Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 3)

Ky felt some of the tension in her shoulders relax at the reassurance, and she smiled a bit back at him. He was so decent. So understanding.

"Yes, ma'am." Ky nodded, then looked back at Loquitur. "What..." She didn't know how to phrase her question. 'What are your expectations?' felt stiff and distant. It's not the tone she wanted. "... What does it mean, to be a Loquitur... daughter... sir? -- Sorry." She would break the habit. "I... mean... what would I -- I mean..." She furrowed her brow. "What do you hope for?"

Tomhas tilted his head. "I've never thought about it before. I mean, you attend functions that the whole family would attend, you go out to the village on occasion to help with charity. You be a part of the family. You'd be tutored in the art of nobility and other skills. There isn't very much I ask of my children as far as responsibility goes."

Ky nodded. "That makes sense."

She tried to think about what she should say if the question was turned back on her, like she figured it probably would be.

"What about you? What are you looking for as a daughter and as my ward?" Tomhas asked after a pause, wringing his hands. Taro nodded encouragingly.

Ky took a deep breath, thinking for a moment. "I guess I haven't really thought much about it, either."

She tried to think through what -- specifically -- had made Papa such a wonderful father.

"I would like advice," she said thoughtfully. "Papa would always listen to me ramble, then give me suggestions on what I should do. I liked that."

What else?

"And I'd like to be allowed to have friends, if I'm allowed," Ky said. She hesitated, looking at Skald Taro. "...Is that allowed? It's okay if not."

Aleth had never allowed her to have friends. He thought she'd run her mouth, if she thought she could let her guard down around anyone. Besides, he'd always said, friends were a waste of time and energy. How much better would it be to study a different language, than squander time making friendship bracelets with another stupid little girl.

Taro's brow furrowed, and she glanced at Tomhas. "I can't speak for Lord Loquitur, but I can't imagine why you wouldn't be allowed to have friends."
"Me either," Loquitur agreed. "Have as many friends as you like, Ky. And I'll do whatever I can to advise you in the years to come, on whatever you wish. Is there anything else?"

Ky smiled, more of the tension melting away. Loquitur seemed every bit as wise and gentle as Papa had been -- it'd be nice to be able to rest in a guardian like that again.

"I think I would also like to be able to take lessons in some hands-on activities, not just academics," she said at last. "Like... I don't need named activities, I don't think. But I'd very much like to keep up the swordsmanship lessons you've been allowing... and I used to have a horse I liked getting to train. I don't need one for myself, of course--" Imagine her asking for something as expensive as a horse. Never. "But... but if I could work with someone's horse, I think I'd like that."

She nodded once, satisfied with the requests she'd come up with. They were reasonable... right?

"And if not, that's okay, too," Ky said, wanting to make sure she wasn't being too pushy. "But... I think that's everything I'd like."

"Breeding season is coming up soon," Tomhas mused. "We can discuss the possibility of you training a foal once it's born, if you like. I'll look around for some other activities as well; I'm sure we can find you something!"
"Excellent," Taro said with a smile. "Now, the rites can be performed inside, but generally it's preferred to do them outside under a tree so the gods may bear witness. Do either of you have a preference?"

Ky grinned at him for a moment, then turned to Taro and shook her head. "No, ma'am."

(Outside could make for some yummy drama with the assassin though aha)

(Precisely what I was thinking.)

"No preference for me, either," Tomhas said.
"Outside it is, then." Taro nodded. "I saw a lovely, towering spruce as I was coming into the Keep. Shall we do it there?"
"Works for me."

Ky grinned and nodded. It was a nice tree -- a ceremony under it would be just like a story. She thought for a moment. "When would this happen?"

"Once the King has been notified and sends a reply acknowledging it, then the rites may be performed. Time may be extended if he wishes to be present, so at minimum it will be a month from now. At maximum it will be two weeks beyond that."

That sent a flutter through her stomach. The king coming all this way -- to see her? It was too much. But she shook the thought away. He wasn't going to do that, of course. She wasn't worth the trouble and they all knew it. So, they just had to wait for him to send a blessing, then they could make this official. "Yes ma'am."

She hesitated a moment.

"Will it be a large ceremony, or just the Loquiturs and me?" Soon, there would be no difference between those parties -- she would fit into the Loquitur category. Despite being an imposter. "And do I need to memorize anything before then?"

"Familial rites are usually private affairs. I'll have you repeating words after me but I'll go over them with both of you shortly before the ceremony to make sure you don't stumble." Here she looked at Tomhas. "The Loquiturs in this Keep will attend, and I will leave it up to you how many of your extended family members you will invite."

(Oh gosh even more pressure on Ky when Harold shows up xD not just part of a big crowd. Very much center of his attention haha)

Ky nodded and also looked at Loquitur, curious to see what he’d decide.