Wild Berry Meadow one pulls into port

The first and only time she'd ever had wine was in Akashingo. 

Oh, how she missed it.

Sweet and thick upon the tongue, then a long and languorous bliss. Talking idly of nothing; dozing off on the sun-warmed rocks.

All troubles gone—for a while, anyway.

The scent of berry bushes brought Lilitu into the meadow. She nosed at the frost-covered fruits as she passed by, avoiding thorns, wondering how she might create that magic that Pharaoh and his court had once provided. . .

Oh! Lost in her thoughts, she'd nearly come up on the heels of the dark stranger, and backed away quickly. Sorry. Sorry, wasn't trying to pounce on you or anything.

A short, nervous laugh left her lips, which trembled slightly.