98. Changes. *

It was December 11th 1102.

The snow covered the high walls surrounding our now not so little Emet.

It was basically covered twice the land the village stood on and Tavern was done just in time.

The people's work was finally done and all that's left is our wedding.

In the Dark Princess tavern named after our girl were almost the entire village daily since it was opened unceremoniously.

It was twice as large as the mess hall and fitted everyone in times of celebration.

Miri took up a full time job as singer and the village loved her for it.

The place not only provided more coin we could possibly spend but with mothers cooking and the sweets Zephyr brings for Demelza and Alexander to sell there, we were all making a fortune.

I had Thomas Welk, Lizzy's father in law to build us a beautiful wooden chest which I kept hidden in the in our room.

After each day, bags of coins ended up there.

I'm not ashamed to tell.. we did have sex on the money sometime.

It was nothing special..just cold and mostly uncomfortable. They stuck in...places.

We celebrated two birthdays, Lucian's who eighteenth now and little Arnold who turned three.

Eleanor Wold became a women and with it her world view changed quite a bit.

" Sisi? ..can I borrow..

" God..I told you last week to buy some. " - I sat in a comfortable chair near the giant fireplace placed in the middle of the tavern cutting it virtually in half but, providing more than enough heat.

It was Carlos idea. Who practically moved here since the time of Ilianna birthday.

Mother and him are still making eyes at one another but nothing concrete happened and he was still married.

The Dark Princess was lively as ever. Behind the bar our brand new maid..Setil Emil.

She thought it's her best way to gain a suitor and she looked to be quite right with the man fawning over her as she served them.

" Pleaseee? I promise I'll buy my own in spring. Yours are too..

" Careful.."

" ..Elegant and refined. Plus those new ones.." - she saw my eyes and forced to adjust her words again. " Are, well worth the price.."

I pretended she begged on her hands and knees and it was easier. " Fine..take your pick but nothing black...or..clothes. "

" Thanks Sister..May Ehlite bless you as he would one his ladieaahh..hehehe..Woo! " - she avoided my light jab with a shriek and with Demelza they howled like wolfs.

Yeah, I told them. Her and Demelza been teasing me since.

I looked for my very soon to be husband but he was still away picking up the artist Nifa Borea.

She arrived to Malai yesterday and after delivering Carlos through the snow he went straight back.

" That Lady artist..Nifa. How much her family portraits cost? ..and how good is she drawing heads? "

" I think people pay her in silver or even gold. Im not sure about the head thing..Carlos did mention she was famous. " - I snuggled closer to the fire knowing soon, I have to trudge through the snow.

I should've let them build it right next too us.

Seeing Demelza dejected face, I was surprised.

" I thought now that Alexander took over his classes and the sweets.."

She was quick to wave me off. " It's not the coin. We doing better than ever, I feel ashamed but Zephyr got angry when I tried to refuse, after all he is doing most of the work... It's.."

"" It's..?? ""

She looked at her son playing with Ilianna and her friends.." It's Arnold's head...can her blessing make it smaller? Does she have the skill to do that? "

Yeah..our problems were different now.

——

" Your mother sure enjoying working..or is it the company? "

We were marching through the snow.

Getting ready for dinner which had to be cooked by Demelza and Eli. The others were all working now.

" Carlos is ..close. At least that's what Zephyr told me.. but it might have to wait. " - I said to Demelza battling with the cold air that stabbed my exposed face.

They knew well why.

With the snows now covering most of the continent the war was definitely suspended and with it his brothers rescue postponed until they melted.

We left the kids inside the warmth with Lucian and Alexander looking after them.

Once inside my home we all head different jobs but first...

My wonderful husband genius room.

Our little piece of heaven. Our bath was fully operational with a large enough tub to fit us all comfortably..and for just the two of us?

It was more than enough. Hmm..

" Demelza, make something simple we're running out of time. Eli, make the fire. I'll make her room. "

There was no point building rooms in the Dark Princess. It had one room with a nice bed in case someone wanted to sleep there but we didn't wanna put the artist there.

I put some fresh flowers and new linens in her room, placed some pillows and our extra warm blanket we bought last week in Malai.

We filled a dozens wagons with winter supplies.

With almost 60 people on route plus an escorting 30 plus more it was quite a trip.

By the time arrived down a healthy fire was burning and all the torches were lit.

The cold slowly evaporated and Eli was helping with potatoes.

" We're having pot roast just like Carlos told us and his future wife perfecting it. ..ouch."

Demelza was punched by Eli. " Don't jinx it until it's official.. "

I picked up a knife and helped them. " Let's hurry with this. She wanted meet Zephyr, so I'll assume we have some time but not a lot. "

40 minutes later the house smelled like a delicious meal and it was warm, it was even more comfortable than the tavern.

Soon the kids and their guardians arrived and the bath was lit.

Anna loved it so our firewood consumption was insane.

Five winters worth already and we still had long, even colder months ahead.

Talking about a moot point...

Zephyr made sure the excess wood was stored dry and evenly distributed for all, no coin needed.

Every house was as warm and comfortable as ours.

" Starving..I'm having night duties and change Norman after the tavern closed. " - Lucian was talking loudly so we could all hear about his duty as deputy head security a title once blessed by Zephyr give him a big head.

Eli smiled mischievously and we exchanged some looks. She used some ideas of our roleplaying and learning quickly.

Do, I turn my little sister a degenerate?...oh well.

Nobody perfect.

I knew she planned to say yes this festiva but also hesitated on the simple count that they are young and had plenty of time. Granny did her best for a double wedding but it was slowly slipping away when she didn't but a dress in the City.

Talk about granny..she moved out!

She and Emil were officially together and incredibly cute.

Our help with the dinner party we actually ended up attending with Zephyr went great and they announced themselves to the family not long after.

The Emils were officially family. Nothing changed it was a super long time coming.

I heard familiar footsteps, I knew even blindfolded..which we loved.

Zephyr came through leading a red haired young woman with curly hair and heart shaped face.

" Everyone...let me introduce Lady Nifa Borea Martell. "