| Before Time Page 10 |
| Music : Flora's Secret |
| There was a peace of soul Bowman couldnae explain, for he had not yet asked for Maire. Yet, he felt sure the mothair would say yes. Every part of her reaction to him said 'Aye'. Yet he dare nae take for granted what had nae been said. |
| The meal finished, his thoughts were to clean up the table and return to unload the cart. Still t'was hard to take his eyes from his beloved, and yes her mother. They were to his eyes, what the meal had been to their nourishment. |
| Instead, his resolve, for once failed him. He didnae know when, nor how, but he fell back upon the bales, and slept the sleep of the weary. Happy, but weary |
| Maire, who's eyes seldom left his, could see he was drifting off to oblivion, and she didnae stop him. How she loved him so. The mothair also noticed and said nothing. |
| She was close to tears and couldnae explain it, for she was a girl of immense inner strength. She turned to her mother, spoke in a choking voice. ' Must we wake him and send him ta home Mothair ? " The mother, just as strong, and just as moved, answered her in a gentle voice 'Nae Maire, we neednae. I have the feel that wherever you are is home fer the Bowman. He'll rest well tanight' Then with a quick light laugh added ' Aye and poppin up in the morn ta cuss us fer letting him tarry ' |
| Mothair picked up some lengths of cloth he had brought in and handed them to Maire. 'Cover yer chosen Maire, for he may feel a night chill. Maire held the cloth to her face and nodded into them. 'Aye mothair, I'll care fer him as he cares fer me. and more |
| The mother felt a contentment too. The fear of loss of Maire was abated. She went to the fire, with a strength that seemed renewed, she added a few of the heavier pieces of wood, ' the fire willnae go out this night ' She whispered to herself. |
| Maire herself was beginning to give into sleep. It had been a long, eventful day and she could stay awake no longer. She lay back... her eyes fixed on HerOwn Bowman asleep. She murmurred softly in a sleep husky voice ' Did you say something Mothair '? " Aye, sleep Maire... sleep. Yer Da always wanted a son too. Now he has one. ' |
| Bowman slept the night trough, nae a muscle twitched, so tired was he . When he awoke in the dawn it was with astonishment and wonder. He wasnae sure where he was, though he felt safe. He didnae understand why he had slept in his clothing. |
| He could smell something cooking. Something he'd nae started. |
| He rose slowly, supported on one elbow, the room was well lit and he saw Maire's mothar at the fire, cooking. Across the way was Maire herself, her eyes fluttered and her glance went right to his. |
| 'If I'm dreamin, may I niver wake ' he spoke half aloud |
| The Weaver woman whirled about, more graceful than she had been or felt in years. 'Are ye hungry in yer dreamin Mr. Bowman ? And will porridge and pears appease ye ? |
| 'Aye Porridge and pears will be a delight, But I fear I am too rudely dressed fer present company. ' |
| ' The clothes donae matter fer now Mr. Bowman. We've matters ta discuss ' She handed him a dish of the porridge, which he immediately feasted upon. He was a bit shamed for he hadnae realized how hungry he was. He tried to slow his eating, he didnae wish to appear liike a barbarian. |
| She watched him eat and smiled a glow of a smile. He seemed to enjoy it so much. He seemed ta savor it the way Maire did when she was a wee girleen fed by her mothair . |
| Hae ye nae had it before Bowman, t'was a favorite of Maire. ' Aye, M'am, I've had it... long ago ' His eyes grew misty and he shook his head to clear it. 'I donnae make it meself, though I enjoy it. MeOwn mothair would make it for me, before..... she went to Tir'N' Og'... |
| The Weaver woman, who didnae weep easily feared the tears would flow. She turned her face and cleared her throat. 'You donnae need ta call me M'am, Mothair will do nicely. |
| 'Now, Bowman, how am I ta pay fer the goods ye've unloaded, and those still in the cart ? |
| 'No, payment is necessary M'am... Mothair ... for I brought them freely, ye didnae ask fer them. |
| The barest of a twinkle lit her eye. Well then will we discuss a very important matter now ? ' |