We spent the night enjoying the beauty and the company.
I felt more at ease after we talked. Now I've understood his plans better, and all that's left is to wait and a lot of work.
That night was peaceful, though.
We spent it talking about the winter festival, and Carlos wanted to fight divine beast as well. He said he was two behind already. Turned out fighting against enemy soldiers were much more common for blessed.
Before we knew it, the kids were sleeping in the flower beds. Ciren held our girl like a doll..
How, I wish to have a painting of this.
We all walked home to the Inn late and tired. The day was long, and we had to get up early and travel.. I could ask him to drop me off home.
It was so tempting.
Wake up tomorrow and be back in Emet under a minute. But we came together so we should leave as well.
We were in the bed already with Ilianna sleeping in my arms.
I rustled around, snorting. " This bed is a joke..it can barely fit two adults and one child."
" You seem to have no problem with it last night..and morning..and afternoon."
I turned my head toward him, tying my best annoyed gaze. He kissed my noise, and it was hard to do anything but smile.
" Just wait until you see our new one. It's not only extra big but also much more comfortable. "
" Can't wait.."
" Are you sleeping already?"
" Love, how can I sleep when I'm talking."
Hmm..I guess no workout tonight. Obviously..
Anna was in our bed.
Not to mention, he was already snoring. How is that possible? I poked his face a few times, but he was out.
I rested my head on his chest and fell to sleep to a strong heartbeat.
---
The next morning, I was busy with final checks and goodbyes.
We were standing outside Jobil.
" It was nice to meet you, Rosemarie. Thank you for the hospitality. " Zephyr placed a kiss on Rose hand.
" It's the life Zephyr..I hope, I get to see you in November. " she was all too charmed just in a few days..like all of us were, I guess.
" Thanks, Rose. We will be back before that. Supplies for our daughter birthday is in a few weeks."
" That's a lot of travel..wait..right. For you two, it's probably not that much. "
We packed up all and waited for Eli and Demelza to come back with a few last seconds things like food.
Alexander and Lucian were packing the new wagon exclusively for things. The wagon itself was a good buy. Once the owner saw Zephyr, he let go of it half price and a smile.
Carlos was there with her sister.
" Zeph fate once again intervened and brought me closer to my goal. Thank you. " he eyes were gently looking at my fiancee and grabbed his shoulders. " When you need me. I'm there, brother."
" I know you will. Soon, We'll be back for dinner just like I promised and also you two are invited to Ilianna 6th birthday. Soon, Em's."
They shook hand, and Ciren gave a little kiss on his cheek while tiptoeing. I give the two a quick hug with Anna than they left.
I turned to him, raising my eyebrows a little. " What dinner? "
" We dinning with his Lady love she is on route from his home. That's all he told me."
" Should be an interesting night."
I was very intrigued to see another woman in the same shoes as me. How does she feel about it all, and can she give me any pointers?
Soon, the girls returned with several bags full of food. Finally, ready.
We climbed inside and soon were on the road again. I couldn't wait to arrive.
I was glad next time we'd be coming, then going...it will be less than it takes to finish a cup of tea.
Granny asked the guards last night for a few flowers of the ones she found interesting and some she just wanted to experiment on.
She went on and on about medicinal properties that may or may not exist. Only Eleanor paid any real attention.
The day passed quickly, and we made more or less the same time as coming here. We pulled up the clearing we camped.
Not another soul, which was great.
After last time it's better like this. Don't get me wrong. I didn't care about anyone who was fool enough to anger my fiancee by trying to harm or scare us .
But still, let's save lives in our own way without medicine.
We enjoyed the night air and spent time going through Zephyr plans with granny and the Emils.
"..after that we will see. " after some of my mother's cooking, we all settled in comfortably and just watched the fire listening to him. " I do hope so I'm wrong. But if not, let's be prepared."
" I agree. It would be different a couple of months ago. We just didn't have the strength. " granny was well prepared, her experience told her something sinister is on the way.
But just as she said, things have now changed.
" Soon more villages will join, I'm sure of it. They were just as afraid as we were every year, children taken from their mothers raised to be soldier or used as slaves."
She is right, of course.
Each year, children are hidden in winter, freezing in the cold. It was a better option than taking the risk and letting them take away.
" Well, I know what I saw.. but most importantly, what Carlos told me. He was the first guardian for a little over a year ago. He has no love for Sakarai or even the city."
Granny asked a good question. " Why stay then, with his blessing any kingdom would welcome him with open arms. Let alone his own nation, Dharma."
He stared at the fire, and his eyes seemed to change colour as reflected those flames.
" He has his reasons, Vistellia.. the rest are his to tell. " he was a loyal friend, so whatever his secret was, we won't know from him.
He was sitting up a little and went on.
" Either way tomorrow, let's hold a meeting at night. We have a long day ahead..and our days will only get longer."
We spent that night in a tight embrace. Again.. we couldn't indulge in anything.
Alexander took watch night, so we had to listen to his snoring the rest of the way. Demelza didn't even try to defend it. She was immune to it.
---
We finally made it back home.
I got out to be greeted by quite a crowd. With the former residents of Tori, we have grown.
People tore in the wagons like animals. When Alexander handed them the remaining coins from the free fruit they picked. I saw people dancing around, while others were sobbing happily.
Zephyr soon took me and our daughter to Olaf. The crowd will be in a frenzy soon. He told everyone to spread the news about tonight meeting.
Olaf had his shop in front of his house. He was working right now. Eccentric, but had generations of blacksmith behind him. His father and great uncle were both blacksmiths before him.
" Zephyr, hello there. And Lylly long time no see. " he put down a large hammer and wiped off his sweat. " How do you like your ring? "
" Hello, Olaf. The ring is a work of art."
I showed my hand then bowed politely.
" Thank you."
Olaf was a muscular, good-natured man loved by the residents of Emet. He also made every sword the village used along with tools used for everyday work. Like his father before him and his uncle before.
" The project you gave me ..it will be an incredible project..I never woulda thought to use that. " he kept glancing at my direction, giving everything away.
" Are you sure about the material for the...others? It's one of a kind. Where did you come up with the shape of them?"
" A friend helped me with it. Please take your time. And..about the special one? " he couldn't help himself gawking at my reaction.
" It will be made to perfection. About..the extra coin. Zephyr, I can't.." he scratched the back of his head and reached to his pouch.
" Stop. I'm not hearing it. " Zephyr, of course, stepped him and patted his shoulder with a grateful smile. " Working that much extra for free? Out of the question. "
" ..Thank you."
I listened to the suspicious conversation. He is making me a weapon and some things for others.
He knelt down to face Ilianna, who looked suspicious just like me. " Oh.. so you came for this little lady wea.."
" No !..no.. Olaf those..Khm. " - he cleared his throat and shook his before he spilt. " No, we came for the jewellery for the ladies and guys."
" O-oh yea.. let me check with Rachel." he went inside his home.
After he left and Anna went to the family dog.
I asked him. " Why you didn't wanna give her the daggers? ALSO ..what the hell was that little talk?"
He looked amused and just kissed me slowly, distracting me.
" The project is a secret, my love. The other things will benefit a few. I can't talk about it."
" Ughh, fine, fine... tell me about our kid then."
He watched the dog running from her... That's right. The giant dog had perfect survival instincts and understood who was the hunter and the prey.
" ..I'm afraid no matter what I say. She will want to use it. She is too young to learn the use of deadly weapons, and what is it? ..what's wrong? "
I almost teared up.
He is getting more responsible. I put my arms around his neck and leaned forward.
" I think it was about time. She can have them when she is older. Her training made her scary enough, my love. " my fears for her future considerably lessened. " I'm glad you changed your mind."
" Scary is good..she can.. umm.."
We looked at our kid playing with a dog almost twice her size. That little girl just tried to drop kick that devil just now. She was a predator already.
That was a fact for both of us.
" You see my one and only.. we both know that poor devil would be a victim with the slightest move of aggression against our princess. "
" Her husband will have to live up to a warrior Goddess... That's a good thing too. "
Her husband has to be someone..
Well, probably none will be good enough for her father, so it's pointless to ponder.