Tereska

((night of Sep. 28th))

 We hurried to the aid of our young, who were being assaulted by Invicties. Eglophians first, then the Field of the Dead. Blacktyde led the way, Inoxia and I followed.
 Lilithia lay in a shallow stream on the border of the Haunted Forest. Having tended to her wounds, we regrouped on the hill, Inoxia scouting in search for Aurelius - the offender. The fool sprang out at us himself however. It did not take long to knock the wind out of him and send his mind into darkness.
 'Lord Blacktyde, what would like to do with this wretch?' - I asked, smirking.
 'Cut his head off...'
 'Wait, he might be of some use.'
 We tied him up and took his weapons. I brought the cur to consciousness.
 'Who are you?!'
 'Where is Kem.. Kemena?'
 I laughed. Kemena was the one kidnapped the day before. Why would that be his first question, though?

Focus.
*Giggles*
I recall how often Hroth says that to Terri. But it is true.... I should focus on these stitches. Here as I wait for my love to awaken. Sitting and trying to sew the neatest of stitches for a gown I shall wear on that day Relius wishes me to be his Queen. But my talents lie with cooking and baking, distilling and the mystical properties of herbs and roots as they both transform taste and cure or protect.

Ah, protection... I wove a wedding wreath of myrtle for Hroth, with the love of a sister in it. And all the many sweet-smelling flowers in Terri's chaplet were there to enhance the love of that day and protect her.

*The hem drops to her lap as she gazes at the swallows darting beyond the window, up betimes as she is. Falling into reverie*

They needed that protection ...though Aurelius had it all well in hand, as always.

Awareness came slowly, as he awoke from his slumber and his senses gave their jumbled report about the world around him. The sleep sand was thick in his eyes and he lifted a hand to wipe it away. He became aware of the chill in the early morning air as it kissed his naked form and the warmth of the woman against him; her head resting on his chest, the bangs of her hair teasing his skin, her leg entwined with his, her arm across his waist, her entire posture even in sleep, staking a silent claim that he couldn’t argue. The soft smell of her perfume lingered as she still slept, silently.

The first


Help! Heeeellp! The high-pitched squeal clamoured for attention.
Kem sat wedged above the screaming golden girl, mostly silent as she still tried to think of ways down from the fig tree.

It had all gone so well, this perfect day till now. First time allowed up to the big house with Mamma. Picking roses had been fun in the sun, the rich scent hovering over the bushes and baskets. Now she knew where this smell Mamma often wore about her came from.
Peach juice and honeycakes from the cook, then the distraction of the kitten gambolling by. Followed by the golden girl chasing it.
Hello, who are you? I'm Terri. Want to come play?
A glance to Mamma still talking with the cook; with a nod from her, Kem ran after the taller girl.

“Invicta!”

Aurelius pounded his chest with his fist, smiling broadly at the men and women seated in the dim confines of the Green Man Tavern.

“Invicta!” Ceara, the sullen-eyed barbarian replied gruffly.  “Invicta!” came the call around the table.  Aurelius smiled at them again and turned, pushing the creaking door of the tavern aside and stepping into the cool night air of Old Tarantia.  The smile faded from his face as the door closed behind him.

Satisfied no one was following him, he knelt down in the dark corner of the alley, resting one hand on the hard stone wall and retched.  Years of drinking, living on the march and hard living had given him the ability to empty the contents of his bowels on command and he used that ability to remove the remaining ale from his stomach.

He had no desire to be drunk.  That made it worse.