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piosenniel · 09-13-2003, 12:03 PM

Child and Pio’s collaborative post

‘We knew it would be grim at times.’ Mithadan had come to the end of the entry, his face grave. ‘Still, logic doesn’t make the reality of it any easier.’ His words trailed off, his heart heavy at the thought of what fate his friends may have met.

Pio sat up, taking the ledger onto her own lap. Having already wiped the beginning of tears from her own eyes, she reached up her hand and stroked his cheek gently. ‘Let me read the next,’ she said softly, perhaps another day brings better news.’

~*~

Another two days have passed since my last journal entry. There is a cold chill in the air and, from the look of the animals storing up nuts and seeds, our winter will be a harsh one. I have already seen a snowflake or two.

It is a strange thing. If I had returned here to find Maura missing and my children gathered about me, I might have spent time grieving or mired in lethargy. But given the situation, I feel compelled to put all that behind me and work day and night to do whatever I can to help.

Yesterday, I again took my seat in the circle of Elders and pleaded my case, supported by the other families who are also missing kin. To our eternal gratitude, the Elders have finally agreed that we must do something other than sitting on our hands waiting for bad news to arrive. An armed search party will leave on the morrow to journey deep within the woods and hunt for any signs of those who are missing. Despite the hesitation of some, the scouts readily agreed to accept both of us in this group. Rose and I promised to carry a bow and blade, and to fight if we encounter trouble. My neighbor Lilac has agreed to look after my young ones while I am away.

Pio, if only I could speak with you and see your face! You once said that a sword did not become me. You are probably right. Yet this world is so full of sorrow and conflict that I sometimes feel impelled to take up weapons, even when my heart is not in the act. And I can think of nothing more precious to guard than the lives of our children. Still, whenever I gird a blade on my right hip, I will make sure to tuck a healer’s kit into my saddlebag, since folk will surely have need of the latter. If only the world went differently...

Written before a blazing hearth under a full moon on the 20th of Blotmath, with my satchel already packed for the morning.

09-13-2003, 12:03 PM	#102
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Child and Pio’s collaborative post ‘We knew it would be grim at times.’ Mithadan had come to the end of the entry, his face grave. ‘Still, logic doesn’t make the reality of it any easier.’ His words trailed off, his heart heavy at the thought of what fate his friends may have met. Pio sat up, taking the ledger onto her own lap. Having already wiped the beginning of tears from her own eyes, she reached up her hand and stroked his cheek gently. ‘Let me read the next,’ she said softly, perhaps another day brings better news.’ ~~ Another two days have passed since my last journal entry. There is a cold chill in the air and, from the look of the animals storing up nuts and seeds, our winter will be a harsh one. I have already seen a snowflake or two. It is a strange thing. If I had returned here to find Maura missing and my children gathered about me, I might have spent time grieving or mired in lethargy. But given the situation, I feel compelled to put all that behind me and work day and night to do whatever I can to help. Yesterday, I again took my seat in the circle of Elders and pleaded my case, supported by the other families who are also missing kin. To our eternal gratitude, the Elders have finally agreed that we must do something other than sitting on our hands waiting for bad news to arrive. An armed search party will leave on the morrow to journey deep within the woods and hunt for any signs of those who are missing. Despite the hesitation of some, the scouts readily agreed to accept both of us in this group. Rose and I promised to carry a bow and blade, and to fight if we encounter trouble. My neighbor Lilac has agreed to look after my young ones while I am away. Pio, if only I could speak with you and see your face! You once said that a sword did not become me. You are probably right. Yet this world is so full of sorrow and conflict that I sometimes feel impelled to take up weapons, even when my heart is not in the act. And I can think of nothing more precious to guard than the lives of our children. Still, whenever I gird a blade on my right hip, I will make sure to tuck a healer’s kit into my saddlebag, since folk will surely have need of the latter. If only the world went differently... Written before a blazing hearth under a full moon on the 20th of Blotmath, with my satchel already packed for the morning.* __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.