<<Citizen#0022-48299735

Entry#21982

The wrath of the gods is a fearful thing. And that it must be unleashed upon the innocent seems an injustice. But we gods know that every trace of corruption must be destroyed. So I shall steel myself for what is necessary, and bring full justice to the traitor when she is returned.>>

Siff rubs the dust from her eyes and rolls out of bed. Light shines through the other side of the curtain and Lucas’ excited voice can be heard on the other side, “They’re on their way! They’re going to say yes! I know it! We have to wake Siff up; this is going to be an amazing day!”

“Alright, alright. Calm down, lad. I’ll go check on her; it will take a few minutes for them to come up the hill.” Esken gently calls through the curtain, “Young lady, are you awake?”

“Mmhmm. Yep.”

“May I enter?”

“Sure.”

Esken pushes the curtain closed behind him. Siff stands with a slightly groggy smile on her face, “Had a good evening last night, I hear.” She blushes a little which gives Esken an excuse to smile that smile of pride older people get when they manage to embarrass the young, “Here. Let me take a look at your bandages.” Siff remains standing and lets Esken remove the bandages to examine the wound, “You’re healing up very nicely. The bleeding has completely stopped and the binding has done its job. You won’t be needing these anymore. It will still feel tight and at times painful, but so long as you spend the next few days resting it, you’ll be completely healed very shortly. Now get dressed and come on out. There’s breakfast waiting and the elders are on their way up the road.” Esken’s fatherly care reminds Siff of her own home, but she quickly pushes the thought from her mind. She is here now, where she was always meant to be. She hopes.

Siff puts her shirt back on and joins the two others in the main room. She casts Lucas a glance and shy smile, he smiles back and they sit together at the table. Some bread and cheese waits for them, along with milk and grapes. Like every other thing she has tasted in this place, Siff finds it delicious, “Do you think they’ll accept me?” She doesn’t want to think about her options if they don’t.

“Absolutely! I have no doubt! You’re amazing and would be an asset to all of our lives, anyone can see that.”

“I hope so, Lucas. I’m kinda nervous.”

“The young lady who jumped from the sky and faced a torren is nervous about this?” Esken smiles and puts his hand on her arm, “You’re going to be fine.”

Lucas beams his agreement, “No doubt in my mind at all.”

“It’s just…I’ve never really been accepted anywhere…and I don’t know…I just…really want to be a part of this place…I just…”

“Hey, hey, hey. You’re going to be fine.” Esken’s arm is around her shoulders, giving her a hug, “You’re going to be fine.”

She sniffles and nods, and wipes her face with her sleeve. Siff takes a deep breath and composes herself, “Right then, should we go and meet them?”

The two men smile and stand, she joins them as they make their way to the door.

Siff, Esken, and Lucas leave the home and walk the garden path to the road. They stand and wait as the small party of elders ambles toward them, dressed once again in their regalia. After a couple of minutes they come to a halt before her and Javentus speaks, “Child, we have deliberated over your situation and have come to a conclusion regarding your request to join our village.” He smiles a tender smile, “You are most welcome here, Siff. We look forward to joining with you on your journey as you join with ours. Please walk with us and join us in your village.” Siff smiles and cries with relief. She can’t help herself but go hug the man. He is a little surprised, but embraces her warmly, “Welcome home, child. Welcome home.”

She separates to look into his kind eyes, “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Come, Siff. Let us take you home.”