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Saeryn's eyes locked with Eodwine's and the Hall around them disappeared. As she processed his request, she looked at him in wonder, her head slightly tilted, an uncertain half-smile adorning her lips. All eyes were on her as she considered his offer, yet for the first time in a rather long time, she was not uncomfortable with the attention. Though her noble status was not the secret she had once meant it to be, she had not cared to publicize the information. Now, standing in the midst of whispers with Eodwine silently and patiently waiting for a response, Saeryn was too preoccupied to care.
A Lady of the Hall? She had been content with the role of hostess, excited for once to have an opportunity to make a name for herself that was not based upon nobility or appearance, but ability and intellect instead. To be the Lady of the Hall... to be Eodwine's lady, at least in seeming?
Linduial had, upon first arrival, believed Eodwine and Saeryn to be wed. Saeryn had laughed and allowed the thought to relocate itself to memory to be reminisced upon, rather than something to be mulled upon. These days, Saeryn saw Eodwine in a more serious light than she had before Linduial had come, though she had ever been grateful to him. Her first true friend at the Horse, her sworn protector. Her confidante. Saeryn sought ways to pay Eodwine back for his kindnesses, finding solace for the chilling feeling of debts unpayable with long hours of work.
When Eodwine had approached her work ethic with confusion and an air of almost impatience for her reluctance to explain it, Saeryn had been left fully uncertain as to how now she could salve her own guilt-ridden consciousness. Friendship was not a loan, but a gift to be cherished. Oaths were not sworn to indebt those protected. Yet Saeryn felt unworthy and had tried, even as she celebrated Lčof's victory at the Fair, to think of a way to respond to Eodwine's generosity. Such thoughts had not left her even as the rescue of Linduial occurred. She had helped to tend Eodwine's home while he was away with as much care as she could give. She had tended to guests and children and household matters, always with the question of Eodwine's approval in her mind. Would he have done certain things such and such a way? What would he say upon his return? Could she feel, finally, as though she were a needed part of the world she lived in, rather than a silly young woman to be protected, humored, and, at best, talked to at late hours?
Now... now Eodwine had offered her a most wonderful way not only to belong, but to truly help him in a way that, perhaps, no other could.
She smiled now, looking down with a faint blush and curtsying low, glad to have chosen a gown for this day.
"My lord, I am honored accept your gracious offer."
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