Chrystos Voskrese!

[border_princess]

It is finally Easter and Helen's weeks of preparations have paid off. The kitchen is filled with food for anyone who wants it and Helen is walking around the mansion delivering eggs. Everyone she meets is greeted with a happy "Chrystos Voskrese!" It means "Christ is risen!" in Ukrainian and she isn't expecting anyone to know to say "Voistinnu

Comments

[three_smiles]

"Naverno voskrese, gospodah," says Michael. His arms are quite full of something wrapt up in his leather apron, and he looks at her with a quiet gladness in the familiarity of her actions.

[border_princess]

"Here," she says and hands him his egg with a smile, "This is for you."

[three_smiles]

He manages to take it in one hand, and offers her the bundle of his apron. "I have made a gift for you."

[border_princess]

"For me?" She sounds surprised, but begins to unwrap the bundle.

[three_smiles]

Inside she will find a beautifully crafted pair of leather boots, sturdy and strong and good for walking, but soft and warm within, and worked heavily with blue thread in patterns that will mean something to her.

[border_princess]

Helen is speechless and just stands, tracing the patterns with her fingers for a long time. "Thank you, Michael." She hugs him.

[three_smiles]

He holds her back immediately. "Do they make you glad?"

[border_princess]

"Yes. Very, very glad. Thank you so much. They must have taken such a long time to make."

[three_smiles]

"Two weeks, that is not very long. Simon taught me to make good shoes."

[border_princess]

She smiles. "He taught you very well." And she'll cling a little more, 'cause this week has been rough.

[three_smiles]

He strokes and smooths back her hair. "All is not well, gospodah?"

[border_princess]

"There were deaths."

[three_smiles]

"Of companion people?"

[border_princess]

"Yes. At least one was a companion."

[three_smiles]

He holds her a little closer, comfort in his hands, trying especially hard for her to be soothing. "God directs all things."

[border_princess]

"Yes. And Paul told me they will come back in time."