Chapter 24

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

2. Vinelae, 24,536 - Treehold
Yesterday we reheld Remaue’s bridetide. It went mishapplessly, for which we are relieved. We held it as an easy holiday, a long noonmeal with light snacks, foremostly the kinds that foster ripeness. Shortly therein came my Father, Liavill his wifemate, Raeonyl and Shill my siblings, and Mirue and Soriss, Remaue’s mother and sister. We settled for an idle afternoon and shared laughter with friends and kin, with Remaue, proud and bare, at our mindfulness’s midst.
Toward dusktide I left the mirthstead and lit witchlights among the blossom-wreaths that Tae and Erymi had set over and within our room. The bedshroud-gift from Lady-Mother was already laid and dressed. Tae, Erymi, and I deemed all ready. So we came downstairs to the deck. There I came behind Remaue’s seat, bent, and kissed her. She looked upward with eyes glistening, and I bade the time upcome. Then with many hugs from all, Erymi and I led her up to the room.
Once there, we helped Remaue undress, an easy thing since we merely unknotted her skirt. Then she knelt upon the bed and waited. Bywardly came Less with Tae ahost, who came until the doorway and begged income. Remaue smilingly gave leave. He stepped inside, and Tae, with a dear kiss to her manmate, untied his kilt and loincloth. He then knelt upon the bed before, greeted her, and asked her blessing. For a short while we stayed talking and shared laughter. Then Less leaned forward and kissed her, whereat her grin answered. I lay beside her, which let me wrap my antennae with hers. Tae did likewise on the other side while Erymi sat at the head. Slowly Less joined us in mindshare, whereat I felt his gladness and thrill.
It was a beautiful deed, and filled us all with bliss and laughter.
This morn we lay late abed and slowly stirred. We rose to an idle breakfast where we sampled fresh cheesebread and goldsap. Then Remaue with Tae, Less, and Erymi rode into the City, where they swore witness before the matrons, while I stayed behind to oversee the Shota. By mid-afternoon they had ridden back. I saw them from the meadow, where Ess and I were playing with the other Shotalashu. They waved me from afar, whereat we rode to the treehome and met them.
Remaue kissed me sweetly. She asked how the Shota were doing, and I answered well. She agreed it well, and then added it was so, forwhy I am the lone maiden in our household. When I asked what she meant, she bade a maiden should not so question her betters.
Then she grabbed my braid and made me kneel. I squealed while the others watched. Yet she was unforswerved. With the other wives and Less following and laughing, she led me halterlike up the treehome to our room.
When I woke, all four oversat me. Remaue and Erymi stroked my hair and face, while Tae held my hand, and Less kissed my feet. I lay in mindshare with them all, amazing from their gladness, and also felt a hiddenness they had until now withheld. Slowly I sat up, uncanny of speech.
Remaue left the bed and drew forth a bundle from the shelf. She sat again and laid it in my hands. Still wordlessly I asked of it.
Remaue did not answer. ~Ollise zheieve~ - “Be a good outrider,” she bade, and shoved it against my breast.
I opened the bundle and unwrapped a long narrow shroud of white silk. Thereon in gold thread was worked a sunburst, in near likeness to Son’s own badge, and edged in red. Within the sun’s body swirled a starry pattern like stars in night-heaven as seen from the Hall of Stars. It was a flag, the kind a flagwife would bear on her bill and her sworn sith-warriors would follow.
“Earn back your rightful stead in the Citadel,” bade Erymi, and Tae echoed. “We will uphold you, whatever may beneed,” added Less.
I had no word. I clutched the flag to my bosom, and sat still. How can I ever rethank their love?

End of Part 2