Interlude - Summer Festival
Spring slowly warms to summer. I loved the summers in Silesse. They were just warm enough, with a gentle sunshine that made everything sparkle. By this point, the flowers were all in full bloom, so the wind always smelled nice. The sunshine led to everyone spending more time outdoors, picking up freckles and sunburns.
It was fun. That last summer… it had been so much fun.
"Sigurd, I am not throwing a huge party for my twins!" I retorted, huffing a little. Sigurd instantly tried to his cute-puppy-pout to get me to reconsider, looking remarkably like Seliph. "I'll help you plan one for Seliph certainly, but I draw the line at my twins."
"You're as stubborn as Ayra on it!" Sigurd complained, leaning against his desk. We had been discussing infirmary supplies and the like, but now, we were 'arguing'. There was no heat to it or anything, but it was still very much a stubborn match of stubborn wills. After all, we were both very stubborn people. "Lex and Aideen like the idea!"
"They're from Grannvale, like you."
"In case you've forgotten, you are as well."
"You're nobles from Grannvale. I'm the simple healer." I crossed my arms and scowled. "There's no need for a huge party. A simple one is fine, if there must be one at all. I don't see a point to it, truly, but..."
"Your twins are turning one!"
"Yes, they are, and Seliph is going to be two." The words made my heart ache. Deirdre had been missing for a year and a half. She hadn't met my children. I was beginning to fear she never would, and that I would never see my best friend again. I feared Seliph would never know his mother, and Sigurd would never see her again. "You're not changing my mind, no matter how much like Seliph you try to act."
"Are you calling me childish?"
"No, I'm saying your sulk is exactly like his." We scowled at each other for a grand total of two seconds before bursting into laughter over how ridiculous we were being. "You seriously brought the idea to Ayra?"
"No, Aideen did, since Ulster and Larcei are only a few days older than Lester. Much like Caitriona and Conall's birthday is only a few days after Seliph's. Her idea was two big parties, but some people..." He pouted again. "You know; Chulainn wasn't stubborn."
"Chulainn is very stubborn. How else do you think he 'courted' me?" Though we didn't exactly have a 'traditional' courtship, by any means. "However, I'm certain he told you something along the lines of 'Convince Alicia'."
"Well…"
"Well, this sounds like a fun little scene!" The door opened suddenly and Lewyn stepped into Sigurd's office, smiling softly. He looked happier than I had seen in a while, his wedding day being an exception. He certainly looked like he'd finally gotten a full night's rest. I hoped it meant he was finally healing from Annand's death. "What's going on?" he asked, looking between us. "Or is it secret leader-healer stuff?"
"It's me trying to convince Alicia to throw a party for Caitriona and Conall's first birthday," Sigurd complained petulantly. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, not affected at all. Though it was incredibly amusing how like Seliph he looked. "Or maybe combine it with Seliph's since their birthdays are so close together. But no, she thinks it's too fussy. Probably because she's not the one being the fusser."
"If it was a healing thing, we'd all be dragged into it!" Lewyn grinned and I huffed, looking away. They… ah… weren't wrong, but I didn't have to acknowledge that. "However, I have a solution! Sort of. More like a super convenient thing that we can pretend I've made up just for this."
"Oh?" Sigurd grinned and I felt cold dread drip down my spine. "What is it?"
"Well, the purpose of today's visit, besides seeing everyone's delightful faces that I oh-so-miss seeing on a daily basis…" Lewyn sulked briefly. "Offer is still there to just move to Silesse, you know."
"I want to be in Zaxon. If Grannvale moves again, they'll hit us first and hopefully spare your people." Sigurd smiled brightly and Lewyn and I exchanged a 'of course, this is just like him' look. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just ever the knight." Lewyn shrugged and grinned again. "But, anyway, now that the weather is as warm as it'll ever get in Silesse and people are starting to put up their full mourning wear, we're having a huge festival in Silesse and you're all required to attend. By order of me. Because Erinys and I miss seeing everyone every day."
"A festival!" Sigurd laughed and I just groaned. "Perfect! You can't say no to that one, Alicia!"
"Who says I can'?," I instantly retorted with a huff. I had to fight my grin, though. Both of them looked far too excited for me to actually be mad, but it was the principle of the matter! "I'm a healer. I have a perfect excuse to stay out of everything."
"Ah, but I have an ace up the sleeve!" Lewyn declared dramatically. He gestured grandly and, surprising, did actually pull something from his sleeve. "Ta-da~!" He handed me a piece of paper, and I quickly realized it was a letter from Erinys, who sweetly asked for me to attend the festival. "For the record, yes, I have other letters. Erinys figured it would be harder to say 'no' to her and wrote to the particularly stubborn people."
"I… have absolutely no idea what to feel about this." I really didn't. Amusement was there, certainly, but… "'Offended' does come to mind."
"Yet you love us!" Lewyn, meanwhile, was completely unrepentant. "Like I said. There are other letters. Got one for Claude, actually, among others."
"Speaking of Erinys, how is she doing?" Sigurd asked, wisely changing the conversation. I was still trying to decide what to feel about the letter. "Has her pregnancy been treating her well?"
"As well as any pregnancy can be, or so I am told," Lewyn answered easily. His smile brightened and he blushed in pleased embarrassment. He was looking forward to a child. "The nausea is bad, but the snowdrops have cheered her up."
"Snowdrops?" Sigurd and I glanced at each other. We remembered that argument… gods, that had been just last year, hadn't it? It had almost been a year since I'd seen Ethlyn, Finn, and Quan. I hoped I could see them again soon. Letters simply were not enough. "That's… uh…"
"I know what they mean in Leonster, but they're not here and have a hopeful meaning in Silesse, sooooo…" Lewyn shrugged and winked. "Don't tell them?"
"Can I threaten to in order to get out of this?" I asked dryly. Lewyn sulked and Sigurd laughed. "Oh, goodness, Erinys is right. I really can't refuse her. Fine, I give up. We can celebrate the children's birthdays alongside the festivals." Sigurd cheered and I sighed. "Well, we can celebrate Caitriona and Conall's. You'll have to convince Ayra. I will not help."
"Ayra is one of the people Erinys wrote to!" Lewyn declared happily. I had to laugh at that, joining Sigurd's own laughter. In fact, he was laughing so hard he was tearing up. It had been a while since I'd seen him laugh so much. "But Mother will also be delighted. She's been horribly worried and she's got…" He paused and made a show of counting before throwing his hands up in the air. "A lot of gifts for the children."
"Does that pile include gifts for your eventual child?" I couldn't help but keep on laughing when he went redder than my hair. "So, how much are you looking forward to being a father?"
"W-well, I can't wait to teach the songs my own father taught me?" Lewyn smiled goofily. Yes, he was looking forward to it, and greatly. I was happy about it. He and Erinys would be wonderful parents. "And how to hear the sylphs. And… um…"
"Come, sit down, and let's have fun talking about the festival and your fatherly plans!" Sigurd insisted, gesturing to the chairs. When I made to leave, however, he shook his head. "No, no! I must have help teasing Lewyn relentlessly!"
Lewyn squawked a protest, but I did join in with the teasing. I felt it was appropriate retaliation. After all, now I was stuck attending a 'party', though I supposed a festival would be fun. I first met Arvis at a festival, after all. I had good memories of them.
The hours before the actual festival were tiring. There was a formal dinner, fancy clothing, far too many forks and knives, and too many servants asking me about the food and drink while I had my mouth full. In short, it was a 'typical' formal dinner and it was even worse than I ever guessed from Arvis's explanations. It was a relief to change into simpler clothes and join the main festival. It was far cheerier.
"Aw… that looks good," Sylvia complained, watching me drink some sort of alcoholic thing that Lewyn insisted I try. I had to admit; it was quite delicious, and I normally avoided alcohol. "Can't I try a sip?"
"While I know a sip or two won't hurt your baby, Sylvia, you did throw up not all that long ago," I replied, shaking my head and continuing to people watch. Claude had asked if I'd mind staying with Sylvia while he tended to something, and since Beowolf had 'stolen' Chulainn for some drinking thing and Azel and Tailtiu had the twins, I agreed. "So, I'd rather you didn't on those grounds."
"Mmm… okay, point." Sylvia sulked for just a moment longer before giggling and resting her hands on her stomach. She was about six months pregnant now and wore looser clothes than her normal to adapt to it. "I wonder if the baby will like dancing? I'd love to teach them."
"I'm sure they will. I wouldn't be surprised if they have an interest in healing, just like you and Claude." Part of me wanted to ask about how her relationship with Claude was going, or even how it started. But it wasn't really any of my business, especially since both seemed happy by it all. "Your first born will likely have Major Blaggi blood. That tends to be what happens, though there are exceptions."
"Oh, right, all the noble stuff…" Sylvia hummed a bit before shrugging. "Well, I'll deal with that when it happens, yeah? I should just focus on staying healthy. You'll be there when I give birth, right?"
"Yes, Aideen and I will move to Silesse temporarily when Erinys enters her last month of pregnancy and we'll stay until you've safely given birth." Sylvia and Erinys had both requested it, even though there were plenty of healers. I felt rather touched by it, and a little giggly, even though I knew I'd miss my children desperately during that time. They would be staying in Zaxon. "I hope Chulainn doesn't have the twins meet another wild animal."
"I'm sure he'll imagine your scolding if he does!"
"Oh, I'm sure as well. But will he listen is the question?" A bit of white caught my eye and I smiled when I realized it was Erinys's dress. "Erinys!"
"Ah! There you are!" Erinys replied, making her way slowly over. Her pregnancy had led to swollen ankles and general aches. All were typical symptoms, but it did make it difficult for her to move about freely. "Lewyn had to mediate an argument and I told him I'd wait with you two, but then I lost sight of you."
"Here, sit down!" Sylvia insisted, helping Erinys on a box. Erinys sighed in relief as soon as she sat and I crouched down to look over her feet and ankles. "Aw, are you hurting?"
"Just a little." She smiled wanly and I frowned over just how swollen her ankles were. "Any issues, Alicia?"
"I think I want to give you a thorough health check in the morning, before we return to Zaxon, and I think you won't be walking much more tonight," I answered after a moment. I made sure to smile, though, and stood up. "I don't think it's anything to worry about, but I do want to check. You are more swollen than Ayra, Aideen, Lachesis, Sylvia, and myself ever got."
"Just my luck, isn't it?" Erinys groaned. She leaned against Sylvia and Sylvia ran her hand through her hair reassuringly. "By the way, did you like Queen Rahna's gifts for the children?"
"Yes, they were very thoughtful." I honestly didn't notice most of them. My attention were on the portraits Queen Rahna had commissioned for us. Sigurd and I had talked a little about it, but he'd mentioned it offhandedly to her and she ran with it. Part of me was a little irritated, because it felt like something we should have done, but it was still a very thoughtful gesture and the portraits were very lovely. They weren't 'stiff' either, but random scenes from our day to day lives. I wondered how the artist knew. "The children loved them."
"They did!" Erinys giggled, unaware of my conflicted feelings. "Though, I'm sure some of them will be special when they're older." She giggled again and waved. "Ah, Chulainn! I thought Caitriona and Conall were with Azel and Tailtiu?"
"They were, but I kidnapped them," Chulainn retorted easily, walking up with both twins. He kissed my cheek, a little freer with affection than typical in public. Then again, there was the smell of alcohol, so he was probably a little tipsy. "Is it all right if I kidnap her as well?"
"Yeah, we'll be fine!" Sylvia reassured with a laugh. I finished off my drink and set the empty cup to the side before taking Conall. "Go on! Enjoy! It's your kids' first birthday!"
"We'll have just as big of a party for your children's first birthday," I half-threatened. Sylvia and Erinys only laughed, yet again. I couldn't blame them, though. The festival was very cheerful. "If you need me, just send someone to find me, okay?"
"We will!" Sylvia gave me a hug and Erinys tugged me down into one as well. "We'll see you later!"
"Stay safe, please." That was all I had time to say before Chulainn whisked me away and into the crowd. "So, how much did you drink exactly?"
"I'm not drunk," Chulainn replied instantly, stepping a little closer. He had Caitriona braced against his shoulder, and she looked around curiously while chewing on the ear of something. "I wouldn't carry the children if I was."
"You're tipsy." I kissed the top of Conall's head, laughing at how he seemed to hide away from the noise. "Aw, sweet one… you don't like the fuss anymore than I do, huh?"
"Meanwhile, Caitriona just wants to grab everything." Almost in emphasis, Caitriona tried to grab someone's colorful hair piece and almost dropped whatever she'd been chewing. "Whoops!" However, Chulainn caught it. "See? I'm not tipsy yet. Probably still had more than I should. Beowolf is still drinking everyone under the table."
"I'll take your word for it." My attention, however, was on the thing Caitriona had been chewing on. It was a mottled grey-ish color and it almost looked like… "Is that a stuffed dog toy?"
"Yes?" Chulainn shrugged and helped Caitriona reclaim her stuffed dog. "It's just until we get our pet dogs."
"You are fixated." But still, I had to laugh. "Why doesn't Conall have one?"
"He didn't nearly steal it on the way." Chulainn grinned and kissed Caitriona's cheek. She giggled in return. "She, however, grabbed it while we passed by a booth. See? She loves dogs already."
"Don't encourage theft!"
"I'm not. I'm encouraging a love of animals. Very important." He reached over and brushed my hair behind me ear. "We should buy one for Conall, though. To be fair."
"I'm sure there's something in the pile of presents they got." But Conall did look a little jealous at Caitriona's new toy. "But very well, let's find him something."
Chulainn led the way to the same stall, and I apologized for my overly-grabby daughter. Thankfully, the stall owner was a very kind woman, who had children of her own and had dealt with the same thing. The fact that we came back to buy another one, though, no doubt played a part in why she was so forgiving, and before long, Conall had his own stuffed dog, a black one. Then we wandered about the festival, passing by people we knew. Lex and Ayra had their hands full with their own twins, but managed a quick hello. Aideen and Midir both laughed and fussed over a sleepy Lester. Lachesis stuck with Sigurd for the evening, cuddling Diarmuid against her chest while she laughed at Seliph's antics. We didn't run into Azel or Tailtiu, sadly, but we did pass by Jamke and Brigid shyly holding hands.
Then, eventually, the 'main event' began, a 'play' in the sky, telling many different tales of folklore with pegasi and magic as the 'props'. It was fascinating and beautiful, but more importantly, the children were enthralled. Next year, we would have to make sure to attend a festival in Silesse again, just so that I could see their faces light up like this again. It was far too fun.
"I believe that is the twelfth case of a hangover this past," I laughed, mixing up some more in Silesse's infirmary. We'd run out. "How much alcohol did they have, anyway?"
"I wonder how many of them think their stories actually cover up the injuries they also picked up from alcohol induced stupidity," Claude chuckled, replacing some bandages. The two of us decided to run the morning shift at the infirmary here to give the normal healers a morning off, and because both of us just knew the morning would be hilarious. "What was that last one?"
"He claimed it was an angry cat, but really, it looked like he got in a fight with a tree and lost." I probably shouldn't giggle about it, but it was just too amusing to not. "Oh goodness… who won the drinking contest anyway?"
"Beowolf." Claude finished replacing the bandages and went to check inventory for our medicines. "Chulainn was apparently giving him a good run, but then decided he wanted to spend time with his wife and kids. Lover and kids." He paused and looked at me. "You're waiting until you're in Grannvale, yes?"
"Why is everyone so obsessed with whether or not Chulainn and I properly marry?" I paused in my medicine making to scowl. "There's been so many questions on it and rings. Is it so bad to go at things a different way?"
"Well, no, but I have overheard Ayra trying to talk with him about taking over Sophara when things are calmer, so that might complicate things." He shrugged, but I frowned. Chulainn hadn't mentioned that to me. If anything, Chulainn seemed to be acting as if we would live in a village in Silesse here, like we originally talked. "I don't think she's had much headway, mind."
"I see." I'd have to ask him later. "If one more person asks, though, I swear Chulainn and I are going to elope, and I apologize to Arvis later."
"Well, that's why I brought it up. If you want to elope, I will officiate." He grinned and I smiled back after a moment. "I've offered the same for Ayra and Lex. Just to get everyone off your backs."
"I am sorely tempted." But Arvis looked forward to the wedding, so for now, I saw no reason to not wait a little longer. It wasn't something either of us were doing for ourselves anyway. "Ah, Arvis's will be soon…"
"I'm gladdened he's found someone he wants to spend his life with. I have always been very worried over how alone he was, but he always kept his distance." Claude paused in his inventory check, fingers lingering on some vials. "Always so driven, always focused on ruling. Always reaching for ideals and bringing them into reality. Always focused on raising Azel. It was very ambitious of him to do it all, but it looked so lonely."
"Yes…" I knew that. When it got too much, Arvis would escape to Jungby, where I would fuss over him and he wouldn't have to focus on anything for a while. "Was there any time there he seemed happy? He always smiled and relaxed when I saw him, and would never properly answer me."
"Besides when near Azel?" Claude remained silent for an uncomfortably long time. "I think when with Sigurd. Sigurd would go out of his way to make sure Arvis was smiling and laughing when their paths crossed."
"I see." I smiled softly at that, unsurprised. Arvis always spoke well of Sigurd. "Regardless, though, I wonder if I'll be able to send some sort of gift."
"Queen Rahna is planning to send some, but to Velthomer to lessen the chances of being stopped." He went back to doing inventory. "I'm sure she'll arrange something."
"Much as I don't want to put more on her, I can't help but hope so." If nothing else, I wanted to send Arvis a new mix of the tea I always made him. He had to be out by now, and it was his favorite. "I still can't believe she even got a portrait done of Deirdre." It was the only one of her, of course, but it was a beautiful and had really captured a lot of her.
"That one was apparently with Aideen's help. Though, I do hope..." Claude trailed off again, faltering. I looked up to see he had that sad look on his face again. "Well…" At that moment, laughter filtered through the open window and both of us looked out to see quite a bit of the army just having fun in the courtyard. I was amused, but Claude remained sad. This time, I couldn't bite my tongue.
"Claude, what exactly did you see that makes you so worried?" I frowned at him. "I do not wish to pry, but this is not the first time I've seen your mood drop."
"It's nothing." Claude shook his head and deliberately went back to work. "One future out of many. There's no point in telling."
"Even if it can be avoided?"
"If it can be avoided, I am certain knowing will make no difference."
"If you say so…" I wasn't sure I agreed, but I wouldn't push. It wasn't as if I were an expert in this. "But if it gets too much for you, know that I will listen."
"Thank you, Alicia." His smile, however, quietly refused the offer. If he was going to tell anyone, it would not be me. "You know; it's going to be very strange working here alone for a month."
"That's right. You'll stay here when Aideen and I leave for Silesse." Sylvia was already there, staying with her best friend so that they could commiserate over the side effects of pregnancy through these last few months. "Why is it that you and Sylvia decided you would stay?"
"Partially because there really does need to be a healer here, and I will be there for the month prior to fuss over her." He smiled slightly while talking about Sylvia and I let myself soften. It was good to see him happy. "Also, traditionally, males aren't allowed within the birthing room, even male healers, unless there's an emergency involving the mother's life, or the baby's. There will be many healers, all with quite a bit of experience."
"I see." I thought a moment before deciding to make sure our conversation remained light. "But I can't help but mourn how long I'll be away from my children. I'll be away for a whole month!" I drew out the words dramatically and he laughed. "Can you not think of a worse fate for a mother?"
"Do you want a serious answer to that?"
"No, I don't. I can think of many worse fates." I sulked childishly and he laughed again. "But still, I will miss them terribly. Can you please try and make sure Chulainn doesn't introduce them to wild animals? Azel and Sigurd have also promised me, but..."
"I will certainly do my best, and if something happens, I'll make sure you would never be able to tell." He grinned at my scowl. "Relax, everything… ah, Lachesis, what brings you here?"
"I'm sorry to interrupt," Lachesis murmured, stepping in. She cradled Diarmuid against her and looked ready to cry, so I automatically stood and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "But Diarmuid didn't seem to be breathing right earlier, and he's fine now, but…"
"You're not interrupting anything," Claude reassured. He took Diarmuid from Lachesis and smiled as Diarmuid looked at him curiously. "Let's give you a thorough check up, Diarmuid. Alicia?"
"I'll set up," I replied. I gave Lachesis a better hug and went to work. "Lachesis, help yourself to some tea to relax."
A healer's work was never done, and I enjoyed these sorts of days. I feared, however, they'd come to an end far sooner than I'd ever like, and I hated the very thought.
Author's notes: I am aware that in game, Seliph is 'not even two' during the early part of Game-Chapter 5, but for timeline purposes, he's going to be two. Having a lot of alcohol while pregnant can lead to a host of developmental issues, though most doctors believe 'a sip or two' is still fine (that all said, since there's no real way to scientifically and ethically prove how much is too much, most doctors also say to simply avoid alcohol entirely, because 'none' is definitively less than 'some').
Next Chapter - Byron (Game Chapter 5 begins; 6 chapters from the end of first gen)
