Ethelmund wakes early

“Ethelmund – what are you doing? Is it morning already?” Githa mumbled confusedly. She felt like she had only just gone to bed and already Ethelmund was up and dressed.

“No, dearest, it’s still dark outside. Go back to sleep. I got up early to get some work done.”

This was unheard of. She always woke up before her husband, and usually had to pull the blankets off of him before he could be convinced to get out of bed. Ethelmund getting up early? to work?

Githa sat up. “Are you sick?” she asked him.

“No, dear, go back to bed.”

“What is this, Ethelmund? I don’t believe you want to work. You’re sick, or something. Tell me.”

Ethelmund looked at his feet. “All right, Githa. I wanted to get some work done early so I could go out with Egelric and help him look for his baby.”

Githa didn’t know what to say. “I think the Duchess has sent men out with him.”

“I know, Githa. But I can’t just stay here and work while he’s out there looking – looking for his boy. I guess I must know how he feels.”

Githa bit her lip, helpless.

“I don’t know, Githa. I don’t know if men can find what elves have hidden. But I guess we men have to try.”

Githa put her arms around him and pulled him tightly against her. “I understand,” she said through tears.