"So it went bad." The disgust isn't well hidden in her tone. "What else were you able to eat so far north?"

No looks are spared their way now, which is well and good enough. They've no need of scrutiny. There was enough of it in so many other ways, that their feelings for one another were better left between themselves.

"I had no choice." Not if she wanted to be strong. Not if she wanted a strong son. "I was pregnant as well at the time. Nearly vomited anything I ate up before that. The smell of blood after made me near wretch."