"I won't be long, love. 'Tis a swift journey, and a small errand. The week's end shall see my home coming." Kashmir, a man of average build and fair looks yet of exceptional height, stood on his front door step. A slight breeze gently pushing his black, smooth hair across his bronzed face. He stood facing the only woman he need know in his life. His wife was a gift from the Gods that defied all reasoning. Beyond the intelligence allowed most human beings, beauty that he believes makes the days longer, loyalty that could cause a hound to doubt his service, and a humor that jackal's would envy. He could endure the curses of his life if she remained his companion.
She smiled at him, her features marred by perfection. "Your Gods that you pursue, will land you in trouble one of these days my husband. Theirs is not a power to take lightly. " As she had warned him countless times before. Kashmir smiled back, "In this, and this only, I consider your thoughts astray. They do so gift us with happiness. "
At this, a look of sadness crossed her eyes as she brought a hand to her belly. "But they do yet curse us in other ways. Forget that not, dear. "
Taking her hands, he comforted her as well as he could. "The fault lies not with you, 'tis I that bear the curse which holds a child from our arms. "
With a kiss on her lips he said, "Perhaps before my trip is through, the God's will have realized that fact. " Returning the smile to her face.
"Then with bated breath it is that I await your return. "
"I must leave with haste then, lest you wait too long to remember. " With another kiss, he released her hands and turned away down his steps and to his horse that awaited his presence at the bottom. The horses saddle was laden with supplies for his journey. Though it was short, it would be taxing for he must travel into the mountains to the west. The arduous trek required ample preparation. Mounting the horse turned towards his wife and returned the wave she bid him farewell with.
Turning on his steed he set off, leaving his wife and his modest country-side home behind him. The sun just barely having risen greeted his skin warmly.
"KASHMIR! "
He barely had time to dismount his horse than he was embraced in a hug unmatched by any bear. Laughing he returned the hug, "John! I had not thought to see you here on this excursion, was it not only a fortnight ago your wife gave birth? "
Breaking their grasp on each other John nodded, "Yes yes, but Sam can well take care of the little bastard. She has had experience in this, you know! " John newborn isn't their first and most likely not their last, for seven others have preceded the most recent. Their love for children keeps the whole lot of them well cared for, however.
Kashmir chuckled, "I suppose your right. Mayhap the two of you could give me some well heeded advice! "
John slapped Kashmir on the shoulder and laughed, "The only advice you need lies here, my friend. In this mountain. " Beyond his now outstretched arm, the whole of the mountainside lie before them. The wind was chill and the white of the snow reflected brightly the sun's midday gaze. It had taken Kashmir merely two days and nights to reach the destination. The remainder of the expedition were not to arrive until the next day. John's early arrival was a welcome surprise. "Of that you are correct, John, I do pray for our success here in the coming days. "
John nodded his agreement, "Shall we begin to set up the camp? We've a lot of work to do before we can set out. We may as well ready the area for the rest of the group. "
Nodding, Kashmir turned back to his horse and began unpacking the required supplies.
