Quality time

[For Finnegan Oldenburg]

The day had been interesting and after dinner, Lorelle had returned to the room that had been prepared for her with a smile on her face. Maddox Oldenburg and Everest Ellesmere would most likely be meeting again around this time to get to know each other, and she wouldn't interrupt them. Instead, she was planning on taking a stroll through the palace to talk to some servants and courtiers, but once she had laid down on her bed to digest a bit, she felt too tired to go through with her plan. Instead, she suddenly felt nostalgic. 

The Queen was happy that her youngest brother had been so keen to join their journey to Illemore. They were seven years apart, but had always gotten along well. She still remembered the games they played together or when they would run into each other in the kitchen at night, both hungry. They would sit and giggle after the servants had caught them and cooked an omelette for them, ushering them back to bed once their bellies were full. He had always loved to braid her hair, and she loved letting him braid it. 

The prospect of her oldest brother possibly getting married made her realise that Finn wasn't so small anymore either, and that it was actually about time that she started looking for a bride for him as well. The woman got up from the bed and left her room, to look for a servant, no longer with the purpose of getting to know what life was like in Illemore, but with the purpose of asking them for a tray of tea and biscuits. 

About ten minutes later, the brunette stood in front of her brother's door with the servant right behind her, tray in hand. Lorelle knocked and waited for Finnegan to tell his guest to come in. Once she hears his voice, she would open the door with a warm smile on her face. "Finny", she said, and the tone of her voice would give away that she was feeling sentimental. Not in a sad way, but in a loving, older sister way. "Do you have time for tea and biscuits with your old sister, hmm?" 

If he said yes, she would gesture for the servant to place the tray down on the table and leave. 

Somehow, Finn had managed to relax a bit after separating from the group. He had changed his clothes into something far more relaxing almost immediately. As well, he had taken the time to carefully remove his jewelry and stow them away. He had brought along a few books to entertain himself with and was just about to request some wine to enjoy while reading, but before he could a knock was heard at his door.

Lifting his head up, Finn turned to look toward the door and called out, “”you may enter.” He then immediately assumed he was being called somewhere and was ready to get back into the proper attire, but instead was surprised to see his sister, Lorelle, enter instead. A raised eyebrow appeared on his face but he soon relaxed as she greeted him with a warm tone and the familiar nickname.

”I wouldn’t call you old.” He said with a soft laugh. ”But yes. That would be lovely. What tea did you pick out?” There was a hint of excitement to his voice, clearly eager to hear what types of tea the kingdom offered.

Once his familiar voice had sounded and she had entered, she detected the surprise on his face. In a way, the surprise saddened her. Had her brother not expected his sister? Did they not spend enough time together, which resulted in him being surprised to see her? She made a mental note of it. Perhaps he was still the same boy he had been when they were younger: one that cherished his sister and wanted to spend time with her. The kingdom took up a great deal of her time, as well as her Advisors. She couldn't remember the last time they had spent an evening together, just talking and laughing, so she was glad she had decided to do so tonight - although perhaps there would also be some serious topics.

He laughed and said he wouldn't call her old, which got a chuckle out of her. "Some kind of berry tea, one that we don't have at home", she said with a wink. She knew Finnegan loved to explore and discover new things, even if it was as simple as a tea he hadn't tried yet. Lorelle took a seat and picked up the teapot to pour them two cups.

"I'm absolutely stuffed," she said when she put the pot down again, "but maybe later we'll feel like having some biscuits." She would smile at him and wait for him to join her in the seating area before taking a sip of her tea. "How are you liking Illemore thus far? And what do you think of princess Everest?" the older sibling asked while leaning back a bit in the chair.

His eyes widened after hearing the type of tea and there was a brief look of excitement across his face before he schooled his expression. ”Sounds wonderful. I’m eager to try it.” He tried to maintain a calm exterior, not wanting to seem childish in a foreign kingdom.

Soon, he made his way over to the seating area, but took a moment to think before he sat down. ”The food has been absolutely lovely. I’m sure their biscuits are equally as amazing.” Finn wasn’t lying, he genuinely enjoyed the food he had eaten so far. Still, he knew it was important to say good things so he vocalized his thoughts.

Adjusting himself in his seat, he let out a soft hum. ”I could see Max enjoying himself here. It’s really lovely. I wish nothing but good for him and Princess Everest. She seems awfully sweet, a real find.” Finn lifted his cup up to his lips and took a seat, hoping his words were enough to satisfy Lorelle.

Lorelle studied her brother's face for a moment after he had finished complimenting the kingdom and the princess. She crossed her legs, ladylike, and brought the cup of tea towards her lips again. She gently blew on it to make the liquid cool faster. "Are you saying what you think I want to hear, or how you truly feel?" she then asked. Lore knew her brother tended to conceal how he truly felt if it meant pleasing her. "I'm here as your sister, not the queen." She smiled at Finnegan and took a sip of the tea, humming softly in surprise of how delicious it was.

"I think an alliance with Illemore would do us well, but I also want Max to marry someone he doesn't dislike. I won't force him to marry her if he thinks he'll be miserable here. But don't tell him I've said that, because I don't want him to look for an easy way out. You know how he is." Lorelle chuckled, thinking about all the ladies Maddox had deemed unworthy to marry.