A Friend Revealed, A Ring Concealed

Lieve was once again visiting Haldrid. They were talking plans for the wedding when there was a knock on the door. Lieve looked at Haldrid, who stood up to open the door. Standing in the doorway was a girl, a little younger than Lieve, rather thin and gawky-looking. Haldrid smiled a greeting, motioning her to come inside. She smiled back, nodding and taking off her cloak. 'Kiree, it's good to see you!' Haldrid said. 'You too Haldrid. I just wanted to come and say goodbye,' she said, then, throwing a shy glance at Lieve, 'and meet Lieve.' She walked across to Lieve and extended a hand. Lieve took it, smiling at the girl and saying a few polite words of greeting. Haldrid looked askance at Kiree's words. 'Where are you going?' The girl looked rather uncomfortable, avoiding his gaze, but glancing at Lieve again as she answered, 'To the Lonelands. I.. got a friend into trouble.. I need to make something right again.' Haldrid frowned. Looking at the girl, Lieve felt that she herself was in the way, that the girl might feel more free to open up if she were not in the room. Making up some paltry excuse, she left the house and went to play her harp by the waterside. As she played, she thought about the way the girl had been looking at her. Was there something between Kiree and Haldrid that she did not know about? Shaking her head firmly, dismissing the thought, she played on, gazing out over the water to the houses on the other side. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts and music that she did not hear the door open and close, nor the approach of footsteps until a voice quite close behind her asked 'Lieve?' Startled, she nearly dropped her harp. She turned around and there stood Haldrid and Kiree, watching her. Feeling very selfconscious, she put her harp down and gave them an uncertain smile. Kiree smiled back, then asked 'May I see your hand?' Not quite sure what she meant, Lieve put out her hand. Kiree frowned, then asked for her other hand. Lieve, still not sure what she wanted, put out her other hand. After inspecting that hand too, Kiree then looked at Haldrid. 'I thought you said you gave her a ring?' Haldrid frowned and nodded, saying 'I did.' Understanding dawned and Lieve put her hand up to her neckline, drawing forth a fine gold chain. At the end of the chain hung the glittering, golden ring Haldrid had given her. Taking the chain from around her neck, she held it out for Kiree's inspection. 'I believe this is what you wish to see?' Looking apologetically at Haldrid she explained. 'I could not wear the ring on my finger at home Haldrid, I am so sorry. So I put it on the necklace, where it can lie close to my heart.' Haldrid nodded at her words. 'Of course, that is perfectly understandable.' Kiree admired the ring, then handed it back. Lieve put it back around her neck, hiding it safely under her clothing again. Kiree then said she had to leave. Lieve nodded, saying the same. She picked up her harp and after giving Haldrid a kiss goodbye, she went home, walking some of the way with Kiree and chatting aimiably with her till they got to the homestead gate. 'I'm glad we met Kiree, any friend of Haldrid's is a friend of mine. Take care won't you.' Bidding a warm farewell to Kiree, she quickly walked home.