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Lily smiled – a genuine one, now, not one of the mask-like ones she had been putting on. “You’re quite welcome, although I thank you as well, Gróin. I have enjoyed your company very much tonight. And… if I do not see you again tomorrow, good luck to you. I hope that you find your love.” And after a few more brief words, they parted.
Alone now and rather at a loss, Lily wandered over to one of the refreshments tables for a glass of cool cider. Then she found an out of the way corner of the party to figure out what to do next. Her options were hopelessly limited: talk directly to Posco (utterly out of the question), talk to Marcho (better, but not much), talk to no one and hope that help came her way (pleasant, but entirely unlikely), or leave (rendering her ride here entirely pointless). Given her options, it seemed that she would eventually have to talk to Marcho and she resolved that if no solution to her problems had been found by the next morning, then she would. She had no need for haste just yet.
But in the meanwhile, she did need something to do, and her thoughts drifted to what Posco was doing inside the inn. He had been in there for quite some time, doing what? Just sitting there? Or had they perhaps gotten a room for some reason rather than staying with his aunt? That could difficult matters. She decided to find out and walked up to the side of the inn, finding a window which she was fairly certain was located in the common room. She peaked inside, hoping desperately that Posco would not be facing this way. At first, she did not see anyone at all, but slowly a pair of figures came into focus. Mussed hair, rather withdrawn position – yes, the one facing away from her was Posco. But who was he with? He looked familiar… Blanco? Was that even possible? Her hopes skyrocketed. If she could talk with him alone, she would surely get the truth, and she did not think that he would turn around and tell Posco.
In her excitement, she forgot momentarily how visible she would be to him, and realized presently that in those few moments the gaze of the one she thought was Blanco seemed to have turned toward her window. She froze, then darted out of the window. Had he seen her – recognized her? Don’t tell him, don’t tell him, come talk to me instead, she silently commanded. She slipped away from the window and returned to her previous spot in the shadows. She would have to wait and see what he would do – if he had even seen her at all. Otherwise… she would have to think of a new plan.
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