103 Vhalar, 716
The hens clucked frantically as Lei'lira gathered the eggs. One particularly feisty hen even tried to defend her nest by pecking her hand. Lei'lira was expecting this, though, and she was too quick for the fierce would be mother. She yanked her hand out of the way the moment she saw the hen begin her attack. As a result, instead of stabbing her hand with her beak, the hen grazed the skin between Lei'lira's thumb, and forefinger. Lei'lira yelped as sharp pain seared through her right hand. Blood welled out of the small puncture wound. It wasn't the first time one of the hens had gotten her, and it wouldn't likely be the last. Fortunately, Lei'lira knew how to deal with the minor injury.
"Don't think you've won, you little beast. I'll be back for your eggs in a bit." she muttered as she glared at the hen.
Lei'lira took the eggs she had gathered so far, and headed back to her cottage. Shadow greeted her with a plaintive, wistful sound, clearly begging for attention as she welcomed her back. Once there, she set the eggs in a bowl, she picked up the beautiful cat, and cuddled with her for a few trills. Then she set her down so she could see to her injury.
It was an easy matter to deal with; Lei'lira merely washed it well to make certain that there was no dirt in the small puncture wound. She took her time, making sure she got everything out, knowing that if she didn't, even a small wound like this could get infected. By the time she had finished, it had already stopped bleeding. So with that taken care of, she took her now empty basket, and headed back out to the chicken coop so she could finish gathering the eggs.
The hens are getting awfully feisty, and defensive lately. That wasn't the first time that hen got me, and I'm sure it won't be the last, either. Maybe I should let them keep a batch of eggs soon? I could use some more chickens, and that would mean I wouldn't need to buy them. Lei'lira mused while she worked.
She decided against it, though, after giving the matter some thought. With Zi'da approaching, and Cylus after that, the survival chances of any chicks born now would be far less than if they were to be hatched in Ashan, or Ymiden. It would be better if she waited for a better season, even if it did mean she'd need to buy some full grown hens in the mean time.
After she finished gathering the eggs, she went back inside, and counted them. She had plenty for a good sized breakfast, and a decent surplus in addition to what she needed for herself.
I'm pretty sure I remember Ari Lendon telling me that they were short on eggs these days because a fox managed to get into their chicken coop, and kill several of their hens. Perhaps I could trade some of my eggs for some of her milk? They have more cows than I do, so she can probably spare some. With only one cow, I never seem to have enough milk for everything I need it for. Speaking of cows...
It was time to go milk Daisy. If the poor cow had to wait much longer, she'd be in a lot of pain. Lei'lira headed back out, this time to the barn. Daisy looked up when she approached her with the bucket, and in Lei'lira's mind, the cow looked grateful. Lei'lira took the time to make sure her hands were warm enough, then squatted down to milk Daisy.
I think I'm glad I only have one cow, even if I do need more milk. If I had more, then I'd have to milk them, too.
Milking more than one cow in her current condition was a very daunting thought. A single cow to deal with was hard enough. Her swollen belly made it very difficult to squat down at all. Doing so long enough to milk Daisy was painful, and she often had to stand, and rest for a few bits as she did so. Sometimes more than one rest break was needed to complete the task.
By the time she was finished, Lei'lira's back and knees ached horribly, and she felt light headed from standing and squatting so many times. Part of her really wanted this pregnancy over and done with. The morning sickness, the aches and pains, the inability to sleep, and the fuzziness that seemed to surround her were all very draining. But despite all of that, she dreaded the birth of the child she was carrying. What if Drayas wasn't the father? What if it was obvious that he couldn't be? Drayas would be furious, and that would not bode well for her.
