Festival of Roses

Seated at the desk in his solar, Bromley sipped at the watered white wine in his goblet. Before him was a platter, his evening meal, but he had only picked at it, the day-old bread slowly turning to mush as it absorbed the gravy that had been ladled into it. He rubbed his eyes wearily.

Jyn walked alongside her sister and gave her a warm smile. "I have to admit, I am a bit excited."

"So am I," Mari grinned back to Jyn, keeping their arms linked together. "I've been wondering what it could be that he would surprise us with..."

As they arrived to Bromley's solar, the oldest knocked on the door.

Expecting the knock at his door, Bromley indicated for the serving girl to open it, but he was a little surprised to see the twins. "Ah, girls," he got slowly to his feet, the stiffness of his joints making an almost audible creaking sound. I was expecting one of the kitchen maids. I'm sorry this wasn't cleaned away before you arrived."

"Please, there is no need for apologies, my lord," Mari curtsied. Seeing age taking its toll on their 'uncle' was a little saddening, and made her worry for the day when it would do the same to her father... he was still in such good shape, despite it all. Or at least Mari thought so.

"Was this a poor time to stop by then?" Jyn joined her sister in the curtsy and then gave a shy smile.

"It is never a poor time for a visit from my favourite nieces." With a gesture of his hand, "please, sit, tell your uncle Bromley how you've been holding up. It's been a difficult year."

Taking a seat as directed, Mari fussed a little with the skirts of her dress.

"It's..." she looked to her sister. "It's been difficult, but having eachother has been a great help. I've mostly been worried about father."

"Your father's a strong man, but with his girls about to marry, things are going to get rather lonely for him. I have faith that he will be well, but," Bromley trailed off, nodding, a weak smile on his lips. The serving girl moved to offer the twins wine.

Jyn took the glass of wine and stared into its contents. Eventually, she looked up with a thin line on her lips. "It has been difficult," was all she had to say on that matter.