Redhawk Caldera Webster's Dictionary defines 'wedding' as the fusing of two metals with a hot torch.

Her words had the opposite effect from what she had intended. Maia felt as if she'd been struck as Lilitu spoke, closing herself off. She looked down, ashamed, and let both Teya and Eljay speak as damage control. Damage she'd done, of course, her and her stupid big mouth.

What we would do doesn't matter. She agreed quietly, failing to look up. She still felt a bit like she was stuck on the verge of tears, but had no good reason for it. Lilitu was an adult. Of course she'd want to branch off. Why did it hurt so much to hear it? We just want you to be happy.

She was simply echoing at this point. Subdued herself, Maia fell silent, regretting her honesty right now. She should have said something else. Maybe not lied, but... what would she have wanted to hear, back then? She wasn't even sure anymore.