Meeting An Almost In-law: Ferris and Mala

[Ferris mab Eideann]

Tenth week of spring, year one of Queen Coretta's reign

I stole away from the palace again to visit Marie. I hadn't planned it, it was a spur of the moment thing. I missed her. So I headed to her brother's home in the west borough, and knocked on the door. I was hoping that she wasn't out shopping or at work, and that I hadn't escaped my keepers for nothing.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

There was a knock on the door as I was passing on my way to the kitchen to discuss dinner. I waved away the girl who was rushing to answer and opened the door myself.

I was surprised to see who was on the other side. I knew that Marie and the future Cruarch had developed quite a relationship it seemed, but it was still a surprise to see him there on my doorstep.

“Your highness,” I said, smiling. “Please, come it. It is an honor to have you here.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

Neither Marie nor a servant answered the door. Instead it could only be the lady of the house, Malabelle Shahrizai, standing before me, for the description Marie had given me left no doubt. "Ah, thank you Lady Shahrizai," I said, stepping in. "I hope I'm not interupting. I was just hoping that Marie might be avaliable."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“Please, call me Malabelle,” I said, still smiling. “I’m afraid Marie is out, she’s still at work I believe. It shouldn’t be terribly long before she’s home if you’d like to wait.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

"I'll wait then," I replied easily. Well, easy in the thought of waiting for her, but her in-law made me nervous.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“You can wait in the sitting room,” I said, smiling and leading him there. “That way you will know as soon as she gets home.”

Once there, I asked him, “Would you care for something to drink or eat while you wait?”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

"Thank you for the offer, but I'm alright," I said, glancing around to find the sitting room much like it had been the last time I had been in it. I sat in one of the chairs, though if it hadn't been a sitting room, I might have stood. "It's very nice to meet you Malabelle. Marie has always mentioned you in a very positive light."

[Random Event]

A bird flies into the window.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“I’m glad to hear that, I have become very fond of Marie. She’s like the little sister I never had,” I said with a smile.

Just then, there was a loud smacking sound that made me jump a little, I turned my head towards the window where the sound had come from and could see the tell-tale mark of wings where a bird had hit the window.

“Oh no,” I said, rising. “A bird…”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

I was half-crouched, sword drawn and using my chair as cover, before I realized what she had said. A bird had flown into the window. I put my sword away, cursing inwardly. Malabelle probably thought I was unhinged for reacting the way I had. "I'm sorry," I said as I stood up awkwardly from the crouch, far too aware that most women here would not take kindly to the sight of naked steel.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“No need to apologize,” I said, unable to hide my smile at his reaction. “Recent events certainly warrant preparedness.”

I craned my neck to see if I could see the bird, unsure if it had survived or not. “That was a large bird, I think.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

I frowned a little, getting the feeling that she was laughing at me. "Or a very fast one," I offered. "Judging from the thump of the impact."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“True,” I agreed. Through the window, I saw one of the boys exit the kitchen and run over to where the bird must have landed. I saw him scoop something up and carry it away, then I turned back to Ferris.

“Well, that was exciting,” I said with a smile, hoping to ease any tension. “Are you certain there’s nothing you’d like to drink?”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

I stood even straighter, then settled back into a proper posture, one that didn't involve drawing my sword. "I'm fine, truly. I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to impose."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“You’re not imposing at all,” I said, smiling and taking a seat, hoping he would do so as well. “It’s nice to finally meet you, in truth. Marie has been so happy since she met you, I must admit I was curious.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

I sat as she spoke, though I chose a different seat that didn't have its back to the window. I'd had enough surprises for the day, I didn't need another suicidal bird making me look like a fool. "It makes my heart glad to hear that. I've been very happy since we met as well. Marie... well, she's something special."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“Yes, she is,” I said, my tone still conversational even if I gave the words a little extra emphasis. “I would hate to think of her ever coming to harm. Like I said, she’s a sister to me now and family is very important.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

I inclined my head to the threat incased in her words. I did not mind them, for I had not lied. Marie was special, and the last thing I wanted was to hurt her. "I have heard that your family takes good care of its own," I agreed. "I will do everything in my power to protect her as well."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“When do you plan on returning to your home?” I asked.

[Ferris mab Eideann]

Her question made me wonder if Marie had told them yet, that she would be leaving with me. "The beginning of the summer. I had been planning on returning earlier, but with all the tragedy that has occurred... I did not want to leave at a time when it would suggest that the partnership between our countries was weakened."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“That is very reasonable,” I said with a nod. “Tell me about your home, I’ve heard it’s quite a lovely land.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

"It is. Very green and vibrant. Sometimes the foreigners complain about the rain, but the land couldn't be so beautiful without it. If you ever have the chance to visit, please do. It's hard to describe, other than to say I miss it, and the people," I replied, leaning back against the chair.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

He leaned back and I was pleased to see him relaxing even that much.

“I will certainly keep your land in mind should Christophe and I ever decide to travel,” I said. “I’ve heard that d’Angelines are not always welcomed with open arms in Alba though.” it was a veiled way at getting to how his relationship with Marie might be seen in his homeland, not too veiled though.

[Ferris mab Eideann]

"Not always," I agreed, the corner of my eyes tightening just a bit. "Just as Albans are not always welcomed in Terre d'Ange. People can be strange about outsiders. But I'll make sure that anytime you visit that there will always be a warm welcome. Some people just don't like change, I'm sure you understand how it goes."

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

His reply made me smile; I liked that he stood up for his people.

“I do indeed understand,” I replied. “There are quite a few people who have a prejudice against my family name no matter what we are like personally. Some people will never change their views.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

I smiled, glad for that moment of shared understanding. To be honest, Malabelle unnerved me. It had nothing to do with her surname, and everything to do with the fact that I wanted to impress Marie's family and Malabelle didn't strike me as one easily won over. "It is good to know that even with our differing cultures, some things remain constant across humanity," I said, the corner of my mouth quirking in a wry smile.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

“Yes, it’s unfortunate that prejudice is one of those enduring traits,” I said, chuckling. I motioned with my hand and one of the maids appeared instantly.

“Are you sure I can’t interest you in some refreshments?” I asked Ferris. “I am going to have some tea if you would care to join me.”

[Ferris mab Eideann]

It was the third time she had asked me if I wanted something to drink, and though I was socially dense, even I could admit defeat. "A cup of tea sounds nice. I would enjoy keeping you company," I replied with a little smile.

[Malabelle Shahrizai]

My smile grew as he finally gave in to my hostessing. “Tea and some cookies,” I told Sophia and she hurried off immediately.

“Thank you for agreeing to keep me company, that means I can avoid the correspondence I need to write for a little while longer,” I told him with a chuckle.

[Ferris mab Eideann]

"Ah, well anything to help you avoid paperwork," I said with a wry grin. "I spend most of my time trying to dodge the same."