If Marigold thought Alghren’s phrasing of ‘bringing you two back together’ was odd, her expression didn’t show it. For once, Leah actually wished she possessed an ounce of positivity that anything about this situation would be fun. Maybe it would, once they got past the awkward stage of getting to know one another. Or maybe Marigold would decide she didn’t want to stay with Leah. Now Leah had a new anxiety to feed.
Leah wasn’t trying to poke at Alghren’s wound with insults or play on the younger woman’s fears, but it was hard to remain completely neutral when chatting with someone who seemed to have all (or most) the things that had been snatched away from her.
“I’ve done it for years, so you’re right about that. I won’t need help. She’ll be well taken care of.” If there was one thing Leah didn’t doubt about herself, it was her ability to take care of someone.
She nodded. If she needed help, she would prefer to ask someone she was on more friendly terms with and felt more comfortable asking for things. The offer was appreciate, though, and Leah wanted Alghren to know that. “It’s appreciated. I’m sure, at the very least, she’ll want to see you.” Whether it was Leah’s choice or not. Given that Alghren had helped bring Marigold back, she wouldn’t deny the younger woman the opportunity to continue whatever friendship she’d formed with the child.
Leah stood awkwardly for a moment, trying to decide how to end the conversation. All the conversations with Alghren prior to this had ended with angry words. Glancing at Marigold, who was giving in to her exhaustion and finally resting her head on Leah’s shoulder, Leah sighed. Then she looked at Alghren, said “bye,” and started off in the direction of her room.