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"The stable master?" Saeryn repeated, baffled. She caught the slight diversion of the girl's eyes and looked to her own attire. She laughed, smiling. "The breeches I wear to ride, or, if you'll believe it," she whispered carefully, trying to gain the girl's trust, "when I do not wish to be well-noticed. A girl in man's attire tends to give others food for thought, but as they may be uncomfortable thoughts, they are quickly forsaken. The shirt... I was recently hurt. I borrowed the shirt from my brother... it is looser and does not press against my shoulder."
The girl watched her, wide-eyed.
"I will not ask you to leave." Saeryn was kneeling before the girl. "Æòel, if you would not mind, I would like you to be my guest for breakfast. I am lonely amongst these brawny lads, and it seems that Eodwine, whose friendship and protection I treasure, has his thoughts elsewhere. I would appreciate the company. Surely you would wish to clean up. You could borrow some of my belongings until you have a chance to find your other clothes." she added tactfully, though perhaps foolishly so.
She looked carefully at the girl, sure that any quick movement would spook her more quickly than a deer in the twilight.
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