Sweets for the Sweet (LOL alert!)

[maydayqueen]

The May Queen is back in the forum. It's safe to assume she left at some point; Frea's wearing a new (but still floral) dress and today's flower crown is made of evening primroses and bleeding hearts. She's also got a bright smile and a plate of cookies, both of which are offered to any interested passers-by from her perch atop a low stone wall. If she ever had shoes, she either hasn't found them or isn't on speaking terms with them; her bare feet swing and tap a rhythm against the stones while she waits for someone to talk to.

"Anyone want a cookie?"

((Beware! The cookies are LOLed. Different cookies will give your character a day or two of various motherly instincts and/or symptoms.
--Peanut butter cup-stuffed chocolate cookies mean your character experiences a phantom pregnancy. Give them any or all of the worst and most cliched symptoms. Bloating, aches and pains, hormonal shifts, morning sickness, cravings, whatever you want to inflict on your poor characters who probably totally deserve it.
--Chocolate chip cookies will turn your character into a Mother hen. Which may be useful, given what's going on around them; it may at the same time be incredibly annoying.
--Sugar cookies with the super sparkly sugar tops make your character a Fairy Godmother. Whether or not they can do minor magic to help fulfill the wishes of the worthy is up to you, but either way, they're going to feel compelled to help make happy endings come true.
--Oatmeal raisin cookies will help your characters remember their connections to the earth and make them total Earth Mothers. Be one with nature! Talk to the animals! Just remember, mostly they talk about food and sex; it's not as fun as Disney makes it seem.))

Comments

[oathstokeep]

At least these tasks either individually or together are not ones that put any lives at risk. Or safety. That's explains her reason for being so willing to undertake multiple. Feelings will ever be odd. Brienne's habits oh those for sure will need to be untangled. Her hair is at least some manner of groomed.

"What employs your time here, Frea?" Since she is not a lady of title with land. What do folk do? It's a question she asks when they have their great, heaping table of food. How curious that one has to go and fetch it. Her complaint dies away with the smells of everything and that first taste of lemonade.

[maydayqueen]

When Brienne learns just how dangerous social connections can be, she'll be ready to play The Game. She won't be learning that from Frea. Not directly. Nor will she be learning much about hair grooming; Frea's own hair is only pulled back in the barest semblance of order.

"Hmm?" Frea looks back to Brienne when her friend sits. Well. No getting around it this time, that's a pretty direct question and she's been trying to dodge things already. Brienne will start getting suspicious. "I'm the May Queen. I'm kind of... in charge of making sure the spring and summer go the way they're supposed to."

[oathstokeep]

An awareness of The Game is the very first thing worth knowing. Brienne believes there's still a system, that good and evil are at stake and not agendas. She will likely continue to be a pawn in the mean time. Frea and any sort of council she'll bring is at least some she feels will make sense to her.

She was about to lift her fork to her mouth. Oh. Her blue eyes blink and her mouth opens and shuts. "You...are a queen?" And thusly she's sitting with one casually no escort--whoops wait, well Brienne could very well be her escort now couldn't she?

[maydayqueen]

Poor, sweet Brienne. Frea has no interest in damaging her innocence. The world will take that from her soon enough. Too soon, really.

If Frea's given the impression she worries about things like escorts and being overly casual, she's doing something very wrong. So very wrong. She gives what she hopes is a reassuring smile and reaches over to touch the back of Brienne's hand. "Only for part of the year."

[oathstokeep]

For now she will gladly flaunt it without any real idea. Brienne already believes she is hardened and seasoned and that is before a war. Frea's company makes her feel carefree. It's the easy way about her.

Ah, but a girl raised in tradition does fret about things for her. Their casual dining, dress, all of it say that the title does not. Tension leaves her face as she looks down at their hands together and then up at Frea's serene face. "Is it a demanding short rule--?" Brienne almost bites her tongue but manages to not say your grace.

[maydayqueen]

Even the most debased and hardened soul can be innocent or ignorant of some things. It's no bad thing to have the truth revealed by degrees.

It's good she bites back the honorific; Frea would only giggle at it. Her hand stays on Brienne's a little longer than strictly necessary. Brienne has nice hands. "Every season has to make way for the next. It can be demanding, yes, but I wouldn't call it difficult."

[oathstokeep]

Slowly by degrees is a toe in the water to a cold bucket over the head. Yes, it is a good thing. And really, having someone that won't laugh one way or the other is priceless.

She dares to give Frea's smaller hand a squeeze. Her new friend, a queen. "For what it is worth, y---Frea, I would be glad to be of service to you." As her first ally in Nexus and because...

Because.

[maydayqueen]

Frea tries to only ever laugh with people, and never cruelly. She could never be cruel to dear Brienne. They'll lower themselves into the various facts of life together.

The squeeze has her outright grinning, and she's not letting go of Brienne's hand now. "Aw, thank you. I'd appreciate the company." Animals are great and all, but sometimes she longs for a deeper conversation than one about food and sex. "You don't mind spending lots of time outdoors?"

[oathstokeep]

Knowing that it isn't just that she couldn't but wouldn't ever is one of the greatest things anyone could do for her. Frea will find that once she is in Brienne's good favors it is near impossible to get out of it. Look what she has only done so far? Already pledging herself to the May Queen.

"And I yours." Color might as well stay in her cheeks than this silly back and forth. "I usually stay in the open air. I don't mind at all."

[maydayqueen]

Likewise, Frea is loyal to a fault. Brienne's going to have a hard time getting rid of her. Especially with promises like that made.

Between Brienne's blushing and Frea's cooing people are going to start getting ideas about these two. Sweet words like that make her very happy. "And do you hunt?"

[oathstokeep]

Oh but why on earth would she ever wish to be rid of her? Her imagination never stretches too far to believe the very worst, not at first. Frea's sunny smile and self as she is really don't lend themselves to worries that she would be so much trouble to part from.

And a promise is a promise. Brienne means them directly from the heart. Some would think them insincere how easily they come from her. That pitch and sound really don't make her blushing stop.

"Yes, I do."

[maydayqueen]

Some find the sun to be blinding. And Brienne might get annoyed by Frea's off-key singing, who knows? Still. She'll be glad to be welcome for however long it lasts. She has an excellent imagination and can only imagine lovely things happening while she's with Brienne.

Rumors are imminent. Frea doesn't care. "For food or sport? I hunt for food, when I need to."

[oathstokeep]

She's just not so though it is easily one of the more brilliant sights she's seen in some time. Without hearing a note from her, Brienne is sure that any song would be filled with enthusiasm. If only that was all that made songs. Her own voice is out of use. They'll have to find a harmony.

Whispers follow Brienne. She is used to them. And used to them being wild. At least somethings are familiar. "For food. I've never been invited to a hunt." Not even Renly's.

[maydayqueen]

Frea's singing never lacks enthusiasm, that's for certain. And half the problem. Maybe she's been needing the right harmony.

"Good." Hunting for sport is not something she'd like to hear. Hunting for food is entirely different. Eating is natural, and clearly, she's not afraid of eating meat. "We should go hunting together next time."

[oathstokeep]

Oh dear. Well, they have time and songs to learn of each other. Perhaps it is about finding the right tune to carry with such gusto.

"When it is for sport the quarry is later eaten or worn I suppose. But yes. I don't go about looking for something to slay when my belly is full." It is going to be whenever they decide to eat. As hungry as she is, she still enjoys holding Frea's hand. Oh my.

Hunting? Together? Brienne cheers as though she were invited to a feminine bonding ritual. "I should like that very much, your grace." Aaaand that one slipped.

[maydayqueen]

Yes, Frea is a woman of many dark and terrible secrets. Just wait until she starts on the bedtime stories. It's horrible. There's fairies in them. She might do voices.

She hums thoughtfully while she considers the idea of sport hunting not being wasteful. "That's okay," she'll concede at last.

And then she decides it's time to eat, so her free hand is scooping up some hummus on a pita chip and offering it to Brienne. Although doing anything to hide that cheerful expression is a hard thing to do. "My grace? No. Just Frea."

[oathstokeep]

No septa was ever so enthusiastic with the stories of the children of the forest. Deep truths and secrets are meant to be terrifying. Maybe it's best Brienne heard the darker things in adulthood.

"I have been travelling, so it's been mostly pheasants, rabbits... whatever is small enough to carry." And easy enough to cook.

Attention is divided between the spread and watching Frea's hands set to work. She follows the chip as it is lifted from collecting the paste. And...oh? Brienne dips her shoulders and slowly, shyly opens her mouth. That's what one does when they're offered food. This is far more intimate that the ritual of offering food as a host. So long as she was old enough she has ever fed herself. Gods her face feels bright as she chews. The hummus is the best she has ever had.

"It's custom. I'll work to remember it." In any other circumstance there would be darting eyes and an apology. Brienne feels as though she needs none, none at all.

[maydayqueen]

Not every truth and secret is a terrible thing. Some are, this is true, and some are best learned as a child. Others are for the adults. With any luck, they'll catch each other up on these things.

"Mm. Tasty." Frea's a fan of campfire cooking, so there's no complaints about those choices. So long as someone remembers to butcher everything first.

It may make Brienne blush, but it's making Frea smile. She doesn't press the point; just the one is enough for now. And Brienne can have her hand back for eating now. The food is good and deserves proper attention.

"Okay." No need for apologies. None at all. Not between them. "Thank you."

Speaking of food, she'll be having some now. Her attention shifts between the food, Brienne, and watching the people going by on the street. Her attention span may not be great, but Brienne's never quite forgotten.

[oathstokeep]

Any truth is best told by a source that cares. They have hardly been acquainted a whole afternoon and Brienne is very sure that Frea can be trusted.

Butchering the kill first and foremost will ensure that the dinner will be tasty. Otherwise it's more kindling. And a supreme exercise in patience. Modern cooking methods will blow Brienne's mind. The fact that their meal was ready and still hot right now, and so fresh!, is a marvel that has taken back seat to the company.

"If you don't mind me asking... are you alone here, Frea? You've no kin or servants?" No queen's guard? No one to cook for her? Well no, scratch that. The person who owns this establishment has prepared their meal.

[maydayqueen]

Caring is her business, and business is good.

The marvels of modern conveniences are always a delight. Just wait for the hot running water on demand, Brienne. Baths will never be the same. But cooking over a campfire is still Frea's favorite. There's something about the smokiness, the slight char, the open air.

"No kin or servants," she confirms. "Alone... well. There's all the birds and the beasts to keep me company. And friends. You." Brienne is somewhere beyond the companionship of friends. Where exactly she'll land in Frea's social circle still remains to be seen.

[oathstokeep]

A caring ruler is a great one.

So many days and nights with dirt from the road have not endeared it to her. Brienne would never dare to complain. But any chance she gets to indulge in a bath she'd take it. Now they could happen daily if she wished? Decadence!

Indoor meals would mean the house would smell of it. And smoke is flavor. Also that would take getting used to those methods. One appreciation at a time.

"I shall do my best to be what you wish of me." Far be it from Brienne to immediately assert that she would be an adviser or anything but a guard. "I am your company, yes." Being a part is enough. The where will come. She takes a large bite of the tender, delicious meat and washes it down with lemonade.

[maydayqueen]

A caring ruler can also be a weak one.

Decadence indeed. Even Frea indulges in the delights of a bathhouse sometimes. But there are also hot springs nearby, and yes, she intends to introduce Brienne to them. After their meal.

"Who do you wish to be?" For herself, Frea means; but she didn't specify and may be surprised by the answers she gets. "I only want you to be happy." And full. Whenever Brienne starts to slow down, Frea pushes something new her way. Just a bite, just a taste, but honestly girl, you've been on the road so long and need to eat.

[oathstokeep]

Can, but a cold, uncaring ruler is also weak. Compassion is what wins followers like Brienne.

A house? For baths? What an enchanting place that shall be too. She may deny that she has impulses to finder, softer things but there is so much to come from that. Soothed muscles, free and easy comfort in your skin. Oh she will be in for a treat.

"Me?" Wait her mouth is a little full. She drinks more of her lemonade before setting her glass down. "That's--thank you." Someone wants her to be happy? Truthfully? Lord Selwyn Tarth hoped she'd be happy though he would have gladly had his only living child married and not risking life and safety on the road. To Brienne it isn't a choice at all. "I wish to pledge my sword and service. I... hadn't really thought much farther than that."

[maydayqueen]

Then Frea is lucky indeed. Brienne alone is better than an army.

A house for baths, wonder of wonders. They'll indulge in it on a regular basis if she's got anything to say about it. Brienne deserves to feel comfortable.

"Of course, you." Hasn't anyone ever wanted Brienne to be happy? How sad if Frea's the first to ask this. There's so much to teach Brienne, and so much to learn from her. "It's a start. More will come when you feel secure in that."

They've put a good dent into the food by now. She'll slow down, not quite done eating but taking her time. Overeating would do neither of them any favors.

[oathstokeep]

Better? There are armies across the skill trained from childhood, armies of the dead in the North, loyal and large multitudes to the South and the Riverlands. Better? It's a compliment and then some.

Of course. She dabs at her mouth. The reproach is not even the slightest patronizing. Frea is undoing so many social missteps Brienne has taken with others. This could be a dream. "Yes, I suppose you're right. I shall let you know as it comes. ...More useful in that way."

All she really had planned when she left her beloved island was to fight for King Renly Baratheon until the end of her days. There was no second plan. There was a time when thinking of him made her feel wistful, sad. The pages of the great book have turned. Again she lifts her eyes to Frea. Brienne hadn't dined so well in months. "Thank you again this... it's been an unparallel feast." She's calling Mediterranean a feast and nearly giving puppy eyes without knowing it.