Submission (#4160) Approved

The morning was perfect — the sun shining through the misty haze from the cold night rising from the vegetation. The bright colors of Faerindell were coming to life as the celestial body peeked over the horizon. Amaterasu rose from his slumber feeling rested and felt ignited by the warmth of the rays shining through the window parallel to his position. He kissed his husband on the cheek before slipping out and dressing for the day.

Today was his day off, a day he could settle into things he enjoyed. He needn't cook all day for travelers wandering through wanting a fresh bite to eat before carrying on. Although he loved to cook, there were days he needed to breathe and rest.

Ammy took a small basket of assorted foods with a book stuffed underneath before he stepped from his little home. The garden was flush with variety, the bloom of many flowers colorful in the morning light. The elnin would stop along the way to smell the alluring aromas. He dearly loved the weeping wisteria and the honeysuckle. He could spend all day in the garden, but he started to feel hungry and hurried down the path to the little meadow behind his house so he could lay amongst the tall grass to enjoy himself.

From the basket he took a piece of bread with apple butter and the hardcover book, placing it in his lap as he took a bite. He loved to read on his days off, taking him to far-off places he could no longer venture. He had a life to attend to, settling down into a life he was happy in. Ammy often missed the adventures with his mother, but he knew it was far more worth it to nest in a warm house with the one he loved. He was happy to supply those who did venture out into the world of Eyre with the warmth of food and comfort.

As morning turned into afternoon, he felt himself drift a little into laziness. Sitting back, Ammy would place the book over his face to shield the sun. His mind would swirl with many thoughts, both from the text he just read and the reality that surrounded him. After a little while, he felt himself drift down into a small nap before the book was pried halfway off his forehead.

"Sleeping out here again?" a voice said, a chuckle following quickly after.

"Yes, it feels good to sleep in the sun," he replied, sitting up all the way and turning to face his husband. Narsius shook his head slightly and sat down beside Ammy, nuzzling a nose into his cheek.

"What were you reading?" Narsius picked up the book and glanced at the cover.

"Just a compilation of poems. It's fitting for the time of year." Ammy leaned on him, peering down at the book as Narsius opened the book to view it himself. He casually flipped through pages with his thumb. There was one he stopped on, silently reading before he started to recite the poem out loud.

morning sun anew
warm my soul and my body
I'm cold without you

"A haiku," Ammy said, smiling up at his husband. "A fitting one for this day."

Narsius smiled back, nodding as he turned back to the book and thumbed through the pages again. He would occasionally stop and read the book aloud to Ammy, who was enjoying the company and sweet words. He felt himself dozing again but sat up to prevent a second nap. He'd reach for another piece of bread and butter.

"Looks like you're enjoying yourself today," Narsius said, gently closing the book. "I can go back inside so you can continue to relax."

"That's alright," Ammy replied, packing up the rest of his things into the basket. "I think I was ready to come inside. I wouldn't mind continuing to read with you."

Narsius gave his husband a smile before standing up and offering a hand which Ammy happily accepted. Both would walk the small path, hand in hand, back into the little house they called home.