Tranquility wrapped the lawn outside the cottage, bathed under the gentle afternoon sunlight. The breeze blew softly, weaving through the leaves and the flowers.
Rufus lay beneath the tree where Ashrik had placed him earlier, his body arranged carefully. Clusters of wildflowers swayed around him, their colors vivid against the green grass.
Dobby and Ponyo sat on either side of him like sentinels. Their ears and eyes were alert. As they rarely took on such serious watchful roles, neither of them barked.
The giant Pekingeses merely gazed at the stream beyond, as if they understood that unnecessary noise would be disrespectful now.
Inside the cottage, low and steady sounds filled the kitchen. The knife scraped against the wooden board while the water heating in a pot hissed softly.
Ashrik stood at the counter with his sleeves rolled up. He had already changed into another set of clothes.
