Sophiel has her stuff unpacked, and is sitting in her rented room, with Bjorn keeping watch silently. She does this for about forty minutes, reading quietly.
After a little while, Sophie goes and looks for Isabella, muttering "that girl; she said she'd be five minutes."
She knocks on the door of Isabella's space, and says through the crack without opening it, in a loud voice, "Bella, time to go. We can't wait any longer." She waits at the door for a moment for a response.
We forgot to deal with Filth Fever for Bjorn?
Isabella's head is resting on Annalla's shoulder, which she lifts to look at Sophie when she peeks her head in. Her face is tear-stained and she nods and in a hushed whisper responds "Be right out."
She squeezes Annalla's hand again once more before turning to hurry out after Sophie.
Back outside, she nods to the half-elf. "Alright. I'm ready."
Chrysa just nods, ignoring what could be construed from his comment cause she knew he wasn't. The rest of the journey she keeps to herself.
Annalla simply sits down on the bed as Isabella leaves.
"That didn't make anything clearer," she says to herself in a small voice.
Later that day, Sophie and Isabella return from their trip. Where she was pensive and nervous earlier, she is now subdued and lost in thought. She spends the remainder of the day by herself about town before visiting Annalla briefly that night.
The following morning each of the party members received an elegant invitation under their doors.
I formally request the honor of your presence for dining and dancing on Starday, Gozran 23, six bells in the evening at The Saphire Swan. I have prepaid for new attire for you if you wish at the Tomas's Fineries.
-Isabella Ventressca Lebeda
Precisely at six bells, Annalla walks through the door to the Sapphire Swan. She hangs her cloak up on a peg inside the door, revealing a white silk dress. It flows like water and is trimmed in pale blue lace. Her hair has been brushed to a pearlescent luster.
She has forsaken the delicate headband she usually wears and her magical ring. However, on the second finger of her left hand is a silver ring with three blue stones set upon it.
She looks about, seeking out any of the others before taking a seat at a nearby table.
Chrysa arrives just a touch later than Anna having taken a carriage which managed to get stuck in a bit of a jam with a donkey of all things. The small woman is in a dove gray silk with full skirts, a short black jacket with a ruby clasp, and her copper hair straightened save for twin braids tied together under her coal horns. Very little like the breeches and swords of her normal attire. She seems rather comfortable in them though.
"Good Evening Annalla, are you enjoying the city more this time around?" Chrysa asks as she sits across from her, smoothing out her skirts.
Unsure as to what she's supposed to do until everyone else gets here and disinclined to order a beverage, Annalla is happy to see Chrysa arrive.
"Hello Chrysa. Yes, I am. I'm wearing clothes that fit and no one has attempted to touch me inappropriately," she says with a smile.
Chrysa smiles in return "Good! The white silk offsets perfectly with your hair, did you pick it out yourself?" she raises her hand to a staff member, ordering a nice red and raising an eyebrow to Anna to ask if she wants anything.
Orri arrives about five minutes after Chrysa. His hair is neatly combed with to the sides and slicked back, rather than hanging down partially over his face. Rather than his normal stubble that he often sports while in the wild he is clean shaven wearing a crisp, high collared white linen shirt under a stylized black, gold and red vest and a pair of somewhat snug, tan leather trousers. His whip is still at his side but he casually walks in to take a seat with the others, promptly ordering a drink as he is slightly worried about what the night is going to bring with this group of women he has been travelling with for so long now. He just sits and drinks his wine as Chrysa and Anna chat.
"No, Isabella picked it out," Annalla says with a trace of a blush. "Do you have any simple fruit juice?" she questions when the question is asked. She hopes, but doesn't have any expectations.
"Hello, Orri," she says when the bard arrives. A thought occurs to her and she mentally runs through what she knows about the mutability of human interrelationships.
"'And good evening to you both, Miss Chrysa and Lady Annalla' I believe is the proper greeting to two young women when you join their company, Orri Lebeda." Chrysa friendly teases his worried silence. "Bella did an amazing job, the dress is stunning." she goes back to chatting with Anna
Orri gives Chrysa a smile "Of course, good evening ladies. I just didn't want to interrupt." He pauses a moment before asking "So do either of you know what this is about?"
Annalla opens her mouth, but then closes it. She glances down at her hand, but then turns away without answering.
"Last time we were here, she hired us... companions, as she put it. This time it is dinner." she smiled softly, looking sincere "I prefer this really. Out there, things get complicated, as we keep almost dying. Here, we can just have a moment of being together."
Then her brow furrows a bit at seeing Anna's response "Is everything okay, Annalla?"
Sophie shows up with her hair down, tied with a silver clasp, and flowing down her back in waves, the lavender woven into her chestnut hair. Her clothes are quite different from her adventuring attire, as she is wearing a fetching silk emerald vest over a white satin dress, flowing near her feet, with the vest tied tightly around her waist (almost like a corset) to accentuate her figure. The white dress extends only to just below her shoulders, leaving her neck and shoulders exposed, except for the relatively thin straps of the vest. Her sleeves taper to long, bell-shaped openings, which she has together as she walks in, hands folded in front of her.
Sophiel, however, appears to be wearing the headband she crafted, which is made of cured and treated darkleaf. She wears shoes with flat lifts, her legs shapely and bare below the knee, adding a few inches to her slight form, and she walks with grace, it clear that she trained at least some in some court. She wears a silver necklace with three gems, seemingly chasing each other slowly, whether this illusory or otherwise is not clear. A sapphire, an emerald, and a tourmaline.
Her familiar is not with her.
Bjorn follows, his shield on his back, combed and clean, wearing his full armor, but without a weapon otherwise.
They enter and are seated by the maitre’d. She sits quietly watching the others and sipping, and Bjorn sits at her right side.
The sorceress turns back with a start. "What? Oh, yes. Everything is actually ..." her smile broadens at a thought. "... better than it's been in quite a while."
Chrysa's brow goes from furrow to raised in surprise and a wide smile "Do you mean..." Chrysa assumes this is about the fireside chat, but she stops when Sophie arrives. "Goodness, we've all forgotten our manners. You are looking just as lovely, Lady Medvyed. Good evening."
Annalla turns as well.
"Good Evening, Sophiel," she says with a smile. "That's a beautiful dress."
Isabella emerges from the rear of the room, escorted through a door by a rather well dressed half-elf in a formal black suit and jacket. Holding the door for her, he lets through as they converse. "... would just be perfect. Thank you again. Ah! My companions have arrived, please see to serving the wine for them."
Isabella is wearing a traditional formal dress tonight. The upper half of the dress is pearl white, textured with laced patterns that end in a V shape at the waist where a cream colored skirt hangs just above the floor. Her hair has been braided with a few white wildflowers through it, matching closely the white pearls that hang around her neck and the color of her white nails.
Though she is thought of as the brave woman with a blade on the battlefield, tonight she showcases her noble upbringing as she lifts her chin as she strides across the room to join her companions at the table.
She notices Ipmeek's chair is still empty, so she decides to give him a few more minutes just in case he's running late. Clasping her hands together, a large smile graces her tanned skin. "My oh my, what an amazingly beautiful collection of people we have gathered here this evening."
She makes her way around the room, kissing each of them on the cheek and whispering "Thank you for coming." before taking her seat, carefully sliding her dress aside as she sits. The man in the black suit slides her chair in and she looks among her friends again. "Thank you all for joining me this evening, I can't tell you how much it means to me that you all came tonight."
Sophie nods at the pair, ”thank you. Yours are quite fetching as well. Chrysa, you skirt and jacket are perfect, they suit you well. And Annalla, I am glad that you found some more accessories that suit you well.” She tilts her head and inclines it in Annalla’s direction. She grins at Orri, ”as for you, you clean up alright, but don’t let it go to your head.” She chuckles.
”Not to be a party-pooper, but we have some stuff to do, I had hoped we could leave this evening - but I have been trying to be mindful of whether the pace is too punishing for everyone else. And then ... this.” She sighs, ”we should not linger here long, but it’s nice to dress up from time to time..”
Orri smiles to Sophie joke and gives her a nod as he notes "You clean up pretty well yourself Sophie."
Orri nods and smiles seeing his sister is such high spirits, more so than anytime in recent memory. "Well I'm pretty sure we all know you would have probably hunted us down if we hadn't shown up." he jokes before adding "Truly though, this is a nice change of pace, a great idea you had."
Annalla's face lights up when Isabella enters the room. Literally. The visible traceries along her arms and the ones on her face, as well as the flicker of light within the stone on her forehead all begin shimmering with a pale blue radiance.
"You look beautiful, tonight, Isabella," she says with undisguised adoration.
Chrysa nods a thank you to Sophie's compliment and chats with the others about nothings and vague plans until Bella arrives. She welcomes her and gives a faint smile at Anna's reaction. "A reprieve is needed from time to time, to remind us what matters." she says in response to various and in thanks for arranging this.
"Thank you, Orri. Thank you, Annalla."
Her eyes linger on Annalla just a moment longer than necessary before turning away.
Isabella breathes in a welcome breath as everyone thanks for for this wonderful night, everyone but ...
"Sophie? I know you keep a busy schedule toiling away every night, I do appreciate you taking some time out to attend this evening."
Isabella seems pensive, waiting to hear what Sophie has to say.
”Isabella - I will try to support you - however I can.” Her smile is slight, and she nods at Isabella.
Sophie is concerned with Isabella. It’s not clear whether it’s concern for her, for herself, but she’s uncharacteristically quiet when speaking.
Isabella picks up on Sophie's mannerisms, and wants to frown visibly at her but she channels her aunt's hostess abilities and focuses. I will not let anyone derail the activities she has planned for this evening. No matter what, she tells herself with a smile.
"Excellent!" she says as the sommelier makes his way over to the table. Having already picked the wine ahead of time, he serves the table a generous helping before departing. Once it is poured, Isabella raises her glass and says "A toast."
Once everyone has raised their glasses she speaks firmly and says "My father had a saying that he would often tell me on the days I was upset as a little one. It seems appropriate here, so I will toast to his memory and tell you all this. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past."
After the toast, there is light chatter among the group about various things. Any questions as to why they are here are met with a variation of "We just needed something like this tonight."
A fantastic preparation of meats, cheeses and fresh fruits and vegetables are brought for the table and served over several courses. The meal is delicious and the best cooked meal that they've had together since they've first joined together. Once the meal has concluded, the wine glasses are refilled again and this time Isabella stands with hers. "And so as our meal concludes, I wish to make three announcements."
" First, to my friends who have become family. You have stood by my side through thick and thin, you have saved my life more times than I can remember, you have watched my back, held me when I cried and picked me up when I fell. I owe you my life and I can only hope that our friendship is eternal."
"Second." Isabella starts, but falters. She takes several breaths before taking one big one. "It has been a difficult journey for me this last month, of this you know only part of the story. I have kept something from all of your save Sophie, who has been my guiding light through this difficult time." she turns to Sophie and raises her glass before continuing to acknowledge the group. "I am with child."
She lets the gravity of this statement sit with the group before she continues "At first, this was the worst thing I could imagine. I could only see the negative, yesterday, it became clear to me. My child is a gift from the cards and they will become a powerful figure in decades to come. It is not my place to thwart their arrival, and I shall steward them lovingly into this world to ensure the wonderful things that they will do come to pass."
Before that bombshell can full detonate, she continues "And lastly," she moves to walk behind Annalla, helping her stand. When she does, she takes Annalla's hand with the beautiful ring on it. "Annalla is now my betrothed. We are engaged to be wed, to raise this child together." She intertwines her fingers with Annalla, looking at her with a small smile before turning back to her friends.
Chrysa listens quietly, without comment, though if anyone is watching the second sends emotions across her face of hate, despair, and then finally hurt. Just a moment though before she composes herself.
The last one gets a quick clap, and an exclamation of "Thank you gods. Took you long enough, Bella." Chrysa gets up and quickly hugs them both. "I am beyond happy for you both."
Isabella breathes out a sight of relief when someone speaks up quickly and is happy for them. She squeezes Chrysa and says "Thank you for your support, Chrysa. It means a lot to us both."
She turns to look at Sophie and Orri with a smile, eagerly awaiting their happy declarations of support.
Chrysa smiles, just a touch sad suddenly, then wishes her skirts back to her seat, and her wine.
Annalla is almost bouncing on her feet once Isabella helps her to stand. Hints of blue show through her white dress where the traces on her skin are shining bright enough to glow through the material. She leans in to whisper in Isabella's ear.
Orri sits there a moment by the multiple bombs just dropped. For a moment he considers what his father would think of all this; an heir - a plus, likely from foul origins - a negative, a marriage and his daughter happy - a plus, a marriage to another woman, well robot/woman with no real means to have further progeny - a negative. In the end it’s a wash and Orri decides it really doesn’t matter what their father would have thought. He sets down his glass and smiles going to give his sister a hug as he notes ”I’m happy you are happy Bella!”
As he leans in he whispers something to her before giving her a squeeze and then moving to Anna ”Guess, I’ll have another sister soon.” He moves over to offer her a hug as well.
Annalla hugs Orri back tightly. "I've never had a brother so this will be all new to me," she says, before her eyes jump back to Isabella.
Sophiel stands, and smiles quickly, "Isabella, you have grown so much since I met you. You've seized your fate, and now you begin the next adventure of your life. I truly wish that you have the best of experiences with Annalla." She raises a glass towards Isabella.
"Cheers." She sits back down again, smiling happily.
Sophiel is very, very adept at hiding her emotions in this case, and the mask she wore previously, where one couldn't tell the real person behind, has fallen. Sophie has tucked away part of herself.
Sophie is not surprised at the second thing Isabella says.
She is, about the third, and it is making her furious. She subtly clenches and unclenches her jaw, and the muscles in her arm tighten, as if she's grabbing something that nobody can see (which makes sense as her hands are under the table), and twisting it. It is not jealousy, though, but rage.
Sophiel takes a sip of wine for the first time, and watches the others quietly.
Since she wasn't addressed, Annalla doesn't respond to Sophiel words herself. The slight hurt she feels is instantly pushed aside to enjoy the moment.
Isabella nods to Annalla and turns her face to the android's, locking lips and kissing her in front of her friends and family. Gone is the hesitation and reluctance, finally accepting the formality of acknowledging her significant other
Isabella reaches out and places her hand on Orri's forearm when he whispers to her. She kisses his cheek and whispers back before smiling and squeezing his arm.
She turns to Sophie and raises her glass to toast her. "Thank you Sophie, I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me to have your backing and support. If I may speak plainly, I was very worried that you would not endorse our engagement. To know that we have your support and backing, I-" she closes her eyes and moves her free hand over her heart.
Her eyes water and she moves the back of her hand over her eyes and her voice breaks "Sorry, sorry. I was so worried you would be upset with me. You know since we've been out here that I've become so close and attached to you." She sits her glass down and wipes her eyes with both hands before walking over and giving Sophie a big bear hug, laughing through a cry. "Thank you."
Sophiel looks uncomfortable at the hug from Isabella, as she's awkwardly getting squished. "Well, I hope that you both have long, happy and prosperous lives, free of strife and pain."
She looks down a bit, "come now, let's finish, we have things to do soon." She pats her satchel, "I have work, this evening."
"And you don't need me for anything Isabella, you have someone else. Go to her." She nods towards Annalla.
Chrysa's face loses its color for a moment, her hands clentching into the purse she is carrying, before covers it and announces "I, unfortunately, have other matters to attend to as well." Chrysa slides her chair out and gets up with her unusual grace. "I assume we need to find another fighter to help with the trolls since you'll be prioritizing on your child? We'll talk about that in the morning before we leave. Good luck to both of you and know I'll miss you terribly." Chrysa gives a whirlwind of a good bye and then is out the door, into a carriage before anyone can blink.
Chrysa is terrified.
Isabella nods along with Sophiel, responding "Thank you, Sophie." until she mentions that she doesn't need her anymore when she furrows her brow, concerned. "What? No, that's nonsense. This doesn't change anything, Sophie. I will still seek your guidance as always."
When Sophie says she has work and Chrysa says she other matters to attend to, her frown deepens. "But ... I had arranged dancing and song? I..."
But what really gets her is when they talk about REPLACING her. Her eyes widen and she shakes her furiously "No-no-no. Wait, wait. Chrysa, I'm not leaving. I am going to remain with you until the baby is to be due. I'll have the baby and then I will return to continue what we are doing. Nothing changes. I might be gone for a few days."
Chrysa looks started at Bella's declaration but doesn't have time to talk about it. She shakes her head and looks openly worried "I have to go, sorry Bella, we can talk tomorrow morning if you are still... tomorrow." she nods and leaves.
"No-?" Isabella says, reaching out for Chrysa as she leaves. She turns to Sophie, "You'll stay for dancing?"
Sophiel watches Isaballa, as she calls out after Chrysa, and says quietly, "Isabella, it's actually getting pretty late. I mean, this was nice, but it's just a lot to take in. It's surprising!" She looks a little sad, "please forgive my rudeness."
Sophiel looks exhausted, "So, maybe I should just head back and turn in. I'm pretty tired - actually, I haven't slept much in the last month. The magic I use works perfectly but - it's nice to dream, in safety sometimes. Please excuse me." She stands up with Isabella nearby, and gives her a brief pat on the shoulder, and then thinking better of it, a short hug in return.
"A good evening to everyone." She declines her head and heads outside, with Bjorn following.
"... but ..." she mutters in response.
Isabella's shoulders slump as Sophie walks out too. She looks over at Ipmeek's empty chair before settling on her brother. With her head hung low, she looks at Orri. "It's okay. You can go too."
She collapses into her chair and puts her elbows on the table, resting her eyes in her palms. Somehow her evening of celebration with her friends had turned into ... this.
The man in the black suit begins to lead out a trio of stringed musicians and a cake. They start to sing as they walk towards the table, the music and upbeat melody clearly meant for celebration and dancing. Isabella doesn't lift her head and begins to sob softly in her hands, her chest shaking as she does so.
Her heart aching that her love's friends have run out on her in what was supposed to be a happy occasion, Annalla moves to stand in front of the sitting woman. She reaches out her hands and brings the sobbing Isabella to her feet.
"Hello. My name is Annalla and I've heard that a strong and beautiful woman just announced her engagement this evening. I was wondering if she would like to dance with me?" Annalla asks.
Not waiting for an answer, she draws Isabella into her arms to sway back and forth to the music.
"I must confess, though," she says after a moment. "I don't actually know how to dance."
The makeup that Isabella had put around her eyes is ruined and streaks down her face in black lines. She lets Annalla pull her to her feet as she tries to stop the waterworks. She leans heavily against the sorceress as they sway, not feeling particularly motivated to teach Annalla how to dance right now. She makes a note that she will need to do this in the future however. For now, she just tries to enjoy the moment of dancing with Annalla.
"Thank you." she whispers into Annalla's ear after the dance concludes.
The rich chocolate cake is decorated with white shavings of nuts and placed on the table and slices are cut and distributed for Annalla and Isabella (and Orri if he stays).
Orri just gives Bella a look when she mentions he can go and smiles and shakes his head "I'm not going to miss out on some entertainment, good food and good drink. Plus, it's a celebration right? I mean... unless you two just want some alone time." He shrugs "Then I completely understand and can leave you two to have some fun." He gives her a wink.
Orri just watches the two running things over in his head, not just with them but the sudden departure of Chrysa and Sophie. He sits an enjoys the wine, giving Bella and Anna an approving nod anytime they make eye contact. When the cake is surved he indulges and asks the two women "So, have you set a date? Do you know when the baby is coming? Who is going to be the one primarily caring for the child? I'm assuming Annalla is taking the Lebeda surname yes? I get to be someone's best man right, or are you having two maids of honor? Come on you two must have all sorts of plans already, spill!"
Isabella shakes her head no "No. Please don't leave me too." she finally professes, not one to talk in LIES and BLUFFS like others might.
After she dances with Annalla, she takes a dance with Orri as well and then asks Orri to dance with Annalla. "Maybe you can show her how it's supposed to be done? I'm just not with it tonight."
She laughs knowing her brother can't dance either and when he fumbles around on the floor and makes a mess of it, Isabella bursts out laughing. Leaning back in her chair, she smiles when her brother smiles but Annalla is clueless she's also mucking it all up. She walks up and gives a group hug to the both of them and says "Thank you."
While they all eat cake, Orri gets talktative and asks a lot of questions Bella doesn't have the answers to.
"Uhm. We haven't really discussed any of that yet. No date yet. I think Annalla wants it to be soon. I wanted to have some time to plan a proper ceremony."
"The baby? I have no idea when the baby is coming. I'm not fat yet so I think I have several months."
She hadn't given any thoughts to the surname, but nods while looking at Annalla. "While we haven't discussed it yet, I think it makes the most sense for her to adopt Lebeda. Are you okay with that, Annalla?"
She reaches out and takes his hand "Orri, you are my best man. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. I would also like you to escort me in, if you wouldn't mind."
The next morning, everyone finds a notecard with the following written in neat print handwriting, 'Sophiel and Chrysa request everyone's company in the side meeting room of the inn at 9:00 am, to discuss the future of the party. Please do not be late.'