“Because things are different this time,” Caitlin said. “This time I’m involved and I will nae let peace gae. Neither will Rhys. We both want the same thing. And the only thing stopping us is people like ye, people who cannae let gae of the past.” She twisted around, which made her mother scowl, but Caitlin’s words were heated and she wasn’t going to let her aunt ruin her wedding day like this. “Ye need tae understand that the world is changing. Things can be better. We can trust Rhys, and we can trust this treaty. Da wouldnae hae agreed tae it if he didnae think it would work, and I wouldnae be sitting here if I didnae think it would dae some good. Rhys thinks the same as me. We’re gaeing tae join the clans. Ye’ll see, Aunt. Ye’ll see what can happen when people believe in something.”
Iris narrowed her already thin face and when she spoke her voice was a low growl. “Oh aye, I believe in something alright. I believe that people never really change their natures. Rhys may well be different, but what about his da? What about his brothers? A Frasier is a Frasier. Ye wouldnae be surprised if a wild wolf came and attacked ye if ye were in the woods alone, and ye shouldnae be surprised if a Frasier declares war. That’s all they dae. Ye are as bad as ye da for believing in the best of them, but I hope ye are right Caitlin. I want ye tae hae a good and happy marriage, but I just want ye tae be aware that the Frasiers hae been the way they are for a long time and I dinnae think they are gaeing tae change now.”
It was the last thing Caitlin wanted to hear, especially on her wedding day. It was as though her aunt was determined to pour cold water to dampen her mood. Violet quickly ushered Iris out as soon as she was done talking.
“Dinnae pay attention tae anything she said. She’s just angry because of what happened tae ye uncle. I dinnae think she’s ever gaeing tae forgive the Frasiers for that.” She looked away and exhaled deeply. “I think that a lot of people are gaeing tae feel the same.” Caitlin went to speak, but Violet looked at her quickly and spoke with swift words. “I know ye want everyone tae believe in peace, and I’m sure that people dae, but ye hae tae understand that there’s a lot of bad blood. Ye cannae expect people tae forget that sae easily. It’s gaeing tae take some time for the wounds tae heal. People like ye aunt…they’ve lost a lot because of the battles between the clans and they’ve felt sae bitter for such a long time that it’s nae easy tae let gae. It’s natural tae them, and ye are gaeing tae hae tae be patient.”
“I suppose I never thought about it like that. I suppose I got caught up in my own feelings and forgot that nae everyone feels the same way as me.” Caitlin sighed. She looked up to her mother, and although she was getting married, she still felt like a small girl.
“It’s gaeing tae be fine Ma, yes? I just want tae know that everything is gaeing tae be well.”
Violet offered her a reassuring smile and kissed her on the forehead in a maternal manner. “Of course it is, lass. Ye dinnae hae tae worry about the way other people feel. As long as ye are happy that’s all that counts.”
“I am,” Caitlin said, and smiled happily. She pushed her feelings of doubt to the back of her mind and hoped that, in time, people would begin to believe that peace between the two clans was sustainable. She hoped that she and Rhys could provide a beacon of hope to guide everyone towards a better future where they didn’t have to worry about their safety collapsing onto them, and that in some way it might help to assuage their bitterness about the lives that had been taken.
Caitlin dried her eyes as emotions were getting the better of her. Violet soon finished twining the fingers in her hair, and then it was time for Caitlin to put on the dress. It fit her perfectly, and the added garnishes and sparkles made the dress come alive. It was long and white, reaching her ankles. Iris had stitched in different colors here and there, imbuing the dress with all the subtle, shifting colors of nature. The small jewels caught the light and made it appear as though the dress was dancing. Caitlin’s eyes lit up and as she looked down at herself. She twirled and the dress flowed out around her, and she was completely happy.
The prized necklace hung around her neck and her cheeks had a rosy glow. Violet kissed her on either cheek and welled up with emotion herself, unable to believe that her little girl looked so grown up. Caitlin applied a scent of lilac to her body and the air became more vibrant around her. It was a far cry from the girl who used to scamper from the words, or who would take part in axe-throwing competitions. She was elegant and graceful, and she thought she looked perfect for her wedding day. She couldn’t stop smiling.
Time had moved swiftly and it was almost time for her to walk down and meet Rhys, her future husband. Nerves fluttered inside and then Bryn entered to escort his daughter to
