eulalia | Veridia: Interlude VI (Reply)

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Jia stood outside the hall and steeled herself. She hoped she was right that Sun wasn't home, and hoped that Aunt Wenna hadn't changed her usual routine recently.

She had been studiously avoiding their hall—she no longer had a reason to visit at all, really—but Xiuying had been, with great coaxing and wheedling on Jia's part, reporting any news that Senovara passed to her. And Xiuying said that Senovara said that Sun and the prince wouldn't have their wedding in Veridia, but somewhere his family could easily attend, perhaps in Evervale or off at Acornhill. The place mattered less to Jia's plans than who was attending.

Jia barged through the unlocked door and found Aunt Wenna exactly where she expected, drinking tea at the table. She usually sat there and drank exactly one cup of tea in silence after she returned home for the day. Jia thought she might excuse an interruption this one time.

She could've spoken to her auntie at her own home; Aunt Wenna still came by at least once a week to visit Jia's da, though these days she only brought Senovara or occasionally Cináed with her, but Jia didn't want her fathers to know about her plans until everything was settled.

Norweni: Jia?

Jia: Send me away, Auntie. Send me to fight for Abona's king. They'd take me if you asked, wouldn't they?

Norweni: Jia... Maccus's warriors do less fighting these days than you think.

Jia: I don't care. I want to go. Send me there, or send me to someone who does fight, or else I'll go find someone to fight for myself.

Norweni: You'll break your father's heart if you go, child.

Jia: Da sent Dunk off easily enough, why not me?

Norweni: Drustan wasn't heartbroken and reckless and spoiling for a fight because of it. You're going to get yourself hurt if you keep on like this. *sigh* If this is what you want—

Jia: It is.

Norweni: —I'll arrange it when we leave for the wedding. But you have to promise me that you'll rein in this new reckless streak of yours. And don't bother denying it—you've always had a bit of it, but you are being reckless lately.

Jia: I'll try.

Norweni: And you have to get a letter to Xiang once in a while so he and poor Eisu will know you're alright.

Jia: Fine. Thank you.

* * *

Norweni would have loved if planning this marriage was as simple as Sun and Cadwgan seemed to think it should be. Just announce your intentions, wed, and live happily ever after—well, perhaps Norweni had let Sun grow up a little bit naive, but Prince Cadwgan ought to know better.

She had spent far too much time composing letters with Xiang over the last month, first the wretched business of informing Cadwgan's parents and then hashing out the details. Where (not Veridia), when (it would be quite soon, Norweni informed Maccus, if they wanted it done before the babe was born, because she would not be letting her daughter travel anywhere while too heavy with child), and of course the actual travel plans and all that traversing the countryside with a half-dozen people requires. Norweni was glad to leave the details of the actual wedding to Queen Senovara.

Senovara: The summertime is coming and the trees are sweetly blooming—

Cináed: Spirits, would you stop singing for ten minutes?

Xiuying: Shut up, Cináed, she can do what she wants.

Cináed: You shut up. You don't have to listen to her humming and singing to herself constantly—

Sun: All of you shut up. Cináed, we're here, so if it bothers you that much, you can both go stand a whole furlong apart. Two furlongs.

Sun: You're lucky to be the youngest child.

Cadwgan: We'll see about that after you actually meet them.

Eluned: Oh, aren't you darling! Come with me, you must want to rest. You can show me your dress for the wedding—you do have another, don't you? Oh, what are we naming the babe? I have some suggestions...

King Maccus: I was sorry to miss that visit you made to Evervale. I wouldn't have minded having you along when I visited Icena last fall, either—she used to like you; maybe you'd've talked sense into her quicker.

Norweni: No thanks. I take it that means you finally talked her out of her ridiculous blood feud?

Maccus: Her granddaughter announced she's marrying one of Icena's gesith, so I think it was more that than my efforts. It's a bit ridiculous to keep feuding over a broken betrothal when the scorned party has wed someone else.

Norweni: I can't believe she's still ruling. That woman must be over eighty by now.

Maccus: Nearly. So! Vee has been beside herself with delight over having a wedding to plan.

Norweni: I'm glad someone's happy.

Maccus: The children seem happy as well. I think it's rather fitting to have you properly become part of the family. And it gives Vee more excuses to drag you out of that village!

Norweni: That village is a market town now, or have you forgotten in your old age?

Maccus: Hah! You're still too easy to rile up, woman.

Norweni: Yes, yes.

Norweni: Senna, what are you doing there?

Senovara: Nothing, Mummy.

Norweni: Then be polite and come over here to make introductions.

Norweni: Vee, this is my younger daughter... Senovara.

Queen Senovara: Oh, another Senovara! How lovely!

Norweni: It was Diseta's mother's name. Don't get any ideas.

Queen Senovara: Never, darling girl.

Senovara: Oh, um, I hope we don't confuse anyone. Since now Sun will have a Senovara for a sister and a mother-by-law.

Queen Senovara: Your mother here often calls me Vee, so you shall call me Auntie Vee.

Senovara: But... shouldn't I call you queen? Since you are?

Queen Senovara: You're the very spit of your mother, aren't you? Auntie Vee, I insist!

* * *

Queen Senovara: Come walk in the garden with me, Norweni. Some of the flowers are starting to bloom.

Norweni: I—

Senovara: Wonderful!

Senovara: I keep telling Maccus we ought to have a proper garden planted, but we spend so little time here now. It's a bit silly when you think of how much effort he put into getting this place back from his uncle. Well, out with it—I can tell you've been biting your tongue all day and I'm terribly curious.

Norweni: I distinctly recall saying that my children are not to be used as pawns, and yet somehow I'm still here for a wedding.

Senovara: Darling, if you think I somehow tasked Cadwgan with seducing your daughter, you're vastly overestimating the influence I have on my own children. If I could do that, I wouldn't have had to send him with you in the first place. Besides, it's hardly my fault that Sun is such a charming girl.

Norweni: And now you have what you wanted.

Senovara: Hm... mostly true.

Norweni: Vee... the times you've said I should come stay with you, are you seriously asking me or are we just doing a bit?

Senovara: Can't it be both, darling? Does this mean your answer is finally 'yes'?

Norweni: You know that I can't. Veridia—

Senovara: Got along well enough before you took it in hand and will get along well enough afterward.

Norweni: I have responsibilities that I can't abandon. It was different before my nephew died; there's no one ready to step in now.

Senovara: Unless you're trying to fashion your very own line of minor kings, you don't have to line up your successor. People will step up in your place. Like you did.

Norweni: But—

Senovara: Try choosing yourself for once.

Norweni: That usually goes poorly for me.

Senovara: Fine then. I suppose I forgot that you prefer to make yourself suffer.

* * *

From one of the high-up rooms of the keep, Sun can just about glimpse the grove where weddings are traditionally held in Acornhill. It's a more thrilling sight than a bunch of trees ought to be.

She does have another dress, thank you very much, Eluned, and she thinks it makes a splendid wedding outfit, especially with the beautiful gold-and-garnet brooches Cadwgan's mother gifted her.

Of course, that moment was quietly upstaged by Norweni draping her own beaded necklace over Sun's head, wryly telling her not to lose it. The stones are heavier than Sun expected and faintly cool to the touch, and in her beads and flowers she feels like a girl from a song or a story. She just wishes...

Senovara: Mummy told me to come back and fetch you. Why do you look sad?

Sun: I'm not sad. I'm very happy. But I wish Jia was here too. I always thought she would be at my wedding, whenever it happened.

Senovara: I still don't understand why you're not friends anymore.

Sun: It's complicated, Sen.

Senovara: I would never, ever stop being friends with Xiuying, no matter what.

Sun: Good for you. I hope you don't.

Senovara: Are you being sarcastic? I can't tell.

Sun: I'm not, actually. I mean it. Come on, I'm ready to go now.

Xiang, what are you wearing? Oh, whatever, I don't care enough to go hunt down your real formal outfit right now, we'll get it back next round.

Most of the guests are actually local nobles/landholders Cadwgan's family knows. Except I only realized when I was sorting the screenshots for editing that I forgot to invite like half of them, and I made them just for this occasion, too. 😭

Norweni: *sigh* Well, I suppose that's done.

Diseta: Why do you have to be like this?

Norweni: I'd like to point out that nobody made you come stand next to me.

Xiang: And here Eisu thought you could both behave for one whole day for your daughter's wedding.

Judging you, better than you, etc.

Well, I guess someone doesn't approve of teen marriage. Get in line, sis.

Cináed got to dance with a princess! Sure, she's sort of waspish, but she's also a gorgeous older girl. Score. ~~I'm surprised Eluned is entertaining this, actually, but maybe she's feeling magnanimous. Or her mother told her to behave.~~

lmaaaaaaao, never mind, Xiuying immediately came and cut in.

Norweni: Offa—it's good to see you again. Don't tell me Maccus still has you fighting.

Offa: No, no, I haven't been in a real fight in years. I just instruct the young ones nowadays. That boy tried to get me to retire, but I told him, what am I supposed to do, sit by the fire reminiscing and dandling my non-existent grandchildren on my knee? I'm not that bloody old. Besides, someone has to keep the newbies in line.

Norweni: Speaking of that...

Norweni: My friend Eisu's daughter has been training with me and her father and the rest of what passes for our town guard, but she wants to leave and fight for Maccus's warriors instead. Or, rather, fight for anyone she can so long as she's away from Veridia... frankly, she has a broken heart and wants to throw herself at whatever will serve to distract her.

Offa: That mindset is an easy way to get hurt.

Norweni: I know. Which is why I would consider it a huge favor if you would take Jia on. I'd prefer she be near someone I trust. She does have a lot of talent, I promise that.

Offa: Aye, why not? Send the girl—Jia, you said?—send her here when you return home. We'll be expecting her. She can't be any worse than you were!

Norweni: Ha, probably not.

What a dork.

Congratulations to Sun and Cadwgan for somehow managing to sit even FARTHER apart than couples usually do at Veridian weddings.

Cináed: ...Anyway, I thought he wanted to become a priest?

Norweni: I think we passed that a while ago, Cináed.

...We're talking about Senna's parents, right? RIGHT?

Maccus and Eluned have moves, apparently.

Cináed: I think Mam might be drunk.

Norweni: What?

Norweni: ...Oh.

Cináed: I don't think I've seen her, like, properly wasted before. It's kind of funny.

Norweni: Diseta, how much wine did you drink?

Diseta: A... lots. My cup kept refilling. I think it's magic.

Norweni: You realize that stuff's as potent as that strong mead your girlfriend makes, right? No, I suppose you wouldn't know—I probably should have warned you...

Diseta: S'fiiiiiine.

Norweni: Right, I'm taking you back to lie down.

Diseta: I don't need you t' take care of me.

Norweni: I literally just watched you almost fall on your face. You need a lie down and a lot of water. Cináed, tell your uncles to keep an eye on everyone for me.

Norweni: Can you manage the hill? Because I don't think I can sling you over my shoulder like a sack of turnips anymore and you'd probably kick me if I tried.

Diseta: I saw the queen...

Norweni: Hmm?

Diseta: I saw her kissing you. In th' garden.

Norweni: She does that sometimes.

Diseta: Hmph.

Norweni: Not while we were married, if that's what you're stumbling toward with this. Not since before the first time you kissed me until... after.

Diseta: Whatever.

Norweni: Come on, then.

Cináed: Do this, Cináed, do that, Cináed... argh!

???: Um, are you okay?

Cináed: Oh! Sorry, I didn't know anyone was here. Uh, not that you're not noticeable! I'm just not paying attention.

???: Actually, I'm not usually noticeable, so you're in good company. Don't worry.

Cináed: Sorry again. I'm Cináed.

???: And I'm Iseult Swanecca. Hi.

Cináed: Swan-neck? That's a bit silly.

Iseult: I think that name came from a great-grandmother... what were you complaining about?

Cináed: Everything. My mum, I guess.

Iseult: Is she really strict? My father is strict.

Cináed: No... she's bossy, but she's not strict. Does that make sense?

Iseult: *shrug*

Cináed: My older sister is having a baby and getting married—well, now she is married—and Mum totally babies my other sister. Everyone does. She's not even the younger twin, I am! It feels like lately the only time anyone talks to me is when I'm getting told to do or not do something.

Iseult: It's not fun, is it.

Cináed: Not really. Is that what your father is like? Always telling you what to do?

Iseult: I guess... my father has really strong opinions. He always wants things done his way and done perfectly. I prefer to be ignored, honestly.

Cináed: Sorry. That sucks.

Iseult: I think you're the first person to ever tell me that. No one really stands up to him except my sister Dalla, but she's not here right now.

Cináed: Is your father here? I could go prank him.

Iseult: No!

Cináed: Do you like pratfalls?

Iseult: Please don't.

Cináed: Okay, okay, but if you change your mind, let me know. I'm amazing at coming up with ideas that adults hate.

Cadwgan: Do you feel alright? It's been a long day...

Sun: I'm fine! My feet are a little sore, but other than that. You're such a worrywart.

The party finally starts winding down well after sunset, probably much to Norweni's relief. I think she's also ready to lie down.

* * *

Norweni: How do you feel?

Diseta: Incredibly embarrassed. Also like I want to take a pick to my skull to let the headache out, but mostly the embarrassed thing.

Norweni: Wine does that. If it makes you feel better, most of the other adults were equally sloshed, and I doubt Sun could tear her eyes off Cadwgan long enough to notice we left.

Diseta: Not really, but, uh. Thanks. For taking care of me.

Norweni: Diseta... do I have to worry about you? Tipsy's one thing, but this isn't the first time I've seen you outright drunk recently.

Diseta: I'm not my father, if that's what you're asking. Just foolish.

Norweni: ...

Diseta: I'll cut back. I... think being around you isn't always good for me.

Norweni: I'm sorry for that.

Diseta: Me too.

Sun: I have to thank you—everything was just perfect.

Senovara: I was just pleased to finally have a wedding to arrange! Now sweetheart, you absolutely must come see us again as soon as the baby is old enough to travel. I just know she's going to be absolutely adorable—Cadwgan was the cutest babe out of my three, although don't tell his siblings that.

Sun: Oh, I bet he had the chubbiest little cheeks ever!

Senovara: He did!

Diseta: So, uh... did you know about Norweni and the... your wife?

Maccus: Hmm? Oh, that, of course. I did introduce them, after all. I take it that means you didn't know?

Diseta: No, but... in my experience, pulling teeth is easier than getting Norweni to talk about herself.

Maccus: Ha, that does sound like her.

Cadwgan: Oh... is the baby moving again?

Sun: A little. It's weird—good weird, but still weird.

Cadwgan: I'm sure. Ready to go home?

Sun: Yeah... I really enjoyed this, don't get me wrong, but I do miss home.

Cadwgan: I've missed it too.

Sun: Really? But you grew up here.

Cadwgan: Veridia's just... calmer. And it has you.

Sun: Aw, you're such a sap.

What, now you want a bathtub AND a butler? Well la-di-dah, look at Mister Bougie over here. 🙄 Whatever happened to the Watcher's proto-communism, huh? How quickly the tables turn.