[PYROS - CH1] The Return Home

[Ross Fisher]

Szejmus squatted in the mud. With nought but a few fields between himself and home, he was jittery. Sure, the lads had all broken off and made their ways home. And there was the old place off in the distance. Still, doesn't it pay to be careful now? Many's the time a Varköszi has returned home to be greeted with a light sprinkling of arrows from the feckers who're moving in. Mayhap Szejmus and his kin got the homestead that way in the first place. But that's by the by now isn't it.

There was old Nuadia on the stoop. As good a sign as any that there weren't any unwanted visitors. With all the blarney she gives out, you wouldn't keep her around if you weren't related to her. 

The dog was the first one to spot him. It ran up, yapping and happily waggling it's silly little tail. He reached down and gave its belly a brisk rub. A back leg giggled along. 

The wee-uns were next. Before he had a chance to set his gear down he was mobbed. Didn't they have chores to be getting on with? He lifted little Mikki over a shoulder, and grabbed Eilene in to his side as he strode home. If he didn't move quickly the rest of the little feckers would catch him and weigh him down before he reached the threshold. 

"Oh yes?" called sweet Ainye. "Brigands, is it? And I suppose you think this is a reasonable hour to make an appearance?"

"Ainye, my love! Ain't you a sight for sore eyes!" The heart and the loins both stirred at the sight of her; the disapproving frown and the gorgeous hips both drawing him on. He caught up the little woman and held her in a fierce embrace. Mikki dropped on his head and Eilene damn-near smothered, but they'd both walk it off, probably. 

"Oh no!" Ainye chided him. "You're not- you're not-" but she was giggling too much to get her words out. He set her down quickly, and opened a bag of toys he had carved on the evenings away. 

"Here kids, take these and sod off for half an hour. Give me a chance to remind your mother the strength of my admiration."

"Spirits preserve us," muttered Nuadia as she picked up her spinning and moved off. The kids all scattered, squabbling amongst themselves. And Szejmus turned back to his woman with a mischievous twinkle in his eye...

Edited 3 hours ago by Ross Fisher