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Gomen turned pleading eyes to his father as Hearpwine left the stable. Leofan studied him thoughtfully. He knew how much Gomen valued spending time with Hearpwine the Bard. He did not doubt that one day the lad would also take up an instrument and sing before many. He did not cast aside the idea and he intended to let his son follow whatever path he chose, but he could not deny that he felt a pain of regret that his eldest would not help him in the stables. It was not the feeling that he would his son to take up the task of the family for ages past, but that he enjoyed the boy's company and would miss him when the road called. "Son, you know I need your help in the stable," he said softly.
Gomen bowed his head and nodded, "Yes, Papa."
That was his mother. From the first she had been very diligent in teaching her children obedience as a foundation for all other attributes. Gomen had learned this lessons now and showed it so as he humbly submitted to his father's will. Yet the disappointment was clear on his face and Leofan could not help but feel a twinge of guilt. If he considered it, he liked Hearpwine well enough. He often visited his horse in the stables and Leofan had grown accustomed to his face and ways. When the young man had first arrived at the Inn Leofan had had his doubts, especially when he noticed the attentions being played to his eldest daughter, but Liornung had spoken well of the lad and it seemed now that Hearpwine and Maercwen merely considered each other as good friends. Now he would not even mind if Hearpwine did start openly courting his daughter, for she was now a little older and with the attentions of many young men about the Inn she would be more able to discern if she were really in love with one or if she were merely swept off her feet.
He did not dislike Hearpwine. And under normal circumstances he would not care if Gomen went out with him. But Gomen had already been out riding that morning and had left much work undone. If he let him go now the work would continue to grow. Yet could he not make this sacrifice for his son, who so obviously desired to go? It was not often that Hearpwine had time to spare about the Inn; he was almost all day at the Hall with Master Eorcyn. It would not happen every day. An exception can be made. "You may go," he said. Gomen straightened up, his eyes shining. He lingered just a little while to thank his father before hurrying to the Inn.
He found Hearpwine sitting by Hanasían, a man who had come often to the Inn during the spring and early summer days. Gomen had never officially made his acquaintance but they would sometimes exchange passing words. He lurked restlessly in background of the conversation, unwilling to interrupt but eager to tell Hearpwine of the permission. He was relieved when Maercwen came out of the kitchen, drying soap-covered hands on her now rather dirtied white apron. She would know how to tactfully break into the conversation.
She was stooping down in front of Motan and Mereflod, laughing in delight and touching the flowers that crowned their golden hair. She was such a dependable older sister. She was so very friendly to everyone and knew exactly how to act in every situation. Gomen gazed at her admiringly. There were times he could almost believe his sister was the kindest person on earth, but before he could tell himself it was so he remembered his mother.
"Maercwen, Papa said I could go out walking with Hearpwine," said Gomen. She seemed pleased at this, and expressed surprise that Hearpwine was back so early. "But Hearpwine is talking with Hanasían and I fear of being rude if I break into their conversation," the lad continued.
Maercwen put a hand on his head and smiled. "So you want me to do it for you?" she said. She ran her fingers once through his hair and nodded. "Very well," she said. "It's very simple, if you watch." She began to move towards Hearpwine but paused to speak once again with her brother. "I know how much you value your time with Hearpwine," she said, "and I am glad Papa does not discourage you." She said nothing more. She had never told Gomen directly that she expected him to be a bard, but she knew he wanted to and said as much as she could without referring clearly to it.
Gomen watched in amazement as Maercwen politely interrupted the conversation, with grace and charm, notifying Hearpwine in one short sentence that Gomen had obtained his father's permission and then, after begging their pardon for interrupting once again, withdrawing with just as much grace and ease. Gomen thanked her heartily and then cast anxious eyes towards Hearpwine. "I hope he doesn't change his mind," he said in concern. "I was looking forward to it."
"He won't change his mind," said Maercwen, without the faintest hint of laughter at his concerns. Mother never laughed when he was afraid, either. "Just give him a little time to finish speaking with Hanasían. Now I must go hustle Motan and Mereflod into the kitchen to Mamma. She's been wanting them to give her some assistance." She patted her brother's shoulder gently. "Have fun on your little adventure," she said, "and work hard for Papa when you get back."
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