Willow's End - Jera Skyspear
Elvish words/phrases linked to Glossary OR hover mouse to see translation.
First Morning

She sat upon the cushioned window seat, knees drawn up and long arms wrapped around them, facing out upon the day. Both shutters were flung open and more than a light breeze whistled into the bedchamber of the isolated cottage. Grey clouds tumbled and rolled across the sky, threatening to overcast the entire day, although maybe not enough to blow in a storm. No ray of sunshine was visible, nor much of anything in full color, just a canvas of dreariness. The view would ordinarily be a greening meadow punctuated with a lively little pond and edged by a stand of budding trees, but at the moment it was mostly a variation of shadowy shapes in the wan light.

He watched her for long moments, perched as she was in the breeze, her silken hair whispering about her face, her eyes were closed above a soft smile. He was sure she must be chilled but she showed no sign of it. He didn't want to disturb whatever meditation she might have undertaken but he could not help it, she was simply too far away. He drew a blanket with him as he left their bed and gently sat beside her at the window, wrapping her into the covering with him. She gave into the motion easily and they curled up together in a bundle of warmth.

He whispered the softest good morning against her hair and she responded with a quiet purring sound more than words. They sat in silence, except for the March wind and a few birds calling unseen, then she spoke her overwhelming thought aloud, "Was there ever a morning as glorious as this one?"

Ashe grinned as he looked out on the woefully grey day and then laughed. The sound vibrated through his chest and against Jera as she laughed too. He knew precisely what she meant. What could be seen on this gloomy day was not at all reflective of their first morning together.

"No, my lady, never in my memory was there ever such a glorious morning."

She turned within his arms and grinned up at him. "Ah, but you admitted just last evening that your memory fails you."

"I also gave reason for it..." He kissed her forehead then lingered there to whisper, "And here you are at last."

Jera snuggled closer against him, resting her cheek upon his shoulder. She looked out on the drab day with him but even the light drizzle now falling did not dampen their spirits one whit. Jera closed her eyes to once more focus on the cool damp air brushing her face, in contrast to the warmth of being wrapped up with Ashe, both pleasurable.

Her focus and his nearness made it easy to slip through her mind and heart to find him, there at some depth of soul where they were now joined. It took her breath again as she met him there and he understood without asking. She had been solitary, long away from the comfort of other souls, all her bonds broken by the fall of Raumo Korda. Now, not only were Ashe's arms wrapped around her, but his soul was wrapped with hers too.

Ashe understood this, at least from his own loss, even though it was by his own will. And Jera felt that barrier, that gate which was sealed or nearly so. She knew without asking. Beyond it was Yarrowvathallion, Ashe's twin, whom he had closed off. Ashe rested his cheek against Jera's soft hair even as his arms hugged more tightly around her.

"Ashe..." Her voice was only a whisper but being spoken, it surprised both of them.

"Yes?"

"I cannot fill his place in your heart. Nor can you keep him sealed away forever, I think." She paused as she felt him swallow hard. Even deeper she felt the surge within his soul.

"Perhaps not." He did not speak the rest. He did not say his fear that Yarrow's madness might overtake him as well. He didn't have to. Jera heard it just as surely, but without his voice to tell it.

Neither spoke another word on it for the time being, but Jera made her heart clear enough to him in her thoughts. I am with you, song and light and company on our path, a shield at your back... and strength to face that darkness, if need be.

DHP © Mar 2003

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