Just Singing in the Rain

(this thread is for Luciana Aetos )

Jemos sat in the center of the royal gardens with her legs crossed under her, way above her in the sky above was the darkest cloud one might have ever saw and it stood out because the clouds around it were white and fluffy. In fact the sun was shining, but falling directly under that dark cloud was a heavy rain.

Jemos was focused. Her arms hung down beside her and her hands rested between her legs, drawn over her was a black heavy cloak which was drenched from the down pour. This was her blessing, this was why Jemos was Blest. She could heal the world with what she could do but she could be a raging storm, a hellish blizzard, or tornado of wrath. Of course she wasn't any of the latter, not without just cause. Jemos was simply practicing control and precision by solely wayter the garden. Everything was being watered by the weather Jemos had conjured. She was talented.

However, sometimes things got hectic, a Rumble of thunder above had her cutting clear blue eyes to her work above. Oops, she thought. Sometimes storms got away from her and she'd just dial it back. There was no more thunder but the rains had definitely increased.

While it was indeed a beautiful and sunny day outside, it wasn’t all that uncommon to see At least one very dark cloud in the mix, making Luciana smile. Jemos must have been in the gardens practicing. The royal guard was one of the few Luciana had the pleasure of knowing and seeing rather frequently, as she was often in her own office in the castle and on the grounds whenever she was summoned by the Queen. Much like today, where she was taking a brief reprieve from her paperwork to walk Lisette through the gardens.

The girl gasped in awe as she watch Jemos increase the rain from the singular cloud and she couldn’t help but smile. “Not too close Lisette, I don’t need you tracking mud back into the playroom.” Luciana called out after her daughter, who stopped and frowned. Clearly the idea of splashing in puddles was much more enticing than staying clean. Though the sudden thunder did make her jump and take a few steps back.

“Hello Jemos, enjoying your rain cloud?” She asked with a half-grin as she exhaled softly to reach for Lisette’s emotions to ease her fear from the lightning.

The rain didn't falter nor stop when the sound of a familiar voice broke through her concentration, he head twisted to find Luciana and Lisette the older woman's daughter in the gardens, both Jemos knew well so it wasn't entirely a surprise to see a smile form on her wet face.

However the rain did begin to fade, the day cloud washed away to white fluff, and the sun broke through once again. Jemos stood removing her wet cloak bowing her head to the mother daughter pair, "Lady Aetos and little lady Lisette, sorry about that just watering the gardens, though I wonder should I get the title of Royal Gardner?" Jemos smiled at her own joke but she didn't laugh, that was rare, "Perhaps I can make it up to you about the thunder with an escort to the play room? A follow up game of tag?"

Luciana turned at the sound of Jemos's voice, her dark hair was half pinned back up and half down, elegant as ever. She smiled warmly, her deep brown eyes meeting Jemos's gaze. Lisette, her seven-year-old daughter, clutched a flower she had picked, her own dark eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Luciana smiled, her voice warm and melodic. "You certainly have a way with the rain. Perhaps the title of Royal Gardener suits you after all."

Lisette giggled, looking up at Jemos with excitement. "Can we play tag, Mama? Please?"

Luciana chuckled softly, her hand resting on her daughter's shoulder. "Of course, darling... An escort to the playroom sounds perfect, Jemos. Thank-you." She offered a polite dip of her head, Lisette following suit before walking up toward Jemos and offering her the flower she’d picked.

Jemos Ravenbrow would have took the title just as serious if it had been a real thing indeed, another Ravenbrow first. It made her smile deepen but not as deep as Lisette offering the Royal Guard a flower. Jemos sunk to one knee, "Oh lady Lisette this is beautiful, far to beautiful for such a warrior like me, can I?" Jemos took the flower and gently removed the stem leaving just enough so it stayed fixed and tucked behind Lisette's ear, "Radiant, and it matches perfectly with your eyes," Jemos stroked the very proud and beaming cheek of Lisette before standing, "Shall we ladies?"

Jemos was prepared to escort the pair and even play, Lisette offered her hands to the older pair. Which Jemos equally as proud took.

It warmed her heart to see just how kind Jemos was to Lisette. Not that she was surprised, she had never seen the royal guard behave untoward to anyone without cause. Lisette, at only seven years of age; had not shown signs of being Blest, and this relieved Luciana. But she knew most didn’t show signs until they were a bit older. She knew there were benefits to being Blest, but she also knew it wasn’t always easy. Why, Luciana had to be kept in isolation while she learned how to put up mental blocks from making her classmates feel exactly how she felt in school.

Though, it did benefit her greatly, especially in her position as Advisor of the People.

Her eyes stayed on the pair as Jemos moved to place the flower behind Lisette’s ear. This of course caused Lisette to practically vibrate with excitement and delight as she turned to her mother and held out an expectant hand. “Come Mother, I want to get to the playroom so we can play!” She insisted, clearly very determined to keep the company she had.

“But of course.” She said with a soft voice as she took Lisette’s hand and the trio -led mostly by Lisette- made their way down the familiar pathways. “We aren’t pulling you away from anything important, are we?” She asked Jemos with an apologetic smile.

"No my lady nothing important," Jemos replied resting her wet cloak in the crook of her arm, "I was on duty last night and my block is open today," as nice as it was to be off something inside Jemos was always saying 'protect, protect' and that was just another Ravenbrow thing, "It saves me from going home and listening to brother Arless preach about my womanly duties and marriage," Jemos hated talking about it but only did because Arless talked about it, "Today playing is important right Lady Lisette?"

Luciana smiled warmly at Jemos as they made their way to the school playroom, Lisette skipping ahead of them. "Your dedication is admirable, Jemos, but even the most vigilant protectors need time to relax. I'm glad you have today to yourself, free from duty and Arless's preaching."

Lisette, her eyes shining with excitement, turned around and beamed at Jemos. "Yes, Jemos! Today is for playing! Mama and I were just talking about making a puppet show with the new puppets in the playroom. You should help us! We can make up a fun story together."

Luciana chuckled, glancing at her daughter with affection. "Lisette has the right idea. Sometimes, the most important duty is to enjoy the moment and let go of our worries. Come with us to the playroom, Jemos. Let's make today about laughter and imagination."

Lisette nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm infectious. "Please, Jemos? It'll be so much fun! And I bet you can come up with the best voices for the puppets."

As they reached the door of the playroom, Luciana placed a gentle hand on Jemos's shoulder. "Consider it an invitation from Lady Lisette and myself. We all need a break from our responsibilities now and then. What do you say?"

Jemos wondered, as they walked to the playroom, if she had been born to another family would she have had such a wonderful imagination? Children weren't raised or like her growing up, playing wasn't a thing she'd always be a soldier. This thought lead way to thinking about her own children one day, could she be a Mother like Luciana or like her Mother? A bit of panic set in despite the smile on her face, what if she didn't know any good voices? Or a terrible puppet performer? The wild panic of her heartbeat only picked up as she thought she'd let this little girl down.

"Invitation accepted my ladies," Jemos replied not trying to sound as doubting as the thoughts in her head. She was going to make a terrible wife and Mother, Jemos was sure of that.

For Lisette she'd still try!

Luciana glanced at Jemos with a mixture of warmth and understanding. She could sense the underlying anxiety behind the façade of calm. She only wished she could glimpse into the woman’s mind… but instead, she settled on pushing a wave of ease and comfort towards Jemos. She didn’t typically like to influence the emotions of those she deemed ‘friends’, but she wanted to help the young woman feel better.

She gave Jemos a reassuring smile. "You most certainly have delighted us with your acceptance!" Luciana said with a grin as she eased along the trail. Lisette was nothing but giggles and wide grins of excitement as they trudged along the path. Clearly, she was very much looking forward to the upcoming playtime!

As they continued their walk Jemos felt that brief spike of anxiety seemingly chill, she felt calmer and appreciated the gesture of Luciana's Blest abilities. Giving the woman a kind smile Jemos carried on with small talk, "I heard your sister is throwing a ball or something soon? I've been invited...kind of nervous, I pray tell it will be a simple affair?" she was implying safety while she was off duty.

It pleased Luciana to see that Jemos appreciated the aid in easing her anxiety. Those who were aware of the noblewoman’s gift typically shied away from acknowledging that she could easily sway and influence the moods of those around her. Apparently that thought alone could be rather intimidating. So, Luciana tried her best not to over indulge in her Blest ability, unless absolutely necessary. Or, in Jemos’ case; to ease the emotional toils of a friend.

Because she did consider Jemos to be just that; a friend.

When the conversation turned to the topic of the ball her sister was planning, Luciana smiled as even Lisette’s face lit up with a smile. “Knowing Dru, she will do her best to ensure it is a very lavish and elegant affair.” she said with a gentle shake of her head, the budget she had insisted on had already been blown, as their mother couldn’t resist the chance to spoil her girls. She was ill, not dead, and loved the way Dru smiled when she extended the budget.

“I’m not allowed to stay up for the whole party, but I do get to show off my new dress and portrait!” Lisette boasted proudly. By the time the ball rolled around, Lisette’s portrait would be on display in their home and the little girl was beyond excited. “But don’t let that dissuade you from making an appearance, it would be lovely to see you there.” Luciana assured Jemos with a soft smile.

Jemos smiled, "I will certainly try, I'm you know shy or something about balls or parties," she thought about her brother and giggled softly, "My brother would say I'm stubborn, but I will look forward to it..."

The three women continued their walk to the play room where they put on a lovely play with puppets, a sweet tale of a princess and prince falling in love.

[End thread]