She picked up a slim branch nearby and snapped it in two, choosing the pointed end that best fit her needs. She then began to draw the man and woman talking a few feet away.
Their interest in each other was obvious, and she smiled as she reproduced their faces in the dark soil in front of her.
“So your talent extends to drawing people.”
The familiar voice did not startle her, since the heavy crunch of fallen leaves warned her of someone’s approach. She was, however, relieved to see that Magnus joined her, the helmet removed and with it, the Legend.
He sat alongside her, giving her enough room to complete her drawing. “I think they favor each other.”
“Aye,” she agreed. “You can see it in their faces.”
“It is an excellent drawing. Why not commit it to paper?”
“My paper supply is limited and I must conserve it for mapping.”
“You map for me now. I will supply you with paper, quills, ink and paper enough to draw, besides map.”
She stopped, her eyes wide and her smile bright. She reminded him of a young girl who had just been surprised with the most wonderful gift yet doubted what she had heard.
“Truly, I will have paper to draw besides map?”
“Aye, you have my word.”
He was shocked by her actions that followed. She dropped the stick, turned, and flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly, her face pressed to his.
“You are wonderful and I am forever grateful.” She released him and gleefully scooped the stick up to return to her drawing. “I will draw anything you wish, a place, an object, a person.” She turned her eyes to him, the drawing stick idle in her hand. “Is there someone you favor who you wish me to draw?”
He thought she had startled him with her actions, but now her words gave him a start. To his own surprise, he answered her. “There is no one I presently favor.”
She looked delighted by his response and he assumed she was attracted to him, hence her probing question. Oddly, he found her appealing, though why he couldn’t say. She was too thin, with barely a shape to her, yet her creamy skin was flawless and looked soft to the touch. Her long silky black hair was forever escaping the combs that fought to contain it. She did not pretend or falter falsely; she was honest in word and action. She was a talented artist, and he had enjoyed the few conversations they had shared, finding her more knowledgeable than most women he had known.
And though he attempted to ignore it, he found himself easily aroused around her. He had tried to determine the reason, since usually he did not find plain features and a thin body attractive. But damned if he did not grow hard when near her.
He did not notice that while he was deep in thought she replaced the couple she had been drawing with the face of a startlingly beautiful woman.
When he did, he could not help but remark, “She is stunning.”
“Brigid, my best friend.” She smiled. “She is a loving and caring person and would make someone a loving wife. Children and a home are important to her, unlike me, who prefers to explore and map my explorations or draw the many wonders I see.”
Was she attempting to find her friend a mate? And was she considering him a good prospect? The thought annoyed him. Did she not find him attractive or interesting enough to pursue for herself?
Thomas approached and prevented further discussion.
The large man craned his neck to view the drawing. His breath caught and he stepped slowly around to view the face more clearly. “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
“Her friend Brigid, who is a loving and caring woman.” Magnus noticed his response pleased her. Did she think him interested?
Thomas continued to stare. “It shows in her lovely features.”
“She would make a good wife,” Reena said and looked to Magnus.
Thomas grinned, his eyes following Reena to Magnus. “A good wife, do you hear that?”
“I hear it well enough. Do you wish me to meet this friend of yours?” Magnus asked with a curtness that caused Thomas to raise his brow.
Reena paid no heed to his sharp tone. “If it would please you.”
He stood abruptly. “I am always pleased to meet a beautiful woman.”
Reena was overjoyed. “I will introduce you as soon as we reach the village.”
“You will ride beside me,” Magnus ordered her. “There are matters I wish to discuss with you.”
Reena nodded and reached out with the stick to erase her friend’s face.
“Nay,” Thomas said, his beefy hand grabbing the stick. “Leave her beauty for the trees and birds to admire.”
“Aye, she would like that, since she admires the trees and birds and considers them her friends.”
“Then she toils in the soil with enjoyment?” Thomas asked as they walked toward their horses.