***
Logan was leading the way as the small group of travellers approached the farm that lay fairly close to the edge of Murken wood. Rose was walking close behind him, still holding the hand of Emily, who would look up into her green eyes every once in a while as if to remind herself that she was not alone.
Rose could tell from far away that this farm would be a place quite different than the town of Marah that lay some distance behind them. The strong wooden fences were in good repair and the animals kept behind them had obviously been groomed recently. A large garden ran alongside the roadway and the neat rows of vegetables were free of weeds, well tended by the careful hands of an attentive farmer. The small farm cottage and all the various buildings surrounding it were in fine shape, showing very little signs of wear.
“This is such a pretty little farm Logan,” Emily said to the big man walking in front of her. It was the first words she had spoken to the massive knight since he had saved her from the slave caravan.
The big man smiled and responded with a nod, glad that the young girl was warming up to him finally.
Jirah moved up close beside the other two females and also joined hands with Rose. “This is how my farm used to look when Justus was still alive. He took great care in all his work and I can tell that Logan’s father must be very much the same.”
“I think your farm was just fine sister, you are more of a hunter than a farmer anyway, right?”
Rose could sense there was still some part of Jirah that was pained from losing Justus, and she sincerely hoped one day Jirah would feel free to share those hurts with her. For now, she just gave her sister a broad smile and squeezed her hand tightly.
“Will Logan’s parents want me around even?” Emily asked with a worried face. “I don’t know a thing about farming or taking care of animals. I think I may just be in the way.”
“You don’t have to learn it all at once my dear,” Jirah told her, “and the best part of farming is that there is no rush to get things done.”
“Very true,” Logan responded. “My father is a very patient man. He had to be to raise me.”
The girls all laughed at that remark, trying to picture the giant of a man when he was still just a little boy, running around and getting into all kinds of trouble.
As they crossed the threshold of the large wooden gate that arched high into the air, Rose saw a couple walking hand in hand from the barn. A sudden jolt of fear shot down her spine and she realized that she was about to meet the two most important people in Logan’s life. She felt a tremendous urge to look her very best so she turned quickly, faced Emily and asked, “How do I look?”
Emily let go of her hand and brought one up to her chin in a very serious gesture, as if to evaluate the situation with a very critical eye.
Rose waited expectantly for her answer with a worried face.
“You could be wearing a burlap sack and you still would be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen Rose.”
“You are so sweet dear,” Rose kissed her on the forehead. “Thank you. You are no ugly duckling either Emily.”
Emily blushed slightly at the compliment then once again clasped Rose’s hand as they moved forward to meet Logan’s folks.
Even at a distance, Rose was captivated by the tenderness that seemed to surround this older couple. Logan’s father was a very fit older man who was balding slightly. He had the same bright blue eyes as his son did and the same kind of steely resolve was obvious from his upright posture. The clothes he wore were simple and not very colourful so Rose could clearly see where the stoic knight got his practical character. It was the man’s wife that grabbed most of Rose’s attention however. Her long, straight silver hair glistened in the sun like a beacon, only slightly outshone by her lustrous smile. She wore a practical blue dress over her shapely frame with a white apron tied around her waist that was whiter than the snow. She stood nearly half a head taller than her husband and Rose immediately felt like a little orphan girl in her presence.
“Welcome home my son,” she said to Logan as she clasped her slender arms around her son’s waist in a long, firm embrace.
Logan’s companions all stood back and watched the tender moment unfolding before them as he released his dear mother and quickly turned to hug his father in the same manner.
Rose could not help but be deeply touched by the affection shown between the three of them and rather than feeling jealous of Logan’s fortune, she was filled with joy for the great warrior. Seeing such a great love on display gave her hope in the new future she was trying to create in this harsh and unloving world.
“Please, let me introduce you to my companions.” Logan said to his parents as he turned waved the group to come closer.
“You already know the holy Ceric of Ya, the eternal man Gaost.”
The holy man drew back his hood and bowed slightly to the couple. “It is good to see you two once again. I will never forget all you have done for me.”
The couple both bowed in return, showing a great deal of respect for the mighty hand of Ya.
“This is the huntress Jirah. She has been an indispensable guide and a fearsome archer on our journey so far.”
Jirah smiled with her typical crooked grin at the compliment and greeted them warmly.
“The young man is my faithful squire, Jer,” the knight patted the boy firmly on the shoulder.
“Ouch!” Jer winced at the touch. “Careful with those big metal gloves Boss.”
Logan’s parents laughed out loud at the exchange and moved over to greet the young man with firm handshakes.
“He has never really known his own strength dear,” Zinora said with a bright smile.
“This pretty young girl is Emily Katherine,” Logan said, gesturing to her, careful not to inflict the same pain as he had just done on Jer.
“My, aren’t you a pretty little thing,” Zinora said to her, causing Emily to blush furiously. The girl’s embarrassment was only heightened by the couple each giving her a warm embrace, so she said nothing.
“Last but not least, I present to you the holy healer of Ya. The Eternal One has chosen her above all others to be his agent of love and healing in this dying world.” Logan bowed low in front of Rose and his words were said with such a deep and abiding respect that it took her breath away.
Mosan and Zinora stood still without saying a word for a slight moment then they too bowed low in front of Rose.
“Ya be magnified on this glorious day,” Zinora said with a small tear streaming down her cheek. “It is our great pleasure to meet you sister.”
Rose could not think of a single thing to say that would not make her sound stupid, so she chose rather to return the bow and flash her biggest smile at the kind couple.
“These are my parents,” Logan said putting both big arms around them, “Mosan and Zinora.”
Handshakes and hugs were exchanged between everyone for a minute or two before the matron of the farm finally broke up the greetings to invite them all inside.
“Lucky for you all, I have a pig roasting over the fire right now. Let’s all go into the house and we can catch up on things over dinner.”
“Sounds good to me,” Jer piped up. “I am starving like crazy.”
“Hey, make sure you save some for me Jer,” Emily said, socking the young man on the shoulder. “I’m still growing too ya know.”
“Ouch,” Jer responded with a fake whine. “That really hurt Em.”
Zinora let out a high and lilting laugh that lifted everyone’s spirits.
“It’s going to be fun having some young people in my house, even for a bit. And don’t you worry Jer, there is more than enough food for everyone, even Logan.”
Now everyone laughed out loud as Logan put on his best hurt face in response to his mothers teasing. Sounds of laughter continued on as they all followed Logan’s mother into the farm house to spend an evening in happiness and safety.
r /> ***