Meeting of the guard
Category: Uncategorized

Peony had built a routine as she learned all there was to know about her grandfathers home. Every morning she slept in with her daughter after late nigh feedings, breakfast would be waiting as if some magical elves knew just when she was up. She would prepare Anahi for her day, taking full advantage of her few alert hours together, taking her to see the large family decorated tree, or walks in the gardens that were unlike any others in the world. It was a comfortable routine and after her abandonment she needed the security of it. In the weeks before she had given birth she had learned that being alone was ok, she didnt need anyone but herself to take care of Anahi. And as her baby grew showing more and more personality, starting to smile all the time she knew it was true.

On one of her walks with her daughter around her grandfathers home Peony struggled with getting through an old very heavy door that was swinging shut to firmly as she tried to get the babys pram, where she slept, thought. It would heave back slamming into her bottom, so she stopped trying to kick it back instead wedging herself into the space. Suddenly the door was lifted and she stumbled back, looking back in alarm at the sudden relief of the weight. She was faced with a tall man, dressed like any of her grandfathers guards looking down at her. He didn't look angry or mean, mostly amused and she flushed at him stammering, "Sorry. I mean, thank you, i just couldn't keep the thing open." She pulled Anahi still sleeping through the door and he then let it close behind her. 

"Peony," she said after a moment holding her hand out to him, the other resting on the prams handle. After a beat he did the same, a deep voice muttering, "Lagos." She flashed him a smile, the color calming in her cheeks as she nodded adding with a smile, "Thank you again." She was smiling as she went, feeling his eyes on her back though she didnt turn to catch him watching her. Over the next couple weeks she saw Lagos a few times, though he didnt speak when she was with her family. When she would see him on her own she would say hello by way of his name, and he would return in kind, inclining his head at her. They didnt speak beyond that at first, but every encounter still left Peony with a little smile.

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