She closed her eyes, hands dancing across the top of the water. The paths made small waves, back and forth releasing more of the heady scent into the air. This was one of the things she missed most about being settled-- the ability to take long and luxurious baths, hot and unrushed. It wasn’t something that most people were used to, and it certainly wasn’t something she’d grown up with. But her time as a mistress to a powerful senator meant that, for a small amount of time, Olena had known a bit of luxury.

The optimism in the girl with her was such a change of pace. Usually, when she was around other women, most of them were crass and a bit depressive. The conversations were usually morbid, or warning the others of the escapades that happened the night prior. For the first time in a while, that wasn’t something she had to worry about ever again. And she had Dima back, their lives finally right for the first time in a long while. “Yes. I did not think I would ever see him again. I was but a child when I was taken, and I told myself he was dead to help cope with everything. To have him again? And for him to want me after everything? It is more than I could have ever asked for.”

It was interesting to listen to someone, much like her, who was from a place so completely different from her own and yet to feel as if it was like meeting a sister. And what was even more surprising was that the Queen seemed to be one of the most genuine people in power that she had ever met. “Persephone is not the usual kind of royal, I think.” She said with a smile, knowing it to be true. After all, she had no reason to take Olena in as well, and certainly not to keep her on as one of her lady’s. “She did not question Dima when he introduced us. And she certainly did not hesitate to offer me a position. I am not worthy of what she has offered, but I do not think I could say no to her. She is very kind. And I am fortunate that it has meant that I have made friends, too.”

It seemed as if they had a shared passion, one she hadn’t expected to think of. But as the girl spoke about her own skills, Olena was remembering how much she enjoyed sewing as well. “I grew up spinning wool and sewing, too. I learned how to embroider a few years ago. Perhaps we can work together on pieces, and you can teach me what you know about it.” The prospect of learning something new was too appealing. And maybe if they worked together, perhaps Persephone would teach her to read, too. “Do you think you will stay with Persephone for a while? Dima has spoken of staying with her, should she wish to employ us once this all is done. But I am unsure if I wish to serve anyone but myself ever again.”

They owed Persephone and Iason much, but Olena did not easily trust people. She wanted freedom, and there was little reason to believe that she could have that while in debt to the two. And while Iason had been kind to her, hadn’t asked for anything, she didn’t know if she really believed he was as good as he appeared. But Dima trusted him, and pressed her to do the same. “The whole thing makes my stomach uneasy.”