#{welcome to chez Xio. it is only peace and nice women and good food here.}

[bornofbloodandwater]

ARRIVAL

@derobergeist​

The Chateau stands on its own expansive estate; well kept palatial grounds; refreshing, shaded lakes; tall, painterly cypress trees lining the promenade path to the front doors. The building itself a blonde stone expanse, dark slate roof, two towering rows of windows graced with gauzy curtains. “Bienvenue chez moi.” Gesturing for Thackery to finally glimpse her home as the carriage circles the driveway allowing them a full view.

Leading the way up into the foyer, she’s light, excited, ready to finally settle for a while and get to know her friend in relative peace. A single grand staircase sweeps the perimeter of the three story entrance hall, trailing off to balconies above. A chandelier dazzling in place above. Xiomara sauntering off to the left to guide him through the bottom floors. Bumping through the double doors with her hip, facing her guest as she begins to guide him through. “There’s no need to tour the whole manor now, but I will show you some fully furnished rooms that you can choose between, the kitchens, this is-”

        “BIENVENUE À LA MAISON, MADAME!”

Turning on her heel to confront the threat, arm immediately reaching for Thackery to block him from the assault. Jaw clenched, a shifted stance, on edge, prepared.

Xiomara enveloped by a small group of women, forcing the tension from her shoulders to greet them. Familiarity striking her across the face almost as hard as the blush of embarrassment colouring her cheeks.

Hands cupping her cheeks, fussing over her dress, one carding through her hair, attention and fondness in every gesture. A cacophony of French halting as their eyes all eventually find the dark-haired gentleman in the foyer accompanying their Lady.

Swiftly released, the women sinking back and into a more formal line. Xiomara slipping a hand through her hair with a deep breath and a laugh slightly shaken by adrenaline. “Merci, mesdames.” The abruptly shocked, quiet and coy looks on the group’s faces, in comparison to their earlier eagerness. 

        “It would appear my first letter reached them, telling them I was returning, but not my second, that informed I was bringing a guest. Mesdames, rencontrez le Docteur Thackery.” The women offer curtsies, bows and assorted ‘Enchante’s. “Thack, meet the women who keep this estate alive, especially while I’m off galavanting.” Xiomara leads him through introductions. 

Rebecca, a woman who towers even over Thackery, the farrier and groom, who keeps Xiomara’s horses at her own stables closer to town.

Charlotte, the shortest and youngest of the group, a timid blonde, who keeps the cats and chickens well-fed and loved while she is away.

Marguerite, a strict, impeccably dressed, dark-haired woman who cleans the most used rooms twice a week. Essential to the home, scrupulous.

Agnès, the grounds-woman, strong, merry, with skin bronzed from the summer sun. Standing close by Giselle, a dramatically hourglassed beauty with cheeks pink and peppered with freckles, the estate’s gardener who Xiomara allows fitting praise of her talents.

Shortly after, they bow their leave, giving Xio just a little more social breathing room. Leaning her hip against a blush pink chaise longue in rest. “Apologies for the strange welcome. I’ve never brought home a guest from abroad, let alone a man. I’m sure they thought they would never see the day!” Or some at least hoped. “I asked Marguerite to be prepared to make up whichever room you like best. I’m sure you’re dying for a real bed, I certainly am.” Gesturing to the centre table, heavy with fresh fruits, cheeses and pastries, snatching a danish for herself as she makes to loop Thackery back into the foyer and up the stairs. “Help yourself to anything you like, if you don’t, I’ll eat everything on my own before the night is done.”