The Green Dragon Inn - Part 3

[piosenniel]

Piosenniel settled back in her chair. The twins for once were quiet, and she could breathe easily if she sat just so. Derufin sat silent, his face cast in shadow. Only the occasional clink of the wine bottle against the glass broke the silence surrounding his still form. She could sense his hesitancy, though below it ran a thin desire to open the wound, let out the poisons that festered there.

Comfort prolonged was too much to hope for. The babies were awake and a sharp kick to the already sore spot on her ribs made her gasp. Derufin, roused from his darkling study, looked over at her with concern. He came beside her chair and knelt down, asking what he might do for her.

She smiled and rubbed her side, chiding him gently. ‘There is nothing to worry about.’

‘May I?’ He reached out his hand and placed it firmly against her. There was a vigorous thump against his palm. ‘The girl.’ she said, moving his hand then to the opposite side. A flutter of taps thrilled against his open hand. ‘Her brother.’ he said, grinning. He closed his eyes, and focused on the new lives waiting to meet the world. ‘Keep them safe, Piosenniel.’ he said quietly to her, drawing back his hand. He sat back down in his chair, and raised his glass of wine to her.

‘Let them be safe from shadow, and free from sorrows. For a little while, at least.’