Possible Parting

[Kender Bard]

Salacia returned 'home' - it was really Saph's home. She wondered idly if her place in Shadow's mansion was her home now. Was Anarlina her home?

Did she have a home?

She didn't let the thoughts bother her. Wanting to help Laura for her hospitality, she had volunteered to go to market and buy what needed buying. Now, arms laden with groceries and head full of buzzing thoughts over a letter she'd received just the day before, Salacia went inside and set the goodies down. "Flash?" she called out, wondering if he was in the house.

[Northen Light36]

"Uncle Flash is out in the garden Aun-Lady Salacia," Teardrop tells Salacia, looking up from a pile of mending - something that should be Raindrop's chore, but as usual, Teardrop's doing it for her sister while Raindrop runs off to spend time with the other Talen'sul children. "Do you want me to fetch him?" Teardrop asks.

[Kender Bard]

Salacia had taken an immediate liking to Teardrop. "No, dear," she says simply, going to gently stroke the girl's hair in an idle, motherly gesture. "And you don't need to call me Lady Salacia, you know. You may call me simply Salacia if you wish." She smiled at the girl. She debated whether or not to call out the fact that Raindrop wasn't doing her job, but she might be able to have a word with the girl at another time. She had more pressing business now.

Going out to the garden, she called out again more gently, "Flash?"

[Northen Light36]

Flash and Saph are together, as is usual for the brothers, saying nothing and just relaxing together. When Salacia came out, Flash was perched on the edge of the garden bed while Saph was sitting in the snow, his eyes closed and his head resting in Flash's lap as Flash strokes his brother's hair. At Salacia's call though, both men turn their heads to look at her and smile.

"I better get back to work before your fingers get itchy and you do it for me, Flash," Saph says with a laugh. Getting to his feet and brushing the snow off his clothes, Saph heads inside.

"I hope he thinks to change into dry clothes first," Flash remarks, standing and hugging Salacia. "Welcome home dear. Is there something you need?"

The time in Talen'sul has been good for Flash. Between Saph's influence and the escape from work, Flash is as relaxed and cheerful as he's ever been, which none of the mildly haunted look he'd had ever since his imprisionment.

[Kender Bard]

Salacia smiled back gently at Flash, but it didn't fully reach her eyes. "Aye, there was." She returned his embrace, lingering in his arms. "I received a letter the other day from my daughter, Snowflake. She has joyous news - she is pregnant. Even better, so is Dusk."

[Northen Light36]

Flash smiles brightly. "That's wonderful, Salacia," he replies. "You must be thrilled!" Suddenly his smile dims, just a little, as something else occurs to him. "But, naturally, Snowflake must want her mother with her at this time..." He looks at his lover, waitting for confirmation of his guess.

[Kender Bard]

Salacia gave a nod at that. "You're right," she said, trying to gather her resolve. "I have to go, Flash. Not just because I love and miss my family, but also because this is my first grandchildren and the poor dears are going to need my help in having them. They'll need an experienced woman they can turn to. Goodness knows I fit that position better than anyone else I know in Anarlina."

[Northen Light36]

"I understand," Flash says softly, hugging Salacia and kissing her warmly. Stepping back, he gives her a sad, almost rueful smile. "I'd offer to come with you, but I don't think Twilight would be thrilled to see me. And this is a time for family, besides."

"Will you come back?" Flash wonders, looking at the woman he loves. But he doesn't voice the question. He's afraid of the answer.

[Kender Bard]

Salacia looks a bit puzzled at Flash's words. "Twi? Oh..." She considers her oldest son, the problem he provided. "Ah. Well.... You're welcome to come with me anyway. If Twilight gives you grief, then I'll give him a firm thwap for being a brat."

[Northen Light36]

Flash is visibly torn. He wants to go with Salacia, desperately wants to. But on the other hand, he doesn't want to cause any stress to the family by intruding where he's not welcome. After a moment, his mind finds a suitible middle ground.

"I'll go with you dear," he says, smiling. "But if any of your children are unhappy to see me, I'll leave." Flash lifts a hand to halt any arguements. "I remember how stressed and worried Saph and I were when Laura was carrying Cloud and Luna. I won't add to that feeling if your sons are in the same state about their sister and wife."

[Kender Bard]

Salacia relaxes and smiles, nodding. She doesn't like the thought of her beloved leaving, but he has a point. "That sounds good," she agreed. "When can we leave? Soon?" She felt bad tearing him away from a place he obviously enjoyed, but...

[Northen Light36]

Flash smiles tolerently. "I'll say my goodbyes to Saph, Laura and the children and pack my things tonight, dear. We can leave in the morning," he promises. "Is that soon enough?" His eyes sparkling with teasing laughter, Flash adds, "Or would you prefer us to risk frostbite and starvation and run off right this minute? For you, I would suffer such a fate."

[Kender Bard]

Salacia smiles, but doesn't laugh at his joke. "I don't want to tear you from your family, Flash," Salacia murmured. "I can stay a little while longer if you like."

[Northen Light36]

Flash shakes his head, smiling. "It's your family who need someone right now, dearest," Flash replies. "I can visit Saph and Laura again sometime later." He grins as he shivers. "Perferably in summer. I hate the cold and Saph just adores dragging me out into it."

[Kender Bard]

Salacia giggled quietly, now greatly cheered. "I'm sure Sunny will make sure the castle is as toasty warm as the servants will tolerate." She hugged him close and kissed him softly. "Thank you, Flash," she added. "This means a great deal to me."