Watching and Waiting

With Ba'atar and his brothers, long overdue, she seemed at a loss as to what to do with herself. Each group of riders that she heard, her heart began to race, then that same heart fell to her stomach when she realized it was not him. Aamon came by daily to check on her and the boys, making sure they had enough meat, that they were in need of nothing. She looked forward to his visits, because he had this way about him that seemed to calm her. She could only hope that he calmed Birmmah just as well, but for some reason, she thought not.


Birmmah was beside herself with her sons gone. It was probably the first time she had ever been in that particular situation. Too keep herself occupied, she often came and took Another One for the day. It gave her someone to dote on, and this was a good thing.


Tug had taken to going to the pens with her. He rode well, and she was teaching him how to take care of his mount, ShadowChaser. He learned quickly. Perhaps it was in his blood, since he came from two people that were of the kaiila clan. Or perhaps he was just Tuchuk. For whatever the reason, she would proud of him. He had told her that with Ba'atar gone, that he was the man and he would protect her, and he seemed to be taking that duty quite seriously. When he asked her......."Wench, did you eat this morning?" Her brow had arched, but she did not scold him. Very simply she told him that she had, and that she had slept well, which was a small lie. She was actually sleeping very little these days.


She had caught him in deep conversation with Rook, about them needing to keep an eye on her since she was getting bigger every day. The old Oralu had given the boy a solemn nod, and said he would be honored to help. Good Skies! They were going to be the death of her, but she loved them more for how they felt about her, how they loved her.


It had become a habit with her to ride out onto the plains, to the edge of the herds to watch the horizon. She was sitting there one afternoon, watching that endless horizon when Aamon rode up beside her. "Daughter, it bothers me to see you worrying so. You need to have faith in your man, and that the skies are protecting him." She did not even turn to look at him, but spoke softly. "I have had that faith before, and the skies decided to tear them out of my life. I do not wish for that to happen again, so I will watch."


He said nothing more, but crossed his arms over the pommel of his saddle and watched the horizon with her. They watched until the Central Fire had dropped low in the sky, then without a word, they both turned at the same time and rode back to the wagons.


That night, she had worn one of his tunics to her furs, and lay curled up, her arms embracing her middle. Silent tears slid along her cheek, soaking the furs beneath her head. She waited.