a new {world} ; a new {life} ~crystal~

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami pursed his lips but kept his gaze focused on the chief. How would he react to her speaking without permission? A woman and an outsider.

[~echo~]

The chief's wizened old face turned to the side slightly to look at the woman, his eyes unreadable as always. His wrinkled visage was tired, she could tell, but wise and very, very intelligent. He inclined his head after a moment. "Speak, woman. I will listen." Hannah silently thanked her lucky stars that she hadn't offended him in speaking out of turn. "Thank you, sir." She blinked. "My idea is that I will go back to Ewing, just for a few days. It will only be long enough to take the money I need... Three days at the most. Then... perhaps... one of your warriors could help me escape again, back into the forest so that I may live my life in peace, away from Ewing." Hannah dipped her head in respect. "I understand if you don't want to help me. Ewing is a powerful man, who could be an immense threat to you and your people. But if you would help me.... I would be forever in your debt."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"I would be happy to rescue her again," Dyami spoke up. And maybe stick an axe in his back while I'm at it, he thought. The chief probably wouldn't find that as amusing as he did. He would be angry that Dyami had killed in cold blood. Would it be, though? He hated the man more than he thought it was possible to hate someone, but even his mother told him to let it alone.
But a chance to pull Hannah out from under Ewing's nose again? That would be worth a hundred disapproving looks.

[~echo~]

The chief, once more, was slow in his response. A few of the councilmen tried to whisper in his ear but he waved them off as though they were mere annoying flies. Finally he responded to Hannah. "This is a bold plan you propose, young one. I must take time to consider the possibilities here. Dyami," he said, turning his head to the young man. "Take her to your tent. Care for her while we deliberate. I will send word when I am ready to give you my answer." Hannah let a breath out that she didn't know she had been holding.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami dipped his head to the chief, relief flooding his chest, and guided Hannah out of the tent. They crossed the village to the very edge, where a smaller tent sat in the shade of an oak tree. He smiled upon seeing it. His mother was probably inside. He pushed back the flap and gestured her inside first.

[~echo~]

Hannah gazed at the tent, considering the differences between it and the houses she was used to. But she willfully stepped inside, ducking her head as she did so. It was small but cozy, and there was a woman at a fire in the middle.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Mama," Dyami said softly in greeting. The woman looked up, a smile crinkling the skin around her eyes. Her skin tone was darker than Dyami's, as was the rest of the village for that matter. The young man's skin was shades lighter than those he lived with. "This is Hannah."

[~echo~]

Hannah dipped her head as she was introduced and held her hand out for a handshake. "Hello. Nice to meet you."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

The woman stood and, instead of shaking her hand, grasped her wrist and patted her arm. "It's lovely to meet you dear. Though I'm very curious why my boy has brought home a woman... a settler." She cut her gaze at him, a clear question in them. Something else rested alongside it, something demanding and almost angry.

Dyami averted his eyes. "She will be staying with us, at least until Chief makes his decision. I do hope that's already."

His mother looked back at Hannah and her dark eyes softened again. "She is welcome as long as she needs."

[~echo~]

The woman greeted Hannah very kindly, but then seemed to be almost angry that she was here when she spoke to Dyami. Hannah cleared her throat, uncomfortable. "I surely do not mean to be a burden. I-I can leave, if you want me to." She looked down at her folded knees.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"No," she said firmly. "I'll not have you feel unwelcome." She returned to her spot by the fire and gestured Hannah toward her. "Please, come. You must be hungry."

[~echo~]

Hannah gave a small smile as the woman firmly assured her that she was welcome, and she made her way over to the fire. "Thank you... what may I call you?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"My name is Ailen," she said. With a woven hot pad, she pulled a spot from the fire and ladled some stew into a stone bowl. She handed it to Hannah with a kindly smile. "Eat."

[~echo~]

Hannah gladly accepted the bowl and, realizing she didn't have a utensil, drank it instead. "That is delicious, thank you, ma'am."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami settled down between them, accepting a bowl of his own. He ate slowly, alternating between watching Hannah and eyeing his mother warily. "No need for thanks," Ailen replied.

[~echo~]

Hannah watched the woman, then took another sip of the stew. She then put it back down in her lap and then cleared her throat. "Ailen... while I am staying with you, I wish to help you around your home. Please, use me as you need."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Dyami knew his mother's first instinct was to brush off her offer, but the woman sat quietly, studying Hannah with her fingers stippled under her chin. Finally, she nodded, which surprised him. It wasn't accepted etiquette to let a guest work. Then again, Ailen had done plenty of things considered "unacceptable." Such things had resulted in Dyami's birth.

[~echo~]

Hannah dipped her head. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll do whatever you ask of me."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"First I would like to know just what my son has done that resulted in you being here," she said. There was no venom in her voice, only a firm order laced with curiosity. Beside Hannah, Dyami's face flushed and he lowered his eyes to the fire. How many times had she told him to stay away from the white-man settlement? Too many.

[~echo~]

Hannah looked over at Dyami, noticing his embarassed reaction and considering how to respond. She decided honesty was probably the best route and so she looked up at the matron. "Well, he.... he interrupted my wedding... to James Ewing."