Chapter Six, Reading 5

"Are you warming up, my dear?" Kewero asked when she saw Flindra approach.
"My toes are still a bit cold, but I'll be fine."
"I suspect that you're being too stoic and aren't quite telling me the truth, Flindra. You still look cold, but I'll fix that. Follow me."
Kewero led her through a winding passage in the cave complex. As they walked, Flindra could sense the air around her was getting warmer. They finally stood before a pool of water. Steam was rising from the surface. She grinned happily for nothing could be better than a hot bath after being cold for so long.
"Take off your clothes and bathe. I will find you something clean to wear," Kewero said and left Flindra alone.
Flindra removed her clothes and folded them neatly on top of her saddlebags, which were near the edge of the pool. She placed her daggers on top of the pile so they would be within easy reach. She did this out of habit and not because of any current threat.
She eased her chilled and tired body into the water. Her toes tingled as the steaming water eased out the lingering cold. In the warmth, she could almost forget her frozen journey here. It was quiet and she relished the absence of the incessant howl of the wind, which had been her constant companion for the last two days. The water soothed her soul as well as her muscles. She relaxed in the warmth and became more than a little sleepy.
To wake up, she got out of the water and reached in one of her saddlebags to retrieve a stiff hairbrush and a bar of Dakra's homemade soap. She returned to the water and unbraided her hair. The loose curls floated on the water and coiled about her. It took her a while to brush the tangles out for she didn't want to pull too hard on her damp hair. When Flindra could slip the brush effortlessly through her hair, she rubbed the soap in until she had a rich lather. She then worked the lather next to her scalp and rubbed vigorously.
The scent of the soap brought back vivid memories of her mother and her home. Her Momma had scented the soap with juniper berries and sage. This combination had always been Flindra's favorite. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of the love and kindness she had always known.
"I hope you don't miss me too much," Flindra said aloud. She had become used to talking to herself during the long journey north.