- "Heva!" - A man called her by her name, catching her in last momen as her soft boots carried her off the iced path. Firm in his hands she smiled uncomfortably, well bundled in heavy furs and rough knee long tunic. Healers pink nose lost challenge against her cheeks and turned very red.
His eyes watched her amused, man of renown, in fine armor, with golden braids falling over his shoulders. Instead of helm he had a soft cap, now sprinkled with snow.
- "You should watch your step, my lady. Try to walk over the snow, its safer." he instructs her with gentle tone and helps her to stand up, slowly supporting her with his arms casted in armor.
Heva sought safety of snow, on edge of the paths in Forlaw. She looked up to the man, as he was taller then most of eorlingas. While keeping her scarf down a little she smiled and thanked him.
- "Thank you, my lord." -
- "Why dont you call me by my name? Do you fear me cause I guard the Mead hall, cause I am rider of Forlaw and our good Reeve?" Man spoke with eagerness in his words, bowing his head down to speak in whisper.
Young healer-maiden looked down, knowing the truth, and the doubt. He was always kind to her, even she was a no one, less of a fyrd.
- "It is not, my lord, I am just polite." she lied and avoided his gaze.
Man placed glowed finger under his chin and tried to push her chin up, to face him.
- "You should not lie, do you care what I feel so much that you wish not to hurt me, or you just dislike me so much I am not worthy of the truth?"
Heva protests and looks up, and he locks her with his gaze.
- "I wish not to hurt..yo--anyone." - she stuttered words.
- "Then speak with me as we are equals. Not my lord." - he spoke quickly with stern gaze though his lips shaped into a smile.
- "Then I will, if it will not hurt you.. Ulfrede." - she says at last as watching the thorn in the side of Stangard refugees after what he has done to its riders.
Ulfrede quickly nods and moves his hand, takes a step back, smiling a little. "That was not so hard, isnt it?" and swiftly turns on his heel and walks off to his own way toward the Mead hall.
