A case of the Dru's

(this thread is for Luciana Aetos )

Eldreth Aetos sat at one end of a long table, but no one called her Eldreth since she was seven when the great fit of 'Dru'y Day of 1028'. Dinner with her sister and niece who had sat on the opposite end, probably not with the intention of Dru sitting where she sat but it was just the way she was.

She sipped from a glass of wine, a happy scowl warmed her face as she chased potatoes on her plate. Looking up with her elbow on the table so her glass of wine was close to her face actually she rested it against her cheek looking towards her sister, "How are the people of the kingdom dear sister?" another sip, "Will Mother be joining us?"

Luciana was doing her best to focus on the food and conversations at the table, and of course tending to seeing that Lisette ate her food like a little lady. Which wasn’t always easy when Lisette fully intended to model herself after her aunt Dru. Like right now, Lisette was leaning her elbow on the table and pressing her little round innocent sweet face against the cup in her hand. Only, she was much smaller and it required her pulling her legs onto her chair and sitting on her knees.

As much as Luciana knew she should correct her, she found it rather endearing how much Lisette looked up to Dru. She gave a gentle shake of her head as she glanced across the table to her youngest sister with an amuse smirk. “The people are faring well, just a touch of unrest within the outskirts.” she didn’t want to elaborate more with Lisette present, as she didn’t wish to upset the young girl. But the mention of their mother made a frown tug at the edges of her lips.

“Not today, she said she was too tired and wished to take her meals in bed.” She admitted with a soft sigh, reaching for her own glass of wine and taking a long drink and easing back into her own chair as she nodded for the servant to take her plate away. “I was thinking about hosting a party here in a few weeks, what do you think of the idea?”

Dru tried most sincerely to care but politics were far far far from her own wheelhouse, her best response was a 'hmm' before drinking her wine. While she was secretly enthused with her niece acting like her Dru casually blew it off, she wasn't about to correct the little one. She also tried to play off the hurt of their Mother not being well enough to join them as Mother was about the only Aetos who saw Dru and at one point gave Dru direction and meaning in what she wanted to do...but life was a fickle thing that often hurt more than it helped.

However Dru perked up at the mention of a party, "I think that sounds absolutely brilliant, I can help with that! Me and some of the girls have been talking about the lack of fun in Almeran lately," Dru was a single party hopping diva these things were right up her alley, all the boys and girls, "Perhaps I will find my Prince Charming, or two," she giggled catching little Lisette titling her head intently listening to her Aunt Dru before looking at her Mommy, "Two Princes? Can Aunt Dru have two Princes?"

Dru choked down some more wine watching Luciana over the rim of her glass.

Luciana knew that the question about the people had been more of a formality, as Dru had little -if any- interest in the kingdom politics, so she didn’t take offense to the less than enthusiastic response. Honestly, she’d have been more surprised if Dru had elaborated on the topic further. But, she truly didn’t mind the reprieve of such stress topics. Not while there was the concern for their mother’s health and Lisette present.

No, she much preferred more pleasant conversation at the dinner table.

Her dark eyes sparkled with delight as Dru reacted much more invigorated at the mention of a party. A coy smile danced across her lips, knowing she might very well be able to leave almost all the planning to her, since work would definitely demand much of Luciana’s free time. Especially with civil unrest, she’d benefit from taking a trip to the outskirts and simply encouraging people… with the aid of her gift that was always the most simple of solutions. Though, it did exhaust her when she was handling large groups.

“Oh, I was hoping you’d be excited! I will definitely need the help putting it together, do you think you’d be up for the task?” She asked with a raised brow, then gave a decidedly vexed roll of her eyes as she began to lift her glass before freezer halfway at the question Lisette posed.

Luciana’s eyes shot to Dru for a moment as she set the glass down, looking to Lisette with a strained smile. “My darling girl, you’ll soon learn that Aunt Dru always gets whatever she wants… though I do believe two princes might turn into a duel; don’t you?” Lisette erupted into a fit of giggles, tossing her dark curls over her shoulder. “Aunt Dru, would you let two princes duel for you?” She asked excitedly, clearly the idea of men dueling over her aunt was the most thrilling thing she could imagine. Luciana took this opportunity to finish off her wine glass.

Dru smirked, "Oh Aunt Dru would definitely let a lord or two duel for me, that would be highly romantic," Dru and her sister knew very well that Dru was talking about a different kind duel, she ignored the heat touching her cheeks.

Changing the subject back to parties, for Luciana's sake of course, Dru finished her wine requesting another, "I can plan the whole thing me and the girls," her three closest friends everyone called the Girls, "Can definitely have the whole thing thrown together by tomorrow, will there be a budget?" the girls would definitely need one or the party will be extremely lavish, possibly better than even royal balls.

Luciana chuckled softly, exchanging a knowing glance with Dru. "Aunt Dru, always the romantic," She teased gently, appreciating Dru's quick change of subject.

Turning to Lisette, who was busy arranging her vegetables into a little garden on her plate, Luciana smiled warmly. "What do you think, Lisette? Would you like Aunt Dru to help plan a grand party?"

Lisette's eyes lit up. "Oh, yes! Can we have lots of flowers and music, Mama? And maybe some dancers?"

Luciana nodded, her gaze shifting back to Dru. "I think Lisette's ideas are wonderful. And as for the budget," She paused, considering, "let's keep it reasonable but generous. We want it to be memorable and elegant without being too extravagant."

"Noted," Dru said very nonchalant as her second glass of wine was brought to her, she'd "clearly" try her best to stay within a budget, "Flowers, dancers, and loads of music," Dru repeated back to her niece, "If Mommy let's me I'll take you with me to meet the girls and we'll have lunch to plan it al"

Luciana raised an eyebrow, her amusement barely hidden behind a smile. "Dru, your enthusiasm is always a delight, though I trust you'll keep a close eye on the budget—after all, a lavish event can quickly spiral out of control."

She nodded in approval. "Flowers, dancers, and music will certainly make for a memorable affair. I'd be delighted to see how you plan everything out."

Luciana's gaze softened. "I appreciate the asking… of course, so long as Aunt Dru minds her manners." She offered quickly glance to her younger sister, an amused grin on her lips as she gently shook her head.