Surprise

Year 140 Spring Months, Jaguar Era

Lucy yawned, stretching her small body. Today was something special, though she didn't know what. Mom had carefully bathed her and rubbed her whole body with sweet smelling oil. Lucy watches silently, as Mom fussed with the heavily embroidered bodice, and skirt she had prepared for Lucy. "You be a good girl, today baby girl. Make sure not to cry" Mom says, looking worriedly at her. Lucy almost nodded, before she remembered that a six-month-old, wouldn't understand.

I still want to know what I'm getting dressed up for! Drop some hints, Mom!  Of course, Mom as always continued on in ignorance of her daughter's whining. Still, Lucy grins. I'm finally leaving this courtyard! I'm so happy!  What do the streets look like? Lucy wondered. I'm so tired of this tiny courtyard. I want to see this new world. Despite her hunger and curiosity, Lucy was resigned to being confined for now. After all, she was still a baby. Whatever this event was, it was big to Lucy just because she would soon be out, and looking around.

Satisfied with the outfit, Mom brought it over. Lucy endured being dressed in the heavy fabric and held still as Mom tied a ribbon in her hair. Ribbons are a strangulation hazard, Mom! Lucy caught the ribbon with her hands, eyeing the bright yellow. It's so pretty!

She was quiet as Mother carried her out. What era is it? What's my country like? Lucy's eyes widen. Outside their neat little courtyard house, a black carriage with yellow trim, with a matching strawberry roan pair waited.  Giving in to impulse, Lucy leans forward, her little hand stretched out. I want to touch it! Lucy pouts when Mother gently contains her hands. "Don't Lucy, it's dirty." Mother scolds. Lucy sighs, and leans back in her arms.

Mother kisses her face. "You'll be wonderful, my Lucy. Remember to be quiet during the ceremony, crying's bad luck." Mother warns. Lucy touches Mom's face. "What if they don't enter into the Lineage?" Mother whispers to Edith. "Of course, Young Miss will be entered. Don't worry, Mistress. She's a very well behaved child. She's full of good fortune." Wait? Crying would affect this? How could that work?

Just then, Lucy sees Father. She smiles, and reaches for him "Pa, da!" Lucy babbles. Father takes her from Mom, a smile cracking his stern face. Lucy settles into his arms, her little hands tugging at his bread. This is so fun! "Da" Lucy says again. Lucy knew it was early to start talking, but Lucy was ready. So ready to talk again.  Lucy was proud that she kept to just Da. Giggling, Lucy snuggles against Father, having lost any hesitation toward him during three months of his frequent visits.

Father climbs into the carriage. It smelt musty, with a deep brown leather, and polished wood trimming the inside.  A second later, the door shut. "Ea?" Lucy startles. What about Mom? The carriage starts moving a second later.  Lucy grunts at the jolting. It felt like driving 60 on a brick road. Clearly, Mom wasn't coming. Lucy looks up at Father. Care to explain? Lucy thought, staring at him and saying baby babble.

Father just smiles down at her and pinches her cheeks. Lucy giggles, her baby gurgle making his eyes light up. He might be a jerk, but Father was enamored of her.  "Da" Lucy calls out. "Da, Dada" Lucy claps her hands. His rough hands gently pat her head. "Good girl. My Lucy's such a good talker" Prince Benin praises. Lucy peers toward the carriage curtains, wanting to see out, but Father draws her back. Lucy pouts, but Father just holds her firmer. "No, Lucy," Father says. Lucy sighs, and settles in his lap. I guess it's slightly reasonable to not want a baby leaning out a window, but only slightly.

Benin looks down at his daughter, a soft smile on his lips. This daughter of his was the strongest of all his children, and perhaps the healthiest. So far she had minimal fevers, and not even a hint of trouble gaining weight. Still, her strength was her courage. His only child that didn't get frightened by his anger. Instead, she would pat at his chest, or reach her arms out to him as if she was comforting him, as she babbled Da, dada. Da.

Lucy was his courageous babe. Benin's heart tightened. She was the strongest, happiest, and healthiest of his bloodline. Even his only surviving son was plagued by constant fevers. "Da!" Prince Benin looks down. She tugs on his bread. "Da," She says insistent, pointing to the window.