The Story Continues: Part I

She heard the footsteps coming closer, she pressed against the trunk of tree waiting, knowing she would soon be found. Then she felt the hand reach out and grab her forearm. She turned toward her captor.

She leaned down and picked the little girl up. Brittany squealed in laughter as her momma swung her around. As Susan stopped, Brittany gestured excitedly and Susan, laughing also, nodded and said "Yes you found me." She put Brittany back on her feet and lead her over to the blanket where the remains of their picnic still lay.

"Time for rest my little one." She said softly and Brittany indicated that she wanted to continue their game of hide and seek. "We will play more later." Seeming content with that promise Brittany sat down and watched as she packed away the makings of the picnic.

Susan lowered herself to the ground and leaned against the trunk of the tree. Brittany moved closer, putting her head on her momma's lap. Susan smoothed the golden curls as her daughter, tired from the morning of play, closed her eyes in sleep, then took the opportunity to close her own.

She had only intended to stay for a short while but now she wasn't sure she would ever return to Camelot. She admitted to herself that she was afraid to face the memories awaiting her there. No matter how hard she tried to follow Corwin's advice of thinking of the good somehow the bad invaded. Given time she knew that would change. With a small sigh she allowed herself to drift off to sleep, her hand still on Brittany's curls.

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He stood there silently, watching the two of them sleep. Susan looked healthier than she had the last time he had seen her. The tight lines around her face were relaxed, she had color in her face once more and she wore her hair loose around her shoulders instead of the severe knot she usually pulled it into, the smudge of dirt across her face told him that she and Brittany had played hard that morning. She needed that, it was part of what she had lost somewhere along the way.

He had come here to convince her to come back to Camelot with him. She belonged there, it was her home, but looking at her he had to wonder if it was the best thing. He hesitated only a moment, yes, it was the best thing. Her family and friends were there and it was where she would truly be safe and be able to overcome the memories that haunted her.

Susan's eyes fluttered open as if she knew she were being watched. She looked up in surprise seeing him standing there. Her feelings flickered across her face, first the surprise, then concern that perhaps he had brought her more bad news, but finally she smiled, just happy to see a familiar face. "Hello m'lord, what brings you here?"