Familiar faces

Alexis smiled, glad that Ekero’s quirky and infectious energy had remained just the same. Giving everyone a little job to do, he also knowingly or unknowingly helped them to alleviate that dark cloud that had been their constant companion just a little.

It was a breather for them all, and gods knew they desperately needed it. She gave her host her soft but heartfelt thanks as she went to retrieve the bread as requested.

It was on her way back to the house when she became aware of Berus’s arrival. She would have asked Ekero to send the young shaman their greetings later, not wanting to draw attention to her group by just presumptuously visiting such a prominent resident of the village.

But she wasn’t all too surprised she wouldn’t have to. The young shaman had long since proven to have a way of knowing things.

So with bread basket still in hand she walked over to Berus, meeting those too-old-for-his-age eyes and bowed respectfully in greeting. She also couldn’t help to give a small smile to his canine companion. The other dog probably was guarding the shaman’s home.

“Greetings, Berus. It is good to see you again.”