The Children

A girl with long blonde hair and a grin snarled by the loss of two of her teeth played with a boy of darker complexion, with tight dark hair and pale blue eyes. They ran, dancing and laughing. Anya perched nearby, concealed in the crux of a tree, watching down through the leaves. Bark and soil mingled with grass in this ballet of innocence. She conducted, setting exuberant motes and music among the children, who embraced it; such things were not unknown in Ysrindil, seat of the Cavaliers. A desire burned in her, faint tears traced wetly down her cheeks.