“I'm eating for two, so I'm always famished. Let's go.” She wraps her hand with mine and pulls me toward the eating hall.
After eating breakfast, Siphonie and I make our way to the village, wanting to understand more about what Midaeliea has to offer. The cottages and shops, along the cobblestone road, are made of wood beams and bark. I see some have large, round, brown rocks built into columns to help support the buildings.
The people of Midaeliea are extremely sweet, they smile at us as we walk past. There are many things to purchase, food, drinks, trinkets, and clothes. Siphonie walks arm in arm with me, taking it all in beside me. Many people are out and about today, enjoying the sun as its rays filter through the thick tops of the green trees above us.
Siphonie has a smile on her face, her hair blowing slightly in the wind. She stops in front of a vendor selling small clothing for children. She reaches out to touch the fabrics in various shades of dark green, bright blue, black, and white. She is happier than I've seen her in a while, not that I have seen her much sinceTähtandMar. It’s been a whirlwind and everything has changed. I thought we would talk more during our travels, but I guess we remain in our thoughts about our changing lives more than anything.
I wonder if I will have the same luck as Siphonie and Rhenor. Sure, they didn't have the best start, but they seem to be more satisfied and happier in their relationship now. While they may not be twin drops, there is love between them for the growing blessing in her womb and I think love may also be blooming for each other. Maybe Ereon and I can find our way to one another. We may not be affectionate now, but he is charming and handsome. Our children would be heirs to both kingdoms,in a way uniting the whole of the Northern Continent, with the exception of Midaeliea.
“Is one of you expecting?” An older woman appears, her grey hair piled high on top of her head, loose strands fall down against her neck. She nods toward us in a quick bow, seeming to recognize us but kindly not wanting to draw attention. Our hair makes us stick out; I’m sure everyone already knows who we are, but I appreciate her consideration.
“I am,” Siphonie answers as she looks down the table at the items laid out. “You have beautiful creations.”
“Thank you, dear. Is this your first?”
“It is. How can you tell? Do you have any children?”
The old woman laughs, “Oh, dear, I have six. Twelve grandchildren, and a few greats roaming around here. I have a sense for these things, I can always tell when someone is expecting. You give off a glow.”
“Six children? Of your own?” I can't help but interrupt.
“Yes, child. Six children all from my womb. Four boys and two girls. My youngest girl helps me around the shop, my other daughter is in theShayi Yengoin Antalis. One of my boys became a priest, another, a soldier for Midaeliea, and my other two help out around here, as well as hunt for the kingdom.”
“That's amazing, you have truly been blessed by the Goddess.” I put my hand into my pocket checking how much silver coin I have on me, because I know I am already going to buy something from this woman, even if I don't need anything. I can purchase something for Siphonie.
“Blessed by someone that's for sure, given it was the Goddess who granted me my drop, but heavens if it wasn't the God who blessed my husband. The fire that burns inside of him is unmatched, that man still can't get enough of me, even in our old age.” She laughs.
A god? I've never heard of anyone claiming a god. Maybe their stories have been twisted and bent out of shape. Perhaps, like my own mother, they like to weave their own stories. We all know that the Goddess created us because she was alone in the world, but who am I to tell one of my elders she is wrong? She reminds me a great deal of Ilis and her children from back home. I miss Ilis, but it brings me comfort knowing the white stole she gifted me is in my trunks back at the castle.
“Are you okay, child?” The older woman stares at me.
“Oh yes, I'm sorry. I got lost in thought for a moment. Can I ask for your name? In my kingdom, there is someone who reminds me of you.”
“My name is Emi. And you are Princess Carnaxa of Antalis, correct?” She gestures toward my cousin. “And you areBêlitSiphonie?”
“Emmy?” The word is strange on my tongue. “Yes, you are correct in your observations of who we are. We try not to call a lot of attention to ourselves, but I am sure our large caravan didn't help.”
She sits down on a stool behind her, placing her hands on her knees. “ E-may is how you pronounce my name, dear. But honestly, you can call me whatever you like. I've had many names over the years, wife, mother, daughter, friend, and I'll be happy to add more. Yes, we all watched you arrive, plus your hair is a beautiful sight. When I was young it was more common, now we’ve all turned gray and only a few are born with the colors. Upon your arrival, I heard you and the Prince of Shaston are to be wed.”
Her eyes squint and wrinkles form deeply in the corners as she stares at me, as if she can see through my eyes and into my soul. Her wrinkled fingers twist around each other as she pops her gnarly knuckles from years of dressmaking. She reaches outto take my hand in hers. Her face contorts and a look of concern crosses her features.
Siphonie speaks up against the awkward silence, “She is. And will she not make just the most beautiful bride?” I smile at her tentatively.
“She will be a beautiful bride, no one could doubt that. However, you should know,” nerves lace the old woman’s voice as she looks around before her eye catches on something behind us, and she stands up releasing my hand. She fumbles around, laying out more clothing before mumbling, “Oh, nevermind. Just old words from an old woman.”
I almost call out to her as Ereon appears at my side. His hair is still damp from the bath he took and he smells of earth mixed with a sweet smell I can't quite place. He wears a black tunic that molds to his body, the gold snake of his kingdom embroidered in it. His leather pants show off his trim figure and his golden boots lace up to just below his knees. My heart races at the sight of him. Goddess, he is beautiful. His deep-brown eyes meet mine as he smiles down at me.
“Princess.” His hand touches softly on my lower back. “Hello again,BêlitSiphonie.”
Siphonie pulls on my arm and we bow in sync and he just shakes his head. “I thought we talked about formalities.” He laughs under his breath, “What are we in the market for today?”
“Nothing really, just wanting to stretch our legs and get an idea for what all Midaeliea has to offer.” I turn my attention back to the old lady.
“I think I'm going to buy a few of these, Emi – the one in deep-green, black, and the light-blue one. One for each kingdom that I will have traveled.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” That's all she says before gathering the garments to give to Siphonie. Her wrinkled hands shake as she gives the bag to Siphonie. I step out of Ereon's grasp and edgecloser to Emi, finding myself standing in front of Siphonie as I face the old woman. Emi reaches out to me and I grab her hands in mine, having snatched a few coins from my purse, I give them to her.
She leans in closely grabbing the coins from my hand. “I must tell you something,” her voice is barely a whisper. “Upon the day the moon turns bright, the loyal heir’s death awakens eternal night. The waters will rise and the fires will blaze, then only the sacrificed can save.” Just as quickly as she says the words, she turns and walks toward the back of her shop.
