THE CRY OF THE WOLF

CHAPTER 9: A FAMILY'S ELEGANCE

Lanecea gathered Sybille, the German seamstress she had brought back from her travels to Brussels in 1850, Lanecea's 10th great-grandparents, Leonard and Marguerite LeBlanc, and the children in the cozy sitting room of Timeless Haven, their minds buzzing with excitement for the upcoming event. The grand adventure back in time to Fort Cataraqui was taking shape, and Lanecea was meticulous about every detail.

"Now that we are all here," Lanecea began, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, "this journey to Fort Cataraqui will not only be an adventure but also an educational experience. I want to ensure that our event is both fun and educationally enriching. We will invite special guests to join us - Miseure LaSalle, of course, and perhaps Governor General Frontenac will make a surprise appearance. I have yet to speak with your father about my plans, but I'm sure he will invite members from the Iroquois Confederacy delegation who will be arriving for the fort's opening in two weeks, but if not, Chief White Scar's sons, Red Hawk and Eagle are more than welcome to participate. They will love to show their culture..."

The children knew to be careful what they said in front of their relatives who were not aware that they had travelled into the future. Even Sibylle was unaware of Lanecea's magic.

Lanecea smiled at her children's eager features as her toddlers tugged on her skirt, attempting to climb onto their mother's lap. Taking a moment to scoop the triplets into her arms, Lanecea continued, "Sybille you will ensure that Timeless Threads is stocked with proper clothing and accessories, allowing our guests to truly immerse into this experience."

As the children excitedly discussed their expectations and questions, Lanecea couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. The event wasn't just about reliving history; it was about fostering a love for learning and exploration, weaving together education and adventure in a way that only the Timeless Haven hotel could offer.

"I have one last surprise. I would like it very much if you children could work with your Auntie Marguerite and come up with a special invitation that we can send to Thorson and Revna, inviting them to our special surprise. Your father will need to give his permission, of course, but perhaps your stepmother will attend as well. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"I hope she likes us," Deklan looked worried as he subtly inched closer to his mother.

Taran grinned, "What's not to like?"

Fintan, however, looked as worried as Deklan but didn't wish to dash the hope reflected in his mother's iridescent green eyes. The feeling of an oncoming storm loomed over them, something he couldn't shake off. Lanecea met his eyes, their gaze holding before Lanecea broke eye contact.

"Your mamma wishes to build bridges between the French and the English - it may be the only way to save our people. Within my blood, and therefore, within yours lies our French heritage but also our contrasting British heritage. As tensions rise between the French and the English, we are in a key position to make allies and to do everything we can to save our people before it is too late. How can I take on such a massive endeavour if I do not try closer to home first, starting with your stepmother and our relatives? Do you understand, my loves, how important this is? I need you all to be on your best behaviour and as charming as I know you to be," Lanecea smiled as she kissed Clanna's dimpled cheeks, the toddler giggling in her mother's arms.

As Lanecea's children chattered excitedly, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This event was not just about reliving history but about igniting a passion for learning and exploration.

****

Llia carefully penned the invitation that her ancestor, Marguerite, and her siblings had collaborated together on. The invitation itself was an elegant parchment scroll, tied with a satin ribbon in hues of deep blue and silver, reminiscent of the historical era they would be visiting. The edges of the scroll were delicately embossed with intricate patterns, adding a touch of regality to the overall presentation.

Holding it in her hands, Llia held it out proudly for her siblings and mother's inspection. Lanecea read it aloud while checking for spelling errors.

"It looks wonderful - well done! Now remember, it is still up to your father to give his permission, but I think it looks lovely. Let's prepare for the event in the meantime and, worse worst-case scenario, we will still enjoy the experience should your relatives decline our invitation. As for your siblings...no one can say no to Revna," Lanecea winked. Her stepdaughter was a minx who had quickly captivated Lanecea's heart and "no", Revna quickly learned, was no longer in her stepmother's vocabulary.

Rheaghan laughed. Her step-sister was so much like herself and her twin, Llia, that people often assumed they were triplets as well, the girls having fun when they didn't correct the assumption. Llia was the regal one of the three but Revna seemed destined to be a queen, controlling all around her like an orchestra's maestro, including their gentle mother. Rheaghan grinned. There was never a dull moment when Revna came to visit and Thorson...? Rheaghan blushed. Her stepbrother was her first secret crush.

Lanecea watched as Rheaghan ran out the door, already calling out to the dryads before she disappeared into the grove.

"The invitation is ready! Would you like to see it? Isn't it just so perfect?!"

Lanecea sighed as she watched her daughter from the window for a moment. Unlike in her childhood home, Rheaghan and her siblings grew up surrounded by magic, where they could experience the past and present blend in perfect harmony, and enjoy being part of a large, blended family despite not having grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They were still loved - even more than Lanecea had been loved - and it showed in their sparkling green eyes that were identical to their mother's.