"Nimue?" Maric finally said cautiously. "Is everything fine? I can take my pack back if you would like. It must surely be causing your back to ache by now."<br/>He coughed nervously as he attempted to catch up with her and walk at her side.<br/><br/>"Please tell me, have I wronged you? Is it me you are upset with? Please say something, you are beginning to worry me."<br/><br/>"Fine. I'm fine. and I like carrying your pack." Nimue answered him without looking at him. She was afraid he would see the tears that were threatening to spill over onto her cheeks. He admired someone would was quiet so she would give him quiet. Her first thought was to prove herself useful to him so that he would desire her company.<br/><br/>They continued on a few more paces and Nimue finally slung the pack to the ground. Rounding on Maric she said,<br/><br/>"I am always told I talk to much. You even appreciate your squire for not talkimg like I talk. I want to prove to you that you can trust me to be quiet." She reached to reshoulder the pack. She was going to be useful and that was that. Soon they came closer to the village with Maric watching her the way a hound dog would eye a back duck he was supposed to be taking care of. The unspoken question was hovering in the air,<br/><br/>"How did I get myself into this situation?"<br/><br/>______