[Folwren]

"I hoped to talk to you this morning, but you seemed too busy. I didn't want to burden you further."

Saeryn felt a pang of guilt. She set her hand on Ginna's arm. "I'm sorry, Ginna," she said quietly. "I was busy this morning, but you don't need to hesitate about telling me you want to talk. We can find time. When we're finished serving here, we can talk if you want to. We're just about done, and if I make it out before lord Athanar comes in, we'll be able to slip away unnoticed."

"That would be great. Thanks." Ginna covered Saeryn's hand with her own and forced a smile. "Have you - have you heard anything of Harreld all day?"

Saeryn shook her head and led Ginna towards the next table to be served. They moved down past the men side by side, talking as they went.

"I haven't seen him all day," she said. "He sent Javan in sometime during the afternoon to get something for Harreld to eat. He did not come in for the noonday meal, and he has not come in tonight, either. Did you not speak to him at all, Ginna?"

So that was how he managed to take his meal without being seen. Ginna wondered if he would send for Javan again to bring him supper, and briefly considered going in his stead. No, she wouldn't. She had already decided to stay away as he asked.

"No." She swallowed, and tried again. "Yes. I had come to his smithy this morning, when I received the letter. He..." she hesitated, blinking back tears, "He told me to leave him to his work."

Saeryn looked at her quickly and then glanced about at the busy hall and the laughing and talking soldiers. She did not want Ginna to cry here and draw attention and embarrassment to herself. "Let us finish what is at hand before speaking more. We have but one more table to serve and it will only take another trip to the kitchen."

They went back to the kitchen, quickly reburdened their trays, and went out once more. In a couple minute they were finished. Modtryth would be able to hold the fort for a little while now on her own. Saeryn drew Ginna into the room where they slept and then sat her down on one of the beds while she sat down facing her.

"Alright, tell me all about it," she said.

Ginna opened her mouth to speak, but here and now, in the silence and privacy of the room, no words would come. She shook her head in frustration.

"I'm sorry," was all she could say, and reached inside the pocket of her apron for the letter. She handed it to Saeryn.

Saeryn touched her hand reassuringly as she took the letter without looking at it. She caught Ginna's eye briefly. "It's alright. I understand. Are you sure you want me to read it?"

Ginna nodded mutely. Saeryn unfolded the letter and began to read. As her eyes traced over the words, a slow red crept up her neck, flushing into her cheeks and across her ears. Her lips pressed together, and then she folded the paper up again and held it in her hand a long moment before saying anything. In truth, the letter had so angered her that she did not trust herself to speak.

"Do you like Thornden?" she asked, hesitantly.