The drought was a disaster. Prices rising, corruption circling, bandits roaming, and orcs lurking. All due to a lack of food. It was eventually decided by a family that as much as they loved Bree, they needed to leave. For the two boys, five and three. As well as the new child growing in the young wife's belly. Eira Blackstone, engaged to Nimraph Bloodcloak, was uncertain and conflicted. Was leaving the right choice? She had fallen asleep in the bed in her husband's library, exhausted, stressed, and hungry. Her feet were on the front pillow, she was huddled on her side with her head at the foot of the bed.
Nimraph had wandered in with a tired expression, pausing and peering as he noted how Eira was laying. He shook his head and moved to try to rearrange her.
Eira, in response, moaned a bit, gasping as she awakens suddenly. Tired, red eyes looked up to Nimraph. She grimaced, "Ugh, mmfph, wha-... that hurts." She was limp in his arms, unmoving, just looking up at him with a face of discomfort.
Nimraph shifted her around to a more comfortable position, "Are… Are you alright?"
The woman groaned, finally lifting a hand to her stomach, "Bloating. Rae told me it's normal. It just kinda hurts putting pressure against myself at the moment." She struggled with a lump in her throat for a moment, swallowing hard. She then asked, "Is everything ready? You sure you don't need help?"
Nimraph leaned down and kissed her gently, "I am sure, things are fine. I sent a few of my armed men ahead hidden in a wagon as a decoy for any brigands."
Eira nodded, "Okay... Do I need to get ready?"
"Recommended, no rush though, take your time, my love."
Eira rested her groggy head against the pillow for a moment, then lifted her arm up, "Help me up? If I don't get up now I'll fall back asleep." She chuckled.
Nimraph chuckled, leaning down to gently help her up, minding her stomach
Eira giggled a bit, kissing his cheek as she stood on her feet. The cold stone floor felt good in the summer heat. She wobbled for a moment, leaning on Nimraph for support. After standing steady, she smiled and nodded to Nimraph, "Thanks. I'll be ready in a bit." She was honestly worried about fitting herself into her travel clothes. Heck, she would invite Nimraph to stay, but she was so self conscious right now. She slowly released her grip and walks towards the dresser.
Nimraph walkd past, resting a hand on her back and kissing her cheek, "Can borrow one of my robes. I will round up the boys... Or, try to."
"Good luck with Briar." Eira leaned into him for a moment, then got down to business, "I should keep clothes for the road. Will be down soon. Thank you though, I may pack some of your robes..."
Nimraph rubbed her back gently and smiled. He headed down stairs to round up the kids... A few moments later, Briar could be heard screaming and giggling as he runs away from his dad.
Eira chuckled, wondering how on earth this more introverted family would be able to handle Briar. She shook her head fondly and slipped on a loose white shirt and yanked on grey pants. Then, she struggled to get her usually skin and bones body into a leather travel jacket. She groaned, leaning against a wall and barely bending over to pull on her boots. How is it that she is already struggling with her clothes? She was only on her first month! She finally pulled her gloves on with ease, wrapping her white cloak around her frame. Then she pulled her bag she packed for herself onto her waist and grabbed her weapons, she headed downstairs. All the while, she still struggled to feel comfortable in this building… It reminded her of darker places from her past.
The library was made of black stone, with a bitterly cold atmosphere. Various trinkets and artifacts lined tables in the corner as she descended the gothic style stairs. The architecture of both fanciful and like prison bars. The stain glass windows and black furniture reminded her all too well of her own father's home. Did she want her child raised in such a ruthless building? She shuddered as she entered the main library. Shelves and shelves of books on forbidden lore and dark histories cluttered the walls. Displays of relics and artifacts were upon neatly cleaned yet sinister tables. In the long, dark library, Nimraph was struggling with his children. Eira leaned against a pole, looking to Nimraph and the boys, "All ready?"
Nimraph held a squirming, giggling Briar; trying desperately to pull the toddler's pants on. Dammon ran to Eira's side. Of course, Eira almost teared up at Dammon's eagerness to see her. She smiles and gently takes his hand.
Nimraph set Briar down, the boy once again starting to take off his pants. Nim threw up his hands, "Listen, I like wearing them as much as you do but work with me here, Briar."
Eira looked over and scoffed, walking over to Briar and pulling his pants back on, "Briar, if you keep your pants on, I can make you blueberry muffins at our summer home." She could only hope she could get the stuff to make blueberry muffins at Michel Delving.
Nimraph grumbled and folded his arms. That was the only thing that made the boy behave. Eira's cooking.
Eira smiled to Briar, buttoning his pants, "Make me proud, honey." She then stood, looking visibly relieved to not be kneeling or sitting. She whispered to Nimraph, "Honestly, I want to take mine off more than him." She then motioned to the boys to leave and headed for the door. Nimraph snorted a little at Eira's comment, following after her and ushering the boys out…
To be continued…
