70th Ashan, 717
"It is most kind of you to come to see us, Lord Gawyne. I hope that your journey was pleasant?" Celeste Andaris and Xander Krome had requested the presence of Hunter Gawyne at Xander's home in Krome in order to discuss the possibility of a new home being built for them.
However, Celeste was nothing if not prepared. She had spoken to Xander's mother and found out about the Duke and Duchess of Gawyne, of their children and their grandchildren. It was all information which could be, should be, used. Like armour against ignorance, information was power. "Baron and Baroness Krome are otherwise engaged, but they are delighted that you have been able to visit us. Lord Krome hopes to join us, also." Celeste Andaris was the very image of her mother, not that Hunter Gawyne would know that. However, should he have done his homework he would know that she was the first in line to the Andaris house and duchy. So this little lordling from the minor house was nothing to her but a pebble in a very small pond. She hoped that he recognised that but, should he need reminding then she would be more than happy to do so.
"How are your parents, Lord Gawyne? Baroness Krome was recalling with me the other trial about an event they attended together, your parents and Lord Krome's. Apparently, your mother was pregnant with your sister Ivy at the time, and you were there as, of course, a very young child. So was I, by all accounts so we have met previously even though we may not recall it." Her smile was half amused, half eye rolling at the tendencies of parents to chatter about those trials where now fully grown adults had been but infants. He'd probably been a spoiled little bitch then and she very much doubted that anything had change.
Celeste had dressed carefully for this meeting. She always did, in fairness, attend to what she wore. This trial she had chosen a white blouse, a knee length black skirt and dark stockings to ensure that she was warm and appropriately covered up. As ever, she had no concern for fashion, but she had her own style and she wore what made her look good. As they sat, sipping tea and getting these dull and utterly meaningless pleasantries over with, she wondered. "And how fares Gawyne in this dreadful illness? The people of Krome have suffered dreadfully, I am afraid. Lord Krome has sent food to the soup kitchens and I volunteer my time every other trial, but I am afraid that medical supplies are starting to run low here. How fares your duchy?" Self involved little ass probably had no idea and less sense than to deny such, Celeste thought as she smiled at him pleasantly.
She did not raise the issue of why he had come here. That would be his to raise, and she would chat amiably until he did. Having been raised the only girl in the Andaris family, Celeste could witter away for breaks at a time if needs be.
However, Celeste was nothing if not prepared. She had spoken to Xander's mother and found out about the Duke and Duchess of Gawyne, of their children and their grandchildren. It was all information which could be, should be, used. Like armour against ignorance, information was power. "Baron and Baroness Krome are otherwise engaged, but they are delighted that you have been able to visit us. Lord Krome hopes to join us, also." Celeste Andaris was the very image of her mother, not that Hunter Gawyne would know that. However, should he have done his homework he would know that she was the first in line to the Andaris house and duchy. So this little lordling from the minor house was nothing to her but a pebble in a very small pond. She hoped that he recognised that but, should he need reminding then she would be more than happy to do so.
"How are your parents, Lord Gawyne? Baroness Krome was recalling with me the other trial about an event they attended together, your parents and Lord Krome's. Apparently, your mother was pregnant with your sister Ivy at the time, and you were there as, of course, a very young child. So was I, by all accounts so we have met previously even though we may not recall it." Her smile was half amused, half eye rolling at the tendencies of parents to chatter about those trials where now fully grown adults had been but infants. He'd probably been a spoiled little bitch then and she very much doubted that anything had change.
Celeste had dressed carefully for this meeting. She always did, in fairness, attend to what she wore. This trial she had chosen a white blouse, a knee length black skirt and dark stockings to ensure that she was warm and appropriately covered up. As ever, she had no concern for fashion, but she had her own style and she wore what made her look good. As they sat, sipping tea and getting these dull and utterly meaningless pleasantries over with, she wondered. "And how fares Gawyne in this dreadful illness? The people of Krome have suffered dreadfully, I am afraid. Lord Krome has sent food to the soup kitchens and I volunteer my time every other trial, but I am afraid that medical supplies are starting to run low here. How fares your duchy?" Self involved little ass probably had no idea and less sense than to deny such, Celeste thought as she smiled at him pleasantly.
She did not raise the issue of why he had come here. That would be his to raise, and she would chat amiably until he did. Having been raised the only girl in the Andaris family, Celeste could witter away for breaks at a time if needs be.