"Sir, I do not deserve your flattery, and you are keeping me from my duties," she said, still smiling, "I must change the rushes," she pointed to what she was carrying and then at the bed.
 "I am truly sorry." After a thoughtful pause I asked, "Can I be of any assistance?" hoping to extend our meeting as long as I could.
 "Sir, I really don't need any help," she answered removing the old rushes.
 "I must insist. Besides, how else am I going to learn my way around this Hold?"
 "Sir, I have other duties to perform," she said as she hefted the new rushes into place.
 "I see. Then perhaps after you are finished?" I begged her silently to say yes.
 "I am sorry. I have to help in the kitchen," with that she left, taking the old rushes with her. I then smacked myself in the head for being too forward, and sat back down on the bed.

 About 10 minutes after she left, Lytol walked in. He inspected the room, looking thoughtful all the while. He seemed to have something to tell me. It was something good, for his cheek was totally still.
 "We should have kept this room in better shape. I can not believe it escaped my review." A few twitches later, "Well, it is not all that messed up."
 "Sir, by my warped estimation this is clean."
 "Why did you say, 'warped estimation'?"
 "Well, sir, on Earth my room was usually in a shocking state of disrepair. To me, this is clean, but I do see what you mean, sir. It is a little dusty, sir."
page <>
Back
The Eternal Dragonlover