Venibeth Stokes

Family

Venibeth watched the twins running across the yard, trying to keep up with the bigger kids. She laughed merrily as Aiden and Emmaline scurried by, their stubby little legs churning up the dust.

“Now that’s a sound I haven’t heard in a while. It sounds good on you.”

The mage gave her companion a sidelong glance and smiled, “It feels good. Thanks again for taking us in Jacy. I know we really don’t fit the criteria for residents here but I really couldn’t stay in that house anymore.”

“I understand and I don’t think anyone could find fault in allowing the three of you to stay here. Honestly, even if they did I wouldn’t care. You came here in your time of need and that’s basically the service this house provides. It’s a women’s shelter after all.” Jacy replied. She paused for a moment, then continued, “Any idea what you’re going to do? Not that I’m trying to rush you or anything, you stay as long as you need.”

Veni didn’t answer for the longest and Jacy had almost decided she wouldn’t when finally she sighed, “I guess I’ll sell the house. There’s no reason that forge should go unused.” she took a long, shaky breath and let it out slowly, “Maybe I’ll open a tailor shop in town. Do you think Duskwood has enough business to support me and the kids? Should I maybe go to Stormwind instead?”

Jacy frowned, “Stormwind? Do you really want to get that far away from your family?”

The silence stretched between them again until Venibeth spoke, her voice resigned, “That’s the only family I have left.” she said, nodding toward the twins who were merrily chasing the chickens.

“Family’s not just blood Veni. You’ve got Niviene and Bragh. And you’ve got me. There are tons of people here who care for you, we’d do anything for you. If that’s not family I don’t know what is.”

Out in the yard, the twins stopped playing, turning to look at their mother then back at one another. In unison they moved to the porch, climbing up the steps and going to Venibeth, wrapping their little arms around her. The mage pulled them to her in a hug, looking over the pair of dark heads, tears spilling down her cheeks, “Thanks, you have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”