The Sleep of the Innocents

There was a certain amount of energy along the trail as they wound their way back towards Turia. She had realized that it would be the first time most of her children had ever seen dwellers en' masse. She had her reservations but Rook brushed them away, reminding her that it was a life experience that they needed to have.



The atmosphere was festive long before they even reached the plains of stakes, or the merchants area between that place and the tall walls of Turia. They had arrived late in the evening, and it was hard to get the children all settled down. They were too excited about this new adventure, and in one way, that was good, because if they would not sleep, then neither did she. But finally, they all simply collapsed from exhaustion, and she found herself just sitting and watching them sleep.



Two, Also and Another One were wrapped around each other in the furs, looking like a little of sleen pups all curled together. It was almost hard to ascertain which dark head went with which gangly body. The girls looked almost cherubic, tiny fist curled under rosy cheeks, small lips pursed. Occasionally she would see a dark lash flutter along one cheek, and she wondered exactly what that daughter was dreaming about. They were evidently peaceful dreams, because the bow mouth drew up into a smile.



She had given Tug a small gift before they left. Well, maybe not so small. She had given him the use of one of the wagons as his own. If he was going to take on the responsibilities of a man, then the very least she could do would be to provide him with a place where he could get some sleep, without having to battle his brothers, to get it. She had even stepped up on the platform to peek in on his sprawled body, smiling at the snores that came from him. All of the sudden, she realized really how much he had grown, and it saddened her, and at the same time filled her heart with pride.



After making a second round to check on what she considers their living legacy, she settled down by the fire with a cup of tea, staring into the flames. Rook joined her, but few words passed between them. There was comfort in his just being there, ever present, ever strong, ever protective of her and the children. He was so ingrained in their lives, that it would be hard to imagine life without him in the shadows.



Eventually he persuaded her to try and sleep, for tomorrow would be a long day. Getting up she started towards her wagon, then turned around to go back and kiss that old, scarred cheek, and whispered a very quiet.......



Thank you.