Ingrid ignored her, puttering around with another box, but Leena touched the edges of the rectangle gingerly, trying not to bend it as she lifted it to her eyes.

Perfectly, in calligraphic pen, was her name. It was written with a lovely loop at the top of the ‘L,’ and she felt it was similar to something she had seen before, but she was not quite sure. It was sealed with a bit of wax, but there was no picture as she might expect, merely a blob, like that which had fallen from a lit candle.

Leena ran her finger under the flap, anticipating something special when Ingrid suddenly interrupted her.

“I found something! It will look so nice. It might smell a little damp, but it should do well.” Leena slid the letter into her coat.

“Thank you, Ingrid,” she replied, smiling at her and taking the clothes. Ingrid had selected a dress, something less practical than what Leena was used to wearing. She also handed her a sweater, warm and large, with buttons the size of a coin going down the front.

“Oh, and something for your legs, dear. I know I have something…something…” Ingrid muttered, sifting through another box.

Leena helped her take out some things, holding items like men’s jackets and children’s pants. Ingrid managed to find some thick long underwear.

“It will be a little big, I think, but It should work okay. It get so cold here, in the house, so you should try to stay warm.”

“Thank you, Ingrid. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome, dear. Es…Es…” she stumbled, suddenly looking a bit lost, “Carl should be filling the tub upstairs, so let’s go see if we are ready. Do you need anything to eat?”

“Oh, if it is too much, I will be fine…”

“Nonsense. I don’t get many people. I’m always glad for someone to cook for!” Leena watched Ingrid carefully as she ascended the stairs.

“You’re here with that boy? Are you together on your honeymoon?” Ingrid asked.

“No, no, nothing like that,” Leena replied, “I’m here with Esire and Bo, and we are going out on a boat trip tomorrow across the ocean.”

“Oh dear, two boys? That sounds like trouble.”

“Yes,” Leena agreed, “Probably.” She watched Ingrid putter around, murmuring and muttering to herself. Leena smiled at her and felt a warmth in her heart.

“Ingrid? We can go back upstairs now,” Leena said, motioning to the stairs.

“Oh? Oh?” Ingrid started, a bit startled, “Yes, that’s what I was doing, going upstairs.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

At the back of the house, in the bathroom, the tub had been filled and heated, and lovely steam wafted into the air, soft, and white against the cold of the drafty home. It curled like flowing hair to the ceiling, hanging there like a cloud.

The tub itself was small, but the water looked clean and hot, even though it still smelled like earth. Esire must have used…his elemental fire magic? She felt silly thinking about it. Did she know there was such a thing?

It was wonderful.

The warmth soaked through her like a hug, embracing all of her at once. It permeated into her heart, like a pull of a string that untangled a complicated knot, and the beat of her heart sounded gentle in her own ears.

She felt safe.

Safe.

Was she safe?

She glanced over at where her dirty coat lay, the letter tucked inside. It was addressed to her, wasn’t it? Who would leave a letter in a box? Why was it so old looking? Just read the darn letter, Leena.

She waffled between getting out just to look at the letter and staying in the hot bath a bit longer.

The bath won.

After she finished washing herself with some nice smelling soap, making sure the dirt under her nails was completely gone, she dried herself with a worn, pink towel and sat, holding the letter in her hands.

Ah, it smelled like dust.

She unfolded it.

Dear Leena,

I hope this letter finds you well. I anticipate returning to Icherrun in the spring when the oceans are less hazardous. Please hold on until then. I promise I will be back for you soon.

With love,

Kana

What a short letter! Leena traced her mother’s name with her index finger, frowning. She had left her with her father and sister and her grandmother and grandfather and went across the ocean? What about everyone else? Why didn’t the letter ever get to Leena? Maybe she should inquire more about the boxes in the basement.

The dress was a little big on her, and she felt her arms dangling loosely against her body. The fabric seemed to swallow her in tiny pink flowers against a faded blue backdrop; the yellowed lace at the top draped awkwardly against her chest, and she realized for the first time how skinny she had become. How long had it been since she had eaten something decent? Months? Years? It certainly felt like years.

The long underwear was warm underneath, and combined with the sweater, she felt encapsulated in warmth. She felt a pang in her heart, looking over at her dirty and disheveled clothes. Dirt caked the sleeves. A smear of dried blood ran down the pant leg of the overalls. She would have to wash them.

Exiting the warm bathroom, her nose was assaulted with something delicious. Savory and warm, the smell caused her to close her eyes, feeling for the first time the starvation her body had been under. Everything within her yearned for a taste, a pull so strong, her stomach started to protest as her mouth seemed to fill with saliva.

She heard noises from the kitchen and saw the dining room set for four people with flowered china plates shining off-white in the candle and lamp light. The silverware was neatly placed aside each plate like soldiers standing at guard.

Was it already so dark? Leena glanced out the window, seeing the darkness staring back at her. She shivered, averted eyes, and followed her nose into the kitchen.

“Why…I remember when Carl was younger, he always loved to go visit the goblin village with the other boys. It was the best place to trade for some of the more inland items, fabric and things. And goblins love fish!” Ingrid spoke as Leena entered the kitchen.

“I can confirm that,” Esire replied, stirring something in a pot, “Goblins love fish. Isn’t that right?” He turned to smile at Leena. Bo was chopping something, and he turned around quickly, the knife clattering on the counter.

He paced over to her, his feet creaking against the wooden floor.

He stopped short, as if he was going to touch her, but then he thought better of it. Leena took a step backward, feeling too close to him. He smiled at her, but his eyes drooped a bit.

“I’m glad you’re fine,” he said.