Morning finds the royal bed full of bodies. Helen and Sophia have joined Emi, Rufina, Beth and Benny, though they were there before the last two, who had arrived at first light. Emi is on Rufina's left side, with Beth sandwiched between them. Benny is laying on Rufina's stomach. Helen, with Sophia behind her, is nestled on the right.

Shaking her head at the sight, Tilly wakes Emi, "Time to wake, Emi," giving her shoulder a shake.

Emi rolls to her back then sits up on the edge of the bed, yawning. "Morning Tilly."

"Morning Emi. Who was here when you two went to sleep?"

Emi looks over her shoulder at the bodies on the bed. "Just Fina. The children come in just after first light. I'm not sure when the other two arrived."

"We joined you just after midnight." Sophia said quietly, "We wanted to join Fina in her library, to look up some things on the internet." She is looking over Helen's shoulder at Emi.

Tilly shrugs, what ever the internet is, then lights a couple of candles and departs, "See you downstairs."

Emi does her morning toilet, removes the clothes Fina will wear this morning from the wardrobe then moves Benny before waking Fina with a kiss. Sophia has returned to sleep snuggled against Helen, they can sleep for another 50 minutes.

Fina responds to Emi's kiss by returning the kiss. When their lips part, she greets her, "Good morning, love." Emi helps her situp so she can crawl over the children. Once standing Fina gives Emi another kiss and a hug.

As Fina does her morning toilet, Emi states, "Your clothes are ready. Shall I wake everyone at the half hour?"

"Yes, please." Once dressed in the shorts and tunic Emi had laid out, Emi helped me into the the armor. After Emi tightens the straps on the the scale shirt, I descend to the the back courtyard to start training.

When I arrived Kalvin handed me the stave and we started doing spear drills. After 25 minutes we switched to sparing with the staves. Then another quarter hour of spear and shield work. The final quarter hour was devoted to sparing with swords. When we broke for T'ai Chi I was soaking wet and sore all over.

After T'ai Chi, I ask Tilly for a cup of weak wildwood flower tea, to be served with breakfast. Taking the pitchers Emi had brought down earlier, we retired to my rooms for a quick wash up.

Tilly has breakfast served, waiting for us. As we eat we discuss what needs to been done today. Aden will be checking on the threshers and cleaners and arranging for 500 sacks to be sent to the dock. Aaron, Benson and Victor will be aboard the Marigold, making her shipshape and loading the sacks. I ask Sophia and Beth to start cataloging the books in the study. I ask Eliza to copy several sketches I wish to take to Four Rivers. Christina will be keeping Benny busy. Emi and Kalvin will be with me to start with as I visit Bob. Once I have my business with Bob completed we will return to the palace, where I will gather the paperwork to take to Four Rivers. Emi will coordinate what we will need for the trip, packing our baggage.

"Sophia asked if we could go swimming this afternoon. Will we have time to do that?" I remind them.

"It all depends on if a thresher and a cleaner are ready to go this morning." replies Aden.

I hear groans of disappointment. "Tilly, what are you planning for dinner?"

"Soup and Sandwiches."

"Ok, how about this then. We can have dinner on the beach. We can leave for the beach at 950 or so, do a little beach improvement, have dinner then swim a little after dinner. We can return early enough to load our baggage along with the thresher and cleaner that the woodworkers can have the day to assemble. The whole trip is dependant on the availability of a thresher and cleaner, if they aren't ready then the trip is delayed anyway." This cheers them up.

Before Emi and I start on the dishes, I talk to Sophia and Beth to clarify how I would like the books cataloged. Then select the sketches for Eliza to copy, the kick wheel, the wheelbarrow and the scythe cradle.

Finishing the dishes Emi and I head to town to talk to Bob about the bathhouse floor and roof. He agrees to the do both the roof and floor after complaining about the the cement. I inform him the cement is in route and should arrive in less than a week. I also inform him that I will be taking a short trip to the other side of the island in the morning if all goes to plan. I then ask if he has any problems with the remodeling of the house. Other than the lack of cement he is on schedule with the house.

When Emi and I return to the palace, she goes up stairs while I check on Eliza's progress. She has the kick wheel sketch copied. The copy is much better than the original. She is working on the wheelbarrow currently, it too is looking much better. I leave her to it.

Sitting at the desk, I make a list of everything I want to take; both of the apprentice notices, the masters and the apprentices. The forms the apprentices fill out when they apply. The form for the craftsmen to sign in to the program. The contracts for the inn supplied meals, along with the menu list and their recipes. The bug out bag and the safe area proclamations. The order establishing the militia. The three field order with the list of new crops. The sketches that Eliza is copying. A scythe cradle, if available. A kick wheel, again if available. I can check on that right away.

Going back to Helen's workroom I find her busy spinning, her hands and feet moving in a quick rhythm, the spindle on the kick wheel filling quickly. "Helen, is there a kick wheel available, I would like to take one to Four Rivers?"

"I have one, let me finish this spindle and I fetch it for you." Her hands and foot continue at the same pace. Soon the spindle is full. She takes the spindle off the wheel, laying it next to the winder. She goes into the other room, return quickly with the kick wheel. "Will you be bringing it back?"

"Yes, it will be for demonstration purposes and to show the craftsmen in Four Rivers." I look at her, "Would you be available to run to Jason's shop? I would like a scythe cradle to take along, also. And could you deliver the kick wheel and cradle to Aaron at the ship?"

"I can do that. Will you be writing a note to Jason?"

"Yes, I had best. I'll also give you five copper to pay for it. Let me go write the note and get the coins." I head back to the study.

Taking out a sheet of paper, I write the note to Jason, asking for a scythe cradle, if he has one. I sign it. Leaving it on the desk I go to the palace office to get five copper from petty cash. Then returning to the study I write a two part receipt for a cradle. Taking the note, the receipt and the coin I return to Helen, handing them to her, instructing her to complete the receipt if she can get the cradle. She walks back to the front with me, then gives me a hug before biding me goodbye. I return to the study as she heads out the door carrying a basket with the kick wheel in it.

I start gathering the paperwork, making different stacks. I return to the palace office to get a portfolio. This has all the apprentice program material placed in it. The rest is placed in a stack then it all goes in the basket.

I am looking over Eliza's shoulder as she is finishing the cradle sketch when Helen returns. She hands me the receipt, filled out and sign.

"Both the cradle and wheel are aboard the Marigold, Fina. I handed them off to Aaron and he took them out to the ship."

I hug her, "Thank you Helen." She returns to her workroom and more spinning.

When I turn back to Eliza, she is stretching, arms over her head. "I'm finished, Rufina." She hands me the sketches, which I look over closely. They are neat, with sharp lines and clear labeling.

"Very good, Eliza. Thank you." I return to the study, placing the sketches in the basket. Taking out the coin pouch, I count the coins. Humm, I need a few more. Going to the palace office I raid the petty cash, taking one gold coin and half the silver and copper coin, writing Aden a receipt for it, placing it and the one for the cradle in the drawer. After placing the coin in the pouch, the pouch goes back in the basket.

I push back, trying to think of anything else to take along, reviewing what is in the basket. Ah, a list of item that could go in a bug out bag. I start listing things; clothes, food, fire starting materials, personal hygiene items, cooking pots, etc. I divide it into general items, and items for males, females and small children. This is placed in the basket next the proclamation. Not being able to come up with anything else I place the basket to the side.

As I move to the study door Sophia and Beth enter, each carrying a stack of books. "Hi mama Fina. We have these books cataloged, do we have time to do more?"

"My goodness you're quick. You should be able to do few more this morning. If you place those by the shelves I'll put them away while you do more."

They put the two stacks near the shelves then take about a third of a shelf full of books down, dividing them between them before returning to the parlor. The books they brought back each have a slip of paper sticking out the top. These papers have the authors name, the title of the book and a paragraph telling what the book is about. Sitting on the floor, I sort the stacks by subject, making several shorter stacks. I make note of several titles that interest me, so I can read them later.

I have only a few books to go when Emi comes in telling me it's time to go. Reading the slips for the last books I place them in their proper stacks. Once the books are completed Emi helps me to my feet. As we walk up the stairs asks, "What shall we wear today, Fina?"

"Helen has every ones split skirt finished does she not? Those would be perfect for today."

"Yes they would. I'll be right back." she ducks into her room, returning a minute later with a bundle of clothes.

Entering my rooms we help each change out of our tunics into the split skirt and blouse combos we had chosen. The skirts are pleated in such a way that when the wearer is standing or walking they appear to be one piece but are actually pantaloons. We also change to mid calf high stocking as we will be wearing our boots later.

After placing our swimsuits and towels in the basket we go next door to check on the children. Sophia and Christina have yet to change so nodded when they see what Emi and I are wearing. Beth and Benny are ready to go, wearing shorts ,short tunics and their sandals. "Do you have your swimsuits?" I ask them. Beth holds up a basket. Turning to Sophia and Christina, "If you two want to change we can take care of them." They both leave.

As we descend the stairs I ask Benny what he has been doing this morning. He informs me Christina had taught him more letters and numbers and read to him. I then ask Beth how the cataloging of the books was coming. The stack of books they had gotten earlier is a quarter done, they will continue working on it this afternoon after we returned.

We greeting Tilly and Abbey when we reach the kitchen. They are loading the last of the meal into the pannier. I offer to take it out to the west gate while they go change and get their swim wear. They take me up on the offer, leaving to change. Emi hands the the basket she is carrying to Benny then her and I carry the pannier to the backdoor. We change to our boots, then continue on out the west gate.

Tobias, Kalvin and Victor have the horses ready and waiting. The other pannier is ready also, loaded down with tools. The panniers are secured to the harness as the other appear by ones and twos. Molly, Christina and Abbey are dressed in tunics and shorts, Sophia, Helen and Eliza are in split skirts. Tilly and Mabel are dressed in knee length skirts and blouse combos.

Once we all arrive we mount up, after hanging our baskets over the flanks of our horses. Kalvin leads us out over the draw bridge, the rest of us riding in pairs, Tobias leading the pack horse then Victor trailing as rear guard. As we ride through town the people bow their heads to us, greeting us. We wave in return. I can see a few of the women staring at our outfits with longing. Once we cross the bridge to the west of town, I start telling them of what I plan to do this afternoon.

As we ride down the hill to the beach I say into Beth's ear, "Will you help Christina keep an eye on your brother, please?"

She nods, "Yes, Mama Fina." I give her a squeeze.

After we come to a stop near the treeline, Aaron hands Benny to the ground then swings himself down. Handing the reins to Benny he comes over and helps Beth down, then assist me. Meanwhile Aden, Kalvin, Benson and Victor are helping the others to dismount. After removing the panniers they lead the horses in to the woods a short distance, tying each close to forage. Abbey and Tilly take the pannier loaded with the food to the fire pit and begin preparations for dinner.

Everyone else gathers around me. "All right, as we discussed earlier, we will been building a paddock for the horses and improving the seating area. Aaron, if you and the other men will go gather some poles to build the paddock with, the ladies and I will work on the seating area. Tilly, how long will it take to prepare dinner?"

"About an hour, your majesty." She already has a fire going.

"You heard her, an hour. We will work for an hour then have dinner then nice long swim. All right, let's do this." I clap my hands. The guys pull the tools out of the pannier, laying them out on the ground. Taking the axes the four of them head into the trees. Kalvin and Victor taking up positions near the treeline. Christina takes Beth and Benny to the cabana to change into their swim suits, while the rest of us take up shovels, hoes and baskets. We move to the area between the cabanas and the fire pit where we start moving rocks and detritus. The wood is piled a few steps from the fire pit, the rocks are piled nearby, the rest is taken to a spot out of sight in the woods. I should probably get some heavy planks to make benches for us to sit on. An image comes to mind, a circle of simple low benches around a fire pit, happy people sitting singing and laughing.

I look at the area we are working in. Yes, the pit there, the benches back about eight feet. I take the shovel to the spot I imagine the pit to be and start digging, placing the sand in a basket. When I nearly have the basket full I call to Emi and Helen to come dump it. I point to where I wish it dumped. 'Sophia, come help me dig.' 'What are we digging?' I send her an image of the circle of benches surrounding a sunken fire pit. 'Oh, I like it.' She calls everyone to her, asking them all to clasp hands, she sends us all the image. We are soon digging and hauling the sand to the outer edge. We are about half finished when Tilly bangs a pan with a spoon, yelling that dinner is in ten minutes.

We head toward the privy, where Abbey is standing, holding a pitcher, a bucket near her feet. We take turns at the basin, wetting and soaping our hands and arms, scrubbing the dirt off. Then Abbey pours water over them rinsing them off. Christina, Benny and Beth hand us towels. The guys start walking from the woods, axes on one shoulder, shirts on the other. All four of them are trim and fit. Tobias is well muscled though his age shows. The other three aren't as well defined, but still trim, no jelly rolls on any of them. They lay the axes next to the pannier, then start washing. I am not the only one giving them a look, Helen has her eyes on Benson, Eliza is blushing, Emi has a smile on her face as does Molly. Sophia is looking at all of us, a knowing smile on her lips.

Kalvin and Victor join the guys. At some point they have removed their armor, so are in tunics and breeches though they are still armed. Both are slim hipped, broad shouldered with muscular arms. Eliza now has eyes for Kalvin only and is even redder than before. And I don't blame her, Kalvin is nice to look at, though I keep glancing at Aaron. He is no where finely defined as Kalvin nor as tall, but still...

I shake myself then turn to the cook fire. Dinner is ready and I am hungry.

Walking up to Tilly and the cook pot, I take a deep breath. Humm, smell so good. She has a stack of plates and bowls sitting on the ground nearby. I pickup one of each, along with a spoon. "Is it ready, Tilly?"

"It is, hold out your plate and bowl, please." Holding out my plate and bowl, she ladles soup into the bowl, dipping from deep in the pot. Diced vegetables and chunks of meat in a dark brown broth, molten fat shining on the surface. Laying the ladle down, she hands me a two half sandwiches, thin slices of pork, lettuce with mustard and mayo.

"Thank you, Tilly. It looks delicious." Taking my food I move to the side, seeking a place to sit. I move to the treeline, intent on sitting in the shade. I drop in to a crossed leg pose in the shade of a tree my plate in my lap. Dipping a spoon full of soup, I blow on it then sip it into my mouth. Sighing in contentment, I take another spoon full, getting some vegetables and meat this time. Yumm. Taking a bite of sandwich, chewing, the bread is fresh, the meat tender, the lettuce crisp.

Emi then Sophia sit next to me. Beth, Benny and Christina soon join us. Soon everyone is sitting nearby, sipping their soup, nibbling on their sandwich. Eliza and Kalvin are sitting side by side, legs touching. Benson and Helen are sitting facing each other knees touching. Aden and Aaron are sitting behind Emi and I, backs toward us. I can feel Aaron behind me. When I finish eating, I lean back on my arms and gaze up into the branches of the tree. I can hear birds chirping above me.

"Warblers." Aaron states. I roll my eyes up, looking behind me. He inches from me, his head cocked, listening to the birds.

Glancing at Aden I see he is nearly finished. "Aden, would you order some planks, eight feet long by 10 to 15 inches wide, to use as bench seats, six of them. They can be the first cuts off the logs, the parts with the bark on them."

"I'm not sure I know what you mean, your majesty." He turns, a confused look on his face.

I think an image to Sophia, who reaches out, touching Aden. "Oh, I see. If I can't get those will straight cut planks work?"

"Yes, I was thinking the outer cuts would work better and are usually waste." I think another image to Sophia, who again touches Aden's hand.

"Ah, I see." I had shown how the curve of the plank would sit between supporting stones easily without rolling. "I'll talk to Alton later.

"How is the paddock coming along?"

"We chopped enough trees down, I think, to inclose a sixteen by twenty measure paddock. They need the limbs removed yet but they are down. Shall we wait until we come to swim again or have some workmen come finish it?"

"Let's wait and do it ourselves, we will be swimming again in a week, I'm sure." I look around, some are still eating. Laying my dishes to the side I stand. Walking over to the cooking area, I pickup the bucket. Returning to the where I was sitting I ask, "Aaron, will you accompany me to fetch some fresh water?"

He lays his dishes down and stands. Coming to my side he takes hold of the bucket handle and we start walking to the stream at the far end of the inlet. We are silent for about fifty feet then he asks what we are building in the seating area.

I start telling him my idea for the fire pit and seating around it. He is nodding.

When we reach the stream, I remove my boots and stockings then wade out to mid stream, fill the bucket then return. Slipping my boots back on, we both take hold of the handle then return to the cooking area. Tilly is waiting, having placed the leftover soup in a jug, she tells me to fill the pot to almost full. We pour about half the bucket into the pot which Tilly places on the fire. Walking over to Emi, I pickup mine and Aaron's dishes.

Looking around the area, "Tilly, how large of a table will you need here to cook on?" I place the dishes down next to the bucket, waiting for the water to get hot. The others start laying their dishes with mine then going to change to their swimsuits.

"I would need a table about this wide by your height long to here high." She hold her hands about thirty inches apart then to her waist. "And a smaller, short one to hold the wash water."

The water is starting to steam, I stick my little finger in, oww, it's hot. Removing the pot from the fire, I sit it next to the bucket. Tilly shaves some soap into the pot, giving it a stir with the ladle. I start placing plates in the pot, as many as I can. Waiting a little while for the water to cool so I can pull the plates out without burning my fingers. Tilly hands me a cloth which I dip in the bucket then start pulling plates out, giving them a wipe front and back then putting them in the bucket. Tilly hands Aaron a towel. He takes the hint and start removing plates from the bucket, wiping them dry. Tilly places a basket so he can put the plates in it. When I have a few plates left I put the spoons in the pot before continuing the plates. When the last plate is in the bucket the bowls go into the pot to soak as I wash the spoons. Aaron and I soon have the dishes cleaned and in the basket. Tilly has been packing the supplies in the pannier as we wash the dishes. The basket of dishes followed by the pot, which is the last things to go in the pannier.

"Thank you, you two." She says as she gives us a hug.

"And thank you for a wonderful meal. Now go put your swimsuit on and relax for a while." I give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

I sit on the sand, removing my boots, waiting for Tilly to change. I remove my stocking from my pocket where I placed them after wading in the cheek, placing them in my boots. Emi had given me the basket with my swimsuit in it earlier after she had changed. Aaron is seated nearby, waiting. He has removed his boots and stockings also, and has shed his shirt. I couldn't keep myself from peeking at him. I was fantasizing about running my hands over his chest, curling my fingers in his chest hair when Tilly exited the cabana. As Aaron entered one side, Abbey exited the other.

I picked up my basket and entered the cabana. After quickly changing to my swimsuit I exited the cabana. As I wait for Aaron I placed my basket with the others. There is a slight breeze blowing which feels wonderful in contrast to the hot sun. The others are either laying on the beach, soaking in the sun or splashing about in the water. Beth and Benny are splashing water at each other under the watchful eyes of Christina and Molly. Abbey and Tilly have joined Tobias, Aden and Victor in the water, while Eliza and Kalvin are laying next to each other on the sand. Sophia, Helen, Benson and Emi are on the cliff on the other side of the inlet diving from the cliff face. Emi is still not jumping from the high spot.

As I am looking to see where everyone is when Aaron leaves the cabana. On seeing me he stops, turns bright red, then dashes to the water, getting out over waist deep before turning around. Hearing his steps on the sand I see his fine back side and legs running into the water. His is not a weight lifter's body but a gymnast's, lean and toned. I slowly follow him, arm over my breasts to cover the signs of my arousal. When I am thigh deep I dive, swimming just above the sand. I can see him standing there as I pass him. I need to calm down so keep swimming. The water temperature drops, I am in deep water. I surface. Treading water I look around. He is still standing there, head turning, like he is searching for something. I start crawling towards him. I am less than a body length from him when he hears me splashing toward him.

We stand facing each other. He is blushing and I may be too. I can barely hear his whispered "Fina". We each take a step toward each other. I can hear his breathing. My nipples are hard, sticking out, tenting my swimsuit. He blushes even redder. We turn away from each other at the same time.

"Will you teach me to swim like that?" He stammers.

"If you show me how you swim first." I answer.

"Very well." I hear him splashing behind me. I turn to see him dog paddling toward me. Just like Emi. I smile at him.

"All right that is enough. First I'll show you how to float." I have him stand back to me, then lay back. I try to avoid looking at his trunks but do get a glimpse, there is a large tent there. Eyes up here, Fina. Standing to his side I place my hand in the middle of his back, pushing upward gently. "Head back, chest out. The least dense part of your body is your chest, so make it ride highest in the water. Now gently kick your legs, feet pointed down. Move your hands back and forth gently. He starts move away, so I start stroking beside him, keeping my finger in his back.

"To change direction, stop the hand on the side you want to turn to and speed up the other." He starts to lift his head. "DON'T LOOK AT ME. Head back, look at the sky. If you raise your head you WILL sink. And we are now in deep water. Let's turn back to the beach." I reach down, touching his hand, "Stop this hand." He slow turns around me. "I am going to take my hand off your back, I want you to kick a little harder and move your hands faster when I do. And keep looking at the sky." I move my hand. He speeds away. I crawl after.

Getting in front of him, I stop. We are now in water up to my shoulders. He goes by me, "Hey Aaron." I yell. He reflexively looks at me and sinks like a stone. I reached him, helping him get his feet under him. "And that is why you keep your head back. Do you know why I brought you back to shallow water before I did that?"

"So I could stand I assume."

"Partially, we are in shallow water so I can be on solid ground when I help you. If you had panicked, you could drowned us both. Drowning people try to climb their rescuers, pushing both under water. So never, never grab on to someone while swimming."

"We will now do more back floating, but parallel to the shore." I move so the shore is on my left with Aaron facing me. "All right, lay back, chest out, head back." He starts moving away. I side stroke next to him. After we travel a hundred feet I have him stop. I then show him the back stroke arm movements. We practice them awhile then we do the back stroke. When we are beyond where we started I guild him to the beach as I can see he is tiring.

Eliza and Kalvin have disappeared, into the woods, I assume. We lay on the sand, relaxing, catching our breath. The divers are still going strong. Beth is laying on the sand next to Molly, Christina and Benny are splashing about yet. The others are laying on the sand a short distance away. I lay face down, head turned to the face Aaron who is turned toward me.

"You did well, Aaron." I smile at him.

"Thank you, Rufina." His eyes close. Soon he is snoring. I knew he was tired.

I lay there staring at his face, longing to kiss him. The longer I lay there the more aroused I become. I stand, walking toward the privy, walking past it I entered the woods, going fifty feet or so. Stopping next to tree, my hand starts rubbing my nubbin through my panties. The other pinches my nipples. Soon my hand is in my panties, rubbing , probing. I am soon on the ground, both hands rubbing and probing. I finally go over the edge, shuddering. I adjust my clothes as I lay there catching my breath. I return to the beach. Glancing at the sky, it's getting late, we need to return to the town, to check on the machines. But first a quick dip to clean up.

Entering the water I swim toward the closed end of the inlet, then return. On the way back I yell at the divers that it's time to return to the palace. They start swimming toward the other side. I roll to my back, floating. Emi passes me, then Sophia. Benson and Helen are swimming slowly, finally passing me. They are waiting for me as I stand and walk the last ten or so feet to the beach. "I'll wake Aaron if you let everyone else know it's time."

I walk over to Aaron. Kneeling beside him I stroke his cheek, "Aaron, time to wake up." He moans. "Aaron." A little louder. He turns his head. I lean down and lick his ear, "Aaron, wake up." in a normal voice, right in his ear. He starts, pushing up to his hands and knees, bang our head together. He collapses, face first into the sand.

"Ow" I grab my head.

He turns toward me, "Sorry, you startled me. You all right?"

"Just a bump on the forehead. It's time to return to the palace." I stand, offering him a hand.

I do a quick head count, there are two missing. "Cover your ears, Aaron."

He does, as I place two fingers in my mouth and blow, producing a sharp loud whistle. Everyone turns to stare at me. As Aaron and I walk toward everyone I say, "Calling our two love birds." Several people look around, while others nod. "Victor, go change out of your swimsuit, so you have time to put your armor back on. The rest of the guys next so they can get the horses ready."

Victor ducks into one of the cabanas, Tobias the other. Soon the guys are changed, heading toward the horses. Eliza and Kalvin come out of the trees, hand in hand, to catcalls. They both blush but don't drop the others hand. Kalvin leads them to the cabana, finally releasing Eliza's hand just before going in.

I walk over to Christina and the children, "Did you have fun to day?"

Benny, being his normal exuberant self, hugs me, saying, "Sure did, Mama. Can we do this more?"

"I don't see why not." As I hug him back.

Beth moves to my side, hugging me one armed. I pull her close,"Did you get to swim, Beth?" She nods.

"Thank you for watching them Christina. Did you get to swim?"

"Molly watched them for a few minutes so I could, but we had a good time playing in the water." She smiles.

"Christina, will you change Benny, I'll take care of Beth." She nods, taking Benny by the hand and heads to the cabanas to get in line. I look down at Beth, who has her face pressed into me. I kneel, so I can look Beth in the eyes. "What's the matter, sweetie?" There are tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I miss mama and papa. We used to do this, go down and play in the sea. Benny is too little to remember but I do. Papa would catch fish in a net, while Mama and I would walk on the sand." I sat down in a cross legged position, pulling her into my lap facing me. She hugged me tight as I hugged her. I let her cry, it has only been eleven days after all. As I thought of her loss, I remembered my own, though mine are still alive, I am separated from them. We sit there in each others arms, crying.

This is where Emi and Sophia find us. They hug us both. 'Why are you crying, dear one?' 'Remembering the our lost loved ones.' As I send that, I send her images of mother, father, sister, my nieces, and my grandparents. She hugs me tighter.

I'm not sure how long the four of us sat there hugging each other but the rest of them were changed and ready to go when Sophia whispered in my ear, "They are waiting on you, dear, so dry your tears and go change." They help me to my feet, with Beth still wrapped around my middle. They lead us to the cabana, Emi laid our baskets of clothes inside then closed the flap.

Sitting on the bench at the back I wipe my tears, then lift Beth's face. Her tears are still falling though not as many as there were. I wipe her cheeks, "Sweetie, our mamas and papas are gone from us. It hurts. Oh, how it hurts. But we have responsibilities to the living also. So dry your tears, brave girl."

"Mama Fina lost her mama and papa too?" I nod.

"You know I am a reincarnate?" She nods. "Before I came here, I lived in a different place, my family is still there, my mama and papa, my big sister, her girls and my grandparents. And I miss them as much as you miss your mama and papa. Everything dies in time, but to lose loved ones suddenly like we did hurts worse because we are unprepared."

I am removing her swimsuit as I talk. Opening the baskets, I find her clothes which I hand to her. As she puts her clothes on she asks, "Will it always hurt like this?"

"No, sweetie. As time goes on the pain will decrease to be replaced by sadness and longing for those that are gone. We will always miss our parents, they are our foundation, the ones who molded us into who we become. It's normal and proper to feel pain that they are gone but remember we have others that need us and love us, Benny, Emi, Sophia, Christina, Tilly, Aden, they all love us. Our mamas and papas will be missed but we must not forget our other loved ones." I slip her tunic over her head, adjusting it. She smiles at me, then hugs me.

"I love you, Mama Fina."

"I love you too, sweetie. Now, put your sandals on." She sits on the bench, slipping her sandals on as I remove my suit. Getting out my underwear I start dressing.

As I am putting on my bra, Beth asks, "When can I have some underwear like that?"

"Like this?" I touch my bra. She nods. "It will be a few years before you'll need a bra, sweetie. Auntie Helen can make you some nice panties now if you want some."

"When will I get breasts?"

I sit beside her, "Like I said, in a few years. You will grow some more in the meantime, becoming as tall or taller than me. Then your body will start to change. Your breasts will grow, hair will start growing under your arms and on your crotch. Other changes will take place." I hug her to my side, "Don't be in a hurry to grow up, sweetie, enjoy being a child for a while longer. When you get older you will miss this time of freedom."

"Fina, is there a problem?" Asks Emi from outside the cabana.

"No problem, Emi. Just talking to Beth about things. We'll be out in a few more minutes."

Slipping on my split skirt then standing to pull it up. Sitting again to put on my stockings and boots. Taking my blouse from the basket, I slip it on, fastening the frogs. Putting my suit in the basket, then checking if I have everything, I say to Beth, "Ready to go home?" She nods.

Opening the flap, I let her proceed me out. The others are mounted, ready to go. Kalvin is standing by my horse. He helps first me then Beth up, then mounts himself. Victor leads us down the beach, towards the trail, the others falling in behind. Beth and I end up near the middle, between Aaron in front and Emi behind.

About half way to the palace, Aden drops back, "Your majesty, will you accompany me to town to check on the machines?"

"I will. Did the sacks get loaded this morning?"

"Yes, they did. All that needs to be loaded is the personal luggage and the machines."

"All right. Emi."

"Yes, Fina." She rides up beside me as Aden rides up along side Aaron.

"Will you make sure the swimsuits are rinsed and put out to dry. I would like two pair of shorts, two mid length tunics, a blouse and a skirt, and a pair of anklets, two pair of boot height stockings and my slippers packed. Plus undergarments for two days. And the same for the children. Let Sophia know what to pack, also. Beth, will you help Emi with the packing, please." She nods.

"I will do that, Fina."

We have reached the palace. Aaron, Aden, Victor and Kalvin remain mounted as the rest of us dismount. Tobias and Benson take the horses to the stable after taking the panniers down. The one with the remains of dinner is taken in to the kitchen and the other to the stable. The others go into the palace, to pack and to their normal work. I remount then turn to Aden. Kalvin leads the way down the hill to town.

We arrive at Steven's shop, where Kalvin and Victor stay with the horses as Aaron, Aden and I enter. When the bell rings our entrance, Daniel's new apprentice, Jerrie, greets us. "Good afternoon your majesty, minister Aden. How may I assist you this afternoon?"

"Good afternoon, Jerrie. We are here to check on the machines." Aden tells her.

"Masters Steven, Jason and Daniel and journeymen Albert and Samuel are finishing them up now. Do you wish to come back and watch?" Aden turns to me.

"Yes, we would, thank you."

"This way, please." She turn to the door to the back, holding it so we can enter. I let Aden and Aaron go first, I wish to have a few words with Jerrie. As she joins me in the walk into the workshop, I ask her, "Are you doing well? Are you getting along with the others in the shop?"

"I'm doing well, your majesty. Master Daniel and senior apprentice Jose' treat me well, yelling at me if I deserve it, praising me when I do well."

"Are you learning?"

"I can now name every tool in the shop and can care for most of them. Master Daniel is teaching me the different woods and what the trees they come from look like. I wasn't aware there were so many different types of wood."

We are standing behind Aden and Aaron, who are near the masters. The woodworkers are tapping pegs into the legs of thresher, to secure them to the body. Samuel and Albert are trimming the pegs on the cleaner then placing some varnish on them.

Both machines are complete has far as I can see. I see a sack of grain nearby, along with several buckets. Samuel, putting down his brush, greets me, "Welcome your majesty. Would you like to test the cleaner?"

"If it is ready, yes I would."

He brings the buckets over, placing one under the outlet chute, the other under the waste chute. Albert brings the grain sack over. Opening it, he transfers several hands full of grain to the hopper. I invite Jerrie to turn the handle. She looks at Samuel, who nods, then takes the handle, starting it turning. Opening the hood over the rubbing wheel, I watch the kernels of grain as they start come out, catching a few. Tightening the adjustor until the grain is clean, I lower the hood. Jerrie continues to turn the handle until the hopper is empty. I examine the grain in the bucket, it is clean, none of the kernels are damaged.

Steven asks, "The thresher is ready, also, your majesty."

I look around, seeing a stack of sheaves. There is no tarp here though. "Shall we move it outside, so as not to make a large mess in here, which it is capable of making rather quickly." Looking at the floor around the cleaner, it has chaff around it. Steven nods. Jason and Steven take hold of the thresher, lifting it. They move to the rear of the shop, out to the lumber storage area. Aaron, Aden and I pickup sheaves of grain and follow them. Daniel asks Jerrie to bring the buckets then picks up a few sheaves himself. Placing the thresher down, Steven instructs Jerrie to place the buckets under the machine then shows her how to operate the treadle. The drum starts humming, I lay a sheave against the drum, grain starts flying. Aaron steps next to me laying another sheave against the drum. Aden hands me another sheave, then one to Aaron. Soon all the sheaves are clean of kernels.

Looking around the base of the machine, there is quite a mess of chaff. "As you can see, we need to improve control over the chaff. If you think of an improvement, make a sketch of it and send it to the palace. These machines are a work in progress, always open to improvement. All right, they are working, let's get them aboard the Marigold. Steven, is a cart available?"

"There is, your majesty. Jerrie, take the buckets back in to the shop, please. Jason, if you will take that end we can move this to the back gate. Samuel, you and Albert can bring the cleaner out back. He kneels down and disconnects the treadle and its linkage, placing them inside the hood. They pick it up, moving to the rear of the area. Jerrie picks up the buckets and returns to the shop.

"Before you take this machine, may I clean this grain?" She asks Samuel. "I can use this to make porridge for breakfast."

"Good idea, Jerrie." replies Samuel. Leaning down he places the chaff bucket under the chute. Jerrie pours the grain in to the hopper then places the bucket under the outlet. Turning the handle she soon has the grain cleaned. "This is so much quicker than doing it by hand."

"Your majesty, would you have Kalvin bring our horses to the lumber gate, please." Aden asks. I nod in understanding.

Jerrie accompanies me to the display area, holding the door for me. As I am about to exit she says, "Your majesty, I wish to thank you for this opportunity to be an apprentice." She bows.

"You are most welcome, Jerrie." I lift her head so I can look into her eyes, "All people should have the opportunity to improve themselves. You had the desire to improve yourself, I just supplied the opportunity. Now don't disappoint me, please." I pull her into a hug. "Come visit me if you get a chance."

"I will, your majesty. I'm not sure when I can but I will try."

Exiting the doorway, I turn to Kalvin, "Kalvin, Aden wishes the horses at the lumber gate of Steven's shop." He helps me mount, then mounts himself. He then leads us around the block to the rear of the shop. There is a mule pulled cart backed through the gate, the masters and the journeymen have the thresher loaded already and tied down. They are in the process of loading the cleaner when we arrive. Two of them have the cleaner and are lifting it to the other two, who are in the cart. Once it is loaded, it is tied down with some light rope.

Once they get it loaded, I say,"Gentlemen, thank you for your efforts today, I appreciate them and you."

They wish us a safe journey, apparently Aden has filled them in on our trip.

Aden instructs the cart driver to head to the dock. We follow along behind. When we reach the dock, Aaron asks the driver to pull along side his ships boat. The driver looks at the dock then turns the cart around then backs down onto the dock. When the rear of the cart is even with the ships boat he stops. Aden and Kalvin hop in to the back of the cart, untie the cleaner then hand it down to Aaron and Victor. They place it out of the way for now. Aden and Kalvin untie the thresher then again hand it down to Aaron and Victor. They place it next to the cleaner. Aaron instructs Victor to shorten the bow line while he shortens the stern line, bring the boat tight to the dock edge.

After Aden pays the cart driver, he and Kalvin consult with Aaron. Aaron and Victor board the boat, as Aden and Kalvin pickup the cleaner and hand it to the pair in the boat. They lay it on its side in the stern. Then they load the thresher the same way, laying it toward the bow. The horses are led up to the warehouse just off the dock, where they are tied up. The five of us board the boat, Victor and Aaron sitting amidships, at the oars, with me in the bow and Aden and Kalvin behind the rowers.

Once we reach the Marigold, Aaron has the Kalvin,Aden and Victor board her. He asks me to stay on the boat then also boards. Two lengths of rope are produced. He has me loop each rope around the legs on one end of the thresher. When I am done the four of then lift the thresher up out of the boat on to the deck, then walking over lower it into the hold. We do the same with the cleaner. After securing them in the hold and securing the hold hatch we return to the dock. I notice that there are few workers about, glancing at the sky I know why, it is well after 1500.

When we return to the palace, Emi takes one look at me and shakes her head. I feel I disappoint her at times, not maintaining the proper image of a queen. I probably have chaff in my hair and on my clothes. We are late by about an half hour, but they have waited for us tonight. Leading me to my room, carrying a pitcher of hot water, Emi scolds me for being such a messy princess. I pickup a candle as we exit the stairs, lighting a couple more once we are in the room.

After brushing my hair, producing a fair pile of chaff, she wash me, leaving me dressed. Finishing, she kisses me. "I assume the machines are finished and loaded, correct?"

"Yes, love, both are finished, tested and loaded. Is the baggage ready to load?"

"Yes, we each have two pair of shorts, two mid thigh length tunics, under garments and stocking for two days and a skirt and blouse for the ladies. Oh, and our slippers. And the swimsuits have been rinsed and dried, and have been packed along with a towel. Benson has packed for the three of them. Now let's go eat."

Snuffing all but one of the candles, which we take with us as far as the top of the stairs, we descend. Tilly and Abbey are bringing the meal out when we exit the stairwell. The meal is served. As we eat, I ask what everyone has planned for the next three days. Aden is going to catch up on some paper work, Helen has an order to fill, Eliza will be helping Howard, Tobias has some harvest to tend to. Kalvin is going to take a day off to visit his brother then return to training.

When I finish with my meal, I notice that Benny has fallen sleep and Beth is about to join him. I see that Emi has finished eating, "Emi, will you fetch a pitcher of water for the children's bath, please." I get a nod. Picking up Benny and taking Beth by the hand we go up stairs to their room. I lay Benny on the bed, then help Beth with her clothes. When Emi arrives she prepares the water. Beth gets a gentle rub down with soapy cloths then wiped off and dried. I put her in a clean pair of drawers and a chemise then tuck her into bed, she is asleep as I kiss her cheek.

Benny is stripped, washed, wiped off and dried, put in a clean pair of drawers, then he too is tucked in, never waking.

Emi and I are hugging in the sitting room. "What were you and Beth talking about in the cabana, love."

"Being on the beach reminded her of her parents, they used to catch fish and play on the beach. We started on grief, then she asked when she could have some underwear like mine. She then asked when she would grow breasts. I told her in a few years, hinting at the changes of puberty."

"I hope she isn't to rebellious then. I think that is one reason mama sent me to work, I entered puberty early. The stern head maid didn't let me get too rebellious, she took a switch to me several times."

"Shall we take the bags down, so we can get them aboard the ship tonight?" She nods. Going back into the children's room she returns with a pair of bags. Handing me one, she leads me to my room. There she picks up two more bags, hers and mine. We go down stairs, laying them on the floor across from the kitchen. I look in the dining room for Sophia, she is not there. 'Sophia, do you have your bag packed?' 'I do, dear one.' 'Could you bring it down.' 'On my way.'

Spying Benson, I walk over to him, "Benson, do you have bags packed for Aaron, Victor and yourself?"

"Yes, your majesty. Do you wish me to fetch them?"

"Yes, please. I have the rest of them ready to go, I figured we could load them this evening saving carrying them down in the morning."

Sophia comes out of the stair well, carrying a bag, seeing the others laying there she lays hers with them. Benson has fetched their bags, adding them to the pile. Calling Aaron over, the four of us carry the bags out to the garden gate, where we load them on the wheelbarrow. The four of us then push the wheelbarrow down to the dock then loading the bags on the boat. We then row out to the Marigold and transfer the bags to the cabin. The cabin is not large, being intended for Aaron and one other to sleep in and to prepare meals.

We row back to the dock. Benson takes the wheelbarrow and starts back to the palace, Emi beside him, chatting. Aaron and I stroll along behind. Aaron tells me the history of the Marigold. She had been intended as a fishing vessel but the owner came on hard times and had to sell her at a discount before she was completed. Aaron heard of her and after inspecting her, made an offer that was accepted. Since she was a bare hull, no deck, mast or cabin as yet, he changed her to a light cargo vessel, with a small hold forward of the mast, a cabin aft of the mast and a center rudder. Then he changed the rigging from a multiple square sails to a triangular sail supported by a long top spar so that she could be manned by a three man crew. He had also added a bowsprit, so a foresail could be utilized. In low to middling winds he could out sail the Spirit of Monte' though in high winds she was a handful.

When we reached the palace, Emi and I bid Aaron and Benson "Goodnight." and after fetching a pitcher of hot water retired to my rooms. We are helping each other undress when Sophia mind spoke me, 'May I join you and Emi tonight, dear one?'

"Sophia asks to joins us love. Can she?"

"She may." is her answer.

'Come on in, Sophia.'

A minute later Sophia, arrives, dressed in her robe, carrying a small bundle. Dropping her robe she joins me in washing Emi, who after being rinsed and dried, is soon on the bed in a post orgasmic state. Sophia and I soon join her there. Emi rouses herself enough to straighten the room a little before snuffing the candles and laying herself over me, murmuring in my ear as I fall asleep,"Love you, Fina."