At Saeryn's denial, she heard a sharp intake of breath. She glanced over in time to see Ayeth's eyes narrow in suspicion. Oh Eru above, she knows. Hiding her fear, Saeryn schooled her face to an expression of innocence. Hama watched the silent transaction with latent interest. "Ah yes, a story. Eodwine, was it not your turn last night?" Saeryn asked. "Perhaps a yarn would lighten the mood..." Looking towards Ayeth, Saeryn spoke to the girl. "Miss Ayeth, would you accompany me to my room for a moment? I've a bag of sweets that these men-folk might enjoy." Hiding her apprehension, Ayeth rose beside Saeryn.
Eodwine watched with curiosity as they walked away, heads together, talking almost silently. Seeing that Saeryn wished for privacy, he immediately dove into a story. "Ah, so a story," he though aloud, stroking his chin for emphasis. "Ah, yes.. T'was naught but a few monthes past as I was walking down a bubbling brook..."
His voice faded as the young women left the room. Whispering urgently, Saeryn leaned close to Ayeth. "Miss, I can see in your eyes that you do not trust me, or if you do, you do not believe me. In attempt to make this not so, you must hear the truth, but please, for the sake of us all, do not repeat what I say. Yes, Miss Ayeth, I am of noble birth. I am hiding it for the safety of everyone that I meet, and if those men find out, than so much the worse."
"You mean to imply they would do you harm?" Ayeth asked, eyes wide.
"Not at all, m'lady. I mean to insinuate that if they knew just why I arrived at this Inn yesterday, exhausted, rain-soaked, and afraid, than they would set out immediately on an adventure to fix the ills that sent me here." Quickly Saeryn continued, still whispering. "For all that we have all just met, I trust these men with my life. But I do not trust their chivalry... it is too much of them for them to ignore it through my will alone. That is why they cannot know my history. Please, Ayeth, do not tell?"
Saeryn looked beseechingly into the other girl's eyes. Ayeth looked back, seeing no longer a liar, but a young women, barely a year older than herself, afraid. What, Ayeth thought, could have driven such a strong-minded woman from her home and title?
|