Under The Oak Tree

Sanria sighed deeply and leaned her back against the rough bark of the oak that grew in the clan hall. It resembled closely the one where she had first met Thasmudyan, and that seemed ages ago. She could hardly believe that he was back, and yet here she was in the city, away from him.

It had been a long while since she had gone to the cavern, and oddly enough, even longer since she had really heard from Thasmudyan. Normally, if there were such a time in her life that could have been considered normal, he would have at least tried to reach her. Now, however, she heard nothing.

Sanria ran her hand over the parchment that sat on her lap, and pulled a quill from her pack. She tapped the chocobo feather against her chin and set out to write a love note to her husband. After only a few lines, she set the quill down, frustrated that everything she wrote seemed forced and trite. What do you say to a man that you loved long ago, that died and was worm food for nigh eighteen years, who suddenly reappeared and wasn't really himself. Who didn't really seem to mind your not being around, and didn't worry anymore about sending word to you.

Were it not for Emalia, perhaps Sanria would still be at the cavern, getting to know her husband all over again. Sanria let her hand slide to her side. Was he really even her husband still? Were not the vows til death us do part? Sandorin certainly had tried to get her to go out and meet someone to ease her heart - and Thasmudyan was like a brother to him.

The thought disturbed her so deeply, she rose and began pacing. What if Thasmudyan knew this, or thought it, and maybe was avoiding her. Did he, perhaps, not want to be with her since he came back and found her aged looking and on the crazy side? Was it possible?

She walked from the oak, bent on finding Thasmudyan and asking him point blank, but recalled why she was here in the first place. Rumors of her daughter being in the Jihad had reached her ears, and again, she was looking for Emalia. Just quietly - as not to embarrass her daughter as she had in front of Jayden. Sanria didn't want to lose anyone else.

Journal Entry Dated "Tuesday the 16th of Ches"

Based on the weather, I must be nearing the icy wilderness of Mahn Tor. The trees are bent with Ice and finding a decent place to sleep is becoming harder and harder as time goes on. I'm running low on food so I think I will make a quick stop in the city of Mahn Tor to restock. I have a few acquaintances there that should be able to get me what I need.  Hunting has been sparse here in the ice. Most of the animals spend the day hiding from the large bears and snow cats that haunt this area of the wilderness. I’ve only seen a couple of them myself but I have seen the signs of them everywhere. Now to find a suitable place to set up camp for the night and begin the arduous task of finding enough firewood that is not laden in ice to make a fire.