Nimue caught sight of Maric in his shirt sleeves with sweat stains dampening the front and back of the fine linen shirt. The crude mallet he used on the corral was leaned against his leg as he gently removed the parchment from the pigeon’s leg. Nimmie was fairly running toward him to see what bad tidings the missive held.  Relief flooded her as she saw his face relax and a smile come over him.<br/><br/>“My squire comes anon,” he said as she reached his side, hugging him in welcome. He was overflowing with glad tidings so much that he forgot to kiss her as was his custom. She saw the joy in his eyes and was grateful that his beloved squire would soon be reunited with him.<br/><br/>“Will he mind sleeping in the horse’s old place in the cottage? We can put down fresh hay and I can bring blankets from the Tor.” Nimue began planning. She was excited because Maric was and she wanted to make their temporary lodging a home that Maric would be happy to bring his friends home to.<br/><br/>She held his hand as they went back to the cottage, she to tell of her day and he to share his dream of being exonerated by his guild.<br/><br/>“And then the Lady was trying to help the guardian put fresh water in the reflecting pan and little Sadie ran through carrying cuttings. Poor Sadie didn’t see the urn on the floor and suddenly we were engulfed in holly. Water ran over the new tapestry and the guardian shrieked that she had seen a rat. Well, we all knew she had n’t because with the exception of her visions, the guardian is blind.”<br/><br/>Suddenly she turned to Maric and asked,<br/><br/>“The corral will be big enough for Layla to land in, wont it? I would hate for her to feel cut off from your stallion. Oh, Maric, it is so important to be close to the one you love.” Finally she could stand it no longer, but climbed onto his lap and showered him with kisses. Sitting on his lap and being cuddled by this strong man was joy untold.