Thenamir bustled about as best he could, unpacking, sorting, setting up makeshift tents, making sure the wounded were comfortable, and being as useful as possible -- he had not yet been singled out by Aspida's acerbic tongue, and hoped to avoid it as much as possible. But Thenamir thought there was something in this old woman, something undeneath the derision and hard words, something that had not yet been smothered by age and ill-treatment -- perhaps something as simple as the desire to be respected.
After things had quieted down a bit, Thenamir went to speak to Taradan. While he wanted to make sure that Taradan was alright, he also wanted to discuss plans. He carefully (and bootlessly) entered the house where Aspida, ever grumbling and complaining, was tending her patients. "Wise Woman," he began, but as usual was cut off immediately.
"Get out of my way! I've no time for..." This time Thenamir did the cutting off, catching and holding her eye and speaking in a soft and respectful tone that caught her off guard. "I know better than to meddle in your work, good woman, I merely wish to know if Taradan is able to have a visitor."
"Why, yes, for a short time," Aspida stammered before regaining her normal tone, "just don't weigh him down with a lot of tomfool talk, he needs some rest." Thenamir bowed a thank-you to the busy woman and stepped up to Taradan's cot.
[ November 09, 2001: Message edited by: Thenamir ]
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The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. ~~ Marcus Aurelius
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