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

[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.

[songsandstories]

[She only manages to smile widely.]

I am glad you are pleased with it, Lucrezia.

[heloise]

Most pleased!

[ She would try it on, but putting on her dress again would require more than two hands, so she folds it back as neatly as she can and rests it in the box. ]

I must invite the both of you to dinner one day, and I will wear it to show you.

[ladywinter]

We would be honored to attend. [A light laugh] And I would have to find something to wear myself.

[songsandstories]

[Sansa nods her head at the invite. It would be nice.]

I could make you something. If you wish it. [Though putting her mother in southern dresses seems wrong. But there are reds and blues she could use.]

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia looks between the two women and smiles in some amusement, a little secret. ]

I should give you both dresses in return, whether or not you choose to wear them.

[ladywinter]

You are both too generous. [That little smile could mean trouble, though what kind remains to be seen.]

[songsandstories]

[The idea of a new dress and one of Lucrezia's style makes her smile wider. The material is always much nicer than what Sansa had seen, even in the South.]

Would you really? Your dresses are the finest I have ever seen.

[heloise]

[ THE WORST KIND, CAT. ]

A dinner and dresses, to show my thanks for this loveliest of gifts. And lemon cakes?