<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/3O8HDVVm.png)</div><br/>Natasha Drozdov (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2329869)<br/>AC: 13 (+3 Dex)<br/>HP: 8/18<br/>Conditions: None<br/><hr/><br/>Seeing her friend did awaken some hope within her, a feeling Natasha hadn't had for some time now. Letting herself relax again and talk with Ellen she quickly picked up on a few things. Just...small things, but it was obvious that her classmate had not quite suffered the way Natasha did. Or...maybe she had and was in serious denial, but Natasha didn't think so. She wasn't sure on if she should comment on it though. Her hand unconsciously moved to the eyepatch upon being asked about it "I guess you didn't see it happen. I had...fought back, and they made sure that the punishment was harsh, probably as an example to me and the others." she said, her voice going flat as she tried to keep her emotions in check. Shivering slightly despite the heat she continued "I...it hasn't been easy. What they did to me..." she trailed off once more.<br/><br/>Her attention was brought back to her friend and away from terrible memories "Temple? Wait, to some heathen god? What do you mean?" she frowns upon getting the explanation "I...I don't know what to say. This isn't like you, Ellen." she added.<em>"But maybe this is more true to her nature than I realized"</em>Natasha though. "This is a lot to learn in a short period of time. I guess this place has changed us more than I imagined." she added, upon hearing about the...well, Natasha could only think of it as a cult that her friend had joined. Not that she was going to say that out loud. "This is a lot to take in...and I imagine we're not going to have a lot of chances to talk..." Natasha admitted, as she spied Faizah approaching. Seems like her brief bit of of relaxation had come to an end "I'll think on what you've said, Ellen. It would be better than what I've currently got, that's for sure." she murmured, low enough so Faizah wouldn't overhear.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><br/>It was mostly life as "usual" back at the brothel...Natasha had improved in her dancing, which did somewhat help her situation in that she wasn't constantly in bed being taken by whatever man would pay her price. Not that such activities stopped, but she got far more respite than she usually did. Much as she hated to admit it, she was...getting used to her situation. It wasn't pleasant, but it was a lesson on how people responded to harsh situations. It was human nature to adapt, to survive. Maybe she was too harsh in her unspoken criticism towards Ellen. At least she was thriving.<br/><br/>She was learning a lot from Senfra as well, not just about the trade but of the world as well. Of course any questions likely came off as odd, not knowing things she probably should, but since there seemed to be so many different peoples and cultures, Natasha managed to pass herself off as as foreigner rather than an idiot. It was a rare moment of peace after a carnal bout with a client who had requested the both of them, and Natasha had learned to take whatever respite she could. Senfra seemed to have little trouble talking about her people and...well from what she was saying, the former empire and rulers of this place. Or maybe more than just here. It was fascinating, and Natasha listened raptly as she learned a bit more about the world. And Senfra's singing...well, that was a balm for her troubles, to be sure. Listening raptly Natasha let the tension ease out of her, eyes half closed as she rested. It was likely this reason why she was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the snakes...an attack, coming down above. She was able to glean where they came from, but that was the least of her worries now. Her friend's cries spur both anger and fear in her...what could she do? Her instinct was to run, and yet much to her own surprise Natasha found herself going towards the sleeping merchants belongings for something she saw earlier. Somehow she managed to find the blade and yank it from its sheath, turning around with a fierce anger, ready to save her friend. The gladius felt strangely comfortable in her hands, despite having no training in it.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">To Arms!</div><div class="spoiler_body">Natasha isn't going without a fight! Moving and taking her action to arm herself!</div></div>