“Ready.”
“Ida, we’re back!” Vivian called as she twisted the loose doorknob.
“Perfect timing, I just finished some soup!”
The kitchen table was cluttered. Jars were still open from their use. I made note of how low the rations of the limited ingredients were. Not to mention, she only had food that couldn’t spoil. Of course, where would she get fresh groceries? We’d picked up what we could on the trip, but it’d only stretch so far.
“Help yourselves and come take a seat. Tell me about it.” Ida pivoted on her foot and lowered herself into the rocking chair by the fire.
Vivian ladled what looked like broth and cubes into a bowl and carried it to Ida before serving herself. I was hesitant to take food rations from either of them, but without a fridge this wouldn’t keep. So, I served myself and followed.
“Now, Vivian, did you wear that necklace like you were supposed to?” Ida peered accusatorily through the steam of her lunch.
“Of course, Ida. I even got some wire to attach the crystal.” Vivian smiled, touching the black fabric. “The trip was completely uneventful. I was a good Pyran.”
Ida clapped her hands and smiled. “So glad to hear it! I do miss Drifael. I’ll need to make a trip soon.”
Vivian’s eyes peered at me hesitantly. “Actually, I was thinking Theo may be able to help with that.” I nodded at her to continue. “Do you still think about living in the village?”
Ida sipped from her bowl. “Oh sure, it’d be nice, but I’m doing just fine out here.”
Vivian looked incredibly nervous, staring at the soup in her lap and nodding silently. She wanted to do right by Ida. My heart ached. I cleared my throat to summon my most respectful, earnest tone. “I have a place in Drifael that will need somebody to take care of it. Would you be open to doing that for me? And, of course, then Vivian would have someone to stay with when she visits town. It’d be safer for her.”
“Youhave a place in Drifael?” Ida quirked a wiry brow at me.
“I travel a lot.” I dodged the question.
Ida leaned back, her green eyes scouring me. Vivian seemed to be using her bowl as an excuse to cover her anxious expression.
“And should you need to sell said place in Drifael?”
“Then you can stay with me and Nurghle,” Vivian cut in. “The cabin should be functional by then.”
“And when would this be happening?” Ida wasclearlynot buying my story, but did me the decency of playing along.
“I’d like someone over there by winter at the latest,” I said. “The cold can take a toll on a unit. I’m sorry for the short-notice request.”
Ida hummed and looked at the ceiling. “Alright, on one condition.”
“Name your price.”
“I don’t freeload. Once I get to selling my wares again, I’ll be chipping in for my part including back pay.”
“Of course, that’s very generous of you.” I nodded.
“Speaking of my part,” Ida turned to Vivian. “Your dyed dress is ready. Take a look and let me know if you like the color. Oh, and give me your necklace, crystal, and wire. I’ll get everything secured together before you leave.”
“Thank you so much,” Vivian said, relief in her tone as she untied her choker.
“And Theo, if you’re going to be in these woods you should be protected too. I’ve found an old chain I’d like you to try on. I suspect it will be large enough for that neck of yours.”
I’d never been much of a jewelry male, but wasn’t so macho as to decline. “That’s very thoughtful of you.”
Vivian
“Why’d you lie to her?” I asked once we were out of ear shot from Ida’s cabin.
“When did I lie to her?”
