When I take the coins Mariella offers for meals and a room, I speak in Irish now that I know she is from my homeland. The language feels good rolling off my tongue after so long. She looks a little surprised to hear it.

I laugh. "I was born and raised near Temhair," I explain happily, thinking of only the good times, not the way it ended. Mariella smiles a little and I am quick to change the subject for fear of having to re-live memories I would rather forget.

"From what you tell me of your interests, I could share a lot of what I've learned about this land and its special places," I smile back at Mariella, "for I've lived in the forest for the past several summers, trapping and hunting and living on my own. Only recently I discovered that I had a cousin who owned Ty Claddagh, and she put me in charge here while she is away."

Suddenly I realize that I haven't brought Mariella the promised stew or bannocks. I blush and hurry over to the hearth to fetch her supper.