Although, Alice had nothing of monetary value to offer Samaria she took her under her wing teaching her the farrier skill. They worked together as a team in which Samaria divided coin earned into equal portions between them both. She was grateful for Alice company as she was the first person to look beyond her physical appearance and see the women underneath. In her mind it spoke volumes about her character and who she was. For, Alice it was good to engage in conversation with someone and being physically active. Samaria kept her fed, entertained, and in teaching her the farrier skill made her feel independent for the first time in her life. Guilt washed over her in small waves as she did not like lying to Samaria about who she was or her childhood, but understood for all intended purposes it was needed at this time. Walking into the kitchen she grabs a tray placing it on the counter. Grabbing the freshly baked bread she cuts it into slices aligning them carefully on the tray. The fresh grapes she laid next to the bread carefully to ensure the two would not touch. Picking up the tray with one hand and grabbing the filled pitcher in the other she makes her way towards the back porch where the customers awaited.

“Please accept this food and drink while you wait, “she says placing the pitcher and tray on the table. When she looked up at the guest she pauses meeting the gaze of one of them. She didn’t know how long she stared but it felt like a lifetime. The other woman seeing the exchange rudely interrupts.

“Stranger, are you aware it is rude to stare?”

“Yes apologies.”

“Pour our drinks then see yourself removed.” Doing as commanded she picks up the pitcher in her hand. The confidence she bestowed moments ago quickly vanished as her hand trembled while pouring the wine. While she filled the second glass her intuition told her not to glance at the woman seated before her, however her curiosity forced her to. As their eyes meet once more immediately she forgot she was filling the glass causing the wine to overflow spilling onto the table.

“Apologies, I was not——-.”

“Seems you find difficulty in accomplishing simple tasks, “the woman says in a harsh tone still staring at her. Alice wasn’t sure if it was her tone or the displeasing look on her face, now her entire body trembled from fear.