The Bracken Woods There will come a soldier,

she grazed gently against her sister’s shoulder, being careful to avoid any open or irritated wounds. you’ll never heal, she scolded, which is an inconvenience to me, because it means i’ll never have a break. fréobearn enjoyed her trade; domestic pastimes, such as healing the hurt, were her connection to a femininity otherwise easily lost.

fréo sighed an exhale, using the temporary silence to compose her thoughts. kendrick still hadn’t returned to them, and despite her praying that he was alive, she knew that there was a chance he— i’ve prayed for him. that helps.

to avoid dwelling on the topic, fréobearn tried to shift their conversation. what are your plans for today? i’m assuming it isn’t anything too strenuous, since you’re ‘taking it easy’. she twisted her ears for air quotes and rolled her eyes, trying to make the sarcasm more obvious.