Eorling Mead Hall

[Taralphiel]

"My my! Almost doin’ backflips, lad! I’m impressed!"

"Gant! You know that hand-walking would be my strength. My feet are not the best." Lys chuckled as he stepped back off the foot-ladder after securing a thick rug to the side of the waver’s stall. He stood back and checked to see it was draping straight, then turned back to the man.

"I think I am doing much better at this, now I am able to climb that ladder without being so frightened". Gant grinned and nodded "You are doing a fine job, lad. When I first saw ye it was painful to see a boy so sad. Putting a task to one’s mind is often the surest way to recovery o’ all parts o’ the body"

Lys quickly turned to see to a woman thumbing a patched blanket rolled on the front table. He had won this ‘job’ from Gant not long after the day that Rilef had been slain. Lys was not in the Hall at the time of the disturbance but felt the pain it had caused everyone in the Hall. He was most concerned about Thornden, but kept that to himself. Instead Lys had, after walking by that stall more than once, secured himself an agreement with the merchant Gant. He would work until he could take the weave as payment. Lys had spent every day since working with the man and was happily counting the time until it could be his.

"I can still remember the change in your face when I called you over to strike our deal, Lys. Your face almost made me sing out loud. You were so happy! I am glad I have had your service. I am not young, my lad".

Lys smiled politely at the woman and handed Gant the coins from her purchase. He eyed them, nodded, and slipped them in a pouch on his belt. Lys had become accustomed to listening to Gant and completing his tasks.

"It means so much to me to have that blanket. It reminds me of something. But it is not…clear. I wish I knew."

"You will with time. I am certain. Now you must be off for lunch!"

Lys nodded and began his walk back to the Mead Hall. He still had a limp, and flushed with embarrassment as younger boys sprinted past him. As much as he wanted to run, he knew it was also something that would take time if it could be cured at all. Lys gave a little shrug and hurried back to the Hall.

After entering the kitchen and taking a small lunch for himself he Lys saw Thornden sitting with some familiar faces and new additions at the table. Approaching shyly, he said "May I join you all?"