“Volikisare easy to build,” she told me. “If theVorakkarhas ordered yours, then it will be ready soon. Now, how about you try these on and I will see if any adjustments need to be made.”
I did as she requested and tried on the new set. It was similar to my other one, consisting of long, fur-lined pants, a heavy tunic, and another sweater…in addition to the pelt that wrapped around my shoulders and covered my back.
The seamstress hummed and inspected everything thoroughly. “I will need to shorten the hides slightly. Perhaps you wish to bathe while I finish them.”
I nodded and took off the clothes. Strangely enough, I was getting used to being naked around the Dakkari. Between the healer, who’d helped me bathe, and the demon king last night, getting undressed in front of mylirillaseemed easy.
When I sank into the tub, I felt the heat wash over me and in the back of my mind, I heard that groan that theVorakkarmade wheneverheslid inside his bath. It prickled my skin and I reached for the washing rag as a distraction.
When I looked over at the seamstress, she was already hard at work on the bottom hem of my pants.
“These are only for the cold season, obviously,” she said. “Once the frost leaves, I will make you other sets for the warmer months and for travel. Dresses and skirts. Prettier things.”
I stilled. Something in my chest warmed at her words, as if it was an obvious thing that I would remain there.
“I am only to remain during the cold season,” I said softly, remembering the horde king’s words, that he wouldn’t risk journeying back to my village during that time.
She looked up at me. “You miss your home and wish to return?”
I swallowed.
No, I thought. I had only been among the horde for a short while, but already, I felt like a weight had been lifted from me. During my time there, I hadn’t killed a single creature, I ate regularly and heartily, I was properly clothed and outfitted for the coming frost, and there was a prospect for…for a life beyond just trying to survive from one day to the next.
“Life is very different here,” I said softly, scrubbing at my arms, avoiding her question. I was growing used to bathing every day as well, to my hair always being clean and my skin being streak-free from dirt and grime and sweat.
“We do not know much about thevekkirisettlements. I have never seen one,” she commented.
Pray that you do not have to see one, I thought.
“I will begin on your clothes regardless,lirilla, later in the season,” she told me. “You never know. You may decide to stay.”
I didn’t think it was up to me, but I kept quiet.
“As for the frost feast,” she continued, sighing, “perhaps I can alter one of my old gowns for you.”
I frowned. “The frost feast?” I repeated.
“Lysi,” she said, smiling up at me as she began to hem the pants. “There is no set night for it yet, but I suspect theVorakkarwill announce it soon. We celebrate the beginning of the cold season with a feast. Usually a few days after the first frost comes.”
“And…I would need a special gown for this?” I questioned.
“Lysi,” she replied, frowning. “Of course.”
My lips twitched at her slightly offended expression and I nodded. “Alright then.”
“There is much to do before then,” she said. “But I will alter one for you. Do not worry,lirilla.”
“Do you need help?” I questioned, watching her fingers work over the cloth. I’d crafted my own clothes before and I’d quite enjoyed it. I liked that it kept my fingers busy, that it required quiet concentration and carefulness.
“Help?” she asked.
I bit my lip. “It’s only that theVorakkartold me he would find a task for me to do through the cold season. To earn my keep here.” The seamstress blinked. “I was thinking that perhaps I could help you, if you need it. I might not be good at first, but I learn fast.”
Something in her expression softened and she let out a small chuckle.
“Lysi,” she said. “If theVorakkarsays that you can, then I would welcome your help. Females and males alike have already been making orders and requesting repairs. It is always like this during the cold season and there are only so many seamstresses among the horde.”
“I’ll ask him,” I said eagerly, hopeful for something to do during the day other than wander around the encampment.
