The Secret Garden (invite)

[Meredith Llewelyn]

It was a bitter night as there had been for some time. The rain had fallen thick and fast in the hours past leaving behind a slight sparkling mist upon the streets of Aqua Sulis. Meredith stood still, a lone figure in the night wondering what made the road so tranquil and the twilight so enchanting. The moon called out to her hidden beneath the curled smoke-filled clouds as a black beast slick as tar trotted past disturbing her perfect stillness.

Grand houses with verandas of iron and windows framed with white marble lined the streets. The occupancies asleep deep in a doze awaiting for the morning when the scrapping of shovel against stone would wake them, and the market sellers would begin their trade with sharp cries of “who will buy.” But tonight, did not belong to the sleepers nor to the breathers. It belonged to those whose bodies cloaked in shadow felt no cold, whose hearts did not beat and yet they loved and lived to the fullest of any who walked this earth.

Tonight, belonged to Meredith or so she decided. She had thought about this night since the day her blue eyes spotted the young neonate. She was not what she was used to and that intrigued her. Rhona was more like a puppy than any she had ever met with her curled hair and big personality. If Meredith was still a Lady then she would have shunned the girl or perhaps invited her to the fold. For surely there was worth in the manipulative little pup.

But this was no meeting to stitch up the girl, no, instead it was a meeting of thanks. For Rhona had helped Meredith in a time of need and a Rose must never have a tilted scale certainly not towards another. So tonight, dressed in a deep navy with knee high boots Meredith was prepared to go that little bit extra with Rhona. She had heard of a secret grove that could be found through a thicket of flora and there she hoped that at last the two neonates could spend some time alone.

[Rhona]

It was a good night. The fine misty rain coated the world in jewels and kept the kine mostly indoors, at least those who had the benefit of somewhere to keep cosy and dry and have no need to roam the streets. Those that were out would be caught in that conflicted state of whether or not to use an umbrella, for the rain was such that it really wasn't worth the effort of an umbrella, but could sink through clothes in minutes if one was out for long without one.

Rue loved these evenings - the world was fresher than usual, the smell of the city less so than it was on the hot muggy nights. What's more, she had a letter tucked into her coat pocket, and an arrangement to meet with one of the more delightful young kindred of the city. It was, of course, strictly for business rather than pleasure. Typically Rue had her sights set a little higher, but since helping the young rose gain some roots in the city she felt honour bound to see how she was fairing - it had been some time, after all.

As usual, the gangrel was dressed as a comely young man, though her clothing had perhaps improved in quality since last she had been out and about. Fewer ink stains and scuffs at least - perhaps she even owned some of the clothes legitimately. The rain formed tiny droplets on her curls and lashes, but that was part of the enjoyment of the evening. She rounded a corner as she approached the destination that had been agreed - confident that the Toreador probably didn't have anything nefarious planned. If she did - well, it would just make the night a little more interesting to see if the pure white Welsh rose had more deviousness than she publicised.

She soon noticed the figure ahead and gave a polite wave, her smile radiating warmth through the mist of rain.

"Miss Llewelyn - how odd to find you here all alone in the rain - you'll catch your death of cold." she grinned.

[Meredith Llewelyn]

She heard her coming, of course she did. Hearing was Meredith speciality and of that she was particularly proud. It was interesting that Rhona's footsteps though light gave away her particularly gate, it was something of a march and a bounce. What an interesting little one she was.

Turning she smiled towards Rhona looking her up and down. What is the girl wearing! She was known for her rougher looks but really dressed as a man. "Ah... 'Mr Spinnet' how delighted I am to see you once again. It seems as luck must be upon me for I seem to have once again, found myself lost."

She closes the distance between then, stepping lightly over a small puddle in front of her lifting her skirt just enough for it not to drag on the ground but low enough to not show her ankle. She knew how to be a 'Lady' even if it was terribly boring.

"It is true that tonight is an uncommonly cold night but don't you love how the water droplets create diamonds in the air. I wonder if there will be a slight frost in the morning?" She looks up and pretends to shiver slightly, "Say would you care for a stroll? In return for your company, I can offer you my umbrella?"

[Rhona]

"Why - that is incredibly kind of you - I seem to have quite forgotten mine!" Rue laughed. "Please allow me, a lady shouldn't have to hold the umbrella herself." she grinned wolfishly as she offered her hand to put it up to shield them from the rain.

"But no...I don't think there will be a frost tonight. The rain might continue into the morrow though...us gardeners tend to notice these things." she winked, turning her head to look at Meredith's pretty face carefully.

"So tell me, where exactly are we headed? I don't know this part of town quite so well, I must admit." This was half true - since arriving in the city she had spent much of her time exploring the various streets and alleys, making sure she was as accustomed to the city's layout as she could be. Even more so in recent evenings since her promotion to deputy. Others might not believe it, but the truth was that she was quite dedicated to doing a good job in her new position.

"If I didn't know better I'd say you could be leading into a painful early demise." she remarked dramatically, her grin touching her dark eyes that glinted amber in the passing gaslights.

[Meredith Llewelyn]

Meredith raised an eyebrow and laughed lightly at Rue's jest, "Oh Sweet thing, you need not fear me. If I had so wished to hurt you I wouldn't have worn my best gloves. Plus I know better than to get into a scrape with a ...Gardiner"

She had actually considered bringing a dagger with her, there was something about the Gangrel she didn't quiet trust. It was probably nothing though and she really didn't want to give Rhona the wrong impression. She really was here to gain friendship and learn a little bit more about the Deputy.

"Well I do know of a beautiful little meadow just through the path there and seeing how you are so fond of the outdoors, I considered it to be a place worthy of your attention. The flowers are quite splendid and there are plenty of small thickets where one can take some time to think and give nature her gaze." Meredith points to a small pathway that seems to twist and turn around a corner, turning from cobbles to mud. The pathway although half-hidden by ancient oaks is well lit and to the eye seems innocent enough.

Meredith begins to walk towards the path explaining, "I had thought that as Deputy you may need a place to think and...a friend to talk too." She smiles with genuine warmth at Rhona finding herself quite comfortable beside her. "I truly am grateful for your guidance when I first arrived here. I fear I could still be roaming that woods if it weren't for you."

[Rhona]

"Sounds quite delightful! I know of a few similar places myself, but they're all a little way out of the main city and - well - it would have been such a hassle to have to deal with all that. This is ideal." she beams, gazing about with genuine interest. Meredith seemed to have her own fairly detailed knowledge of the streets - interesting for one supposedly made for parlours. She certainly wasn't one to stereotype, given her own proclivities.

"And I assure you, I wouldn't ever dream of harming you, or anyone really without very hood reason. I'm sure more than anyone you understand the power a well worded argument can have to dissolve tension, or sooth a sore heart. I'm really not one to enjoy a fight." she said nonchalantly, her words flippant despite their subtext.

"And you have nothing to thank me for. I couldn't leave you out there in the woods now could I? Who knows what might have found you if I didn't. Though you never did explain quite what you were doing there..." She gives her a sideways look, still smiling, more playful than truly questioning her.

[Meredith Llewelyn]

The path is slowly turning more wild. The ladies have to watch there step (just slightly) as roots create veins and weeds a small jungle at their feet.

Jumping over a particularly light one, Meredith raises an eyebrow at Rue and stares at for a few moments taking in her face."How about I give you three reasons and you can choose whichever one to believe? They could all be false, all true, or some false or true?"

Tapping her finger to her chin she thinks of the first one, "It was a lovely night if I remember correctly, with the moon creating a blank canvas below it and the wind was no where to be seen. I was new here in Aqua Sulis and hadn't quiet found my way around it. I wished to meet up with a friend whom I knew from a long long time ago for I was requiring a bit of help. I had heard this person lived in the forest and so I went looking. Did I find the person? Who knows but upon searching or leaving the haven I had gotten lost. My shoe was stuck in the mud and I felt ever so sorry for myself. I thought I would have to find a cave to hide in which really isn't my thing but lucky for me. You came along."

Pushing a branch out of the way, Meredith ducks and holds it for Rue. "Two, I found myself lost in the woods for I had been followed by a very bad man. I had made my way to the south of the river believing that it cannot be so bad, I like to make up my own mind about things. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover." Meredith nods to Rue. "Anyway, I accidentally stumbled into an establishment that a lady really shouldn't have been in and this gentleman thought perhaps with alcohol in his system he could win me over. I didn't wish to create a scene so I decided to wander away from the city and into the woods where perhaps I could loose him. I did loose him but I got lost in the process."

"And lastly." Meredith thinks deeply for a moment concentration on her face, " I had been in disguise working under cover in espionage. My mission was to find the chalice of life and return it to its true owner. Before Ian the terrible got to it first. I turned myself into a man and went on a mission that lasted many months to find the Chalice. Once my mission was complete, I returned to the place where I left my true identity. A beautiful blue dress that I had hidden inside a tree. You found me just after and I faked the being lost thing."

"So what do you think Rhona, am I the damsel trying to find her long lost friend. The innocent lady running from a man or the secret adventurer." Meredith can barely hold her laughter at the last one, she tries her best to keep her face still and serious but knows that she is failing miserably.

[Rhona]

"My dear wild rose, why would you think that there is doubt in my head that you could be all three?" Rhona grins, her teeth flashing for a moment in the very dim light of the mostly obscured moon.

She had been following the footsteps of the Toreador closely, remembering this route for any future uses it might have. It was a terrain she was far more used to than the alleys of the city, with the refuse of the densely packed kine. Boxes, refuse and waste, bodies of the homeless and somehow more strays than she found in the country. She found herself hoping she wouldn't be followed by strays tonight, it might rather spoil the mood.

In truth, Rhona didn't know this woman well enough to make an informed opinion one way or another, but she had seemed competent, even when dealing with her frankly slightly ditsy Tremere friend.

"A few things I do know, however. You are certainly not as innocent as your second tale suggests, I would be wont to say that none of us are. It certainly was a beautiful night when I first found you - and lastly, if you can fully turn yourself into a man, that's something I would very much like to see! I'm sure it would entertain the other ladies of the Rose family endlessly." she smirked, her face languid and amused as she pushed through bracken and thicket.

[Meredith Llewelyn]

Meredith could see the scene now; Valentina stood still in shock, Tatiana looking with disapproval, Verity scolding her. Indeed it would be quite the scene if she did turn up in trousers one day. But truth be told, she couldn't quite get her head around wearing trousers. They showed off far too much figure and why would she want to hide her beauty in the covers of a man. Being a woman came with so much fun and she didn't feel like changing that.

"Oh I can imagine the scandal! I would be thrown from the Roses without a glance." She laughed lightly. "I think I will leave the male get up to you Rhona."

Meredith slipped from Rhona and pushed through some thicket, coming to an opening and at last the meadow. "Just this way, come on."

Stretched before the two was a glorious expanse of grass and meadow flowers, the grass rustled gently in the breeze. To the western edge was a narrow brook which filled the air with the sound of light pitter patter of water droplets joining the never ending river. Tall water-mint with pale purple flowers, like dozens of tiny bells were growing at the edge of the brook. The meadow was framed by a ring of tall oaks creating a sanctuary away from the busy Bath nights.

The black expanse before them had a velvet quality, like the air had thickened and warmed somehow. Glancing up Meredith knew that the clouds had finally been pushed back and she thanked the wind for making it so. It seemed now that twilight was over and the constellations had come out, reminding them that even in the darkness the sun still thought of them. Its broken memory of the two shown through speckled stars.

Turning her back to the meadow, Meredith turned to Rhona "What do you think?"

[Rhona]

Rhona's lips broke into a wide smile, her eyes round with delight as she surveyed the little plot of natural beauty that Meredith had led her to. It was indeed quite lovely, and wholly unexpected given that minutes ago they had been sauntering between townhouses. There wasn't even the grime or smog one might associate with the city, perhaps this area was tended to and looked after somewhat.

"It's magnificent, Lady Llewelyn." She remarked, her hands on her hips as she gazed out over the pasture for a moment. "The perfect place for a midnight rendezvous."

She grinned as she picked up her pace once more to catch up to the other neonate, the grass quickly soaking her shoes and socks with the cold drops of rain that clung to every blade.

"And as far as I see it, without a little harmless scandal what would you have to talk about? It would make the nights awfully boring for the lot of us. And thus, I take upon myself this noble task, this mantle of responsibility." She laughed with a grin, making a dramatic motion that ended with a low elegant bow in front of Meredith.