EPILOGUE
"Now will you show me what is in the satchel?" Richard asked.
"Yes. And actually, it's called a duffel bag." Michonne explained.
Three weeks into her return, Richard had finally mustered up the courage to ask about the contents of her bag. While he had had many opportunities to do so—they were newlyweds and on their honeymoon—he was still not confident enough, it was foreign to him after all.
It was unheard of for a chieftain to indulge in such a manner. But no one complained. If anyone deserved a bit of happiness, it was Lord Richard. His kinsmen were happy that Michonne was back, for only she held the power to bring him out of his angst.
Michonne was the happiest she'd ever been in her entire life. Richard made her laugh, love hard and there was nothing she couldn't tell him. She didn't fear judgment and she knew with him, she would always be safe.
Richard hauled the heavy bag onto the bed. With much curiosity, he watched Michonne open the bag first by tugging on a small device.
"What is this?" He asked.
Michonne looked at him quizzically and followed his gaze. "Oh! It's a zipper." She explained its uses and allowed him to open and close the bag using the zipper.
"Tis a wonder." He exclaimed.
"If you're in awe over that, I don't know if you can handle the rest." She joked.
Michonne spent the remainder of the evening showing Richard everything she had brought with her. He was shocked, awed, fascinated, confused, and a bit frightened—though she'd never mention that to him.
His emotions ran the full gamut; and Michonne kind of felt bad for him. For a moment he looked like a lost little boy, and she wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him tight. But then he asked a million questions and became excited with each demonstration Michonne gave, and she felt better.
Richard's expression was rather comical when Michonne played him some music on her iPod. His absolute favourites though, were the sweets.
He tasted everything Michonne offered; but he liked nothing better than the Little Debbie oatmeal crème pies. Michonne was so glad she'd packed the entire box. He would at least be able to enjoy twelve of them before he ran out!
"I can't wait to tell our children about the time their father first tasted an oatmeal crème pie!" Michonne teased as she began to pull out the laptop. When Richard didn't respond and wouldn't make eye contact, she looked up at him. His expression said it all.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Michonne, I've never spoken of this to anyone. I am uneasy to have my wife bear children. It is what killed my own mother." He said.
Michonne knew he'd lost his mother during childbirth, but she'd had no idea he had been affected in such a manner. She had often wondered why Richard always pulled out of her before he came. She'd just thought he was very conscientious that way. But it now made sense.
Then a crazy, totally demented thought occurred to her.
Michonne looked at Richard and studied him for a moment. She wanted children, but if she was honest, she was also deathly afraid of giving birth in the 9th century. There was a very large possibility that she could die during childbirth; and without an epidural, she was sure she'd want to die.
"You know, Richard," she said carefully. "There is a way we can have children and eliminate a large part of the worry."
Perplexed, Richard looked at her as he unwrapped a second oatmeal crème pie.
"What way is this?" he asked.
"Well, it would involve digging up the gold box. I mean, if I were to get pregnant, we could use the box to-"
She broke off when Richard interrupted her.
"Nay," he said. "That contraption is a menace and it is better served underground."
"Richard, at least think it over. You have to have an heir... who will we leave our legacy to?" She nearly yelled.
"I'll not hear of it, woman. I have lost you once and will not risk losing you again." Richard stubbornly replied.
"Well see, that's the thing. This time you would come with me. Our health care for a pregnant woman is light-years better. You and I could use the box, get excellent care for the nine months, and once the baby is born, we can come back!"
Richard closed his eyes. It was foolish for them to even have this conversation. But it all sounded so simple, so... feasible.
"I will not say yes; but I will think on it, woman. You bewitch me with your smooth words." Richard grumbled. He hated the fact that she would be able to persuade him into doing what he had long sworn he would never do.
Michonne hugged him and smiled in return. She had no idea if she really wanted to do this; the plan had just popped into her mind. But at least Richard was willing to think it over. That was really all she could ask for. That and asking him to come with her to the future and show him what the world had become.
Maybe one day, she thought to herself.