[onewhitetree]

Aspida bustled about the cottage bringing bandages and poultices to those in need with sharp comment to those who were unfortunate enough to get in her way. They all scurried away when they saw her coming. All, that is, except for that Thenamir fellow. A steady eye, and not a bad way about him, either. That man was raised right, like so few were in these sad days. Yes, Thenamir was all right.

Aspida gasped to herself. Was she actually condoning the actions of a man? This was new, no doubt about that. She wasn't sure she liked this turn of events....

As she boiled over the turmoil this band of travellers had brought to her house, Aspida took a moment from nursing the men to prepare some things for Haleth. Having spent so much time in the company of men, the girl was downright rough. Sometimes it seemed as though she cared nothing for her own well-being. She could, however, take better care of herself without giving away her identity. Aspida stuffed a few small things, such as a rather rich hairbrush and some soft garments into a pack that she deftly hid inside Haleth's belongings for her to find.

As Aspida returned to her work, she wondered what was coming over her. First a rogue girl softened her heart and made her feel like the mother she never was, then a strange man, of all things, demanded respect which she was unable to refuse! These conflicting feelings put her in an extremely snappy mood, which she took out on the Elf, as usual. Aspida had always been a little jealous of those who shared her few talents.