Embarrassment washed over her. The man before her, though he carried a small sword, did not come in a threatening manner. Letha, too involved in her own thoughts which galloped uncontrollably around her mind, had merely been startled by his voice -- so close, so sudden. She wanted to stutter out an apology, but something held her back. Her mouth opened slightly, but nothing happened. She must look so stupid, standing there before him looking ready to flee.
It seemed to take forever for her to move. She stood there for a few moments, studying the man's face and body. She had lost the bright, friendly tone of his voice, and the words he said entirely. She reeled in her brain, searching for them. They had not registered, and she had nothing to draw from. Finally, she cleared her throat and released the handful of skirt she had been holding. "Uh, hello." She stumbled over the words awkwardly, her own voice feeling so foreign in her throat.
Amun
