About time ye two dragged yer carcasses outta bed," Petra said to Lyranda and Lilith as they came down the steps of the wagon, "we've got a lot to do this morning if we're gonna make it to the Darkwoods this afternoon.

Stopping at the bottom of the steps, the two women turned to face their companions.  "We have something to tell you," Lyranda spoke first, "Lilith, please continue."  Frightened by what may happen next, Lilith meekly said, "we, Lyranda and I are in love.  We are ..."  "We are as one," Lyranda spoke up, "one heart, one spirit, one in all things... together.  She fills my life with joy and I want to be by her side until the end of time."

As the other three stood there trying to comprehend what was revealed, Petra began to walk towards the couple, as Lyranda stood her ground, Lilith retreated to her side, afraid of what the dwarf might do next.  "So... let me see if I got this right," Petra addressed the pair, "ye two be in love and are gonna be a couple, now."  After a few more moments of awkward silence, the dwarf continued, "so I guess grandchildren be outta the question?"   Then with a slight lilt in her voice, "ah hells, who am I kidding... wasn't looking forward to changing diapers, any way."  With that, the tense atmosphere of the camp lessened as Cailin and Marren could not help but let out an uneasy chuckle at the woman's remarks.

Turning to the druid, Petra said, "in case ye forgot darlin', it be yer turn to cook breakfast.  Ye know where to find the stuff, get crackin'."  "And you," Petra continued as she pointed at Lilith, "I assume if yer able to set up a camp with yer majiks, ye can break it down as well."  As if a great burden had been lifted from her, Lilith replied with a smile, "yes... yes, I can!"  "Then I suggest ye get yer butt in gear, Sweetcheeks and do it," Petra told the mage in a playfully stern tone, then added, "we ain't got all day."  With her fears now vanquished, Lilith looked at Petra and replied, "right away, ma'am. Consider it done!"  And with a flourish in her step, the mage hurried off to complete her assigned task.  Turning to Cailin and Marren, "and ye two, get the wagons harnessed and ready fer travel while I round up the horses" the dwarf ordered the pair, "well?... just don't stand there with yer jaws draggin' the ground... move!" Still with a look of astonishment on their face, the pair responded to the woman in unison, "yes ma'am!"

As Petra stood there for a few moments watching the group performing the morning's activities, she felt a hand upon her shoulder and heard Lyranda's voice, "thank you."  "Fer what?," the dwarf replied.  "You are a beautiful spirit, Petra Ironbeard," the druid whispered.  Turning toward Lyranda, Petra spoke to the woman, "pffft, whatever...  I need to get those horses rounded up and if I remember correctly, ain't ye got something yer supposed to be doing right now?"  As the dwarf walked toward where the animals were grazing, over her shoulder, she remarked to Lyranda, "by the way, I like me bacon crispy and eggs over easy."

With a small laugh and a smile, Lyranda replied, "as you wish... ... ... grandmother."

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Cailin's Journey - - An Adventure In The Making
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