Sauna Visit

Ciri entered the sauna the first time in awhile. She hadn’t been there for a while because… well… she still felt guilty about Skjall. Nonetheless, Ciri needed to rejuvenate from fighting a few harpies and a giant. She stripped her clothes off before heading into the sauna.

She paused as she saw Astrid sitting by the hot stones. “Stop it,” Astrid said.

Ciri tilted her head. “What?”

“You know what. Stop blaming yourself for my own brother’s sacrifice. You know Skjall. He would’ve done the same for any lass,” Astrid said. “So stop it now.”

“Astrid, I’m sorry,” Ciri said. “I wish I could have…”

“There is not a moment you should regret,” Astrid said. “Skjall knew exactly what he was doing. Now stop yammering and sit down.”

Astrid patted the seat next to her. Ciri sighed and sat down. “I still remember our talk,” Ciri said.

“What? The one where you said you prefer women?” Astrid laughed. “Or the one where you were too shy to take your pants off?”

Ciri blushed. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Nonsense. You need to stop being apologetic. Lean back. Relax your shoulders. Close your eyes,” Astrid said. “There’s no monsters here. Trust me.”

Ciri nodded and did as she was told.