Side Story 05

Side Story 05

Its almost surreal lying in the shade with nothing to do, my belly full and toes wiggling in the grass. The hot summer sun beats down on Sanshu while a cool breeze carries the sweet aroma of flowers and incense, masking the stench of blood and death. Yesterday, I was embroiled in a desperate struggle for survival against the Enemy, the culmination of weeks of travel and toil, and today, Im lazing around, watching my pets climb trees with Lin. Ive checked on the quins and my soldiers, Ive no more supplies to make medicine, weve plenty of bandages and dressings, and we just finished eating lunch.

So what am I supposed to do now?

No matter what other people might think, Im not a workaholic. Id love to be lazy, sit around and read a good book or take a quiet afternoon nap, but ever since I came to this world, Ive been cranked up to eleven. At first, hard work was my coping mechanism, a way to deal with everything Id been through. So long as I became strong, Id never have to worry about being a slave again, so I desperately threw myself into training, keeping busy so I didnt have time to dwell on the past. Its not the healthiest mindset and its gotten me into several dicey situations, but Id like to think Ive taken long strides since. The decisions been made, Im trading sword and shield for mortar and pestle, focusing on herbalism and Healing for awhile, but the transition is proving more difficult than expected.

Problem is, Ive forgotten how to relax. Despite my tired bones and aching injuries, my muscles itch at the thought of training, some tiny part of my brain demanding I work hard and grow stronger, the ever-present fear lingering in my soul. Meditating alone was no good as I found myself stuck in a guilt-infested brooding session while staring at Baledaghs sleeping form. Since theres nothing I can do but wait for him to wake, I tried to keep myself busy, prepping, cleaning, cooking and what not. Unfortunately, in the space of a few hours, Ive run out of things to do.

Mila and Li Song are healing in their room while my lively Lin laughs and plays with Jimjam and Sarankho. Hopping through the branches of the massive Banyan growing in our borrowed courtyard, her chiming laugh fills me with joy and serenity as I watch the wildcats chase after her, little kitten smiles pasted on their faces. Aurie, my sweet cowardly baby, lays mewling on a lower branch, too scared to move as he cries for help, stuck in place once he realized how scary heights can be.

Bored of playing by themselves, Jimjam and Sarankho run down the tree trunk to join us, leaving only the bears and Aurie in the trees. My sweet kitten mewls louder as he watches his siblings gather around me, his eyes wide with fear and envy. Jimjam presses his forehead against my chest and Sarankho flops down for a belly scratch, so I steel my heart and ignore Auries pleading, hoping he comes down on his own. With a contented sigh, Lin adds, See hubby? When youre relaxed, Jimjam is relaxed. Hes broody and nervous just like you. No need to worry.

Leave it to my pure, unblemished Lin to teach kittens how to play. All because of you wifey. Youve been a real help. Thank you. Finally sick of being alone, Aurie hops down from his perch and stumbles over to join us, his rumbling purr going full throttle as he piles in, a massive heaping of fur and love all around me. Enjoying the cuddle time, I sigh and close my eyes, losing myself in the moment. Lins soft, fluffy ears brush against my cheeks, her thick, voluminous fur a delight to behold.

Lin's right, everythings gonna be fine. Baledagh will get better, my kittens and cubs will overcome their instincts with training, and Akanai will handle all the fallout from Sanshu, leaving me to spend my days with my pets and loved ones, going out on rides and hikes, flying kites, building snowmen, and having meals with my family and friends. Good food, good drink, and good company, I couldnt ask for more. No more grasping at strength and power. It's time to kick back and relax.

I've earned it.

Chapter MemeUpdated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m