Looking up, Helga's lips curled into a small smile. "Hello, Rowena," she said softly and moved to the next tree, fingers trailing along the bark. "I suppose I wouldn't turn you away," she said and looked over at her dearest friend. It wasn't like Helga to carry any bitterness in her heart, especially towards those she loved. Further proof of how hurt she had been by their words.
"Unless," she amended quickly, "you've come to lecture me and then I must politely decline."