Darke Night

Giving Thanks...

Home was within sight. The smells of Fall were rich and welcoming. We were close, so very close. And so much had changed, I almost would not have recognized it! It was a true castle now. Along with a fully fortified protective wall and gate. It was like something out of a fantasy...I liked it!

At some point, we'd gotten ahead of Ash and Larien, but they were only a few short miles behind us. They'd been home within the hour. We moved faster, wanting that community, that family that had been gone from us for so long. Watching, the gates began to open as several people poured out before it was even at half mast. Mom and Dad, they rushed with speed and ferocity. Love could be a demon all its own. We were crushed mere moments later. It was amazing!

I breathed in deeply the smell of Mom. Safety! We were truly home. Truly safe.

"Oh my God Sage...your pregnant!" My mother said in awe and amazement.

"Yeah...its...well...SURPRISE!" I finished with laughter. She hugged me more. Suddenly she was pushed aside from behind and Sasha rushed in for her place. "What?" I was in shock as she hugged me with fierce strength. She was older, so much older. How had she grown so much in such a short amount of time? She looked like she was already 9 or 10 years old.

"Alot about us has changed from before!" She laughed as she said this.

"Tell me about it!" Mom said with more laughter.

How many more surprises were we in for? I thought to myself.

"What about Ash?" Mom asked with trepidation as she looked over our shoulders.

"They are not far behind us. We never actually met up with them. But we found them already on their way back so we circled around and started back as well. They should be home within the hour."

"Thank God. We have so much to be thankful for!" She smiled as she hugged us all again. "Let's get inside and get you cleaned up and fed. Everything will be ready for when they get here." Walking back to the stronghold together and in good spirits.

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An hour later, they appeared on the field...

Ash walked slowly, there was so much that had happened, so many questions and things that he had no idea how to explain, especially to his family. Larien walked up closer, putting his arm around Ash's shoulders.

"Everything will be alright. They are our family, they will understand." He said it with such faith that it made Ash smile despite his nerves.

"That I do not doubt at all. It is everything else, all the unexplainable things that I am more worried about." He said with a shrug.

"Everything now happens for a reason, for purpose. Everything will be alright." He said it was finality.

"I know. I believe that." Ash smiled.

They walked forward as the others rushed out to join them. Home...

"Ash, Larien, thank God...finally you're all home and safe." Mom rushed in again and beat Tristian to them. It was laughter and hugs and more love. Sage stood back watching. Saw the love that passed between Ash and Larien and smiled with happiness for her brother. Suddenly, she smiled even more, from shock, from amazement, even she was not sure. But her heart erupted in love and she laughed out loud..."Congratulations Ash, your're almost as far along as I am!" And everyone looked down at the swollen and very pregnant abdomen of Ash...

Thanks were given in deed...

© 2014, Aelfwynn MacGregor, AMB