Nanowrimo 2021 Day 16 - Word Count and Favorite Bit (Patreon)

While I did not write on Sunday, today I added 2713 words. This brings my total word count to just over 25,000 (25,022, to be exact)!

The sun was only just beginning to rise over the horizon, the stars still dancing at the lavender edge of day. Aysel paid the pale morning light, and the deep cold that came just before the sun showed Its face, no mind as she loaded their provisions into the wagon. She considered leaving It behind now that the children would not be coming with them, but it took the weight off of Sonnak, and she had to admit she felt safer sleeping In the bed of the wagon than she did on the sand.

She hefted a pile of blankets -- freshly cleaned thanks to their hosts -- Into the bed of the wagon, a flash of brown fabric catching her eye. Jesha's stuffed bear had managed to sneak Its way In between the blankets. Aysel plucked It from the pile, turning to the door where the bleary and teary eyes of the children watched them.

"I caught a stowaway," Aysel joked lightly, kneeling before Jesha, bear in hand. "I think Is yours, little one."

"He needs to go with you!" Jesha argued, his trembling bottom lip sticking out in a pout. "He'll keep the witch and bad dreams away."

"If he keeps witches and bad dreams at bay, then I think It's even more Important he stay with you," Aysel said gently. "One should never give away a charm with that much good luck."

"We already have plenty of good luck," Ayfa said defiantly, his arms crossed tightly across his chest. "We have the names you gave us."

Aysel reached out, cupping the back of his head and pulling him close so she could press a kiss to his forehead. "You honor me, k'ohse. Thank you."

She then took Jesha's hand, holding his arm open. She laid the bear In his arm, gently maneuvering his arm so that the littlest one held the bear close to his chest.

"Hold him close when you feel scared," Aysel ordered gently. "He'll trade you that fear for bravery. Promise me."

Jesha launched himself at Aysel, wrapping his arms once more around her neck. "Promise."