Packages & Dealings Pt.2

[Leo]

(Typically the following conversation would be in Spanish, but for reader ease it's in English)

"And you invited her to come to the Manor, now?"

"It's the perfect time, Sir. Do not worry about it."

"What I'm worried about is your performance. " There was a bit of laughter. "I don't know you to mix your work in many a-year."

"Don't worry. They are not mixing now. I am still here."

"Yes, you are. For now."

The opening of a door brought a pause to the conversation of the two men and also shed more light into the very dimly lit passageway that they had been traveling. The sudden light always caused Leo to squint or shield his eyes in some type of way in order for them to adjust but the same couldn't be said for the man he was with. The Marqués del Stry never paused or flinched, nor did he even shift his head - not that Leo could see - when they traveled from different degrees of light.

Stepping out of the passageway they entered into one of the Marqués' private studies and were greeted by the short and round head housekeeper, Ama, who had apparently been pacing the floor.

"Heavens above, finally!" Stated with an exasperated sigh as she came forward to the two men., damp towels in hand. Presuming they would be a mess as always with their clothes and grit over their bodies. She didn't ask anymore for she was tired of the answers.

The towels were taken and the males began to wipe off what they could with the towels before taking off their suit jackets. "The coach was spotted not to far from the main gate. It will be here soon."

"Was anyone in it?" Leo questioned. Even if Gwen hadn't accepted the coach would still be returning.

"Yes, yes they say there was someone inside."

"Ah-ha! She accepted!” Leo gave the Marqués a firm pat on the back before making his way to the door with his Master and friend following right behind. "I should meet her."

“Neither of you two will do anything of the sort until you presentable." Ama stated as she followed behind the pair. She was older than both of them and that alone gave her leverage in the household position. Not only that but she was one of the few in the household that really knew about the two men and was held in trusted confidence. "People are coming and the two of you out gallivanting...."

That was putting it lightly.

Meanwhile.....back with the coach

The trip, as promised, was ten hours. The coach took the scenic route, passing by many trees and the forest before riding along the western coastline of Rhydin. The smell of the ocean and the crashing waves of the sea filled the air in a calming way and drifted in through the windows and played with the curtains if they there loose.

It was all quite peaceful and due to it being day, if they took time to look out the windows they would see the rich land around them.. As they grew closer to the destination, there was a hint of grapes in the air, or wine and they passed through a very large vineyard that looked as if it stretched on for miles. And perhaps it did. The coach was ridding on a cobblestone drive that was outlined in lights as now the hour was in the early evening, around 6pm. Up ahead was the manor house.

The vineyard had ended and shrubs outlined the driveway. Flowers and bushes were scattered about with gardeners to tend it. The landscaping was neat and well taken care of. The Manor itself was three stories tall with a light beige brick and grey slated roof. Windows ran all along each floor and a marble steps led to the archway that held the front door.

Waiting along the steps were four servants in the colors of the house.. Two females and two males: the women where dressed in the same fashion as the ones who worked in the shop and the men the same as their coachman. Standing in the middle was Ama, and she stood with her hands folded and down.

The coachman began to slow and stopped so the door was exactly in line with Ama. As the horses were stopped he got down and walked around to the side. Before opening the door he knocked on it three times. Then it would open and he would extend a hand to help whoever came out first.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Both of the girls that were inside the carriage keep peeking out of the windows. Except for that stretch that Violet fell asleep, which it wasn’t long afterwards that Gwendolyn followed suit. They did not sleep for overly long, not enough that they would wake up groggily. Violet found herself stretched out her legs out in front of her, taking up the floor in front of Gwen, which was possible because Gwen had kicked off her shoes in her sleep and curled up in a small ball almost on the seat she was seated upon. If one had looked they might even mistake her for a little kid. Upon waking both girls happened to open their eyes at the same time, and both stretched their arms, Gwen sat up while Violet bent her knees and Gwen stretched her own legs out.

The girls chatted a bit, quietly back and forth, about random things, but nothing that was important or newsworthy. That was until the smell of the sea hit their noses, other smells did not have that quieting effect. Gwen was the first to shift in the seat, lifting her self upwards and moving the side curtain just so she had enough room to look out. Violet shifted to look out the same window, shifting the curtain as well, she normally wasn’t as curious as Gwendolyn, but being that her favorite shape to shift to was a cat of sorts it shouldn’t be a surprise. Gwen pulled her head back to give Violet a smile, both girls liked the sound of the water, it was one thing they found that they did have in common.

Then the vineyard came, and Violet had to explain to Gwen what exactly it was, and a few other aspects. That took a few moments and she wasn’t sure that Gwendolyn had fully gotten it but she figured she got the gist of it, and that should do just fine. Then they saw the driveway and the shrubs, and then the manor house. As they were taking everything in, the curtains had been pushed aside before the carriage had stopped, the carriage came to a stop.

The girls looked between each other as they adjusted their clothing after the long journey. As the knocks came to the door, once the door was open, it would take Gwen a moment longer then Violet to get her items. So Violet would take her small pack she had brought with her and sling it over her shoulder, and then out she went, her hand going into the man’s hand. A smile flickered over Violets features as she looked to the driver that helped her down. “Thank you.” Once she was down she would step to the side, and wait for the man to help out Gwendolyn. Gwen would slip her hand into the man’s, hopefully he would not think anything strange about the warmth that radiated from her, chalk it up to the ride or the nervousness or something! When he helped her from the carriage, the hand that did not take his, had the brown package and her own small jersey bundle. Once she was safely from the carriage a smile touched her lips as she looked to the man. “Thank you, Mr. Cedro.” The words were spoken like most of her words, and they were not spoken simply because of manners but because she really meant it. She never said anything that she did not mean.

Unsure of where to go or what to do, she would shoot a shy smile to the four servants that were lined up, one that might be small in size but was filled with warmth. Even if it was a bit intimidating to see so many people, after getting out of a long carriage ride. Her free hand, if Mr. Cedro had released it would move upwards and tug and fuss with her hair, surely it wasn’t in it’s best condition, and she had thought to late about the brush she had brought with her.

[Ama]

Ama watched as the carriage arrived and stopped in front of the steps, waiting patiently for the lady to come out. She had been told what Gwendolyn would look like so when the first lady stepped out she knew that it must not be her. She was pretty enough but even if she had not been given a physical description, there was something more worldly about her that Ama did not think applied to the one Leo had described.

Once both girls were out of the coach Cedro gave them a bow and retook his place he was before. The vehicle had to be put away and that's just what he was going to do. As he started off Ama stepped forward, her hands still held in front of her. Posture was straight and her chin was high but didn't give the impression of looking down at either one of them. She stepped an arm span and a half away from them. "Lady Gwendolyn," she said as her eyes scanned down to look at the girl's hand to see if she saw the ring. Hopefully Leo had told her to wear it, the benefit would be of help. There was an accent in her voice though it was different from Leo's it held the same type of quality.

The package carried by her was recognized but not the one by the companion. Eyes were directed to her and back to Gwendolyn. "You brought bags?" She asked. "There was no need. I am Ama, head of the Household, welcome to La Casa del Stry."

Once more she looked to the woman Gwendolyn had brought with her. "What is the name of your companion?" They needed to know what to call her.

Motioning with a hand behind her the two females that were there took a collective step forward and curtsied respectfully before their hands returned in front of them. They looked the same, as though related - and they were sisters in fact - lightly tanned skin with a dark hair pulled back into a bun one was slightly taller than the other and they looked the same age as the women who worked the shop. "Jenna and Calisa, they will be your attendants. " Ama said and each girl gave a nod of her head when her name was called. Jenna was the taller of the two.

"Come now, there's much to do.." Ama would turn then to start heading in, but that didn't mean that she couldn't be called or stopped. "Follow me." As for Jenna and Calisa they approached Gwen and Violet and asked if they could take their packages, the taller one went to Gwen.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

The ring, the one that Leo had given to Gwen, had not been taken off since she had gotten it. The thumb that the ring was on, was there, and very visible due to the holding of the package. The package that Leo told her to bring with her. She moved her hand that had the package which allowed the sun to glint off the ring just so. A bright smile formed over shy lips, for having so many people greeting her, was new to her. When she spoke Gwen’s name her head bobbed, and she fell into a small curtsey, before lifting her head upwards, careful not to drop the package. She did not know what was in it, but it was treated with much respect and care, for it came from her Leo. She did not know the normal protocol so that’s what they got.

Violet was standing still at Gwendolyn’s side, but she did not speak up, it was not her place. As she was not a servant and had come as Gwen’s companion, she had spent enough time as her pet that she only stepped in when needed. “Tis a pleasure to meet you Ms. Alma.” The words were punctuated by a smile. Pure as any action that came from the girl. “Thank you for the warm welcome.” It was hopefully the correct thing to say, but as she had not been in such a position before, the inside of her cheek was bitten. Normally it was her lower lip, but that would have been to obvious, so she felt.

Blushing, Ms. Alma must be thinking that she lacked horribly in manners. Normally that was not the case, it just happened sometimes when she was out of place and unsure of herself, that things slipped. A blush crept over Gwendolyn’s features as she cast a shy glance back to Ms. Alma. “I beg forgiveness…my companion is Le….I mean to say, Violet.” She was still having trouble with the new name, for the new form, but she was trying. Weight was shifted between her feet. Trying to cool her blushing down.

Yes the bags, she would explain for they were rather small, and the blush still had not gone away yet. “Tis just a few personal belongings.” She meant no disrespect, none in the least.

When the two ladies stepped forward, Gwen would notice how similar they both looked, as would Violet. A smile was given to both of them from both Gwen and Vi. When the girls asked for the packages, Gwen would give up the packages for she had two, the small one she had brought and the one from Leo. Some reluctance was given but she did give them to Jenna. If her hands were brushed during the exchange of packages they would feel the normal warmth that they were. “Tis a pleasure to meet you Miss. Jenna.” The same was being done with Violet and Calisa.

Gwen and Violet fell into step next to each other following Ms. Alma. Shooting each other a look about the much to do. Were they in trouble? This shall prove to be most interesting.

[Ama]

They may not be in any trouble at all it was certainly not from Ama. She did not receive any word about administering disciplinary actions and therefore she was going to do this task she was assigned. With another nod Jenna and Calisa took the packages that the girls had and then fell in step a few paces behind Gwendolyn and Violet as they followed Ama. The two men who were their took up the rear to go back to their other duties, since Gwendolyn’s guest had been a female there was no need for male attendants. The girls were effectively being escorted to the next destination.

Inside was spacious with a feeling of light and cleanliness. The floors were polished white marble with purple speckles here and there to break up the white monotony and the walls were a cream. Long windows had drapes of layered purple and gold that was light and transparent enough to not make the halls dark. Summer drapes, in the colder season they would be traded out for a heavier fabric. A few small statues were about as well as potted plants. A double staircase separated what looked to be the Den, with it’s seating, large bookself and small tables about from the other section of the main floor. Ama was taking them to the stairs that went up to the left it gave an overlook of the Den. Aside from the in-wall sconces there didn’t seem to be anything ‘Modern’ about the Manor so if the girls had brought anything electronic to plug in they would be out of luck. A person only had to know where to look.

“You will be staying in the West Wing, second floor,” Ama said as she continued to walk, “feel free to look around any open space. Your attendant will be with you.” It was the normal way of things about the Manor: the more important quests were given female or male attendants to cater to their needs. Unless, of course, the guest had come with their own. If Gwendolyn had announced Violet as her maid, retainer or something similar than Jenna and Calisa would not have been as necessary.

“Unless you would prefer otherwise the two of you have separate rooms that are besides the other.” Ama pointed to one of the door and stopped in front of it and Jenna – who was assigned to Gwendolyn – opened the door. “This is your room.”

This single room was slightly bigger than the suites at the Inn though it lacked its own kitchen, which made the living room area of it bigger. Only the bathroom area was sectioned off from the rest of the room with a wall and door. The bed was King sized – a large one that was able to fit two people rather comfortably. The large wardrobe was stocked with dresses and a few casual items that would fit Gwen’s measurements. A few of the items were adjustable enough – such as bodices and wrap skirts – to fit another. Any skirt found within would be long length.

Jenna went in with the package that were Gwen’s and set it on the vanity. “I will draw your bath,” she said before heading to the bathroom. Of course they had expected that she would want to freshen up after the long ride.

Ama turned to Gwendolyn and Violet to address them. “If there is not anything you need I will take Miss Violet to her room so she can freshen up as well. Dinner will be soon and you’re expected.” That was all she said about dinner unless she was asked more.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Well, Leo didn’t say she could bring a male, but he didn’t exactly say she couldn’t either. It hadn’t crossed her mind, though maybe if she would of thought of such a thing, she would of asked Archer to come along. He was fun. Except she was hiding from him because she was scared he would ask for his shirt back, and she liked to sleep in it, so really she was just preserving one of her favorite sleeping garments.

Oh, neither of the girls brought anything modern, Gwen still hadn’t seen a cell phone, yet she was very familiar with the t.v. As they walked, Violet would peer around a bit, but not obviously, she was rather good at noticing things with little movement, and it was good for her to do such. What if something came up and she had to hustle Gwen out for some reason? Figuring out the escape routes was part of her job. Now if anyone saw Gwen’s face they would be able to see everything she thought fluttering across her features. It was the floor that had her attention. Truth be told she didn’t really look anywhere else, delight was sparkling in her gaze when they reached the stairs, her voice was soft as she whispered, even though everyone in the little group could hear her. “That is the prettiest floor ever!” That was met with a laugh from Violet, whom lifted her hand to cover her mouth, as it trickled out of her. If one later asked Gwen the color of the walls or the drapes she would be clueless.

She would peek at Ms. Alma’s back, as she spoke, “Is there a lot of open spaces?” Really she hadn’t been paying to much attention, and perhaps she should have been, she really should of, but that had perked her up. The exploring the open spaces.

Seeing that it was already set up for the girls to have separate rooms, and Gwendolyn was used to not having Violet in her room, nor did she want to be a hassle and have things changed up. Though her mind wondered what would of happened had she brought Archer on the trip with her, if he would be next to her room, or if men slept in a different area then females or how it worked. Things she had heard happened often. When they reached the door for where Gwendolyn was to be staying she would smile. “Thank you Ms. Alma.” And then she would shoot Jenna a warm smile. “Thank you that would be delightful!” Most of her smiles touched her eyes, for she wasn’t very good at showing emotions that she did not feel, she was not one that would make a good poker player.

A nod of her head, in understanding at the speaking of showing Violet her room, for Gwen wasn’t afraid to be alone, unless the shadows came but that had been so long ago. “Thank you again, Ms. Alma.” For telling her when dinner was, she had no need of anything else, and she would slip into the room, leaving Violet with the others, whom she would follow along with.

Gwen stepping into the room, would shut the door behind her, before she would explore the room she was given for her stay. Steps were carefully taken, before she paused before the vanity where not only the brown package that Leo had brought but her own small jersey knit bag. It was the jersey knit bag she went too, and when she opened it she left the journal inside, it had a lock, that she had the key too, it wasn’t one of those cheap locks either it would take quite a bit of time to pick its lock. The other thing she had in there besides a pen, was her hair brush. She wasn’t picky about ties or pins but her brush, she loved her brush. She also didn’t think that one could hold that against her, she wanted her own brush and her journal. Sure girls her age usually did not keep a journal but Gwen was not like girls her own age.

She would move to where the clothing was hung up, looking at it all, before stepping back a moment. So many choices and unsure of what to wear for dinner. She would shoot a shy glance to Jenna, hands coming out before her, even without being able to stop it, her hands twisted upon each other. A wringing of sorts. Her voice was soft as her hazel gaze looked to the girl. “Jenna…what does one wear to dinner?” She was unaccustomed to so much having been so sheltered that she needed to ask for help, and it caused a hint of a blush to creep over her features. Light steps took her towards where Jenna and the bath that was drawn. She eyed the water with glee. The girl loved her baths.

[Leo]

Gwendolyn did not have to notice anything of the Manor that she did not want to and if the opinion of that would have been asked to the Lord of the Manor he may have even preferred it. Being that nothing further was needed of Ama she started to leave Gwen's room, the questions that she had about the rooms would be answered by Jenna. 

Violet was taken to the room that was to be assigned to her - it was next door to Gwen. Due to the size of the rooms being 'next door' hardly meant that you could reach from one door and touch the other. If the rooms were on a corner it would be different. Instead their doors were at least a hundred feet apart, a marble floor-stand flower pot was in the middle that had ivy (non poisonous) spilling out and  around it. 

The Manor was not empty today - even if it did seem quiet - and during the short walk to Violet's room someone else came walking down the hall. She was heard first before she was seen coming around the corner from the far end of the hall.  Her outfit was red and white with fringes of gold circling down the straight line skirt. Her walk was in quick, short steps due to the tight nature of the skirt that had no slit anywhere for ease. The shoes were thin and their heel added a handspan of height. The lady was not alone but she was talking  to three other females - not dressed as well as her and not in the House uniform - in a language that was not Common nor what Gwen had heard from Leo. 

This Lady was human, her skin milky white with a face powered to perfection and upon seeing Ama and the others she ceased her talking when near and tossed her head up into the air. Ama did no better and completely ignored the other as she continued about her way to reach and open the door of Violet's room. Clearly there was no loss of animosity between those two. 

"Here you are Miss Violet," said Ama as she now entered the room. It was quite like Gwen's though the bedding and furniture selection differed. Calisa entered in to get the bath ready. 

"This room will be yours while you are here," Ama began saying as she stayed near the entrance, her hands folded down in front of her, "and the wardrobe there has clothing that should fit you." She was comparing her size to that of Calisa, though the attendant may be slightly shorter the looked to be the same size. 

"Calisa will help dress you for dinner and answer your questions." With that she turned to leave out of the room. 

Back in the room with Gwen the bath had been properly poured with a light topping of bubbles in the hot water. It bore a hint of Jasmine and there were fluffy towels for afterward. "Not to be rude, my Lady, but her name is Ama, without the 'L'." Unsure of how Gwen would take to being corrected she had said it rather timidly as she stood. 

Her eyes swept the ground before going back to Gwen "And there are many open rooms," going to a topic she remembered hearing her ask Ama of, "like the libraries and the reading rooms, den and indoor garden. There are stables and fields if you'd like to ride. And if you don't need me to bathe you, my Lady, I will prepare your dress for the dinner."

She would wait and see the answer. 

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Whew! Hopefully Gwen would not get a test later about the inside of the building. Her answer might be like oh the floor is pretty. Not meaning any offense of course.

Gwen would blink a moment, and her cheeks would brighten with pink color as she looked to Jenna. “Oh my! Thank you Jenna…that is your name yes?” Now she was questioning if she heard the young ladies name correctly or not, as she had misheard the other, her blush was growing across her cheeks and upwards, darkening in color. “It must be the nerves.” Most people would not admit such to someone they just met, but this was Gwen, and she was sometimes to openly honest. Hazel gaze looked away from Jenna quickly, taking a small breath of the air, she could smell the bath water, and she would walk towards it.

Once she reached the bath, she would lift her head to look at Jenna ever so shyly. “Oh! Does that mean if the library is a open room, I could read a book in there?” Gwen adored books. With the smiles that were slipping out of Gwen, her face was not so heated, as she looked towards the girl, almost timidly herself. “And horses, I haven’t been on a horse in so long….” She was indeed interested in such things, though she didn’t know exactly what was planned so she was more of a go with the moment sort of girl. Though she normally was more of a go with the moment sort of girl.

Oh yes, back to the question at hand, did she need help? “Oh I would greatly appreciate if you would set something out for me to wear.” That would take all the decisions out of her hands, and right now she really couldn’t figure out what to wear. Once that was said, Gwen would take both of her braids and release the ties at the bottom, fingers moving quickly on both sides, to undo the twists, once that was done she would proceed to undress. Once she had taken off her clothing, she would step into the bath, big toe first. Once she got into the tub, a soft sigh of contentment would be heard from her, as she sank into the water.

Meanwhile…

As Ama was walking with Violet, and the other lady appeared, which to Violet she wouldn’t know if the woman was human, vampire or any other creature. What she did know was how the woman had ceased to speak, the looks and the feeling of something not happy in the air. Violet was not one known for discretion, but at the moment she would wait until Ama started to speak again. “Who was that?” Now she would have had to expect the question. And Violet was the sort that would research things herself if need be.

“Thank you.” For showing her the room, she did not neglect to notice how far away the doors were from each other, but she did not fear because she did not see a door between the two, thought part of her was wondering if she should of insisted her and Gwen share a room. They shared a room of sorts back at the Inn, but she did not want to say such to Gwen, and she would abide her wishes, unless she learnt something she did not like.

Violet entered the room and looked around, as she cast a questioning look to Calisa.

[Leo]

"Yes, my Lady, Jenna is my name," she said a bit timidly as she started to back out of the room. Gwendolyn could have called her anything that she wanted - because Jenna was the attendant - and she would have responded as long as she knew that it was the name assigned to her. But this was not something that she voiced.

"The libraries and their sitting rooms are always open," Jenna said as she left out the bathroom to set about getting Gwendolyn's clothes ready, adding in that she was going to prepare her clothes.

Fortunately Jenna would not have to search in the closet for what Gwendolyn was to wear to dinner as it was in the package that she had arrived with. The one that Leo had sent her. Whether she had decided to come or not the dress would still be hers to have, this only meant that she would wear it initially for the occasion he planned it for.

Jenna took the brown package and moved it to the bed and started unwrapping it. One of the things that the ladies at Fabrications by Design knew how to do was package a dress to provide the least amount of wrinkles. Inside was a satin gown with a 2 piece look, the colors were the dark green for the skirt and cream for the top. A V-neck halter bodice detailed with a 2-tone sash with a full princess line skirt with pick up detail. There were gloves to match that went up over the elbows and the shoes a small strapped heeled.

She didn't know what her Master had told Gwendolyn about this dinner or what to expect think . Did she even know what type of dinner this was. Jenna tapped a finger against his lips and looked around the room. The Dress was laid out and now she only waited for Gwendoyln to finish so she could help her dress.

In the room next door Calisa gave a roll of her eyes at the thought of the lady who had passed them in the hall. Just as Jenna had done for Gwendolyn, she was drawing a bath for Violet. "That was Misaki no miya," it didn't sound like she was to well liked by Calisa, or by Ama by the silent exchange that had taken place in the hallway. "She comes from across the sea and is one of the guest here for dinner."

The water done Calisa stood from it and shook her fingers before drying them on a small cloth. "The Marqués and Lord have returned and there is always a dinner." It seemed as though Violet may have gotten assigned the chattier of the two attendants? By how she said 'dinner' perhaps Violet would get that this wasn't the average meal around the table.

"Your companion is the only one of the guest invited to stay here for a length of time." Then she gave her a curtsy and started to back out. "I shall get your clothes ready and wait for you to be done unless you would like me to bathe you."

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Oh timid with Gwen of all people, was a waste of the feeling, Gwen would rather hurt herself then another being. On purpose. Sometimes things happened but she couldn’t always control those things. Sometimes things are out of ones hands, speaking of hands, hers still were the warm ones that had been. She felt her cheeks blush. “I really am rather bad with names…Please don’t hold it against me.” She ducked her head.

The bath did not take to long, and she was soon stepping out wet from head to toe, wrapping herself in a towel, as she attempted to squeeze the excess water out of her long locks before wrapping it up in a towel as well. Using the body towel to dry herself off, she would set the towel in a place that looked as if the towel should go, leaving the one around her head, she walked into the bedroom. She was not shy about being nude.

Walking into the room where Jenna had laid out the clothing, Gwen’s hands clapped, as she gave a squeal. “Oh that looks lovely! Will you help me?” As in help her get dressed, it looked like there were more pieces to it then she was used too. Gwen had not a clue what sort of dinner it was or what to expect, she was looking at Jenna much like a wide eyed child.

Violet took note of the name, and she felt her lips quirking. “And you do not care for her? Why?” Curious she was, it was a trait that she had though she didn’t always voice it she was voicing it now. She would follow the girl and when the bath was ran she was a bit more timid, then Gwen had been, and if the two girls compared notes they would notice that. Gwen was not very timid with her body whereas Violet whom had a world more experience was shier with that.

She caught on to the way the word was said. “This isn’t your normal lets all set down for a dinner is it?” The words wouldn’t be out till she was in the bath not that she would be in there for a long time. “Can you tell me what we should expect?” She figured the girl having been here for a while, perhaps, would know.

“Is that odd to have someone invited to stay for a period of time?” Was she pumping the girl for information? Yes yes she was. “No, I would much rather you got my clothing ready, thank you.”

[Calisa]

"She is always so pretentious," is what Calisa had to say about Misaki no miya. "Simply because she is one of the bigger investors for the Master she thinks he has eyes for her. We don't like her very much." The 'we' was meant to mean the workers of the house, not a reflection of what the Master thought of her.

Calisa started over to help Violet from her clothes when she took note of the females slightly timid mood. Perhaps she was not use to being bathed or she was simply sky. It wasn't uncommon, the ones who were not use to such a thing and she would have continued in her going to help if it were not for Violet speaking up against it. She didn't feel anyway against it and it wouldn't effect negatively on her job if she wasn't allowed to do everything for the person she was assigned.

"The Master, and the Lord to your Lady, are very well known people Miss Violet, in trade and the making of wine," she said with a few nods of her head. "Did you not see the large Vineyards as you were being brought to the Manor?" They were all about outside of the gates and even on the inside. The fields ran on for miles and miles. His home in Rhydin sat on plenty of acreage.

"They had been gone for a while and when they return it's always a dinner," she explained, even if he was doing so a bit rapidly, "It's best way to keep with your people." Calling it a Dinner Party may have been a better word for it.

Calisa set a towel down for Violet to get when she was done. "Out of courtesy those who come from long distance are offered a room when the invitation goes. Some stay; others travel." She decided that was all she needed to say at the moment - or else Violet would never get her bath and they would be late for dinner! She slipped out of the bathroom.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Jenna was helping Gwen to get into the dress that she was meant to wear. That the Lady had come out naked and with only her hair covered didn't bother her and she'd think nothing of it. As an attendant you saw the person you served in their many forms.

"It is a lovely color," she said while zipping her up form behind, "you will be one of the prettiest ladies there." Jenna would make sure that she brushed off anything from the dress that should not be there and moved her hands up to the towel as she was going ot take it off and begin work on the hair unless she had any objections.

"He shall be here soon to take you to dinner."

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

“Oh.” Some times people had that air bout them that rubbed others the wrong way. Thinking of what she was told Violet was curious how the dinner was going to go. Oh but it was going to be an interesting time, of that she was almost certain, even if it was just her own personal amusement. For all that Violet knew the Master did have eyes for the lady, and Violet had a feeling her own gaze would be finding the lady during the eating to see if the powder got in the way of eating.

Did she not see the vineyards? “Oh I did..but I didn’t know that they were well known truthfully.” She was only here because Gwen asked her to come along, she had not wanted to travel on her own. Part of Violet had wished she only came for the traveling part so she could be back at the Inn, but she was where she needed to be, with Gwen. Those that she spoke with knew and she figured they understood. If that was not understood then it was sad because its how it was.

Thinking on it had she even met the man that her Gwen was here to see. Pondering she was she didn’t even realize when the girl left the room. Instead she went and took her bath, after washing her hair she would get up, and walk out into the room, wrapped in a towel, to see what was left out for her.

All that was left was to get dressed and perhaps do something with her hair.

Speaking of the other room…

That was probably a good thing, for if the girl would have been embarrassed by Gwen’s naked state, Gwen would of felt bad for embarrassing the girl. Gwen just was very comfortable in her skin, perhaps a bit to much, at times.

Gwen looked down at the dress as she was getting zipped up. “Tis a very pretty.” A hint of a blush at Jenna’s words, now it wasn’t about the dress, she hadn’t picked it out. It was about the fact she would be one of the prettiest ladies there. It actually got a soft laugh. “Thank you.” She wasn’t one that let compliments such as that go to her head, she figured that Jenna would of said that no matter what Gwen looked like. She also wouldn’t hold it against her. She did not hold much against anyone. “I hope Leo agrees.” It was spoken rather softly so there was a chance that Jenna wouldn’t of heard the words slippin out from her lips.

When the towel was removed, the locks were long and damp, her hair was rather heavy, and straight as can be. She wasn’t one to have to many objections. Her words brought a smile to Gwen’s lips. But nothing else came out, almost as if she was lost in a day dream while Jenna took care of her hair.

Gwen did not have a personal assistant back at the Inn, but it was not the first time she had access to one, though she had learnt some had different abilities, she usually let them do what they were suppose to do. Adaptable.

[Leo]

Straight hair. Jenna was slightly surprised as she didn't believe she had ever seen hair that straight before while it was damp. Usually it had to be dried and manually straightened. Perhaps the hair of those women from over seas with the black hair, perhaps there's was like Gwen's but Jenna always thought it was straightened. She had never worked for their hair before.

"Your hair is very straight," Jenna said slowly as she set about drying it, brushing it at the same time. Once it was dry she would separate hair in the middle of her head from that around her head. That hair would then be braided together in a circle around her head for a braided bun with the middle hair coming out of the top. It would take some time and a fair amount of pins but it wasn't impossible. "I have not had the chance to work with hair like this."

Jenna was careful with the pins to not push them to hurt her head and some of the pins had green emeralds at the tips to match the dress. "I will be with you as Calisa is with Violet but not in the way of yourself and the Lord. " She knew her place when it came to things like that, Gwen could rest assured.

"Did he tell you about the party?"

--------------------------------------------

"Did you tell her about the party?" Ama was nearly out of breath as she hurriied behind Leo trying to straighten out a few loose things and fit his black coat even as he was making his way down the hall at a faster pace than she was use to going. She wasn't a spry young lady anymore, no matter how well she appeared.

"Because she didn't...," Ama didn't get to finish what she was saying due to Leo cutting in. "She'll do fine. I'm not worried and neither should you be."

"More worried about your leg."

Leo turned and walked backwards a few steps, a flourish of his arms. "Have never failed yet." He turned back around with a grin and a few steps later he knocked upon the door to Gwen's room.

---------------------------------------------

In the other room Calisa had put out an elegant strapless formal dress of light blue with a rouched bodice and satin black belt adorned with concentric silver rings. The dress stretched down to the floor and would accentuate curves nicely. A pair of shoes to match and a thin gold chain for her neck.

"This will be an interesting party," she said as she prepared to ready Violet. "There are many things to know about the place and the Lord and Master. It only has to be discovered. If the Lady Gwendolyn is the asking sort she may discover that."

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

It wasn’t that uncommon that she was aware of. Straight hair, sure most peoples curled a bit went wet, but hers was wet enough it was straight. When it was dry, the ends would curl on their own, unless something happened to it. Like was likely to happen as the woman was doing her hair.

As Jenna was working upon Gwen’s hair, her head would not move, unless Jenna pushed slightly or made some sort of odd comment. The fact that Jenna said she would be there, but not in the way had a confused little look over her features. “What do you mean you will be there but not in the way?” She didn’t and couldn’t think of a way that people would be in the way.

A shake of her head, which she blinked, glad that Jenna had gotten her hair down, thankfully nothing went flying and the hairs stayed in place. “He didn’t tell me about the party? What can you tell me about the party?” Curious really should be a second name for her. Even if she didn’t always voice things, that flicked into her mind, most of those things still came tumbling out.

She looked down at her hand a moment, at her thumb, where the silver ring was located, before lifting just her eyes up to Jenna,. It was when she heard the knock on the door that she blinked over to Jenna. She did not know the way of things, if Jenna went to answer the door then she would stay put, peeking around the door from where she was at. If Jenna did not answer the door then Gwen would walk with a simple sway of her hips which was hidden beneath her skirts, pulling the door open and smiling shyly.

~*~

Violet would smile to Calisa, before moving so she could get into the dress. Didn’t she say if they didn’t hurry then they would miss the dinner party? She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she knew she needed to hurry with getting ready so that she didn’t miss it, and she was there for Gwen. It was funny wasn’t it that the dress would fit her like a glove. She would have help with the necklace, before stepping her feet into the shoes.

A look from her violet gaze lingered upon Calisa. “Anything I should be prepared for?” Her left hand lifted up to a lock of her loose white blonde hair.

[Leo]

Jenna was not to sure on how to answer Gwendolyn's question about how she could be there but not in the way for she thought that it was obvious. Nonetheless it was her job to see to her lady's questions and whatever else she needed and right now she needed an answer. "Just...as I said M'Lady," there was a tinge of nervousness in her voice, "I will be there but not in the way." The girl really didn't know of any other way to explain it without appearing to talk little to the Lady and she didn't want to do that. 

Then there was the other question, or maybe this time Gwendolyn was confused, but Jenna smoothed it over by fiddling with the bed sheets. Someone would be around while they were gone to dinner and clean the bathroom and anything else needing to be done. "Important people will be there - friends of the Marqués and the Lord. There is always such when they return."

That was when the knock came at the door and Jenna instinctively moved towards it but held back when she saw Gwen doing the same. She would let her get it, of course, as it was what she wanted to do.  Jenna stood aside with her hands down and folded in front of her with a slight down tip of her head. 

On the otherwise of the door was Leo, a bright and charming smile upon his face when he saw who was the greeter.

"Mi Gaitto," came from his lips. He stepped forward in an effort to take her hand and use it as a way to move closer, wrap his arm around her and lean her back for a warm welcoming kiss. Ama, who was behind him, said nothing against what she saw he intended to do and looked past him to Jenna passing silent words to her. 

The kiss would not be very brief and he was sure to help pull her back up and to him as he pulled out of the kiss. "Welcome."

Violet would come next. 

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Puzzled. That would be the look upon her features, but it wouldn’t last very long, because she was smiling to Jenna. “Oh!” Did she understand it? No, but she figured she would once they were at the dinner, and she saw what Jenna did or didn’t do. She wasn’t confused, she was curious, she didn’t know about the party, and it sounded like it was something she was suppose to know about! But then again she would learn as they went right?

She did notice that Jenna had started but she didn’t know for sure about the answering of the doors. And she was a curious little thing, perhaps if her door was knocked upon at a different time she wouldn’t move to answer it. Before pulling the door open she would shoot Jenna a apologetic look. As if she forgot that Jenna wasn’t just here to visit with her but to wait upon her. It had been a while since she had such, though a girl could get used to it…again.

Now seeing Leo on the other side of the door shouldn’t of came as a surprise to her, but it did, and she felt a shocked yet happy smile forming over her lips. “Leo!” His name was not overly long, but there was a happy note in that voice of her.

She hadn’t stepped forward, or rushed the few steps to him, or anything of the like. She was more…reserved. Which was rare in its own. But that was true. When his hand came out, of course without a thought, instinctively her own hand went out to his hand. A flutter of lashes as one moment Leo was at the door and the next she was in his arms being bent backwards. When his lips found hers he would find that hers were soft and pliant under his. Her hands moved up to press into his upper arms, holding on.

When he was done with the kiss she felt a blush creeping over her features. She felt his chest against her as she tilted her head upwards. Her voice was soft, because he just greeted her rather nicely. “Hi.” Maybe even a bit shyly, because she knew that Jenna was there and Ama. That was a heck of a welcome wasn’t it? Her hands would let go of his arms, slowly lowering themselves, perhaps dragging against his arms just a bit. It was funny for she always had questions and thoughts and none of them were coming out. Not even asking how he has been. “Tis nice to see you.” It was nice to see him, and she was hoping that her cheeks would turn back to normal.

[Leo]

Even if her cheeks happened to stay stained with the blush for a while longer it was not something he would have a problem with for he was rather pleased. It gave added color to her face and was a symbol - if not a non traditional one - of how his greeting had made her feel. After a while that same reaction would lessen, perhaps, as she grew accustomed.

Her hand had left his but as it was still near and lingering by his he made to capture it in his grasp and give it a squeeze as he looked at her. If her hand was warm as it was last time he held it, this he would notice. He was still wondering if that allowed her to sense things about the one who's hand she was holding. To be on the side of safe he had his mind cleared of thinking of the pain in his leg and it's subsequent feelings. "It is very good to see you," Leo said as his other hand would rise up to brush his knuckles against her cheek. Mind was cleared but things could still be felt in the body and he did not know how her 'gift' worked.

"You look lovely," his hand was coming down and his eyes were trailing over the dress to see how it rested upon her. He was pleased with the design he had chosen for it. "I trust you have been well cared for?"

"I've done my best, my Lord," Jenna said quietly from over by the bed. She had her head down and eyes were lowered even as she spoke to Leo; and her stance had a small curtsy. In whatever she was doing it was paused when she had seen that it was Leo at the door.

"Gracias, Jenna." Leo smiled at her and the girl relaxed and stepped forward a few, ready to go if Gwen left the room or not. He looked back to Gwen and asked, "Did she care for you well? Where is your guest?"

Hadn't Ama told him about Violet? Be sure that she had, but she knew his reasoning. Ama looked up and down the hall. "With your leave," she stated and was answered with seeing Leo give a nod of his head. No words, but none were needed. She had other things to do as the start of Dinner was already underway. She turned and started down the hall.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

The blush would stay upon her cheeks for a bit longer before slowly slipped away. Did he think her very pale? Of course, in time such a reaction might not happen, but it would vary on other circumstances as well. This time they had an audience of Jenna and Ama.

When he captured her hand and gave it a squeeze, he would indeed feel that warmth, her own hand would instinctively grasp his back. She had been careful with Jenna that she hadn’t felt the warmth of her hands. If he figured out her gifts he would be a step ahead of her. It was true that she felt things when her hands were touching someone else. In fact, without any real knowledge of anything and without any thought of her own, he would actually feel her hand get warmer. It was a instinctive reaction for her ‘gifts’ to try to soothe things, if he looked at her he would notice she hadn’t a clue that her hand was warmer, or that it was attempting to soothe whatever pains he had.

She gave him a shy smile at the compliment, her eyes dipped a bit, but she replied softly. “Thank you. The dress is beautiful…thank you.” Her free hand gave a small wave over her form, like saying it was the gown that made her look lovely, and she wouldn’t think differently. When he asked if she had been well cared for, well she could not deny that could she? She smiled hearing Jenna’s words, and then when Leo turned that attention of his back to her, she gave a warm smile. “Jenna has been very good.” Gwen knew that her nativity confused some people. And if she and Jenna were to rub together more, Jenna would understand, about Gwen.

She did see Jenna go, but she was focused upon Leo and his question. “I brought Violet.” Did she blurt out that Violet was really Leoette? Well no, not exactly. “Ama said she was going to be in the room next to the one I am staying in. Jenna told me that the library here is nice…” Of course, the library would have her interest, not that that should surprise Leo, but maybe it would. Had he ran into her when she was reading or was it just about everyone else, like Jade and Cyrus and Epiphany?

If and only if Leo started to walk would she move forward, she knew some things, and she was looking up at him, waiting for what was next? She had not known what to expect at all since she got into the carriage to come here.

[Leo]

"The dress, yes, is lovely, but so are you." When he said that she looked lovely he had meant her. The dress would not have looked the same if it had been on another person. He admired the attire but his eyes were mostly staying upon her face as he was being a gentleman in the midst of others.

He did start to move then - back out the door but he stopped to bend his arm and mean to take her hand from his and offer it to the crook of his arm instead. "Violet, it shall be good to meet her," saying as they started to move out the door. Jenna came followed, staying a step or two behind them. The door was still open from when they entered so Jenna would close it after they had cleared it. This was an example of her being there but not in the way.

Leo made the proper turn in the direction of Violet's room. He didn't ask which direction to go because he already knew, even if his question before this seemed otherwise. He knew where the room was just as he knew what Violet looked like - Ama had filled him in.

The warmer feel of her hand was noticed but not questioned as it was only natural for a persons hand to get warmer when being held in another. Despite any damage to his leg, Leo walked well, perhaps because he was going at a smooth and easy pace. "If you are a reader than the library is well enough," he said as he thought of the few that were in the Manor. "There is more than one and depending on your fancy you may find one to be more interesting than another." Using one as a general term as he did not know what types of books she fancied over the others. "Literature, histories and culture, languages, there's even a library full of various medical doctrines. " The medical library was probably the most extensive one in this Manor containing documents from numerous places.

"Jenna will show them to you if you like." He could as well.

"I hope you and your companion enjoy yourselves while you are here, there is not much that you cannot do," he gave a small pause here and turned to her as he tapped his finger in the air twice before setting it down. He also stopped walking here, but only just enough to say: "Though I would mind the Marqués." That was important.

He finished saying that as they neared Violet's room. Jenna stepped forward then to knock upon the door.

Calisa heard the knock and turned her head towards the door. "They are here, Miss Violet. Shall I get the door?" If she said yes she would get it if not, well, she wouldn't.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

A hint of a blush crept over her features at his words, a small dip of her head, before lashes looked up and she smiled to Leo. “Oh! Thank you.” The smile that had been upon her lips did not disappear, nor was the blush fast removing.

When he moved backwards she went with him, as he knew she would, nor was there even a flicker of a blink as her hand was moved from his and into the crook of his arm. Twas the proper way of things, and she did know that, she had been raised knowing many things that you just did not always get to put to use. “She is looking forward to meeting you as well.” A small nod of her head to emphasis her words.

When Leo was walking she fell into step with him as he figured she would. She did notice Jenna behind the closing the door, she hadn’t even thought about the door she had been to distracted so it was a good thing that Jenna was there!

That was probably for the best no? A small bob of her head. “Oh yes…I adore reading. All things actually.” It was true, her mood changed frequently on what she wished to read and you never knew when she would toss out something she read, but she loved to read. It was kind of funny that Leo didn’t know that about her, because most people did, for that’s where she spent the majority of her time, at the library of the Inn.

Gwen would give a small nod of her head, she was usually the sort that was quiet as a church mouse really, most of the time. So it would not be overly hard to mind the Marques. And that was when they reached Violets room.

Violet would give a nod. “If you would…thank you.” She thought to herself how she could get used to being waited on. She started towards the door but not until after Calisa opened the door. She really figured it would be Gwen, and she started to speak her mouth parted but her words fell silent at seeing Gwen wasn’t alone.

[Leo]

The times that Leo had run into Gwen at the Inn she hadn't been in the library, nor had she had a book in her hands. Dressed as a vampire or a Playboy bunny, even as a school girl with fuzzy handcuffs, but not with a book. Didn't matter. There was time enough to learn things, but later as right now they were at the door. 

Once you got use to people waiting on you it was something missed. Calisa didn't blink or hesitate when Violet asked her to get the door and when she opened it the girl gave a curtsey and looked towards her lady. "It's Lord Mînguez and Lady Gwendolyn, Miss." She did refer to Leo by his last name as all the servants would do save a couple. 

Leo would gave a pat to Gwen's hand before making to remove his arm from hers. If he was successful then he would step forward and deliver a sweeping bow with his hand. "Mucho gusto señora, welcome to la Casa del Stry and thank you for being company for Gwen on her travels." He knew his manners and wanted her to feel welcomed and at home. 

"If there is anything you need, Calisa will be able to help you." and she gave another curtsey from the door. 

"But for now we shall go," Leo stated as he took in all four females. He spread his hands then. "I offer you each an arm to take unless it is that you want to walk together and talk." It was possible that they wanted too.

"The party has already begun."

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

The girl did like her costumes. That was not something she would ever deny. And maybe that was why he had not seen her with a book, because most of those times it was around the holidays, not that she held that against him. She didn’t, he was a busy sort and she was understanding of that, it changed nothing. In time he would see her love of books, and probably see the fact she never kept any of them straight, at least she had first hand knowledge now on vampires thanks to her bff Jade. That was a good thing, because she had thought that vampires wore lots of gauze, and wanted to eat brains for a little while. But now she knew the difference, for the most part, and if she heard anyone say anything negative about vampires her little heels dug right in, in defense of them.

Gwen was smiling when they reached Violet’s door. Violet would smile to Calisa, she could very well get used to this, having someone to wait on her. “Thank you Calisa.” Before she would step forward, hips moving slightly a bit more then they would have to for walking, but her natural gait was there. A warm smile spreading over her lips. But she lost herself just for a moment. “Gwen we need to do some hiring once we get back to the Inn.” Before a twinkle entered those violets as she gazed upon the man. Now she had not yet met him, but she had heard about him from Gwen, and it was evident in her voice. The smile was there. “You must be the Leo. Tis a pleasure to meet you.” Was there a bit of play on the word pleasure?

When Leo gave Gwen’s hand a soft pat, she would release her arm from his, because she had a feeling something like what he was about to do was going to happen. It was what Leo did right? And when he did his bow, and his words Violet kept that smile upon her lips. Her head would bow slightly towards him, not to sure of how well she would be able to curtsey in the dress, before looking back to Leo. “It was my pleasure to travel with Gwen.” A wink was given at the words.

Now on the fact that he said if there was anything she needed that Calisa would be able to assist her, she had to bite her tongue, because there was certainly something she was thinking of that Calisa would not be able to assist her with. But she did not say a thing, and unless he could read eyes he wouldn’t know what that thought was, she knew Gwen wouldn’t know what that was.

Gwen moved to take Leo’s arm again. A soft shake of her head. “How would it look if your guests were walking arm in arm and not your arms?” Perhaps that didn’t come out right but she thought it was the smart thing to do, the two of them on his arm was the proper way about it no? Violet couldn’t argue with Gwen’s words. Besides she wasn’t going to complain about an opportunity to be close to a living breathing man. “Besides Gwen and I just had the whole trip to chatter.” It was true was it not? When Violet took the arm that was offered to her, she made sure to position herself so it looked like an accident that both her breasts that were slightly peeking out of the gown, brushed against his arm. Unless he moved her along, his arm with Violet’s looped through it would be brushed against her breast on the side that she took of him.

When Leo mentioned it has already begun he got two different responses, both came out almost at the same time, yet both were able to be heard. Gwendolyn “Opps.” She wasn’t one that liked to be late for things, unless it was something she couldn’t control like this, she wouldn’t hold that feeling to long. When her hand was back upon Leo’s arm, it was still radiating heat, as it was attempting to suck the pain from him, without her knowledge for she never knew the warmth difference. Which he should be able to feel the difference at least between her hand and the feel of Violet on the other side of him. “Oh, I so do like making an entrance, don’t you?” A small squeeze of Leo’s arm.

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