Ria allowed herself to be led inside and settled into a comfortable sitting room, the furniture worn but well-kept overall. She chose an armchair over the couch, unwilling to sit next to anyone at the moment. She was already starting to reach sensory overload and the thought of having to sit next to virtual strangers and be on constant guard was overwhelming.

Ward's, mother she thought, glanced at her and turned to Lynne, "Darling, please fetch a cup of tea for our guest. She's had a rather rough day so far, so please refrain from teasing your brother as well."

Lynne dragged slowly from the room, throwing curious glances over her shoulder as she went. The older woman sat across from her, a gentle expression on her face. "There now, take a deep breath. Whatever has happened, we'll sort it out. I am Faye Kiftan but you can call me Faye."

Ria inhaled slowly, breathing deeply as Faye recommended. Feeling slightly more settled, she nodded, "Thank you, Faye. I'm Allegria Willows but you can call me Ria. I am apparently a, star traveler?" She looked at Ward to see if she had the term right and he nodded encouragingly. Turning back to Faye, she continued, "I went to sleep last night in my bed and I woke this morning in a clearing surrounded by purple trees, of all things."

They both waited for Ward to translate and Ria moved learning the universal language up a few steps in the order of importance.

Faye thought it over for several long moments before responding. "It seems like you were most surprised by purple trees. What color are the trees in the world you came from?"

Ria smiled, "They have green leaves and brown trunks and smell like pine, not purple and eggplant and cinnamon and clove. It is quite the difference, although the trees here are lovely in their own way. What about you, what were the trees like in the world you came from?"

Faye shrugged calmly, "I have no idea. I was born and raised in a slum in the middle of a city, I never saw a tree. I never saw a tree, a flower, or a clean sky until after we arrived here in Audrilandre. Of course, we chose to come here, accepted the invitation happily. I am assuming that that was not the case for you?" She paused, turning her attention to the doorway. "Ah, here's Lynne with the tea."

The younger woman returned, handing both her and Ward a steaming earthenware mug before taking the seat next to her mother. Her manner was more subdued but the curiosity still gleamed brightly in her eyes. She chirped brightly, "Hi, I'm Lynne! Who are you and where did you meet my brother?"

Both Ward and Faye reprimanded her brashness, but Ria couldn't help her smile, Lynne's whole demeanor and mannerism reminding her of Charlotte. "Nice to meet you, Lynne. I'm Ria and I met your brother during the course of his guardian duties, I'm afraid. Nothing exciting to tell."

Lynne bounced excitedly in her seat, "You're a star traveler! I didn't understand a word you just said but you have a lovely voice."

A laugh slipped from Ria and she relaxed back into the chair, taking a sip of the tea. It reminded her of chamomile, subtle and soothing. "If you would just be patient for a moment, I'm sure that your brother will translate." Turning to Ward, she asked, "Are all younger sisters like this? It's like seeing my sister Charlotte sitting there, all sparkling curiosity and impatience."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ward grinned at her, "I have often found this to be the case. Still, I'd best share before she combusts."

Lynne pouted and Ria contented herself with sipping her tea while Ward spoke. It wasn't quite like the chamomile she was familiar with, a bright note lurking just under the soothing overtones and Lynne had taken the liberty of sweetening her mug, something that she found herself grateful for. The sweet tea helped steady her, easing the oncoming headache she could feel from not having eaten recently. So intent was she on trying to puzzle out the bright note that she had obviously missed part of the conversation.

Her attention was brought back to the room at large when Ward called her name. She blinked when she saw them staring at her expectantly, feeling her cheeks warm. "I'm sorry, I was enjoying the tea. What was the question?"

Faye smiled warmly at her, "It's one of my special blends, good for when things seem to just be too much. I can share it with you later, if you'd like. I was just curious if you were hungry. The stew is ready and there is more than enough for everyone."

Knowing that Ward had planned on surprising his family and that she was entirely unexpected, she hesitated for a long moment. It would be rude to take advantage of their kindness. However, her stomach decided to answer for her, a low growl echoing clearly through the quiet room. She knew that her face must be positively aflame but she managed to force out politely, "That would be most appreciated, thank you."

Faye rose, gesturing for Ward and Lynne to join her. Resting her hand briefly on Ria's shoulder as she went by, she murmured just loud enough for Ria to hear, "Don't fret, there's more than enough and then some. Just rest and take a moment to process. I know that I was overwhelmed when we first came, it's perfectly normal. You are welcome here for as long as you need, so you don't need to make any further plans for the moment. Just rest and if you need us, for any reason, we'll be just in the other room."

Before Ria could manage to find the words to respond, the room was empty except for herself. A steam curl rose and reminded her of the warm tea still cradled in her hands. She took another long sip and leaned back in the chair, allowing herself to take a deep breath and a moment of peace before starting to sort out her situation.

X

Ward was relieved when their mother joined them in the kitchen. She had spoken too quietly for him to hear what she was saying to Miss Willows, to Ria he guessed, he just hoped that the other woman hadn't upset her with whatever her reply was.

Faye just arched a brow at him, "Don't give me that look. Did you really think that one lost girl could upset me? You seem to forget that I grew up in the slums of Tithesis, it'll take more than a few harsh words or a frightened child lashing out to even begin to rattle me. But before you can start to fret, she didn't say anything."

Ward sighed, obediently moving to grab the fresh loaf of bread that she indicated and slice it. "It's not wrong of me to worry about my family. I know that things are better here in Audrilandre, I do, but there has never been a situation like this. Even if you were accustomed to worse, I want to protect you from ever having to deal with something like that again. Is that so wrong of me?"

She cupped his cheek and smiled at him, "No, Ward, that makes you a very good person. Your protective streak is why you were chosen as a guardian after all." She allowed her hand to drop and moved away to check the stew that was simmering gently on the stove. "Lynne, go air out the guest room and place some fresh linens."

Lynne sighed and grumbled under her breath but did as she was asked. Once she was out of the room, Faye continued, "Now, why don't you tell me a little more about what exactly this 'situation' is."

Relief flowed through him as he started his story, "I was finishing up my loop and looking forward to coming here when I heard a woman's voice, asking if anyone was there. Now, I knew that there was no one supposed to be there, it was in the middle of Sprinth forest and there is no one settled there, the monsters are too restless for that. I almost thought that I'd misheard until she called again. So of course I headed over to investigate, only to find Miss Willows standing there in Outworlder clothes, waving around a heavy branch and accusing me of kidnapping her..."