Fiat Lux II: Part II

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD." Proverbs 19:14

Skye met the news with nary a blink, only the nod of her red gold head as she began to gather up the things they had scattered about the green of their resting place. Meticulously she began to pack, still silent as her husband watched her, unsure of what to say. He cleared his throat, as Timmons shifted uncomfortably, watching the two of them.

"Shurrukai, I know I promised you today and tonight...a few more hours wait won't make much of a difference to Llwyd....I can dispatch someone to ride ahead and then catch up with them....dammit Skye, what ARE you thinking?"

Timmons flinched at the uneasy tone of his commanding officer and gave them both a bow, looking to retreat as soon as humanly possible. "My Lord...my Lady...I need return to Camelot. There are....things needing my attention."

Noting the sergeant's very obvious discomfort, Blackthorn nodded his assent, and the younger man nearly ran to his horse, speeding the mount back to Camelot. By this time, Skye had the provisions from their day completely packed up and moved to their own horses to place them carefully in the saddlebags. The tall man moved behind her and placed his large hands on her shoulders. "Talk to me Shurrukai..."

Skye turned, her deep green eyes unreadable. She gave a small smile, and reached up to touch his face with her fingertips. "Ian, would Brother Llwyd have sent word unless it were absolutely necessary?" At his negative shake of the head, she smiled again softly, almost wistfully, "Then what is there to say? He needs you, and you must go. Telling the truth, Ian...you want to go."

Ian Blackthorn sighed softly, his shoulders slumping just a bit. "Aye, I need to go....I have to go...but I will return."

"Of that, my husband I have no doubt."

The final pack up took only moments and before long the couple were well on their way back to the great firehall of Camelot. Precious few words had passed between them during the trip, and none about Ian's upcoming departure. Arriving at the front door, Skye slid from the saddle and called up to her beloved "See Fyre to the stables for me will you Ian? I've a few things I need to take care of and pack before you depart. Promise me you'll not leave until I give you the necessities you'll need?"

Nodding, and knowing his wife would hound him unless he agreed, a small smile tugged at the corner of Blackthorn's mouth. The grin grew rueful as he laughed softly "Forever mothering us all aren't you? Aye love, I'll not leave without your necessities." He slid from the saddle and lead the horses toward the stables, very calm now that Skye had accepted the inevitability of his duty.

Even as he moved away from the hall, Skye entered it, her saddlebags over her shoulder as she disappeared into the little workroom that held her herbs and potions for healing. Unloading her precious bundle from Ian's friend, she stored it away in a locking rosewood box, and then hustled and bustled about, making sure there were enough healing herbs packed in the saddlebags for a long, and possibly dangerous journey.

Upon Blackthorn's return, he strode to the armory and gathered what he needed for his trip to Penally. Gathering food supplies from Lumiere he turned and looked for his wife. The dusk was gathering and Ian wanted to be on his way. Calling out, he hoped to rouse her from her sanctuary beneath the stairwell. "Skye? Where are you? The day grows short and I need those 'necessities' you spoke of."

The door to the workroom opened and a lithe form dressed in warriors leathers filled the space there. Copper hair was pulled back tightly in a braid, and her sword, bow and arrows, and daggers were firmly affixed. The saddlebags were slung over one shoulder and a determined gleam now showed in the emerald eyes. "Here are your necessities, Ian. My herbs, my weapons and myself."