Lady Hilda’s quarters were unlike the earthen dugouts, instead she was afforded a place on the upturned longship Miseter. Quarters were assigned based on nobility and ranking. Violetta had given some insight into the lower reaches of the caste system, but as Lady Hilda was in the upper ranks it seemed to be akin to being like a Chieftainess in a certain way. The well-dressed and meticulously groomed persons all bowed and greeted Lady Hilda and asked if they could be of service. The entire ship itself seemed to be her personal slaves, but Lady Hilda kindly refused them with a smile. As the three of them entered the large gallery of the ship, a sweeping room filled with cabinets, scroll cases and a collection of wardrobes. The most important of which was a massive four pillared bed which was layered and stacked with blanket after blanket, plush pillows and it was large enough to sleep probably ten or more people at once. Maybe five Lady Hildas. There was no need to have such a thing, but she wanted to feel what a bed was like.

   Lady Hilda smiled and showed off the room,

  She closed the door behind them and locked it as they entered, the heavy wooden door suddenly latching with the noise of that prison lock from her dream. The sound of the bolt engaging meant that they were locked in together. Her heart started to pound harder, and she did not like the look spreading across Lady Hilda’s face as she turned towards them.

   She grinned,

   Violetta connected it,

   Lady Hilda loomed overhead,

  It was then that she realized it, she had a peaceful night’s rest. It had been so long that she could not even remember when it had first become an unending torture. She hugged Lady Hilda’s knees,

   Lady Hilda bent down to accept the hug in a crouch,

   She seemed confused,

  

  She pulled back in confusion,

  

  Violetta approached cautiously,

   Lady Hilda brushed it off,

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   Violetta agreed.

   Lady Hilda stated the obvious,

   She agreed,

   Violetta gasped,

   Lady Hilda nodded and continued the discussion unflinchingly,

  She had to think for a moment,

   Lady Hilda looked at Violetta.

   Violetta patted her head,

   Lady Hilda nodded,

  

  

   Violetta said.

   Lady Hilda nodded,

   She asked.

  

   Violetta shook her head,

   Lady Hilda explained,

   Violetta growled through her clenched teeth,

   Lady Hilda smirked,

  Violetta quickly obeyed, but she thought it was more like Lady Hilda was like a Gobbo, not ashamed to be exposed. The two women were very different, but each had their own charm and their own ways of striking fear into her. Lady Hilda did not need to make excuses and did not let herself get pushed around. Violetta whose strong front was much softer than she was in truth was made to protect her from appearing weak. Both were strong women in their own right, but neither seemed like particularly good examples to follow. Neither of them seemed to be concerned about Leaf, and she was just an afterthought. However, Leaf was her friend… right? Why would Leaf be after medicine? Questions raced through her head until Violetta engaged her in some small talk, while Lady Hilda dressed. It did not take long for a knock at the door to announce the arrival of the tailor.