Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 14)

"Is that all, then?" Sera glanced between them, giving Tomhas a concerned look. "You've just about demolished your sleeve, dear."
Tomhas looked up, blinking, then picked at his sleeve. "So I have." He smiled awkwardly. "Oops."

Ky glanced at him. She absolutely couldn’t tell him the truth about Septimus and Michael. Couldn’t ask about Narfi. Would Myna know? Could she trust her?

"Is there anything else we want to explore here?" Sera asked. "I should probably get back to Rickard."

Ky shook her head. Then she had an idea. This may work. “…well… we came for my armor… but… I should go ask Myna how I should wear the bone when I’m training to be sure it doesn’t break or fall out of my pocket… may I go ask her now?”

She nodded. "I don't see why not. I'll look for Rickard."
"I think I'll wait in the tavern til you're ready, Ky," Tomhas said, rising. "I guess you could just come in...stay away from the center of the room though, okay?"

“…O…Kay?” She glanced at him. “…what happens in the center of the room?”

"It tends to be rowdier," he replied. "Just stick to the fringes and make straight for me, okay?"

“Okay.” Ky nodded. “I will.”

"Great." He straightened, pulling down his slightly unraveled sleeve. "Alright, I'll see you in there. Good luck."

“You too.” Was he going to go get drunk? He seemed upset. But she wasn’t quite sure what she’d do with a drunken father. Hopefully that wasn’t his plan. She turned and started back towards where they’d left Myna.

Tomhas and Sera split off.

Myna was standing by her cart, fiddling with the reins of her horse.

Ky very, very hesitantly approached from the side. She had to fight her body for every single step, her instincts screaming at her to go anywhere but nearer to Myna. Her heart was racing with anxiety and her gut felt even worse than before. She couldn’t quite seem to find the courage to make the last few steps to the cart.

Myna looked toward her, nodding. "Hello again, youngun. What can I do for you?"

“S-so if… um… I mean… um… hi. Sorry to bother again. Um. I. Um…” she fidgeted with her hands, very, very reluctantly nearing slightly. “I…um… nevermind. Sorry.” She couldn’t do this. She turned away.

"Speak your mind if you need, child," Myna said. "What troubles you?"