Historical Setting, 562 C.E. Gaul
We return to the cottage and Eve, with Margey in her arms is with Daniel and Celeste outside in the place where the garden is at rest, flat earth with a frosting of fresh snow. They made a running path in the snow with their footprints. Tis “D” for Daniel we are told because the “C” for Celeste or the “M” or the “E” would mean one would need to turn around when making a track and the runners would run into one another. They choose the “D” so they could all run in the same direction and Daniel is delighted. It’s his explanation that makes sense of this race in a circle with corners.
“Mama, GraPapa look! We are running in my name!”
Colleta takes Margey into her arms and for that moment, maybe the first time ever Colleta doesn’t just take the baby without a word then step back to make a comfortable distance from the so-called troll. Instead, she stays near Eve to thank her for what she calls, “enchanting the children.”
Eve speaks her concern as we walk back up to her cottage, “Ezra told me you were having a private chat with Colleta because her cousin Jesse plans to speak with you about arranging my troth. Papa, I don’t want to marry a man so near to grief for his wife. Please tell him no! I don’t want to be so alone again as that poor woman was in that cold house where she died. That family has no bond of love. They would’ve sent Colleta off to be alone so far away down here for no other reason except that Ezra didn’t demand a dowry. It’s just her good fortune that Ezra is a kind and thoughtful man. And, of course, it is my good blessing too.
“I’m glad to know your mind Eve. Of course I only want what is good for you. I know you are making your family here of a sister-in-law and a brother and with nieces and little nephew whose name begins with a good letter for a snow path so the whole family can run in one circle.”
(The story continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 