Exton

As the group approaches the Grove of Tears, Inari slows her horse. She knew their mission would take them past here, she just didnt want to think about it. Torin senses her hesitation and pulls his horse in line with hers.

“We can stop if you like. The horses could use a rest and we have made good time.”

Inari nods, silent, not trusting her voice should she speak. She pulls her horse close to the entrance and ties him to a branch. The trees here are tall, blocking the sun. The men welcome the shade after the long ride. As she walks into the Grove she can feel Torins eyes burning a hole in her back. Once in the shelter of the trees the breeze is cool and Inari relaxes. She hasnt been here since the burial, has avoided this place in her travels.

She walks past the large house that belongs to the caretakers of the Grove of Tears. The same family has tended the grove for generations, its members making shrouds, cultivating plants and trees and assisting bereaved families in any way needed. The members of the house also had a genetic predisposition for memory. They knew where every burial was located. There were thousands, but the family knew each location, each name. There were no markers per se, each burial identified by a tree, a plant and occasionally a natural stone.

Inari turns and heads towards the small stream that cuts through the grove. A woman in long white robes approaches her and asks if she needs any assistance.

The woman is tall and fair. Pale skin and almost white blonde hair reminding Inari of Star. Only Stars features are so much more animated and lively while this girls expression could be a study in peace. Inari shakes her head, “I know my way...”

She finds the small red stone surrounded by pansies she had brought from the human realm. They did grow, I wasnt sure if they would... Inari sits on her knees, her hand skimming the tops of the flowers, gently feeling the soft petals against her palm. The stream gurgles happily, the sound taking Inari back to the last time she was here.

When the tears start Inari cant stop. She lowers her head to her knees and sobs, unable to keep the pain at this loss inside any longer. Why? Why did this have to end this way? We were so happy until that day...

Inari wasnt sure how long she sat at the grave. She looks around her, noticing the longer shadows and fading light. Wiping her eyes as she stands she looks down at the red stone, I loved you so much.... Her heart constricts painfully as she reins in her emotions. The grove is a peaceful place but Inari is uncomfortable in a situation that makes her show her feelings so plainly.

As she exits the grove, Torin is watching and sees her wipe the tears from her cheeks. Crying? For who I wonder... but he turns his back as she approaches, not wanting her to think he was spying on her.

Inari takes her horses reins and leads him towards the road. “Lets go, we have wasted enough time.”

Torin signals his men and he gets on his horse. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.”

“Do you need to talk?”

“No.”

Inari mounts up, and Torin behind her, and all he can think is so brave, so lovely - and so alone.