It was late summer and the busy market sounds filled the cities busy streets. It was a warm say, the sun had only a few fluffy white clouds to hind behind and a gentle breeze swam through the green trees, which littered the area. Huge horse pulled carts to and from the city walls to the busy shops and cafes, which were located around the city square and busy streets. Children dashed to school playing silly games and singing silly songs as they went. A peaceful blanket lay over the city even though the royal family wasn't in the palace.
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Sabriel yawned. It was early morning and the sun was just poking though a crack in the velvet curtains. She rolled over to the empty space, wondering where Touchstone was. The only company she had was a white cat sleeping on the window seat. She pulled up the blanket and rolled over listening to the sounds outside. Birds calling and water flowing. Sounds that she was not use to hearing.
"Look Mummy's wake" Touchstone said walking in with a giggling Ellimere.
Sabriel smiled up at them, sitting up where she sat leaning against the headrest of the bed. Touchstone sat down next to her placing Ellimere on the bed in between them.
"Good Morning" Touchstone said leaning over towards her, letting there lips meet. "I thought I'd let you have a well deserved lie in."
"Thank you" Sabriel said picking up her daughter who's arms where outstretched wanting a cuddle. She was happy to be away from the busy city life.
"What shall we do today then?" Sabriel asked thinking of an answer herself.
"Well" Touchstone said leaning over to pick up a fallen teddy bear which had founds its way to the floor. "How about a picnic? Make the most of the quiet sunny space outside.
"I think that's a good idea" Sabriel replied.
"Count me out" Mogget yawned, "I'm staying inside.
Sabriel just shock her head at the lazy cat and pulled on her silver dressing gown.
"I'll go and get ready then and met you down there" she said brushing a piece of fallen hair away from Touchstones eyes
"I'll be outside then," he said pulling her close letting their lips meet. Touchstone smiled at her and picked up Ellimere. "Don't take to long" he said opening the door to go and set things up.
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The rain hammered down outside splashing in the river surrounding the Abhorsen's house. A howling wind rustled the trees and hit against the window.
A make shift picnic had been set up in one of the spare rooms; weather outside changed since plans had been made. Yet all three sat happily in front of the glowing fire watching the flickering flames cast shadows on the walls.
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A black cloud loomed over the small village. A wind rattled the shutters and rain hammered on the roofs of the small house. No children filled the streets with their laughter and no busy market had horse pulled carts coming towards it. People shut themselves in their homes, safe from the cold, howling wind, stinging rain and gloomy sky.
Footsteps echoed lightly under the drumming rain, sloshing in to muddy puddles. A cloaked figure staggered up the street, face covered by long messy blond hair. A makeshift bandoleer of bells lay across her chest. She limped down the wet street waiting for night's blanket to fall.
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A/N: Thanks for all the reviews. I start study leave this week so I have more time to type things up.