Astrid turned to leave, but then stopped and remained still for a moment before turning around again and staring at her as if she struggled with a thought.
Vevina stepped over to her and instinctively offered concern and comfort with a gentle hand to her armored arm.
"Are you alright?"
She thought she heard Astrid growl deep down in her chest before she pressed her cheek to hers and whispered, "I like your scent."
Then she left abruptly, with such haste that she stirred the hay that littered the stable floor. As if through a hazy cloud Vevina watched Astrid disappear. It took her a few moments to regain her composure, though her flesh continued to tingle and shock wiped her smile away.
She pressed hesitant fingers to her lips. Where had the smile come from? Her fingers drifted to he
