Chapter Text
Keltev and Anya laid out in the grass behind the manor. Anya had decided to stay in Haven after Talia and Dirk's wedding, and it was no wonder, when one considered that she had fallen in love with Talia’s oldest brother.
At the moment, they were discussing their own wedding plans.
"Brides wear wildflowers in their hair among my people," Anya said. "We have our weddings in spring and summer."
"Holderkin weddings happen year 'round," Keltev said. "It's whenever the girl's family decides she's ready. The bride is veiled from the time she leaves the house until the time her husband removes it."
"I'd rather have the flowers."
"So have them, but I'll expect a bride gift."
"What's a bride gift?"
Keltev grinned. "The bride is supposed to present her new husband with a present on their wedding night. It's supposed to be symbolic of giving him all of herself."
"Fine, but we're having fish."
"And the bread. Holderkin have a special wedding bread."
Anya rolled up onto her side, her head propped up on her hand. "Tell me about it."
"It's a round loaf decorated on top with birds and wheat. It's all brushed over with egg whites before baking. There are two birds. The groom is represented by a bird with its wings outstretched. The bride is represented by one with furled wings."
"It sounds lovely. But we must have honey cakes. And I love ehrris wine."
"Your kisses are intoxicating enough," Keltev said, rising up and stealing one.
Anya responded enthusiastically in kind, allowing Keltev to press her into the grass.
They were interrupted by Sen calling his oldest son to the fields. Though he now sat on Council three afternoons a week, he still worked his own fields.
Anya smiled and stood. She was about to head back to the palace when Isrel called to her. Most women only get one mother-in-law, Anya thought. Nets of the Lady save me, I'm going to have eight!
Fortunately, Anya got along fairly well with Sen's wives. "What can I do for you, Isrel?"
"It's time for you to start having lessons on being a wife," Isrel said. "We're all so excited that you're going to be Keltev's First Wife."
Anya shook her head. "Actually, I'm going to be his only wife. But I am willing to take some marital advice, I suppose."
***
Isrel smoothed down her light green robes. As a Healer trainee, she had been forced to learn and understand different cultures and their way of doing things. "That's right. Outside of the Holderkin, men take only one wife. And you consider yourself equal to men."
"Yes. I understand it's different for Holderkin, but the way Talia explained it, it has a lot to do with how many men are lost to raiders."
"Talia is right." Isrel reached out and took Anya's hands gently. "We've been here eight years now, and I suppose that sometimes, we still have trouble getting away from the old ways. Although I've noticed the next generation had had an easier time adjusting. I think Talia has been the biggest influence on most of them, but I think you've been the biggest influence on Keltev since the two of you met. The two of you never would have been alone together before the wedding, back on the hold."
"It's my understanding we might not have even met before the wedding," Anya said. "So, what else should I know?"
"Well, Keltev will inherit everything. You may as well start learning how to run such a large household. I know the wedding is coming fast, but don't worry. By the time you and Keltev take over, I'm certain you'll be confident and ready, both of you."
"Talia said that before she came to Haven, she could weave, spin, sew, clean just about anything, take care of littles, and cook."
"I also taught her herbal medicines," Isrel said. "I've always had a talent for them." She looked down at her robes and laughed a little. "Now I know why."
Anya smiled. "Well, I can cook fish. I can do some basic sewing. And Lake Evendim has something in common with a Hold. We're all one big extended family, and we all help look after the littles, so I have some experience with that."
"It's really not so different. We'll all help you learn, both before and after the wedding. After all, it should still be several years before you and Keltev are in charge. Your first littles may even be courting by then, if not married."
"Perhaps," Anya said. "Well, we may as well start. What shall lesson one be?"
"Lesson one is counting your stores and budgeting. We were surprised our first harvest, by how bountiful it was. But there could always be a drought or a flood. A harsh summer storm could destroy crops."
At about that point, Vrisa came out. "Mother, you're not going to believe this, but Keldar is here. She said Justus is dead, and she has nowhere else to go, so she came to Haven."
"Who's Keldar?" Anya asked.
"Sen's FirstWife," Isrel said. "She's not pleasant. She's also the one who birthed Keltev." She stood. "Well, best to see her. You may as well come and meet her, Anya."
Anya stood and followed Isrel in. Nets of the Lady! Not eight mothers-in-law, but nine!