I'm only human

“No, let’s not go inside. I like to feel the wind and rain on my skin. Don’t you?”

Blythe squinted up at the sky. “I think I prefer being inside by a fire during the rain, ultimately.”

The only reason Alaya was up in the branches of the tree in the first place was to pick a handful of her favourite berries, the lower branches having been stripped bare by the children. But she wasn’t paying attention to the branches, and stood on one too thin to support her weight, causing it to break and send her crashing to the ground, landing on an unfortunate passer-by.

Blythe grunted as she hit the ground, sputtering as she tried to get dirt and her hair out of her mouth. She wasn’t hurt, but she hissed as she sat up, seeing the stains on her dress. “I suppose I didn’t like this dress all that much,” she muttered to herself bitterly, looking over at the person who had fallen onto her. “Are you alright? What were you even doing up there?”

Relief flitted across Levana’s face. “I’ll gladly provide you with company if you don’t mind me waiting here a while. I think it’s far too late for me to go back to my rooms without being caught now.” She said apologetically.

Blythe waved her hand dismissively. “As long as you need to stay is fine with me. Would you like some tea? I just bought some, and I’m unsure of my judgement with the flavors, maybe you can help.”

She was holding the hand of the little boy she always took care of, when the toddler started to run off, making Elara run after him. When she finally caught up, she lifted him into her arms and didn’t notice the person he had run towards. “Oh I’m sorry I didn’t see you there!” she said, smiling warmly at the person in front of her.  

Blythe chuckled as the small child bumped into her leg and had just knelt down to inquire who he belonged to when he was scooped up into a woman’s arms. She straightened up, smiling. “It’s quite alright. I’m just glad I didn’t have to wonder where this little one belonged for too long.” She smiled warmly. “What’s his name?”

Roslin stepped into Blythe’s room and looked at the girl for a long moment. “I just need someone to talk to or else I might explode.”

“Well, I am certainly always here for that.” She wrapped her arm around Roslin’s shoulders, squeezing her gently. “Let’s sit down, yes?”

“I would enquirer why, but I will not be offended by your lack of appetite.”

“Vampire.” She said simply, finding more details than that would ruin others’ appetites. “I’ll sometimes spend the money for an ale, but I’d hate to waste the food.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t give you any warning before showing up here. But we just… We need to talk.”

Blythe shook her head, opening the door up wider for her friend to enter. “No, it’s quite alright, please come in. What is it?”

“You’ve always been a wonderful asset dear. How have you been? I do hope that you’re well and happy?”

“I’ve been well, aside from keeping terrible track of time with the curfew.” She shook her head. “How about you? Anything terribly exciting? Or just overall good things?”

Blythe smiled, looking down at her hands. She never had much good come of change for herself, but she could always come past it. “Change may come to everyone or it may not. But when it does, as long as you have something to hold on to through it, you should be able to do well. Make it for the better, even if that’s not what it was supposed to be.”

“Well that’s interesting. What’s Nyx like?”

“I wanted to leave when I was younger, but now that my good friend is the lord of it, I suppose it is quite lovely now.” She chuckled. “But where are you from?”

It had been such a long, busy day that Levana had barely noticed the sun go down and the rest of the castle going to sleep. “I didn’t even notice the time, I’m so sorry for disturbing you at this hour.”

Blythe opened the door a little wider, allowing the girl to step in. “You might as well come in.” She smiled a little bit. “I’m happy for company, no matter the hour.”

“Of course you are. How would you have me put your mind at rest? You are very wanted and needed darling. You may even be my favorite person at the moment.”

Blythe raised her chin the slightest tilt, smiling proudly. “Well, I am more than happy to be in your service. And happier to hear just how important I am right now.”

Roslin looked up finally when she felt a hand on her shoulder, and she laughed slightly. “Sorry, I didn’t even notice you were there.” She apologized quickly.

Blythe chuckled. “It’s fine. Sometimes I forget how quiet I can be. How are you?”

“I’d much rather have company, than be forced to eat alone.”

Blythe smiled, settling across from him. “Well, I suppose that is alright. You don’t mind if I don’t eat, though?”