Beadu had been talking since the time they left the citadel, and Beorn had been answering with single words for nearly the same amount of time. The fact that the conversation still continued said more about Beadu than either of them needed to state aloud.
"I'm saying it's been days."
She whined, stepping around a puddle with cautiousness that did not match the rest of her behavior. "Mod and Mab have the foundry, Hild has the marsh work. Even Leof trains with Aestrith now, which is not exactly a job, but at least it's a responsibility."
She glanced toward him, then back down the road. "Meanwhile I've been attending lessons, doing exercises, and eating your food. Which I appreciate. I do appreciate it, but I've also been feeling like a bum."
"Mm," Beorn said.
"I'm not complaining!"
