Crisse huffed as he put on his shoes. The woman who mirrored his actions beside him ignored his bad mood. Sitting on the porch, Darvo silently sipped on his tea. Truly, it was too early for the couple to be arguing; though, if he had heard correctly, the fight had started the night before. The older man ignored the reason, and it seemed the couple had not resolved it yet.
The young couple quietly walked towards their destination. The soft rays of light signaling early morning bathed them in warm. Days were getting hotter, but nights still had that chill specific of Spring. Raining had become more sporadic compared to before; and at night, storms rumbled and poured over the houses.
"I still think you should wait." Crisse advised his Wife.
Isolde rolled her eyes and threw her argument yet again. "She might get busier later on; if I don't ask now, she mightn't have time in the future."
Crisse loved his Wife; sweet, caring and patient thing she was. Yet, sometimes, she could be extremely stubborn in what she wanted. His insistence in deterring her was because his relationship with the brothers was still fragile, unfavorable to ask for something out of them. Besides, they had just gotten married; would his Wife not become a thorn in their newlywed life with her request?
Hopefully, his gift lessened the harm.
As the two got closer to the Edris household, what with the imposing bamboo wall on quick sight, they heard laughter ringing from inside. The fence at the entrance had been reinforced, tightly woven bamboo impeding the couple to see what was going on, so, they could only call out.
"Good morn! Is Mrs. Edris here?" Seeing her hesitant Husband, Isolde took it upon herself to let the family know they were waiting outside.
The laughter immediately halted inside, sending an uneasy chill to the couple. Isolde wondered if, perhaps, her Husband had been right and it was not a good time. Footsteps that stopped behind the gate indicated that it was too late for her to reconsider. "Who's askin'?" Joseph's distinctive annoyed voice sounded.
A beat of silence. "Crisse and Isolde Ryon." The Chief's son spoke up, not wanting the third brother of the Edris family to get mad at his suddenly timid Wife. A moment later, the gate opened to show the third brother's mildly guarded expression. Crisse recoiled a bit. Right, even a blind person could see the dissension between the villagers and the Edris family, hence the caution.
"Come in." Joseph gestured at the couple, who scurried into the yard.
Crisse had been at the house a few times many years ago; in theory, he was aware of the general layout. Yet what he saw differed from what he remembered. The house was the same, though the dining table was now placed on the porch. The kitchen was the same. And the relative cleanliness was the same. The flower bed was new though, as was the pen housing rabbits and hens.
More than ever, Crisse felt the rift created by his cowardly silence back then.
His gloomy thoughts flew out of his mind when the only female of the Edris family spoke up. "Hello, good morning. Can I help you?" She held a pair of scissors and stood behind the youngest Edris. At the side, Ethan was bundling up his hair into a bun, the braids adorning the top of his head giving him a stylish air. If the couple was not wrong, then Isabelle was grooming her Husbands.
They truly arrived at a bad time.
Crisse still ploughed on. "I brought a gift to congratulate you on your marriage." He lifted the bag he was carrying.
The woman put the scissors down and extended her hands in sign that she was going to receive the bag. Both Crisse and Isolde moved forward. The bag was put on the table, making a tinkling sound. Noticing the curious gazes from the Edris family, Crisse did not want to keep the suspense and took out the items one by one, explaining what they were for.
The first to come out was a glass decanter with a cork cap filled with a cherry red liquid. "This is called Hawthorn Heart Elixir, kind of fancy name. It is medicinal. Nourishes the heart and spirit. Or so they say." Crisse enlightened. Then, paused, and continued a bit sheepish. "Actually, everything in here is medicinal. I… Well, life is hard and illnesses quickly come and are hard to go." A roundabout way to say that the brother's needed to nourish their body after years of hardships.
"Thank you. That is very thoughtful." Isabelle gently smiled at him. Just as the brothers were thinking of improving their lives in the material and economic aspect, Isabelle had been pondering on how to improve their health. Crisse's gift was a true heaven sent.
"Then, there are these dandelion salves. Good for scrapes, bug bites and rashes. Summer's around the corner, and so are bugs." Crisse chuckled as he poured out ten small and round tins. Felix nodded and hummed, reminded of those pesky bugs. "This is a heavily recommended pillow by my Wife, Isolde." He glanced at the woman standing beside him as he took out the purple pillow.
"If you heat it up, it can help with pain and to better sleep. And if you cool it down, it's very good for headaches, fevers and puffy eyes." It was something her late mother-in-law left behind.
Isolde had heard the conversation between her father-in-law and Felix the day before, so when Crisse was preparing the wedding gift for the Edris, she thought a pillow could be added and quickly asked her Husband to buy dried flowers and seeds to make a pillow. It was simple sewing, so it was easy for her to make it. Unlike her request.
The whole Edris family perked up upon hearing the marvels of the unassuming and small pillow. Isabelle took it, and a pleasant smell wafted from it. So, she brought it to her nose for a sniff. "Is this lavender?" She asked the other woman.
Isolde nodded. "Dried lavender, flaxseed and aromatic oil." It was no secret recipe, so she had no qualms in sharing the ingredients. More so, because they needed to be replaced after some time. "When you wash it, take everything out; you wouldn't want for them to get wet."
Joseph quickly snatched the pillow from Isabelle's hands and strode toward the kitchen to warm it up. Although Isabelle's condition was better than the day before, she still had debilitating cramps from time to time. If the pillow was as miraculous as mentioned, then it would not hurt to use it now.
Crisse unnaturally diverted his gaze from the kitchen, knowing the reason his Wife wanted to add the pillow. He cleared his throat and took out the last item: a handleware jug that contained wine. "Schisandra Wine…" He trailed off, his ears reddening. "Nurtures the body, especially the liver, and also boosts energy for… special activities."
Silence followed his statement. Crisse rued the moment his old father reminded him to add the wine. The crooked smile on the old man's face was unnecessary as he commented how the brothers needed a little help when trying to expand the family.
"We're all adults here, what's there to be embarrassed about?" Ethan clapped Crisse's shoulder, dispelling the awkwardness in the air. "We'll use yer gifts really well."
Isabelle sighed and rubbed her brow in helplessness noticing the depraved expression on her eldest Husband as he grabbed the jug of wine to put it away. Felix covered his face to hide his mortification. Lucas let out a cough that suspiciously sounded like a laugh. Isolde just lowered her head; out of sight, out of mind.
"We are really grateful for your gifts." Isabelle repeated.
"No need. No need. It's only natural. We are neighbors and have to help each other. Besides… there's a small request…" Crisse immediately nudged his Wife.
Isolde startled and blurted out the reason why the couple had been arguing. "I wanna know how much you charge to make dresses, and clothes for men." That is right, she wanted Isabelle to make clothes for them.
"We're moving to Silver City in three months. Got a job as a teacher's assistant, so, we thought it would be nice to have new clothes. Nothing elaborate, but still more formal." Crisse hurriedly added, in case they thought the request was for a frivolous reason. Besides, it was a city, and even when he was not ashamed of being a villager, city people tended to be nitpicky about clothes. "We heard from my Dad that you made the clothes for your wedding, so…"
The brothers looked at Isabelle. As the one who would shoulder the commission, it was up to her if she accepted or not. They would have loved for her to take it easy, but also knew she would not reject any request that would rake money in.
"Is it urgent?" Isabelle questioned. After all, the two dresses for Mrs. Attile were her priority at the moment, and there was also the commissioner's daughter's dress. A bit swamped, but something she could still work with if the couple's order was not urgent.
"Not at all!" The Ryon couple exclaimed at the same time. If she accepted, then it was fine if the clothes were given whenever within the three-months timeframe.
"Alright then. I can take the job." Isabelle nodded. "How many dresses do you need? For men's clothes, a full suit or just shirts? Are you going to buy the fabric, or do you want me to do it? Do you have colors in mind? Also, do you have your measurements on hand, or do you want me to take them?" She bombarded the couple with questions as she signaled Felix to fetch her notebook.
"I… um..." Isolde stammered. As one who usually bought ready-made clothes, she had no idea so many things had to be done and known to make clothes. So, she looked as lost as a ball in tall weeds.
"I guess measurements first." Isabelle proposed, taking pity on the other woman. She beckoned at Isolde and started measuring with her hand and writing down the numbers next to the specific items; like shoulder width, length, waist, etc. Then, Crisse was made to stand next to Ethan to compare their builds. Since they were eight points out of ten similar, she had no need to measure him. "Now, what specifically do you need?"
"Um, perhaps three shirts. I recently bought two pairs of pants." Crisse started. Since his Father had shared a bit of what the latter had worn in his teaching days, then the young man thought it was best to follow the example. "And, maybe a suit. The design, I leave them all to you."
Isabelle nodded and scribbled down some words before resting her gaze upon Isolde, who perked up. "I, too, would like to leave the designs to you. I just need something simple and graceful. I'm a teacher's Wife after all." Although she was not educated as those women from town when she married into the Ryon family, she had been learning from Crisse. So, she was aware that her image would also reflect on him.
Tilting her head in thought, Isabelle slowly started sketching a design. The brothers gathered behind her, curious to know how their Wife created clothes. It could be said that what she did was nothing out this world; but it was in the details where her distinctive touch resided. Hit by inspiration after her first design, Isabelle went and sketched both Isolde and Crisse's clothes.
The Ryon couple gaped. It was as easy as that? No, it could not be. It was just the creator that was creative enough to pull up everything in one go.
"I'm jealous." Felix pouted, marveling at the designs on the notebook. He also wanted such nice clothes! The other two nodded in agreement. Though, thinking of their line of work, they had no need of them. Isabelle smiled and thought that maybe, one day, Felix could also use the same type of clothes. For now, they were meant for a teacher.
"As for the colors, maybe neutral ones like white, black, dark blue, moss green, and accents in gold, silver and maybe other softer colors to embroider the skirt." She scribbled down the colors and in which piece they were going to be used. "What do you think?"
"Wha-what do we think?" Crisse owlishly blinked. The designs were better than expected! A thousand times better! He could imagine himself using the clothes based on the designs and his heart pumped in excitement. His peers would surely envy him! Such clothes would not be available even in the city! "They are worth…" He stopped, a thought sweeping away all his exhilaration. "How much for them?"
"It would depend on the price of the fabrics, then I can give you an estimation according to the labor used on them." Isabelle pointed out. "I can accompany either of you to buy the fabric if you want to."
"Of course. You're the expert, so it's best if you accompany us… uh, me." Isolde quickly volunteered for the task. "How about tomorrow?"
Isabelle paused. "Tomorrow… It is fine." She ignored the sharp stares from her Husbands. After exchanging some more pleasantries and arranging a time to go to town, the Ryon couple bid their farewells. Once only the Edris remained, she calmly put the notebook aside and picked up the scissors once again, intent on resuming what she had been doing: cutting Felix's hair.
She had to take advantage of her good health despite being on the second day of her bleeding days to do what she wanted. With that thought in mind, she directed Felix towards the seat he had previously vacated. However, the teen remained immobile in his position.
Her hand was snatched midair by the eldest brother. "You…" Ethan started, then sighed. "I don't think you should go to town in yer condition."
"It should be fine." She shrugged. Knowing her body, she surmised it was doable to make the trip. "Besides, I can use the cart." The three brothers were gearing up for an argument when the remaining brother came out of the kitchen with the pillow in his hands.
"Here, try it out, it's toasty." Unaware of the tension in the air, Joseph nimbly pulled her skirt up and placed the warm pillow on her lower abdomen. "How's it?"
The subtle smell of lavender, the warmth, and the sincere care pooling in Joseph's eyes, made Isabelle's pain magically disappear. All her big and small sores were greatly alleviated. "It's good." She rumbled, covering the hand holding the pillow with hers.
"That prissy Crissy finally brought somethin' good." Joseph commented, freely using the way he used to call the Chief's son. Isabelle chortled, but held back as a big discharge made its way out to her pad. It seemed a change was in order. She said so, and quickly made her way into the house. "Ain't you gonna work?" The third brother frowned at the rooted Ethan.
The eldest rubbed his forehead. "We've to talk once I'm back." He said out loud so Isabelle could also hear his demand. All his good mood had completely vanished, a hard expression accompanying him on his way to town. And if he was a little more serious while attending customers, few noticed but nobody commented on it.
Back home, Isabelle continued on her task of cutting the brothers' hair. Ethan had only wanted for the ends to be cut and keep the length. So, Isabelle considered it best to style his hair. The result was good, yet had room of improvement. Overall, with Ethan's long and thick hair, then it was best if he styled it with braids.
For Felix, both the teen and Isabelle agreed that a short, uneven hairstyle would work. So, Isabelle first cut the length, and then grabbed pieces and cut them to different lengths, giving it a shaggy look that favored one side. The result was a simple but fashionable style that put emphasis on his good-looking face instead of his gangly body.
Lucas rather liked his very short hair and wanted to keep it like that. The only hair styled on his face was his beard; which was nothing more than trimming the sides, because he wanted to grow the hair on his chin and moustache. Isabelle did trim the moustache a bit to uncover his lips, and made sure it had some sort of shape.
She had no idea where his beard was going, but she was going to respect his wishes.
Despite his questionable past actions, his crass behavior from time to time, and shamelessness, Joseph was very artistic when it came to his hair.
Before, he had long back tresses and short top, now he wanted the opposite. He wanted the top to be long while the sides and back were completely sheared. And because he pulled his short top hair into a ponytail, it came out spiky and with a few locks framing his face.
All this happened under a heavy silence.
Or, it was best to say, everyone but Joseph was solemn as he was unaware of the promise Isabelle had made with Isolde Ryon.
The three brothers went about their chores for the day while Isabelle continued resting. The tension rose as night crawled closer, and with it, Ethan's arrival.
Still blissfully ignorant, Joseph helped Isabelle with cleaning herself; carrying a bucket of warm water into the room so she could rub her body after he washed by the well. He did not try to initiate any intimacy because he had noticed she had been in a low mood the whole day, and inferred she was tired.
That was why he was befuddled when he saw that she did not immediately go to sleep and just sat on the bed.
"Aren't you sleepy?" He frowned.
Isabelle smiled at him and leaned her head over his shoulder after he sat beside her. "I am, but Ethan wants to speak with me."
Joseph raised his eyebrows. "What for?" Had his brother some important information that could only be told to Isabelle? Was it about the room?
Isabelle hummed, still unsure if her decision was that terrible, requiring a whole family meeting. "Say, if I want to go to town tomorrow, despite being on my bleeding days, would you let me go?" She asked instead.
"Huh?" The third brother blinked. "Well, it's not about lettin' you go…" He started, throwing his arm over her shoulder to warm her. "It's… hm, d'ya feel well enough to go?" Worry tinted his voice.
"And if I use the cart?" Isabelle persisted.
Joseph leaned his head over hers, thinking. "Guess you could. Want me to go with ya?" In the end, he still worried about her health, even if she no longer did that strenuous walk to town. Accompanying her might not sound as doing much or as reassuring, but he had lots of things to do at the plot; so, he was taking that time and investing it on his Wife instead.
Isabelle grinned and leaned up to plant a kiss on his jaw. "It's decided then!" She nodded, using the brothers' accent with gravitas. "You're coming with me and I'm sleeping!"
Saying so, she pushed the bewildered Joseph to the bed, and threw the sheets over them once they settled. Snickering, the two got comfortable in bed; her draped over him, even throwing a leg over his, while he made sure she laid in his embrace.
In no time, the two were gone to the world.
If Ethan scowled at the two sleeping figures once he arrived, with a fidgeting Felix and an amused Lucas standing behind him, the culprits were too busy dreaming to notice.
Ultimately, no one could stop Isabelle from going to town.