Saige's Camp

The room falls quiet as Storm sweeps Saige up into her arms and holds her close. She rubs small circles on her back, trying to soothe her.

Charlotte sighs and sits back down. "Saige is right. The world is dangerous. Especially for those who aren't as capable of defending themselves. Saige has proven she can defend herself. It's why she was put on trial." Charlotte huffs a laugh and then shakes her head. "Let her find the rest of your family. Those of us on the outside can keep her safe."

Storm, still holding Saige to her, looks at the family over her shoulder. "Trust me to keep her safe. I meant it when I said I'd die to protect her."

Rosemary oohs at Storm and Saige and claps her hands. "I trust you!"

Valerian slips up to Charlotte's side and holds out the yellow flower, wiggling his eyebrows at Charlotte. She nods to him and takes the flower before turning her attention away and back to Saige. Valerian begins digging around in his pockets.

Ruvean and Sylissa share another silent exchange and then Sylissa stands up. "We'll trust you. Take care of our daughter. Keep her safe. Find my children and bring them... Home."

Ruvean nods in agreement.

The twins snicker and click at one another before nodding in agreement as well.

Basil sighs and locks eyes on Storm, nodding to her.

Saige mumbles to Storm, "You better not. I'll find you and drag your ass back here, even if I have to fight death itself..."

She takes a minute to calm down again before turning around. After a few deep breaths, she speaks.

"Okay okay. Anise is with a bear. But there's a lava shark in the way, so we're going to have to figure out how to get around that. Ginger is in Tuatha, but their borders are closed. I might have to get some help with that. Laurel is behind a ward somewhere, I don't know how to figure out where. I might have to ask Selena for help again, but I don't know if she'll be able to." She looks down. "And Cassia is in Leib-Olmai. He's going to be the hardest to get back, but we'll do it."

She turns to Charlotte.

"Charlotte, would you mind sending some missives for me?"

Charlotte nods. "Sure. I can have some missives sent. Who's writing them?"

Storm keeps a hand on Saige's lower back. "I'll write them, Baroness."

Charlotte nods to her. "Okay. I'll leave a note with one of my people at the front to have a mage send them off when you're done."

Storm nods to her and then looks to Saige. "You just tell me what to write and we'll do it, Saige."

Rosemary scrambles to her feet and runs down the hall while they talk. A few moments later, she returns with scrap papers and crayons. "Use this! I've got plenty!" She puts the paper and crayons in Storm's waiting hands.

"Okay okay. This one is to Jade:

Hiiiii!
It’s me, Saige! But not really, because I cannot read, but you know that already!
I need you to come to Forsetidale. Bring Zuigrii with you. I’m sending him a letter too. But not actually, cause I can’t read.
See you soon!
P.S. You should also bring a chair, we are running out. Maybe some snacks. Definitely need a chicken skeleton, but don't ask me what that's for!

And thennnnnn,

Zuigrii!
It’s me, Saige! But not really, because I cannot read. Wow, do I actually say that every time? It doesn't matter. Anyways.
Jade's going to bring you to Forsetidale. I need to talk to you.
Byeeee!
P.S. If Jade asks why I need a chicken skeleton, I need you to act like it's life or death, for reasons you can't say.

And finally,

Hi there!
It’s me, Saige! But not really, because I cannot read. If I could read, the world would end. But I won't read, because reading is stupid.
Anyway.
I mighttttt need your help? Also you should come meet my family. We're in Forsetidale!
Love you Selenaaaaa don't be mad at meeee
P.S. Jade and I have something very important to tell you."

Charlotte's eyes widen slightly."Oh, we're doing this now? Okay."

Storm writes as Saige speaks, writing the recipients name on the back. When they finish, Storm walks the papers over to Charlotte who takes them and walks over to the door. She lowers the ward and pokes her head out, passing the papers to a guard and whispering to them. Then she returns to the room and raises the ward once more.

"So, do we wait here for them? You didn't exactly specify when to come. I do have things to do unfortunately. But I can stick around a little while."

"Oh you're right... uhhhh Jade will probably figure it out. Hopefully. She's been here... she can find it again, right?"

Saige narrows her eyes and smiles mischievously.

"As for what to do now..."

She looks around the room, deciding on a victim. Her eyes settle on the twins, and she runs over, tackling them into a play fight.