Bird's Eye View

“You cannot possibly think this is amusing.” Kieran's low, rumbling voice says from the other side of the opened door.

Hawthorne and I sit together in the balcony watching the cat and mouse that all nobles play when they are surrounded by their financial ilk. We’re in the Winter Court for their seasonal festivals. It’s always the same thing, dancing, food, and then a social hour which usually entails of people making deals and promises they don’t intend to keep

“I do actually, Kieran. I do. It’s fascinating to watch how a single hand movement can dictate a positive encounter or how a poorly tilted eyebrow can ward off a potential meeting which could have had a financial gain for both parties. Now we’ll never know if the Early Fields and the Summer Wood will finally exchange resources.”

After a pause, Arynn added, "Or who's been seen around their estates chasing skirt tails when the Lady of Solaris Manor isn't home."

Hawthorne shaking his head slowly beside her, ever in wonder of her gaul.

“It’s entirely true! I heard it from their own mouths!” I laugh.

“Honestly, you hear things you want to because it amuses you. Though I do know that you lurk where you shouldn’t.” Hawthorne smiles. “What do you think Kieran, does the Lady speak true?”

From his post at the door to the balcony box, Kieran grunts. “We both know she’ll do as she pleases and that amuses us both.” He chuckles. “What else do you see down there, Arynn? Give us something a little more risqué this time.”

At first I scoff, mockingly offended at their taking sides but then I laugh knowing that what amuses them makes me happy.

“I have a sneaky suspicion that the Daughter of Winter is not the prude we had originally thought. The Lord of the Summer Isles just brush by her and the eyes she just made. I’ve seen those eyes somewhere. Recently.”

Kieran coughs and sputters from the hallway and Hawthorne chuckles a bit. “You torture him so.” He places his hand on my arm.

“He brings it on himself.” I stand and walk to the balcony. Hawthorne takes my side and places his hand over mine on the railing. I look over to him and smile remembering how at one time we were so awkward in our ploy. Stiff and over-rehearsed. Now it comes easily. We are a united front.

“Arynn?” Kieran's voice checking in.

“It’s alright. We’re ok.” She confirmed.

Hawthorn visibly straightens. “Yes, you worry too much. Just because she’s silent for once her life, is not a cause for alarm.”

Chuckling from his post again, Kieran groused. “How much longer do we have to stay here?”

“If only you could see this, you would never tire. Futures are being made here today. Politics is not evil, Kieran, but it is a sometimes slow moving process."

I turn to Hawthorne, “shall we take a bout, someone’s bored.” I giggle. “At least down there he can move around.”

Hawthorne nods tightly, “And we’ll never hear the end of his complaints tomorrow on the way home.”

“Hey you two.” Kieran cuts in sternly but I know he’s actually smiling.

He always smiles when he chastises us.