Navarre

un petit Finale

Etienne stood on the green pastures of his land looking around and at the mountains in the distance that were now capped with snow. Off to the side was the forest and trail that was all too familiar to him. It beckoned him and Tien went over to the well- worn path and followed it knowing it would lead to his beloved hunting lodge where he had been hunting for days. Goliath came prancing down the trail along side him as he made his way to his home away from home. Etienne looked around again at the beauty of nature then finally went in to the lodge to find the hearth lit and some food waiting for him on the table.

Etienne was hungry so he took off his jacket and tossed it to the side and sat at the large table. He could smell the roast venison he had killed that morning as he took his knife and cut a piece and ate it. The taste was unbelievable as he savored every bite and drank the good red wine in his favorite goblet. Tien finished his meal then went over to sit by the fire and relax. He kicked his boots off and put his feet up to warm. The wind was blowing hard now and the massive front door opened and in walked his faithful servant bring along the beginnings of the first snow falling.

“It is beginning to snow out”, stated Oscar as he came in carrying a covered dish. “Helga made this torte for you. She could not wait for your return to the Chateau tomorrow.”

“Thank her for me. The venison you prepared is excellent”, replied Etienne. “Is my wife anxious for my return?”

“She has said nothing to me”, replied Oscar as he put the berry torte down on the table.

“Pour yourself a glass of wine and join me”, exclaimed Tien. “Get warm. I am sure Helga told you all the news in the village. Tell me what is going on.”

Oscar did just that and they spoke for hours on local news and gossip in the small village they were near. He told the younger man about the new people that had come to town. And the new cheese shop that had opened that had over two hundred varieties. Then there was the church that just had a new roof put on. All in all everything was as it should be Etienne thought and he was at peace.

“I think I will go home incase we have a storm tonight. I do not want to get trapped out here when the time is so close” Tien remarked.

“It is just dusk now. We should leave”, suggested Oscar getting up with Etienne following.

Oscar put the fire out in the hearth as Tien cleaned the dishes in a bucket of water that was to the side and after the place was straightened the two men left. The snow was getting harder as they mounted their horses and road down the trail out of the forest covering. They kicked their steeds hard and ran them fast across the meadows and towards Chateau Navarre and finally to its stables. Oscar took Goliath and his own horse to groom and feed as Etienne walked quickly towards the front of his home bursting through the door.

“I am home!” he shouted and then he heard his wife laughing.

“In here, Tien!” she shouted back from the living room then she saw her handsome husband walk in. “I expected you back from hunting tomorrow.”

“It is snowing out so I thought I should come back early” he replied coming over to give her a kiss. “What are you doing?”

“I’m writing a letter to Aunt Helen. I’d like her to spend Christmas with us this year” Terry said. “Then she can see the baby.”

“Good idea! How are you feeling?” he inquired sitting down as Helga brought in a glass of red Bordeaux for him, which took a quick sip. “My new vintage” he stated to Helga who nodded.

“Claude brought over a case today. This is the very first bottle opened”, remarked their housekeeper.

“You and Oscar try it. I would value both your opinion”, he laughed taking another sip but luxuriating in it before swallowing. “Anyway, how are you feeling?”

“Like I’m going to blow up any minute” Terry laughed. “I don’t think I can wait another week, Tien!”

“I cannot either. I am anxious to have our little Claude born” he smiled as he touched her long blond hair. “I hope he has the same color hair as you and your blue eyes.”

“Not likely. He’ll look like you” Terry remarked. “You should go upstairs and change for dinner. Take a bath, too. You smell like what you hunted!”

“I love you subtlety, ma petite! Give me half an hour!” he said getting up. She gave him a “look.” “What is wrong?”

“I’m waiting for a better kiss than the peck you just gave me” she smiled seductively. “I have to have something to go on until we can make love again.”

“Mon pleasure” Tien exclaimed as he sat down again next to her.

Etienne took her in his arms bringing Terry as close as he could. She smiled as he brought his lips to her wiping it off as she returned her own. They felt with that kiss like with all the others that they had been together for eternity, that with that simple touching of lips they would remain in that bliss.

“I will be down in a while”, he finally said against her lips making her smile again.

Etienne went up the stone stairs and to their bedroom taking his well- worn clothes off pieces by piece and throwing them on the floor as he headed for the bathroom. He got in the huge tub and turned the faucet on enjoying the feel of the hot water as it covered his body. Etienne had never felt so good and he felt strong he laughed to himself as he flexed his arm muscles. The washcloth soaked with soap was invigorating as he rubbed it against his skin from his toes to his broad shoulders and neck. He washed his long, black hair and it was silkier from the shampoo Terry had just gotten. Etienne relaxed and closed his eyes thinking about now and the future and how wonderful everything was.

“Etienne! Hurry up!” shouted Terry from the bedroom door. “You’ve been up here forever! Dinner’s ready!”

“I will be down soon!” he shouted back as he got up and grabbed the soft white towel from the rack.

He dried himself then went in to his wardrobe and put on a favorite pair of corduroy pants and a comfortable sweater. Then a pair of cozy socks and shoes and went down stairs back in to the warmth of the living room smiling.

“You look happy!” stated Oscar in passing as he went to answer the bell that rang at the front door.

“I feel happy!” Etienne laughed as he made his way to the dining room finding his beautiful wife seated already.

“All this happiness is contagious!” Terry laughed in return as he gave her cheek a quick kiss.

Tien sat as he always did at the head of the table just as Oscar came in.

“Monsieur, there are two men out front that say they are old friends of yours” he announced. “They look rather well traveled.”

“Well, in that case bring them in then tell Helga to bring two more plates” Tien replied as he took his wine glass and took a first sip. “This Bordeaux is truly my finest work.”

“Your modesty becomes you!” Terry stated. “I wonder who these friends of yours are?”

“Navarre!” he heard an old familiar voice shout as it neared the dining room. “It is I, Imperius! And Mouse!”

The old priest and his young companion came strolling in, indeed looking as Oscar described, well traveled.

“Mon Dieu! Father Imperius!” exclaimed Tien as he shot up from his chair. “It has been so long! And you little Mouse” he said ruffling the young man’s hair. “How are you both?

“Hello, Sir” replied the young man. “We’re fine.”

“Yes, indeed we are better than ever. Mouse and I were both thinking of you when we saw a hawk flying in the air not long ago. We remembered that one you owned” the scraggly old man exclaimed. “So here we are!”

“Ladyhawke” said Mouse.

“She was a good hunter. I was sad when she flew off and never came back!” remarked Etienne as Terry cleared her throat load enough for them to hear. “Excuse me. This is my wife, Terry” he introduced her. “These are two old friends of mine. Father Imperius and this young man we just call Mouse.”

“It’s nice to meet you” smiled Terry. “I’d get up but as you can see I’m carrying some padding.”

“Congratulations, Sir. I always knew you had it in you” Mouse laughed as did the old Priest.

“Please sit down and join us for dinner” said Terry as Helga started to serve the soup. “You’ll love Helga’s cooking” Terry stated and the older woman laughed.

“From the smell of this delicious soup, I will” Imperius remarked as the three men sat down. “I cannot even recall the last time we saw each other Navarre.”

“Nor can I, my friend” stated Tien. “But your timing is perfect! Our baby is due in days. The village Priest has left so you will remain here and Christian our child.”

“It would be my honor. Perhaps I can see about taking over the position. The region around here is beautiful and everyone we have met is so friendly” the Priest responded.

“It is a marvelous place. I often feel like I am in paradise”, exclaimed Etienne as he took Terry’s hand and squeezed it. “And that my wife is an angel!”

“And you’re my angel, Tien” she replied softly and at that Etienne leaned forward and kissed her sweetly as the old Priest and boy looked on smiling.
“Yes! Yes! And Mouse and I are angels, too!” shouted Imperius merrily as he brought his wine glass up for a toast. “Let us toast to being angels! And if this is true, then Navarre is right! We are in Paradise!”

THE END