Moonlight Ridge

43

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She tried to open her eyes but the light was too bright. She heard a gasp near her, and someone came over.

"Cousin?!" She recognized Tsarra's voice.

She squinted and pointed at the curtains. She could see the shape rush over and draw the curtains shut. She was able to open her eyes a bit more and stared in mild shock at Tsarra. Tsarra looked more mature and heavily pregnant. Leo tried to speak, but only an odd croaking sound came out.

"Hold on, cousin! I must alert everyone."

She walked as quickly as she could to a lever on the wall and pulled it. Leo could hear a large bell overhead ringing. Next, Tsarra went to a small table and poured water into a cup. The water looked different somehow. Glittery and with a blue tint. She brought it over and helped Leo sit up. Leo sniffed it with suspicion but drank it greedily. It tasted better than any other water she had ever had.

"How long?" Her voice came out strained.

Tsarra looked uncomfortable.

"Ten years." She answered softly.

Leo nodded numbly. That was a long time to sleep. She had a flashback of speaking to a woman. No, not a woman, one of the gods. They had promised her a great reward. She frowned slightly at the recollection before smiling and gestured to Tsarra's round belly.

"Congratulations are in order, I see. I hope it is Orian."

Tsarra blushed a bit but nodded happily. She placed a hand on her abdomen.

"Our sixth child. There is much to tell you, however, King Theodre requested to be notified of your waking immediately. He shall be here shortly. There is clothing for you in the bathing room. Will you require assistance?"

Leo moved slowly to stand just as Emma and Samara ran into the room. Leo stared at them with wide eyes. Samara had shaved her hair off while Emma had grown hers so long. Both of them looked a bit older but not much. Emma rushed forward and embraced her while crying. Leo hugged her back fiercely. Emma helped her stand and Samara joined in.

"It is alright, Tsarra. We shall help her reach the bathing room and assist her. You rest, and we shall call you when she is done." Emma said.

Emma and Samara helped her walk on shaky legs to a small door in the rear of the room that opened to reveal a spacious room with a tub. There was even what looked like a seat made of glass with a lid. Next to that was a sink with a large mirror. Leo looked away to focus on reaching the bench that was near the tub. The women helped her sit, and Samara began to help fill the tub with warm water. Once the water was filling up, she poured different oils into the water. Lastly, she placed a scrub brush on the edge of the tub along with a small bottle filled with oils and soap. She came back over, and they helped Leo stand.

"Shall we help you disrobe, or do you think you can manage it?" Emma asked quietly.

"I only have a sleep gown on, so I think I can manage, but I shall need help reaching the tub." Leo told her in a hoarse voice.

Emma nodded. Samara turned to give her privacy, but Emma ended up helping her pull the gown over her head, walk to the tub, and get in. She paused a moment when she noticed a beautiful glowing stone necklace around her neck. She touched it and felt a humming coming from it. She let out go and began washing up.  Emma and Samara sat on the bench. There was a brief silence.

"Tell me what has happened with you both in the last ten years." Leo said.

"Walter and I have three children. We brought over all your animals from your farm and kept them on our farm not far from here. Of course, many of them passed, but their offspring live on."