Page 57 of A Winter Courtship
“Mother, this is Ulrich,” he said. Then he switched to the human tongue, “Ulrich, this is my mother, Aulea.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Ulrich said, and Lutoth translated.
She stared at Ulrich.
“He apologised.” Lutoth linked his arm with Ulrich. “He’s promised to do better, and I am very happy with him.”
“Oh, I am so glad.” Lutoth’s father beamed. He reached out and grabbed their hands. “I knew you could work it out! I knew it! You are so happy together.”
Lutoth’s mother smiled stiffly. “He better keep you happy.”
“He will,” Lutoth said. “You’ll see.”
She sipped from her mulled wine, looking less convinced.
“We should go get some mulled wine for ourselves,” Lutoth said.
After saying their goodbyes, they got in line at one of the stalls.
“Happy Solstice,” Lutoth said when they reached the front of the line. “Two mugs of mulled wine, please.”
“Happy Solstice!” Ori said, a smile lighting up his face. Ori was an oread who lived in the village with Wareth, the potter. “Do you like the Solstice mugs we made?” Ori gestured to several stacked in a pyramid shape. They’d been glazed a light blue and speckled with dark blue. Words had been written on the mug, and around the words were stars and snowflakes.
Behind Ori, Wareth ladled wine into two mugs.
“They look lovely,” Ulrich said.
Wareth handed them the mugs. “Ori did all the decorating,” he said, voice gruff. “He even made some of the mugs too.”
“They’re beautiful,” Lutoth said. “Thank you.”
Taking their mugs, they moved on, making space for the next patrons waiting in line.
They sipped the warm liquid as they walked, Ethel keeping close to them. They passed the snow sculpture. It was too early in the day to tell what it would be. They watched children screaming and laughing as they sledded down the hill. Finally, they just stood by one of the firepits, drinking their wine.
“The Solstice festivities really are lovely,” Lutoth said.
“Even nicer when I have someone to share them with,” Ulrich said and smiled.
The words seeped into Lutoth, and he beamed.
Suddenly, Ulrich’s smile dropped. His shoulders tensed. Lutoth followed Ulrich’s gaze. Ulrich’s father stood a short distance away, watching them.
“He doesn’t normally come to the festivities,” Ulrich said. “Why is he here today?”
“We can ignore him if you want.” Lutoth reached out and took Ulrich’s hand. Lutoth didn’t want a repeat of the other day, and he didn’t want to push Ulrich to confront his father. Not if he wasn’t ready.
“No, I want you to meet him,” Ulrich said.
“Whatever you want to do, I’m right here by your side.” Lutoth squeezed Ulrich’s hand.
Ulrich took a deep breath. He lifted his chest as they walked towards Ulrich’s father. Ulrich appeared calm and confident, but Lutoth could feel the tension radiating off his big body.
“Hello, Father,” Ulrich said. “I want you to properly meet Lutoth. He is very special to me, and I love him.”
Pride burned hot inside Lutoth.
Lutoth’s father didn’t speak. He looked between the two, gaze lingering on their joined hands.
