Irene sought warmth on days like this.
As she stood up from her bed after getting a bit more rest, she walked towards her stove. The pain in her lower back and hips was such a deep, aggressive aching that she needed to move around as if she could escape it.
She added a few more logs to the fire so it would build a bit bigger, and she wouldn't have to deal with it for a while.
Since there was water already hot, she dumped a bit into a clay cup and steeped a few leaves from her collection of Volna herbs. It would take a while for it to fully brew, so she grabbed a large, knitted blanket and fell to the floor in front of the fire. Even though she had the urge to move, she was more tired than anything.
It was warm, but she wished it were warmer as she curled into a ball and tried to protect her innards, which felt like they were being thrashed out. A part of her wished she were built like a dragon and could climb into the blazing fire without facing repercussions.
