<div style="text-align: justify;">Brietta and Ian gave Lizette the empty bowls, allowing her to help a little. It was part of their hospitality, after all, to make sure that their guest felt as she would in her own home. When Lizette returned and accepted the wine, Brietta finally told her story, not talking too fast so Lizette had the time to ask questions if she felt like it, since she had not been there to see the battle.<br/><br/>When Lizette spoke, Brietta smiled and nodded. "I appreciate your willingness to help, Lizette. It was of great value, and I would probably not be alive if you had not come to my aid."<br/><br/>Ian listened as the two girls talked, and Brietta noticed Lizette's attitude when she talked about her alpha. She had once had this same twinkle in her eyes, the same rosy cheeks. The barbarians had taken it away from her, though. Sighing, Brietta straightened her back and lifted her chin. She could not let herself be put down by those dirty barbarians.<br/><br/>"I hope so as well", Brietta replied. Ian shrugged his shoulders. "You did well to come to us for aid. This village is very well guarded, and every able-bodied man can wield a sword. If these barbarians come, they will find out that we will put up a good fight." Brietta looked at Lizette for a moment. "As will we."</div>