(B) Cozying Up

"Great!" Saher said with a content grin. "Hand me that bag and I'll show you to your new nest."

Father Burton stayed behind, looking on as the constructor led Vehsisis to her home.

"Family or no, Abham isn't the easiest place to reach by foot," Saher said as they walked. "Can't help but to wonder what you were after - or what you were avoiding - to brave that."

"It's a matter I'm not inclined to share, I'm afraid." Vehsisis poured on the weariness in hopes of closing off the subject. The less she had to fabricate, the better.

"You can tell me. I promise I won't judge." Saher almost sounded as if she was pleading. "Well, no. Never mind. I shouldn't pry. Could you tell me what you used to do instead?"

"No worries. I was runner of deliveries most recently." That was not even much of a falsehood.

"Huh, that would explain your demonstrably fit state upon arriving here, I suppose."

"Of course. There are few as capable as myself," Vehsisis said, allowing her boastfulness to run unchecked. "Neighbours spoke of my cunning and endurance. Parcels, letters, packages - it did not matter the burden. Even messages delicate enough to be conveyed by word were readily entrusted to me."

Saher was grinning right along with her unbridled pride. She cast a look over her shoulder before speaking in a lowered voice. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like your mouth is one of your winning qualities."

Her tone was not lost on Vehsisis. She looked over to find a knowing smirk on the other woman's features.