xxii. dictated

[heloise]

When does one become, no longer a teenager, but an adult? I heard the drinking of wine will in the future be restricted to those older than eighteen, so does wine make an adult?

And what other licenses are given to someone with eighteen years? I should like to try them all.

Comments

[wolfskin]

Other than a feast? I fear I cannot think of much.

[heloise]

Perhaps a feast then. With cakes and sweets.

[wolfskin]

It saddens me to say I will not be able to attend.

[heloise]

Does your leg still trouble you?

[wolfskin]

No, my wound have mended well. I have gone with the expedition to ensure Arya returns unscathed.

[heloise]

As any good brother should.

Will you bring me presents?

[wolfskin]

I should be able to find you a name day gift, my lady.

[heloise]

Call me Lucrezia.

[wolfskin]

Ah. [ He laughs sheepishly. ] Forgive me Lucrezia, it is a habit.

[heloise]

A polite habit. But we are no strangers.

[wolfskin]

No, we are not. [ A beat. ] What are we then, if not strangers?

[heloise]

Would it be terribly forward of me to call you a friend?

[wolfskin]

[ He has little in the way of friends here and Grey Wind liked her, showing no signs of aggression towards her. ]

It would not be terribly forward at all.

[heloise]

Then I look forward to this mysterious gift from a friend.

[wolfskin]

I pray it will not disappoint.

[heloise]

It cannot, when it is given with the best intention.