The breeze of the midsummer night dances with the skirts of Vanwe as she spoke, and I watched her close, my hand working the pouch about.
'Three coppers I have little need, yet there is more here than you say.
I said this to see her reaction, and her eyes lit up some. Yet I calmed her some...
'However dear lady Vanwe, you offer much for this, yet I ask little of the daughter of Naiore. You know that Kaldir will take this news to profit of himself, yet I see nor sense no malice in you as there is in your mother.'
Surely there was the possibility of malice here, but I would hold her words as true until she shows otherwise. But what do I ask of Vanwe daughter of Naiore?? I will not have her beholden to me or it is not my ways. I looked at Vanwe as she spoke further...
"You saved my life once before. You owe me no such thing now. Do as you will, Ranger. I will quarrel not. I am not strong enough for such feats"
It seemed a calm came over her though as I stared into her eyes. I held up the pouch and its outline was before her, easy for her to grab from me if she wished. The business inside t was not mine, yet could offer clues... no, it is not mine to say.
'This is yours you say?'
I asked, though knowing the answer.
'Then it is yours for the keeping, though if it is of such value, you should secure it better when you are hanging from rafters of stables. I will ask one thing of you, not for its return though...'
I swung it slightly and let it fly toward Vanwe, who snatched it from the air as it went toward her. Surely it was of much worth to her, and now since she had what she sought, she could turn and go if she wished. But I went on...
'Will Vanwe, daughter of Naiore come and sit with me for a time upon the grassy knoll yonder and tell me of her mother? The stars on this night of little moon will be bright, and in the sound of the midsummers breeze there will be rest and peace for thee, not chains and inprisonment.'
She was silent as she looked at the pouch, and finally looking at me as the candle blinked out in the breeze, she smiled and we walked the short distance to the hillside to sit for a time.
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