Snippet #2692434

Nadiya waited in silence for the lord of the house to answer her, body stiff and on edge as she fretted over rejection. As Kenner approached her, she tried to read his body language, attempted to study his facial expressions for some insight as to what he was thinking. Had she been rude or presumptuous to ask such a thing? She considered apologizing for her question when the master of the house took her hands in his, examining them as he ran his fingertips across her skin.

His steady appraisal as well as the feel of his touch elicited a flush of pink in her cheeks, unsure what he was looking for- or looking at. Not used to being studied at length like this, Nadiya felt a unique mixture of curiosity, anxiety, and surprise. Even as he released her hands, the young woman was unable to look away from Master Kenner, face a bright pink at being the center of attention.

She released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, relieved to hear he was perfectly willing to provide her family with a suitable payment- and even suggesting he didn't think a life was cheap (something she was also pleased to hear- a sentiment she could agree on). Beginning to relax, she parted her lips as words of gratitude formed in her mind and on her tongue. She didn't manage to properly thank him, however, his closeness sudden and unexpected. She burned an even brighter pink, mind whirling with thoughts as she tried to decipher what he was doing. What he was thinking as he appraised her some more. Did she even want to know? Each possibility she dreamed up only served to make her more uncertain, watching him with a question in her eyes. He was smiling and acting pleasant enough, so she made no move to retaliate. Besides, she was essentially offering herself as a tool or merchandise for sale.

His question caught her by surprise, swiftly pulling her out of her attempts to puzzle over his actions (and become further confused or anxious by the many possibilities in the process). Why? Nadiya bit her lower lip, eyes following master Kenner as he sat himself upon the stone. He was being generous with his words, suggesting she of all people could become an able bodied herbalist in her own right. She dreamed of such, but without being properly taught, she'd never be as highly sought after as the masters of the craft.

"W-well sir...I must admit I have had no formal training- only knowledge passed on from my mother and various village folk. Most healers begin as apprentices and study under a master- something I had neither time nor resources to do. And no one would take a simple country girl. When I was younger, I still needed to help look after my siblings, but now that I am older, I may offer of myself as a servant. I..I would seek employment or tutelage, but I have had little luck. And I have no magic talent as far as I can tell." Nadiya swallowed hard, realizing she was pointing out all very logical reasons not to take her on or buy her. Anxiety began to creep into her subconscious again.

Clutching the sides of her skirt in her shaking hands, Nadiya spoke again, softer this time. "I...I thought this was the best way...the only way. I am too cowardly to hop a ship any further from my home- it was hard enough crossing the strait to reach this part of the country. And I fear having no place to turn to, nor one that might take me or have such access to all that you do..." The young woman managed to meet Master Kenner's eyes, silently begging him not to turn her away with nothing.