⬩.4/18/25, Easter Break ☽☆☾ Florean Fortescue's.⬩-
@Remedy Norden

Those tenured in the complicated dance of committed relationships- when inquired about the most frustrating part of said relationships- often circled back to one synonymous answer: in-laws. Not the senseless fights, incessant snoring destined to plague every couple during the wee hours of the night, or even the everyday challenges that came with living with another person- those were trivial matters once branching families were introduced to the equation.

The conflict between couples and their extended-family-by-marriage had been a running gag since the dawn of time and was easy enough to laugh off... until one found themselves burdened with in-laws of their own. In her youth, Xailah heard plenty a bitter biddy dishing out relative-related jabs under their breaths (their complaints far from discreet despite their care to whisper); but they were never quite understood by the eavesdropping heiress.

It wasn't until the day her strings were tied to those of the Leveret-Norden clan, did she grasp a fraction of the disdain.

To say she disliked them was a great overstatement, but that wasn't to suggest she was overly fond either. Unfortunately, Barrow came as a package with his family, and accepting one meant embracing the rest. Even Avery. Begrudgingly. They were cordial, always, which Xailah reflected in turn, but there was no denying the alien feeling she felt when under their roof and in their company. There were uncertainties about her position in the family and she often found herself wondering if she was just another ornament for their family tree, or worse: a means to an end.

Perhaps there was some residual bitterness to blame. The burn inflicted by the hands of her own blood still festered with the sting of betrayal. It was... hard. Being passed from one hand to another like a pawn that had no place anywhere on the chessboard. Saying goodbye to her mother and father. Watching her sister cry. If there was one thing Tabitha had done that Xailah would never forgive her for, it was how quickly she handed her to the Leverets without the chance for proper goodbyes.

She still cried some nights over it, when she thought Barrow was asleep.

Tabitha spread the seeds of distrust early on. While reluctant to grow them, Xailah was still forced to acknowledge their tilling into her core. It was a bitter feeling but she endured; hoping in secret that if she could not bury them deep, then perhaps something worthwhile could be grown from the little pips. Patience was required to see that hope through; fortunately, that was one virtue she possessed in bounties- a necessity if she was expected to survive in a combined pureblood household of differing ideals.

When it came to the business of the Leveret-Nordens, avoidance of their more partisan affairs was expected. Xailah was often quite content to turn an eye from the spinsters and their web unless matters concerned her husband. As a diplomat to their agenda, she was absent; but ever-present was she to their other requests, as an underhand entity.

The bustle of Diagon was a passive hum of its winter glory come the spring months. Crowds were reduced to a ropey trickle, and the stores that formerly thrived in congestion now stood relatively barren in its absence. There were still plenty of people coming and going of course- Diagon was an everyday staple in the life of the modern wix, that fact would never change- but the population was noticeably few this time of the year.

It made... meetings more convenient.

A corner of downcast shade from a nearby awning made an acceptable waiting spot for Xailah as she patiently scouted the arrival of her elder matrons. Her form stood stark against the brickwork she leaned to; arms crossed and dark dress flowing as the occasional breeze picked up the skirt's hem and threw it to the sun-bleached masonry, like the tongue of a cold wave on rocks. It hung meticulously on her frame; hugging some areas and falling loose in others, as if worn for concealment.

What business the Norden women had in Diagon was not for her to know, she was only present for collection. They'd have the littlest Norden with them today: one of the few members of the family Xailah always looked forward to meeting with. Remedy had been the flower girl at her wedding (which she later discovered Meadow held bitterness over) and frequently tried to familiarize herself with the girl when opportunity allowed. Stealing the heiress from beneath the Norden brood's wings was one of the few joys she got out of familial meetings. This time would be no different, even if relief of the heiress was at the matriarch's request.

Obligation came without resistance. Xailah was open to the company and the good lord knew Remedy likely needed a break from her immediate kin. Blood or not, the social proclivities of the Leveret-Nordens was a trick for anyone to juggle.