For the peoplespalace 12 Prompts of Rahlmas
Title: Solstice
Prompt: Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice was the time of year when the day was at its shortest and the night at its longest. There were rituals and celebrations throughout the Midlands when it occurred, as well as an underlying current of fear. Some rituals sought to compel the sun to return. Some celebrations rejoiced in the certainty that summer was slowly but inexorably on its way back. Other customs acknowledged the worry that no matter how good a harvest, how much grain and how many vegetables had been carefully packed into barns, how much meat was smoked and stored away, that, should the winter persist for too long, that people might starve.
Mord'Sith never worried about such things. Rahl levied taxes of not only money but food and other supplies from all the towns and villages within his reach. Winter could rage an entire year and Rahl and those under his protection would still eat and drink well and dress warmly.
This year, taking shelter in the ruins of an old crofters hut, Cara watched Kahlan stoking the fire and was glad that the solstice was almost upon them. She'd taken the warm temples of the Sisterhood, with their ample food supply, for granted. She wouldn't complain aloud - Mord'Sith did not easily acknowledge discomfort from hunger or cold - but she secretly longed for a warm bath and a plate of freshly roasted chicken.