--- o For the Spooktober Prompt #9: Conspiracy o ---
❝ Where are— Yer’ parents? ❞
That question lingered far longer than it had any right to, but it threw her off guard. Myrr stepped back, as though she were struck in the chest, once more meeting the gaze of the woman before her, the woman that shared her face, her name. Doubts rose like bile in her throat, but she stifled it as she did with her tears, and trembling lip.
Myrr didn’t understand, but she couldn’t ask her even if she tried, for, like her mother, talking was an effort so reticence was the norm for them, and whenever she found the courage to do so, it quickly fled her the moment the words crossed her lips. Find her parents? What the hell was that supposed to mean? Did she not recognize her? Her own daughter? She didn’t even know her name, the one she gave her.
❝ What’s wrong? ❞ Elly raised a brow at her sudden rejection, almost pushing her away as if her words hit a nerve. She didn’t think much of it.
❛ What do you mean? ❜ Myrr opened her mouth to speak, but found herself in a fit of coughing, the same as Elly had a moment prior. Now this bought a hint of concern from Elly, who reached over and gently placed her hand on the girl’s cheek.
❝ Feelin’ ill? ❞ Elly asked, her voice soft and almost, almost, the very same Myrr knew well, and this seemed to ease her somewhat, though she still kept her guard up, uncertain on what to do.
Elly paused for a moment, as though contemplating something. She did have medicine, but she barely had enough for herself, let alone a stray child.
❝ Here, ❞ She pulled around the small bag she had attached to her hip, producing a small vial of medicine, holding it out for Myrr to take. ❝ Drink up, it’ll make ya’ feel better. ❞
She did, albeit hesitantly. It was bitter, almost enough so for her to spit it out, but it was a bitter she was used to by now.
❝ Come wit’ me, I’ll see if I can find em’ ❞ She held her hand out to Myrr, Elly already knew she wouldn’t but the least she could do was give the girl a little hope, even if it was cruel to lead her on.
They managed to find somewhat adequate provisions for a meal between them, now sat by a warm fire beneath the shelter of a building yet to crumble beneath its own weight. Both huddled up near eachother for warmth, though Elly seemed to avoid direct contact, something that further deepened Myrr’s unease. It was as if she was constantly on edge, and she was starting to feel the same way.
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