[Folwren]

Saeryn mulled over what Thornden had told her about the letter to Ginna as she returned her tray to the kitchen and reloaded it. It was odd that Ginna had told her nothing, even if the letter had contained bad news. With a pang of regret, Saeryn realized she had not even noticed Ginna acting in any particularly sad way. She had been so preoccupied with Lady Wynflaed that she hadn’t had a chance to hardly look at Ginna, much less speak to her. Perhaps Ginna would have spoken to her, but did not because Saeryn had been so busy.

As Saeryn came again into the hall bearing the full tray, she looked about for Ginna. She saw her at once, looking towards the door of the hall. Saeryn followed her gaze and just saw Thornden exiting. She looked again at Ginna and noticed how her eyes remained fixed on the door for several seconds after Thornden had left. She guessed her thoughts as she came up to her side.

“He’s going to talk to Harreld,” she said. Ginna started and turned about. “Thornden told me you received a letter this morning, and we’re both concerned that it bore you bad news. He’s gone to speak to Harreld about it, I think.”

--

Thornden

Thornden nodded, standing up from where he’d been leaning his weight against a work table. “Alright,” he said softly. “I’ll send Javan out with something.” He walked slowly towards the door and paused on the threshold.

“I’m sorry if I was too forward,” he said, half turning back. “I should have waited, like Saeryn told me. I hope you have not taken my questions amiss. I meant nothing by them.” He waited a moment for Harreld to respond, and when the smith said nothing, he turned and went out into the cold night.