In the moment of silence that followed the knock Petra felt a trembling overtake her. She was about to meet face to face and alone with a fierce wild elf warrior. The logical part of her mind that said she was worried over nothing and that the woman was here to meet with her and make arrangements that would benefit her general was almost drowned out by the hysterical panic that threatened to overtake her but she clung to it and battled down her fear. Closing her eyes, Petra took several deep breaths and forced herself to calm down.<br/><br/>The intense blue eyes snapped opened at the sound of the door opening and the half-elf jumped, startled. The manor house was old and she knew the floorboards in that room creaked so there was no way that someone as tall and solidly built as Elwen should have been able to get to the door so silently. A deep blush bloomed on Petra's cheeks at her embarrassing reaction to the door opening. That Elwen bowed more deeply to her now than she had to either of her parents did not go unnoticed by the observant half-elf although she was not sure precisely why the warrior had. Her mind worked over the possibilities, trying to understand everything as she so often did. Was the other elf showing a sign of respect to her general's future bride, was it because even half and elf was more worthy of respect in her eyes? Petra had no way to know.<br/><br/>Elwin stepped back from the door and the petite half-elf  slipped inside. When the door was closed behind her she felt nervous again. She had to remind herself that even though Elwin was a fierce warrior that the other woman was probably not going to hurt her. She nodded in response to the wild Elf's thanks "It was my pleasure." Petra's eyes scanned over the room, taking in how their guest was making herself at home. "I had delayed in the hopes of giving you time to rest but I see that the bed is undisturbed. I do hope everything is adequate. Admittedly, you are our first wild elf guest and my parents were unsure what you would require." Petra nipped her bottom lip, realizing that she was at risk of rambling.<br/><br/>Petra took the offer and poured herself a glass of water from the large pitcher before making her way to the offered chair and sitting. Again her azure eyes swept curiously around, reading the beginnings of a note on her safe arrival and seeing the training swords. The sight of them gave her pause and she wondered why the elf had brought them. Petra doubted that she needed anymore training. She seemed honed to perfection. Seeing Elwin's fingers trail over the scabbards of the training blades made her even more curious about their purpose here.<br/><br/>The silence lengthened and Petra was about to ask what the elf wished to talk about when the questions were asked. Part of Petra was impressed by Elwin's powers of deduction but another part was concerned for the negotiations if her father was so transparent. "My step mother will be very glad to be rid of me, of that I have no doubt, but I have no ill will over the situation. I knew that in one way or another I would be shipped off or sold off like cattle. It was predestined. The daughters of nobles are pawns in a game of amassing wealth and power... Or avoiding hostilities with someone more powerful, as the case may be. Even the bastard daughters have a role to play it seems." Petra realized too late that there as a note of bitterness in her voice that she had not properly masked.<br/><br/>A soft smile curved her face "my apologies Milady. After such a journey I imagine the last thing you wish to hear is such ramblings. As to your other question, I suppose I am happy. It is the only thing I have known so I really have nothing to compare it against. I am fed and clothed, I have a place to sleep and I have received an education. I have access to books and am relatively safe. I could have things much worse than I do." Petra gave a soft laugh "I guess I really should not complain as I imagine there are many that would trade their place for mine in a heartbeat." Again she fell as though the had said too much.<br/><br/>"Speaking of your Commander," Petra leaned in, looking very curious "would you tell me about him. Rumours say that he is very secretive and that no one has bested him in battle. That is all well and good but battlefield prowess does not tell me what to expect of him as a person. I would very much like to have some idea what to expect." Her eyes shone with fear but also with hope. It was clear the half-elf was desperate for some manner of reassurance that future life might not be as bad as she assumed it would be. "And would you tell me of your journey here? I have never been far from here and I would love stories from out in the world." There was a definite child-like awe to her words, a sort of reverence for the well travelled warrior. In her excitement and eagerness, it seemed Petra had completely forgotten her earlier fear.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>