What I Never Knew I Always Wanted

Reunion

Two weeks after arriving in Coccham, while Cornelius was browsing a market stall, he heard a voice from the past call out.

“Fillmore?” Inquired a young woman, a bit bewildered yet hopeful.

He turned around to see the bright, emerald green eyes of a friend from his middle school years but hadn’t seen since, due to her father having been murdered in their home.

“Ingrid?” he asked, “You’re here too? When did you arrive?”

“Here too? What do you mean?” she inquired.  “I’ve lived in Coccham for the better part of the last four years. I moved here after I got married.”

“Wait a second, you’re MARRIED?” Cornelius asked, completely bewildered.

“Yes, and we have a three year old son together who is quite the handful.”

“So where are they?”

“Sihtric is out with Lord Uhtred, fighting and Young Sihtric is being watched by a neighbor, when I leave the market I’ll pick him up and take him home,” replied Ingrid.

“I’d love to meet your son and I know my folks would love to see you as well, so why don’t you both join us for dinner tonight?” he asked.

“I know you could cook on Earth but have you mastered cooking here as that is something I need to see!” Ingrid teased.

“Ye of little faith! I passed my Venus cooking class very well thank you, just like I passed my farming class, and my building class.”

“Wait! You had classes on how to survive here? Arilla and I were dressed like Danes and then dropped off in London with nothing but our wits and intelligence to survive. Everything I now know how to do, I’ve had to learn as I’ve gone along.”

“Is Arilla here?”

“No, less than a month after we arrived, a Dane took her as his slave. I haven’t seen her since.”

“What about you? Did you end up a slave as well?”

“No, but its a bit of a long story that’s not all that pleasant. How about I tell you more at supper?”

“That sounds good and I am going to hold you to it.”