#* ser duncan.

elia briefly meets the earnest gaze of the hedge knight. he may the biggest man she's ever seen, his shoulders broad, and tall enough that he can meet her eyes even when seated. he is sure to hit his head on the beams of her cottage, and she makes a note to herself to warn him, again, when he stands. his promise makes her smile, though she tries her best to hide it, biting down on the inside of her cheek. she was raised on tales of sweet princes and chivalrous knights. but they are rare indeed in these times. too often she has been cheated, slighted, hurt by strangers who have sworn oaths of knighthood, kindling a distrust in her heart that has settled there like a poison. somehow, that same heart softens for the man before her. he is a pearl amongst swine. she wonders if he knows. " ah... you overheard the frey men at my door ? you needn't worry, ser. they threaten the rod and whip, but as long as i pay my taxes they will not lay a hand on me. they know the village needs me. "

she sits down next to him, meets his gaze again before she carefully lifts his shirt so she can apply a poultice to the wound. it's not deep, and already healing, but still a little too red for her liking. the green herbs sit on his skin like a strange bruise, a smidge of sap dribbling down the ribs. she wraps a strand of linen around his torso to keep it in place. a soft, secretive smile plays on the edge of her rose-red lips. " and besides, they are more bark than bite. they call me a woods witch. they think i'll curse them if they hurt me. just between us, i think they're a little scared of me. " she lowers his shirt again and winks. " now, if you truly wish to do me a favor, you'll eat and rest here for the night so i can take another look at that wound tomorrow. i want to ensure it's not infected. "