The Wood (original) (raw)

Three young women emerge from the woods. Two of them are distinctly otherworldly; youthful--even childlike--in face and form, they exude wisdom and self-possession. The third member in the party is clearly an adolescent. She is quiet, sulky, and just a touch angry.

"It doesn't feel right being here," Aislinn murmurs. "My sisters are still at that horrid foster care facility. Shouldn't we wait until after the hearing... y'know, when they'll be with us?"

Cadence Illyria slants her ward a silencing glance. In an even tone, she replies, "Enough. We've discussed this issue, and it is done. Your sisters will join us when the courts grant me their guardianship. I promise you, Linna, that it is just a matter of when, not if. Now," she continues in a softer voice, "I brought you here because I want you to relax. You've been under a lot of strain, and making yourself ill serves no purpose."

"Besides, I've heard there're some hot guys here, m'friend! Once they see your pretty face, how can they resist? And trust me, there is nothing like a nice, loooong kiss to take your mind off troubles!" Tambre is grinning playfully as Aislinn's cheeks burn with embarrassment. Cady merely shakes her head at her cousin as they approach the home.