Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (cont'd)

(ACK I did it again! And I made that one up off the top of my head!)

"Quite a long time, yes." She didn't pay him any mind, basting the bird methodically. The child watched them both with observant eyes.

(Ahaha all good! I do the same thing >.> recently got called that most of my names in my novel have a “rec” sound haha Jerica, Rekard, Derik, Aerik, etc haha)

“My compliments,” Aleth offered. “I've quite enjoyed the meals I’ve taken here. You’re quite talented.”

"Thank you very much!" She sounded genuine as she said it, face lighting up. "I don't hear that often, believe it or not." She was a small, square-faced woman of about seventy with strong arms and scarred, powerful hands. Her face was heavily lined and quite dark, and her white hair was pulled back by a tie and kerchief.

Aleth smiled. It was so easy to flatter simple people — a compliment for work well-done was oft appreciated even beyond what he even expected.

“Sorry to hear that.” Aleth sat on the stool sitting to the right of Adrian’s, hoping he wasn’t making a faux pas. “You certainly deserve to hear it often.” Aleth hesitated, not sure whether to keep flattering her or not. It was hard to tell what sort of person she was, just from a short interaction. “A goose for dinner?”

"Good eye. Basted with garlic, onion, and citrus." Mara sprinkled some chopped garlic over the goose. "It'll need a good four hours in the oven."

“I’m sure it’ll be delightful.” Aleth watched the bird absently. “Do you have a set menu you rotate? Or, how do you decide what to make when?”

"It depends on what Lady Sara would like to eat, or if one of the children requests something. Generally it's a rotation, though. They all have favorite meals."
The door opened, and Lady Sara stepped in. For once, her face was as stony as her husband's. "Master Al," she said coolly, "a word, if you will."

Shit.

He didn’t know who he’d been expecting. But it wasn’t Sara.

“Yes, ma’am.” Aleth stood quickly, giving nod to Mara before he took a step towards Sara.

Mara dipped her head, looking a bit confused but keeping quiet. Adrian gave little wave.
Sara held the door open for him, eyes fixed on her nephew.

Aleth wasn’t sure what an appropriate departure pleasantry would be proper for Adrian. Aleth has been explicitly told not to call Adrian sir, but he didn’t want to risk sounding disrespectful in front of Sara if he addressed the child as anything else. Instead, offered a small wave to Adrian in response and stepped through the door Sara held open; anxiety gnawing at the pit of his stomach.

Sara closed the door the moment he stepped through. "What were you doing with Adrian?" she demanded, none of the politeness she'd shown him before.

“Nothing.” Aleth stepped back, startled at this sudden change of energy. “Ma’am. Our paths crossed upstairs and he asked I take a cup of tea with him. Nothing more… I apologize if it seemed too forward of me, ma’am. I didn’t think anything of it, ma’am. Apologies.”

"Don't speak to h-im again, do you understand?" She pointed a finger at him. "That child's been through more than enough." Her body relaxed only slightly; her face remained tense.

“Yes, ma’am.” Aleth ducked his head submissively. This was a fascinating turn of events. Sara turning into Mama Bear regarding Adrian. He supposed it was good he hadn’t actually pushed too far for information. Gods only knew what she’d do if she thought he was being malicious. “I won’t. Apologies.”

She stared at him for another long moment, then sighed heavily. "I should apologize to you," she admitted, though she truly didn't wish to. She knew her own mind. "You've given me no reason to suspect you of anything. It's this business with Cecily that has me on edge." She had been hesitant to bring up her feelings to Gaius; he had enough on his mind without having to tend to her motherly instincts.