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| Summary: | After being missing for over a week, Lord Ormund and Eiris Flowers returns to Oldtown a bit worse for wear. |
| Date: | Turn of Lihanis (10-09-120) |
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Their trek back into Oldtown is not without its trials and he was right to worry about her foot for it does ache excruciatingly in that stirrup, caught tight in the press of her boot against the blackened toes. She manages, however, for when they ride into the main streets, she looks ahead to him in the lead and then comes up beside him with the line of horses to follow. She realizes where they are, what riding beside him means as they are given looks. She reins Petyr back a step or two, falling more behind him and to the right as people begin to call out.
His household will know he is alive and returned far before they reach the keep. She does not go forward or climbs down, staying astride Petyr as attendants rush out to them and to their lord. Her gaze lowers, her foot quickly slipping out of the stirrup as she tries to swing herself down and has to stop, gripping the pommel of the gelding's saddle.
Despite being home and the wave of his family and advisors and friends coming out to meet him when he sees Eiris falter he makes her his first priority, he is to her and scooping her up into a princess hold, "The Lady Flowers is in need of a Maester. Make way." He murmurs to her, "I will swallow my pride the day you swallow yours." He declines passing her off to the few men that offer. That should be telling on how he'll react if she was married to another in the question she asked him days ago. "Summon Lord Hunt." He assumes that Hunt and his cousin are back since he knows for a fact they did not get Bristles!
The indignity of it all. Her protest is cut short as he wheels her about the way he does, showing off her breeches beneath the homespun and simple wool dresses. She looks unfit for the court with her hair and face in need of a decent wash. "My lord," she begs him below her breath as others seek to carry her and take the burden of the bastard Hunt from their lord's arms. Her cheeks flush brilliantly and she stares at his throat. Already the scenery has changed, all of it has changed beyond recognition and so have they. It is no longer their own wildling camp, nor a place to discuss their views openly. In fact, this is the worse possible place to be. "Please, you are drawing attention and I can walk, " she keeps her voice a hush but her hand strays, briefly gracing his collarbone before she utterly stills.
Others have run off to alert the Maester already so when he shows in the corridors, his chains clinking and clanging he says, "She seems well enough but come." A maid is already waiting to show them to one of the various guest rooms that are likely not ready for any visitors.
"I let you ride and that was a mistake. I'm getting you someplace warm and comfortable and that is that." He at least whispers this scolding that comes from the heart. The master is given a look. "It is her foot, I wouldn't have called for you if she wasn't in need." He takes her to those old chambers of the Master of the Hunt and into the room that will actually probably be hers. Once she is laid down, he lifts up her hand to give it a very genteel kiss as any lord would give a lady in a plutonic but heart felt farewell. "I will see you very soon." The maester's shoulder is given a rather firm grip, "Everything will be done for her and for her toes." It is clear in his tone that any other outcome or lip from the Maester will be handled as that generous and benevolent lord that just will not be crossed or manipulated.
He turns around before he exits the door and when all backs are to him except hers, she has an open view of him when he lifts up his wrist and kisses the hair wrapped around it and then he steps out to attend his own needs and the needs of his men and their families.
Within the next few hours, those servants and other attendants begin to treat the bastard noblewoman a whole lot better. There are even many that bring flowers in with them to place on her bedside table. The word that she is the savior of the Lord of Oldtown has already spread like wildfire and many of the servants are very impressed that she also was the reason why Bristles will not plague the surrounding area anymore. "He won't show us the head, not until ye can do it together he said. Coo should see Lord Otho an' the rest. The champion and's wife too, they seem especially sour that the Lord Ormund won the wager."
Soon enough after the treatment starts to warm, does her father and mother who seems to be doing well enough now to be out of bed visits. Much fawning and praising and chiding goes on.
It is around dinner when the doors of the chambers swing open and a slew of servants swarm the main chamber and the three side bedchambers. Everything is freshened up in one wave and in the next wave, there is a feast set up in the main chamber. A lovely bed gown and even lovelier robe are helped onto her by maids. When her clothes are removed a certain lock of chestnut curls falls free and lands on the bed where she can palm it for the rest of the dressing. She is given a smooth and comfortable crutch and there are maids to make sure she can make it to the dinner table.
When everything is set up, Ormund is the first to enter and his youngest sons, flank him, each at one of his legs, their little hands hooked around the back of their father's legs as the cling and walk. There is a little limp in his step, but he doesn't need a crutch and he's also completely out of pain because of his maester's potions. "Lord Hunt!" The young woman of Eiris' age on his arm is glided into one of the chairs around the table. "Goodwoman." He bows his head to Eiris' mother. "Forgive the intrusion, but my children insisted that we dine together and tell them all the stories about the Death of Bristles."
The younger of the ladies he's brought with him claps her hands and beams excitedly at Eiris, "He said that you didn't even have any Falcons or eagles!" A woman going hunting without the safety of falcons and eagles obviously excites her naughty streak. "Lynesse, let's wait til we're all seated, hmm?" Lynesse was more behind her father to make sure that he didn't stumble or that the boys didn't trip him up. But she stops mothering and quickly finds a seat for herself.
Before Ormund sits down he makes sure that everyone else has a seat and is settle, very against typical etiquette at a table. But he wants to make sure that he can get a seat close to Eiris.
All of it is overwhelming in both scale and timing. Eiris has little she can do to turn aside the Maester who seems quite taken with the task of seeing her feet. Maids are then there once the pain is driven off by the concoctions mixed and given to her food and her lips. Her hair is brushed then skillfully braided down her back. The dress and then robe is secured as her mind is left to wonder and dance when not only the moments leading up to the feast but the ones after are thrust into chaos and change again.
Is this how the household runs?
Everyone has their task to do and how quickly he smiles for the sight of her mother. The two speak and though little is shared they seem to have much that is understood between them. All the while that soft lock of hair is brushed, held and kept in the calloused palm - which is much less so after she had been cleared and washed.
Seated finally, the first round of food smells and looks beyond measure and Eiris is once more left overwhelmed as more of the Maester's mixtures are set within warmed cider which will also steal her thoughts.
There are more places than people currently and that causes the Flowers a great deal of hesitation even as she imbibes and the warmth spreads through her gullet and ease her expression int something more relaxed. Numbers? Who cares.
Until the moment the Lord walks in and looks every measure himself once more as his children arrive with him. Eiris stares for a time, offering each a soft smile which softens further when her eyes meet the Lord's and her fingers stroke against the curl in her palm.
"My father had taken the bird before your lord father arrived, so we could not. Your father trusted in my skills but I barely had a moment to aid him. He was rather brave, his spear in hand, his plan was sure to win him the head of Bristles," which it did but at great cost - this she does not say.
She notes his proximity to her and there is a light color upon her cheeks when her father speaks, "Lord Hightower, it is our honor to have you here. My love and I are eternally grateful for your generosity. For placing us here within he walls. We will not fail your good heart," is easily offered as he bows to Ormund, his wife doing much the same as she speaks her thanks as well.
Once everyone is settled back in, Eiris' attention upon Lynesse is noted. "Are you interested in the hunt?"
There is that look in his ice blue eyes when she starts to debase herself in front of their families. "Nonsense, if it weren't for Eiris we would have never found the beast, I am only disappointed that our injuries kept us away so long." He leans over towards Lynesse and his tone goes playful, "He was delicious! Though you should have seen the poor thing after I tried to cook him."
Her father cooking causes Arana to roll her eyes a bit and scoff, "It is a miracle you survived." Ormund laughs it off.
While Lynesse nods her head in rapid excitement, "But I like the birds mostly." Next to her Lyonel lisps with his lack of front teeth. "Is wanstha go ness time!"
Meanwhile as their children talk the parents also start their own conversation. "It is my hope Lord Hunt that you will consider returning here. I've had the chambers spruced up, so that you may stay until Eiris has improved. Though again it is my wish that instead of leaving, we will simply fetch your things and bring them here. You are the Master of the Hunt to House Hightower, it is only right that you live in the chambers dedicated to the title. I would like you closer so that Ortho will not beat you to me next time. Though I must say, your daughter surely did you proud in your absence."
Ormund pauses to drink his wine and interrupt any response with more insistence and laying out their possible future. "I believe you know Maester Arwyn, who attends to my house, he was very impressed with your knowledge of herbs Goodwoman, and when you are well, he believes there is a place for you assisting him if you would so choose. If it were not for the daughter you so well raised, I would not be sitting here." This causes Martyn to reach over and cling to his father's fingers. It would have been something very awkward for Ormund last week But he gives the boy a little squeeze. "But here I am, all thanks to Lady Eiris."
The very clever and eldest of his children, much like Eiris' mother does not need to be told anything to suspect. She has never seen her father this… happy. Her jaw sets, but she puts on a lion's share of a smile and lifts up her goblet. "To Lady Eiris Flowers." Her tone like a weapon sheathed in silk. Certainly the blood of the lion in her. She sweetly offers, but there's no smile in her eyes as she takes the toast to measure up the other young woman across the table. Her eyes narrow, what does she have in her hand that she keeps toying with?
"I am glad, boars are quite a feat to handle, Lady Lynesse. Perhaps given time your father will allow me to teach you the basics of handling the smaller raptors," Eiris says and gives him a look back. It is to Arana that the Flowers looks then, offering her a smile, "Your father is an amazing lord, his calm under pressure kept us both moving. It was not a miracle but his quick thought that kept him from peril. Even then, he was concerned with others over himself." She gives him a smile before tilting her head to the side and little Lyonel gets a few her teeth when she smiles. "Perhaps if there is grousing you would like to go?" Not boar.
Asten looks to his daughter, a nod given to her as the Lord invites them back to the chambers. "You know the reasons I kept away," he begins, looking then to the northern base born woman of his youngest child. "If she is to be accepted here than I will gladly return to Oldtown." He lifts his glass to that, silently toasting Ormund before taking a drink.
"You are kind, my lord. In time Eiris will learn more of my skill. But her father favored her so I did not wish to take her time away from the Hunt," those sharp eyes, green constantly unlike her daughters watch her. The hair color that Eiris has is shared with her mother. Looking between the two, she gives her daughter a faintly worried look but smooths it over with a smile. "Lady Eiris Flowers," she echoes, "It has a lovely ring to it," she says.
They toast Eiris and she dips her head, looking to the table briefly before that smile, mild as it is lifted as she looks to each in turn, her eyes linger in Ormund before those eyes, her father's eyes settle on Arana. How much like a Lannister she looks. The Flowers loses only a small bit of her smile as she holds the young woman's gaze. Giving her a nod, her fingers curl and hold tightly to the lock of hair. It is the one things he feels has not changed and its one of many moments she wishes they were back in the wild.
The unsteadiness shows upon her face before she looks to her father, "It is up to you, lord father. If you choose to remain here we will make it our home."
"Hmm?" Ormund realizes his permission is being sought after. He looks between the two young ladies he has such trouble denying and just smiles and nods. "I think that is a perfect idea, Eiris can become a maid and mentor to Lynesse, if you don't mind Goodwoman. I am sure no matter the task load, Eiris will be able to pick up all you have to teach her in no time. And Lynesse has been very much wishing to learn falconry."
Humbleness is practiced by Ormund and he just tilts his head in a grateful nod to Eiris for her compliments on how he handled himself. But then he has serious matters to discuss and he dabs at his mouth with his linen napkin and angles in his chair to better face Lord Hunt. "That was before my time," granted only by a small margin. "There is work, shelter, and comfort for all of you under my roof. That will never change. You belong here."
"You are looking very lovely tonight good ma'am. I hope Lord Hunt will forgive my boldness. I am simply happy to see that you are feeling much better. The Old Gods be praised, and the Seven ever merciful."
There is another small eye-roll from the Lion and she hides it by looking down at her plate and quietly stabbing bits of food, but never really eating. Finding the crooning her father is doing with a bastard, a smallfolk, both Northern stock to be distasteful. .oO(Probably wildlings with their fire hair and crotches. Stupid father only being drawn towards their warmth! Ugh.)Oo. There is a tiny twitch at the corner of her nose as she thinks such things. "Brydon did a remarkable job in your absence father. He is truly the Champion of Oldtown. Lady Kina Hightower, now she is such a wonderful woman, she stepped up as well to give heart and comfort to those of us so worried about you. She is an absolute credit to you, Lord Asten. Such poise, such elegance, such demure tenderness." Arana lifts up her goblet again and so does the rest of the Hightowers.
There is a look in Ormund's eyes that shows he is no fool and knows exactly what his eldest is doing. "I had no worries about that while we were away, he is Champion for a reason and Kina is indeed his perfect match." He toasts and sips his goblet and Ice Blue eyes meet each others over the rims of their goblets and there is a bit of chill that gusts through the room sourced by those looks, but Ormund puts his goblet down and beams at his guests, "So is it settled then? Shall I have your things sent for?"
"Gwoowsus are dewishush." Lyonel chimes up after the quite tension have faded.
Eiris' smile is genuine as Lynesse and she are given the ability to spend time together in the learning of falconry. She gives the young lady a wink of her eye, "We can start soon if you like? Beginning with the holding and reading of a bird and its moods. We have the skill to use them but they also have the ability to harm us should we displease them." She warns, "One must always respect the raptors, for they are strong and cunning." But her smile remains, obviously the position gives her a degree of relief. Eyes move to her mother and remain there, watching until she nods her head.
Asten gives a nod of his head, "Then we would glad to stay, seeing Eiris has found a match or her talents in your household." He nods to Lynesse and looks rather taken with the idea of returning. He's a good man, honoring his woman and his daughter by remaining with them. The compliments being heaped upon both of his women bring out that puffing chest and he sits up straighter, "My Hanna is resilient, but your Maester's finesse is what brought her about fully. Perhaps now that we are settled on returning the rooms afforded us will keep her in good health."
"Thank you, again, my lord. We are grateful for everything, the Gods be praised," she says and dips her head low over the table. One can see where Eiris gets her humility but also her keen edge as the good woman's head lifts to watch Arana as she speaks. Never once does her smile falter for she will not speak ill of Asten's other children and lifts her glass to celebrate Kina and Brydon. Eiris does much the same, never wavering but she knows, there is only the faintest of uncertainties in her gaze for she has yet to experience the trials of life as her mother has.
"Yes, my lord. I think all things are e settled and we will return to the appointed rooms. It seems my family is needed here as a whole and grateful to further serve the honorable Hightowers of Oldtown."
Lyonel's words about grouse are noted and Eiris nods in agreement. "Pheasants are even better, hopefully the Winter will break in the coming years and we will see a resurgence in their numbers." Because that has been a concern. Fingers stroke that hair and for a moment her well-trained eye stray and hold upon Ormund, her gaze softening before she takes a bite of her food. Unlike Arana, Eiris has a healthy appetite.
Lynesse is practically bursting with excitement, "Can I have one of my own!? Oh please, Father!?" A polite gesture is made towards Asten, "It seems you have your first task since returning home Master of the Hunt. Our roost could use several new birds. Especially if the Hightower men keep up our Hunting Challenges."
He smiles and laughs and that's when Arana's smooth and cool exterior cracks. She is still just a 13 year old girl who's only recently while he was away received her first moon blood and is hormonal as hell and she's just learned her father nearly died and now he's joking and boasting about going out on another challenge. "May I please be excused?" The lioness doesn't wait for an answer and she stands and swishes out very fast.
Lynesse whispers, "She's been like that all week, probably worried she got blood on her dress again." Ormund blinks and clears his throat. "She is fine." He gives an apologetic look to his guests. Every time his eyes meet Eiris' they hold an adoration to them, he can't help it. But he's sure that's also part of Arana's issue and hence, just letting her go instead of pressing the issue in front of the company.
"There is another matter that I would like to broach…" He looks over at Eiris and he smiles. "As I know you are aware, if Eiris was a man, who did what she did to save my life, there would be a knighthood in it for her. But as it is, I feel, and I hope you will support me, that the King would seriously consider allowing Eiris to take on the name of Hunt."
He has been compiling the perfect bite of the meal together as he speaks and punctuates the bomb he just dropped by finally putting it into his mouth.
The Goodwoman knows what this all means when Ormund speaks and Arana's rapid departure speaks volumes as well. She draws a breath, looking with concern to Eiris at the offer of elevating her quickly - though it will take some time. "How very generous," she says though she watches the two closely before she worries herself with eating - though it seems merely a motion now.
Asten is in the midst of chuckling over the request for more birds. "It will take time, my lord but we can see it done," he promises. He is in the midst of drinking when Ormund drops that bomb and arches a brow, slowly lowering his mug. "I suppose you are right," he admits and strokes at his bard along his jaw, giving Eiris a look as she sits a bit more upright, her eyes darting amongst the adults at the table.
"I think Lord Ormund merely wishes to truly be able to apply a Lady to my name," she says, trying to allay her own nervousness with humor.
"Lord Ormund thinks that it is only a right and fitting reward for your heroism." There is more of the look that she is growing used to, his almost fatherly chiding when she makes herself the butt of a joke regarding her station. "These sort of things must be struck upon while the iron is hot as they say. So please forgive my adding to what is an already overwhelming day."
The littlest form at the table slides out of his chair and under the table. A few moments later around her good leg, there is the sensation of little arms wrapping around it. Soft little sniffles also come and they cause Ormund to lean back. "Lyonel informed him that lordlings don't cry where they can be seen…" Ormund swallows a bit as he himself is still pushing through his own hang-ups where his youngest is concerned, it's his greatest flaw and he's not proud of it. "Marty, come here…" The little arms squeeze her tighter.
"Be that as it may," Eiris begins and goes still when that disappearing young lord is suddenly about her leg. She freezes, the attention unexpected leaves her unsure of what to do. Her hand with the fork hovers over her plate but then comes a soft little tink of the utensil being set down upon her plate. She tilts back and cants her head as her leg is squeezed further. Eyes very briefly look to Ormund with a question I in them before her hand reaches down to smooth through his hair only for a second. She doubles over a little, pitching her voice to a hushed tone, secretive even.
"You are quite strong," she says with a warm smile, "But perhaps you will tell why you are under the table? I do not mind you there but I will not tell anyone else," she says and again her fingers smooth his hair back. "I often hid under my bed during storms.. it's comforting knowing something is protecting you."
Asten looks a tad uncomfortable with the situation and looks across at Ormund. "I do not mind giving my daughter my name. I have proclaimed her mine even now. It will not stop me from doing more." He sips at his drink and Hanna reaches over to touch his arm, concern in her gaze but he pats her hand reassuringly. "I will write to the King. Adding such a brave woman to the peerage should be something that he will support."
Martyn releases her leg with one arm so he can wipe at his face with his sleeve. "I sad. Lynch says, hide to cry. You saved Fafa." He buries his face against her leg, unfortunately getting snot and tears all over the robe covering that leg. "He then starts to tug on Eiris' leg and his father's leg. "Safe. Safe. Come. Safe." The near three-year-old has latched onto the fact that the adult has said under the table is safe!
The timing of it has Ormund feeling particularly awkward. "I knew that it would be something you would appreciate Lord Hunt. Eiris is talented, brilliant, and very deserving of all the honors she will earn in this life." Ormund gives them a finger begging a moment. "Marty, we're too big to come under the table. We also have injuries. It is going to be alright. Come here." He gestures his youngest to come to him again and it is when Ormund's arms move in a way that offers a hug does the child starving for his father's affection start to bolt-waddle into those arms.
The boy is scooped up and rested on Ormund's chest, his little head tucking in under the lord's chin. Lyonel is immediately jealous and he starts to climb over empty chairs and up onto the other side of his father's chest. This also surprises Ormund and Lynesse reaches to nab up her father's free arm, laying on the table to keep the injury rested. "Goodness. Such a welcome home…"
"It is safe, but it is also safe out here," Eiris tries to help, her fingers smoothing through his hair again as she smiles warmly at the tiny creature. When he finally abandons her for Ormund, her gaze follows and she watches the scene unfold before her. Only Arana is missing but she is young and old in the same breath and likely would not be joining them. "They worry for you…and rightfully so," Eiris says. For she knows how close he came. She affords him a gentle smile and then it warms as she watches his children before her gaze finally drops to her plate.
Hanna is watching his unfold before her as well and glances to Eiris. There is likely to be a talk later and Asten - Asten is oblivious ot the nuances as he chuckles, "You are kind to us, my lord. But we will do everything in our power to prove you right..she will I am sure." His gaze drifts to his daughter so like his wife that maybe, maybe he might be understanding what is going on but does not comment, instead takes a drink.
"Perhaps, after dinner, we can tell you the tale of Bristles..and your brave father. Or would you like to hear about something else?" She asks of the children, her focus there as her smile shows her teeth.
Marty is rather tuckered out from the exciting day and the crying he's done now and over the week. His little head turns enough to show him sleeping already, sucking on his thumb. Lyonel turns his head though, interest piqued by talk of story time and he picks up his father's eating knife and pokes at the air. "I wish to hear about the sewage best!" He waggles the knife around until it is plucked from his hand by his older sister. "Improper Lyonel." He pouts with both elbows on the table and his chubby faced squished up between his fists on his cheeks. "Please."
Ormund smiles over at Eiris, "No embellishments now."
"Never, I would never do such a thing, you see your father set up a trap for Bristle after we found his tracks. I awoke to the movement of the men outside the pavilion," Yes she speaks of the pavilion without hesitation - she was in it? Hanna looks at her daughter, worry now even more clear and even Asten is looking between them.
"He was already astride Dawn and was holding a spear. He meant to take down the powerful beast himself and away he rode, without hesitation. I managed to get astride Petyr in time to watch him hem the beast in and climb down. Your father was brave, for Bristles is and was a monster of a boar.
"In fact your father struck him several times and began to undo the strength of the wild beast. He did not hesitate, he did not wait, he struck true. I have a feeling your father does that with everything he does," she explains, her eyes lifting to his from the children before they return to the small faces that look to you. "He is a man of strength and honor, you are his children and I suspect you all carry that within you."
This is honestly the first time he's ever held Martyn so, but as he listens and smiles to Eiris as she tells the story his hand naturally starts to just rub and pet the toddler's back. Sad truth is that it's probably the first time Martyn's been held like that by anyone. Lyonel bounces on his father's knee excitedly and Lynesse is playing close attention to the story, sometimes going white-knuckled on her father's hand squeezing it at the dangerous parts.
"You're missing over the little details that give the story some depth." He teases and turns to add a few details, "We were on its trail for a day, it was such a clever beast that it used the creeks and waterways to mask its trail. We were gone on the track so long that it got late and I decided we should make camp and set the trap as Eiris described. Poor Eiris, didn't expect to be kept out so long, all she had was a pack for a day and her cloak. Not even a tent… Which reminds me, I must have some fully stocked saddlebags commissioned for Petyr… anyways, once this was realized, I insisted Eiris take the Pavillion and I stayed with Howard, Gods Rest His Soul. Well Howard was a bit of a snorer and so I was up very early, so I heard when the horses began to panic. The luxury of the pavillion I think overwhelmed dear Eiris and she slept hard. But just like she called it the day before, Bristles came right back through the area, he was just seduced by the horse's trough."
"The night before we even put a wager on Eiris' skills, she described Bristles to the broken tusk, weight and demeanor. Near exact, it was amazing."
"Oh am I?" Eiris says, her smile warming for him and then her cheeks flushing with color. "You were gracious but as my father can attest we are used to surviving by a fire and taking turns, no need for a pavilion. So I must admit that the luxury was something I was not accustomed to," she remarks.
She does however quiet, listening to his exacting details before she lifts her voice, "We were describing the beast and his demise, not my description of him…" she begins but her father is beaming rather proud like as he drinks his mead. He gives his daughter a look and she says, "You taught me well," she admits but then her gaze is for the little one already asleep on his father's lap. Her expression softens all over again for the little one.
"They do so love you..it is the truth that they hold your courage in them. Even the smallest does…even if he has not found it entirely yet." There may be a hint that she wants to reach out and touch him, to stroke his hair again as her hand lowers to rest on the table next to her nearly uneaten plate of food.
Ormund affectionately bahs. "We were telling the tale, we can't leave out the expertise of the guide that brought the beast to its end." When Lyonel rather innocently asks, "What about the affalunch?" his father's mood grows still and he ruffles his son's hair. "That's a story for another time my son." He takes a deep breath and subconsciously snuggles his family up a bit more. "No more stories about the past, let's talk of the future! Is there anything that I can do to make sure your move goes smoothly? Do you need anything in the way of furniture? Everything already in here is yours to do with as you please, it can be removed, replaced, or put into storage. If the aviary needs remodeling or the kennels, or if you need drying racks to sink a ship Goodwoman, they will sink!"
He has noticed that Eiris hasn't really tucked into much of her food since his eldest was a brat. "I know you've grown used to my cooking. But I promise I didn't cook. Eat, please, you need your strength." His other children have also gotten distracted and their food grows cold on their plates of fine white porcelain rimmed in Hightower flame red.
"So we are," Eiris doesn't fight him and looks to her food, having forgotten it while telling the story. She is quick to spear a few bites and pass them past her lips. One she chews, stealing her words but she makes a motion at her mother while food is in her mouth.
"There is a chest of keepsakes from my family, small things, that truly is the only thing we need. We have little that would need bringing save for the stores of herbs," she admits. Smiling across at her daughter, her worry her is still clear as the Flowers continues to eat, as asked to.
Her eyes stray upwards from her plate to meet his gaze and hold there, lingering even if he looks away and then to look down when he glances her way. She is exhausted still, tired to the bone and she sets her fork down as she reaches for her cider, drinking deeply of it before she smiles at them all. "Your children are lovely..I look forward to aiding the Lady Lynesse .
Since story time is over their father only had to gesture and the children began to eat again. When the servants come to clear out the meal and make ready to bring in the dessert he flags over one of the servants and whispers to them, "Make sure that the Lady Arana does not get anything from the kitchen until breakfast." He is not going to see her rewarded with food after the tantrum she pulled. She'll eat with them, or she won't eat at all.
The remaining children all cheer when a spectacle pudding made up to look like a bristly boar with shaved almonds covered in chocolate on the outside come. "I wans fa snoooths!" Lyonel claims the snoot of the boar even before it's come to rest on the center of the table. "Lyonel, Ladies first." It's not done malliciously or from a place of brattiness like her sister did, but Lynesse believes that means she gets first and she wants, "The Tail!" This makes her giggle.
As the children set to eating, Eiris is quiet, thoughtful as she watches them. Something passes over her expression, worry perhaps, concern? Apprehension. Her eyes lower than to her plate as she plucks one single morsel up and munches upon it absently as her hand lowers to her lap.
She appears much the same, caught in thought as the boar is brought out in dessert form. As Lynesse calls her bit, her expression softens as she watches her wiggle. Her gaze goes distant again and through all of this Hanna is most observant, the good woman watching the children with a smile but a knowing look is given to her daughter who seems to be assessing the Hightower children for some reason.
The honors of carving up the boar are passed to Asten. "If I never eat a boar again it'll be too soon." He makes light of a real aversion he's realized upon seeing the sugary boar brought in. "More for my guests and children." After the women have picked out their pieces Lyonel looks very happy that he still gets his snoot! Eiris' quietness and contemplation have also caught his notice. He leans over closer to her and puts his hand on the arm of her chair and not her, as etiquette dictates. "Have we overstayed? We can go so you can rest." His sentence is cut a bit as he edits out the 'darling' he was about to call her.
Hanna notes the way Ormund favors her daughter and before Eiris can answer, those hazel eyes gone brown in the light meeting his, the elder woman speaks up. "It is late, but I do miss children. Yours are welcome here any time as I am sure Eiris would agree," she intones, eyes trying to find her daughter amongst her worry.
"Yes, of course, they can, any time," she admits and looks up at Ormund once more, the smile she had presented starting to list a little to the side. It fades a measure or two as her eyes lock upon his. Her hand shifts, lifting from her lap to set something in view as she tilts her hand to show him his lock of hair. Her thumb moves it against her palm and it disappears.
Hanna begins to fret now, but Asten has feasted on the dessert board and missing what is going on. Would he object? Not likely.
Ormund presses his arm along the arm of the chair enough that only she can see a peek at her bracelet around his wrist still mostly hidden by the layers of nobleman's garb. He is looking quite sharp and dashing again if a tiny bit pales with some darkening around the eyes. But those are the only signs that they've been through hell week. "We can take their plates. You have opened up the floodgates with your invitation I am afraid if you ever need to rescind the offer, don't be afraid and do let me know." He moves to support his baby boy on his chest, "Children, bring your boar ends with you and say you're good nights."
Lyonel stands, gives a very proper little lordlings bow (he looks exactly like Ormund in every which way when he does that). "Sank you. Vewy mush. Thus a how meeting you." He then takes his plate of the snout and holds it up to his governess who curtsies before taking the boy away into her custody.
Lynesse picks up her plate first and then gives a curtsy, she gives an awkward expression as she realizes that was the wrong order to do it and nearly got pudding down the front of her gown. "I look forward to our lessons." A look she gets from her father has her adding. "Take your time to heal well Eiris. I don't want you to get sicker." Ormund corrects, "worse." Lynesse repeats the correction, "I don't wish for you to get any worse. I think we are going to have a very fun time. I am excited." Again the pudding almost makes a fashion statement and she gives a little meep and passes the plate to her own governess.
Once the adults are alone (besides the servants in the shadows of the room) and besides the toddler Ormund still cradles, he could have very well passed him over to his own governess, but now that he's finally snuggled his baby boy for the first time, he is reluctant to stop. So his free hand extends to take up Eiris' hand so he can place a genteel and proper kiss on her knuckles. "This is because of you." Him being alive and with his children and in a way he never has been with them before. It is very plainly in his eyes his high regard and affection for her because of this.
"Thank you again Goodwoman, Lord Hunt." Hanna gets a small but respect filled bow of his head, something most lords wouldn't do to any smallfolk. Asten though is given a greater bow so long as Martyn isn't disturbed and his free arm is offered to the other man to clasp as comrades would do. "Welcome home."
Hanna is rising, as is Asten and then Erris as she has recovered from the sight of his bracelet and the sweet goodbyes the children make, each one gave a full smile that lights up her face. The Flowers watches them go only to see how Ormund holds his son and he will note how it brings that softness to her gaze again.
Asten reaches out, taking that arm and clasping Ormund in a tight grasp, "It is good to be here, we look forward to working directly with you again. We are honored," he says and gives the Hightower lord a full smile as well. Hanna, she looks wary and as she watches Eiris watch Ormund her hands grasp at her skirt, offering a full bow to the lord.
Eiris steps about the table, lock of hair in hand as she lifts her hand to smooth Martyn's hair and then his cheek. "I would like to see your children again. I look forward to it," she says and then lowers her hand, her fingers brushing, pressing along that curve of his hand for a brief second so he might feel her touch. Her gaze tries to relay something to him, that apprehension clear in her gaze.
When Ormund makes to leave, the boy's governess steps up and all but takes the boy from him before he can get to the door. It would present a weaker facade to the public that would see him cuddling his son, and also make Martyn a greater target. The aloofness between the children and him a noble tradition. Much like superheroes, those that they love need to be protected and the disconnect that Ormund has had with his children until this day, may appear to not be of his own desires, but out of duty and expectations of others on him. He relents with the child and gives his head one more stroke before the babe is whisked away back to his own chambers in the tower above.
Before he leaves he lifts a hand to his mouth, there's no kiss it looks more like just a little brush of his lips to dry them more than anything, but only her knowledge of what he does next makes it clear that he is making another motion of kissing his fingers and then adjusting his cuff of his shirt. … bringing that kiss to her bracelet. "Good night. We'll be abusing that invitation soon." He says with a dry smile.