It was her favorite time of day, which seemed odd since it was that perfect moment when day slipped into night's gentle grasp. Around her the breeze seemed to still, the air seeming to be a tangible veil stretched tautly between the four airts. A blink or two and then time started up again.
The lights from the house painted bright patches over the backyard as Johnny made quick work of splitting some thin kindling wood. The mornings had been frosted as of late, so the fireplace had been cheerily roaring without end to keep the chill beyond the door.
Sianna inhaled deeply, clipping the last of the summer's roses. They would keep nicely until she got a chance to strip the petals and set to making the last batch of rose water. Her fingertips released little puffs of fragrance which sparked memories of her mother... and then her brothers in tandem.
The recent excursions with the Smiths had been a comfort to her. It had been years since she felt as if there were those who belonged to her, or to whom she belonged. Outside of loose associations with other traveling performers or a contract here and there for a specific engagement, she had been alone. Resigned to the fact, it hadn't bothered her then.
It wasn't as if being a part of the Smith clan was a bother, not at all. Johnny, well, he was her heart. And the girls, even when caught up in sisterly bickers were a pure joy. Mamma Smith was kindness itself. It was just the enveloping clan reminded her that she had one of her own... and still did even though they were far apart.
The first evening star glimmered just over the horizon line of the roof, and she started to sing softly, an old prayer she had learned as a wee girl.
Star of twilight, beautiful star,
Gladly I hail thee, shining afar.
Rest from your labors, children of toil,
Night closes o'er ye, rest ye a while.
This is thy greeting, signalled afar,
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Eagerly watching, waiting for thee,
Looks the lone mained o'er th' dark sea.
Soon as thou shinest, soft on th' air,
Borne by thy light breeze, floateth her prayer.
Watch o'er them kindly, home from afar
Light thou their pathway, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
The lights from the house painted bright patches over the backyard as Johnny made quick work of splitting some thin kindling wood. The mornings had been frosted as of late, so the fireplace had been cheerily roaring without end to keep the chill beyond the door.
Sianna inhaled deeply, clipping the last of the summer's roses. They would keep nicely until she got a chance to strip the petals and set to making the last batch of rose water. Her fingertips released little puffs of fragrance which sparked memories of her mother... and then her brothers in tandem.
The recent excursions with the Smiths had been a comfort to her. It had been years since she felt as if there were those who belonged to her, or to whom she belonged. Outside of loose associations with other traveling performers or a contract here and there for a specific engagement, she had been alone. Resigned to the fact, it hadn't bothered her then.
It wasn't as if being a part of the Smith clan was a bother, not at all. Johnny, well, he was her heart. And the girls, even when caught up in sisterly bickers were a pure joy. Mamma Smith was kindness itself. It was just the enveloping clan reminded her that she had one of her own... and still did even though they were far apart.
The first evening star glimmered just over the horizon line of the roof, and she started to sing softly, an old prayer she had learned as a wee girl.
Star of twilight, beautiful star,
Gladly I hail thee, shining afar.
Rest from your labors, children of toil,
Night closes o'er ye, rest ye a while.
This is thy greeting, signalled afar,
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Eagerly watching, waiting for thee,
Looks the lone mained o'er th' dark sea.
Soon as thou shinest, soft on th' air,
Borne by thy light breeze, floateth her prayer.
Watch o'er them kindly, home from afar
Light thou their pathway, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.
Star of twilight, beautiful star.