[Esgallhugwen]

Gudryn stared in awe at the people about her, never before had she been in such company as this. She was beginning to feel whole, it made her both terrified and too happy to care surrounded by merry smiles and open hearts.

Not to mention the loose mouths of ones who have drunk too much ale, she thought with a flicker of mirth and shock as Ruthven addressed her as a wench, though clever at that.

But still her stomach turned when the laughter died on the air and the slightest hint of silence crept in, only to her relief was it replaced with more heart felt laughter.

Rand. The seething voice hissed in her ear. You know he's getting closer, you know by the pain in your stomach, each time he's kicked you and beaten you to the ground.

Another roar of laughter as Falco stands upon his seat.

Truly they wont stand long against him, and soon you'll be back at his side. Of course more the likely bleeding at his feet once he's had his way with you.

A wave of nausea slithered up her throat, her stomach convulsed, but she swallowed down hard, her eyes beginning to water.

No. Not now. Not after I've seen this light, this hope. Not after I've found a Father, to call me daughter and love me and above all protect me.

Her hand went to her stomach whilst the other clutched at the seat, her finger nails digging into the wood grain. Bethberry was asking her about healing.

Yes. Now is the time. Back to the shadows with you now, back to the hate. He'll find you, nothing will stop him, not your adopted Father or his comrades, and certainly not your will to live this life.

A tear threatened to leave her eye, and her heart began to pound menacingly within her chest. Is he really close?

The Inn door swung open abruptly, and Gudryn jumped, about to stifle a scream. "Is there a healer in the house?" A young girl, younger then Gudryn called out above the din.

She began to converse with Bethberry about the art of healing with a man standing at her side, he, thank Eru looked nothing like Rand. Gudryn wondered where they hailed from, they looked wealthy and had the same air about them as Saeryn did.

"Father?", Gudryn touched Eodwine's shoulder tentatively and he answered with a smile, "I wish to go see Lady Saeryn now", he nodded and she stood making her way to Saeryn's room.

She knocked on the door first, when there was no reply she entered. The woman on the bed looked like Saeryn, but something different was in her eyes.

"Who are you?" she asked with a hint of apprehension.