Hofest!

[Xinnai]

Indeed, they seemed to have come to that affection now. Salina felt a brief satisfaction in that. Enemies that were divided by one man were now united as one by the same. Oh, the rich irony in that!

Fingers drew at her hair, a habit, as they smoothed the locks, watching Althesia very seriously. Lips quirked slightly, head just barely bobbing in joined consent. Yes, she knew the baubles a man swung in front of a woman could not be taken in all seriousness, especially when that man was dabbling with more than one woman.

She laughed again, leaning across the table towards the harper, eyes alight, forgetting the reason for her grim mood. Althesia would be a woman who loved such a bold statement. "Yes. I do not know if J'fel will or will not remain within his role, but I can tell you that a weyr's feelings of men and their bronzes counts for something. The people know now that J'fel is able to handle things, at least to some degree. Before Pelagaoth flies once more, who knows? Our weyrleader might achieve many more things."

[anhydrous]

With the flick of her hand towards her mug, Althesia stopped dwelling on the possibilities and let her lips curve into a wicked smile. Oh yes, she appreciated boldness. With her lips to her klah, she listened vaguely to her companion –no.. friend’s… words. “I care little what he achieves,” she divulged laconically, not really to discredit Salina, more to simply express her own nature verbally. “As long as he keeps his place so that my painting might be seen.” Her gaze dropped down to the cover of her sketchbook for a moment, thought swirling idly now that she had no judgments to slap into place.

Glancing back up to Salina with a glint of fire in her eye, Althesia couldn’t help herself. “It is going to be unforgettable,” she promised. The artist usually kept her pride to herself, but she could already tell that this painting would deserve a boast. It didn’t even take one stroke of the brush to discover it. Althesia had the talent, and J’fel had been foolish enough to give her an assignment worth pouring her everything into.

[Xinnai]

Salina could just bet that Althesia didn't care a whit about what J'fel achieved or not. She only cared that her painting would be properly appreciated. The queenrider didn't blame her at all. The commission was one of massive undertakings. Anyone would want such a thing to be respected. Admired.

"I bet it will be fabulous," Salina beamed, reaching out to touch at Althesia's hand with long fingertips. It was a natural move, full of a newfound affection she had for the woman. They may have been somewhat of "enemies" but now, they truly were friends, just as they had been pretending before. But now, the lie was no longer true.

Salina felt a twitching and stretching in her mind as Deoneth awoke, Telgar's newest queen yawning, long tongue rolling from her mouth like a cat's as wedge-head shook in disorientation. She had napped long, this time. Mine?[/color] she sought sleepily, searching for her rider and not finding her nearby.

Salina sent Althesia an avid smile, real pleasure blooming from her. Deoneth was awake. Her gorgeous little girl was awake now. "I'm so sorry, Althesia. I must go. Deoneth needs attending to." Rapture, pure and undiluted. She never tired of spending her time with her gold. "I hope we can speak at a later date."

The junior weyrwoman stood, giving Althesia a wink before she was gone, hurrying to the side of her beloved gold, the momentous conversation that had taken place forgotten. For the moment.

Scene closed. Finally!