A Castrovel Adventure: Part 3, Chapter 14

From the Daylog of Vaeol-Zheieveil u’Zhasaele Zolaemaue be’Son

1 Koelae: Newyear’s Day, 24,542 - Son
It was a busy Motorae that brought us to Newyear. The last few days have seen me ensnared in duties. As an ere-year champion, I was forebound to witness the game-trials, wherein my old teacher Lady Leavomel won the spear-tilt. I oversaw some outstanding matches both asaddle and afoot, and would deem Son’s warriors may stand with any in all Asana. Then followed each night’s mirthtide among the matrons and other City worthies, which I forbore so best as I could.
Today held templetide, and again a new crop of outriders who took their oaths as once I had done. I stood among the elder outriders and took them into our sisterhood, while from the side I watched Raeonyl my half-sister among the newlings, who earnestly, wishfully watched their rise.
Meanwhile, Erymi told me she has seen to other business. True to her word, she came to the City and spoke with Sievae. Though I was not there, I reckon it did not go easily. Sievae had ridden under Erymi, and, until her strife with Oshis, the two had gotten along well. Against their hardship, Erymi brought Sievae and her son back to our flag-hold. Oshis, knowledgeless, was bidden to stay and wait on Lady Vosaeth (no less than the third wife he has gotten bechild, whom I know) until Motorae’s end. I and Remaue are bidden to keep secret and bring him with us after Newyear.

2. Koelae
Lady Vosaeth and her host yesterday took Son’s leave and went northward, back to the wide Retaea their homeland. The whole Matronhood and Citadel gathered to witness Lady-Mother blessing their farewell. As gift, my mother bestowed a sheer blue-glass meadvat full two cubits tall and wrought with handles shapen like Korasha warriors, and a full set of matching cups. Lady Vosaeth named it a queenly gift and swore herself under our dearth, and not merely from this gift, but for the true guestship we had given, both here and at war. If Son ever need an ally, she has forespoken her clan and good word to all other clans they know. She will speak of Son’s giftfulness at the Blighttide Clanmoot.
Then Vosaeth called me forth and selfsomely thanked my leadership in the Formian Warfare. Somewhat ashamedly I took her praise from my friendship, wisdom, and furthermore my love. Then she asked leave to name me sister, which is a worship seldom given beyond the Retaea Clans. Meekly I yaysaid, and we kissed.
Then laughingly she spoke that, since she is hereby my elder sister, she would give me rede, and as wife to maiden furthermore, in the Retaea wise. I answered that, since from history I understand we are all rootfully Retaea, I would do so gladly. This brought laughter from all, even my sisters. Then Vosaeth said that, though she is the Thief-Queens’ afterbear, her counsel stems from the elder Warrior-Queens, whose blood we share. She read I should keep honor and truth, which she had already seen in my mettle, and should be unafraid to take many lovers, though of manloves to take wisely and no more than than one a yeartide, so that I may match children to fathers (which made me blush tearfully). Then again she kissed me and quoth that in me she beholds the blood of the Warrior-Queens reborn, but even better, which brought a yell from my fellow outriders and my household, who already knew me by that nickname. We swore sisterhood, and all cheered.
We rode with Vosaeth and her host on the ferry, and stood at the roadhead while she and her warriors loped northward until loss from sight. I already miss her bold cheerfulness, and found myself wistful for something I spent almost the night atrial to understand, though little enough time that afternoon and eventide, for I have had business with Citadel things and readying for tomorrow.