“Yeah… Don’t know why though.”

Esta opened her mouth to respond, but Illon kind of freaked out. Instead, she patiently waited for them to finish their rant.

“Oh, wow, did I just say that? Must’ve slipped. Did not mean it, nope. No way. We’re the duo of the century. You’re awesome and I’m… Well… I’m… okay…”

Esta looked at Illon with a soft smile when they had finished, placing a very light hand on their shoulder. She understood self-doubt very well, and really anything that had to do with bad self-image.

"You're so much more than that, Illon!" The healer said gently. "I hang out with you because you're smart and kind, and altogether a good friend! I understand it can be hard to understand that, and life sucks sometimes, but you are my best friend, Illon! And I do care about you! I love you, Illon. Platonically, of course, but love nonetheless. Nothing can ever change that."

---

“Yeah, okay. An otter is definitely more fitting than a squirrel for Agnar. Though, I do say- Salen might be more of a honey badger representing patience, tenacity, cleverness, security, friendship, gratitude, and persistence. Which I think works all around for Salen.”

“While that does fit, are we sure that you just don’t want me being a dove so that you can have the bird area for yourself?”

Isabella snorted. "Oh, that's absolutely why." She agreed. "Though it does fit."

Agnar, who had gotten the answer he needed for his idea (mission complete!), just smirked and looked at his mentor playfully. "Don't be jealous, Eni! You'll always be my favorite bird." He stated, patting Eni's shoulder reassuringly.

---

"Okay, that's completely fine," Ambrose said kindly, glancing around as well. "Does this presence feel dangerous?"

"Yes," Karma replied, voice edging on annoyance. Ambrose remained unfazed.

"Alright, thinking back, when you last felt something like this, was there a threat?"

"I-" Karma shut their mouth, having to think. It had been a while since they'd actually thought about that. Last time? No, last time they'd felt like they were being watched they'd already been with the group, in their tent. Nothing had happened. "No-"

"Does this feel the same as that?"

"I... I guess."

"So, I'm not saying there isn't a threat, but it is possible that there's not, correct."

Karma hesitated again, taking a breath. What was this?

"I guess not." They muttered.

"Right, let's look at it this way. You're in a group that will help you fight if you need it, so, if there is a real threat, I'm sure we can take care of it, but, one more question. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but is there a possibility that something else that happened triggered this emotion just now?"

Karma glanced over, spying Ambrose examining him with an analytical yet kind gaze. Those eyes looked so familiar.

"I-I think. I had a... a panic attack earlier. I guess that my emotions could be a little heightened." They said this all with a rather reluctant and nervous tone, but they still said it. They were giving a sign of vulnerability that was rare in the normally well-guarded skeptic. They couldn't help it, Ambrose was just... too much like him.

"That could be it." Ambrose agreed. "How about this, I can stick with you until we get where we're going just in case, okay? And if something happens, I'll help you, alright?"

Karma looked at Ambrose and felt themselves silently melt. "Okay." They said softly, earning a warm smile from Ambrose.

"Okay."

Amel Wyther | 26 | Male | Demisexual | Leader | Mentions; All

Salen Frez | 25 | Female | Pansexual | Diplomat | Mentions; All

Eni Vizin | 27 | Non-Binary | Demisexual | Mentor | Mentions; All

Illon Elatos | 24 | Non-Binary | Asexual Demiromantic | Inventor | Mentions; All

--

“You're so much more than that, Illon! I hang out with you because you're smart and kind, and altogether a good friend! I understand it can be hard to understand that, and life sucks sometimes, but you are my best friend, Illon! And I do care about you! I love you, Illon. Platonically, of course, but love nonetheless. Nothing can ever change that.”

--

And despite the kind words, despite how much Illon wanted to believe them… They shied away from the expectations, deflating at each compliment. They gave a small, awkward laugh when she was done talking though, hoping to play it off as their complete lack of social cues. They had worried Esta enough, “Yeah… Guess that’s true.”

*~*~*~*

“Oh, that’s absolutely why. Though it does fit.”

--

“Don't be jealous, Eni! You'll always be my favorite bird.”

--

“I am not jealous! I just thought the honey badger fit her more!” Eni huffed, their tone amused. “Besides, she doesn’t have wings! She can’t be a bird! There are like, whole civilizations and cities of people that only have wings! I’m from one! I’ve met the dove family! They’re so mean!”

--

Salen laughed a bit at that, rolling her eyes and deciding not to comment. That was honestly the funniest thing someone had said today though, even if it might actually be true.

*~*~*~*

Le Time Skip

*~*~*~*

Amel stopped in the middle of a relatively big clearing, the sun was starting to set. This place would have to do for tonight, he’d find it on his map once the tents were all put up and see how far they’d managed to get in a day without any breaks. They rest here for tomorrow depending on that, and then the next day they could get moving again.

--

He turned the group, projecting his voice to be heard by the whole group. “Alright everyone! This’ll be our camp for tonight. Agnar and Illon are on firewood duty today so someone else will have to get their tents up for them. Other than that though, go ahead and get settled in! I’ll tell everyone the plan for tomorrow once dinner’s made, which will be on either Salen or Eni tonight, fight about that amongst yourselves.”

--

And with that, he turned and picked a spot for his tent, setting his bag holding it down. It never took him long to make it, so he’d probably be done before Illon and Agnar were back.

--

Salen narrowed her eyes at the orders. She didn’t mind dinner duty; no, that wasn’t the problem. No, the problem was that he just picked last night’s guard and who was supposed to have been last night’s guard for firewood. It was probably a scheme to get back at that, since firewood was usually a long task, depending on the area. But there was no way to argue it right now without chance of Amel pulling a cheap blow and threatening the secrecy of the argument. That, and it would be much harder to ignore it when Amel was around to stop them from giving the job to someone else. In the meantime though…

--

Eni looked at Salen, who seemed to be rather deep in thought, “I want dinner duty.”

--

Salen looked over at Eni with the speed of a whip, “No, he said my name first. It’s my turn to cook dinner.”

--

“Which name he said first doesn’t matter! I’ve been cooking longer than you have, so I know more about it! I’m cooking!” Eni crossed their arms, eyes boring into Salen.

--

Salen bored her own right back, lazily crossing her arms. “As if that means you’re a better cook. Objectively, I should cook since both Esta and Isabella like my food more. And who likes your food more? Agnar? If even him.”

--

Eni wrenched back as if they’d been slapped before leaning forward, “That’s not fair! Those two are like, your girlfriends! They don’t count!”

--

Salen froze, face going beet red at that. She sputtered and coughed, not sure how to respond. Eni grinned triumphantly, “Since you can’t refute, I’m cooking.”

--

With that Eni went to set up their and Agnar’s tent, leaving Salen to stand there completely flustered and trying to process what just happened.

*~*~*~*

Illon watched the argument unfold and then tried to hold back a laugh, they elbowed Esta and whispered, “Now’s your chance. Go sweep the two up off their feet!”

--

They spotted Agnar after speaking, and gave Esta a finger gun. The three would probably get together right now. And sure, then Esta would leave, but- Well. Her happiness was definitely more important, plus… They might get invited when the three get married, if only because they’d at one point had been close to Esta.

--

So, they hurried off to Agnar to let Esta deal with her two crushes alone- After all, they were supposed to be going and collecting firewood now. The bubble tightened against them as they came up to Agni, but they ignored it for the most part, tapping Agnar’s shoulder and gesturing towards the woods so that the two could go and look for firewood.

“Alright everyone! This’ll be our camp for tonight. Agnar and Illon are on firewood duty today so someone else will have to get their tents up for them. Other than that though, go ahead and get settled in! I’ll tell everyone the plan for tomorrow once dinner’s made, which will be on either Salen or Eni tonight, fight about that amongst yourselves.”

Esta listened to Eni and Salen's conversation, her face growing red.

“Now’s your chance. Go sweep the two up off their feet!”

"Illon!" The healer protested, her face nearly as red as her hair at this point. She gave her friend a nervous, fake angry look. They were right though... maybe this was her chance? Taking a deep breath she looked to where Illon was tapping Agnar's shoulder one last time before approaching Salen and Isabella who were both looking flustered.

"Um, hey!" She managed, realizing when she spoke that this was going to be even harder than she thought.

Isabella, who was blushing from Eni's words, looked over and cleared her throat, managing a somewhat flirtatious smile. "Hey princess."

This, of course made Esta practically choke in surprise and embarrassment.

Isabella, rather awkwardly, rubbed the back of her neck. "Y'know, I wouldn't necessarily mind if what Eni said was true... I like you both a lot." It was taking everything she had to keep her complete composure, but she managed... barely.

Esta pretty much lost it. "Wait, really? I-I mean... That's... Awesome! No, wait, sorry! I'm bad at this! I- uh, I like you both a lot too. Sorry." She dropped her eyes, her whole body feeling prickly and hot with embarrassment.

Isabella grinned, feeling a tiny bit more confident now. "Don't apologize, Star. What do you think, wise girl?"

---

Agnar looked over when he felt a tap on his shoulder and grinned at Illong welcomingly. He'd dropped off his yew branches near when he figured Eni (he assumed it was going to be Eni putting up his tent) would set up for him, that way they didn't get mixed up with fire wood. He also dropped off his bag and quiver of arrows (considering they were useless without a bow and he hadn't picked through them yet to see which ones were still usable) and made sure his knives were easily accessible.

"Ready, Illon?" He questioned, walking towards the trees and making sure he kept his pace slow enough for Illon to keep up rather than darting off. He was aware that Illon wasn't fond of talking, so Agnar took it upon himself to fill the silence. As usual.

"Oh, over there looks like there might be some dry wood! It's sheltered!" He said, pointing to a group of trees clutered together, he also gave a rather exaggerated gesture to show where they were heading. Mostly for Blair. Not that Blair was nesassarily there, but just in case. The ranger thought for a moment, figuring out what to speak about. Obviously, he wanted to avoid any discussion based around captivity and such, so, naturally, he settled on a light (or not so light) topic. Squirrels!

"How many little rodent terrors do you think are out here? I bet millions! Too bad I don't have my bow, Eni could make enemy stew!" He grinned, reaching the cluster of trees and kneeling to examine and gather wood. Then a thought hit him and he looked up. "Oh, hey, Illon? You're pretty good at making stuff, right? I want to make Eni something special, I was planning on carving it. I'm a pretty decent carver, I think, but do you maybe know anything or, like, have a certain tool I should use? It's okay if you don't know! I don't mind, I was just curious."

---

When they reached camp, Ambrose smiled kindly at Karma. "Nothing happened." He stated, not accusingly, or pridefully, it was more of just a statement.

"Guess not." Karma muttered, feeling a knot loosen in their stomach, though it didn't completely disappear. It never did. "Uh, thanks I guess." That's what they were supposed to say, right?

"Any time, Karma. Let's set up, shall we?"

Karma nodded silently, and, as usual, set up as far away from the center of camp as possible. Setting up was easy for them, they used their powers to move things around and set their items easily inside their tent without touching a single thing. When they were done, they looked over at Ambrose who was close to finished, being an experienced traveler, but not working nearly as fast as Karma.

The skeptic hesitated a moment before sighing and using their powers, again, to finish Amrose's tent for him, catching their friend (is that what this was? Friendship? Maybe just an alliance.) off guard.

"Thanks, Karma." Ambrose called, waving slightly, Karma just dipped their head and looked away.

"Sure."

Amel Wyther | 26 | Male | Demisexual | Leader | Mentions; All

Salen Frez | 25 | Female | Pansexual | Diplomat | Mentions; All

Eni Vizin | 27 | Non-Binary | Demisexual | Mentor | Mentions; All

Illon Elatos | 24 | Non-Binary | Asexual Demiromantic | Inventor | Mentions; All

--

“Ready, Illon?”

--

Illon gave a thumbs up, following Agnar. They felt bad about the bubble, of course, but it was easier to just go along. Once the two were further from the group it would loosen up, even if it wasn’t by much. Agnar deserved to get some kind of conversation out of this.

--

“Oh, over there looks like there might be some dry wood! It's sheltered!” Illon raised an eyebrow at the exaggeration, but decided against mentioning it. After all, who were they to question someone’s habits while speaking?

--

“How many little rodent terrors do you think are out here? I bet millions! Too bad I don't have my bow, Eni could make enemy stew!” And the only thing keeping Illon from laughing at that was the bubble, and maybe slight self-control.

--

“Oh, hey, Illon? You're pretty good at making stuff, right?” They froze from where they had started to look through the sticks, expectations… “I want to make Eni something special, I was planning on carving it. I'm a pretty decent carver, I think, but do you maybe know anything or, like, have a certain tool I should use? It's okay if you don't know! I don't mind, I was just curious.”

--

Illon stared at the sticks for a moment, before shrugging and rubbing the back of their neck. Okay, so… Maybe the shrug was downplaying how much they knew. But, if they acted as if they knew less than they did, maybe the expectations would lower?

--

“I,uh… Carving isn’t my specialty and all but… Well, it depends on what you’re trying to carve out and what wood you’re working with… But, in general, there are different tools to use. Like wood carving gouges, there’s a lot of different kinds for those. There’s also wood carving mallets, again there’s lots of those. There’s also chip carving knives, which is great for detailed work after the entire thing is done or if the wood that you’re working with is already the right shape and size to just use that. Of course, that’s if you aren’t doing green woodworking- In that case, a carving hatchet, shave horse, drawknife, one or two spokeshaves, axe, straight carving knife, hook knife/spoon carving knife/crook knife, splitting wedges, wooden maul/hammer, splitting froe, t-handle auger, bowl adze, foot adze, green wood marking pencils, and uh- Everything else I mentioned for the regular stuff, I have the basic stuff, like the gouges, mallets, the different knives, and the pencils.”

--

As they spoke, Illon went through the sticks, setting aside the good ones. Despite how much they hated to admit it, they had experience in most areas of anything that could create things. To be honest, the only thing he didn’t have the most experience with was art. They were more into the mechanical side of things, after all.

*~*~*~*

“Um, hey!”

--

“Hey princess.”

--

Salen had to choke back laughter after that, she honestly hadn’t been expecting Eni to throw her under the bus but… Well, those two were definitely into each other. She didn’t know if they were into her though.

--

“Y'know, I wouldn't necessarily mind if what Eni said was true... I like you both a lot.”

--

“Wait, really? I-I mean... That's... Awesome! No, wait, sorry! I'm bad at this! I- uh, I like you both a lot too. Sorry.”

--

“Don't apologize, Star. What do you think, wise girl?”

--

Salen stared at the two of them, pretty sure that she was redder than a tomato at this point. “Well…” She took a steadying breath, putting on a grin. “I’ve been trying to figure out when to tell you both, and I suppose this is about as good a time as any.”

--

She cleared her throat and looked at the two, “I, Salen Vieda Frez, am in love with two beautiful, amazing, and intelligent women. Isabella Finley and Esta Haron, and it would make my day if what Eni said came true.”

--

Yeah, she was going to be cheesy with it. Why wouldn’t she? It was a good way, in her opinion. Plus, the two had dealt with her cheesiness before. They could deal with it again.

*~*~*~*

Eni set their and Agnar’s tents at where Agnar had set down his stuff, all the while listening to the declarations of love going on around them. Of course, Eni knew what would happen when they said that. And honestly? They did not regret it at all. Those three needed to stop simping and open their eyes, just realize that the other two loved them.

--

The tents were finished fairly quickly, they had always been quicker at it than one would think them to be, and Amel seemed to be done by the time they finished too. And despite what almost everyone thought of him, he seemed to have a slightly amused and affectionate look on his face at the girls getting together. Of course, it also held a look of obviously fake annoyance, but details!

“I, uh… Carving isn’t my specialty and all but… Well, it depends on what you’re trying to carve out and what wood you’re working with… But, in general, there are different tools to use. Like wood carving gouges, there’s a lot of different kinds for those. There’s also wood carving mallets, again there’s lots of those. There’s also chip carving knives, which is great for detailed work after the entire thing is done or if the wood that you’re working with is already the right shape and size to just use that. Of course, that’s if you aren’t doing green woodworking- In that case, a carving hatchet, shave horse, drawknife, one or two spokeshaves, axe, straight carving knife, hook knife/spoon carving knife/crook knife, splitting wedges, wooden maul/hammer, splitting froe, t-handle auger, bowl adze, foot adze, green wood marking pencils, and uh- Everything else I mentioned for the regular stuff, I have the basic stuff, like the gouges, mallets, the different knives, and the pencils.”

Agnar listened carefully as Illon spoke, trying to take note of everything.

"Whoa, I don't think I have any of that. Thanks, Illon! That's helpful. Hmm, what I'm planning to carve will probably take several days, I think I can make the outline with one of my knives, I have one specifically for carving, but for the details and such, some of that would probably be really nice to have. Any idea where I can find it?"

---

“Well… I’ve been trying to figure out when to tell you both, and I suppose this is about as good a time as any.”

Esta really did squeal this time, too excited to keep it in. Isabella grinned brightly, her eyes gleaming despite the obvious fact that she was repressing her urge to do the same as Esta.

“I, Salen Vieda Frez, am in love with two beautiful, amazing, and intelligent women. Isabella Finley and Esta Haron, and it would make my day if what Eni said came true.”

"Couldn't have said it better," Isabella replied. "I think it's settled then, I'm so happy that I have the honor of loving and serving the two most kind, smart, and beautiful women in the world."

Esta, who was physically unable of expressing her joy with words at the moment, tackled her new girlfriends in a tight hug. There were tears of joy in her eyes. She couldn't help but cry at the moment, her emotions were too heightened.

Yet, despite the immense amount of joy and affection that Esta felt, there was an underlying fear in her heart. She hadn't been this happy in a long time, but the last time she was it ended in disaster.

---

Once everything was set up, Ambrose shot a last smile at Karma and grabbed his guitar, heading towards the trees. He wanted someplace to unwind, someplace quiet, and, most importantly, somewhere that his music wouldn't bother Amel. As he passed the three girls, he smiled.

"Congrats, I'm happy for you three."

He said in his quiet voice, always polite and aware of what was going on around him.

---

Once he found a comfortable place out of earshot of the camp, Ambrose sat down with his back to a tree and pulled out his guitar, closing his eyes as he started to strum and then sing.

This was a song Ambrose had written a while ago, sometime after his mother's death, and it was very hard not to let his power out when he was singing it. It was, overall, about his and his mothers' relationship.

Ambrose's control slipped, the emotion poured out and his power seeped into his voice. Even the birds seemed to cease their whistling as he sang, allowing the words to reach their full power.

And there he stood, looking at his mother in that field. She was smiling at him, and she reached out to ruffle his hair, her mouth forming words Ambrose did not want to hear.

She started to fade and Ambrose reached out, finding his own hand looked like a child. Still, even as she faded, his mother continued to smile. A constant ray of light in the dark.

Ambrose finally opened his eyes, faintly aware that his cheeks were wet, but even as he strummed the last chord and sang the last words, his voice remained steady. Always steady.

Ambrose's shoulders slumped and he dipped his head, allowing himself to slip into the feeling of grief that had been resting in his heart and whole body for years now.

Amel Wyther | 26 | Male | Demisexual | Leader | Mentions; All

Salen Frez | 25 | Female | Pansexual | Diplomat | Mentions; All

Eni Vizin | 27 | Non-Binary | Demisexual | Mentor | Mentions; All

Illon Elatos | 24 | Non-Binary | Asexual Demiromantic | Inventor | Mentions; All

--

“Whoa, I don't think I have any of that. Thanks, Illon! That's helpful. Hmm, what I'm planning to carve will probably take several days. I think I can make the outline with one of my knives, I have one specifically for carving, but for the details and such, some of that would probably be really nice to have. Any idea where I can find it?”

--

“Well if you have the wood and a knife to do the big stuff with- You’d probably just want a chip carving knife, straight carving knife, or a type of chisel or gouge that’s good for details. I have some of those in my bag that you could borrow- Fair warning though, mine can also be used in metal which means you might have a few failed attempts in getting used to the carving on wood with them and all.” Illon shrugged as they spoke, this was a comfortable subject for them. Something they knew enough about to not disappoint.

*~*~*~*

“Couldn't have said it better. I think it's settled then, I'm so happy that I have the honor of loving and serving the two most kind, smart, and beautiful women in the world.”

--

Salen blushed, nodding in agreement before being tackled by Esta into a tight hug. She returned the hug with ease, allowing the moment to catch her.

--

“Congrats, I'm happy for you three.”

--

Somewhere in the distance, Eni gave a chuckle and a thumbs up at the trio. Amel huffed and puffed, pretending to be annoyed at the results. With their own congratulations given, they went about to try and figure out what they could cook. They’d probably end up with something a bit more solid, just to switch things up from the mostly liquid foods they group had been getting recently.

--

Amel decided to just go into his now made tent, he needed to figure out if they’d be taking a break tomorrow or not. So, he sat down and took his map from his bag. Depending on where they were he might have to go ahead and make a new plan, it’d mean they’d have to walk tomorrow too but… Eh, oh well. If they had managed to go further than he was expecting today though, then they could rest tomorrow. Regain their energy.

*~*~*~*

Salen eventually pulled away, not because she wanted to but because they did have to put up tents still and there was no telling when Agnar and Illon would get back. She’d rather not get stuck making her tent while dinner was being made, either way.

--

“We should probably get to making our tents, right?” She asked warmly, still lingering close enough to be pulled back into the hug if both of her new girlfriends decided that the hug wasn’t over yet. “After all, Eni’s already done with theirs so as soon as Agnar and Illon get here dinner will be in the making.”

--

She wasn’t sure what Eni had in mind for dinner, but if it were something easy like Esta had been doing recently, then if they didn’t get started before Illon and Agnar got back- The three may get stuck still making their tents when dinner was ready. Which definitely wasn’t what she was looking forward to.

Amel Wyther | 26 | Male | Demisexual | Leader | Mentions; All

Salen Frez | 25 | Female | Pansexual | Diplomat | Mentions; All

Eni Vizin | 27 | Non-Binary | Demisexual | Mentor | Mentions; All

Illon Elatos | 24 | Non-Binary | Asexual Demiromantic | Inventor | Mentions; All

--

“I'd love to borrow them if that's okay! I appreciate it. Do you think this is enough to head back?”

--

Illon glanced at the piles, not too big for either, even if combined it wouldn’t be much. Really, it just depended on whatever Eni was making… Which, Illon should be hoping was something they’d have no trouble eating… But then again, it wasn’t really that big of a deal if they couldn’t.

--

“I mean… Probably? We can always come back out and get more if it turns out that Eni needs more for what they're making.”

*~*~*~*

“Good idea. I've got to drop off Illon's stuff too, so I may as well put up their tent while I'm at it.”

--

“Yeah, that is a good idea. If I'm lucky I'll manage to get mine up before dark.”

--

“I'll help you, princess, don't worry. Just do what you can.”

--

“No problem. Well, see you two in a little, I guess.”

--

“Yeah, in a little!”

--

Salen nodded, waving a soft goodbye and making her way to where she had decided for her own tent to be. It never took her too long, though Isabella was admittedly much faster than she was. Salen learned quickly enough though to do it on her own. She risked a glance at Esta and held back a slight snicker at her girlfriend struggling with it, not a degrading one by any means. A fond one.

*~*~*~*

Amel took out his map and laid it out, going over it before finding the clearing the group appeared to be at currently. He circled it and then found the one the group had left that morning. Overall? The progress was about what he had expected, not more and not less. Going over the route he’d found again, the group could probably afford to have a break, though if they didn’t then they might get to the city quicker… But not getting a rest could prove to be detrimental, causing them to be slower… All in all, it was a better idea to take a rest here. Get back to full strength and then continue.

--

Then again… He could get the group’s opinion on it at dinner and they could decide, it might get them to listen a bit more. If they thought they had a choice and all. But given how they all were, the group was probably wanting a break anyways. If he already knew what the answers would be, why wait and confirm? He could just decide now to let them all have a break, and surely that would make him seem more lax, which in turn might help them to listen to him more.

--

He’d probably just go ahead and give them a break. He already knew their answers, and it was honestly the best course of action. So a win win scenario.

*~*~*~*

Eni went through what the group had to make for future meals and could see that most of it was stuff either for stews or meat. They’d go with the meat then, it was solid. It’d probably be better for everyone to go ahead and eat something other than stew for once.

--

Except… What about Illon? Could they have that right now? If Eni had to say, probably. It was about time Illon walked it all off anyways, they could deal with a solid meal. They would never get used to it if they didn’t start somewhere, after all. And no one else really seemed to realize that, so Eni would push it.

--

With that decided, it meant that they had a meal in mind and that they were just waiting for Agni and Illon to come back with the firewood. So, in the meantime, they made a fire pit so the duo would have a place to go ahead and put the firewood once they got back.

“I mean… Probably? We can always come back out and get more if it turns out that Eni needs more for what they're making.”

"Sounds good to me!" Agnar replied cheerfully, picking up his small pile and starting back towards camp, again making sure to pace himself so Illon could keep up. As he walked he instinctively looked around. Honestly, he was kind of seeking out Blair... not that he'd be able to see him. The guy was obviously good at hiding.

Still, Agnar couldn't help but wonder, surly he'd appreciate a warm meal, right? Considering that he was watching the group while keeping a low profile, it was unlikely that he'd had anything but cold, dry food to eat for a while. Maybe Agnar could ask Eni for an extra portion? Or even just half of one. That should work, and he could take guard duty again.

He didn't mind guard duty. He didn't sleep much anyway, and scouting just gave his mind something to do. If Eni got skeptical... or more rather worried, he could just sneak out for a little, say he was taking a walk. That would be believable, Agnar took walks often, to clear his mind and all that.

Making up his mind, Agnar started humming to himself, filling the silence.

---

By the time Isabella had gotten her tent up, Esta had managed a little more than a third of hers, struggling with the poles. She, in her good nature and patience, had gotten only slightly annoyed and was murmuring not words of anger at the inanimate object, but words of encouragement.

"Come one pole, you've got it, just stay upright! It's what you were made to do... literally!"

"Hate to burst your bubble, darling, but the poles don't understand encouragement." Isabella interrupted, smirking as she approached the healer who looked up and smiled.

"Yeah, well, that won't stop me from trying. Anything to get this up."

Bella laughed and took the pole from Esta's hand, starting to set up the tent properly. "Next time you can just ask for help, I'm sure everyone would be happy to help you. Oh, and I saw Eni put up Illon's tent too, that was nice of them."

"Maybe, and that was Karma, actually," Esta replied, trying to take mental notes as Isabella set up her tent. Karma still stood watching silently, leaning against a nearby tree.

"Wait, Karma?" Isabella questioned, pausing a moment, brows furrowing. "That's not... normal? Illon do something to earn a favor or something?"

Esta shook her head and Karma flinched inwardly, were they really that bad?

"Nope, they were just being nice."

Bella snorted and returned to setting up. "Now that's hard to believe. They work for their own benefit, that's become clear."

"I think we just don't understand them." The healer contradicted. "Maybe they just show their affection differently."

Karma bit the inside of their cheek and pushed off the tree, disappearing into their tent as the conversation continued. They didn't need to hear more, they were already aware of how unwelcome they were.

"Please don't take offense to this, Star, but you tend to ignore anything bad people do. Not everyone's nice."

The red-head shrugged, unaffected. "I just try to give everyone an equal chance. Some people have a harder time expressing themselves than others, and some struggle socially. A lot of times it's because it's what they know how to do, not necessarily because they want to. People's actions can be affected by their past experiences as well as mental disabilities like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Karma pretty obviously has ADHD, even though they haven't said anything about it. They're constantly fidgeting, they can't maintain eye contact well, they get jumpy and overstimulated easily, and they can get overly passionate about one topic without being able to move on. One of the most common struggles for a person with ADHD is social interaction, because of their tendency to be anxious or over-stimulated, many people with this disorder may avoid others so they don't have to figure out something to talk about or have an unneeded experience. Along with this, Karma has shown sides of severe depression and anxiety. Every time I've seen their aura, it's been dark. I wouldn't doubt some PTSD either."

Isabella blinked in surprise. "Huh, I wouldn't have thought."

Esta replied with a small smile. "I wouldn't expect you to. Most people don't. I'm a doctor, and my power allows me to see auras, I read people much better than most. I just wanted to prove my point, just because people seem a certain way on the outside doesn't always mean they're the same on the inside. You should be sensitive to that, even if it is hard."

"Well, evidently so." Bella finished with the tent and stood, facing Esta. "Anyone else in the group I should know about?"

"There's lots you don't know about the people here, specifically regarding mental health." The healer replied with a knowing smile. "But my patient's information is confidential. Even to my girlfriend."

The second in command smiled and shook her head. "I don't think I could ever be a doctor." She stated, earning a laugh from Esta.

---

Ambrose entered the camp and quietly sat down a little ways away from where Eni had made the fire pit, making sure he was out of the way. He didn't say anything, but the memories of his mother still weighed heavy on his chest. He really just wanted to lay down, sleep, and never wake up. At least, not for a long, long time. He just felt so tired and so guilty.

Amel Wyther | 26 | Male | Demisexual | Leader | Mentions; All

Salen Frez | 25 | Female | Pansexual | Diplomat | Mentions; All

Eni Vizin | 27 | Non-Binary | Demisexual | Mentor | Mentions; All

Illon Elatos | 24 | Non-Binary | Asexual Demiromantic | Inventor | Mentions; All

--

When the two had returned with their measly piles of firewood, Illon definitely noticed how Salen was making her way to where Esta and Isabella were talking. It had gone well then, definitely. Well, good for the trio, Illon supposed that meant their time as sidekick was up.

--

They tried not to let their disappointment show because of course they weren’t disappointed! They were happy for Esta! They were! Illon had been waiting for the day where the three got together! Plus, Agnar was still close enough to read their expression. Which wasn’t exactly great for them if they showed off disappointment and all.

--

Oh well! Just dump off the wood and get to their tent. That’s all they had to do. Someone probably put it up for them, that someone probably being Esta with the help of Isabella- So Illon could just go in there and wait until they had to join everyone at the campfire for the meal and all…

--

Eni was sitting near a firepit, so Illon nudged Agnar a bit towards there and made their way. Leave it to the cooks to remember a firepit was needed. The cooks usually bring Salen, Esta, and Eni. The three were just superior cooks, at least compared to Illon. Once their armful of firewood was in the pit, they glanced about, looking for their tent. At the sight of it, they made their way in without a word. Just some alone time, there was nothing wrong with having some alone time. Yeah.

*~*~*~*

Salen came over to where Esta and Isabella were standing after finishing her own tent, just in time to hear Esta laughing. “What’s so funny, love? Is there something going on I’m not aware about? Perhaps a little scheme of yours concerning that trip to the mall we’ll all be taking back in the city?”

--

She smiled lightly, looking at her girlfriends with ease. The two were certainly beautiful, and if they were allowing Salen to be by their sides? She would be, for however long that permission stayed. She hoped it stayed for a long while.

*~*~*~*

Eni watched as Illon put the firewood into the firepit and then escaped to their tent. And to that? Eni simply shook their head and sighed. There wasn’t really much else that Eni could do, they gave a nod to their son and then go up to go and find the ingredients for what they would be making that night.

--

It didn’t take long, to be fair. Just spices and meat. They could spice it as it cooked, that was how they tended to do it. The meat was of some rabbits, which was perfectly fine. It was stuff that Eni knew how to cook and flavor. So, grabbing it, they went back to the firepit. They’d start cooking soon then, it wouldn’t take too long. Less than an hour, definitely.

--

They did look up at their son though, “So, Agnar. Care to sit down with me? I could teach you to cook some. I’m sure you already know how and all, but it’d still be fun. Who knows? Maybe we’ll both learn something. That would be nice, in my opinion.” Eni’s voice was free of any tone that could make it seem like there wasn’t actually a choice, because their adoptive son definitely did have a choice.