Breakfast with New Family

[Cascata Stregazza]

I was asleep in my room when To-biko stole in and quietly woke me. "Riva has arrived and has been sleeping. i thought you would like to know." I nodded and thanked him then got out of bed and got ready. I decided to look a little more ready for the day than I usually did when I got up and demanded a warm drink to wake me from the kitchen.

When I was ready I walked downstairs, still making my way to the kitchen for my usual. "Could you let me know if Riva wakes will you?" I asked, wanting to say hi and welcome her as soon as I could.

I went and sat at the family table with only my drink. I would wait for others to wake before I ate.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

Two days before the first day of the Royal Hunt

I’d gone to sleep, having given orders to be awakened should Riva or Cascata wake up. Giovanna grinned, and said, “Of course. I think your lady sister gave similar orders, My Lord.” I chuckled at her reply, and fell asleep soundly.

I woke up, early enough, and made my way down to the dining room, only to find Cascata wide awake, nursing her mug. “Well well, aren’t we the early riser, this morning,” I teased as I gave her the kiss of greeting. “Did you have trouble sleeping?”

[Cascata Stregazza]

I returned Gil's kiss and sipped my mug. "No," I said, "not truly. Simply curious to really get to know our new house mate," I said with a smile. I took another sip and looked briefly around. "It has been a while since someone new joined us."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

"True enough," I replied with a merry grin. I went to the counter and helped myself to some Kafae, knowing Giovanna would still be resting. In truth, I didn't mind - she was like a family member.

"You may have to be patient, though," I told her as I came back to sit. "She was very tired last night. It seems the ritual is exhausting for her."

[Cascata Stregazza]

I nodded, I was not there but I heard some of the details and it sounded tiring. "That is fine," I said, "I wouldn't want her to feel like she had to run down here just for me. After all, we have plenty of time to really get to know each other."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“That’s an understatement,” I replied with a chuckle. “Besides, I’m not unpleased to have a moment with you. It feels like forever since we had a talk, you and I. Have I even told you how much I salute your courage through all my travails? You make me proud, sister. You’d make him proud too, if he were there to see it.”

I gave her shoulder a little squeeze. My little sister had proven to be a steady pillar in the storm. Now that I was free, though, I intended to release her of such pressures. I wanted her to have fun.

[Cascata Stregazza]

Gil was a sweet brother. I smiled at him and held back a tear that wanted to escape. "Thank you dear brother," I said, "I only hope that you will be able to look up to the future now." I thought about my father for a moment, I hoped that he truly would be proud of me.

I didn't want to get to emotional, especially when Riva could show up. I pushed those thoughts aisde and smiled, "we have Riva to think as well."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

After Cascata spoke, I let silence settle in, simply nodding, smiling reassuringly, until she mentioned Riva.

“Yes, that we do, and I hope you won’t mind sharing with her the trade of acting as a lady, and not an adept,” I said after a while. “I have a mind for her to become a member of our family, and that includes that she have the bearing of a Stregazza. Would you do so, sister? She is a dear girl, really, and I think you will like her a lot.”

For me, I had a lot of work to do as well. I intended to teach Riva languages, and what I knew of covertcy, though she had natural talents to help her in that matter. There was history and geography, economics and politics to cover. We had a lot of work to do.

I trusted Cascata knew just enough of the family trade, not to know what I was doing – we’d both been raised by the same man, and our father, though an hedonist he was, also had talents in the trade of international relations that expanded beyond the scholarly curriculum, and he had made sure I would be able to carry on.

We'd been raised in the same household, and thus it was certain that Cascata knew enough to figure it out for herself – as undoubtedly as I expected she understood such things were never to be spoken aloud. She wasn’t trained for it, but she had the wit to understand such things.

[Cascata Stregazza]

I nodded. In the end I would end up at the head of my mother's house and I suspected that Riva would probably be more comfortable following my brother in his endeavors. Though it was possible that things could change. Either way, a little extra help would always be appreciated by me. More time I could relax and enjoy myself.

"I understand," I told Gil, "I won't treat her like she is a lesser member of the household or anything like that. I look forward to having someone new to talk to and learn about." I smiled a little and tilted my head, thinking though in truth I was not sure what to expect. "It is quite possible that a former adept could teach me a thing or two."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“Your heart is in the right place, sister,” I said with an affectionate brush of my hand on her arm. “Riva has wisdom beyond her years, and bravery to match,” I told her. “I expect you would get along.” I cleared my throat, and added, “I won’t comment on the adept thing, though,” I added with a wink. Of course Riva had talent in the bed chamber, but there was no way I could comment on it and not be inappropriate.

Choosing to deliberately turn the tables on Cas, I gave her a teasing grin, and asked, “You never did tell me you opinion of Mandrake.” I shuddered involuntarily at the name. “Was it to your liking?”

[Cascata Stregazza]

So many things had been going on, I did not expect my brother to even remember I had contracted the Mandrake. I thought back to it a moment, Mordred had been a good choice and my time there had been interesting to say the least.

Wondering what would be the best thing to say to my older brother I said, "I enjoyed my time there. The Dowayne picked a skilled adept who had a lot of experience." With a smile on my face I said, "he took good care of me."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“That’s good,” I replied, relieved that she hadn’t retaliated with gory details of the one house that made me squirm. “I’m glad you are having a good time in the city.”

Feeling hungry, but loath to wake Giovanna, I stood and padded to the kitchen, finding fruit, bread and jam, and set them on the table. As I sat back, I said, “You know, it’s struck me that there is no sparring salle in the house. I was wondering what you thought of perhaps reconverting the storage room into it, since it’s almost empty.” It had struck me that perhaps it was what it was about originally. It had the space, that was certain.

[Riva Carle (R)]

As always when Aleron was not with me, my sleep was plagued with dreams. Some of them my own, some of them decidedly not my own and I was never sure which was worse. Opened my eyes and met Daisy's gaze.

She yawned and reached out, batting my nose with her paw. She wanted to get out and explore. I rubbed her ear and then got up. It was odd to be in a new room and I looked about for a moment before getting up. I used my private bath - one of the most luxurious things I'd ever known, my own private bath - and made myself presentable.

I put on the red shift dress Aleron had given me, it made me feel closer to him, and scooped Daisy up into my arms. Barefoot, I made my way downstairs, looking around as I did.

The soft murmur of voices drew my attention and I made my way towards what had to be the dining room. I stopped in the doorway, not sure what to say.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

A movement in my peripheral vision caught my eye, and I turned to find Riva in the doorway, a simple red shift about her, and Daisy in her arms. I smiled, making a beckoning gesture.

“Oh, come Riva, sit, we’re just about to have breakfast. This is my sister Cascata, whom you have yet to meet.” I smiled, glad to at last see this reunion happening. “Cascata, here is Riva…” I smiled in the direction of the cute furry thing in her arms, and added, “and Daisy.”

I said no more, letting my sister and Riva feel each other out. With Cascata’s good intentions and Riva’s endearing traits, I was confident they would be well.

[Riva Carle (R)]

Daisy turned her grey striped head to look at Gillermo when he said her name, a soft purring beginning as well. She liked him.

I walked further into the room, smiling tentatively at Cascata. "It's nice to meet you my lady," I said softly.

[Cascata Stregazza]

I took some toast and jelly from the food that Gil brought in and started to nibble a piece. I turned my head when he turned his and saw our new house mate in a red shift and holding a cat. I had never had one myself so I was curious how the new pet would fit in as well. Riva was more important than her cat, Daisy Gil had called her and I focused my attentions on her.

I stood and smiled, warm an genuine and said, "Its nice to meet you too, and please call me Cascata." I had never been one for custom, especially when it was in my own home. Most of the servants called me by my first name as well. Though I let the new ones do other wise until I decided rather or not I liked them.

Riva was not moving in as a servant so there was no need for her to call me lady.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

Gods but Riva was dripping with shyness, not really coming in to sit with us, and it made my heart ache. Silently, I stood, going into the kitchen, and prepared a bowl of milk for Daisy which I set on the floor, by the wall. That done, I turned my attention to my sister and to Riva, and decided to take action.

Elegantly, I held a chair out, “Here, come, you must be starving, Riva,” I said gently. I indicated the waiting milk, and added, “That’s for Daisy.” It seemed natural to let the cat stay with Riva. Having traveled a lot when I was barely older than her, I knew that having a familiar companion, even if it were only an animal, could be a source of peace.

Holding the chair, I waited for Riva to close the distance.

[Riva Carle (R)]

Cascata's smile was so friendly that it helped ease my worry at what she'd make of me. Before I could reply, Gillermo got up and my eyes followed him, waiting until he returned.

Daisy jumped from my arms and went to the milk, rubbing Gillermo's leg on the way.

"Thank you," I said, going to sit in the chair he held for me. "I am hungry."

[Cascata Stregazza]

I sat back down when Riva moved to the seat that Gil offered. I gave her time to prepare her food and start to eat before interrupting. Enjoying my own food while she did, eating comfortably instead of putting on a show of elegance, though I did not eat like a horse.

When things were a little settled I said, "I hope my brother has made sure your first night was up to standards." I smiled to show I was mainly jesting, since I knew that Gil would take care of her.

[Riva Carle (R)]

The fruit was lovely and I enjoyed a good portion of it.

"Oh yes," I said, nodding. "Everything is just incredible. I still can't believe that room is all for me."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I gave Daisy an amused smile as she brushed past me with a bit of a crooning purr. Milk bought her love, perhaps? Or maybe it was my natural charm, I decided.

After Riva had sat, I had retrieved my seat, and as the girls started to banter, I proceeded to help myself to a generous portion of fruit and toast. Finding this breakfast lacked manly ingredients, I unceremoniously stood, indicating with a casual shrug that they shouldn’t interrupt themselves on my behalf, and came back with some hard boiled eggs which I set on the table. I knew Riva wouldn’t want one, but maybe Cascata would have a mind for it.

Sitting back down, I enjoyed my breakfast with hearty appetite and a wide grin. Winking at my sister for her jest, smiling at Riva for her visible awe. I washed my bite down with more Kafae, and said, “You will, eventually,” I replied with a teasing smile. “Did you sleep well?”

[Riva Carle (R)]

"I did, as well as I ever sleep," I told him as I buttered a piece of bread. "That bed is very soft… but the best thing is the bathing room all to myself."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“Good,” I replied with a smile. “I’m glad you are comfortable in your room.” It occurred to me that her life must have been drastically different before this – sharing a bathroom…. I’d done it many times, for the necessity of traveling, but knew it was only temporary. It seemed Riva had only known her life at Gentian. She would need help adapting.

I proceeded to quaffing on a hard boiled egg – not exactly eating without grace, but acting in a way that was natural. I glanced at Cascata, lending her a thankful eye. She had a lot to do with the quality of the accommodations.

[Cascata Stregazza]

I had never thought of a personal bathing room as something to be excited for. But, it showed how spoiled I probably was, though more so from my father than mother. Though she did at least make sure I had the basics.

"I am glad you like everything," I said. "Anything you need here is at your disposal, the servants are her to serve you, the food is yours to eat, etc. Please make yourself at home and don't feel shy about it." I kind of expected her to be since she seemed so grateful for the basics, but she would probably get use to everything.

I took one of the eggs that Gil brought and smashed it with a fork onto some buttered toast. I bit into it with a grin, it being one of my favorite foods.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

Cascata’s words made me smile, and I nodded in agreement. “By many ways, you are now a Lady of House Stregazza, Riva, and in such things, my sister will be a good guide.” I smiled, knowing Riva understood that didn’t change the fact that we would have work to do, and that as head of household, I had my word to say. I supposed she also understood that I would be no bore about such things, if I could avoid it.

I washed down my egg with another sip of Kafae, and grinned.

[Riva Carle (R)]

"I'll do my best to learn my way about as quickly as possible," I said, nodding.

Daisy padded over and looked at me. "She would like to go outside," I told Gillermo. "Is there somewhere she could go? Or somewhere particular she should stay away from?"

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I was amused by the way Daisy had to quietly demand attention – and obviously, to make her needs be quite clearly understood.

“She can go where she likes, save the sleeping rooms,” I said with a grin, “unless she’s invited, of course,” I added with a chuckle to the cat’s attention. “There’s a garden at the back – she can go through the kitchen.”

A noise called my attention, and I turned to the door, noticing To-Biko and Giovanna, looking both at us with goggle eyes. “Up so early, children?” said our governess as she bobbed a curtsy. “I see you’ve made your own breakfast.” She looked at Riva, and added, “Is that fruit, only fruit? Tsk tsk tsk. You’ll be slim as a worm if you keep this up. Let me go make some pancakes for you!” and with that, she disappeared like a whirlwind in the kitchen. I grinned. Giovanna’s pancakes were to die for.

I chuckled, and noted To-Biko’s interrogating gaze. I nodded, and he took a seat after he'd given the curt bow that was his fashion – I guessed he wasn’t sure if he still needed to act the part of a retainer in front of Riva, and I decided it was superfluous.

“How are you?” He said after he sat, as he took a banana and proceeded to peel it with his paw-like hands. I assumed he wasn't daring to give either of the girls the kiss of greeting. Bah. That was for him, and them, to work it out.

[Riva Carle (R)]

As I gathered Daisy up into my arms, I smiled at To-Biko. He was the only one here I felt completely comfortable and relaxed around. "I'm just going to let Daisy out, I'll be right back," I said to them all.

I carried Daisy through the kitchen, where Giovanna was busily making pancakes and muttering about fattening me up. I chuckled to myself and found the door to the garden.

Slipping out, I set Daisy down. "You know not to go too far," I told her. "This is home now, so we have to be good."

She meowed at me then bounded off to begin investigating.

[Cascata Stregazza]

I smiled in greeting at To-Biko and Giovanna when Gil spoke to them. After To-Biko had set and Riva went to let her cat out I smiled and Gil and said, "I think she will fit in, she seems to truly want to be here." I had also noticed that she seemed to be comfortable around To-Biko. That would help as ell. Though I could understand why a girl would be comfortable around him, though I wasn't sure if she had known him in the way I had.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“I like her very much,” I replied as I buttered another toast, then stopped, deciding to spare my appetite for the pancakes. “She has courage and wisdom… You’ll see.” To-Biko grinned, nodding – what had transpired of his coach rides with Riva, I didn’t know, but he seemed to like her for it, and she in turn. That was good.

“So, sister, what do you think of the idea of the sparring salle?” I asked at length. To-Biko gave her a toothy grin, and I said, “Here’s one who would like some action, I think.”

“By Sebek, yes,” he replied with an enthusiastic nod. “I could use a bit of a bout.”