"Why don't you go outside and play hm? Selena was looking for you yesterday and so was Brent. The weather should hold up and I have work to do." The boy swung his feet restlessly over the kitchen chair.
"Selena cries about everything Mother, girls are foolish, and Brent just wants to talk about his farm animals all day. What kind of friends are those?"
Aellwenn sighed "Everyone is foolish at some point my dear. It's what breeds wisdom or at least we can hope it does. Go outside and see what the world has for you today. You know where I'll be if you need me."
Freawine frowned at those words "Fine but I hope we can spend time together soon." In response, she reached down and wrapped her arms around him firmly. "You know I love you more than anything in this world. But an Eorlingas does not coddle anyone, not even her own son. Be strong my boy, I expect you to be home by dusk."
Freawine tilted his head away from his mother unable to look her in the eyes, but nevertheless, he returned the embrace. "I love you too mum." He wiggled out of her embrace and went out into the beautiful spring morning.
She watched him go with a mixture of pride and worry, was she giving enough for him? Perhaps it was natural to want to give your child everything they could possibly dream of. But lately, she found herself, fretting more. Was she giving him enough affection? Was there something he was missing? These were all questions with no answers.
The pondering would have to wait, as there was no rest, for the weary. She swept up the ends of her skirts and walked out the door. It wouldn't be far but she found herself irritated "If I had known he had a cousin in town. I wouldn't have rented him a room at Butterburs!" She ignored the looks of confusion by the other villagers as she spouted out her monologue. Nothing would prepare her for what would happen next.
