My Dearest Lady Cotton

Intrusive Delivery

    It was another sunny day. The Kingdom of Icetonia had finally begun it's summer weather, and she couldn't be more then excited. However, the day had only been half as pleasant since Louis was called in early to the Palace. What could they possibly need him for? Is there really no other to take his place for the short while he rests? And where were those letters? She hadn't seen a single one since his departure!

    Face it Cotton, it might be days before he even returns! Just be thankful he's alive at least. Her bitter conscious mumbled as she diced some celery, sliding them into the cauldron.

   Unceremoniously dunking extra onions, carrots and potatoes into the stew, Cotton began chopping away chunks of beef and rabbit, until her attention diverted to the sound of a basket slamming behind her. At the sight of her Cousin-In-Law, the lavender colored woman couldn't help but beam so brightly.

   "Rinny!" She cheers, hugging her dear family and friend with meat juiced hands. "You should have told me you were visiting."

   "Got to thank the extra key laying under the potted plant." She replies, removing herself from the hug and opening the basket. "We just have too many cloudberries in the orchard, so I thought to give some. I also, y'know, wanted to visit."

   Cotton giggled at the sheepish look Rinny passed and took her gloved hands in her own, a grateful smile tracing her lips. "Thank you. I'm alright, do not fret about me." She turned back to the stew and began to mix the ingredients, only to divert her gaze from the stew to her Cousin-In-Law's gloved hands. 

   The weather had begun to warm just a week ago, falling into the same temperature as her home town. Wouldn't Rinny feel rather stuffy under those heavy garments?

    As if knowing what she was thinking, the chocolate colored lass removed her gloves and heavy shawl, wiggling her fingers with a teasing grin. "It's not as bad as you think it is, Cotty!" Hanging them over the makeshift clothe rack by the door, the teen joined Cotton by the kitchen counter, watching her stir the aromatic soup. "The countryside right outside the city is still under cold weather, so it was more fitting to come in these then my summer ones." 

    "Is that so?" Cotton asks, lifting the ladle to her lips.

    Rinny nods, washing her hands in the basin. "Aye it is. And it stays within the light of evening for a while." 

    The young Wife raised an astonished brow, perplexed upon the image splattered in her mind. The thought of the evening light spread over the sky for a set number of months plagued her interest. She adored watching the sun rise and fall. It's always been a joy to observe the soft pink and orange hues bathe the Kingdom in graceful colors. 

     If that's what's been the sight in Rinny's family farm, then Cotton couldn't wait to visit. She and Louis were scheduled to see them within the next couple of weeks. The furthest she's ever been was in the southern parts of Icetonia, where her quaint little hometown was located.

     Wait. If Rinny is here, than that means... 

     Pausing her movements, her blue orbs narrowed, roaming over the young girl curiously. "Rinny... if you are here, then does that mean your Father and brother are here as well?" Said lass ceased her whiffing of the stew and nods, sneakily taking a sip of the meal. "Mhm! My Old Man and Georgie are here as well. They're selling Cloud Berry Wine and Very Berry Ale." 

     "Already?" Cotton gapes. "The time for such things has already come?"

     The dark haired teen nods once more, gazing and drooling hungrily over the grub in front of her. The blue eyed woman pursed her lips in shock, already feeling like her life has flown away from her grasps. Has it been that quick? So soon? Time really does fly as fast as Mother says. 

   "Cotty..." Said a pensive voice, awakening the older woman from her pondering trance. "Is it, is it alright with you if I... Um, er..." Moving her sights to where her Cousin-In-Law had been shyly pointing to, she couldn't help but laugh. 

    "Of course you may." 

    From that answer alone, Rinny hastily grabbed a bowl and poured herself a helping of stew, drowning in the mouthwatering scent that wafted up her nose. Mumbling her thanks, she dug into the meal, gobbling it up as soon as it touched her lips.

   Grinning bemusedly, Cotton opened the basket she had received, peering into the contents inside.

    While examining the collection of free berries and wine, her elbow brushed against a rough edge, bringing her to snap a bewildered gaze to the sound of flimsy fluttering landing on the floor. Under the dim light of the hearth, the young Wife bent down and picked up a neatly folded parchment with her name messily scrawled on the corner.

     Her heart sped erratically at the thought that perhaps... Perhaps this was another letter! Quickly! open it! It must be from him!

     An excited gleam shone in ocean orbs and she nimbly unraveled the piece of parchment. Pausing on a bite of meat, the dark haired girl watched curiously as the lavender haired maiden sped through the letter.

    Raising a brow at her Cousin-In-Law's embittered sigh, she crept behind her to take a glimpse of whatever she was looking at. Tilting her head puzzled, Rinny raised a brow from Cotton's negative attitude, unable to read what her Cousin had written to his Wife.

    Slapping the precious letter tightly to her panged chest, the lavender haired woman closed her eyes against the dark haired girl's discombobulated orbs.

    After a small moment, she spoke, a downcast tone lacing her voice. "I-It's from Louis!" 

    "Alright. So why so sad?" Rinny inquires, veering next to her. "Did... something happen?"

   Squeezing her somber blue eyes shut, she shook her head, unwilling to answer. "Sorry Rinny. If you'll excuse me." She stammers, inching towards the uneven stairs situated in the corner of the kitchen, leaving a perplexed Rinny who worriedly questioned her friend's disenchanted expression.

    Cotton jumped up the stairs, speeding away towards her shared bedroom and shut it locked with a wide frown upon her saddened lips. 

    Re-reading the parchment, she gazed upon it moodily, brushing it against her lips. She could almost smell his enchanting scent of lilacs. He always seemed to have the smell of them these days. Sighing dreamily, her love filled eyes melted at the sight of his writing

    Inhaling a depressed breath, the lilac colored woman snuggled the writing near her aching heart, knowing that her Husband would return far later than she prayed for.

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My Dearest Lady Cotton,

   I pray that you are well, and that the sunny days of the newest season give you warm joy. I had not expected to be called back so quickly, but I suppose it is something we may never be able to avoid. 

  Thankfully, it is not as risky or dangerous as we may have thought. Rather, the Captain himself finds little pleasantries in organizing training regimens, and as the Instructor, he proclaimed that it is more of my duty than his to work the Knights. 

   I shan't be off too long, perhaps a day or two, but either way, it will be quick. And I'll soon be beside you, tucked away from the harsh summer rays under your lovely-self. 

Forever Yours,

Your Handsome Husband in Shining Armor,

Louis.