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Thornden watched Rowenna and Nydfara with no little amusement. He guessed her purpose in asking Nydfara to dance, and he waited with some anticipation to see the sparks fly. But they didn’t. With surprise, he realized that Nydfara had somehow skillfully averted Rowenna’s anger and they danced not only with politeness but with pleasure! Thornden moved to gain a close and clearer standpoint where he could observe them both during the dance.
There was some chemistry between the two of them that he did not understand. The nature of the dance allowed only brief snatches of conversation and then the partners were split: each time Nydfara and Rowenna parted ways, their faces held new expressions. Thornden followed them like an audience member watching a mute play. He saw them frown thoughtfully, smile with pleasure, cast each other quizzical, doubting looks, and - in her face - questioning and bashfulness. Was Nydfara wooing her?
Throughout the solo that Eodwine played, Thornden watched them standing side by side. From some feet away, he studied her face. Her eyes were downcast, but he could tell her thoughts were racing. Then he looked at Nydfara. He could not read this man at all. Although Nydfara had been here many months, Thornden did not know him well. Nydfara kept to himself and never got in anyone’s way. Up until this moment, Thornden had never found reason to notice Nydfara. Now that he did notice him, he didn’t know what he thought of him. It mattered not. Thornden resolved he would wait and see how matters unfolded between Nydfara and Rowenna, and hence forward he would get to know Nydfara better.
When Eodwine’s song ended and the next dance tune began, Thornden went to lady Saeryn who sat near to where Eodwine played his harp with the other musicians.
“Will you dance with me, lady?” he asked.
Saeryn looked up, surprised at being asked. She had expected everyone to forget her and let her sit by Eodwine, and she would have been happy with that. But Thornden’s request was welcome to her, and she immediately reached up to accept his hand and he led her to the dance floor.
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