A Wolf at the Tea Party

Rosamund's hair was a beautiful tangled mess. The long, soft locks were loosely falling on his shoulders like a dark waterfall, inviting her to comb it with her fingers again. She wanted to touch it, to run her fingers through it and caress him. Perhaps even cause the way he looked. And then, that delightful incorrectly buttoned shirt of his, showing off his skin and lovely chest hair. She could fix it for him, or perhaps help him out of it...

She placed a hand on one of the rose pins again, touching the beautiful jewelry in deep thought. She could still feel Rosamund's careful touch on her collar, his fingers brushing against her neck as he secured them in place for her. How could a man be so gentle and sweet? And handsome, and funny, and kind... And how could he give her a jewel like that, damn it! He was a nobleman! She didn't know what it meant when she presented him with his cravat pin, she only learned later that such gifts had a deeper meaning. Lady Ansatz told her during her etiquette classes. Surely he didn't take her gift as a sign of love at the time, a man like him had to know better. She had simply wanted to give him something as a sort of a reward for his actions. Or, perhaps something to remind him of her. A little piece he now wore all the time, reminding them both- ah, damn it all. He said these roses came from Lady Ansatz, a claim as ridiculous as any that came from him. What, the woman just sent a beautiful collar pin to him and he locked it away in the office instead of confronting her? Or sending it back?

...actually, considering how busy he was, and the strange ways his mind worked, she could absolutely imagine that happening. Besides, he wouldn't lie to her. If he said this was given to him by accident, then it was. Somehow, that thought made her more annoyed. He didn't need to put it on for her, then. Right?

Was he flirting with her?

Surely not.

Was she annoyed because she wanted him to?


Gods, did she fall for him?


She leaned back in her carriage seat, tightly holding onto her swords as she looked at the trees outside.

Maybe... maybe she did. Well, who wouldn't, damn it. The man was as charming as it gets, sweet, considerate, patient, and always careful and mindful of her. And maybe, just maybe, she was tired of lovers who would get rough with her because she could take it. Maybe she was turning soft. Or maybe it wasn't a weakness. Surely he'd tell her not to think such things. Rosamund wouldn't even dream of doing something to her, it was always written all over his face. He was a man who'd honestly wish for nothing more than her safety and comfort. The way he looked at her, the way he'd touch her, spend time by her side. Who wouldn't fall in love, damn it all.

What do I do...

If it was any other person, they'd already be waiting in her bed.

But it wasn't. It was Rosamund.

And she had a thousand reasons never to dare to think of something like that. Or even dare to bring it up.

The grip on her swords tightened even more. Her knuckles were white and her fingers turning cold. The vision of Rosamund's mangled body beneath her feet as she ruthlessly stepped over him was haunting her. The thought of it would appear at random times, sometimes leaving her in peace for days at a time, and sometimes torturing her for nights on end, causing her to lose sleep. Her swords, covered in his blood, dyeing the sand red...

She could never. She wasn't worthy of him. She wasn't worthy of asking for his forgiveness, let alone his heart. She murdered him in cold blood, and were circumstances different, she would've done it twice. She did nothing to deserve the right to stay by his side, and once their work was finished she will be sure never to pester him again. Sure, they were friends now, they'd spend time together and visit each other regularly. She liked it, she wanted to see him again as much as possible... but who would want to spend more time with their killer?

Well, if there was someone mad enough, it would be him.

Still, it wasn't right. It hurt.

She needed to not think about it. Not now, not ever again. But the cursed image was burned into her mind, carving out her chest into a massive void. Black as the abyss of the sea, that was what her heart was. She was a cruel, frightening woman. The Pirate Queen, the leader of the monsters that plagued the seas. A soulless sea serpent, striking down whoever she liked. Cursed spawn of Hell itself.

She needed to calm down. Such thoughts were helpful to no one, after all. She leaned her head against the carriage window, cooling down her forehead. At least she had the time to get herself out of this wallowing mood before the tea party, Baroness lived quite a distance away. She didn't want to come to her in such a horrible state after she did so much for her. Rosamund wouldn't want her like this, either. He wanted her to be brave and strong, not... not monstrous. So she should present herself like that. She had someone waiting for her victory, after all. She could keep herself in check. Pretend to be what he saw her as. She could think about him, or her friends, or her lovely dress. The dark thoughts didn't need to haunt her. She could calm herself down, too.

She smiled again, thinking about his sleepy face. He was so handsome, gods. Whenever she thought about him, she'd imagine him as calm and imposing, perfectly orderly formal man with impeccable outfits and taste. That mental image was quickly getting replaced with the glorious morning mess of him. She wanted to see more...

Thinking of the soft way he smiled at her, the gentle way he'd hold her when they were dancing, and the delightful moments of shock when she'd throw him off balance helped her calm down a little. The horrible guilt was once again receding, although she didn't doubt it would return like a tide. But it was easier for her, when the man whom she wronged never really seemed to try and turn it against her. She couldn't ask for forgiveness, but perhaps they could both move on, carrying this friendship they shared now.

That was enough for her.

When she arrived, she was able to stand tall.


The Baroness' home was a nice house on the outskirts of the city, one among the rows of equally fancy houses for rich merchants or lower nobility. Lady Ansatz explained to her the difference between social and noble status once. Despite her being pretty low when it came to nobility, especially when one considered the fact she was a commoner before marrying, she managed to make quite a name for herself. On the social ladder, she was firmly in the middle, neither high enough to easily sway large numbers of people, but not so low to become an easy target for her peers. She also let her know that Honorable Lilac was, despite his status as an heir, seen as an exceptionally rude and unconventional man. Whatever invites he received for social events in the Capital were merely formalities. Nobody wanted nor expected him to show up. Rosamund's quiet presence, meanwhile, went completely unnoticed by anyone who didn't directly work with him... until he became the Governor, that is.

And considering Adanita was the Pirate Queen, and that she currently lived with two nobles who were quickly becoming the center of attention and gossip, she expected to be the main star of today's little circus.

Well, she could give them a show. She carefully put on her new hat before exiting the carriage. She came here as a proper lady, with intent to hopefully be accepted by the Baroness' social circle. She could handle this. Rosamund was right, she could fight her way through a sea battle. Fears from her past life shouldn't stop her from succeeding now.

The ladies were gathering in a small garden in front of the house, waiting to be announced and invited inside by the servant. The party hosted ten people in total, Adanita and Lady Ansatz included, meaning she was about to meet with eight total strangers. She didn't even recall these women from her previous life, since she only spent her time with nobility of the Capital. There were three older ladies present, two women who looked like they were in their early twenties, and the rest were married women of her age or slightly older. Most dresses seemed to follow current fashion, making her stand out slightly with a different design. The dress wasn't in the focus of their attention, though. Only two other women came with weapons and the rest looked like they couldn't even lift a dagger, let alone a sword. There was also the fact that she was by far the tallest woman present. She stood out in just about every way.

"What a disgrace to see," one of the older ladies spoke to the other two, intentionally loud enough for her to hear. "She didn't even attempt to hide her freckles. It is inconceivable she'd let such embarrassing marks visible."
"How embarrassing," Adanita coldly replied, placing a fan over her mouth. "Showing off those wrinkles in broad daylight instead of hiding away."
"They are a mark of wisdom!" the woman replied.
"A mark of dementia, perhaps. Worry not, I will forgive this offense. You'll forget it soon enough anyway."
"Hmpf!" The women turned away from her and walked slightly farther away. That was a win for her, then. Lady Ansatz warned her they won't try to speak to her directly until they've tested her first. It was just a matter of waiting for more of these snide remarks, then.

The servant came over to disarm her and the other ladies. She turned in her swords and was allowed inside. Lady Ansatz waited for them in the foyer and began greeting and chatting with ladies one by one, in order of their importance. As the only commoner, Adanita knew she'd be last to be spoken to, so she patiently waited keeping herself calm by thinking of Rosamund's farewell wish. She could do this...

The second attack came from the young women, girls who were here to forge alliances and find nobles to marry. They were chatting with each other near her, not as loud as the old lady, but far more insulting.
"She will be declared a Baroness soon, I've heard."
"Goodness, she'd have higher status than than me. How is that fair?"
The other lady giggled. "Well, when you live with Lord Governor, you can get quite far. Who knows what skills she had to show him?"

Perhaps she should punch them. Really knock those pretty teeth out. But no, she expected this. She was fine, she was calm. She approached the offensive woman from the back, placing her hands firmly on her shoulders. The woman froze under her touch. She leaned in as close as her hat would allow her, careful not to ruin the little lady's hairstyle, and whispered to her ear. "Perhaps you would like a demonstration?"

Oooh, perhaps she would. Her face was a deep red color and she let out a frightened meep. Adanita laughed in response, letting her go and walking away with a bright smile. Petty children, the lot of them. How was this so hard in her first life?

"Hmpf. I suppose that if you paint a wolf it could look like a dog, but it will still be the same wild beast."

Adanita froze and turned to the woman. This time, she was directly spoken to. This wasn't gossiping in her face, this was an attack. She didn't expect it yet, and the woman seemed quite proud of herself for catching her off-guard. How would you paint a wolf- no, focus.

"Does that make you the dog?" Adanita asked.
"Dogs have a use and a purpose. Wolves only know to slaughter. I look forward to watching you struggle today, I hope you will entertain me well."

The woman turned away and went to join her other friends. Lady Ansatz was just about done with everyone and finally approached to greet her.

"Oh, lovely collar pins, Captain Vervain. I see they found their way to you," she said with a smile.
Two dots connected in Adanita's mind. This woman- did she intentionally send the pins to Rosamund instead of her? Damn it all, can't these little noble ladies mind their own business?! "I am thankful for your consideration. Perhaps choose a different method of delivery next time," she replied.
"You will forgive me, I am sure," she said with a bright smile. "My own children seem quite resistant to marriage, so I simply cannot help but meddle with others' affairs."
Well, thanks to her she got to see something beautiful this morning. "I... am grateful. Next time you feel like meddling, however, please restrain yourself."
"So progress was made, then. I am glad," she said with a bright smile. "I saw you are getting popular among our young ladies. Not that I can blame them."
"I'm not worried about them. Who is that woman with black hair?"
"Oh? That would be Viscountess Kuplung. She has the highest rank, both noble and social, among the women here. I hope you two will get along well... but expect some more attacks from her."
"Aye, aye."
"Don't you worry, Captain. If I could do it, you can too," she said, patting her arm encouragingly before clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "Ladies, I would like to thank you all again for visiting my humble tea party. I hope that the tea and the sweets I had prepared will be to you liking, and I hope you will enjoy the entertainments. Please follow me to the gardens."

Lady Ansatz had set up a large round table in the garden behind her house. A small gazebo with roses blooming all over the wooden pillars shielded them from direct sunlight, and her servant was setting up the teacups and snacks. Lady Ansatz went all out with cookies and cakes, and fruits sliced up and prepared for the meal. There was also an assortment of cheeses, hams, and similar sliced meats, as well as bread. All prepared for the luncheon. The ladies took a seat: Viscountess Kuplung with Lady Ansatz on her left, her friends on her right, the older ladies below them, and the young ladies at the very opposite side of the table from her. As Lady Ansatz's special guest, Adanita sat down next to her. At least one of the people around her were a friendly face. The other woman by her was that hag that insulted her freckles, what joy!

After everyone introduced themselves, Viscountess Kuplung started a light conversation with the host as they began to eat and drink. The tea was of high quality and a perfect conversation starter. The women began discussing trade routes and the effects the storms had on them.

"Storms and pirates, there is nothing more disrupting for trade. I had hoped the new governor would do a better job driving them out than that pompous fool," the old woman next to her said. "And instead of hanging them, he treats them like people. I can't tell who is worse."
"Thanks to his diplomatic approach, the pirates no longer go after Bretonian ships in these waters," Adanita calmly said. "If you'd rather he goes on another wild goose chase after us, I am sure Sea Lord Khamil will gladly petition for her son's release from prison. Again."
"Hmpf. That young man was always a waste of air. I suppose throwing him into the dungeons goes into Lord Governor's favor."
"The trial was quite entertaining to watch," Lady Ansatz said, easily changing the flow of the conversation.
"I heard Lord Governor attacked the Second Prince! Is that true?" one of the two young ladies spoke up.
Viscountess Kuplung let out a laugh while Lady Ansatz tried her best to keep a civil smile.

"Goodness gracious," Viscountess spoke. "Do you think he'd still be the Governor if that happened? I'd say he would be spending his time making friends with Vice Admiral, not continue on with his duties. The courtroom was riled up by Vice Admiral's words, it erupted into sheer chaos. Lord Governor calmed everyone down by slamming his cane against the table, which then broke and flew towards the Second Prince. His speech afterwards was highly endearing, too. It seems we have ourselves quite a fool for a Governor."
"A competent fool," Adanita said, somehow feeling the need to defend him here.
"I have no doubts about it."

What?

Viscountess Kuplung leaned forward, taking a better look at her. "Now tell us, Captain Vervain. Where did you get that dress?"
"A tailor made it, of course. He was recommended to me by Baroness Mayberry as a competent man. I'd say he did quite a good job."
"Considering who his client was, I am inclined to agree. I'd assume manners and good taste aren't your strong suits. No wonder you needed to borrow them from Baroness Mayberry."
"I had to adapt," she said with a shrug. "If the way of solving conflicts isn't breaking fingers one by one, I suppose I can resort to words, too. As for good taste, one can easily buy it. Unlike a better personality."
"At least the other ladies present aren't getting rich off of piracy," she replied.
"At least my only source of income isn't my spouse."

A few women winced at that, including Lady Ansatz. Viscountess remained calm and took a sip of her tea.

"The lifestyles we chose as women and as nobility," Lady Ansatz spoke up, "should not be looked down on, Captain Vervain. The trials we face in our lives are different and perhaps inconceivable to a free spirit like yourself, but it doesn't make them any lesser. In the same vein, I do not think we should look down on a woman who turned her life around to this degree. If Captain Vervain sits here among us looking to leave the life of crime and become a noblewoman just like we are, bringing up her past is simply unfair. We have all faced challenges before, and were forced to do things we'd prefer we didn't have to. It is... unfair to speak in this way."

Viscountess considered her words carefully before speaking. "I see now that I have been a poor guest to you, taking the conversation to such base insults. I apologize for my conduct, Baroness Mayberry. And I apologize to you too, Captain Vervain."

Damn it. She could see what was happening here. Adanita was the last to offend, and Viscountess was the first to apologize. It didn't matter who started it, the ladies were now firmly on that woman's side, waiting for her to do the same. Deescalation would be admitting defeat, continuing onward with this would definitely insult Lady Ansatz. The woman became a close ally to her, Adanita's careless remark was never meant to offend her. I didn't mean to...

"I accept your apology. I am sorry for what I said. It was... harsh, and rash. You didn't deserve such an offensive remark. I am sorry," she said. She could take another loss to this woman. This was fine.

"Captain Vervain is a woman of good character," Lady Ansatz continued. "I have been meeting with her quite regularly lately, and her charismatic nature and endearing personality won me over. Considering she was a member of the pirate crew that stole my ship almost twenty years ago, I should be the one holding the most grudge against her here. Since I am willing to let it go and forge a new friendship with her, I expect nothing less from my closest circle as well. Give her an opportunity to prove herself. If Lord Governor and the Second Prince agree with my assessment, surely there is something here worth our time."

Baroness Mayberry was an excellent diplomat. The silence that followed left the table as embarrassed for their actions as Adanita was for her gaffe. The quiet uncomfortable situation was once again interrupted by Viscountess.

"In that case, I would like to learn how Captain Vervain met our Lord Governor. It has been a subject of gossip for months now, and both of you are incredibly reclusive people. Share the story with us so that we finally know the truth."

Hm. Teo was the better storyteller among them, but she saw no reason why she'd let that stop her. The table was soon enamored with her tale of the fearsome storm, her battle against it to rescue a drowning man, their duel and their diplomatic discussions. She didn't give them details of their talks nor tell them about them sharing her cabin for a few days, but she let them know of his incredible bravery when he was almost killed by Zaum. His kidnapping and duel against Captain Lotus left the table shocked and amazed, and when she let them know the details of the assassination Khamil attempted, she only deepened their hatred for the Vice Admiral.

She left a more positive impression, both of herself and of Rosamund. That was certainly progress. The conversation continued in other directions, first gossiping and listing numerous faults of the Vice Admiral. The focus shifted away from her, and for now, she was allowed to sit in silence and eat some cakes. Next to her, Lady Ansatz was smiling, visibly proud. Good.

The sun crawled up the sky, and soon they reached the hottest time of the day. Lady Ansatz led the ladies inside, into a fine library where they could sit down and chat. The room was reasonably spacious, equipped with a chalkboard, three smaller tables, armchairs, and a table for pool. A few ladies, Lady Ansatz included, took a seat and started practicing their embroidery. One of the younger ladies found a guitar and started playing it to show off her skills. A few women, who specifically came in short sleeves or boleros they could take off, picked up cues and started playing pool. Viscountess seemed to be quite an expert at the game. She was looking down on Adanita with a smirk as she went to sit down and chat with the other women.

"Captain Vervain, would you like to join us for a game?" she asked her, leaning on the cue.
A game she had no time to learn amidst all the other etiquette classes? She came prepared for this. "No thank you," she politely said. "I am afraid my sleeves would not allow it. I may be a commoner, but I'd not stoop so low to roll them up for a gathering like this."
"I wouldn't dare insinuate such a thing," Viscountess easily said. "Then how about some embroidery? Would you want to see which of us is better at it?"
The last time she tried it, she sewed her fingertip to the fabric. She gave her a smile. "You'd like to see me with something sharp in my hands?"
She didn't bother trying to hide a wide smile. She- she was playing with her now! There was no malice behind it this time around. Or, if there was, she was hiding it incredibly well. "There's no need to jump to such drastic thoughts. If I wanted that, I'd have asked you to get your swords again."
"A duel with needles or with blades, it's all the same to me."
"Entertain me, then."
"I have better things to do."

She thought for a few moments, tapping the pool table. By this point it was her turn again and the ladies were all waiting for her, but she ignored them. She was focused only on Adanita.

"I understand now," she said. "Embroidery must be troublesome for you considering the size of your hands. Do you then prefer the men's entertainment?"
For women, it was embroidery and pool. For men, it was games of dice, cards, and chess. Things that could but didn't require your full attention, leaving space for discussion of politics and business. So, no. She wasn't about to discuss either with this woman. "If I wanted to wear trousers to this event, I assure you, I would have," she replied with a smile.
"Come now, Captain Vervain. I have a competitive spirit. I am trying to make amends for my words earlier, surely there is something you'd enjoy doing."

She wanted to chat with Lady Ansatz. A few of her friends also began behaving better, so she wanted to introduce herself to them properly. But if she continued turning Viscountess away, they'd also turn against her.

Competitive spirit, is it?

"Then, would you like a friendly duel?" she asked.
"Goodness! If my understanding of code duello is up to date, that would mean I should choose a weapon."
"And you came unarmed. A rather unfortunate situation," she said, agreeing.
"Oh, that is because I cannot fight at all. I am a mere frail noblewoman, after all. But, I will accept your invitation nonetheless!" She could hardly contain her excitement.
Adanita realized where this was going and smiled at her with a nod, waiting for her to continue.


"I challenge you to a mathematical duel," Viscountess said. "Let's see the tricks a wolf can really learn."