The players: Callan, Bella, Fearthainn, Edana, Searlait, Calibor and Arthur.
Callan’s emerald eyes stared up at the amethyst sky overhead. The dawn was just about to break and he had left his mates side moments ago to watch the beauty of the sunrise. Allowing all of the air to leave his lungs in a whoosh of air the stallion looked back to the place where Bella slept. It had been roughly two years ago that he bumped into this clumsy but beautiful mare and decided to devote himself to her. Turning his attention back to the sky he reflected on his past and found himself stunned to have the life he did now. Before coming here everything he had had gone up in flame and smoke but now it seemed he was given a second chance. Lowering his head and closing his eyes he attempted to recall the image of his Anela but found only Bella’s face in his memories. Ever since he had met her the world seemed brighter and life more fulfilling. Never did he expect to hear someone say “I love you” again or even hear the words father slip from another’s maw. He was now a proud father of five, another thing he thought impossible. Opening his eyes and gazing out over his homeland he thought of Edana, Fearthainn, Arthur, Searlait and Calibor. One day they would each experience the joy of parenthood and their children and their children’s children and he would be there, watching as his bloodline lived on. Warmth entered his chest beneath the steel armor concealing his heart and a small smile crept over his face.
Beyond him the sun had begun slowly rising over the mountainside, painting the sky with vibrant oranges, pinks and golden hues. No longer was his world cast in shadow, a light had penetrated the seemingly endless black curtain that hung over him. Birds began chirping as the world around them came to life, a world he had taken for granted for many years. Turning about he headed back to where Bella lay, walking quietly so as not to wake her. Stopping before her his eyes traveled over her form taking in her beauty and kind features as though it were the first time he had ever seen her. Looking away from her for a moment he looked to where the three latest additions to their family were curled up together in a pile. No doubt Fearthainn and Edana had stayed out all night doing whatever they normally did. He figured out that females would do what they wanted regardless of what they were told. Now he had another little girl to deal with but he was desperately hoping her brothers would help him out a little. Arthur was definitely a chip off the old block, Searlait and Calibor seemed to be close so the outlook was promising.
Walking silently around Bell a he took his position behind her, laying down to where her back rested against his side. Her warmth and breath calmed him and reinforced the feeling of utter rightness about this situation. Turning his head to once again look at his children he caught sight of the Celtic knots decorating Arthur and Searlait then looked at his own. Both of them wore the mark of the shield, something he had devoted his life to being for all those around him. Inhaling deeply he looked out toward the awakening world once more, realizing that his life was just beginning. Through his children he would experience love, anger, and life all over again. Bella would be his companion for the rest of his life, but something did trouble him. He would not tell her until later but he was incapable of aging and she was not. For now, he wanted to let her enjoy her children, her life and the world around her without thinking of her own mortality.
“Always my love.” He whispered to her quietly.
