PENUMBRA (how the flowers grow)

34. Heliotrope

"Devoted affection"

From Hazelhost, it's only a couple days walk to Smallpond, a quaint village thusly named for the pool of water in the middle of everything, that life is centered around. The pond is home to several ducks, and water fae by the name of Saenomnil, whom the entire town worships like one of the Gods.

Tuluvey likes Saenomnil, and under different circumstances, would probably take them to bed. As it is, he is currently still in courtship with his lover, so he's in no place to take another. He's pretty sure Flix and Xaniphe bed them, though, so that's something.

Tuluvey also learns that Saenomnil is practically married to the whole town, which is a fun idea. Saenomnil is truly living the fae life and Tuluvey respects them.

The Goldhands decide to spend the night in Smallpond, simply for the sake of convenience and the principle of never passing up good food and a place to sleep. Tuluvey sleeps well, curled up next to his lover in a bed all to themselves.

He wakes in the morning to Sabina dragging her fingers through his hair, barely grazing his scalp. He hums contentedly and snuggles into her. Her fingers trace down his jaw, scratch behind his ear. Her fingers rest on his lips and he smiles. He looks up at her, finding her expression to be one of intense rumination.

"Do you want to get married?" she questions.

Tuluvey's eyes widen. "What?"

Her eyebrows draw together and she shakes her head. "Never mind."

"No, no," Tuluvey soothes. "What- you want to get married?"

Sabina pauses, face still serious. "Yes. Do you?"

"Of course I do." Tuluvey beams, cups her cheek. "Do you mean you want to get married right now?" His voice pitches in excitement.

Oh my Gods. Yes. Yes.

"Okay."

Tuluvey sits up and gets out of bed quicker than he thinks he's done anything ever. He eagerly pulls Sabina up and she laughs a little, letting him tug her along.

"So we need some ribbon, some wine, and a fruit," he gushes.

He urges Sabina to get dressed and he frantically puts on his shoes before spiriting them both out of the room and down the stairs. He has her hand firmly in his grasp and a cheery mantra in his head.

Ribbon, wine, fruit. I need a ribbon, some wine, and a fruit.

"Woah, where are you going?" L'gaoia asks, arching an eyebrow at them as he takes them to the door.

"We need ribbon, some wine, and a fruit," he tells her enthusiastically, swinging Sabina's hand wildly between them.

Eggel grins. "Congratulations. I can get you some yalka. They're bound to have some here."

"Perfect."

Tuluvey whisks them out of the tavern and down the street. Where to, where to? There- a fabric shop!

The store is run by a fabulously dressed human lady with the most magnificent red hair. Tuluvey greets her and immediately inquires about some ribbon.

"Are you getting married?" the girls questions, pulling out a rack of wooden spools filled with various ribbons, all of different shades. Some have frills, some even have designs.

Tuluvey beams, nodding. "We are!"

He points to a velvety green the color of pea soup and the shopkeeper cuts off a length of ribbon and sets it on the counter.