[maikafanawen]

Wren was still angry towards Turthôl when she made her way back up to camp and helped Rave and Tareth finish with the dinner. After she sat down with her own portion of the fish, she ate a little and decided she wasn’t hungry. The rest of the company sat around the fire and the rangers and Tareth lit pipes. (Bregand was offered, but the scholar looked suspiciously at the leaf before declining it politely and resuming his conversation with Carmalita).

Rangar called upon Wren to play her lute and sing another song. Wren agreed and drew forth her instrument, strumming the chords lightly before beginning a song she had made up to entertain the children of her father’s friends. The company settled back and listened with droopy eyelids as she played the lullaby.

The castle stood above the clouds
And o’er looked the valley
That violet mist so oft did shroud
Where the animals ran free

Oh that peace would stay
And never fade away
That love would never dim its light
And night pass into day

Not long after peace was dealt
Throughout this solemn land
Did Fate leave its gruesome welt
In serenity’s outstretched hand

Though heartsease long reined over all
And the king and queen were content
Did Pain and Sorrow come to call
Leaving anguish where it went

Oh that peace would stay
And never fade away
That love would never dim its light
And night pass into day

The children all had hid their faces
From Grief’s searching eyes
Thought Sorrow conquered many places
It failed in its final try

For love and honor was so strong
In the children’s purest minds
That pain could never last that long
And was soon left far behind

Oh that peace would stay
And never fade away
That love would never dim its light
And night pass into day

A lesson to be learned is there
From the innocence of a child
T’wherever love reins o’er despair
Is a young heart, free and wild

Wren played a bit more on her lute after the song was over, blending the power of the music with the nightly sounds about her. The cricket’s serenade invited the stars to give their own gift and comets splayed the darkest corners of the east to the west. Enien continued to look apprehensively to the sky, watching as the stars were hid behind the clouds that shrouded the full moon from view. Fingers tired, the noblewoman finally set aside her lute and watched as her companions set up their tents.

Wren pitched hers quickly and laid her blanket inside. Then she walked down to the stream and stood with her hands on her belt. She peered into the rushing water and watched as the fish swam by, followed by bigger fish. Frogs could be heard on the opposite bank, and the silhouette of a deer was barely visible a ways upstream.

Gathering the peaceful setting in her mind, she tucked it away for a time she’d need it and meandered up to camp. The fire was down to its last dying ember and everyone was sleeping, except for Bregand who had first watch. He nodded to her over something he was working on in his lap and adjusted his back against the tree he was leaning on. Wren crawled into her tent and yawned before resting her head on the pack.

Your potential is measured by your determination, not your abilities, Wren, whispered her mum.

If you want to fence, by all means, fence. But a woman’s place is in the home not the strip, shouted her father.

I’m sorry, but she’s too young. And we don’t usually except female fighters, the master informed her father airily. They’re weak

I saw you, Garnet told her snidely, just last night, behind the rose trellis talking with Ryndion! ‘Oh they were doing more than talking…’

Here now! I’m a part of the company too so you mind how you treat me. I’m not beneath you.

I don’t want your opinion. What do you know about journeys?
Well then teach me what you know.
Ha! You just watch and be quiet. You should learn enough.

Wren rolled over on her side and stifled a sob. Memories of things that were past her and that she had covered up with lighthearted quips and sarcastic remarks. Who was she kidding? What was to become of her? This cursed journey! It was destroying who she was! She had been fine! A well-to-do noblewoman who had everything going her way. A blessed life. Now she was torn apart by new thoughts, new realizations, and new truths.

The night passed by slowly with heart-wrenching dreams and stifled cries. She was grateful for morning...