Day 14

(cont from Day 13)

"Umm... not really, no."
"Oh?" Ma Belda sounded interested. "And why not?"
"I don't see how it would help me to 'know my future'. "
Ma Belda laughed at that. "A pragmatic one, ay? Well then, I won't press you. But if you want plain old common-sense advice, feel free to ask Ma Belda anytime."
Etana nodded. "Thank you. I'll remember you if I need help in the future."
Aleth caught Ma Belda's attention. "If we join you on the way to Fernhom, where shall we stay? And how can we help out?"
"Well, we don't have any spare beds right now, but we can make some room for your bedrolls in the props wagon. Then at least you'll be under a roof of some sort."
"That will do fine," said Etana.
"Thank you," said Aleth.
"We won't be stopping again for another couple of hours, though. Dacore's impatient as always. Why don't you hop on the back of this wagon and accompany me?"
"Done," said Aleth. He raised himself up into the wagon, then turned around and held out a hand to help Etana up. Etana hesitated a moment before taking it. They settled themselves into the wagon amidst some of the random furniture, and soon the troupe started off again. Ma Belda herself drove the horses with what looked to be a very capable hand.
Aleth began rummaging around in his pack. "What are you doing," asked Etana.
He finally pulled out his flute case, looked at her, and grinned. "Have I told you what I love about riding with a troupe?"
Etana shook her head. In answer, Aleth pulled his flute out, did a few warm-ups, and began to play a lively tune. Etana saw Ma Belda lift her head as the music began and nod in recognition. Then she began to sing:

Merry along the road go I
Hills and forests pass me by
Sun shines warm upon my back
Wandering the beaten track

Someone else joined in for the chorus. Etana thought it might be Dacore, but she wasn't sure.

So long I travel, far from home
My restless feet will ever roam
Even when in slumber deep
I find I travel in my sleep!

Far away the sunlight dies
Miles before I close my eyes
Rest from travel in sweet dreams
Dance along the moon's bright beams

With the next repeat of the chorus, even more people joined in. Their voices mingled pleasantly with the flute's spritely playing.

So long I travel, far from home
My restless feet will ever roam
Even when in slumber deep
I find I travel in my sleep!

Wide the world I want to see
Every bird in every tree
Will I make it 'fore I'm old?
Oh the stories I've been told!

So long I travel, far from home
My restless feet will ever roam
Even when in slumber deep
I find I travel in my sleep!

The mood was so infectious that Etana found herself joining in for the last repeat of the chorus, even though she had never considered herself much of a singer.

So long I travel, far from home
My restless feet will ever roam
Even when in slumber deep
I find I travel in my sleep!

After that, there was a burst of laughter and applause. Ma Belda turned to Etana. "You see, this is why we like having him around." She gestured at Aleth, who smiled graciously and bowed his head in acknowledgement.
"Where would I be without such an appreciative audience?" He asked.
"Starving, that's where! Is that why you've gotten so skinny?"
"What makes you say I'm skinny?"
"Just look at you!" Ma Belda turned to Etana again. "You, girl, don't you think he's too skinny?"
"Umm," said Etana, who felt put on the spot. "He looks fine to me."
"Pah! You could use some more padding on your bones too, girl!"
Aleth grinned at Etana. "You know, maybe you could."
"Hey, you're scrawnier than I am!"
He shrugged. "Oh well." He raised his flute to his lips again and began to play, this time a slow, lilting melody.
"Are you avoiding answering me?"
She heard him snicker into the flute, interrupting his notes. "Don't make me laugh while I'm playing."
"I just asked you a question. You laughed."
Ma Belda spoke up. "I think she's got a point there."
"Oh, stay out of this," he said lightly. He turned back to Etana. "So what makes you say I'm scrawny? And didn't you say earlier that I looked fine?"
"Maybe I changed my mind." Etana grinned back at him, and suppressed the urge to stick out her tongue.
"Those are big words from someone built like a stick!"
"Hey! I am not built like a stick! You take that back!" That last comment had annoyed Etana more than she expected it to. It was the kind of hurtful thing some of the boys in her village had said to her sometimes...
But Aleth didn't seem to notice her annoyance. "Make me."
"Oh, you!" Etana got up, intending to give him a good thwack, but was unused to standing in a moving wagon. As the wagon lurched over a small rock in the road, she lost her balance and started to fall. Aleth caught her, dropping his flute in the process. Etana found herself in his arms. They shared a rather embarassed look and Aleth quickly helped her upright and backed away.
"Um, will you accept my apologies?" He asked. He looked more embarassed than she'd seen him before.
"I will." She sat down. "But no more about my figure!"
He nodded, retrieved his flute, and began to play again.