Song of Life 16

A wedding gown

Mirav led Sarabek and Naomi into spacious room near the center of the palace. She explained this would be the room Sarabek shared with her husband after the wedding. It was beautifully appointed and on the bed lay lovely silk gowns for Sarabek, Naomi and Mary. The adjoining door to Sarabek’s new husband’s room opened and Queen Chavvah greeted the women as she came through the door. Chavvah introduced Mirav as Sarabek’s new personal servant. Mirav bowed and Sarabek thanked her for her willingness to serve. Mirav smiled at the kindly response. The queen then encouraged the fitter to begin with Sarabek’s gown of creamy white. The gown clearly was made for her as, when the fitter put it over her head, it fit nearly perfectly. The queen quickly hid a broad smile and said how beautiful Sarabek looked. Sarabek had brought her wedding shawl with her and the blue wool was the touch the gown needed. Naomi and the queen helped her adjust the shawl so that it also served as a veil. They stepped back together and both women’s eyes welled up with tears. Just then, Mary came into the room and gasped at Sarabek’s beauty in the gown with the shawl. Her dark hair and blue eyes shone as did her happy face. The polished metal mirror told her that she would indeed be a beautiful bride. Naomi’s turn was next; her gown was red and she would add a green shawl to complete her wedding wear. Mary’s gown was yellow and her dark hair and dark eyes glowed; her wedding shawl, also blue, would be added for the wedding.

The fitter marked the gowns for the final stitching and all the women went back to John and Naomi’s room for a light midday meal. The queen said she had planned to get to know her new family members today and had no other engagements planned. John, Yacob and James had already returned to the room and rose from the table as the women entered. The men bowed to the queen and she acknowledged them, asking how the fitting for their clothing had gone. John replied everything was in order, that only a few changes were needed and that the tailor said everything would be done in two days’ time.

The family joined the queen at table and she asked them about their homes and work. John and Yacob spoke of the vineyard and olive grove. Naomi and Mary told of their gardens and Naomi mentioned Sarabek’s weaving would be missed and that she and Mary would have to perfect their skills. Chavvah turned to Sarabek and asked if she would like to continue weaving at the palace, perhaps for gifts for visitors. Sarabek beamed at the idea and said she had hoped she would not have to stop weaving, as it helped her remember her grandmother and she loved doing it for her family and others. Chavvah agreed that occupying one’s hands helped pass the time, although she preferred sewing. “I cannot take the livelihood from our tailors, but I still enjoy embroidering gifts and useful objects.” She pulled out the handkerchief she carried and said she had added the leaves and flowers to the square of cloth. The women admired her work and Chavvah said she greatly admired Sarabek’s shawl. Sarabek offered to make her one as well and Chavvah smiled and said they would talk about it after life became more settled.

By this time, everyone had refreshed themselves with food and drink. The queen suggested everyone take a short rest. The king had ordered a welcome feast for his new family members for that night. Members of the household would be in attendance and Sarabek’s family would be introduced. Naomi asked about clothing and the queen said everyone had been told to come simply attired. Chavvah added that, in addition to their wedding finery, some other clothes were being completed and would be available to them in the morning as more events were planned before the wedding day. The queen then said she would see them later before the feast as she and the king wanted to spend time with them. She left them to rest for a time and said Joash would return for them.

Next:  Introducing a bride