Chapter 365: The Council of Mothers
"Is everything okay, Gina? You look like you’ve been crying."
Gina blinked in surprise at that question, but she just smiled at Francis and nodded to him. Gina didn’t feel like telling anyone about her personal matter with Jason, so she just lied.
"Yes, I’m fine. Where are the rest of the superhumans?"
"Some of them are scattered around the city for the party, and I think Luthor and Rufus are in the castle having a meeting with some nobles. They’ve been asking a lot of questions about this world, so I think they’re gathering information for the Enforcers."
"Oh, alright then. I’m going to walk around a bit more. I’ll see you later."
Gina waved goodbye to Francis as she suddenly left him and continued walking, and Francis watched her go with his worried expression still in place. Francis could tell that Gina was not alright, but since she said that she was fine, he didn’t have any right to pry more than that, so Francis went back to making sure the superhumans didn’t drown themselves in alcohol. Gina went through the streets and listened to the loud music coming from the various bonfires with a smile on her face, but there was also guilt in her heart that wouldn’t go away. This was the first time that Gina and Jason would be fighting about anything, and Gina couldn’t help but feel like she had taken things too far. She should’ve listened to Jason properly.
"Is that you, my dear? Oh, look everyone, it’s little Gina. Come, come! Come sit with us!"
Gina turned around when she heard a familiar voice call out, and she saw a group of old women sitting around a small bonfire away from the partying youths. The women were enjoying their own company while taking care of young dragonborn children that were tired from the long day, and Gina immediately recognized them as the same women who had helped her dress up earlier. Gina smiled at the woman who called on her. The woman had long grey hair that fell down her shoulders, and there were slight wrinkles showing under her eyes. Gina had learned that the dragonborn lived far longer than humans, and from what she heard from the other dragonborn, she was sure that this woman was already close to two hundred and fifty years old! But from what Gina could see, the woman was still strong and vibrant, and she was sure that the woman would likely live to more than three-fifty!
The woman’s name was Hadjar, and she reminded Gina so much of her own mother that Gina couldn’t help but love the woman! She had a kind smile and a gentle aura about her that gave Gina the assurance that she could put her trust in her! Hadjar raised a hand towards Gina and motioned her over, and Gina thought about refusing for a moment. Gina wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone after the fight that she had with Jason, and she was trying to sort out her emotions alone. But Gina saw the group of old women smiling at her and the children sleeping soundly around them, and Gina realized that there wouldn’t be a better place to relax than right here. With these women, Gina could let down her guard without worrying about someone trying to take advantage of her. Gina smiled, and she finally walked forward and took Hadjar’s hand, and Hadjar gently brought Gina down so that she was sitting close to the fire with the other women.
Gina tucked her dress under her and sat with as much regality as she could gather. Even if she was calm around these women, Gina knew that all her actions would reflect on Jason, so she made sure to hold herself to a high standard in front of others, but she turned when Hadjar spoke up.
"Is everything alright, dear? You looked so lost while walking around."
Hadjar was gently petting the head of a child sleeping on her lap when she said this, and Gina looked around and saw that the other women there were also looking at her. Gina’s head dropped slightly as she felt a sadness building up from inside her! Was she really that easy to read? Just one look and they knew that something was wrong. A hand stroked Gina’s head softly, and Gina turned to Hadjar again and heard her speak softly.
"Whatever it is, just know you can always talk to us. We were all once young like you, and we understand that difficulties happen, but keeping them inside and letting them eat at you is not healthy. Look at these children, for example. They were so terrified during the battle that they all ran to us once it was over. They cried themselves to sleep, and now they seem far more peaceful than ever. Letting out your emotions is the best way to find peace."
The other old women all laughed when they heard Hadjar’s words, and Gina could see how they ran their hands over the children’s heads like loving mothers. Gina wrangled her hands together as she thought about whether or not it was a good idea to really speak to these women. Gina knew that this was a personal problem and telling outsiders about it could be bad, but at the same time, she could see the wisdom in the women, and she knew that there might not be a better place to gain advice than here. So Gina took in a deep breath and released it before she spoke in a small, quiet voice.
"I-I have this friend... no, sorry. It’s not a friend. It’s me. I have something that’s bothering me. M-My boyfriend –"
"You mean the kingslayer?"
"Oh my, so you really are his betrothed? I heard the rumors, but I didn’t believe them!"
"And here I thought the Priestess was going to become his first wife. She looked absolutely taken with him too, the poor girl."
"Oh hush you, let’s just be happy for the couple. Don’t mind her dear, you two would make a wonderful couple!"
"Make sure to invite us to the wedding now."
"There are many things I can teach you for your wedding night. You can come to me anytime and I’ll show you how to rock his world hohoho!"
Gina felt a heavy blush rising to her cheek when she heard the things the women were saying! It brought up a surge of joy in her heart to know that people were so happy about them being together, but at the same time, Gina felt a little angry when she heard Riyala’s name come up. It was obvious that everyone had noticed how much Riyala loved Jason as well. Hadjar was able to notice the frown on Gina’s face when it appeared, and she quickly raised her hand and told the other women to quiet down. They were here to give Gina advice, so it would be best to actually let her finish before they tried bringing up their opinion. Hadjar ran a hand down Gina’s hair again and encouraged her to continue, and Gina sighed as she finally did.
"Yeah, so my boyfriend, Jason. I always knew that he was someone desirable, and I would never ask him to change that. I love him for everything he is, but at the same time, I don’t know what to do about it. There are many women trying to get him, and I feel like those women are going to try anything to take him away from me. I don’t want to be the sort of woman who tells him to never talk to another woman because of jealousy, but at the same time, I can’t help but feel irritated when I see the obvious desire in the eyes of other women around him. Even now, I saw... I saw Riyala on the balcony with him, and she kissed him. She kissed him even though she knew that he was already in a relationship with me. How could she go behind my back and do something like that!"
At the end of her rant, Gina’s face was twisted into a deep frown that showed everyone how angry she was!