regency au } { of unexpected arrivals and family dinners

[hereditare]

Laura: [pauses, squints] Were we expecting anyone?

Parrish: It's winter. We never have company in the winter.

Laura: [frowns, before sighing and starting to get up] Better go see who it is then.

Parrish: I will go with you. [since Amelia is sleeping and all. He grabs her cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders first before getting his own]

Sheriff: [is leading the horses since they are close, and calls up to the guards] Good Day! Is this the Hale Manor?

Erica: [was spending time with Boyd while he was on duty, and frowns slightly at the question] Yes, it is. May I ask who is calling?

Sheriff: My name is John Stilinski. I believe that my son is living among you.

Erica: Oh! Stiles?

Sheriff: [smiles] Yes, that would be him. And this is my wife, Jody Stilinski.

Erica: [she nods before glancing back to Boyd] Of course. Please allow me to fetch my lady. [and she will leave the two of them there with Boyd while she darts off to find Laura and Parrish]

Jody: [eyes Boyd] Your lady certainly takes her security seriously.

Boyd: The winters here are long and hard, m'lady, but those who live here are used to it and it doesn't deter them if they wished to bring trouble.

Jody: I see.

Laura: [catches sight of Erica coming towards them] Is everything alright?

Erica: We have visitors. They say they are Stiles' parents?

Parrish: Stiles did not mention his family would be traveling this way.

Laura: No, he did not, which leaves me to wonder if he knew they would be coming. [to Erica] Go find him? I believe he should still be training with Sir Hale.

Erica: [nods and off she goes]

Parrish: [when she is gone] They would have gotten word by now of the engagement. Perhaps it is a surprise for the holidays?

Laura: Perhaps. I am not worried, simply surprised.

Parrish: Shall we go meet them and see what kind of people Lord Stilinski comes from?

Laura: [she nods] Let's.

Sheriff: [looking up at Jody on the horse] I told my brother we should have written.

Jody: Eh, I think we'll survive. Maybe they just don't like surprises.

Sheriff: Maybe. It is a nice sized manor.

Jody: It is. It must be beautiful in the summer.

Sheriff: We will have many reasons to come visit again moving forward.

Jody: [nods as she spots two shapes coming out the front door] And here they come.

Parrish: [playing the Lord of the Manor] Lord Stilinski?

Sheriff: Sheriff, actually. My brother is the lord. I am just his extension of the law in the town. You must be Lord Parrish?

Laura: [nods] And I am Lady Laura Hale. Had we known we would have been receiving you we would have been better prepared.

Sheriff: It was a surprise. My brother asked for me to deliver to my son a letter and did not want it to get lost or delayed due to the weather.

Laura: And Lady Erica has gone to fetch him, but please - come inside where it is warmer. Sir Boyd, will you please take the horses to the stables?

Boyd: Yes, m'lady. [bows and goes to first help Jody off her horse, and then to lead them to the stables]

Sheriff: It is a pleasure, Lady Hale. This is my wife, Jody.

Laura: Please, the pleasure is ours. [and she will gesture ahead of them to lead them back into the house]

Jody: I understand you are the Lady Cora's sister?

Parrish: [and he will take the cloaks as they enter, hanging them to dry]

Stiles: [meanwhile, he is with Derek playing what looks like a game of RISK on a map with figures]

Erica: [bursts in, assuming it's a public space, and looks at Stiles curiously] Stiles, your father is here.

Stiles: [it is, the main room of the knight's barracks. He jumps, and then looks at her] What do you mean?

Erica: I mean he is here, with his wife. [points to the door] They just arrived.

Derek: [chuckles] Go. We can finish this later.

Stiles: [nods, and then grins and takes off for the main house across the snow]

Erica: [turns to follow him because curiosity, obviously]

Stiles: [and he will gather himself before bursting into the room at least, but he is a bit out of breath just the same] Father?

Sheriff: [turns and smiles] Surprise.

Laura: [turns and glances back at him, before stepping back to let them have a moment]

Stiles: [grins and goes over to hug John, and yup, tight Stilinski hugs are a go]

Parrish: [smiles a bit at that]

Laura: [aww, Stilinski hugs. Both her and Jody are pleased]

Stiles: [and he will pull back and smile] Lady Jody. You let him drag you out in this weather?

Jody: [smiles back] I didn't quite feel content with not seeing my husband for the entire winter.

Sheriff: We told your uncle if he was sending us this far before the holidays not to expect us back until the snow melts.

Stiles: You're staying here for the holidays?

Sheriff: If it is not a burden to the lord and lady of the manor? We can find accommodations in town if there is no room...

Laura: We have plenty of room. It will be no trouble at all.

Stiles: [grins] This winter just keeps getting better.

Sheriff: Oh, I'm sure I can make it even more so. [he reached into his shirt and pulled out a wax sealed letter] This is from your uncle.

Laura: [tips her head to the side curiously] I take it that's about the engagement?

Sheriff: That is what I have been told.

Stiles: [and he is going to step away, breaking the seal and getting closer to the fire so that he could have light to read by]

Laura: [will let him do that in private] Do you have any bags that need to be brought in? We can show you to the guest quarters and allow you to settle in and relax before dinner is served.

Sheriff: Our things are with the horses. We didn't bring much and figured that we could just purchase anything else we needed in the town.

Laura: Of course. I'm sure Boyd will bring in whatever's there and we can send for the rest.

Sheriff: Thank you. [looks to Jody] Do you wish to settle in my dear?

Stiles: [is getting that buzzed, happy bouncy energy around him as he keeps reading]

Jody: [she nods] I could do with a rest from the road.

Laura: [is watching Stiles out of the corner of her eye and she takes that to mean good news]

Parrish: Why don't you do that, and we will have someone call you when dinner will be served. Are you hungry or would you want something sent to your room for tea?

Stiles: [grins and folds the letter up and into his vest. Bright ball of sunshine] I can clear my schedule and show you both the town tomorrow, Father.

Sheriff: If you are free, Stiles. I'm sure you have some work to do at the moment.

Jody: Tea would be lovely, thank you.

Laura: [shakes her head] For a special occasion such as this one, I think we can excuse him.

Sheriff: Thank you, Lady Hale. I know our arrival has probably thrown off your plans.

Laura: Not at all. This is the kind of surprise I prefer.

Sheriff: I will admit, we were very happy to have the opportunity to finally meet you and your family, and spend the holidays with our son.

Laura: We are glad to do the same. Stiles has become such an important part of our family, we are happy to meet his.

Parrish: And we will have a long winter to get to know each other.

Stiles: [bright grin because nope, all his family in one room is the best thing ever]

Laura: [she nods] Why don't we show you upstairs while I'm sure Stiles has someone he needs to run off and give good news too.

Stiles: Yes, I do. [smiles at John and Jody] I will come check on you later. [bows and he's off to find Peter first]

Sheriff: [watches him go] He is not good at hiding his happiness at all.

Laura: [she shakes he head] No, but it's a nice change from when we first met him.

Sheriff: I do owe you my undying gratitude for rescuing him from the Whittemores.

Laura: You should be thanking my sister for that. She was the one who brought it to my uncle's attention.

Sheriff: Yes, but you were the one who allowed her to. Though I am looking forward to getting to know the woman who has won his heart.

Laura: I'm sure she is looking forward to the same.

- - - - -

Stiles: [so after he shows Peter the signed contract in which his uncle was in agreement to everything, including the name point, and then he is off to find Cora]

Cora: [is in the library, curled up with a book in the back, out of most normal people's view, but Stiles probably knows where to find her]

Stiles: [and he will sneak in, too excited to be quiet] Cora, are you in here love?

Cora: [tips forward at the sound of his voice] Yes?

Stiles: [grins and goes to find her, sitting next to her] You won't believe who arrived at the manor for the winter.

Cora: [she eyes him for a moment, brow furrowing] Who?

Stiles: My father and stepmother.

Cora: [her eyes widen] Really?

Stiles: [bright smile] Yes. They came to deliver a letter to me from my uncle personally.

Cora: That's wonderful, Stiles. I know you've missed them.

Stiles: I have, and I think this will be the first time I will get to spend the holidays with both of them and you together.

Cora: [she nods] I'm glad they could be here.

Stiles: And I am even more glad with the news that they brought me. [he smiled] My uncle agreed to all the terms.

Cora: [her eyes widen] All of them?

Stiles: All of them. The only note he had was that for our time each year in Austria, it would be either from Lent to Easter or the Christmas holidays, and we can rotate the holidays each year so we don't spend every one of them away from here.

Cora: [she smiles and nods] I'm sure that will be fine.

Stiles: So it is official then. We are engaged to be married. With a large engagement party in Austria, and a small, private wedding in Norway.

Cora: When does he wish to have the engagement party?

Stiles: The summer solstice. July and August are usually spent away from inland because of the heat, so he would like to use the heat of summer as an excuse to travel north to where it is cooler. Perhaps we can even hold the wedding at Peter's castle?

Cora: [nods] I'm sure he won't mind.

Stiles: I will admit spending our first days as husband and wife with the beach and the ocean just outside our doors is enticing.

Cora: [she nods slowly] That does sound nice.

Stiles: And then nights in the observatory working on our studies with the stars.

Cora: [her head ducks a bit] It would seem appropriate.

Stiles: [leans in closer] So do you approve of this then, my love?

Cora: [looks up at him and nods] I do.

Stiles: Wonderful. [and he will lean in the rest of the way to gently kiss her]

Cora: [sighs softly as she kisses him back, one hand coming up to rest against his shoulder]

Stiles: [he will hold the kiss for a while longer, and then lean back and smile] I should let you get back to your book.

Cora: [she nods] You should spend some time with your father.

Stiles: He and Jody are resting from their trip. I'm going to show them around town tomorrow. Are you ready to meet them?

Cora: [she takes a deep breath] I suppose I should.

Stiles: Well, don't worry about them. They are going to love you, I already know.

Cora: I hope you're right.

Stiles: Oh, I know. Trust me.

Cora: [she smiles softly] I do.

Stiles: [he caresses her cheek gently] For me, it's hard not to believe that anyone could look at you and not fall in love with you instantly.

Cora: [her head ducks] But you already love me.

Stiles: I do, and I love you more and more each day.

Cora: But it means that you already have a head start. Your parents will be meeting me from scratch.

Stiles: It's a good thing then that they aren't the ones marrying you.

Cora: No, but they are your family. They're important to you.

Stiles: Yes, but you are the most important thing to me.

Cora: Still. I want them to believe you'll be in good hands.

Stiles: [he leans in close] You are much better hands than the ones you took from. I very much enjoy the feel of being in your hands.

Cora: [she glances away, a flush on her cheeks]

Stiles: [and he will tip her chin back up so he can kiss her again]

Cora: [she closes her eyes into the kiss, hands moving up to rest against his shoulders gently]

Stiles: [and yup, happy spot. just going to kiss his fiancée for a while]

Cora: [And she does not mind, and will kiss him right back]

Stiles: [and eventually, breathing will need to be a thing, and he will press his forehead to hers] I really should let you finish that book.

Cora: [she nods] I will see you at dinner.

Stiles: See you and dinner. [and off he will go, heading to put his letter from his uncle somewhere safe, and then to check on his father and Jody to make sure they are settling in okay]

Jody: [which they are! It is very comfortable]

Stiles: Do you need anything? I can get someone to bring you more blankets or pillows or make a fire...

Jody: Oh, no, Stiles. We're fine. You sit. Tell us about what you've been doing here.

Stiles: [he will sit on the couch in the sitting room] Well, since it's cold now I haven't been doing a lot of things outside. Sir Derek, Lord Peter and Lord Parrish have been teaching me to hunt with my bow. And other days Sir Derek has been teaching me war strategy with how to move men into positions for a battle based on the terrain and scout reports.

Jody: All useful things, I'm sure.

Stiles: Uncle is expecting me to learn how to run the military one day. It may be a game now, but eventually it will be real.

Jody: I'm sure you will do well.

Stiles: Me too.

Jody: And you're enjoying your time here, at least?

Stiles: Very much. I mean... of all the places I have lived, this is the first place I have truly remember calling home.

Sheriff: [nods] Your uncle told me part of your marriage agreement will have this being your main residence until his time as the land baron comes to an end.

Jody: I take it that is mostly for your bride?

Stiles: Mostly, yes. She has a big family and they are all very close. It wouldn't be right for me to take her away from them all to live in a strange land and have no one but me.

Jody: Though eventually you will, when your uncle decides to pass the property to you.

Stiles: Yes, and we will be in Austria for a month or two each year no matter what. So it's not like you won't see us or our children.

Jody: Good. Sounds perfect.

Stiles: I still can't believe she said yes. I keep expecting to wake up and find this is all a dream.

Jody: Enjoy it. The honeymoon phase only lasts so long.

Sheriff: Yeah, and then she'll start nagging you about chores and stealing the blankets and making you sleep in the barn when she's angry at you.

Stiles: [chuckles]

Jody: [gives her husband a look] Each time well deserved, I might add.

Sheriff: [laughs] What are the stables like here, son, just in case.

Stiles: You won't sleep in the stables here, father. The knights would take you in.

Jody: I'm not sure that's punishment enough.

Stiles: You probably should be on your best behavior, father. It gets very cold at night in Norway.

Jody: [glances over at her husband with a knowing nod, before turning back to Stiles] So. When do we get to meet the bride-to-be?

Stiles: At dinner. She's a bit nervous at meeting you both.

Jody: I'm sure it'll be fine. She doesn't have any reason to be nervous. [looks to the Sheriff] Does she?

Sheriff: Not at all. I mean, we see how much you love her - I doubt we will think any less.

Jody: [she nods] It will be fine. Though I would say that it's natural. I was pretty nervous when I was meeting my first husband's parents.

Stiles: I'm just sad I will never get to meet hers.

Sheriff: How long ago did they die?

Stiles: Um... I think it has been seven years now?

Jody: [frowns] That's a shame, to lose them so young.

Stiles: There's been a lot of tragedy in this family before I came here, so seeing them happy like they are now is a blessing. They know how lucky they are, and they appreciate everything they have. That's why I love it here.

Jody: Good. I'm glad you found such a loving place.

Stiles: Me too. And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Cora. I never would have found you, Father... I would still be a stable boy for Lord Whittemore.

Jody: Fortune works out the way it's supposed to. Always has.

Stiles: And I owe a lot to you too, Lady Jody. It was the letters that helped me win her heart.

Jody: [she grins] I told you words work.

Stiles: I've gotten really good at writing them too now. I still will write them and stick them into the back of her books when she isn't looking.

Jody: Good.

Sheriff: Maybe you can give me a few lessons when you have time this winter then.

Jody: [is pleased with that]

Stiles: I can try.

Sheriff: Perhaps it will lessen my time sleeping in the barn.

Jody: It'd definitely be a good start.

Sheriff: Maybe a small stockpile I can keep for when I need them.

Stiles: [laughs] We shall see, father.

Jody: Anyway. We should get ready for dinner, as should you.

Stiles: Yes. [stands up] I will see you both at dinner.

Jody: [nods and we will skip to dinner? Which Laura will probably set something up for just them and Cora separate from the huge main dinner and she comes to the door, knocking lightly to gain entrance]

Stiles: [and he will come out into the hallway to meet her] You ready, m'lady?

Cora: [she looks up at him and nods] As much as I can be.

Stiles: [kisses her cheek] You will be fine.

Cora: [nods and squeezes his hand] Shall we?

Stiles: Yes. [and he will hold out his arm for her to take, and he will escort her to the dining hall]

Cora: [and she will take his arm and let him lead the way]

Sheriff: [and he will stand up when he sees Stiles and Cora enter because lady entering the room]

Cora: [gives a smile as she makes her way in] Good evening. I'm sorry if I kept you waiting.

Sheriff: No, we just got here ourselves. You must be Lady Cora.

Cora: [she nods] I am. It is lovely to meet you, after all this time.

Sheriff: It is my honor, m'lady, to meet the woman who first rescued my son, and then managed to steal his heart.

Cora: [her head ducks a bit] I was only doing what I thought was right. Stiles ... did the rest.

Sheriff: Oh, I have spent enough time around my son to know it takes a special woman to handle him.

Stiles: Thank you, Father.

Cora: [laughs softly before nodding] Please. We should eat.

Stiles: Yes. Oh, Cora, this is my stepmother, Lady Jody.

Cora: [turns and nods] Lovely to meet you as well.

Jody: [nods] Likewise. Please, sit.

Stiles: [and he will pull out Cora's seat and have her sit, and then he and John will both sit as well] So have we been sent to the little kid's table?

Cora: [she smirks] I think Laura just didn't want you to be overwhelmed. We have a rather large family here.

Sheriff: Well, tell her I do appreciate her efforts. I know I am a bit exhausted at this point of the evening. I will probably collapse into bed after dinner.

Cora: If you are staying through the winter, you will have plenty of time to get to know them all.

Sheriff: I believe that the pass back to Austria was snowed in behind us as we traveled.

Cora: Then yes. Plenty of time.

Stiles: I'm not going to complain. I'm rather happy to have you here for the holidays.

Cora: [she nods] I know that Stiles has missed you.

Sheriff: We have missed him too. But you are much prettier company.

Cora: [her head ducks with a bit of a blush] Thank you.

Stiles: And you are already taken, father. I couldn't steal your attention from Lady Jody now. I don't wish to sleep in the barn either.

Jody: [smirks] Smart boy.

Sheriff: He gets that from me.

Stiles: You just say that because I can't confirm what I get from mom.

Cora: [laughs] Probably best you take is word for it.

Stiles: Probably.

Sheriff: I can tell you that you have her laugh. And smile.

Cora: Not bad things to inherit, I think.

Stiles: No, no it's not.

Cora: They say that I look like my mother, but I don't remember well enough to say for sure.

Sheriff: Stiles' mother was very special. She was a sweet, caring farmer's daughter who enjoyed daydreaming and trying to find pictures in the clouds.

Cora: [smiles at that] My mother was ... very different. Our family has always been more ... matriarchal.

Sheriff: Stiles told me you lost your parents seven years ago now?

Cora: [she nods, her face dropping slightly] Sadly, yes. In the last plague.

Sheriff: I'm sorry.

Cora: [she nods] It was a hard loss, but we are moving forward.

Stiles: [goes to hold her hand under the table]

Sheriff: It seems that your family has found a lot of happiness these last few years.

Cora: [she slides her fingers through Stiles' as she nods] We have. We have been very lucky.

Sheriff: I wish you many more years of happiness. Both of you.

Cora: [she nods again] Thank you. [she isn't really sure what to say. Social settings have never really been her strong suit, especially with new people, but she's trying her best to not seem standoffish]

Stiles: If nothing else, I will do my best to make sure of it.

Cora: [she glances back to him with a small smile and she tries to shift the subject off them for a moment] So. Stiles says you have a farm?

Sheriff: Yes. The farm is actually from Jody's first husband. After I lost Stiles' mother, and then him and was unable to get Lord Whittemore to give me my son back, I returned to my father's land and my brother took me in and gave me a role in the town order. I met Jody soon after and the rest is as it is now.

Cora: I remember seeing some of it when Stiles came for that first visit. It seems like a lovely property.

Stiles: Visit meaning dropping me off with no idea what was happening. [said lovingly]

Sheriff: [laughs] You did seem very confused, that was for sure.

Cora: [ducks her head sheepishly] I didn't want to ruin the surprise!

Stiles: It is still the second best gift you have ever given me. [reassuringly]

Cora: [she nods] I felt he deserved to find his family. No one should be separated from them like that.

Sheriff: Well, I will always be indebted to you for that.

Cora: [she shakes her head] It was my pleasure.

Stiles: Just be careful, m'lady, or they may name a goat after you.

Sheriff: I would not name a goat after her unless she wanted one, Stiles.

Cora: I don't think my personality would suit a goat, though my brother may disagree with you.

Stiles: Mine neither, but yet there is one.

Sheriff: We named the first goat born after Jody and I married after the son I had lost.

Cora: Is the goat too curious for his own good?

Sheriff: [laughs] Of course it is.

Cora: [grins] Then I think it is very appropriately named.

Stiles: I am sitting right here, you know?

Cora: [glances over at him with a smile] I'm sure it is a very attractive goat. [teasing]

Sheriff: I don't tend to look at goats in that way, m'lady, so I will just have to assume so.

Stiles: [laughs]

Cora: [grins] Of course not. My mistake.

Sheriff: Though he does have a habit of biting.

Stiles: I do not bite, thank you.

Cora: I suppose there have to be some differences between you and your goat counterpart.

Stiles: Yes, beyond the fact that one is human and one is a goat

Cora: It is also likely that you are a much better conversationalist.

Stiles: Though he would probably be warmer at night.

Cora: We could always get you another blanket.

Sheriff: I'm sure we could find a wooly one for you.

Stiles: [shakes his head]

Cora: [grins, giving his hand another squeeze under the table]

Stiles: [and look, dinner is served]

Cora: [yay food. and they will eat for a bit and idly chat]

Sheriff: [and then sleep will be calling and so the parents will excuse themselves to turn in early]

Cora: [and Cora and Stiles will be left to their own devices for the rest of the evening]

Stiles: [he will walk her back up to her room at least]

Cora: [yes, and she will talk with him as they go] They are lovely, Stiles.

Stiles: Yeah, they are. I've really come to enjoy my time with them.

Cora: Good. I'm glad.

Stiles: And if they are here all winter, you'll get to really know them too.

Cora: I'm looking forward to it. Truly.

Stiles: Perhaps you can spend some time with them on days where I need to be with your brother training?

Cora: [she nods] I'm sure that can be arranged, if I am not with the girls.

Stiles: Good. I like the idea of being able to have them become a part of this big family that we're making.

Cora: I do too. Even though they live so far away, this is how it should be.

Stiles: And, we will be able to one day let them watch the children when we are in Austria so that we can have time to ourselves. [grins]

Cora: [she laughs, but ... oh children. that's another overwhelming thought she's not entirely ready for]

Stiles: [they have a long time for that. And look, it's her room] Well, I guess this is where I will leave you for the evening.

Cora: [she nods once] I suppose it is. [and she'll turn to face him with a small smile] Good night, Stiles.

Stiles: Good night, Cora. Sleep well.

Cora: [she nods, and go to let herself into her room if there's nothing else.]

Stiles: Cora?

Cora: [and she glances back again] Yes?

Stiles: [and he will lean in to gently kiss her]

Cora: [she closes her eyes into the kiss, getting better at not startling when he does things like that, and just relaxes into it]

Stiles: [and he will pull back after a moment, smiling] Pleasant dreams.

Cora: [her head ducks a bit and she nods] You as well. [and with that, she will disappear inside]

Stiles: [and he will head to his room, and there will be very pleasant dreams]

Cora: [of course there will]