Exton

It was still dark when Laila awoke. She sat up slowly, letting her eyes adjust to the dim light. As she stands, a smile spreads across her face, remembering the dream she had been having. Her gaze turns to the wreath of flowers, Ramji...the sweetest dreams.... She sighs. It could never be, even if he was interested, Rath would never allow such a thing....

She goes to the table and picking up the flowers brings them close to her face and breathes in the sweet scent. She dresses quickly, the morning air cool, and rubs a bit of Stars ointment on her wrists and hands. Remember me.... 


As she leaves her room her mind is busy making a list of the things that will need to be done today and if there is time she wants to do a few of her chores for tomorrow. That would allow her a little more time at the market if Star shows up. She turns at a soft sighing noise to see the biggest dog she had ever seen in her life standing near the untended garden. She stifles a moment of panic and wanting to run and takes a deep breath. The hound walks casually to her and sniffs, then rubs his big head against her hip. Her eyes open wide as the words come unbidden to her mind, Do not fear the Black Hound... I promise to see you again...

Scratching the hounds head Laila whispers, “So it wasnt a dream? He was really here?” Her eyes scan the treeline, remembering the noise she heard when washing up, then blushing furiously as she wondered if Ramji saw her.

“I have to lock up part of the house for the day and start my chores. Dont eat my cats please.” Laila turns to go into the house and the hell hound saunters back to his spot near the garden, his red eyes never leaving Laila or the house once she went in.