"You put a fever inside me, and I've been cold since you left,"
"It's a terrible thing to do what Mashka did, doesn't matter if you're a Saint or a Myth. It haunts you all the same, remember that before you decide to go chasing ghosts."
sh...
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Laying awake in the inns small room Mashka shivers under the many layers of blankets she has over her. It was the middle of the night, the candle on her nightstand burning down further and further. How desperately she wants to use her abilities to keep herself warm, but she simply knows it's not worth the risk. The fireplace had a decent fire going, but Mashka has never experienced such a cold like this. Her teeth chatter as she wraps a fur over her shoulders going to move in front of the fire.
She was used to a life of luxury, sure fighting in the war, being a general wasn't glamour, but she lived in the little palace. Now, in this small inn room, she doesn't know what she is. It's only been a little less than a month since she's arrived in Fjerda, it doesn't heal or help the memories, but it helps repair her bias.
Mashka slips on her shoes, going down to the main common room, somehow in this room it always felt less cold. Maybe because there was always a patron coming through, or someone still nursing a drink. This time, it's only Oksana, adding a log into the fire. Oksana places a hand over her heart once she realizes she's not alone.
"Djel, you have a talent for being unsuspecting." It's unsure if that's meant to be a compliment or an insult.
Mashka keeps the fur wrapped around her as she sits as close to the fire as she can without being burned. Oksana eyes her with a curious gaze. "I didn't mean to spook you." Mashka apologizes in her own way.
"You don't sleep well do you." This isn't the first time Oksana has caught Mashka out of bed in the wee hours.
Nodding Mashka remembers a short time ago when something as simple as a heartbeat would send her to a restful slumber. "No, I've had a hard time since I was Varia's age."
"Hm, Fjerdan children have no other option to be good sleepers. Otherwise we put them to work." Oksana teases.
It catches Mashka off guard, her sense of humor. Mahska knew Oksana was weary, and she had every right to be. What was she going to do when a strange woman finds herself shivering in the harbor asking for directions.
"You could put me to work, it would get my blood pumping at least." Mashka offers, and she means it.
Oksana pokes the fire, letting the coals shine in the dark. "The children like you, you're different with them."
Mashka has always been different with children, ever since she thought she might get one of her own one day. Now she knows she'll never give birth to her own, but she couldn't help but adore Oksana's children, even little Josev who would've been just under the age hers would have been.
"They warm my heart. I'm sorry if I don't offer you the same warmth, but I truly am freezing most of the time."
This was nice, friendly. Oksana chuckles at Mashka's apology, causing Mashka to lean back from the fire slightly to catch a gimpse of her smile. "You don't seem to be in any rush to leave, are you running from something?"
