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Several weeks later Aeran's letter was delivered to her grandfather....  He missed her so much.  He thought about her constantly, wondering where she was, and worrying that she was okay, so it was always a relief to get a letter from her....  The whole legitimacy of Aeran's reign when she would become Queen, and the future of the kingdom, depended on her success in retrieving the 'Heart of the Mountain' that he had given up so long ago. 
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Every now and then when her group found themselves in a village, Aeran would write a letter home to her grandfather.  She would update him on her progress, or lack thereof, and tell him how much she missed him.  While Aeran was writing home, Kyle took the opportunity to talk to some of the locals....  ..to see if he could learn anything new...  ... about the possible whereabouts of the jewel they were looking for....  Maya, who was starting to feel like a 'third wheel' as Kyle and Aeran started becoming closer, went to talk to Narin and Adrian. After all, he was originally from their 'servant class' himself. 
When Aeran had finished her letter....  ... she sealed it and handed it to the serving girl.  "Could you please make sure this goes out with the mail courier next time he passes through?"  "Yes, of course Miss."  "It may take a little while though. He just comes by every month or so, and he was just here last week. But I'll make sure he gets it."  Having just enjoyed a sumptuous meal, and looking forward to spending the night in a proper room with a real bed, Aeran realized just how much she had missed the comforts of home.  They had been travelling for a long time, and their quest was still nowhere near over....  It hit her just how much she missed her grandfather....  So, after dinner when the table had been cleared, she thought she'd write him a letter.  Looking for a gift for that special someone? Well, I still have a few copies of my Christmas Story available. This is a wonderful story, a true labour of love. Black Friday Special - $79. US - plus shipping More photos & details - A Christmas Story  A little later, Narin and Adrian arrived in the tavern....  "The horses are settled in the stables, my Lady."  "That's great. Thank you. I'm sure they are happy to spend the night out of the elements for a change."  "So, take a seat and have some dinner."  "Anything you want. We won't have an opportunity like this again for a while."  The two of them didn't feel comfortable joining the others at their extravagant meal, so sat at another table, and ordered something simpler - the daily 'house special'.
"Here you go."  "Thank you Miss."  The tavern didn't offer a menu. Each evening the 'house special' was whatever the cook decided to make that day. Although he did usually prepare something special for the more discerning guests.  The meal that was put before them was a veritable feast compared to what they had been having in camp each night.  The food was delicious, and it was so nice to be in a warm, cozy place to just sit and relax and enjoy it.  Kyle had been in this area once before, and started relating stories from that previous adventure.  Aeran was slowly letting down her guard, realizing that she didn't always have to be 'in charge', and that Kyle was in every way her equal, and deserved her respect.  He was actually quite an interesting person.  Aeran and her companions went into the tavern. It smelled so good in there.  "May I help you?"  "Yes," replied Aeran, "We've booked some rooms, and are ready for some dinner." "We'd like to try your best dishes," added Kyle, "My treat." Aeran was surprised, yet pleased, at his generosity. "There's three of us right now," she continued, "but two more will be joining us soon."  The serving girl gestured to a table.  "Will this do?"  "Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you."  "Well, just take a seat and make yourselves comfortable,"  "..and I'll be back with your dinner shortly."  Later that day the party arrived in the village. 
Then after securing more supplies for their trip, they all headed to the Tavern...  Aeran was really looking forward to spending the night in a real bed. This was going to be such a treat.  Narin was checking with Aeran and Kyle before heading to the stable with the horses....  "Looks like the stable is over there."  "Adrian and I will join you in the tavern," he said, "once we have the horses settled."
And he headed towards the stable, as Kyle went to the tavern.  "Come on boy. You're going to spend tonight in a nice warm stable."   Kyle came back out. "So, I've arranged for some rooms. I booked their best room for you, and the guys and I will stay in the bunkhouse."  Aeran was tired, and she was really looking forward to a nice warm bath. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd had one.  "Thank you. That was really thoughtful of you." she replied. "What do you say we go in now and have some dinner?"  The next morning Narin was getting ready to take down camp and had starting to pack up the horses,  ..while Maya was starting to build the fire to cook breakfast...  .. when Kyle came back from the river carrying a huge fish that he'd just caught.  Aeran was a little surprised, and rather impressed. She had no idea that Kyle could fish, and he'd caught a really big one.
"I caught us some breakfast."   Then Kyle hung it over the fire to cook it...  Aeran got out their last loaf of bread. Knowing that they'd be able to restock their supplies in the village later that day, they could splurge and enjoy a really hearty breakfast.  Maya got out their last pie, and sliced up the last watermelon....  Narin stopped what he was doing and got himself a plate.  Everyone was really looking forward to a rare, sumptuous breakfast..  It smelled so good.  "How long before it's done?"  "Just a few more minutes."  The river they were following eventually emptied into an even wider river., and they thought it would be a good place to set up camp....  Narin was taking care of the horses...
...while Maya started to build a fire...  Kyle had been looking around, and had noticed the church steeple rising above the trees in the distance.  "There's a village over there."  "We should go there tomorrow and see if anyone there has any new information on where we might search next."  "And we could stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal we haven't cooked ourselves, and maybe spend a night in a real bed."  It sounded good to everyone, especially Maya.  "So tomorrow we'll go to that village."  |
AuthorMartha Boers is an award-winning Canadian doll maker and costumer specializing in fantasy and historical-style costumes. Archives
December 2024
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