#*ehrling 1910

[lovecidik]

once katya became bedridden due to her illness, lydia was immediately called to her side. the worried mother wasted no time in rushing to her daughter, not bothering to change out of her travel frock before she tended to her.

after a thorough examination, lydia turned away and stared at her trembling hands, quiet sobs coming out of her mouth. lisette couldn't contain her worry any longer. "please, tell us the diagnosis, mrs. miotke", she asked with a quivering voice, holding back tears herself. lydia sighed deeply before speaking, as if her saying it out loud would make it true. "...it must be the epidemic going around", she finally said, her voice heavy with dread. "the symptoms are awfully similar." nathanael, also in the bedchamber, finally spoke up. "the spanish influenza...? are you sure?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"regrettably, i am quite certain, nathanael", lydia responded, her tone tinged with irritation as she fixed her gaze on her son-in-law. "based on most other cases, she will not have long." her words carried a piercing glare as she spoke. although nathanael couldn't know for sure, he couldn't help but guess what the concerned mother was asking him to do. he shuddered at the thought - seeing her, face to face - but knew it had to be done.

[lovecidik]

the day of katya and nathanael's wedding dawned bright and sunny. despite the cheerful weather, katya couldn't shake off the solemn feeling as she walked down the aisle with her father. as he kissed her forehead, releasing her for a final time, her heart plummeted to her feet. it was really, truly happening.

nathanael's face lit up upon seeing katya, wiping away a tear of joy from his eye as he greeted his bride. katya herself felt a well of tears build up inside her as she walked towards him.

the couple exhanged their vows and sealed their committment in a deep but gentle kiss. as they walked back up the aisle finally as husband and wife, the guests cheered and clapped, congratulating them on their new union.

wedding photos under the cut as always!

[lovecidik]

katya found herself taking walks with the children more often with nathanael gone. while on one of them, she came across a suffragette protest, which she knew naztja was taking part in. she herself wasn't brave enough to participate in politics, but was happy that women's rights were being fought for regardless.

it was then when she recognized an all too familiar face in the crowd - josephine, her first and only love. the two shared a short, shocked glance before josephine turned away, continuing the chant.

"VOTES FOR WOMEN!"

although disappointed by her continued anger, katya understood josephine's feelings and was glad to see her doing well for herself. it couldn't be easy seeing your stolen lover with another man's children.

with that, the suffragettes were gone as soon as they appeared. katya took one last look back at them, hoping she might see them again.

[lovecidik]

christmas arrived with joy and merriment at the crowley estate, but it brought a sense of unease for nathanael. despite his inner turmoil, the family embraced the festive spirit, reveling in the celebrations and commemorating the end of the war. however, amidst the cheerful atmosphere, katya found herself battling a cold, dampening her spirits.

[lovecidik]

as their mother's condition worsened, the twins turned 13, causing more and more trouble by the day.

[lovecidik]

once his wounds healed enough, katya and nathanael took to taking walks around the estate gardens. despite the overcast skies, the blooms glistened with raindrops, and the air carried the fragrances of damp earth and blossoms. nathanael especially enjoyed seeing the familiar views he grew up with, as they brought him comfort when the disturbing memories of the war came up.

with the dawn of his new life, nathanael experienced a subtle transformation in his personality. gradually, he grew more withdrawn and easily angered, surprising both himself and his family. unaware of the cause, he unintentionally inflicted pain upon his loved ones through his actions. innocent inquiries about his day could spark his frustration, leaving himself wishing to be left alone.

[lovecidik]

time came for the twins' birthdays, who grew more similar - rambunctious and troublesome, that is - by the day!

[lovecidik]

little alice ophelia crowley was born in 1915 in the midst of the war, her birth being assisted by her aunt and grandmother. luckily, the birth went over smoothly and the child was a happy and healthy little girl.