[littlemanpoet]

"Can we talk?"

Ginna's heart raced. She had missed Harreld terribly. But their last conversation had left her wounded, and she was afraid that what he had to say would only inflict more pain. There was no use delaying the inevitable, however.

"Yes, Harreld. But not here. Lead the way."

Harreld had not considered that this place would not be good for talking. He searched his thought quickly to think of where.

"'Tis cold outside. The smithy?"

She nodded. They made their way, he leading. It felt strange. Why did she want to walk behind him? He slowed down. She walked slower. He sighed. What was wrong? No, he would not become irritable. Their last talk had been very painful and she might not want to talk to him much at all. Perhaps he had been foolish to think she would want to talk to him at all. It was too late now. He opened the smithy door for her and she walked through into the dark warmth. The oven was always on, so there was a little light, but not enough for him to tell anything from her expression.

The smithy was delightfully warm, in contrast to the cold air outside. But it had changed since the last time she had entered it. There were more tools now. Garreth's. Ginna realised that the last time she had spoken to Harreld was also in this very same place. And again, like before, she remained silent as she sat down, letting him to speak first.

She sat down and said nothing. Well, he was the one who had wanted to talk.

"Eodwine and I talked about you and me. I hope you don't mind?"

She shook her head no.

"He reminded me of Eomer's disobedience to King Theoden, and that Eomer had been right. Then Eodwine said that I should weigh my heart, whether my aim with you is in taking, or in giving."

Harreld paused. He had come to the brink of his word. He found it hard to say more, and did not know why. Now that he thought about it, he admitted to himself that he had much to gain by taking her to wife. Or was she ready to be done with him?

"I would give you anything you ask. If you'll have me."