>>5305184“Then, we’ll follow you,” she says simply. “To whatever ends of the earth we have to until you and Cici are safe.”
“I can’t ask that of you…”
“Then, it’s a good thing you don’t have to.” Raine sighs, running a hand reassuringly through Cassandra’s hair. “Our minds are already made up. Whether we beat those skanks at their own game and send ‘em packing or hoof it to someplace more interesting, there’s no place most of us would rather be than at your side. You got that?”
Cassandra seems to be about to shake her head but is stopped as a hand cups her chin, Raine forcing the larger woman to look her in the eyes.
“You got that?”
The tears are still there in Cassandra’s eyes, the façade of maternal calm now a mishmash of difficult emotions: pain, exhaustion, fear, and guilt. All the same, she finally nods.
“Good. Then let’s get you nice and drunk. Me too for that matter.”
“They’ll be here in four days,” Cassandra finally manages.
“And so will we,” Raine dismisses with a smile. “Now get a move on, splash some water on your face, and put a smile back on for the kids.”
--
So it is that Cassandra eventually rejoins the gathering outside, notably less animated than when she had left to anyone who might be paying attention, but if anyone does, they are at least respectful enough to hide it.
“Hey Gramps!” Raine calls. “Magic us up some booze!”
“This is the second time you’ve asked me in less than an hour, you wretch, and as you can very clearly see, I’m busy!”
The old man gestures to the group of children presently gathered in front of him as he carves symbols and runes into the dirt in front of him, explaining the names of various elements and how they can be chained together or, perhaps more importantly, how they really shouldn’t. Cici does seem enthralled by it all, enjoying the company of the other girls and her grandfather, but she spares the voices a look as they float back toward her.
“Is Mama okay?” she asks.
> How to answer…> [] Write-in 