Like/Unlike The Past

JP with White_Caribou and Cindy

Islana half picked, half ate at her food. Knowing she needed to eat but her emotions caused not much of an appetite.

Memories of Lord Vasant taking her from her home, as a child, and the hit across the face that had come a few minutes later because Islana wouldn't stop crying flooded back to her.

This woman however wasn't berating or striking her; actually she seemed to want to help the young woman, in her own way.

"Islana," was the quiet response given to the question about her name.

Maybe she could speak to this woman and not have something terrible happened.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Speak later," Shalia barked suddenly with an intensity that drew a glance from the elders. "Eat now."

With that Shalia silently finished her meal and looked to the elders chatting around her.

As much as she wanted to converse, they were still in the presence of the Kumik who were clearly annoyed and awestruck by the witch showing up, insulting them, and claiming their newest prize.

Islana was reduced to a slave, and already she had been more kind to her than what Shalia expected of herself. There was a reputation to keep, the Voice of Winter and all that. She needed to be a little more biting at least until they got back on the road.

This was going to be quite the learning experience for them both, she felt.

Islana cringed a little at the sudden change in Shalia's voice. She knew better than to try again and went about eating her food or attempting to.

Averting eye contact with those around the hearthstone while trying to take glances at Hunter to judge what kind of state he was in. He did seem somewhat better but still Islana couldn't help but feel like she had failed both of them.