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Rowenna
If it eases his heart? What if anything would his heart have to do with Lady Saeryn's condition? The moment the question was raised in Rowenna's mind, she knew. She felt a sudden weight drop inside, and she knew its name: dread. This was a noblewoman, wellborn and therefore marriageable to such as Eorl Eodwine. And she was beautiful. Why else would she come back if not to allow herself to be courted?
These thoughts raced through Rowenna's mind as she walked to the tent's entrance to relay Modtryth's message. Such a formidable rival Rowenna knew she could not abide! And here, she had thought to make a friend of her! She would have to give all appearances of friendship, for she would need to have this Saeryn's confidence. That much was certain. It was her only hope. But what to say to the Eorl?
She came to the entrance. He was standing just outside. Her heart raced.
"She is in need of a healer, lord. Is there one here?" Maybe she could suggest that the girl be sent to Edoras for healing. But she kept her tongue in her mouth as to that.
"We have one here," Eodwine replied. "I should have thought of her sooner. Æðel is her name. I will fetch her."
With that, the Eorl was gone on his new errand, and Rowenna had not even needed to pass on the extra tidbit Modtryth had supplied. Ease his heart? Rowenna was determined that she must be the one to ease his heart, and no other.
She returned to Modtryth and Saeryn and smiled as warmly as she knew how.
"Lord Eodwine has gone to fetch the one called Æðel. How are you feeling, Saeryn?"
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