As Tears Go By Part 1 (rough)

 Dawn sat in the main chamber of her home at Seraph Falls.  She was contemplating the years that led her to this moment. The rebellion in Gildour that had caused her to go to war for the first time. The many battles with the men who would later become the Crusaders. Dietrich’s assassination of the emperor and usurpation of the throne. The betrayal of Earl Cain. The arrival of the people from across the sea. And most recently, the reemergence of the Crusader called Megrim.

Fifteen years, and less than a third of them spent in peace. She thought about her children. Nine all told, and Hilda was carrying another. She dearly loved each of them. Misty, Aurora, Vincent, Alexander, Charles, Aeris, Edward, David, Jacy… She wondered what would happen to them if the turmoil she had lived through should return. Would they be taken care of? She knew that her father did not approve of some of her relationships. She knew, at least, that Hilda’s children, and those that bore the name Valentine would be well taken care of. Bradley would care for his nephew, surely. But what of Jacy? The young boy, who has not yet seen a single winter, is the son of a woman who came across the sea. Sitsi is her name. Dawn cared for her, and her child, the same as she cared for all her children and lovers. But if she should die? What then? Who would care for them?

She turned an eye to the red-haired woman sitting nearby on the floor, plucking a zither and singing softly to herself. “Smiling faces I can see,” she sang, “but not for me…” A sad song, but a happy tune. The woman caught her eye and smiled sadly. “Returned to us, have you?” she said teasingly. “I thought you’d be sitting there lost in thought for hours yet.”

“Autum,” Dawn said softly. “I was thinking about what we’ve been through, over the years, and… what might become of my children.”

Autum nodded, and her face grew very serious. “You worry for your youngest son.” It was not a question. “If the unthinkable should happen to you, I will care for the child, and all of the Ayania, as I have.” Dawn was cheered by this, but Autum’s face remained grave. “You are right to worry, though. I’m afraid that these past years have only been indications of things yet to come. We may once again face wars and conflict.”

Dawn remained silent, and once again she dropped her head and began ruminating on Autum’s words, and whatever thoughts came to her. Autum was neither surprised nor distraught, for she too was thinking of the past.