Nimue stopped and stared at the girl.<br/><br/>“Never shared a room before? What? He isn’t your lover?” Nimue asked, incredulous for a little and then smiled.<br/><br/>“That  makes sense. Maric had some very definite notions about men celebrating a woman’s body unless he was her husband. Faren, of course, would have similar reserves. He must really love you then and respect you. You culture if very different than mine but I can respect a person’s boundaries for their personal beliefs. You may have this chamber, Samantha. Faren can sleep out with the horses. It won’t be the first time for him, I’m sure.”<br/><br/>She noticed the girl kept running her hand up her neck as if she were distressed about her skin or her body. Nimue frowned. She didn’t wish to add insult to injury so she didn’t inquire but continued.<br/><br/>“Or, Faren can always make a pallet across the floor from yours. Just because you share a chamber does not mean you have to give yourself to the man. I only wished to make you welcome here. Please don’t be upset by what might seem like a lewd insinuation.  Come, help me figure out what to do with the old lord. I haven’t any special chamber for him.”<br/>Thinking, Nimue raced for the door and saw Maric and his mentor step onto the stone pathway leading to the cottage,<br/><br/>“Maric, The Lady has a guest chamber for nobles. “ Nimue bobbed a curtsy toward the older man. “Mayhap the Lady will allow your lord to stay with her. The Lady is the Lake of the Lake, high priestess of the order of Avalon. She has a luxurious household and entertains strangers frequent. When I go to the Tor to work tomorrow. I will inquire about that and for tonight, my lord. You can have our bed in the loft. Maric and I will find other places to rest our heads.”<br/><br/>Nimue suddenly felt shy with the older man and hurried back to tend the fire so her blushing face was not so easily seen. She busied herself with making tea and food. Maric pulled her into his lap and she about died with mortification at his gentle teasing in front of his lord. Much to her dismay, the man threw back his head and laughed.