A Few Words of Advice

“Do I aggrieve Estarfin?” Danel asked Parnard.

“Aggrieve him? How so?”

“You know how he wishes to contribute to the homestead. I have tried telling Estarfin that I would dwell with him in a hovel such as the one he once lived in, but he does not seem to understand; I do not want him to feel lesser in any way. I think he sometimes believes he is of a condition too lowly to be with me.”

“He may ne’er feel equal to you, lady, many do in your presence. Ne’er feel equal, I mean.”

“Oh, Parnard,” said Danel sadly. “I was not raised to look down on others.”

“You cannot help it, lady. They are overawed by your grace and carriage.”

“I am far from the most graceful or beautiful.”

“Cousin, it cannot be helped. You must accept it, gracefully as you always do, and give him your love. I think he may forget it, over time.” 

Danel lowered her eyes a moment. “In truth, I think I am not good enough for him.”

“What! Cousin, no...”

“You know, or maybe you do not, how my hand was sought by one of our - highest?” 

“'Highest' - ? Who was that?”

“The name matters not, for I did not care for him; it was not out of love, but only to bind our two families together to increase their wealth and power. I sent him away, just like I did with all the others.”

“And after you sent this high-blooded suitor away, did he take revenge? I have heard of such things happening.” 

Danel shook her head. “There was naught to be gained by it. Few knew he was less to me than an apprentice smith, and he would have it stay that way.”

“Does Estarfin friend know of this suitor?”

“Nay. I should tell him, should I not?”

Parnard turned this matter over in his mind several minutes before replying, “I think it unwise. Estarfin may take it ill; the less said of such things, the better. Converse of pleasanter matters with your lord.”