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That makes you uncomfortable? Just saying a guy wants to give the girl he loves a hug?
It wasn’t that. I don’t have any problem with unmarried people hugging or holding hands, unless it does become a temptation to sin. It was because of the implied temptation that I felt uncomfortable.
However, I want the reader to see that it’s not super easy and all fine sailing. It’s tough, but the reword is 100% worth it.
And, the jump to Amelia shows that this isn’t just a guy struggle. While men may be more prone to the physical side of relationship, this is also hard for girls as well.
I see. That is a good point. Sometimes we do have to shine light on darkness an let reader’s know they aren’t alone in their struggles to encourage them.
I am so surprised you didn’t see this sooner! I dropped hints a while back, and you are the one who is always jumping to conclusions that I wasn’t ready for you to make. Now that I’m dropping hints, I start reading your posts and go “why isn’t he seeing this?” lol.
Sorry, didn’t notice those. They kind of flew over my head. Still have no idea what you are referring to.
Joseph grinned. “I grew up with Asher and Eric. I’m pretty hard to annoy.”
Hmm. I wounder how true this will turn out to be.
“Let me put it plainly,” the Innkeeper said, tersely. “A young man on the wrong end of the Empire comes into town. He’s got no money, no family, no connections. He meets a pretty— and rather naïve— girl who, if married, stands to inherit part of a profitable inn when her uncle dies. Are you following yet?”
Poor Joseph. I completely understand his reaction to this.
The man thought a moment and then nodded. “Very well, thirty-five, and no more.”
35? I wish. What would this be in USD or CAD? I suppose I’ve never asked about the currency in here before.
He walked on alone for about five steps and then stopped short. Breathing a silent prayer he turned around. “Amelia Caddick, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”
Somehow, I have the feeling that they will be able to marry before either is captured (if that does happen). Their biggest worry right now seems to be the uncle.
Happy section!
Aww!! 🥰
So, one question—why would Amelia inherit part of her uncle’s inn? Wouldn’t that usually go to her brothers?
Also, I like that we’re getting more conversations between Joseph and Amelia. However, I feel like they’re all based on future situations—mostly just “what if this happens?” Except for this one:
Amelia, what should I know about you that I don’t even know to ask. Is there anything I should know about you and don’t?”
Which was a good conversation, but I feel like the way you led into it was kind of clunky. Joseph’s question was sort of random, and for me, a little hard to understand the first time I read it. Maybe you could try to reword it and give some more context?
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
Hmm. well, first of all the fact that the church has stopped being attacked. Then a reference Sabina made in her letter about the soldiers being super tense. Then Joseph notices the same thing.
Hmm. I wounder how true this will turn out to be.
Haha,
Poor Joseph. I completely understand his reaction to this.
I know poor Joseph!!! I’m really glad he went and talked to Mr. Caddick about it instead of just spending a good chunk of the book wondering.
The lack of communication in books!!! It gets on my nerves!
35? I wish. What would this be in USD or CAD? I suppose I’ve never asked about the currency in here before.
This is medieval curacy my friend. This is worth about:
Horses: 5
Cows: 16
Wool: 166 stones
Wheat: 96 quarters
Wages: 1000 days (skilled tradesman)It’s a LOT!
Somehow, I have the feeling that they will be able to marry before either is captured (if that does happen). Their biggest worry right now seems to be the uncle.
Oh do you now?
So, one question—why would Amelia inherit part of her uncle’s inn? Wouldn’t that usually go to her brothers?
Ah, this is only IF she is married. Then her husband inherits part of the inn. Soooo, Joseph stands to get a nice sum of money should this happen, because the inn will be a constant source of pay. This would be especially valuable in unstable times.
Maybe you could try to reword it and give some more context?
I’ll look into that. Thx!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
Anybody want to see some Character Aesthetics?!?!?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Ahhhh, gotcha.
Sure!
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
Hmm. well, first of all the fact that the church has stopped being attacked. Then a reference Sabina made in her letter about the soldiers being super tense. Then Joseph notices the same thing.
Ah…
I know poor Joseph!!! I’m really glad he went and talked to Mr. Caddick about it instead of just spending a good chunk of the book wondering.
The lack of communication in books!!! It gets on my nerves!
I know. For a little bit, I thought you were headed toward that annoying misunderstanding plot where she thinks he wants something he doesn’t and they temporarily break up over it. (Saw a movie with this in recently and it was painful.) I guessed at least something bad would happen from the way Joseph kept information from Steven, Quin, and David. I was relieved when he went to talk to Mr. Caddick ASAP.
Anybody want to see some Character Aesthetics?!?!?
Sure! Are they for Amelia and maybe some of the other Caddicks?
Saw a movie with this in recently and it was painful.
Don’t get me started.
I have some of the boards done. Not all of them tho.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
Older Joseph
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
Amelia
(I hope to have Stephen and David soon)
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
Next section.
The days passed and Joseph worked hard to build furniture for their home. He found woodworking trying at times, but David and Stephen helped him.
Amelia began to bring over blankets and dishes she had saved, and men and women of the church gave gifts to them. Soon the house was furnished and made comfortable. Now it stood ready and waiting for its owners.
Harvest time came, and Joseph, Stephen and David had to work harder than ever in the fields.
After harvest was when Amelia and Joseph had planned the wedding. Joseph was debating traveling to the capital city to bring word of the wedding to his family there. “Why don’t you pray that God will send Leon and Julian,” Stephen suggested. “They always seem to appear at the right time.”
Joseph laughed at the idea, but he took Stephen’s advice. At the end of that week, who should Joseph run into on the road but the two former soldiers.
That evening, Joseph hurriedly penned a letter, Amelia leaning over his shoulder as he wrote. When he finished, he handed the quill to Amelia, and she wrote a note below his. Then Joseph reread it all, making sure all had been said that needed to be said.
My Dear Sabina,
A few weeks ago, Amelia and I were engaged! I can hardly believe it, and I thank God over and over for bringing her into my life. She is such a treasure, and I love her with all my heart. I could never love anything or anyone more than her, save God alone. We are so excited to see you again and pray and hope you can come to our wedding! It will be the week after harvest’s end, as is tradition. I can’t wait to see you and the others, and I pray you will be able to join us. Oh, if it is at all possible; could you please bring with you the wooden box I left there in my bedroom.
I love you, Sabina.
Joseph.
Dear Sabina,
I cannot wait to meet you! Joseph has told me so much about you, and I have dearly looked forward to a day that we could see one another. Please come as soon as you would like and stay as long as you want. Mother and father said that you are most welcome to do so. We all look forward to meeting you, Noah, Darrien, Asher, Eric, and Alicia. Also, I was especially hoping you could come soon because I would love to plan the wedding with you. I would certainly value another girl’s opinion on my dress. (which I haven’t found made yet!) Perhaps you, me, mother, and my sisters could work on sewing one, if you would like to. I think it would be so much fun.
Your loving sister in Christ,
Amelia
Joseph sealed the letter and wrote Sabina’s name on it. He smiled up at Amelia. “You’ll love her.”
“I already do,” she laughed.
Leon and Julian took the letter, promising to come back for the wedding, which would be in three weeks’ time.
After they had gone, Joseph went back to work with eager anticipation.
The next week, there was a knock on the door late after supper.
“I’ll get it,” David said. He walked into the other room, and Joseph heard the door open. “Welcome back!” he heard David exclaim, and he leapt to his feet
David was just closing the door when Joseph came into the hall. Two young men were pushing back their hoods, revealing the faces of Leon and Julian. Four other young men, almost a head and shoulders taller than the former soldiers, were shaking hands with David. A young woman was just pushing back the midnight-blue shawl that covered her head and shoulders.
“Sabina!” Joseph cried, and then next moment she was in his arms. The two held one another a long time, both crying with the joy of the reunion after so long a separation. “Oh Joseph, my dear, dear boy,” Sabina said at last, looking up into his face. “Oh, how good it is to see you!”
Joseph grinned, his eyes shining with unshed tears. Then he looked about. “Where’s Alicia?”
“She stayed with the children,” Sabina replied. “I have so much to tell you, Joseph! And Alicia sends her love.”
Someone slapped Joseph on the back, and he turned. “Noah!”
“Hello little brother. It’s so good to see you!” Noah said, embracing Joseph.
He was almost pushed aside by Darrien, who was just as eager to get his hands on Joseph. “Let me at him!” cried a voice, and Joseph was nearly tackled by Eric. The next few moments were all laughter, hugs, and everyone talking over one another.
At long last, Joseph introduced them to David, who shook hands all over again. Then, they hurried to the sitting room. The whole family was quickly introduced, and the hugging and handshaking began all over again. At last, Joseph reached out and took Amelia’s hand, leading her up to his family.
“Well, well, well, what have we here! If it isn’t the bride to be!” Noah exclaimed.
“Amelia, this is Sabina, Asher, Eric, Noah and Darrien,” Joseph said, motioning to each in turn. “This is Amelia,” he finished with a smile.
The young each took her hand, bowing gallantly. Then Sabina hugged Amelia and kissed her cheek. “I have waited so long to meet you! I can’t wait to talk together.”
“Oh Sabina, it is so, so good to meet you too,” Amelia replied.
“Later I have something for you,” Sabina said, softly.
“Joseph! I am taller than you!” Eric crowed.
“One of these days he’s going to fall very hard,” Asher muttered, but he couldn’t keep the laugh out of his voice.
“Joseph, you should see the house, it’s almost as wild as when you lived there,” Noah said.
“I wasn’t as bad as all that!” Joseph exclaimed.
That evening, everyone stayed up very late talking and laughing. Mrs. Caddick, Amelia, Ruth, and Beth hurried to rearrange some rooms so that the guests had a place to sleep. Noah and Darrien would sleep in the boys’ room, Sabina in the girls’ room, and Julian and Leon in the spare room they normally used. At long last, everyone finally went to bed, eagerly awaiting the next day.
In the morning, Joseph came downstairs to find Sabina busy in the kitchen with the rest of the women and girls of the Caddick household. Joseph greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. “It is so, so good to be with you again,” he said with a smile.
“It most certainly is,” Sabina agreed.
“How did you manage to leave with the orphans?” Joseph asked. “Surely it’s too much for Alicia to handle on her own.”
“Well, Jenny and Adeline came with their husbands to take care of the ones living at home, and a very special young man will by spending much of his time helping Alicia,” she added with a laugh.
“Who is it?” Joseph asked.
“Andrew Falkirk. The moment I saw them together I knew they were perfect,” Amelia replied. “Oh, Cedric and his wife will also join them tomorrow. It has been so wonderful to see those dear children grow up and come to know Christ and then see them marry godly young men and women and start families of their own.”
“What about the alley children?” Joseph wondered.
Sabina sighed. “Still there, as usual. I have made no headway with their leader, and the children seem more cautious of me now. He probably warned them not to get too friendly, and it breaks my heart when I realized how right he must have been in the past, and how many of them he must have saved by keeping them from trusting strangers. I brought several baskets of food that won’t spoil. Bread, dried meat and fruit. He was there, of course, and he came with the oldest children to take them. I looked him straight in the eye, and I told him I had to leave for a few weeks, and this was to hold them over until I returned. I promised I would return. I don’t know if he believed me or not, but he replied, “Don’t send anyone to us while you are gone.” I gave him my word I wouldn’t.”
Joseph nodded. “You have done so well with them, and I know God will use this in their lives. So many would have given up by now. I am so glad you haven’t.”
“Thank you, Joseph. You have been such an encouragement to me,” Sabina smiled.
***
That afternoon, while Joseph was away in the fields, Sabina called Amelia to her. Sitting down on the bed that had been lent to her, Sabina lifted her large leather traveling rucksack onto her lap. Opening it, she pulled out a bundle wrapped in waterproof leather. “Come sit
Amelia sat beside her, and Sabina pulled away the leather which was covering brown cotton cloth. This too, she pulled away, revealing something silky white. She just sat and looked at it for a long moment. At last, she gently took it and stood up, letting the folds fall loose.
Amelia gasped, her eyes widening.
Sabina was staring at the white dress in her hands. At last, she looked up, her eyes filled with tears and a gentle smile on her lips. “This was my wedding dress. I would have worn it the day I married Aaron, the only young man I have ever loved and ever will. The morning of our wedding, I laid it out and told the Lord I trusted Him. That was the morning Aaron gave his life for Christ. Since that day, I have treasured this dress, but I know I will never wear it. Now it is time for it to be worn.” She held out the dress to Amelia, who took it with trembling hands. “This is my gift to you,” Sabina said, tears in her eyes. “Wear it the day you and the one you love become one. This dress has been buried away with tears of sorrow, but now it rises to new life amid tears of joy.”
“Oh Sabina,” Amelia whispered, pressing the dress to her. “Thank you! Thank you so, so much.”
The two girls embraced, crying softly.
***
The day dawned bright and clear. Joseph was already awake, and he sat by the window, his Bible in his hands. Now he looked up to watch the sunrise. At last, he got to his feet and opened the door. He was dressed in the normal Ardantin clothing, but it was all neat and clean, and the black vest he wore had small white flowers embroidered along the seam. In his pocket he carried a small box of polished wood.
Downstairs, he was greeted by Mrs. Caddick, Asher, Eric, Noah, Darrien, Julian, Leon and the Caddick boys. There was not a girl in sight.
“You won’t see them today,” Mrs. Caddick said, smiling down on Joseph. “They’ll be keeping well out of sight. Now come and sit.”
Joseph sat at the table along with the other boys and men. Mrs. Caddick served up a delicious breakfast. Despite his excitement, Joseph was very hungry, and the smell won him over. After breakfast, Mrs. Caddick left the room.
The men and boys gathered about, even little Andrew, and put their arms over each other’s shoulders until they stood in a circle. Then, one by one, they prayed over the day and for Joseph and Amelia.
When they were finished, Joseph turned to Mr. Caddick. “Can I speak to Sabina?”
“Of course, son,” Mr. Caddick smiled. Joseph heard him go upstairs and knock on the door. Several girls shrieked, and Mr. Caddick laughed.
After a few minutes he returned. “She’ll be here in a moment.”
There was a knock on the door, and Mr. Caddick looked up. “That must be the first of the guests.”
The young men hurried outside to great them, leaving Joseph, who stood in the living room, waiting for Sabina. At last, he heard her steps. The two looked at one another for a long moment, and then Sabina came to him, and he hugged her. “Thank you,” he said softly.
“For what?” she asked.
“For all that you have done. For always being there, comforting, encouraging, and guiding me. Thank you for never leaving me… for being the mother I needed. Thank you for everything.”
Sabina smiled up at him. “I am so, so proud of the man you have become. You are a true man of God.”
“Thank you for helping me become who I am,” Joseph said.
“It was only God using me to fulfill his plan,” Sabina smiled.
“Then thank you for letting Him use you,” Joseph replied.
“You are most welcome. Now, I had better hurry back to Amelia.”
“Can I see here?” Joseph asked.
“No!” Sabina cried in mock horror. She swatted playfully at his arm. “Out you go, my bonnie lad.”
Joseph grinned. “Do you like her?”
“I love her,” Sabina replied.
Joseph smiled, bent to kiss her on the cheek, and then hurried outside. Several people were there, and soon they began to gather in the kitchen and living room.
It was to be a very simple little wedding, but that was all Joseph and Amelia wanted. Noah was to do the honors of marrying the two, and they were to have the ceremony in the living room for fear of interruption from the soldiers.
While they waited for Amelia, those gathered broke into groups to pray over the wedding. Joseph felt tears come to his eyes, seeing their love and care. He sat at the far end of the room, Noah on one side, and Darrien on the other, their heads bowed close together in prayer.
After a while, Joseph happened to glance up and saw that Sabina was in the room. Upon further observation, he saw that so too were Amelia’s sisters and mother. He got to his feet and looked excitedly at Noah and Darrien. Darrien grinned and slapped him on the back. Then he stepped away. Noah and Joseph stood waiting, and Joseph’s eyes never left the doorway. Then, the people standing around the room began to part, clearing a path from the door to Joseph.
Suddenly, she was there.
Amelia was standing there, leaning on her father’s arm. In her hands was a small knot of white field flowers and the same were twisted into a wreath about her head. Her dress was breathtakingly beautiful, though very simple. Her eyes were clear and bright, and a shining smile touched her lips. Joseph found he could hardly breath, and his eyes never left her face as her father brought her closer. They came to Joseph, and Noah asked something Joseph didn’t even hear. Amelia was right in front of him, practically laughing with joy. Her father was talking to Noah, but Joseph didn’t know what they were saying.
Then, Joseph found that Mr. Caddick was placing Amelia’s hands into his. His hands trembled as he closed them about hers and she moved to face him. Now Noah was talking to them, and Joseph heard what he said this time. He was praying over them, and Joseph bowed his head, giving Amelia’s hands a gentle squeeze.
The two exchanged vows, and then Noah asked them to exchange rings. Joseph reached into his pocked with a hand that shook slightly and pulled out the little wooden box. He opened it and lifted out a beautiful ring made of woven silver. As he handed the empty box to Noah and held the ring in his hands, his father’s voice spoke in his memory.
“This was the ring I gave to mama. She would want you to have it so you could give it to the girl you marry.”
Joseph looked into Amelia’s eyes and smiled. He took her hand. “With this ring, I pledge my life and love to you, Amelia, and I bind myself to you until death do us part.”
Then Joseph gave Amelia his hand, and she place a ring on it, repeating what he had said to her.
Then Noah spoke. “Joseph, you may seal the covenant and kiss your bride.”
Joseph’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at Amelia, who was smiling up at him. Then he bent forward and kissed her. Several people cheered, and Joseph wrapped his arms about Amelia and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around in a circle and kissing her again.
Joseph set Amelia down, laughing with joy. She leaned against him, crying and laughing all in the same moment.
“I now present to you, the new Mr. and Mrs. Conway,” Noah cried, and the gathered people cheered again.
Joseph looked into Amelia’s eyes. “I love you Amelia,” he said.
She stood on tiptoe and kissed him again. “I love you too, Joseph.”
***
When dawn broke the next morning, the sunlight streamed into the upstairs room of a small house. Joseph opened his eyes and lay, looking toward the window. This was his house, and beside him lay his wife. In that moment, Joseph knew nothing could make him happier. He felt Amelia’s arm about him and smiled. Rolling onto his side he faced her, and for a while just watched as she slept. She was the most beautiful girl in all the world. At last, Joseph leaned close and gently kissed her. Amelia opened her eyes and looked up. She smiled. “Good morning, Joseph.”
“Good morning, Amelia,” Joseph replied.
The two sat up, and Joseph swung his legs out of bed. He stood slowly and stretched. Then, he picked up his Bible and went to sit on the bench by the window. He looked up with a smile. “Come sit.”
“It’s cold,” Amelia whimpered, but she was grinning. She climbed out of bed and her bare feet touched the cold ground. “Oh!” she gasped and fled across the floor to him. Joseph put his arms about her, gathering her close, and Amelia lay back against his chest. Joseph flipped open the Bible and began to read aloud.
‘Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for He gives to his beloved sleep.Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.’”“Unless the Lord builds the house,” Amelia said softly. “I pray the Lord builds up our home, and I pray that he fills it with children.”
“Yes, I do as well,” said Joseph. “But children are a blessing from the Lord, not something we have a right to demand. If He chooses not to bless us with them, then I will trust Him.”
“You’re right,” Amelia said, snuggling close to him. “I love you, Joseph.”
“I love you too,” he replied, wrapping his arms about her and resting his chin on her head. “God has certainly blessed me,” he said with a smile.
Adjusting to married life was certainly new for Joseph and Amelia. It was exciting, joyful, sometimes hard, and all together nothing they could have imagined. They trusted the Lord the whole way and sought to please Him in all that they did. In so doing, they pleased one another, and their marriage and love grew stronger.
It was a sad day when Sabina and the others left to go their separate ways.
“You must come and visit some time,” Sabina said hugging Amelia.
“Oh, we will, I promise,” Amelia replied.
“I’m going to miss you, Joseph,” Asher said, hugging him tightly.
“I’ll miss you too,” Joseph replied. “It was so wonderful to see you all again.”
“You won’t miss us, you’ve got Amelia now,” Eric grinned.
Joseph laughed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
Asher gripped his shoulder firmly. “Whatever happens in the future, we’ll meet again, Joseph. This isn’t farewell.”
Joseph nodded and smiled bravely.
When they were gone, Joseph felt the all too familiar pain of parting; but there was sweetness in the pain, for Amelia was there to help him bare it.
A month passed, and Joseph continued to lead in the church. Many single young men and women came to the Conway home, seeking guidance and encouragement from Joseph and Amelia, who were seen as an elder brother and sister to many. It was not unusual to have guests at the dinner table, and often prayer meetings were held long into the night.
One evening, Joseph broached a subject he had been thinking of for a while. “Amelia, you know how powerful prayer is.”
“Yes,” she replied, cleaning off another plate. She handed it to Joseph, who began to dry it.
“Well, I’ve been thinking. What if we gathered once or twice a week here in our home to pray for each other and our country?”
“That is just the sort of idea that made me love you,” Amelia smiled.
Joseph laughed and kissed her cheek.
So, the weekly meetings of prayer began in the evenings. They changed the days every week, so as not to seem suspicious. It was good to see so many brothers and sisters in Christ, and to get to see the rest of the Caddick family more often. For a time, Joseph felt that for once they were safe.
Then, something happened that changed everything.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Good section!!!
Again, you’re summing up lots of time here, especially at the end. I would maybe like to be shown instead of told some of that, but it’s okay if you just really need to get to the next part.
Joseph felt that for once they were safe.
Then, something happened that changed everything.
Oh no… 😥
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
But everything has been fine sailing and I think I need some summing to keep people interested.
Idk.
we’ll see.
Oh no… 😥
lol.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Have you seen the boards? what do you think?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
I just did! They look great! Nice to see the pictures of what they look like. Joseph’s was a little blurry… but… I think I saw a picture of him handcuffed against a wall… 😳
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
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