30 - Farran's Surprise

                                        

                                              
Farran arrived in the Kingdom of Cador's Capital almost exactly four months after her first letter to Duke Dorland was sent in April. And in the time since, she'd written to and received post from Vellan almost obsessively, so she hadn't been surprised that at each waystation on the route to Cador a letter awaited her. 
M'eudail, each letter would start, and the contents would vary depending on how many more stops until she would be in Cador's Capital. The first waystation in Taroton's letter read:
Your journey to my Kingdom has just begun, and although there is still a stretch of time before I can share my home with you, I want you to know that your arrival is eagerly awaited not only by my humble self, but by Willow and Pierce as well. I will be in the Capital for your arrival, and I hope, like me, you are counting the days.
Vellan
Most of the journey would be within and across Taroton, going from the Capital, across the Hatsune Duchy, through the Gault Earldom, and cutting across the lower edge of the Ruma Marquisate before finally crossing into Cador. Farran encourages her teamsters to travel as quickly as safety allowed; although she was prone to sea sickness Farran had never once found a carriage ride as arduous. They reached the Cadorian border at the end of the week, another letter waiting for her there despite their swift progress.
M'eudail, you're about to step into my homeland for the first time, and I cannot be there to greet you at the border but don't hold it against me. As you are joining my world, my King is sending a Cadorian Prince Royal to your Queen in kind. Given that it is my close cousin, I have been tasked with assisting his departure as well as preparing for your arrival. And as you once sent me a Sash, I have the honour of finally presenting you with my own efforts. As is the Cadorian custom, you handmade a Sash, I took the time to cast you a Knot. You'll soon be here, I can only hope the journey has lived up to your expectations – Vellan
Farran stared at the intricate metal Knot he'd included with the letter. It looked so similar to the once for the Dorland Duchy, to Vellan's Knot, but there was a slight difference; the one he sent her had a ruby cabochon set into the middle. It was beautiful, the heavy broach could pin clothes easily and Farran knew that Cadorian fashion had a lot of sashed and draping fabrics. 
In one of their letters, Farran had explained the use of family colours in Taroton instead of the Knots of Cador, and now this broach felt like a perfect combination of the two; Cadorian Knot with a Briggs ruby at its heart. With the heat of the season, Farran wore neither cloak nor heavy layer, but she still pinned the broach to the left side of her neckline as she'd read was the custom. The heavy Knot pulled at the light summer fabric of Farran's dresses, but she wanted to grow accustomed to the weight of it before arriving in the Capital. Like the pistol in its holster at her hip, Farran wanted to feel like it was a natural part of her. 
Amusingly enough, when the carriage stopped at the Capital city gates, Farran was delivered on last letter from Vellan. 
M'eudail, I await your arrival with my King, and look forwards to sharing Cadorian customs with you in person -Vellan
Farran had carefully planned her arrival attire, a fancier dress than she'd been wearing for simple travel. Her modest top was inspired by men's vests, lacking the sinching of a corset but still implying the shape of Farran's body rather well. She may lack Blair's voluptuous shape, but she'd started to develop a generous curve of her own. She wore a light weight, loose sleeved top under the vested bodice, the neckline wide open on her collarbone, but no cleavage, and Farran pinned her gifted Knot to the left neckline of her top as was custom. The ruby glittered brightly, not at all outdone by the scarlet of her vest and skirt. And the pale ivory of her shirt made Farran's naturally porcelain fair skin glow. Normally, she had her hair braided up like Hida used to wear, but for the occasion she'd left it down and loose, the pale gold of her hair its own accessory.