Family

We settled ourselves on a large, woven rug, sinking comfortably into an assortment of soft cushions. We sat in a loose circle, Mother and Nya on one side of me and Mum and Lin on the other. Directly in front of me were my children.

The meal before us wafted delicious smells, and spices that made my heart ache for simpler times. It was a colourful spread, mostly vegetarian, as my Emerald Licnine family did not eat meat. Despite the absence of meat, no one ever complained, everyone loved berries and Mum seemed to have found some of every type I could think of. I looked over at Clay who was not so subtly licking his lips.

I worried whether there would be enough to satisfy everyone, especially with three boys at the table.

We hadn't had so many young boys allowed to stay with their families for years...

I felt my eyes prickle and I blinked away those tears.