View source for Rachel & Michael, 5/12/2002

* Rachel_ is puttering about, killing time until she can have supper with Nikolai. How long is Nikolai going to stay, she wonders.
* Rachel_ hopes for a while yet... but he might get sent off on business, especially if the Duke decides to remain here...
* Michael_ is walking in the gardens... A page trails at a discreet distance.
* Michael_ 's beard has mysteriously re-appeared!
* Michael_ used a cantrip.
* Rachel_ hums to herself in the garden, no page trailing after her.
* Rachel_ is happy-ish now. She selects a few exquisite tulip blossoms from the cutting garden for her room.
* Michael_ walks up behind Rachel.
<Rachel_> . o O (Hopefully Miss Machynnlleth won't blister me with that tongue of hers for cutting *her* flowers)
<Michael_> Good afternoon, Rachel.
* Rachel_ tries not to be startled.
* Rachel_ straightens up, turns around, and curtseys to her grandfather.
<Rachel_> Your Grace, good afternoon.  
<Rachel_> It's a nice one, though a bit chill.
<Michael_> Hm, yes... Well, that should pass.
* Rachel_ nods.
<Rachel_> I should hope so.
<Michael_> A shame about your cousin...
<Rachel_> Yes indeed.
<Rachel_> It is not easy on her.
<Rachel_> ...
<Michael_> ...
* Rachel_ tucks a lock of hair behind an ear.
<Michael_> (awkward pause!)
<Rachel_> Do you know what is to become of her?
<Rachel_> . o O (He probably won't tell me anyway)
<Michael_> Miss Isabel?
<Rachel_> Lady Isabel, yes.
<Michael_> I assume you mean in the immediate future.
<Rachel_> Immediate, long-term... they are all related.  The immediate will affect what happens to her in the long run.
<Rachel_> She is very unhappy right now.
<Michael_> Indeed... Quite an unsettled situation she's in... 
<Michael_> But it is out of my hands, I'm afraid.
* Rachel_ nods, she expected that.
* Rachel_ rearranges the flowers she's holding.
<Rachel_> I'm glad you told Nikolai in advance.
* Michael_ looks mildly surprised.
<Michael_> Of course I did.
* Rachel_ nods and swallows.
<Rachel_> I expected something like that would happen... 
<Rachel_> But still...
<Rachel_> . o O (I wish she would have told me...)
<Michael_> Still?
<Rachel_> She didn't tell me...
* Rachel_ says softly.
* Michael_ furrows his dark eyebrows.
<Michael_> You already knew. Why should she fear upsetting you?
<Rachel_> . o O (He already knew too.  Why would you fear upsetting him?)
<Rachel_> I wasn't upset, really, not that way.
<Rachel_> I knew it would happen.  But I had hoped she would tell me in advance.
<Michael_> Well... then it wouldn't have been a surprise, I suppose.
<Michael_> She does love surprises...
<Rachel_> I know...
<Michael_> Are you upset because you do not feel she holds you in confidence?
* Michael_ prompts.
<Rachel_> ...
<Rachel_> . o O (No use lying)
* Michael_ clasps his hands behind his back and waits for the answer.
<Rachel_> Somewhat.  I understand why.  But I wish things were otherwise.
<Michael_> Mm-hm.
* Michael_ nods.
<Rachel_> Would you like to walk?
* Rachel_ is getting tired of standing still in one place.
<Michael_> Certainly.
* Michael_ offers her his arm.
* Rachel_ takes it demurely.
<Michael_> It must seem disheartening, but you should not take it quite so personally.
<Michael_> She is difficult to get to know, and you really are only beginning to deal with her as an adult.
* Rachel_ nods, a bit surprised, and also somewhat gratified that he's taking such an interest. She didn't expect that.
<Rachel_> We seem to have some fundamental differences of opinion that don't help, either...
<Rachel_> I want to please her, but not at the expense of my own beliefs.
<Rachel_> I don't know how to reconcile the two.
<Michael_> And what exactly is the fundamental difference?
<Rachel_> It has to do with Commoners, as you might guess...
<Rachel_> I enjoy their company as friends and companions... My two brothers are, after all, Commoners... and my mother was.
* Michael_ nods, listening.
<Rachel_> I'm not comfortable, being served by them... I didn't grow up with pages attending to me...
<Rachel_> I recognize that these are their jobs.
<Rachel_> But I'm just not comfortable with pretending they don't exist, like our companion back there.  
* Michael_ looks over his shoulder at the page, who is looking around boredly.
<Rachel_> It just seems... wrong.
<Michael_> It is a matter of protocol, I suppose...
<Michael_> It might be different if they were not working.
* Michael_ shrugs.
<Rachel_> Except that I found out today that they get harsh words if I speak to them...  They don't want me to, because they've had the fear of Sidhe put into them... 
* Rachel_ says wryly, paraphrasing a mortal saying.
<Michael_> Who told you that?
* Michael_ asks casually.
<Rachel_> I was being very un-Sidhe like earlier today.  I went to the kitchens to get something to eat because I wasn't in the mood to have pages fluttering about me.
<Rachel_> They told me, pretty much.
* Michael_ nods again.
<Rachel_> So, I must curtail that.  I don't want to make them uncomfortable.
<Rachel_> They're such interesting people, though.  They have so much to say.  I want to get to know them... 
<Michael_> Are you certain it isn't just because you might interfere with their work?
<Rachel_> Well, many of the Countess' pages aren't Boggans, so it's just like sending one of them to get something for me.
<Rachel_> I don't try to draw them into long conversations...
<Michael_> All the same...
<Michael_> Things in a large household are very busy...
<Rachel_> I know, I used to run one for all intents and purposes.
<Michael_> In all fairness, I do not think that was entirely the same thing.
<Rachel_> Perhaps not in some ways.  But I had to make sure everyone was fed and clothed, I had to make sure the injured were tended, I had to make sure everyone had a comfortable place to sleep, I had to resolve disputes-
<Michael_> The staff here must function quickly and efficiently to keep up, and disruptions are quite counterproductive.
* Michael_ is so calm when he speaks. Such a nice deep voice. So enchanting.
<Rachel_> There were a lot, you know.  People under pressure aren't so good at holding their emotions in check.
* Michael_ arches an eyebrow.
* Michael_ still doesn't think a fairground full of commoners is quite the same thing as a castle.
<Michael_> I'm sure it was quite challenging.
<Rachel_> I loved it.
<Michael_> But the fact remains that it is quite a different matter.
<Michael_> I see... It is frustrating to you, that that is not your place here...
* Rachel_ gazes downwards in acknowledgment.
<Rachel_> It is hard, to have been the one in charge for so many years, and now to be quite purposeless.
<Michael_> As difficult as it is, Rachel, you must respect that this is your Grandmother's freehold, and she has her own way of running things.
<Rachel_> I know... it wouldn't be so bad, if I had something useful to do.  I tried asking her, but she misinterpreted what I was saying.
<Michael_> Ah, I see... That goes with what I was saying before, then...
<Michael_> She is difficult to know.
<Michael_> She doesn't allow most people a chance.
<Rachel_> Don't I know it.
* Rachel_ says ruefully.
<Rachel_> Like I said earlier, I want very much to please her... I know I must win her trust.  Yet how am I to do that when she won't give me a chance to prove myself to her?
<Michael_> It will probably take a great deal of time, to be honest.
<Michael_> Unless some fortuitous circumstance presents itself.
* Rachel_ nods.
<Rachel_> I'll keep my eyes open.
* Rachel_ tries to joke.
* Rachel_ smiles up at Michael.
<Rachel_> Nikolai was lucky to grow up with you... 
* Rachel_ hopes he will take the compliment for what it is.
<Michael_> Well, I do my best...
* Michael_ smiles.
<Rachel_> You two seem very close.  It's easy to see why.
<Rachel_> I'm very glad I found you!
* Rachel_ teases.
<Michael_> So am I.
* Rachel_ smiles.
<Rachel_> Will you be staying very long this time?
<Michael_> Probably a few more days, anyway.
* Rachel_ nods.
<Rachel_> Have you spoken with Father very much yet?
<Michael_> No, I'm afraid not...
<Michael_> That is a difficult situation, as I'm sure you are aware...
<Rachel_> I know.
<Michael_> I don't think either of us really know how we should deal with the other...
<Rachel_> Things will likely be strange and awkward for some time...  :^/
<Rachel_> He's so very sensitive, too...
<Michael_> Your grandmother has gone to Oxford for the afternoon...
<Michael_> I thought it best that I remain here.
<Michael_> ¬_¬
<Rachel_> She has...?
<Rachel_> . o O (She better be nice to him!)
<Rachel_> It's probably best to ease him into things...
* Michael_ nods.
<Rachel_> Too bad we found you in such turbulent times.
* Rachel_ smiles ruefully.
<Michael_> Hm.. Well, better late than never; if you'll permit the cliché.
<Rachel_> I think you're up to the task, anyway.
<Rachel_> Nikolai and I were going to dine together this evening.  If you wish, you may join us.
<Michael_> Well, I don't want to intrude.
<Rachel_> Not at all.  I wouldn't want you to eat alone, if the Countess is not back by then.
<Rachel_> . o O (I hope she'll be back.)
* Michael_ laughs.
<Michael_> Don't worry, I can take care of myself.
* Rachel_ smiles.
* Rachel_ looks amused and perhaps a bit embarrassed.
<Rachel_> . o O (He sees right through me...)
<Rachel_> Well... I won't press the matter then.
* Rachel_ smiles mischievously.
* Michael_ chuckles to himself.
<Michael_> I'm pleased to see that these strange circumstances haven't affected your relationship with Nikolai.
<Rachel_> What's there to worry about?  He's adopted.
* Rachel_ smiles.
<Rachel_> I wouldn't say we're completely unaffected... I think things may be hardest on him.
<Rachel_> . o O (He has an older brother now, who is your biological son...)
<Rachel_> But we'll muddle through together.
<Michael_> Well, I had worried that certain things might be too unsettling for you to deal with.
<Michael_> I am happy to be proved wrong, in this case.
* Rachel_ nods.
<Rachel_> I am a bit anxious about what Father will think, when it sinks in to him...
<Michael_> Yes, that has also been on my mind.
<Michael_> But there is little that I can do about that...
<Rachel_> Anyway... I don't mean to let it come between Nikolai and I.
* Michael_ nods.
<Michael_> . o O (But what about between you and your father?)
<Rachel_> The Countess isn't concerned about it... perhaps that will have an effect on Father...
<Rachel_> Anyway, we will leap that hurdle when we come to it.
* Rachel_ says decisively.
* Rachel_ doesn't plan on giving up Nikolai without a fight, if it comes to it! ;^D
* Rachel_ doesn't plan on giving him up at all, not to please Janus or anyone. But she will if things just don't work out between her and Nik... :^/
* Rachel_ looks up at the cold sunshine.
* Michael_ nods again.
* Rachel_ glances down at her cut flowers which are starting to show signs of being unhappy.
<Rachel_> We live in interesting times, at any rate...
<Rachel_> . o O (Somebody's freehold is going to require a regent... I wonder who will that be?)
<Michael_> You ought to get those into some water.
<Rachel_> . o O (Father or Nik, one or the other...)
<Rachel_> Yes, I should.  It would be a pity to waste them.
<Rachel_> Will you be staying out here in the garden?
<Michael_> I think I may head in myself. I have some letters to write...
<Rachel_> Well then, I shall not have to part company with you just yet.
* Rachel_ smiles.
<Michael_> Shall we, then?
<Rachel_> Indeed.
* Michael_ turns down a path leading back to the castle.
* Rachel_ walks with him, since her arm is still looped through his. Awwwww... grandpa and granddaughter, enjoying each other's company. So cute.
<Rachel_> I'm glad you have your beard back.  It's very dignified.
<Michael_> I'm rather fond of it, myself.
* Michael_ smiles.
<Rachel_> You should be, it suits you.
<Michael_> Dignified, hmm?
<Rachel_> Yes.  And also somewhat stern, but your kind eyes give you away.  I don't think I'd like to cross you, though.
<Rachel_> So I shall endeavour to be a good granddaughter.
* Rachel_ smiles.
<Michael_> Well, I shall endeavour to be a good grandfather, even if I am not used to the idea just yet.
<Michael_> I thought I had a few more years, anyway!
<Rachel_> I'll go easy on you. 
<Rachel_> At least until you're used to the idea.  Then I expect to be spoiled, as all grandchildren should be.
* Rachel_ teases.
<Rachel_> Are you glad to be back in Wales?
<Rachel_> Or do you love Concordia now too?
<Michael_> I have grown accustomed to my home in Concordia...
<Michael_> :/
* Rachel_ nods.
<Rachel_> There are a lot of big decisions ahead for you and the Countess.
<Michael_> I do not know how that is going to work out, exactly.
<Michael_> Yes...
<Rachel_> I don't envy you... but I am confident that the two of you will come up to some sort of solution that is agreeable to all.
<Michael_> That is the hope, yes.
* Rachel_ seems quite well aware of the ramifications... in terms of matters of succession, responsibilities to your respective freeholds, etc. etc.
<Rachel_> You will.
* Rachel_ says confidently.
<Michael_> I thank you for your vote of confidence, 
* Michael_ says, vaguely amused.
* Rachel_ hopes he's not patronizing her! ;^D
* Rachel_ and Michael get to the castle doors.
<Rachel_> If there's anything you think I can do to smooth things over, I'd like  to help.
<Rachel_> It seems likely that whatever your decision is, I'll be the least affected.  Affected directly, anyway.
<Michael_> Well, thank you, Rachel.
<Rachel_> You're welcome...
<Rachel_> Here we are though... I'd better rescue these flowers, if you will give me leave.
<Michael_> Of course. Good day, Rachel
* Rachel_ curtseys.
* Michael_ gives a little bow, his shiny black hair spilling over his shoulders.
<Michael_> (Well, most of it's black, anyway)
<Rachel_> Good day, Your Grace.  It was a pleasure spending time with you.
<Michael_> The pleasure is mine.
* Michael_ smiles.
* Rachel_ smiles again and departs, quite happy now. He understands! He cares! What a great Grandpa.
<Michael_> (I am so the man.)
* Rachel_ is in good spirits now and isn't worried about being a drag for Nik. ;^D
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