{ crossing the streams } all your life you've never seen a woman taken by the wind

[ladyquietude]

The opportunity to have a private conversation with Morgana doesn't come as swiftly as she'd like- not when there are so many things to attend to, around the girl's visit and everything else. First her presence must be explained; interrupted by Marpesia on their way upstairs, Petra is forced to think on her feet and god bless her daughters for

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[magicalskeptic]

All Morgana can do is sit and listen quietly to the Countess's version of events. It is vastly different from the history she has heard, and difficult to reconcile with the man she met upon her arrival in Xanadu. Thus, Petrana will have to excuse her if she looks confused. It is not judgmental, by any sense of the word, just confused.

She begins with something to prove how little all this information has changed her opinion. "Your dog is named after the father of the man you did not marry?" Morgana might sound a bit amused by that -- particularly when one considers the unannounced named of the sleeping kitten.

Onto more serious matters, "I have spent more than half my life at court. I am well aware of gossip, and how the appearance of anything scandalous is considered as damaging as any true scandal."

For a moment, she thinks about the rumours around the court of Camelot about herself. "For the longest time, it was accepted by everyone at court that I was the intended bride for the crown prince." It is difficult for her to talk about as even in her old life, she only permitted Gwen to tease about the matter. "But before I was taken from Camelot, incorrect assumptions about me, I believe," as it was something never directly addressed like so many other important issues, "put that long standing belief into doubt."

While it is the first time, save to Gwen, Morgana's ever told anyone this, she has done so to prove a point. "I do not wish you to think ill of me," there is little the Countess can say to make Morgana think ill of her, but Morgana's confidence is not quite as strong when it comes to reciprocation. "I merely wish you to understand that the gossips may have as much interest in me as they like. Such gossips are beneath me."

[ladyquietude]

The query about Romiar's name gets a small laugh- "He and I were very close- Romiar's sire was given to me by his namesake, as an engagement gift."

The rest of it, though, she listens the same way that Morgana listened to her; attentive and without judgement. "I'm sorry that you have to understand it so well," she says, sincerely, "but I'm glad that you're prepared. In Gatas, we're a little removed- unfortunately, not entirely."

[magicalskeptic]

"Then I can presume he took the naming as a compliment." She no longer thinks her kitten's name will bring about the slightest question after this.

"One cannot survive at court, intact in soul without understanding. It will be a nice opportunity to be even slightly removed from it." Morgana's had enough of courtly life at the moment but it doesn't mean she can't play all the games expected there with the best of them. At least is Marepesia is her biggest obstacle, it will be a simple game indeed.

Morgana pauses for a second. She is about to bring up Martel, but realizes the practicalities of the situation in which she finds herself are much more important, and she is some what concerned of disconcerting the Countess. "If I am to be a distant cousin, I would know all that history indeed, but to play the part properly, excuse me for asking, but is there anything else of which I need to be aware?"

Morgana's played a role most of her life. This is just a different one.

[ladyquietude]

"Quite a bit, actually," Petra admits with a rueful look. "We'll need to teach you certain things - I never saw any written language in that other city that resembled Elenic. Quite strange, I thought, since we understand each other well enough...but regardless. Basic things, like literacy and the politics of the day; family history, Pandion history...we should have time to acquaint you with it all before anyone can test it. I'll hold Marpesia at arm's length the best I can."

And she can.

[magicalskeptic]

"I am an apt pupil." Morgana's usually not so forthright with her positive points, too many years of pretending to be demure outside certain circles, but here, it seems appropriate.

While she will have to be careful, for the time being, having to learn such things does promise pleasant companionship.

"Until I am fully versed, I will survive the way I did at court. I looked as though I belonged, and I have found that is well over half of what is necessary to survive anywhere."

[ladyquietude]

"I was told the self-same thing in Cimmura," she reflects, with a hint of approval; Vedetta had taught her how to navigate a world that distrusted and disdained them long before Martel had given any of them further reasons to look down on her, and the lessons had been invaluable. "In the meantime, though, we ought to get you something to eat."

[magicalskeptic]

There is a breath of relief at the suggestion, almost a grateful laugh.

"Thank you, I have not properly eaten since early yesterday." Morgana had been too busy being lost, and anxious to bother to find food.

As per custom in Camelot, Morgana, as keen as she is on satisfying her hunger, has to wait for the Countess to stand first.

This is not the palace, Morgana does not have pride of place here, and she is acutely aware of it.

[ladyquietude]

Rising, Petra arranges the fall of her skirts with the mindless air of something she's done a thousand times and no longer needs to think about- and pauses, as she turns toward the door, her eyes falling on the kitten she'd brought with her. "Do you know what you'll name her?" she asks, with genuine curiosity; it's not so much that she cares for cats (she tolerates their existence despite the fact Davidias still behaves as though his spirit is being oppressed by one dog), but she does care for Morgana.

[magicalskeptic]

When Morgana rises, she picks up the sleeping kitten with her. It opens one eye to acknowledge it has been disturbed, but as it's being securely cradled, it cares for little else.

Should it be permitted, the kitten is coming for food with Morgana.

"Veda," She says with the confidence she spoke of earlier. Making it sound like the name belongs, means it is unlikely to be questioned. "She is named Veda."

[ladyquietude]

The reaction that Petra has to this name- well, it might or might not be anything like Morgana imagined, startled into a smile at something that seems to her like a peculiar coincidence. "That's lovely," she says, after a moment, meaning it. "It's a diminutive of Vedetta, did you know? One of the most brilliant women I ever knew had that name - I can only approve."

[magicalskeptic]

"No, I did not." That is truthful, but Morgana's equivocation as to the origins of the name is meant to be kind.

"I only heard the name once, and thought it pretty but it is even more appropriate now, knowing your Romiar is roaming around."

She talks to the sleeping cat. "There, little one, you must get along with Romiar now, it is commanded."

The kitten does not respond.

[ladyquietude]

Petra laughs, holding the door open. "Come along and I'll tell you about her while you eat."

[magicalskeptic]

Morgana nods in gratitude as she passes through the door. As much as she would like to keep the focus on the kitten, learning her way around Gatas is far more important.

"I shall enjoy hearing about my kitten's incidental namesake."

[ladyquietude]

The servant who'd waited for Petra - at her instruction, on the likely chance they'd need something when she was done handing over kittens and telling stories - is dispatched to organize a quick meal (something to hold Morgana over until dinner, later but not so late Petra wants to give her a full meal immediately) and see it brought up to her own sitting room.

"I think if we time it just right," she says, thoughtfully, "I can show you the portrait I have of the Margrave and Margravine and your meal will be waiting when we get to my sitting room."

[magicalskeptic]

Because it's a practical issue, and Morgana does not think the Countess will be offended -- she is nobility after all, "Will I be assigned a particular lady's maid while I am here, or not? I am wary of coming into contact with too many people until I know all the appropriate details."

Servants talk. Correction, servants who are not Gwen will talk, given the chance.

As for the visit to the portrait, "That would be important for my education. I would know a great deal about them. Did you paint the portrait yourself?"

[ladyquietude]

"I'll have to vet them myself," she answers, by way of confirmation, "and so in the meantime I intend to lend you my own. I trust her not to repeat anything I'd prefer she didn't."

Petra isn't close to any of her servants, per se, but she does ensure that those the nearest to her are as trustworthy as she can be sure of.

"Now, as for the portrait, I did indeed! Lord Romiar used to tell me that there were few things he liked better than sitting still and not being expected to do anything- I had dozens of pictures of him. It took a little more persuasion for his wife to pose as well."