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Saeryn smiled at Cerwyn and extended her hand in welcome.
“We are glad to have you here,” she said. “Any friend of Leof's is welcome here at the hall.”
The girl took Saeryn's hand and as Saeryn pressed it in welcome, their eyes met, and Saeryn thought she would like her.
She turned and began to lead her towards the room where the women slept. “We do not have as much room as we did before the winter,” Saeryn said. “Most of the women share this room.” The door swung open and Saeryn led way in. The room was full of the beds. There was not much space left, but it was orderly and neat. The beds were all made-up, the corners tucked in. A few chests of wood stood against the wall between some of the beds.
Saeryn led her down between the rows until she had gone nearly to the back wall.
“You may stay here,” she said. She looked a moment at the quilted cover on the bed. The woman who had slept here and who had sewn the quilt, had been one of those who died during the long winter. For a moment, her lips pressed a little tighter together, and then she turned back to Cerwyn.
“You may put your belongings into that chest,” she pointed.
They stood still for a moment. Cerwyn looked around and Saeryn looked at her.
“I hope you are not very disappointed if Leof decides not to return with you,” Saeryn said at length. “He has a home here, and he has made a place for himself. That means a lot to a young man like your brother.”
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