Seeing the vibrancy of live before her, she had to hold in the laugh that wanted to escape. For one glorious week she did not bear the burden of her duty. With all the rest she could celebrate the start of a new year.
Taking a moment longer she savoured the anticipation, then emerged herself into the waiting crowd. Winding her way through the throngs already gathered, she kept a lookout for loved ones. Kushina 's diligence reworded her with a clear view of Theodora embracing a man; Kushina halted in her tracks; torn between a desire to go to them, and an urge not to interrupt- for the solstice festival was one of love, and new beginnings.
She was about to slip back into the rush of people, when her sister noticed her, and called out. "Sis, over here!" Waving a hand high, so there was no way that Kushina could pretend that she had not seen them. Well at least she was not interrupting anymore, raising her hand in response, she walked over.
There was not the slightest hesitation, as they embraced each other. They were blood, and always would be, neither of them weak enough to let time, or distance come between their closeness.
As the embrace ended, Kushina set her hands upon Theodora cheeks, and recited the most basic of blessings, "May you shine ever bright in the goddess eyes." Releasing Theodora, she turned her attention from her sister, to stare pointedly at the man who had been very close to her sister not a moment before.
A blush overtook Theodora's cheeks as she spoke up, "This is Markos."
He bowed toward her. "Kushin, it is an honour, Theodora talks so fondly of you," He took Theodora's hand in his, drawing Kushina's eye downward. "It's so good to meet at last."
A shock ran through her, there dangled an matrimony bracelet. Her sister had not even mentioned hand fasting and yet she had obtained the goddess blessing, and would wed each other one week from now on the longest night. Though she knew nothing of him the goddess had blessed the union. Laying her hands upon his cheeks, "I welcome you to my family. May you shine ever bright in the goddess eyes."
"I am so glad you approve, I was so fearful when we did not conceive until last month. I was so afraid we would have to part ways, but the little one is on its way."
"Sometimes the goddess has to think about it for a while. May I?" At Theodora's nod, she laid her hands over the slightly swollen belly. She could not help but to feel honoured as she recited a blessing she had never done before. "May your cycle progress to full, and shine your light upon the world." It gave Kushina such peace to give a blessing to new life, instead performing last rights. That it was for the newest member of her family gave the occasion that much more impact.