"Nay, it is not too bold." And to tell the truth, he rather likes the way Marian speaks her mind, alternately wistful and dreaming, quick and bright. It's refreshing, after the ladies who visit him in court at Cair Paravel, nice enough though they are.

He swings up into the saddle and Sorely prances, rested and questioning, mouth moving at the bit. "Had we met under different circumstances, I'd have thought you a native of Narnia for certain--but that isn't what you mean, is it?" Even though it's true. With her dark hair and fair skin, she could easily be a daughter of the Telmarines who had remained--or a maid of Archenland, mayhap, one who loves the woods and the mountains."