#warsie

It had been almost a month since Warlund had left for war and life continued on without him at the Citadel.  Garadin would be turning one with or without his father's presence and Jossetta's days were busy with the running of the Duchy. Evenings and her mid-day nap were the worse for her.  It was at these times that she worried for her husbands safe return.  His letter had promised that he would not leave her to face the world alone, and she often found herself reading that sentence over and over again.  The parchment had become wrinkled with the constant unfolding and refolding of the letter.  A frayed corner greeted her as she pulled the letter out from her pocket again.  Warlund Blackfyre was many things, but a liar he was not.  He always told her the truth and if he said he would return safe, then he would.  Still, it was in her nature to worry and today was no different.

Curling up on the whicker sofa in her private garden, she read the all familiar words.  I can't tell you much of the war out of concern for spies and my letters being intercepted, but it is going well for us.  I know you fear for my return, but you shouldn't; I would not leave you to face this world alone. Fingertips brushed over the writing and she smiled a bit before continuing.  Rusk is marching and I, in a day or so, will meet him for the first time in an open field.  I will be the victor, and I will avenge the fallen--you have my word.

Warlund had indeed been the victor in that first battle, but Jossetta knew that one battle did not make a war.  There were more to come.  With a sigh, she folded up the letter and replaced it in her pocket before rolling over onto her back.  A hand stroked her growing belly while the other rested over her eyes as she closed them.  The massacre that had brought them to this moment had come to be known as Red Dawn.  Hundreds had been killed within the Citadel's walls the morning the attack came.  Jossetta and her children had spent what seemed like an eternity locked in the ducal chambers as the clash of swords and men dying could be heard on the other side of the door.  If they had gotten through, neither she nor her children would have been spared.  Anastasia von Drasek--the woman behind the attack.  Her men had caught them unaware and with Warlund away.  The very tunnels beneath the Citadel that were there to escort her and the children to safety were used against them.  Patrols were overwhelmed and soon the Citadel was flowing in red.  

Opening her eyes, Jossetta shook the sounds of that day from her head.  Life had gone on after the massacre as well.  The dead were honored, families grieved, and servants had been replaced with new ones.  Most of the faces she saw everyday now were new ones.  It added to the loneliness she always felt when Warlund was away.  Surrounded by servants, soldiers, and her own children, Jossetta still felt lonely.  She didn't need her entire hand to count those she considered friend.  Much had changed since she had married her husband. Gone were the days of teas, grand balls, and parties.  Despite it all, she was happy and had no regrets.  Her life would never be what it once was but she had her children and a husband who loved her.  

Her children.  Acrisius was becoming a man and the bond between Abigail and Thorius had grown.  Garadin was healthy and growing and she still had several years with him before Warlund took him from her for his training.  Another of her worries.  Much was expected of their son.  Warlund would be hard on him.  He was the future.  The person who would carry on his fathers legacy.  No matter how many children they had, Garadin would be expected to do more and to be better.  

Glancing down at her belly, Jossetta ran a thumb over it.  Male or female, your father will expect great things from you as well.  When you are old enough, you will be taken from my arms and your own training will begin.  Warlund would chastise her for coddling them, but she would always find a way to remind them that they are loved.  

"Your Grace."  The familiar voice of her guard brought her from her thoughts. "The hour is up and the Steward is waiting for you in the Great Hall."  With another sigh, she pushed herself up and used her feet to find her shoes that were laying on the ground nearby.  "Very well." She replied, standing and brushing out her skirts.  "I am ready."  Life did indeed to go on.

@warlund-blackfyre

Warlund treats Josie’s kids as if they’re pawns. As if they’re cargo! He’ll never learn. He’ll likely never change.