FIC Announcements and Invitations
Aug. 22nd, 2008 10:33 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jessara40k_ljTitle: Announcements and Invitations
Fandom: FFVII Cetra Restoration AU
Rating: PG
Warnings: pregnancy, reference to a threesome including an espoused couple
“Mum.” Roseline hugged her mother, relaxing as those strong arms enfolded her in return.
“Can you stay long?” Her mother held her out at arms length for a moment, looking her over with a faint frown. “You look tired. Are you alright? Those Cetra aren’t overworking you, are they?”
“No Mum, I’m fine, better than fine, and they’re not overworking me.” Jackie resented how overprotective their mother could be, but Roseline wasn’t as assertive as her sister, and she’d always appreciated it. “I’m tired for another reason. Actually, they want me to see if Jackie would be willing to work for them as my assistant.”
“Your assistant?” Her mother pulled Roseline into the sitting room, guiding her to a seat before calling for Jackie. “Why do you need an assistant? And you didn’t say if you could stay long.”
“I’ve got an appointment in an hour and a half, but I can stay until then.” She hesitated, knowing that she hadn’t really answered either of her mother’s questions, and decided to explain a bit more while they were waiting for Jackie to arrive. “The reason I need an assistant is the reason I’m tired, and I’d rather just tell you both at once.”
“Is it bad news then?” Her mother sat down beside her, wrapping a supportive arm around her waist.
“No, no, it’s good news.” Roseline smiled as she spoke, to reassure her mother, and at the knowledge she could accept her pregnancy as good news now, not as the minor disaster that had sent her to Warren in tears when she’d first discovered it. “Really good news.”
“Good news? What’s good news?” Jackie sounded eager as she came in the door, standing over Roseline and their mother “Got anything to do with why you wanted to speak to me?”
“Yes. I’m pregnant.” She wasn’t empathic, not the way that healer caste Cetra were, but Roseline could feel the shock her simple statement had created.
“You said good news. So you know who the father is and he’s going to marry you?” The near anger in her mother’s harsh response shocked Roseline, and the hint of accusation hurt her.
“Warren is the only man I’ve ever slept with. The only man I ever intend to sleep with.”
“How could you be so stupid?” Roseline’s mother jumped to her feet and began pacing angrily in front of her while Jackie leaned against the wall and watched with a vaguely amused look on her face. “You slept with one of your employers, under his wife’s nose, and then you let him get you pregnant? What will happen when his wife - your other employer, and the one who hired you - finds out? You’ve got to get rid of it before that happens!”
“No, I don’t.” But Roseline was grateful she’d gone to Warren first, her mother’s words were so close to her own fears that she knew she’d never have been able to defend her desire to keep her child if she didn’t know how well her lovers would take care of her. She rested one hand over her stomach, protectively without really thinking about what she was doing and began to explain more of her situation. “She already knows. Marian was very happy to learn I’m carrying her spouse’s child. Jackie, she asked me if I know anyone I’d be comfortable with suggesting to help me take care of her children, and later this one, from the third trimester of my pregnancy until Rowan’s ten. Whether this child’s human or Cetra Marian wants him raised with her children, and my lovers are willing to effectively adopt her and me if I give them another Cetra child.”
“Lovers, plural?” Jackie sounded even more amused than she looked, and perhaps a bit jealous, rather than scandalised - or disapproving the way their mother looked. “And you suggested me?”
“Yes, and yes. I was Marian’s lover first - it was her idea I should be with Warren to be honest. Jackie, I know you’re ambitious, it isn’t what you want to do with your life, but they’ll let you study, even encourage it, and if they’ve got an opening you’re qualified for when Rowan turns ten you’ll have first refusal.”
“Study what? And where will I get books to study from, or anyone to teach me?” It was an old complaint from her golden haired sister, but this time Roseline had an answer.
“Whatever will make you useful to Marian and Warren. And you can ask any of the people who work for them to explain things to you, as long as you aren’t interrupting their work. As for books...I’ve got access to most of the library and so will you.”
“I would?” Roseline had known that would get Jackie’s attention; her sister lusted after knowledge the way most of the local boys lusted after her.
“Yes, you would. It comes with working at the compound. You won’t be allowed to take any books out of the library, but you can spend as much time as you want there, provided it doesn’t interfere with your job. And you can make whatever notes you want while you’re there and take them away to study.”
“Oh, is that what you do?” Jackie didn’t mean her question to be so pointed. Roseline told herself that it was curiosity and a younger sister asking for her elder’s advice, not a veiled insult, and answered once she had her emotions under control.
“No. I haven’t used the library much.” She’d been secure, and it simply hadn’t occurred to Roseline to think about what would happen when Ian was too old to need her - she simply didn’t think that far ahead. And now, if she gave Warren and Marian a Cetra child her place with them would be even more secure. Of course if she had a human child... “But I’m probably going to start using it. I know I’ve seen books on accountancy and on how to use shorthand.”
“Accountancy I can see being useful, but why did you bother to mention shorthand?”
“For me, not for you.” Roseline smiled at Jackie and began playing with her hair. “Marian said that she’d probably need a personal assistant in ten years, or maybe less, and that she’d give me the job then if I can do it.”
“You can do better for yourself than that Roseline.” Jackie snapped at her, annoyance and frustration mixed in her voice, and Roseline counted to ten mentally, reminding herself that Jackie was concerned about her, even if she’d take this sort of interference better coming from her mother. She glanced at her then, wondering if she’d do anything to stop Jackie picking at her, or if she’d wait until Roseline exploded, but the hard look in her eyes didn’t do anything to give Roseline hope. She still didn’t believe that Marian was okay with Roseline being pregnant, happy about it in fact, and she didn’t think she would be until she’d given birth.
“Jackie, I’m not ambitious. I know you want to be independent, that you don’t want to marry any man who’d try to tie you down to the house or keep you from working, but just because you dream of becoming rich and powerful don’t assume I feel the same way. I’ve always wanted to be a homemaker, to take care of a family, and that’s what Warren and Marian are offering me, if I give them another Cetra child. I know it’s not a conventional family, but I love them, and I know they love me in return.” Not the sort of love you heard about in stories, and she loved Marian more than Warren, a lot more, but it was enough for her, especially knowing that they cared enough about her to make sure she’d be alright, and that they weren’t angry or embarrassed that she was carrying Warren’s child.
“Are you sure of that? You’re certain Warren didn’t just say he loved you to get you into bed, and that Marian won’t change her mind when you give birth?” Her mother had reason to be worried, she’d never been in that sort of position herself, but Roseline knew that her mother had been taken advantage of by a visiting lord, and that her grandmother had been lucky that she was the only daughter, so her dowry had been enough that one of the local men had been willing to marry her anyway, and claim Elizabeth as his own.
“Warren didn’t tell me he loved me until I told him I was pregnant.” She’d been so scared, she’d half expected him to tell her to have an abortion, or worse, dismiss her himself, but he’d hugged her, lifting her up and swinging her around before kissing her as he put her down. “Yes, that could be a manipulation, but I didn’t have sex with him, or Marian, until I was sure I cared about them. And Marian...she’s shown me how she altered her will, I sent the amendment off to her lawyer today, and she’s going to get a contract written up to establish her and Warren’s rights and responsibilities to my child if she’s human. And Marian already explained what role she’d expect me to take in the family if he’s Cetra. Mum, they’re going to effectively marry me if I give them a warrior caste son or daughter.” She held her hand out towards her mother in a near plea for understanding, hoping this would ease her worries.
“Marry you? Don’t be silly, the upper classes don’t marry people like us, even if they weren’t already married to each other.” Her mother shook her head, an expression of disapproval and disappointment, almost contempt, on her face - she wasn’t even going to try to look outside the narrow bounds of her own life experience, or her mothers. Not that Roseline could really blame her, not with how much the world had changed when the Cetra returned, and with how much it had reverted to an older time, to the traditions of Roseline’s grandparents in so many ways. The differences weren’t something her mother would understand...Roseline had a sinking feeling that her mother was beginning to see this as Warren and Marian trying to enslave her or something, keep her as a mistress like some feudal lord from an old story. And the reality of the situation was just close enough to that imagined nightmare that there was no way Roseline could explain the difference to her mother, not well enough for her to accept it anyway.
“It isn’t exactly a marriage, and Marian and Warren aren’t married, not the way you and dad are.” Even if she was addressing her mother Roseline knew that she wasn’t really going to listen, and aimed her words at Jackie instead, knowing that her sister would appreciate the education. “Cetra don’t really marry, they sign contracts to formalise a relationship, and that’s what Marian’s offering me, a formalised relationship with her and Warren, if I can give them a Cetra child. What Marian said...” She wasn’t sure how to put it, so she decided to just paraphrase her lover’s explanation. “Warrior caste tend to prefer group relationships, and hardly ever require fidelity in an espousal, if they even bother with that, although they do often set limits on outside lovers. Technically they’re offering to adopt me, not marry me, but they’d be adopting me as Marian’s children’s mother, so it’s close enough to a marriage, and I’d still take care of the children.”
“That’s why I don’t really want to marry, or have children, because then I’d have to give up my ambitions, to take care of the children. Unless I was rich enough to do what Marian did and hire someone to take care of them for me.” This was an old argument, and Roseline wondered if Jackie was trying to help her by drawing their mother into fighting with her instead of attacking Roseline the way she was now. It didn’t work though.
“Don’t be silly Jacqueline. And don’t try to distract me. So in other words they want you to raise their children for them and stop paying you.”
“If I’m part of the family they’re obliged to provide for me. Mum, I can’t change that I’m pregnant, not now that Warren and Marian know about it, there’s no way any local man would want me like this, even if Warren or Marian were inclined to allow it. Please, this is the best I can hope for, it’s what I want, and I’m old enough to make my own choices and face the consequences myself. This is upsetting me, please, I wanted you to be happy for me, or at least not to try and hurt me like you are.”
“Oh Rosie.” there was a world of sorrow in her mother’s voice as she sat down beside her again, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I can’t be happy that you’ve found yourself in this position. But you’re right, there’s nothing to be done, not really, and you are old enough to face the consequences of your actions yourself. And you don’t need me to tell you how much trouble you’re in. I’m sure you already know that yourself. We can talk about something else if it will make you feel better.”
“Yes, it will.” Roseline was aware how small her voice was. She’d let Marian’s easy acceptance of her pregnancy influence her into believing her family would be just as willing to see it as a good thing , and to celebrate with her, but she should have known better. “Jackie, will you take the job?”
“I’ll need more information, but you can tell me that later. I’m willing enough.” Jackie hesitated then, looking at their mother with a faint frown on her face. “If it won’t leave you short handed that is, Mum.”
“No Jackie, it won’t. I was expecting you to try for a job with the Ashe trading caravans this year anyway. I know you’ve made sure no local boy would want to marry you. So Rosie, have you heard about Tom Delbert’s new romance yet?”
“No, not yet. How recent is it?” At least the rest of her visit would be taken up with light hearted gossip like this, and Roseline felt herself relaxing.
Fandom: FFVII Cetra Restoration AU
Rating: PG
Warnings: pregnancy, reference to a threesome including an espoused couple
“Mum.” Roseline hugged her mother, relaxing as those strong arms enfolded her in return.
“Can you stay long?” Her mother held her out at arms length for a moment, looking her over with a faint frown. “You look tired. Are you alright? Those Cetra aren’t overworking you, are they?”
“No Mum, I’m fine, better than fine, and they’re not overworking me.” Jackie resented how overprotective their mother could be, but Roseline wasn’t as assertive as her sister, and she’d always appreciated it. “I’m tired for another reason. Actually, they want me to see if Jackie would be willing to work for them as my assistant.”
“Your assistant?” Her mother pulled Roseline into the sitting room, guiding her to a seat before calling for Jackie. “Why do you need an assistant? And you didn’t say if you could stay long.”
“I’ve got an appointment in an hour and a half, but I can stay until then.” She hesitated, knowing that she hadn’t really answered either of her mother’s questions, and decided to explain a bit more while they were waiting for Jackie to arrive. “The reason I need an assistant is the reason I’m tired, and I’d rather just tell you both at once.”
“Is it bad news then?” Her mother sat down beside her, wrapping a supportive arm around her waist.
“No, no, it’s good news.” Roseline smiled as she spoke, to reassure her mother, and at the knowledge she could accept her pregnancy as good news now, not as the minor disaster that had sent her to Warren in tears when she’d first discovered it. “Really good news.”
“Good news? What’s good news?” Jackie sounded eager as she came in the door, standing over Roseline and their mother “Got anything to do with why you wanted to speak to me?”
“Yes. I’m pregnant.” She wasn’t empathic, not the way that healer caste Cetra were, but Roseline could feel the shock her simple statement had created.
“You said good news. So you know who the father is and he’s going to marry you?” The near anger in her mother’s harsh response shocked Roseline, and the hint of accusation hurt her.
“Warren is the only man I’ve ever slept with. The only man I ever intend to sleep with.”
“How could you be so stupid?” Roseline’s mother jumped to her feet and began pacing angrily in front of her while Jackie leaned against the wall and watched with a vaguely amused look on her face. “You slept with one of your employers, under his wife’s nose, and then you let him get you pregnant? What will happen when his wife - your other employer, and the one who hired you - finds out? You’ve got to get rid of it before that happens!”
“No, I don’t.” But Roseline was grateful she’d gone to Warren first, her mother’s words were so close to her own fears that she knew she’d never have been able to defend her desire to keep her child if she didn’t know how well her lovers would take care of her. She rested one hand over her stomach, protectively without really thinking about what she was doing and began to explain more of her situation. “She already knows. Marian was very happy to learn I’m carrying her spouse’s child. Jackie, she asked me if I know anyone I’d be comfortable with suggesting to help me take care of her children, and later this one, from the third trimester of my pregnancy until Rowan’s ten. Whether this child’s human or Cetra Marian wants him raised with her children, and my lovers are willing to effectively adopt her and me if I give them another Cetra child.”
“Lovers, plural?” Jackie sounded even more amused than she looked, and perhaps a bit jealous, rather than scandalised - or disapproving the way their mother looked. “And you suggested me?”
“Yes, and yes. I was Marian’s lover first - it was her idea I should be with Warren to be honest. Jackie, I know you’re ambitious, it isn’t what you want to do with your life, but they’ll let you study, even encourage it, and if they’ve got an opening you’re qualified for when Rowan turns ten you’ll have first refusal.”
“Study what? And where will I get books to study from, or anyone to teach me?” It was an old complaint from her golden haired sister, but this time Roseline had an answer.
“Whatever will make you useful to Marian and Warren. And you can ask any of the people who work for them to explain things to you, as long as you aren’t interrupting their work. As for books...I’ve got access to most of the library and so will you.”
“I would?” Roseline had known that would get Jackie’s attention; her sister lusted after knowledge the way most of the local boys lusted after her.
“Yes, you would. It comes with working at the compound. You won’t be allowed to take any books out of the library, but you can spend as much time as you want there, provided it doesn’t interfere with your job. And you can make whatever notes you want while you’re there and take them away to study.”
“Oh, is that what you do?” Jackie didn’t mean her question to be so pointed. Roseline told herself that it was curiosity and a younger sister asking for her elder’s advice, not a veiled insult, and answered once she had her emotions under control.
“No. I haven’t used the library much.” She’d been secure, and it simply hadn’t occurred to Roseline to think about what would happen when Ian was too old to need her - she simply didn’t think that far ahead. And now, if she gave Warren and Marian a Cetra child her place with them would be even more secure. Of course if she had a human child... “But I’m probably going to start using it. I know I’ve seen books on accountancy and on how to use shorthand.”
“Accountancy I can see being useful, but why did you bother to mention shorthand?”
“For me, not for you.” Roseline smiled at Jackie and began playing with her hair. “Marian said that she’d probably need a personal assistant in ten years, or maybe less, and that she’d give me the job then if I can do it.”
“You can do better for yourself than that Roseline.” Jackie snapped at her, annoyance and frustration mixed in her voice, and Roseline counted to ten mentally, reminding herself that Jackie was concerned about her, even if she’d take this sort of interference better coming from her mother. She glanced at her then, wondering if she’d do anything to stop Jackie picking at her, or if she’d wait until Roseline exploded, but the hard look in her eyes didn’t do anything to give Roseline hope. She still didn’t believe that Marian was okay with Roseline being pregnant, happy about it in fact, and she didn’t think she would be until she’d given birth.
“Jackie, I’m not ambitious. I know you want to be independent, that you don’t want to marry any man who’d try to tie you down to the house or keep you from working, but just because you dream of becoming rich and powerful don’t assume I feel the same way. I’ve always wanted to be a homemaker, to take care of a family, and that’s what Warren and Marian are offering me, if I give them another Cetra child. I know it’s not a conventional family, but I love them, and I know they love me in return.” Not the sort of love you heard about in stories, and she loved Marian more than Warren, a lot more, but it was enough for her, especially knowing that they cared enough about her to make sure she’d be alright, and that they weren’t angry or embarrassed that she was carrying Warren’s child.
“Are you sure of that? You’re certain Warren didn’t just say he loved you to get you into bed, and that Marian won’t change her mind when you give birth?” Her mother had reason to be worried, she’d never been in that sort of position herself, but Roseline knew that her mother had been taken advantage of by a visiting lord, and that her grandmother had been lucky that she was the only daughter, so her dowry had been enough that one of the local men had been willing to marry her anyway, and claim Elizabeth as his own.
“Warren didn’t tell me he loved me until I told him I was pregnant.” She’d been so scared, she’d half expected him to tell her to have an abortion, or worse, dismiss her himself, but he’d hugged her, lifting her up and swinging her around before kissing her as he put her down. “Yes, that could be a manipulation, but I didn’t have sex with him, or Marian, until I was sure I cared about them. And Marian...she’s shown me how she altered her will, I sent the amendment off to her lawyer today, and she’s going to get a contract written up to establish her and Warren’s rights and responsibilities to my child if she’s human. And Marian already explained what role she’d expect me to take in the family if he’s Cetra. Mum, they’re going to effectively marry me if I give them a warrior caste son or daughter.” She held her hand out towards her mother in a near plea for understanding, hoping this would ease her worries.
“Marry you? Don’t be silly, the upper classes don’t marry people like us, even if they weren’t already married to each other.” Her mother shook her head, an expression of disapproval and disappointment, almost contempt, on her face - she wasn’t even going to try to look outside the narrow bounds of her own life experience, or her mothers. Not that Roseline could really blame her, not with how much the world had changed when the Cetra returned, and with how much it had reverted to an older time, to the traditions of Roseline’s grandparents in so many ways. The differences weren’t something her mother would understand...Roseline had a sinking feeling that her mother was beginning to see this as Warren and Marian trying to enslave her or something, keep her as a mistress like some feudal lord from an old story. And the reality of the situation was just close enough to that imagined nightmare that there was no way Roseline could explain the difference to her mother, not well enough for her to accept it anyway.
“It isn’t exactly a marriage, and Marian and Warren aren’t married, not the way you and dad are.” Even if she was addressing her mother Roseline knew that she wasn’t really going to listen, and aimed her words at Jackie instead, knowing that her sister would appreciate the education. “Cetra don’t really marry, they sign contracts to formalise a relationship, and that’s what Marian’s offering me, a formalised relationship with her and Warren, if I can give them a Cetra child. What Marian said...” She wasn’t sure how to put it, so she decided to just paraphrase her lover’s explanation. “Warrior caste tend to prefer group relationships, and hardly ever require fidelity in an espousal, if they even bother with that, although they do often set limits on outside lovers. Technically they’re offering to adopt me, not marry me, but they’d be adopting me as Marian’s children’s mother, so it’s close enough to a marriage, and I’d still take care of the children.”
“That’s why I don’t really want to marry, or have children, because then I’d have to give up my ambitions, to take care of the children. Unless I was rich enough to do what Marian did and hire someone to take care of them for me.” This was an old argument, and Roseline wondered if Jackie was trying to help her by drawing their mother into fighting with her instead of attacking Roseline the way she was now. It didn’t work though.
“Don’t be silly Jacqueline. And don’t try to distract me. So in other words they want you to raise their children for them and stop paying you.”
“If I’m part of the family they’re obliged to provide for me. Mum, I can’t change that I’m pregnant, not now that Warren and Marian know about it, there’s no way any local man would want me like this, even if Warren or Marian were inclined to allow it. Please, this is the best I can hope for, it’s what I want, and I’m old enough to make my own choices and face the consequences myself. This is upsetting me, please, I wanted you to be happy for me, or at least not to try and hurt me like you are.”
“Oh Rosie.” there was a world of sorrow in her mother’s voice as she sat down beside her again, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I can’t be happy that you’ve found yourself in this position. But you’re right, there’s nothing to be done, not really, and you are old enough to face the consequences of your actions yourself. And you don’t need me to tell you how much trouble you’re in. I’m sure you already know that yourself. We can talk about something else if it will make you feel better.”
“Yes, it will.” Roseline was aware how small her voice was. She’d let Marian’s easy acceptance of her pregnancy influence her into believing her family would be just as willing to see it as a good thing , and to celebrate with her, but she should have known better. “Jackie, will you take the job?”
“I’ll need more information, but you can tell me that later. I’m willing enough.” Jackie hesitated then, looking at their mother with a faint frown on her face. “If it won’t leave you short handed that is, Mum.”
“No Jackie, it won’t. I was expecting you to try for a job with the Ashe trading caravans this year anyway. I know you’ve made sure no local boy would want to marry you. So Rosie, have you heard about Tom Delbert’s new romance yet?”
“No, not yet. How recent is it?” At least the rest of her visit would be taken up with light hearted gossip like this, and Roseline felt herself relaxing.
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no subject
Date: 2008-08-22 09:33 am (UTC)is that related to the oneshot you wrote...a while...ago???
Surely sounds like that^^
I really enjoyed reading it^^
And it's about Rowan's parents, too, ne?
*tries to get all the different stories together*
It was great and I liked that it showed a lot about the live outside the high nobility
*hands cookies*
You did a wonderful job with this!
no subject
Date: 2008-08-22 09:53 am (UTC)The one where Roseline told Marain that she was pregnant? Yes, it's a direct sequel to that one.
I really enjoyed reading it^^
Glad you enjoyed it.
And it's about Rowan's parents, too, ne?
Indirectly, yes.
*tries to get all the different stories together*
The stories about Rowan's parents are the only ones I haven't linked in my last post.
It was great and I liked that it showed a lot about the live outside the high nobility
Yeah, that's one of the big reasons I'm writing these bits about Rowan's family. Haven't got any inspiration for Brangwen's clan, or for Morvoren's involvement with Angeal, or I'd do that as well.
You did a wonderful job with this!
Thanks
no subject
Date: 2008-08-22 03:51 pm (UTC)Keep up the good work.
no subject
Date: 2008-08-26 08:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-25 11:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-26 08:38 am (UTC)Thanks.
I do understand how her mother feels though. Once betrayed and you do your best to not be again.
Yes, her mother's worry is perfectly reasonable. She doesn't know, love and trust Marian the way Roseline does, and her mother told her stories about how she was used and abandoned by a visiting lord her whole life.
Wonderful chapter
Date: 2008-08-29 09:59 am (UTC)Re: Wonderful chapter
Date: 2008-08-29 10:20 am (UTC)Good. I wanted that to come across, that she had reasons for her concern.
She doesn't know this is a solid relationship, and financially secure.
No, Roseline never mentioned her relationship with Marian to her, because the humans in this area don't really like same sex relationships, and being with Warren is too new. That's in addition to the fact that the humans think Marian and Warren are married, rather than espoused.
Also it isn't what she dreamed of for her daughter
Yes, I think she had the idea that Roseline would only work long enough to build up a porper dowry, then settle down and marry one of the local boys. Jackie on the other hand is expected to become a successful merchant, either in her own right, ideally, or under the aegis of Marian and Warren's business.
if it came to a divorce or quarrel, Rosalind would be at a considerable disadvantage.
No, adopting Roseline in the family isn't something Marian and Warren can rescind, but her mother doesn' know that. She's filtering what Roseline tells her through the prism of her own experience and human history, so she thinks Warren and Marian are offering to keep Roseline as their mistress, which is a very vulnerable position.