The maids at Eagle Fort were thorough in their work. The bed was immaculately clean, and at its center sat a foot-tall bear plushie, sewn from soft cotton, its stitching tight and even.
The fabric was yellowed from age, but clearly well cared for—giving off an old-fashioned, comforting charm.
Fiona sat gently on the bed, hugging the bear to her chest. She rubbed her cheek against its ear and smiled softly.
"Little Polly, you're still the best…"
After a while, she got up and placed the bear neatly on the vanity. Then, from her pocket, she pulled out a long cloth strip and carefully unrolled it.
Written on the fabric were numerous phrases and expressions like "No appetite", "It's an honor to meet you", and "Thank you for your generosity."
Some had checkmarks, others were checked and then crossed out. Most remained blank.
She read over one of the phrases, cleared her throat, and suddenly bowed deeply to the plush bear before speaking with practiced reverence.
"Re—Res—"
