"In the night I hear them talk, coldest story ever told."
"Ivan wasn't the Generals first heartrender, no one knows what happened to Mashka. It's like she disappeared into the shadows and took his heart with her."
shadow and bone season...
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When Mashka finally felt able to be functioning the first person to demand her presence surprised her. It wasn't her fiancee, wasn't their many dignitaries who always took far too much of her time. Instead it was her old teacher, Baghra. Baghra was someone Mashka respected enough, the woman was harsh but she saw potential in Mashka many years ago.
Finally getting herself dressed, Mashka places the ring on her finger that Aleksander gave her those few months ago. Standing behind her, Aleksander kisses the side of her head.
"You don't have to do anything you don't want to my Mash." he whispers into the side of her head, clutches her arms in his broad hands.
Nodding Mashka closes her eyes, just listening to the steady beat of Aleksander. "I know, I think it's time. I can't keep myself locked away anymore. Ravka needs us."
Moving his hands so he holds hers Aleksander clutches them tightly in his hands. "You'll find me so you should need?"
"Course." she turns to give her lover a peck on the lips.
Aleksander holds her a little tighter, but Mashka just grips him back. "I'll see you for lunch, love."
Mashka takes her leave then, walking out of their rooms she frowns at all the people who glance her over. As far as they're concerned she came close to death, but they don't know what she really lost that day.
Aleksander thought to give her a security detail, but she refused considering it was part of her job to be his. So the walk to Baghra's hut was silent but she enjoyed the gardens on her way there. Many birds were nesting and chirping at her as she passed by the large oaks that litter the grounds.
Finally reaching the hut, Baghra's guards let Mashka pass with no questions. Inside, Mashka smells a freshly brewed tea and the dank walls first. Baghra sits at a table, the fire on behind her.
"Miss Lavna, please join me." Mashka is surprised at her last name, it was almost a sign of respect.
Quietly taking a seat in front of her old teacher Mashka studies her. "Good morning Baghra. I trust this is important for you to request to be the first to see me once I resumed my duties."
Instead of an answer Baghra pours her a strong cup of tea, adding a sugar cube before Mashka can decline it.
"You're not a stupid girl Mashka Lavna. You were a powerful heartrender those years ago when you came shuffling in here. But I understand that resisting power and promises is not something that comes naturally." Baghra doesn't stray from Mashka as she speaks, only looks her up and down as she does so. Studying her.
Mashka takes a sip of her tea, knowing this was going to be cryptic and long. Not understanding what Baghra was playing at. "Whilst I think that was your way at giving a compliment, I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean."
