Aire smiled to herself as she folded the last piece of clothing.
The smile came easily these days. She carefully tied the bundle together with a strip of cloth and sat back on her heels.
The small pile looked pitiful. It was a patched shirt, a pair of worn trousers, and a scarf she had secretly repaired herself.
None of it was new, or impressive.
Yet she knew he would appreciate it.
Lyse always appreciated everything. The thought warmed her immediately.
Aire stood up, and snow crunched beneath her boots when she walked out of the house.
The winter air bit at her cheeks.
Normally she hated winter because it meant fewer animals, longer hunts, and more punishments from Beta Kole.
However, this winter felt different. This winter contained something she had never had before.
A friend.
Aire adjusted the bundle beneath her arm.
A month ago she hadn't even known he existed. Now she found herself looking forward to these meetings more than anything else.
