Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  76620
Title: a book titled 'Tess's Tales: Home at Last'

Mordin saw the light from the lantern in the window first as it faced
outward into the darkness welcoming him home. The endless miles always
seemed to melt away as he soon as he saw the light. It brought a smile to
his face as always. He dug his heels into Shabh and the grey stallion
quickened his pace. A few moments later, the worn path leading the cottage
came into view, but the horse quickly veered away from the path towards the
barn.

Mordin laughed softly to himself "I'm tired too, boy." He dismounted and
saw to the horse's needs with a brisk but affectionate manner.  The horse
nudged against his shoulder as Mordin turned to leave. 

He smiled over his shoulder to briefly say "Tomorrow, you'll be spoiled
beyond reason by the children. Get some sleep, my friend. Pony rides will
likely begin bright and early." He left the barn and headed back to the
cottage's well-worn path to his home's front door.

Mordin whispered the necessary enchantment to unlock the door and turned
the knob. The smell of stew mingled with flowers and lemon soap filled his
nose.  His eyes quickly fell upon the stew pot left simmer over a low fire
and the filled washtub that had been placed by the fire with fresh clothes
folded next to it. He removed his boots and undressed before climbing into
the tub. The water was hot and inviting. 

He sighed realizing that Tess must have enchanted the tub to keep the water
warm. He grabbed the lemon soap and quickly washed away the miles and dirt.
He dressed quickly and gratefully served himself the stew. It was only then
that he noticed the basket of bread left sitting on the table. He took the
chunks of bread and tossed them into the stew before heartily eating all
the bowl's contents. He rose from the table and put the kitchen back to
rights placing the dishes in the sink and dumping the tub's water out into
the side yard before blowing out the flame from the lantern.

He headed up the stairs pausing at the first door on the left and nudged
the door open.  Moonlight shined upon the bed where his son, Tanwyn lay
with his faithful hound Andros curled up next to him. The dog raised his
head upon seeing his master and let out a light chuff. Mordin murmured
softly, "It's alright, Andros. Stay with him and keep watch over him." The
dog shifted slightly before laying his head back down and Mordin closed the
door softly behind himself. 

He walked across the hall and found Katiana's door wide open. His daughter
was laying on the floor near her bed on a pile of pillows and blankets
surrounded by books. Katiana often fell asleep reading but sleeping on the
floor was a new discovery from him. He stepped into the room and walked
over to Katiana shaking his head.  He picked her up and placed her in the
bed covering her with the small mountain of blankets that she preferred
laying her beloved stuffed bear beside her. 

Mordin left the room and headed next door. He paused at the door for moment
listening to the stillness of night before entering the room. The curtains
had been drawn and the room was dark save the low amber from the fireplace.
His eyes fell upon the bed, and he smiled. Tess was asleep curled up with
her hands wrapped around her pregnant belly with her hair spilling over her
shoulders like a fiery flood.  

Mordin climbed into the bed gently to keep from waking her and pulled the
coverlet over himself.  It took only moment before he felt Tess curl up
against him with her face buried in his chest. The scent of Tess's
rosewater soap surrounded him, and he pressed a kiss against her hair. He
felt her stir slightly and he whispered "Shh, it's alright. Rest, my love.
I'm here." before gathering her into his arms and letting restful sleep
over come him at last.