A Trip with Teja

[wheatencrown]

When they first step through the door, they're in the cold of France but Demeter is quiet and then steps and warm air hits them.

They're in the midst of a beautiful vineyard with a cottage visible just through the vines,

"Here we are."

Comments

[ostro_goth]

"It is really summer!" Teja says. He puts down his guitar and backpack, and stretches out his arms.

The tension in his back is already softening -- all that forge-work, worry, and shivering from the cold, falling away!

[wheatencrown]

"Of course it is, we're on the other side of the world. Now come with me, I think you'll like the cottage. It even has a pool and its own little garden. Also we're not too far from the sea."

[ostro_goth]

"How did you find it?" Teja says, piking up his pack and his guitar once more.

It does look truly inviting.

[wheatencrown]

"I have my ways."

Its not too far from the cottage which is painted a lovely warm yellow color and is quite open to the vineyard around it.

The pool is surrounded by a garden full of sweet smelling herbs and a tomato plant is vying with the roses for a trellis.

[ostro_goth]

Teja stands in the sunlight, and stretches, looking at the pool and the plants.

"I would jump straight in..." he muses.

[wheatencrown]

"You'll probably enjoy it more with fewer clothes on. Are you hungry?"

[ostro_goth]

"I would," Teja says, shy about undressing in front of her, even if it is not all the way.

Pause.

"And I am. It was no way that we travelled, but I still fell hungry."

[wheatencrown]

"Then I'll put together some lunch. Pick me a few ripe tomatoes before you swim."

[ostro_goth]

"I will," Teja says, grateful for the allowance she makes for his modesty.

He goes to pick tomatoes, then takes of his clothes, and slides into the pool.

It is delightful, and he drifts in the summer sunlight. All the January darkness is washed away, even though it is still January.

[wheatencrown]

Demeter watches him from the kitchen where she's putting together a simple meal, soon the smell of frying squid drifts out and fried cheese.

Cooking for someone is one of Demeter's favorite things and she's found that on this side of the world, a creamery that makes proper Halloumi.

[ostro_goth]

Teja drifts on his back in the water, content. Now that he is bare and wet, he no longer minds so much what she sees -- not even about the ring in the tender flesh upon the right side of his breast, or that his small loincloth does not cover much.

His hair moves on the ripples of the pool, like seaweed, and he is content by himself.

[wheatencrown]

After a while, she comes out and sets the food on the outdoor table and puts her feet into the water,

"You look better."

[ostro_goth]

Teja paddles to the rim of the pool.

"I feel better, also," he says, leaning with crossed arms and looking up to her.

[wheatencrown]

"I'm glad to hear it. There's food if you're hungry."

She leans down and kisses his forehead, he's seen so much but there are moments when he looks so young.

[ostro_goth]

"I am," he says; and when she has straightened so he won't rise into her face, he pushes himself from the water and stands, dripping.

[wheatencrown]

"You'll find a towel on your chair and I've found some nice local white for us to try."

The meal is simple but ample, Demeter loves feeding those she cares for and Teja has been looking so wane this Winter.

[ostro_goth]

Teja dries himself, then sits, the towel slung over his right shoulder.

He has been feeling wan; and the winter had been making it worse.

He takes his glass, and smiles to her, quietly.

"Hails!"

[wheatencrown]

"Salut. Now eat, my friend. I was thinking that we might later go walking. This country is larger than I'm used to so we might end up finding a lot of things and even end up at the sea."

[ostro_goth]

Teja eats. "Even the big, hopping rabbits large as horses?" he asks.

Almost marvelling at the idea.

[wheatencrown]

"I'm not completely sure. We'll just have to explore to find out."

[ostro_goth]

"We shall do that," Teja says, leaning back and sipping his wine.

The towel covers the side of his chest with the ring; this way, the small oddity will not wake Demeter's curiosity, or distract her.

[wheatencrown]

She already saw it but is going to wait for him to mention it in his own time,

"Yes, you'll find some more modern clothes in the house too."

[ostro_goth]

"That is good," Teja says. "The shirt I wore is modern; Yrael gave it to me when we went to New Orleans so I could hear him play before those that know best about his kind of music. But thank you, nevertheless. It might be good to not wear black, in the warmth."

[wheatencrown]

"No, you'll be far more comfortable in something lighter."

[ostro_goth]

After the meal, Teja goes inside and comes back, after a bit, in khaki pants and a light, pale shirt that covers most of his arms as well as chest and back -- because of the sun.