Saige's Camp

Ruvean leads Saige to sit on the couch with Sylissa and himself. Charlotte meanwhile, takes a seat in one of the comfy chairs available. Storm walks over and stands beside the couch, taking Saige's hand.

All the siblings present turn their attention to Saige, Lavender still sniffling quietly. Rosemary looks from Saige's hand in Storm's back to Saige and giggles. Basil stands in the doorway of the kitchen looking over his family. The twins shove each other and growl at one another as they get comfy in their spots on the floor. Sylissa takes Saige's other hand and smiles at her happily, with tears in her own eyes.

"Alright, Saige. We're listening. Talk to us." Ruvean strokes Saige's wild hair soothingly and then sits back to listen.

She sighs and begins.

“Okay okay… I ran away because everyone always talked about how fun their adventures were, and I wanted to know what the world was like. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything, or talk to any of you about it. I wanted to come back, or to let you know that I was okay, but I was scared you would never let me leave again. So I’m really really sorry.”

She looks guilty.

“I’ve been adventuring, and learning how to fight, and all kinds of other things! It’s been really hard, and I’ve almost died a few times, but I’ve made some really amazing friends and we try to keep each other safe. For the most part…”

She looks bitter at the last words, but then smiles and squeezes Storm’s hand.

“You already know Storm! But I love her, and she’s definitely part of the family now so be nice. She’s probably the only reason I’m here right now and not off crazy in a cell somewhere. I’ve had a bad couple of days.”

She gives the twins a sharp look when she says to be nice to Storm.

“I recently had to go to a trial, where the person who brought Dad back was trying to charge me with treason. It didn’t work out for him in the end, but it was still a betrayal, and I don’t think I’ll ever recover from that, even if he’s the reason that Dad is here.”

She looks conflicted again.

“But anyways… Storm and I are really close to finding Anise and Ginger. So hopefully we’ll get them soon. Laurel is safe, I think, but we’ve been having a really hard time trying to find him. Cassia is… he’s not in a good place. But it’s hard to get to him, but I promise that I’m working on it! And I’m not going to stop until I get him back!”

Her voice breaks a little at the mention of Cassia, but looks determined. She looks to Charlotte.

“Charlotte has been really kind to take you all in while I’m trying to find everyone, so make sure you thank her! Jade wants to take everybody to Seshtau soon, but I was hoping to find Anise, Ginger, and Laurel at least before doing that.”

She nods, then covers her face with her hands.

“Oh and also my eyes aren’t red because of a potion accident, I actually got turned into a vampire. Please don’t be mad at me!”

Everyone looks a little surprised at the reveal that she is a vampire except the twins, who look at one another and hiss then giggle. Sylissa and Ruvean look to one another and share a silent exchange in just their eyes. Lavender bursts out into tears once more. Rosemary continues to soothe her.

Basil curses and slams his fist against the door frame. "I knew it was a lie! I knew something was going on! A Vampire?! Saige-"

Storm tenses and straightens, tightening her hold on Saige's hand as she locks eyes with Basil. Basil flinches back and quiets once more, mumbling to himself.

Sylissa and Ruvean watch Basil as he regains his calm and then they turn to Saige.

"Honey... I'm not entirely sure what this means for us but.. You sound like you've had quite the adventure." Sylissa smiles.

"Maybe you should stay here with us for a while. Explain to us how we can help you."

Fennel scoffs and rolls his eyes. "Don't go getting any blood all over my nice clean house, you hear me?"

Storm clears her throat. "Saige has a really good handle on her vampire nature and we're going to be getting her some more training too. She only feeds from me or someone who is willing-"

"Me! Me! I volunteer!" As all eyes turn to Rosemary, she shrugs. "What? It'll help me write my next song. It's going to be about a vampire that falls in love." She grins at Saige.

Ruvean slides his hand over Saige and Sylissa's hold. "We have a lot to discuss as a family. Maybe... Maybe you should stay a while."

Charlotte clears her throat. "I hope you don't plan to keep her locked in this house. She has court ordered training and if she doesn't complete it, she could face more severe repercussions. It's best that she does what the court has ordered." Charlotte looks to Saige. "But if she wants to stay here when she's not training, I don't mind at all."

Basil folds his arms across his chest as he leans against the doorframe and mumbles. "Not letting her out of my sight..."

Valerian, who has been quiet the whole time, is slowly making his way across the room and up to Charlotte's side. He has a flower in his grasp of unknown origin and is paying very little attention to the conversation as his eyes are locked on the red haired woman.

Saige turns to Basil.

"See this is why I didn't tell you! I knew you'd react like this! And it's not like I meant to turn into a vampire, I just wanted to make friends."

She leans back on the couch and crosses her arms, looking grumpy.

"I don't mind staying a little bit but only if it's okay with Storm! And we still have to go find everyone else." She huffs. "And the stupid training..."

Basil straightens and leans away from the doorframe. "You're my responsi-bi-responsi-bilery. Responsi... It's my job to look after you, Saige! I am supposed to keep you safe! Now you're a vampire?!"

Ruvean jumps up. "Enough!" He snaps and then when the entire family flinches at his harshness, so unlike his usual calmness, he lowers his voice again. "Enough, Basil." Ruvean slowly returns to his seat. "You're sister is a grown woman now. She has been away from us for a couple of years now. You know better than anyone what that time away from us can do. How much you can grow in such a short time." Basil looks down and leans against the frame once more, completely deflating.

"Saige, dearest, we are your family. We will be here for you no matter what." He shoots Basil a knowing look. No matter what, right, Basil?"

Basil grumbles and sighs but nods his agreement.

The twins begin clicking at one another. Fennel taps them with his foot. "Stop that. Weirdos." They turn and hiss in unison at him and both say something to him in a harsh tone but clearly no one knows what they said.

Basil rolls his eyes. "If she's going to be out there then someone should keep an eye on her. I think it should be me. I'm the most experienced of us. I can keep myself safe while I look after her."

Charlotte stands up and shakes her head. "Absolutely not. It is my job to keep all of you safe and I cannot and will not let any of you leave. We do not know if the Faeries are still after you all. We don't want to risk another attack. Saige has proven she can handle herself in the real world. Let her continue to prove she can handle herself. She's got allies who will look out for her, including myself."

Valerian stops short of approaching Charlotte as she stands and stares open mouthed at her as she speaks.

Storm nods in agreement with Charlotte. "I know you all don't know me but... I promise to keep Saige safe. She... I love her. And I would die before I let anything happen to her."

The siblings begin mumbling quietly to one another.

Valerian whispers as he stares in awe of Charlotte. "Marry me..."

She does not seem to hear him.

Saige listens to everyone, head darting back and forth as they speak. She looks lovingly at Storm, then rolls her eyes at Valerian. She stands up and puts her hands on her hips.

"I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself now." She lifts the couch and everyone on it up with one arm, then stares at Basil. "You didn't want to teach me how, so I did it myself."

She sets the couch back down.

"It's my turn to protect you! And I have to start by getting everyone back here safe. I wish you could help me but the things I've seen Basil, the things I know, I can't risk losing you! Any of you!"

She starts crying again and goes over to Storm for comfort.