[Envinyatar]

Merrimac made no immediate answer. But there was a rustling from inside the stable, coming from the end where the stablemaster’s quarters were. A familiar voice called out along the row of horses and ponies.

‘Is that you, Aman?’

Derufin walked down the earthen track between the rows of stalls, a small lantern in his hand. ‘Haven’t seen Merrimac this evening,’ he said, hanging the soft glowing light from a hook on one of the posts. ‘Is there something I might do for you? I think I can still find my way about the stable if there’s something you’re needing.’ He grinned at her, as she looked behind him to see if Imzi might also be there.

‘She’s getting settled in the Inn for the night. Under the watchful eye of Cook.’ He nodded back over his shoulder toward his old quarters. ‘I’m just displacing a small family of field mice from my mattress at the moment. Thought I’d see to getting the room habitable at least for the night.’

Derufin looked expectantly at her. ‘What can I help you with?’ he asked again.

His gaze was drawn, then, just beyond Aman's shoulder as someone approached and spoke to her.