He noted the blush and smiled to see her embarrassment. The knowledge of her royal birth hadn't changed her humble modesty.
"What do I tell the boys?" she asked. "Should I tell them the truth?"
"I think they should know. After all, I was younger than they are now when Kewero brought you to us. I've kept your secret all these years. If they know the truth, then they'll understand the need to keep quiet."
She suddenly sobbed. "I want them to still think of me as their Auntie. I don't want to loose that joy."
Leudh pulled her into an embrace. "Don't worry about that, Flin. You’re very much a part of this family. The truth can't change that."
She hugged him tightly and they were quiet for a time. Flindra noticed a chickadee sitting on a branch in a nearby tree. She loved the chickadees since they stayed through the winter, lending their cheerful songs to the emptiness of the snowy world. Looking at the chirping bird gave her a sense of peace and balance. The wild forest and its creatures always made her feel that way. Her heartache started to ease.
"Thank you for listening to me with so much patience and not laughing at my fears," she finally said.
"That's what big brothers are for," he answered with a smile. "Now let's go home. Momma's worried about you."
"Of course." She tucked the crystal under her tunic.
He then took her by the hand, smiled into her eyes, and led her back to the cottage.
No comments:
Post a Comment