Rest

As the days passed, and the autumn winds began in earnest, many folks continued on with finalizing the gathering of food and supplies. They had made it through the first winter, and with fall approaching, several foods needed to be reserved and preserved if they were to make it through the next one. It was a blessing they had started to travel here in the late winter time. It made it possible to harvest some foods this year. However, there were more mouths to feed than anticipated. Jamil had told other human settlements of Sal Shefa and people had come here, seeking safety from the shades. There were also plenty of dryads from other forests. Many had black, dead hair, symbolizing the shading of their woods.

Despite this wonderful atmosphere, it began to weigh on Bard as the day came to a close. Sen was talking with some folks who were heading to some tents, and Ruegar along with Amir seemed a bit distraught, despite the celebration.

“Bard? I think we should join them,” Sen said as she came over. “There is a lot to discuss.” He agreed, and the two joined up with the leaders who were gathering.

“Ah, Sen. You and Bard should head back to your place.” Amir said kindly.

“And ignore the problems in front of us?” Sen said before shaking her head.

“Sen has a point. We may have just returned, but I am the chief of the humans. I need to be aware of what is going on,” Bard said as he held her hand. Sen looked delighted at his words.

“Never a true break for you two,” Elvira said as she came over. “You’ve got grit.” Bard smiled at her compliment.

“Well… it’s not great. We had a lot of people come and join this place. However, we don’t have places for them to stay or work for them to do. There’s also the infighting that is going on. They agreed to cease for a bit to enjoy the celebration, but it’s something we’ve been working on.”

“How many have tokens from Perspective?” Bard asked.

“Hardly half. Of the Dryads, a few have tokens from their Elders who have fallen to the shades. The most considerate ones are the ones who came from a wood with an Elder known as Patience. Though the human tongue would describe it as endurance and patience,” Elwood said as he sighed in relief. “A big concern is the language barrier. That and Elder Perspective needs to rest for winter. She’s old, after all. The other elders agreed to help teach anyone who wanted to learn, but it’s not quite the same.”

Bard listened attentively as they detailed many issues. He and Sen worked with them long into the night. The catfolk who had decided to stay positioned the sunstones around the rudimentary wall they were building. So far it stopped shades but not people.

“You two should go get some rest, enjoy each other’s company,” Elvira said, breaking a lull in the conversation. Bard looked to Sen, who stirred herself awake. Others also muttered their agreement. With how tired Sen appeared, Bard thought of something amusing. He rose and then bent over, scooping her in his arms. Sen began to protest and he chuckled.

“I think we’ll do just that. Thank you all for your time,” he said as he began to move. He could tell Sen was tired, as she hadn’t overpowered him. That or she was mainly embarrassed, but a part of her enjoyed being carried.

“Your insights were very helpful!” Elwood shouted after them.

Kai fell in step behind them as they wove through the construction. So many houses needed to be built, and storage rooms needed to be made. They were woefully underprepared. At least with Kai’s presence, they might cause some people to be less aggressive. Though perhaps it would only be temporary.

“Bard? You can put me down now,” Sen said, and he moved to kiss her forehead.

“Why would I do that?” he teased, and she squirmed. She continued her protest and begging till they got to their room, where he placed her on the edge of the bed. Her hair was a bit ruffled and floating, a complete mess. Bard shook his head and sighed.

“Let’s get all that taken care of,” he indicated to her decorations and hair, and she pouted. Bard sat behind her and began with the easiest decorations first. The flowers came off easily, and he moved the hairs out, allowing them the freedom they seemed to crave. She turned around and grabbed his circlet, setting it beside her. She then started to help him remove some of his layers. She helped unfasten the leaves on his shoulder and then the belt with opposing leaves. Finally, she helped him get out of his coat and boots.

He in turn helped with removing her shawl, fumbling with the strange clasp that held it in place.

When they were down to their relaxed wear, they laughed as they laid on the bed.

“What a day,” Bard muttered. Sen agreed.

“And with so much work ahead of us. I think we should just head to sleep,” Sen remarked. Bard agreed. The conversations they had leading to the end of the day still stirred in his mind. When he looked at her, she yawned, and it caused himself to yawn. They chuckled, and he moved to kiss her forehead again.

“Thank you, Sen. Thank you for pledging yourself to me.”

“You’re welcome, Bard,” She said as she grabbed the blankets and pulled them over her. Bard turned the other way as he laid under the blankets. The softness of the bed invited them to rest in quiet comfort.

We once again have reached the end of an Arc/Book. #8 is coming up shortly. You didn't expect this to be the end did you? There are still things to uncover and answers to give. The Shades in particular are not done yet.

Anyone else enjoy the wedding, seeing Bard and Sen grow close, and so on with this last arc? As Always: Check out the artwork. I've got some of Bard and Sen in their wedding clothes and more.

-Laurel R Call