The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2
The Wise Man’s Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
Chapter 70: Clinging
Overview
Kvothe answers Denna’s midnight note and secretly takes her into the Maer’s gardens to show her blooming selas, deepening their intimacy. They nearly share a moment before hiding as Alveron and Meluan pass by. Denna realizes Kvothe truly serves the Maer but declines an introduction, preferring the night’s illicit thrill.
Summary
Kvothe meets Denna at the Four Tapers after her late meeting with her patron, Master Ash. Inviting her to trust him, Kvothe leads Denna by horse lift to Severen-High, then through an empty barn and hayloft to surreptitiously enter the Maer’s gardens, offering a unique, illicit stroll instead of a formal invitation.
They wander quietly through hedged paths under a sliver of moon. Kvothe brings Denna to a bower of selas blossoms—the flower he once said suited her—letting her finally see and touch them. The shared wonder softens their banter; Denna admits Kvothe treats her with rare care, recalling how he steadied her without presumption.
As their closeness grows and a kiss seems possible, Denna hears approaching footsteps and pulls Kvothe into a hollow within the hedges. From hiding, they see the Maer and Meluan pass, comfortable and affectionate, with Alveron promising her roses—echoing Denna’s earlier complaint about clichéd courtship.
Denna, surprised, realizes Kvothe truly works for the Maer. Kvothe offers to introduce her, but she declines, citing grass stains and preferring the thrill of trespass to official permission. They emerge from the hedge, the charged moment past, sharing a final admission that the night felt more exciting when it was forbidden.
Who Appears
- Kvothe (Kote)Narrator; secretly escorts Denna into the Maer’s gardens, shows her selas, offers to introduce her to Alveron.
- DennaMeets Kvothe after visiting her patron; enjoys the illicit garden outing, appreciates Kvothe’s restraint, declines meeting the Maer.
- Maer AlveronPasses by with Meluan in the gardens, comfortable and affectionate; unwittingly confirms Kvothe’s claims.
- Lady Meluan LacklessWalks with the Maer in the gardens, laughing and familiar, signaling progress in their courtship.