Before your little hunting expedition, and with the affairs of state in order for now. You hoped that for now, not too many people within the infantile bureaucracy of Greifswald would keel over and die, not for now at least. Communiqués with Rittersbach informed you that at least the bishop, the master of the woodcarver's guild, and some lesser men had already succumbed to the plague.
Father, for his part, had at least partially recovered and now sat solemnly in the courtyard, reading books his servants would bring him, while Mother busied herself with teaching the grandchildren the basics of embroidery.
With there being no more distractions, you and Anastasia set out for a very long and very peaceful hike.
<span class="mu-i"> "It is unfortunate that we are here because of such circumstances; I would have hoped we may have gone here in happier times." </span> You said.
<span class="mu-i"> ''I have prayed for your father's wellbeing; I can only hope it will come back to him soon, dear. But we cannot simply heal him if we so wished,'' </span> said Anastasia.
<span class="mu-i"> "Indeed, let us be off then, and try to put this worrisome thing behind us for the time being." </span> You answered back.
The two of you walked off, arm in arm, on foot, taking all the time in the world to simply appreciate it. The forest itself was good to you, and you spotted two fawns with each other, as well as some songbirds.
Ah, the relief of being left alone with each other. It was like Mithras all over again: no children to watch after, no state or army to manage, just a happy couple, for whom the outside world briefly didn't exist.
<span class="mu-i"> "Do you wish we were more like them?" </span> Anastasia asked. While you were nearing the edge of the forests, you came to see an old farm, where the peasants were busy toiling and working. The simple life, but one with its own hardships and challenges.
<span class="mu-i"> ''Do you know how to sow seeds or how to milk a cow? Neither do I, though I understand the appeal.'' </span> She chuckled at your remark.
And on you went once more, past the great oak that made the road uneven, by the time-worn stone bridge that crossed a bubbling brook. All under the great green canopy that was this wood. Butterflies flew past over the bridge, while in the brook you could see the fish and frogs.
Further still, you came upon a small grove. Tranquil and littered with wildflowers of every form and scent. The two of you paused here for some time, sitting on the grass.
