The Shoulder of Orion

The sky was dark, save for a sliver of the moon casting a thin light. Orion was standing proud over the woods, his belt picked out in icy diamond points of star light. I was tired, moving slowly through the mud, watching to see which way the dog would pull me next, wary of slipping. Not just physically tired, but mentally and emotionally drained too from the rapier training this afternoon. A blast of a freezing cold wind accentuated the aches in my muscles and joints - a sharp reminder that the winter is not yet spent. Once round the woods, and home to warmth and rest. Cava and pink grapefruit to drink and a chilli to look forward to in a little while.