The night was restless, and the shadows seemed to dance in the wind like a kite in the sky around the small fire. Around the camp birds and animals scuffled among the trees. Holly lay awake, her mind as restless as the night. Her thoughts were turned to the portal. What is Earthworld like? She wondered, it would be about 1768. It hasn't been that long since I left. Only a year. I wonder where everyone thinks I've gone. I hope they don't think I've been murdered... I wonder how Briar's going? She'd be about the same age as that girl who helped Eldon. I hope she's happy with Grandfather. She rolled over and stared into the fire and sighed. Why did I have to come here?
Opposite Holly lay Elvrina, her eyelids closed over her icy blue eyes. Her petite body was curled up underneath a spare brown cloak of Eldons. Holly would have let her borrow one of hers, but it ended up trailing behind her on the ground. So much has happened, thought Holly, would people back home even recognise me? Firstly, having a weapons. Mama would never approve of that. I'm not sure what Grandfather would say. He'd probably say to be myself, but behind the smiling eyes there would be some form of disappointment. Reed, he'd smile at me and pat me on the head, he would always underestimate me, he thought I was just a pretty face. But I am so much more than a pretty face now. I am no longer sweet, kind, elegant Holly Watson. I am a warrior. I am a friend. I am Holly Watson, and that is why I have to go back. I'll go back, find Briar, get her out of that stupid convent, and we'd make a life together. She is the reason I have to go back. She's the only one who doesn't care who I am, or what I can do.
Holly rolled over, and stared at the sky. Her eyes clouded and she didn't notice when Elvrina got up and sat next to her.
"Can't sleep?" She asked, her voice hollow.
"How did you guess?" Replied Holly, a touch of sarcasm intruding into her voice. Elvrina's lips upturned slightly and she gazed off into the distance.
"Listen, I don't know much about you, and you don't know much about me, so, to build some trust, why don't we tell the other a bit about ourselves. I'll tell you something, then, in return you tell me something. It doesn't have to be anything deep, just interesting quirks."
"Sure, sounds like a plan."
"So, I am allergic to nuts."
"Oh, that's unfortunate, I love nuts, mainly almonds. Um, I'm interested in mythology." Elvrina's eyes lit up, and she sat forwards a little more.
"Really?! Can you tell me something about mythology?"
"Um, well there's a myth in Isen, mainly Isgar though. Rani was brought up on a small island, but she was forced to flee to Isgar. Just before she left, her grandfather gave her a necklace, with the symbol of a winter cherry tree. She was told it would always lead her home. She was thrust into a new world, all alone, until she met a small squirrel, filled with remorse. Homesick, Rani wanted to find a way home Forgetting about the necklace, they traveled together, trying to find the way to get the young islander home. A new member of the group arrived, a beautiful wren that was more than it seemed, and before they knew it they were forced into a chase to the home of a magician, who always had the answers, while a war was happening. After many trials, they found the warlock, who told them the way home. After finding the way home, they joined in the war, fighting for freedom of Frish. But, it was soon over, and she went home, separated from both of her friends, finding her family dead from the soldiers that she had just fought with. Filled with regret, she wished to be back with her friends she had so cherished. But, she never did."
"Wow, that was ... Intense."
"Not the happiest of stories, is it?"
"No, it wasn't. Well, it was interesting. I never heard any stories like that in London."
"My older brother, Romeo, he loved to tell stories, mainly boring ones about political hero's though."
"You had siblings?"
"Yeah, 2 of them."
"I wish I had siblings," Elvrina said wistfully
"I wish I didn't."
"Why?" Asked Elvrina, curiosity entering her voice.
"It's a long story, not a happy one either," said Holly, a coldness entering her voice, and her eyes looking at the ground.
"Oh, what happened?"
"Nothing of any particular interest to you."
"Oh, okay."
3/4
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