The Tangle Know Thy Neighbor

A woman approached, bearing hostility. Cerne gazed at her doubtfully, and at her words, he told her, "Apologies, madam — we've not met before." He could see that she was much older than him, and he couldn't help but wonder if she was confused. Gently, he said, "I am Cerne. I live with a small family a ways to the east of here." He hoped he had offered enough, and hoped that she would believe him; he wasn't looking forward to what she might do or say should she not.