Next part of the banquest. This is my favourite part! Please enjoy and read and review =D
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"Are you alright, Lady Qiao?" Qing had been trying to be considerate all night and keep her distance as Xiao and Zhou had spent most of the evening together. But now the young Qiao was by herself which was a bit odd.
"Oh...mostly. A bit bored. But I've been watching Zhou, Xun, and Lord Liu hold a debate for a good while now. It can be amusing, but now it's turning a bit tedious." She sighed, very tempted to go over and join them.
"It's very unlike you to be simply just sitting here." Xiao was quite the social butterfly and it wasn't typical to see her by herself.
"Well, I hear Da fell asleep - funny that, don't you think? - and Shang has been surrounded by men all night long - although that's not very unusual if you think about it and..." She shrugged. "Maybe I'm just getting tired myself."
"We could retire for the night." Qing suggested. "The banquet will still be going when you wake up."
"I know. It's just..." What it was was the banquet. As she had told Shang she hadn't thought much about marriage. Atleast concerning herself. But now...with the subject surrounding her...she wondered if Zhou had even thought about it. And did she want it? What was marriage? Normally two families forming a bond because of either titles or lands or other such nonsense. It was believed because of this union families wouldn't tru]]urn against each other or speak badly of one another or distrust the members. But Xiao knew this wasn't always true. She had seen and heard too much. Political intrigues caused many problems.
But marriage to her was something different. It was about love and how two people swear an oath to each other. It was about being there for one another and remembering why you woke up each morning and lived each day. It was sharing your heart and soul. She paused. If that was so then she guessed she had thought about it and there was only one person she would even consider. She looked over at Zhou as he continued his conversation. Marriage...hmmm...
Of course starting a family and raising children hadn't even slipped into her thoughts...
"Well, it looks as though I'm not the only one left to their own devices." A voice interrupted her musings and turning her attention to the new arrival she saw Quan, who was smiling which wasn't a sight normally seen. "Mind if I join you?" He politely asked.
"Not at all." Xiao scooted over slightly to give him a bit more room, accepting the glass he offered her. Even though they had talked on occassion - more so during the long months of the campaign - Xiao always had a feeling Quan was not exactly comfortable talking to her. She wasn't sure why, but it was there.
He held forth his glass. "To my brother and your sister - may they have more days happily together than huffily apart due to their silly misunderstandings." Xiao giggled a bit. Da and Ce could argue over the strangest things. "And to us..."
"Us?" She asked curiously.
"The siblings who must survive through those misunderstandings and preserver as they reconcile. May we offer the correct advice to shorten the gloomy days that would hang over the manor." He gave a nod as she giggled some more before he drank. He rather hoped most of the problems were behind everyone at this point. An unhappy Sun Ce meant an unhappy Sun Manor.
Xiao drank as well, unable to stop giggling as a thought came to her. "In a few days we'll be brother and sister, you know." She told him.
He paused as if perhaps he did know, but hadn't realized it until she had mentioned it. "Well then, will it be alright if I call you Sister Xiao?"
"Only if I may call you Brother Quan."
"Perhaps we shouldn't do either then."
She giggled some more. He could definitely be an odd person, but Shang seemed to really like him and Zhou spoke highly of him so he couldn't be all that bad. "I think that's a deal."
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"So who's opinion won?" Ce had finally been able to catch Zhou when he wasn't busy with Xiao or one advisor or another.
"You haven't retired yet?" Zhou was a bit surprised to see his oath brother still awake during the late hours. Awake and not harassed by one well wisher or another. Of course the crowd was less due to the hour, but once morning came the room would be filled again.
"I am enjoying the calm before the chaos." Ce gave a smirk with his answer. Once the celebration was over it would be time for more traditions to be followed before the wedding ceremony and then even more tradition after. He often wondered if there wasn't a simplier method.
Zhou laughed. "Your choice, my friend."
"And where were you when I needed you earlier? Xun and his "proper-isms", my brother and Gai siding with him..." He shook his head. "All over a bed?"
Zhou couldn't help but laugh again. Was it really a surprise Ce would complain about that? "And they were able to convince you to see their point, am I correct?"
"I wasn't given much of a choice."
"Think of it as the least of your concerns."
"That's what I'm worried about. But I see it this way - I won't be in this by myself for long." He glanced at Zhou.
"Oh, no. I'm letting you enjoy this all on your own." Zhou clapped him on the back. He had no intention of just dropping a wedding on Xiao's lap. There was still alot they had to discuss.
"Now don't tell me I need to offer you some advice on romance once more." Ce was mostly joking, the good mood of the occasssion hard to break. Then again he was partially surprised he hadn't set up the proposal yet.
"That's highly unncessarry." He held up a hand. "And don't start handing me any - But I'm the one getting married - lines."
"But I am!"
"Proves nothing."
"No?"
"No."
"Hmph. I beg to differ..."
"It'll get you no where."
Ce smiled as he drank from his cup. Zhou could be a very stubborn man. "So whose opinion did win? Yours, Xun's or Lord Liu's?"
"It was actually coming to quite a draw when a certain young boy came over to inform us you were briefly away but would soon return."
"Ah. So Shao did find you." Ce was glad for that and had figured the young boy would do as he had been asked.
"Quite." Zhou had been thinking Ce had plans for the boy, but at this point nothing had been said. "About this boy..."
"Shao?"
"Yes. Him. What are you up to?"
"Up to?"
"You've been talking about him since the campaign. You have something planned you have not shared with me yet."
"Hm..."
"Hm?"
"Ever observant, Zhou Yu." Ce cracked another smile. He never expected less from his friend. "Da and I are planning to adopt him. We've already talked about it and she is rather happy with the idea. But we decided not to say anything until after the marriage. One thing at a time is enough I think!" Because he knew there would be procedures to follow, announcements to make, and he really only wanted one headache at a time.
Zhou nodded. He should have guessed. "Have you talked to Xun?"
"I will. After the wedding."
"You are an ambitious man, Ce. In case I have failed to tell you that. Marriage. Parenthood. Uniting territories." He laughed. "You can keep the headaches to yourself!"
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"Sister!" Xiao ran up to Da, glad to finally see her. She had missed when she had gone last night and it was already early afternoon the next day. The banquet was back to being a busy, noisy celebration with new guests arriving to toast and present gifts to the soon to be married couple. "Where have you been? Are you alright?"
Da vaguely remembered asking Leiyu to fetch some water when she realized the effects of the wine were getting to be a bit much for her. She had hoped it would help. "I fear I was a bit ill this morning." She told Xiao, which wasn't a lie. She had awoken quite sick and did not want to return to the banquet so soon. Ce had finally convinced her it wouldn't be as bad today. She hoped he was right.
"Are you expecting?" Xiao grew excited. She had read once woman would be ill each morning if they were with child. In her excitement she forgot it wasn't exactly proper to have one before marriage.
"Expecting what?" Da blinked, still not feeling her best.
"A baby!" Xiao squealed with delight.
"A what??"
"Everyone is talking about it."
"Everyone can stop talking about it!" Da felt her cheeks burning. Of all the...! And people were talking? "I am not expecting anything! Of all the silly rumours." She tried to calm herself down. Now she would have to face that and she really didn't want to. Just because she had fallen asleep early...
"Well, you know that one won't go away for a few months and by that time you may be!" Xiao smiled. Leave it to her sister to be embarrassed over that!
"Xiao!"
"Don't you want to be a mother?"
"I..." Da paused as her sister became rather serious in her question. She had often wondered if she would make a good mother and remembered thinking about what kind of father Ce would make. They had talked once or twice about it before they had decided to adopt Shao. Ce would tease her about them having their own little army, but she wasn't positive she wanted that many! "I would like to have children. I would like to be a good mother. But perhaps I should be a good wife first."
"Are you sure you're not expecting?" Xiao gave her a critical eye.
"Xiao, I'm positive."
"But they say..."
"What has made you such an expert on expectant mothers?" Da raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I read..."
A loud gong sounded through the area and the sisters blinked. Some of the others in the room turned as well to see what would happen next. "What's that all about?" Xiao wanted to know.
"Apparently yet another guest." Da tried not to sigh. How long would this banquet last and how many more people would arrive? She doubted she would be able to memorize all the names and faces of everyone who had attended. "And one of importance with that announcement."
"I wonder who it is." Xiao had thought most who deserved such an introduction had already arrived.
The sound of whispers passed through the room before the young man stepped forward to announce who had arrived. Da raised an eyebrow at the commotion, but wasn't ready for who walked through the doors. "Lord Cao Ren and his daughter from the Kingdom of Wei."
As soon as the names were said more of a commotion spread and breathes were sucked in as the stout man entered, carrying a draped object. By his side a growing girl walked, seemingly oblivious to the reactions around her.
"What?!" Xiao couldn't believe it. "A Lord of Wei?!"
"Xiao..." Da put a hand on her sister's arm. She was a bit stunned herself, but the tone in Xiao's voice worried her. There was not only disbelief but anger as well.
"How dare they!" What kind of plot was this? Showing up at her sister's wedding banquet?
"Xiao...I'm positive there's an explanation..."
"What is Ce doing?" They watched as Ce approached the couple and they exchanged bows and greetings. Every thing was so calm!
"They were invited." Zhou came up behind Xiao, carefully placing his hands on her shoulders. He knew how she felt. They had talked about it. But truth be told when the invitation to Lord CaoCao was sent no one had expected a reply.
"What!?"
"It was the best choice in a delicate situation."
"They're up to something."
"Perhaps." But he was yet unconvinced on either stance. Ren had a reputation for being an honourable man and talk of a peaceful future. His daughter was too wide eyed at her surroundings to pose as any thread. Zhou himself would like to know the reasoning behind their presence. Under his fingers he could feel the tenseness in Xiao. How stiffly she stood. He hoped whatever happened next would calm her down.
Da was fighting with her emotions at what was being placed in front of her. Would reminders of what might have been constantly appear to her? She saw Ce look around and finally seeing her held out his hand. Taking a deep breath she walked towards him and the new guests.
"Da! Don't...!" Xiao hissed as her sister moved away. "What is she doing???"
"Exactly what is expected of her." Zhou was impressed as she went to face a fear and at how Ce kept his anger in check. Of course if it had been CaoCao himself a different scenerio may have played out.
As soon as Ce felt Dat's delicate fingers in his hand he wrapped them in his. He glanced at her receiving a small smile that calmed him a little. Sending his brother in his stead was a smart move on CaoCao's part, but it left him wondering what orders had been give to Ren. "My wife-to-be - Da Qiao." He began the introductions even though he had no doubt they knew who she was.
"May the future shine brightly upon you both." Ran bowed.
"A thousand benedictions." His daughter followed his moves.
"Lord Cao Ren and his daughter." Ce finished.
Da returned the bows. "May your stay within our kingdom be pleasant."
The two bowed again before Cao Ren held forth what he had been holding. "A gift from our lord on this joyous occassion."
The room seemed to be holding it's breath as Ce let go of Da's hand to accept the gift. As the cloth was lifted a few gasps were released and scattered applause were heard as the sight of the two birds was seen. They were beautiful. Splendid creatures of pristine colours. One opened it's beak letting out a short song that was perfect in every manner. More applause was heard this time.
But Da could not enjoy the moment with the others. Nor be impressed. She looked down at the floor, a tightness clutching her stomach and a lump forming in her throat. Lord CaoCao had always called her and her sister the "little songbirds". Did the bearers of the gift know what it really meant? She wanted to cry. To hide somewhere. But she forced herself to look at the two new guests. "You will have to...thank...your lord for the...gift." She was able to say much to her surprise.
"NO!" A shout proceeded her sister's appearance. She stood with her hands on her hips. "We do not accept this gift."
"Xiao...!"
Ren's daughter looked at her curiously. "Do you not like song birds? These are rare even within our kingdom." She seemed genuinely worried the gift had been ill received.
"You would have us return them?" Ren asked, little emotion betraying his thoughts.
"Yes." Xiao was quick to answer. She had seen Da's reaction and knew something was wrong.
"No." Zhou replied calmly, joining them. He took the cage from Ce who looked as if he was trapped, then handed it to a nearby servant to be placed on a table. "They are exquisite." He noted Xiao's glare of disbelief at what he had done, but he knew once she calmed down she would understand the danger of being so rude as returning the gift would be.
"My advisor - Lord Zhou Yu." Ce wished the buzzing in the room would stop. "And Lady Da's younger sister - Xiao Qiao."
Ren gave a nod, understanding something had caused displeasure. He wondered what his brother had done.
"Please. Enjoy your stay."
"I have no doubt we will."
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"Xiao. Please leave them alone." Da joined her sister who was poking her fingers into the birds' cage.
"I can't believe you agreed to keep them." Xiao puffed out her cheeks in agitation. Even though she and Zhou had discussed the situation and she knew what problems may arise from refusing the gift she was still upset about it.
"You can not place blame upon these innocent creatures no matter the intent that is behind them." But Da couldn't stop the shiver that ran through her as she looked at them.
"I have an uneasy feeling he doesn't intend to leave us alone." Xiao frowned at the cage.
"He will have to learn he has no options." Ce came up, wrapping his arms around Da. Most of the guests didn't seem to have a problem with the presence of the Wei Lord and his daughter. And many spoke of the wonderious gift. But the sisters were obviously bothered. A haunted look came to Da's eyes when she saw them. "The Qiao sisters are here to remain in Wu."
"Can you write him and tell him that?" Xiao asked with a giggle. It was a preposterious idea, but she actually liked it. And it had brought a smile to Da's face.
Her sister was positively silly, but the fact that she said what she had made Da relieved. Xiao had gotten a bit too serious over the arrival of the song birds. And even with them sitting there in their cage Da felt completely safe in Ce's arms. "Have you been enchanted by the birds to the point you had to come see them?" She couldn't help but tease Ce.
"Actually I have been enchanted by my soon to be wife." He kissed her lightly on the back of her neck. "And I would like to spend some time with her instead of the thousand or so well wishers."
"I do believe I can accept that. But I do not think I can accept having these song birds around."
"Do they bother you that much?"
"Yes!" Xiao answered quickly.
A smile twitched on Da's lips. "Lord CaoCao is a very intelligent man. One who is able to convey messages in subtle ways. His gift speaks volumes to those he intended. The birds are beautiful and I do not blame them, but what they represent...does not bring joy to my heart as such wonderous creatures should."
Ce listened to her words and then his gaze turned to the birds. Full understanding finally came to him and he scowled. Damn him. "What would you have done with them? Returning them is too risky. Giving them away would give a wrong message. But I will not have them here while they upset you."
Da stared at the birds trying to come up with the best solution, but unfortunately nothing came to mind. The other two were silent as well.
"Let's set them free!" Xiao suddenly decided.
"What?" Da looked at her.
"It would be symbolic, don't you think? We are free here in Wu so they should be as well." She was rather proud of her idea and hoped it was a good answer.
"Brilliant!" Ce agreed. It sounded like something Zhou would have suggested.
"Do you think it will be...okay?" Da was a bit nervous over the idea. She had to agree with her sister it would be symbolic, but she didn't want it to be a huge event. Just something quiet and peaceful.
"I'm sure it will be fine." Ce assured her. "We'll release them at night. Just you, me, Zhou, and Xiao. Is that alright?"
Da nodded. It seemed as if the circle was almost complete and it was one less nightmare that would haunt her.
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"What of Jiang Xia?" Bei had found himself in yet another conversation with Shang and was a bit amazed by her knowledge.
"Fish." Shang answered instantly.
"Ping Yuan?"
"Psh...nothing really."
"Chai Sang?"
"Best pottery around!" Shang grinned, enjoying herself. Lord Liu thought he was the only one to know town specialties? The back to forth was much more fun than some of the conversations going on.
"And what of Tian Shui?" Bei tried again.
Shang opened her mouth then closed it frowning. She knew the answer! But couldn't think of it at that second. Darn it!
"AH ha!" It was his turn to grin and with a nod he turned away.
But Shang didn't have plans for him to be the victorious one. Before he could get any farther she cut in front of him. "Cotton." She answered. "How's that?"
He raised his glass to her. "You are brilliant, Lady Sun Shang Xiang."
"Psh...not likely." She laughed off the compliment. "I just hate being bored." Which was why she had gotten involved in the conversation in the first place. Da and Ce had disappeared again and strangely enough so had Zhou and Xiao. She didn't feel like talking to Quan. Xun had left leading his little wards off for another night. And her other brothers had been busy talking with Cao Ren and his daughter...well mostly the daughter. What was she supposed to do?
"Boredom is one of many evils."
"Are you a poet?"
"Why do you ask?" He actually cringed whenever Zhang Fei would torment him about being the "Drunken Poet". Oddly enough when he drank too much he had a habit of writing poetry which - when others got ahold of them - were praised as master pieces. He highly doubted that. In any case he was trying to avoid such a scenerio playing out.
"What you said about boredom just reminds me of something one would write about." She shrugged. "Nothing more."
"I do write...on occassion." He dared to admit.
"I knew it! See? I can tell." She grinned again.
"You're very observant of people."
"I try to be."
"You would be very good in court."
"Oh no!" She waved that off quickly. "Not at all. Trust me."
"And you're modest."
"Me?" Shang laughed. "Are you sure you know who you're talking to??"
"If I'm not mistaken - Lady Sun Shang Xiang of the Wu Kingdom. Correct?"
"Ya...and if you're calling me brilliant and modest you have to be a poet!" She gave a laugh.
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Xiao came up bouncing and leaned on the back of the chair Zhou was sitting in. "Tell me you love me no matter what." She said with a grin.
"Why do I feel as if you've been up to something?" He asked, leaning back seeing her smile turn into a pout out of the corner of his eye. Her question did have a touch of mischief to it.
"I've done nothing much." She pouted some more. "Just set up a challenge Da and I had discussed before."
Now he knew there was going to be trouble. Xiao had her own kind of mischief and on occassion that could be fun, but sometimes trouble. Add in Da's clever and sly tactics and there wasn't much to stop them nor get out of their way. "What kind of challenge?"
"It's just Mah Jong." She tried to sound casual about it even as she worried. She couldn't play that game! But something had to be done to pass the time at the banquet and Da had idly brought it up.
Zhou sat up and twisted around to look at her so fast she backed away. "I can't play Mah Jong!"
"What?" Her heart sank. She had thought he of all people could play. "You can't?!"
"No. If you've lost as many times as I have to Ce you wouldn't play either."
"You lost? To Ce?" Xiao puased, remembering her and Da's converstaion. "She wasn't kidding..."
"Who?"
Xiao waved it away with her hand as she came back to lean on the chair. "Don't worry."
"It's Mah Jong...I'm worried."
She leaned closer to him and lowered her voice. "You'll always be my champion."
"That's good. Because after this challenge I will be suffering an embarrassing downfall."
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"Are you sure you're up to this?" Ce asked Zhou as he and Xiao joined them at a table.
Zhou eyed the tiles that rested there warily. "When have I refused such a thing?"
"My point exactly. It won't look bad upon you if you refuse."
"Are you saying it will if I accept and lose?"
"Why don't we simply agree to let Xiao win." He offered.
"It would be far easier to let the elder sister have that advantage." Zhou had been able to get out of Xiao that she herself could not play the game and had hoped he could.
"Another trait the two of you share?" Ce was amused.
"Quite." Was the simple reply.
"Are we going to play or not?" Da called from her seat at the table. She had merely meant it as a way to pass the time, but it seemed as if others were making a bigger deal out of it than she. Along with Xiao she had everything set properly for the game and upon seeing this a few people had come over to watch.
"Let's place bets!" Xiao suddenly suggested eagerly. "Make it a bit more fun." She was in truth dreading the game and her absolute failure.
"Xiao!" Da tried to hush her. "How many times have I told you not in public?"
"This isn't public." She swung her arms wide.
Da motioned around the small gathered group. "It most certainly is."
"I highly doubt your reputation will be harmed by a small bet in a game of fun with family and close friends." Zhou remarked as he took his place by Xiao at the table.
Da felt her cheeks burn lightly by the accusation. It wasn't that she was worried about her reputation. It just wasn't proper!
Ce kissed her lightly on the hand before sitting down. "If you are uncomfortable with it we don't have to. It's just a friendly game anyway."
She looked down at the table still embarrassed she seemed to be the only one bothered by the public betting. "I just...don't think I have any thing others would be pleased by."
"Don't worry about that!" Xiao told her. "It's simply for fun."
"Zhou always bets his jeweled dagger." Shang chimed in as she had joined the onlookers. "And never loses." She added before Zhou could say anything.
"Indeed." He remarked.
"Where did you get that any way?" Xiao asked, curious.
"It's the dagger I gave him the day we swore our oath." Ce was casual as he worked the tiles in front of him into small stacks. They had been young and it was a silly thing, but even back then he had noted his friend liked heavily decorated items. He was surprised Zhou still had it.
"That's why it looks familiar!" Shang suddenly realized.
"So why do you constantly gamble it away?" Da challenged the advisor to answer that one. Young or not. Silly or not. To use an item given during an oath as your stake didn't quite seem a wise choice.
"Considering who it is from and what it means to me it makes me that much more focused to keep it." Zhou ignored the snort that came from Ce. He would poke fun at him later. "There is only one who I hold dearer."
Da gave a gentle smile at both his comments. It was too bad the person he spoke lastly about was rather oblivious to the endearment and the soft look he gave her. Xiao was quite busy examining her own tiles for the game. "Well said, Lord Zhou Yu."
"No bets." Ce decided. "I highly doubt it would help this game."
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Depending on the day and the players Mah Jong could be a long, boring game to watch. Or a great study of minds in an intense competition. The game played at the wedding banquet was neither. No player seemed to be overly worried about winning and a couple members of the crowd watching (namely Shang and Xun) decided one or two of the players needed extra help and occassionally added their opinion in either head shakes or nods or the on and off occassional noise. This brought amusement to everyone, especially when they disagreed. In the end it was decided that both the Sun girl and young advisor would be excellent players in Mah Jong.
The conclusion of the game was simple. Da was announced the winner. Whether she truly won or was just given the game didn't matter. It had been an enjoyable way to past the time during the never ending celebration.
And soon all the noise, all the toasts, the food and drink, the talking, all the planning dwindled down. It had gone very well and announced a great success. The Sun's were gracious hosts, the mood light, and it seemed a very good beginning for the husband and wife to be.
At the moment the husband side of the couple was in the rather elaborate wedding garment he was to wear as several tailors scurried around him trying to make an exact fit with only a few days left to them. The injury the lord had suffered had post poned many a fitting and they were trying their best best to make months of time fit into a few hours. Da watched from the side giving a small giggle as Ce's face twisted in impatience.
"Just a little longer, my love." She promised as one of the tailors continued to be dissatisfied with the fit of the sleeves.
"Easy for you to say as you are not stuck here in my place." His eyes followed her as she came to stand in front of him, standing on her toes she kissed him lightly.
"I am done being the doll and my dress is hung waiting next to an excrutiatingly heavy headdress." She returned softly with a grin. It was a beautiful gament, ornately embroidered and she couldn't deny she looked forward to wearing it, but the full outfit weighed several pounds before the elaborate hat was placed on her head. But she would wear it as expected of her with nary a complaint.
"I have no doubt the doll is beyond beautiful." He returned the kiss before a tailor politely, though pointedly, moved her aside.
"I am honoured to be your wife."
"Tell me first you are happy."
"I love you." Were the first words she could think of to say.
Much to the dismay of the tailors Ce brushed them aside and lifted Da into his arms. "If those simple words are all there are to describe what I feel...I love you, Da. You are my first and my last."
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Brief comment on Shang and Bei's conversation. I'm not positive if the "town specialities" are accurate or true. The information was taken from a game with the 3 Kingdoms and that's where I took it from. But it was fun to use!
Also traditionally the wedding banquet happens before the wedding unlike how most know it to happen after. It was lots of fun as well!
I'm sure most of you are familiar with the game Mah Jong. Even Yahoo has several versions lol! I enjoy it, but it can be a rather tough game to play. I thought it was very amusing to have Zhou Yu not be able to play it well and just decided to add to it by having Xiao not being very good at it either. There is no historical reference to either of these, but I used it for my story.
Thank you as always for reading!
