375 :: Yay, a Sie thradz! 
Despite Lilin's words of warning, Marika had decided to stay in the deserted human town for the night. She had picked a spot up against one of the old buildings so as to not be completely out in the open. Going inside might have provided a bit more safety, but she wanted to keep close to Faina and the mare would not fit through the doors. The Russian had taken one of the blankets out of the saddlebags and wrapped it around herself, not for want of warmth but comfort. This abandoned place had given her an ill feel from the start, and hearing that there had been attacks here only increased that anxiety. After the Vanner horse had settled onto the ground, Marika had rested up against her warm side. Beneath the blanket wrapped about her lithe form, her hand held grip on a small knife—just in case. Mismatched eyes closed as she drifted into a shallow sleep, wishing for the security of a caravan around her.
Whatever dreams came to the Russo that night were fitful and fragmented, and for the most part unpleasant. Images of her private hell with Milosh, the turmoil back in Sobirat'sya which had caused her to leave the family home again, and the unclear future that spread out before her like a fog. Perhaps she should have gone back to see if things had calmed down back in Sobirat'sya instead of fleeing here. Why had she chosen here over where her family was? It may not have been the most cheerful place in the world, but people knew and loved her there. But she had come here, where there was no family and no friends. What was she going to do now?
Sounds of movement nearby caused the woman to start from her sleep. One hand clutched the blanket closer while the other became white-knuckled on the handle of her blade. She stood on legs that shook with nervous tremors. The Russo knew she was easy prey, with how small she was; the knife wouldn't help her much if someone really wanted to get at her. Vho is zhere? She did her best to keep her voice steady and strong while internally she trembled like a doe.
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