Dusk was always a comfort to Calliope Dawnya. Now more than ever. In her little hollow that she'd made for herself, she shivered. There was a cool breeze flowing in around her little nest, but it wasn't the reason she had goosebumps. Callie was scared.
And exhausted! She'd never been more tired in her young life. Last week, she was safe at her School...able to go on learning from the Masters who knew best, conversing with her playmates and gossiping about who was who... Now she was a fugitive, a mistake on the rump of humanity. Callie made a face, disgusted with herself. How could she have killed him?! Sure, he wasn't one of the favorited people of the class, but to kill him? She wouldn't have if she...
Callie shut her eyes. If she was in her right mind, she finished silently. She had been cramping badly, due to the Curse all women got when they reached puberty. And she was missing her parents...again... She'd been in a sour mood, that was all. But it wasn't an excuse! She killed him. And now she was forced to leave her birthplace and travel onto roads she had only heard about. Callie was a singer, a well-known one in the Summervale village that housed her School. She was planning on using that talent of hers to get her somewhere in life, to help her fellow Serenians out. What would they think of her when the word got out that she killed someone with her Gift?!
Callie sighed and stood up, ducking as she did so to avoid banging her head on the thatched roof of the hollow. Taking a few steps forward, she looked toward the direction of the sea. She straightened up and fiddled with her worn threadbare wrap that she always wore and thought hard. She wanted to promise herself that she'd come out on top like she always did, but this situation was different. The circumstances were harsher, and Callie just didn't know what to expect.
"It's gonna be alright, love..." The words of her mother on the day she left for school, barely eight years old at the time, comforted her now. Callie smiled in spite of her worries. Yes, she thought, everything would be alright. She was sure of that. What she wasn't sure of was how it was gonna get to that point.
Alexandra was meditating on the beach. Well, not really meditating. Meditating means you have nothing on your mind... Alexandra was trying to have one thing on her mind.
Since Alexandra was far enough from any villages that no one should see her, she figured she might as well work on her illusions.
Remembering what she had created in the morning, Alexandra created the illusion of a baby. It had a tiny mouth and a cute button nose. And the skin tone... Alexandra forgot the skin tone. Whatever, she thought, Skin tone is easy to add. I'll make him tan. The baby became tan. Then, creating the often used illusion of cloth, Alexandra wrapped the baby so one could only see its head. All that was left was the eyes. She had always had trouble with eyes. Too many details. Thinking fiercely, she added a shattered glass pattern. And brown specks around the center with green speck around the edge.
Good, thought Alexandra. This should be good enough. Opening her eyes so she could clearly see her illusion, she examined her creation. From afar, it would look real. From close... well, she would work on that later. Satisfied with her result, Alexandra stored the image in the back of her head for later use and editing. The baby disappeared into thin air again. But as the baby disappeared, Alexandra got the feeling she was being watched.
Callie knew the girl sensed her. She could feel the vibrations in the atmosphere change once the baby had vanished. The girl was beautiful, with her white hair and impeccable clothing. Callie angled her head to gain a better mental feeling about this situation. She was sort of afraid of her...she didn't know her, really. All that she could gather from the girl's appearance was that she wasn't likely to be a bounty hunter. Good, she thought. Maybe she'll become a friend. Gods know I need one right about now.
Widget, her ferret, noticed how Callie and the girl seemed to be in a mental lockdown, eyeing each other carefully in the moonlight. Neither girl seemed to know what to do for the moment, so the ferret made the first move. With full Widget curiousity, he raced down from the perch in the hollow and ran to the white-haired girl, stopping only a few paces from her. Squeaking a greeting, Widget appeared as friendly as ever.
Callie smirked at her beloved pet and stood up, brushing off the dust from her flour sack School uniform pants. She didn't have much else other than her uniform clothing, and she kinda prefered it that way. Walking to the girl, she smiled her lightning bolt smile and picked up her pet.
"You'll have to excuse Widget. He wouldn't know privacy if it bit him on the tail." Callie said shyly. "I'm Calliope Dawnya. That was a terrific illusion you just made!"
Is that a ferret? was the first thing Alexandra thought when she looked over at the girl. Then, looking into the girl's brown eyes, Alexandra just stood there. There wasn't much harm in people seeing her do illusions, as long as they didn't tell anyone. Although illusions weren't a one-of-a-kind magic, it was pretty rare. Especially of high talent... but her illusion wasn't that high of talent. So maybe the girl would just think it was normal and wouldn't tell anyone.
As the ferret ran up, Alexandra couldn't help but smile. The other girl also seemed to be amused as she smiled and walked up and talked.
"Is that your pet ferret? And I'm Alexandra. You can call me Alexa if you'd prefer, but I don't really care. And thanks! Do you know any illusion magic?"
Alexandra decided to play it safe. Just pretend like anyone could easily learn illusion magic, and maybe the girl wouldn't tell the town. It wasn't good to cause a big disturbance when there is a bounty on your head... even if no one knows what you really look like.
Widget scrambled up Callie's upper torso and settled behind her right shoulder, nestling himself in the little pouch her wrap hood made. It was a comfortable place for him and he used it often. Sighing with satisfaction, he watched the two girls get to know one another.
Callie nodded proudly. "Yup. I'm a singer, mainly healing the sick with the melodies I weave. I'm the best in my class!" She blurted out this last piece of information and looked down, suddenly embarrassed. Turning to the left a bit, she shrugged slightly. "Well," she muttered. "I was the best." Callie shut her eyes and went on, trying not to think about the fact that she had already revealed too much about herself. "I used to belong to the School of the Healing Arts. I'm done with all that now, and I'm pretty much on my own."
She suddenly turned to Alexandra and beamed. "Well, now I'm rambling on about nothing important," she said, changing the subject. "What's your story? Are you really that beautiful or is this one helluva glamour?" Callie didn't even realize how blunt she was being...she was just curious. Like singer like pet, Widget was the same way most days.
Laughing at the ferret, Alexandra listened to Calliope. It didn't surprise her that Calliope was the best in her class—she had great observing skills. Why she was no longer the best, though, made no sense. It didn't seem like she graduated, so maybe she was made to leave? Or left to go on an adventure? Whatever the case may be, Alexandra could tell the girl had some regrets.
Caught off guard by the sudden smile and blunt questions, Alexandra stumbled a little in her answer. "What? Thanks? I don't have any glamour. I avoid using magic unless I'm practicing or helping someone. So I guess my looks are natural. Ah, but my hair is dyed. It's naturally brown." Alexandra made sure not to mention she was half fae. She had enough experience with discrimination to last a lifetime. "So... what are you doing here on this beach? We're miles away from a village, so I doubt that it's just an stroll along the ocean."
Callie was fascinated by Alexandra, that much she knew. Widget liked her, too...but that wasn't saying much. Widget liked everybody. There was just a sense of peace surrounding Alexandra, something Callie longed for. Even in School, she was labeled a misfit. She had the smarts and the ability to learn quickly, but as far as the social circles went...well, she wasn't exactly popular. Callie was used to keeping to herself often. She did have a few friends, no one close...just a couple of girls she could hang out with from time to time. She wondered what they thought of her now.
Callie pushed the memory of School from her mind with almost a physical force and decided to concentrate on the here and now. After all, she was in the company of an angel. Or so she thought. Alexandra was just so warm...in a way that Callie couldn't quite put her finger on. Sure, she was exceptionally pretty, but that wasn't all there was to her. Alexandra had a certain spark of life, a natural charm that made Callie feel better than she had in a week. She still wasn't entirely sure she could trust her, but she really wanted to try.
Callie stooped down and sat beside Alexandra. "The School I belonged to is west of here. Widget and I have been travelling for a couple days, trying to find our place in a new life." she explained quietly, picking at a loose thread on her uniform tunic. "You're probably wondering, so I'll just spit this out...I was kicked out of School for something I've done. It was a horrible situation and now I can't go back. I'd rather not tell you the details, if you don't mind..." she peered at Alexandra with deepness in her brown eyes.
Callie sighed and looked at the moon in Her fullness and glory. "I'm supposed to leave this place. I promised my Headmaster before I left that I would never return to Summervale. But this is my home, Alexa...I don't ever want to leave. Where would I go? I can't do the whole nomad thing, I'm much more of a put-down-roots kind of girl. I'm supposed to find my way in this world, but without a travelling partner I don't know how I can manage it." Callie felt tears threaten her senses and she blinked them back so as not to show the pitiful weak sorrow she felt.
Sitting down, Alexandra listened as the girl put her trust in her. Knowing how it was like to be kicked out by everyone you grew up with, she also knew how hard it was to talk about it. To be kicked out of a town was a pretty big deal, so the girl must have done something big. She seemed like a good girl... funny, honest, and nice. So whatever it had been, it was probably on accident. Or not her fault. Either way, it had to feel terrible.
As Callie continued talking, Alexandra mentally commended her. The girl managed not to cry even after all the terrible things that had happened to her. She was strong. Unlike Alexandra, Callie had obviously loved her town. The pain Alexandra felt when leaving a town in which everyone alive hated her was bad enough, so she couldn't even imagine how horrible Callie felt.
"Not many can do the nomad thing, but some are forced to," Alexandra, the forced to part being about herself. "However, since they made you leave town instead of just arresting you, you may be able to put down your roots in another town far away. I've been traveling for a while now, and will most likely be traveling for a while longer. I would love to take you with me, to help you, but it may be more dangerous for you. Not only am I being chased, I also do some things that... aren't accepted. Being with me will put you in dangerous situations. Would you still like to come?"
Although Alexandra knew that she shouldn't have even offered to take Callie into her perilous life, Alexandra couldn't just leave her there. She would make the offer, and, if Callie accepted, Alexandra would try her hardest to keep her safe as well as hidden. After all, if she was caught and someone had seen her with the Callie earlier, Callie would most likely be labeled dangerous. She would probably not be able to return to a peaceful life ever again. Alexandra didn't want the girl to make a rash decision based on her grief.
Callie looked up in surprise. She's willing to take me under her wing? she thought hopefully. But she doesn't even know me. She realized she was staring open mouthed at Alexandra and quickly regained her composure. It seemed like the best idea ever, but she didn't want to seem too needy.
"I would love to," she blurted out, and then stared out toward the beach. "It's just that this is a big deal...and I'm not sure if it's what I'm supposed to do. I'm totally on my own now, as I've said before. I'm really not familiar with all that entails. I've always been so much more of a follower. I understand the role of leadership, but that kind of life is just not me. So...of course your offer appeals to me!" She caught Alexandra's eyes and giggled in spite of her fear.
"The great stories of women warriors long past had to start somewhere, right? So maybe that'll be us one day. We'll have lots of things to tell our children if we stick together," Callie nodded in decision. "I'll go with you wherever we need to be. Thanks for taking me on, Alexa!" With that, she tackled the white-haired girl with hugs, almost knocking her over.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Characters played:
Calliope Dawyna
Laughing at Callie's reaction, Alexandra gently hugged Callie back while regaining her stability. This girl was quick to put her life on the line. Although Alexandra would love to bring the ball of energy along with her, she had to double check Callie understood what she was getting into and that she'd be able to handle herself.
"Like I said, if you follow me, you will be in bigger danger than now. There is a possibility that you'll never be able to live a peaceful life again. Although I'll try my best to keep you safe, I get myself into danger. People may think you're helping me and put a bounty on your head. Are you okay with that? Also, my life includes a lot of running. How fast are you at escaping? And what magic can you use? I know you can heal with your songs, but can you do anything else? If not, that is fine, but there is a higher chance of you getting caught. And if you're caught... well, I guess I'm good at rescue missions. But like I said, you'll never be able to return to a peaceful life. Are you still willing to come with even though you know the risk?"
Callie bit her lip, trying to wrack her mind as to what she'd learned over the years. "I have a way with animals, I guess. My friends at school told me I was a charmer of that sort, but I don't know. Widget seems to obey me most of the time, and I can tame beasts of the wild and things of that sort. I used to put Headmaster John's cat to sleep so we could sneak into the kitchens at night," chuckling softly at the memory. "It just depends on how strong the mental capacity of the animal is," Callie explained simply.
"I was also learning the advanced stages of simple illusions along with using my energy with the songs I sing. Conjuring up a small wind to play with the ladies dresses and small distractions to make saddened folk concentrate on something other than their distress. Things like that." Callie peered curiously at her new friend, wondering how strong her illusions could get if pressured to get out of a sticky situation. "I don't know if this so-called danger of our is just an illusion itself, just a matter of opinion," Callie went on carefully so as not to hurt Alexa's feelings. "But I happen to know that I'm the daughter of the Granthrope family, and we're not afraid of anything so long as we can dodge the tricky stuff. I'm proud of my family, for what they stand for. We're a solid bunch, quick to love and quick to stand by our loved ones, whether they be kin or not. I understand your risks, Alexa, and I do know uneasiness when I see it. But believe me, we're better off together."
She took her wrap off slowly, so as not to disturb the sleeping Widget. Putting the ferret in her lap, she absentmindedly petted his fur as she thought hard about the next plan of action. "I think the next topic of the night should be what route we'll take in the morning. What time we'll start, what we'll take along the way, things of that sort." She blushed then, aware of the bossiness her tone held. "I was known as the Organizational Singer back at the School," she told Alexa sheepishly. "I can make sense of the deepest puzzle."
Nodding her head as Callie listed the things she could do, Alexandra had no doubt that the girl would be able to fend for herself. She seemed to know a lot of basic magic and wasn't afraid of danger. Callie was definitely not a bounty hunter, so Alexandra herself wouldn't be harmed by taking her along. Looking at the mystical ocean and deep blue sky, Alexandra was tempted to let out her wings and fly over the magical ocean. However, she simply ran her fingers through her hair, trying to think of the answers to Callie's questions.
"I've been thinking about going to Cerenis. It's a good place to get both rare items and information. It's a bigger town that is said to have lots of unusual visitors, so we'd blend in. As for when we'll start, I would say tomorrow afternoon after we gather what we need for our trip. I don't carry much... not even a backpack. However, I was thinking of getting a bottomless pouch or backpack in Cerenis. Until we have something to carry everything in, I would only grab the necessities. We can hunt and forage as we travel, so food should be fine. If we boil the ocean water, we should be able to drink that. We can buy extra clothes in Cerenis since they take up too much room. However, if you bring a backpack, feel free to put clothes in it. Well, I guess you can put whatever you want in it. Anyway, I don't actually know if we need anything before we leave. Is there anything you want to get?"
"Cerenis is a good place," Callie brightened. "I went there for the first time with my parents to gather everything I needed for school when I was eight, and then the School took field trips year after year to get supplies or to see about an ailment or whatnot. A bunch of us from each class took a merchant's pony and cart and traveled the whole way there and back, with a few Headmasters to watch over us, of course. It's busier than the village I was used to, so I know what you mean." she nodded in agreement.
Placing Widget carefully on the ground, she got up from her sitting position and motioned to Alexandra that she'd return in a moment. Trotting to her little hollow, she hurried inside and grabbed her backpack. In it carried her prized possessions, the things she couldn't bear to part with. Walking back to Alexandra, she rummaged through it and sat back down beside her. Callie frustrated herself for a moment with trying to find what she was looking for in a hurry, then remedied that problem by turning the bag upside down so that all the items toppled out.
"Ahh...there it is." She picked up the glass tube which held the red ochre-dyed ribbon she'd worn so many moons ago. Callie held it out to Alexandra and began to explain.
"Mama gave this ribbon to me years ago, when I went to audition for the School. I wore it in my hair with confidence, sure I was going to become whatever I needed to become in order to make them proud." She gazed at the glass tube fondly, remembering. "Some kids wore an amulet around their necks, some had special jewelry. I had my ribbon. Anything us kids could do at first to make that tender transition of losing their parents to a boarding school, y'know? I wove my mother's child-song into that tube of glass and sealed it with that cork stopper. The ribbon comes alive and dances whenever I sing or play my instruments, so I feel like my parents are proud of me." Callie shrugged and grinned at Alexandra. "It's all I have of them, and it's a huge rememory for me to keep this safe with me. It reminds me that whatever situation I get myself into, whatever needs to be done...I'll run with it and flow like the air we breathe so as not to worry about what comes next in my life. With this ribbon, I know I'll be alright."
"A dancing ribbon," started Alexandra. "That's awesome! As I'm sure you know, it's always good to have something to inspire you whenever you do magic. Something that keeps you confident. I hope you'll show me your magic sometime. I've never been really good at magic... other than illusion magic, that is. I just find it so fascinating."
Looking at the pile of things on the ground, Alexandra continued. "So do you need to buy anything else then? Or should we just leave right away in the morning? From what I gathered from the last town I stopped at, we should only be a couple of days away from Cerenis. I don't believe there will be any towns near the ocean until we get to Cerenis, so we shouldn't have to bother about hiding. Of course, if we're found, we can always come up with some story. I don't usually worry about moving during the day when I walk. I mean, when I travel."
Sorting through the things on the ground with her eyes, Alexandra exclaimed, "Oh! I forgot! Do you have any money? I'm not going to mooch off of you, of course, but we may have to work some in Cerenis. I don't tend to travel with money and don't steal or use my illusions to pretend there is money. I'm not one of those kinds of wanderers. Anyway, if you have enough money you may not have to work. But unless you're filthy rich, I would recommend getting money since you have a backpack to carry it in. You never know when you'll need to buy anything. What kind of work are you good at?"
Realizing she had asked multiple questions without awaiting an answer, Alexandra hoped Callie was following and would be able to manage to answer them all. Smiling at Callie, Alexandra finally stopped talking.
With an amused grin, Callie looked at her friend as she finished talking. "I see I'm not the only one who knows how to plan out the next day," she giggled. "I think we should leave right away in the morning. We don't have anything to do before then except sleep, I guess. I don't need anything, so we'll just pack up and go soon after we wake up. Your idea of boiling the water is good, I've never done that before. I'm not used to drinking water, I'm used to the ale we had at the School. But I suppose I can find that in Cerenis when we get there," she nodded as she began putting her backpack together again.
"I've got my extra tunics and uniform pants, which are clean, so I don't need to worry about getting travel dust on the ones I'm wearing," she went on. "I've got my lute, just in case my voice gets cracks in it when I try to weave out a song. Oh, and I've got my packet of coins. I don't have much money, but I've got enough. The Headmaster made sure I didn't leave without something to sustain me until I found work," Callie explained as she opened the packet up and showed Alexa what was inside.
Callie actually had enough coin to buy a couple farmer's horses and then some. She wasn't used to spending her own money because all she needed was right there at the School, so any thought as to how much things would cost in Cerenis was oblivious to her.
"I'm actually itching to work some when I can find it," she confided in Alexandra. "All I've been doing is studying at my School, but never applying it. I'd like to use some of the knowledge I've been taught...and soon, before I forget it!" she chuckled. "I know what I can do musically, but I was warned that some people just don't respond well to music. So I was trained in the art of woodburning, a hobby of mine that I've always been good at. I can make pretty good designs that most peasants enjoy hanging up above their hearths." Callie nodded shyly when she said this, she wasn't used to boasting her talents other than musical ones.
Happy that Callie didn't catch her blunder, Alexandra listened quietly. The idea of drinking ale in school seemed ridiculous, but she didn't say anything. The girl seemed to have planned things out, although she obviously didn't know how money worked. Her packet was full of coins. However, working would still be good. Even though Callie probably didn't realize it, she seemed a bit spoiled. Not to a crazy amount, but enough that she would be used to good quality things. And good quality things costed money. In a wandering world, it was hard to have too much money—especially if you wanted to settle down. Nomads, like Alexandra, didn't need as much. Then again, a bottomless purse would cost a lot...
Luckily, Callie seemed eager to put her skills to the test. Wooodburning was not a process Alexandra knew well, but she always admired the results. However, it would be a little harder if that was what Callie wanted to do. "Perhaps you can woodburn as we travel," Alexandra started. "Once we're in town, there probably won't be as much time. Also, I have a feeling no one is going to hire a woodburner. However, there are many stalls in Cerenis, as you know, and setting up one shouldn't be too much trouble. You can sell your products, but make sure to get a good price. Do you have a good idea how much your designs are worth?" Remembering that the girl didn't didn't have a good sense of money, Alexandra shook her head and continued talking. "Never mind. I'll stay at the stall with you. I usually work at a tailor shop, but I can just as easily buy some cloth and make some clothes. That way I can help you sell things as well as earn my own wage. How does that sound?"
Looking at the quickly darkening sky, Alexandra admired the full moon as it placed itself perfectly in the horizon. If it was a normal night, Alexandra would have loved to spread out her wings and fly. However, it was risky to let anyone know she was part fae—Serenians, however nice they might be, tend to discrimination against fae folk. Also, her feathered wings happened to be featured in her bounty info... and she had made a big enough name for herself that the girl may have heard of her. Even though she trusted Carrie, who knows if she would accidentally let it slip to someone else. Alexandra decided it was better to keep it a secret for now.
Callie shook her head sadly. "I'm used to the woodburning tools we had at the school, Alexa," she said with regret in her voice. "I'm sure there's other ways of burning wood to make pretty designs without the use of the special picks and quills and the oil I used to flow the element of fire...but I know nothing of them. I suppose I'm pretty sheltered...all I know is what the School had as far as teaching tools. I learned of worldly things through matters of opinion because we just kept to the School. We didn't get out into the territory because we were wards of our Headmasters...and they were reluctant to let us go traipsing into odd situations they couldn't handle. I have no idea what my designs are worth, I've never sold them before. I just handed them over to the Headmasters so they could show them off." she explained. "So, I'm not sure if I can woodburn while traveling, unless I learn how to do it without the aid of my Headmaster's tools. I could improvise a bit, I think. Maybe I should just stick to musical workings..." she thought aloud.
Her eyes brightened as she went on. "But I'm willing to learn! I've heard of so many great things..." She said excitedly as she counted on her fingers. "There's the matter of living, of course, the whole providing for yourself and your loved ones. But there's also getting involved in charity work, too. My folks were really poor when I was growing up, before I left for school. We didn't have much in the way of items we needed...we had enough food to get by and the clothes on our backs and blankets when it got cold, but there was so much love in the house that it didn't matter what we had." Callie sighed. She really missed those times. Her Mama and Papa were so good to her.
She looked directly into Alexandra's eyes blue-brown eyes. "I must tell you that I'm sort of on a mission," she began. "Once I figure out who I am and what I'm supposed to be doing, I want to find my parents. I had word when I was at School that they moved from the village I was born in because Papa just couldn't find work. They must still be in Summervale, I just don't know where. I'd love to see them again," she concluded wistfully.
"You can do whatever you want, Callie. Whether you decide to learn how to burn wood other ways or use your music or do something totally different, I'm sure it will be fine. You probably have enough money to get whatever you need, anyway." Smiling at Callie, Alexandra didn't really know what else to say about that matter. Things would work out in the end, whatever the case may be.
Continuing onto the next topic, Alexandra said, "I think it would be a great idea to see your family again... it's always good to keep those ties strong." Although Alexandra didn't have too many good family memories herself, she had seen the courage it gave other people. And if her sister was still alive...
Wanting to leave those sad thoughts, Alexandra decided to talk business again. "We also need to figure out what we're going to do in Cerenis before we leave. We can buy things and get money. You can probably change your appearance a little if you need to—I don't know how much you're being chased, but it might not be smart to walk around too much looking like yourself if they are searching for you. That's one of the reasons I dyed my hair. Also, I need to do some information... snooping in Cerenis. Try not to make too big of an impression when you're with me, for some of the stuff I do isn't accepted by the common person and I don't want you getting caught up in all of that. Anyway, it's getting late. If we're going to leave in the morning we should probably get to sleep now."
Alexandra ran her fingers through her white hair, brushing it to the best of her ability (given that she had no brush). Her hair was silky enough that it was working. She continued combing her fingers though it, waiting for Callie to respond.
Nodding silently in agreement with what Alexandra just said, Callie stood up and shouldered her backpack. "I've got room in my hollow if you'd like something over your head besides the sky tonight," she offered. "Widget tends to make noise when I sleep, but I'm sure you'll get used to it if you're gonna be with us."
At the sound of his name, Widget stopped playing with Alexandra's feet and promptly stood up on his hind legs. He squeaked a question-toned squeak and ran to Callie's side. She picked him up and loved on him for a bit. "You're just a big ball of fun, aren't you, Widge?" she said into his tan and black coat.
She looked at Alexandra with curiousity. "You seem to be concentrating on other things that don't have anything to do with what we're doing tomorrow. You okay? I've got something in mind... If you want, I could weave a song to put the dreamy goodness in your mind as you fall asleep tonight. That might help relieve your worries, whatever they are. What do you think?"
"Sorry," Alexandra started, "I'm just a little out of it. I like sleeping beneath the stars, though. My sister always told me it was because angels like the serenity." Alexandra smiled at her fond memories. "You know, I think I'll take you up on that offer of singing. That is, if you don't mind singing out here before you go in and sleep."
Alexandra listened to the ocean waves as she smoothed out an area in the sand to sleep in. Laying down, Alexandra observed the stars. She did like the serenity of them. They were so peaceful... just stayed there and glowed, helping lost people find their way to their homes. Her eyes wandering from one star to the next, Alexandra couldn't help but admire them. They were just so pretty. And they were always there. No matter what, stars were the one thing that you could always count on. Although Alexandra never learned to navigate using stars, she always wanted to. Maybe she'd buy a book in Cerenis. Even though she never went to school, Alexandra still learned how to read. Pena taught her. Unable to get her mind off of Pena, Alexandra declared, "If you just want to sing inside, I can sleep in there. I need that music."
Callie returned to her hollow and placed her backpack down where she could reach it when she needed it. She had a small threadbare blanket with her, but she really didn't need it tonight. She picked it up and went to Alexandra, who was laying face up on the beach, gazing at the stars. Without a word, Callie shook out the blanket and covered her friend with it. As she did, she began to sing.
The tone of her melody suggested an image of a wee rabbit snuggled up next to it's mother at first, and then went into stronger detail. Intricate webs of song-silk reached Alexandra's ears as the magic began to flow through her. Callie changed key softly and the feeling of being rocked gently came to Alexandra, and then went into her soul as sleep began to take hold of her mind. Without realizing it, Callie sang about the long lost friendships of family...something Alexandra picked up on sleepily as she began to dream about her own family and the better times they shared. Callie slowed down the pace of her song, weaving it through the night as Alexandra slept and she finished with an image of a doe grazing peacefully in a warm sunlit meadow.
Satisfied, Callie smiled at the sleeping girl. "Good night, dearheart," she said softly. Slowly she stood from her kneeling position and went to her hollow to get herself ready for her own slumber.
After a peaceful night, the sun's rays woke Callie and the day called out to her in wisps of welcome. She was used to waking up early, she had done so every day for the past decade...a requirement for the life she lead at School. She sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily, trying to remember where she had put her blanket. And she didn't see Widget.
"Widge? Where are you?" she called, not fully awake yet. She looked out from her hollow and saw him, nestled up to the beautiful girl she had made friends with last night. Alexa had a slight smile on her face and Widget was snuggled up to her chest, snoring softly.
Callie grinned at the sight and stood up, shaking her head a little to get rid of the sleepy cobwebs leftover from the night. She went over to the dreaming pair and gently shook Alexandra's shoulder.
"Rise and shine, gorgeous! It's a beautiful new day!" she said gently.
Alexandra felt something warm on her chest as she got awakened from her dreams of her past. Covering her eyes from the sun, she slowly got used to the light. Seeing Widge, Alexandra laughed lightly. The thing was just so adorable! Putting Widge in her hands and sitting up, Alexandra noticed the blanket on top of her. She had a faint memory of Callie putting it on her before singing her song. After setting Widge on her shoulder, Alexandra carefully folded the blanket.
Turning towards Callie, Alexandra yawned and said, "Good morning... wanna swim in this brilliant ocean before leaving? I'm not really a morning person... but the water should wake me up. I need to clean myself up, anyway."
Rubbing her eyes, Alexandra looked at the horizon and wondered how early it was. The sun was barely up. Alexandra yawned once again before patting her bedhead hair down and brushing it with her fingers.
Callie smiled. "That's a great idea!" she cried. "I need to clean up, too. My hair's starting to get oily. And if you want, I've got some soaproot leftover from my stash at School. I can give you some if you need to wash up good before we head out." she went to her hollow and grabbed her backpack. Rummaging through it, she held the soaproot out to Alexandra.
She quickly stripped out of her worn School uniform and folded it neatly, placing it on the blanket Alexa had used during the night. She was aware that Alexa was looking at her with curiosity, but Callie didn't mind. She was used to bathing with girls, this is what she did every day at School. Callie knew that she looked pretty good, with her long lithe torso and even longer legs. She had some curves, although not many, and she was confident about her body.
Callie raced to the edge of the water. "Last one in's a rotten egg!" she called out as she dove in.
Slightly fazed by the fact Callie felt so comfortable stripping in front of her, Alexandra couldn't help but stare a little. After a second though, Alexandra did the same. Although Alexandra was small, she was still taller than Callie. With her slender body, she had somehow managed to get very defined curves from her Yoreiq side. As Callie ran to the water, Alexandra shouted behind her, "Not fair! I'm still getting undressed!"
Feeling the need to fold her clothes like Callie, Alexandra took a closer look at her halter top. The places that were usually covered by her hair were white, compared to the usual light blue. "Crap!" she shouted. Running towards the ocean, she continued, "Callie, I guess you're going to see what I normally look like!"
After getting deep enough into the water that her chest was covered, Alexandra dunked her head under water and stayed under for around a minute. While under water, she ran her fingers through her hair, as if she was washing it. Once she came above the water again, her normal white hair had turned back to its natural chestnut color. Looking at her reflection in the water, Alexandra thought, I really need better hair dye. This stuff only a month and then all of a sudden comes out. So annoying. I'll buy some more permanent stuff in Cerenis...
Callie blinked in surprise. "Wow, Alexa! I didn't know you could do your illusion magic with your hair color, too! Your hair's brown now." she observed.
Dunking her head back under for a second, Callie came up washing her hair with the soaproot. She heard a small splashing near her and turned to look.
"Widget! I guess you were the last one in, fella. Guess what that makes you?" Callie laughed as she watched her beloved ferret paddle toward her, trying to get in on the action. She picked him up out of the water and scrubbed him with the soaproot, determined to get him clean as well. When she was done with him, she let him go, allowing him to rinse off as he played in the water beside the two girls.
Callie concentrated on washing her body. She liked to stay clean because it made her feel better, and she was conscious of appearing filthy around people. Some took a dislike to people who didn't wash well and Callie was aware of this.
As she washed up, she looked at Alexa with curiousity. "Y'know? I think I like your hair better that way. It's a great color," she stated.
Laughing, Alexandra said, "Glad you could tell it was brown. It's not illusion magic, though. I dye it. It matches my outfit and... well, me more I guess. My sister always called me her angel, so I figured I'd keep my hair more angelic. I might dye it light blue next time though... We'll see. Every once in a while, I'll keep it brown. Some people, like you, like it better, and it's my natural color. Also helps me blend in. I still prefer it lighter, though. You know, I accidentally bought a neon pink dye one time and managed not to notice until it was in. I looked HORRIBLE. That's probably the only time I used constant glamour on myself." She shivered in fear the memory. Continuing, Alexandra asked, "Can I use the soaproot when you're done, please? It's been a while since I've actually had a good scrub. Probably need it, too."
Watching the ferret swim around, Alexandra smiled. He was so harmless, so peaceful. It would be nice to be carefree like him, too. But first, she had to avenge her sister. Then she could settle down in some hidden city, perhaps.
Nodding in understanding, Callie commented on last year's Heathen Ball at her School. "We had a fancy dinner and a dance afterwards at my School a year ago. I dressed in the finest threads and I dyed streaks in my hair...they were bright red. It was pretty neat! Half of my hair was brown like it is now and the other half was a rich red. They washed out in a week, but I loved the way I looked with them in. All my teachers liked the difference, too."
She finished with the soaproot and handed it to Alexa so her friend could wash up as well. Then Callie dunked back under the water to rinse off. She was under for at least a half a minute when she heard the vibrations of Alexa's voice come from above.
Callie resurfaced, shaking her head to clear the water out of her eyes and ears. "What did you say? I couldn't hear under the water," she asked Alexa.
Washing herself off, Alexandra listened to the ocean waves. She was feeling uneasy again. Pena always told her that she had a pretty good sixth sense, and that she should always listen to it. "We need to leave..." said Alexandra quietly. Realizing that Callie was still underwater, she was just about to tap her so she'd get up when Callie came up herself asking her what she said.
"Sorry. I said we should leave. I think someone is coming. Or something. I just feel... something ominous."
Quickly running out of the water, Alexandra put her clothes back on without drying. Her clothes would dry in the sun as they travelled, anyway. Putting her finger to her lips, Alexandra motioned for Callie to get her stuff. Ruining her little bed, Alexandra quickly tried to get rid of as many of the signs that they had been there as she could.
Callie hadn't had reason to panic in her life before, but being out here on her own with a new friend suddenly made her feel fidgety. Her eyes widened as she grabbed Widget out of the water and scrambled to get out of the water, following Alexandra.
When she saw Alexa scramble to get rid of the signs of life, she was alarmed. What about my hollow? she thought. I can't just get rid of all this quickly. I'll need more time...
Callie got Alexa's attention and motioned to her hollow and shrugged openly as if to say, what do I do with this? Alexa beckoned with her finger and Callie came running.
When she got to Alexa, she clung to her like glue. "How much time do you think we have?" Callie whispered.
Alexandra forgot about the hollow. "Crap!" she yelled quietly. "Do you know any destruction magic? And... I don't know. The feeling is getting stronger and stronger. It could be here any second."
Glancing again at the hollow, it was obvious that someone had been staying here. And her illusion magic wore off if she left the vicinity. Looking back and forth between the hollow and Callie, Alexandra ended up grabbing Callie's arm and running. She ignored all of the other signs of people that were left—it didn't matter anymore. Using all her strength that she had gathered over the years from escaping, Alexandra was quite fast at running. Looking at Callie's face as they ran, Alexandra couldn't tell if the speed was too fast for her. It would be nice if they could run faster, but Alexandra had to make sure the pace wasn't too hard. They could be running for a while.
Alexandra felt uneasy running along the ocean coast. It would be way too easy for anyone to spot them, even from far away. She wouldn't fly unless they absolutely had to, but illusions would come before that. Flying when being chased was Alexandra's last resort. Looking ahead, she finally saw a forest. Just a little bit further, she thought. We're almost there.
Callie saw the forest before Alexandra did. They got to the edge and dodged in between the first group of trees they saw. Panting, Callie looked around and saw nothing chasing them. Annoyed at leaving her stuff behind, she noticed Widget following them into the grove of trees and squeaking along the way. Picking him up, she hugged him close and thanked the Gods he was able to get away, too.
"Gee, Alexa," she spat out sarcastically. "Jumpy much?! What the hell was that?" Callie didn't like this having to move quickly in a split second stuff. Still, Alexa did warn her and Callie was just going to have to get used to it if she wanted to stay with her. Callie hugged Alexa in apology. "I'm sorry, Alexa....it's just that I'm not used to being chased like this. But you didn't even let me get my backpack. It's got all the stuff we'll need for travelling....it's got my money, my ribbon," she babbled on. "I'll have to go back and get it soon before it's lost forever."
Then she had a horrible thought. What if Alexa was too jumpy for her own good? That would mean Callie and the inexperience she had would have to learn...quickly, too, if they were to stay together. And what about Widget? He was just a ferret, he didn't know Alexa's mannerisms any better than Callie did. If he went following them and squeaking everywhere they went, surely they'd be found in no time. This really disturbed Callie. Widget had been with her since the very beginning, she wouldn't let him go just because Alexa had her ideas of getting caught. Callie hugged her ferret protectively as she realized how serious all of this was.
Looking at Callie and the ferret, Alexandra said (once more), "Crap. Sorry. I was too rushed on leaving. I didn't even check to make sure you had your stuff. I'm so used to traveling without anything... Crap."
Noticing the squeaking ferret and the protective stance of Callie, Alexandra said, "Don't worry. Whatever was following was far enough away that it shouldn't have heard Widge. Though you should probably teach it how to be quieter... but... well, by the time anything can hear it, they'll probably be close enough to see us, anyway. I wouldn't worry about him too much."
Closing her eyes, Alexandra tried to focus on the feeling that she felt before. It didn't seem like it was getting any closer to them... it was probably searching through the camp. Realizing that could be troublesome for Callie's stuff, Alexandra sighed. "In the future, you should keep the ribbon with you at all times. From what I've gathered, that thing is more important than your life. When you're on the run, you have to be careful." Looking at Callie in the eyes, Alexandra asked, "Do you understand?"
With Callie still panting, Alexandra assumed she wouldn't be able to run very fast. "Sit down. Take a break. Whatever was chasing us is still at the camp. Are you good at tree climbing? If it starts heading over here, climb a tree and hide. I'll go get your stuff for you. It's my fault you lost it, anyway. Too many bounty hunters chasing me nowadays." Alexandra didn't even bother to hide the fact that she was an outlaw anymore. Walking out of the woods without even seeing of Callie was following her or not, Alexandra sighed on last time. Being chased put her in a bad mood.
Callie still thought her friend was a little senile. She'd never met anyone as ready to get gone as Alexa was! Still, Callie wasn't used to running as part of everyday survival like Alexandra was. Callie sighed, relaxing a little. Holding Widget up to her face, she scolded him lightly. "You, Sir, are going to have to stay with us at all times. There's a time for play and this is not it!"
Alexa had left for the camp to go find Callie's stuff. But was that safe for her to do? Callie shouldn't have nagged at Alexa like that...it only put Alexa in more danger than she was apparently already in. What if the bounty hunters caught Alexa because she went back? Callie began to worry, not about her precious ribbon, but about her new friend. She began to understand the complications of getting gone and staying out of sight. There was just so much to think about, she thought helplessly. I'll have to keep my wits about me and my thoughts open all the time if I'm gonna stay with Alexa.
She thought about what Alexa had asked her before she left to go get the backpack. Callie could climb trees very well, she had had practice when she played Hide and Seek when she was little at School. Nobody ever thought to look up, and maybe that was the tactic that Alexa was going for when she mentioned the skill. Sitting down and placing Widget in her lap, she pondered all the things that Alexa had implied about being chased. Callie wasn't good at running, but that didn't mean she couldn't hide. Callie was good at appearing out of nowhere because the people that were around just didn't notice her. She had the personality to be all up in the moment with everybody else, yes...but she also had just the right balance of appearing to blend in the woodwork, so to speak. This was partly the reason she didn't have many friends at her beloved School. It was the reason she got along more with her teachers than anybody else. Callie was a homebody, smart because she studied but never pushed herself to be sociable like the popular girls she went to class with.
Over ten minutes passed before Alexandra got back to the woods with Callie's bag. Seeing Callie, Alexandra tossed her the bag and said one word: "Hide."
Running around trees and over logs and through branches, Alexandra made sure to leave an occasional sign that the man tracking her would see. Knowing that his size would make him slower in the crowded woods, she took harder, but smaller, paths. She had been careful enough to glamour herself while grabbing the bag and running away, but she wasn't lying when she told Callie that full body glamours took way too much energy. Therefore the second she had gotten into the woods, even before finding Callie, she took the glamour off. If the man saw her now, she would be in deep trouble. Although he would have no proof that she was Feather, the government would most likely search the whole area for her.
The man was still following her. Even though Alexandra was intentionally leaving signs for him to trace, she hoped he wouldn't be able to follow them too well. As she continued running, she slowly left less and less signs, so that when there were none it wouldn't seem to sudden. All the running and illusions was starting to drain her, and she knew she had to get away from him soon if she didn't want to be caught. Far enough away from Callie to feel comfortable, Alexandra did the same thing she told Callie to do: climb a tree. Now all that was left was wait for the man to come, think he lost track of her, maybe he'd search the area for a little while, but then he'd leave. After he was done with all of that, Alexandra would probably have to wait another five minutes or so before returning to Callie. Perching on one of the thicker branches of a higher tree so that she would be able to see the large man, Alexandra started to rest her body.
Callie quickly shouldered her backpack after hastily putting Widget inside. Then she mentally scaled the tree beside her and made her way up. Feeling only the relief she had when she saw her friend return, she wondered who Alexa was running from and why. There was a lot she didn't know about her, Callie realized, and wondered just how dangerous she was. Alexa was taking great precautions to not be found, which only meant that she had done something to make them chase her so. Callie could relate. She herself had done something so horrendous that she would be undeniably ashamed if anyone found out. Callie didn't know if anyone was actually chasing her or not, the Headmaster who expelled her didn't say. She figured at least somebody was looking for her to wreck havoc on her life for killing that poor boy with her magic, so she knew it was a good idea to hide when Alexa told her to.
A sound below her brought her out of her thoughts. She looked down and saw a man a few trees away looking for something. Knowing he was looking for Alexa, Callie kept very still. Go away, go away... she thought harshly. He kept walking, and Callie noticed that he wasn't very quiet about his search. He was making it very easy for anything to remain hidden, whether it be beast, foul...or human. Callie knew from this recent run that Alexa was nearby somewhere, watching the man as well.
Watching as the man searched the area, Alexandra finally got a better look at him. He was a good six feet five inches tall, and had enough muscle that he probably weighed around two hundred fifty pounds. This was one big guy. His hair was dark and scruffy, and he sported a necklace that had... teeth? Ew, Alexandra thought. My teeth are not going to be added to that anytime soon. The man was shirtless, and, although buff, was totally not attractive. His baggy shorts were held up by a belt in which a sword was attached. How he had managed to run with it on and not jab his leg with the sword's hilt made no sense to Alexandra.
Alexandra realized that the man was smarter than she bargained for when he sat down. Not seeing any traces of her, he must have guessed she was nearby. And was waiting for her to come out... like a rabbit jumping into a wolf's mouth. On a normal day, Alexandra would've just stayed in the tree until the big man decided he was wrong and that she had escaped. But with the rush to Cerenis and Callie waiting for her, Alexandra wanted to get out of this situation as soon as possible. Trying to think of a plan to get the man away, Alexandra continued to sit.
Callie was curious. She tried to see what was going on, but she was too high up and the leaves surrounding her were in the way. She braced herself by putting her hand on the branch she sat on and leaned forward slightly, and then she saw him a little ways off. He looked like a novice. Maybe he's stupid, Callie thought with a smirk. He didn't look like he knew what he was doing at all.
Callie heard a crack in the branch that she was holding and felt it give. Her eyes widened at the very real possibility of it breaking away and falling to the ground. Oh, no... she thought helplessly. I'm in trouble. She slowly took her hand off the branch and shuddered. The branch seemed fine for a moment, then it cracked some more and started to break away from the tree. Callie panicked and tried to compensate the breaking branch by scooting up the opposite branch away from the pending disaster, but to no avail. Callie moved too quickly and momentarily slipped off the branch, trying not to yelp in surprise as she did so. She caught herself just in time. Hugging the branch she had just been sitting on, she cringed at the noise that she had made in her plight. That man must have heard it, she thought. Facing the other way, she couldn't tell if he was looking at her or not. She closed her eyes and tried to feel the situation. If she could cause a distraction, a little one, then the man might not have reason to keep looking up in the trees. Callie desperately wanted Alexa to stay safe, wherever she was. Then she had an idea.
It didn't take much to whistle out the distraction. She made herself sound like a sparrow, something she had learned at School. It wasn't a long birdsong, just enough to make the illusion real. Then she waited for a couple minutes until she couldn't hear anything from below and carefully made her way back onto the branch.
Hearing a snap of a branch, Alexandra immediately thought of Callie. She must have fallen. But when no sounds of someone hitting the ground followed, Alexandra let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. The large man was looking at the direction of the sound, and Alexandra was just about to create an illusion of a bird when she heard a sparrow song. Seemed like she and Callie thought alike.
With the man's concentration scattered, Alexandra knew this would be her only chance to escape without having to use any more magic. Since the forest was pretty packed with trees, Alexandra didn't have much trouble transferring from the tree she was on to the next one. Silently moving to the lowest branch on the tree, she went under it so she was only hanging on by her hands. Attempting to drop without a sound, Alexandra let go. Although she somehow managed to land without any loud sounds, she had miscalculated the height of the drop. Her foot in extreme pain, Alexandra limped over to a tree with an oversized trunk and sat behind it.
Then, doing her best to copy the bird sound Callie made (with a mix of actual whistling and illusion sound), Alexandra prayed Callie would be able to locate her. She was still absurdly close to the man—only six trees separated them—and she wasn't sure if she'd be able to run any more with the pain in her foot. Looking behind herself, Alexandra started memorizing the patterns of the tree bark and ground in which she sat. If the man decided to come investigate, Alexandra had to have some illusion to hide by. And although she couldn't make herself invisible, she could camouflage herself.
Callie's ears pricked up at the answering call. She wanted it to be Alexa, but since she couldn't see her she couldn't be positive it was her. So, she tried again. Taking a deep breath she uttered the birdsong she used a minute ago. C'mon, Alexa...c'mon... she wished as she waited. Then she heard it, the sparrow's whistle that matched hers exactly. Callie smiled now, knowing it was her friend who uttered it. Carefully moving, she began to hop from tree to tree, heading toward the direction of second whistle. Agile and used to swinging from branches since she was little, she quickly saw Alexa sitting on the ground below her. Alexa looked up and motioned for her to stay there, which Callie did.
Then they both heard a new sound. Another man was walking toward the one that was there first. This man was taller, but not by much. He was less muscular than the first man and he looked pissed, which surprised the two girls. The two men made eye contact and the man who just came in pushed the bigger man. He didn't knock him down, but he made it seem like he was supposed to. Then the angry man took out his hunting dagger and flashed it for a second so that the bigger man could see it.
"Nobody messes with my neice, got it?" This was all he said. He then pitched the dagger downward, causing the blade to stick straight through the bigger man's right foot. The bigger man screamed in pain and hobbled away quickly, the dagger still in his foot. Satisfied, the man left standing looked up in the trees.
"Calliope? Come on down from there, honey. Nobody's gonna hurt you now." The man raised his hand as if to help her out of the tree.
What just happened? was the first thing that cross Alexandra's mind. Let's get this straight. First, this new guy comes in. Second, this new guy stabs the old (old as in he was here before) guy in the foot. Third, the old guy leaves. And, last, this new guy claims to be Calliope's uncle? Something is messed up here...
Alexandra, assuming this man had been following them for a while (since he wouldn't coincidentally be in the woods when his niece just so happened to be in danger), didn't bother to hide. Standing up and leaning against the tree to hide the pain in her foot, Alexandra said, "Why don't you come over here? I'm not going to walk into a man who has a knife in his hand and just stabbed someone. And neither is Calliope." Alexandra was grateful towards this man for helping them, but she added a little bit of coldness into her tone. He was way too suspicious for his own good. For anyone's own good.
Looking over at Calliope, Alexandra silently whispered, "Niece? You didn't tell me you had family following you. Who is he?"
Alexandra was in a bad mood. And she had every reason to be (at least in her opinion. She was chased out of her camp by a gigantic bounty hunter (assuming he was a bounty hunter), then she had to go to the guy wanting to capture her to get Calliope's stuff, and then she had to run from him. If that wasn't bad enough, he was also a better runner and tracker than she thought, leading in her getting almost cornered. She then sprained (she thinks) her ankle, and now she's stuck with some obsessed stalker uncle trying to help them. Yeah, she had every reason to be in a bad mood.
Callie stared wide-eyed at the man claiming to be her uncle and she whispered back to Alexa. "I had no idea I even had an uncle. But he very well could be...he looks a lot like Papa!"
She gave him a good once over and liked what she saw. She missed her father so much, and it was apparent that this man could be her Papa's brother. So why didn't she know about him? She pondered this fact and decided that it didn't really matter. He was here, wasn't he?
But she also noted the change in Alexa's demeanor. She seemed like an animal with her hackles raised. She obviously didn't trust him...but why not? Callie thought she was being absurd. This man just saved their lives!
The man did as Alexa wished and walked right over to her without so much as a backward glance. He picked up on her defiant stance and quickly apologized.
"I didn't mean any harm, miss. I was just trying to help you two from harm." He took Alexa's hand in his own and kissed it, bending down to one knee as he did so. "Will you ever forgive me?"
When Alexa just stared at him, dumbfounded, he straightened up and decided to introduce himself. "I'm known as Flynn. Calliope is my niece, although she doesn't know it. I'm pleased to make your aquaintance," he said.
Looking at her hand as if there was poison on it, Alexandra didn't even know what to think. Callie seemed to trust the man completely, so Alexandra had to be extra wary. Staring Flynn in the eyes, Alexandra said, "I'm known as many things. However, you will know me as Alexandra. As for you history and why Calliope doesn't know you... well, don't think you can escape that. But for now, I am grateful you saved our lives. So thanks."
Sighing, Alexandra didn't have any energy to fight. In general, she could run for quite a bit longer before getting tired. She was used to running. But using a more complex illusion (even though it would seem simple to any who heard it) had drained her. And her foot was killing her. God, she really had to fix her foot. Especially if they really did have a few more days to travel... Wait, Alexandra thought. Do we have to travel with Flynn now, too?! Ugh...
Turning towards Callie, Alexandra asked, "Am I right in remembering you said you could use your music to heal?" Glancing down at her foot, Alexandra quickly took off her shoe. Her ankle was swelling. A lot.
Callie gasped when she saw Alexa's foot. "Wow, how in Heavens did you do that? No wonder you're grumpy. You're hurt!" Callie cried. Then turning to Flynn, she shrugged. "I know I'm supposed to formally introduce myself, since we don't really know each other...but I've got to tend to my friend first. This won't take long," she explained.
Sitting beside Alexa, she took a measured breath as if to mentally gather herself for this task. Starting with the key of E, Callie sang softly of warmth and positiveness. Her voice carried through Alexa's mind right away, causing the tendrils of healing to flow through her ankle as well. The hurt began to subside a little, but not much. Callie picked up on this and changed to the key of G, making the web stronger. Callie's song suggested that Alexa's foot was in a basin of cool water mixed with menthol herbs to soothe and cleanse the pain away, at least that's what it felt like to her. Callie rocked her song back and forth, massaging Alexa's ankle with sound until the pain was gone. Then she finished up with an image of Taurus strength, pushing into Alexa's mind the truth of being able to walk again.
"There, that should do it. Do you feel like you can stand up and try out your ankle?" Callie asked Alexa.
Flynn had never in his life heard something as beautiful as Calliope's healing song. He closed his eyes and reached with his mind the love he felt for her. Of course, he would never share that thought with anyone...not even his own mother. But Calliope was special, a prize gift to him. He only hoped he wouldn't do something stupid and ruin it.
When she was done, Fynn opened his eyes and looked at his niece with wonder. "How did you learn how to sing so well, Calliope? I mean, I know you've been to school...but Gods! You make it seem so natural! I'm so proud of you, honey," he gushed.
Oh, how Alexandra loved magic. Especially in this instance. The song was beautiful, and the pain subsided almost immediately. Hesitant at first, Alexandra slowly stood up and walked around in a few circles.
"Amazing," Alexandra said quietly. Callie's magic not only calmed the swelling and pain of Alexandra's foot, it also calmed her mood and actually gave her some energy. Smiling, Alexandra ignored the uncle fawning over his niece and walked around a little more.
When she was finally convinced that her ankle had fully healed, Alexandra put her shoe back on. Then she remembered that her shirt was covered in dirt, bark, and hair dye. And they had to get to Cerenis (although not just to replace her shirt). Standing up and turning towards Callie and her uncle, Alexandra said, "I hate to ruin the moment but we better get going to Cerenis. Although it's unlikely that guy will follow us with that energy, he might have some friends that will. Some bounty hunters work alone and some work in groups. I don't know about you guys, but I don't really want to wait and find out."
Pausing, Alexandra looked up at the sun. It didn't seem like they had lost much more than an hour since they left camp. Perhaps two hours total. And with the crazy early time Callie had decided to be a rooster, this was about when Alexandra got up normally.
"You'll have plenty of times to share stories and get to know each other when we walk. I don't really know about either of you two," Alexandra said while staring at Flynn, "but we're going to be stuck together for a few days. I want to understand the situation I'm in." Alexandra already had the gist of Callie's situation, but she had no idea what Flynn was like. Even in a good mood she was still suspicious of him. The stalker uncle.
Before Callie could say a word, Fynn jumped in and saved the day. Or so he thought.
"I know a great shortcut to Cerenis, we should really take that way since Alexandra is a little afraid of these boogeymen after her. We won't be seen if you follow me," he reasoned. "Besides, I'm the ringleader now. I'm the protective male and you two are the two innocent vixens in distress," he shrugged. "Makes perfect sense to me."
He steered the girls farther into the woods as he talked. "So, Calliope. Yes, I'm your uncle...I'm your father's brother. And the reason you hadn't known of me until today was because your parents just failed to mention my existence. I'm kind of the outcast of the family, doing things my way instead of the tried and true ways of your family." he explained. "I'm not a bad guy, though. I just didn't conform to the ways of the Great Granthropes."
After a while, they came to a clearing on the southside of the village of Oakbrook. Fynn knew this area like the back of his hand, and he had no trouble pointing out landmarks he knew to the girls. "I'm kinda thirsty. How 'bout you two? Want some ale?"
Callie nodded and smiled. Thank Heavens Uncle Fynn showed up when he did, she thought. I don't know what I would have done without him. "Thanks, Uncle Fynn! I've had ale at School before and I'd like some. How about you, Alexa?" she turned to her friend and found her scowling.
What was with her? She didn't have any more ankle troubles, Callie was sure of it. But something about Alexa was amiss...something Callie couldn't quite put her finger on. It was almost like the presence of her new uncle was pissing her new friend off. But why? True, they really didn't know him....but he was family, for pete's sake! He couldn't be all that bad, not in Callie's mind.
Afraid of these bogeymen? Innocent vixens? Distress? Alexandra's good mood: ruined.
Callie believed in him. Completely. That meant Alexandra would have to speak to him alone. Scowling, Alexandra made sure the uncle understood he wasn't trusted. For all she knew, he wasn't even Callie's uncle! And yet Callie gave in to him so quickly. Shaking her head, Alexandra didn't know why her new friend was so easy to give away trust.
"No thanks. I don't drink ale," Alexandra explained. Smiling, Alexandra decided to play it nice. Even though she didn't trust the Fynn, she couldn't do anything about it now. Might as well enjoy the time they had to spend together.
Or not. "So... Fynn... let me get straight to the point," Alexandra started with a cold, fake smile. "Why were you following us?"
Fynn, seeing right through Alexandra's smile for how she really felt, was taken aback. What a rude little bitch, he thought. Here I am sweating my balls off trying to make nice and she's acting like I'm attacking her! He started making plans right then and there to get rid of her.
Fynn matched Alexandra's cold smile. "Calliope is family. Of course I want to know how she's doing, so I've been following you guys to make sure your trip to Cerenis was safe. It's a good thing I've been watching you two...you haven't forgotten the trouble you got yourselves into back there in the woods?" he raised his eyebrow, quietly challenging her.
Callie smiled warmly at her uncle. "You're so sweet, Uncle Fynn. How thoughtful of you!" she gushed. She finally felt needed in the way she never felt at School, she felt like she was loved.
However, she was puzzled greatly by the relationship building by her uncle and her friend. Why were they so at odds with each other? Alexa just didn't see how cool this was, Callie thought. She wasn't an expert at reading body language, but she knew it was obvious that Alexa did not like Uncle Fynn. At all. What she couldn't figure out was the reason why. Uncle Fynn had been nice enough to rescue them from ultimate peril and was offering to take them all the way to Cerenis...that's not a reason to hate him! Callie just couldn't figure Alexa out.
"Ah..." Alexandra started. "No, I didn't forget how you appeared out of nowhere like the knight in shining armor. And if you wanted to check on your beloved niece, why didn't you join us right away? Instead, you follow us until we need you. Isn't that a bit... oh, I don't know... suspicious?"
Alexandra picked up the pace, wanting to get to Cerenis as quick as possible. She knew she was in one bad situation. Alexandra promised Callie she would travel with her until Callie found somewhere safe to settle down. And although Callie probably trusted her uncle enough to stay with him, Alexandra didn't. Because she also promised to keep Callie safe. Maybe the creepy stalker uncle was safer than her. But until she knew every last thing about him, she wasn't going to let him have her.
At that, Callie rounded on her friend. "Y'know what? You're being awfully standoff-ish to my uncle. I don't know what's the matter with you, but you need to work on your attitude. Pronto." she hissed through clenched teeth. Turning to her uncle, she gave him a sheepish grin. "I'm really sorry about Alexa. Apparently she has some trust issues."
Callie was thrilled that her Uncle Flynn had come to save her and Alexa. Hell, she was thrilled that she now had an Uncle Flynn that came and saved her. He was strong willed and even a little handsome, and Callie felt her heart flutter when she thought how lucky she was to gain his presence in her life. But there was one little guy he had left to meet. She took off her backpack and reached inside, carefully lifting out the very sleepy Widget.
"Look, Widgie! We have an uncle!" she said as she held him up to Flynn.
Fynn almost rolled his eyes at the smelly ferret but stopped himself just in time. I'd forgotten about her ferret. I can't stand ferrets, he grumbled silently.
He worked at pasting a smile on his face at the sight of Widget. "Ahh, what a cutie," he purred. Taking the animal into his arms, he faced Alexa. "Well, now...is that what you're worried about? Being suspicious? After all this time watching you, I could ask you the same thing. So let me ask you this...how come your hair is brown now? When Callie first met you, it was white." he stated matter of factly as his eyes bored into Alexa's. "Seems to me, that's suspicious behavior if I ever saw it."
My hair?! thought Alexandra. He's worried about my hair?
Laughing at the ridiculousness of it all, Alexandra replied, "My hair changing colors is suspicious? My hair dye just washed out, that's all." At least that meant he hadn't watched them bathe. "And yes, I'm suspicious. I'm probably more dangerous to be around than you. But until I know that for sure, I'm going to stay with Callie. Feel free to come with, perhaps that will allow us both to keep an eye out for each other."
Then, turning to Callie, Alexandra started to calm down. "I don't mean to be harsh, but your uncle is kind of being standoff-ish to me, too. The fact is, Callie, traveling with either of us was probably a bad decision on your part. I have a feeling your uncle isn't innocent, but neither am I. I already warned you about that. But perhaps Fynn could tell us about the dangers following him? I need to know what to prepare for."
Alexandra ignored the trust issues part. She had some things to say to that, but they'd all add more tension and annoyance. Listening to the woods, Alexandra was glad she still could hear anybody following them. At least Fynn seemed to be taking them on a safe path.