The Younger Orlov Daughter

(Shared storytelling with Todd)
 
The carriage pulled up outside of the guest quarters of the Osterlind estate. Tall topiary trees lined the outside of the building, looking like green pennants or bars of a cage. The day was overcast, with promise of sun later in the day. However, for the time being, the spring rains held sway with their spits and drizzles. The coachman jumped down from the horse-drawn conveyance, pushing his cloak open as he walked up to the door and delivered a rap. Within moments, the door opened and a petite woman emerged, nodding to the doorman as she passed by and hurrying towards the carriage with the coachman. She barely got wet and as the coachman opened the door and helped her in, she was greeted by Vera and Peg.
 
“Good morning, Alia!” Vera leans forward and gives her a hug before settling back into the seat and letting Alia take one herself. Vera was dressed in a fine yellow silken dress with lace trim, which complimented her blue gloves and mask she had adorned for the occasion. “I am so glad you could join us on an outing. This is Lady Margarete Jaeger von Rosebrier. She is the one I write home about so often to father. Everything you likely think about her is true. She is honest to a fault, vivacious and a true companion when times are hard. And she bites.” Vera presents Peg to her sister in a sing-song voice.
 
“Oh yes. The Great “Peg” of the stories? It is a pleasure to meet someone that has attained such great esteem in the lands of Eisen already,” Alia’s accent is more pronounced than Vera’s, her voice higher pitched. She seems to still have an air of youth about her, an exuberance Peg hasn’t seen in Vera for a while. Her smile is large and genuine, and she reaches forward to clutch Peg’s hands in hers as she talks.
 
Peg is dressed in a deep blue dress with cream accents and a bright pink belt. She has looked somewhat nervous on the carriage ride over, but relaxes with Alia’s exuberance. “It is so wonderful to make your acquaintance! Vera speaks so fondly of home. And, my goodness, the resemblance between you two is absolutely striking!”
 
“You think so? Veronika never sends pictures of herself home. I can tell our hair is the same. But that is all she has let me see,” Alia exclaims, pulling her hands back and sitting properly as the carriage begins to move. “Veronika says there will be a wonderful tour of Novandria. We are going to the Garten Botanika, and to a restaurant called the Platinum Crown for lunch? A walk in front of the Parliament building if they are in session. She also mentioned perhaps even leaving the Island to see where you might live! There is so much to do,” she bounces. “Are you adding anything to the list?”
 
Vera watches her sister, as if entranced by her younger sibling after so long an absence. “The Temples to the Holy Trinity as well,” she adds. “Though I believe Margarete may leave us before we go exploring the religious institutions of Novandria.”
 
“Nonsense! I am here for as much of the day as you would like. Though I certainly would be more than happy to give you two some private time to catch up. How long has it been since you have seen one another? I miss my brother dreadfully, and it has barely been half a year.”
 
Before Vera can speak up, Alia spouts out, “Six years, two-hundred seventeen days. That is when she got on the airship,” she says fondly. ”She look over her shoulder, blew me a kiss, and then walked up the plank and never looked back again.”
 
“I can’t believe you remember it so vividly, Alia. It was just another day.”
 
“No. It might have been, but then we got the news. I thought it was my last memory of you,” her face turns sad a moment. “You laugh differently than I remember. But,” she gives a startled chuckle, “It HAS been six years. I hadn’t even kissed my first boy yet.”
 
Vera blinks in response, unsure how to handle this explosive news.
 
“That must have been a terrible moment when you received that news.” Peg frowns softly, looking over at Vera before shaking it off and looking back to Alia with a bright smile. “But now, one presumes, you have kissed your first boy?”
 
“I’m sure not!” Vera sounds exasperated.
 
“Oh, yes. His name is Karlov. He is a Hussar at the military Cavalry Officer school in Sterga. He has the most wonderful mustache.”
 
“He does not!” Vera gasps. “Мама знает об этом?!”
 
“Конечно, нет! Перестань быть таким занудой. Это Эйзен, и я в большинстве!” Alia snaps back, scowling, before putting on an angelic smile again as she looks back at Peg. “It was stiff and forward, like kissing an overeager goat.”
 
Peg looks between the sisters, lost by the conversation. She blinks a little at Alia’s description. “Well. That sounds…terrible.”
 
Alia laughs, “I am sure it could have been worse. Boys do not practice and need teaching, from what I have researched.”
 
“Surely you could study different things,” Vera asks. “Margarete is working on finishing her magistrate studies to take the test here.”
 
“Oh? How wonderful! Then you spend a lot of time at the Ironhold? How is it?” Alia gushes.
 
“I’m sure Alia studies quite hard where she needs to. Devoting a bit of study to kissing doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.” Peg smirks. She shifts a bit uncomfortably at the discussion of her own studies. “More time at the Academia Casus than anything else.”
 
“I have heard that about this place. In Ruskovia, all law goes through the temple, so any sort of judge would spend half their time there as well. How do you find this to work out?” Alia asks curiously.
 
“I don’t think Margarete wants to talk about her job, Alia. And we are at the gardens already,” Vera points out.
 
“We should go to the temples first if... Margarete? Is staying with us. I would rather see the gardens in the sun.”
 
“We can go see the temples first, if you would like. I am sure Vera and I would both like to help you see as much of Novandria as you want while you are here. Perhaps a stop first at the Ironhold?” She suggests.
 
“Wonderful!” Alia exclaims. As Vera informs the driver of the plan, Alia gives an excited bounce. “What is your favorite place, Miss Margarete?” Vera tries to sit back down as the carriage starts off again, but Alia giggles and slips into her seat so she can look forward. Vera cocks her head in admonishment, then gives an over-exaggerated sigh as she takes the rear-facing seat to let Alia sightsee. The approaching spires of Ten Tower Bridge can be seen ahead. Alia quickly matches proper posture as they go over the bridge, and the guards look in at them, then goes back to gazing. “Miss?”
 
“My favorite place in Novandria? Hmm.” Peg tilts her head, considering. “I quite enjoy Central Park. And the Opera House.” She says after a few moments.
 
“The Central Park? It is better than the Gartens?” Alia asks. “Oh, this bridge is so fascinating. The architecture is so old.”
 
Vera lets Peg answer, seemingly enjoying watching her sister react to the sights.
 
She shakes her head. “Not better, no. Just more…I’m not sure the word. Populace, I suppose. I enjoy people watching. The bridge is rather beautiful, isn’t it? I don’t often pay much attention to our architecture here. Is it very different from Ruskovich?”
 
“Oh yes. There are some dwarven ruins in the borderlands of our Duchy, but those are from the Modreonic Wars, when the Orc tribes and goblinoids destroyed the clan that was there. Sterga was still wooden buildings at the time, and was razed. Much of Sterga’s architecture is borrowed from the Winter Court or has neo-gothic influences. There are some dwarves starting to return, but not in the numbers to repopulate the ruins there.” She looks back at Vera and Peg both, grinning. “I thought you would be the only one in a mask, but many others wear them. Even your police. You do not think it odd? Is it to put fear in the populace? That is a novel concept.”
 
“It is more for the protection of the ROOKs when they are not at their duties, that they can live normal lives. It does serve that purpose as a secondary effect though. Yes, you even saw Merlinda wears a mask. I stood out a lot at the Academia, but within polite society, not as much,” Vera comments.
 
"Personally, I just think Vera is a trendsetter." Peg laughs, smiling brightly. "Although I still think it would be nice to see her face more often."
 
“You should push her then. She respects your advice,” Alia comments as the carriage stops. She doesn’t see Vera roll her eyes as she is the first out the door when the coachman opens it. The group steps out in front of the Ironhold with its angular architecture and grey plate adornments. “O Bozhe, this is like at home.” She makes sure she straightens her outfit before heading up the steps.
 
Vera walks up with her, happily talking about who the current high priest is, and some of her favorite parts of the temple itself. Alia listens and laughs with Vera when comparing the differences between Rus and Eisen schools of thought on Barasios’ Ten Laws, displayed on an iron scroll for all to read. “But surely Barsios meant that the head should be cut off cleanly, not that the head should be cleaned before being cut off?” Alia asks in confusion.
 
Peg contents herself to listen to the sisters, staying out of their way, though not so distant as to be rude. She looks around as they talk, rarely having taken the time before to appreciate the building. However, she mostly seems to be enjoying hearing Vera laugh and interact with Alia.
 
The visit at the temple goes smoothly, with Vera introducing her sister to the priests there and Alia getting a tour of the grounds. When Ankre Copperhide hears that Alia is from Rus, he has a small gift brought forth to be delivered to one of his contemporaries in the foreign nation along with a letter. He gives her a blessing which she happily accepts with Vera looking on. After about an hour, the three once again escape into the world beyond the Ironhold.
 
“It is good to see some consistency between the two sects of faith,” Alia says happily. “Even with the distance, there is a good spirit of connection with the Oath Binder,” she makes the scribal sign to give honor to him.
 
Vera lets out a breath, “I think we should have some fun to provide a counterpoint. Are you both hungry? The Platinum Crown?”
 
Alia gets a mischievous grin and looks at Peg with large eyes, “I think I am too hungry to go all the way back. Perhaps Miss Margarete could suggest a place? I am famished beyond measure.”
 
“Oh, I like her!” Peg returns the grin. “The Last Stop is not especially far, and is a place Vera rather likes. I would suggest the Bountiful Basket for something a little more...of the town, but it is somewhat out of our way.”
 
“The Last Stop should be fine,” *Vera nods.* “They have wonderful seating to look out over the rest of the people while we eat. I am actually surprised Peg doesn’t like it more.” Vera gives directions to the coachman for them to change direction again. “They have some very good ciders and juices.”
 
“Я здесь не для того, чтобы пить сок, мама” Alia gives Vera a glance, then settles” That sounds delightful. I am eager to try some of the local cuisine. You aren’t going to eat with us though?” She frowns.
 
“Just at home where I can take my mask off.” *Vera shrugs.* “If you are worried, I can go grab a bite and meet you at the Last Stand. It should not be a large break. Peg makes sure I eat four meals a day.”
 
“I like it fine.” Peg demurs. “We are fortunate to have many excellent eateries.” She raises her eyebrows a bit at the exchange between the other two. “We could get a private room perhaps?” She suggests.

"It is all right. We are finding our place again. Isn't that right, солнышко? I am likely in need of some food too. I can meet you both at the last stand. Table 4 has the best view." Vera taps the side of the carriage, then steps out when it stops. She weighs it on.
 
Alia huffs as a carriage continues on its way. Then she looks out of the window and smiles, asking, "Were you amazed at how crowded this city is when you first moved here? There are so many people!"
 
“I grew up here, so I have never particularly known anything different. Though it is certainly more a bustle here in the city than at my parent’s estate. It is quite different from Ruskovich, I gather. Vera speaks quite fondly of your country. It must be quite beautiful.”
 
"Eh I have not known anything different," she laughs. "But even the Capitol does not have this many people, much less where my family rules. Does it get stinky, or are you used to it?"
 
Peg laughs. “I suppose I am used to it. Though if you were to go to the docks, there is an entirely different smell. I do like getting out of the city, sometimes, though.” She admits.
 
"Yes. My father makes the fish mongers work in a separate fishery area. My mother did not like the evening breeze coming up," she cackles. "I think he would move the city if she asked.
 
"And what am I calling you?"
 
Her expression grows briefly a bit sad before she smiles again. “Your family sounds so warm and wonderful. No wonder Vera has missed you all so terribly. Oh, and you may call me Margarete, if you’d like.”
 
"I can take you back with me," she smirks. "But only if you like work. Father makes us all work.
 
"Has Veronika always been like this here?" She asks curiously. "When she left she was looking forward to meeting the boys here. Now she acts like our mother."
 
Peg chuckles, though there is some sadness in it. “It comes and goes. People here have not always been kind to her. She works very hard to keep herself above reproach and to always be proper. Every once in a while, when it’s just us, I get to see her actually enjoy herself.”
 
"That is absurd. Why would they do that? She would have them flayed," she scowls. "This changes everything. You must make sure I kiss one of these soft boys before I leave."
 
"I was hoping she would have someone for a summer romance if some sort. I have designs before I go back home."
 
Peg blinks a little. “Alright. How long are you here Alia? I am certain we can find a…soft boy for you to kiss.”
 
“I think a week, unless there is a formal occasion the Osterlinds wish me to attend. I wish to spend as much of this time doing things. The Osterlinds are extremely kind, and I will be spending some time with them, but I want to spend time with Veronika as well as see as much as I can.” She grins broadly. “Perhaps I can get my hair cut short like some of those Rook people?”
 
“Top three wishes then, for your time in Novandria. What are they?”
 
"Kiss a boy, be in a duel, attend a Novandrian masque ball." She names them, as if already having a list.
 
“I am uncertain if there will be a ball in the time you are here, but I will inquire. Kissing a boy…very possible. Your sister will kill me if I let you be in a duel.”
 
“Hmm….” she gets a positively devilish look on her face. “Of course. No duels. You asked for a wish list is all,” her face smooths over, innocent as snow. “So, what now?”
 
Peg grins and shakes her head. “Now we go to the Last Stop and see if there is anyone your age about.”
 
“So fun. Let us do that.” She goes back to looking out the window, planning….
 
The two arrive at the Last Stop, getting table 4 as Vera suggested. Vera arrives shortly after, having broomed herself to the room for some celery and peanut butter and coming back. Alia is surprised at the turn around but delighted to see Vera, sisterly squabbles all but forgotten. The Last Stand is busy around lunch, and the ground floor is filled to capacity with patrons eating and talking about business or leisurely activities. A bard plays an accordion in the corner, entertaining those that sit too close.
 
“After we leave, we can swing by the house I have begun signing for,” Vera says. “I have many plans for it. Peg will even be renting a room.”
 
“And I will be able to rent one as well?” Alia asks.
 
“No, I am sure you will be going back to report to mother,” Vera tsks playfully at Alia, who gives a ‘how true’ roll of the eyes.
 
Peg smiles watching them and orders a spread of food for herself and Alia to give Alia a varied taste of the flavors of Eisen. She also takes a look around the room for other people that seem about Alia’s age and occasionally points someone out to her.
 
After about the third pointing, Vera gives Peg an odd look, squinting her eyes as she tries to figure out what is going on. Alia seems overjoyed to be people-watching, and happily comments on them, both good and bad. She seems to prefer tall people, pointing them out in turn to Peg. To distract her sister, Alia asks, “Veronika. I have heard that there are duels here? How do those happen?”
 
“Generally, when a dispute regarding someone’s honor cannot be resolved with words or in a diplomatic fashion, a Letter of Challenge is issued by the offended party, giving the person a final chance to rectify the situation. They are illegal here now though, so you likely won’t see one except at the Temple of Eriu.”
 
“Hmmm… how interesting,” she gives Peg a devilish smile.
 
“Your sister is quite a spitfire, Vera. Here only a short while and already prepared to duel.” Peg laughs brightly. “Has she always been so full of life? She says you were a bit more…carefree as well.”
 
Vera glances over at Alia in surprise. “I’m sure she isn’t looking to duel. That is what we would have a champion for.”
 
“I can duel if I wish. I am an Orlov, and cannot be held back!” Alia gives her a scowl.
 
“And yet, I am an older Orlov, and you will follow my rules until your majority,” Vera pointedly corrects Alia. Looking back to Peg, she says, “As to me being carefree, Eisen has a way of putting pressure on you. Though I think that Alia has done wonderfully in my absence, not having to worry about me blocking the sunlight,” she says in a warm tone.
 
“Hmm…” Peg frowns thoughtfully a moment and then looks to Alia with a wide grin. “Who would you pick out for Vera?”
 
“Pick out to duel?” She looks around, pursing her lips critically. She quickly centers on the largest humanoid she can find, a half-ogre who is drinking an ale and politely talking with his friends. “That one.” She picks up a muffin from her plate to fling.
 
“No, no. Not to duel. Although, I would never bet against Lady Orlov in any fight.” She laughs.
 
“Oh, to kiss?” She beings to point at the same person.
 
“I do not kiss people I am not being courted by,” Vera intercedes quickly. “Akmon will choose wisely, and I await his sign. I am not a peitho-addled moon-goggler,” she sniffs.
 
The waiter, delivering food, clears away their first course and begins to serve a second one.
 
“Relax, Vera. It’s just a bit of fun. Better than dueling, don’t you think?” Peg gives her a winning smile.
 
“I suppose you are right. My apologies, Alia,” Vera inclines her head to the side to show her contrition. “In that case, find me a prince,” She begins to look around the room.
 
“It should be someone big and strong,” Alia happily adds. “Dark hair, who can fight and has proper kingly virtues.”
 
“But also smart and wise, with the confidence to know when he should listen to me and when I am being a silly girl.” Vera shakes her head. ”I don’t think he will be here. They do not have princes in Eisen.”
 
“That is horrible!” Alia laughs. “Where can we find the nearest prince, Margarete?”
 
"Ugh. No one should call you a silly girl." Peg makes a disgusted face. "Probably not at This Last Stop, I'll grant. Alas, no kisses for Vera." She sighs dramatically.
 
“I wear a mask anyway. There would be no kisses if even a prince,” Vera points out as Alia begins eating again. “Perhaps they could sit next to me.”
 
“Oh, the intensity of it all,” Alia says in a droll tone. “No wonder the aristocracy here is stifled. They dance around like birds. Where is the excitement and war?”
 
"The excitement is mostly to be found by those willing to be adventurers. As for war…I think that is perhaps not the excitement I would prefer."
 
“Without war, how do you keep your people strong and lean? Your warriors keen and sharp?”
 
Vera nods at Alia’s comment. “They do not. They rely on their adventurers to deflect conflict.”
 
"Warriors can still train without war." Peg returns with a shrug. "What about that one, Alia?" She points to a tall, dark haired elf.
 
“He is rugged. I approve,” Alia nods, smiling. “Training is for nothing if it is not used.”
 
“I thought we agreed I was getting no kisses. Or is this for you, Peg?”
 
“For Alia, of course.” She replies.
 
“You cannot deny the gods, Veronika. You give a kiss for Peitho from time to time,” Alia reminds Vera.
 
“Oh… but you can,” Peg sees Vera stiffen up as Alia watches the elf with a playful smile.
 
Peg looks down at the young elf and whistles loudly. The young man looks up at them, startled.
 
Vera cocks her head oddly at Peg. “What are you doing?”
 
Alia cocks her head as well, but suggestively at the elf along with a winning smile.
 
The young man blushes to the tips of his ears and an older Elven woman, presumably his mother, gives him an admonishing look. He looks away and Peg giggles.
 
“I see I will have to keep an eye on you two,” Vera says with a playful tone. “Now hurry up and eat. I want to get back to having a relaxing day as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
 
Alia blinks and looks at Peg, digesting the words, then bursts out laughing.
 
Peg likewise dissolves into laughter. “What is next on our relaxation agenda?” She asks Vera after she recovers from her laughter.
 
“I know that you wanted to see where we will live, Alia. But I thought I might give a change to our agenda as far as visiting the gardens, and perhaps attend one of the spas? If we pack quickly and get to the train station, we could visit the Rodstock Hydropathy retreat and stay overnight. I have heard that they are very exclusive, and give healthy treatments for modern society’s ills.”
 
Peg looks delighted at this notion. “Oh, yes! That is a wonderful idea. Come on, we can go gather our things now.” She hurries Alia up.
 
Alia looks slightly stunned over the sudden turn of events, but quickly gloms onto Peg’s excitement. She stuffs some of the less portable food in her mouth and grabs a roll to go.
 
 
 
The packing is relatively swift, and Vera is nothing if not efficient when there is planning to do. In short order, the trio is on board a train heading East, and, after several arguments with train conductors, placed into a private cabin. Alia takes her cues from Vera and critically reviews their train cabin, but then settles in to delightedly watch the scenery go by while drinking some “Eisenfee,” as Vera calls it. Vera grabs one of the seats nearby after making sure her guard has the luggage stowed and pulls out some cards to play during the couple hour trip to Rodstock.
 
Vera pesters Alia for stories of home during the trip, wheedling out information about how life has changed for her since joining the Temple, how it was different once Vera left, and what is new with their mom and dad. Alia also talks some about current extra-familial events (aunts and uncles, etc.), while Vera listens. In return, Vera regales Alia about Peg and Vera’s dungeon crawling exploits as well as other, more suburban, adventures.
 
Peg does not seem remotely concerned about the state of the cabin and is instead content to watch the view and listen to Vera and Alia. When Vera starts to talk about the dungeon crawling, Peg adds a few more of the gorier or more intense details that Vera glosses over.
 
Rodstock is dominated by their port and by the governmental district that houses the Ducal seat of House Rosebrier. A castle overlooks much of the city, which bustles from the constant trade fostered by the merchant contracts and favorable tariff laws. The trio disembarks from the train and Vera has a carriage waiting for them to whisk them northward.
 
 
 
 
It is early evening by the time they reach the retreat situated on the coast to the north of Rodstock. The sounds of waves can be heard crashing against the shores, but most of the view is of open air, situated as it is on the cliffs of Northern Eisen. The retreat itself comprises a couple of buildings and small houses, with a decorative wall built around the area closest to the road. The carriage is greeted by a staff member, who, having gotten notice of their arrival via Radiophone, directs them to one of the houses. When they step out, a maid greets them and begins to direct the coachman to unloading their baggage. The house is a ‘quaint’ two story affair, with a natural feel. The maid introduces herself to the trio and informs them that ‘dinner’ is being served with the other guests in an hour at the main dining hall, or that she can get a private dinner set up. She then looks attentively at the group as Alia, Vera and Peg begin to settle in.
 
The house is set up to care for aristocracy, having amenities and elegant furnishings. The second floor is built as a giant sun room, with dividers and cloth walls set up to provide privacy, but also ways to open up most of the second floor to sun and fresh air.
 
 
Shortly after settling in, they are visited by Doktor Heinrich Schuffendorfer, the physician in charge of the retreat.The dwarven doctor happily gives a short explanation on the regimen, in where those races of taller stature are closer to the sun for a reason and need more of it. His research shows that humans and elves and other tall races need to eat mostly plant food and get lots of sun and fresh air to stay healthy, much like trees. He is happy to answer questions, but recommends they join everyone for dinner and dancing to ‘invigorate the appetites of the body.’
 
He frowns when he hears that they will likely only stay a day, telling them that a week is ‘much better, much better!’ but accedes to Vera’s requests once he has been told who his guests are. After reassuring the trio that they will have complete privacy while in the home, and pointing out the list of activities, he takes his leave.
 
“I am ready to grow tall like a tree.” Peg laughs, holding her arms out wide. “This really is quite lovely, though, I admit. What do you think, Alia?”
 
“I think that the physician reminds me of some of the priests of Fodla back at home. If he begins recommending I grow crops, I am leaving,” she giggles. “But this is a very nice retreat. Do many nobles come to places such as this?”
 
“Did the two of you want to go to dinner, or eat here? It sounds like they have nightly dancing as well. Or are you tired?” Vera looks between the two of them. “They do have wellness retreats that supposedly are able to treat people before the healers are needed, and beyond. I mostly came for the massage.”
 
“Definitely dancing. Dinner here is fine. We have had a lot of travel.” Peg suggests. “Massage sounds delightful.”
 
Alia claps her hands in delight. “I’ll go start getting prepared for the dancing then!” She scampers to the room she chose, slamming it behind her in her haste. Vera changes her travel outfit to one of the dresses stored in the shiftweave, making a sign for a smile at Peg, before exploring the house.
 
The dancing that evening is held in the main house, and has a variety of people not normally seen in Novandria. Rosebrier nobles are in the majority by far. Most of the people attending the retreat seem to take the dance as an invitation to enjoy a less restrained atmosphere, without the usual minders present while people talk and dance. Alia is immediately asked to dance, as is Peg. Vera gets some odd looks because of her attire, and instead begins introducing herself to some of the older nobility.
 
Peg seems quite enamored of the dancing and the generally less restrained atmosphere. However, she bristles visibly when people give Vera odd looks and quickly and curtly declines any offers to dance by those who seem disapproving of Vera in any way.
 
The night ends overall very nicely. Alia even gets to go on a moonlit walk with one of the young gentles, a Schalk trailing behind them. The fact that there were no owl attacks reported is a good sign. Vera does one or two dances later on in the evening before claiming exhaustion from the traveling and telling Peg she is going to retire for the night.
 
“Would you like us to turn in as well, or should I take this as you entrusting Alia to my care for the evening?” She asks Vera with a grin.
 
“Please keep her safe. I entrust her to you,” Vera says playfully. “I’ll see you both in the morning. I’m having breakfast delivered.”
 
Alia’s laughter can be heard over the music as she dances with someone else, gayly working through a waltz.
 
Peg looks somewhat surprised but smiles and nods. "Very well. Enjoy your relaxation. We will enjoy our dancing."
 
 
 
 
The next morning, Alia comes out of her room and looks around for everyone. Vera is up already, making a tray of food from a larger portion that was delivered to their house. There are several pastries for Peg, along with fresh fruit cuts and some vegetables. Alia begins to make herself a brotchen sandwich, with cheese and meat cuts, along with pouring herself a large glass of milk. “What is on the agenda?” she asks.
 
Vera replies “Morning sunlight. Then a massage to rub all the sunlight into your body.” She pours herself some juice to supplement her breakfast.
 
"That sounds nice." Peg murmurs, coming out of her room to join them. She picks up an apple tart. "The dancing was nice. I think Alia made quite the impression."
 
“Oh?” Vera questions, looking over at Alia, who blushes. “You were minding her though?”
 
“Yes, she was minding me. I was chaste as a snowflake,” Alia smirks behind Vera’s back.
 
“Oh yes. Very responsible. Definitely.” Peg agrees with a laugh.
 
Vera looks at the two of them suspiciously, then waves it off. “I’m heading up to the roof. They have some sort of sun catcher clothes you are supposed to wear.” She heads upstairs to the roof.
 
Alia bites into her sandwich and looks to Peg. “This is more fun than I was expecting. See you on the roof? Or do we sneak out?”
 
She grins at Alia. “Sneaking out does sound fun, but I am actually looking forward to the sun, I think.”