SHERRYS PENINSULA, NEAR THE DOCKS | PAST SUNRISE
Away from the business of the waking city, on the soft white sands of the beach that outlined the cove near Sherry’s peninsula, Sarinah lay down in the sand with her legs bent, hands holding two tiny ones to keep Linora’s balance where she sat on her stomach. The youngster babbled her toddler talk whilst giggling at the witch, not at all still as she bounced and wriggled in place.
“Wo chet!” The brunette would exclaim with each bounce, delighted by the peak of laughter from the boisterous child, unable to contain her own laughter at the sweet abandon of it.
“Maybe da should have a turn of this, oes boch?” She said with a giggle, lifting Nora up and off her whilst turning on her side to place her on the threadbare blanket that was spread beneath them. The smaller wick defied any seating arrangements, instead lifting on chubby legs to laugh and make a run for it.
“Oes, I see! Catch her hama!” Sarinah said with a laugh, trusting Tristaan without question to intercede before Linora made it too far from them both. She sat up, dusting sand from her where it had managed to elude the blanket, looking across the beach with a smile.
After all that had happened, all they had weathered, this was the moment of serenity they deserved. It was a moment in time, Sarinah knew this. There was a countdown somewhere, in the hands of Silas Hawke, she was aware. Or with Scarlett. Perfection wouldn’t last, but for the while whether it was pity or fear of each other, the King and Queen had let them enjoy family life.
Further up the beach, the once dancer could see an encampment, small but comfortable. A couple of kints, a fire and some crates to sit on. She’d not yet seen anyone stirring, and couldn’t help but chuckle. Perhaps they were spokes who’d indulged a little to heavily the night before.