She would have gone naked as she was if he didn't catch her first. Giggling, she tried to evade him, making a game of it as he wrapped her in a towel and scooped her up in his arms. They bathed often together, usually making love, as today, without urgency or haste. Anest didn't know it, but this was as close as she could ever come to her former life. He knew only that she looked forward to this time, that she became carefree, and the tension he could often feel in her was absent. He had hurt her, badly, but when she was this happy he could love her freely, without guilt.
Later, going downstairs, they found Belloc sitting before a cheery blaze that burned brightly in the open brick kitchen stove. Pip was just finishing the dishes from his breakfast with his brother and father and old Burli. He then set places for Belloc, Anest, and Lily before going outside to begin the day's work.
Breakfast was on the stove, keeping warm. Wondering why nothing was set out for Lily, Anest lifted the lid off the pot and smiled. Fetching three bowls, some dried fruit, milk and sugar, and three spoons, he set out the steaming bowls of porridge.
With a dry chuckle, the wizard said, "Lily, dear, do use your spoon. And don't pout. Heaven knows you need the practice. We mustn't use our fingers at the table of the Steward of Lund, or they will think us ill-mannered."