Ivy staggered hard under the weight of the sack, nearly toppling to the ground, but somehow managed to steady herself and heave it onto her shoulder with a grunt. The elf’s behavior didn’t irritate her in the slightest — if anything, it amused her. After adjusting the sack so it wouldn’t slide off, she glanced around and hurried after Yanael, unable to quite match the elf’s brisk, energetic stride.

  The day promised to be long.

  She carefully stepped around the stone Yanael had tripped over.

  — Want me to remind you who said she’d carry everything herself?

  Ivy smirked, trudging along obediently and trying to get used to the sudden weight. She almost managed — even straightened her back — but then bent forward again like an old woman. The load was serious, though complaining never even crossed her mind.

  — And I did offer to go with you from the start.

  She caught up within a few steps of the elf.

  It wasn’t complaining — Ivy was smiling, ignoring the crooked looks from passing elves. They probably assumed she was Yanael’s servant. Which, honestly, wasn’t far from the truth.

  — So… anything else we need to buy?

  Her voice came out slightly strained under the weight, though still cheerful.

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  — I think I already got everything. Or is the bag too light for you? We could always buy something else.

  Yanael mused.

  She was still walking barefoot, even though she could’ve easily bought shoes by now. Maybe she just didn’t care. Her long, slender legs carried her down the path in wide, confident strides. Every now and then she winked at random passersby, flirting shamelessly.

  — And hey… what about my stupid instructions? Did you follow them all?

  Their building was already close. Surprisingly, Iran’s place was barely three hundred meters from Ivy’s new workplace.

  — If we bought everything, then we’re good.

  Ivy answered quickly, chuckling to herself. She didn’t mind hard work — especially physical work — but her own reaction had amused her.

  At the elf’s last question, the dark-skinned girl snorted. She hadn’t thought Yanael would actually remember that. Apparently the woman’s memory was sharper than she let on. Ivy hitched the sack higher on her shoulder and licked her upper lip where sweat had gathered.

  — Except the blowjob part. Too proper for an elf. But yeah, we talked. Pretty well, actually. Heart to heart. He’s not holding me back; he understands everything. I guess I got lucky with a friend. Or a lover. Depends how you look at it. He considers us friends.

  — Tsk, what a dumbass.

  The blonde muttered about Iran.

  — As long as he doesn’t break your heart, the rest doesn’t matter. Shame about the blowjob, though. But hey — someone’s getting their pussy eaten today, right, my clever little raccoon?

  Yanael half-turned her head toward Ivy and winked playfully. In her gray eyes flashed the predatory glint of a wild cat — a Felurian of the water. Then the owner hopped up onto the familiar doorstep and started unlocking the door to the recently purchased building. She seemed to live by one rule: never take questions too seriously, and never wait for answers.

  Ivy didn’t reply. She understood perfectly well that none were expected. Holding the sack with both hands, she finally reached the building and waited for Yanael to open the door. Still, curiosity got the better of her.

  — So what kind of eagle is that, anyway? Your pet?

  She shifted her grip on the fabric, trying to hold it more comfortably. Her shoulders already ached, and her back threatened to collapse mid-step. Still, Ivy wouldn’t complain even if she were dying right there. Her mind was already racing through plans for where to start the repairs.

  — It’s a broadwing eagle.

  Yanael replied, finally opening the door.

  — Dickling isn’t my pet. I found him in the forest recently. His wing’s a bit messed up — fuck knows why. Can’t really fly properly. I grabbed those tiny clawed feet of his and took him to a friend. I asked him to keep the bird until I bought a place of my own. That’s the story.

  Yanael burst inside and inhaled the stale air deeply through her nose — then immediately started coughing from the dust and mustiness. Her enthusiasm faded a little as she stepped further in.