Gwendolyn raised an eyebrow. When was Volkaser ever just fine? "If you say so.." Really he did seem more pale than not. And why was he outside rather than inside the tavern again? Unless... "Yvenna and Ryska having another row?" She turned her head towards the door. Really, if the two of them could just figure something out, or if Ryska could get married again. If anything, a good father might be the true answer to the village dilemma. But who? Lutter? No, he was too often swimming in the mead. Unless he could give that up, there would be no way he could be someone Ryska or her children could respect.

Maybe Kettil? He wasn't handsome to be sure, but he was a kind, decent, and would know about being firm like the boys needed him to be. He could even teach her sons how to hunt, and provide for the next child. It'd be perfect, if only she could somehow arrange for that.