Gifts for the bride

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I had dressed in one of my more fashionable dresses. It was made of white and blue silk. The silk faded from the darkest of blues to the whitest of white through it's layering, and bunched under my breast with a dark blue ribbon as I knew was the style in Hellas. My hair fell around my shoulders and I messed with it slightly in the carriage laden with gifts for the bride.

We pulled up to the house and I waited for one of my Cassiline guards to hold out a hand for me to disembark for the carriage. I snapped my fingers and some of my servants began grabbing the trunks and boxes I had stored the things I was giving to Caraf. If this wouldn't get me an invitation to the wedding, I didn't know what would. No one had finer silks than I.

One of the servants had run ahead of me and was knocking on the door to the house. I put on a pleasant smile and waited for the door to open.

[Caraf Tewar]

I was sitting at the desk I'd had moved into the front sitting room looking over yet another list of wedding preparations. This one was more pleasant than some though, this was a final approval of the menu. The Vicomte d'Nourriture had been thrilled at my request he cater the wedding and had spent several days bringing over samples of this and that to taste and approve. He had supplied me with a list of everything and I was to choose my favorites and return it to him by the end of the day.

Still trying to decide, for it had all been marvelous, I heard a knock on the door. I looked up as Lizabeth glided through the hallway to answer the door. I smiled at the sight of her, she'd grown so much since I'd first moved in. She had been taking over a lot of Shara's duties now that Shara was too pregnant for many of them and I think it was helping Lizabeth's confidence in herself.

Returning my focus to the menu, I listened with half an ear to see who was at the door.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

The door finally opened and I gave a warm smile to the girl who opened it. "Is Caraf no L'Envers at home?" I was asking a question I knew the answer to, I had made sure to send a maid to check that she hadn't left the house before I had departed. " I have gifts from her, fine gifts that have travelled across deserts, and mountains and sea to be given to a beautiful bride such as her."

[Caraf Tewar]

The murmur of voices, and my name made me look up again.

Lizabeth came to the doorway. "There is a woman here to see you, she says she has wedding gifts," said Lizabeth.

"Who is she?" I asked, curious as to who would be arriving at my door with gifts if it wasn't someone I knew or who'd been invited to the wedding and would give gifts then.

"She didn't give her name," replied Lizabeth, the tone of her voice making it clear she didn't approve of the woman and her manners.

Smiling, I swept all my papers into a drawer and stood, moving to the other side of the desk. "Show her in Lizabeth," I said. "And then would you mind finding Elliot and seeing if he'd join me?"

Nodding, Lizabeth left to show the woman in. I smoothed my dress and waited to see who had called.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I glanced at the servant when she came back and then scanned those who were with me and flicked my wrist indicating they were to follow me in. I followed the servant inside who was giving me a disapproving look, the brat should learn her place, I thought to myself, but smiled politely at her, and gave no indication that I was thinking anything badly.

I turned the corner and caught sight of Caraf. She was beautiful, nice silky skin and pretty eyes, I could see why she was someone's bride. "Good day Caraf no L'Envers. It is a pleasure to meet you, I have heard a lot about you and your marriage since I've arrived back in Terre d'Agne," I curtsied in an elegant manner.

"I am Seraphina Frizon, and as you know my family has been bringing trade to Terre d'Agne for two generations now. The Frizon family and trade would like to present wedding gifts to you to show both our joy in hearing of your marriage, and to help ensure you have the best silks that Terre d'Agne has to offer."

I broadened my smile in what I knew was my best and most charming, "Plus I must be honest, I was curious to get a view of the bride I heard was more beautiful then the sun and stars combined."

My servants had begun setting down two trunks and opening them when I had begun speaking, once opened they stood up and waited watching for the signal that would bid them bring out the gifts.

[Caraf Tewar]

Actually no, I thought, I had no idea who she or her family was. Lizabeth had gone to find Elliot, I wondered if he knew who she was. But with perfect adept training, something I was learning was going to serve me well in court life, I let none of my confusion show.

"Thank you," I said, smiling and moving closer to her. "That is very kind of you. And I am certain there is another bride they are speaking of when saying such things."

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

"Another bride marrying the Duc L'Envers? I doubt it," My blue eyes twinkled and I glanced at the two trunks my lying open a few feet in front of Caraf. "Would you like to see the gifts?"

[Caraf Tewar]

I blushed softly at her comment.

My eyes were drawn to the trunks, I couldn't help it. I was curious as to what she had brought, but I wasn't sure yet about what it would mean socially to accept gifts from her when I didn't even know her or her family. Everything was so different now that I had to think about how things might reflect on Elliot as well.

Tearing my eyes from the trunks, I said, "You really didn't have to bring gifts. That was very gracious of you."

[Elliot L'Envers]

I was in my study when Lizabeth knocked on the door.
"Forgive me my lord, but there is a woman here with bridal gifts and lady Caraf has asked you to join her." She looked a little worried and I smiled pushing a piece of parchment aside and signed the piece under it.

"Thank you Liza," I said with a slight chuckle thinking about poor Caraf. "I'll be down in a moment, but don't bother telling her I'll be a quick jiff." She smiled and nodded. I picked up some parchment for reading on the way down. I rose reading the paper and began my to where Caraf was.

Entering into the room were the pair were I smiled and placed my papers down on a near by desk and looked over the woman before me.

[Caraf Tewar]

Elliot entered the room and I smiled wide. The pleasure I felt at his arrival overshadowed only by the love that always surged in me whenever I saw him.

"Elliot, this is Seraphina Frizon," I said, walking over to stand by him. "She's brought wedding gifts. Seraphina, this is my fiancé Duc Elliot L'Envers."

[Elliot L'Envers]

I smiled seeing Caraf and leaned over pressing my lips to hers and kissed her gently before looking back to the woman.

"Frizon," I said thinking and narrowing my eyes. "Frizon...ah yes, Frizon." The name finally connected. "You're family...trades? Yes?"

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I smiled turning to Elliot, "Yes we do. I heard about your wedding on the road, and I thought it would be a nice gesture to congratulate your soon to be bride with wedding gifts. It would be an honor to the family to bestow these gifts on your family." I swept my hand towards the trunks. "These are newly arrived as I returned to Terre d'Ange a few days ago. As I was telling the Lady Caraf, her wedding was much discussed on the road. People were very excited about it and when I inquired everyone was telling me that she was more beautiful then the sun and stars combined. I must admit I wanted to meet the woman behind the rumors, and here I stand to find the rumors true and justified." I turned my charming smile on the both of them. Seeing their love, I was warmed by it, this was a good match.

[Elliot L'Envers]

"Thats very kind of you," I replied to Seraphina before moving to the couch and sitting gesturing for my future wife to sit next to me if she wished.
"For both your compliments and your gifts, House L'Envers thanks you dearly." I looked about the trunks and but smiled up at her.
"This certainly can't all be for us." I said interested as to why some one would bring so much. True it wasn't uncommon for nobles of my station to recieve gifts of such caliber, but this was far too much.

[Caraf Tewar]

I moved to sit on the couch next to Elliot, motioning for Seraphina to take the chair facing us as I did. I settled next to Elliot, my hand finding his and twining fingers.

My eyes went to the trunks, thinking the same things Elliot had said, certainly that wasn't all for me.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I gave a smile in thanks to Caraf and took the seat, before addressing Elliot's question, "It's no so much. It's only two trunks worth, and a lot of it's folded cloth and silks, they always seem to take up a lot of space. I thought that the both of you could get them tailered to your favored styles and needs. I can lend you my tailors if you like" They were looking somewhat astonished, "Think of it this way, it's mutual, I gift you with some of my best fabrics and silks, and you help my business by wearing them, no?" I added this, because I thought they might object, and say that for someone they didn't know it was too much to give, but my business was doing well and I wouldn't miss them. I would rather they look beautiful and be displayed on Caraf and Elliot, who were in love, than hang in a shop unnoticed for a few weeks.

[Elliot L'Envers]

"Alright then." I said sitting back. I could tell this was more of a pawned move then a simple wedding gift, it was never a simple wedding gift and I would accept it graciously either way. I was a Sovereign Duc and this was just one of the things I would have to deal with in my line of work.
"Thank you."

[Caraf Tewar]

Elliot's words gave license to my curiosity and love of both surprises and pretty things.

"Yes, thank you," I said, smiling widely and sitting forward slightly.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

My smile broadened, I was glad they had accepted, for a minute there I had been worried "Would you like to see then?" I could see Caraf was interested, and I rose without really waiting for a reply. I started to slowly open one of the trunks. With a gracious movement I pulled out a folded swath of green silk, and brought it towards Caraf for inspection. "I just came back with these."

[Caraf Tewar]

"Oh, it's lovely," I breathed, eyes going a little wide.

The color was superb and I reached out a hand, letting my finger lightly touch the silk. "It's so soft, like nothing I've felt before."

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I her face lit up I couldn't help, but feel my heart gladden at it. She was very pretty and I warmed to her even more than when I had first seen her. "I thought so too when I saw it. I bought the lot from the dyer, I think I'll be going back to her more often. Walking back to the trunk I pulled out a white porcelain pitcher and bowl, used for morning washings. I unwrapped it and made sure it was steady in my hands before bringing it to Caraf. It had been painted in touched with gold in places and had flowers delicately painted on it. "There are more silks in the trunk, but I thought maybe you'd like to see this too. Porcelain is ever so hard to travel with sometimes." I set the bowl on a side table, and held the pitcher's handle so Caraf could look at it or take it in her hand if she wished.

[Caraf Tewar]

This time, I couldn't even say anything for a moment as I carefully took the pitcher. The porcelain was so fine that light glowed through it. It was absolutely spectacular.

"Oh Seraphina, I can't this is too much," I protested, awed by the beauty of the gift she offered. "This is so exquisite."

[Elliot L'Envers]

I sat quietly watching the exchange, Caraf was amused by the gifts and I smiled at her glee and naivety. I new that there was a catch some where, I was waiting for it, searching in my mind I went through our wedding list and for the Frizon name. Nope, it wasn't there...why would a woman who had no invite to the wedding choose to give such gifts. Either that or what she had said was true, her name was popularized simply by the association of the L'Envers name. But I watched either way smiling pleasently.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I laughed softly, "It's quite all right. I think this would look good here. I went through my wares and picked this out specifically for you as a bride. I though if I was getting married, these are the things I would like to have. But I do not want you to feel uncomfortable about accepting these gifts. These are wedding gifts, they should bring joy. So I do not wish you to be unhappy about them. If you truly wish not have everything I bring, you may choose among them and refuse what you do not wish to receive. I will not be offended by it. However I insist you keep that," I said as I pointed to the pitcher and dish.

I had pride, but I would of given these gifts to any wedding couple, really, probably more if I had an invitation to the wedding. I was competitive and liked to give the most lavish of gifts, besides I got these trades first hand. It meant a great deal to gift them. I had set aside much more for the queen, and I had missed her fete entirely.

[Caraf Tewar]

"Then I will happily accept," I said, smiling and carefully setting the pitcher down, my fingers caressing it lightly before I released it entirely.

I glanced at Elliot, wondering what he was thinking.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I saw Caraf give a glance to her husband to be, and with great willpower didn't follow her gaze, although I too was curious how he was taking this. "Are you willing to see a bit more then?"

[Caraf Tewar]

"Yes," I replied, looking back at Seraphina and smiling. "And I promise no more protestations of it being too much and to accept your gifts graciously."

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I gave an appreciative smile and nodded. "Well then that's good." I turned and pulled out 4 wooden boxes, and handed them to Caraf. "These are traditional teas that are very good. One is a green tea, said to have healing attributes and helps keep one young, and the other is a chai tea, mostly served with milk. I have here two boxes of each. They are very flavourfull and will be very good for get togethers. Open up a box and smell the aroma, that's how you know good quality," I motioned to her to open one of the boxes. "Tasting it doesn't help either, I had a cup of each brewed tea before I bought it," I winked towards her a smile still on my face.

[Caraf Tewar]

Setting down three of the boxes, I opened one and inhaled deeply. The tea had a lovely almost floral scent, very light and soothing.

"Thank you," I told her, smiling. "That smells delicious."

I handed the box to Elliot for him to smell as well, the tea really did smell wonderful.

[Elliot L'Envers]

I leaned over to the box and inhaled.
"Yes, quite lovely." I said to Caraf. Her smiled was so beautiful and I loved to see her happy.

[Seraphina Frizon(D)]

I saw the look of love in Elliot's eyes with some interest. I had never had a lover like that, but with traveling like I did I much doubted I would see that. "I'm sure you will enjoy it."

I turned and pulled out a box that took up quite a good portion of the second trunk. It was heavy, and one of my servants helped me lift it. Together I placed it on the floor by Caraf and clicked the two locks open to reveal the white china dishware that was hidden in an array of silks to avoid breaking on the long travel.

"This is my favourite gift," I said as I unwrapped a plate to shoe it covered in golden flowers and white porcelain. "Every bride deserves good china I think. To start her new home with. This will live on in the family for generations. It's one of the reasons I bought it. I think it is good to have things that create a legacy." I looked down at it before handing it towards Caraf for further inspection.