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"Friend Eodwine," Degas called with a grin, "there is much to discuss, not least of which is our forthcoming horse race!"
Saeryn laughed brightly and excused herself from the men, seeing Nain and wishing to greet him properly.
"What is this sudden change?" Eodwine asked in wonder, for Saeryn's dark red hair glinted with gold in the sun, and her smile was infectious.
Degas looked after his sister with a fond smile before slinging an arm around Eodwine's shoulders. "We spoke of many serious things, and some not so serious, and she is happier now than she has been in many months. You shall see a clear change in her, I am certain, like a long winter which has at last melted away to birdsong and blossoms, and early shoots of tender green. Perhaps she will speak plainly to you soon of what transpired between us. Her closed heart seems open once more, and for that... For that I am eternally grateful. To return to Rohan and find my sister alive, and to find her hurt, but able to be healed. To leave her presence knowing that she is full of joy once more...
"My thoughts I wish to share with you in full, for I greatly desire your counsel before I leave and I wish to depart as soon as may be, to return to my folk and take my place as their lord and protector. Tomorrow, perhaps, or the next day, I shall ride, if I may be so bold as to take advantage of your hospitality until I have laid my plans. We need not speak today, but when you have a moment to spare? Your people are good people, and they work hard, and they deserve their day of revelry, and I cannot help but believe that you deserve it at least as much."
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