S a l e t é I I

XXI - Estomac - Neuf

Monet and her chosen duo wasted no more time, leaving the others to wait their turn as they left to begin what would be the group's first round of action that day. The girl in red gave one last statement before they left, explaining what their plan was.

"We get to the old street, we take a look around, figure out if there's anything worth going for today. We get what we can, and then we'll hit some of the back roads, see if we can find anything we can salvage."

Once they'd left, Uliana positively brimming with anticipation as she opened the way forth, Cassia got settled near the side room that ended in their makeshift entrance, designating herself for guard duty. Zisel remained near the ground floor fire drum, moving to the chair on the side closest to Cassia's new post, ensuring that she was as close as she could be to her friend whilst still being able to enjoy the warmth. They had no difficulty in talking, the extensive nature of the warehouse floor making it easy for them to hear one another without the need for raised voices.

To their surprise, Taya took up a spot on one of the empty chairs near the flames as well, her feet swaying back and forth in gentle motions as she eyed the rising heat, its light reflected in her eyes. Cassie guessed that she was keenly awaiting Monet's return, given the promise that had been made, and that she was therefore unwilling to wander off. Whether or not such patience lasted was another matter, and she wouldn't have blamed her at all if it ran thin. 

Guard duty was almost always uneventful, but she didn't even begin to doubt the importance of the role. Zisel's company went a long way in warding off any fatigue that the task would have otherwise brought with it, and the thought of accompanying her on a so-called sweep of the area outside soon had them talking, the girl sounding confident about their upcoming job.

"I'll carry anything you find back here." She'd been saying.

"We can both take a bag, you know."

"Just make sure you fill mine up first. If we're lucky, that is."

Cassie could understand why Zisel might have wanted to offer herself up for that particular task, and she would let her do so if she wanted to. Whilst the young tailor had some impressive skill in spite of her disability, both a steady hand and a fine memory serving to keep her active without too much assistance, she wasn't going to pretend that she wasn't worried about her. 

If she needed help, then she was going to provide it.

After a little while, Taya inevitably grew restless as she began to look around, sitting becoming an increasingly dull activity. Her eyes were drawn to Polina on more than a few occasions, the doll resting on Zisel's lap in a caring hold, and - whilst her interest was clear - the youngster didn't say anything or ask any questions. Instead, she hopped out of her seat, shuffling over to short corridor that Cassie had stationed herself within.

She acknowledged Taya with an affectionate glance, and it was good to see her passive again, the younger lady giving her a quick look in return before she proceeded to stare at the hole in the wall, almost as if she was willing Monet to reappear at any second.

She was still fidgety, raising herself up onto the tips of her toes before standing normally again, the movement repeating on a loop.

"You okay, Taya?" Cassie eventually asked, the girl giving some very swift nods on return.

"When's Monet getting back?"

"Soon, I think."

"When's soon?"

"In a little bit."

"When's in a little bit?"

Cassia found her questioning to be rather sweet, the girl's inquisitive nature almost like a hyperactive, childish version of her own, but Taya was apparently being very serious. She stepped closer, repeating herself.