#anywhere

Sally Mae's house is really nice, a bit modern by Brekke's standarrds

She pauses to see if SallyMae might be outside before going to the door.

no, the place looks ..neglected.

Now that surprises her. She frowns and goes to the door, ringing the bell or knocking as seems most appropriate.

"who is it?" A tired voice, Sally Mae, but gravelly

"It is Brekke."

"Sally Mae. Let me speak with you."

"Oh, Chief.. oh i'm not.. not in any condition to see anyone. I'm sorry. Gerd is taking over my duties. So sorry" truish, but there's no denying she's hoping to avoid details

"Sally Mae...I am concerned. I wish to help."

"Please."

A delay then, the door opens slowly and ... Sally Mae lets her in but the lights are dim. And good reason why...

the once beautifful woman seems to have a wandering leprosy on her face... it shifts like sand in a glass case, the poxed flesh, the wasting features...

Brekke's expression is one of mixed shock and anger. "Sally Mae... are you in pain?"

"No... doesn't hurt a bit" She lies so smoothly if not for the boon, the Chief might be fooled.

every minute, like clock work, part of her face 'heals' only to have other parts deform

She shakes her head, unable to look away but uncertain what to do. "I can try to help...HeatherBalm....?"

"Spring was already tried. It's a curse.. it has to wear out" A swallow "I probably need to disenchant, rob itt of i's power. I'm sorry forrr the trouble. Carowyn, please keep him from doing anytthig rash"

She frowns, brow furrowed, but nods. "Yes...yes, you are probably right. Sally Mae...do you know who did this? It may help me know where to look for Carowyn."

"I do... but I didn't tell Carowyn and I don't want to tell you. " She rrubs at her face

Her jaw tightens...but she nods.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

scabs dance "I... Chieftain. If you want to try Heatherbalm go ahead. It might help the pain"

"Yes." She doesn't point out that any help will fade as she loses enchantment. "May I...?" gesturing to ask if may enter the house.

She motions to her to come in "I'll get you some coffee"

"No, no need. Please...I should not stay very long. You need less exposure to fae, for now. But let me...." She frowns, concentrating for a bunk.

Tthe woman holds still

She clears her throat and carefully takes Sally Mae's hands. She starts to turn them slowly in a circle.

In her low voice, she solemnly intones: "Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posy, ashes, ashes, we all fall..." she pushes her hands away so that Sally Mae sits down on a soft sofa. "...down."

Sally May sits, and... the disfiggurement eases "Oh, thank you" She seems limp. Probably hasn't slept much

"Try to get some rest," Brekke says. "I will go."

"Yes... Chieftain" her eyelids fluter, and by the time Brekke exits, she suspects the kinain is already driftting

and the Chief? Well, pity any threat that appears on her patrol and gives the warrioress a target for her rage today

(End Scene)