Shady

Jerica glanced at her, then back at Ash and dipped her head. What did that even mean? Was she in trouble? She was probably in trouble. Again. Still.

“I mean…” she shrugged. She clearly couldn’t explain Them. “That… seems like a relevant point of knowledge to know about, right? The trolls and shit—stuff, sorry — and who knows ...

“Um… ones about your gods? I hear they’re waking up.”

Fuck. He’d definitely heard. She straightened a little, feeling stupid. “Um…” she cleared her throat. Not really . “Could… I… read some of your books? Please?”

(Ideal) Jerica turned an annoyed glance on the door, then her face fell and her stomach dropped as she saw Ash. Oh, gods, what had she even just said? She ...

(Night! Sleep well!) “Not yet you haven’t,” Jerica scoffed, glaring at her. “I’ve been trying to be nice to you up ‘til now. I can get a whole hell of ...

“And I’m supposed to stay put. And that just puts us both shit out of luck if you want me to get bored. Bored Jerica is not someone you want ...

“Why?” She huffed. “I’m not asking for a job; just a stupid book. Am I really supposed to just sit here allll night with nothing to do?” (I just took ...

“So go ask him,” Jerica urged. “…please? I’ll shut up if you convince him to give me a book about Strithr… otherwise I’ll talk… and talk… and talk… all night.”

“How the fuck is that suspicious?” Jerica scoffed. “It’s not like I’m going to start asking for an altar and child sacrifices next. I just want a book.”

“‘Cause I do.” Jerica tried not to sound as defensive as she felt. “Call it an academic curiosity.” That may impact the entire rest of her life.

“Books about Strithr,” Jerica repeated. “Any of them. All of them. I don’t really care. Something that’ll be good for me to learn more about him. I’m sure Ash is ...

“Can’t you go ask him? Or send a barracks boy or something?”

Derik smirked and dipped his head. “I’ll try not to.” “Look, I’m just saying there’s no point in having books nobody reads.” Jerica gestured towards the Keep though she was ...

“Jerica is… Jerica,” Derik answered carefully. “But the boys seem to have. They picked up a card game from your men.”