even better. Finding it was a grand idea.
“Perfect, then it’s just waiting for your friends to show up. In the mean time, I can prepare things in advance so when we know the dates, it can all come together. Less having to sit around and wait. Of course, if you have ideas as well, you know where we are. As much as I am telling you to keep it quiet, that doesn’t mean I want you to be stifled. Who knows when you will be able to be simply free as a bird as you are currently. This idea could even benefit you to rub elbows with potentially those who might help you in the future as well. Just a word of suggestion in that regard.” Jasa smirked before looking over the woman once more.
“Try not to stress to much in the meantime. You’re still young and wrinkles at your age would be troublesome. This is a chance for you to just enjoy the time you have without concern and with those who value your artist abilities.”
“I’m sure you will devise something that will provide the perfect allure and mystery. I may very well find it a perfect opportunity for stealthy listening of my own.”
That was actually an incredible idea. The sort of tactical move that Theon expected of her. Araminta had used the withholding of her identity before working as a waitress in taverns, in little villages as just simple Araminta. Before she’d gotten a little too brave and foolish for her own good. As much as Madam Jasa’s reminder had given her an icy twist in her stomach to realize the own folly in her recent behaviors, it was a wisdom she appreciated. Better to catch herself now, than to continue on and get someone else killed in the process.
“You’ve been a good friend yourself, Madam Jasa. I hope when all is done I have a chance to return here and experience things to their fullest.” With a genuine soft smile, Araminta went about sliding out of her chair. “I’ll see you soon and look forward to what is cooked up for such a send off.”
Out came a breezy laugh at the suggestion of being a good friend and of course the statement that when and if the girl returned, they might just have a little bit of a means to get together. “Talk like that and the next time you come along, I may be trying to get you into the business as a partner. Not just as an act on the stage.” Jasa offered her own little twist of a smile that may have implied, she wasn’t particularly kidding about it.
Just that there was a knock on the door, “Madam Jasa, are you free? Juliana got herself stuck in a dress and we can’t get her out.” One of her employees whined from beyond, causing the Madam to gather up.
“Duty calls, you know your way out just as much as you do in. I’ll send over another messenger to that of Bogart’s atelier when your friends come along. And if you’re lucky, I’ll give you a sampling of what I’ve got cooked up. Until then, darling.” She went to open the door and watched as the dark haired woman scuttled sideways only to wave a bit to Araminta before plucking close to Jasa’s heels to save another form a dress gone rogue.
Araminta most certainly escorted herself out of the Sable Fawn just as quickly as her feet could carry her, only to immediately slow to a snail’s pace as soon as she got far enough down the street. Head held high, because it wouldn’t do to have herself crying her way down the street and creating all manner of gossip and concern for anyone who spotted her.
She’d let herself get so wrapped up in this beautiful fantasy of domestic life. Allowed her own ambition to plot, scheme, plan, and dream of things so grand… forgetting that to accomplish any of them there was going to be a wake of blood behind her. Those deaths would not be done by her own hands – yet what was the difference? To challenge the Imperial Queen meant death, and because Araminta didn’t have the sense to die when she should have, now others were taking her place. With every step she took, every future trial she succeeded with… someone was going to bear those consequences. It wouldn’t be her, it would be some poor innocent people. Families.
Perhaps whole villages and more. Theon was the Queen’s trusted assassin and when he failed, Gusteau was the response. What pure, unbridled, terrifying horror was going to follow?
She was such a stupid, foolish girl.
Once she’d arrived back to the home of Bogart and Adra, she was quite late but she’d managed to at least school her outward appearance to something gently friendly. There was no need to ruin a nice evening and lovely family dinner simply because she’d been brought back down to reality. Araminta just wished to lay down.
The home was just as noisy as it ever had been. Where the trio of children were certainly declaring the volumes to be due to themselves and the want for something to eat, Adra had pulled that of husband into the one of the tender’s. Somehow relieving him of the task only because the woman had long since figured out in this week of being within their abode, that his ability to eat stemmed from being able to cook himself. Although she hadn’t figured out the exact reason, she seen it that he was just a picky eater. Particular about tastes, ingredients and so forth. It had honestly been more of a surprise to him to return after spending the time at the library with Sophia, that Adra insisted he was to cook with her.
They’d been working on it for some time with the home smelling certainly of something savoury. Currently giving his hands a proper wipe down as the abode had its only larger clay oven to do the baking. Similar to the one he had used at the hut just far less portable. “Zu ta lor,” He learnt the wording had meant damn in her native tongue, before Adra was giving him a few back of the hand pats to bicep, “Colour me impressed, Ghost. Didn’t think you had any sort of culinary skill that wasn’t… as you say, rustling up beans and pork.” Bo rolled his eyes from across the room at the table whilst trying to hush down his children. Unsuccessfully one might add. “Where did you learn how to put together a meal.”
Theon shrugged indifferently, “Had too. Watched people. Sometimes read when I could.” Adra looked perfectly disbelieving at this.
“Show off skills like that, and you’ll have a line up of little damsels wanting to be treated to such things. Rather than them cooking all the time. I want you to write down what you did with that tenderloin too, especially if it comes out half as good as it smells.” A nod was offered not about to say no to such a statement, though it seemed the sound of the door opening had been enough to bid attention upwards. “Ah, there she is. Here we thought you might have been sucked into one of Jasa’s newest schemes of musical intrigue, Araminta. The meal is almost finished to that of some proper aid,”
The sound, the tone particularly aimed at Bo, “I can tailor, my lark. Not cook.”
“Should learn. Ghost should teach.” She gave him another pat with her knuckles lightly, “Perhaps you should stay here and be our live in nanny, hmm? Food and watching the littles. We’d pay you well, surely.”
“No, thank you.”
“I’ll wear you down yet. You’ll see.”
Another roll of eyes and Bo turned to look at Araminta, “Did you take a walk after meeting with Jasa, Araminta?”
This lively home of wonderful smells and sweet excited faces and joyful contentment would’ve usually been the perfect welcomed balm to ease any foul mood she might’ve fallen in. Even better that Theon was getting this experience, to spend time with little ones that had no judgement or preconceptions about him, to have adult conversation with a kind couple, to actually cook a meal for a delightful family.
Yet in that moment it felt like the twist of a knife, cutting deep in her heart to witness something so pure and innocent knowing that because she was here, they could all be doomed to die. That if the Bloody Queen Heirra ever knew that this family had taken her in and aided her, they might all wind up slaughtered in the very home they’d built. So easy to imagine the poor little babies butchered, because she very well had seen it before hadn’t she!
Understanding now why Theon pulled back and away so far from people that he didn’t even wish to be perceived. To become a ghost. Araminta so very much wanted to be a ghost herself right now.
“Madam Jasa is going to arrange a final night for me to play, once our friends have arrived. I- …my head hurts. I thought a walk might clear it, but I think I may just excuse myself from dinner and go lay down.”
It wasn’t quite her head hurting, but with the way her heart was squeezing Araminta doubted she could pass as good company through dinner. Passing her hand softly over the little Chloe’s head with a softly wistful look, to give a quiet sorry to the rest before she did excuse herself off to her granted room.
There came a strange sort of tension that he could practically feel when Araminta showed that of her face. Certainly not in the same exuberant self that he had seen in the past while. Something proved to be wrong and while Adra had attempted to be her spicy little tricksy self, it was apparent that something was lingering upon the usual cheery woman. Even as she expressed that she had gone for a walk due to the fact that she had seemingly that of a headache, he found himself not particularly buying it. Not entire sure why or how he could assume such things but that nagging sort of feeling was there.
Especially when the sound of Bo was telling Araminta to get some rest and he felt Adra once more, repeat that action of tapping him with the back of her hand. Save this time it wasn’t done in that playful effort that was previous, this time it seemed like she was nudging him.
“Go on,” Adra muttered low. Turning her nose somewhat upwards, “I can keep an eye on that in which you’ve thrown together. Give her a proper check upon eh?”
She added on a motion of fingers that represented a shooing effort that bid him to agree. Something seemed off and even if he could just momentarily offer a sense of presence, then he figured he ought too. It was up to Araminta if she wanted him to leave her the hell alone or not. Still he gave a gentle nod to excuse himself to trace the steps from kitchen area towards the back end of the house. Where the rooms had all be arranged though that of Adra’s and Bo’s were upstairs with Sophia’s. The others were downstairs including their offered space in which he came to slowly approach. Glancing about the home once more in case there was something he may have missed in passing.
Still, he knew all he could do was try. If she told him to go find the nearest cliff to jump off of, then he would leave her be.
Lightly rapping knuckles upon the door, “Araminta?”
Araminta was sitting on the edge of the bed, having just pulled off her boots when Theon knocked on the door. Something too that usually was a comfort, yet there she was staring at the door quietly wondering if she stayed silent enough he’d think she hit the mattress and fell asleep immediately. To usual wheels in her head spinning and spinning, trying to think of the best option. Tell him to leave her be? He might not ever be brave enough to knock on a door again! Letting him in wasn’t going to be any good either, as this was not something that could be fixed.
It was never going to be fixed! And that was where Araminta was stuck. That terrible dreadful place of feeling that everything she did was so pointless. Not being able to help a slow glance over her shoulder towards the window, for a brief wild moment of wondering what would happen if she climbed out and just started running.
After what was likely an agonizingly inappropriate amount of time she did finally rise to her feet and pad across the room to open up the door for Theon. Unable to dig up the energy or volume necessary for a cheery come in!
“I’m okay, Theon, I just don’t feel well,” she softly reassured him. Not a lie either, Araminta definitely did not feel well.
It certainly was a long pause that any further in time –had he not heard the sound of light steps across the space- he may have actually assumed she had tucked into the bed and fell fast asleep. Liable to believe that it was in fact something nagging in a that of one’s skull to draw pain to where only sleep could bring it to a null and void. He knew well enough that headaches could be really debilitating when they decided to strike with an unbridled fury. No less, he thought it best to check in just in case she needed something.
So when the door opened, curiosity piqued and dipped very swiftly.
It was like the barest prickle upon skin that when gaze rested upon her, he could tell she wasn’t exactly saying all that there was. A nagging feeling that something was wrong in a way that wasn’t just purely physical but he was hardly the person that could do much of anything in that regard. Well even physically, he’d only be able to mend rather than take care.
The moment grew quickly on his end to feel bothersome and awkward. Nodding gingerly. “Okay.” Slipping a step back, “Rest well.” Another nod and he wasn’t about to impose upon her simply on a bare whim of a feeling that he didn’t even know was correct. If she felt unwell, then he would leave her to be.
He’d finish that of his chores this evening at least to help Adra and Bo, and he’d be attentive to be elsewhere as not to linger around.
Slipping heel back to wander back to that of the kitchen as to ensure that the meal was prepared and served when they were ready to eat.
Araminta almost asked him to come back, her mouth opening before she forced herself to promptly shut it. Following too with the gentle closing of the door, to lean against it with furrowed brow and a mangled twist of feelings that were starting to bring on an actual headache. Once she’d told him that hard things were easier when shared with someone, but maybe she’d been wrong about that! This burden she’d placed on him had costs that were so impossibly high!
Moving back to the bed, Araminta climbed in and up under the covers until she was nothing but a buried mound of princess. Feeling the weight of her thoughts far greater than the heavy blankets, and having nowhere constructive to put them. Finding herself back in that place she’d been in weeks and months ago, with an added bitter awareness that she was going to keep on going anyway. Knowing deep down that the bigger picture was more important – hard things had to be done. Someone had to make these impossible decisions, someone needed to stand up to that hateful women and carry the consequences with them.
Araminta’s soft and squishy feelings needed to be stamped and stomped and buried deep down. Compassion and connection were vital, but Araminta was drowning in it! She would need to cut and snip it all away, to learn to hold everyone at a safe enough distance so she didn’t lose track of what was most important.
Until then she cried, for all of the people that were dead and buried ghosts because of her, and all of the future people that were going to meet the same fate. She cried about demons, she cried over mercenaries, she cried about lost families and broken families, and sad little dead pigs! Araminta cried until no more tears wanted to come out and her head ached, but at least she had solace in knowing that there was a nice family having dinner with Theon. So when she did succumb to a weary sleep there was at least that tiny little ember of believing there was still good in what she did.
A lot of the evening just sort of went into an automotive mode as to keep busy and mentally chalking himself into a space that functioned on work and duties. Not sure he could really rummage around and try to help whatever it was that had come to rest upon Araminta. Figuring that if she didn’t want to tell him, then it was entirely something that he was not to know. The sort of thing that a was private, for her and her alone. Not about to even attempt poking at it like some eager child to a hornet’s nest. Understanding that she likely didn’t want him to know due to probably being potentially unable to understand or just an added bit of annoyance to whatever it was.
What he could do, was leave her alone. That he was good at and was familiar with being a singular entity anyways. Whatever she needed to do, she would not be harassed or annoyed to speaking about it.
Adra had put together a plate after the meal for the woman, before asking for some assistance to where he agreed to do whatever sort of mundane chores she wanted. Leaving Bo to scurry his group of children to that of the tub that would need water boiled for some heat. Something he complied with doing whilst Adra seemed to be talking about something half the time that he didn’t really register. Just that at some point she had asked him if he would clean up the kitchen and there was no complaint from him. Leaving him to his own devices. Seemingly taking on more of the means of tending to menial chores even after he realized that Adra had come to check on him.
He avoided the room as to give that space. Completing the means of staying awake throughout the night doing small things in the house even as everyone else went to sleep and by the time morning came, he had offered to take out the laundry to wash by one hand and hang. So he could be prepared to take the children out once more for parent’s to work. Where Bo left at his typical time but Adra had stayed behind after the rest of them left.
She would have to warm up the meal that was left over for Araminta at least.