About three hours from the official start of the Winter Festival.
The village was a beehive.
I wasn't outside but could tell by the excited shouting and people running around looking for others.
Girls giggled outside, putting their best smiles and dresses on ignoring the cold for a day.
The men were howling after and wooing those they would kneel in front in just a few hours.
In my house are all the ladies close to me drinking and reminiscing about last year except for my kid and Ciren already dressed and ready.
" I remember.." Demelza spilt some her her cup as she pointed towards the outside. " ..you were sulking all day.. walking around, hiding and just generally hating it..who knew!? That this day will come. "
She came over and almost knocked me down with a hug.
" I'm happy for you.. dear sister. " I almost cried, and it's been like this the whole day.
" Thank you, sister. "
""""AHHH.."""""
The others who were picking from a literal mountain of clothes.
All and everyone's into a big pile so all can find the best one.
Setil was pretty shaky..
" Calm down.." I walked behind her, watching the same two near identical dresses for about twenty minutes. " ..you should try them on, and we help you rate them."
She looked horrified. " What if no one asks me..again..I'm already twenty, who's going want me."
Well, I was the same age but, whatever..
" Who wouldn't? Ms. sexy barmaid.."
Her sister walked to us and teased her about her new persona.
It did loosen her up and went upstairs with Miri to try them on.
Meanwhile, granny and mother were drilling Eleanor about deciding quite last minute to wait another year.
" ..ght you were ready, sweetheart? " mother was still trying her best to change her mind... last minute hopes. " .. Why wait? "
She gave me an eye roll and signalled for help.
" Mom, you know why..she is just turning 17 soon..and well she is quite mature already.."
It made even Eli into a blushing mess when thinking about it. " ...so she doesn't need to rush. Let her be. "
I looked into the mirror and checked my face. My smile was bright enough to light the room.
I wanted to go and see how he's doing with all of this. But, next time I see him will be after the ceremony in a few hours.
" Who else is sitting this year? "
I've heard my mother asking the others while skimming through my underwear.
" Who isn't.." Nifa was knowledgable because she painted most of their dresses, including mine. " At least a dozen will be wearing my colours, including you darling, and of course those all in white. "
I felt my face blush and check in Eli, too. She won't be wearing white either..
" ..Itself is not uncommon. Like in Dharma, those girls who have... you know. " Cintia took over after finishing an entire plate of chocolate.
" Well, they have to wait and be the last to marry during the summer ceremonies. Married in the middle of the night. "
" For me, that sounds romantic. " Liz sat down imagining a summer wedding at night.
" I envy you two for knowing so much of the world. How do they get married in other lands? "
The Boreas told fancy wedding traditions like drenching the wife in wine to ensure vitality and good fortune in a town northwest Lentila. While in Karta, marriage was very traditional.
They talked and courted for months with their families' blessing and supervision. Once a suitable time has passed agreed upon by their families, then they can marry.
It was strange to hear so much.. unbelievable customs just because people are born into a few thousand miles away. They lived,fought, married differently .. believed in different gods, and raised their children differently.
We all loved their stories it was like having our personal storytellers whenever we wanted.
" Knock, Knock..I came for the grooms clothes. "
Lucian waited until it was confirmed safe and then walked in dressed very nice with a blue corcus goldilocks on his right side pinned on his chest.
I looked at Mother, and she went upstairs to get the pre assembled outfit. Black all around except for a white shirt.
" Lucian, do you have his ring? "
He turned away from admiring Eleanor for a moment. " No..that's.. Alexander and Carlos are holding the bride price, and I'm in charge of everything else."
He looked quite proud as Mother handed him a bag of clothes.." Lucian, wait.."
I went inside one of the rooms and sent him something of my own.
I balled my panties up and hid it inside another bag.
" You will deliver..and if you look Mordin.." I grabbed him by his jacket and whispered.
" You will lose something you will desperately need on your own wedding night. "
He shook like a leaf and opened the bag. Let me place mine in it.
" I'll keep..yes. Bye.."
" Uncle Lucian, take me to Dad.."
" I want to go too.."
Mother put them in their coats,hats, etc.
Lucian picked up Anna and took Ciren by the hand, and then he scurried away like a snake.
I stood the questioning gazes of others.
" Just a little gift..I'll picked up earlier..khmm let's get moving ladies the festival begins in just a few hours. "
I'll send the suspicious lot away, and only Demelza and Liz left, who were already dressed on the account of the babies with them.
I sat down myself and took a few calming breaths.. I was eyeballing a plate of leftover morsels that Cintia left.
I was starving..but it was the moment of truth.
" Demelza, it's time.."
She got up and took a few soldier steps toward her and Alexander room.
She returned with my expensive nemesis.
Slipping into it. " I swear..if it's still too small, I will burn it tomorrow morning.."
They held their breaths ..
" It's still uncomfortable.. but better. Maybe it will live.."
" You look absolutely gorgeous..let's go to the hall once the others are done. "
They stood behind me in the mirror and touched my dress all over.. " N-no..girls! It's been a ..while, so don't touch..
I saw, I spurred them on and had to run ..idiots my dress got all sweaty.
It was time for the festival once it's done an hour, give or take, and it's time.