Employer and Friend

(Astrid looks up into Gatrie's eyes. Her face is stained with tears.)

Gatrie: Astrid, what's wrong?

(Astrid looks away?)

Astrid: It's none of your business.

(Gatrie puts an arm around Astrid.)

Gatrie: As my employer, you have the right to keep things away from me. As your friend, though, I want you to be happy.

(Gatrie gets up and holds out his hand.)

Gatrie: C'mon Astrid, let's go fix your problem, whatever it is, so you can be happy.

(Astrid peers upward, takes Gatrie's hand, and smiles.)

Astrid: Gatrie, you don't work for me anymore so you aren't obliged to aid me.

Gatrie: Astrid, everyone needs friends to pick them up when they're down. Right now you're feeling down and I'm your friend. See the connection?

Astrid: Kind of.

Gatrie: So are you going to tell me what's making you so upset?

Astrid: I'll only tell if you swear to Ashera that you won't tell anyone.

Gatrie: Ashera as my witness, I swear no to tell a single soul.

(Astrid sighs and takes a deep breath.)

Astrid: Makalov dumped me. He couldn't even tell me that in person. He just wrote a note and left it on my bed while I was out. He's not what I thought he was.

Gatrie: What exactly did he say in the note?

Astrid: He wrote that we just weren't meant to be, that we come from two completely different worlds. He also wrote that it was for the best that we split up and go our separate ways.

Gatrie: Hmm… Astrid, would it be alright with you if I talked to Makalov?

Astrid: You can do whatever you want, just don't do anything stupid. Well, I promised Rolf I'd practice some archery with him. I'll see you around, Gatrie.

(Gatrie watches Astrid walk off toward the practice grounds.)

Gatrie: I guess I need to look for Makalov now.

Makalov(from behind Gatrie): Hey, Gatrie. What's up?