The moonlight danced with the fire light casting all manner of shadows around the campsite. Most the men were setting about their evening duties, tending horses and standing guard. The Prince and the Emperor stood together, going over the map between them. There seemed to be a intense discussion going on there, but Kyera knew enough not to worry. She had learned long ago to worry less when they disagree and more when either directly obeyed the other without question.
Raina sat by the Lady Eve as she ground something in a stone basin. The soft rhythmic grinding adding to the already relaxed atmosphere. The smell if stew perfumed the air while the cook tossed in herbs and other essential flavors. Kyera could not help but smile as Clovis set her down at the edge of camp. If only she could capture this moment of pure bliss. Everyone seemed so content, even the father son bickering wasn't enough to upset the scene. The child, Raina noticed her approach and smiled.
The child ran over and hugged them both. One little arm wrapped around Kuera' waist and the other around Clovis pulling her parents close. They obliged her, hugging her as well. "Momma I have something for you!" Raina promised as she let go. There was so much excitement in her little face, Kyera chuckled.
"What's that, little love?" Kyera asked honestly fairly sure she knew. The scent of familiar herbs filled the air. The intensity if the blend was something Kyera knew well from training. It was a special secret blend know as Shadow Spread. She was shocked to see the ingredients remains laying next to the grindstone.
"It is a super secret surprise! Mordakai told me what flowers to pick and how to mix them up to make a special salv. He said it would help your pains, but…" she leaned up on her tip toes and Kyera leaned down obediently so she could reach her ear. "It has to be a secret cause it is a family recipe and must be protected." kyera smiled at the child's serious attitude. It was nice to see her mind off everything going on.
"Alright, let us try this super secret medicine." Kyera followed her to Eve, and Kyera nodded curtsying as though she was still Empress. No matter what happened, this woman was Empress in her daughter in law's eyes.
"She has worked very hard and even ground the leaves and petals herself." Eve bragged on her grandchild's thoughtfulness. Kyera beamed with pride as well. The color and consistency was perfect. It looked very good, and Kyera wasn't really surprised. A child who picked up Zither so well was bound to have other fantastic talents.
"It looks good but there is only one way to test it truely. Raina, will you apply it to my shoulder?" Kyera asked sitting down on a bolder beside the Lady Eve. Raina stared at her awe struck.
"You want me to put it on like a doctor?" Raina asked, having expected her part to be done. she felt giddy inside, knowing she was being trusted with such an important job.
"Yes, this kind if medicine is best applied by the person who made it." Kuera explained lowering the shoulder of her dress just enough. Raina's cold little hands rubbed gently over the skin. She massaged the cream into each bruised mark on her shoulder.
Raina watched in awe as the bruises disappeared under her little hands. She looked at Kyera wide eyed and then hesitantly poked the skin. Then she poked it again, a little harder. Kyera smiled at her. "It is really gone, Baby. You did very well on the salv." Kyera couldn't help but praise the child. Raina glowed with pride and ran over to Mordrin hugging him.
"It worked it worked!" Raina cheered proudly and the prince smiled, picking his niece up. She giggled happily and Mordakai grinned pleased to see her excitement.
"What worked?" Clovis asked curiously, feeling as though he is out of the loop.