Found:
There she was, a vision of beauty in this sooty little place! Standing atop a hill, outside a ratty tavern - my favourite kind! - she watched the world go by in a pensive fashion so ill-suited to her usually smiling eyes and wickedly curved lips! I just had to cheer her up!
Perhaps sneaking up on her from behind and tickling the woman was not the best course of action, however. She nearly knifed me!
Worth it, I say!
Sitting there, talking with her, gossiping about what had happened since last we saw one another, I felt strangely at ease. Although Trestlebridge lay so close by, along with its inhabitants, and the subjects we spoke upon were not all pleasant, still for just a short while I could push aside the nagging concerns I continue to harbour for the safety of Rhaug.
She worried that her advice may have caused the argument between he and I. I told her most emphatically that it did not! She was right to counsel honesty. I simply should have chosen a better time for it.
Never, perhaps?
No. At some point. Just possibly not that day and not in that way.
She spoke briefly of some residual concerns about Seaver and his ways, of insecurities she holds. I told her that, dimwitted though he may be, he'd be worse than a fool to risk losing her and well he knew it! She sometimes needs reminding of her beauty, both inside and out, I think. Past experiences have damaged her heart and it remains a wonder to me that she continues to be so open. In her place, I rather think I'd have clad myself in the thickest of armours.
Well, didn't I?
Experiences differ, but pain is still pain and I know my usual reactions in such cases. Run. Hide. Don't look back.
But she doesn't. She continues to walk, head held high and heart in her hand. I have no idea how she manages such a feat!
It seemed that barely a breath had passed between our reunion and subsequent parting and yet the entire afternoon was gone.
I told her I'd be around a while. We'll talk again.
