Wandering the Square

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

After the journey from Camlach, I decided that I needed some time to wander the City, and become acquainted. Dressing in a dark blue gown, with white ribbing upon the seams, I wandered down into Elua's Square.

It was a beautiful day, with clouds that danced across the sun, providing nice bits of shade as the day progressed. I took a seat upon the side of the fountain, enjoying the day, and observing the people that wandered by.

[Selwyn nó Balm]

I'd been running errands for Balm, and decided to go home by way of Elua's square. As I entered the square, I noticed a lovely young woman perched on the fountain, someone I had never seen before. Nonchalantly, I wandered over. "Lovely day, isn't it, my lady?" I said.

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

As I was sitting there, taking in the sights, I noticed a man wandering in my direction. He was rather handsome, and as he inquired about the lovely day it was, I had to smile.
"It is." I gave him a charming smile. "I do love to be out of doors on a day like this." My smile widened. "I'm Layonette, Layonette Liatris."

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"Selwyn no Balm," I replied. "A pleasure, Madamoiselle Layonette. And may I congratulate your family on your recent advancement." Even with the plague, I was still up to date on my court gossip.

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I flushed lightly. "Thank you, Selwyn." His name rolled off my tongue; it had a pleasing sound to it. "And a pleasure to make your acquaintance." I gave him an inquisitive look. "What brings you out on this wonderful day?"

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"Errands," I said, holding up a cloth sack filled with carrots. "I was delivering healing unguents to recent mothers, and then I did some shopping."

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I smiled. "You are very dedicated to your services, no?" My voice carried some amount of awe and respect. I had heard much about the Night Court, and I hoped my father would not find out that I definitely wanted to visit, and soon. "How long have you been at Balm House?" I was utterly curious now.

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"It's a bit of a story," I said. "My mother was born in Eisande, and went to Balm when she was 10. I am House-bred; my father is Alyssum, but I have never met him. After I was born, my mother returned to Eisande with me to practice midwifery, but then when I began to show talent with herbs, sent me back when I was 10. So I suppose, in total, I have been there...14 and a half years." I grinned at her.

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I listened as he spoke; his voice was charming, soothing, and comforting. "You must be very talented. Do you have your own herb garden then?"

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"There is a House herb garden," I said, "but I tend to spend a lot of time there. Many of the houses of the Night court have lovely gardens; have you been to any?"

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I flushed lightly. "No, I can't say I have. That doesn't go to say that I wouldn't mind visiting one at some time or another." A small smile crept up upon me. "I'm not sure which one I would visit though."

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"Do you know what you're looking for, Mademoiselle?" I asked, grinning back.

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I thought for a moment, putting on a face that could only indicate deep thought, and then ruining it with a giggle and a smile. "Well, I'm fair certain of what I'm not looking for, at least at this point in my life." My voice became a bit more serious as I continued. "I'm not looking for the sharper tastes of Mandrake or Valerian. Not exactly my cup of tea."

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"Well, that still leaves eleven other Houses to choose from," I said, "each with its own styles and creeds..."

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I sighed. "I know. I just have a hard time making up my mind when I have so much to choose from! I seek something..." I paused, trying to find the right wording for what I wanted to convey. "I seek a House that is gentle, relaxing, comforting, and discreet. I wish for an experience that I can always look back on with great fondness."

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"If that's so, and I don't mean to self-promote," I said, "Balm is probably your best bet. Or Alyssum, but the idea of a squeaking, shy adept is not my idea of comforting."

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I chuckled at his description of Alyssum. "Squeaking shy?" I tilted my head a bit. "Interesting way to put it I suppose." I smiled. "Balm does sound like a rather lovely place. Mayhaps I'll have to visit soon." I thought of Midsummer's Faire coming up. Things would be hectic, so perhaps a Night Court visit would have to wait.

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"Whenever you like," I said generously. "Our doors are always open."

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

"I think I'd like that." I said, in a softer tone of voice. I looked up, to catch his eyes. "I wouldn't mind enjoying your company at some other time, perhaps in... a different situation." I wondered vaguely what it would be like to kiss his lips. "Would you like some company on your way back to Balm?"

[Selwyn nó Balm]

By all the Gods, this pretty thing was flirting with me, and I was flirting back. How I loved it. "I would enjoy that very much, thank you, Mademoiselle," I replied, offering her my free arm.

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I smiled, and took his offered arm. "How have things faired in the City lately? I hope that all has been well?" I was curious to catch up with as much news as I could. The one disadvantage to growing up out in the country, was the slow rate of that news travelled to us.

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"They have not been well at all, in fact," I said, as I steered us in the right direction. "The City has only recently reopened after a plague beset us this past month."

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I nodded sympathetically. "A subject I was attempting to avoid. I didn't want to bring up bad memories, or sorrow for anyone." I lowered my head. "Did Balm House fair okay, in this passing of the plague?"

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"We lost a few," I said. "I was thankfully spared, despite spending many hours tending the sick. Was your family safe?"

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

"I am sorry for you and your House's loss, Selwyn." My mood became a bit thoughtful and sober. "My family has only just arrived in the City, so we did manage to avoid it."
My gaze rested on his, trying to think of a happier topic of discussion. "Are you looking forward to the Midsummer's Faire, coming up?"

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"Oh, yes," I said. "I was hoping to be contracted for some duration of it, but I think I may just go by myself. Did you have plans to attend?"

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I grinned. "I am hoping to attend, yes. I'm rather looking forward to my first celebration in the City!" A small thought ran through my head about his contracted statement. I enjoyed his presence, a lot. Perhaps I would see about contracting him at some point in that week. Perhaps. "I hope that we run into each other, sometime during the week. I enjoy your company."

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"I would be glad to run into you," I replied. "This so far has been a very pleasant time."

[Layonette Liatris(I)]

I blushed lightly and looked up at him. "It's been a long time since I've had someone new to talk to." My hips brushed lightly against his as we walked. "Being in Camlach for so long, talking to the same people every day, was getting redundant." A smile crossed my face. "And now, I find that not only am I talking to a well informed man, but a rather handsome one as well." I giggled and lightly squeezed his arm. "I find it a wonderful change of luck."

[Selwyn nó Balm]

"You'll find yourself well-informed soon enough," I said, smiling, "it comes with living in a city. As for handsome, I am flattered you would say so."