House Hunting

Upon their arrival to the throne room King Joseph dismissed all other aids and citizens, leaving himself, Bailey, Oribella, and Poppy.

"Is it true?" Joseph asked, "you've taken Poppy as your first spouse?"

'No pleasantries with this one' Oribella thought to herself. "Yes, Your Highness" She spoke.

Jospeh stepped closer. "Show me the mark... Remove your coat, Rossi." His order was stern but not uncomfortable. It was the equivalent of 'show me your wedding ring' after all. Oribella did as she was asked. She handed her coat to Poppy and pulled the top of her dress down, taking care to not completely expose her breast.

Bailey was in shock. How could Poppy's mark be above her heart of all places? Joseph, however, gently smiled and nodded in approval.

"I may not be YOUR Father, but I am one of your fathers... I'm happy for you Poppy." Poppy bowed his head in acknowledgement, touched by Joseph's words.

"That being said," Joseph continued, "I cannot treat any of the male children in my family with favor over another. Now that you have begun your own family you must find a new territory to live in. I do hope you chose to stay in the Bear Kingdom, but as a fellow married male, I understand your female's wants take priority over anyone else's."

Oribella was glad. How kind Joseph turned out to be! Her previous knowledge of him was so limited. After seeing this side of him Oribella decided that Jospeh had probably excused everyone else from the throne room so he could allow his softness to come out.

"I already have a few places in mind, Sir." Poppy spoke. "I'll be sure to tell you and Mother where we decide to live."

"Taveling this time of year will be difficult. I can't offer much help... But if you're planning on leaving the kingdom," Joseph turned to Oribella, "I hope you'll accept a parting gift..." Jospeh looked twords Bailey, who shook his head.. Jospeh continued, "unfortunately it is not ready yet. I think some of us expected Poppy's courtship of you to last slightly longer... You two should begin packing your belongings, head out at first sunrise tomorrow morning. I'll send an escort to wake you and help carry your items to the edge of the city."

Poppy and Oribella said their Goodbyes and left the thrown room to start gathering their belongings.

Bailey turned to leave as well before Jospeh roared, "WHAT was that behavior?" Joseph scolded.

"Bear King," Bailey shrunk, "I didn't mean to-"

"You're lucky that Rossi couldn't clearly see you! She's too compassionate of a female for you to make such a murderous face twords her first spouse! If you TRULY hold ANY intentions of stepping up and taking my place you MUST learn to control your expressions! Wearing your emotions so clearly is a good way to start a war against a neighboring city!" Joseph continued scolding Bailey for nearly an hour. But Bailey and Jospeh both knew this was a form of training for Bailey. If Bailey wanted to become the next Bear King he would need a calmer exterior. Even when he was burning with rage or drowning in jealousy, as he was now, as a good king he would need to be in better control of how he expressed his emotions.

While Bailey was getting a royal scolding, Oribella excitedly packed her crafting supplies. She wanted to set out on an adventure with her Husbad as soon as possible. Poppy traded for and gathered supplies from the market while Oribella packed their bedroom.

She said her goodbyes to River, Starlight, and baby Abigail, promising they would meet again.

By early afternoon Oribella was packed and ready to go. Poppy had traded some freshly hunted meat and extra furs to receive rice and dried meats for the trip ahead. Oribella's excitement could hardly be contained and the next morning she woke before sunrise. The last thing she wanted to say goodbye to was Ancient One.

As a female Oribella still had some freedoms within the castle, even if she was soon about to move. She wanted to watch the sunrise over the Bear Kingdom from the branches of Ancient One one more time. She had spent so much time in its branches that, although it was a massive tree, Oribella felt a kind of friendship twords it.

Oribella finger-knitted while the sun rose. After the length was acceptable Oribella climbed as high as the ladders would alow her.

"Goodbye," Oribella whispered, "I promise to see you again someday." She tied the doll-size scarf around a thinner branch of the tree, "keep this safe for me until I get back... I'll bring you a better scarf next time I see you."

Oribella was surprised by herself for being so emotional saying goodbye to a tree. But she felt Ancient One overlooked the kingdom, not just as a post for guards to warn the city of an attack, but as something greater. Something more akin to the old-gods from even before the greeks formed their pantheon. A powerful spirit of nature.

Oribella gave a kiss to the trunk of Ancient One and began her climb down. Poppy was waiting for her at Ancient One's base with a wide smile across his face.

"Saying your last goodbye?" Poppy asked, picking up Oribella and placing her on his shoulder.

Oribella nodded, "I've spent so much time in the branches of Ancient One it felt wrong to leave without saying goodbye."

Poppy kissed the back if Oribella's hand and began their walk out of the city. Once the two passed the city gates Poppy donned his Bear form and Oribella loaded their belongings onto a small wagon Poppy had prepared for them the night before.

The Sun was risen but low in the sky. With the snow nearly fully melted; the two lovers, joined in body and soul, started their journey to find a home to satisfy the both of them.