#helsmyrr

[yarti]

[Anniversary]

[yarti]

The kids had a very special week as well.

On the second day, Snake and Fannah took the pier. Their goal? Fannah’s first fish. Her “very own fish. With no help from nobody else.” She had chosen her outfit specially for the task. A floppy durzog skin hat that we had laying around, her finest green stretchy pants, her softest sweater. A sweater that just so happened to share the color of durzog hide, and lastly her makeshift collar. I’ll never know where she got it in her head that this was proper fishing attire, but once she sets her mind to something there’s no stopping her. Fanar and I left them to their devices to do some shopping. It was to be a big day for him as well. He didn’t know it yet, but today was going to be his first business transaction.

[yarti]

This room has changed little over the long years. I think the curtains are new. Certainly fancier than what I had recalled. The rugs had been replaced a few times. Probably a necessary gesture, in hindsight. The new sheets as well. Perhaps it’s just me, but the bed feels softer each year. The crackle of the fireplace is always the same. A gentle pop. A light crackle, the occasional collapse or splitting of an ashen log. Try as it might, it does little to mask the passion and cheer.

We spend a week here each year. Followed by a brief vacation out of country. Generally to someplace warm. Sometimes we bring the kids along, while other years we had traveled alone. This year, the kids are with us. They have the room just down the hall, all to themselves. I tucked them in after dinner, locking the door behind me. They sleep tight, unaware of the importance of these visits. I think we’ll take them down to the old Mara temple tomorrow. I’m sure Fannah will love it.

-link-