The next morning, Iris and Carina explained what had happened during the underwater mission. Carina explained what the creature was, and how it only fed once every 100 years for a month, but they caused a lot of deaths and had to be killed.
Diana nodded knowingly, biting into her last apple slice. "No wonder we've never heard of them."
"Yeah, but that's what happened," Carina said, nodding as well. "That was a wild night.." She glanced at Iris, who made a face with wide eyes and raised eyebrows in response.
"So." Melanie leaned forward, eyes sparkling with curiousity. "What's your tribe like? Are they nice? Are there any rules?" She asked a million questions a minute, and Carina stared at her, bewildered by how fast she was talking. She could hardly even say a word before Melanie interrupted with another question, unfazed.
"Melanie, honey," Diana pat her arm and gave her a look. "You're scaring the poor girl- Slow down."
Melanie stopped abruptly, looking at Diana, and then back at Carina. She gave an embarrassed smile. "Oh, sorry. It's just..They're so rare and reserved. There's hardly any information about mermaids."
"Uh, I guess-" Carina started-
Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and everyone jumped. Talyn's face had just fallen directly into her half eaten waffles, and she didn't look up.
"Oh, dear-" Melanie scooted her chair back and walked to where Talyn was sitting, while everyone else suppressed their laughter. She sighed heavily. "I told her to sleep-"
Melanie lifted Talyn's face up, which was dripping with syrup and whipped cream, and she blinked, yawning widely, eyes slits.
"How long have you not slept?" Diana asked, raising eyebrows at her, looking exasperated.
"Three d-d-days-" Talyn yawned again, and the inly thing keeping her head from falling as Melanie's hand supporting her.
"What?! Talyn!" Melanie scolded, eyes narrowing. "Clint, get me a wet rag please-"
"Hmmmm?" Talyn drawled, a smile on her face.
"Guess what you're doing today?" Diana said in a false cheery tone. It resembled telling a 5 year old they're going to start school. "You're gonna sleep."
"What?" Talyn murmured sleepily. "What am I doing? Pssssshhhh, who needs sleep.. I don't, that's certain.. " Her eyes drooped shut again.
Clint returned and gave Melanie the rag, and she wiped off everything on Talyn's face. She barely even noticed.
"Iris, can you take Talyn upstairs and make sure she makes it to her bed?"
"Gotcha." Iris threw Talyn over her shoulder, who was now snoring loudly and walked upstairs. Talyn hung limply and her arms bumped against the railing. Carina watched her go, looking amused. Clint and Will got up, to do the dishes, snickering under their breaths.
"I can help," Carina said after them, but Will raised a hand.
"No, no, we got it! Besides, Melanie wants to ask questions." Will smiled and he and Clint vanished into the kitchen.
" Carina, " Melanie looked at her. "D'you mind answering a few questions? I'm just really curious.."
Carina hesitated, but she didn't want to deny Melanie anything, especially after she'd be so kind. "S-Sure. .Yeah." Carina smiled.
Melanie's face lit up, grinning. "Awesome sauce. Come on."
""Awesome sauce?'" Carina repeated, looking confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"Its something I say, when I'm happy. Humans have a lot of phrases they use to express feelings." She got up and walked out of the dining area, into the living-room.
"Oh." Carina followed her, past the cozy living room, which was decorated with a yellow couch with many blankets. She noticed a pride flag on the main wall, a lesbian flag on it, and there seemed to be more sports for them. There were many pictures of the family, on drawers and other wooden furniture.
Melanie walked into her office, sitting down. Many books and papers were on her desk, crowded around her laptop, as well as empty coffee cups. There was a shelf of pictures, all of the kids when they were seven or eleven, and then her and Diana's wedding photo. Carina smiled. She felt very warm in this home.. Safe.
Carina sat down on the seat carefully, crossing her legs and sitting underneath her hands.
Melanie pulled out a pen from behind her ear, clicked it against her chin and then took a notebook, grinning. "Mkay, so- What was your tribe like?"
"Uhm, we were like one person. Which didn't work out for some.. You had to believe certain things.. There were rules," Carina said uncertainly , watching Melanie furiously scribble down notes.
Without looking up, Melanie asked, "And what were those rules, Carina?"
"Uhm. .No going up to the surface or talking to humans. Humans usually tried to hurt us back then, so we stay put. Do your job, and do it well. If you were transgender, or queer, or anything else, they killed you.."
Melanie looked up. "Really? Why?" She had stopped writing, her eyebrows knitted together. She was frowning deeply.
"They said it was weird, unnatural. I came out, and since I was the leaders daughter- they let me go." Carina's voice broke a little, glancing at the thin cut on her right calf. And suddenly everything poured out. "And now I don't know what to do- My family hates me, and I have no home- and you guys are so, so nice-"
Carina took a shuddering breath, holding back tears. She didn't even notice that Melanie had got up and hugged her tightly. She leaned into her, getting that sense of safety again, the feeling that she could tell Melanie anything.
"I'm sorry, Carina," She said, running her fingers through her hair gently.
"It's fine," Carina managed to choke out, sniffing. Her vision was blurry from the tears that threatened to fall, so she closed her eyes so they wouldn't.
"No, it isn't. I know how you feel.. My parents kicked me out, so I lived with my best friend, Diana. And we bonded and stuff and now we're married. My parents- they accepted it now. But look- you're gonna be okay. I promise." She gripped her shoulders and bent down, so they were face to face and Carina opened her eyes. She stared into Melanies golden eyes, which looked so kind, so generous..
Carina nodded,. "Right.." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands, and took another deep breath.
"Look, I'm gonna talk with Diana. But for now- have the kids take you out for icecream or to the mall or whatever. Just, let Talyn sleep for another hour." Melanie smiled and released her with a gentle squeeze.
Carina nodded, and got up. "Thanks.. For everything. "
"Its no problem, Carina," Melanie answered.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmrhQjDEfJ
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She walked out, heading upstairs. She walked up to Iris's door. Before she could even knock, Iris opened it, grinning widely. "Hey!" Her hair was in a towel hat, and her face was covered in a bright green facemask.
Carina screamed, eyes widening as she staggered back. iris looked confused. "What? What's wrong?"
"Whats on your face?!" Carina looked horrified.
Iris laughed. "Its a face-mask! It makes your skin all nice. Completely harmless."
Carina's eyes narrowed. "Hmmm.." She stepped back closer.
"I was gonna take Talyn to the mall. And Will. And Clint. Wanna come?"
"S-Sure-" Carina nodded. "...What's a mall?"
Iris smiled. "Its a big shopping center place." She grabbed Carina's wrist and pulled her inside. "C'mon, lets get ready-"
Carina sat down, looking around. She watched with a disgusted look as she peeled off the green mask, and then let her towel hat out.
Iris still had spots of acne on her face, but she shrugged it off as she got a brush and scissors, and went into her bathroom, which was located in her room.
Carina followed her in as Iris began to trim her own split ends carefully, humming softly.
"I cut my hair once," Carina told her. "My mom absolutely hated it and banned me from cutting it."
"Why?" Iris looked at her in the mirror, raising an eyebrow.
Carina sat on the toilet seat, and shrugged. "Said girl's should have long hair. If she met Talyn, she'd throw a huge fit."
"I see." Soon, Iris had finished cutting her hair. She turned to Carina. "If you want, I'll cut it for you."
"Seriously?" Carina marveled.
"Sure! It shouldn't take that much time, your hair isn't that long." She touched Carina's white hair gently, smiling.
"Thanks.." Carina stood up and took her place in front of the mirror, where Iris's beamed at her, a head taller than her. "you're really tall, Iris."
"I get that a lot," Iris replied, brushing through her hair. "But it never stops me from wearing heels."
---
--5 years ago--
Victor Valora walked through the old mansion, his eyes flicking to the chandelier, to the white carpet and couches. Almost everything was white, or gold. He stood out against this in the middle of the room; He was dressed in a fine, black suit and dress pants and nice shoes. His hair was a rich black as well, sleeked back to show his pale face, his sharp jaw, and his dark red eyes.
"This will do, Thiral," Victor drawled. He turned, and looked at the family. They were standing in a corner, eyes wide and fearful. He smiled at the youngest boy, and he clutched his mother's dress even more, glancing away as Victor drew his thin sword, holding the red handle loosely. "Thank you- For finding somewhere where we can stay."
Thiral bowed his head briefly. "No problem, your highness," he said confidently. "What do we do with them?" He gestured with his chin at the shaking family, who all came closer together at being addressed.
Victor turned to them, looking down upon them with his face showing no emotion. His eyebrows raised when the mother spoke.
"Please! We'll do whatever you want," She begged, her arms around her son and daughter. Her husband stood behind her, pale in the face. "Just- Don't hurt us.. Please." They all stared at Victor. They knew who he was. What he had done. The children were less scared than the parents- for they did not go through the pain and suffering Victor had brought to the Island with No Name.
Thiral looked at Victor, looking amused. He twirled his sword, snagging the little girl's dress. She jumped so bad that she nearly knocked over her mother, but she kept her eyes locked on Victor, regaining her balance.
Victor looked at the mother, into her wide, glassy blue eyes. She spoke again. "M-Maybe we can help-"
Victor interrupted them, his voice cool, but stern. "I do not need help." He set his shoulders back in pride and scoffed. His lip curled, he nodded to Thiral. "Kill them."
"NO!" The mother screamed, and she let go of her children and rushed forward to Victor, falling at his feet, clutching desperately at his coat tail. " Victor, please-" She was cut off by her own choking sounds as Victor's sword, swift as wind, slit her throat. Blood spurted onto the white carpet and her fingers released the fabric, as she thudded to the floor, red liquid spilling beneath her blonde head. Victor turned away, red eyes flashing. He closed them.
"Mom!" The boy shrieked, as he backed into a corner, clutching his sister, protecting her. Her face was hidden in her hands, not wanting to see- Not wanting to face death-838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ1qLdWNMZ
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The boy's tears spilled down his cheeks as he watched Thiral snap his fathers neck, who tried to fight him off pathetically. The father fell beside the mother with his mouth gaping open, eyes dead.
Thiral turned to the kids and laughed at the way the little boy was trying to protect his sister. "You remind me of Alex and Nanook," he bellowed. The boy stepped forward.
"Leave us alone!" He hissed, pushing his sister behind him. She was bawling, crying for her mother. She was only seven.
"Cute." Thiral smiled wickedly, and he slit the boys throat. His sister shrieked and knelt beside him. Then she looked up at Thiral, pleading, like her mother, to be left alone.
Thiral looked at Victor. "Her too?" The girl stared between the two of them, shaking, with tears spilling down her face.
Victor didn't turn around. "Mhm."
And the girl crumpled to the floor beside her brother with a slash of Thiral's blade, blood pooling beneath her.
---
Forty minutes later, Carina was staring at her reflection in the mirror, grinning at Iris's work.
"What d'you think?" She asked, raising an eyebrow and smiling.
Carina gently touched her hair. It was still soft, but now, it was level with her chin. She loved it. "It's amazing!" She cried happily, and she flung her arms around Iris, who staggered back, nearly falling onto the toilet.
""Oh," Iris said, surprised. "You're weclome." She returned the embrace and then Carina let her go, her eyes still twinkling like a childs. Iris smiled warmly. "I think you'll fit into Melanies clothes- She won't mind if you borrow some. Then at the mall we'll get you new ones."
Iris left for a moment, then returned. She came with jeans with rips in the knees, and a mint green shirt. "Sorry about the rips," Iris told her, handing her a pair of worn sneakers. "she always falls on the street, on the sidewalk, anywhere."
"It's fine," Carina assured. She took the clothes and changed in the bathroom. The jeans fit her, but the shirt was a little baggy. She didn't mind, because she still fawned over her hair. She never thought she'd be able to do this, to be herself. Hot tears gathered once again as she pushed open the door. Iris caught sight of her and immediately rushed over, just as the tears spilled down.
"Hey, hey!" Iris cried, pulling her into a hug. "Whats wrong?"
And so she told her. About her family and exactly what happened the night she was kicked out of the only home she ever knew. She sobbed and Iris held her, staying quiet and listening.
When she was done, Iris said, "I'm sorry. That that happened. But- we'll give you a new home, Carina. I swear."
"Thanks.." Carina looked up, sniffing. Her eyes were red and puffy.
"Now, you've just had a good cry and Melanie always told me to do this after." She looked at Carina. "You're gonna take a shower, as long as you want-" She gave Carina a sweet smelling yellow towel. "and after you're gonna grab a snack and drink lots of water. Okay? Okay."
"Thanks, Iris," carina muttered and she just grinned as she closed the door, feeling grateful. 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NlBqjc78x
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In thirty more minutes, everyone was ready and carina had hydrated again and eaten. Iris had also lent Carina a thin purple sweater, and soon, Talyn was ready, as well as Clint and Will.
"Are you sure you don't need a sweater?" Clint raised his eyebrows at Will, who was wearing a white crop top with sunflowers all over it.
"Nope," he insisted. "I'm gonna be fine." He crossed his arms.
Clint sighed and nodded. "Mmhmmm.."
"Let's get going, then," Talyn said. She slipped on her hoodie. "Are we walking or taking the car?"
"Taking the car." Iris swung the keys around her finger. "I'm driving."
Carina's interest piked. She'd heard about cars- but she'd never been in one. her stomach fluttered with excitement. She was startled when Will and Clint both screamed, "SHOTGUN" as they all headed out to the car.
"Shotgun?" Carina repeated, looking at Talyn for an answer.
"It's a phrase to claim the front seat, by the driver," She explained. "People fight about it all the time. Obviously." She gestured to the two boys, smiling. They were snapping at one another, faces flushed, words tumbling over the others. Iris was trying to get them to calm down.
"Come here," Talyn whispered. She grabbed Carina's hands and led her into the front seat, helping her fasten her seatbelt.
"But-" Carina started, but Talyn interrupted.
"Shhh, It'll be fine. It's your first time in a car, right? You get the front seat." She grinned, and climbed into the back, hearing Iris shout-
"IF YOU DON'T STOP ARGUING IM GONNA LEAVE YOU HERE." Iris climbed into the car, turning it on with a rumble. Carina started, looking at iris. She grinned at her, as Will and Clint climbed into the car, looking grumpy. Talyn climbed in as well and shut the door, flopping across the two boys as they put their seatbelts on.
"Uh, excuse me?" Will said, raising an eyebrow.
"You're excused," Talyn told him. He sighed heavily and irritably as she curled up. Her head was in Clint's lap, and she fell asleep as Iris drove. Clint stared out the window, his hand on Talyn's shoulder as she snored softly.
Carina rolled down the window, watching the other cars go by. There wasn't many, for most people chose to walk or ride their bikes. Her hair blew from her face, and she felt exhilerated as the wind hit her, looking up at the lights, waving at people on the street with a ridiculous grin. Iris laughed, grinning. At one point, when they were at a stop sign, a chihuaha barked at her and she barked back. The owner looked surprised and Iris was laughing so hard, that she had to regain herself before it was safe for her to drive again. As they got into town in twenty minutes, Will started pointing out things.
"See- theres a cafe. Its a great hangout and is extremely popular. All the baristas are charming and nice. The Faeries come in there to flirt, mostly, but I always end up getting their number."
At this, Iris looked in the mirror and Clint flushed a little pink, but continiued staring fixedly out the window in silence.
Will continiued to tell Carina about the shops and such as they passed, commenting on what the best places to eat were. Carina took it all in. This would be a nice home..And here- she could be herself.
---
--Now--
Victor sat in his chair, in the mansion he had claimed five years before. He was talking to Thiral who stood before him, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Victor glanced at Thiral. "What news do you have, Thiral?" he murmured softly, twisting his black ring on his finger slowly.
"The witch has figured out a serum to start a vampire outbreak," he reported, eyebrows raised. He sounded uncertain, but Victor looked pleased.
"Excellent, Excellent," Victor said, a smile broke out on his face. It was quite unnerving. He Looked up again when Thiral spoke, his tone uncertain and cautious- Like talking to an angry cat and trying to soothe it so it didn't rip your face off.
"Your highness.. Why do you need a serum for this?" Thiral rocked back and forth on his heels, eyes narrowed.
Victor stood up gracefully, his black cloak falling behind him as he walked. "I'm glad you asked, Thiral. You see- I am stronger. My army is growing, the children are now loyal to me. I'm training them." He looked back, a smirk playing on his face. "It's time for an attack. You'll see soon enough, Thiral- how the serum will come into play."
"What Place are we attacking?" Thiral asked.
Victor crossed the room and picked up a dagger, slender fingers gripping the black handle and walked to the map of the Island, which hung on the wall.
He struck the map suddenly and fiercely with a loud noise, it's tip burying into a small, secluded area on the Island.
"Alaela."
----
Carina got out of the car, looking at the huge building that was called a mall. People with butterfly wings, feather wings, pointed ears, tails, fangs, and oddly colored eyes walked around, shopping bags hung on their arms, laughing and talking loudly.
"Come on- And be careful with the cars," Iris added, as a car sped past, and a girl with feathered wings sprang back from the car to avoid being ran over. She angrily threw up her middle finger to the driver, who honked and sped away.
Carina stuck close to Iris as they walked in, the cool air hitting her in the face. There were many shops and resturants lined on the sides, and children and families and friends walked around, on the white tile. Advertisements were on some of the walls and security guards walked along.
Carina looked around, surprised by how colorful this place was. She stared- eyes wide. "Woahh.." She gaped.
Talyn suddenly looped her arm with hers, her other linked with Iris's. "Lets get you some clothes for the fall and winter!" She cried, and she dragged them both into a store called, "Funky Fashion".
Inside, it was cooler, with all sorts of womens clothes sitting on the rack, as well as mens. Will was dragging Clint in, who looked very unhappy. Whereas Will- if he was in an anime, there'd be heart eyes on his face pulsing excitedly.
"Look, look!" He cried, holding up a pair of jean shorts. He put them in the cart, strolling along the aisles with Clint at his heels. "Oh, dear- Its cold-"
Clint sprang up suddenly, like a cat who just had his tail stepped on. "What did I say, Will Sallow? What did I say?"
"Shut up!" Will hissed. "It IS cold.."
"Well, I don't control the temperature!" Clint snapped at him. "I told you to bring a sweater but noooo-"
Will rolled his eyes, and punched his arm before hugging himself. Clint looked at him, then sighed and shrugged off his jacket. "Here," he said grudgingly. and threw the jacket onto Will's shoulder. He blushed, just barely. Clint tried not to look at him.
"Thanks," he said awkwardly, and an awkward silence followed while Will slipped his arms in. It smelled of Clint- cologne, metal and a fresh book.
"You need a new jacket," Will said suddenly, turning to face Clint. "And new boots." He eyed the slash marks on the jacket, and then his dirty and scuffed boots.
"No, I don't-" Clint huffed, and now it was his turn to roll his eyes at Will.
"Yes you do. Hey!" He called, waving to Iris, "I'm gonna go find Clint new boots and a new jacket, okay?"
Clint was stuttering protests, trying to tell Will that he didn't need a new jacket- that it was fine. But Will insisted and pulled him into the mens section when Iris nodded and gave a thumbs up.
"What d'you think, Carina?" Talyn asked, holding up a silver hoodie with a little green alien on the front. Carina grinned.
"I like that one-" She said, and Talyn put it into the bag. Carina wasn't a big fan of black, but within 3hoursof shopping, they mananged to get her many outfits, Clint new boots and a new, grey jacket, Iris got new heels and Talyn got new earrings.
They went to a few more shops before settling down to have coffee and sweets. Carina had gotten a braided pink pastry. She looked at it suspiciously, before taking a bite. Sweetness exploded on her tongue- She'd never had anything like this. She ate the entire thing carefully, savoring its taste with each bite she took.
"Like it, Carina?" Will asked, smiling slightly. She couldn't answer since her mouth was full, but she nodded.
When she swallowed, Talyn asked- "So..How do you like it here on the land?"
"I love it. Its better than home. And you guys protect the Island?"
"Yeah," Iris said, "its our job. We've been trained since we were ten to learn how to protect the Island.."
"Doesn't it get tiriing?"
"Not really. We like it- It gives us a purpose. We're impacting peoples lives- in a positive way. Most people don't know we exsist yet, that we're protecting them-But we don't mind," Clint said. He picked at his straw of his tea- Will's knee was touching his and he was trying to do anything than look at the two knees.
Carina nodded. "I see.." She didn't quite understand, but she didn't push.
At that moment, Iris's phone rang. Melanie was calling. She answered, and everyone listened in.
"Oh?"
Talyn leaned in closer.
"Mhhmm."
Pause.
"Seriously?" Iris grinned widely, her eyes flicking to Carina. "Melanie you're awesome. Yes, you are. You and Diana."
pause.
"We'll be down there soon to help. Okay. See you later. Bye."
As soon as she hung up, Will asked- "Do we gotta go? Whats the surprise? Whos it for?"
"Nosy," was all Iris said, as she pushed him back. "Can't say. But yes- we do gotta go."
"Tell me," Talyn whined, poking her ribs.
"No," said Iris. Carina desperately wanted to know what the surprise was- but she didn't want to ask. She'd find out soon enough, she assured herself. They al got up, carrying their bags and walked out, Will and Talyn still bugging Iris. She didn't tell them, but remained silent as they got to the car, with a smirk on her face.
They put the bags into the back, and Carina claimed shotgun once again, and Clint and Will sat next to one another in the back.
Talyn climbed in, laying directly on top of Will and Clint's laps again, falling asleep instantly. As Iris droveback, Carina stuck her head out the window, her hair blowing again, feeling perfectly content and happy.
Soon, they got back home, where Melanie and Diana were waiting. Melanie was bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet with a stupid grin on her face and even Diana couldn't suppress a smile. Iris beamed at them. WIll slid out of the car carefully, holding Talyn's head as he did so as to not wake her up. But she didn't even move, just continued snoring softly.
"If she wasn't snoring, I think she'd be dead," Will said. Clint carried her out, nodding a little, before carefully placing her over his shoulder. She remained asleep.
"Someone wake her up," Clint said, sighing, and then Talyn giggled. "What the- You were awake?!" He dropped her, but she landed on her feet. Will glared at her, and Iris grinned, shaking her head. "You're a sneaky little shit, Talyn Harper-"
"AH! Language!" Diana scolded, but she was smiling. "Anyways, it doesn't matter. Back in the car- all of you. I'm driving. We're going to the surprise."
"Where is it?" Will asked, as he squished in. The car could only seat five people, so Carina and Talyn were smushed in between all of them uncomfortably. Carina felt the seatbelt digging into her skin, but she didn't say anything, just tried to ignore it.
"You'll see," Diana said quickly. Melanie gave a squeak and stared out the window, her painted nails tapping on the door excitedly.
And so, they drove. They drove to the forest, a secluded part of the Island. No one went here much..Werewolve packs and other creatures lived in the darkest parts of the forest. There was no more road in this area, just dirt, so Talyn and Carina were trying not to be thrown into window as the car moved along. They parked at the edge of the forest, and everyone, except for Melanie, Diana and Iris looked confused.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vo7eX0sWi
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Carina thought about what it could be, her stomach fluttering.
"Its in the forest?" Talyn asked as everyone got out.
"Yep," Diana replied. "Come on, now. Quickly." She walked in the forest, her hand linked with Melanies. The rest followed.
Carina walked carefully, her foot stepping on the occasional orange leaf. The forest was getting ready for the end of fall and the beginning of winter. The leaves had changed colors and still clung to their branches, though if you were to shake a branch gently they'd fall down like rain. Carina looked around curiously. She'd never been in the forest, before.. But she liked it, better than the water. It was quiet and still, peaceful. She wondered what kind of creatures lurked in here. Wondered if they were friends, or a foe.
"Nearly there!" Diana called suddenly, and she rose Carina out of her stupor. She realized she'd fallen behind gazing at the beauty of the forest and quickly jogged to catch up, joining Iris's side.
"I wonder what it is," Carina wondered aloud.
"I think you'll like it," said Iris, and she gave Carina a knowing smile. Carina's heart skipped a beat at the smile, and she looked away immediately. She wondered if she was developing a crush..
"We're here," Diana said softly, so softly that barely anyone heard her. They'd arrive at a large clearing, a circle- at the entrance of a very large camp. Or, what used to be one. Tall trees were around this area as well as a wooden fence and inside, there was mainly dirt, but patches of green grass were here and there. There were spots for tents around a corner, and directly in the middle was a circle of rocks for a fire. There was an old stable for about six horses to the side, and then by the fire was logs and large rocks. The place looked old, like no one had touched it in years.
"Wh..?" Talyn looked confused, but Melanie started talking.
"Its a camp. We're gonna fix it of course, but it will be for people to come for when they have no other place to go. With all of us, we can help this place. We'll make it fit for other people- with some small cabins, a bathroom. It can be your home, Carina." She smiled.
Carina felt so grateful, looking at this camp. She loved it already. "Thank you, thank you-" She cried, and she rushed forward and pulled Melanie and Diana into a big hug, who looked shocked.
And so, the camp was made. Within a few weeks, they stood admiring their work. There were now a few tents- all standing. They were a bright orange color, standing out.
There was some small bathrooms, and Diana and Melanie even added a seperate area to train at. On a wooden wall there were some weapons, targets and dummys. There were also saddles and bridles if they ever did get horses, and a large cabin for dining and cooking food.
Diana and Melanie put some protective spells on the camp, and Diana was able to put up a large, invisible dome over, that can only be visible if you touched it. Talyn was having fun poking at it while Diana made it stronger, and waves of purple woukd ripple al around the dome in a wave.
Then, there was the fire, added when winter finally made its arrival with the harsh air and cloudy skies. Carina, never having seen fire, tried to grab it, and Iris had tackled her in a panic.
At last, they all sat around, drinking hot chocolate. The four spent a lot of time here to keep Carina busy, training. They'd even started to show her some basic techniques, but she wasn't too good at those. She mostly sat and watched.
At the moment, Iris and Talyn bunked in the cabins, asleep with Melanie and Diana. Clint drained the last of his milk, then headed into the tents to sleep.
Now, it was just Carina and Will.
"So..You were kicked out of your home for being lesbian?" Will asked, head tilting, looking at her. Carina couldn't quite read the look in his eyes.
Carina shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah. My mom kicked me out." She picked at a piece of grass, gazing into the fire, watching red sparks vanish into the black sky.
"I know how that feels."
"You do?" Carina looked at him with surprise, head tilted. He was gazing up at the sky too, a deep frown on his face, like he was remembering something. He nodded once, then sucked in a breath and recited a story;
"My step-dad kicked me out when I was ten. He knew, because I used to write. He came home one night, when everyone was asleep. Told me all four of my siblings hated me now, and my mom and everyone else wanted me out. Told me to pack up my things and leave, or else." He dropped his gaze to the fire, its red flames flashing in his chocolate eyes. "And I did."
"That's awful," Carina muttered. She touched his arm gently and he relaxed. She saw how sad he looked here, sitting by the fire, the corners of his mouth curved down, his eyebrows knitted together.
"I went back, but they weren't at their old house anymore. I wonder if they'd.. they'd move on without me. That they left me, so I stopped looking for them and Diana took me in." He turned to her. "But now I can be myself, and I'm happy for that. It could've been worse, so maybe I should.. stop complaining, you know?"
"Just because other people have more pain doesn't mean that it cancels out yours," she said. He looked at her with surprise. She'd said that so firmly.
"I guess so. D' you miss your family?"
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"A little," said Carina. "But.. They don't want me. Besides," she added, and a grin lit her face. She gestured with her arms. " I have a new home."
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