To wake in a trance of happiness on a wave of contentment and to have that snatched away by a carpet of demons seemingly announced everywhere by an exhausted and terrified sounding Crier. Bitter-sweet, terrifying wonder.

The Queen's precious home, inherited from one so dear, placed under dreadful threat. What an awful way to awake and yet as I faced those dreadful raiders the memory of a voice, a face, a far away look in beautiful eyes as they enjoyed the summer fayre I had carried so long.... though they knocked the life from me, I could bear it.

And I WILL bear it. Whatever it brings.

I woke with a crumpled message in my hand and went straight to fall on my knees and thank the gods for it. As I finished my prayers and opened my eyes I thought I heard their voice echo in my head and around our hall.

Light must always follow darkness. Oh Cory you have flooded my soul with your most brilliant light in the briefest of sweet moments.

Thank you for answering my prayers.