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Lore Master · Visitor Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Posts: 7

The grin on the small boy's face was enough, just enough for her. She didn't need to hear the jubilant laughter and reitterated praise. She knew all too well that soon, something as simple as a wooden toy would cease to be enough to satisfy him. He would be just like his father in time and she had to live in every moment she still had her little boy.

Watching him play in the dirt by the road with his friends, a bittersweet smile crossed her face. Playing with sticks like swords, she for a moment caught a flash of these little men with real swords marching into battle. Children grew too fast for these thoughts. He'd be marching out to serve with his father in a few years, and she worried about that day every day until. She turned from the door and went back to her washing...laundry didn't do itself.

Moments later though, as she picked up the washing bar and board, she heard a shout from outside.

"Ma, there's a man out here lookin for you!"

These words would stick with her for ages to come...

Outside, a tall scarred man in a dark red unifom stood silently, a dented helm under his right arm, his left resting lightly on the hilt of a well used sword. His bronzed armor glinted dully in the midday sun. As she approached the door, his dark eyes studying her quickly then seeming to gaze past her. Looking at the serious look on his face, she knew this was no social visit. She searched his face for good news, but found no solace in his weather worn expression. She started to say something, but closed her mouth, almost knowing the answer before she asked. He picked up a small parcel by his feet, holding it out to her. Hesitantly, she took the small leather wrapped bundle. Pulling a corner loose, she caught a glimpse of a familiar blue handkercheif and knew...she just knew. Closing her eyes, she bit down hard on her lower lip, choking back the sobs.

"He was a good man." He spoke quietly, his voice velvety and sorrow filled. "One of my best men. Blame those avatar forsaken Yewish. Blew up the tavern...I'm sorry I have to deliver this news." He looked at her for a moment, his gaze then falling to the ground at her feet.

She said nothing, simply nodded, holding the bundle to herself. He turned on his heels and walked away, the boys trailing after him as they did with all the soldiers that passed. Her strength failing her, she crumpled to the ground, her hand over her mouth. Tears spotted the stones and her sobs filled the air...