<b>Pegawen's food sat, untouched, as she sat back and listened to the bard. His melodious voice, paired with the brisk pace of the tune and words, wove a skillful tale of the one known as The Farmer. Her fingers twitched, tapping in rhythm, her eyes drawn to the instrument. 'A fine lute, well-made and etched.' she thought, wondering if Ellawynne had provided it for him. And perhaps, too, the small brooch on his belt, partially hidden by his tunic. She glanced over at the woman who was now more interested in the music than attempting to cozy up to Thorgan. She, too, wore such a brooch, though it was different in design, hers wrought with a large red gem while his was the color of leaves and earth. Yet none of the others wore such. <br/>
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'Interesting,' she thought, and turned back to listen only to catch Horn's expression. He smiled and shook his head, winking at her without missing a beat. Pegawen lifted her eyebrows at him and he glanced over at Ellawyne then back at her. <br/>
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It wasn't until Horn was finished that her fingers stilled. She nodded to him, offering a smile. “Well played. I can see why the lady chose you to be her bard.” She wanted to ask much more, but even as Horn bowed to her, a small group of men entered and approached.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Cousin!” One of them exclaimed and Thorgan rose to greet him.</b><br/><br/><b>Behind her, Pegawen heard a snort, and glanced up to see Horn studying the newcomers. The glint of humor she saw there was paired with a quiet calculation as he watched Ellawynne's reaction to the men, particularly Baltor, before shaking his head. Noticing Pegawen's interest, he leaned down. “She has learned nothing still. Perhaps I was wrong about her.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I don't understand.” Pegawen tilted her head to study the man. The youthfulness his exuded at a distance seemed to fade up close, and she realized the man was older than she'd first assumed. She patted the empty space next to her.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Thank you, m'lady.” Horn dropped down onto the bench, his size near that of Lotharn himself, and Pegawen found herself dwarfed between the two. “The food, did you not like it?” he asked, reaching past her plate to grab a roll.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I was … distracted. You sing most finely.” She paused to watch him eat, then blurted out, “You aren't nearly as young as I thought when you entered.”</b><br/><br/><b>Horn swallowed and barked out a laugh. “My dear, were others as refreshingly blunt as you are, things would be much simpler. But no, I'm not as young as most think. Certainly not as young as the prince and his kinsman.” He frowned as Ellawynne leaned in, presumably hanging on Baltor's every word. “I shouldn't have bothered,” he muttered.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Bothered what?” Pegawen turned to study the group at the head of the table, then back to Horn. “You are no bard.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Oh, but I am, my lovely little elf.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>No mere bard,” she corrected.</b><br/><br/>“<b>And you see what she cannot.” He took another bite and studied Pegawen's face as he chewed. “Were that she was as perceptive as you. Or at least as intelligent as her father claimed her to be. I'd had hopes that … but it is folly, now, I see.”</b><br/><br/><b>Across the table, Ellawynne laughed at something the men said; a snippet of tale from their recent travels. Seemingly engrossed in their presence, she snuck a sideways glance at Horn sitting with Pegawen, a look of confusion on her face that she quickly masked with a strained smile. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>It seems you've all had quite a journey to get here, and I would be remiss not to offer a place to rest before you continue your travels.” She motioned for one of the servants, who leaned down to hear her speak over the various conversations. “Prepare two tents for our guests – one for the menfolk and one for the women.” <br/>
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After watching the servant bow and race off, she motioned at Thorgan and Baltor. “There is much yet to discuss about your passage through my lands.” she announced. “Though I would have you know that not all these are mine. There are three horse lords in all, and I am but one. Depending on which way you need go, you'll either have to treat with Lord Hallen or Lord Atbury. Atbury is a friend of mine, quite an amnicable sort. Lord Hallen, on the other hand, is older and much more stern and set in his ways. He would not be easy to convince.”</b>