xxii. dictated

[heloise]

When does one become, no longer a teenager, but an adult? I heard the drinking of wine will in the future be restricted to those older than eighteen, so does wine make an adult?

And what other licenses are given to someone with eighteen years? I should like to try them all.

Comments

dictated;

[heloise]

[ But she knows not to ask. One choose another name for many reasons. ]

Ah, but you are to bribe me with lemoncakes. How can I refuse?

dictated;

[songsandstories]

Then you are most welcome. [And she will give you a fine spring frock.]

dictated;

[heloise]

When? This afternoon?

dictated;

[songsandstories]

I could have something readied by then.

dictated;

[heloise]

At the tenth hour then.

dictated;

[songsandstories]

I look forward to it.

[heloise]

[ If this goes on to actiooon, Lucrezia will bring a bouquet of flowers with her when she wanders around to where the Lady Stark lives. Early spring flowers. ]

[songsandstories]

[And Sansa will be spending every moment until then cleaning and making sure the rooms are perfect, with new doilies and polished glasses. Everything needs to be perfect since Lucrezia is the epitome of being a lady.]

[heloise]

[ Maybe so, but once she was learning how to be one, too. She isn't terribly late for once, all smiles by the time she finds the house and knocks twice on the door. ]

[ladywinter]

[It's Catelyn who opens the door, smiling when she sees Lucrezia and gesturing for her to enter.]

My Lady Lucrezia. I understand that I should congratulate you on your name day.

[songsandstories]

[Sansa stands off to the side, behind her. She's all wide smiles with a wrapped package in her hands for her.]

[heloise]

[ What a pleasant surprise! She leans in to place kisses on each side of the lady's cheek, as friends do, then waving at Sansa. ]

It is custom for me to give you gifts instead, however.

[ladywinter]

[Aw, Lucrezia. You are too sweet to her.]

Our custom is just the opposite.

[songsandstories]

The flowers are very lovely. [She gives a deep bow.] My thanks, but we have something for you.

[heloise]

[ She tries to curb her enthusiasm, really she does, but she does make a little skip in excitement anyway. ]

Do you? What might it be? Can I see it?

[ladywinter]

Patience. [She steps back, leading the little group to the sitting area and going to fill a vase with water.]

[songsandstories]

[She giggles at Lucrezia's enthusiasm. It really is catching. Her eyes catch her mother's and she casts her eyes downward before moving to the table, package in hand.]

I do hope you like it.

[heloise]

[ How can she curb her excitement when it's a birthday present!! Lucrezia follows Alayne to find the package instead, moving to throw her arms around her and peck her cheek instead of take it. ]

[ladywinter]

[And Cat chuckles a little. This is good to see. Sansa seemed so lonely to her. It wasn't right that she has been forced to be so closed off- she was always so vibrant before...

Lucrezia was good for them both.]

[songsandstories]

[She can't help the laugh at Lucrezia's actions. She's pleased to get such a jovial reaction from the other girl before offering the package.]

I hope it's to your liking.

[heloise]

It must be.

[ She can be good, for now. She spares Sansa a grin before beginning to open the package, trying to be as careful as she can in her excitement. ]

[ladywinter]

[Cat just watches with interest.]

[songsandstories]

[It's a fine silk dress in gold with blue trim. It's perhaps not as fine as Lucrezia is used to nor is quite like the Northern cloak she gave her for the winter.]

With summer upon us, I had wished for Myrish silk. I hope it is to your liking.

[heloise]

[ SO PRETTY. She lets out a delighted giggle and holds it up against herself for both of them to see. ]

Gold is my favorite.

[ladywinter]

[A light laugh and she reaches over to brush a stray golden hair back out of Lucrezia's face.] It suits you.