Festival of Roses

Lysa sat on a plush chaise, toying with a strand of long blonde hair as servants laid out a selection of sweets and prepared tea. In a corner, two of her ladies-in-waiting were each embroidering a sleeve to a gown. Very little was being said, but from time to time and small songbird in a cage painted powder pink twittered softly.

A servant knocked on the door. "Lady Kylie of House Redwyne to see you, mi'lady."

Kylie unconsciously smoothed the skirt of her gown. This was to be her cousin's wife after all. She'd like to make a proper impression.

“Yes, bring her through.” Lysa didn’t bother to rise for her guest, “Lady Kylie, please, make yourself comfortable.”

Kylie curtsied. "Lady Meadows. It's both an honor and a pleasure." She smiled in all sincerity. "I apologize for not having sought you out before now. I should very much like to get to know you."

She sat across from Lysa, touching the red rose necklace she was wearing unconsciously. "How has the day found you?"

Lysa smiled pleasantly, “well, though it seems almost a shame that things will be over so soon. I’ve enjoyed the colour and excitement.”

"Yes, things have been quite exciting." Kylie agreed without letting on her double meaning whatsoever. "The dances are perhaps my favorite part of any Rose Festival, but the jousting today was a chance to chat informally with so many. It is, indeed, a shame that it will be over soon. It feels as though time flew by."

“It always does,” she answered, reaching for the tea a servant had poured for her. “It sounds as though you’ve been enjoying yourself, then. That is good.”