[Kates Frodo Temp]

I'm fine. What makes you think otherwise? Why do you care, anyway?" The harsh words came out before Elhor could bite them back. "I'm sorry. It's just that I don't like to...to attract attention. If you're alone, I don't mind talking."

He settled back in his chair; this was what he had wanted, wasn't it? To have someone just to sit and talk with? She could be trusted, Elhor knew. If he could only suppress his natural suspicion, the boy might grow to like his new surroundings.