Sing to the flow of the river, to the shadows of black and of blue

Chapter 24

Letters I've written, never meaning to send

Birdsong wasn't the first thing that reached Steph's ears, just before dawn, nor was it the rustling of leaves, a rooster deciding to make his presence known, or Valkyrie chirping at a shadow. And while it wasn't uncommon for her to hear a few carts traveling the main road even at night, it was never this loud, never accompanied by the clopping of hooves on uneven stone. A few years had come and gone since she had last lived in a city, and she'd forgotten how little she missed the constant noise of it, as she stretched and sat up, rubbing her eyes in the darkened room. Alex, fast asleep on her stomach, face half-hidden in the crook of her elbow, didn't seem to be nearly as bothered. Steph smiled at the sight of her, and sighed. Lucky would be the one who would get to wake near this woman every day.

After putting her belt, socks and boots back on, Steph pulled out her notebook to write down plans for the coming autumn. She still had a month to prepare, but some things may take time, and so she took careful notes. Which medicines would likely be in high demand, which plants she'd have to pay more care to in her garden, what she'd need to order ahead. Elderberry and juniper would be easy to get her hands on in the nearby meadows, she'd have to make sure to refill her supplies of yarrow, and-

"You know, I am starting to worry that you never sleep. Do you make it a point to race the sun?"

Chuckling, Steph found sleepy but playful brown eyes watching her. "I've just taken the habit of waking at dawn ever since I began my first apprenticeship. People who labour long hours tend to come to their healers early, before they get on with their work, and... well, I suppose I could open my door much later in the day, but that wouldn't be as helpful to them."

Alex stretched, and Steph busied herself with putting away her ledger, avoiding all temptation to stare.

"For someone who acts so gruff at times, you really do have a good heart, you know?"

"Oh. Uhm," Steph stammered, taken aback. It warmed her soul to be thought of in such a way by someone whose judgment she trusted. Even more so, by Alex. "Thank you. But don't you go telling anyone else that, tale-spinner! I've a reputation to uphold."

Haven in the early morning was busy, streets milling with people walking fast to their destinations, or with loiterers awaiting better fortune. The way to the lake's docks was a maze of food stalls, merchant stands, lines of washerwomen between buildings, the scents of soaps and morning delicacies mingling with the last fumes of the alcohol consumed in the night. Steph looked out over the calm waters, the boats in the distance, the torn fishing nets mended by children with blistered hands. It brought to mind the ocean shores of her youth, and while this view was lovely as well, she couldn't help but miss the sting of salt water in the air. She mentioned as much to Alex, who glanced up at her with an undecipherable look.

"Are you... planning on returning there? The coast?"

"I'm not sure, I've been gone for some time now, so it isn't certain I would quite belong as I once did. Truthfully, I've grown very fond of Springs. I thought I'd leave after a winter, at most!"

They'd reached a wider street facing the docks, modest but sturdy homes to their right, and ahead of them was Jesse's cart, which the man himself was loading crates into. As they got closer, Alex spoke under her breath before loudly greeting their friend.

"I must say then, I'm glad you stayed... Good morning there, master Jesse!"

"Alex! I'd not expected to see you tod- oh! Lady Magpie, what an excellent surprise!" The merchant lifted his last box, turning to them with a wide but tired smile. "Do I have the honour of traveling with both of you then?"