Music and Stone (Closed)

[Yvonne]

Yvonne effortlessly sidestepped the stampede, letting Henry have it. She recognized the kids from the street, especially Theo. They tackled him before anyone else could. Soon he was overrun by seven kids in all, more than enough teamwork to bring him down. Their energy, their elation for their brother returned home - their love for him assured the half-dwarf that the affection she had for him was warranted. Their cheering in unison, their happy shrieks as they collapsed to the floor told her the story of Henry, greatest big brother in the whole universe. There was no doubt in her mind, this was a man she needed to get to know better.

Theo stood out from his brothers and sisters, the only child brave enough, curious enough - or perhaps the only child unaffected by racial differences - to come close to her. It was a simplistic act but in doing so he separated himself from his little peers. Apart from Henry he was the only one to take a place at the mixed blood's side. The gesture of good will was not lost on her, knowing if the rest of the kids turned against her he might be picked on too. She had to make sure that didn't happen, but as more and more kids arrived in the lobby from adjoining rooms she felt light-headed. There was so many hearts for her to win over and she had no idea how to accomplish that feat. Perhaps if she could somehow impress the majority, the remainders would be convinced by their siblings to give her a chance.

The matriarch of the house commanded the children to let Henry be and their discipline, the way Matilda had disciplined them was unmistakable. The kids fell back in line immediately, their time of play was over. Yvonne's eyes were drawn to the all-powerful woman - her presence in the room carried authority, her word was law in this place. You broke that law at your own peril and no one would side with you against the matron. You broke her rules and you were on your own. Yvonne learned all of this in a matter of seconds, from the body language of the children, from the suddenly stringent atmosphere.

Henry paid his respects to his foster parent, a bow, a hug and some brief catching up she was owed. It wasn't long before Yvonne was beneath Matilda's severe scrutiny. She was measuring the newcomer for the kind of woman she was, the matriarch questioned her moral fiber and whether she was a good person. Indeed, a worthy question to seek the answer to. The matron was a lioness deciding between welcoming a hyena among her cubs or aggressively chasing it off. It wouldn't have been a difficult choice if Henry hadn't been caught up in the mix, but here they were, seemingly together.

The old woman's question of pregnancy brought a coy smile to Yvonne's cheeks. She lowered her eyes modestly, flicked a look at Henry and noticed his beetroot-red embarrassment. She couldn't help but giggle at that but felt fairly certain Mama Matilda wasn't kidding around, so she kept her composure. Not yet he hasn't, though he definitely be thinking about getting me pregnant now. Thank ye for that. It be a great way ta put tha order in for grandchildren. Yvonne was grinning happily at her own thoughts and the matron wasn't impressed at all.

"Hello," the hyena began unsteadily, an uncommon bout of nerves claiming her stomach. Awkward pause, but she found her voice. "Me name be Yvonne, of the dwarven clan Mythrilmantle." The clan name sounded fancy but she didn't include it for flair. It was a significant signed agreement of transparency, intended for Matilda's knowledge. Her clan name gave the lioness the hyena's identity and information on a person could be very valuable, especially if you knew how to exploit it.

With Yvonne declaring who she was should anything happen to the cubs (Henry included) Matilda could hunt down the hyena's pack in its own territory and hold every Mythrilmantle accountable for the transgression. Not personally of course, but you didn't reach her age without meeting a problem-solver or two. The cane she leaned upon was gently utilized and those wrinkles didn't indicate frailty - far from it. They were proof the matriarch had thrice the life experience when compared with the diminutive drow before her. The hybrid would never underestimate what the shrewd old woman was capable of.

Fear of the unknown was one of the most frightening fears experienced by humans. As the rowdy children descended into hushed silence, they stared, wondering why Yvonne looked the way she did. Her silver eyes passed over each of their faces. She'd seen these faces before. Anxiety, bewilderment and confusion, mistrust and suspicion, sneering and sniggering, uncertainty, wide-eyed wonder. Why can't I look normal? It hurt, all of it. Of course it did though she concealed it masterfully, focusing on Theo's beaming grin. She smiled so warmly at him but expressing her gratitude almost brought tears to her eyes. He was her little rock right now and this was not the time to reveal weakness.

In this moment her place was to show respect, for the matron of the house, for the wards in her care and for the house itself, territory in which she was currently trespassing - seemingly without good reason. Let's face it, the invitation of a child does not compare to the lady of the house's acceptance, and that acceptance had yet to be earned. Yvonne's opportunity at an extraordinary first impression was elapsing. The silence in the room was deafening. She could do so much more than this.

Yvonne spoke to Matilda and Matilda alone.

"When I learned there be an orphanage here I wanted ta offer assistance. Minding so many wee ones must be very difficult. I would like ta volunteer a hand. An extra pair of lookers ta keep an eye on the young ones wouldn't go astray. I'm well practiced in tha art of keeping a house clean, no stranger ta hard work and I know me way around a kitchen. Yer home be very beautiful in me honest opinion. Ma owns an establishment of similar size and splendor. Given a chance I could help set tha table, serve dinner and clean up afterward. Ye'll be having no trouble from this one, I assure ye."

With that Yvonne had said her piece and she lowered her head, her silver eyes cast to the floorboards. Her black hands held the edges of her equally black skirt which she gently pulled aside. The hybrid placed her right heel behind her left and bent her knees, back rigidly straight as she lowered herself into a curtsy, a curtsy which she held. Yvonne knew her place. She would stay here, painfully low, her eyes closed. She would not arise until the matron of the house allowed it. Comfort in her home was hers alone to give.

Matilda's turn to decide between kindness and cruelty.