ELRETH

Elreth was in the bedchamber, looking in the mirror again, this time with her mother, Huncer, Gwyn, and a couple of the wise-women that Huncer had brought to help.

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Other females had been in and out all day, bringing food, clothes, and the body-paints that Elreth requested—and apparently chasing her father out of his own home. Her mom said he'd disappeared before lunch.

Elreth's chest bubbled with excitement—and more than a little fear. But mainly she was just impatient.

She was going to mate Aaryn tonight. Finally. He would finally be hers. Finally complete the bond. She just had to get through this ridiculous Rite first—and in front of the entire population of the Tree City.

She shook her hands out and blew out a breath. She stood in front of the mirror in nothing but a tank top and underwear, while the wise-women painted her.

It was an old tradition, one Huncer had asked in passing if she would like to fulfill (her mother hadn't, but then, she hadn't been Anima.) And when Elreth heard about it, she'd known. She had to do it.

"…The Queen is usually being taken by the King, of course. But since her rank was not associated with a tribe, there was an old tradition in which the Queens would paint themselves in the symbols of all tribes, to signify their desire to represent all, and—"

"Let's do it," Elreth said quickly. "Yes. It's a good idea. Exactly what I want people to see in me. Let's do it."

Huncer had been surprised, not expecting Elreth to jump on the old traditions. But Elreth couldn't get painted fast enough. She needed something to put distract her from the endless waiting. It was decided that they would paint her before dinner so there was no chance of the paint getting on the dress which she wouldn't don until after the meal. And so she stood here, skin pebbled not with cold, but with excitement—and a little from being ticklish—as two women painted her for each tribe.

Wings over her eyes for the Avalines. The curls, swirls, and short lines of the sheep, goat, and equine herds down her back. A stylized mane circling her neckline, below her collarbones for the lion pride. Claws on her fingers for the wolves, dots on her toes and coils on her inner arms to signify the Toad and serpent Amphines.

She stood very still, arms extended as the blue paint was applied in careful strokes and tried not to think about how much time she still had to wait.

Her mother stood behind her, but looking at her in the mirror, her face pinched with fighting tears already and they still had hours to go!

"Mom!" El sighed. "Please don't cry. If you cry, I'm going to cry, then they'll have to paint my eyes again and…"

"It's not you, sweetie. I'm sorry. I'm trying," her mother said.

Elreth watched her in the mirror as she tried to busy herself straightening the dress that was laid out on the bed, waiting for her. But she could see the tension in her mother's face. Something was going on.

As soon as the women were finished painting her she announced that she needed some time and quiet and she would like all of them to go get dinner and bring something back for her and her mother.

Gwyn approached Elreth before she left and asked her if there was anything else she needed for the night? In preparation?

Elreth wasn't sure what she expected, but she couldn't think of anything, so she just said no, she was prepared.

Gwyn patted her shoulder carefully—a spot that wasn't painted—and smiled. "I'll see you after dinner then."

Elreth grinned back. Yes, she would. And so would Aaryn. Thank the Creator, this was finally happening!

Her mom didn't argue with Elreth's demand as Gwyn walked out and the others made their bows, Huncer winking at her in the mirror before she ushered them all out, closing the door carefully behind her.

Her mother sighed and sagged to sit on the sleeping platform, her hand running across the furs, stroking through them, her eyes wide and searching.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Elreth said, turning carefully to make sure she didn't brush any of the paint that hadn't dried yet. "You don't have to worry about me, about us. I'm so certain Aaryn's my True Mate—"

"Oh, Elreth, honey, that isn't what I'm worried about," she said in a tired voice. "In fact, I never thought I'd say it, but I'm not worried about you at all—at least, not in this. You're right about Aaryn. Your father and I both know it. We've known for years, if we're honest. No, I have no concerns about your marriage—I mean, mating."

"Then what is it? You look so sad and afraid!"

Her mother dragged her fingers through those furs again and her shoulders slumped. "It's your father," she whispered. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to put this on you today. But... I'm struggling because this should be a beautiful night for us. Our own Rite was rushed and… I didn't really understand it, and I was in shock… I mean, of course, I understand it now. And it's still a great memory because it started us together. But… gosh, El. I'm being selfish. That's all there is to it. I wanted to go to your Flames and remember ours with your father. I wanted to relive it from the beautiful place we got to, rather than the frightening place we started. And instead… instead I'm not even sure he'll touch me tonight," she said, her eyes squeezing shut and clapping one hand over her mouth as soon as the words were out.

"Mom! What… why wouldn't he?!"

But her mother didn't answer immediately, she was too busy fighting back tears. And Elreth's nerves shot through the roof.

What was happening? Why was her mother falling apart today of all days?

And was it going to delay the Flames and Smoke?