A hundred questions emerged from Ethan's unguarded posture and comments.  The foreman's intervention only multiplied those, but at the least their brief conversation did answer two of the important ones:  what the group was doing here, and what Freya would do about it.

[color=ccffcc]"Nothing, sir.  I've been further inland the last weeks.  However,"[/color] she added, turning to face Ethan squarely, [color=ccffcc]"if your need is herbs for fever or pain, I can help.  It may just have been the Flow's guidance that brought us here at the same time."[/color]

For the time being, at least, Freya relaxed her stance.  She stepped forward, still a little wary of the Muran, and crouched a few steps away from Amuné.  Using what knowledge of it she had, the woman spoke quietly in broken Ydran.  [color=ccffcc]"{Amuné, Ma'am Amira's daughter.  You, unhurt remain?  Need saving do.}"[/color]

The girl shrank away, grabbing even tighter to her feline protector.  Freya was a little surprised, a small frown crossing her face before it was washed away by a flash of insight.  She carefully set her staff on the ground, then presented both her empty hands in a gesture of peace.  Switching back to the common tongue, but still keeping her voice low and soft, the woman offered a gentle smile.  [color=ccffcc]"Sorry, Amuné.  My name is Freya.  Your mother is Ma'am Amira, the healer of Pinesgrove, right?  Maybe you were too young to remember, but I was raised by my Aunt Helen there.  The woman who raised medicinal herbs, do you remember her?"[/color]

Amuné gave her a wary nod.  Freya's smile brightened.  [color=ccffcc]"That's my aunt.  I still visit her often, so I've seen you with your mother.  And Wyth, too, of course,"[/color] she added, giving a courteous nod to the moorcat.  [color=ccffcc]"Can you tell me about these people you're with?"[/color]  The girl replied with a shrug and a shake of her head.  [color=ccffcc]"Do you know about the shipwreck?"[/color]  Another shrug.

Freya let out a small sigh, but she still smiled at the small girl.  Learning how she came to be alone in the forest would have to wait for another time.  For now, she would have to trust in Wyth's judgment that these weren't dangerous people.  [color=ccffcc]"Amuné, I'm going to help these people.  After that I can take you back to your mother and father, okay?"[/color]  The small girl tightened her grip on Wyth, but said nothing more.

Freya picked up her staff and rose to face Ethan once again.  [color=ccffcc]"Tell me more about this wreck.  Was your ship driven against the cliffs outside Nettle's Cove?  Was the tide high enough to avoid the reefs, or were those responsible for some of the injuries?  How many people are able to move, and how many aren't?"[/color]  One after another Freya fired off questions without waiting for Ethan to answer.  She glared up at him with impatience.