Chapter VI, Reading 5

The old woman smiled as she sat on a rock at the side of the pool.

Flindra could tell that Kewero was lonely and she took pity on her. She had learned since leaving home that loneliness was a hard burden to bear. It made her feel a little better about imposing on Kewero's hospitality to know that she had some need for her. Friendship would be a nice exchange for the old woman's knowledge.

"You look much like your mother," Kewero noted. "You have your father's height and there is a little of him in your chin."

"Did you know my parents well?"

She nodded sadly. "Yes, I looked after your mother in the same way I've seen to your care. She was a fosterling just as you were."

Flindra looked sad. "Why?"

"To hide you both from your enemies."

"Who were they? I don't even know their names," she confessed with a catch in her voice.

"Bherek and Andha were the Baron and Baroness of Surwel."

Flindra dropped her eyes to hide her sorrow. "I'd hoped that I'd be able to find them someday and learn to know them."

"I didn't mean to make you so sad, child. Understand that your parents loved you very deeply and that they wouldn't have given you away if your safety hadn't required it."

"That helps."

The soap against her scalp was starting to itch. "I guess I need to rinse," she explained as she took a deep breath and sank beneath the surface of the pool.

"Take your time, little one. I've waited a millennium for you. A few more minutes will not make a difference," Kewero said to herself while Flindra was under the water.

Flindra's hair was in her eyes when she reemerged. She wiped it away with the back of her hand.

"This bath is so wonderful, Kewero. Thank you for suggesting it."

"My pleasure, child."

"I won't be too much longer."

"Take your time."

She continued with her bath, giving special attention to her hands and fingernails as she washed. When she was finished she rinsed herself and stood up. Kewero handed her a towel, which she had brought along with the clothing. Flindra took it, dried herself, and then wrapped the towel around her hair.

Kewero stood and held out a dress for inspection. "Is this to your liking?"

"It's beautiful," she announced and reached out to touch the beautiful green gown. The dress was made from a material that was both soft and smooth. The undergarments were made of similar material as the dress but were snow white. There was a pair of matching slippers on the stack of underthings.

"What are they made of?"

"Silk."

"I've never touched silk before. It's wonderful."

Kewero helped Flindra dress and she relished the softness of the cloth against her skin. The green gown was the finest she had ever worn. It made her feel pampered.

"I don't have a belt for you so you'll have to use your old one."

"That's fine."