Give Sorrow Words is a short story written for Seanan McGuire's Patreon subscribers.
| “ | Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak |
” |
–William Shakespeare, Macbeth | ||
Author's Summary[]
And now, Yule in the Undersea, as promised. Simon has started getting help, and he's trying. Saints above and gods below, he's trying.
Plot[]
Simon reflects on his first two therapy sessions with a changeling provider, Isobel Voss.
August and Peter run past in a game of keep-away; August has embraced the role of child despite being hundreds of years old, and it is working for her while learning the ways of Undersea.
Simon goes to meet with Dianda and Patrick, and feels guilty when he overhears them trying to end a romantic interlude before his arrival. He does not want them to hide their affections for his sake, while they do not want to make him uncomfortable.
He remembers a Yule from his childhood with his mother Celeano.
Dianda goes over the Yuletide festivities, and the three join their Court. There are garlands and decorations, bread magically baked and preserved to last throughout the year, and even an underwater fire made by a gas fissure and magic. He learns more about Undersea Yuletide legends.
The next day, Simon attends another therapy session and tries to explain his feelings participating in the festivities and feeling part of the Lorden family. His therapist wants him to feel comfortable asking for things he wants, but he isn't ready to consider that.
Later, Simon happens across mistletoe hung in a doorway. Dianda prepares to remove it, but instead Simon initiates a kiss.
Characters[]
Mentioned
Locations[]
Trivia[]
- Simon has requested that the Cephali be visible because he is uncomfortable with having unseen eyes upon him.
- Celeano outlived Septimius and Glynnis. She died of old age.
- Dianda's lineage is is daughter of Morcan, son of Carwyn, son of Efa, daughter of Amphitrite.
- Shapeshifters are more common in the Undersea than the land courts.