[ Video - Filtered from Steiner, Beatrix, and baddies / Action for palace-people]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[It's been a long time since Garnet has really been on the network. She's kept appearance to responses to close friends, or whenever something interested her. She's been much too self-conscious, especially after that whole debacle with one of the knights spying on her, and broadcasting it for everyone to see...

Today, she seems a put together, if not a bit low in spirits. She's also made a point to access the network under her old Mask account -- the one she made for Dagger, which she hasn't used in a while.]]

I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice. I've been considering... some time away. Just a short stay away, really. Somewhere... quiet, peaceful... but preferably not so completely rural that, should anything come up, I wouldn't have access to immediate aid.

It probably sounds like a tall order, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

Comments

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[There's a pause. Alright, settings adjusted. It's Rosa, after all, and though they were never particularly close, she's known her a long time, and trusts her. It's potential strangers she doesn't trust.]

No, it really does sound very nice. I'd like to, though... Well, I'm certain that I'll meet opposition when I do depart, wherever it is that I go. That's why I asked about privacy. I don't want anyone to know where I'm going.

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[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

[ Suspicions rising, but Rosa's tactful and kind. ]

If that's what you would prefer, we can accommodate it. Is something wrong?

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[There's a bit of a pause, and then a small sigh.] Rosa... It's me. Garnet. [but that doesn't really explain this, so she only pauses briefly, before continuing] I'm just... getting so tired of the way things are right now. No one will let me do anything, without bothering me, or insisting I should re-think it. I'm being treated like I'm made of glass, it's a chore to find any time where I an just be alone...and then when I am, it's not what I want, either.

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[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

I wondered... [ Yeah, she'd thought so, but didn't want to say. Of all the people to speak with about things bothering her friends, Rosa's one of the best. ]

I believe this is a sort of... rite of passage for new mothers. Everyone believes we need special care and treatment.

[ If it's a distraction she's looking for, Rosa can provide. ]

Perhaps some time away would do you good. Troia is quiet enough in that regard.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Assuming anyone will let me. I'm still the queen, but it feels like I'm 16-years-old again. Worse, really. And I feel the soldiers are gossiping more than usual. I'm clumsy, I can't see my own feet anymore--{A small sound of exasperation] I'm sorry to burden you like this.

...was it like this for you? I mean, with Ceodore. [Of everyone she can think of, Rosa might understand the most. Ashe has had a baby, and she's of Royal station, but she was removed from it when she was expecting. All she really has to go by, was the example set by Cid and Hilda...]

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[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

This isn't a burden at all. I am glad to help.

[ She has to honestly think about it, though, so it takes her a minute or two. ]

It was not... quite as difficult for me. Cecil worried for me and the servants and our advisers always liked for me to rest as much as possible. If yours are doing the same thing, it is because they don't want you to over-extend yourself.

[ And it's much harder for Garnet. Rosa had Cecil, after all. ]

But... maybe a little time away from your duties and the pressure might help you. I know how difficult it is.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[She seems more itnerested now, in getting Advice from Rosa, rather than continuing the discussion of a much-needed retreat]

Did you have much help in raising him? I mean... There were always maids, and nurses around when I was growing up. I had time with my mother and father of course, but they were so busy.

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[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

I had many who wanted to help me, but I thought that, as his parents, Cecil and I ought to have a direct hand in raising Ceodore. I never wanted to look back on his childhood and wish I had done more.

[ She nods, hesitating. ]

I... was not born into royalty. My family was part of the nobility of Baron, but nothing more until I married Cecil. What I know of raising a child came from my mother.

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[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[Garnet makes murmuring sounds of understanding.] I feel the same way you do. This is my child, why should someone else be the one to take care of them? And... losing my own parents when I did... I don't want to miss anything. I don't know that anyone here really seems to understand that. But then, I have also heard an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. I don't know if that's meant to mean that it takes many people, or something else.

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[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

Then it should be your choice, Garnet, and no one else's.

[ She listens, understanding completely. ]

Many people, a lot of time. But most importantly, it takes friendship and support. Raising a child with someone else is hard enough, but... you will need to take care of yourself as well. Much as many may have wished in the past, it is a daunting task to take on alone.

Fortunately, I was not alone... and neither will you be. Though many of us are scattered across Gaia, our friendships and stories will help where they can.

[ Meaning, Rosa will do anything she can to help Garnet. ]