[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thorn

It had gone smoother than expected discussing with the elders the prospect of a ceremony to mark their union. Much smoother, than the debate about the clan’s two guests, and what was to be done with them. But when it had been settled all were in agreement that Narika and Thorn should wait for Ráma to arrive in order for her to play her customary role in the rite. And though Narika’s sister would be the only member of her family to participate fully, they planned that it would be held in Ayar’s viewing, as soon as convenient for Ráma. But all were in accord that this union should be made to happen as soon as possible, for the good of the clan as much as at the wish of Ayar. For though it was not touched upon, Ayar’s illness pervaded their thoughts.

And when Thorn returned to the tent and told his leader of the elders’ decision, she smiled to know that this would now take place soon, and her daughter would not be alone in the leadership of her people. But Narika was strangely quiet, and after Ayar had closed her eyes to rest, Thorn drew her gently aside and learned that her mother spoke of taking her final form, laying her body aside to fly unhindered. And the call to assume their place in the clan would soon fall upon them, without her guidance.

These things weighed heavily on them as together they sat and planned what course to follow in the coming days. Thorn pledged to Narika that he would not return to Umbar, but would stand by her side with their people, though he knew he risked the wrath of those persons of standing there, if they knew what had come to pass, and if they suspected he had not merely been a trainer of Falasmir’s horses. But someone else must be found to fill this task in the Lord of Umbar’s palace, and that without the clan’s knowledge. For few knew of Ayar’s decision to keep on eye on the their neighbors to the west, and her actions to gain knowledge of the strong winds that began in the great city and swept across the desert plains threatening to push this people further east if it could not scatter or destroy them. And they named many who might be entrusted with this mission, but could not come up with any one maenwaith who they felt might be willing to leave their kin, forever to live in the city, as servant of Falasmir. And so they put that problem aside, and turned their attention again to the puzzle presented by the two strangers.