Look Who's Coming for Dinner

[Aasha]

This takes place in Shrewsbury, Stafford beginning on 1 Oct 1456

It had been months since she had been home. On her return she had promptly found her way to her bed and hadn't left in two days. She was mentally and physically exhausted. But there were people she had made promises too.

Dear Aasha and Aimar,
Long ago I promised a Dinner. I would like to have it now and catch up. Depending on how things are going, I may be leaving again and the length of the journey is unknown. I fear for England and while there is breath in my body, I will fight to make her a home worth loving. But until then, I miss my family. Please let me know if you are available.

All my love,
Tiff

Dear Sister,
We never did catch up where we should. I want to have that long ago promised dinner. I miss you terribly.

Love you,
Tiff

Tiff picked up another paper, her pen hovering and unsure. Jay... what had become of Jay?

[Aasha]

[quote="Anonymoose"]

Dearest Tiffanyanne,

I heard a rumour that you were back and wanted to say hello. I hope to see you soon so that we can catch up! Oh, and here's a little basket of moose cookies as a welcome home present. You were missed.

-Moose

[Aasha]

Tiff grinned when she walked out of her den to see the basket of moose cookies. Ellie peeked around the corner to watch. The girl had avoided Tiff since her return, feeling betrayed and left behind. Who could blame her?

"Ellie, come share some cookies with me." It was reaching out, it was more than she had done in a long time. She missed being around people who wanted nothing from her.

But she had seen herself in the looking glass, and she was not fit for company. Her normally pale complexion was more sallow now, her cheeks sunken in. Months in politics and facing down fire from the highest politicians in England had taken a harsh toll on her. She had lost weight and all of the muscle tone she had gained as a soldier. Her dress hung loose against her. Even her dark hair had lost all glints of fire and seemed a dull brown. The only thing that remained alive were her eyes. But the deep and shining hope they had always held had been replaced with a slow burning fire. It was this fire that told her she wouldn't be able to stay home long. If the flames weren't turned to something, they would slowly consume her.

She shook her head and looked around for Ellie. The girl had slipped away again. Ah well, she had never liked sharing her moose cookies anyway. Tiff took a bite, ready for the warm and sweet flavor that she always wanted more of. But this time, it was ashes in her mouth, like everything else. Even this bit of home, this favorite pleasure, denied. She swallowed the bit in her mouth and called out, forcing cheer in her voice. "Best batch ever Ellie!"

Tiff returned to her bed, still holding the bitten cookie.

[Aasha]

Jas walked up to Tiffys door and found it ajar, without hesitation she entered the dark home, she could tell just by the state of her home Tiff was depressed so she went to the kitchen and made some of her special tea, it had a bit of liquor, bit o honey, this herb and that herb, telling herself, this will wake the dead.
She found Tiff laying down half in and half out of bed....poor thing, its been rough for you hasnt it, but your still my sis and that will never change, she propped her legs up, fluffed the pillows behind her and handed the tea to her, almost forcing her to drink the concoction and all that she could muster to say was: Im glad your safe and even if your home for just a bit...Ive missed you
Oh and thanks for the nomination for this shiny medal, i like it

[Aasha]

Tiff coughed as the strange liquid hit her throat. There was some memory here, hidden by the hell of recent fires. A memory of healing people, and now someone here returning the favor.
"Jas, Long time no see." She felt the drink begin to burn through her, the herbs with their distinctive after taste, and something under, warming. It gave her the energy to push up, her bitten moose cookie crumbling in her hand. Oh well, crumbs, filth, waste, she was mired in it anyway. "I didn't write as soon as I came home. I should have. There are a lot of people here I haven't treated the way I should." She wished her voice reflected how badly she felt about that. But it was all dry monotone.

She pushed a dull strand of hair from her eyes and looked up at Jas. Her smile came out a grimace. "Does this mean you'll come to dinner?"

[Aasha]

Jas sternly looked at Tiff. Of course i will, what kind of nonsense are you talking about, but first you need to rest. Jas swept the crumbs from Tiff's bed and helped her out of her cumbersome clothing.

Now, listen to me for once, lay back and rest for a day. Jas pulled the covers up to her chest and combed her hair with her hands. Nobody blames you for being away for any length of time, being countess just consumed you as things have consumed me in the past as well but no one critisized me, i really doubt they will do it to you, just dont try to take on the world by yourself, its impossible to please everyone.

Oh by the way, im engaged to Justheero, in case you had not heard yet. she winked at Tiffy

Now get some sleep and you can see everyone in the morn, ok. Jas blew the candle out and left the room, whispering, your still my sis no matter what, ya hear me

[Aasha]

As quickly as the strength came, it flashed away again. Always she had been physically strong for a woman, but now, just Jas's hand against her shoulder was enough to force her back into bed. Her sister... and when to tell her what I found in the documents at the Balboa estate? gently put her to bed, tucking her in and letting her hair down.

How funny, I have been so constantly surrounded by people but this is the first time someone has touched me in months.

Tiff's eyelids, which had been slowly drifting down through Jas's stern lecture, popped open at the mention of engagement. "Oh, Oh Jas, Congratulations."

So much life around her, but why did she feel so entirely bereft of it. She drifted slowly down into the darkness where the demands and angers of the past couldn't touch her. It was a lonely darkness, but it was a safe one. And yet, even in the darkness, she could still feel the ghost of her sister's hands in her hair.

Maybe not completely alone....

[Aasha]

The sun had risen high in the cool fall air by the time Tiff woke from the herb induced slumber. For the first time in ages she hadn't been plagued by the nightmares that kept her awake and broke her rest. She rose to make her toiletry and found herself stopped by her reflection in the silver plated mirror. When had her cheekbones become so prominent? Even with the sleep she looked like a woman haunted. It was the first time she realized how pretty she had been. Her hand reached out to the reflection as if to touch the face looking back.

She couldn't stay here. Not while she was like this. These were people who cared for her and even looked up to her. But now, she was no good for them. No good for anything but seeking out answers to questions she couldn't even form.

Tiff dressed in multiple layers of skirts and shirts. It gave her more volume and hid some of the damage stress had wreaked upon her. Her hair was left in a simple plait. Overall the effect made her look more like the waif of a child that Aasha had been when she first met her.

"Ellie, where are you?" The girl had been impossible to keep around since Tiff had come home. "It's time to start preparing for tonight's dinner." Ellie poked her head around the corner. "I need you to get some large hanks of beef. If we don't get enough Aimar will eat through the lot of the food and leave the rest hungry."

Tiff turned and headed towards the back where her mare was. Her pregnant mare, damn that Jas and her Stallion.

What was with the strange look on Ellie's face when Tiff had asked about the meat?

[Aasha]

The boy started to wake up more once he got outside and began to move. There were lots of missives to deliver, the first one to Lady Tiffanyanne. It didn't take him too long to get there, he knocked, and handed the letter to the lady who answered the door, then took off for his next delivery.

[rp]Dearest Tiffanyanne
Viscountess of Shrewsbury
Lady of the Elysian Plains,

I am most delighted to hear of your return to Shrewsbury, and would be grateful to attend Dinner at your convenience. However, Aimar will not be able to attend. The Honorable Red, Esq. TM of Stafford shall escort me in his stead.

Your obt svt,

Aas ha[/rp]

[Aasha]

Tiff dried her hands on a towel and went to the door. Ellie kept trying to shoo her out of the kitchen but after having been busy for so long, Tiff didn't know what to do with herself.

At the door a boy handed her a letter sealed and embedded with an A. She handed the boy a coin and went to sitting room to read, smiling at Aimar's need for formality. She wrinkled her nose at the formal and inaccurate title. What's the boy thinking? It's Byzantium now.... But then, this letter wasn't from Aimar, it was from... Aasha? She read it again, frowning.

Why isn't Aimar coming to dinner? The least he can do is come see his cousin and not have his lady love write in his stead. And why on earth is Red coming? Obedient servant? What the devil was Aasha thinking writing that tripe?

Tiff gripped the letter in her hand and stalked to the kitchen.

"Ellie, what has happened while I was away? Where is my cousin?" None of this made sense. She looked down at the letter again and back at Ellie. Aasha couldn't write. Had something happened to her? "Where is Aasha? She still lives here doesn't she?" Ellie burst into tears and ran from the room.

Tiff screamed and through an empty pan across the room denting the wall. She would have her answers at dinner.

[Aasha]

Jas entered Tiff's home without knocking and saw Tiffanyanne in a state of panic

Young lady come sit, we need to speak. She knew Tiff knew she meant business.
Alot has happened while you were away. Aimar, well, maybe im not the one to explain the details, but he is no longer with us. asking Aasha for details may be your best bet, just dont go charging through town demanding answers, yes i know your style.

I know you have a million and one questions, give me a few and i'll do my best to answer them. Jas sat in the chair opposite Tiff

[Aasha]

She'd stayed at the tavern much longer than she planned. By the time she left, the sun was down, and she had very little time to get ready. - Forgot all about putting that dress on, whats wrong with me? - Pillow was enjoying the pace after being cooped in the tavern most of the day, and had run ahead of her, circling back only when he couldn't smell her anymore.

Once she hit the door, she rushed upstairs, hoping Ellie had laid out the dress, and that she'd be around to help her get it on. Pillow beat her to the room, barked and jumped to get attention almost immediately. Pea was sleeping on the bed peacefully, until she heard the fox, then she hissed and dug her claws into the blanket. - Oh Jah, the dress...she's laying on the dress! - She had to pry the kitten's claws loose, careful not to ruin the material, though there were distinct holes in one side of the fabric. - Maybe they won't show...my arm might hide them... -

The cat removed, she did her best to ignore the commotion the two animals were causing as she began to clean up to dress. Hearing Pea always made her think of him, and those thoughts hurt. It confused her too, she'd loved him and him her, yet he'd not wanted to show anyone. - because you're not good enough - echoed in her mind. Blinking back tears, confusion overwhelms her when thoughts of Aimar collide with thoughts of Red. Doing her best to push them all out, she shivered, then slipped the dress over her head.

She couldn't figure out how to lace it, and was almost in tears after numerous failed attempts. Pillow! Pea! Stops it...I'm tryin' to dress here. ya wants me to puts both of ya outside? Finally succeeding, she smooths the material down reverently, then realizes she feels very odd in the dress. - How am I supposed to walk in this? Good thing I didn't take my boots off, ain't sure they goes with the dress, but there's no way I can bend to put them on now. - The dress felt heavy, confining, nothing like what she was used to.

Another deep breath, a quick glance at the animals, then she was out the door again. She made it to the stairs before it dawned on her that she'd still not told Tiff about Aimar. Her eyes closed as the pain of the loss almost overtook her. Unsteady now, she opened them and braced herself, then walked down the stairs with the dress clutched high to keep from tripping. - Maybe Ellie told her...oh Jah, what am I doing? I can't do this... -

[Aasha]

(I sincerely hope that no one finds this in poor taste but I'm going to 'cheat'. Love love!)

The rise in her breath and heart rate were too much for her body's condition. The light at the edges of her vision dimmed a bit. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jas stalk into the room.

Young Lady come sit down ....

Yes, that's a good idea, I should do that.

Her ears were ringing loudly and she dizzily groped for the edge of the kitchen table, sinking into a chair before she lost her footing. Jas was still speaking to her but she could only dimly read her lips, the words not quite making it through the fuzz in her brain. She was certain she saw Aasha and Aimar's names mouthed. But nothing else.

Tiff held up her hand, closing her eyes. Jas, I think I need to lie down before dinner. I'm not feeling well. Can you help me to my room? She hoped the rest would enable her to survive the evening ahead. Can you ask Ellie to finish the preparations and apologize to her for me? I think I upset her. I've never yelled at her before. Tiff sunk into the soft material of the bed, wishing very much that the ringing and darkness would stop. It was like being alone in a room of people. I know what that's like though don't I? But this is home, I don't want to feel so isolated here. Before she could finish her thoughts she sank into a fitful slumber. The darkness following her down.

--------------------Later--------------------

Tiff leaned against the wall, hearing Aasha yelling about pillows and peas. There was something so comforting about the young voice yelling and cavorting in the other room. At least Aasha was okay. But the letter... where had that come from? Tiff wondered if Aasha knew about it. With the girls past it was possible that someone was coming for the girl. But why respond to the dinner invitation? Why bait me? None of it made sense. She'd have to wait until dinner to find out.

She changed quickly, realizing how soon people would be arriving. It was a small dinner.

Should I have invited Jay? But I haven't seen him in so long, I don't even know where he is now.

Romance, love... these things always evaded her. She had nothing to offer him. He would be better off without her. For that matter, so would everyone else around here. At least for now.

She grabbed the wrapped packages she had. Gifts for Aasha, Aimar, Jas. Even one for Jay, but that would stay upstairs. At least Aasha could deliver the item to Aimar.

Downstairs was filled with warm cooking smells. She went to the sitting room and set out drinks, pouring one for herself, and waited. What would come of the evening?

[Aasha]

By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, Aasha was a nervous wreck. She could already envision tripping over her dress, falling flat on her face, and embarrassing Tiffanyanne, along with herself. - And I invited Red to watch this? Oh Jah, what was I thinking? -

But that was the problem, she wasn't thinking at all, she'd been trying so hard not to think for the past month that she let her defenses down, and now she was more confused than ever. Blocking out memories of Aimar was the only way she'd been able to pick herself up and go on, that and telling herself never again. She didn't want to care for anyone else, not and lose them. Especially a man, someone who'd love her...no, that's not something she wanted to try again, not and lose so miserably in such a horrible way. - And this was an accident...next it might be because of me...I can't...but... -

Despite all of this, she'd allowed her guard to slip, and now she'd be reaping the consequences. Red would be here, just the thought caused a myriad of emotions to collide within. She didn't understand the draw to him, this was the same man who'd given her such a hard time for so long, and now she wanted to be in his company? There was something about him though,that made her feel safe, like nothing could get to her with him around. But that made no sense, he was in a position that could make her worst fears reality. - No...he said I'd not be thrown in the gaols...but...thats when he didn't know for sure... -

Her line of thought was one she firmly stomped on, it wouldn't do for her to scare herself any worse than the dinner already did. Glancing down, she smoothed the dress once more, never realizing it was laced incorrectly, then turned to walk into the sitting room. One peek showed Tiff in there waiting. Hoping she wouldn't hate her when she found out about Aimar, Aasha walked in slowly, mindful of the swaying skirts as her legs brushed against them. Nice to see ya home Tiff...I...I missed ya...

[Aasha]

She was lost in thought, staring down into the dark liquor in her hand, wondering if anything would ever taste good again. Even the warmth of the drink spreading in her stomach seemed distant and to belong to another body. Sighing she set down the half finished drink and returned her eyes to the road through her front window. Red and Jas would be there soon, and perhaps even Jas's new fiance.

The sound of Aasha's voice behind her broke her reverie. She turned, reminding herself to smile. When she saw Aasha wearing the dress she had purchased for the girl, what seemed ages ago, the smile became real. She is a beautiful girl... almost a woman now. Without a word she moved forward and embraced Aasha. The girl smelled like the outdoors... except for a strange undertone of... was that ale? What had the little one been up to while she was away?

I've missed you too Aasha. I'm sorry I've been such a horrible friend these past few months. She took the girls hand and led her over to the divan. You look lovely in the dress. It suits you just as I thought it would. Except for the fact that Aasha seemed very uncomfortable in the outfit. And were those boots under the skirt? Tiff smiled. It was so Aasha it almost broke her heart. A piece of home she'd missed dearly.

Behind the divan she pulled out a large leather bound book with gold leaf fairies and flowers decorating the front. I had promised to teach you to read and I picked this up on my travels. I thought you would like it. It's filled with tales of magical creatures and adventures. The book had been a lucky find. All of the tales featured girls and women as the heroines. She thought Aasha might enjoy tales of girls facing hardships and finding happiness. I don't know that I'll be around to teach you to read this, but... we can talk about that later. Even if you can't read it right now there are wonderful pen drawings through out the book.

From a pocket in her dress she pulled out the answer to the invitation to dinner. Aasha, I don't mean to alarm you, but I got this letter. It says it's from you... and that Red is coming to dinner. Do you know anything about this?

[Aasha]

It wasn't that long ago that she'd shied away from contact, but the moment Tiff 's arms went around her, Aasha clung. She'd been worried when the dinner had been canceled the first time, concerned that Tiffany was working too hard. When she hugged back, she felt the obvious padding Tiff had added, trying to disguise the weight loss. It was exactly what she feared. Everyone was taking and taking, and giving nothing back. - And I'm no better...she worries 'bout me...even Aimar said as much...me livin' here makes her responsible, and that's just not fair.

Even knowing she was only adding to the burden couldn't stop the desire for support, giving and receiving with just a touch. Shaking her head in denial, even as she moved to the divan with her, Aasha protested. Ya ain't been a bad friend Tiff...yer jus' too busy. Too many pullin' an' yer not gettin' to rest. She took a closer look, noting the pale complexion, and an odd look in her eyes. Ya gots to slow down..take care of you fer a change...lets me help some.

The divan was a challenge, she had to sit in this? She could barely walk right. - Least I ain't wearing all those extra skirts that were on the bed with the dress, I'd never sit then. - She didn't want to mess the dress up, not in the first few minutes she had it on, so it was with care that she finally perched, repressing the urge to prop her boots on the table. A bit of color stained her cheeks when Tiff mentioned how nice she looked. It's the most prettiest thing I ever owned...hopes I gots it on right...

She watched as Tiff pulled something out, shocked when she handed it to her. It was exquisite, she couldn't help but run her fingers over the letters, tracing the words, then the detailed drawings on the cover. Its...ya didn't have to get me this...I...oh thank you Tiff...I'll keeps it always. She started to confess to her reading and writing knowledge, but before she could, Tiffany pulled out the letter she'd sent. A beaming smile crossed her face, she was still proud she'd managed to write it, even if she'd had help.

But the tone of Tiff's voice, along with her words gave her pause. She looked from the letter to the woman's face before she murmured; Yah...I knows 'bout the letter... Mention of Red brought the color back to her cheeks. I wanted to make ya proud of me. Red's been teachin' me letters sos I ken write an' read some. Ain't too good yet, sos he helped me wit' that. I...I asked him if'n he'd come... By the time she'd gotten to the end of the sentence, she was out of breath. She was talking quickly to get it all out before she lost her nerve, and was praying Tiff wouldn't mind the addition to the dinner party.

[Aasha]

Tiff smiled at Aasha's concern. The girl had come with nothing, too ill to stand and hunted by beasts in the coats of men, and still she had the heart to offer something to Tiff. The thought of stopping to care for herself was as alien as allowing someone to care for her. Images of Jay there while she healed from the attack by the men flitted into her mind and she absently touched the scar that still marred her shoulder. Just you being here is more help than you know Aasha. Having someone to come home to.

It was tempting to grin as Aasha perched on the divan, trying to stand and sit at the same time. She pushed the smile down, not wanting the girl to think she was making fun of her. The dress is fine Aasha, though you seem to be missing a few layers to it. I know it looks delicate but it's not going to fall apart from sitting or walking around. She patted Aasha's hand. There was a time when I never wore dresses either. But I've grown accustomed to them. Though I still wear breeches under my dress from time to time. She gave Aasha a conspiratorial wink.

So much had happened while Tiff had been engrossed in the world of politics and diplomacy. The promise she had made to help the girl read had been fulfilled by another, and Red of all people. The idea that Red had taken an interest in Aasha filled her with faint unease. The girl was so trusting and innocent. Red was neither of those things.

What is that man up to? And why Red instead of Aimar? Has my whimsical cousin made the mistake of leaving this girl behind?

Red helped you write this? Tiff kept her hands still in her lap, forcing herself to stay calm lest she have another fainting spell. Then I can only guess that Red is the one who put 'Obedient Servant' at the end. Even with keeping her breath slow she could feel her heart rate increase. I think you should be very proud of your accomplishments Aasha. You've done very well for such a short time. But I want to make one thing perfectly clear. You are no ones obedient servant, least of all mine. I don't know what kind of fool nonsense Red has been telling you, but as far as I'm concerned, you are family. Breath slowly, don't get excited or you'll scare her. She's seen too much anger in her life. And even if you were not family, I would never expect you or anyone else to humble themselves in such obeisance for the sake of protocol.

Tiff stood up, pacing to the window, holding the ledge until her knuckles turned white. I worked with him side by side in the castle and he still doesn't get it. I ruled the county with the idea that our efforts belonged first to the lowest and weakest of the people. And still he teaches my very own little Aasha to humble herself. The words were said more to herself than Aasha.

The darkness was edging into her vision again and she gripped the window ledge tightly, willing herself to stay up, locking all of her muscles in place to keep from sinking. When the vision slowly returned to normal Tiff looked over her shoulder, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. I'm sorry, I haven't been myself lately. Of course you can invite whomever you like to dinner. This is your home too.

And soon, it would just be Aasha's home. But the girl didn't need to know yet. Didn't need to know that if things went badly they would take everything from her and that giving Aasha the home and stables and most of her other holdings would be the only way she could care for her if something happened. Aasha had lost too much in life. It would be better to lie to save her tender little heart.

[Aasha]

One statement, that's all it took for Aasha to suddenly decide that moving from Tiff's was a bad idea. One sentence, and she was determined that Tiff would always have someone to come home to. - Jah willing... - Not even the snippets of conversations with Red and Aimar about Tiff being responsible for her could dent her resolve.

When Aimar had disappeared the first time, she had decided to face her past. Now she knew she would do more than that. She would make sure that her past could never hurt anyone she cared about. Surprisingly for her, it included herself. It hadn't seemed to matter before, but after losing Aimar, and hearing the sincerity when Tiff said coming home to her helped, it did now. She couldn't, no wouldn't put anyone through losing her because of him. - He won't touch her...won't touch nobody I care about...no one...not even Red... -

She was glad when Tiff pulled her from her musings, thoughts of Red confused her, especially on top of the others in her mind. She didn't plan on caring for anyone, least of all a man. Look what happened last time, yet she did... - ...steady Ash... - She almost giggled when Tiff mentioned missing layers, she already felt odd in the dress, all the other material would only make her feel trapped.

Ain't sure 'bout gettin' used to wearin' finery like this...but britches under is a right fine idea. Wouldn't matter if'n I trip then. At ease for now, Aasha's grin broadened as she talked to Tiff, though a faint tinge of pink stayed on her cheeks. Yah...Red done helped me wit' that...an' gave me chalk an' a slate to write my name on sos I ken get better. She only nodded when Tiff mentioned the obedient servant phrase, though hearing her words had her simmering inside. - He said it was expected. That it was polite. I didn't have to put that? I told him I wasn't no servant! - What came out was; Yer better'n fam'ly to me. Yer here...an' not exp'ctin' nothin'...sos better...Face flushed from her wayward tongue, she hurredly added; I ain't writin' it on nothin' else. Them prat'cals be damned.

Springing up, almost glad to be standing and not worried about the dress, she moved closer to Tiff. There was something about the way she moved that made Aasha uneasy, she'd been hurt enough in her life to read it in someone else. The sheen of barely suppressed tears was easier to spot, both had her moving faster, until she was right beside the other woman. Ya ain't gots to be sorry fer nothin'... Her hand hovered, then rested lightly on Tiff's arm. You've never done nothin' but helps me. Lemme helps you now, please? She didn't try to hide the worry in her eyes, she couldn't lose Tiff too, she just couldn't.

[Aasha]

Red had seen Tiffanyanne perched in the window. He hated that look. There was no way he would have set foot here, if not for Aasha.

...if not for Aasha. Red let that thought roll around his mind before settling on alarming ones about Tiffanny and Jasmyne. No easy way of placating that mother bear, and Jas- best not to think about Jas.

The always put-apon Ellie showed him to the sitting room, where the two most important women in his life sat talking. The broadcloth of his resplendent crimson finery caught the firelight with a soft glow.

"Lady Aasha," he bowed, favoring her hand with a kiss, "I've never seen loveliness such as yours tonight," Red murmured so that only Aasha could hear.

"Duchess Tiffany," he bowed mockingly deep, "how good of you to finally favor our unworthy town with your presence. It's been some time since Birmingham." He proffers a battered wooden box with bits of straw poking through the slats. "I've brought you something from our friends in Glenmorangie. I think you'll enjoy it."

[Aasha]

Tiff was going to answer Aasha's offer when she saw Red pass the window and heard him enter into the sitting room. She remembered the rags he used to wear fishing from the shores of Dorchester. How proud he had been of his first set of decent clothes paid for with his efforts. The man had slid easily into politics, like slime beneath the rocks. She could have laughed at how he moved to allow the firelight to glint from his pompously flashy clothes. Red, indeed...

When he took Aasha's hand and bent over it, his lips pressing against her little hand, she could have thrown something. Her eyes flickered with bearly contained rage.

Duchess... unworthy town... and the fool gives me a bottle to smash over his head.

The darkness crept into her vision again and she leaned against Aasha's shoulder to steady herself. My dear friend, I'm afraid the easy life has made you as soft between the ears as in demeanor, you seem to forget I am no longer the duchess. She took the box and inclined her head slightly. And perhaps also that this is my home and I would be the last to call this town unworthy of anything. Unless you feared the unworthiness was on your part, something to which I cannot speak...

She put an arm around Aasha and pulled her farther back from Red. You'll have to ask your obedient servants on that score.

[Aasha]

"How silly of me to forget. You left so fast. Poof! Gone in the middle of the night."

Red helped himself to a drink form the sideboard. Burning matched burning.

"I've no doubts about this town and it didn't take getting bored with Derby to realize it. I stayed."

He sighed and stared into his whisky.

"We needed you, Tiff..."

[Aasha]

Gone in the middle of the... You really should watch your consumption. She plucked the glass from his fingers and set it down. I not only told you but invited you.

Her eyes glittered with anger and hurt. I was the duchess, I couldn't put my love for home above the need of a town. You know what situation Derby was in. And you know I was gone because I ended up in a face off with the Wolves in Stafford City. She swallowed the remained of the drink he had poured, her eyes never leaving his. It was set down on the bar top with a sharp clip and she turned away from him.

They needed me? How many pieces do they think I have to give before there is nothing left? She poured another glass for him into a fresh tumbler and grabbed up her own half tasted one from before. She handed it to him, painfully aware of the hollow feeling inside. I let a lot of people down Red, don't feel special. Much more of this and perhaps she would disappear all together.

[Aasha]

Aasha was about to put her arms around Tiff again when she heard the sound of footsteps. Turning, she noted a look of was that disapproval? - on Ellie's face as she showed Red into the room. Suddenly self conscious about the dress again, she almost fell over when he kissed her hand and complimented her. Even as her cheeks turned red, she wondered at the sincerity, especially when he called her lady and snippets of their conversation about how to act around nobles came to mind.

Before she could formulate a reply, he'd turned towards Tiffany. There were strange undercurrents between the two, unsettling for a girl who was already confused. The words seemed to be political, but the tone was something else entirely. Either way, she was starting to get angry. Tiff was too fragile right now to take this, and shouldn't have to. Not with her there. Ignoring the warnings in her head, as well as the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, she finally spoke up. I thinks I needs a drink too. Welcome to Lady Tiff's home m'lord. Maybe ya ken have a seat an' relax...lets others relax too. She was glaring, her eyes flashing fire with just enough moisture in them to really catch the light.

Turning toward Tiff, she took the lady's arm protectively, then whispered; Lets go sit... Louder, her voice broking no argument, she said; Ya didn't lets nobody down. Yer here, an' thats what matters. Too many pullin' ya don't help nobody...jus' makes those what love ya miss ya more. She didn't give herself time to think on that admission, any more than she allowed herself to feel hurt that this wasn't going the way she'd envisioned. Any other time, she'd be doing what Red accused Tiffany of, and running away from all of this, but she couldn't do that to her...nor could she leave with him there, even when he was making her angry. Her heart wouldn't let her do either. What she did manage was to grab a drink for herself and drink it quickly, sputtering when the fiery liquid burned from her throat down to her stomach.

[Aasha]

Jas and Justheero started towards Tiffanyannes door, she found it to be open, but Jas was different these days, she had been in a war, she was more toned, muscular, she didnt know if she wanted to tell Tiff what war she was in and with who's side, maybe that's best not said.

In her tow you could see an arm that was apprehensive belonging to Heero. Come on sweety, she wont bite, its me you have to watch out for.

Both standing before the table, Jas introduced Heero as her fiancee with a sparkle in her eye's Tiff had not seen in Jas's eyes for a longtime.
Jas asked Tiff if she was feeling any better since she came in last night. If she had even remembered seeing her last night, she did not know.

She turned to exchange greeting with Aasha and Red. without really thinking about it she eyeballed Red in a fashion as if to say, you had better not hurt her or you'll answer to me, one of those looks. She doubted anyone saw this look but Red.

So Tiffy, hows things going for ya...

[Aasha]

Leaving from Derby... How could she forget abdicating as Dutchess and vanishing from Stafford Castle in the middle of the night? No warning, no note, no invitation, no nothing. Then she came skulking back. I had to hear it from Aasha! Why did I ever leave Dorchester? The slight tremor in her voice...the quick fire of her spirit...the way pride made her shortness seem 10 feet tall...that hidden gentleness...the way her eyes flashed...the tears just held back. At that moment, Red fell forever and he knew he didn't want to see Aasha upset ever again.

"Quite right, Aasha," the bitterness was easier to swallow now. "I do believe I'll have a seat."

"My apologies, I seem to have misplaced my manners. It really is good to have you back, Tiff. The town just hasn't been the same." He raised his glass to her in salute.

"Heero, Jas, how are you two?" There was that glare again...

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