Eleven
Catlin sat next to Keara as both finished the broth made for dinner. She wondered if she should mention seeing Keara and Conor kissing earlier. Catlin looked over at the young girl and began to wonder other things as well. "How old are you?" asked Catlin.
Keara finished her broth and set the bowl aside. "I'm 20 now," she replied. "What else?"
Catlin bit her lower lip and tried to smile. "What tribe are you from?"
"Hasn't Tully told you?" Keara replied. Catlin shook her head in response. "I was born into the Alymer tribe," Keara said, "but I married into the MacBrehons."
"The MacBrehon tribe isn't in the Alliance yet," commented Catlin as she set her bowl aside. "What will you do if Conor asks you to go?"
"I'll go," Keara answered, "and I'll do everything in my power to convince Kameron to join."
Catlin smiled. "You're a strong woman," she proclaimed. "Don't let anyone, man or woman, make you believe otherwise."
Keara rose. "I'll remember that," she replied with a smile. "If anyone asks where I am, I went for a walk -- alone."
Catlin nodded. "I'll keep an eye on Maeve and Kern while you're gone."
Keara smiled. "You, too, are a strong woman, Catlin," she stated, "and loyal as well. Always carry that in your heart."
