Festival of Roses

Things appeared to be in full-swing by the time Kylie and Claryssa arrived. The Redwyne was wearing a far less elaborate gown and now jewelry than normal to fit in as well as she could. Children running and laughing, minstrels, sweets, and games be played in their homes and in the streets.

The girls carried with them a large amount of savory breads to be enjoyed by all. They found a place they could be seen. "Would anyone like some breads?" Kylie called to be heard over the music.

Despite looking her best to look her most common, she was recognized as a Lady as some people bowed or curtsied. Hopefully that wouldn't stop them from indulging in what she brought.

The Smallfolk liked a party just as much as anyone, and festival days were common in Grassy Vale, even if the common people couldn’t afford to take the entire week off to celebrate. Ale had been flowing freely since mid-afternoon, and spirits were high when Kylie and Claryssa arrived with their offerings.

The ladies were quickly relieved of their baskets, the bread finding places on already heavily-laden tables. And just as quickly there was a man at each lady’s elbow, offering to dance.

Both girls happily accepted the offers. Claryssa wasn't wearing her sword and Kylie's dagger was hidden so there was nothing to hide.

The Lady's smile was wide. She always loved getting to know the people outside Keep walls. Their joy was contagious this day. She found herself laughing. "You must dance often to be this good!" Kylie told her partner jovially. They moved through the steps happily.

"You're rather good yourself, my Lady." he replied.

"Please, today I am just Kylie!" She beamed as she twirled at the gentleman's lead.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kylie. I'm Henryk." The older man told her. Kylie squeaked as she was lifted in the dance, followed by laughter from them both. "I promise not to drop you."

"I never doubted you, Henryk!"

With a cup of watered ale in his hand and a serene sort of smile on his face, the Septon watched the proceedings.

Claryssa found herself in the man's arms faster than expected. She might normally be very serious, but she could be both aware and happy.

"And what is your name, kind sir?" She asked through a large grin.

"George. And yours, fair maiden?"

"Claryssa. I should warn you, I'm an excellent dancer." Her body moved gracefully with great agility.

George laughed. "I'll try to keep up!"

As the dance came to an end, Kylie clapped with everyone else and did a small curtsy to the man who'd been kind enough to entertain her. It was then that she noticed the grinning Septon looking on from the side."

"Septon Halley." Kylie spoke happily to see a face in the crowd she knew. "I should have expected to see you."

Claryssa finished her dance with George who turned out to be a fine dancer. She glanced around for Kylie and saw her speaking with the Septon. Deciding her charge would be safe enough, she took up another dance, this time with a younger gentleman. "Claryssa, was it?" He asked, letting her know he'd been listening with interest. She laughed.

"You have me at a disadvantage..."

"Hawthorne." He filled in.

“Lady Kylie,” the Septon spoke softly, but his voice seemed to carry over the music all the same, “it is a pleasure to see you here.”

Kylie did a small curtsy. They may be in an informal setting, but courtesy should still be observed in some sense. "It's my true pleasure to be here. Claryssa and I brought some sweet bread. We wanted to be sure that the people of Grassy Vale are having as good a time as we."

“That’s very generous of you, may the Mother find you in her favour.”