Whispering Death

Chapter 3

The morning came all too soon when Drina felt a few taps on her foot. Grumbling, she rolled to the opposite guard of the bed.

"Give me a few more minutes, Ocian."

It was a sleepless night for Drina, Hestar's lips were the only dreams she could conjure. It made for a very uncomfortable night and she regretted not spending the extra coin to sleep in a separate bed. Not that it bothered her to share with Ocian since she was the only family she had left. Drina's single wish was solace from her pent-up tension.

"My, what a sleepy head. If you keep on, you'll miss midday."

Startled awake, Drina shot up and reached under the pillow for her dagger out of reflex. She was expecting her sister's sweet, innocent voice but was met with the ragged and aged tone of an elderly woman. The hostel owner Lulu stood at the foot of the bunk with arms crossed, Ocian smiling beside her.

"This little one has been up for hours now, helping around while waiting for you. Poor thing is hungry but wouldn't eat until you're up. I don't usually offer this to guests, but I made lunch for you both. On the house as a thank you for Ocian's help, but the next meal will cost you."

Drina pulled her hand away from her weapon and rubbed at her eyes. She turned to see the bright afternoon sky with dismay. Why didn't Ocian wake her up sooner?

"You didn't have to do that, we brought food to eat."

Lulu waved her off dismissively. "Nonsense. We will be in the common room when you are up and at it."

She chuckled light-heartedly, patting Ocian on the back as she passed by. Drina watched her, waiting until Lulu was out of earshot before inching to the edge of the bunk. Narrowing her eyes with concern, she mouthed, "Are you doing ok?"

In return, Ocian grinned widely, checking around before leaning in to whisper in their mother tongue.

"It's ok, I helped her cook it and no one is around. I'll be safe until you join us."

Her casual tone was no more comforting than Lulu's. They didn't know anyone here and she was wandering about without Drina. Before Drina could lecture her, Ocian rushed out of the resting room. Flabbergasted, Drina flopped back down on the bed and stared at the roof. What has gotten into her?

Ocian was more energetic than usual. Though, Drina wasn't one to talk because of her careless actions last night. Loosening up on her powers, kissing Hestar, and now Ocian roaming around alone while she was still sleeping? These were things she would never have done before. Was it because they were so close to escaping this country that she lowered her guard?

Propping up on her elbows, Drina looked over at Hestar's empty bunk. It was neatly made along with the other beds. Everyone was already out and about with their day, leaving the room quiet and relaxed. For a brief moment, it all felt nice. A welcomed pace after months of uncertainty.

With a huff, she got up and grabbed her bag to pull out soap and some fresh garments. Drina and Ocian mostly wore one outfit while traveling with only one set of spare clothes. Any more and it would be difficult to carry or keep safe. It helped that the hostel had a place to wash their clothes if they needed.

For now, her outfit was good enough to head down to the festival to look for work. Although Drina had enough for the boat fair stashed in a hidden pocket, earning a few more wouldn't hurt. Maybe she could score enough to replace a few pieces of clothes, too. Ocian's were starting to fray even after the last time she sewed it up.

Finishing quickly in the washroom, Drina got dressed and made her way to the common room. The building was empty and a lot bigger than she realized. There were two hallways that connected to the hostel lobby. She walked past the front desk and spotted a door hidden behind a small nook leading to Lulu's living quarters.