Of Memory and Loss: Part XII

Rahsinia awoke to find herself in a bed so soft she could hardly believe she was sleeping on it. She turned over to see her husband asleep in the chair beside the bed. He had stayed with her all through the previous two weeks as she slept irregularly. A warm smile spread across Rahsinia's face. If this was all a dream, she hoped it would never end. But, with a happy giggle, she told herself that this was not a dream. This was reality - perfect reality.

She quietly slipped out of the bed and walked to the window, staring out at the beautiful countryside she had not seen in what seemed to be years. She then strolled over to the dresser, sitting at the satin cushioned stool in front of it. The reflection in the mirror did not yet look as she felt it should. Her face was gaunt, the eyes still sitting in dark circles. Her skin, though naturally white, seemed extremely pale. Her eyes looked dull, as if they had not yet regained their sparkle. Her hair, though washed several times, still looked wild and frizzled. Ah, it mattered little, she would live in a dream world and one day when she passed into the next life she would see her husband and son again.

Her hands reached for the wooden comb that sat on the satin lined dresser table. It was a made of rowan, stained to preserve it and let its natural color shine. The wood had been carved into a lioness lying in a patch of wildflowers. The craftsmanship of it was unequal in Rahsinia's eyes. She lovingly ran her fingers over the wood, tracing every etching with her fingertips. Then, using as much care as if the thing had been made out of the frailest glass, she placed the comb into her hair.

Rahsinia turned from the mirror when in its reflection she saw the bedroom door open. She smiled as Cian entered the room. She opened her arms for a hug and was pleased beyond measure when her young man crossed the room and returned the embrace. She heard Morninglord stir in his chair, watching his family.

Looking at the two most precious people in the world to her, Rahsinia smiled.

* * * * * * * * *
Corwin and Ian rose from there seats in the parlor as Morninglord entered. "Thank you for coming."

Corwin began, "How is she?"

"She will be fine, but it will take time. I believe she does not yet realize she is actually home."

"If you need anything, be sure to let us know," Ian followed, "we will give whatever help we may. Skye can help as well."

"I will my friends. Thank you for everything."

Ian and Corwin gave their respective farewells and left the family to recover.

* * * * * * * * *
Rahsinia recovered not long after with love and help from her family and friends.