It was a bit of a surprise when the often-hooded ranger, Sigfread, was searching her bookshelves. She was enjoying a peaceful moment in her room when the man walked in and finally went through her various topics of books. The young woman's collection was growing since she had a place to live and did not have to spent all of her earnings to keep a place.
''Interesting collection. Some lore on this and that I see... Oh! What is this?''
Lieta looked over at what he held in his hand. A frown grew as she tried to take his attention from it, "Oh. It's uh, a book I haven't read yet. I put all of my mother's recipes in it though... notes and such."
To her luck, he did not hold a cookbook or a book of tales and lore. It was something else.
''Oh my. 'The Bewitching Maid'...'' He waved the book at Lieta without opening it, ''Really? Recipes? This is one of those romantic novels isn't it?'' A large grin formed on his worn face, ''Aren't you a little young for these?''
Lieta turned red from embarrassment. No one was really supposed to find those. She thought they were hidden well enough on her bookshelves, "Uh..." She was at a loss for words, "Please don't tell Mr. Fiontann."
And to add more salt to the wound, Sawda was standing close by too. The Southron listened on to their conversation. She didn't add much to it.She probably didn't understand what was going on.
''Lets see.'' He opened the book and started to read from it, ''Page 398. Upon watching Mister Cobbleworth slowly descending into the water..."
As he read on, Lieta cringed. She quite enjoyed the story, but it was not fun hearing it come from her adoptive father's trusted friend. Sigfread went on and on before he gave the young woman a knowing grin, "Oh my..."
"Sounds interesting indeed." The Southron finally spoke up. The Bree woman covered her face as she couldn't bear the embarrassment any longer.
"I will make sure to hide those books better."
Her plea didn't really work either. The Ranger continued to read them, as Lieta stood there in an awkward moment in her life; perhaps for the first time too, as she never had parents to handle this before. While he continued, she moved a few more books around in case he started snooping more.
"That's one of my more descriptive ones... I swear."
The Ranger continued for another five minutes.
Lieta let out a whine as it was really getting old now, "I get your point..."
He closed the book as he gave her an amused look. It was placed back on the shelf as he spoke, "Amazing. This is fairly bad. I didn't not think you were into reading books of this kind, Lieta. It reminds me of when I was training Aya."
Lieta's lower lip stuck out some as she gave him a pout. She didn't really want to think of Sigfread and his wife in that way, "I had lots of free nights alone... in my tent or room... You know, before Mr. Fiontann brought me in."
"I am sure with these books you managed to enjoy those 'lonely nights' quite well." He responded with a boast of laughter, making the girl turn red again.
"I uh, should probably return that one to Scholar's Hall."
The Ranger knew better. Sawda gave them both a look of confusion.
"Perhaps, but I am sure you have plenty more to furfill your desires of reading."
"No... why would I need other romantic books?"
She saw the same knowing look from before, "You are young Lieta. Do not think I do not know what that is like. One does not have just 'one' romantic novel. At your age, with your interest in books, I am sure there are about five more hidden in this bookshelf. Want me to snoop them out?''
Lieta muttered to herself as he reached to search for more, "Probably have to toss away the 'Green Knight and the River Lass'... And 'The Stablehand'... Err no. I don't have any others..."
The Southron shook her head as she left with her pet fox. The lecture of books was heard coming from her room for a good while. Somehow, the rest of the company's members were mentioned and the Ranger soon started to get into look under other beds, apart from the sixteen year old he just lectured. Eventually, she ended up drinking some with Sigfread, Sawda and Athenlah.
Later in the day, she was called in for a discussion about Fiontann's estate and company. She already knew about her place as the bearded man's successor and she was relieved that the discussion was only about it. At least until she accidently blurted her worries about the meeting in front of Fiontann. The night suddenly turned into a repeat of earlier, without really knowing how Fiontann felt.
Lieta's fireplace was burning a bit hotter than normal that night.
