Snow had fallen hard the previous night, and by morning, the village moved much more slowly. Cassia left early, hood drawn, cane pressing carefully into the snow. Her satchel was carried close by her side, linen-wrapped bundles of dried herbs and glass vials cushioned in wool. She kept her head down; she always did. The village was much quieter in winter. But it didn’t mean safe, it just meant people had a better chance to notice what didn’t belong. Cassia’s steps were measured…one…two…pause…the cane sank, steadying her. She did not see the ce until it was too late. Her foot slid, and her breath caught.

And she would’ve fallen if a hand had not reached out. “Careful!” The voice was bright, startled, human, in a way that made Cassia tense immediately. Cassia quickly steadied herself, grip tightening around her cane as she straightened herself with practiced composure, as if she hadn’t just nearly hit the ground. “I’m fine,” She quickly said. The woman in front of her blinked, then smiled apologetically, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to just grab you like that,t” She lifted her hands trying to show she didn’t mean harm. “I just..you almost-” “It’s alright.” Cassia quickly reassured. Though her shoulders remained tight. The woman looked Cassia over, not in a rude way but openly, like curiosity came naturally. “You are..The herbalist, right? Cassia?” Cassia paused. Hesitant. Names were a very dangerous thing. “Yes.” She said, finally. The woman’s face brightened instantly. “I’m Emmalyn! Emmalyn Hanes.” She gestured enthusiastically towards the village. “People have been talking about you! Good things, I promise! Mrs.Keltess said the tea you gave her actually helped her sleep for the first time in months!” Cassia’s gaze flickered away. “It was only valerian and honey.” “Still!” Emmalyn’s smile softened. “It helped.” Cassia did not know what to do with the gratitude offered so…outwardly. She gave a small, simple nod. The closet she came to accepting it. Emmalyn shifted on her heels, then glanced at Cassia’s satchel. “Are you heading out? In this weather,” “I need a few things,” Cassia answered. Emmalyn’s brow furrowed. “Alone?” Cassia’s silence was enough. Before Emmalyn could speak again, a low, calmer voice butt in, “She doesn’t look like she wants company.” Cassia turned, and a man stood a few paces away, tall and still. Dressed for the cold as if winter did not impress him. Eyes sharp and assessing, the kind of gaze that did not drift politely away. Cassia only recognized him because a few folk told her about him when she helped them. He was spoken of in the village as reliable, necessary. Emmalyn sighed. “Oh…don’t start, Damon!” “I am not starting anything.” He replied evenly. Eyes still on Cassia. “Just observing.” Cassia’s fingers tightened slightly around her cane. Emmalyn stepped between them, exasperated but in a friendly kind of way. “This is Cassia,” she said, as if forcing normalcy into existence. “Cassia, this is Damon. He is…like this with everyone.” “I’m practical,” Damon corrected. “You’re suspicious.” Emmalyn countered. Damon’s gaze flickered to Emmalyn briefly, then back. “You’re alone. New. Living near the woods.” His voice wasn’t accusing, yet it wasn’t gentle either. “That’s unusual.” Cassia’s expression remained composed. “I prefer quiet.” “Hm.” Emmalyn rolled her eyes. “She prefers quiet,” Emmalyn repeats on purpose, then smiles at Cassia again, softer. “Sorry…he’s not rude on purpose. He just…thinks…wayyy too much.” Cassia studies them both, the warmth and the edge, an open hand and a sharpened instinct. Emmalyn looked like someone who trusted easily, and Damon looked like he trusted almost no one. Cassia understood Damon more. “I should go,” Cassia said after a moment. “Oh- Right, of course!” Emmalyn's smile faltered a fraction. “I didn’t mean to keep you!” Cassia nodded, once. Then began to step around them, cane tapping quietly as she walked away.

Emmalyn watched, then turned to him. “You scared her!” “I noticed her,” Damon replied. “That’s not the same thing!”