[ 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

[voice]

[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

Troia would be more than happy to host anyone. It isn't the smallest of places, but it is quiet enough, even for just a day away.

[voice]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Troia... not that you mention it, I don't believe I quite made it to Troia before. Is privacy hard to come by?

[voice]

[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

Not if it is what you wish. Our guest quarters would be open for any who would need them.

[voice]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Oh-- I wouldn't want to impose, I hadn't meant to imply... [and there's the flustered, self-conscious person she's been lately. She stops, and quietly clears her throat] I'm sorry. I've just had a lot on my mind.

Could you tell me a little more about Troia?

[voice]

[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

Please, don't think you would be imposing. Cecil and I do not mind visitors. We have so few.

[ She waits for more. ]

It's a town from our own, governed until now by the Epopts. The townsfolk are kind, generous with their time and energy. Traditionally, the women of the town run it and keep everything flowing smoothly, but Cecil and I have watched over it since we both first arrived. We have a wonderful view of the sea from the castle and would welcome anyone. The town even has a chocobo nursery if that is more your thing.

[voice]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

It sounds... lovely. [and she seems to mean that genuinely. she almost sounds surprised] A bit like Alexandria, really. ...but without all the eyes watching all the time. [she sounds genuinely put off by this. Oh, did she forget to lock this? Woops. Well, hopefully no one has picked up on who is engaging in conversation here, if anyone finds it]

[voice]

[byhissidealways.livejournal.com]

[ The quip about Alexandria combined with the voice makes Rosa wonder... but she doesn't ask. It's not her place at all. ]

If you decide to journey here, Cecil and I would welcome the company, but we understand that Troia isn't to everyone's liking.

[voice-- locked]

[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.

[voice-- locked]

[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?

[voice-- locked]

[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.

[voice-- locked]

[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.

[voice-- locked]

[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...]

[Video]

[heavenslament.livejournal.com]

...you could visit Figaro, perhaps? It's usually peaceful, but there's people around if you need anything.

[Video]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

It's awfully... warm there this time of year, isn't it? I mean, I would assume so, with spring well under way, and it being in the desert.

[Video]

[heavenslament.livejournal.com]

[She shrugs.]

It's warm, but I never thought of it as unbearable. Besides, during the night it cools right down again.

[Video]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

It may be better I saved a trip to Figaro, for later. Even home seems impossibly warm these days.

[Video]

[heavenslament.livejournal.com]

So, no really warm places. There's Narshe, though...that might be too much in the other direction.

[Video]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[she shivers just at the thought] yes, I think that's... too cold. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be difficult.

[Video]

[heavenslament.livejournal.com]

[She smiles and shakes her head.]

It's okay. You should go somewhere that you enjoy, of course.

[action]

[captain-rusty.livejournal.com]

[Steiner is drilling his knights for their morning duties. If the queen needs him, he will of course respond.]

[action]

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[She doesn't need him per-say... but with the weather warming up as it has, taking a walk seemed like a good idea. The gardens are finally starting to come back to life after winter, The people of Tozus seem to be thriving...

But as she passes the knights, doing their drills, she pauses. She watches for a while, then decides to sit down under a nearby tree, and rest. Not an easy task to begin with, really, but once she's settled, she closes her eyes, listening to the sound of birds chirping... ]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

M'Lady

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[Pause. Not someone she really had expected to reply, but a pleasant surprise none the less] Hello, Delita.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Does this day not find you well?

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

[A bit of a sigh] I'm just so very tired of it all. I feel like I'm constantly being watched, and talked about. I never have a moment's peace, and when I do, all I do is think.