“Can I help you Muirenn?” the lady at the counter, Efa, asked me. The petite middle-aged woman owned the new shop with her husband. They were both just a little younger than I was. He had rights to the establishment and handled the book keeping, and Efa did the purchasing and selling.
“I’m here to take a look at the silk that came in,” I told her, looking around the shop. There were some clothes already made in the shop, mostly for women who were no longer able to sew or men without wives. Most of the shop was filled with shelves of bolts of fabric. There were so many colors and patterns I realized I should have done the shopping for the clothes myself and made them by my own hand than allowing the chief dame to have her servants do it for me. I liked a colorful variety, even though most of the material I wore was wool.
Efa nodded and went into a back room. She promptly returned with a shimmering white silk bolt. She ran her hand over the fabric, enjoying the softness of it.
“How much would you like?” she asked me.
“I think thirty yards would do fine. If I need more I could come back. I also would need a good amount of lining material for it,” I replied.
“Very good.” The woman took the fabric back to properly cut it and then went into the main shop area to gather the lining fabric. She did the same with that and handed them both to me. She only charged me a little for the lining since she would make a good amount off of the silk that was donated.
I walked out, arms full. Eclipse pattered behind me as I took my goods back to the keep. I was so glad we finally had a fabric shop as otherwise we would have to wait until a merchant came through. Efa had been quite good at haggling down prices if they were too much so the whole village benefitted from it. It was very convenient to walk to a fabric shop rather than waiting.
Once I got back to my apartment I started to get to sewing. Luckily, my mother had generously provided me with an already fitted muslin pattern to work from so it wasn’t hard to cut out all the pieces and sew them together. I didn’t even need to size them to fit me as she had taken measurements before making the muslin template.
Eclipse sat down in a corner to stay out of my way although he eyed the shimmering fabric with mild temptation. I knew he wanted so much to pounce on it every now and again. I had only a few weeks to finish the garment and I wasn’t about to let Eclipse deter me. I stayed quietly in my room. Emylyn came in every so often to offer me a drink or help. Occasionally I let her help with the sewing. She was still new to the art so I was a bit hesitant at first but I need did the assistance.
As I carefully worked on the train and then the bodice I could only imagine what Theron would think of me as I walked down the newly made stone aisle.
Theron’s parents arrived from Midonia a few days later. Queen Eirene and King Cyrus both came out of their coach after crossing the Humble Bridge dressed in Fanarion robes. Being Sedfyr, it was much colder than they were used to, so the chief dame upon seeing them shivering, quickly rushed them into the keep where it was warmer. She saw to it that they were given apartments already prepared for them and suitable garments to wear during their stay. Efa had been informed of their arrival in enough time to make appropriate clothes—ones that exemplified their status.
I had a headache, no doubt because of the changing weather. I didn’t have the issue when I was younger but as I grew older I started to notice things more with my body. I felt as though I was beginning to fall apart. At least my soon-to-be husband would be able to cure me from such ailments.
I was waiting at the start of the stairs on the keep’s main level for them. As soon as they came in they both embraced me as one of their own—which was customary since I would be a part of the family very soon.
“If you would like to come up the stairs, Your Graces, I will show you to your rooms. There is more suitable clothing for this climate there for you. We wouldn’t want you to catch cold before the wedding,” I told them both.
“Thank you Muirenn,” Queen Eirene said to me. “I am sorry you had to go through what you did with my son. We had no idea he was going to do that, but once he had, it would have been even more confusing to try and explain it when we saw you. Our son Alexo thought it was quite amusing, did he not?” I nodded, perturbed as I recalled Alexo’s reaction. I led the couple up the stairs and directed them around the side of the keep to get to the guest apartments. The rooms that were made ready for the king and queen were situated near Theron’s. He almost opened the door into us as we passed.
“Mother!” he exclaimed, noticing his parents had arrived. “I thought I heard footsteps outside my door. They sounded too heavy for a single servant. How was your trip?”
“Quite well, Son,” she answered.
“How are you getting on?” his father asked him.
“Nervous. I think both Muirenn and I are,” he told his father.
“It’s not so bad. I have to finish the wedding dress. You have it easy Theron. Efa makes men’s clothing often,” I said.
“If you want any help, you only need tell me,” Queen Eirene offered. “I need to get these hands busy again. Besides, it would give me time to better know my almost daughter-in-marriage.” I accepted her hospitality and left them to get settled in their rooms. Apparently the custom in Fanarion is to have two rooms for a married couple. If one wanted to come calling, he or she would go to the others room. It seemed like a waste of space to me. I would think they would get lonely. I didn’t plan on adhering to that custom when I was married.
Theron waited for me rather than visiting his parents. He was still standing by his door when I left them.
“Yes?” I questioned him. “What do you want?”
“I was wondering if I could steal a kiss from my bride,” he asked me.
“I think you can wait for it. I’m not your bride yet. You have to hold off a few more days,” I teased, but I did allow him a hug. He took the liberty of running his fingers down my back. I struggled out, warning him he’d better watch himself. Someone might see and think it inappropriate.
“It’s not my fault you are so tempting,” he murmured. While it was only midday, the halls were dark and only lit by fiery sconces on the walls. The light danced off of his curls and cascaded down his olive skin. He took my hand in his. I breathed in the air, catching for a moment the smell of his skin—patchouli.
“You’ve been trading with the Chalosians,” I noted. Chalos was the only region hot enough to be able to grow the fragrant herb. The plant couldn’t grow well in Fanarion where the trees aren’t as tall or close-knit. They prefer the lack of solislight provided by the jungles in Chalos.
“I figured I might as well. It would be good for me to get to know them before I rule. My mother is on very good terms with the queen there, since it is ruled exclusively by women. They call her Malixiea. I figured I should keep the good trade demeanor,” Theron explained, painting swirls along my hand with his finger. He then moved his hand up to my head to brush away a few strands of hair.
“It makes sense,” I cooed. The headache I had earlier was now gone, cured by Theron’s touch. He noticed it immediately.
“Why didn’t you come to me sooner about it?” he asked me directly.
“I didn’t want to bother you with it,” I said earnestly. I pulled his hand down from my head. “You don’t need to bother yourself with me just yet. I need to get back to work.”
“The dress?” he asked.
“Yes, the dress,” I stated. I held his hand for one more second and then let it go, the soft skin ebbing away from mine. It was nice to feel soft skin rather than calloused hands. He didn’t have to worry about that—they would always heal.
I went back to my apartment and was greeted by Eclipse after opening the door. He had been waiting patiently for me there.
“You are such a good little boy,” I said while he mewed for me. He wasn’t really little anymore but he was lean. I picked him up and started to pet his head. “I hope you like traveling.” I had fully intended to take
Eclipse on our journey through Aelisonia which meant I would have to take him with us to Midonia. I sat him down and got back to the dress. I couldn’t exactly blaze through sewing it as I might have with another garment. The main issue was if I were to ever prick myself I couldn’t imagine how to get the stain out of the silk.
Eclipse sat down nearby and watched me intently, keeping his eyes on the needle as it went down and up through the fabric. He behaved surprisingly well—not trying to bat at anything in the slightest. At least I would have some company later. Emylyn was attending the chief dame as was required being a maiden. I waited for Queen Eirene to come and assist as she said she’d do.
“Are you ready, my dear?” the queen of Fanarion asked me after we finished the last bit of the dress. It was time to try it on. The wedding was tomorrow and we only had today to adjust the dress to fit me in case my measurements had changed since I started on the gown. I carefully lifted the dress off of the floor and Eirene helped raise it over my head. My mother knocked on the door and asked to be let in. Once she came in and the door was shut behind she just stared at me. I could see tears in her eyes.
“Hello Mother,” I said as I acknowledged her.
“Your daughter is quite beautiful, is she not Adelle?” Queen Eirene asked my mother.
“Yes,” Mother said, taking a deep breath to get control of her emotions. “I have never seen her like this before. It takes a mother seeing their daughter in a wedding gown before you realize they are all grown up.”
“Do you require a handkerchief?” the queen asked.
“I think I will be fine. It is quite a lot to take in,” Mother replied with a sniffle, rubbing her hands underneath her eyes.
“Tomorrow you will gain a son, and I a daughter,” Eirene told my mother. Mother nodded and smiled. “You never lose them. They will always be close in your heart.”
“Have the rings been made?” I asked. A refugee woman from Chalos had come to Feyris recently and offered her silversmithing services when she found out there would be a marriage taking place. Rings were never permanent before. Usually they were made of wood and crafted only for the initial ceremony (although the chief dame found hers later to put on her finger to remind herself of Leofric). In Chalos they were made in silver and in multiple connecting pieces. Only the partner knew how to put the pieces back. It was a way to tell if the partner was loyal—if the ring was removed then only the other person would know how to put it back. The woman from Chalos said she would make silver rings in the look of the wooden ones for us, one solid band. It was a bit unusual to hear of a woman in such a trade, but in Chalos the women had the roles of trade and leadership and the men worked the household. It was a bit backwards. At any rate, we were glad of the woman’s service. She was tired of all the rules in Chalos so she had been traveling from clan to clan until she came to our village. The chief dame welcomed her with open arms, saying she’d be a great addition to the workforce. No one disagreed.
“She just finished them. I have them here if you would like to see them,” my mother said, stretching out her arms and opening her hands, each holding one of the bands.
“Exquisite workmanship. Or should I say workwomanship?” Queen Eirene giggled.
“I wouldn’t mind having some made for my husband and I,” Mother said. “Perhaps she could also engrave something into it for me. It would be nice to have something to remember him while he’s off shoeing the horses and I’m keeping house. By the way Muirenn, Brynna and Logan have given your father and me the fosterage of their child. They thought it would be appropriate as I have the time to assist now.”
I looked at the bands. They were well crafted. Not only did the male band look flawless, but I noticed the smith had carved vines into it that interlocked. There wasn’t enough room on my band but I didn’t care. It was still beautiful and more than most women here would get. Silver was intended to last through the ages.
“What about the veil?” I inquired. “I hadn’t thought to make one. I know Brynna had one.”
“It is not necessary my dear,” Eirene told me. “I have something better planned for you. I will be back in a few moments.” The queen left the room and I assumed she went to her apartment.
“His mother seems very nice,” Mother noticed. “Her husband seems a bit more quiet and complacent. He reminds me of Chieftain Bothildr in that.”
“He’s quite talkative actually. You haven’t heard him around much. Just wait till Theron gets together with them. It’s non-stop,” I laughed. “They get on quite well. It’s no surprise he calls himself the king’s favorite.”
“Would you like me to do a test run on your hair for tomorrow? I did not know if you had someone already planned to do it for you.” asked my mother.
“I would love for you to do it. It is yet another thing I’ve forgotten to think of,” I said to her.
“It is quite all right. Did you have anything specific in mind Muirenn?” she inquired. I shook my head. I hadn’t been to enough weddings to know what the standard practice was, so I let my mother do as she would. The queen of Fanarion came in as my back was to her and I could hear my mother ogle whatever it was she had. My mother told me not to turn around yet so I waited until she was done. It was quite relaxing to have my hair combed out and stroked and toyed with. I felt weight being added and then some of my hair was put up on top of my head, and some let loose down my back.
“Oh my dear, you look wonderful,” Mother said with happiness in her voice. “I think I need to get something for you.”
“Get me what?” I asked, turning to face her.
She answered me. “The mirror in the chief dame’s chamber. Of course, I need to ask her if I can borrow it but I know she would not mind. You just must see how you look.”
She left the room and closed the door and I was left with Theron’s mother. I could sense Eirene was glad for the marriage. The whole air about the keep was lighter than normal. The wedding arrangements also increased the amount of trade. There were a few people from Fanarion in the royal caravan that would buy from our vendors and in return, give something of theirs that could be sold later. Some of those people were friends with merchants and decided to try their luck at larger purchases in coin. We didn’t have much to offer them. We did have plenty of unique herbs only native to our region but there were also rock quarries nearby and salt mines. Kyrie had a salt trade as well but they were too far away for any serious trading.
Queen Eirene was fairly quiet. She tried with small talk but it was awkward. I didn’t notice it so much when we were working on the dress together because we had talked about our projects. I still was working on the tapestry. It was in the sewing room, but I told her I would show it to her before the wedding. I was glad when my mother returned with the mirror. It was of a decent size and I hadn’t ever noticed it in there before. Perhaps she had hidden it from the maidens. I knew Tegan would be bound to it, looking into it for hours on end if she could. I was surprised my mother could carry it as it looked clunky. At least the chief dame’s room wasn’t too far away.
“Here, Muirenn. Have a look at yourself,” Mother told me. She sat the mirror down against the wooden table in the room. I backed up so I could get my body in it as much as I could.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had a waist, a chest, a figure! Where had all this been hiding, or had I not ever noticed? My hair wasn’t as frizzy as I remembered. My skin wasn’t blotchy—probably due to all my encounters with Theron. I noticed that my lips were still thin and my nose hadn’t changed but I had grown since I last saw myself and they looked like they were meant for my face. My head was adorned with a crown of Fanarion—beautiful golden leaves touching each other in a complete circle. That must be what Queen Eirene had given my mother to replace my veil. She must have planned to give it to me anyway. It was beautiful. I was beautiful. I saw for the first time what Theron must have seen the first time he met me. I couldn’t help but tear up and bring a hand to stop them from dripping all over m
y beautiful gown.
“My son will be in awe of you tomorrow,” Eirene said with a smile across her face. “You will truly be a gem to all of Fanarion.”
“Eventually she will. There would be time for that later. You did intend to travel to Aelisonia afterwards?” my mother added.
“Yes we did,” I sputtered, still trying to get over the look of myself.
“Are you ready to get out of the dress? I know you. If we do not remove it now, there is a good chance it will get blemished,” Mother asked. I nodded and she helped me out of the gown. I changed into my maiden gown. Then the queen helped remove the crown from my head.
“Once you are married to my son you will formally be a daughter of Fanarion,” Eirene stated. “I did not know if you were aware. In Fanarion we do not go by titles other than king and queen so you will not be uncomfortable there but you may encounter the usage of ‘Princess’ in Aelisonia. I did not want you to be startled.”
Truthfully I had wondered what came with marrying another royal (even though I typically never considered myself one). Clan rule is a bit different than a monarchy. The children aren’t always heirs and the family members have village people status for the most part. Of course, it wasn’t as though I had much choice. It was still, technically, an arranged marriage. I could only think of the prayer I had offered up to the Creator on Talfrin’s deathbed. What of Lunamae? What about her marriage? I wondered if she had even heard from Marcus. It’s been quite a while now. We still haven’t had any word from Kyrie on who would marry her. Every time I thought about it I was drawn back to my own wedding. Tomorrow was speeding ever faster. I didn’t know if I could wait for it.
“Do you, Theron, son of Fanarion, take Muirenn of Clan Frys of the village Feyris as your wedded wife, to love and cherish, to protect and defend, to hold dear in sickness and in health, from now until the end of ages?” Barri asked Theron in the chapel. There was a crowd of spectators in the chapel. All were joyously watching our wedding. The whole ceremony seemed like a blur. We had already exchanged our rings which shone brilliantly on both our fingers.
Lunamae Page 14
