Kindness, and Longings
Stephan sat in the small keeping room just off of the kitchen, he could hear the bustle of the kitchen staff, and the busy sounds were comforting to the old man. The shadows were beginning to lengthen outside as the world turned to twilight. This particular room was very pleasant, lined with windows that in the morning let in an abundance of light. Very few were clear though, as intact panes of glass had become an almost impossible commodity to acquire since the war, just as mirror glass had. So a creative craftsman had manufactured lead-lights from many broken pieces, and they formed beautiful mosaics that gave the cozy room an almost monastic feel.
The old man loved to come here, and often did, favoring this location over his study, especially in the morning hours. The large gnarled wolf's apple tree grew prominent, just outside the window, the blossoms had recently faded, giving way to abundant green leaves with the promise of a bountiful apple crop that made the finest pies.
Beyond he could see the completed palisade wall that ringed the township, and the guard towers, which every member of his town had worked so hard to make a possibility, in such a short space of time. This wall to Stephan represented the one reminder of approaching war, even as he looked on such tranquil beauty.
This was also his and Anna's most favorite place to sit and reflect over a much-needed meal, and a glass of wine. This he did alone this evening as he looked out across these abundant acres that had been so kind to him and his people. His mind as it often did, drifted to the upcoming war.
'Why could his neighbors simply not live in peace! Were they truly ready for this war that they did not need?'
At least with the return of his beloved son, he possessed new intelligence about his old foe. That had heartened him some and caused his people to feel more confident as well. His adversary Lothar was crippled and confined to a wheelchair, and he had lost many of his best fighting men that bloody day. It well may be some time before the war even ensued, and every day they grew more prepared for whatever was to come.
A light step at the open doorway roused Stephan from his recurring worries, he had presumed it was the presence of his lovely wife he had detected there. Adjusting his uncooperative eyes he realized he was wrong.
"Oh Lissa, it's you. Do come in."
"Good evening Sir." She answered cheerily stepping through the doorway.
"Do sit." The elderly man gestured to the vacant chair where his wife usually sat.
"Thank you." Lissa settled herself down, crossing her legs and brushing down her pretty floral dress.
"Wine?"
"Oh lovely, thank you Sir."
