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Chapter 584 unedited unmemed
🕑 Added 2020-05-05 23:54:57 +0000 UTChttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1gMt3p_ALEPBx9h17jV7S9KCmavTOuDxrjPfHspiMKrI/edit?usp=sharing
A less generous woman might curse their son for giving her less than a week to plan what needed to be the grandest wedding banquet the outer provinces had ever seen, by Sarnai was nothing if not generous.
Credit where credit was due, she couldnt have done it alone. Zheng Luo was instrumental as always, not just for her diplomatic managerial style and insight into Imperial Scion traditions, but also for her commendable work ethic and uncanny ability to keep the noble fools in line. The girl still had expensive tastes and would no doubt eventually drag Sarnais poor son into crippling poverty, but aside from her repeated and almost insulting offers to help pay for Rain and Milas wedding banquet, Zheng Luo was shaping up to be one of Sarnais favourite daughter-in-laws.
Granted, her opposition was hardly impressive. Mei Lin and Yan were both useless when it came to household matters, and sweet Li Song was oblivious as ever to her own personal feelings, so none of them were any help in the planning process. Then there was the star of todays ceremony, lovely Sumila herself, who had all but disappeared for the last week to solidify her Natal Palace Formation and offered no input on the wedding banquet at all. If she offered so much as a single complaint later today, then Mother save her from Sarnais wrath...
Her poor son had an eye for beauty, but not so much for practicality. No matter. Her dog-brained husband would look after their boy until long after she was gone, else she would leave the Mothers warm embrace to haunt him in the afterlife.
After many long days and sleepless nights, Sarnai finally felt she had everything ready for the wedding ceremony and banquet, but everything went to shit on the morning of the big day. Cursed glutton, Sarnai muttered, straining to button the too-small silk shirt. Three days. This outfit was tailored three days ago, and Zheng Luo said she left two fingers of space for you to grow. How does it not fit?
Though her anger was evident, the ravenous fatty was unrepentant as he squirmed within her grasp, but a sharp look and a soft growl from her lips was enough to put Mafu in his place. Frozen with fear, he let loose with a piteous squeak which had Aurie plodding over in curious concern, and Sarnais poor heart could not take it. Throwing her hands in the air with an exasperated snarl, she pursed her lips and glowered as Mafu slunk away, his half-buttoned, red-silk shirt flapping in the gentle breeze. The buttons along the chest and belly were fine, but his neck, the most visible area, was proving to be a problem. Come, she snapped, pointing at her feet, and the docile wagon quin cautiously meandered into range for her to inspect the buttons. Zheng Luos design, with the buttons underneath the lapel to hide them, a mark of Rains preference for understated simplicity. Better if shed chosen to be more ostentatious, with hook-and-eye buttons or knotted fastenings, so there would be more room to work with, but who could have known the fattest quin could get noticeably fatter in a mere three days?
Peace, my rose. Striding up from behind, Sarnais fool husband wrapped his arms around her waist and gently tried to carry her away, but more fool him. A sharp elbow to the sternum set him right, and she went back to fiddling with the beasts shirt-collar and smoothing his neck fat in a futile attempt to make things right. If the shirt does not fit, then the boy will ride without it. No one will care if his quin is not decorated.
I care, she snapped, though she couldnt help herself from kissing his chin as he embraced her once more, a silent apology for her rough handling. Go get his other quin. The shirt is too big for Zabu, but I can make it work.
For once, her husband did not jump to obey, and she did not much like it. Did the boy not insist on riding Mafu to the ceremony? Symbolic he said, as quins mate for life and this quin is courting little sister Sumilas. Leave the poor beast be, my love. No matter how many times you smooth his fur, he will not magically slim down. While her husband gently pulled her away, she stubbornly clung on to the shirt collar until Mafu tried to back off, at which point she had to let go else the fabric would rip. This is not like you, my beautiful rose, her husband said, pulling her close to nuzzle her neck. Do you not have more pressing concerns besides the quins clothing? Like making sure our son is awake and dressed in time for the hunt?
The hunt? Pei. The hunt is a farce. Grumbling as she sank into his embrace, she watched fat Mafu massage his neck and cheeks, working away the frustration from her rough ministrations. Tossing him some smoked meat as an apology, she sighed and said, To hunt any game larger than a rabbit, the boy would have to ride at least three days out, if not more. Instead, I had to buy a hog and keep it penned up outside the walls, else hed never make it back in time to have it cooked for dinner.
And this upsets you?
Of course it does. The rumour-mongers take every opportunity they can to whisper of Falling Rains infirmity, and this mockery of a hunt will do him no favours.
The hunt is a tradition of the People, my love. I doubt anyone will even notice, except to comment on how the boy slaughters the pig himself. Cleaning and dressing an animal is hardly behaviour befitting an Imperial Scion.
Let them talk then. Huffing in indignation, Sarnai clenched her fist under her husbands nose, daring him to say differently. Our son is of the People, and I will not have him abandoning all our traditions in favour of Imperial ones.
And no one is saying he should, her dog-brained husband said, as if he hadnt just implied as much. But my love the quins clothing is unimportant. The farce of the hunt is a regrettable necessity. The rumour-mongers will whisper no matter what we do. You know this as well as I do, so I must ask, why are you so concerned?
Because, she grumbled, glaring daggers at the fat quin, There is so much more that could still go wrong, that this over-fed furred sock feels like an omen of sorts. The clothes do not fit, so now our boy will ride an undressed quin to go claim his bride, like a shoddy hunter who can only afford the bare necessities.
Hardly, her husband chuckled, gently turning her aside just in time to see their sons bedroom door swing open. No one would ever dare think the Minister of Finance strapped for coin, not dressed as he is.
Striding out from his room with a bright smile on his handsome face, their son cut an elegant and extravagant figure in his dazzling gold-plated armour. Good morning Mom and Dad. Stopping in front of them with his fists on his hips, he struck a heroic pose with a far-off gaze, turning this way, then that to show off the full effect of his shimmering armour. How do I look?
Like a handsome Imperial Hero. Sarnai meant it too, but her heart ached at how unfamiliar his trappings were. It wasnt just his decorated Imperial armour, with his shoulders bearing dragons the Liang family name emblazoned on his chest, or the ruby-studded golden, dragon-horned circlet he wore in place of a helmet, but also the red-silk trappings underneath, a stately, over-embroidered noblemans long-shirt instead of the plain, hip-length shirts he usually favoured. True, this was a wedding and he should dress up, but add in his slicked back hair, lightly powdered face, heavy ornamented bracers, and light, decorative cloak, meant his amber eyes were the only visible mark of his heritage as one of the People.
A truth which stung more than it should, considering her son had been raised to Imperial Office and Clan, but it still hurt nonetheless.
Ignorant of her inner thoughts, Rain grinned and gingerly made his way over for a hug. Thanks Mom. The hug lasted longer than she excepted, so she stole in and kissed his cheeks while she could, grinning as he scrunched his nose in mock revulsion. Noooo, he wailed, struggling to break free. Mommmm, youre ruining my make-up!
This brought a laugh to all their lips, and for a moment, everything was perfect. Then gluttonous Mafu made his way over with a chittering squeak and pushed his fat head in between them, only too happy to be included in their group hug. Disgraceful quin, Sarnai said, rubbing the beasts chin and shaking her head as his eyes closed in delight. Come, let us get him out of his shirt so you can ride out for your hunt.
Why? He looks so cute in his clothes. Fumbling with the buttons for bit, Rain grunted and gently pressed his knee into Mafus belly, slowly increasing the pressure until the quin was forced to exhale. When her sons hands came away, the shirt was buttoned up and the quin lowered his head to rub his cheeks in frustration, mournfully squeaking in abject defeat. Yes Mafu, I know you dont like the clothes, Rain said, crooning as he hugged the creature tight. But too bad. This is my wedding, so youre gonna dress up, just like everyone else. Quit being a baby, its not even tight.
Elbowing her laughing husband in the sternum, Sarnai shot him a glare that said in no uncertain terms what would happen if he ever told anyone shed been outsmarted by a wagon quin. After a little more fussing about, she bade them both farewell and watched them ride out for the hunt, father and son leading a thousand marching Death Corps guards as if so many boots wouldnt scare off all the game for kilometres around, to say nothing of the gargantuan Ping Ping thundering along behind them. Her husband was right to be dismissive of her concerns, because even though the hunt was tradition, it stemmed back to a time when their catch would feed all their dinner guests. Here in the Northern Citadel, this would have been impossible, even if they werent in the heart of civilization, as there were over two-thousand guests coming to tonights festivities, and there was still plenty for Sarnai to do before then.
Like catch Mama Bun and bring her back inside before she got lost again. Poor, stupid thing, she just wanted to stay close to Rain and be coddled and loved, but she would have to settle for Sarnais affections instead. Rocking the rabbit back and forth, she led Aurie over to Taduks manor where sweet Li Song was ready and waiting to help dress all the animals for the coming ceremony. Princess was already ambling about in her lovely little outfit, a frilly little dress decorated with far too much embroidery, but Sarnai didnt have the heart to say it. Li Song had embroidered the outfit herself, having spent all her free time these last months learning from matron Eun, a formidable woman who Sarnai had come to adore. Greeting her with a curtsy, Eun beamed and said, Good morning Lady Sarnai. A fine day for a wedding, with clear blue skies and not a cloud in sight. The Mother Herself has blessed young master Rains wedding, that She has.
A much needed blessing, considering they were holding the banquet outside, because unlike Centrals Citadel, the Northern architects did not draw plans for massive banquet halls when designing the fortifications. Come now, Sarnai said, helping the woman straighten up despite her quiet protests. How many times must I tell you this? We of the People have no need for curtsies or honorifics among friends. To you Eun, I am merely Sarnai, and my son is just Rain. At most, she could use their titles, such as Speaker Sarnai or Minister of Finance Falling Rain, but the woman was a stickler for formality. It would not do, for as far as Sarnai could tell, Eun was the closest thing Du Min Gyu had to a wife, and as such, it would not do to treat her as a common maid, no matter what she might insist.
Most importantly, Sarnai would have never completed the banquet preparations without Euns help, and this, more than anything, meant she would forever and always be her friend.
There was precious little time for niceties, so they set about dressing the rabbits, bears, and wildcats so theyd be ready for the ceremony. Even the Laughing Birds had silken vests to wear, and the chicks looked especially darling in them, nestling happily in Auries fur as he trotted around the courtyard. Since they would have no part in the ceremony itself, Mei Lin and Yan were both still fast asleep, as was Zheng Luo over in the manor, but the twin handmaidens Sorya and Anrhi were here to lend a hand, giggling away while trying to get the bears to stay still. Now those two were good girls, and Sarnai almost thought to have Rain marry them, but she dropped the idea when she realized Zheng Luo would undoubtedly react poorly to having her handmaidens elevated to equals.
Then again, dramas were always rife with illegitimate children born from illicit affairs between noblemen and their maids, so perhaps Zheng Luo had already prepared for this eventuality. The girl lived and breathed politics, so it wouldnt come as a surprise if it came to light that she picked two fetching demi-humans for reasons of succession and whatnot. Unfortunately, no one had seen fit to tell her that the People placed almost no emphasis on bloodlines, though if Zheng Luo couldnt see this after living in their household for over a year, then the girl was not as smart as Sarnai had hoped.
Even with so many hands to help, they still almost fell behind schedule. Once the animals were all wearing their darling shirts and vests, Sarnai loaded everyone into the carriages and set off for Akanais courtyard. The marriage ceremony was supposed to be a private affair taking place at the brides family home, but unfortunately, the Chief Provosts quarters were stationed on the fifth floor of the building, which she shared with dozens, if not hundred of other inhabitants, most of whom would not take kindly to being asked to vacate their own rooms. The courtyard was another matter however, as it was normally packed with training Sentinels, but today, it sat empty and unused save for a scattering of close friends and subordinates here by invitation. Huushal was the first one Sarnai saw upon stepping out of the carriage, which was something of a surprise given his recent difficulties with Balance. Still, it was heartening to see him standing there with her competent young Disciple Rustram and the rest of Rains close friends like Tong Da Fung, Situ Jia Zian, Han BoShui, Tam Taewoong, and Yo Sung-Hoon. Of course, those were only the most familiar faces, and Sarnai stopped to thank each one while gifting them with a generous red pocket as thanks for their help.
Ridiculous. The red pockets were more like red envelopes each as large as a standard document, containing not just a hundred-gold card, but also one of Rains newfangled War Bonds inside, albeit one that had yet to be stamped. It was a promise to sell the first twenty or so War Bonds to his friends, which in Sarnais heart, felt more than a little duplicitous, promising vast returns on an investment that might very well fall flat. Besides, where were Huushal, Bulat, Jorani, or even Rustram supposed to find the nine-thousand and some odd gold to purchase one?
Sarnai would have argued if shed known beforehand, but Rain insisted he would handle the red pockets himself and left them with Li Song last night. They were likely a last minute inclusion as well, since the first parcel of War Bonds had only just arrived two days ago, all stamped and sealed by the Prime Minister and the Chief Justicar of Fraud, but still missing the Master of Coins seal which had yet to arrive. Rain was pushing too hard with his War Bonds as he was wont to do, had too much faith in something he believed would succeed without fail. As such, he took no precautions before charging headlong into the fray, but while Sarnai barely understood the math or logic behind his efforts, she knew that no matter how fool-proof or profitable his scheme might appear, it could still be easily ruined by petty backbiting and political manoeuvrings for no reason besides spite.
Besides, even putting the War Bonds aside, a hundred gold was far too generous for what was essentially token guard duty. Unlike with Alsantset, Mila had no spurned suitor who might fight his way through the guards in order to object to the ceremony. Likely Zheng Luos influence, insisting Rain uphold Imperial face now that he was a true Scion.
With the red pockets handed out, Sarnai took her daughter aside to wait for her sons arrival, while Li Song brought the animals upstairs to join her family. And not a moment too soon either, as Baatar and Rain appeared in the distance carrying the bundled remains of a butchered hog between them, while the Guardian Turtle followed after them wearing a lovely crown of flowers shed picked up somewhere along the way. The Death corps were there as well, but they stopped and took positions all around the courtyard while Rain rode in to greet his friends and family. Surprisingly enough, Sarnais son was not covered in blood as expected, and had even done a passable job keeping his armour and boots clean, though Mafus silken shirt, all covered in bloody tracks left by his own paws, was now a lost cause.
Resisting the urge to scowl at the beast, Sarnai greeted her son with a smile, and once the niceties were over and done with, the family headed inside with the slaughtered offerings and moved upstairs to appeal to their future in-laws. Even Tali and Tate did their part, looking oh so serious as they held a tray of ribs each in their darling little arms, so darling and adorable Sarnai could hardly keep from pinching their cheeks. Oh Mother Above, she would be over ninety years old when it came time for them to marry, possibly even older if they should dilly-dally before settling on a suitable partner. Sweet Tate was a serious and dutiful boy, so she wouldnt have to worry about him, but Tali was such a flighty and capricious little girl, who knew what the future had in store for her?
Taking a deep breath to keep her emotions from getting the better of her, Sarnai clutched her husbands arm while they made their way up the stairs. No need to fret, mother, Alsantset Sent, and Sarnai looked back to see her girl hide her mischievous smile. All that is left are the games of strength and skill. I am sure Grandpa Husolt will not make things too hard on his grandson, unlike other hot-blooded fathers out there.
There was a hint of reproach in the girls tone, no doubt because she was still peeved at the monumental tasks her father set for Charok, all of which the poor boy subsequently failed. The games were an old tradition originally meant as an excuse to showcase the potential grooms talents so that the brides family would feel reassured, but over time, the games developed into a means for disapproving fathers to humiliate their prospective son-in-laws and shame them into giving up. It hadnt worked on Charok, and little Rain was all but shameless, yet still Sarnai was worried Husolt would go too far and their happy little family would end up divided.
You say this because you do not know your grandfather well enough, Sarnai Sent, turning away so the girl wouldnt see her expression. You know him as a man who spends his days puttering around the forge and his nights getting drunk and playing chess, but you forget he stood and fought alongside your grandmother for longer than you and I have lived. You remember little Rains first trip to Shen Huo? Where your grandfather slaughtered a young Warrant Officer for threatening little Sumila? You recall how it ended?
Grandpa killed the Warrant Officer and subdued his bodyguards before showing the City Guards his writ.
And why do you think they left him go?
Because they recognized his name?
Pei. Shen Huo is not like the village, where we tell tales of the Chief Provost and her glorious past deeds. The nobles arrayed against the Magistrate had forgotten Akanais name, so what chance was there of mere City guards remembering Husolts? No, your grandfather bears a special writ which states that under no circumstances are the City Guards to engage him in any form of hostilities, and it was given to him for good reason. He is not a reasonable man when his ire is raised, and doubly so when his precious daughter is involved. If you thought your father overbearing, you should compare notes with little Sumila, and I guarantee you will not emerge the victor.
Sarnai could almost see the blood draining from her daughters face, because even though the girl hid it well, Alsantset was likely more worried about this wedding than anyone else, Rain included. She loved the boy fiercely like her own, and in truth had been more of a mother to him than Sarnai had in those early years. Oh what a fool shed been, thinking herself clever for staying away from the dangerous foundling and worrying how her poor daughter would be devastated when she had to put him down. That mindset hadnt lasted for more than a year, but Sarnai still kept her distance from Rain for far too long after, and it was a mistake she would regret until her dying day.
Especially if Husolt accidentally murdered her boy today. The bumbling fool did not know his own strength, and poor Rain was as fragile as Sarnais prized teacups, which shed long since forbidden Husolt from touching...
As per tradition, Husolt stood outside to greet them, with a large red knot hanging in front of the residence doors. Who comes? he called, his expression as serious as the grave, almost serious enough to offset the gaggle of onlookers poking their heads out from their doors.
Falling Rain of the People. Bowing his head while presenting the platter in his hands, bearing the hogs head, heart, and liver, Rain said, Here to present this offering to your home, and prove myself a worthy husband.
Ill be the judge of that, lad. Immediately deviating from the script, Husolt scowled and waved the offerings aside. Leave the hog at the door and follow me, he said, lumbering off towards the roof stairs. Lets see if you got what it takes.
Up on the roof, Sarnai shooed her family out of the way and clung to her husbands arm tight, though she wasnt sure if it was for comfort or to keep him from shaming their son by trying to help him in the games. Thankfully, Rain didnt seem nervous at all, even though Sarnai knew hed barely been able to sleep, because she too hadnt slept and heard him pacing about his room and talking to his rabbit all night. There was no sign of that nervous, sleepless boy now, standing there with a big smile on his face while the Laughing Birds crowded around him to inspect his resplendent golden armour. Stop, he laughed, shooing the birds away, though he was careful to move slowly so not to accidentally injure the fledglings. This armour is mine, and you cant have it. Shoo.
Eventually, Rain distracted the birds with a few handfuls of dried meat, and luckily none of them thought to leave a disgusting gift on his armour. None too pleased by the delay, Husolt grunted and pointed west at gate across the plaza, which was currently bustling with traffic moving in and out of the Citadel. I left Tenjin by the gates over there, on top of the wall. Hes got a token for you. I want you to go get it, without any help, and bring it to me in five minutes or were done here.
Bristling at the onerous task, Sarnai opened her mouth to protest, but Rain had already set off. No, he only walked to the edge of the wall and glanced at the gate. Over there? Doesnt seem too bad. Except it was, because he would have to run down the stairs, across the plaza, up the stairs, and back again, all of which would be easy enough if Rain were still a Martial Warrior, but as he was, he could barely climb one set of stairs without breaking into a sweat, not to mention the bustling crowds in the way.
Times ticking, lad, Husolt said, and for a moment, Sarnai worried that the Divine Blacksmith didnt intend to let his daughter marry a cripple.
Be back before you know it. Instead of moving, Rain reached underneath his cloak and fumbled about before pulling out a rope and grappling hook. Seeing Sarnais surprise, he grinned and said, You can hide a surprisingly large bag under this silly cloak. Pretty useful stuff. Bye now. Then, without double checking the grappling hook to make sure it was secure, Sarnais son leapt off the roof and plummeted towards the ground.
It felt like an eternity before the rope drew taut, but it couldnt have been more than a second because Sarnai was already looking over the edge and ready to throw herself down after him to save his life. Five stories was not an insurmountable height to jump from, especially not for a Peak Expert like Sarnai, but even a young man of BoShui's calibre would injure himself falling from this high up. Rain had gone over the edge without blinking, and was now shimmying his way down the rope with such speed and skill she had to wonder where he learned it. Shooting an accusatory gaze at her husband, he responded with a convincing shrug of ignorance, but it was their daughter who supplied an answer. The obstacle course, Alsantset said, beaming at her little brothers unexpected prowess. He must have been running it with his animals for fun and picked up a few tricks.
By now, Rains feet had already reached the ground, and he shook the grappling hook free with a flick of his wrist. Stopping just long enough to catch it, he set off for the gates at a steady pace, shouting, Make way please. Imperial Scion coming through. Meep Meep. What those sounds meant, Sarnai couldnt say, but the crowd cleared out of his way with utmost haste, mostly likely because of his Imperial armour. There was almost no suspense as they watched him job across the plaza, but instead of heading up the stairs, he stopped at the base of the wall and raised his hands to his mouth, no doubt shouting something to Tenjin up top.
Whatever it was, it set Husolt to laughing. Good lad there, he chortled, making sure not to look at Sarnai or her husband. He extorting Tenjin, saying hell spread all of the poor boys dirty secrets if he dont throw the token down. Now hes asking me what to do. Care to weigh in on what I should say?
What dirty secrets? her idiot husband asked, and Sarnai shot him a dark look telling him to keep quiet. What secrets indeed, as if any of them knew, but as far as she could tell, Tenjin didnt have any such secret and Rain was threatening to spread unfounded rumours. A dirty trick, one he learned in all his political dealings, but he had to use the tools at his disposal for the task at hand.
To this end, Sarnai shrugged and said, It is up to you, Father-in-Law. A man must take responsibility for his own decisions after all. A not so subtle reminder that if Rain were to fail this task and be refused Sumilas hand in marriage, then the responsibility would fall squarely on Husolts shoulders.
And Sarnai would be sure to collect this debt from his hide.
The smile faded from Husolts face, and he spent a good half minute clearing his throat. By then, Rain was already making his way back over with plenty of time to spare. Already, Sarnai could imagine what the rumour-mongers would say, about how Fire-Bird Tenjin had a shameful secret known only by Falling Rain, but ultimately it would lead to nothing. Anyone whod seen them together would know they were as close as brothers, and it was only Tenjins refusal for a more prominent rank or title that kept him where he was. Unlike Sarnais dog-brained husband, Tenjin wanted to settle down with his beloved, and it was Tursinais love of adventure that brought them out here, rather than his own personal quest for glory. A commendable outlook, but Sarnai would still make sure to scold her son for teasing Tenjin so publicly.
Having returned to the rooftop via the stairs, Rain grinned as he handed the wooden token to Husolt with both hands, and miraculously even refrained from making taunts. There were three more tasks for Rain, solving a blacksmiths puzzle, demonstrating his passable skill with a throwing knife, and a riddle involving a life and death situation in which he was forced to pick and choose which of his pets to save and which he would let die. Unfortunately, Rain was physically incapable of making a decision and finally settled on, whichever ones were closest, because that gave him the best odds of saving as many as he could.
All right lad, all right, Husolt grumbled, holding his hands up to stem the tide of questions. I give up. It was a hypothetical situation. No need to keep thinking on it anymore. Shaking his head, he sighed and put both hands on the boys shoulders. The difference in size was staggering to behold, for Rain was not a large man and Husolt made most Martial Warriors appear downright dainty, but the boy held up well under the pressure. I already told you what would happen if you ever made my girl cry, and yer a better Son-in-Law than most. I gave you my blessing when the two of you were betrothed, and you still have my blessing today on the day you wed. You just take good care of her, you hear? You make sure she remembers to visit. You know how she is, always focused on her next project or milestone or whatnot. Shes a strong girl, but she needs a strong person to support her, because shes always pushin her limits, and shell push yours too.
By now, the massive warrior was crying like a child, and Rain pushed in to hug him tight. Dont worry, Grandpa. I wont let you down.
Bah, what grandpa? Its Father-in-Law now, or will be soon enough. Though Rain and Husolt chuckled at the absurdity, Sarnai felt a headache coming on. Seniority was important in a family, but she could not accept her son becoming her Brother-in-Law, nor did she know how to behave around her her Sister-in-Law turned Daughter-in-Law.
All matters for another day, for now it was finally time for the marriage ceremony, or so Sarnai thought. I got one last test for you, lad, Husolt said, wiping his tears and limbering up with his staff. Yer Pa kept jawin on about how you got some real impressive moves, and I need to see them fer meself. Come, show this here grand-daddy what you got.
This time, it was not just Sarnai glaring daggers at her dog-brained husband, as Rain and Alsantset added their glares as well. It was almost enough to make her pity the poor fool, until she remembered that hed brought this upon himself.
All she wanted was the ceremony to go well. After that, the banquet could end in disaster and she still wouldnt bat an eye, but stubborn Husolt just refused to let it happen in a timely manner. Not for the first time, Sarnai reflected on how bittersweet her husbands recent adoption had become, and dreaded what life with her new in-laws might become...
Author's note: To be honest, I intended to do the ceremony in this chapter and perspective too, but I ran out of time. Problem is, I planned next chapter to start at the dinner banquet, so i dunno wat Im gonna do yet. I might just tack it on to this chapter, or I might see if I can finagle the ceremony so it makes sense in a different perspective, like Rain's or Mila's for a more personal touch, though that kinda ruins sthing i wanted to include. Hopefully I figure it out, but dunno yet.
Comments
Craig Morris
I really want to see some art of the animals especially the quinn, if anyone would bless my eyes with such drawings i would be forever in your debt!
A K
Write a longer chapter as a double release; doesn't necessarily have to be double length, just long enough to justify two different perspectives
Atlas Dwarf
Akanai works with handing off her daughter and possibly keeping an eye on Song. Alsantset would really be good though cause she could kind of throwback to when Rain was introduced into the People.
Rene Christensen
Its such a typical animal move. Making themselves big to mess with their handlers and avoid tight bindings. :)
Idiot Pigeon
What could happen for the next chapter is husolt POV of testing rain. into introducing mila and then to the ceremony or what ever else.
Arnon Parenti
Akanai or Alsantset would be next on my list of experts I care about their opinions and have a stake in the ceremony.
Arnon Parenti
also give us Gyu's plans for Rain's tests before marrying Yan, can he balance on a tight rope while evading wind buffs holding a bear on each arm? cause if he can't, that's too bad, not worthy of marrying my Yan at all. Can he dance the Brishtalla with his eyes closed and with one hand tied? unworthy if he can't. The real test was to see when you would voice your disagreement boy, Yan needs a man that would lift her up, not some fop to do what she wants with...
Arnon Parenti
Mebbe do the sermony fro du min gyu pov, dis way we get his interpretation of Rain's sweet new moves but also his salty jealousy for Yan being second and a funny intro into Bekki culture by a central peak expert...
Blah64
That's how thoughts about tradition always seem to me.
Aupsie
Maybe it’s just me, but Sarnai and Baatar’s interaction about tradition made no sense. - « Tradition is not important » - « No, tradition is important » - « You don’t get it, tradition is important »
NeWorlDark
God I love fat Mafu
Slim Dakhch
multiple pov to introduce all the info u want
They got a complicated family history
Jabari Lambert
Let me introduce my aunt whose my wife, my mother whose my sister in law, my sister whose my niece. I can hear the banjos blaring in the background, didn’t know the Saints tribulations mountains was the empires Alabama
