Falling for the enemy

Going Home

I smiled at my sleepy babies as they laid down in their crib cuddling with each other. Little Creek went to pack up a carriage that Nathan gifted us for our journey home. I was excited to leave here and go back home but sad that I was leaving all my friends behind including Annie and Nathan...the people who helped me.

The door opened slowly, and I saw the tearful eyes of Annie. She came in holding a small box and a medium sized box. "I brought you some gifts! For you and the little one's departure." She handed the boxes to me. I sat up wincing at the small pain in my lower half. "You shouldn't have Annie..." She sat on the edge of the bed smiling at me. "You're like a daughter to me of course I would!"

I started with the small one smiling at the beautiful woven bears one in white and the other a light brown. "Oh, thank you Annie I'm sure they will adore them!" And then the other one...i opened it gasping at a beautiful woven blanket.

"I love it Annie..." I hug her putting the blanket away. She looks at the babies smiling at them. "What names did you give these littles." she asks touching their fingers. "Annie...and Nathan...after the two people who helped us in our time of need." I grin at her only to make her cry more.

Annie's tears flowed freely, but her smile remained steadfast. "Oh, you sweet girl," she whispered, gently brushing a lock of hair away from my face. "They'll grow up knowing how much they are loved, and how special their names are."

Little Creek returned with the carriage, his eyes softening as he took in the tender scene. "We're all set," he said quietly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Thank you, Annie, for everything."

Annie nodded, her gaze returning to the babies. "Remember, you always have a home here with us. No matter where you go, you'll always be part of our family."

I felt a lump form in my throat, and I fought back my own tears. "We'll visit as often as we can," I promised, my voice trembling with emotion. "And we'll write to you, keep you updated on everything."

Annie stood, smoothing her dress and taking a deep breath. "That's all I ask," she said softly. "Safe travels, my dear. And don't forget, you are stronger than you know."

With one last hug, we parted ways. As Little Creek and I stepped out into the morning light, the weight of our journey ahead felt lighter, buoyed by the love and support of those we were leaving behind. The path forward was uncertain, but we carried with us the strength of our bonds and the hope of new beginnings.

The carriage rolled forward, and I looked back one last time, catching a glimpse of Annie and Nathan standing side by side, waving us off with smiles that warmed my heart. We were leaving, but we were not alone. The road ahead was long, but it was paved with love, friendship, and the promise of brighter days.

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Days went by and the babies were now a month old, Little Creek told me we were only a few days away from the village which brought me joy! I could wait to see Moon and everyone else and show them our babies! 

I sat in the wagon nursing Nathan and Annie when the carriage pulled to a stop. I frowned setting Annie back down in her basket next to Nathan.

"Why did we stop-" I paused looking out the wagon seeing my father and six of his soldiers on horse in the middle of the rode.

A sense of unease washed over me as I climbed down from the wagon, careful not to startle the babies. Little Creek looked at me grabbing me hand, his brow furrowed in concern. "I'll be okay. Watch our babies..." I smiled at him.