The peak of the mountain was cold and windy, and it was hard to breathe.
The kids stayed down with granny, Petra, and Metill.
" Stop going to the edge ...idiot! " Eli shouted and pulled back an over eager Lucian, away from the snowy cliff.
Our sweaters did little against the winds, and Zephyr started to ferry back Demelza and the Emil sisters who had enough of its beauty after just a few minutes.
I dared to take a peak down...it was the worst idea ever.
The drop was kept getting deeper and deeper as my mind played tricks on me.
If not my stomach contracting to half its size in an instant, then it was the dizziness. I took a large step back and closed my eyes until I felt a little better.
Zephyr arrived softly and wrapped his arm around me.
" Peaked over!? " he asked
" Hmm.. " his arms felt sure as they always did and blocked most of the wind.
" Let us go!.. I bet you all freezing! " he scanned the still remaining 9 who huddled together.
Manata and Moritz, as good brothers, hugged Stuart, maybe not even from the cold... They looked terrified even when standing in a relatively safe position.
" Hold on, my love. " he said.
I was already holding him as hard as I could and burrowed my face inside his chest.
[SWOOSH]
I knew we were up the air somewhere and felt the wind pulling my dress as we were falling vertically.
[SWOOSH]
( THUD )
He let me down gently and gave a small kiss before stepping back and was away.
The sudden temperature drop was incredible as if stepping from the cold winter into the most glorious summer.
I looked up and enjoyed the sunshine.
" Mom, how was it? " I heard my daughter's voice.
And felt little hands pulling on my dress.
" It was a cold princess and .. cold. There's not much to see. Didn't miss anything.."
I didn't look down and talked to the sky as others arrived one by one and received the same question.
I suppose for other people, it might have been a once in a lifetime sort of outing. Something to remember and boast about for the rest of their lifes.
For me, it was exactly what I said..not much. Prospective gets skewed over time if you live with my husband.
The last to arrive was Lucian, who volunteered to stand alone on the top. I bet he did it to showcase his fearlessness, which was there, I guess...he sure changed since last spring.
" Uncle Lucian, how was it? " she asked the newest arrival.
" Oh..it was majestic Anna...too bad you missed it."
He patted the pouting six year head who found solace in her father's arm.
" Don't listen him princess..one day, I'll take you high enough to touch the stars..to see the moons so close you feel .." his eyes lost its shine for a second ..as if he already done those things.." ..like a Goddess..who one day you become. "
" Yeah .. but when? I'm starting to think it will never happen. " she looked dejected.
To be fair, she was told that a lot .. also .. To be fair... she was six.
" Oyy.. enough of that. " he flicked her forehead a little. " Don't be in a hurry growing up.. Anything you wish will one day come true. You believe me? "
Young as she was, it was right there.
That light in her eyes heard and absorbed everything Zephyr said. I was certain we were barely going to have any problems with her growing up, other than finding a suitable husband who won't mind living in her shadows.
" I understand, dad..and I believe you. " she gave a big kiss to both of us and ran back towards Ciren, who waived little Arnold over with a little piece of chocolate.
" Lylly, come warm up here. " Eli patted the space to her left and offered half her blanket.
I wasn't particularly cold, but with the man taking Zephyr away to explore the surroundings, I might as well.
" I was thinking.. we need events for the kids if they participate in the tournament..and I only have one so far? Has anyone else got anything? " despite my successful efforts, my brain hit a dead end.
" What's your idea again.." Demelza asked, drinking some tea.
" The CAPTURE ..we hide things around the village and let them lose, whoever found the sweets bags, toys, coins even..in fact most will be coin. " I retold my genius idea once again.
" Oh.. rightthat's a good one.. how do you come up with it? " Demelza asked.
" ..It doesn't matter how. We need more ideas.." I answered.
" Wasn't Zephyr war games named the same ? " granny asked, thinking back the meeting.
" He'll choose another .. " I said confidently.
I wasn't going to tell them how throwing gold and looking for them on the field was the catalyst for my CAPTURE idea.
We were silent enough to hear every shout from the guys just a few feet away.
Anna and Ciren are watching intently, trying to learn all they can. They even moved their arms and legs unconsciously around, imitating the blows between Lucian and Alexander.
Granny watched us with a big smile. " Don't stress about it too much.. we have more than enough time. Months, maybe. "
Well she was right..but how everything up until now, it will probably get lost in the shuffle and we end up with very little when the day come, but have not enough time to think about it.
I felt my shoulders tapped. " Come.. let's explore. "
Zephyr smiled, offering his hand.
" But first, give me a second.." I let his hand go and took the black bag containing my maid outfit.
He saw me crawl out with it and claim my lips as he helped me up. " It's like you're a mind reader.."
" Your mind is easy to read..." I said. But it was really my own mind that mirrored his.
We were observed and noticed by everyone but couldn't care less. Tomorrow is Monday, and he will leave after taking most of us back.
We arrived at a small clearing and enjoyed the view looking down towards the endless horizon.
He stepped behind me and locked his arms around my waist.
" Can you believe it's been 7 months to the day when we first kissed? "
I was lost in counting numbers a little, but he was right.
" I can't believe you remembered the day.. " I was so touched.
" I can't believe you didn't.." he teased me a little, avoiding my lips, which landed everywhere but on its target.
" Don't be like this.. " I opened the bag and pulled a black and white ensemble with frilly crocheted edges.
"..I'm sorry..master? "
( SLAP )
He slapped and then grabbed my ass hard.
" There is no mercy..you filthy maid.." - he moved my hands on his crouch. " ..but maybe we make an exception.."
We had to pay Isa for the dress.. obviously.