|
Despair and relief both washed over Isabetta like hot and cold water as she realized that the first figure was going to keep on moving without offering her aid. Perhaps she hadn't heard the call, or perhaps she was as callous as her rejection made her seem. Beth couldn't know which and figured it really mattered little - the end result was the same. She was still alone and lost.
The appearance of the second figure brought Isabetta's head up sharply. She eyed the newcomer warily until the woman opened her mouth to speak. She had at least offered a civilized greeting, somewhat easing Isabetta's frazzled nerves.
Beth pushed her cloak back as she approached the pair, showing her hands to be free of weapons. Beneath the outer garment, she wore a high-waisted dress of blue wool. The upper and lower sleeves were segmented and held to the dress by ribbons tied together. A cream blouse peeked above the modest neckline and at the shoulders, elbows and wrists. She would rather have pulled the cloak tighter about her, protection not only from the cold, but from the gazes of the two strangers as well.
"Serale," she said again, stronger this time, now that she had the attention of the two before her. Apparently they knew one another, though from the cool greeting, she could only assume their relationship was mere acquaintance.
"I'm looking for the inn," she offered in response to Iseult's query. As she spoke, she glanced to the side, wary of anyone else approaching unseen. Her gaze came back to the pair of women and she offered a semi-convincing smile to assure the woman that she was 'fine' before she continued. "I've only just arrived in Jaedaxia. I must have missed a turn somewhere."
|