That Which Severs Part 12

Maria cracked open the bathroom door and peered out. She had heard the apartment door open as she stepped out of the shower, and had hurried to change into her freshly laundered clothing.

"Maria, please join us." Yefim's voice called from the study. Obediently Maria trotted over.

Sitting on the leather couch opposite Yefim's desk was a tall bearess, chatting amicably with him in liquid Russian. Yefim was serving her a cup of tea and inquired if Maria wanted one as well.

"Um, danke." Maria carefully took the eggshell-thin tea cup and sat opposite the white bear.

"Maria, I would like to introduce you to Drysi Jakov. Frau Jakov is going to be your teacher for as long as you are here." Yefim explained by way of introduction, pouring himself a cup.

"But, it's Christmas Break. And I don't have my touchpad." Maria said glancing perplexidly up at Drysi.

"That is not a problem, lapushka. What I am teaching, you only need you ears and your mind for." The white furred bearess smiled reassuringly back down.

Maria wrinkled her brow and looked back at Yefim. "My brother said to go with you." She said hesitently

"Yes," Yefim agreed, "but I do not think it is wise for you to leave the Consulate, and that is what I must do, if I am going to speak with the police. Frau Jakov is the Consulate interpreter, and as we are in a Russian Consulate," he paused to sip his tea, "would not you like to know what people are saying around you?"

Maria blinked, and took a quick sip of tea, to buy herself a moment to process all the information.

"Oh. Ja. I understand. I need to learn Russian to be a good guest." She dipped her head. "I can do that."

"It is settled then." Drysi said, and reached over pat Maria's shoulder. "Finish your tea, lapushka, we have much to do."

"I thought... I was to stay here?" Maria glanced from bearess to puffin.

"You are staying in the Consulate, da, but our first lesson begins in the kitchen." Drysi explained, and finished her tea. "Thank you, Yefim, the tea is delicious."

Maria swallowed her tea quickly, and grimanced as she burned her tongue. "I'm ready."

"Have fun, solnyshko." Yefim said, taking her teacup and saucer as she followed Drysi to the door. "I will see you at dinner."

"Okay, and, thank you." Maria caught up with Drysi and took the bearess's outstretched hand.