Patrol 4: Storm & Calm

Chapter 24

As they walked up the stairs of Buccareth House, Vania asked, "Do you think T'venst would share his cinnamon cake recipe with Derry? I think he'd like to add it to his menu."

"Liked it a lot, did you?" Eddin asked, grinning. "Knowing how you were raised on Derry's baking, I thought their pastries and cakes wouldn't impress you."

"Their pastries didn't," Vania admitted. "But that cake was the best thing they served this morning."

Eddin chuckled as he pulled open the door, "I noticed you took all the remaining pieces off the plate and brought them along."

Vania shrugged. "If they're going to try to gauge what I liked or not from how much was eaten from each thing, I had to make sure they could tell what was the best."

"Ah. Here I thought maybe you were bringing some to Cianna..."

"Well, yes, I was planning on giving this to them," Vania admitted, pulling the tied napkin full of cake from her cloak pocket. "Derry might even be able to replicate the recipe after he tastes it."

"Good morning, Nahaloras!" T'kanna said brightly as she greeted them each with a hug. "I heard you'd come in. What brings you here?"

"I need to see Grand Master A'lei'iana, if she's still here," Vania replied.

T'kanna looked from one to the other, then said, "Ah. I see. Yes, she's in. Allow me to escort you to her office."

"Thank you," Vania replied with a nod. As she walked next to a nearly skipping T'kanna, she asked, "So... you're in a very good mood today. I assume you have some good news...?"

T'kanna beamed. "Yes. I told Mother my suitor selection at breakfast this morning, and she approved."

"Really?" Vania smiled.

"Yes. Bergin and I are to be married!"

"Congratulations!" both Vania and Eddin said at once.

"That's great news," Vania said.

At the same time, Eddin said, "I'm so happy for you, sis."

"So... when's the ceremony?" Vania asked.

"In five months."

"Five months," Vania repeated. She looked over to Eddin, then back to T'kanna. "Let me guess—that's the traditional timing from betrothal announcement to marriage ceremony for an a'marlon wedding?"

"Yes." T'kanna smiled. "Your marriage to D'merdon was pushed forward faster due to extenuating circumstances." She stopped outside a door. "This is Mother's office. One moment." She knocked on the door; when she was given permission to enter, she poked in her head. "Mother? Vania and D'merdon Nahalora are here to see you."

"Nahalora," Vania whispered, looking up at Eddin. "You're not even a Buccareth anymore."

He smiled down at her and took her hand, squeezing her fingers. "I'm honored to be a Nahalora."

"So... does that mean you're not nobility anymore, either? So when those borrowed servants call either of us lord or lady, they're wrong?"

He chuckled. "Maybe." After a brief pause, he asked, "Does it matter?"

"No."

T'kanna cleared her throat, making them both look over. "Sorry to interrupt. Mother will see you whenever you're ready."

Vania looked up at Eddin. "Shall we?"

"Ready when you are."

Vania sighed and stepped past T'kanna. "Thank you." She walked through the doorway, Eddin following closely. The door closed behind them. Vania looked at A'lei'iana, the a'marlon woman once more wearing her military uniform, a far cry from the exquisite gown she'd worn at the wedding ceremony. "Grand Master A'lei'iana Buccareth, thank you for seeing us."