Take everything you need...Plus more?

For the most part, your task was in and out. Simple and straightforward. There were no hiccups or mistakes during or after your little adventure. Flora did actually leave a note and a considerable amount of money on the counter when you left. She also left with not just medicine, but also other plants and herbs. You didn't bother asking, you figured she had her reasons, and that was good enough for you just leave her be with it. You had a lot of opinions about this girl already. You wanted to ignore it, but distrust was indeed one of them.

You thought that leaving this at hour when it was this cold might spur up some suspicion, but the guards just seemed relieved the “new people” were already leaving. There’ll be a connection between their robbed store and the strangers who came and left though. It isn’t likely you’ll be returning to Billings anyway, but it’s dangerous to be so close to them after committing such an act however.

When you return, everyone greeted you with congratulations. There’s no praising, as everyone expected you to return anyway. With your reputations combined, it was no surprise. Kenji takes his medicine and goes to sleep. Scarlet takes the rest of the haul and stores it accordingly. Alexandra is already asleep. This leaves you alone with Flora, well, more or less anyway. Your quarters are pretty well cramped and there is little room for privacy. Alexandra is at the foot of the couch with a pillow and cloak where Kenji is asleep a foot away from here. Scarlet, once done organizing, crashes on top of Kenji, waking him briefly before wrapping himself around her for warmth. Flora sits leaned up against the dirt wall, farthest away from her companions with her eyes fixed over them.

You join her, similarly from before in the alley way. She purses her lips together and turns to face you expectantly. Feelings **** to say something, you compliment her good heart and skullduggery. She gives a warm smile, but doesn’t say anything more than a “thank you”.

As usual now, silence follows. Your staring has been redirected at the others, but your focus is still on Flora. Is she sleeping? You slowly peek over and see her wide awake. You turn your gaze to the couch again. Talking to someone has never been this hard before. It doesn’t fall on you however, as Flora clears her throat and asks you a question. She’s wondering what your story is, and how you ended up here. Perhaps if you open up to her first she’ll open up to you next.

You tell her about the contracts you had done before, which eventually lead you up this far north. She listens intently, seemingly interested. She asks a few questions between pauses, gathering further details about your past. She liked the parts where you mentioned Delilah, and how often you’d talk and share a conversation with her when you were still at the tavern. When you tell her that you flaked on a “date” with her when you got Amari’s letter, she apologizes about the unfortunate event. Now that you’ve brought it up, perhaps you’re so attracted to Flora because she reminds you of Delilah. Her short hair, though it’s not choppy or as dark; does look similar. Her friendly demeanor and feminine voice. She is just a touch shorter than you so that when/if you’d hug your chin would be nestled on top of her. You mentally shake those thoughts away - Delilah is in the past now, you shouldn’t let your thoughts of Delilah invade where you are now.

Flora notices your silence and taps your foot with hers. “You OK?”

“Yeah, just kinda...weird talking about it now. Feels like it was ages ago now.”

She nods understandingly. “Did you love her?”

You think for a moment: coming to a conclusion. “If I loved her, I wouldn’t have left her. It was just strong feelings and loneliness. I feel bad, but I don’t have much regret.”

“Do you think she misses you?” She asks.

A dry laugh exits your mouth. “Definitely. I think she was pretty fond of me. It’s for the best I’m gone though, I would have hurt her somehow, I’m sure of that.”

“Nothing we do here goes without hurting someone.” Flora deadpans. “Best to only worry about yourself most of the time.”

Before silence can be made, you ask her more about her background.