"No." Baba Yaga replied. "But as soon as they step out into the real world, they will. Don't be too bitter about what you've lost. Many of us had no childhood worth mentioning. What matters is finding the strength to break the cycle."
"You too?" Kelia was flabbergasted.
"Yes. I was born into the Odi's lowest caste." Baba Yaga nodded. "And no, I'm not going to tell you about it. I'm not looking for a pity party and don't want to make you sadder than you already are."
Kelia was curious, and being denied like that annoyed her. Yet the care behind the rejection moved her.
"Thanks, Grandma." She said.
"You're welcome." The Crone half-grumbled and half-spoke. "Later, you have to accompany me to Lutia. I can't carry heavy bags with my bad back."
"No problem." Kelia chuckled.
"Now, let's go back home." Yaga said. "It's time to take credit for your work."
***
Meanwhile, inside the Dance Hall that had been converted into the Training Hall, Quylla was showcasing her latest success.
