"So, you were lying. In part." Her parents hadn't abandoned her at the edge of the wood. Regardless, it was none of his business. She seemed to not enjoy speaking of her family. Perhaps something happened between them for her to harbor such ill will towards them. "Might I make a suggestion, Bria Mercer." He had stopped just short of the men so they could not hear him. "Think of a better lie."<br/><br/>River motioned at her appearance. "You do not lack hygiene. You're hair and teeth are well maintained." He took a hand for a brief moment into his own calloused ones. "Your hands are soft, obviously you're a stranger to manual labor." Her bag caught his attention. "You have quality items. The way you speak tells of an education. How extensive? Well simple farmfolk can't tell, but they<span style="font-style: italic">can</span>tell you're educated and well taken care of." River's brow furrowed, it was almost a permanent look it seemed. He was a serious man. "People will assume you are a noble. Nobles don't abandon pretty little girls at the edges of forests when there is no food left." River paused for just a moment and looked down at her. "They sell them and call it marriage. Your lie isn't believable. So think of something better."<br/><br/>River made his way to the group of men and a few looked askance at Bria. "I found this little thing wondering the woods. Can't remember a thing." The older men's eyes softened, like they were looking at a grandchild. Most of the men just shrugged and went back to working. River pointed to a cart for Bria to sit. "Stay where I can see you and out of trouble. You haven't exactly made a good first impression with me." River walked off to join the rest of the men as they cut planks from fallen logs, or made firewood. Boys, more Bria's age carried the completed items to the carts and stacked them. More than once they exchanged glances with each other.<br/><br/>"Hi!" A lanky blonde, no older than 16, but taller than most, approached Bria with some bread and cheese wrapped in cotton. "I'm Matt. River said..." He scrubbed his hand threw his hair and gave an embarrassed laugh. "Well, I guess you were right next to him when he said it. Anyway, you must be hungry? Are you? You can have some of my lunch if you'd like. Da says we'll be here for most of the day." Matt blushed, his neck turning red. "Well, it's here if you want it." With that he left the little parcel to help the boys.