[Haven] A Tale As Old As Time

[Perdita Westcott]

57th Zi'da, 721

fter she and Elisabeth had met previously, Perdita had gathered together her things, ready for her trip to Haven. The young woman had never been to Faldrass and so she was excited to visit and she had coincided it with the party thrown by Baron Devin. Perdita had therefore, thus far, been to Smooglenuff Manor and now she was approaching Haven.

She'd been given directions by the very helpful staff in Smooglenuff Manor and she'd made her way. Wrapped up against the cold, Perdita was snuggled behind a warm scarf, wore a thick wool hat on her head and had on gloves underneath her mittens. She didn't like the cold, so she was happy to be protected from it. She had two bags with her and she made her way slowly and carefully towards the area she'd been told was Haven. It was small, she realised, just a few houses and what seemed to be a farm. Somehow, she'd expected bigger, like a town or village but Elisabeth had been clear - it was a settlement. Perdita hadn't entirely known what that meant, previously, but she understood more now and she had to admit to being impressed.

Looking around, always aware that they were standing under the gaze of the Sentry, the tall structure visible from all over Faldrass, Perdita waited until she saw someone and then she waved. She approached them just as they walked to meet her and she smiled slightly behind her cream-coloured thick scarf. "I'm Perdita Westcott," she said softly, offering one bemittened hand to shake. Her cheeks flamed red as she spoke to a stranger and she realised that they probably needed more than that. "Elisabeth is expecting me," she added, her soft voice just barely above a whisper and then, of course, she waited. Her eyes wandered over the area, taking in the farm and the small building which seemed to be some kind of building other than a house, and then she turned her gaze back to the member of the settlement who had greeted her and she smiled.

"I'm making a book," she added, helpfully. After all, maybe Elisabeth had forgotten. She didn't think the woman would have, but just in case. It always did to be prepared.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 57 Zi'da

When the young woman arrived, Balder was at the edge of the settlement, chatting with one of the settlers. Per Elisabeth's wishes, they had been expecting her and had kept an eye on the distance to make sure they greeted their guest appropriately. The guard strode out to meet Perdita, inclining his head gently when he reached her. "A pleasure, Miss Westcott." Taking her mittened hand gently, Balder shook it, giving her a pleasant smile. "Elisabeth would have met you herself, but duty called her away briefly to attend to a settlement matter. She asked that I escort you to Haven House, and she will meet you there. Here, let me help you with your bags…."

He gently held out his hands to relieve their visitor of her luggage, but the choice was ultimately up to her. He would happily lead her into the settlement proper, whether she allowed him to assist with her bags or not. The young woman had walked past the small Munny Farm, complete with its farmhouse and barn, on her way in, although she wouldn't have known the name of it. Separating Munny Farm from Haven was a smattering of trees and then the houses, but what always captured the interests of visitors to the small coastal settlement was the captivating view. Situated just steps from the beach, Haven had a much different feel than most other places.

As they walked, the guard had a question for her. "You said that you are making a book? I don't know much about such things, but that sounds very interesting. I like to read." Not the most tactful of men, Balder was trying to strike up a conversation with her, but it had sounded a lot better in his head than when he heard the words coming from his mouth.

Instead of fumbling along that sinking ship, he offered a sincere comment. "I look forward to seeing the book when it's completed. Elisabeth is very excited about it and your visit."

The people smiled and greeted Perdita warmly. Word had passed quickly that they would be hosting a friend of Elisabeth's. The settlers were friendly, kind, and a little bit chatty but allowed the pair to continue their way swiftly. One mentioned a bonfire, to which the guard politely filled the young woman in on. "Every ten trials or so, we have a bonfire night. Elisabeth wanted to make sure we had one while you were here, so it's going to be tonight. We all bring food to share and just relax. Sometimes there are stories. We'll just have to see what tonight brings."

He pointed out two other buildings, naming them as they went by. "Haven Clam Farm," he said, nodding his head towards the small building nestled as close to the sand as one could get. "We cultivate clams there. Elisabeth discovered a clam species over at the old Haven site that we hadn't seen before. Called the Ignis Clam. Got a fair amount of attention and brought us that group."

Gesturing to a slightly larger building, the guard explained. "Research Outpost for the University. Researchers are studying things like the clams and unique specimens we find on Faldrass. They think the eruption might have created some new species of fauna and flora or at least changed some of the existing ones."

They proceeded through the settlement, finding themselves on the southern edge of Haven, where Haven House was. Balder wasn't quite sure what to say about a larger house, other than the name. "This is Haven House. It has a few purposes. Elisabeth and Balthazar live here, for one, but Elisabeth uses it for community business. Meetings and such. She's been talking about remodeling some of it one trial and turning a section into a settlement library, I think. She really likes books."

Going to the front door, Balder opened it and stood to the side to let Perdita go ahead of him. "Ladies first."

Elisabeth and two other people were standing at a long table, straight ahead from the door. One, a somewhat burly man with a grin on his face, and an avriel woman who glanced at the pair entering the house. They were leaning over some crude, very crude drawings on the table, and it appeared Elisabeth was attempting to explain something to the other two.

However, upon seeing Balder and Perdita, the young settlement leader broke into a wide smile. "Perdita! It's so lovely to see you. Welcome to Haven."

Before things could go much further, a loud series of meows issued from a chair positioned at the table, and a dark head popped up. It took Storm about one trill to recognize the young woman from Scalvoris Town before he jumped out of the chair and raced over to her, greeting her enthusiastically with meows and leg rubbing. A kitten no longer, Storm wasn't fully into his adult body, still growing and acting very much like the adolescent he was, but much larger than when their visitor had seen him last. Storm's coloring was also shifting, face becoming darker as time marched on.

Elisabeth approached the pair, laughing softly at the feline's reaction. "I think Storm is pleased to see you, as am I." The young settlement leader had news to share with her friend but didn't want to overwhelm her right away.

[Perdita Westcott]

57th Zi'da, 721

alder offered to take her bags and Perdita was happy to hand over some of them, lessening the load and sharing it between them. They made their way and he asked her a sort of question. Perdita smiled at him and nodded slightly. "I like reading, too," she said softly. She did, she poured over any and every thing that she could. "This will be Haven's book," she explained, not knowing how much he knew - or didn't. "Haven's history." It was a gift she wanted to give to Elisabeth, something which she thought would be a nice thing. So, since she was going to be writing this book and she was here to gather information for it. So every thing that Balder told her, she nodded and paid close attention to. Perdita did not speak much, but there was no doubt that she was there and present and interested in what he said and, when he told her something - about the clam or the research station, each time she nodded. "Thank you, that's interesting," was the kind of reply he got and, usually, in a soft voice.

He led her to the building known as Haven House and she smiled in thanks as he let her go through first. Perdita's smile - and her blush - increased as she saw the people in the room. Elisabeth she knew but the other person she didn't. "Hello," she said softly and then her eyes landed on the... art ... on the table. One eyebrow rose quizzically and then there was the sound of Storm and Perdita knelt down to fuss the cat. "You got big!" Looking up at Elisabeth she smiled. "It's nice to see you, too," Standing up, she nodded to the burly man and the avriel. "Hello," she said softly. "I'm Perdita." Her blush was deep as she spoke, but it was important to be polite.

With a smile at Elisabeth, she gestured to her bags. "I brought supplies," she said. Glancing around - and trying not to look at the drawings on the table because she might look judgemental - she wondered where she'd be staying. How long it would take. Things like that. But most of all, she wondered one thing and, that one, she spoke aloud, looking at Elisabeth as she did so"How are you?"

After all, it had been a long time since they'd seen each other and all sorts of things might have happened.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 57 Zi'da

Elisabeth moved from the table to give her friend the attention she deserved as the group entered. Perdita quickly introduced herself, prompting Elisabeth to finish the introductions.

The young mage gestured towards the guards. "Perdita, you've met Balder, and these two are Silk and Ronan. They are Haven's guards and help me with certain settlement matters."

Both Silk and Ronan offered smiles as Elisabeth continued. "In addition to being a friend and the person that took such excellent care of Storm after he arrived here in Scalvoris, Perdita is also a very talented artist. She's going to be creating a book on the history of Haven as we make it."

The three looked suitably impressed, but before anyone could comment further, a knock sounded on the door, followed by Edwin's head sticking through the open doorway.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if I could borrow the guards for a second? We need to move something heavy at the research station." Silk replied, nodding as she grabbed her things. "We are heading that way anyway, I think."

Never one to miss an opportunity, Elisabeth called out to Edwin before he escaped. "Edwin, this is Perdita. She's staying with us for a bit." A friendly wave followed as the man stepped into the doorway, holding it open for the guards' departure. "A pleasure, Perdita. Welcome to Haven."

The guards filed out of the house, leaving Perdita, Elisabeth and Storm to their reunion. Moving to pick up the things on the table, Elisabeth smiled again at the young woman as the supplies were mentioned. "I see that. Let's get you settled."

Understanding that sometimes people had preferences regarding where they stayed, the settlement leader had prepared a few for her guest to choose from. "We have a few options for accommodations. I'd love for you to stay here in Haven House with Storm and me. You can have the bedroom, and I'll sleep out here. Plenty of room to spread out and work, so I thought you might enjoy that. Or, if you prefer, there is a small, cozy house nearby that is used for guest accommodations." The choice was Perdita's, and it was essential to Elisabeth that she be given that choice. Being comfortable in one's surroundings was important.

After they settled accommodations, Elisabeth thought about shifting the conversation a bit, touching on something of a more personal nature. Truth be told, the young woman was just excited to share with people and had been looking forward to seeing Perdita and spilling her news.

Before she had a chance to start, though, Perdita spoke, asking her how she was. "Everything is good. Busy, as usual. Thank you for asking. Yourself?" She wanted to know how Perdita had been in the time between their last meeting and then, hoping that things had been well. It had been a fair amount of time.

When a lull in the conversation presented itself, Elisabeth jumped at the chance to bring up what she wanted to tell her guest. "Perdita, I have some news. The best kind of news, actually. I would have written you to tell you, but when we made arrangements for you to come to Haven, I decided to hold off and tell you when you got here."

Smiling brightly, she forged forward. "Balthazar asked me to marry him, and I accepted. We've settled on a date in late Ashan, here in the settlement." Stooping over, Elisabeth gently picked up Storm, giving him a few chin scratches before continuing. "We've just begun the planning stage, so I'm unsure about a lot of things but excited." The delight was evident in her voice, but then again, perhaps the enthusiasm was simply because she could share the news with Perdita.

[Perdita Westcott]

57th Zi'da, 721

lisabeth introduced the people are Haven's guards. That rather surprised Perdita, as it didn't really seem like the kind of place which needed guards. She stored the question in her mind for later and smiled - and blushed - through the introductions. "You, too," she said in reply to the man who knocked the door and took the guards off to do something else.

Elisabeth then turned to the matter of accommodation and she gave Perdita two options. Stay here, or be in a small house. That was a not entirely straightforward choice for the artist, and she considered it. Here, she would be able to see more of the day to day reality of Haven, she had no doubt. But here was where the leader of the settlement lived. In a way, that was too skewed a perspective for Perdita, she wanted to make sure that she told Haven's story, not Elisabeth's. She would be doing Elisabeth a disservice if she did that, and she wanted to get this right.

So, after a moment's thought, she decided. "The house, please." She smiled at Elisabeth, her cheeks flaming as usual but she was determined to explain her thought process. "I will interview people, things like that." She smiled, hoping that Elisabeth understood her reasoning. "I'd like to talk to you first, decide on the scope, that sort of thing." It was important, after all, that she proceeded sensitively and appropriately. The question of how she'd been caused a slight smile, a raise of her shoulders. "I'm well, thank you," she said. There were stories there, of course - there always were - but there was no point in bogging things down now. They had time and there was no doubt that they would chat and discuss things.

Then, Elisabeth shared her news that she was getting married. Perdita's expression was immediately delighted at that news and her smile broadened. "Congratulations," she said, her eyes twinkling with pleasure. "You must be very happy." Elisabeth seemed happy, and that was the main thing, as far as Perdita was concerned. Elisabeth was short on details, but they'd only just begun planning so that made sense. "What have you decided?" Weddings, after all, came in all shapes and sizes and Perdita knew that for some they were deeply personal affairs, for others they were large parties. She didn't know of any traditions Scalvoris had particularly, but she also didn't know if they were getting married here, even. Then, of course, because she was who she was and did what she did, she asked what she saw as the most fundamental question. "Can I help with anything?"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 57 Zi'da

Once all the commotion settled down, allowing Elisabeth and Perdita a bit of time, they could discuss and decide a few things. Living arrangements were first, and Perdita chose the guest house. A reasonable decision in Elisabeth's view, although she still believed strongly in the idea of giving others choices when it came to matters such as that. Everyone had their own personal preferences.

"The guest house it is. We can get your bags taken over there in a few minutes if you'd like." Perdita explained how she came to that conclusion, and it all sounded reasonable to the young mage. "I think you'll find the settlers in Haven to be a warm, welcoming bunch. They are all fine people that will help you with whatever you need while you are here."

Some might think that Elisabeth oversold the nature of the people within the settlement, but in her eyes, it was the truth. The people of Haven were good souls. They had all worked incredibly hard to achieve the successes they had and, most of all, supported each other throughout.

Elisabeth noted the smile and slight shoulder shrug Perdita gave her. While neither was indicative of a significant issue, they could be, and as such, she wanted to make sure the young woman was alright. However, pushing never got anyone very far, and Elisabeth didn't want to disrespect her by doing so. Hmmm...need to come back to that later.

Instead, she offered an ear, should the time come that her guest wished to partake of it. Smiling, Elisabeth nodded her head. "I'm glad to hear that. Should there ever be a time where you just want to sit and chat over tea, my door is always open." Just a light touch, but hopefully enough to leave Perdita with the impression that she was willing to listen if the need arose.

As talk turned to Elisabeth's news, it was evident by the smile on her face that the excitement was difficult to contain. "Thank you! I'm thrilled, yes. He's a good man, and I can't wait for you to meet him."

What had been decided so far? Well, not much, but she was happy to share what she knew. "Ashan 100 is the wedding trial, so next cycle. We didn't want to wait too long because things have a habit of happening in Scalvoris. It will be here in Haven. It's our home. We considered other places, but nothing felt right other than here." Indeed, she and Balthazar had gone back and forth about the size of the wedding and location, but Haven was really the only place they wanted to exchange their vows.

"I'm reading up on Scalvoris wedding customs and traditions because it will be a Scalvoris wedding. That also only felt right. We will be asking the Hopetoun settlement leader to perform the ceremony. He is a good friend to both of us and a Baron and native Scalvorian."

Elisabeth sometimes rolled her eyes at all the ways she naturally incorporated symbolism into almost everything, but she couldn't help herself. She saw symbolism as a means to honor and respect memories and people. Their wedding trial -100 Ashan? It was Ilaren's Trial, and Elisabeth thought it was the perfect trial for their wedding, to honor the city where she and Balthazar had met. Darius? Baron Rodrigues von Smooglenuff had played a role in her life, for one of the rings he gifted Balthazar was upon her finger. It had been Cylus Dusk, the first night she stepped foot on Faldrass, that Balthazar had asked her to stay with him in Scalvoris, and now Darius was a Smoogleuff Baron, and a native Scalvorian to boot.

There were dozens more tiny little details like that perhaps others wouldn't even notice, but Elisabeth would.

"There's a cadouri coming from Saoire's School to fit us for our wedding clothing in Cylus, and we've started on the invitation lists." That brought Elisabeth to a subject she wanted to broach Perdita about, but before she could, the other young woman asked if she could do anything to help.

Laughing softly, Elisabeth responded. "Actually, yes. When I began thinking about the wedding, one of the first things that popped into my head was invitations, and I wanted to ask you if I could commission you to create them for us? I've seen your beautiful work, and I know what care and detail you put into it. There's no one I would rather work with on that task than you, Perdita."

Gesturing over at Perdita's bags, Elisabeth smiled. "We could take your things over to the guest house and talk along the way?"

[Perdita Westcott]

57th Zi'da, 721

lisabeth spoke highly of the settlers here and Perdita gave an earnest nod. It didn't occur to Perdita that Elisabeth over sold anything, she merely spoke of her own experience and, in Perdita's mind, that was good enough. She smiled her gratitude at the help with her bags and then listened as Elisabeth spoke further. The woman whose home this was spoke kindly, offering a listening ear and Perdita gave a nod, "Thank you," she said softly. Then, because it was true, she added, "I like tea." She did, very much.

Inevitably, their conversation for now focused on Elisabeth's news. She was getting married and Perdita was delighted for her. It was an exciting time and Perdita considered that Elisabeth must surely find it hard to contain her emotions. More details came, that the wedding would be on the 100th of Ashan, and Perdita racked her memory for the date. "Ilaren's trial?" She tilted her head slightly and considered it. People got roaring drunk and tended to fight on that trial, so she was told, and she guessed that Elisabeth and her husband-to-be might be thinking that it would be nice to share that celebration in future arcs. Perdita didn't really know, but she did know that Elisabeth had been in Rharne - so maybe it was that. Either way, it was their chosen date and she considered that it was entirely not her business why they chose it, only hers to be pleased for them that they had.

They were getting married by the settlement leader of Hopetoun, which was someone that was a friend, so that sounded nice and Perdita listened as Elisabeth spoke. She noticed how Elisabeth's excitement showed in her speech, in her mannerisms. It was quite lovely to see and she certainly thought that the world could do with more people being happy more of the time.

Finally, Elisabeth spoke of the invitations and Perdita looked at her in some surprise. They wanted her to do them? She felt a momentary panic and then her cheeks flamed red. "I... really?" Breathing in, she considered it. Then, she nodded. "Of course," she said. Elisabeth suggested walking together and Perdita was more than happy to do that. Standing and walking, Perdita's mind was racing. As she considered what she needed to know, she asked. "How many people?" That was important. "And have you thought about wording?" That would be something that they'd need to consider. Whose name went where, what sort of script, that sort of thing. "And design?" Colours, images, that kind of thing. Did they want a flower on there, or some other symbol, questions like these were important.

Walking to the guest house, she let Elisabeth lead the way as her mind ticked over and mulled possibilities.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 57 Zi'da

When Perdita mentioned the name of the trial the wedding was set to be on, Elisabeth confirmed with a soft nod of her head. “Balthazar and I met in Rharne, so I thought, perhaps, having the wedding on Ilaren’s trial would be a small way to honor that connection. Sometimes I wonder if I overthink symbolism, but it seems that a wedding is a good place to have such. Traditions and customs passed down through time - a ceremony is already filled with them.” Such things meant a great deal to her, so she decided not to worry about it as much. It was who she was, and there was little Elisabeth could do to deny that.

Then, when she asked Perdita about her availability to be commissioned for the wedding invitations, the young woman responded in surprise. “Yes, you. Please don’t make me subject people to my art. It’s awful. Storm is a blob with triangle ears.” Laughing softly, Elisabeth helped her with her things and began leading her towards the small guest house.

As they walked, Perdita asked about some specifics. Elisabeth was fantastic with specifics, but she found that some things were harder to pin down when it came to the wedding. How many people? Well, she and Balthazar had been going through that list, and there were some questions they hadn’t figured out the answers to. Did one send invitations to Immortals? Where did you send the invitations? Elisabeth, of course, did not expect any of them to come but thought that since she could send a message to Saoire at the School, it would be appropriate to do so.

The Council? That had been a bit of a quandary. There were people they wanted to share the day with that they hadn’t seen in some time, but invitations would be sent regardless. It was to be a trial of joy and love, and it was only fitting to share it with as many as possible.

“Currently, the list stands at around 125 people, but that’s considering plus one invites. I have a note stating 75 invitations, which should cover everyone and have a few extras.”

The numbers were a bit difficult, but what Perdita asked next was exponentially more complicated. Wording? Design? Those were not Elisabeth’s areas of knowledge at all. “To be honest, I’m not sure. Balthazar and I are simple people, so nothing extravagant. Something like, The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Balthazar Black to Elisabeth Angelus. Or maybe that’s too formal? Balthazar Black and Elisabeth Angelus invite you to share in their joy at their wedding?” The young woman had no clue what to suggest, but hopefully, Perdita could help guide her in the right direction.

Design. “Simple and elegant, I think. I’m not sure about images. There are so many things that I can think of that represent us. Tempest Lilies. The blossom of the pink tree we used to sit under in Serenity Garden. Perhaps even something as simple as the first letters of our name interwoven?”

Finding themselves in front of the small guest house, Elisabeth opened the door, holding it for Perdita. The settlers had done a magnificent job making the space look cozy. Usually, they didn’t have advanced notice of guests, so having time to prepare for her arrival had been a welcome luxury.

The one-bedroom structure was immaculately clean, smelling faintly of warm spices. Shelves were lined with seashell knick-knacks and handcrafted arts to enhance the feel of a lived-in space instead of a cold building. A basket of homemade treats featuring Sasha’s delicious sugar cookies and Delilah’s peanut brittle sat on the counter. Next to it was a smaller container of assorted teas. Someone had dressed the bed with fresh linens and comfortable pillows in the bedroom. The space was filled with welcoming little touches.

Smiling at the transformation of the space, Elisabeth sat down Perdita’s things near the small table nearby, continuing their conversation. “I’ve never planned something like a wedding before, so I’m finding it a challenge with everything else going on in the settlement.”

[Perdita Westcott]

57th Zi'da, 721

ven if there was such a thing as too much symbolism, Perdita considered that it would be a very personal thing. "It sounds lovely," she said quietly and left it at that. She liked the idea of small details, minor touches which made all the difference. But, in order to be able to come to grips with what she was being asked, she had to ask some questions. In the answers which Elisabeth gave, she told Perdita a lot - and not just about the kind of things she wanted.

"I don't need anything set in stone," she said, reassuring her. "The more ideas I have, I can draw up suggestions," Perdita smiled at Elisabeth, listening as the woman spoke of what was important to them. Tempest Lily's, she knew those - they glowed a vivid blue at night. Pink blossoms of a tree. Perdita paid attention, even as they walked towards a small house together. It was a cosy place and as they walked in she knew she'd made the right choice. Perdita glanced around and sat at the table in the kitchen, looking at Elisabeth as their conversation continued.

It sounded like there was a lot to be done and that Elisabeth was shouldering a lot of the burden of it. Perdita noticed that she spoke of how she had never planned a wedding before, how she was struggling to juggle everything and she wondered just where Elisabeth's soon-to-be husband was. But she didn't say anything, simply nodded. "Lets have a cup of tea, and I can help you," she said quietly. "Would you make it? I'll sketch," Assuming that Elisabeth did, Perdita lowered her head to her sketch book. By the time the pair of them had steaming cups of tea in their hands, she was able to show her three basic ideas.

"These are just the start. First ideas." She didn't want Elisabeth thinking it was a final choice, but rather knowing it was a first one. "We can do something plain but elegant," and she showed her a quick sketch of their two initials joined together. "Obviously, those can be different types of letters, more squirly, more blocky, whatever you like." It was their day, after all. "We could also, if you wanted, frame the initials in something. Maybe some blossoms and the colour of a tempest lily," she showed Elisabeth a rough sketch of what she meant there.

Finally, there was the third idea she'd had. "Or, we could combine the two initials, but make them a bit more fancy. Something like this," she said, sliding over the third option "I can play with colour, whatever you want. This is just thoughts." Then, she figured, Elisabeth could have one more thing scratched off her list.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 57 Zi'da

As they entered the house, Perdita assured her that she could help and suggested they sit down and discuss it over tea. Nodding, Elisabeth went to the small kitchen and busied herself with the tea preparations while the other young woman sketched. Humming softly, she busied herself heating water and collecting everything they would need, thankful that the settlers had been so diligent in stocking the guest house as they had.

Before long, she returned to the table with a tray containing a teapot of hot water, two cups, and an assortment of accouterments, including the small wooden box of assorted teas and some of the cookies and treats. ”There’s a variety of teas here for you to choose from.” She waited for Perdita to decide, then picked a mild black tea blend for herself, adding just a touch of cream and honey.

They looked over her sketches, and Elisabeth’s reaction was immediate, smiling warmly at Perdita. “They are beautiful!” The young mage loved beautiful things, and while she wasn’t an artist herself, she greatly appreciated them and their talents in bringing light to the world.

Elisabeth considered each of the sketches, but something drew her to one in particular. Being a visual person, she sometimes had a hard time explaining to someone what she preferred, but having it in front of her was extremely helpful. Even at that, though, choosing between the samples shown wasn't easy, appealing to her in different ways.

Pointing, she gestured towards the third option. “This one. The lettering is exquisite, and I quite like the borders. I’m not sure about the field of hearts. I would be fine with simply the letters and border.”

Perdita had asked about colors, which she considered for a moment. “There’s something about black, white, and gold that has always struck me as elegant and ‘clean,’ for lack of a better word.”

Stirring her tea, Elisabeth picked up a sugar cookie and took a small bite. It felt good to be getting things done for the wedding, and she was happy that Perdita was there with her. The young woman had a calming effect on her that she sorely needed. With Perdita, she could just be Elisabeth instead of settlement leader Elisabeth or any number of ways other people saw her. Sitting down, working on something that was so meaningful and personal just felt...nice.