| time stands still
Early September 359 SR?
If my reckoning is not entirely out, then my 33rd birthday has come and gone. Little has changed with VanQa, and I still know not where my path leads from here. Once this time of devoted service to my beloved is over I could simply pick up the old threads and resume mining and smithying in Delucia, going to the tavern three nights a week, as if nothing had happened.
But I feel that some change is about to take place in my life ? that it already has taken place, with my marriage in ruins, my faith in the Duchy shattered, it seems, beyond redemption. And I feel in my bones that VanQa will not return to the Elven Quarter ? or if she does, then she will never again lead the elves nor run the tavern. Gwen Irima will grow into her new responsibilities and be a fine successor, but for me it will never be the same. I feel it will be time to move on in my life, though to where or to what is unclear.
Some days later Smaed came, bringing me fresh clothing, books, notepaper and other items, and telling me of the Trinsic Moot that was in progress, with its coloured lights and the streets festive in bright colours, Gwen?s and the serfs? cooking and baking. He has taken my place, staying in my house and going to the tavern just as I did. He even goes to Free Repairs hour but for the company, not of course to mend anything. I listen but it seems an alien world my cousin describes. And already he longs for Silverleaf Village?
After he left I changed my clothing and looked at myself in a mirror. I hardly recognised myself, so much I seem to have aged! My eyes look sad, my hair is thinner and streaked with grey, worry lines have appeared on my brow and anger lines - or is it grief lines ? begin to form around my mouth. It is yet another sign? |