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“ –and really the deeper and earthier hues of a burgundy or a warm mahogany would match the pallet of the furniture we already have. Not that– not to say the drapes you chose aren’t gorgeous, darling! They’re a wonderful shade of ruby, truly. It’s just– they might– I certainly wouldn’t want us to get back home and discover they clash with– ”
“It’s fine Laudna, we can go back and pick out a different set when we have the time.”
“Are you certain?”
Imogen looked over at Laudna then, tearing her gaze away from the verdant greens and cool browns of the surrounding foliage to meet Laudna’s gaze. While Laudna’s expression was mostly tentative, there was a glimmer of unabashed excitement in her eyes that betrayed her true feelings on the matter. A fond smile broke out across Imogen’s face. The sheer amount of passion Laudna exuded for these types of things warmed her heart, even if it meant her taste in décor was sometimes questioned.
“I’m sure,” Imogen squeezed Laudna’s hand gently in affirmation.
“Oh, good! Because there were a few sets that caught my eye while we were in the store. One of the more wine-ish ones – it was a sort of bordeaux that leaned red I think – but one of those had this absolutely lovely trim that I wanted to take a closer look at. Oh! And one of the others complimented the shade of the chair cushions marvelously– ”
Imogen let Launda ramble on. It wasn’t that she wasn’t listening, per se, but she’d had this conversation about color coordination and interior design enough times with Laudna now to know when Laudna’s mind was already made up. Imogen let out a small chuckle as she listened to Laudna rattle off a few more options along with their various pros and cons.
Imogen’s mind wandered to the first few times this discussion came up, during those early days on the road together. The situation, of course, was much different now. Gone were those ramshackle huts and rundown sheds. Gone was the need for working with only the odds and ends that they could scrounge up along their travels. Gone was the ever-present possibility they would have to abandon it all – all their hard work gone in a moment, undone by the violent whims of fearful townsfolk. No, this cozy little cottage they’ve chosen in the Heartmoor was theirs. Theirs for what Imogen hoped would be for a really, really long while.
So this meant they could get it right. They could take their time. And if Laudna wanted spend that time choosing the looking at more sets of drapes for the perfect shade of red (or wine or whatever, she wasn’t sure there was a difference), she damn well could.
Imogen returned her attention to the scenery around them. The sinking branches of a large, droopy willow shaded them as they continued along the path. Glancing further ahead, Imogen took in the lively, yet spacious central park greens that sprawled out in front of them. It was warm. Welcoming. Homely. Their home. They’d only been here a few weeks, but this routine – this quiet, leisurely late afternoon stroll – had become one that Imogen was quickly fond of.
A small food cart selling pastries caught Imogen’s eye when Laudna bubbled excitedly next to her.
“Imogen, Imogen! Look! That child has a little rat in his hand! That is absolutely adorable!” Laudna’s hands were pressed firmly against her cheeks, her eyes alight. “I wonder if– Oh! Is that– That other child has a rat too! Oh, they certainly must meet Pâté.”
“Uh, maybe hold off on Pâté for a bit,” Imogen said, laying a hand gently onto the small of Launda’s back. “He might not be– I don’t know if we should be leadin’ with Pâté while we’re still gettin’ settled in.” Then quickly, “but if you wanted to go say hi you could.” Imogen circled the hand resting on Laudna reassuringly. “I’ll grab us a few of those pastries that you liked from the cart over there and meet back up with you in a bit.”
Laudna hummed eagerly, giddy with enthusiasm and Imogen’s heart melted just a bit more. Gods, she didn’t think she could be more in love, but then Laudna had to go looking like that. So genuine and enthusiastic in a way that only Laudna could be.
“Go on,” Imogen withdrew her hand from Laudna’s back and gave her a gentle pat, “I’ll catch up with you later.”
Imogen watched for a bit as Laudna scurried off, that adorable, too-wide smile adorning her face as she headed towards the children. Briefly, a flicker of worry flashed across her mind, smile faltering a bit. The people in town that they’ve come across have been nothing but welcoming so far. But, she thought, that didn’t guarantee that everyone would be on the same page. All it really took was one overzealous parent, or sheriff, or cleric, or whoever to drum up trouble.
Imogen shook away the anxieties as she walked towards the pastry cart. Their short time in the Heartmoor Hamlet had been nothing but pleasant. As she found her place in line, she decided to trust that peace.
Imogen made her way back to the spot where she had left Laudna, still slightly agitated at the older half elf in front of her in line that had taken an eternity to settle on what to order. Seriously, all that time in line and he waited until he was at the front to start deciding? Imogen let out an agitated huff. As she arrived back at their meet-up spot, she pushed back her irritation and returned her attention to Laudna. Laudna, who was not where Imogen had left her.
Imogen stopped, mildly confused as she scanned the surrounding area for her misplaced girlfriend. She glanced around, searching for any sign of where Laudna could have wandered off to. There were none. Shit. How could she– she wasn’t gone that long was she? And it’s not like Laudna was that hard to spot, even in a crowd, Imogen thought, mind beginning to race.
Imogen continued to search around, brow furrowed, before catching a glimpse of something that caused her heartrate to spike and a mild panic to settle in. There, in the grass underneath the looming willow tree that towered prominently at the park’s center, Imogen spotted what looked to be a gathering crowd. Fuck. A crowd. A small town crowd and Laudna. They couldn’t be– everyone here was so friendly. They couldn’t be doing this for Laudna. Not when–
Imogen began moving towards the commotion. First at a brisk walk and then quickly into a half jog, trying in vain to suppress the creeping panic growing in her chest. As she reached the edge of the crowd she began to hear the faint murmurs. Suddenly, a small girl darted from the crowd, seemingly rushing towards her parent off to the side.
Fear growing, Imogen abruptly stopped, opening up her mind to the crowd’s thoughts in an effort to assess the situation and get a sense of the potential danger Laudna was in.
…can’t say I’ve ever seen something like this…
…thought when they moved into town we’d be in for something…
Shit. Fuck. Imogen began pushing through the crowd. They were supposed to be safe here, she couldn’t let them– she needed to get to Laudna.
…knew she was a strange one. Can’t say I didn’t see something like this coming…
…I have to say, that bowtie does suit the rat really well…
Wait. Huh?
She was finally past the crowd when she spotted Laudna. There at the trunk of the tree Laudna was hunched over, the two children from earlier crouched in front of her. In between them, Imogen spotted Pâté, dressed in what looked to be a tuxedo jacket. Where did he– what? Laudna was hovering over him, animatedly scolding him as his vacant eye sockets looked convincingly perplexed. Well. It seemed the two of them were on the same page then. Imogen hurried over.
As she reached Laudna’s side, Laudna looked up, eyes sparkling and an air of visceral excitement around her.
“Oh! Imogen! Wonderful timing, darling. We were just about to start!” Laudna exclaimed, before a thought seemed to cross her mind, her smile dropping. “Actually– oh this is terribly awkward. I’m not sure where I can fit you in. I’m sorry. Hmm. Perhaps you could serve as the usher, or maybe the witness–”
“Laudna? What’s goin’ on?”
“We’re just getting underway is all. Well, we would be if the officiant did his job.” Laudna pushed Pâté then, nearly knocking him off balance and eliciting a confused yelp from the dead ratbird.
“Wha- Oh! Is that my cue?” Pâté looked up at an expecting Laudna.
“Of course it’s your– what else could it possibly–” Laudna stopped, before rubbing her temples and letting out an exacerbated sigh. “Just. Say your lines.” Laudna shoved him again, the action greeted by yet another yelp.
“Right! Gotcha mum! A-a-ahem.” Pâté cleared his throat in a theatrical manner. “Uhhhh, right. Dearly beloved, we are gathered ‘ere today to. To uh. What’re we gathered for?”
“The wedding, Pâté.” Laudna said after rolling her eyes.
“Oh yeah! Um, we are gathered ‘ere today to join this lovely uh… couple! That’s it! In matrimony–”
Imogen blinked at the sight before her. Pâté in the tuxedo jacket. Launda with – were those wildflowers braided into her hair? When did she– In front of them, the two children Laudna had spotted earlier were knelt down, eager smiles on their faces and eyes bright with uninhibited excitement. Each child had wildflowers affixed to their shirts, serving as what looked to be corsages, the flowers themselves neatly arranged and color coordinated. Behind them, a crowd of children sat in orderly rows, some with matching pocket squares that complimented the collection of flowers. Did Laudna do all of this? She couldn’t have – that half elf couldn’t have taken that long to place his order. Could he? Probably, now that Imogen was thinking about it.
In front of Pâté, the childrens’ rats were being herded into place by their respective owners. One rat was wearing a bit of sheer white fabric, seemingly fashioned into a makeshift veil that draped over its little rodent head. And the other– oh. A bowtie. That’s what– What in the hells is happening right now?
As Pâté stumbled along through his speech, Imogen glanced back at Launda, who was looking on practically buzzing at the scene in front of her.
Laudna? What’s happening? Everything oka- What’s goin’ on? Imogen sent to Laudna, opening up their mental connection.
Hmm? Oh everything is marvelous, Imogen! Don’t you think? Unless– do you think Pâtê’s speech needs more polishing? Oh, I hope he’s not rambling. He’s trying his best really! He’s such a good boy isn’t he–
No, no. He’s, um, he’s doin’ fine? I think? Just. I think I’m a little lost right now.
Oh! Sorry. Right. Right. Laudna seemed to collect her thoughts a bit before continuing. These children told me their pet rats were to be married, Imogen! Can you believe that?
I uh. No, I really can’t, Laudna.
I know! Isn’t it wonderful? When they told me, I thought Pâté would be the perfect officiant for the wedding. And, of course, I had to help with the reception as well.
The what?
The reception, Imogen. This really is a fabulous setting for one. I only had enough time to help prepare the table settings, but I didn’t have the materials for the arrangements. It’ll have to do for now, I suppose. It was rather sudden, after all.
Imogen tried to process what Laudna was saying. Table settings? And the– the rats were getting what now? She looked around at the crowd gathered for the scene, taking everything in now that her mind was settling. Across the faces of the various townsfolk was a mix of delight and pleasant bewilderment.
Off to the side of the impromptu wedding were several blankets neatly laid out and arranged in a manner that invoked an outdoor patio. At the corners, sturdy looking tree branches were driven into the ground, lengths of twine connecting the tops of them. Along the twine, leaves and wildflowers were affixed to form garlands. On top of the blankets, broken up old logs were oriented upright, evidently serving as makeshift tables.
Pâté continued on, save for a few interjections from Laudna either correcting him or reminding him of what line came next. From the crowd, the small girl that had darted off as Imogen had arrived emerged from the crowd, dragging with her a human woman who willingly followed in amused confusion. In the woman’s hand was several bundles of flowers. The girl grabbed the last-minute delivery and rushed them over to Laudna, who clapped quietly in excitement before whispering her gratitude to the child.
Oh, this is wonderful! Laudna projected into Imogen’s mind. Imogen! Here, help me with the centerpieces, will you?
Imogen turned to Laudna, who was emphatically beaming. Imogen couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of her as the last remnants of anxiety floated away. Her eyes moved to the children in front of her, completely rapt as the ceremony carried on. The crowd surrounding them steadily grew, excited murmurs and whispers helping catch new arrivals up to speed on the scene playing out before them. Not a hint of malcontent was present within their thoughts, on their faces, or otherwise.
Imogen sighed, relief and contentment roiling together in her breath. She turned back to Laudna, grabbing a handful of flowers.
Alright. Imogen projected back, matching Laudna’s grin. Just tell me where to put ‘em.
“I have to say, that was perhaps one of the highlights of my entire life!”
Imogen laughed as they moved through the streets of the Hamlet. Cool evening air drifted across her face as she leaned into Laudna’s side.
“You think?” Imogen said, taking in Laudna’s resplendent energy.
“Oh absolutely! It’s not often that I get to plan a wedding. For something so last minute, I think it all turned out quite nice.”
“Yeah,” Imogen said, smile growing wider. “And Pâté looked real handsome too.”
“He did, didn’t he?” Laudna beamed. “One of the children leant me their doll’s jacket for him. I was able to spruce it up a bit but– Oh he still looked rather dashing in it. Right Pâté?” Laudna asked, pulling Pâté out from the small house on her back.
“Yeah! Real charmer wasn’t I?” Pâté said as he scurried up Laudna’s arm and onto her shoulder. He stood upright, small paws on his hips as he continued. “Had to look good for all the ladies in the crowd, eh?”
Imogen chuckled before reaching up to scratch the top of his skull. “Aren’t you seein’ someone Pâté?”
“What’s tha– Oh! No, Sashimi don’t mind it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Pâté, of course she minds it.” Laudna scowled as she sternly grabbed him off her shoulder. “You have to be more considerate of her feelings on the matter.”
“Right!” Pâté squelched in Laudna’s grip, “Right. Considerate. Got it boss!”
Laudna’s frown melted into a fond smile before she aggressively shoved Pâté back into his abode, Pâté letting out a surprised squeak before disappearing inside.
“Bye Pâté,” Imogen called out, before leaning back into Laudna’s shoulder. She took in Laudna’s earthen, leafy scent before letting out a deep, contented sigh. Laudna placed a soft kiss on her head as they continued their way home.
The fire crackled steadily and comfortingly in the hearth, its gentle glow enveloping the room as Imogen read. Wrapped around the throw blanket Deanna had knitted for them as a housewarming gift, Imogen nestled herself further into the couch where she sat. It was truly comfortable. That was the only requirement Imogen had as they were picking out furniture for the cottage, and this couch did not disappoint.
Behind her, Imogen could hear the muted clatter of kitchen utensils and dishware as Laudna worked in the kitchen. Dinner was done, the plates prestidigitationed clean. All that remained was the melodic hum of Laudna’s thoughts as she worked on dessert. With her circlet off for the evening, Imogen allowed the familiar lilts and falls of Laudna’s music to sooth her as she continued her reading.
It was only after she had finished the chapter after the one she had intended to read that evening that she realized just how much time had passed. Laudna was nothing if not efficient in the kitchen, having had to adapt to a myriad of setups throughout her travels. So for her to spend this much time on baking was truly unusual. Curious, Imogen dog eared the page before setting her book down and making her way over to Laudna.
“Need help?” Imogen said as she rounded the corner into the kitchen.
“Hmm? Oh! No, it’s quite alright darling! I’m sorry. It seems I got a bit… carried away.” Laudna said, her voice dropping a beat at the last few words. As Imogen entered the room properly, she was immediately taken aback at the sight before her.
On the counter sat a large, ornate cake dish that Imogen very much did not remember acquiring. Atop the dish was a stack, no, a tower of pastry puffs. Each puff was cream-filled and coated in a light and excruciatingly deliberate dusting of powdered sugar. Laudna was stood on a dining room chair, balanced over the stack of sweets with a tray of, absurdly, even more puffs that she was carefully placing on top.
“I was gonna ask what had you back here so long, but I think I figured it out,” Imogen said as she moved towards the counter, laughing softly at the sight before her. “What’re you makin’ baby?”
“Croquembouche! It’s a popular wedding dessert over in Wildemount. It takes a bit of… well, effort, shall we say, to make properly. But it’s worth it, I think.” Laudna explained as she finished placing the last puff at the tower’s peak. With a flick of her wrist, Laudna summoned her Mage Hand, which drifted over to a small bowl with a brush in it next to where Imogen had settled leaning on the counter. The ethereal hand lifted the bowl to Laudna, who grabbed it and replaced it with the now empty tray. The tray drifted back down towards the counter in front of Imogen, landing with a soft clink.
“It truly is wonderful, isn’t it?” Laudna remarked, marveling at the cream filled pastries below her.
“What? Your bakin’ skills?” Imogen responded with a grin.
“No! I’m– Well, I am a bit of a baker, aren’t I?” Laudna hummed. “Thank you darling. But no, I’m talking about this marvelous kitchen.” Laudna had taken the brush out from the bowl and began ribboning a stream of golden brown caramel around the tower in quick but precise circles.
“It really is nice, huh?” Imogen said, taking in the space around her with a careful appreciation. “Real spacious. I never thought we’d ever have this much counter space.”
“Exactly! I could prepare a five course meal with this much room to work with.” Laudna agreed, placing the finishing touches of caramel on the dessert before climbing down from the chair and making her way towards Imogen. Imogen raised her hand and gently cradled Laudna’s cheek, wiping away an errant smudge of caramel with her finger and pressing a light kiss onto Laudna’s lips. Laudna giggled before grabbing the bowl and tray before heading towards the sink to clean up.
“Five course meal, huh? With these fancy Wildemount pastries? You plannin’ a weddin’ menu or somethin’ Laudna?” Imogen said teasingly.
Laudna froze suddenly, mid-prestidigitation. She looked towards Imogen, eyes wide like an owl. “No! No. Of course not! Why would I be– I-I haven’t been– What makes you think that–” Laudna stammered, her cheeks rapidly changing into a deep purple.
“Whoa, hey, it’s alright honey. I was just teasing.”
“Oh! Teasing! R-right. Silly me! Silly…” Laudna trailed off, her blush remaining as she resumed cleaning the dishes. Okay, that was weird, Imogen thought. Laudna was clearly flustered and, while adorable, it wasn’t typical of her.
“You alright, Laudna?” Imogen asked, brows furrowed. “You’re actin’ a bit…”
“Fine! I’m fine, darling, really! I um– I… It’s just, you mentioned planning a wedding and I– Well I suppose I should say I was– Um, I was just, wondering if…” Laudna looked at Imogen with an intensity that made Imogen’s heart flutter wildly in her chest.
Laudna couldn’t be– She surely wasn’t about to– Not now. Unless. Unless she was. Unless this was in fact the moment Imogen had been thinking about since everything with Ruidus had ended. Laudna down on one knee. Laudna asking for Imogen to be hers, forever and always. Imogen’s pulse quickened, blood rushing to her cheeks. Maybe this was the moment. Right here. In their kitchen, inside their cozy little cottage. Tears began prickling in Imogen’s eyes as Laudna spoke again.
“Imogen… Earlier today, at the park with that wonderful little rat wedding. It got me thinking. I had so much fun organizing it. For the children of course, but also…”
“Yeah?” Imogen chocked out, trying not to let the sudden flood of emotions pour out before Laudna finished what she had to say.
“But also… it got me thinking. About weddings. And– Honestly Imogen I don’t know why it’s taken me this long, but. Seeing those two rats together in their wedding attire, all their friends and family celebrating their love. It made me realize that– I guess what I’m trying to say is– And I know this is something you might be hesitant about given how sudden this is but… Imogen, I was wondering if you would–”
“Yes! Yes, Launda, of course I– Yes!” Imogen said, the dam bursting and tears spilling out unhindered. She hastily closed the distance between them. Her cheeks were burning with how wide she was smiling.
“You mean it? You would?” Laudna asked, a disbelieving of her own grin growing on her face.
“Yes! I– Nothin’ in the whole world would make me happier Launda, I–” Imogen said as she leaned in, kissing Launda deeply.
“Oh Imogen! I never thought–” Laudna breathed out as they pulled apart. “I mean it’s one thing to play along with me for a silly wedding for rodents, but I never imagined you would want to–”
“Laudna. Of course I’d want to. Fuck I- I’ve been thinkin’ about this for a while now.” Imogen said, wiping away the last of her tears.
“You have?” Laudna said softly, sounding awestruck.
“Yeah,” Imogen beamed.
“I… Oh, Imogen, you don’t know how happy I am to hear that!” It was Laudna’s turn to tear up, black streaks of ichor staining her cheeks. “Goodness. To think I have a wedding to plan! Oh, there’s so much to do. Perhaps we can go shopping tomorrow. I had a lot of ideas for what the groom himself is going to wear!”
What.
“The- the groom?” Imogen asked, a thorough confusion manifesting itself in her expression.
“Yes! The jacket he wore earlier today was quite dashing, of course, but I think I could do a bit better this time around with a bit more time and the proper materials to–”
“Wait, wait. Hang on. Pâté? This weddin’s for– Pâté’s gonna be the groom?”
“Of course he is, Imogen. Who else would I be talking about?” Laudna said, sounding thoroughly puzzled at the notion that they would be talking about literally anything else. Imogen couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her throat as the reality of the situation began to settle in.
“And you were askin’ me to… what? Be his best man or somethin’?” Imogen said, properly laughing now as her brain caught up to the conversation they were, apparently, having.
“Why yes. That’s what I thought you– Or… did you want to be Sashimi’s maid of honor? Oh, I’m terribly sorry Imogen I didn’t mean to just assume which role you wanted. I just figured that– And I know he can be difficult sometimes. Don’t worry, I completely understand. It was silly of me, really.”
“No, no, baby, hey.” Imogen said, getting the last few laughs out of her system. “I’d love to. Be Pâté’s best man, I mean. I’m honored that you’re entrustin’ me with such an important role in all this.” Imogen said, cupping Laudna’s cheek again.
“Really?” Laudna looked up, hope shining brightly in inky pools of black.
“Really.”
Tears resumed pouring earnestly now down Laudna’s cheeks. She sobbed joyously as Imogen wiped the lines of ichor from her face.
“It just…” Laudna managed to choke out between stuttering breaths, “it just means so much to me that you two have become so close.”
“Aww honey,” Imogen said, placing another gentle kiss on Launda’s lips. “Come ‘ere.” Imogen pulled Laudna into the crook of her neck, holding her tight. “Couldn’t imagine what we’d do without him.”
Laudna let out a tear-stained, watery noise into Imogen’s shoulder before pulling back to meet her eyes.
“Oh! I almost forgot! Here, Imogen, you simply must try the croquembouche.” Laudna said, reaching for a tea plate with a detailed pattern of gold lining the edges. Another thing Imogen certainly did not remember buying. Huh. Where was Laudna even finding– never mind.
“Alright,” Imogen said as Laudna began preparing the plate. “We can call this the official taste test.”
“That is an amazing idea, darling,” Launda said, wiping the last few tears from her eyes with her apron. “Pâté! Get down here!” Laudna shouted out towards the hallway. After a moment, Pâté came fluttering into the kitchen before settling onto the counter.
“What’s all this then?” Pâté croaked sleepily.
“A taste test, Pâté,” Laudna said, “For your wedding.”
“I’m ‘aving a wedding?” and at Pâté’s earnest confusion, Imogen couldn’t help but laugh again.
“Seems so,” Imogen added. “You and Sashimi are finally tyin’ the knot.”
“Yes!” Laudna squealed enthusiastically. “So you need to taste this.” Laudna continued, shoving a pastry towards Pâté’s beak.
“I don’t have taste buds.”
“Wha–” Laudna seemed genuinely taken aback at that. “Well that’s not stopping you from eating it is it? How do you think Sashimi would feel if you didn’t at least try it? For her?”
As the conversation carried on before her, Imogen couldn’t help but fold her arms and smile. So it wasn’t where she thought this conversation would go. But everything about what was happening in front of her was so achingly them that she couldn’t help but take it all in with fondness. They were building their life here. If these last few weeks were what their forever would look like, then Imogen wanted it all.
Imogen let out a content sigh as she finished up the last few brush strokes through Flora’s mane. The tack had all been cleaned, the stables properly swept, the horses properly watered and fed. She had taken to working for the little stable in the Hamlet quickly, getting to know each of the resident horses’ quirks, temperaments, likes, and dislikes intimately in the short amount of time she had been here.
She took a moment to appreciate that they were able to bring Flora up from Gelvaan after everything was said and done. It was the least Master Faramore could do, really, given what they had been through – what they had done for the people of Gelvaan, Marquet, the whole world over. Really though, it should have been an apology favor. A “sorry for forming a mob and trying kill your girlfriend” gift-to-beg-their-forgiveness. With a fruit basket and bottle of nice wine thrown in for good measure.
At that last thought, Imogen snorted – a mix between ruefulness and relief. Shaking away the thread, she returned to her brushing before a familiar melody called out behind her.
“Are the horses acting up again?”
Imogen smiled warmly and glanced back at Laudna, who was making her way through the entrance and toward Flora’s stall.
“No. Well, yeah, actually. Bourbon keeps doin’ that shovin’ thing with his head. I’ve been makin’ progress with him I think. But don’t even get me started on Dolly right now.”
“Is that what has you letting out these beautiful, sorrowful sighs?” Laudna asked now at Imogen’s side. Looking at her more fully now, Imogen caught sight of the large wicker basket dangling off the crook of her arm. On her head, Laudna wore a wide brimmed sun hat that she had fashioned with dried flowers along the bottom of the crown earlier in the week. Gods, she was fucking gorgeous. Laudna leaned in for a small peck on Imogen’s cheek before returning to her side to face Flora.
“No,” Imogen responded. “At least not that sigh. Believe me there was a hell of a lot of sighin’ earlier.” Imogen said, pointedly glaring at Dolly, who whinnied defiantly in response. “I was just… reminiscin’ I guess.”
“Oh?”
“About Gelvaan. About how it took the whole damn world almost ending before I finally got Flora back with me,” Imogen huffed.
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Baby, I told you. You never have to apologize for that,” Imogen said, reaching for Laudna’s free and bringing it up for a kiss.
“Well. I’m at least glad it didn’t take much convincing for them to let you take her back,” Laudna said, pulling her hand back to gesture dramatically in emphasis.
“The witch stuff to get us outta there was already enough. Throw in all that shit with the gods and I don’t think they wanted to chance it,” Imogen smirked. “But I’m just glad she’s here. That we’re here.”
“Me too.” Laudna smiled fondly before gently petting the bridge of Flora’s nose. Flora huffed in response, leaning into the touch. Imogen took in the exchange, heart nearly bursting with tender affection for the two in front of her. She reached for the bend of Laudna’s arm and then, remembering the basket, draped her arm around Laudna’s waist instead.
“Whatcha got there?” Imogen asked, nodding towards the basket.
“Oh! This?” Laudna said, raising the arm the basket hung off of. “The weather is absolutely marvelous this evening. I figured we could perhaps, I don’t know, take Flora out into the fields and have a little picnic?” Laudna leaned in almost conspiratorially at that last part, raising her eyebrows a few times. “What do you say?”
“I’d say that sounds lovely,” Imogen said, punctuating her response by giving Laudna a light peck. “Where were you thinkin’? That spooky dead tree by the river we saw the other day?”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking! It was quite striking, wasn’t it? The branches made for such a bold silhouette.”
“Yeah. Bet its real hauntin’ at night.”
“Oh it most certainly is,” Laudna’s added, her voice dropping for added gravitas. “It’s not often you see a properly terrifying and stunning tree like that.”
“I don’t know,” Imogen smiled, looking Laudna up and down. “I get to see one pretty often.”
“Stop it you,” Laudna said, blushing slightly as she playfully swatted Imogen’s arm. “Shall we, then?”
“My goodness, this sandwich is phenomenal!” Laudna said as she relished the bite she had taken. “That Moira Drummond really knows her turkey.” Imogen could only giggle at just how emphatically enamored Laudna was with the meal. She took the napkin spread over her lap and brought it up to Laudna’s chin, wiping away a few stray crumbs.
“And you said she just gave it to you?” Imogen asked, letting out a small huff when crumbs reappeared at Laudna’s next bite.
“Yes! Well, no, not exactly. I had sold out of the floral arrangement she wanted earlier in the day, but I managed to scrounge together a bouquet of snapdragons and hyacinths that she was more than happy with as a substitute. She brought me these sandwiches to thank me for the trouble.”
Imogen leaned back into the pale bark of the trunk behind them. The cracked and hangered remains of the almost eight foot in diameter tree protruded out of the ground by where they sat, overlooking gently babbling river. The grays of the decayed trunk contrasted strikingly with the vibrant green grass and golden wildflowers that surrounded them.
“Sounds like business is goin’ all right, then?” Imogen said, more than happy at the fact that Laudna’s new crafting booth she set up in the town market doing well.
“More than all right, darling. I sold out of nearly all those mugs with the little chips and cracks that I patched up. Oh, and people seemed to love the embroidered kerchiefs! And the all flowers, like I said. I think it’s just some of the dolls that had a hard time selling. For whatever reason.”
“I think… scavenged animal carcasses might, um… might be an acquired taste for doll parts,” Imogen said, slight grimace coloring her expression.
“You think so?” At that, Laudna’s brows furrowed as if she was in deep contemplation. “Do you think it’s because I left on those chunks of fur on them?”
“I– Maybe.” Imogen said, “Maybe you could try just all bones next time. Or maybe all fur. Only having those hunks might be…” She tapered off, smiling fondly at Laudna’s honest-to-gods perplexity at the idea. “Maybe just give them a few more days. I’m sure they’ll sell. What do people always say? About art bein’ subjective and what not?”
“I suppose that’s true,” Laudna said, visibly brightening. “I think they just need to find their audience, I suppose.”
“Yeah,” Imogen smiled, “And hey, all your other stuff seems real popular.”
“Oh they do, don’t they! It looks like I reached quite a few people with that little soirée in the park. They all seemed to love what I did with the corsages. I think I’m getting quite adept at whipping them up.”
“Maybe you need to hold a few more weddings then,” Imogen laughed. “Find a few more animals to marry off to advertise your stuff.”
“That’s not a bad idea honestly,” Laudna hummed thoughtfully, “Pâté did look incredibly handsome with how I put together his tuxedo for his wedding. Oh, and you and Sashimi both looked stunning in your dresses.”
“I wouldn’t say all that,” Imogen said, ducking her head slightly. Her cheeks colored slightly as she remembered the not-proposal in their kitchen.
“I would,” Laudna said, leaning in and pressing a kiss into the side of Imogen’s face. “You’re very beautiful.”
“Stop that,” Imogen said, turning to face Laudna more fully. Laudna’s deep, inky eyes met hers and the both of them stayed there for a moment, lost in each other’s gazes. Gods, she loved Laudna so, so much.
They drifted into a comfortable silence as they continued their evening picnic. Imogen leaned her head onto Laudna’s shoulder after their sandwiches were finished, and they both settled in to take in the glow of the sunset blanketed the scenery around them.
After a while, Laudna’s gaze shifted over to where Flora stood some distance away, idly grazing in the field. A thought seemed to cross her mind then, and she perked upright.
“Everything alright, honey?” Imogen asked, content smile still resting on her face.
“Yes. I was just, um… thinking.”
“Yeah?” Imogen shifted herself upright at that, looking more directly at Laudna.
“Flora seems like– I bet she would look– Do you–” Laudna stuttered. Her hands began moving towards her hair. Before they could begin frizzing her hair in a well-practiced anxious habit, Imogen took them in hers. “I…”
“You sure you’re alright, baby?” Imogen said, slightly concerned and searching Laudna’s expression for any indication as to what was making her nervous.
“I– I’m sure,” Laudna smiled reassuringly. “I was wondering…” she glanced back over to Flora as she spoke, “if um– Those flowers I’ve been making. How do you think Flora would look with them braided into her mane?”
Oh. Oh no. Not again. Laudna couldn’t seriously be asking– Imogen didn’t think she could handle another wedding where she wasn’t– where they weren’t–
“Laudna, I don’t think Flora should get married,” Imogen blurted out.
Laudna’s eyes widened. “…What?”
“I don’t think she– Laudna I don’t know how a weddin’ for horses would even work. Like, I don’t think they– An– And I feel like Flora doesn’t even want to get married,” Imogen rambled on, unable to stem the tide of her thoughts from tumbling out.
“Imogen, I wasn’t–”
“She never felt like– I never thought she’d be the kind to do somethin’ like that–”
“Imogen, darling, I was actually thinking–”
“And with who? Bourbon? Bourbon isn’t– Flora deserves so much better than Bourbon! Unless you mean Dolly–”
“I… Well.” Laudna said as Imogen’s thoughts stymied and eventually came to a halt. “Flora doesn’t have to be there I suppose. But I always imagined you’d want her there when the time came,” Laudna continued thoughtfully.
“What?” Imogen said, now acutely aware of the fact that she had no idea where this was going.
“Of course, we don’t have to invite Bourbon, either. We might have to live with Dolly on the guest list, though,” Laudna added sheepishly. “I… may have promised Martha Cunningham that she could– Oh, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“Guest list…?” Imogen blinked. Confusion. Then, realization. Sudden, bursting realization. And with it, hot tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. “Laudna… Laudna are you…?”
“Well, Martha did help me with securing those emergency flowers the other day. With her daughter, you remember. I feel like I perhaps owe her a favor. So I suppose Dolly may be a bit inevitable.”
Imogen could only get out a watery laugh as she began to process Laudna’s train of thought more readily. Laudna was – Laudna really meant it. Imogen felt suddenly heady. Blood was rushing in, causing her face to tingle in visceral, overwhelming joy.
“But if you do change your mind on the horses,” Laudna continued completely undeterred, “I had this lovely idea that we could match the pallet of the flowers in Flora’s mane to your dress. And the rest of the horses would be in line with the wedding party of course. But that’s only if you do decide to have them there, you’re under no obligation to–”
“Yes,” Imogen finally said, tears flowing unmitigated now past her wide grin. “I–yes, Laudna.”
“To the horses?” Laudna tilted her head questioningly.
“To all of it. To you.”
“Oh.” Laudna said. Then, “Oh! Oh. Does that mean you’ll– you want to… with– with me?” Laudna’s too-wide smile took over her face, her energy infectiously bright, radiant. So Laudna. Imogen nodded. “And the horses?”
“Yes to that too,” Imogen giggled, wiping at the tears that remained staunchly flowing. Her head was buzzing. She was overcome, yet also the lightest she’s ever felt. She was giddy, euphoric, dumbfounded, astonished, ecstatic, delirious, stunned, everything. All at once. All over. But, most importantly, she was happy. So, so happy. She couldn’t believe Laudna was actually– that she really, truly was asking Imogen for this.
The words fell forward from Imogen’s lips like the most natural thing in the world. “Yes to anything if it means I’m marryin’ you.”
“Oh.” Laudna whispered, in awe. She stared at Imogen, then, mouthing opening but no words emanating, the specter of ichor haunting the corners of her eyes.
Imogen wasn’t sure who moved first, but suddenly they were both leaning forward into a deep, fervent kiss. Imogen sighed into it, before losing herself to the sensation. With it, she pushed in all her emotion, all her love, all her happiness. All her hopes, wishes, and dreams. All of it for Laudna. With Laudna. When they pulled away, each of them teary eyed and giggling, they remained close to one another with their foreheads pressed together.
“I love you so much, Laudna,” Imogen said, once her breath returned to her.
“I love you more than anything,” Laudna said back, voice fragile, open, warm.
They both stayed like that, drinking in each other’s presence and peppering each other with languid kisses of various lengths as the comforting orange-reds of sunset slowly gave way to the rich purple-blues of twilight. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity and no time at all, they pulled apart. They turned to packing up their picnic, exchanging glances and giggles as they worked.
“I can’t believe you made me think you wanted Flora to get married,” Imogen smiled, shaking her head as they made their way towards Flora.
“I can’t believe there’s not a single suitable match for her in the entire stable,” Laudna retorted. “She’d look lovely in a little horse bridal veil, though.”
“She would,” Imogen agreed. “maybe little colorful ribbons to go with it.”
“Purple and gold,” Laudna added, “just like– to match your…” Laudna’s eyes suddenly grew wide as they darted to Imogen’s hands. “Imogen! Oh gods, you almost made me forget!”
“Forget what, baby?”
“Your– Oh this is embarrassing,” Laudna flushed a deep purple as she began fumbling around the wicker basket. Imogen looked on curiously as Laudna seemed to finally fish out what she was looking for. A small, ornately carved wooden box. Oh. Is that– Laudna was down on one knee before Imogen could even begin to speak.
“Laudna,” Imogen said, breathless once again. “You didn’t have to –”
“Nonsense,” Laudna said as she opened the box.
Inside sat a gorgeous and vibrant purple sapphire ring. The gem itself was framed partially with a moon-like crescent of rose gold. Smaller sapphires were dotted along the band in a staggered pattern like stars of dazzling violet. Imogen opened and closed her mouth several times as she stared at the ring before her. She reached for it before Laudna stopped her.
“No, no, hang on,” Laudna said, “I want to do this properly.” Laudna cleared her throat, a little dramatic flair lining the edges of the sound before she continued. “Imogen, will you marry me?”
Imogen looked down at the woman before her. Her anchor. Her tether. Her entire world. She nodded.
As the two of them rode Flora towards their cottage – the cool and slightly damp evening air of the Heartmoor breezing by – Imogen looked over at her fiancée with a smile worth three weddings over.