Unexpected Friends

[William deGrey]

“Thank you for this,” William told the old man, placing the appropriate amount of coin onto the counter. This had become such a habit that Gerald no longer had to request payment. Sometimes, the ambassador would toss in a few extra gold simply because. “She’s been doing so much better on this.” Gesturing to the glass bottle in his hand, the medicine had been doing wonders with helping Olivia breathe better. The dry, winter air always made it harder for her.
The healer smiled at him and nodded, “Of course, m’lord. I’m always glad to help. You just let me know whenever you need more.” He paused before there was a bit of a spring in his step as he reached for something under the counter. “Take this-” Weathered hands slid a small tin towards Will. “Just smear a bit of this salve on her chest before bed. It should help a bit more.”
When he tried to give the healer more coin, the old man was denying him and practically rushing him out of there.

He was laughing quietly to himself as he closed the door behind him, eyes glancing around the busy marketplace street.
“William!” called a voice. A voice that probably made everyone’s eye twitch...except his, apparently. Dark eyes drifted sidelong to spot Margery with one of her friends standing at a nearby vendor, holding some gossamer pink fabric against herself.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“Uh, it’s...nice?” William was far better at flattery than this, but he was currently looking for his daughter. “Where’s Olivia?”
“Oh, she’s-” Margery paused, turning around in place to suddenly realize the girl was no longer there. “Well, she was right there. I’m sure she’s around here somewhere.”
He blinked, confused before the panic slowly began to seep in. “How long has she been gone?” he asked, his voice becoming stern. He asked her, his fiancee and future stepmother of the very girl she hadn’t even been paying attention to, clearly. “Margery?”
The woman sighed, shrugging her shoulders. “I don’t know! I thought she was right there...where I told her to stay.”
Where she told her to stay. So, that clearly told him that Olivia had wandered off, if only to defy her. Drawing in a deep breath, he began to walk away. “If you see her, just-” Shaking his head, he ignored the rest of his thought and rushed into the crowd. “OLIVIA?!”

When William was out of earshot, Margery rolled her eyes and murmured to her companion, “He should just check all the mud puddles. The girl is always getting into things, absolutely filthy.” An exaggerated and exasperated sigh, she continued. “I think I aimed for the wrong brother…”

[Olivia deGrey]

Stay put. Stay put?! Well, Olivia would show her! She knew Daddy would be very upset that she went off on her own, but she was completely upset with Margery. Her father had asked her to spend time with the devil woman, and Olivia tried. But the entire time, Margery acted as though she didn’t even exist. Maybe that was what she wished for.

What would happen when she married Daddy? Would she convince him to send her away?

That panic made her little legs run faster, deeper into the crowd, wanting to believe that he wouldn’t push her away simply because Margery wanted it. Still, she was terrified...and now she was even more frightened.

Stopping instantly, Olivia spun around, trying to figure out where she was. She knew Uncle Wesley usually had business in the market and at the docks, but she didn’t see him either. Rising up on her tiptoes, she thought that it might help her to see over all the tall people and maybe spot the large masts of the ships over the shops. Growing frustrated, she helplessly wandered, knowing she shouldn’t talk to strangers, but...what else should she do?

[Marinette Roquefort; Helene Hewitt]

[Helene Hewitt]

Helene was in a mood, though she hid it easily. The news she received the other day about needing to remarry if she wished to keep her husbands lands had put a very large damper on her happy bubble. Just when she thought everything would be fine, Stephens rotten aunt and uncle ruined everything. She either married, and soon, or the lands with go to Clarence. Their son. She had barely kept her temper in check, and had barely managed to play her role as a still grieving widow, but apparently six months of grief was long enough to the greedy Hewitts.

The day of the King's funeral Helene promised herself she would take the next couple days to enjoy what she could out of life before the husband hunt started. She would enjoy the time she had with her sister before Marinette would most likely have to return to their father, and that was the day Helene knew she'd lose whatever joy she had left in the world. But it was not that day yet. And in the mean time, she was going to spoil Marinette rotten.

She'd gotten her self up early that morning despite her slight hangover, and dragged Marinette out of bed and to the market. They'd already shopped for produce and had it made to be delivered to the house, and now Helene was on the look out for something with a little bit of sparkle.

They were at one of the vendors, looking at ribbons. Helene was admiring a bright baby blue one with white lace stitched in. She turned to show Marinette, when something caught her eye and she spotted a little girl looking like she was looking for someone. Helene's eyes scanned the crowd for a possible parent looking just as lost as the girl, but didn't see any.

Was she lost? Helene hated the idea of a little girl wandering off around by herself. Prime for the snatching of any possible predator. Not on her watch. She reached over and nudged Marinette's arm, and nodded toward the little thing. "I don't know Mari, I quite like this one!" She said a bit loudly, hoping to catch the child's attention. "Should we ask the opinion of another?" She asked. "You there!" Helene called to child, and began to walk towards her. Helene would hold the ribbon out to the little girl so she could see it. "I need another lady's opinion. What do you think little dove?" She asked, holding the ribbon up to her hair. She smiled warmly at the little girl, trying to make herself seem friendly. "Does it suit me?"

[Marinette Roquefort]

Marinette had been half asleep when they left for the market, but after a flurry of fruit purchases, she was feeling more herself, and she looked at the ribbons and laces with serious consideration. She herself was eyeing a lovely, garnet-colored, velvet ribbon choker as her sister admired the blue. The other was a little too bright for her tastes, but she was sure it would suit Helene tremendously. Her sister's nudge got her attention instantly, however, and she followed her sister's gaze to the child. Oh, how precious she was! And where were her parents? Or a nanny, perhaps?

She followed Helene towards the young girl, immediately dropping into a crouch to put herself closer to the young girl's height. She smiled gently and waved her hand in greeting. She didn't want to frighten the poor thing, and Helene had been very theatrical, but she thought perhaps a quieter approach might help as well.

"Hello, little one! I'm Marinette, and this is my sister Helene. She's quite dramatic about ribbons, but I promise she doesn't bite. Do you like the ribbon? I bet we could find a lovely one for you as well if you think your Mama or Papa wouldn't mind."

[Olivia deGrey]

A woman's voice nearby instantly caught her attention, and those big brown eyes turned to find Helene with the lovely ribbon in her hand. Another lady's opinion? Perhaps she shouldn't have been so quick to accept the conversation from this stranger, but that certainly got her attention! Margery never asked her for opinions on anything. She probably didn't even know she was gone!

"Oh, yes!" she said with an eager nod after only a brief moment of hesitation. The blue looked very nice against her dark hair, but Olivia imagined she'd be pretty in any color. Those eyes alighted upon the other woman crouching down in front of her soon after, a smile falling onto her mouth. "I'm-" Daddy always said not to talk to strangers, but they were being so nice! "I'm Olivia," she finally told them. She stood up straight, brushing off the front of her dress.

A frown finally replaced the wide smile as she turned to look over her shoulder. "Daddy is around here...somewhere. Probably with the devil woman." Oh wait, that wasn't nice. "Margery..." she said in total disgust, even rolled her eyes all dramatically. "I can't find him, though. Or Uncle Wesley. Do you know where the big ships are?" Uncle Luc was often on the other island next door, but she didn't think he had gone back yet. He better not have, because he didn't say goodbye yet!

Then, just like that, her worry and annoyance was gone; smiling at them again. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Olivia was going to give her father even more grey hairs.

[Triston deGrey]

Triston had also ventured out to the marketplace this afternoon. There were several things he wished to purchase. He hadn't come with anyone because he wasn't certain how long it would take him to find what he needed and he liked to wander and take his time. Whenever he came along with someone, he felt rushed.

So he was walking along the path, a bouquet of flowers in the crook of one of his arms, and a box in the other. He didn't stop until he heard the familiar voice of a young lady, which caused him to turn. Sure enough, there was Olivia with the two ladies he recognized from the king's funeral 'after-party'. He smirked slightly and shook his head, glancing around for William, but he was nowhere to be found. Curious.

He stepped towards them and lightly cleared his throat. "Olivia? What are you doing out here? Where is your father? Or the duchess snobby?" Oops, had he said that out loud? He laughed but covered his mouth with his knuckles. A nod was given to both ladies in thanks for intercepting his young niece from wandering off into danger on her own.

[Helene Hewitt]

As if to prove Marinette's point, Helene turned and gave her sister a pointed look and scoffed. "Never!" She gasped. She batted her eyelashes a few times and then turned and smiled at Olivia. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Olivia." Helene told the child. Giving her small curtsy and dip of her head, before she was crouching down beside Marinette so they were all talking at Olivia's level. "You have a very pretty name."

Helene was already in love with the little girl, and couldn't help grinning widely at her. "I take it we don't like Margery." She said in a hushed town, looking between Olivia and Mari like they were in on a giant secret. "I don't believe I know Uncle Wesley little Dove, But! I'm sure we can help find him or your father for you." She told her. She dipped her chin a bit and looked up at Olivia with her large brown eyes. "After, we get you a pretty ribbon." She winked at her and then looked and smiled at Marniette when a male's voice caught her attention. She looked up to see the man they'd met at the funeral's after party and she smiled.

She stood, straightening her skirts. Looking between Lord DeGrey and Olivia it seemed like they knew each other. Or at least he knew of her father, but Helene was hesitant to just send the child off with a possible stranger. "Good to see you again My Lord." She said in greeting. She noted the flowers and box he carried. Seemed he was up to some shopping of his own. "Olivia here was just giving us her expert opinion on ribbons." She said glancing down at the child. "And telling us about Margery." She shot the child a wink and then looked to Lord DeGrey.

[Marinette Roquefort]

Devil woman? She didn't understand at first, but she realized that this must be her father's new wife or mistress, and clearly one Olivia did not appreciate. Did her father not see how unhappy it made her? Or did he not care? She barely kept herself from frowning, but thankfully Helene chimed in to catch her.

"Oh yes, an honor to meet you, Lady Olivia," Marinette agreed earnestly. She laughed at her sister's pointed addition of 'after' the ribbons. Well, she couldn't help but agree. If they had the chance to keep Olivia smiling, she'd be more than happy to do so. "Ah, the perfect plan!"

The man chiming in startled Marinette up to her full height. She was a little worried he might think they'd abducted little Olivia--especially once she put two and two together: this was one of the DeGrey brothers, the one she had been whisked into dancing with after the King's wake. Goodness, she'd been scared silly that day, and she was reliving the entire thing just by looking at him. She could already feel herself blushing to the tips of her ears, and she turned her eyes back to Olivia. Talking to this precious girl was far less intimidating than Triston DeGrey.

"I take it you know Lord DeGrey, Lady Olivia?" she asked the young girl, "Would you prefer we let him help you to your father?"

[Olivia deGrey]

Oh, right, manners! When Helene dipped into a curtsy, Olivia did the same...although hers was a bit wobbly. Still, it made her laugh, but she felt that annoying tickle in her throat and the slight heaviness in her chest, making her cough a little. She remembered to do so into the crook of her arm because...again, manners! It wasn't enough to keep her from pleasant company though, offering both women the biggest grin. "It's an honor to meet you as well," she said like a proper little lady. They were so lovely and kind...and they didn't seem to like Margery, either!

"A ribbon?!" Her eyes went wide with excitement. "What color do you think I should get?" She was about to ramble on, possibly list every color that came to mind, when she heard a familiar voice. Olivia spun around, bouncing on her heels at the sight of him, unable to stifle the laugh that came at hearing "Duchess Snobby".

"Daddy was getting my medicine, and...she was looking at fabrics." Another roll of her eyes, Olivia waved her hand in dismissal as if she was seven going on sixteen. She turned enough to look at Marinette with her question, smiling with pride, "He's my uncle!" she announced. "I have three, you know. Uncle Lucian is usually off killing things with a sword, but he promised he would teach me someday. And Uncle Wes owns a big boat. Teaches me a lot of curse words." Actually, she accidentally heard him say such nasty things, but...same thing.

Livi leaned in towards both ladies, blatantly throwing a thumb over her shoulder at the uncle that was present. "But Uncle Triston is my favorite." With a gleeful spin, she faced the man. "Can I get a ribbon?!" Another couple of coughs, she grimaced only slightly. She was too excited to care.

[Triston deGrey]

Triston's eyes moved from his niece and then to one woman and then the other. He smiled warmly and nodded. "It is good to see you, too, lady Hewitt." He laughed, glancing back to Olivia at the mention of her telling the ladies about her father's fiancee. He winked at her but then gave her a serious look, much like the one her father would give her as if he were pretending to be him.

Olivia explained each one of her uncles, rather accurately too, which made him laugh at her choice of descriptions. But when she admitted that he was her favorite, his smile turned to a prideful one. Yes, Triston was the favorite. He worked hard for that title. He laughed and then his expression changed to one of confusion when she was asking about a ribbon. "A ribbon?" He questioned her, not knowing what she was talking about. His dark eyes glanced at the ladies as if questioning what she was asking for.

But then he heard and noticed Olivia's cough, followed by the grimace, and his expression grew serious real fast.
Olivia. When was the last time you took your medicine?" He was frantically glancing around for his brother, then as he reached for his niece's hand. "Come here, please." He crouched down in front of her and looked her over, looked her seriously in the eyes. "Are you feeling alright, little love?" He asked her with concern.

[Marinette Roquefort]

Marinette smiled without quite realizing that she was doing it as Olivia explained the family to them. How absolutely adorable. The impulse to just bundle this little girl up and make her laugh eternally was pushing against the more cautious edges of Marinette's mind. A bit more at ease, now, she followed the young girl's gesture to look up at Triston, just in time to catch his wink at the little girl. Oh dear. It wasn't even directed at her and it was enough to make her heart flutter. She'd have to be careful of that in the future...

Lord DeGrey was utterly confused by Olivia's comment about ribbons, however, which helped Marinette regain her senses.

"I'm afraid that was our doing--" she cut off as Triston's expression changed and he dropped into a crouch to talk to Olivia on her level. His sudden movement made her instinctively flinch and step back slightly, but then she realized what he was saying. Medicine? The girl's cough had seemed a simple cold to Marinette until just then, but the look on his face spoke volumes. It was obviously far more than that. Oh dear. Perhaps they ought to reward this brave young maiden with a ribbon a different time if it were so urgent that she get her medicine.

"She did mention that her father was buying it...Do you know what shop he gets it from? Perhaps if we try to meet him there, we might find him." She suggested in a soft voice, a bit afraid to be telling Lord DeGrey what to do, but too worried to avoid saying something that might help.

[Helene Hewitt]

Helene watched Olivia and couldn't remove the smile from her face. She arched her eyebrows when she said Lord DeGrey was her uncle, and then proceeded to listen intently when she described the other two. She couldn't help but laugh at hearing about them. "I hope he teaches you how to use the pointy end quite well." She told her. And bit her bottom lip and attempt to make a stern face at hearing Uncle Wes taught her curse words. She nodded her head at the child and then couldn't help but laugh again when she said Triston was her favorite. I think he's Mari's favorite too. She couldn't help but think. An amused smile gracing her face.

It fell however when Olivia began coughing again, and seeing Triston's reaction to it, meant it was rather serious. She glanced at Mari and then back at Triston and Olivia. "Mmmm. I think Mari is right, medicine is far more important than ribbons." Helene said. She came over and crouched down beside Lord DeGrey and Olivia. "Let's make a deal Lady Olivia." She said with a smile and bit of mischief in her tone. "We go find your father, get your medicine, and then get you that pretty ribbon if your Father thinks you're up to it, and If he says no, then we'll have to persuade him to let Mari and I steal you another day so you get that ribbon of yours....maybe two." She leaned in and whispered. She grinned widely and then leaned back. "This way it gives you time to think about what kind of ribbon you want, and your father has a few less grey hairs." She glanced at Triston and smiled, and looked up at Mari, and then back at Olivia. "Besides, I want to hear all about this Duchess Snobby, and from the sounds of things there's a lot." She lowered her voice so only they would hear. Looking around as if they were all in on a giant secret that no one else could know and then winked at the little girl.

[Olivia deGrey]

She hated this cough. It always ruined her fun! All she wanted to do was go shopping with Marinette and Helene, because she never really got to do that. Daddy tried, but...it wasn't the same, and Elyscia couldn't always take her.

A frown fell on her lips as she walked that short distance to her uncle, trying to keep herself from coughing again. "This morning, but...I don't have anymore. Daddy is getting it now, I just...don't know where he is." Another small cough, she was beginning to get upset. "I feel...okay, I swear," she lied. And she wasn't really a good liar. It was cold outside, though, and that usually made her chest feel weird. "These are pretty." Olivia tried to change the subject, even though the flowers really were pretty!

Speaking of pretty, the ladies were talking again and she turned to look at them. Her smile was quick to return when Helene told her she could still get the ribbon. "Really?! You would take me?" What sounded even better was spending a day with them. Those brown eyes seemed to light up despite her discomfort, her expression turning hopeful. "Oh, there's a lot," she told her with a firm nod in regards to Margery. "Just...can't say anything in front of Daddy." It upset him, and she didn't like when he was sad.

[William deGrey]

He definitely had more grey hairs because of this.

William didn't know how long he had been searching, or even how long ago she had wandered away, but he was in full panic mode now. This was terrifying, and it was one of the only times he felt completely helpless. The feeling was tenfold because he had been helpless to save his own wife, and now he feared he'd been careless with his daughter.

What if someone had taken her? What if she fell sick and couldn't breathe again?

Pushing himself through the crowd of people, dark eyes frantically searched the faces while he called out Olivia's name. That was when he swore he spotted his brother just before he crouched down out of sight and his heart leaped into his throat. Rushing over, accidentally shoving a couple people out of the way, he was overwhelmed with relief when he spotted his daughter there with Triston and two women from the funeral party. William didn't mean to ignore their presence, but he was too busy dropping to his knees to draw Olivia against him.

"Why weren't you outside the shop?" he asked quickly and breathlessly, holding her tightly as though she would dissipate from his embrace.
"I was, but...she was too busy, and I thought I could maybe find Uncle Wesley, and-" Olivia tried to explain but found herself beginning to cry. Daddy was upset, and she hadn't meant to upset him. Her gentle sobs turned into coughs, and William's panic returned.
"No, no, no, I'm not mad...I promise." Pulling back, he tried to wipe her tears away with his thumbs. "But you can't do this, Olivia. I was worried sick." And it seemed as though she was getting sick again. She was coughing more and he could hear the gentle rasps in her breath.
"I know, Daddy, I'm...I'm sorry...but Marinette and...and Helene found me..." A small hand gestured towards the two ladies. "And then Uncle Triston."
Well, thank god for that. William finally acknowledged the women, his eyes apologetic and yet grateful. He was about to say so when Olivia was beginning to have another small coughing fit. It wasn't as bad as this morning, but it could get worse.

Fishing into his coat pocket for the bottle of medicine, he was pouring her a small cap full to hand it to her. "Just like always, tilt your head back and drink it all real fast," he told her. It had a nasty taste and it had taken a lot of coaxing to get her to drink it at first. But the girl realized that it really did help her and tried not to complain. Olivia grimaced and made an exaggerated gagging face after she swallowed the "icky liquid" but was smiling despite the gentle coughs as William kissed her forehead.

So much grey hair. And she was only seven.

"Thank you, Lady Hewitt...Lady Roquefort...I'm sorry if there was any trouble." He acknowledged them both with such a sigh of relief, remembering their names. As an ambassador, William just needed to hear a name once and would remember them immediately. There was no hiding his concern and embarrassment, though. This probably did not reflect well on him.

[Triston deGrey]

Triston quickly shrugged his jacket off and wrapped it around the young girl, in attempts to keeping her warm. he had ignored all that she had said, more concerned with keeping her warm and finding her father to get her medicine. He held the jacket shut around her to block out any of the cool air. A small amount of anger played on his features. Not at Olivia, of course, but at his brother, or that ridiculous fiancee of his--whoever was supposed to be watching the girl, really. But truthfully, Olivia should have been left at home.

He was about to pick the girl up into his arms to keep her warm and close to him, but William was at her side at once, taking over. Triston slowly stood back up at his full height and glanced at both of the ladies with an appreciative smile. They had acted so kindly to Olivia. Why couldn't Margery be like that? Was it really so difficult? And why couldn't William see that the woman was ridiculous?