A summer storm raged outside the walls of the little candle shop. The few windows not facing the driving rain were left open to try and catch whatever breeze they could, for the air was warm and heavy. Within, two women - one old, one young - moved about with a quiet, comfortable ease. A lantern sat on the table between them as the clouds drew the town into a stifling, temporary darkness.
"That hood cannot be comfortable while you're trying to see what you're doing," remarked the old woman.
The younger of the two busied herself with counting out candle wicks, arranging the long threads in a neat bunch. "It does not bother me," she replied in her quiet manner.
"It is very hot and close in here," said the old woman, giving her a pointed, but kind stare. "There is no reason to keep it on in here, is there?"
"...very well, ma'am." The hood was carefully slid back onto her shoulders, revealing her stoic, pale features, faintly waved hair the color of honey, and eyes sharp and vivid as emeralds.
"Well, now," said the old woman, in a pleased tone. "There you are. I've never had a proper look at you bef..." Her voice cut off sharply, and the young woman knew that the thick, ragged scar across her chin had been noticed.
The old woman cleared her throat with a soft cough, and to her credit, did not mention what had caught her eye. She continued working on the opposite side of the table, as a hard, rumbling peal of thunder rolled over the rooftops. "Only other thing I'll ask today, is for a name. I do think I should know the name of the girl working for me. Don't you?"
"...Laurëa."
"Oh, well, that's a lovely name!"
The girl glanced briefly at the older woman, her expression remaining stoic and calm. It seemed to be her eyes that spoke for her feelings, and at times, the gentle tone of her soft voice would change a little. "Thank you."
"Have you made any friends here in town yet? You seem a quiet sort, but there's naught wrong with that."
The young woman's lips pursed slightly, as if to smile. "Yes. One."
"Well. That's something then!" The old woman turned and carried off a tray of various colored candle waxes, her wide hips brushing sideways through the doorway.
The green eyes followed after her, and once no one was watching, she smiled.
