[Maegaladiel]

Nahai shook her head sympathetically. Poor Morwyn.

“Aye, men can be scum. They think women cannot fend for themselves. Obviously they do not know us well, do they?” She gave a wry smile, revealing the hilt of her own sword half-hidden by her cape. “Many people don’t think a Beorning has need of such a weapon, but I assure you, a bear’s shape has its limits.” She held up her right hand, wiggling her fingers.

“You see, opposable thumbs have their advantages. And sometimes fighting tooth-and-nail just isn’t enough.” Her hand slid to her sheathed sword, fingering its hilt while casting a glance at the table of strange creatures seated behind them. How did a group of orcs and a balrog find their way into the Green Dragon?

“I myself carry little of value with me, save this sword, and I rarely ride horses. However, men who don’t know my heritage are easily distracted by a lone woman traveler, and those who do know are usually more than eager to chase me away.” She shook her head again, remembering such instances. “Maybe they think I’m going to—I don’t know—eat their children or hunt their sheep or something. The truth is, I shudder to even think about eating any type of meat, and the only things I hunt are the men who murdered my parents.” Her eyes lowered. “Although I haven’t had much luck.” Clearing her throat in embarrassment, she looked back at Morwyn.

“Forgive me for interrupting your story. Please continue.” Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed Elhor talking to a beautiful woman. Good. He seemed to be feeling more confident about himself. But had she scared him away with her confession? He had left right after she had revealed her true identity, and he had looked somewhat frightened. Had her Beorning heritage driven him away, as it did so many other people? She still did not know who Elhor really was; a selfish part of her had hoped he was a skin-changer like her, so that she wouldn’t be alone any more. But that was impossible. And why was such a young lad all alone in a strange place? Was he an orphan? A runaway? She doubted she would ever know.

Nahai silently wished him luck and happiness, wherever the road of life led him. Then she turned her attention back to Morwyn, waiting for her to speak.