Valkyr was watching curiously from his perch on the shelf as Laeleth quickly became engrossed in the book’s fascinating pages. There was more information in just this one volume than she had ever imagined. Each entry had been carefully categorized and meticulously recorded.
There was much she had already learned from her time spent with Father Nicholas and her own explorations, but there was far more to be discovered and Laeleth eagerly absorbed it all.
She must have lost track of time for she had not yet looked up from the book until a rustling of feathers was heard.
She turned quickly at the sound and noticed the falcon was attempting to descend the cabinet.
Laeleth realized it must be drawing near to evening as the shadows of the room looked darker and the lack of fire made the air quite cool.
“Oh no!” she exclaimed aloud and jumped from her chair. It had not occurred to her just how much time had passed.
She still had not changed from her nightclothes or eaten anything all day and was now feeling quite light-headed and even more disoriented.
But since Valkyr demanded her immediate attention she cautiously approached the cabinet. Laeleth looked up at the eagle-like eyes of the bird that had paused to observe her.
He let out a shrill cry at her presence and she immediately drew back. She was concerned that without Gabriel nearby Valkyr might still be savage.
For some reason her intimidating husband had an unexplainable way with wild creatures.
“Shhh … hush, Valkyr,” she spoke in low tones hoping to appease him. But the injured bird was still agitated and wanted to come down.
Laeleth remembered how Gabriel had held out his arm and how readily Valkyr had complied. Realizing her sleeveless gown would not do, she quickly retrieved one of her ranger gloves and pulled it on up to her forearm.
The falcon paced back and forth eyeing the bracer; seeming to consider if he accepted her or not.
It was not long though before he cautiously extended a taloned foot and slowly shifted his weight onto her arm.
Laeleth was enthralled and quietly ecstatic. Valkyr had trusted her as well!
She carefully walked him over to the table where he began to wander around the wooden surface.
“You certainly must be hungry now,” she talked to him as though he understood. “I do hope Gabriel returns soon. I imagine he will have found something you like.”
The falcon was entirely oblivious to her and continued to roam about the surface of the small table looking for a sign of anything edible.
Laeleth watched him for a few moments, but not wanting to be idle any longer she glanced about the quaint room. Her stomach ached from lack of food herself and she decided she had best start preparing the evening meal.
After lighting the fire she returned to the cupboard and took out some simple ingredients, small potatoes, a few slender carrots, and wild forest mushrooms. She then began to put together a soup with an assortment of fresh herbs.
Valkyr eyed her all the while and comically walked about the table pecking at whatever she laid out. He was quite entertaining to watch and Laeleth soon forgot all else until she heard a knock upon the door.
She quickly made her way to the front of the tower and drew back the large, iron lock.
It was already rather dim outside, but she could make out the rather distinguishable shape of Gabriel standing in the door frame.
A wave of relief washed over her. “Oh I am so glad you are back!” The enthusiasm in her voice could not be disguised.
Gabriel entered and stood briefly in the small entrance way. He looked somewhat weary Laeleth thought as he moved into the light.
His cares seemed to dissipate however when he saw her. She was standing there so innocent and eager - still in her night dress and barefoot; hair falling carelessly about her smiling, charming face.
“Now I must apologize for being late," a faint smile lingered around his lips as he spoke.
She took his hand and replied, “I knew you would return soon.”
He put his free arm around her waist and they made their way to the cheery fire where Valkyr was waiting.
