Chapter 5: My girlfriend’s mother
The sun hung low over snow-covered fields, painting the thatched roofs and rolling hills in hues of amber.
Right now, Jaenor and Valara were in her home. She brought him directly to her house, under the gaze of everyone in the village. She wasn’t the type of woman who was afraid of rumours.
Jaenor took his seat in the hall. The house was big compared to his. It had a long hall, supported by thick wooden beams, with rooms on either side of the hall.
But Jaenor’s focus soon found Valara and her tall figure.
The flickering light of a lantern cast her features in sharp relief—high cheekbones, dark hair streaked with silver, and eyes that held a wisdom both gentle and unyielding.
Valara was a figure of authority, a chieftess in all but name, her counsel sought by the Women’s Circle and the Village Council alike.
Tonight, she wore a simple wool dress, its deep green clinging to her form, and a shawl embroidered with wildflowers draped over her shoulders.
Valara, while busy with her work at the table, asked, "So, what were you doing while my daughter seemed to be occupied with another man?"
"I was watching her," Jaenor said, "thinking."
"Thinking’s dangerous for a man like you," Valara replied, stepping closer. Her gaze was piercing, as if she could see the storm brewing in his soul.
"You look like you could use a drink and a fire to warm those bones."
"Alright."