I can see you now, flowers in your hair, laughing and dancing in a far green country, under a swift sunrise. Your passing is leaving a trail of tears, but I will tell them to smile and remember you instead, because I know this is what you would want. Be happy and rest well my tall friend. I will keep you in my heart always and remember you every time I see a flower.

Your sparkle, in outworldly site, 

Where ends of worlds are waited for,

Joined those in waiting, each one light.

 Untouched by limits they dream more

Of goals beyond what's cruel or kind

Of more joy than one heart can shelter

Of meanings that won't fit one mind 

Of more light than all stars can render.

See you soon on the other side,

For short is any lifetime's flicker,

Let your soul glide on a timeless tide

Into where all, for a while, will linger.

Gasping as the salt spray rushed up from the prow of the craft to greet him, Lornadir cried for the joy of it. He was in his eighteenth summer, oar-strong and keen for the hunt. In his hand he held a great spear aloft, looped with over half a furlong of rope that tied off to a great loggerhead at the boat’s bow. About him in the shifting waters were five similar boats, moving at a steady pace as they shouted encouragement and insults alike between themselves.

With a hand raised to shield her eyes from the unexpectedly bright sun of the early winter’s morning, Hertha watched as her cousin, Thilwend, approached the doors to the Armoury and, with a court nod and a ‘Fair day to you,’ passed on her way to her office. But another, much smaller figure wasn’t far behind the sergeant. Her lightness of step and cheerful expression caused the Smith to smile a little.

The small bedroom was dark, save for a square shaft of sunlight that was falling from on high through the single window. Her stockinged feet were warmed in the golden patch, but the rest of her remained dimly shadowed. 

She had polished the looking-glass that was propped on the long, low dresser. It was leaned against the wall to allow her a view of her face. Within the slightly wobbly reflection, there stood a woman she scarcely recognized.