Suspicions

Tears ran silently down her cheeks as she considered Issic's words. Finally, she sat up straight, wiping the tears.

"When Silas first hired me, I was grateful for the place to stay... the extra coin to help with my studies and training. When I found out that he used to be an infiltrator... I worried that his kindness was funded by my parents. " Caelynn smirked ruefully. "Or perhaps since they've disowned me, I should say it was wishful thinking that they would still bother with me." She shook her head to banish the thoughts and continued. "I know he is glad to have me here. I sometimes suspect that he would welcome more than friendship from me."

"And would you welcome that as well?" Issic asked softly.

Caelynn smiled softly. "He is a good man. He treats me well. We have spoken about things which I will not reveal because of my regard for him and his privacy. But I know that I remind him of another - one who was lost to him long, long ago. Anything more than friendship would be impossible."

She smiled, a bit sadly, and returned to the topic. "When I learned that Silas lied to me about you, it brought back those fears that he was being paid to look after me - that his kindness was all an act to protect me for the sake of my father's money."

She leaned over to the small window over the bed and pushed aside the curtain. "The sky lightens already... and neither of us have had any sleep yet. We should both try and get some rest before work starts again. Thank you, Issic, for your kindness and your assurance."

Issic rose from the bed and bid her a good night. Stepping out of the room, he gently closed the door behind him. Turning to head to the main room and his usual spot in the corner, he found Silas before him, sitting on the stairs, watching Caelynn's door.