Pre-wedding

[fiery_ring]

The arrangement was that Will would spend the night in Fred's caravan. What with the whole bad luck to see your bride before the wedding thing. The reality was that when he stumbled in at four in the morning, he fell over Wolf, Fred's guard dog, and nearly ended up with a broken arm.

Carlotta, unaware of this particular development, is getting ready in her caravan. Will is still in his boxers, in Fred's caravan, nursing a hangover.

Comments

[fiery_ring]

"It's not easy to be a child with unmarried parents in this time." Carlotta says. "If he stays with us, it is better we tell him we're his aunt and uncle, which would be true, and not focus on who his father is."

[wheatencrown]

"I know its not but don't create complicated lies that fall apart. Tell him you're taking care of him for his parents, something simpler like that and that when he's older you'll explain."

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta nods.

"I don't intend to lie to him, just to shelter him as much as possible while he's little."

[wheatencrown]

"Sheltering and lies can end up looking the same sometimes. Think about what you would have wanted to know if you were him. Would you rather know the truth and know that you were loved or else find it out from others?"

[fiery_ring]

"The first, though the second happened to me." Carlotta says. "And I got through it."

[wheatencrown]

"Yes, I know you did but you do you want him to have to go through it? I've raised Kore on my own for thousands of years and sometimes she knows more than she wishes but she knows she can ask me something and I'll tell her. Sometimes I might say, this is complicated, this is what I know and there's more to know. You have to be thoughtful and trust your children, they're stronger than you know."

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta rubs her forehead.

"Demeter, I know you're trying to help, but can we please work this out later? I'm about to get married and Little William's not going to be at an age to understand for several years."

She slips the little jacket on the small boy, and passes him to Demeter to hold while she gets his trousers on. Little William gurgles and starts to play with Demeter's hair.

[wheatencrown]

Demeter's quiet as it had seemed like Carlotta was asking her advice and she was giving it,

"Of course."

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta sees her expression and sighs.

"Sorry." she says quietly. She appreciates Demeter's advice, it was just getting a bit deep when she already has the weight of the world on her shoulders.

[wheatencrown]

Demeter hugs her, carefully as not to wreck her hair or dress,

"You'll figure it out, Carlotta. I know you will and I'm always here if you need me."

[fiery_ring]

"Thank you." Carlotta hugs her back.

"On with the show."