Alred gets an invitation

“Are you letting your hair grow?” Alred asked, squinting closely at Egelric’s head.

“Perhaps I’ve been too occupied to cut it,” Egelric said sheepishly.

“Too occupied, or something!” Alred laughed. “Have you finally accepted the fact that you are a gentleman now?”

“I’m beginning not to mind so much.”

“I am dying to meet this girl, old man, I truly am.”

“Well…”

“I have been told that the men have strict orders to stay far away from your little house, which makes me believe you have already installed the rare creature within.”

“Not exactly…”

“That is not very enlightening, Egelric. Tell me something – I am beginning to worry. There is nothing untoward going on out there, I hope? She isn’t a married woman, or a nun, or anything?”

“She is very shy.”

“I see. And this very shy girl was not afraid of you?”

“She refused to be,” he laughed. “I did try to frighten her away.”

“Have you thought of introducing her to Baby? The girl is bound to find out about this sooner or later, though her usual source of illicit information, namely Malcolm, seems intent on protecting her from it.”

“Malcolm already knows the whole truth. Listen, it’s – ”

“It’s what?” Alred asked after a long pause.

“You won’t tell anyone what I say to you? Not yet?”

“Certainly not, if you would rather I didn’t.”

“She’s an elf.”

“She’s… an… elf…” Alred repeated slowly and sighed. “That explains a few things.”

“She’s the elf I saved last year.”

“Somehow I want to ask you – is that wise?”

“I don’t think it is, but it’s too late for that. I don’t see how I could live without her.”

“I see. But is it… I shan’t say possible, but is it acceptable for men to be with elves? It seems a little…”

“I certainly hope it’s possible, for Baby’s sake. And acceptable.”

“It seems as if it ought to be forbidden… but by whom?” he mused.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. She’s exactly like a woman. A very shy woman, with pointed ears.”

“I’m sorry, Egelric,” Alred sighed. “I am happy for you. But I wish you had told me she was a nun.”

“I believe that would have been worse.”

“Easier to explain, though. What are your plans, then? I had hoped to see you happily married and installed in your keep in a year or two.”

“Perhaps I shall be. Listen, you will understand when you have met her. I am constantly telling myself that you will love her.”

“Probably I shall, as I should have loved any little mistress you might have found for yourself. But make a lady of her…?”

“She will not be the strangest creature in the kingdom.”

“No, fortunately we have Leofric for that.”

“I am certain she can learn to live with us. She is learning already. She doesn’t stay at the house during the day, but she is beginning to come back to it in the evening before I do.”

“Wait – what does she do during the day?”

“She goes into the woods.”

“So what you are saying is that you want to marry a sort of cat?”

“I always think of her as more of a rabbit, but I see your point. But she will learn, Alred. It wouldn’t bother you at all to see Baby married to some gentleman, as I hope she will be someday.”

“Baby was raised by men. She behaves like a lady, when she’s not behaving like a heathen on the rampage.”

“Sela can learn. You will see.”

“Sela? That’s rather pretty.”

“She’s adorable. You will see. Simply allow me to explain to her, and help her grow accustomed to the idea, and I shall introduce you to her one of these evenings, if you don’t mind making the trip.”

“I shall be delighted. To be honest, having seen the good she has done you, I wouldn’t mind if she were a cat.”