Festival of Roses

Rayley led Jynessa out into the gardens, lanterns glittering amongst the flowers, their heady scent filling the air. Since the sun set, it had been steadily cooling off, and after the press of bodies and activity in the Hall, it is refreshingly cool. A gentle breeze raised goosebumps on Rayley's arms and neck.

The Tremaine woman peered at the flowers and tapped her fingers rapidly on her legs. She looked around for the most secluded patch of bush that she could find and barely managed to even look at Rayley for the time being.

With a delicate frown, "is everything all right? Should I call for the maester?"

"No! No, most certainly do not do so," Jynessa exclaimed, though she had to reel herself back. She looked about frantically before suddenly turning to the other lady. "Do you have a personal courtyard here, one that you planted yourself?"

Her worry was growing apace with Jynessa's apparent discomfort, "I don't, but I have a favourite place I like to sit. It's over here," and Rayley led the way along one of the paths, taking them towards the river.

When they finally stopped, Jyn looked about for any onlookers. When satisfied, she gestured for Rayley to take a seat first with a gracious gesture. "After you," she squeaked with a faltering smile.

The little courtyard was overhung with flowering vines, scattering their petals across the paving stones and the wrought iron loveseat. Plush cushions had been piled on the bench, several bearing what was very likely Rayley's embroidery. Nearby, the Blueburn River could be heard softly lapping at the stone foundations below the garden.

Rayley happily sank into the soft pillows, and patted the seat next to her.

Jynessa flopped onto the bench with less grace than she had meant. She traced her finger along the embroidery on her cushion and then started to work her way towards one under Rayley. "Fine craftsmanship," she murmured as she searched for the other woman's eyes.

Rayley wriggled a little, nestling deeper into the cushions, smiling gently. "Thank you, I quite enjoy it," her eyes met Jynessa's, dark in the low light.

"I enjoy admiring the beauty of this world closely. Embroidery, flowers," she stated before lifting her hand to caress Rayley's cheek, "And yourself."