Chapter 28 - Family Picnic
1643 - Dunnedin, Vanders
The first few days after Wren's birth kept Starrling and Aengus quite busy. It was small wonder that Starrling actually found time to create things out of her soft wool cloths, but create she did. She fashioned a soft sling with many folds that went over one shoulder and across her back, above the opposite hip and across her breast. In this she was able to snug Wren against her while she went about her work, stopping only to nurse the child. It was in this manner that Wren's first few days allowed her the ability to sleep undisturbed against her mother's breast. During her waking hours, she was content to be cuddled by Aengus. He was so enamored with his baby sister and there was no end to his amazement at each of her tiny features. He counted her fingers as they clutched his own large thumb and smiled down upon her in awe. At times he would glance over to Starrling and his heart would mist over with even more love.
Within just a few days, the small family felt up to venturing out from the cottage. Atop Cobweb, a picnic basket carried a bit of lunch. Aengus led the grey draft slowly while Starrling walked beside him, Wren snuggled within the swaddling sling. Suddenly the mother of a newborn and also a thirteen year old boy, she was in a state of ecstatic wonder. They chatted and laughed together on their way, the destination being an area where the small stream that ran near their cottage grew a bit in size and a weeping willow lived beside it. On impulse, she reached out and took Aengus' hand. Although he was quickly becoming a man, she still saw the boy she'd first met months ago. He squeezed her hand, quite content with her gesture and they continued their walk in this manner.
The willow tree was a canopy blocking out all but a few rays of sun, a welcome relief to the summer heat. The family lounged in its shelter, enjoying a simple lunch and a bit of wine from the night of Wren's naming.
"I do think I shall be wanting a trip to the tavern soon," Starrling spoke lazily, watching the babe sleep contentedly.
"I shall be happy to care for Wren if ye wish, Mistress."
"Nay, we both shall accompany ye to the village and visit in the tavern while ye make deliveries," she smiled to Aengus. "And then ye may join us, if ye please? 'Twill be another family outing."
He could not help but grin with each time she included him in her mention of "family" and blushed a bit, ducking his head.
"Aye Mistress, 'twould be grand, that. Ye have surely been missed there."
Wren slept the sleep of wee babes, undisturbed and deep. Not any number of Aengus' kisses upon her cheek and forehead, or her mother's caresses could awaken her until she was ready to eat. Starrling sighed as she watched Aengus bend to the child again and kiss her small fuzzy head.
"She is some wondrous, is she not?"
"Aye."
"But," Starrling chortled, "'twill be some better when she does sleep through the night, aye?" They shared in the laughter of the moment and lay back to enjoy the sounds and sights around them.
Chapter 29 (coming soon)
HOME
