The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Psalms 1:4
"This is the town?" Adena asked in disbelief.
"Yes." Arvad hoisted a sack off his shoulder. "While I take care of business you can wander around town." He reached into his pouch and pulled out several coins. "Here, if you want to buy anything."
"Todah." Adena glanced at him through lowered lashes then turned and scanned the street. Several shops appeared interesting. Adena waved to Arvad as she moved down the street. Several shops later, Adena came to one that held exotic silks and perfumes. She lingered near the stall fingering silks and breathing in the incense.
"You wish to buy?"
Adena jumped and looked at the merchant. "Just looking. Thanks anyway." Even so Adena couldn't bring herself to leave the shop and go someplace affordable. As she picked up a bottle of perfume and studied it a voice behind her reached her ears.
"You deserve everything you desire."
"What?" Adena turned around to see a tall man with dark eyes and blond hair speaking to her.
"Such a shayna maideleh (beautiful girl) deserves lovely things. The man reached out and took the bottle of essence that Adena was holding. "I'm paying."
Flabbergasted, Adena replied, "Todah."
The man made the transaction then escorted Adena down the street. "Slicha. (Forgive me) I didn't introduce myself. I'm called Eli."
"Eli. What a nice name!" Adena exclaimed. "I'm Adena. I live with my husband Arvad up in the mountain."
"I know where he lives." Eli gave Adena a charming grin. "In fact, I live only a mile away."
"How nice. I'll be sure to come over and visit."
Adena stopped to examine some fruit. She turned an orange over and over in her hand. "This looks nice."
"I'll buy," came the quick offer.
"Don't bother." Adena smiled up at him. "I've enough money for it."
When Adena had finished purchasing two oranges she put them into her basket. She looked up and saw Arvad approaching.
Arvad barely glanced at Eli. "Come on Adena. It's getting late."
"Coming." As Adena left with Arvad she covertly waved goodbye to Eli.
"I don't want you meeting with him!" Arvad stared at Adena.
She stood with her chin up and her eyes sparkled with rage. "I told him I would visit; just one visit. What's wrong with that?"
"Everything!" Arvad exploded. "I forbid you to go over there."
Adena stared at Arvad defiantly as her mind started calculating. She lowered her eyes. "Very well," she said in a meek voice. "I'm going to hunt for herbs." Adena turned and swept majestically out the door.
Arvad stared after her, baffled at her quick change of emotions. He turned and shrugged it off as some feminine quirk.
Adena grabbed her herb basket even though she wasn't planning on getting many herbs. She was planning to see Eli. When she was out of sight from the house, she changed directions to a concealed meadow. When she got there Eli was not insight so she settled down to wait. As she waited, she idly picked several herbs and placed them in her basket.
"Shalom, Adena." (Hello/Goodbye. Also means peace)
Adena whirled around to see Eli standing right behind her, his light hair glinting in the sun. "Shalom, Eli." Adena drew away from him because he was standing rather close. She vaguely sensed that he was dangerous. "You're looking well today."
"And you myshayna maideleh. Arvad didn't come?" He asked, not the least bit disappointed.
"No her doesn't want to associate with you." Adena replied.
"We can still talk. Come, walk with me."
As Adena stepped forward, she had the feeling that she was playing with fire.