[alaklondewen]

As the morning wore on, Pelien watched Rummel like a hawk and roamed the housed with a white glove inspecting all the nooks and crannies for dirt missed by the young servant. Rummel asked no questions when dust was found, but with her head lowered she would detail the area while Pelien stood over her. The girl was a good worker and always showed respect, but if she wasn’t watched she would get lazy, and Pelien would not have that.

As noon approached, Pelien had yet to see Adrama come down from her room. Either the girl was rebelling and staying in her room, or she was being careful to avoid Pelien.

“Rummel, I will be having lunch on the balcony today. I need you to inform my daughter that her presence is wanted.” Pelien and the servant stood just outside Pelien’s bedroom. As soon as Rummel had her orders, she curtsied and returned down the hallway toward Adrama’s rooms.

Pelien entered her bedroom and quietly closed the door behind her. Crossing the room, she opened her armoire and shuffled through the gowns hanging neatly in a line. Although she wouldn’t have admitted it, Pelien wanted to make a good impression on the ladies. They would have to see her as important to the community and an influential member of the court. The older woman thought about this as she selected a gown. She did not want to seem overly casual, yet this was only tea on a mid-week afternoon. After careful deliberation pulled a black and white dress from its hanger and laid it gently across her bed. This dress and its color would show her status and that of her husband’s as a tower guardsman.

As she stood over the bed, a light knock came from the door. Pelien knew it would be Adrama, and she called for her to come in. Without turning around the older woman could hear the door creak and then her daughter’s slippered feet pad across the floor.

“Hello, Mother. Do you need me for something?” Adrama had waited to speak until she was at her mother’s side, and although Pelien had yet to look at her, her gaze was felt by her mother.

“Yes, I thought it would be nice if you joined me for lunch on the balcony.” Pelien finally turned to her daughter with a bright smile. To be honest Pelien felt a smidgen of guilt for her reaction to her daughter’s late arrival home the night before, and although she still believed in strict discipline, after a night’s rest she knew she could have been gentler with Adrama. “I’ve already ordered two fresh salads that should be delivered anytime.”

“Yes…that sounds nice.” Adrama smiled at her mother in a way that lightened Pelien’s conscience. “Is this the gown you’re going to wear this afternoon? It’s lovely.” Adrama reached down and stroked the fabric running her fingers along the hem.

Pelien nodded in agreement as another soft knock was heard at the door. Adrama crossed the room and opened the door for Rummel who was carrying a large, round tray with two covered plates. The servant carried the tray out to the balcony and set it on the tall, round iron table that was situated in the right corner of the long balcony.

“Shall we?” Pelien took her daughter’s hand and they ladies walked slowly out to their awaiting meal.

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: alaklondewen ]