Beverly
It had been quite a few days since the initial attack, each passing full moon bringing more and more violence and bloodshed. While he was left unscathed it seemed that someone he'd just seen well and dandy the day before was not so lucky. In fact, she wasn't doing too well with her wounds, a fever having settled in and being sent to bedrest. Over the next couples days Mitica had been hard at work, trying to gather materials and put together something for good luck. Dried grass and reeds made a great medium, his eight fingers working tirelessly to create a small humanoid figure. It was almost a foot tall and colored like straw, this creation resembling a doll a young girl would own. In fact, he made something similar for a special lady a long time ago, and now he was doing it again even though she was gone.

By his side trotted a hound that stood with its head meeting his hips, this dog refusing to leave his side as it had for a few days now. Hopefully Akira would find comfort in Draga just as he had. He was named after the word "Darling" In Romanian, a little nod to his distant roots. 

*Draga meu*, my darling.

Reaching the door to the doctor's office Mita stepped sheepishly inside, Draga shifting closer as they entered. Before long he was directed towards the back, having been granted access to one of the injured. Peeking into the room Akira resided in Mita knocked on the wall to announce his presence, eventually making his way inside with a woven doll in one hand and a hound by his side. "Akira? I hope I didn't wake you." He commented with a slight smile. He was relieved to see her in one piece but it also pained him to see her in such a sore state. He tried to imagine absorbing all her pain as he approached her bedside, hoping that somehow it would urge the powers at be to give her some relief.
Keith
Unlike the first few days, Akira didn't spend the morning and noon sleeping. She was restless, the reason? The simple fact that she was feeling 'well enough' to go back to work. 

A woman like her didn't want to leave her poor old father in charge of the farm, especially as age started to weaken his back and knees as years went by. She couldn't stop repeating how much she was needed back at home, in spite of the grimace she'd make as she'd try to get dressed on her own.

Doctors and nurses had to held Aki back, all in the end convinced her to stay as she reluctantly was returned to her bed, now sore after trying to move while still in bandages. Thankfully, Mita didn't have to see that, now that peace had returned when he came.

Akira's thoughts of getting up from the bed were still in her mind, however.

"Mitica...?" The sound of a familiar voice snapped her out of her trance. Not only she got a visit at the hospital, but it also meant that Mitica was well and alive. 

A wide smile formed across her lips. 

"Come on in! I'm so glad to see you!". Aki said, wasting no time to greet his dog. Her eyes glazed over the hound as she gave it some gentle pats, chuckling in spite the obvious pain she was in. "Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it.."

Then she turned back to the man. Curious that he had the doll with him, she tilted her head.
Beverly
As Akira recognized him and luckily wasn't asleep a wide smile fell over Mitica's face, one that almost rivaled hers. Draga seemed a bit hesitant at first, still pinning himself close to Mita's side, but with some gentle coaxing words and a good sniff of Akira it seemed that all was forgiven. The canine's whip-like tail flicked back and forth and his eyes lit up, creeping even closer to the point that he was one inch away from resting his head on the hospital bed itself. 

Mitica didn't know what this dog had gone through but he was just glad he found peace and love at last. He watched Draga as his head was gently stroked before turning back to Akira, wandering to her bedside just as the hound had done. "I'm happy to see you too, Akira. How've the doctors been treating you?" He responded softly, readjusting his glasses for a moment. Despite the lighthearted mood that encapsulated their interaction so far Mita couldn't help but recognize an underlying layer of pain and grief. He knew he'd need to address it eventually but for now he decided to keep things rolling on the upside.

Akira looking inquisitively at the doll wasn't recognized for a moment, Mitica becoming confused before he looked down at his hand and realized that was what she was looking at. "Oh, this!" He exclaimed before thrusting it forward, hoping that she'd take it from his hands. "I brought a little gift for you. I know you're a grown woman but I feel like everyone needs something to find comfort in." Mita explained with a pinch of anxiety filling his voice, desperately hoping she wasn't offended somehow. "I made it myself. It's been a while since I last did this but I'd like to think it came out okay."
Keith
At first, Akira assumed that the little doll belonged to Mita's dog. She expected anything but a gift. The woman's hands reached out and held the doll gently, almost as if she were too scared to break it.

"Mister Mitica..." Her voice started low. Trying to contain her excitement, her eyes seemed to glow, her smile grew larger. She didn't feel like she deserved such kindness. 

"It's beautiful...!" Aki's fingers ran over the humanoid figure. It sparkled a distant memory when she was a young child back in Japan. She wasn't the kind of girl to own any dolls, but she'd remember being fascinated by the dolls she'd see during the festivities in March. 

Like a small child on Christmas, the woman held the gift close to her chest, almost bouncing from her spot where she sat. 

"Hehehe... You didn't have to, but I appreciate this so much!" She said. "You put so much effort in this and it looks so good for being done in a long time... How did you make it?"
Beverly
A huge wave of relief fell over and practically drowned Mitica, Akira's joy at this small gift filling his heart with warmth. As she examined and later clutched the doll Mita couldn't help but be reminded once more of another life he once lived, one a whole ocean away. No matter where he went he saw her, no matter where he went it seemed Essie was still following him around. It almost made him emotional as he hopped up and took a seat at the very end of Akira's bed. 

As his expression softened with bittersweet memories it seemed that Akira was waiting to brighten his eyes back up again. At the end of the day he loved to teach and guide others, it was sort of what he lived for and what he tried to accomplish through his work. He certainly wished he had the materials on hand so that he could show her right then and there but maybe he could demonstrate later when she wasn't feverish and sore.

"I'm glad you asked!" Mita gleefully responded, moving his hands up and gesturing as he tried to explain his process. "I take long grasses and reeds and dry them out on a rack. I'm usually not too picky, I'm sort of used to using whatever I can find." He began, motioning with his hands as if he were weaving two imaginary strings or strands together. "The body and head are pretty easy, you just make a sort of loop or spool with the reeds and tie them off into segments. The arms and legs tend to be actually woven so they take the longest. It's kind of hard to explain without a visual, at least for me. Sometimes I'd tie little pieces of cloth on them to mimic clothing but I don't have any to spare right now."

"Usually I'd make these as tiny gifts for birthdays or to honor spring coming in but I think you deserve one regardless. Everyone needs a companion in battle, after all."
Keith
Akira's entire attention span went over the explanation on how these dolls were made. Almost as if her life depended on it! She watched the different parts of the small humanoid figure and rotated as Mitica pointed out how each of them were made.

"That sounds like it takes a lot of time and effort.." The woman's eyes went back the man's, still in awe for the process. 

She looked at the little gift again, almost as if this little doll was all the medicine she was needing after the full moon's attack. 

"Hehe... It does look ready for battle, I feel even more protected right now."

Slowly, she reached out for her nigh table on the side. There was something that resembled a tiny bag on it, no bigger than a person's palm. It was colored in bright red with a few patterns resembling leaves, there was an inscription on the fabric in kanji that translated to "Protection from evil", it was pretty obvious that it was handmade.

"This is an Omamori. It's an amulet used for protection. My father gave it to me as soon as the attacks started." Akira chuckled, as she tied the amulet to the doll. 

"Since our friend will be a companion in battle, I figure he could benefit from this... Isn't that right?"
Beverly
Through the haze of a wiry beard and cloudy glasses Mitica couldn't help but become flushed at Akira's compliment. Any time he was given kind words it always made him feel warm inside to the point that it was near feverish - hence why he blushed easy. Sometimes it was easy to discredit the amount of time, effort, and skill it took to do certain things, especially if you did them frequently. To be reminded of it made the tiny mistakes and doubts in his final product simply fade away. With a small laugh Mita thanked her, being happy to see her in higher spirits than she was before. He certainly hoped it would protect her, give her more confidence and comfort in these troubling times.

It wasn't long before the spotlight shone on Akira instead, Mitica gladly letting their conversation shift focus. He hadn't noticed the little pouch before, being too focused on Akira's well being to truly take account of the rest of the room's details. As she gently snatched it up Mita leaned in slightly to get a better look, tilting his head in curiosity and pushing his glasses back up once they began to slide down his nose. 

*'Omamori.'* Mitica repeated in his head, having never heard the term before but now wanting to know all about it. As he watched Aki tie the amulet to the doll's neck his smile grew, feeling delighted to know that she was still happily connected to her roots in some way despite what the world threw at her. Once it was fully fastened Mita leaned back to his typical upright sitting position, placing a hand on Draga's head and giving her some gentle pats. 

"Yes, of course! He'll be small but mighty, believe me." He chuckled in response to her final remark, liking the idea of a tiny straw person being brought to life and fending off demons in the night. "Say, did your dad make this amulet? It certainly looks like it took a lot of skill and effort to make, too. It really is beautiful."
Keith
"He does look mighty indeed!" Aki chuckled as held her new little friend with both hands. Gently, she placed it next to her on the bed, ready to guard her from any evil with its newfound powers. Perhaps it was about time the doll needed a name? Aki had a few in mind, both in English and in her Japanese native tongue, though she would need to consult her father about the later. 

"Oh?" Her attention was drawn back to reality, as she turned to Mita. "Ah, he didn't make it, no." She said as she shook her head. Her expression softened as she stared back at the doll. 

"Originally, my grandmother got it from one our many temples back at home." Aki's voice had a hint of nostalgia. "It was a gift from her to my parents before we moved to America. She said it was to bring us protection and fortune. Now you can see why my father would give it to me on the first place." 

A giggle escaped from her lips. "I guess there's truth to it, after all. I managed to survive the attack and the doctors said my recovery will be free of any complications."
Beverly
Mitica instinctually followed Akira's gaze, moving to and from the doll as she did. As she spoke of her grandparents and homeland it easily gave him a very nostalgic feeling, remembering simpler times of his own. He could only imagine what the temples she mentioned looked like since he'd never been in one anywhere let alone in an island nation like Japan. Hell, he never even got close, the furthest east he'd ever gone in his lifetime was the southeastern tip of Italy. 

Even though he never knew his grandparents there was still something special about the idea. Having some sort of heirloom or trinket to remember your home by was also something special and he was extremely grateful that Akira had something like that. Keeping in touch with your roots - should you so desire to - could be difficult in a place so different and far away, that was for certain. Even if Mitica spent his young life living a nomadic lifestyle filled with uncertainty and struggle he still wouldn't trade it for the world and always cherished the good times he had while on the road. 

To hear that Akira's recovery should be free of any complications was a huge relief, Mitica's shoulders relaxing even more so as he released a large sigh. "Good, I was just about to ask." He remarked, having always had a bad habit of expecting the worst. 

Forever curious Mitica decided to move the subject back to origin stories, hoping dearly that his next question wouldn't come off as prying. "Um, if you don't mind me asking, why did you and your father come to America in the first place? Again, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I'm just a bit curious is all. I have my own reasons so I'm sure you have some of your own." He'd ask rather sheepishly, holding his hands up as if surrendering to further insinuate that she had all the control regarding what to say and what not to say.
Keith
"Well, glad I answered your question!" Akira giggled. Her recovery was going well, so well that she decided to not mention the fact that she tried to walk on her own that morning. She couldn't wait until she could return to her routine, after all. Her entire body felt restless since she hadn't been able to work on the farm. 

Now, Mitica brought up an interesting question. Akira's giggles were replaced by humming as she pondered. 

"Well, the reason is simple." She began as she readjusted her position to something more comfortable for her aching shoulder. She didn't see anything wrong with his question, both of them were foreigners. 

"We wanted a better life. I was told that this land was one of opportunity." 

A sigh escaped from her lips, as Aki almost got lost into her own childhood memories. She was only five when she and her parents took the long trip to across the other side of the world. The Russo-Japanese war left its mark, even if at the time she couldn't understand it. 

"How about you? I'm guessing you came here for a similar reason?"
Beverly
It was incredibly relieving knowing he hadn't struck a nerve. He was probably worrying too much. Actually, over these past few days since Akira had gotten hurt he was starting to realize just how afraid he was of losing her now whether it be through saying the wrong thing or the beasts that roamed the wood. They'd only known each other for a short period of time but for some reason he felt the need to hang on for dear life. Companionship was like food to a starving dog. He was willing to fight for it and couldn't help but feel the need to protect it with gnashing teeth and the loudest bark he could muster. 

Her answer was simple but satisfactory. It was to be expected as that was why many immigrants ventured away from their homes, the other reason being that they had no other choice. He fell under none of those, at least not directly, and when Akira turned the question back on him Mitica couldn't help but feel nervous. How much detail should he put into it? How much did she really want to know?

With a small laugh Mita shook his head, "I'm sorry to say that I didn't. I never imagined myself leaving Europe before I decided to take the leap, actually. It's sort of a long story." He tried to keep a grin but it eventually faded into one far smaller than before, laced with nostalgia and sadness alike. "The truth is that the wagon I live in now originally belonged to my niece. I used to travel the countryside of Europe with my family, living a nomadic lifestyle and just trying to get by since it didn't really feel like we belonged anywhere. Um, after the bombs fell in Britain we were separated and I didn't know if I'd ever see them again." 

Mitica paused for a moment, taking a second to pet Draga some more for comfort. No matter how many years passed it still hurt to recall. Still, Akira deserved to know.

"After I recovered from my injuries I got word that a young woman matching my niece's description had won a ticket to America after playing her cards right quite literally. I knew that the chances that it was her and not just some other Romani woman was slim but I didn't feel like I had much choice. So, I saved up my money and bought a cheap ride to the US to try and find her. After years of wandering around I found her here in Briar Ridge with that same wagon I live in today." By the end of his story it was hard not to get misty eyed but it actually felt good to get it off his chest. He'd never quite told anybody before and it was as if a chunk of rock was removed from his heart, no longer weighing him down as much.
Keith
To feel like he didn't belong anywhere. Those words struck Aki deep within her distant memories, shortly after she moved to America. Far away from home, years without seeing her extended family, the death of her mother when she was this young. All of it happened while she tried to adapt to a new lifestyle, a new language. Yet, no matter how hard she'd try, it never felt enough. 

The man's words were bittersweet, as well as nostalgic. 

Her eyes glanced over Mita's hand as he would seek for Draga's comfort. All while she listened to his life story and about his niece. She said no words all while he spoke, sensing that he needed to get a weight like that out of his shoulders.

"I see.." Akira spoke, keeping her gentle tone as she had noticed that the man's eyes got misty. She feared for his niece's destiny, for she hadn't been able to see her. 

She had the urge to ask the question, but she didn't in fears to bring back the pain from the past. Instead, With a small grunt, Aki reached out for Mitica's shoulder in the best way she could, using her good arm. 

"Going all the way up here just to look for your family... Not everyone does that. I fthink that's admirable." Akira gave him a reassuring smile.
Beverly
At first Mitica didn't look back at Akira, only down at Draga as he looked up at him obliviously, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth and just happy to be pet. It wasn't until Akira spoke up that he looked in her direction, her soft tone being a great comfort since it felt like he just bore his heart raw and beating to someone else. It was hard being vulnerable but when people responded with empathy and kindness it only made it easier to trust in the future. 

Seeing her try to touch his shoulder Mitica moved forward a bit to help, gladly welcoming this sign of sympathy and not wanting her to strain herself any more than she had to. Simply being touched in such a manner was enough to further increase the odds of more tears spilling forth. It was her smile and words that made it impossible, the dew covering his lower eyelids evolving into a light drizzle, a bittersweet smile of his own crawling across his cheeks. 

He tried to say thank you but upon opening his mouth no sound came out, only a sore tightness in his throat and sinuses. Mita pulled back to collect himself, not wanting to start really crying when this conversation shouldn't be focused on him but rather on the brave woman before him. Mitica removed his glasses with one hand and wiped away tears with the other. "Thanks, I, uh... I think I needed to hear that." Mita finally responded with a chuckle, putting his glasses back on with a sniffle and some forced deep breaths. "Sorry to make that conversation get pretty depressing for a moment there and sort of make it about me. Um, do you remember anything fondly from Japan? Is there anything else from there you still like doing or making?"
Keith
Akira wasn't going to judge Mitica if he were to cry. If anything, she had the urge to let him know. There was no judgment from the woman, she saw a bit of herself in the man. The two were foreigners in a new land, one that was both welcoming and hostile, where the two most likely had to adapt just to be perceived in a more positive manner. 

"You're very welcome." She said.

Mita spoke first, making Aki give him a small nod before she laid back down, letting out a tiny '_ow' as she did so. Now the conversation went back to her, something she wasn't quite used to.

"I surely miss my grandma's cooking." The woman sighed, more from the pain rather than the still living memory of her extended family. "My pa and I tried to replicate her recipes but... Ingredients are hard to come by, especially here."
Beverly
He felt much lighter than before, as if tears had built up over the years and weighed him down until now. He could cry alone but doing it around someone he knew he could trust made it all the more effective as releasing tension. However, he was also glad to move on, ready to listen to Akira speak again front and center. Draga was just happy to be around people, as usual. 

In his mind he tried to imagine what her grandmother looked like, his mind shifting from idea to idea while she cooked different things in each iteration. For the most part though he imagined her with gray hair and skin worn down by decades of sunlight. The idea of warm, homemade food took center stage in his mind next, remembering some of his own favorites out on the road with his family. They didn't have much but polenta was a staple since all it required was corn meal and butter. However, on special occasions they might try and make balmos or even cabbage rolls. Even if her own recipes were most likely very different from his own he still felt curious and, in all honesty, hungry.

"When you're recovered do you think you and your father would be willing to teach me?" Mitica eventually asked, Draga moving a bit closer to Akira and attempting to lick her hand, potentially sensing that she was still hurting or just wanting affection. "I know it's nothing like the original but I'm sure your substitutions are enough to make it still taste great. I mean, even the person making it can make it different, doesn't matter how close you stick to any given recipe."
Keith
Aki didn't hesitate to give Draga the attention she seeked the moment she felt the lick on her injured hand. In her eyes, the hound deserved the world for being such a good companion. The moments of her hands were slow, but her stubborn nature made it possible to give the pup some good pats and scratches behind her ear. All while she hummed in thought to Mita's invitation.

"Well... I don't mind inviting you over for dinner. My father loves visitors!" Akira returned her gaze to Mita, not letting Draga go. Her dark eyes seemed to be shimmering as the topic of being able to share her own experiences and culture were brought up."Draga can come too, of course~"

"Thought you're right.." She then said after giving Mita's words more thought. "We're still keeping our family's memories in way. "