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“Always” Jade preferred wine over beer, though the former was a rare treat because of the exorbitant prices Sothe war and there weren’t enough experienced vintners or workers to fully revive them, similar to the tobacco fields

Specialized resources were scarce and money was also an issue for the majority Soe Mostly, though, bartering was a way of life, rather than the exchange of funds for goods and services—with so to trade, so she needed the e Michael paid her

He pulled the cork from a bottle and splashed a decent amount into two tumblers

“May we not freeze our asses off,” he said by way of salute, before tilting his rilasses ant, but she liked hearing the sound There were too few toasts these days, so even the e of pace

Still, she chided, “You grow so cynical this tih we’ll run out of wood for our hearths anytime soon”

The thicket surrounded the village Additionally, there was plenty of fallen debris to gather before the snow came down in earnest

Jade sipped her wine, though what Michael had poured was all she’d drink this evening She knew to keep her wits about her, certain a confrontation beyond the tavern doors was imminent

“Not bad, eh?” Michael asked as he gave her a casual grin He was strapping and level-headed, and Jade tried to latch onto the comfort he naturally provided

“Not bad at all,” she concurred “The Delfinos will be pleased” One of their best custoe on a premium merlot

The evening progressed in its norot a bit tipsier than others, which no one was overly concerned about, since everyone would agree it took the sting out of the oppressionunder the thuas stations, for thatan accident

Jade, however, worried anew as the village’s bell tolled at ht and the bar closed…