Arabella, who had sat passively as she always did in front of her adoptive parents, listened with peaked interest. If she had been more bold to speak in front of her uncle, she would have asked this traveller about life outside of the village. However, it was often frowned upon for people to ponder about what was beyond the wall. It was trivial, no one ever left. Danger lurked behind the wall. You could sometimes hear it late at night, the howls and the moans of things best left alone. But still, she was curious and her mind spun with a series of inquisitive questions.
"Well Yuri, you seem like a strong, fit man." Uncle David, set down his spoon, his bowl nearly empty now. "I would be so glad to have you on as my assistant, for however long you are in town." David looked towards his eldest son, whose face had grown grim. Despite Jason's obvious disapproval, he continued. "We have a spare room in the barn loft which I am sure will accommodate you and give you all the privacy you need. You will be paid at the end of every week for your duties, and you are more than welcome to join us for our daily meals." A grin spread over his face, it caused a new light to be shed over this large man. Cheerfully he held out his hand and clasped Yuri's, shaking it vigorously. "We are quite happy to have you son."
"Maria, Lilith! It is your turn to wash the dishes tonight. Do it quickly and you may knit before bed if you wish."
Arabella had snuck away before her aunt noticed her and requested she sit with them as well. Most of her childhood had been spent knitting, cooking and washing. Learning all the things that would make her a good wife. She couldn't spend another hour doing such things, for fear she would lose her mind. Instead, she snuck outside to where Uncle David had taken Yuri to the barn. The two big men were conversing outside.
"Here is the barn, just instide and to the right is a ladder. Hopefully you find the room meets your needs." Uncle David clapped Yuri on his shoulder. "See you tomorrow morning bright and early. Jason and I will show you the ropes." Arabella had snuck into the shadows behind a barrel. She watched as her uncle bid the man good night and disappeared back into the dimming house. With mute curiosity she stayed where she was, watching this stranger from a different world. Half envious, half annoyed.
