I spent the rest of the day at Vernon's home. It was a delightful abode and surprisingly clean and tidy. I had somehow thought it would be just a larger version of the fishing shack, but it was far removed. 

The interior was mainly neutral, with a splash of bright colour on soft, plump cushions, seating and drapes at the windows. Some wood carved figurines, birds mostly, lined the mantel above a generous fireplace. All in all, it was a cosy little abode.

Vernon allowed me free reign of his house. He also checked my wounds, courtesy of Effcee's attack earlier that day. There was not much discomfort now, and Vernon confirmed all seemed to be healing nicely.

I looked out the lattice window of his bed chamber and saw the town lighting up. 

Small spheres on strings were wound around the eaves of the buildings, looped through fences and fixed to any structure which the townsfolk could attach them. 

Delicate floating lanterns were pushed out on the lake, their flickering golden light rippling over the water's surface. It was charming, very quaint.

I flinched as Vernon's voice unexpectedly came through from a room where I had heard a lot of splashing, singing (his slightly off-key baritone) and a clattering of items. He appeared in the bed-chamber - his shoulder-length hair darker with still being wet and a towel fastened around his waist. 

I noted a large scar on his side which ran from his right hip to the base of his ribcage. Dana's words echoed in my mind, and I wondered if Vernon had been the poor sap who had tackled the boar which ate the notorious Martie Jainrose's begonias. 

Music: NIL SE'N LA performed by Celtic Women

https://youtu.be/8CgBs3-BlqA

A rather robust, spicy but not entirely unpleasant fragrance drifted from him. "Now raven, you can have run of the house while I'm out, but try not to ... you know, mess all over the place."

I huffily turned my attention back to the street below. Why did some people have such a low opinion of my bowel movements and my ability to control them?

A soft splat on the floor beneath me then answered that very question. 

Vernon gasped. "Oh! Now looky there! Just what I was done telling you not to do!" 

Inwardly, I was ashamed, but I fixed my gaze to the festivities outside and pretended not to notice my inappropriateness. I heard him mopping up my accident, grumbling as he did so. I chanced a sideways look. 

"I'm expecting to have some very pleasant company back here this evening, " he explained, tossing the soiled scrap of cloth into a metal container near the window. He then pointed at my tail. "So, I would appreciate if you point that end out the window at least, should you need to answer the call of nature."

I cawed with indignant odium. I had merely been caught unawares; there really was no need for Vernon to be so vocal about it. We birds did not like our nests soiled, and so I did not deliberately do my business in the fisherman's abode. I shuffled my feathers, slowly stewing with embarrassment.

Vernon then crossed the room to a wardrobe and pulled it open. He mumbled to himself as he took time selecting which items he would wear.

Suddenly he whipped off the towel around his waist and started drying his torso and his hair. A few moments later, he was dressed and ready. I had to admit; he cut quite a handsome figure of a man once he was cleaned up and dressed nicely.

"I'm going to leave this window open for you. No cats can get in here so no need to worry. Just remember what I said now about - you know what." 

And with that, he left. I heard the front door close, and I watched as he headed across the street with a confident stride making his way downhill towards the inn. The sudden quietness of the little house closed in on me.

Looking outside, I saw more people heading towards the inn while others were crossing the lake in small boats to where there were tables set up, laden with food and drinks.  More of those little coloured spheres were draped over makeshift supports that held overhead canvases to keep the tables sheltered. 

There was a definite vibe in the air; a sense of gratitude, community, kinship and general well-being. Curiosity about this 'shindig' had the better of me, so I exited through the open window and flew over the town.

I glided down to land on the signage of the inn. It was an ideal perch from which I could see inside the window and all the festivities. There was much gaiety, music and laughter. 

Vernon stood near the back of the large room, with three ladies around him, one being Amy.  All were smiling and talking to him. I watched with considerable awe when he leaned down and planted his lips on each of theirs. 

He put his arms around their waists and drew them closer. Their faces showed delight, and I could hear their chuckles even from my viewpoint. 

He suddenly broke away with Amy, and I watched as the two of them started swirling and stepping around the floor to the music. The other two ladies soon joined in, and Vernon was cutting a jig with all three. 

It seemed this fisherman was quite a hit with the ladies of Lakeshire. I found myself wondering which one would be his "very pleasant company" later, as I saw him grabbing them by - their behinds! 

As I continued to observe, I realised it seemed highly likely his company would consist of more than just one lady.

Shrieks of laughter came from further along the road towards the east of the town. Couples linking arms made their way to the stone bridge in a celebratory mood, laughter and singing carrying on the air. By all accounts, not everyone wished to cross the lake by boat.

A low growl rose from the bushes below. I scanned the foliage, and there between the leaves, I caught a glimpse of yellow eyes. Effcee. 

I flapped my wings and cawed shrilly. My beak chittered in satisfaction as I witnessed her shoot out from the shrubbery and run towards the stables at the far end of the docks. I knew then; I would not be bothered by her again.

All things and incidents considered, I had survived Lakeshire rather well. I flew back to Vernon's home and perched outside under the eaves, keeping myself concealed and sheltered. 

With one last lingering thought drifting towards the wet-eyed woman, I closed my eyes and wished her a peaceful night under the serene glow of Elune.