Ali felt tongue tied. Not in his worst dreams did he think Valerie could sneak past him and lecture Mave alone, but he had caught the tail end of it. Not only had she failed in intimidating her, but Mave had sent her packing! Briefly he wondered if he could ask her to stay for protection, not the other way around. What's more, he found it very attractive. [i]I must be insane[/i]. "Don't worry, she's needed a talking to for awhile." he said. 

"In fact, she's not the only one." He said, looking around suspiciously. They had all quieted down and even looked more demure after Mave had questioned the hospitality of the Inn, but Ali still felt eyes on him from every corner. Maybe he was so disturbed by the Dark Rider's attention because it was like the attention of the women in the village. Being weighed and measured by the very feel, even if he saw no eyes truly on him. 

"Well I'm certain they'll settle down in a few days." Mave said, slipping a piece of cake in her mouth and chewing with delight. There was a cold, sweet taste to the icing that complimented the richness of the breading.

"You know it's funny," Ali said, taking a sip of his cider. He hesitated to continue, and only did when Mave's exotic eyes lifted to meet his. "When I found you on the road, I'd thought you Aes Sedai." 

She stiffened, eyes widening slightly as he hit the nail on the head. He didn't notice and continued however, looking over his shoulder. "Ridiculous, I know." he chuckled, crossing his strong arms over his chest. "It was the shawl and when that man tripped coming after me. But it seems the most dangerous thing about you is your tongue, which is greatly appreciate because I am not bloody listened to." 

"Do you dance?" she asked suddenly. 

"What?" he asked on instinct, and suddenly realizing a jaunty tune was being played just outside. A dance was not something that would give the others an impression that they were not smitten, plus he had not danced in three winters! Light he'd be terrible. "I uh, I don't-..." 

"Come, dance with me." she said, doing her best to distract him as she laid a hand on his bicep, smiling. His gaze couldn't help but be drawn to hers. "Alright," he nodded, and she led him to the porch where one of the younger boys played a flute. It was Bran's little brother, Braidon, and the song was a less than modest one he was obviously playing to unnerve the older folk, though it did have a catchy tune. 
[@Penny]