#laerlin

[cyndyncorso-blog]

A Midwife [Laerlin + Cyndyn]

### Chat Log: RP 12/25 11:49 PM ###

Cyndyn knocked on the door politely, hugging her cloak about her tightly as the afternoon quickly darkened and the wind whipped up. She bit her lower lip, glancing over her shoulder and back at the door.

Laerlin moves towards the door and, after a quick peek through the adjacent window, opens it. She blinks. "Cyndyn. It has been a long time."

Cyndyn stepped inside, rubbing her hands together as she tried to warm up. She winced slightly as she glanced up at the woman and away. "Miss Laerlin.. I.. I'm sorry to stop in and trouble you, but I was hoping to talk to you? If you've time.. I know you've patients and people that always come about, and I don't have anything pressing.. per say to speak with you about, but Lord Thorvall said I should speak with you and Haneth is gone, and I don't know who else to speak to."

Laerlin shakes her head. "No, no, it's rather quiet right now. Folks are taking it easy for the end of the year... I do not know if Rohan has any end of the year celebrations? Come inside, by all means, it's warmer in the main room." She gestures her to follow, and turns.

Cyndyn trailed behind Laerlin, letting her grip on her cloak fall as they entered the main room. She released a sigh of relief, her shoulders falling back. "Oh, thank you so much." She paused, "Well, there's a bit of a celebration for Yule, but not quite on scale with what I've seen in the north here."

Laerlin nods in agreement. "We call the end of the year mettarë, in Gondor. It's only one day, and then the first day of the new year is called yestarë. They tend to be days of celebration, especially the former. But it's nothing like the six days of Yule the Shire celebrates... or the /weeks/ that small town up north capitalizes on. Not that I mind," she says with a laugh.

Cyndyn smled weakly, nodding as she glanced about the hall. "It's mostly the eve before Yule that Rohan celebrates.. it's quieter than that of the north.. Mōdraniht.." She sighed, softly. "I miss it, but.. Yule hasn't been too different luckily."

Laerlin nods. "Aye, it's not too different. A bit more enthusiastic with some people, perhaps, and of course longer... but not too different." She picks up a kettle on the table. "Please, settle where you'd like. Do you want some tea?"

Cyndyn smiled, "Oh yes! I love tea, do you have any ginger tea? Between peppermint and ginger.. it's the only thing that's helped to calm my stomach these days." She heaved a sigh, her features crumbling. "Vini said I was with child.. and.. I think he was right.." She bit her lower lip, her hands settling on either side of her hips. "It's why Lord Thorvall wanted me to speak with you."

Laerlin pauses from pouring to take a look at her and her form. She purses her lips in thought, then says, "If you're having stomach issues like that, and... well, you definitely do not look as thin as I remember you... that is very possible, yes. How long has it been since you had your monthly time?" She continues pouring the tea, adding, "This is peppermint. It's one of my favorites, and I just took it off the fire before you came. It should be about the right temperature now, I think."

Cyndyn pursed her lips together, her gaze still held on her middle. "Four.. months at least?" She grimaced, reaching up to drag her hand through her hair. "At least two months since I can't stomach sausages, or cooking them. Or other kinds of meats. Vini was worried when I was sick for so long.. and when I kept feeding the dog breakfast. He's been getting me scones and apples with jam for a while now.. at least when we were camping, but now we have a house and I've managed to scrape together stores for the winter.." She trailed off, shifting on her toes. "My dress isn't fitting quite as it should be either.. I've had to add patches in the back, but I don't have anymore of that linen.. it looks rather bad.."

Laerlin shakes her head. "Don't worry about how you look. Worry about your health." She passes a teacup to her. "And definitely keep yourself fed. If you have not had anything in four months, and with all these other signs... it certainly does seem you are pregnant." She purses her lips in thought. "At least you have a house. Does this Vini hold a steady job?"

Cyndyn nodded, happily taking the tea cup with both hands and gently blowing on it. "Yes, he's working for Mister Nasib in the lumbar yard. He's been working there for few months now, about two.. And it's good steady work..." She grimaced. "Vini didn't want me to be working for Lord Thorvall in the kitchens so he's had me start work for Mister Nasib's wife.. but I've not had a chance to actually meet her." She sipped at the tea, sighing softly. "I've been so sick the past few months over everything.. I've just now started to be able to eat something without driving Vini mad with requests for baked goods from the Shire." She smiled weakly, "But.. I-I.. I'm quite scared, Miss Laerlin. I don't know what to do, or what to expect or anything.. No one told me besides what I've heard.. and that was mostly women in pain, and a lot of screaming.. and I know many die from it.. and I-I don't even think I'll be a good mother."

Laerlin exhales softly and nods slowly as she listens to the younger woman speak. She takes a slow sip from her mug before replying with, "I would certainly hope that what he earns, then, can help spare the coin for new materials for you, alongside food. And if you're working... well, hopefully all of that will be able to come together and you'll manage. Just keep yourself limited with your requests of baked goods from the Shire and the like." She smiles at her kindly. "So long as you keep mint and ginger for tea, your stomach should be able to handle most foods, though you may have to eat a bit less of what you love if it is a certain something giving you troubles. You still have to eat, though; you are eating for two, now." She takes another sip. "As for the baby..." She exhales again. "Miscarriage is possible, but I do not think you want that, my dear. It is not a pleasant experience and very sorrowful. I am sure you will be a fine mother and do your best through childbirth. Every woman has to go through this eventually. You will be just fine." She clears her throat and asks, "Tell me, why does your husband not want you working for Thorvall? Have you not been with his company for many years?"

Cyndyn bit her lower lip, looking down at her tea cup and the reflection there in the steaming liquid. "I.. Lord Thorvall took me into his employ as a kitchen maid back when I was fifteen." She mumbled, "I made an oath to serve his company.. and he has not released me from that oath.. but," She shifted upon her toes. "Lord Thorvall doesn't like Vini.. and my husband does not like his lordship.. Lord Thorvall had him driven off from the kinhall once.. and Arra.. well that whole mess." She sagged, closing her eyes. "Haneth believed Arra.. and well, Vini didn't want me to associate with people that think so badly of him. And I can't entirely blame him for it.. he did nothing and was treated like a criminal. When Arra and Cisse have since come after us and tried to kill us.. it's why Vini took me away into the woods since he was released from jail." She sipped at her tea, grimacing. "What do I need to do Miss Laerlin to make sure everything works out well.. for the baby?"

Laerlin listens to her story with a frown. "I remember the accusations that Arra had against... /that/ is your husband?" She raises both brows. "And Thorvall believes her over him, then? Good gracious. He... I recall him little... but neither Cisse nor Arra have done any good with me. Indeed, that little scamp threatened to kill me if I got in her way against another woman. I doubt she has the skill, though. I've handled worse than her." She wrinkles her nose and takes a drink. "You should not have to worry about either Cisse or Arra, now. They are both banished from Bree-land. Just keep the location of your home relatively on the down low from strangers, and you should be fine. And keep to Bree-land, for certain." She exhales slowly, and frowns. "Though why Thorvall would believe her over him... strange. She is not a trustworthy girl. And Cisse is much, much worse." She shakes her head. "As it is, you should keep eating, of course. You're eating for two. Keep warm, keep healthy, and when you are on your eighth month, I would not recommend anything like... galloping on a horse. You should still be able to do normal tasks."

Cyndyn made a face, "I know! Both of them are terrible women, and have tried to attack me simply for disagreeing with their lying against my husband." She huffed, sipping at her tea again as she fell silent for a moment. "I'm trying to eat more, but it's still hit or miss right now. I still feel nausea some times, less than before.. but still." She made a face, "Vini isn't letting me do anything overly stressful.. and since we moved into the house, I've not been on a horse. We don't even own one.. Vini had to rent one when we returned from our camp in the woods." She murmured tapping her chin. "Vini said we'd need a midwife.. and you.. you're the only healer I know.. and you were so kind to me before.."

Laerlin smiles faintly. "If I am in town at the time, I will be happy to help you. If I am not, I can refer you to a good healer who will be able to help you." She takes another sip. "You should be fine on a horse. You're a Rohir, you're born on horses. I just said keep away from galloping in the last few weeks, is all. I see no harm in riding. I know one woman who rode all the way to the Misty Mountains eight months heavy, and she got out just fine. As for food, keep eating. Take note of what is causing your trouble the most stress and if it is just one food, avoid it if you can."

Cyndyn flushed slightly, as she mumbled into her cup. "I can't.. ride horses well. My grandfather had to sell our horse when I was younger.. he broke his leg.. and.." She trailed off, ducking her gaze. "I'm actually only barely able to sit in the saddle.. and that's after months of practice with Lady Haneth.." She yawned, sipping at her tea again. "Thank you for the tea.. but I think I need to head home, Vini should be coming back soon."

Laerlin nods slowly. "Fair enough. Then you can practice when you are not pregnant." She smiles at her. "Feel free to come by if you have any questions or problems. And best of luck... and of course, congratulations."

Cyndyn flushed slightly, offering a weak smile and a nod. "Thank you, Miss Laerlin. Have a good evening. I'll follow your advice of course." She set the tea cup down with care. "And thank you for the tea." She smiled, a little warmer this time as she turned to go.

[lotrologs]

Arion, Haneth, Laerlin, Thorvall - the Jail

### Chat Log: General 04/26 10:24 PM ###

Arion bows his head to the woman, "How may I be of service?"

  Haneth stepped forward, her hand slipping away from the hilt of her sword where it rested. "Lord Arion." She bowed her head.

  Arion replies, "Well met.”

  Haneth looked familiar, if the lord had much memory of victims he had treated or guests to his jail, but she had changed. Scars now connected her freckles like lined constellations and she was older, leaner, starved despite bearing the wider hips of motherhood. "Thank you for meeting with me. I regret I could not come sooner, but with all this...commotion lately..."

  Arion shakes his head, "No apology is necessary. I quite understand the demands duty can place on a person."

  Haneth 's lip half-grimaced, half-grinned. "May we speak somewhere out of the draft of the door?" It was not the wind that was cold, but those who might march through it.

  Arion nods, "Certainly. Come with me."

  Haneth followed, then when they stopped began straight away. "I received your message about Cyndyn." She glanced at the infirmary where the young kitchen maid slept, chasing away her bruises. "About what happened...what did you learn?"

  Arion answers, "Until I can find the other person involved, I am sure you know as much as I, if not more as I believe both parties are members of your company."

  Haneth nodded. "The other was my apprentice, Neyarra. I have already spoken to them both, and they are not to see nor speak to each other without my presence again."

  Arion nods, "Hopefully that will prevent future problems but I need to resolve what already occured. I will need to speak to your apprentice and most likely, if what Cyndyn said is true, arrest and try Neyarra."

  Haneth nodded, running a hand through her hair. "It is my understanding, that when Thorvall ruled Archet, you left him and his warband to their own justice, and in return he helped you keep peace in Bree. Is that arrangement no longer standing?"

  Arion shakes his head, "That is not quite accurate. If any crimes occurred within Archet, I did not interfere and he and his company did not assist with enforcing the law in Bree but helped to fill the ranks of a militia that, in time of need, would help defend Bree-land from outside forces. Fortunately, the militia never was never needed. After the Oathsworn left Bree-land, the Watch resumed duty in Archet."

  Haneth lifted her chin. "And now we are returned, and I would like to be in partnership with you once again. One of ours, Lethiah, has already joined the Watch. He says that things have been peaceful since we forsook Archet. We would like to see it remain that way."

  Arion raises a brow, "I would have to discuss the matter with the Mayor and the community leaders of Archet. If they are amenable to the idea, we can work out the details. Now, about your apprentice. Is she going to turn herself in?"

  Haneth surrendered half a smile, stretching the scars down her jaw. "I suppose she will have to, if you do not trust us to manage the justice of our own people."

  Laerlin pushes the door open and enters the jail house. She pauses to lean against her simple walking staff, giving the old place an even lookabout. She sees her destination quickly enough, though frowns faintly to see him occupied. Nevertheless, she hobbles closer, and her faint frown turns into surprise as she recognizes Haneth. She waits and does not interrupt.

  Arion shakes his head, "It is not a matter of trust but of the law. Even if I were not bound by statute, were I to give you and yours dispensation to handle lawbreakers within your own company, then other companies and groups would demand the same latitude and that way lies chaos. While I understand your desire to police your own, I must adjudicate all legal matters within Bree-land."

  Haneth |The sound of lingering footsteps in a storm of marching boots drew Haneth's gaze. She smiled and nodded at Laerlin, the first they had seen each other in a year or more, but business was at hand. Lifting her chin higher as she returned to Arion, "I understand. And we seek no special treatment, only partnership. Tell me, though, what charge does Arra face if brought before you?"

  Arion answers, "Assault with a weapon at a minimum. Other charges could be brought as well or discarded. I need to question her in order to determine what charges she might face.""

  Laerlin falls more heavily on her staff as they continue to talk, though her head perks up at the mention of 'Arra'. "You speak of Arra the young brigand? That is why I came in today, Arion," she says after he is done speaking.

  Haneth shifted away from the stairs to allow Laerlin the space to climb them. "We do. I saw her last night at your healing house." As the woman came closer Haneth's voice lowered. "Thank you for caring for her. She could have suffered greatly if one who knew you had not found her."

  Arion nods in greeting to Laerlin, "well met and yes, I need to resolve the matters of her crime or crimes."

  Laerlin chooses not to ascend the stairs, likely on account of her leg. She seems content to remain right where she is. "You are welcome. I did not know you had any connection with her. Darramir and I-- Darramir moreso-- do not hold much fondness for her, but I won't leave anyone untreated. But, I thought you ought to know, Justice, that she is there right now. She won't be moving far without aid, either. The stitches would break if she moves too much, I warrant."

  Arion turns his gaze on Laerlin, "When will she be capable of coming here of her own volition or safely via another means such as horse or wagon?"

  Haneth nodded in response to Laerlin. "She is my apprentice. Has been this year and a half or more, though it seems longer." Fondness warmed her smile but then was gone and barren. "May I suggest, Laerlin, if it is alright with you, that Arion or a member of his men go to the healing house to question and try her?" She turned to Arion. "She is not worth jailing, and to drag her here would harm her more than help."

  Arion shakes his head, "Whether her actions warrant jailing remain to be seen though on the surface they certainly do. I see no purpose to questioning her, determining she needs to be sentenced, then having to wait until she has healed to carry out that sentence. I need to know when it will cause her no further injury to have her brought here."

  Haneth frowned. "Then why put her through the pain of travelling if the questioning leads nowhere?"

  Laerlin does not interrupt their discussion at the moment as they discuss her fate, her expression neutral as either of them speak. She shifts her body weight against the staff carefully.

  Arion raises a brow, "Then are you saying Cyndyn lied or is injured in some fashion as to render her complaint inaccurate or false?"

  Haneth |A deep line twitched between the laugh lines and scars. She squared her stance to Arion, her voice lowering. "I am saying you jailed Arra already for defending herself against an attacker. She has done her time, and does not deserve any more pain at your hands."

  Arion does not seem moved by that argument, "You are conflating two seperate matters that do not warrant such. Now, based on the past relationship I had with the Oathsworn, I am willing to allow Neyarra to heal to an extent at Laerlin's, if she allows it, but if pushed, that can change."

  Haneth 's eyes widened where they should have glared. Her lips fell open, but she had nothing else in her to say. Nodding, she dropped her gaze. "I will alert you when she is ready."

  Arion bows his head to her, "Thank you." He looks over at Laerlin, "What time frame might that be?"

  Laerlin considers his words. "She came in just the other evening... the stitches should be ready to be removed in five to six days, I warrant, which is the greatest danger. If there is no infection in her shoulder by that point, either, I think the threat of that has passed. So after the stitches are removed, I believe." She frowns faintly. "She was very angry against Cyndyn; seems to think that her husband is some sort of terrible crook and Cyndyn is ignoring it. I cannot believe that Cyndyn bit her, as well... it was a very nasty fight. My neighbor found her on the road; she is lucky she was found by a good man and not a bad one. She was in a bad state."

  Haneth drove her gaze into the floor to spare the others from seeing what lurked there. Her fingers curled to fists, but slackened soon as they touched her palms.

  Arion explains, "There was a past incident involving Cyndyn's husband and Neyarra. Unfortunately, there was insufficient evidence to substantiate her complaint while enough to substantiate his. I am curious though as to why Cyndyn would have entered into a relationship with him knowing of this trouble between him and a member of her own company..."

  Haneth swung her slow gaze up to Arion, the remnant of anger not yet quenched from her green rings. "Leave that to me, Justice. The state of the mind where it concerns my Men is my own worry. The state of the Law is yours."

  Laerlin looks very curious, then her eyes widen. "Oh! Goodness gracious! /That/ is her husband? The one she claimed tried to-- oh, goodness gracious." She grimaces faintly over something, then readjusts her position. "I did not realize the young Arra was in your company, Haneth. Do you know she is friends with brigands? The very ones who did Darramir much hurt?"

  Arion nods, "As you say. Given Laerlin's estimation, I will expect Neyarra to be brought here in a week's time. If there is a change in her recovery, then Laerlin can send word to me..." He stops as Laerlin mentions brigands.

  Thorvall pushed his way into the gaol. Pausing, as if he were a hound sniffing the air for threat or quarry, he made towards familiar figures of Justice, healer and huntress. "Apologies for my lateness, Valaroma threw a shoe before we reached the south gate." He snorted at their words, even as he heard them. "Arion employed Leeta has his assistant, which is worse?"

  Laerlin adjusts her position on her staff again to look at Thorvall. "I remember Leeta. She wouldn't stop following him around. I do not care if she is in your company, but you /should/ know that she is friends with that Cisse. Cisse is a right crook. You just should keep her away from bad influences, and she might not get into as much trouble. She's young enough to be molded into a better person."

  Arion nods politely to Thor before answering, "I did not employ Leeta. I attempted, perhaps mistakenly and certainly with not much initial result, to set her on another path. Perhaps with time my efforts will prove successful."

  Haneth 's scarred eyes flinched. She had contained herself til this moment but no longer. "The man who your healers have treated in this very jail is a treacherous beast." She turned to Laerlin and Thorvall, clenching her hand as it began to shake. "Vinicio is a harder man than fifty 'Cisse's' and yet you keep him here and jail his victims."

  Laerlin 's face wrinkles in confusion, the expression causing the nice large bruise on her cheek to contort in shape. "Vinicio works at the jail?"

  Arion appears unsure if Han's diatribe was directed at him or someone else.

  Haneth threw her gaze again to the floor. "Vini is healed at the jail," she said, then lowered her voice, "...as we speak."

  Thorvall pursed his lips, nodding slowly. "Cisse..." he spoke the name as if he had only just heard it. "I'm newly returned to Bree, and until Arra decides to join our band care not too much who she spends her time with, as long as she commits no crimes." A pause, as Haneth's words bit into him. "If what Haneth and Arra say is true, as well as what I've known of the man, he's more ripe for the gallows than poultices and bandages." He drew a scar-flecked hand through straw coloured locks. "You've my word, Arion, that I'll look into those you say are the girl’s friends, but I trust Haneth on this, Vini is no innocent party."

  Arion nods, "Yes, he is here but definitely not as an employee. He was attacked though I do not know the circumstances as he has not regained lucidity as of yet. As for his character, I have little doubt he is a... boor, at best. However, until sufficient proof exists that he has committed a crime, I cannot arrest him for being a boor."

  Laerlin glances between Thorvall and Haneth. "If you know he has done something, and you were witness to it, would that be sufficient cause?" She pauses, then frowns some more. "Actually, when I met Cyndyn on the streets the day after her husband went missing, she was very badly bruised. This was a little while ago. Were you ever able to figure out from her who caused this?"

  Thorvall shook his head slowly. "It was all muggings, brigands or falls, I know well enough when the girl is hiding something, but..." He sighed through his teeth. "She has been in such a state, maybe a year ago I'd have shouted it from her..." He shrugged. "I suppose going home made me soft."

  Haneth’s eyes climbed Thorvall. She found his face and rooted about like a boar digging for food.

  Laerlin does not seem to have anything to add to Thorvall's words. She shakes her head slowly and swivels carefully to look at Arion to see what he has to say about all of this.

  Arion suggests, "There was an incident involving Cyndyn, Cisse, and some companions of Cisse. Given that its been explained now that Cisse is a friend of Neyarra's, it now makes more sense."

  Thorvall |Eyes narrowed, fixing on the justice. "So it was Cisse?" He growled. "Cyndyn knew her by another name it seemed, that is good to know."

  Laerlin raises a brow at Arion. "Is that so?" She glances at Thorvall. "Aye, but if Arra is good friends with Cisse-- I believe they are at least friends-- who is to say she was not acting on Arra's behalf? It seems you need to sit Arra down and tell her to get away from troublesome influences like Cisse."

  Haneth 's fingers tightened on her belt. "Arra should not be held responsible for the actions of those she supposedly knows." She raised her gaze over her shoulder to Arion. "She is her own woman. Is her companionship evidence? Is Cyndyn's? Knowing she is married to this...Vini, and yet that does not sway your judgment of Arra?"

  Arion shakes his head, "I have made no judgment, other than Cyndyn's complaint regarding Neyarra necessitates her being taken into custody, for the moment."

  Thorvall held is hand up. "If I may suggest a compromise, Lord Arion?"

  Arion answers, "I believe one has already been reached but continue."

  Thorvall furrowed his brow. "Apologies, I'm not sure I was here as it was being made, I was about to suggest we keep Arra in Rambroke, as I do not feel right taking her in chains to Bree..." He paused, chewing over the thought. "You could maybe visit there and decide, and whatever conclusion you reach." Another pause, and he shot a look to Haneth. "We will support."

  Laerlin tells Thorvall, "She is currently in my infirmary in the 'steads, recovering. Arion agreed to waiting until she was fully recovered. I suppose if all she is needed for is questioning, when she comes here, chains are an unnecessary precaution?" She looks at Arion quizzically.

  Arion nods, "Chains are not needed though she does need to come here once she is healthy enough to do so as we discussed previously."

  Haneth dragged her gaze from off the floor to Thorvall. "Lord Arion is not agreeable to delaying Arra's return to the jail for judgment. He has already delayed her return and allowed us a week to let her heal. After then, by his words, she is his."

  Thorvall |Brow furrowed, he shrugged. "As you say, but I'd see her to Rambroke before she goes to Bree, if chains are not needed then I imagine that will not be a problem?"

  Laerlin answers Thorvall, grimacing a bit as she shifts her position again, "It is unadvisable for her to be moved without a wagon due to the... precarious positioning of her stitches. I would like to keep an eye on the bite wound for a couple more days as well, just in case of infection."

  Arion raises a brow, "What would be the purpose for this?"

  Thorvall curled his lip a little at that. "We have our own healers who I'd like to look over her, as well as offering her the comfort of home before she does to questioning for nothing more than a scrap." He sighed heavily then, heaving shoulder sending the crimson cloak shimmering across his back. "Come on Arion, you and I have both done worse in our time before you took up the mantle of justice, half of our fights against Rashka's crew were in the middle of the street, I swear on my honour she'll come before you, but let her come home first."

  Haneth kept silent, knowing her word was a crumb compared with Thorvall's.

  Arion 's brow furrow, "I defended myself, and others, if attacked. Regardless, that is not what is at question here. How long is this... visit to her 'home' going to take?"

  Thorvall waved his hand dismissively, yet his face was open and guileless. "No more than a few days, she is young, and she is scared, despite all her blustering." He turned then to face the healer. "You know that as well as I, the comfort will help her, where as her being taken straight here would leave her hissing and spitting as a cat."

  Laerlin does not look entirely pleased by his words of healers. "I assure you that my qualifications are the highest," she says stiffly. "But as for her movement, I care not; that is Arion's call, in the end." She grimaces again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have been standing for much too long. If you want to do a healer a favor, you can leave a few silver there to help cover the costs of supplies. I am not a wealthy woman." She turns to leave.

  Arion shakes his head, "I agreed to a week at Laerlin's as I was told that was the time that was needed to for her to heal sufficiently. I will not agree to an open ended... respite at her home. Give me an exact time."

  Thorvall firmed his jaw, nodding. "You've the right of it then, we will say three days after she has left Laerlin's care she will be here." Dipping his head a slight to the man's authority, he turned at once toward the healer. "My apologies, honestly." He bowed deeper now. "Your skill at healing and the comfort you bring is known throughout Bree-land, but we have healers she knows, and with Arra that is important, I meant no offence."

  Haneth conquered the opportunity to leave her lord to his business and cantered down the steps. "Laerlin," she implored before the hobbled woman could make it far. "If you need anything for Arra... I should have offered." She worked at a purse packed deep in a leather satchel of other wares, then drew it free. Pressing the stitched wool into Laerlin's hand, she smiled to dilute the brass sound of coins clinking. "If that is not enough send word and I will repay you. You have already done so much...I do not know how to repay you.”

  Thorvall held up a hand to stay that of the huntress. "I will pay, on here arrival to us you'll have silver for her care and as much again as my thanks."

  Haneth pushed the purse deeper into Laerlin's palm. "Thorvall pays me for my duty and I pay my apprentice." Her eyes caught Thorvall's. "That is how it is done and that is how it will be."

  Laerlin does not seem to have much choice in the matter; she takes the purse from Haneth and tells her, "I am sure this will be sufficient." At Thorvall's apology, she looks appeased and dips her head in thanks. "Haneth knows where my infirmary is. If you will excuse me... I need to rest my leg."

  Arion , in reaction to an impatient glance from Dawn, says, "I am behind on my patrol. Ten days is to effect an arrest is... generous to say the least. Do not abuse my forbearance in this matter. Good day to you all."

  Thorvall frowned at the words, then shot her an admiring grin. "If you say so, Bregu." Wincing at Arion’s words, after nodding his thanks to Laerlin he turned toward the man. "It is a favour between old friends, Arion, not abuse." He sighed, continuing. "One minute it's questioning, another arrest."

  Haneth slipped three fingers into Thorvall's elbow and tugged. "We should be going," she whispered, staring at the hem of his shoulder to not risk glances abroad.

  Thorvall nodded at once, sparing one last bow for Laerlin. "Thank you again, we appreciate your care for the girl."

  Laerlin dips her head to Haneth and Thorvall, saying, "Just doing my duty as a healer," then limps her way out of there.

  Thorvall frowned at the door, as if the oaken portal would light a candle, burning down through the hours until they had to return with their charge. "Come, Haneth..." He spoke softly. "I've spent enough time here."

  Haneth fell into step behind him. She stitched her gaze to his mantle and avoided Watcher's gaze or glance behind. Her purse felt lighter, and she felt the better for it. "As always," she nodded, "I follow."