Holly went down to the kitchen to return the timer and thank the cook. She begged a tray from her with a pot of coffee, thick cream, sugar, two mugs, a small loaf of bread, and some cheese.
Returning to Bethberry's room, she set the tray on the bedside table and pulled up a chair. She cut off Bird's protestations that she really wasn't hungry and gave her a small wedge of cheese and a piece of the loaf.
'Get some real food in your stomach, before you drink the coffee.' she admonished the protesting Bird. 'Honestly, I don't see how you've managed to even keep your stomach from rotting away with some of the stuff you put into it!'
The chastised Bird nibbled on the bread and cheese, and then took a large gulp of coffee.
'Listen,' said Holly, rubbing her chin, 'I've been giving some thought as to what we can tell the others about your injuries. It's obvious we can't give them the neeker-breeker story, so - let's say we had a plan to get you to stay the night in my room without you being charged for it. We can hint that you fell out of the tree near my window when you misjudged the distance from the nearest branch to my sill. If we're vague about it all, and don't get entangled in too many details, it should hold up.'
Holly poured another mug of coffee for herself and stirred in some cream and sugar. She watched the cream swirl in spiral patterns with the motion of the spoon. 'Oh, and one other thing - we know nothing
about any shredded letter. Confessing to the deed will not bring it back.' She took a sip of the hot brew. 'The Ranger will have to deal with that problem.'
[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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