At eleven in the morning, Gillian West has been up for hours; since seven, at least. She has swum and she's stretched and she's showered and she's dressed, in dove grey silk skirt and jacket with a strictly tailored white silk blouse. Her hair is braided and pinned up beneath a golden soleil, and the one touch of color which isn't gold is a blithe summery blue scarf tied loosely around her neck.
     I'm going to be late, I just know it... She runs down a flight of stairs, skipping every third step, heading out to the front of the palace where her sister, at least, is already waiting.
     I'm missing class for this. Maddie is more impatient than Gillian, at the moment; she's wearing a white, summery gown that leaves her arms bare, tied at the waist with a woven sash of pink and gold and red and orange. Scarlet ballet slippers are on her feet, and she wears a long-sleeved plum-colored leotard beneath the dress, her auburn hair piled on top of her head in an untidy dancer's bun, pinned with silver owls. Silver hoops are in her ears, and a great number and variety of silver bracelets chase up and down her left wrist, dangling with bells and little charms; silver bells have also been sewn into the hem of her gown, and a small anklet of them is around her right ankle. Oh well. Hopefully this goes smoothly. If it doesn't...
     She doesn't finish the ominous thought, turning instead to where she anticipates her mother and her sister will either be waiting, or will be arriving. She examines her perfectly manicured fingernails with their silvery-blue paint, then rolls her eyes heavenwards. If I were smart, I'd've dragged Sabira with me...

     It is the most spring-like winter of recent memory, not that Zillah West has anything to compare it to. But with the mild temperatures, her clothing choices are all the easier to put together. She has chosen a high-waisted, calf-length pencil skirt, champagne cream, with a honey-colored, silk button down shirt and a three-quarter sleeve length cropped swing jacket. She has paired this with nude hose and honey-colored heels. Her ever-goldening strawberry blonde hair is tucked in a French twist and she wears her pearls.
     So many marble stairs! Clearly, the women here don't wear Louboutin...
     She is several minutes behind her daughters, as she had to stop and ask for directions not once but three times. "Oh thank you so much," she says to the last guard, appearing at the main entrance courtyard. "Oh I see them, yes, thank you! Lady Gillian," she says to her daughter. "Lady Elaine," she says breathlessly. "What a gorgeous day. I am so pleased we're going to be able to enjoy it outside. It is so good to see you," she says to Madison, going in for brief hug and air kiss. "So... are we dining at the stadium?"

     Maddie accepts the hug and air kiss. "We can if you want to. I don't usually - not that the food on the royal box isn't good, but I like to eat at different places and try to see everything the capitol has to offer." She smiles at her mother, trying her best to put on an air of good will and not jump to conclusions. "If you want to eat at the stadium we can, just..." She shrugs.
     "I haven't made reservations anywhere," Gillian answers, hugging her mother and looking over at the main thoroughfare beyond the palace gates. "I'm okay with whatever. You did want to go shopping, didn't you, mumsie? Or do you want to go to the stadium first? Balthazar," she blushes when she says his name, "isn't fighting until noon or a little after, so we still have time."
     "I think brunch and shopping and then games, if that's agreeable?" she looks to you both. "We have so much to catch up on. But I haven't the slightest idea where to go or start, so," she smiles to her two daughters, "...I place myself in your care, darlings. Shall we? Are we going to walk to the market or do they have cabs?" She's not used to walking. Hired cars, she understands.
     "What sort of cuisine is in style here? Culturally speaking. Is it predominantly seafood, being an island? And the markets, I hear they are quite extensive, putting our famous markets to shame." She offers an arm to either daughter. "You both look absolutely radiant. As much as I hate having you so far away, I must tell you that this place does seem to agree with you both..."

     "That sounds good to me, mumsie." Gillian smiles. "They don't have cabs, but there are horse-drawn carriages if you want - hansom cab instead of yellow cab. I'll run off and get one of the palace staff to arrange one for us." She turns to head to the head of the steps.
     "It's not really seafood only," Maddie takes it on herself to explain in her sister's absence. "There's a lot of what you'd call ethnic cuisine - Indian food is a favorite of the High King's, so there's a lot of that - but you also get steaks, lobsters, almost anything you'd find back at home, really. Seafood's popular, but not limited to just that. There's also a lot of trade with other places, so pretty much if you want it, it's available, just sometimes for a price." She smiles pertly. "As for the markets, they're pretty amazing. But y'know - magic. It's hard to compete with magic!"
     Gillian returns, smoothing her hair back. "It's all set. A carriage will be coming around front to pick us up in just a few minutes. That'll save a lot of walking. Even if it's an island nation, it's definitely not a small island nation."
     Maddie laughs. "No banana republic here..."

     "I just didn't know what to expect," Zillah explains to them both, still breathless from the whole experience. "I was thinking...maybe Bermuda. Which seems, I know, a ridiculous thing to say. It's rather Grecian in a way, don't you think? But then parts of it remind me of the Amalfi Coast. Oh, thank you, Gillian. I didn't plan well regarding shoes." They're not terribly high but they're not exactly hiking boots either.
     "So where are we in terms of kingdom geography? I have no bearing on just how large a place this is. As for food, I will leave myself to your capable hands and excellent tastes. I want to experience the flavors of the kingdom. Fine cuisine, of course, nothing like the local hot dog. Some place nice. Our seneschal, Corbin, did exchange my money, so lunch is on me."
     Zillah looks to you both. "I just can't get over this," she whispers. "The two of you here, in this place. How has this happened? How extraordinary. My two adventurous girls. I want to hear everything about everything. I understand that you are famous," she says to Madison. "And I understand that you have already tilted this place on its axis. I always knew that my girls would change the world. I just wasn't expecting it to be someone else's world..."

     "Think of it as being less like Bermuda and more like the United Kingdom. That's sort of what it is, mumsie," Maddie explains, happy to for once being turned to for answers. "So you've got lots of other nations which are subjects, a few which are vassals, plenty which are allies, a very few who claim to be neutral - right now at least, there's nobody King Iowerth's at war with except maybe pirates in general. This is the main island, but there's other islands connected, too. We're pretty much in the middle of the connected kingdoms."
     "Some place nice - well, we could go to Drusilla's Den," Gillian offers. "I've only been there once, the other night, but the food was very good, and the third floor is very exclusive and reserved for the highest nobility and so on. I'm fairly sure we can get a table, if that's where you'd like to eat, mumsie."
     Maddie wrinkles her nose a little but does not protest. She pauses as her mother goes on. "If you mean our being here, well.. a little bit of luck, I guess. Pres came because Gruffydd offered him a job," her look warns Gillian against even thinking of letting anything slip, "and you know he was kind of at loose ends. Gruffydd saw to it that his leg got fixed - one of the perks, I guess you could say. And Balthazar got called home to deal with some family stuff, while we were still traveling together - so I came with him. Let's go to the bazaar first if you don't mind, Gillian. I've got to pick up more oils, and I want to stop by J- a shop in the market which sells fabrics and accessories. I'm going to need some new outfits."
     Gillian looks mutinous at her little sister for a moment, then relents. He's going to have to tell her sometime! But okay, fine. "I don't mind. I've been letting my seamstresses handle everything, but I wouldn't mind a few cute accessories. Mumsie?"

     "I think that sounds lovely. Fabrics and accessories and oils," she says to Madison, taking her hand in one hand, "...and lunch at Drusilla's Den after," she says to Gillian, taking her hand as well. "That sounds like a lovely day. And then we can end it in the royal box, perhaps with a light cocktail. A true girls' day out."
     Zillah sighs at the mention of Preston's leg. "I was relieved about Preston. I had been so worried, so traumatized. I know..." she draws in a breath, "I understand... that I have been very difficult to deal with since that ordeal. And I am sorry, to you both," she looks at each of you. "I truly am. But," she smiles, "...now we are all here. And we can start to put that all behind us. So, now...I want to hear about you both. Madison," she says to her, "...I know a bit more about what Gillian is up to. I've heard only rumors about you. So... fill me in. How is the academy? Are you happy here? Are they treating you well?"
     Glancing to them both, keeping them both in her attention, Zillah tries so hard not to look at one more than the other. "Oh, there's the cab, fantastic," she lifts her hand like a woman used to hailing cabs in Manhattan. "So... this is is ...like London, then. The Capitol. The City. How lovely..."

     Maddie's expression is somewhat neutral - it's the best she can do. She's a redhead, even if an actress after a fashion. "I'm quite happy here," she answers levelly, "and I'm going to be staying here to continue my training. The academy is really exceptional, and the time difference makes it easier for me to continue my correspondence schooling through Rutgers. If anything, I'm ahead of my class. At the academy they treat me like any other student, which is good." She doesn't bring up how she gets treated elsewhere. "I was lucky enough to get selected along with Sabs to perform the halftime show during the opening of the royal games. It went really well, but we've both been being careful to not let it go to our heads. Well, mostly not. We did rock awesomely, after all." And luck had very little to do with it, but so what?
     She opens the door to the cab, letting her mother and her sister climb in first. "It's a little like London, but more like Venice in a lot of ways. Especially Venice at Carnival." She grins. "Just remember not to ask the green-skinned girl how long it took her to apply her makeup and you'll be fine."
     Gillian has fewer reservations than Maddie, smiling as she climbs in after her mother. "The shopping's good, although I haven't been out that many times. Mostly Parvati and I've wandered a couple of times - Par's going to be staying here too, if she can get things worked out the way we want. We're going to try to get her into the academy of sciences with me so she can learn the local medical practices. I'm looking forward to it - there's a lot of genuinely new stuff to learn for both of us."

     "My main concern, of course, has been for your welfare," she tells Maddie, pausing to get in the cab and make sure her skirt doesn't fly up (which would be hard for a pencil skirt to do, admittedly). "But I'm easy to convince," Zillah continues as she settles, and out of habit starts looking for a safety belt. "It's your father and grandfather. And I know this won't be popular, and I'm not going to dwell on it, darling, but you are going to have to talk to them. Eventually. If you are happy, and you are in school, keeping your word to Preston the First, then... I'm satisfied." She gives up and smoothes her hands over her skirt. She looks to Madison. "You're not a child anymore. I recognize this. For both of you."
     Her attention shifts to Gillian as Gillian settles into the cab. "Has Parvati arrived as well? Everyone is coming. Maybe I should stay," she teases, checking to make sure she still has her clutch. She puts on her sunglasses (Dior) as the cab begins to move, taking a moment to reapply her lipstick. The lips cost a fortune; they must be maintained. "Well, I do know how you like figuring things out and how much you," she says to Madison, "...like adventure. You both appear quite happy and quite resolved. I know better than to stand in the way of a West when they know what they want."
     "So," she says with a breath and a smile, "... tell me about your friends," she says that to you both. "About the people you've met. Are they all of the royal family or... is the class system like the United Kingdom as well? Have you had a chance to meet many people? It is so important to have a support structure. I would feel the same way were you only in New York..."

     "I'm fine," Maddie answers with a smile she doesn't feel. "And don't worry, I'll talk to daddy and granddad soon. I just haven't had much time - my class schedule's pretty hefty, and I try to get in at least four hours of practice a day as a minimum. I do have a social life - there're my classmates, of course, mostly they're who I hang out with. It's not very interesting for non-dancers to listen to dance talk all the time, after all, but I do hang out with some of the non-dance students, too. A lot of them are noble or from the royalty of other kingdoms, but there's also a lot of people of no particular royal or noble standing whatsoever - the school admits people based first and foremost on talent, and a lot of those are scholarship cases, like me. My two best friends are Sabira, who's a princess, one of Baz's sisters, and Joanna, who's actually not royalty or noble; her family's in the shipping and merchant trade, so kinda like us. I also hang out sometimes with Bethany and one or two of her friends - Bethany's younger and sort of naive, but she's a good kid. She's an earl's daughter. There are others, of course, but those are the ones I see the most, usually."
     As Maddie falls silent, having given a brief overview, Gillian speaks up. "Par's here mostly because she and I are working on a long-term medical plan for Balthazar - and because I wanted a friend who isn't part of all this, so has no stake in it to lie to me or try to twist me around, like some people might. There's an awful lot of politics, as you might imagine, and a lot of people aren't too happy about me and Balthazar, so... anyway, I haven't been here as long as Mads and Pres, obviously, so I haven't met as many people. The class system seems a little bit like British stuff, but it seems a little more flexible, a little more mobile - a little less noblesse oblige and a little more merit-based. So far I've gotten to know Gavin probably the best - Sir Gavin, he's my seneschal, but he's of a noble bloodline himself. As a matter of fact," this is aimed to Maddie, "he's the son of the Lady of the Lake. I'll tell you more later." Not in front of the mother.
     "I've also made friends with one of Balthazar's exes," Gillian continues quickly, "a Lady Calliope, she's engaged to a prince of Elysia. I've only met a few other people and haven't really had time to get to know people very well, but I have plans with Calliope for a bit later - Sabira might be coming," she adds to her sister. "I hope I'm not cutting into any plans you had."
     "Of course not," Maddie answers smoothly. Her smile is a little tight. "Don't worry about it. I've got other plans later this afternoon anyway."
     "It sounds as though both are you are settling very well," their mother blithely states. "My goodness, the market is enormous," she interrupts herself momentarily, then looks back to you. "Friends will come, and connections. Just remember, my stars: you are as worthy as anyone here," she says to you both. "You both come from breeding, class, have wonderful educations, are bright and are both beautiful. You have you talents and abilities and your sharp minds. Those will take you far, in this or in any world."
     She looks to both of you. "Balthazar has sisters? I am so glad to know this. I was afraid that you wouldn't have anyone in the family with whom to connect other than their sons. And the family seems to adore you both. I've heard nothing but rave reviews from King Iowerth and his partner." She says that with all of the ease of a progressive democrat. "Do they have ladies' clubs or other activities, like a junior league, that you could affiliate yourselves with? I find those to be very helpful when navigating society systems.
     Zillah picks up on tension but she chooses to let the girls sort it out for themselves, lifting a hand to settle a wayward strand of hair that wasn't sprayed within an inch of its life. She perks up as the handsome cab begins to slow. "I think we're here," she smiles to you both brightly. "It is just so beautiful here...I know why you both are so enchanted with it."

     "Well, I have been here for a few months now, what with the time difference. But thank you, mumsie." Maddie holds herself with the casual competence she's made her natural posture as she slides the door of the cab open. "Balthazar has three sisters and two brothers. His younger brother is Anierin, his older brother is Gruffydd - the one who's about to be crowned. I'm friends with one of his two younger sisters, and his older sister is the Princess Tanira. She's currently being courted by a handful of men, there's been a lot of betting going on as to which one she'll pick."
     "There are some ladies' clubs, but most of them aren't very interesting, mumsie." Gillian slides out in Maddie's wake. "I've got a bunch of invitations, Gavin's sorting through them for me, and I imagine Mads has been getting a lot as well. It doesn't really work quite the same way here as in America. I do have an invitation to a sort of card club night, so that'll be interesting. Mostly though it's a lot of girls still trying to figure out who Mads is - she's still keeping on the down low - and who I am, and how come I get to marry Balthazar and none of them do. Oh, and they still want to find out what happened with you and Balthazar," she asides to her sister.
     "I just bet they do," Maddie answers with a slight smirk. She then shrugs. "I've been invited too - I might go. It'll depend on what I have planned the next day. And yeah, a lot of the girls here are very catty, very convinced of their own self-worth and ready to do dirty to anybody who gets between them and what they think they deserve. I mostly make fun of them. But then, unlike them, I don't feel the need to define myself by who I marry."

     "They're jealous and uneasy. The two of you have made a huge splash out of nowhere, as far as they're concerned, I'm sure. And your gorgeous and adored by the crown for more than one reason," their mother assures them as she steps out. "Do we tip?" she whispers to them, reaching into her clutch.
     "A large family. They seem like a close-knit family. What do you think of them so far? Balthazar, his brother the future king. Have you met the entire family yet, either of you?" Zillah looks to Maddie with a tender smile for Maddie's smirk. She reaches to touch just under her youngest daughter's chin. "Give them hell, my darling. And," to Gillian, "...take no prisoners. You are both dazzling and I am just so very proud of you. And I have been worried about your happiness," she looks at them both, but lastly to Maddie. "I am happy to inform you that I feel so much better about the state of that."
     She looks around briefly -- it is so hard to stay focused with so much to look at! "I think you should join the gaming circle. If for nothing else than to keep an eye on what's being said about one another. You can compare stories, find out who your allies and enemies are. I learned more about city politics playing mah jongg than I can ever express..."

     "No, no tipping," Gillian reassures her mother. "It's palace staff. If we tip at all, it'll be when we get back. I like the family, they've been very kind to me - even if I'm a little jealous of Balthazar's granny, she stays so young. I doubt that'll be one of my abilities."
     "Some of them I like better than others," Maddie answers darkly. She smiles briefly to her mother. I so don't care about this. I so don't even want to be here. "I'll keep that in mind, mumsie. Oh, look, there's the oil shop." Purposefully, she heads for the shop, holding the door open for her mother and sister. "I think you'll really like the lady who keeps the shop. It's just a good thing she doesn't hold grudges..."
     Gillian looks a bit puzzled by her sister's comment, but shrugs a little and follows, nodding obediently. "Yes, mumsie. I've already been learning who's really after what, and I'll be going mostly for that. Well." She smiles prettily. "And to make absolutely sure everybody knows they don't have a chance with Balthazar now I'm on the scene."
     Zillah doesn't doubt her daughter but she does hate not tipping. She closes her clutch with a smile and a click and lets her daughters lead the way. She follows Maddie into the oils shop. So many exotic scents. It is sweet, pungent, momentarily overwhelming, and then sweet again. "Grudges?" she murmurs.
     Make sure to get the mandrake, Bran's voice roosts suddenly in Madison's ears. We'll put that to good use later. I'll let you use me as the best revenge fuck in the world. I'm good like that. So... this looks like fun, he cracks, invisibly.
     "It is delightful, really," Zillah notes, turning to her right to peruse the shop. She smiles to Gillian. "I am looking forward to meeting him again. I hardly had a chance to speak with the young man at the graduation. Will he have time to join us after his turn at the game is done?"

     It isn't a revenge fuck unless somebody else other than me wants you, Maddie retorts sweetly, a hint of color coming into her cheeks. Is that what it looks like to you? Fun? Ha. You have a twisted idea of fun, then. Want to trade places?
     Aloud, she answers her mother quietly, "When Sabs and I first came here, we let the proprietress think I was just some random dancer, going out with a random guard competing in the games. Obviously, I'm, uh, not." She grins, then turns away quickly, smile fading. God, I can't wait to get done with this. As it is, it kind of feels like my sister's out to replace me with everybody including my best friend. I know that's not true, but when you've had to compete with her for as long as I have...
     "Well, um, he was with Maddie at graduation, mother," Gillian points out uncomfortably. "So it's not too surprising." She bites her tongue on and you were throwing me at divorced doctors and turns quickly to examine a rack of vials. "Oh, I'm sure he'll come up after he's fought. It's the finale today, so he'll be hungry when he gets done. M- Lady Elaine," there are witnesses now, "would you mind introducing us to the proprietress?"

     You can use me to get back at mummy and daddy. I won't mind in the slightest. Bran is nearby, though invisible to the naked eye. Sure, but I'm warning you. I'd rip open that leotard. There's not enough stretch in that fabric to contain my manliness. In the shadows, he is leaning against one of the counters, eating an apple. Don't compete, then. You don't need to, you know. You're completely different. And you're completely wonderful in your own right. Leave the rest be. It won't do either of you any good.
     Zillah looks to Madison in her explanation of the grudge. "Well, if anything, I suspect you'll get a discount. I'm just looking forward to exchanging more than hello's is all. Preston the First was doing all the talking." And then she's distracted in a selection of vials. She makes a selection... or two... or three.
     The proprietress finishes helping one customer and turns to smile to the Lady Elaine. "It is good to see you again, Lady Elaine." The proprietress is brown skinned, perhaps Indian of origin, with red painted lips. She wears several silk sari, the silk thin. In a single layer, they wouldn't cover her body. But there are multiple layers. There are also multiple gold and copper bangles on her narrow arms. "How may I help my most famous customer outside of His Majesty today..."

     You're right, of course. It just gets to me, sometimes. My mother's such a snob, you know? And - well, I could explain myself, but I feel like she won't be listening if I do. I know I don't have to explain myself, but if she actually cared, I might. But she'd be back to it being about Gillian before I got anywhere.
     Maddie grins despite herself at the proprietress. "Thank you. I've brought a couple of people with me, as you can see, so you can't accuse me of being bad for business. This is Lady Gillian, and Lady Gillian's mother." She gets a certain under-the-skin satisfaction from leaving herself off that. It's necessary, anyway, after all. "For me, I want to get a vial of mandrake oil for a friend of mine, and I'd like to see about coming up with a new signature scent for me. What would you recommend?"
     Gillian smiles at the proprietress. "Hello," she chimes in. "Mumsie, I'm going to browse, I think. I'll be over there."

     "Oh, you've been very good for business. Mandrake oil," that gets a certain look. "Be careful with that. it is not to be ingested. Is your friend familiar with it? And hello to you as well, Lady Gillian. I will be right with you. If there is anything you wish or need, please let me know. And you to, Lady... "
     She pauses and Zillah glances over. "Zillah," she says with a smile.
     From the shadows Bran grins. GodZillah more like, Bran cracks from outer space. I know it does, love. And your mother reminds me of my granny. My mum's mum. She's a real pip. We should get those two together. Kill two birds with one stone.
     "A signature scent. Yes, I can help with this. I make custom scents, of course. Or you can combine several notes. For you, I see something of the wildflower..."
     Mm... god yes, very wild...
     "... Something exotic. Something with the element of fire, your element. Hmm..." the proprietress examines Lady Elaine very closely. "Let me prepare your mandrake and I will work on a scent for you. I have something in mind..."
     Zillah has selected three scents. She takes the bottles to the counter just as the proprietress heads to the back. She looks to Madison. "Beautiful scents. Essential oils. I'm going to buy a few for myself as well." She looks to Madison, leaning in. "Is everything alright, dear? You do see a bit tense... I know I go on and on, and I apologize. Is it wrong for a mother to want her daughter's happiness?" At least she didn't shout that out...

     "No ingesting," Maddie agrees, "and I believe so, she said she ran out and since I was going to be here anyway..." She's always been good at lying with a straight face. She shrugs guilelessly. "And thank you. I'm happy to put myself in your hands."
     Ss, she hisses at Bran in the back of her mind, suppressing a blush with difficulty. It's not like I'm a wild woman of Borneo or something! And sure, go ahead and introduce mumsie to your grandmother. Maybe it'll clear the world of a couple of problems, if it didn't create a perfect storm of bitchitude. Okay, that wasn't really fair of me.
     She turns to Zillah. "It's fine, mumsie," she says sotto voce. "Careful. A lot of gossip goes on here, so we do have to be really careful while we're shopping." More normally she says, "I'm okay. Just trying to work out a few things - I had to really juggle my schedule to be able to miss class without falling behind. The academy's very rigorous, and it's self-paced. You don't get kicked out for missing class now and again, but if you miss too many, or if you can't keep up, you're out. They're not big on second chances. Makes sense, really. Professional dance troupes don't give second chances. Me performing the other day doesn't cut me any slack; if anything, they're tougher on me so my ego doesn't get the better of me, which is fair. I still have a lot to learn, after all. And I have to meet my magic tutor later."

     His laughter only sounds in his lady's ears. Only she can feel the brush of heated air. Do you really want to have lunch with them? Perhaps, my love and lovely girl, a professor might call with a sudden... assignment...I can think of several things for you to do...
     Zillah wears a look of understanding and curiosity. "Oh yes, quite right, I forgot," she whispers. "Pardon me. I still feel I'm on vacation," she smiles. As she places her items on the counter, she turns more toward her youngest child. "It sounds rather like Juilliard. I'm impressed, Elaine," she says with that tone she gets when she is, in fact, impressed. "Are you studying a particular genre or do they have their own dance styles here? How interesting: a new vernacular of movement..."
     And for the first time it truly sinks in for her that you are absolutely serious about it. About something! And you're good at it. "That's fantastic, Elaine," Zillah says gently and intently. "Are we going to have a chance to see you perform? Will you be performing one of the evenings of the coronation? I should so enjoy seeing you perform before we have to return to our own," she smiles a little, "...kingdom." I'm playing too!
     "And what sort of magic lessons?" Zillah quirks suddenly. "Is this a skill that anyone can learn? I wouldn't even know where to start!"

     If any of those things involve being bounced in your lap, I think I could be persuaded. I want you, you know that? And right now I want to use your body so I can get off. We can have me worship you like the amazing god of hunky man-flesh you really are later. Maddie brushes a stray lock of hair back as she settles on a stool to wait for the proprietress's choices, and turns to her mother with a smile.
     "I'm not officially booked to perform, but if you want, we could ask, or you could come to the academy and see us in our weekly dress performance. You could bring the others," she means daddy and granddad, "and make a thing of it. If you want it in the coronation, though, I think your best bet would be to talk to Prince Gruffydd and his wife, Princess Maria, and ask if they'd mind. I suspect Gruffydd wouldn't mind too much, based on some of the things Arian's let slip. It just might need to be semi-private - for the court, instead of full public, I'd guess."
     Gillian returns with a vial of haneput scent. "Magic lessons? Oh, right, I didn't tell you, mumsie. Elaine and I have magic powers." She says it so matter-of-factly that it almost hurts. "Elaine, who're you getting lessons from, anyway? - I've been figuring it out mostly on my own. But that's how I got into the university on Philosophers' Island."
     You sit on the stool and there is heated air near your left side: a message for you. You can't see him, but you can feel that he's... right there. And then you feel that warmth against your thigh. It's as though he's slid his leg between your own. Baban, I'll be your tree. Come and climb me. Make an excuse. Take a call. Step outside. I'll take care of the rest.

     "Well," Zillah says, "...I wouldn't want to impose on His Majesty or interfere with the royal programs," oh sure she wouldn't. "However, I would like to see you. When is your weekly dress performance? I'll handle all the coordination with your father and grandfather. I know they would love to attend..."
     The proprietress returns at last with a pink and red bottle. It looks like an hibiscus flower. She uncaps it and offers the stamen-shaped tip to the Lady Elaine. "Smell of this," she says. "Tell me what you think..."
     The base note is spicy but is not cinnamon. The second note has a gentle floral scent, exotic. It is potent. It is sensual.
     "It is the essence of the Fire Lotus flower and saffron. Perfect, I think, for you, Lady Elaine. It should call to the best parts of your fire nature," she says.
     Fire Lotus. Fire nature? Zillah looks to Elaine and then turns toward Gillian. "Both of you? W- How did you discover you had such abilities? What... are you able to do? Both of you? I'm afraid my only magical powers are in putting together really nice ensembles. And well... maybe cooking. I am good with spices..."
     Hmm.... fire lotus. Bran's voice sounds again, and you can feel the brush of his invisible mouth against your ear. I know a flower I want to taste.
     Zillah looks to the proprietress. "That smells lovely. I would like to get four ounces of these," she selects three vials. "And two ounces of these. Thank you...Anything for you, Gillian?"
     "Of course," the proprietress murmurs, and she turns to fill the appropriate amount in take-away bottles. She glances to Elaine. "I shall just put that on your account, Lady Elaine?"

     It's hard not to be distracted. She blushes a bit, turning to take the bottle from the proprietress, sniffing the contents. "Thank you." To her mother, she says, "Well, if it's only for the court, it's not really interrupting anything - it's not unusual for various events to be scheduled. Not everybody will show up, of course. That's the way it is."
     I'll see what I can do. I don't want to be rude or hurt feelings. Even yours, even though you're a brute. You're my brute, though, and don't you forget it. Maddie turns to the proprietress with a grin. "I like it. Thank you. Yes, put it on my account, and have one of your large signet bottles sent to me at the palace." She's still staying there, even if she isn't dating Balthazar. Hmm. She turns to her mother, then, holding her palm outward, and she summons up a tiny dancing flame. "Well, I can do this, for one. I've been working on learning how to control it - I wouldn't want to burn someone. I should probably run and find my tutor and let him know I'm only going to make a partial class this afternoon, though. Let me go do that and I'll meet you at the restaurant." She slides off the stool.
     Gillian makes a mental note to ask Maddie again later. "No problem, Lady Elaine. And my magic seems to be electricity-based, mumsie. I've figured out how to use it for a number of things, including flight, but none of it seems to have kicked in until we met the, er, well, the Llewellyns." Better than saying 'the royal family' here. "So it's been a bit of a learning process. I think Pres had his kick in first." She turns to the proprietress. "I'd like this, please," she puts the vial of haneput flower oil down, "and I'd also like a rainwater scent if you have one - maybe something with cucumber in it?"

     "Oh, well," Zillah smiles brightly, "... I will see if I can make a request for the royal schedule. I think a court performance would be lovely. I will work on it." Oh, yes, yes she will. Her poor seneschal...
     The dancing flame catches Zillah's attention and she looks at her daughter most extraordinarily. And that gaze turns to Gillian. "Fire... Electricity. I always knew you were a force of nature, both of you," she shakes her head, exhaling, "...I am rendered speechless here every day. Your prayers must have been answered. Oh thank you, madam," she says to the woman as she returns with a wrapped bag full of bottles. "Hmm.. a palace account. My my," her mother says. "How ...much?"
     "Two hundred and sixteen crowns, my lady," she says to Zillah and then turns to Gillian. She smiles. "Rainwater, certainly. I do have a cucumber. I also have a melonflower that you might like. I will bring a sample. Lady Elaine," she says to the departing girl, "I will have these delivered to your chamber this afternoon. Thank you, namaste," she says to the departing girl with a wide smile.
     Zillah looks to Madison. "Certainly, Lady Elaine. We will be on the third floor," she looks to Gillian, is that right? "... at Drusilla's Den. I'll let them know that we're expecting you..." There's all sorts of other things she wants to say, but she can't just now. Not and not tip her hand that Lady Elaine is her daughter. "We'll see you shortly..."
     Turning to Gillian, Zillah lifts a manicured eyebrow. "Preston, too? And what manner of magic does he have?"
     Bran chuckles, tossing the remains of the apple from his hands. From invisible to visible it rolls, attracting the attention of wandering dogs. He, as of yet, remains unseen. I'm not easily wounded, my little fire lotus. Do you see where the apple rolls? Walk in the opposite direction...
     And there, invisible arms are there to steal her from sight and sound and even from the memories of those strolling by...

     "Thanks!" Maddie calls it over her shoulder, smiling as she dances out of the shop. Sharp eyes note the apple's progress, and lightly she skips in the other direction...
     "I don't really know for sure. He doesn't tend to want to talk about it," Gillian answers with a shrug. "You'd have to ask him, really." She turns to the proprietress again. "That sounds wonderful. Could I get a vial of each? And yes, a sample of the melonflower." She smiles the smile of someone who also has a palace account. "Honestly, I don't know if it's an answer to a prayer, but it's certainly been interesting, if sometimes in the old Chinese curse sense of the word, mumsie. So how do you feel about it, anyway? Really."

     "I will admit that I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all, but there's no denying that the two of you seem to be quite well and quite happy. It's far. I don't like that it's so far," she smiles to you. "A world away at least. But," she straightens as the proprietress wraps up the vials for Gillian, "... it would be the same if you were still in England. I feel better, seeing... things as they are. I do have more to say, of course," she smiles, a hand resting on your arm, "...but I feel I need tea before I get too far down the path. Shall we?"
     The proprietress looks to Gillian, steepling her hands. "Namaste, Lady Gillian. Please give the Sun King the regards of Nandamunda. If you would like, I could have these delivered to your chambers as well..."

     "Thank you, I will," Gillian answers as she takes the vials, smiling. She puts the package back down. "Oh, could you? Sure, then please do. That will make my life easier." She smiles warmly and turns to head out with her mother.
     It's not a long distance, not by coach, from the scent-maker's to the restaurant. When the horses have stopped moving, Gillian pops out to hold the door of the carriage for Zillah. "We're here! It's just up these steps - will you be okay? I know you don't exactly have hiking boots, mumsie. Third floor." She heads up to lead the way, the better to ensure a good table. "Do you want to sit inside or on the balcony?"
     "It's such a beautiful day. It feels like spring. We should enjoy it. The balcony would be lovely. I wonder if the winters are always like this here. Oh, thank you, dear," Zillah says all this in a single stream as she disembarks in front of the manor house with the fancy sign. Drusilla's Den. "This place could just as easily be in Manhattan," she notes, pausing to look at it before entering.
     Few women -- and you are one of them -- move so well in heels as to seem completely natural, no matter how high. Her red-soled Louboutins look luxurious even here. She slowly but gracefully ascends. "It is lovely. A pub on one floor. Your father and grandfather would adore it. Grandfather could enjoy the pub, your father the buffet," she says, passing up the 2nd Floor landing (there is a buffet on the 2nd Floor), "...and I in the gourmet section. Marvelous suggestion. You really do seem to just... fit right in, Gillian. As if you've been here all your life..."
     The Third Floor is busy -- there is all sorts of activity happening at the nearby stadium. It is full, even for the early races and warm-ups. But there are places yet on the balcony and the royal table is still available.

     "I don't know if they're always like this, but people've been saying how nice it's been, so I suspect this is a little warmer than usual for them. And yes, it has that feel, doesn't it? But the clothes give it away as not being NYC, and so do the lack of cellphones." Gillian grins. "To be honest, I find the lack of cellphones refreshing. Even though I do have one."
     She laughs as you say she fits in, and she shrugs. "Mumsie, I've spent all of my life working to fit in wherever I've been. First on the boat with you and daddy and Pres when he came along, then when I got sent to school and holidays in Aspen or on Cape Cod and so on, and Oxford and everywhere else. This is just ... another somewhere else."
     She shrugs and turns to look for the hostess, then pauses. "We can sit on the balcony, mumsie, unless you'd rather sit at the royal table. I can reserve that if you want, because of my relationship with Balthazar."

     "Oh no, the balcony will be just fine, dear. We should enjoy the weather while it is so mild. Hello," she smiles to the hostess.
     The hostess is the same from the other day. She nods to your other. "Madam." And then to you. "Lady Gillian, it is good to see you again. There is a table reserved for the family on the balcony also. I will be happy to show you to it. How many do you expect?"
     "I believe there will just be the three of us," Zillah replies. "We're expecting Lady Elaine soon. I do not see her," she looks.
     "Very well, then," the hostess replies, gathering the menus and accoutrement. Please follow me." You are both led through the vast and luxurious third floor environs to the equally spacious balcony. Outside and from this vantage one can hear some of the applause and cheering in the stadium but it is not overpowering. "What a wonderful view. My goodness: it's larger than the Coliseum in Rome," Zillah exclaims. She takes a seat as the hostess gestures to a comfortable table for six with an excellent view of the stadium itself. From this vantage, one can even watch the races!
     "Your server will be right with you," the hostess explains. "Would you care for something from the bar?"

     "Oh, thank you." Gillian's a bit surprised by the level of efficiency - but she smiles, pleased. "I'll just have a wine spritzer, it's too nice a day for anything heavy." She lowers herself into one of the seats once the balcony's reached. "It is big," she agrees. She picks up the menu. "I think I'll eat lightly - I've been eating too much lately as it is. Do you see anything you like, mumsie?"

     "I'll have a white wine. I will leave the choice up to your sommelier. Thank you," she says with a smile.
     The hostess smiles and leaves the menus behind, along with the wrapped utensils (in fine linen). A young man appears and pours two glasses of water before disappearing again.
     "This place is so well run, and incredibly busy. I know chefs who would kill for this location and staff. And don't be silly, Gillian," Zillah smiles as she crosses one leg over her other and opens her menu to peruse the offerings. "You've always been lovely and slender. Eat what you wish and swim an extra lap or two. I love the sound of this salad, actually: pear and wild herbs, locally harvested walnuts and goat cheese for a starter. And ...too early for lobster. I'm thinking about simply adding the Cornish game hen, roasted, to that salad. Can you recommend anything?"
     Zillah looks up and smiles a little. "And I know we did ask a lot of you as children. Always on the go-go-go. On the plus side, you've had wonderful, worldly experiences. But on the other side, perhaps could have had more consistency and stability. Well, we did the best we could in the moment, but certainly could have done better."
     "So," she sets down the menu and smiles, "...tell me more about your beau..."
     The waiter arrives, waiting for a break in the conversation before adding. "Hello, ladies. Lady Gillian," he says with a nod to her. "Your wine spritzer," he sets it down before Gillian. And then he lifts a cooling bottle from a silver wine bucket, uncorking it for the other woman. "The sommelier has chosen the Catalonian pinot gris for your afternoon. He hopes you enjoy it." First he pours just a taste.
     Zillah eats up the service (and the cuteness of the waiter) with a slim smile as she expertly swishes the wine in the glass and takes a taste. "Mmm... that is very nice. My compliments to the sommelier. Please," and her glass is filled.
     "Have you had a chance to look over the menu? Do you have any questions at all?"

     "Oh, that does sound good. I think I'll have the salad, but skip the Cornish hen. Their seafood's very good here, so I can recommend that." Gillian sips the water that's arrived. "Everybody can always do better, isn't that what they say, mumsie? What do you want to know about him? He's sweet," she blushes, "he's very handsome, and very considerate. He plays a bunch of instruments, and - well, I like him."
     Interrupted by the waiter; saved by the bell. Gillian smiles. "Thank you. I'd like the special salad, with the shredded crab and avocado appetizer. No bread for me, please..."
     "Certainly, Lady Gillian." And he turns to Zillah.
     "I would like the pear salad, and I would like to add the grilled shrimp to that as well. No bread for me either," she smiles.
     The waiter nods, taking two of the three menus. "I will be back to check on drinks. Let me know when your other party arrives." With that, the waiter departs. He doesn't stop at another table.
     "Well," she smiles, "...I'm glad you like him. Have you and your sister talked about him? I sensed a little tension today. It's natural, of course. But she seems to be doing well, very well in fact. I think father will be relieved. Your grandfather won't be consoled. He's losing all of his heirs, your father said."
     A horse race takes place in the stadium. The announcements of the winner can be heard. A rider from Catalonia.
     "He sounds wonderful. And things are still on for Powis Castle? Goodness, it's only ten months until June," she says, sipping her wine. "That's barely enough time. Have you decided how large a party you would like?"
     Zillah is being very careful. Instead of wedding it is Powis Castle and party.

     "Mads is fine with it. We talked to her about it before we ... decided to go out again. I didn't want to start anything with any bad feelings, you know? After all, no matter how I feel about him, she's my sister, and that's not going to change." Gillian sips her own drink, sitting upright. "I really don't know what she's uptight about right now, but it might just be classes. She's under a lot of pressure, you know? With me, my schoolwork at Oxford is mostly wrapped up; it's largely just finding out what changes the thesis committee wants me to make. I've already gotten most of the outlining done for my doctoral thesis too, but they don't need to know that. I'm trying to keep on the Rhodes scholarship for that."
     She leans back in her seat, looking over at the stadium. "I don't know what to tell granddad, really. I mean ... I never really planned on taking over the family business, myself. I think he really wants Maddie for that, not me or Pres. Which is just as well. Pres is pretty committed to staying here, too." Gillian looks over at her mother. "I thought we'd just - keep the arrangements the same as they were," she answers, blushing again. "The only thing that's changed is who, right? So we can send out the invitations and leave all the arrangements in place. I think everybody should be invited. After all, it's the only such - party - that's going to be happening for a while, right?"

     The normal flighty Zillah, unflappably flappable, is serious. "I'm glad to hear that. Not that I would have expected otherwise, of course," she quickly adds, "...but I am glad to know that things are okay between you and that matters with him have begun with a clean slate. It must be school," she thinks and then she smiles, "...I'm sure it is. Of course, I do wonder where she is..."
     But she doesn't linger on it. What can be done, at any rate? "It doesn't look as though Maddie's the least bit interested in it now. I think that's why he was so hard on him," meaning Balthazar. "Your father was mostly upset about the seeming quickness of his change of heart. However, I feel it's far better for it to have happened this way. I was worried that Maddie was going to settle down far too quickly, as I did. I was relieved, so long as she was in good health and was well looked after. They are clearly fond of her and have extended patronage to her. So I see no reason for, nor purpose in, trying to force her into something. I keep telling them it'll never work. She has her own mind and she's as stubborn as grandfather when it comes right down to it. So," she exhales for another swallow of wine. "We shall see."
     But now the topic shifts to one of far more importance: party planning. "I will speak with Mr. Llywelyn on the numbers that the castle can put up, the various rooms and ballrooms. What parts of the planning do you wish me to take. I don't want to step on any important," read royal, "...toes. Do you wish me to handle family coordination and invitations? Flowers? We do need to get a start on things. How many will be in your... party?"

     "Honestly, Maddie seems to have a better grip on her head and her heart than any of the rest of us. I know we all think of her as flighty and all, but she decided to break up with him, she said, because she didn't want to get married this soon, or even think about it, and from where she was sitting, it really looked like things were lining up way too fast in that direction. She felt it wasn't fair to either of them." Gillian looks out at the arena again, mulling her thoughts. "And she's right, in a way. He's ... very loyal, you know? He wants love and he gives it in return, and being with him ... there's no room for anybody else in the universe, for either of us. It's wonderful. It's a little scary, too. It's so outside my experience. I never had time for anybody before, and - well, most of the guys I've met in the past, I wouldn't be willing to give that much time to."
     She shakes her head a little, then reaches for her glass again. "I don't know what Maddie'll intend on doing, but I'm pretty sure that if anybody tries to make her do anything, she's going to do - maybe not the opposite, but she's sort of done taking orders. It just can't end well. I think if they ask her to compromise she might be willing, but the more heavy-handed anybody is, the more she's just - going to walk away, even if it means rejecting her family, at this point. I don't know why, exactly, but she seems, well, angry at us. At least part-time." Party! She brightens a bit. "Honestly, mumsie, as long as I get to pick out my own dress and it's all classical, traditional, I'm not very picky. Tell you what, why don't you and Balthazar's grandmother handle most of the planning? I'd like to give my opinions, but I admit I don't want to and I doubt I'll have time for most of the planning, between Oxford and trying to get up to speed here. His grandparents live at Powis, you know - I think they're distant relatives of the Queen," she throws that in to sweeten the pot, "so you know they've got all the connections you can imagine. So it can probably be as big a wedding as we want it to be - you know I'd like a big wedding, mumsie - and even if they run out of room at the castle, the village has tons of bed and breakfasts and inns and so on. It's a National Heritage site, you know."

     She really wasn't expecting that to be so easy! Zillah smiles and seems truly touched. As the salads arrive she places a hand to her chest lightly. "I would love to help. I know you're busy, terribly. I will, of course, let you know along the way. But I would love to. I have spoken with the Queen Mother on the phone, but have never met her. I'm looking forward to that. Is she here, did you say?"
     "Oh, this looks so delicious, thank you," Zillah continues as the food is set before you both.
     The waiter smiles genuinely. "Thank you. Please let me know if there is anything more. How are you on drinks?"
     "Oh I'm fine for now, thank you," Zillah says and she takes the first taste. "I have underestimated her in the past, and that has been in dreadful error," she smiles. "I will continue to work on the Prestons. I agree. I think there's nothing to be gained in attempting to force her into it. They're just going to have to adjust to the fact that little girls do, in fact, grow up."
     There is a smile, something tender and wan all at once. "He really does sound lovely, Gillian. And it's very brave to give of yourself. It would be really easy to ignore it and fiddle-dee-dee into the future. Love is work, but you like challenges, and you enjoy complexities. And he sounds very gracious. I do hope to get to know him better. I don't want to be a monster-in-law," she smiles as she pauses for a sip of wine. "So I will ensure that he knows what's being planned as well. He might have real ideas on how he wants things. Who knows. Every man is different."

     "Yes, she just had twins, so she's still recuperating here before she heads back to her home with her husband. If you'd like, I can ask them to receive you? I met her husband again earlier. The babies are adorable, I have to say." Gillian goes quiet, smiling as the waiter returns. "Thank you, that's all for me for now."
     "He is very gracious." Gillian looks down at her salad, going quiet and blushing a bit. "I think he'll mostly be okay with things as long as it's not pink tuxedoes and so on, but yeah, let's keep him in the loop. And let's not talk about that too much where people can hear, either - it'll cause political complications, you know? Since right now we're officially only courting. It's better to let things play out at their own pace for a bit. But that doesn't mean you can't plan for stuff at Powis."
     Speaking of Maddie, where is she? Gillian is about to comment when the missing in action returns, flushed and damp as from a quick shower. "Sorry about the delay, back now." Maddie slides into a chair and grabs up the menu. "Oh, good. I'm starving. Let's see - you're both having salad? Boring." She wrinkles her nose in the way only a girl who burns five thousand calories a day can. "Let's see, I'll have the salmon pate appetizers with flatbread, the tomato salad with red onion and cucumber and avocado wedges, annnd - ooh. Prime rib! Totally. Rare to medium-rare, please. With horseradish sauce and garlic bread. Just water with lemon to drink, thanks. I've got class later." She turns to her mother and her sister, nonchalant. "So. What'd I miss?"

     "Twins? My word," she says, astonished. "How old is she?" She pauses, then gets back on track. "If it's not too much trouble, and since we're both here, I would like to meet her. Twins? Hmm, I wonder if that runs in the family as well as magic."
     Zillah smiles as tsks as Maddie arrives -- the wine is helping. "I have a long day of shopping. I don't want to get indigestion. And you missed nothing. Discussions of the weather and summer affairs..."
     The waiter (handsome, indeed) arrives almost as soon as the Lady Elaine takes her seat. "Absolutely, Lady Elaine. It will be out momentarily." He gestures for one of the water garcons to bring the water and lemon.
     Zillah leans in, "But I'm not to speak of it. We will have to meet later in quarters so we can get down to brass tacks, as they say." She smiles to Madison (Lady Elaine). "So, tell me more about the kingdom. Do they have museums, the arts? Should I be seeing anything of cultural importance while here? I should hate to have gone to Cairo and missed the pyramids, after all. I would like to tour your school," she says to Lady Elaine. "And yours too, for that matter," she says to Gillian. "But what else should I be experiencing while here? I'm not sure how long we're staying. At least 5 more days, for the coronation. That's not a lot of time, really. I'm sure it will fly by..."

     Gillian and Maddie exchange glances. "Age is ... kind of hard to really pin down, with her," Gillian finally says. "She looks a little older than Maddie. Someone said she's technically only a couple of years older than me. But what with the way time moves differently - I don't know. She's King Iowerth's mother, though. He's her oldest son."
     "I'd say twins runs at least somewhat in the family," Maddie chimes in. "This is her third set of twins. She's got seven kids so far, all of them boys, and only one of them not a twin. Iowerth and Gwilym are the oldest, then there's Bran and Aeron, and now these two." She smiles to the water as it arrives. She has a secret. "Anyway, I think you're going to see most of the cultural highlights - the Academy, the arena... you might want to see the shipyards? I know Prince Tiernan's going to be taking granddad on a tour, someone mentioned, so you could see those if you wanted..."

     "I'll never get used to the time," Zillah says with a little wave. "I was never that good at math to begin with. I am looking forward to finally meeting her." She doesn't say anything about Bran, sticking to the If you don't have anything nice to say rule, perhaps. "And King Iowerth has been on the throne, they said, now for a quarter century, but he only looks twenty-five! I will say," she blushes slightly, "...that the men of that family are incredibly handsome. Must be something in the water. In fact, I think most of the men here are drinking it... and the women too. It's worse than New York and L.A."
     Sitting back with her wine, she smiles. "Three sets of twins. They do skip a generation," Zillah notes blithely for the record. "All boys. Good lord. Well," she laughs a little, "... we know who to call for furniture moves. They're all enormous."
     If she only knew...

     Both Gillian and Maddie blush brilliantly and quickly pick up their drinks. Yes. Enormous....

Posted by rowan at March 20, 2010 02:56 PM