#*ehrling 1910

once katya became bedridden due to her illness, lydia was immediately called to her side. the worried mother wasted no time in rushing to her daughter, not bothering to change out of her travel frock before she tended to her.

after a thorough examination, lydia turned away and stared at her trembling hands, quiet sobs coming out of her mouth. lisette couldn't contain her worry any longer. "please, tell us the diagnosis, mrs. miotke", she asked with a quivering voice, holding back tears herself. lydia sighed deeply before speaking, as if her saying it out loud would make it true. "...it must be the epidemic going around", she finally said, her voice heavy with dread. "the symptoms are awfully similar." nathanael, also in the bedchamber, finally spoke up. "the spanish influenza...? are you sure?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

the day of katya and nathanael's wedding dawned bright and sunny. despite the cheerful weather, katya couldn't shake off the solemn feeling as she walked down the aisle with her father. as he kissed her forehead, releasing her for a final time, her heart plummeted to her feet. it was really, truly happening.

nathanael's face lit up upon seeing katya, wiping away a tear of joy from his eye as he greeted his bride. katya herself felt a well of tears build up inside her as she walked towards him.

the couple exhanged their vows and sealed their committment in a deep but gentle kiss. as they walked back up the aisle finally as husband and wife, the guests cheered and clapped, congratulating them on their new union.

wedding photos under the cut as always!

katya found herself taking walks with the children more often with nathanael gone. while on one of them, she came across a suffragette protest, which she knew naztja was taking part in. she herself wasn't brave enough to participate in politics, but was happy that women's rights were being fought for regardless.

it was then when she recognized an all too familiar face in the crowd - josephine, her first and only love. the two shared a short, shocked glance before josephine turned away, continuing the chant.

"VOTES FOR WOMEN!"

although disappointed by her continued anger, katya understood josephine's feelings and was glad to see her doing well for herself. it couldn't be easy seeing your stolen lover with another man's children.

once his wounds healed enough, katya and nathanael took to taking walks around the estate gardens. despite the overcast skies, the blooms glistened with raindrops, and the air carried the fragrances of damp earth and blossoms. nathanael especially enjoyed seeing the familiar views he grew up with, as they brought him comfort when the disturbing memories of the war came up.