"Saeryn, my dear, if you wish others not to know, then be the first to act with discretion and I certainly will follow."
Saeryn looked quizzically at the Innkeeper, sniffing a bit and biting her lip and seemingly too all at sorts to be able to follow.
Bethberry smiled. "If you appear in the Great Hall, before all the gallant lads, with red-ringed eyes, tears teetering on your lashes, cheeks moist with lachrymose charm, then, you will give all away. " Bethberry picked up a corner of her apron and gently wiped away the residue of glistening emotion on Saeryn's cheek.
"There, slightly more in control of ourselves now."
For her part, Ćňel seemed even more timorous for all this demonstration and pushed herself towards the wall, where a lantern hanging from a dark oak beam nearly beaned her.
"Lass," said Bethberry, "there are better ways to become enlightened than afixing onself to a lantern. Come, don't mind us, as we know one another, which you shall soon too. Let's get some warmth in your belly and colour in your cheek before those lads set their eyes upon you. Fearsome creatures they are, and you will need all your strength to combat them."
A giggle from Saeryn was enough to help Ćňe understand how to take all this, and slowly a small, hesitant smile creased her face.
What were the lads to do, thought the Innkeeper, with another lass? Bethberry almost thought she caught sight of at least one of the twins--Garreth?-- wandering the hall, looking towards the kitchen wondering where Saeryn had gone. She herself also wondered how Eodwine was doing with Giedd and allowed herself a slow inward smile.
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