(Untitled)

[aimedforthemoon]

The door opens.

Actually it's flung open as a little figure hurtles herself through. Not that her gender is easy to tell, as she's wearing thick pants and a jacket of unknown colour, although the length of that dark hair is a clue, but the main thing is that the door opens. Beyond it are buildings, and people, and a muddy road. Lots, and lots of

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[ikissdhimbck]

And there's a concerned, blonde woman now crouching beside that table, hair pulled off her neck in easy curls, and wearing a fine, clean dress.

"Are you all right, darling?" she asks softly.

[aimedforthemoon]

She presses a finger to her mouth.

"Hiding."

Then she frowns, because the blonde woman is clean, and pretty, and wearing a pretty dress like in the books.

[ikissdhimbck]

The child is dressed ambiguously, but as soon as she speaks Katherine recognizes her for a small, likely poor, girl.

"I wouldn't want to give you away," she whispers conspiratorially. "So may I join you?"

[aimedforthemoon]

There is a smile, a delighted, giddy smile that makes her green eyes brighten.

"Yes."

[ikissdhimbck]

And it's infectious, too, making Katherine's lips quirk upwards as well.

"Thank you," she says as she climbs under the table, careful to keep her skirts straight.

"I'm Katherine."

[aimedforthemoon]

"I'm Fira."

(Yesfir-Yesfear-Feara)

"That's my aunt's name."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Fira," she repeats, blinking at the child with familiar dark eyes.

"Does your aunt come around here, too?"

[aimedforthemoon]

"Yes. Lives with me and Antosha and Grandmama."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Where are you from, sweetheart?"

She wonders, too, what she's hiding from.

[aimedforthemoon]

"The city across the river."

[ikissdhimbck]

Katherine catches the attention of a passing waitrat, asking the (deeply confused) rodent to bring some water and an ice cream.

"Do you know the name of the city?"

[aimedforthemoon]

"Stalingrad."

She's read enough to get that much.

"And the year is one-nine-four-two." Then, softly, "Are you lost?"

[ikissdhimbck]

She can't suppress a small chuckle.

"I reckon I very well might be," she answers softly, a gentle smile on her face.

Stalingrad. 1942.

"Are you hungry, Fira?"

[aimedforthemoon]

Fira's eyes are too old for her face, seen too many things that no child should ever have to see. But now...

Now they are large and wanting the way only the starving can manage.

"'s."

[ikissdhimbck]

Katherine nods. It's an expression easily recognized.

"Would you like to join me for supper?"

She ducks her head out from under the table, taking care to look around the bar.

"Looks like the coast is clear."

[aimedforthemoon]

"I don't want to be It and Sascha always finds me."