Chapter 37 - A Wedding and a Festival

Grand as Sar'tara's imaginations were, they weren't nearly as grand as they should have been. There weren't any castles that she could see. But the city of Metsiphon was much larger than the garrison. Nothing stood above the city walls except for a palace that was on slightly higher ground. Kalin's personal home. Only the top of it could be seen. The gates to the city remained open. The roads leading to it had been cleared. News of the duke's triumphant return had already reached Metsiphon. Its people were lined up along the main street, ready to provide a hero's welcome.

Kalin took Sar'tara's hand as they strode inside, their horses nearly grazing against each other. She gasped in surprise just as she had when seeing the garrison. She had thought the garrison to have an immeasurable number of people. Metsiphon's streets had far more —many of them women. Something that was lacking in Arcaeus Peak. People cheered and threw flowers as the duke's contingent passed them by. It was a celebration, Sar'tara realized. Late as it was, they were celebrating Kalin's successful return. Some of them looked to her curiously. Looked to the cloaked woman whose hand the duke held, who would soon be the duchess of Xenaria. She would soon be one of the most powerful people in the nation. Something she hadn't had time to consider. It would give her the strength to move armies.

But not the strength to be a good mother or wife. She couldn't let vengeance cloud her thoughts or she would end up neglecting her child just as Ny'Danis had.

Sar'tara felt odd, looking down at Metsiphon's citizens as her horse trotted along. Kalin was waving his free hand and wearing a wide smile. She did the same. The cheering seemed to increase.

There was much cause for the people to be happy. A festival was to be held celebrating the beginning of the sowing season in a few days. A festival that would take place the same day as her wedding. An event where she would formally be bound to Kalin. Sar'tara was looking forward to the celebrations. To dancing and singing and eating and drinking. To reliving her past memories with the Selharr, but with her new family instead.

The contingent stopped before the great palace. Its surrounding area was void of common people. Guards in off-white colored clothes and bearing spears greeted Kalin. Towering flagpoles before the palace held banners bearing the silver eagle. "This place is yours only?" Sar'tara asked, as she dismounted. "Isn't it too big?"

"Yes. Most of the rooms go unoccupied. But it's been in the family for generations. It is a symbol of House Serene's status and wealth. Everything aside, we won't be seeing much of each other until the wedding," Kalin said as women in in plain grey tunics poured out of the palace. "Not even at night. It isn't proper for us to see one another before the wedding. Those are your maids. Go and follow them. They'll have you measured for your dress and get you cleaned up."

"Dress? I can't wear this?"

"You could, but… I'd like to see you in a dress. Please?"

Sar'tara shrugged and agreed. Kalin's cheeks were colored. She couldn't understand why he would be embarrassed when asking her to change clothes for a single day. She did as was asked and followed the maids inside.

"We greet the lady to be," all twelve maids said in unison whilst bowing. It was as if they had rehearsed the event in advance.

"Hello," Sar'tara replied nervously. She wasn't sure as to how she was expected to go about greeting each maid individually.

The eldest maid, or at least the one that seemed to be the eldest, stepped out of line. "My lady, I am Kara, the head maid of the manor. If you would please follow us," she said.

Sar'tara nodded and obeyed. The palace interior was a breathtaking sight on its own. Its halls were much more spacious than those of a castle. They were far more welcoming. Large glass windows lay at every few feet. Floors were carpeted. Pale blue luminite stones were held in place along the walls, all of them smooth and round and one in size. Some of the walls held paintings of different scenes and people. Those with people were labelled. They were images of past members of House Serene. Sar'tara didn't have time to take any of it in as Kara hurried along.

She was lead into a bright room where a single woman in a more formal attire awaited. Her hair was tied into a large bun and she wore small glass windows before her eyes. Dozens of colorful dresses hung from a clothing rack beside her. She was a seamstress, Sar'tara realized. The room only contained a couple of velvet cushioned seats and a large mirror.

The woman rose to her feet, standing nearly as tall as Sar'tara herself with the aid of heels. She put a hand to her chest and bent over slightly. "My lady. My name is Selnor Sevanna. I am the seventh generation owner of Sevanna's Needles, the largest dressmaking company in Xenaria. We also hold a valuable position amongst the largest merchant guilds. It is not like Lord Serene to hold celebratory events on such short notice, but I assure you, even with such limited time, you are in good hands."

Sar'tara held out her hand to shake just as she'd seen soldiers do often. "I am Sar'tara Vashiri, huntress of the Selharr, and, err, soon to be Sar'tara Serene," Sar'tara said, introducing herself as a Vashiri would.

Selnor took the offered hand and examined it rather than shaking it. She felt Sar'tara's calluses and frowned. "Such rough fingertips…" The seamstress looked up and her eyes widened at Sar'tara's attire beneath the heavy soldier's cloak around her shoulders. "And… bold clothing choice. Forgive me. Which noble house did you say you were from?"

"None," Sar'tara answered. "I am a daughter of the forest."

"Right… Daughter of the forest… I didn't think Lord Serene was a man of such character. To be so daring as to wed a woman from an establishment… Daughter of the forest. I've never heard of it. Which city is it from?"

Sar'tara tilted her head. The head maid stepped up before her. "Miss Sevanna, Lady Sar'tara is no such woman. She hails from the now burnt Papillion Forest. Its only survivor."

"Oh. Oh dear. I am terribly sorry for my offense, my lady," Selnor began as she bowed.

"I took no offense," Sar'tara replied honestly, still confused.

"Right! My lady is most merciful! Then let's get to work!" Selnor stepped forward, her heels clacking against the polished flooring. She unpinned Sar'tara's cloak and threw it to a couch. "Hmm. Just a breast band and trousers. Truly bold indeed." Sar'tara was stripped bare. There were hands all over her. It was a bit uncomfortable. Selnor took out a measuring tape and began noting down each of Sar'tara's measurements. "Hmm. Tall without heels. Supple yet also firm breasts. And my, a so very desirable waistline. I'm almost jealous. Do you know what? I think we can forgo a corset. Yes. You already have good posture. That will save us some time. Oh! A scar on your back. Thank the Flame it's your back. That part will remain covered. I think a tighter and more flexible dress will do. Hmm. Something that shows a bit more skin than necessary to reflect your daring personality."

Selnor stepped away and ran her hands through the many dresses within the room. She pulled a few out. "This. Maybe this. Ah, this one for sure. It would just need maybe a slit at the thighs." She turned back to Sar'tara. "Does my lady have any preferences?"

Sar'tara shook her head, though her eyes were fixated upon a deep green. The maids were whispering excitedly behind her.

Selnor noticed her gaze and pulled the dress out. "Green. Just like the forest. Just like your eyes. Yes. I can make this work. We'll make his grace fall for you all over again!"

By the end of it all, Sar'tara was completely exhausted despite having never left the room. She had been forced to try on many dresses. Selnor had eventually decided upon one since Sar'tara couldn't decide which to wear. None of them were particularly comfortable. But she couldn't deny their inherent beauty. They reminded her of Ny'Danis. The Forest Deity had also worn a dress. If only her Mother had been as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

Night had already fallen. The head maid led Sar'tara to another smaller room with a bathtub filled with hot water. She stripped again and stepped inside. "My lady, would you like a night gown to be brought?"

"No thanks. I much prefer my own clothes."

"As you wish." Kara gently scrubbed Sar'tara's back. She was experienced with her hands and pressed at just the right points to heal fatigue. She then helped Sar'tara dry and dress as well. Everything was done for her as if she wasn't her own person. As if she was just an object needing to be adorned and cleaned. It was another strange custom of plains dwellers. The highest among them had many servants waiting to do any task. Sar'tara wasn't fond of it. She preferred doing things on her own. But she made no complaint. As Kalin had once said, it was better not to disturb someone with their tasks. They were paid for it. And with that payment, they purchased objects of need.

"My lady, if there is anything else you need, please don't hesitate to call us. Someone will be ready to serve at any moment."

Sar'tara nodded as she entered her bedroom. She closed the door behind her and breathed in her moment of privacy. The room was too spacious. Three empty wardrobes. A fourth one with nightgowns. A desk by a wall with an oval mirror. Then there was the bed. Large enough for four Selharr Vashiri women to sleep on together. Its wooden frame had intricate carvings of flowers. And Sar'tara had this to herself. A lovely, soft bed all to herself. A cold bed with all too much space and none to share it with. She was alone again. Kalin wouldn't come. She would be sleeping alone for a few nights.

Sar'tara touched her belly. "Maybe not truly alone," she whispered as she tucked herself under the sheets.

***

The day of the wedding arrived. Selnor came to the palace early in the morning with Sar'tara's new dress. A forest green with hints of brown near the bottom. It was sleeveless and fit tight around the torso while widening past the thighs. The edges of the dress were made of silk, its brilliant sheen only further enhancing Sar'tara's smooth skin. She was also given a pair of small shoes to wear instead of boots. They were tight and hurt her feet. She didn't complain. It was just for one day. She seated herself before a mirror. Sar'tara couldn't help but admire her own looks. Her maids showered her with compliments. The seamstress had done a fine job. If only my sisters could see me now… Her lips held a pained smile.

Younger maids fussed over Sar'tara's hair. She kept her eyes closed during the process, wondering just how she would end up looking. In the end, not much changed. It was decided that her hair would be kept loose and over her right shoulder. They claimed it to be the most beautiful and mature option. Sar'tara agreed. Excited, the maids sprayed her with perfume with scent akin to that of flowers and led her out, eager to present her to the duke.

She imagined what kind of reaction Kalin would have. What kind of compliments he would give. Her heart thumped loud. Would he show his affection rather than speak of it? She blushed at the thought.

Sar'tara raised the bottom of her dress just above her ankles as she stepped down a wide central staircase. At its base, Kalin, dressed in a black coat with gold buttons and a ceremonious sword at his waist, stood in a half state of shock, conversing with a man in armor and a woman with a head of gold. Sar'tara felt her mouth open slightly. Whoever the woman was, she was extremely beautiful even without a lavish dress. She had a heart-shaped face with green eyes a slight darker shade than Sar'tara's own. Her gold locks reached down to her waist. A maroon cloak hung from her shoulders. Despite standing a full head shorter than both Kalin and the armored man, she seemed to carry herself with a dignity beyond the both of them.

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"Your highness, and Sir Aegis," Kalin was saying. "I wasn't expecting you… I mean anyone for that matter. There haven't been adequate preparations."

Highness? Was that Xenaria's crown princess?

"You know how she's like, Kalin," the armored man said. His plates were entirely black, and his shoulders more broad than Kalin's. His figure matched that of Commander Rask. "We got your invitation —er, I mean letter regarding your wedding about a dozen days ago. I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't bring her. Probably won't hear the end of it either from others. My elder brother was supposed to be promoted to Queen's Guard captain today, and she also had a briefing to attend tomorrow. Had to drive the horses hard to make it to Metsiphon today."

"Oh shush, Madrivall," the gold haired woman said. "There was no way I'd miss Kalin's wedding. If you wanted to keep it a secret, you could have just invited me and been done with rather than sending letters as an announcement" she said, frowning and putting her hands on her hips. "I can't believe you —Stone faced Kalin— are getting married before I am. So where's the lucky —is this her!?" the woman cried as Sar'tara reached the bottom of the stairs. She ran up and grabbed Sar'tara by the arm, wearing a childish grin. "I'm stealing her for a bit, Kalin. Feel free to catch up with Madrivall in the meantime."

Sar'tara stumbled as she was being dragged away. She wasn't used to her new clothes and shoes and had to focus on maintaining her balance rather than voicing an objection. "Wait," she finally managed to say after they'd already gone a fair distance. To her surprise, the woman actually stopped running.

"Yes?"

"I wanted his opinion…" Sar'tara said, biting the edge of her lips. She felt embarrassed to utter those words before someone other than Kalin.

"You'll just have to settle for mine. Besides, he'll get to see a whole lot of you from now on anyway." The woman stepped away and looked Sar'tara up and down. "Flames. You're just as tall as they are. Sleeveless dress. Green like new leaves. Fairly low cut for my tastes but not quite exhibitionist levels that you'd find on certain streets. The silk edges are the perfect accent. Selnor's work no doubt. She practically spells her own name over her work. Gosh. And your eyes. Selnor really captured a forest within you. You look breathtaking, Sar'tara Vashiri. Ah, pardon my manners. I'm Dahlia of House Lakris. Queen to be of Xenaria."

Sar'tara cocked her head. "Dahlia… like the flower?" She certainly was as lovely as a flower. Queen…

"Yes! Exactly. I like you already. So? Are my compliments enough to keep you away from him for the time being?" Dahlia asked, elbowing Sar'tara's side.

She blushed, nodding. She could wait a little longer. She was a bit curious about Dahlia as well. As per the nation's hierarchy, Dahlia would be the only person Sar'tara would need to answer to.

Dahlia linked her arm with Sar'tara's and began walking. "Tell me about yourself. How exactly did you catch Kalin in mere months where as I failed trying for years?"

"Do you love him too?"

"I was enamored with him once upon a time. But my heart now belongs to another. I still do admire Lord Serene. He's been the bastion of Xenaria for so long and has never complained about his duties. I don't mean to bring up bad memories during your wedding, Sar'tara, but as this nation's soon to be ruler, I am sorry. Your home was destroyed because we were lacking."

"Don't say that. Neither you nor Kalin could possibly have known. He still blames himself from time to time even when I tell him otherwise."

"We couldn't have known. But we could have better prepared for threats. Hahh, you're right. No use crying over spilt milk. Especially not today. A wedding during the evening and the Triluna Festival after dusk. It’s a dream to most women. Anyhow, go on. Spill the details. What made Kalin fall for you?"

"I don't know," Sar'tara said honestly. She couldn't think of anything specific. Kalin had never once described what it was he loved about her. Just that he did. "I always thought he admired my strength as a warrior above anything else."

Dahlia raised an eyebrow. "Strength, huh? I doubt that was all but… I suppose it all adds up. I hear you're quite adept in combat. You're someone Kalin can share his solitary life with. Someone who understands the duties of a soldier and can help relieve his burdens. He always had a distant look in his eyes, as if he were different from everyone else. Even long before he inherited his title. You're that someone in the distance that he has always been searching for."

Sar'tara remained silent. Dahlia was also the only other woman that Sar'tara had met during her time with plains dwellers that didn't speak formally or as an inferior. Meredith had started out that way, but her speech had become much akin to how she spoke to Kalin.

A question remained on the tip of Sar'tara's tongue. She wasn't sure how to go about asking it. Dahlia was admiring the scene of the palace grounds. Birds fluttered about under a clear morning sky. Some pecked at the ground for unsuspecting worms. "It has been a long time since I last had reason to visit Metsiphon." She glanced up at Sar'tara and frowned. "There's something you want to say. Your expression is all too easily read."

"As the ruler, everyone here obeys you. Kalin said that declaring a war is a right belonging to you. I would—"

"The Thousand Sun City?" Dahlia broke in. Her cheery expression had all but vanished. Sar'tara flinched. The queen to be was extremely young. And yet, the same air of authority flowed from her that Sar'tara expected to come from her eldest sisters. Something that should only have come with experience.

"Yes…" she answered. She only wanted to know how easy it would be for the queen to declare a war and mobilize the nation.

Dahlia scratched her head. Her frown became playful as she suddenly pinched Sar'tara's cheek. "Look at you. That isn't the face of someone on the happiest day of their life. Today's for enjoying. No more gloomy topics! Ask me something else."

Sar'tara looked down. Everyone around her seemed ecstatic. A wedding and a festival on the same day. All of Metsiphon was experiencing joy. She took in a deep breath and forced a gentle curl on her lips. She looked into Dahlia's eyes. Dahlia who was as if Freya, Stel'Na and a nymph were one person. The least Sar'tara could do was enjoy herself on such a day. Enjoy herself to honor the memories of her fallen family. "What is the sea like?" she finally asked.

"See? That is a more appropriate question! Blue. And vast. Just like the sky. Nothing but water as far as the eyes can see. Being on a ship is easily one of the most liberating experiences."

"Like riding a horse?"

"Oh no. Not even close to similar. Actually, maybe a bit. I'm not overly fond of horses. They smell and demand too much care and…"

Sar'tara lost herself in conversation and laughter. Dahlia was a delight to be around. They toured the palace grounds and garden together, speaking to each other about their lives. Sar'tara came to learn much about cities and the culture of plains dwellers. Dahlia also spoke in great detail about landscapes and different animals.

"I never thought House Serene would hold such a low budget wedding," Dahlia said, as evening began. "Makes sense given the lack in attendees. Though, to not even invite extended members of their own House that live in Metsiphon…"

"Kalin has other family?"

"Distant cousins and aunts and uncles. They hold no formal titles. I understand why he wouldn't want them present. None of them act the part of a Serene. They've always coveted the power of the main line. I hear they've been working with criminal guilds and… never you mind. This isn't the place for such a discussion. Come now, you finally get to see Kalin's reaction!"

Dahlia pulled her along to the dining hall. Sounds were being played the likes of which Sar'tara had never heard before. Music from instruments. She had only learned of them recently. Their melody sent her heart into a flutter. It was like singing, but not quite. Sar'tara approached the dining table where Kalin was seated. His dark brown hair had been neatly combed, and a silver eagle pin was attached to the collar of his black coat. His eyes followed her every step. She blushed at the silent compliment and took his hand, seating herself beside him.

"You look lovely," Kalin said.

"Is that all?"

"I can't put more words to it. But I will repeat those words as many times as you want me to."

Sar'tara relinquished her greed. One compliment was enough from him. She held his hand as minstrels performed with their instruments. Dahlia danced with a man named Madrivall Aegis —her husband to be. Sar'tara wished to take part, but even the dances of plains dwellers were complex and had a certain form to it. She settled for watching the event instead while resting her head on Kalin's shoulder, wondering just when the food would be brought out.

It eventually was brought out as the sun began to fall. The hall remained bright thanks to luminite chandeliers. Sar'tara fidgeted as a whole roast boar —smaller in size than what she was used to— was placed upon the table by maids in grey. Portions were cut and served to both couples. Sar'tara frowned at her serving but made no mention of it, seeing as how Dahlia was quite content with her own portion. Everyone dug in, utilising a knife and another utensil called a fork to eat small bites at a time.

Sar'tara squirmed uncomfortably. She was in the presence of Xenaria's queen to be and sensed that mannerisms actually mattered. She picked up her own utensils, holding them as she would weapons, as children hold their spoons, grasping at it with all fingers curled into the palms.

"Sar'tara, you can eat with your hands," Kalin said. Both Madrivall and Dahlia looked up, causing Sar'tara to flush. To prove his point, Kalin dropped his tools and took a large bite out of his food.

"Oh, thank heavens!" Dalia beamed. "I really do like you, Sar'tara! I now declare pigging out a complete normalcy! Any other situation, and we'd be forced to maintain our false airs and leave the table less than half full. Madrivall, cut me another slice. Flames, it's been a long time since I ate for pleasure. Make it a big slice. Give the bride more too. Just look at that frown. You'd never guess she was getting married!"

Sar'tara blushed even harder. The maids standing by at the corners gasped. Madrivall bit his tongue, hesitating. He received a sharp elbow to the side from the gold haired woman and then did as he was told. His dark armor had been discarded and he instead wore a coat similar to Kalin. Though his was a deep blue in color. A sharp contrast to his shoulder length brown hair.

"By the way, is this all, Kalin?" Dahlia asked. "No walk down an aisle? No wedding vows? No large gifts? Surely you could have spared that much for your own wife."

"I have no need for a gift other than Kalin," Sar'tara said softly.

It was now Dahlia's turn to blush. The open claims of affection caused an awkward silence to hang in the air. Much of this changed when wine was served. Jokes about Kalin's inability to hold his drink resumed the cheerful atmosphere. Sar'tara found wine to a have a more pleasant taste to ale with her first sip, but it was still soft for a drink. She tipped the glass to her lips again when Kalin caught her hand.

"No drinks while you're pregnant," he said with a dark tone of voice.

Sar'tara's brow twitched. She opened her mouth to protest, but the seriousness of his face gave her pause. She nodded and set her glass down, expecting him to give answers regarding this later.

As the night wore on, Dahlia and Madrivall retired to their given rooms. Kalin and Sar'tara went outside for a walk in the gardens. The skies were clear, as is desired during the Triluna festival. Three full moons shone bright, each challenging its sisters to the greatest majesty. From beyond palace grounds, Sar'tara could see a bonfire deep within Metsiphon's main street. Sounds of laughter and songs drifted with the wind. She wanted to go. Wanted to take part in spinning around a great fire. But the longer she stared, the harder it became to hold back memories of evil flames. Flames of desolation. Each time she tried recalling celebrations around a bonfire, a burning forest materialized. Laughter was replaced with screams. Dancing shadows were devoured by orange heat.

"Do you want to go?" Kalin asked.

She clutched his arm and forced back her tears, a single drop squeezing through her clenched eyelids. "No," she breathed. "Maybe one day, I will remember what it was like to have fun around a fire. Not today." Sar'tara looked into Kalin's deep brown eyes. Their edges were lined with silver as moonlight touched their glossy surface. Her dark memories faded as she lost herself within them. It was as if she were surrounded by trees again. He called her green eyes a forest. She thought the same of his brown pair.

Kalin was her pillar. Her heart healer. And the only remaining person that she still could claim to love. He had brought her out from the brink of despair. Had protected her during weakness. And had even given her a child to bear. Something bright to look forward to. Sar'tara had hopes that one day, so long as she remained at his side, she would be able to leave behind the darkness of her past. That she would conquer her fears of fire. Fire that had once provided her warmth and joy. "I don't want the memory of tonight to be tainted," Sar'tara whispered.

Kalin nodded and led her to the palace gardens. There wasn't much to see. Every tree was barren. Of the flowers, most were too small to notice. Sar'tara clung to his side, sharing his warmth. Regardless of the lifeless gardens, she felt at ease among them. She was once again in the company of trees. "They will bloom again soon. It will be far more beautiful then," he said.

"I know," Sar'tara replied. "But for now, this is enough. Thank you."

"That isn't why I brought you here." Kalin held out his hand, revealing two peach pits. "Perhaps not an ideal time for them. But warmer temperatures are beginning to arrive. I've already decided where to put them. All that’s left is to plant them."

Sar'tara turned away. She had forgotten about the seeds. Forgotten about the last memory of her former home. But Kalin had remembered for her. She tightened her grip around his arm and blinked back her tears once more. He stopped before an empty section of the garden. Two small holes barely a few inches deep had already been dug.

Kalin paused. "Would you rather we plant them under daylight?"

"No. Now works just fine," Sar'tara said. She took hold of both of Kalin's hands and pressed her forehead against his. She stood there for a while, leaning against him with her eyes closed. She then finally took a seed and placed it in the ground while Kalin planted the second.

"I look forward to the day they bear flowers."

"So do I."

Volume 1: "Daughters of the Forest"

End!

image [https://i.imgur.com/DFpKsS4.jpg]