regency au } { of homecomings and friendly wagers

[braveandstupid]

Elena: [is trying to keep Patience from falling when they hit a bad bump and answering questions about the different buildings until they arrive at the Sommers estate which is lovely and still blooming, even with summer waning]

Derek: [as the carriage stops, he will nudge Miranda awake] We’re here, sweetie.

Patience: [Miranda rubs her eyes as she starts to wake up babbling a bit as she does. Patience glances back to Elena] We're going to stay here?

Elena: [nods] This is where my mother grew up.

Derek: Now you both can really get to see the things your mother grew up with.

Jenna: [Patience seems excited by this and as she does Jenna comes barreling down the stairs with little decorum because why does she need that? She's the lady of the manor] Elena!

Derek: [laughs] You're being summoned, my dear wife. [and he will go and open the carriage door and climb out so that he can help his ladies out]

Elena: [to which Miranda just wants to go right into his arms, she's still sleepy. Patience however will step down and wander off just a little while Elena will climb out and let Jenna hug her tightly] I've missed you.

Jenna: I've missed you as well. You must tell me everything about Norway.

Derek: Don't wander too far, Patience. [he has his wolf eye on you even as he cuddles Miranda to his side and kisses her cheek]

Elena: I will. [she says as she pulls back before catching Patience's hand to draw her back again] Patience, I would like you to meet my Aunt Jenna.

Jenna: [crouches down next to her with a small smile] Hello, Patience. I've heard a lot about you.

Patience: [pulls into Elena's side and waves shyly] Hello.

Derek: And this is Miranda. [he comes closer and shifts so the little girl is closer to her great aunt]

Jenna: [straightens and smiles at her] Hello, Miranda. [Miranda blinks at her before burying her face in Derek's shoulder]

Derek: [chuckles] It's nice to see you again, Lady Jenna.

Jenna: You as well, Sir Hale. Come inside, I had the servants prepare lunch.

Derek: Wonderful. I'm famished. [and he will nod to Tyler who will direct the servants on what to take where]

Elena: [and she will lead Patience by the hand as they walk into the old manor that has so many memories for her] So how have you been?

Jenna: Well. I've found ways to keep myself busy.

Elena: Still making Lord Saltzman work for your attention?

Jenna: [glances back innocently over her shoulder] How else will I know he's earned it?

Derek: Poor Lord Saltzman.

Jenna: It doesn't mean I am not interested. I simply do not wish to squander the position I have built for myself here. If he is interested in marrying me, he will have to work hard for it.

Derek: Does he know you are at least interested? We tend to be better at words than reading body language.

Elena: Oh, I think she's likely made that quiet clear. She's just waiting for him to muster up the words himself.

Derek: Well, I won't interfere.

Jenna: You shouldn't. He needs to do this on his own. [she shrugs] Besides, he lost one wife to sickness not that long ago. He shouldn't rush into another marriage so soon and he knows it.

Derek: Sounds like my uncle.

Jenna: I heard about Malia's mother. Such a sad story.

Derek: Yes. I was still a kid when it happened. She was a nice woman, and a good match for him.

Jenna: But he married again, from what I gathered?

Derek: Yes, more out of obligation than desire. But they are learning to love each other.

Jenna: Well, that is the important part. I was never a fan of arranged matches but I always admired those who made the most of them.

Elena: Like Elizabeth Forbes.

Jenna: And Carol Lockwood.

Derek: I was not a fan of marriage until I met this one. Your mindset changes sometimes in an instant when it's the right person.

Elena: [smiles at him] It does.

Jenna: [she shakes her head] I don't think there is anything that could have helped Elizabeth with her husband.

Derek: Was Lord Forbes a cruel man?

Jenna: No, nothing like that.

Elena: [there's a pause as she tries to find a way to put this delicately] Lord Forbes ... preferred the company of other men. Or at least that was the rumor. It was all idle gossip, but ... [she shrugs]

Derek: Oh! Oh.... well yes... I could see that.

Elena: They had a good relationship, though. And they both loved Caroline dearly.

Derek: They aren't the only ones. [knowing smile to Elena]

Jenna: [glances back over her shoulder] Do you two know something I don't?

Derek: Perhaps. [shifts Miranda] Where can I put this little one down so she can finish her nap?

Jenna: We're having lunch in the sunroom. There's a chaise there she can rest on, unless you think we'll bother her.

Derek: No, this one can sleep through a thunderstorm. She will be fine.

Jenna: Good. [and into the sunroom they go, where the table is already set with sandwiches and lemonade]

Derek: [and he will lay Miranda down, putting a blanket over her and talking softly to soothe her back off the sleep before going to pull out Elena's chair]

Elena: [and she will sit slowly while Patience pushes herself up to try and see the table instead of actually sitting in a chair]

Derek: [and he will get Jenna's chair next, and then kiss Patience's head before sitting beside her]

Jenna: So. How have things been at Hale Manor?

Derek: Going well. My younger sister married Lord Stilinski after what felt like many years of him trying to court her.

Jenna: See? Making them earn it.

Elena: [laughs] They just had a son, Benjamin.

Derek: Well, Lord Stilinski had a lot he had to overcome as well.

Jenna: I'm sure. Still, that is good for them.

Derek: It is nice to have a home filled with love and laughter again.

Jenna: Good. I'm glad you're all happy.

Derek: So what have we missed while being away?

Jenna: [and she will fill them in on all the gossip that I am too tired to make up right now]

Derek: [and he will nod and take it in while taking care to give Patience her lunch]

Jenna: So how long do you intend to stay?

Elena: Probably through the winter. I thought it would be nice to participate in the winter festivities again.

Derek: If that is alright with you.

Jenna: Of course! I've missed this one, and if she stays, it might draw that other nephew of mine out of the woodwork.

Derek: Well, Sir Jeremy's presence is always welcome.

Jenna: Yes, it is. But I find he gets too busy with his tournaments and balls to spend time with his maternal aunt.

Derek: Well, those tournaments was how I found my wife...

Jenna: Mmmm-hmm. I'm sure that's why you went.

Derek: [looks at his daughter and nods] Of course it was. That and bringing glory to the Hale name.

Elena: [laughs, while Patience looks up at him confused] It's the glory that's the important part.

Patience: And the horses.

Derek: Well, that's for Uncle Parrish and Uncle Stiles. Daddy doesn't joust, remember?

Patience: But the horses are still there. [which is the important thing. She loves her Uncle Jordan's horse]

Derek: Yes, they are.

Patience: [nods with certainty, before looking out the window] Can we go outside?

Derek: Maybe after we finish eating. We can explore while your mother catches up with Lady Jenna.

Patience: Alright! [and she works on finishing her sandwich]

Derek: [chuckles and looks at Elena] Unless you wish to join us?

Elena: [she pauses before considering] Maybe. It's been a long time since I've wandered these grounds.

Jenna: I do have some business to attend to this afternoon. You don't have to entertain me in my own home.

Derek: We may have to wait until Miranda wakes up though.

Elena: That's fine. We can make sure things are settled and then go for a walk. It will be cooler then as well.

Derek: Perhaps we can make a stop by the stables and see what the horses here are like too.

Patience: Yes!

Jenna: I can watch Miranda if she's determined to sleep the afternoon away. We haven't had much of a chance to spend time together.

Derek: I'm more worried about her waking up and neither of us are here.

Jenna: [she nods] Of course. Let's see where she is when we're finished.

Derek: [and he is going to start eating now because male wolf is hungry and the women have taken their share]

Elena: [and they will chat and eat and eventually Miranda will wake up and also eat and outside they will go!]

Derek: [and he will let the little girls run ahead while holding Elena's arm] Happy to be home, my love?

Elena: [nods with a small smile] I am. I've missed this place. And I'm glad one of our children will be born here.

Derek: [leans in to kiss her] We can come back more often, if you wish. Perhaps every other winter if your aunt is amenable to that.

Elena: I'm sure she would love it if it means she will get to see the children more.

Derek: And who knows, perhaps she and Lady Forbes can come spend the other winters with us.

Elena: I think Caroline would appreciate that. Never being able to see her mother is hard on her.

Derek: Depending on how well Tyler's conversation with his father goes, we may want to offer her land near us.

Elena: [she purses her lips together] That is a very big depending.

Derek: I tried to tell him just not to tell his father until after, but he is worried his father would kill Caroline if he did that.

Elena: Which is a fair concern. Worse comes to worse, if Lord Lockwood disowns him, your sister could take him in as part of her pack.

Derek: I think that will be a given. Seeing that Caroline is one of ours now, he would just need to ask.

Elena: And I will make sure he will.

Derek: Good. He is a good knight, and would make an excellent second if Boyd was ever to leave me.

Elena: He would. And I think he needs some freedom from his father. While the Lockwoods were very kind to us after our parents' death, that does not mean I'm not aware of his failings as an alpha.

Derek: Either way, we will be supportive of them.

Elena: We will. I'm just glad they're happy. She deserves it, after everything Damon did to her.

Derek: Yes. And from what he's told me, he's been in love with her for a long time.

Elena: Yes, he has.

Derek: [is about to go on but watches as Patience takes off after a horse] Patience!

Patience: [skids to a stop at the sound of her name, looking confused as to why she's in trouble, while her sister toddles after her]

Derek: Remember these horses don't know your smell and may get startled. So don't go up to them until their master says it's okay.

Patience: [huffs as Miranda wanders behind her picking flowers. ... well, it's more like picking grass because she's just pulling up everything]

Alaric: [and look who happens to be jumping off that horse]

Elena: [looks up with a smirk] Lord Saltzman. Good afternoon.

Alaric: Lady Elena! Your aunt was saying that you would be arriving soon. You look well.

Elena: As do you. Please allow me to introduce my husband, Sir Derek Hale.

Alaric: Sir Hale, it is an honor. [bows]

Derek: [returns it] As it is to meet you, Lord Saltzman. These are our daughters, Patience and Miranda. [waves his hand towards the little girls]

Patience: [is paying very close attention] May I say hello to your horse? [priorities, she has them. Miranda is good with her grass and flowers]

Alaric: [chuckles] Of course you can, my Lady.

Patience: [her smile brightens as she makes her way closer to the horse]

Elena: [to Derek] Go with her please, to make sure she can actually reach the horse?

Derek: Yes, my love. [he lets go of her hand with a kiss to her knuckles, and then goes to Patience and lifts her up to be able to pet the horse]

Elena: [lets them do that, before turning back to Alaric with a smile] I hear you and my aunt have been spending a great deal of time together.

Alaric: [rubs the back of his neck] She spoke about me?

Elena: She may have mentioned you once or twice.

Alaric: In a good way, I hope.

Elena: In a very good way. Simply the fact that she mentioned you is a good sign, in my opinion. She doesn't speak of her suitors often.

Alaric: Good. Good, because I have come to care for her deeply.

Elena: I can see that. I know she can be stubborn, but I think your chances are good.

Alaric: Good. Perhaps you could give me a few hints though... things that I can do to show her my affections?

Elena: [she glances back over her shoulder to make sure Jenna isn't coming before leaning in closer] She likes lilies.

Alaric: Lillies. [nods]

Elena: And she's usually the type to say what she likes, so long as you're paying attention.

Alaric: I know she values her independence, which is why I have kept a distance. I don't want to make her think I would take that from her.

Elena: I know. And she wants to make you work for it. But I also don't think she would mind if you were a bit more ... explicit with your intentions.

Alaric: You don't think she would be threatened if I asked to court her then?

Elena: Not at all. Just be sure to emphasize that you wish to court her because of who she is, not the wealth she possesses.

Alaric: I will make sure she knows that. It is the reason I wish to, for the record.

Elena: Good.

Alaric: [looks over at the Father and Daughter] So are you happy with your husband? He seems to be a fine gentleman.

Elena: [smiles as she turns to watch them as well] He is. We are very happy.

Alaric: Good. Because you are missed very much from the town.

Elena: I miss them as well. But Derek's family is very important to him, and I do not wish to leave Lady Forbes, either.

Alaric: I heard about what happened when I came back from my uncle's land. She is recovering well there then?

Elena: She is. I think the northern air is good for her.

Alaric: Good. Good, that is good to know.

Derek: [and he is going to walk back over, Patience against his hip and picking Miranda up along the way to return to them]

Elena: [smiles as they get closer] Did you have fun with the horses?

Derek: Oh yes. They are good friends now.

Alaric: Well, you are more than welcome to come and visit my stable anytime you please, Sir Derek.

Patience: Really?!

Elena: [laughs as she goes to take Miranda from him so he has an easier time] He said "Sir Derek" - that doesn't automatically mean you.

Alaric: Well, you too little lady, when your father says you can and brings you.

Patience: [grins brightly because yay horses]

Derek: I will have to get a saddle made soon to carry us both.

Elena: I'm sure she will love that.

Derek: We will never get her off the horse.

Elena: Maybe she will learn to ride well, then. It's not a completely useless skill.

Derek: She will be in a land full of strong female role models. I am doomed when she gets older.

Elena: [she laughs] Maybe this one will be a boy, and you will have some solidarity.

Derek: If not, I may have to trade one of ours with a sister. [smirks]

Elena: [she laughs] I'm sure that will go over well.

Derek: Or we will just have to keep trying. [grins]

Elena: [she laughs] Or that.

Alaric: I should probably get going, but I am sure I will be seeing you again soon.

Elena: [she glances back and nods] Yes, of course. We shall be staying for some time so I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities.

Alaric: Then I look forward to it, especially when I come to call on your lady aunt.

Elena: As do I. But you shouldn't keep her waiting.

Alaric: I will not. Sir Derek, Lady Elena. [he will nod and then take his leave]

Derek: [watching, waiting for him to be out of earshot and then] So that's the man your Aunt is wanting to show an interest?

Elena: It is. He was my and Jeremy's tutor after our parents died.

Derek: He seems like a good man.

Elena: He is. He'll be good for Jenna, should she let him.

Derek: She sounds like she wants it in a way.

Elena: Oh, she does. [she pauses for a moment as she tries to figure out how to put it] She still wants him to sweep her off her feet, but she doesn't want it to be a brash way a knight would. She wants him to be gentler than that.

Derek: He doesn't seem the gruff, egotistical knight type.

Elena: No, he's not. And no that she sees that, he just has to do the actual wooing.

Derek: Well, we have a few months to see how this is going to play out. Want to take a friendly wager on how long it will take him to figure it out?

Elena: Mmmmm. [she glances back to the house before nodding] I think I can handle that. How shall we do this?

Derek: the baby is due halfway through our visit, yes?

Elena: [she nods] October.

Derek: So before the baby, after the baby until midwinter, midwinter until snow melts, or snow melts until we leave... We each pick one.

Elena: I will take the winter holidays. So after the baby, until midwinter.

Derek: I will take midwinter until the melt. And if he does it on Midwinter, we both win?

Elena: And what are we winning, exactly?

Derek: I don't know. We can each name the prize when we win?

Elena: [smirks as she turns to head back to the house with Miranda] You mean when I win.

Derek: [laughs] We shall see, dear wife.

Elena: [laughs as well as she makes her way up the path, talking to Miranda about her "flowers" as they go]