Green
Ireland was not far away. The boat ride would take half a day so Elias had some time to burn.
After he had thawed fully and stretched out, his clothes were drenched. He could tell some animal had been licking his frozen face, which was disgusting.
He asked after weather in the far north and was told it was colder there but not as cold as Russia. Elias purchased a new set of clothes, wool and itchy, but they protected him from the elements.
Elias dragged his fingertips across the heartstring as he sat in a tavern and ate hunks of flavorful sheep.
Victor was somewhere feeling petulant and perhaps a bit nauseous.
He sent Victor a twang of amusement and got back sharp irritation.
Elias smiled. Despite it being Victor, it felt nice to have someone to tease.
He boarded the boat, warm and full, with a lighter heart than he had the previous night. He was looking forward to Brogan who “spake German” and made Ayan’s bright eyes twinkle.