Arrek and Wenela
Weny assessed the finely dressed nobleman as she approached him. She kept her gait steady and confident hiding any trepidation. What was the purpose of this visit? Had she done something to upset the senior members of the little organisation? Given her temper that was always a possibility.
”Little Cousin!” Arrek exclaimed with his usual charming smile lighting up his violet eyes and softening his finely chiseled features. ”Look at you! All grown up and graceful.” Grinning a bit mischeviously he proceeded to bow to her just as if she had been one of the fancy Ladies from the city.
Embarrassment flushed the girl’s face and her jaw tightened. On such occasions her dark complexion was a blessing. Had she looked like Marlos her face would have undoubtedly resembled a beetroot. She hated feeling embarrassed and she hated the villagers staring. Bowing back gave her the precious seconds to regain control over her anger. ”Lord Arrek. What brings you to Shaemoor on this fine morning?”
”A picnic with you, Dear Cousin, of course.” He offered her his free arm. ”Shall we proceed?”
There was nothing to do except accept the offered arm unless she wanted to raise a fuss in front of all the nosy people. It was not easy to try to keep in pace with him and she felt distinctly uncomfortable. Weny was relieved when Ruff, her Krytan Hound, trotted over giving her an excuse to release her arm. She stroke the dog’s silky ears and chided gently, ”Ruff! Chasing after another rabbit again? One day you will fall in a hole for certain.”
Arrek chuckled. ”Now the rabbit that lived in a hole big enough for your Ruff would make a feast fit for the Queen.” Hearing his name from the stranger Ruff proceeded to investigate the man who calmly offered his hand for the dog to sniff. ”Fine specimen. From Beetletun area, I believe?”
Weny nodded. ”Indeed. You are correct, Lord Arrek.” Her left eyebrow rose slightly when her usually reserved dog lifted his muzzle slightly to allow the new acquaintance to scratch him under the chin. Did that man charm everyone and everything he met? She could not help comparing him to his friend Lord Faren, whom she had passingly met a year ago. That one would probably flirt with a tree stump to get firewood. Lord Arrek did not flirt, at least not blatantly, he just seemed to find something pleasing to say to most anyone. That was not the trick though, anyone can spout flattering things out of their mouth. The trick was that what Lord Arrek said was sincere.
