Apparently her lies had passed inspection, she thought with relief. Still, if anything, the man was persistent. He seemed to refuse to admit that ladies can defent themselves, even against brigands. What was it with men, stupidity, pride, honor, and chivalry? By Rhea, she was getting very annoyed. Only the debt kept her from throwing some briar seeds in his face and storming away. Sometimes her little quest got on her nerve.
"I am perfectly capable of defending myself, sir." she said, exasperation evident. "I have walked through many forests in my life. Indeed, I was born in one. My father taught me defense and my mother taught me woodcraft. Good enough for you?" Well, perhaps what she said wasn't completely true. Mother had taught her how to summon the Meliae to her defense, but she had saw no rowan trees around. And anyways, she was born knowing forests like the back of her hand.
