The journey north had been harsh and trying at times, and even after a few months, Sennu was still yet to adjust to the cooler climate. When he and Aryende finally finished their trip and settled in the Icelands, however, he seemed to settle into the routine of their new life startlingly quickly.
Just like Aryende, Sennu had gotten a job amongst the castle staff, acting as a servant once more. He had never learned any other skills as a child, and most trademasters would refuse to take on an apprentice his age. Besides, why ignore the wealth of experience he already had? He didn’t serve the royal family directly here, and had no friends quite as close as those at his old job. The faces of those he served were different, as were a few minor rules and points of etiquette. This time, he wasn’t in a scandalous secret relationship with anyone from the royal family. His duties, however, were amazingly similar to what he had undertaken back home.
In some of his more sombre moments, he often thought that he had simply exchanged the sun for the snow, and his mother for a lover. He quickly dismissed any such thoughts, however. The two of them had a simple life, and living in the north was harder, but it was one filled with small pleasures. He treasured the fact that they were to spend time together openly now, without fear of being caught or discovered. The chance to sit around together and enjoy the small moments, without having to worry about Artemis causing his love any further harm, was both a relief and a joy.
On the day of Aryende’s encounter with the queen, Sennu had an agenda of his own. During the few brief moments between jobs, he sought out the tailor in charge of outfitting the servants with their uniforms and the likes. Their own variation of a quartermaster, such as it was.
Sennu found Elana within her own working quarters - a small room not unlike a tailor’s store, but located entirely within the castle. A small and plump woman with flowing brown hair, she was good at her job, quick with a joke, and not above jabbing her clients with her needles when she felt it necessary. When Sennu let himself into her office, she tsked at him softly.
“You should really knock first, you know. Someone could be changing in here” she started. Her tone was stern, but amusement danced behind her eyes. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see you back here for another couple of months. Don’t tell me that you’ve damaged one of your uniforms already!” she offered in mock horror. Unable to help himself, Sennu chuckled.
“No, no. I’m afraid my business today is a tad more personal in nature” he answered, giving her a wry smile.
“Hm. You’d better have a seat then”
Only when the two of them were seated opposite each other, and she had forced a cup of tea into his hands - something to ward against the chill, as she put it - did she finally allow him to speak.
“I’m after...a ring” he finally offered, practically forcing the words out.
“Are you now?” Elana leaned forward across the table, her curiosity piqued. Sennu could practically see the jokes balancing on the tip of her tongue, searching for an opportunity.
“Jura is..
“What, pregnant?” she offered, finishing his sentence for him. Sennu gave her a pointed look, at which she grinned. “You forget, dear. I took her measurements, same as yours. If anyone here was bound to find out, it was me”
“...Right. The two of us have been together for a while now, so now that she’s with child, it seemed only fitting that it...well, propose”
“Are you certain? You don’t need to be married to raise a child together, or to prove that you love her”
“I’m certain”
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with the promptness of his answer.
“So, why come to me?”
“I’m not exactly familiar with any jewellers in town, but I figured that the royal family’s jewellery had to come from somewhere”
“Ah! Now I understand” she offered, the pieces finally clicking into place. “Well, I’m positively flattered. You’ve come to the right person, dear”
The two of them conversed amiably for a while longer, discussing a few of the specifics, and indulging themselves in some chatter besides. Eventually, Sennu excused himself, stating that he should probably return to work before he was missed. Elana let him go, but only after extracting promises of another visit soon, so that they could finish their business together.
When evening came around, Sennu went looking for Aryende, as he usually did, so that they could work home together. He spent several moments searching in vain, until one of the other staff members informed him that she had left early that day. Puzzled and perhaps slightly worried, Sennu set out for home himself, making the journey alone, and in thoughtful silence.
Once he got home and discovered his wife was asleep, Sennu moved softly, not wanting to wake her. He did kneel down beside the cot for a moment, a small smile plastered across his features. With a gentle touch, he reached out and brushed back a stray lock of hair, before leaning across to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. Unaware of the stressful day she had had, Sennu couldn’t help but think she looked peaceful like that. That all was right with the world.
Yes. They had definitely made the right choice.
He turned his attention then to the fireplace, building it up a little more, so that it would hopefully keep them warm throughout the night. Then he busied himself about the house, doing what little he could whilst trying to avoid disturbing her, for more than one reason. Only once he was done would his thoughts finally turn towards bed.
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