Ok, so after 3871293649 3871293650 times of trying to write this... Word Count: 375. Worth 2 points.
Hanna merely nodded when Ralla turned down the offer of the cabin. In a way, she had expected no less; very few "young'uns" as Ralla's (and Desi's!) generation was to Hanna, would want to seem so dependent on another person. This one, this Ralla, was polite about it at the very least, and that pleased Hanna to bits. She seemed a strong young lady, and perhaps Hanna sensed this in a way.
Mind you, it was a far different strength than the last time Hanna had sensed willpower. That poor child had been through things no child should have to endure. It shaped her into a sullen, foul tempered little brat, although Hanna could not help but think fondly of Svara Thames, the girl she had won over -- partially -- through her thirst for learning. Hanna sometimes wondered what had become of her pupil. Perhaps she would have to do some inquiring.
Hanna could not help but give into a chuckle when Ralla's voice betrayed her excitement at the prospect of a child, and then shortly after that, at meeting Galilahi. The two were the prides of her life, and as such it made her feel like shining when another took interest. Désirée was the product of a one night stand, and while that did not bother her mother, others did not agree with the sentiment. Opposite the meaning of her name, to her father, Desi had been unwanted, and as he had not quite said, he had not been present since the girl's birth; Hanna had not even known of his presence then.
Turning slightly away toward the stables, Hanna beckoned once with a sideways nod of her head. She waited momentarily for Ralla to see (or not see) and then spoke. “The stables are this way, in case no one has shown you.” Not that it was not obvious by the scent of manure, grain, and horseflesh as well. Hanna headed off in that direction, trusting that Ralla would follow behind. “And don't worry, you'll catch onto the language before you know it. Till you do, though, you can call Galilahi, Gali.” The nickname was pronounced like a somewhat flattened Golly, far more linguistically simple than the mare's full name.
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