S a l e t é I I

XII - Oreilles - Cinq

Cassia was still sat at the fire, Polina perched in her lap, when the sound of knocking rang out, piercing the quiet atmosphere of the warehouse in a rather alarming manner - to the extent that it made her jump. It had emanated from down the short area that led to their unorthodox entrance to the building, and she heard Klavdiya's voice shortly afterwards.

"Who is it?"

"Monet."

That was all Klavdiya needed to hear; she got to her feet, propping herself up with her stick, as Monet pulled back the metal sheet outside, and - once she was through - she soon moved the boxes that served as a final barrier out of the way entirely.

The way Klavdiya stood to attention as the girl in red returned was something that Cassia found quite compelling, and also something that she took into account.

Monet was soon followed by Taya, who was subsequently followed by Uliana, the last girl taking the time to put everything back into position, whilst Klavdiya wasted no time asking questions.

"Did you get anything good today? Was Uliana's stuff worth the hassle?"

"Come and sit, you'll see."

The older girl's backpack looked as if it was now carrying several items, all of which must have been of worth if she'd been the one to carry them back. Uliana had also brought her bag back with her, presumably with some of the things she'd collected still inside. Had they not managed to shift all of it?

Zisel looked especially happy to hear Monet's voice again, and she held out a hand in a bid to reach for her as she came over. The older girl took it, giving it a reassuring squeeze - a display that Cassia found affectionate, even if Monet's expression remained as unflinching as ever - whilst the others got seated.

"Alright, first things first." Monet began as she took her own seat, placing her pack down at her feet, opening it up in order to begin presenting what they'd earned. Cassia watched closely, intrigued by the entire process, her curiosity heightened now.

Even now, she still felt a little glimmer of familiar joy within herself when she saw that pinkish tint; Monet had presented two bottles of Honey, first and foremost.

"Klavdiya, here you go."

"Thank you!"

"Zisel."

"Merci beaucoup!"

She reached back into her bag after handing out these two, producing a third, and Cassia couldn't deny that she felt a flutter as the older girl extended it to her.

"Cassia."

"T-thank you."

The other girls had gotten started on their bottles as soon as they'd received them, and so Cassia had no qualms left with doing the same.

There it was, that cherry kick she would never fail to adore. She noticed the presence of bits again, like she had done earlier that day, and the concoction wasn't quite as smooth as she was used to. Such factors didn't sour her gratitude.

Monet continued in the meantime, producing another bottle, and then another, followed by another. Klavdiya looked increasingly impressed as each one was revealed, but Monet still hadn't finished - she took out another three.

"You got an extra six?" She asked, when it became that she'd finally revealed them all.

"How many?" Zisel asked in turn, as if she wasn't sure she'd heard correctly, her surprise greatly evident.

"Turns out, my stuff was better than good." Uliana began, but Monet stepped in before she could really get bragging.

"There was a man there today looking for any old bits of machinery, vehicle parts included. It seems we've had a lucky break."