|
The workload over supper, with all the men returning, was the price the women paid for the free time they had earlier that day. Ginna had barely set down the empty tray she was holding when Frodides pushed another one toward her, hardly visible through the steam emanating from the bowl of stew it held. She waved off the steam to see the tray more clearly and carried it without another word.
"Ginna, wait."
She turned. Modtryth hurried over to her and placed a ladle on the tray. They traded smiles, and Ginna went on her way back to the hall. She navigated towards one of the farther tables where no food has yet been served, all the while keeping an eye open for Harreld. She had not seen him again after she left him, not even during the noontime meal. Perhaps he was really just overwhelmed by the work he had to do and could not be bothered. But no, she knew him well enough. He had never turned her away in such a manner because he was too busy. Ginna recalled what she had told Modtryth earlier, that for a time it felt like she had to woo him. It had not been easy. But would she have to do it again? Had he let the insecure thoughts he used to have creep back into his mind? Had he listened to them, believed them to be true? Ginna felt a pang in her chest at the idea. She thought they were past that. So what is really going on? The same question had eaten at her all day.
As she reached the table she saw Thornden leave the hall. She wanted to follow him out and make towards the smithy, but she knew better than to abandon her work. She and Harreld needed to talk, but not tonight. She disliked waiting but she would wait until he came to her, and hope that she was not waiting in vain.
|