Stepping in through the door made her wince at the acrid smoke stinging her eyes. They should really fix the fireplace. Eva sat stoking the fire but looked up at Ellen when she entered, a genuine smile spread across her face. The smile grew expectant when she saw the basket digging into the crook of Ellen’s arm. It contained bread, sausage and a jar containing some kind of jam. Sir Ivan in a fit of extreme kindness had sent Ellen to the kitchen to fetch anything that could be spared. Though it was probably only meant for her.

Strangely it felt good being back at the small cottage where Harald and his family lived. When she had left, it had been a relief, now it seemed like a sanctuary compared to the manor house. 

Sebastian sat up in his bed, blinking at Ellen and rubbing a hand in his blond tussled hair. He looked tired, but he was alive and the food she had brought would do him well. She set down the basket on the table and picked out the items. Sebastian got out of the bed and sat on a chair across from where Ellen stood. She smiled at him, pleased at his eagerness.

“Where are Elijah and Harald?” Ellen asked.

“Out on the field, they will be back in a while.” Eva answered, leaving her place at the fire and coming to sit at the table. “Is that for us?” She asked, pointing at the food.

“Yes, but in return I need a favor,” Ellen could feel herself blushing, she didn’t like asking for help in this way. 

“If it is within my power I will help you.”

“Can I stay another night here? You see, I am to have a cottage, but at the moment it needs repairs and I couldn’t stay the night at the manor,” she blurted it out all in quick succession.

“Of course. Need you even ask? You have saved my boy’s life. A miracle that I didn’t think possible, and I doubt… ed you.” The last words came out cracked. Eva let her head fall to her chest and pressed her hands against her face.

 Ellen stepped around the table and put her arms around Eva. Her body stiffened at the touch and then relaxed, putting her arms around Ellen a moment before they both let go of each other.

“Let’s have some food,” Ellen said, stepping back and sitting down on a chair.

They sawed through the crunchy crust of the sourdough loaf with a large knife. Ellen carved slices of cured sausage and lay on the bread before giving it to Sebastian. It was the best feeling in the world to see his eyes light up at the feast before him. The fragrant bread and saltiness of the sausage was delicious.

Harald and Elijah returned and greeted Ellen happily before sitting down and joining in. They munched with big grins on their faces after their hard day of work in the field. The only sound from around the table was everyone’s munching.

After dinner, Harald and Eva tucked their boys into bed. Harald put an arm around Eva and she leaned her head against his as they stood looking down at the boys. Ellen’s heart ached at the sight. Her father and mother had put her to bed in the same way when she was a child. She would probably never see them again.