She came out of the house as he approached. "Ohhh, 'Baal! Look at you," she cried reaching out for him. Azdrubaal stopped dead in his tracks, enraptured by the sight of her. She looked like a goddess in the red dress he'd bought for her. Better! But that would go unsaid, as goddesses could be ugly about such things. "Nay! Look at you!" Then he noticed her eyes and face. "Ahhhh, Domna, you been awake all night cryin, haven't you?" he embraced her. "You know what happened." It wasn't a question, but a statement. "I know. Aye. I saw it all last night: the ship burning, and that pirate. The fight...other things." She ran her finger gingerly along the edge of the wound. "I'm so glad you're home." Then it was if she'd suddenly realized what he said. "You know I know? You aren't afraid of me for it, are you?" The concern in her voice was bred of years of Sergius fearing both her for her 'gift'. "I just know," he shrugged. "I could never be afraid of you. I love you too much fer that, woman. Nothin' matters to me but you. However - just for the moment, I need some food, and I need sewed up." He was relieved all around. The dead jackal was just that. Or maybe it was for the Corsican. Aye, that was it. Best of all, she was alright and glad to see him. His words made the darkness that had been with her all night fly away. "You did what you had to. Can't fault you for that. If you hadn't done what you did you wouldn't be here now. Come inside and I'll put some stiches in you." She took his hand and led him into the house. "I kept the stew from last eve warm." "Mmmm, yer a treasure," he smiled, giving her a smack to hurry her along. ***** Dress by HMG on DAZ site: Moroccan Dreams for Victoria. Very nice dress. You know the rest I think! Thanks for coming by and your comments on previous posts! Much appreciated. Stay well, have a fabulous day/evening and smile! Rayvn