Aleksandra hummed quietly for awhile, content to trim his hair without conversation. She felt some sort of pride as he relaxed further and further. He melted like a candle, something she never thought could be done. She brushed some hair from his shoulders, surprised by how loose the muscles felt there. He really was content to sit here and let her do what she wanted.

It continued this way for a time, her humming and snipping and thinking deeper about Aulfr. Where was his mother? Had she ever been around to do these things for him? It seemed to her that the only times he relaxed and felt more comfortable with her were when she was caring for him. He had the same response as most men did to her appearance and any playful advances she made, but they didn't seem to attract him as much as the softer, sweeter side of her did. Maybe he craved it in the absence of affection from his mother.

She smiled and, feeling bold but hesitant, snipped the last bit of hair and stepped closer. She let his head lean back against her stomach as she shook out the remaining hairs, then just ran her fingers through it. "Aulfr, I was wondering something," she murmured, keeping her voice quiet and honey-sweet. "I've never seen your mother around, and I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries by asking. But where is she? Do you know?"