JOURNEY TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN
James Sheldon
LOVE CONQUERS ALL
Book 1 of 3
Chapter 12
It was the kind of thing one sees in a postcard. The longhouse and wedding hut. The white courtyard between. Wispy pillars of smoke rising from stone chimneys on a gray day. The surrounding forest, bedecked in winter’s coat. The frozen river, a lost highway in a winter wonderland.
Meanwhile in a nearby glade, a flock of goldfinches were holding a concert. Twenty to thirty birds, known as a charm. Perhaps they sang for the river, running silent under a sheet of ice, certain to lift its voice when the glory of spring returned. Perhaps they sang for the newlyweds and the promise of new life. Whatever they sang for, their voices rose to a crescendo and spilt over the courtyard walls, bearing the enchantment of the forest into the dwelling of the humans.
In the courtyard, Jessie’s lone figure could have been mistaken for Laureal at first glance. Dressed in a doeskins and caribou cloak, she had come to check on the honeymooners. On the stoop, she lifted her hand to knock and ask if they would like a late lunch. Pausing instead, she cocked her head and, with a look of uncertainty, put her ear near the door, whereupon she turned around and went back to the longhouse.
“That was quick,” Emma said as Jessie came through the long house door.
“They’re busy,” said Jessie.
With a knowing smile, Mia continued her business at the long table, working to prepare a hide, scraping it extra thin for the making of summer clothes that would be at once light, airy, and resilient.
Emma kept to her sewing work, “We’ll check on them later.”
While the hearth crackled and popped, the three women worked at their long table factory, all the while telling stories of their own honeymoons. Without keeping track of time but having allowed a portion to pass, Jessie decided she would try again to check on the newlyweds. But she had only put down her work when Laureal came through the door.
“Good heavens, child!” Emma cried in shock, “Save some of yourself for later!”
“It’s not like you’re thinking, grandma,” on a beeline to the hearth where she served herself a cup of porridge from the pot.
“I could have brought you that, dear,” said Jessie.
“Thanks mom, but I’m really hungry.”
“What about John? Isn’t he hungry?”
“He’s conked out,” and sipping the stew, “Oh, good grief this is good!” Then pausing, looking over her soup cup at them, “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing dear. We just love you, that’s all. Oh, and for your information, we made that stew special for you and John.”
“Thank you. Thank you for pampering us!” And pausing in thought, “Mom, could you bring some of this to the hut in a few hours, please?”
“Yes dear, I would be happy to.”
Spent though she be, Laureal made for a picture of joy, “I came to share some truly wonderful news!”
“Oh, and what would that be?” asked Emma.
“John has accepted the Great Spirit into his heart!”
“Truly?”
“Yes, well…at least, he kind of said a prayer, and acknowledged the possibility of His existence. And he asked for help, no less!”
The women shared looks of amazement. “This truly is wonderful news!”
“I’ve got to get back,” said Laureal, dumping the last of her stew back in the pot.
“Laureal!” Jessie cried, standing up swiftly, “You know better than that!”
“Oh gosh, Mom. I’m sorry!” exclaimed Laureal, surprised at herself.
“Go get some sleep!” Emma ordered, unable to keep a smile from her face regarding the news about John and the infectious antics of her love-drunk granddaughter.
“Laureal, take my cloak,” said Jessie, bringing it to the girl. “You could catch your death of cold going out in nothing but your doeskins.” And wrapping her cloak around her daughter, she lowered her voice, “You’re going to get some sleep now…right?”
“Yes, mom,” gazing happily at her.
Stepping to the door, Laureal paused to look back at them, “Mom, Grandma, Mia, Noah, Sophie, and Cody also, wherever he is. I love you!”
