“Thank you.” Aysling took the cup of hot tea handed to her by Mrs. Petra.

They had walked a long, unsteady trek to a small wooden cottage where this elderly woman lived.

“Since we met, all you’ve said is ‘thank you.’ I told you, you don’t have to be so formal.” She sighed, sitting down at the worn wooden table beside Aysling.

She poured herself a cup from the same teapot and began drinking her infusion, watching as the young woman finally drank hers with a bit more confidence.

She didn’t blame