Historical Setting, 629 C.E. The creek cottage in the Vosges
In the moonlit night Hannah hears the horses at the door and she comes out to tell Brandell and Gaia to keep quiet so Ana can sleep. Then she sees me here, wrapped in Brandell’s cloak, waiting for him to help me down from the horse. Hannah really means to be her stoic self, but she is so silently and deeply happy to see me, I realize this joyful reunion is not mine alone. Hannah, being Hannah, immediately has an elaborate plan for this revelation of my return. She brings me my night shirt. And now, with my strength returning a bit too slowly Brandell walks with me into the house, and there is Ana still sleeping as though this were simply another night alone for her. I slip into the covers next to her, and Hannah and Gaia and Brandell leave the house with the same stealth they just entered.
Ana is waking now with the streaming moonlight filling the room. I see she is transfigured by these years of worry and waiting, now, with silken white hair, pure white, whiter than any whiteness. All of her life’s joys and sorrows are etched into her face with age. She is still strong as always, and here, in her arms, it is I who may seem frail just now.
There is nothing to say that can’t be said in the morning. So this beautiful night is just warm and tender, fragranced familiar. Would you call that sound an owl’s song? Do owls sing? Even that is the calming for enchanted sleep.
On this new day Ana and I just sit and stare at one another in silence, maybe in awe. I see Ana is still beautiful, and I’m sure she sees however I am. We savor the changes and sameness in this quiet morning, until Hannah arrives with the complete plan for the day. So now we have a plan.
Hannah has a roster of family members who want to talk with me. Haberd has questions and his wife has necessary updates about the farm. Gabe has already sent a bird in response to say he is allowed to come join us for this feast which Hannah has completely arranged. And Greg and Gaillard are in the area now, again they are staying at Luxeuil, so they will be at the family table too.
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 