| Meeting Little Aiden |
| Summary: | Elaine pays Sasha a visit in her quarters and meets the bastard child of the lady. Some conversation is had, about Aiden, House Fendral and Lady Sasha's hopes for the future. |
| Date: | 04-07/07/2015 (Date of RP) |
| Related: | Introduction to a Bastard |
| NPCs: | {$npc} |
| Players: |
  |
| Lady Fendral’s Quarters - Castle Roseguard - Ironhold - Galenthia |
| In the scene. |
| Juillet 2nd, 1866, late morning |
The later hours of morning seldom allowed for a bit of leisure, especially not for a Viscountess, but even so Elaine Cassomir had taken some time off her duties, aware of the guest that had recently arrived, a guest that she so far not has been introduced to. She is wearing a dress of dark blue colour, a ribbon of black is wrapped about her left upper arm - the sign of mourning, as there had been many severe losses to the Cassomir family of late. Her blonde hair is arranged in a modest fashion, a single braid, hugging her neck and falling down over her front. But the posture as she walks, the head being held with a certain - slightly stubborn - pride as she passes some whispering servants and courtiers, it gives away she is growing into her new role. The knight charged with her safety, Sir Bertram Delarayne, follows her determined stride, keeping up with her effortlessly it would seem. When they are pointed to the quarters Lady Sasha Fendral and her retinue have been provided with, Elaine pauses at the door in question before she gives it a knock to announce her presence, hoping she will find the lady in her quarters.
The door to the Lady Fendral's quarters is opened by her handmaiden. The woman curtseys low when she sees the Viscountess. The door is opened and the maid steps aside letting the woman enter as she pleases. Inside the room Sasha is seated on a chair with a small brown haired baby boy in her lap. Looking up at Elaine Sasha offers a faint smile and rises to her feet. She shifts the baby in her arms and attempts a curtsey as best as she can with the baby clinging to the front of her dress. "Your Excellency. Please come in and make yourself comfortable." She gestures with her free hand to the chair across from where she was sitting waiting politely for Elaine to have a seat before the Fendral lady will retake her own seat and settle the baby back on her lap. The handmaiden shuts the door once the Viscountess and her knight are inside. Sasha studies Elaine a moment her gaze steady and yet also respectful. A small smile is given. "I take it you are here to meet my son?" She gently turns the baby in her lap around. Eyes quite similar to Sasha's own gaze out curiously at Elaine. The baby is a cute one, his brown hair slightly curly his eyes bright and alert. He makes an excited babble of greeting that has his mother shaking her head lightly in amusement. "Your Excellency, may I present my son Aiden Fendral. Say hello Aiden." Aiden lets out another excited babble, he isn't old enough to talk yet but he still seems excited by their company.
A step backwards is taken when the door is opened, and Elaine hands fold before her as she offers the handmaiden a faint smile. Her grey-blue eyes drift past the woman towards where Sasha rises from her seat. Warmth flickers in Elaine's gaze when she beholds the infant on Sasha's arm, and she will enter as soon as the invitation is voiced. "Lady Sasha," she greets, as she takes a step towards the woman, shifting her attention then to the little one. "Lord Aiden. I am pleased to make your acquaintance," she smiles. Her eyes lift to meet Sasha's gaze, a brow raised in a silent question, the intention announced by a hand raised to give the baby a gentle pat to the cheek. "May I?" Resting her fingers - if allowed - against the smooth skin of Aiden's cheek, for a moment, before she lowers her hand and will take the seat that has been offered to her.
There is a slight rustle coming from the skirts of her dress as she settles herself, her hands smoothing the fabric, before they come to rest in her lap. "Yes, in part.", Elaine admits. "I wished to meet your son - but also I wanted to see for myself if you have been adequately accommodated." Her eyes shift to the baby in Sasha's lap, studying him with a bit of curiosity. "How old is he, if I may ask? He seems to be of a healthy disposition," she remarks. "And good-natured, too!", is added with a smile. "You must feel blessed indeed." The tone is gentle, devoid of any mockery.
Sasha can't help but smile warmly as Aiden is greeted so politely. The question is met with a nod from the Fendral. "Go ahead. I would gladly offer to let you hold him if you wished but he might muss your dress. He tends to cling." Sasha nods at the explanation and glances around the room before looking back to Elaine. Her quarters are modest but comfortable with everything she might need. "Would you care for a drink? Some tea perhaps?" She looks down at Aiden at the question and smiles gently before lifting her eyes to Elaine. "Eight months and yes he is quite friendly and sweet. I do feel blessed…I worry for him though." There is a hint of concern in her eyes as she reaches to ruffle the baby's hair gently. "His uncle my head of house doesn't care for him…in fact you are the first noble to actually seem to like him. Other than me of course." Sasha lets out a soft breath studying Elaine carefully and calmly. Her tone is one of sincerity and respect as she speaks. "I want you to know Your Excellency. No matter what my family says about you…I form my own opinions and I bear you no ill will. We cannot control what happens to us at times…our circumstances can change with the wind but it's how we deal with them that matters. I have no wish to upset you or your marriage…I made my claim because my brother, my head of House insisted upon it. I love my son and I want more than anything to see him safe and happy out of reach of those who would hurt him. I only hope you can understand this." Her gaze is calm and composed but its also clear that she has hope that Elaine will understand her point, that she wants an ally and not another enemy.
A chuckle comes from the Viscountess at Sasha's warning of the dress musser, an ease breaking through her countenance, a trace of her modesty. "I would very much like to hold him for a moment, if you allow it, Lady Sasha. After all, I am expected to have children of my own, so I'd better get used to how it feels." Her mirth dims momentarily, as if a thought had passed through her mind, the smile on her features remains, the cheeks a touch rosier now. "Thank you, but I am fine," the offer tea or refreshment is waved off with a nod. She falls silent then, shifting a little in her seat when she listens to what the Fendral lady has to tell her. "Have any others wished to see him yet? I trust, my husband, the Viscount has met little Aiden, has he not?", she inquires, with a slight flicker in her eyes. Her demeanour growing pensive when Sasha assures her that she bears her no ill will. Her gaze flits downwards to the hands that are resting in her lap. The lips curling with a bit of gratitude. "I thank you, Lady Sasha. And I'm glad you see it that way. Your brother… some of his courtiers have been making less than flattering remarks about me and my family in the Great Hall. It does… complicate matters in Ironhold, when we should stand as a united front against the Thorns, especially now, after House Cassomir has taken all these blows."
"Your brother asked you to… make that claim…?", Elaine asks, looking up, studying Sasha attentively for a moment. "Yet you do seem not much inclined to?" She bites her lower lip, thoughts are racing in her head, which becomes clear through the way her breathing picks up a little. A bit of air leaves her lips in a soft exhale, when her gaze settles on Sasha once again. "No harm shall come to your son, as long as he is here at Castle Roseguard, that much I swear to you, by the One. Too many lives have already been taken." Grey-blue eyes shift to Aiden, flickering with more warmth. "He is so young still. He has just entered this world."
"I would be happy to let you Your Excellency. You are welcome to practice your mothering skills on Aiden anytime you wish." Sasha smiles gently with a touch of humor and carefully reaches across the space to hand the young Aiden to the Viscountess. The baby reaches out with an excited cry trying to grab ahold of Elaine's dress. Sasha will wait until Elaine has a hold of him good before withdrawing her arms back to her lap. A polite nod is given. "Yes my brother requested I make the claim first in the great hall with Aiden present. Your husband has seen him as has most of the court. Though it was only briefly…I have not spoken to the Viscount since the claim was made. I am afraid I shocked him a bit…hopefully I did not upset him too badly." There is concern in Sasha's eyes now and the question about her brother draws a soft sigh. "Not asked. Demanded. Lord Julien has always been rather short tempered when it comes to me…I wish I could fix that. For now I must do as he bids regardless of whether or not I agree with him." The promise of no harm draws a faint smile and a gentle nod from the Fendral. "You have my thanks for that promise Your Excellency. I fear if harm did come to him I would not be able to restrain myself from violent actions against them. I may be a mother but I'm also a fighter. I commanded a group of infantry that specialized in using cannons and spears before I got pregnant."
"Oh…" Elaine's eyes gleam when she extends her hands to accept the infant as he is handed to her by Sasha, making sure her hands close about his small torso below his armpits, lifting him over to settle him on her arm. A glance is shot towards the mother, as if to make sure she is doing it right, that little Aiden is comfortable enough. Before her gaze returns to meet the gaze of the little bastard, and she regards him with a warm smile.
"I've heard as much," she comments on the claim publicly made, "I… was detained as I had some matters to deal with." Her eyes are lifted to look towards Sasha. "He has not sought you out, since you've presented him in the Great Hall?", Elaine asks incredulously. She sighs. "He has a lot to see to, these days. And I am sure he will deal with your claim as soon as his other tasks allow him to." Little concern on Elaine's part about Henric having been upset by the matter. Her attention shifts back to Aiden on her arm. "You've been with him, then?" The question casual almost, were it not for the slight tremble of her voice.
Sasha smiles encouragingly as Elaine takes Aiden and holds him. Aiden babbles happily and clutches onto Elaine's dress smiling up at her. He hasn't started getting his teeth yet but the smile is still rather cute. Aiden's eyes are very similar to Sasha's a blue mixed with green thats both clear and bright. Sasha watches the two with a warm smile and listens as Elaine explains the Viscount having much to deal with. "I expected as much. There is likely quite a bit here that needs his attention. I don't mind waiting." The question has Sasha lowering her head in shame but she notes the tremble in Elaine voice. "Yes. It was before I knew he was to marry. I…I'm sorry Your Excellency. I know it must be hard for you…you should hate me and Aiden too for what I've done. But you don't seem to…" She peeks up at Elaine carefully now. "And for that I am beyond grateful."
Elaine's brows twitch upwards, surprise showing in her features when Aiden's small hands reach for the fabric of her dress. Her finger is offered, for those much tinier ones to close about it, and she smiles, pleased with this new experience. She nods, her attention still distracted a bit by the infant on her arm, when Sasha assures her of her patience. Her gaze coming up just in time to catch that expression of shame, and those lowered eyes. Looking even more surprised now, at the display of regret, Elaine cannot help but shake her head most vehemently. "Lady Sasha. We know… my husband has been quite… um… active at that time. It is not your fault. The betrothal was arranged, three months ago. A surprise to both him and me. It was a rather… sudden development." Her free hand reaches over to take that of the Fendral, giving it a light squeeze, if allowed. "I don't hate you, Lady Sasha. How could I? I'd rather rely on my own observations than on the opinion of others. So far, you've been kind and polite towards me." Her gaze drops to Aiden and she smiles. "And how could anyone hate such a delightful creature. I like his eyes… he looks as if he already understands every word we are saying…" Which Aiden does not, thanked be the One. Or his rather serene expression would perhaps display a hint more worry for his future.
Aiden gets distracted and reaches out for that offered finger closing his own tiny hands around it and looking up at Elaine with a happy face. Sasha watches the interaction as she listens to what Elaine has to say. The understanding that is offered seems to be a pleasant surprise for Sasha and she doesn't draw her hand back when Elaine reaches for it. The gentle squeeze is returned lightly. "Nor do I hate you Your Excellency, despite my families wishes. If anything I'm quite impressed by you so far. You have treated me kindly when most would have treated me with disdain or hatred. You are an easy woman to like." She watches Aiden a moment and smiles at Elaine. "I am rather pleased that his eyes are so similar to mine. I think he is the most handsome thing in the world…I may be biased though." She considers a moment watching Elaine with her son. "I will be happy when the matter involving Aiden is settled one way or the other. That way we can both rest easier and hopefully do something about my family and their discrediting of you in the meantime or afterward if nothing else. I don't believe throwing insults and accusations at each other when Thorns just killed most of our lieges main line is the best idea. The vassals should unite and do our best to help House Cassomir through these hard times..not cause more problems for them."
"Thank you," Elaine says, a bit of modesty flickering in her gaze as she lowers it briefly, when Sasha says she has been impressed with her so far. "You are our guest, and should be treated with the hospitality you deserve." The remark about Aiden's eyes draws her attention towards them, and she smiles. "Aye, he does look a bit like you… most handsome indeed." Shifting her arm a little as to move it into a more comfortable position, she adds: "I shall speak with my husband, and ask him to settle the matter as soon as possible, then." It would be for Henric to decide, after all. "I am glad to hear that, as for your family… there has been bad blood, and I believe such a matter needs to be settled. It may take an intervention of the Viscount himself, as I believe, to him your brother would be willing to listen." Tilting her head a bit to the side next, Elaine regards Sasha for a moment, biting her lower lip as she were considering something. "Lady Sasha. Forgive me. I was wondering… You say Henric is the father of Aiden, yet you stress the fact that you did not want to approach him through your own wishes… That this is your brother's doing. As you've… been with Henric, obviously… Did you hope for more to evolve from this… um… incident, back then?" Her cheeks are a deep shade of red now, knowing her questions do border on the impertinent. "He is my husband… I suppose I have a right to know. Perhaps this was a longer dalliance?" Yes, her breath has picked up again. Trying out what may be permitted, and her rights as Viscountess, a thing that somehow seems to go against her modest nature. But even so, curiosity seems to prevail at the moment over any sense of tact.
Sasha nods at the mention of the bad blood between their families needing to be resolved. "I hope you are right…but I know Julien doesn't respect the Cassomir's as much as our father did. He…his opinion of your husband is rather low from what I've gathered." She frowns slightly and then sighs at that next question. There is a hint in her eyes, a sign that she is doing something she would rather not. She regards Elaine a long moment and when she speaks it’s honestly though she takes great care to pick her words. "Your Excellency you asked if I slept with your husband before you married him. I did and I expected nothing more from him. I have no wish to steal your husband away from you in any fashion…even though that would likely please my brother it goes against what I feel is right. It was one night and that is all it will ever be. I did not want to bring Aiden before him no. My brother made me and quite frankly his methods insured that if it came down to his orders and the orders of the Viscount or yourself…Julien would no longer be obeyed so easily." Sasha studies Elaine a long moment and then adds softly. "My brother is desperate to marry me off Your Excellency. He doesn't think he can…that anyone would take me and so he plans to use me and my son both to insure he gets what he feels our House deserves. I don't agree with him in the slightest. Underhanded schemes are not how I want our legacy to be built." Sasha seems to be trying to hint at something without outright saying it. She doesn't want to betray her brother but she doesn't want to lie to her liege either. She never mentioned her agreement that Henric was the father of Aiden either which might seem odd.
"Hmm." Elaine's brows are drawn together when Sasha voices her doubts about Lord Julien being open to any words of the Viscount. "I shall speak on this matter with my husband as well. There must be some possibility to reconcile Lord Fendral to our cause." She falls silent then, turning her attention towards Aiden on her arm, rocking him gently when he makes a slightly annoyed sound. "Oh, you little wonder… We are not ignoring you, Aiden. See?", she purrs gently. Her finger is offered once again to the infant. Still, she will listen most attentively to what Sasha has to say about her brief dalliance with Henric Cassomir, and the vague hints as to Lord Fendral's current intentions. "Your brother may have considered to offer you to Henric as well, as marriage prospect… Or perhaps not, after the things that happened that led to Henric losing his position as Royal Lancer. Either way… The current situation is as it is. I don't think a bastard may diminish your chances to be married off… It's a proof of fertility I am still bound to provide…" Again, rosiness creeps into her features, despite her gaze still lingering on Aiden, holding eye contact with the little one on her arm. Perhaps not catching the hints there, as to the scheme of Julien Fendral, when Elaine definitely is not versed in any sort of intrigues, being as new as she is to nobility and the Courtly Dance. What Sasha fails to confirm is perhaps already inferred through the claim that has been publicly made, so Elaine appears to be oblivious to the lack of corroboration.
"I hope someone can talk sense into my brother. I have tried but everytime he pushes my opinions away as if they mean nothing." Sasha looks slightly tired at the mention of her brother. Apparently she has exhausted herself in trying to make him see her point. The annoyed sound draws a smile as Sasha look back to Aiden. Elaine's comments draw a faint smile as well. Sasha doesn't seem convinced though. "I am twenty seven Your Excellency. I'm almost to the age where I will be considered too old to marry. Most nobles will go after a younger match…I understand my brother’s frustration with me even if I don't agree with his methods of trying to solve the problem." She notes that Elaine doesn't seem to catch on to her hints. She offers no more hint but instead offers an encouraging smile. "I'm sure you will have as many children as you can possibly want. You are quite popular with Aiden already…I think you will make a fine mother when the time comes."
"I have some brothers as well, but we get along pretty well," Elaine remarks, a bit thoughtfully perhaps. Her eyes lift briefly from the infant's features to meet Sasha's gaze. Her lips twitch slightly, a bit of insecurity showing in her mien, feeling perhaps a bit of unrest in little Aidan. "Or do you think, he'll wants to be back on your arm again, Lady Sasha?" Her gaze flits back to Aiden, smiling when she sees her offered finger is grabbed and his slight displeasure was only of short duration. "You think so?", she inquires, as a shy smile conquers her features. Falling then silent for a moment, when she seems to ponder Sasha's words about her problematic age. "But… you are a beautiful woman. And one who has already given birth once. It may speak in your favor." She pauses, biting her lower lip, once again shifting her attention towards the Fendral lady. "Is marriage what you seek for yourself? Or is this a demand of your brother, to serve your House?"
"I get along with my sister fairly well but there has always been something between me and Julien." Sasha admits quietly as she watches Aiden clutch Elaine's finger once more. The baby tries to grab another finger and flexing his own tiny ones as he plays with Elaine's hand making a happy sound as he does so. "I think he likes you." Sasha says looking back up at Elaine. The reassurances draw a slight smile and a faint blush from the Fendral and Sasha considers Elaine a moment before she will answer. "It may help yes. I would like to settle down at some point…yes I would likely marry for the good of my House but that doesn't mean I would be against it. But I also would very much like to continue my work as a commander. I'm conflicted as to which I want more Your Excellency. Perhaps the ideal situation for me would be a marriage that would allow me to continue doing what I love…which is commanding and training infantrymen and cannoneers. But we rarely get an ideal I've found. I will do my best with whatever I am given though." She offers Elaine a small smile. "If your arm is getting tired just say so and I will take Aiden back. I know well enough that holding and keeping him entertained can be hard work." There is a hint of playfulness to Sasha's smile as she watches Elaine and Aiden.
A sound of surprise leaves Elaine's throat when she notices Aiden will not content himself with just one finger! "Oh, he likes my fingers!", she replies, amused and maybe also a bit gratified as well. She nods then to Sasha's words about settling down, that mirth fading a touch from her features. "I see. You must know a lot about warfare. I can't say I envy you for it, though. I… have so far shied away from violence of any kind. My brothers…" And here her lips curve upwards faintly, "… they are knights, well, Cassius is hoping to become one, squiring as he is still. I had… a sister though. But she died, before she could be knighted. In the Succession War." That faint smile turns pensive, a hint of a shadow present in the Viscountess's features. The moment passes. That smile intensifies a tad, when Elaine lifts her gaze to meet Sasha's. "It seems my parents decided for me to seek a different path then. In that I consider myself lucky."
The Cassomir lady nods when she hears about the Fendral's hope of continuing her career as a commander, "I believe you should speak with my husband, about any perspectives in that area. That is…" Her grey-blue eyes drift towards Aiden, to linger on the boy on her arm for a moment. "When this matter has been decided."
Her arm shifts a little, and Elaine looks surprised it does indeed hurt already a bit from holding that eight months old baby. "Oh! He is already quite heavy…", she admits with a chuckle. "Please?" Taking Aidan with both hands now to hand him back to his mother. "I wouldn't have thought it possible! How do you manage? To carry him around?"
Sasha can't help but laugh softly in amusement, it's a gentle sound that quickly fades but the gentle amusement remains in Sasha's gaze. She studies Elaine a moment and nods faintly. "Its something I am familiar with yes. I'm no knight but I have commanded an infantry unit for several years now and fought with them for even longer. I'm the only one in my immediate family that followed the warrior's path. Julien is not suited to it preferring books and politics and my sister is very much not interested either. She is too gentle for war." The mention of Elaine's sister draws a sad look from The Fendral, sympathy offered in a soft gaze. "I'm sorry to hear that Your Excellency you have my sympathies for what it's worth….losing someone is always hard." The mention of her asking the Viscount about options to continue commanding draws a thoughtful look followed by a nod. "I will. Once this has been settled that is. As much as I love my work I have another to think about now as well." She smiles and reaches out to take Aiden back into her arms. She settles the little boy on her arm carefully and offers him a finger which he takes with a babble of glee. Then Sasha looks back to Elaine with a soft smile a gentle sort of humor in her eyes. "Oh he isn't even as heavy as a long cannon yet. He still needs to grow. Truth be told I have help even if I am used to lifting heavy things on occasion. My handmaiden and I take turns carrying him when we have to go out. She has been a life saver for me. I don't know if I could have managed taking care of him on my own…though I adore him he is a handful at times." She smiles down at Aiden softly wiggling her fingers at him and watching as he babbles and grabs for them. She looks back up at Elaine. "Hopefully he did not strain your arm? He is close to being able to crawl on his own I think too. He will be walking before too long and maybe then it will be less strain on people’s arms…though I'm almost afraid to see what trouble occurs once he can walk around and get into stuff on his own."
Elaine listens to what the Fendral says about her family. "You see me surprised," she admits, with an apologetic chuckle. "I had imagined each House would… strive for their children to become knights. But I come from an old family of hedge knight tradition. Everyone of us was encouraged to take that path. Even I was intended to become a squire.", the blonde Viscountess admits. No need to hide the fact she is of commoner origin, when all of Ironhold is aware of it anyway. "Thank you," is offered in reply to the condolences, the gaze lowered momentarily. "This happened some years ago. It is not as fresh as the recent losses of House Cassomir."
There is a bit of relief showing in Elaine's mien, her cheeks having reclaimed a healthy rosiness, when Sasha takes her infant from her hands. "He'll become much heavier, I'd wager,", she says with a smile, her gaze lingering on the little with a bit of fondness. "Which is a good thing. He is healthy, and I daresay strong. You must be happy to have him.", this added with a glance towards Sasha, as the Viscountess leans back in her seat. "And no…" A slight wince there as she moves her arms, to probe them. "A bit of strain will not hurt me, I suppose. Especially when I'm supposed to carry my own children about one day." A pause follows, grey-blue eyes considering the Fendral lady with benign curiosity. "You are very different from me, Lady Sasha. Still, I will try to speak to my husband, and ask him to… deal with your case as soon as possible." Her tone is friendly enough. "Alas, I fear, I have to leave you now.", Elaine sighs with genuine regret, as she moves to stand, fingers brushing over the fabric of her skirts to smoothen them. "Lord Aiden. It has been a pleasure," a gentle pat is given to the infant's cheek as the Viscountess leans forward and offers him a gentle smile. "Lady Sasha. I thank you for your time. Have a good day.", is said towards the Fendral when the Cassomir straightens once again, this time to leave. A wave is given to her knight who had been unobtrusively in the background all the while, and the Viscountess departs, with a last smile offered over her shoulder as she leaves the room.