S a l e t é I I

XIV - Mains - Huit

The fire between them burned steadily, already finding new life in the latest additions to the drum. The metal itself was flaking, growing weaker over time, drawing nearer to splitting under the searing burden it so often had to carry.

"Our focus won't be upon the old street tomorrow. Instead, we'll be heading over to the factory." Monet was saying, marking the start of their gathering before the flames.

"Klavdiya and I acquired a fair selection of things for the children there to eat, and so we'll be able to conduct a good few trades. I've no doubt that they would have come into several things for us by now as well."

Klavdiya looked proud as her name was mentioned, her chest puffed out that little bit more. Cassia was already curious regarding the proceedings that Monet was referring to, more questions already forming, though she was sure to remain quiet as the others continued.

"So there's no extra bottles for the stash today?" Uliana asked, to which Monet shook her head.

"No. We received one, which Taya was given upon our return."

"It was tasty." Taya replied, speaking up quite suddenly.

She never really appeared interested in the discussions that place by the fireside. Instead, she spent her time looking off to one side, or around the large room in general, as if she was searching for something much more intriguing.

"It's of little concern for now, we have a reserve. Tomorrow's trip will hopefully fill the gap." Monet clarified, sentiments that the other girls appeared to agree with, even if Monet herself didn't look entirely pleased.

"Who's going? To the factory, I mean?" Zisel asked, speaking up next.

"I'll be taking Cassia, seeing as it's something she's not yet familiar with." Monet said first, the newcomer sitting up straight as her name was mentioned, the other girls looking her way ever so briefly before the girl in red continued.

"Uliana? Klavdiya? Are you particular about going?" The older girl asked, to which Klavdiya replied first.

"I think I'll stay, seeing as I went out today. Say hi to everyone for me though."

"So be it. Uliana? Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, sure! I'll go any day."

"Then it's settled. You, I and Cassia will attend."

Cassia actually quite liked the sound of such a conclusion. Monet's company provided the sense of clarity and security that she'd come to value so highly already, whilst Uliana's granted a light-hearted touch that essentially served to balance the older girl's more serious presence.

All in all, if she'd been free to choose, they were the two she would have liked to go with - not that she didn't appreciate the others, of course.

With that statement, Monet was done with everyone, and they were now free to leave if they chose to do so. Taya was back on her feet immediately, skipping off in a slightly unsteadily to the spot where she'd been before she'd been summoned, out of sight but not earshot. Zisel moved to head to her backroom again, only Monet addressed her before she went.

"Zisel, are you done mending the clothes we were given?"

"Yep! All done and ready to go. They weren't too bad this time, actually."

"Alright, thank you."

With that, Klavdiya also rose from her seat. Once she was up, she got ahead of Zisel, the two of them soon talking as she helped the young tailor back to her room, mainly by opening the door for her. Cassia noticed, at this point, that Zisel would easily be able to tell when it was Klavdiya who was with her, the sound of her cane meeting the floor of the warehouse serving as the giveaway.