Scarburg Meadhall

[Lhunardawen]

Ginna noticed the blush creeping up Saeryn's face, and her eyes widened in sudden recollection of the entire content of her father's letter. She had been rash, too caught up in her own troubles with Harreld. She wanted to tell Saeryn about some forgotten errand and leave the room but was frozen where she sat, waiting awkwardly for her to react. She fixed her gaze at the clasped hands on her lap.

"Do you like Thornden?"

She looked up at Saeryn, eyebrows in a knot. That was not among the things she expected her to say. She wondered if she was not taking the letter seriously, or if she merely wanted to lighten up her mood. But her expression was serious, if not muted to conceal a stronger emotion. Ginna let out an empty laugh.

"Have I not - all this time - spoken of nothing but my concern for Harreld, inquired of nothing but his wellbeing? How could you ask me that?" She was struck by the strength of her speech and took a deep breath to calm herself. When she continued, her voice was lower.

"My father likes Thornden for a son-in-law. I like him, too, but not in the same way. I know with whom my affections lie, my lady."