Community

The rest of the day went by in a blur. Cali and Alina stayed with me through most of it, trying to help each other through our losses. Alina seemed to do better when she had a task to occupy herself. Every bandage in the infirmary was rerolled into its tightest spiral by the time she left.

Alejo and Finley accompanied my family home for what would probably be their last time. Their familiar presence reminded me that life goes on even when your world is shaken. It was both comforting and depressing.

For the first time since we were babes, my siblings and I slept in my parents room. None of us wanted to be alone. Somehow grief is easier to face with those you love. My mother and siblings took up the entirety of my parents bed. With a sibling on each side, snuggled into my mother's safe embrace, I could not bring myself to disturb them.

I took an extra quilt off the foot of my parents bed and made myself a cot beside the bed on the floor. Liliana noticed my nest as she was nodding off to sleep. Her sweet hand tumbled from the bed and held mine as she drifted off. She deserved any comfort I could provide.

Willing my mind to be blank, I tried to sleep. My restless mind kept replaying the day's horrors, despite my best attempts at nothingness. Sleep finally claimed me after I worked the problem from another angle. Thinking of Cali's hasty kiss in the manor barn warmed my heart and soothed my mind to rest.

My family awoke to a knock on the door. Somehow we all slept through the morning bells ringing. I was on my feet with my hand reaching for the hilt that usually sat at my hip. Nothing was there.

My face fell as I realized I would not get to wield anything but the sword of my clan after becoming a Swordsman. That sword sat wrapped up in the corner of the room.

I sighed in relief. I was just a little jumpy after the last few days. There was no indication that it was a threat at the door and I did not want to upset my siblings. I shrugged off my awkward stance and walked toward the bedroom door.

On the other side I found my two flustered shadows. Finley was about to knock again and his hand was still in the air. His face lost its tension as he saw all inside were safe, albeit drowsy.

"Sorry to wake you. We were beginning to worry. Mainly Alejo," Finley offered. A gentle nudge of Alejo's elbow into Finley's side told me that he was not in fact the main source of worry.

"The Royal seamstress, Lydia is downstairs to meet with your family. Whenever you're ready, that is." Finley added, trying to dismiss himself before Alejo could embarrass him.

"Thank you, Mr. Finley," Liliana replied, joining me at the door. I smiled at my little sister before nodding to the guards and shutting the door.

My family quickly got ready for the day. I could see the look in my mother's eye that indicated that she was uncomfortable with guests seeing the current state of our home. I tilted my head as I always did. No one would judge her housekeeping. Now more than ever.

My siblings bounded downstairs. It was not quite their usual level of energy, but old habits are hard to break. Downstairs had somehow been transformed overnight. Vases filled with flowers made the space fragrant and fresh. Warm baked goods filled numerous baskets. My mother should not have worried about her housekeeping.

Who could have sent all this? My siblings did not seem to mind that question as they started to dig into the nearest treats for breakfast. I picked up a card. It had a lengthy condolence message that I could not bear to read in front of my siblings. At the bottom it was signed by one of our clansmen. It was a man that my father helped set up a shop in town.

Another basket filled with sweet bread held another note from Benate. This note was specifically addressed to me. I couldn't read the specifics through my dewy eyes, but I could tell he was sorry for my loss.

I did not need to look at the note hanging from a vase of flowers near a basket of tarts. The roses were those from the palace gardens and I knew the tarts by sight. They were some of my favorites at Royal functions.

There were more items that had notes attached but I was more curious about the biggest change in the room. Ms. Lydia made herself a makeshift pedestal and changing area in the corner.

"Ms. Lydia, what do we owe the honor of your company?" My mother dipped her head in respect.

"Lady Raley," Lydia likewise dipped her head. "Queen Valerie knew I had your sizes on hand. She hoped you would not mind, but I used them to make some funeral garbs for your family. Most of the items just need a quick fitting. Free of charge, of course. And she also sent me with the garments for Sir Jacobson's wedding. She hoped that they might be used for his Swordsman ceremony instead?"

"Thank you, Lydia," was all my mother could manage. Her stoicism and strength were wearing thin. She held back her tears and motioned each of her children forward in rounds. With each passing moment, I saw her resolve grow. She was determined to be our rock.

After my turn on the pedestal, my mother finally took a moment for herself to be dressed by the expert seamstress. Alejo put his hand on my shoulder reassuringly as I took over helping my siblings get ready to head out the door.

Today we were not forgotten. Today our community was with us. Today we would have to say our last goodbyes to our beloved father.