A stranger

A cold gust of wind raced pass the open door, managing to rustle a set of wind chimes. It only intensified the freezing of Aria and her children’s blood as the green robes and snake facsimile of an embroidered guard came into view. And though no one lost composure the tension in the air grew thick. The guard lowered it’s hood “Ah. Captain Dimitri, Citizen Blake.” The guard bowed in succession it’s hood threatening to cover it’s bald head, both Blake and Dimitri crossed their right hand over their left shoulder in salute. “Well I wont delay such a beautiful reunion!” The guard reached into it’s green coat pulling forth a golden star. “Captain Gaspard’s last commendation.” Aria took the golden star from the guard, the last fading rays of sunshine made it shine for just a moment. “Thank you master guard. And what of my husband’s body?” The guard lifted it’s hood back into place “I’m afraid Lord Hohenlohe has decided to keep the body.” Aria clutched the star in her palm it’s dull edges seeming much sharper now, “and what would the embroidered guard want with my husbands body?” The guard was silent as Aria knew he would be. “Very well, will my husband receive a state funeral when his service is complete?”

“Of course matron Aria I shall see to it personally.” As the guard took another bow it relished in it’s sleight of hand to materialize a dried rebutia flower and balance it on it’s ear. “Oh and you should all be careful of any rumors that come to your ears. The people these days can be such unrepentant gossipers.”