Murough burst into the brightly lit kitchen smiling winningly at his mother, who was bent over the fire stirring a large pot of porridge. "Hello Mother!" he said jauntily, planting a quick kiss on her weatherbeaten cheek. His mother had worked hard her whole life and though her face showed it, she was still a fairly handsome woman. She nodded at her son, a faint smile playing over her lips. Not one of very many words, Tierra Reiden was nevertheless a nurturing and caring mother. She just didn't really like talking.
Murough seated himself at the table, glad that his mother would not ask questions. He somehow felt that she was able to see what he was thinking. And of course what else was he thinking of but a firey, violet-eyed, red head?
Lost in his dreams he barely looked up as his sister entered the kitchen. Otherwise he may have seen the leaves on the edge of her gown, the flush of her face and the shining light in her eyes that only occurs when one has been touched by love. Nerina waited until she heard the noises downstairs that told her that her mother, at least was awake. She got up slowly pretending to still be tired, but really she was electrified withe excitement. She couldn't wait to go outside and down to the village!
Nerina forced herself to walk slowly into the kitchen, but she was unable to keep that tel tale glint out of her eye. "Morning..." she said, pretending to stifle a yawn. She shot an odd look at Murough, was his hair wet? She squinted at him trying to figure out how he had got his hair wet. She realised she hadn't even heard him walk past her room. Which meant he hadn't even been in his chamber!
She quickly tried to hide the comprehension that had dawned and stored it away for later reflection. She smiled at her mother and slid into place at the table, next to Murough. She waited until her mother's back was turned and poked Murough hard. 'I know where you were last night' she mouthed at him with glee.
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