Ren gripped the smooth handle of the wooden ladle, her small hand trembling slightly as she poured a heavy scoop of thick elk stew into the bowl.
Kaelen was standing directly in front of her. And he was staring.
Kaelen was staring at her with a deeply analytical, piercing intensity that made the fine hairs on the back of Ren's neck stand straight up.
"Why is your hair red?" Kaelen asked abruptly, his golden eyes flicking from her messy bun down to her face.
Ren paused, handing him the steaming wooden bowl. "I was born like that," she answered simply, wiping a rogue spot of savory broth from her thumb.
Kaelen took the bowl, but he didn't even glance down at the delicious food. "I have traveled to many places. The northern mountains, the eastern plains, the deep deserts. I have met countless beastmen. I have never met a tribe that possessed fiery red hair and bright green eyes."
