Love, perception, destruction

Chapter 2, when death comes knocking

I rolled out of the bed. Eliru was sleeping peacefully at my side. I grabbed my pants, slit my feet into them and stepped into my boots on the floor. I pulled my shirt over my head. Stealthy I snuck out the door, being careful not to wake Eliru. On the open field in the village, everyone was happy and running around doing their chores. Ferren, Seren and Tarn were busy carving up the meat to make dinner for everyone. I walked up to them, grabbed a chair and sat down.

"Why were you in such a hurry?" Tarn asked, handing a big chunk of meat over to Ferren who started cutting it into smaller pieces.

"I just had this feeling that something wasn't quite right with Eliru." I answered.

Seren frowned at my answer, but did not say anything.

Tarn laughed. "Everyone knows that if someone were to hurt your wife, they would be sorry. You worry over nothing dear friend."

"I just can't help it. There is something not right, I can feel it."

"You are going to be a father!" Kare slammed his hands on my shoulders and peaking his head over mine, staring right into my eyes. "We get that it is scary, but just relax. You're going to be fine."

He laughed and picked up a basket he had brought to us. It was bulging over from stacks of fresh vegetables. He walked up to the three others and starting preparing them for dinner. I got up from my seat and started walking around, feeling the nice breeze in my hair. I tried to enjoy the moment as much as I could.

Eliru came out from our house, dressed in a nice, light dress. It caught the wind beautifully and danced around her body. She walked up to Evalin's house. Evalin was waiting outside with a big basket. Eliru used to help Evalin gather herbs to make potions. I guessed that was what they were going to do now. The women giggled as they got close and whispered things between themselves before heading into the woods. Just before they disappeared, Eliru turned around and waved at me, a smile stretching from cheek to cheek on her face.

I watched a little while after they had gone. I kept wondering if it would be this nice forever. I felt so happy with Eliru and the little baby that was on its way. I would pray every night that I could just stay like this forever. Stay happy and fulfilled, with my little family. In our great village. The biggest halfling village in the land. Where no one ever needed feel worry. I drew a little prayer in the sand, praying that Eliru would be kept safe, and that the gods, if they still were alive, would watch over her in moments where I could not.

I turned around and walked back to the chefs. They had started cooking the food now on a giant pot over an open fire in the middle of the field. More and more came up to it, contributing with whatever they had. Some put herbs in it. Some put spices. Some brought even more vegetables. The whole village were so into working together on everything. We were united, like one big family.

"Margel!" Hael came running towards me, crunching a piece of paper in her hand. Her old legs carried her as fast as she could, and she was holding her dress with the other hand to avoid tripping. The wise, old woman was rare to see outside her library. She only came out in emergencies. The last thirty years she had not even moved outside to get food. She only had some delivered at her door occasionally. The lack of food was showing now, she looked so fragile in her state.

"The queen has fallen!" she panted as she came close. Leaning forward to get support from her knees. "The siren queen Palantil has died! The great council is gathering every leader of the biggest tribes in the land to figure out who will be the next king or queen. Without the gods, we have no idea who is fit to rule over us. You have to go immediately."