As morning broke, Natalya was particularly chipper, something that Yakov clearly noted as she served them breakfast. He watched her curiously as she sat down, his bowl resting on his knee.

She glanced at him, her spoon of oats shovelled in her mouth. 'What?' she garbled.

'Even when you're happy, you don't smile a lot.'

She swallowed her food. 'I'm not some giddy moron.'

There was a pause.

'Are you excited to see Irini today?'

This was one of the only questions he'd asked her, and she was shocked to say the least. 'I'm excited to make something again,' she managed, turning back to her breakfast. 'Something that isn't food.'

A good few weeks had passed, and still Natalya knew nothing about her new benefactor. Yakov had taught her to make bread, and how to care for Yuri and the vegetable garden, but that was the stretching extent of their conversations. Natalya supposed she preferred it; he allowed her to keep her secrets as she did him. Yet she grew ever curious about him.

Did the talismans hanging around his home have something to do with why he disappeared at night and returned hours later? And more to the point, where was he going? His home lay in the middle of the Taiga... there was nothing around them except more trees. But if she asked him, he might ask her about her sentence. He was a fair man; if he gave an answer, he would expect one in return. So, despite her burning desire to know more about him, she kept herself to herself. Hopefully Irini would volunteer some answers.

Viktor had come to visit them both yesterday evening as Natalya finished up with Yuri, and Yakov with his latest commission. Irini wanted to borrow Natalya for the day to help her make some maternity clothes; the poor lamb was bursting out of her current skirts, and she was not a confident sewer. Natalya was eager to regain some resemblance of her own normality. Yakov had given his signature grunt, so Natalya had no idea if he was happy or annoyed that she would be away from her post for the day. Nevertheless, she was permitted to go. 

'So you're not going for the conversation?' Yakov cut through her thoughts.

Natalya was unable to stifle a laugh. 'Are you worried I want to chat?'

In true Yakov fashion, he pressed her for an answer with his gaze.

'Don't worry, I'm not impressed by idle chatter,' she promised, before she added, 'but I would still like to know what your talismans mean.'

'All in good time.' He sat back and concentrated on his bowl. 'We have five years to talk. No sense wasting all my stories within the first month.'

He'd never said out loud that he'd intended to keep her that long. With that, he spooned food in his mouth.

Natalya fully gave into a smile as she continued doing the same.

            When they had finished, Natalya cleared everything away hurriedly so that she might say goodbye to Yuri before she set off for Irini's. She couldn't help but beam at the gigantic horse that plodded over to her. He knew she was the food source now so behaved like a true gentleman when she appeared by his paddock. Natalya had never had much interaction with animals, but Yuri was a delight. She adored his soft nose snuffling against her palm or his head butting her arm to petition attention. He was simple to please and demanded only her time... and carrots. Yakov had told her to stop over feeding him, but she couldn't help it. She pulled one out of her coat pocket now, hushing Yuri as he nibbled it from her hand.

'Not a word to .' Natalya scratched his nose as she planted a kiss on it, then wandered towards the path.

Yakov approached her, heading to his workshop. Both of them paused to stand by one another. It was awkward. They had actually conversed over their food this morning; was this a permanent change to their routine?

'Have a good day,' said Natalya eventually.

Yakov gave a simple nod before he carried on his way.

Perhaps not.

She sighed and made to leave.

'Natalya?' he called, making her spin somewhat eagerly. 'You're making Yuri fat.'

They both smiled before she trudged towards the village.

            There was always the distinct feeling that Yakov could see right through people and into their soul. Perhaps it should feel unnerving, yet she couldn't help but find it interesting. He did not seem at all sympathetic, nor intent to use it to his advantage. He was like an ancient God who had grown weary of the world he created. His presence was oddly soothing, no matter how gruff he became. Natalya never felt in danger around him. For the first time in years she almost felt relaxed. A strange sensation for a woman at the beginning of a five year exile, and yet it was the truth.

Natalya now realised how on edge she had been around Sasha these past few years. He had never hurt her physically, but she always felt threatened. Any intimacy they shared was always sexual and rough. Not passionate, but angry and feral. She was never entirely certain that he wouldn't snap one day and turn on her.

Like he did with Micha.

She shook her head as if to clear that thought. She refused to dwell on it. He visited her in her dreams enough as it was.

Soon she was in the small village, aware of the stares she garnered. Natalya ignored them all and rapped her knuckles on Irini's front door. Irini answered with a huge smile, beckoning her inside. Yakov's daughter was a warm presence; she carried the same mysticism as her father, but more motherly and inviting.

'Are you alright?' Irini asked. 'Your face looks flushed.'

Natalya rubbed her cheeks quickly, aware her fingers came away damp. Clearly, thinking about Micha had overcome her more than she realised.

'The walk was just brisk,' Natalya said dismissively as she tugged off her outer layers. She wasn't sure Irini believed her, but she wasn't going to ask and find out.

Irini cleared her throat. 'Well, I'm so glad you're here,' she admitted, gesturing for Natalya to be seated at the small dining table as she made them both tea. 'I'm going out of my mind being stuck here all day. I used to go to town with Victor, but honestly even that journey exhausts me.'

Natalya managed a small smile. 'Happy to help.'

Bustling about the kitchen, Irini babbled as Natalya inspected the fabric laid out on the table. It looked old, but of a relatively good quality. Irini only had a few needles and grey thread. It was the bare bones of Natalya's collection, but definitely something she could work with.

Irini set the tea down. 'Don't worry, I won't talk your ear off. It's just nice to feel a different presence.'

Natalya poured the tea so that Irini could settle in her chair. 'Contrary to popular belief, I do actually enjoy conversation.'

'Vot te na!' exclaimed Irini. 'But I suppose asking you questions about yourself is a step too far?'

'Ask your questions.' Natalya sipped the piping hot tea, grateful for the delicious burn licking her tongue. 'I just won't answer everything.'

Irini sighed. 'You and my father really are the same. Except you have to have a court order to ask him something.'

'Yeah, he still won't tell me about the talismans.'

'He has a right to be wary. Shamanism is outlawed.'

Natalya's brow furrowed, Irini now realising what she had given away. She made to speak again but Natalya cut across.

'Who would I tell?' Natalya said with a smile of a secret kept. Irini nodded gratefully and Natalya cleared her throat. 'Let's get you measured up, shall we?'

            They spent the next few hours measuring Irini. Natalya scrawled out dress patterns on pieces of old wall paper they found. They talked as Natalya worked. Irini told her of their future plans, of names for the baby and her real desire to redecorate their tiny house. She didn't mention her brother Karik and her mother Lavra. Natalya got the distinct feeling Irini wanted Yakov to be the one to tell her. They talked of Natalya's grandmother, and the fashion house but she said nothing of Sasha or Micha. That would remain Natalya's business.

            It was a delightful change of pace. The only woman Natalya had ever been close to apart from her grandmother was Micha's wife; the older Yelena. Even then, it was only to be of help to her closest friend. It wasn't that Natalya didn't like Yelena, but they'd had very little in common. Natalya's world was dominated by men, and she had grown accustomed to their presence. No matter how irksome it was. Hopefully, Irini would fare better than her predecessors.

Around four o'clock, Natalya scooped up the materials and packed them in the empty drawstring bag she had brought with her. 'I'll get these back to you as soon as I can.'

Irini walked her to the door. 'I appreciate all your work.' Irini burst forward and wrapped her arms around an unsuspecting Natalya. 'And your company.'

'Thank you,' said Natalya politely. 'And you.' She truly did enjoy Irini's company, but it wasn't her way to be so tactile.

'Have a safe journey back,' smiled Irini, withdrawing to look at Natalya and squeeze her arms. Then her attention was caught by something else, her body stiffened. 'Good Evening, Avgust.'

Natalya sighed audibly, her expression distasteful in contrast to Avgust's.

'My dear Irini,' he cooed, making his way over to the two women with vigour. 'What on earth are you doing with the zechka in your house? Has your father foisted her onto you?'

'Nothing of the sort,' assured Irini calmly as Avgust stared straight over Natalya. 'Natalya is making me some maternity clothes.'

'Yes,' replied Avgust, his voice strained as he adjusted himself. 'How wonderful.'

Natalya watched him with interest, her eyes narrowed. He made her uneasy, her mind full of warning sirens. Not for herself, though.

He cleared his throat. 'You ought to be careful, my dear. A vulnerable young woman such as yourself should be wary of letting violent strangers into their home.'

Natalya stood straighter. 'And what makes you think I'm violent?'

'You make me uneasy,' he spat.

Taking a step towards him, Natalya narrowed. 'Is that because I'm not a vulnerable young woman?'

It always felt good to goad someone like him. It was unwise, she knew that, but she wanted to feel in control again, to see him cower from her as though she might bite him. Charm had never been her strong suit.

Avgust looked at Irini imploringly.

'Really, Avgust Georgievich, I'm fine,' assured Irini. 'Natalya and I are friends. She is trustworthy.'

Avgust sighed. 'Your mother was just as trusting. It's admirable but unwise.'

Natalya kept staring at him, pleased at how skittish he was.

'My father trusts her-' began Irini.

His dismissive scoff cut her off. 'Well yes, but his judgement is rather impaired, wouldn't you say? He takes no interest in village life. How is he to know about social interactions?'

Before Irini could respond, Natalya let out a huffy laugh.

'Something to say?' asked Avgust.

Her insides hummed with feverish joy. How she had longed to bite back at the kozyol. 'I would have thought that you would agree with Yakov's judgement on women. It mirrors your own, after all.'

Both Avgust and Irini gawked at her, Natalya not backing down.

'I don't understand-' began Avgust.

'Irini,' cut across Natalya, 'do you look like your mother?'

'I...' said Irini uneasily. 'I suppose so. Darker skinned, perhaps, but certainly very similar.'

'Which explains why Avgust hates your father so much and yet is, by all accounts, utterly charming towards you.'

'Excuse me?' spat Avgust. 'I would never-'

'Are you sure? Because every conversation I have seen you have with either Irini or Yakov always comes back to Lavra. And every time you look at Irini, I'm fairly certain your hand dips into your trousers.' There was a stunned silence, Natalya undeterred. 'So, really, I don't think I am the threat to a vulnerable young woman, Avgust Georgievich.'

'You watch your mouth you little wretch,' snapped Avgust, 'or I really will send you off to Vorkuta-'

Bursting into a sinister cackle, Natalya enjoyed the reverberation in her head. 'And admit that you're threatened by a woman half your size? Are you trying to be laughed at?'

He made to step even closer to Natalya, but Irini intervened. 'Thank you for your concern, Avgust. But as you can see, I am looked after well enough.'

Avgust straightened himself up, looking at Irini. 'If you need me, you know where I am.'

Shooting a smug smile his way as he left, Natalya let a long, contented breath escape her. Nothing was more satisfying than putting a man in his place.

'Well,' sighed Irini, 'Viktor was right, it would seem.'

'He suggested the same thing?'

'Yes, when he very first met Avgust.' She rubbed her brow with the butt of her hand. 'You shouldn't provoke him though. You could land yourself in so much trouble.'

Natalya shrugged. 'He's just a coward someone else put in charge.'

'And if he sends you to a Vorkuta? Don't dig a hole for him, you yourself will fall into it.'

'You sound just like my grandmother!' laughed Natalya, but Irini's expression remained serious. 'If he sends me to Vorkuta, then people would see him for the ridiculous fool he really is. At least now he'll leer at you less.'

Irini hugged her again, Natalya patting her back. 'Get home to father, now,' Irini said, releasing her. 'Before you start another fight.'

Natalya beamed and began her journey home, more at peace than she had been when she had journeyed here that morning.