Permafrost Hollows clothed her in leaves and buds of crimson core

It is so strange, accepting the touch of one not of her own blood so frequently — but undeniably enjoyable, too. Her heart clenches and skips at the feeling of his nose against her forehead, and her smile returns a little more brightly this time. I was, She says in response to his question, voice full of the same velvety warmth spreading through her chest. But not anymore. She presses against him as if to emphasize her point.
She's feeling more cheerful today than she has in awhile, eyes bright in a way they haven't been since the attack. Even plagued by the slow healing of her body, her mind is recovering fairly quickly. The security she feels with Derg around has helped, of course. After a few beats, she adds: I wish we could go on another trip. The thought has been occupying her mind for awhile now; she's decided she likes traveling, and no amount of danger can truly dissuade her.