The Long Voyage Home

by A Therengian Observer

"Home, what lies for me there now?" she wondered for the thousandth time. The longing for the lush fields of her home grew with each Gor-tog's stroke, as her thoughts turned to those loved ones she had left behind. What had happened in her absence? What has become of my dear cousin and his wife, of her young niece? The faces of the guard and her friends flashed into her mind. "How could I have ever left you all?"

She chastised herself, and then remembered the high priests sage advice, "You worry too much of the past, child. Let it go and move on… Your destiny is not for this world dear priestess, but the one you left behind, in Therenborough."

The wind grew stronger as they neared the shore, and as she tucked a strand of her long unruly hair behind her ear, the sapphire wedding ring glinted in the late afternoon sun. It's blue gleam once so full of promise, was now only a reminder of her past folly. Turning the band slowly, she murmured a prayer to Hodierna for strength to face all of her mistakes of the past.

"Lady Galya?" the captain, a kind yet gruff Tog, cleared his throat deferentially. "Welcome home to Therengia," he smiled politely.

Blinking out of her reverie she saw the barge was tied up and off loading passengers and supplies. Smiling optimistically up at him she nodded, her face alit with anticipation.

"I thank you good sir, for the pleasant journey," she said quietly as she curtsied gracefully. Stepping down to the wharf she waved to the captain, and then hurried past the crates and porters, vanishing into the throng on the dock.

The captain whistled as he returned to his wheelhouse. Chuckling, his green skin flushed in happiness as he lifted a tankard of ale in a toast. "May your welcome home be as happy as your smile, my lady. HUZZAH! The Rose of Therenborough returns" he cheered raising the dewy tankard and drinking deeply.