Goodbye Haven.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne almost felt sorry for the strange girl as she explained how she got here. She sounded a bit like she was trying hard not to flip out, which was understandable given the situation. It sounded alot like she was from a more modern version of Serenity’s world and Roxanne assumed Odette wasn’t used to seeing any of this.

She shrugged as Aria said that Rivers wouldn’t know much about them. “I don’t know much about them either really. Perhaps you could enlighten me a bit? Hell, I didn’t even know growing them in different places mattered,” Roxanne admitted. The flowers were exactly common in Feyurlun. They were here but when had she really had the time to go study plants? Or the resources?

The half demon did a mental facepalm as Odette began to freak out more at her insistance that she couldn’t stay and Aria even gave her a look. Roxanne sighed and gave Odette an apologetic look. Aria attempted to smooth things over, but she really felt like the girl needed an explanation. “I’m sorry, Odette, was it? I didn’t mean to worry you. It’s just that we were actually in the process of moving out of this place and the two gentlemen that apparently live here now arn’t here often. I was concerned with you leaving you here alone,” Roxanne explained. She reached one hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose lightly, the looked back up at Aria. “I’ll stay with her, if you really want to leave her here for a few days,” she offered and clearly not lightly.

Aria’s explanation of the girl’s current predicament seemed a bit short to Roxanne, not that she was good at explaining things. Serenity did seem to know at least something about what Odette was saying, not to mention she would be able to relate more coming from a world with no magic or anything else. It sounded very boring to Roxanne, if she was honest.

[Odette]

Odette inclined her head in gratitude towards Serenity and her eyes lit up at the declaration that she was not completely alone in this world.

"Oh oui, you know Paris?"She asked of her but swiftly her heart sank as Serenity displayed a wistfulness for going to her birthplace-//How could she return to place no one here had ever been?// Odette's pale hand reached atop her head to remove her hat and she began to unpin her tightly tied back hair. Removing the final clip and hair tie her soft sunflower locks poured over shoulders like golden water and their slight curls caught the light in a pleasing fashion.

Her left hand curled up to her body as she then began to absentmindedly stroke her collarbone with the back of her thumb-a tick of her's when in deep thought or when she needed to rein in her emotions. Some people bit their nails or frowned off into space but her nanny would have caned her backside for even considering such barbaric practices and her mother would have berated her, saying she'd be quick to get wrinkles with all that face scrunching-and no man wants a creased face.

Odette listened carefully to Aria's words; listened, dismissed and rehashed their meanings over and over, time and time again.. She wanted to believe some facts got lost between languages but when intaking all her surroundings she knew her words to be 100% true. There is no telling of this Nova...and she clearly could no longer be inhabiting Earth. So, she had been transported to a world she had never before heard of by litteral Fate, not just a cosmic idea, for no real apparent reason and considering Serenity knew of her world then this must have happened to her as well. She chose not to ponder how long Serenity had been here for she needed to believe there was a way home.

In deep contemplation Odette remain quiet, tuning in and out as they spoke again of the Lunar flowers and of someone named Rivers. These things did not concern her and so she did not concern herself with them. It took a moment for her to realize she was being spoken to by the demonic creature, being in the theatre business she was used to dealing with people in strange attire but it was always false- an act - and to be confronted with abnormality over and over and the existence of such beasts wanted to be overwhelming but she swallowed it down, down. She couldn't afford to lose her shit right now.

She felt slightly bad at hindering their process of moving but it wasn't like the timing was entirely convenient for Odette either; she had just two weeks before she was to be married. As much as she appreciated the concern of Roxanne she wasn't entirely comfortable yet with her, still assuming she had nefarious intentions somewhere down the line. Besides, she did not intend to remain long.

"How..."she began searching for the words, "How I go back? Mon fiance, he must being sick without me!"

[Serenity Caine]

Yes, I’ve heard of it, but sadly during my time on Earth, I never left England. I never found the time to take a trip to Paris, I’m sorry to say. Serenity smiled sadly, sorry to disappoint the girl.

Serenity ignored the comment. Mistakes happened, and this one was clearly out of her control, so the bloodied dress really didn’t faze her in the slightest. She could easily make another if she’d cares that much about it. When Aria and Roxy spoke about Rivers, Serenity pushed herself off of the wall and left the room, heading to the kitchen to find something for the girl to eat before she passed out from blood loss. Once it sounded like the subject had been changed, Serenity returned, two slices of bread in hand.

Eat these. They’re not much different from the bread you’re used to. Just a little older actually. Serenity handed them to Odette, her voice void from emotion. Moving on to the topic of where she would stay, Serenity shrugged. I’ve never had a problem being here alone, but if you insist on her not staying here, I can take her with me to the new house. I don’t mind sharing for the time being. Serenity situated herself back against the threshold wall, her face still blank, but her voice had been genuine.

She could tell just by the look on Odettes face that she was two seconds away from losing control. Serenity held in a sigh and moved to sit next to her, careful not to disturb any wounds. She couldn’t blame the poor woman; she’d been in the same situation just under a year ago. When both Aria and Roxy seemed to be looking at her to explain, Serenity did let out a sigh. Yes, I suppose it would make sense if it was me explaining it to her… Alright. Odette, as Aria mentioned, you are no longer in Paris I’m afraid. You’re in a different world, scary as that sounds. We’re outside a city known as Teair Nova. Don’t ask “Why you,” or “How will I get home?” because I’m sorry… There’s no answer to either of those questions… We don’t know why us… And as far as we know, there’s no way back. I’m from your world in 1854. I gather you’re from a future time compared to me, but still. Both of these women are like us; but from another world… this one actually, but another time period if I am correct. She looked to them for confirmation before continuing.

We are not alone… There are many of us, all around, living normal lives, or just arriving like you. The best thing anyone can do, is try to blend in, and make a new life here… I’m sorry about your fiancé… I really am. Like I mentioned, you’re welcome to stay with me for a while. I know more about the world we’re from than most of the people you may meet; aside from one fellow, he’s from even farther in the future I’d gather than even you. But I can help you adjust to things like… no electricity… or real plumbing… Serenity placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort her if she went over the edge.

[Deleted]

”I’ll give you a lesson some other time; promise”

Now really wasn’t the time to give an in depth lecture on botany. She had noted Serenity had left the room as soon as the topic turned to Rivers; she would be more courteous around the subject from that point on for the girl. Aria wasn’t exactly close to Serenity; however she did not want to upset the girl when she could help it. As soon as there topic ended Serenity rejoined them; solidifying Arias theory that it was likely the topic of Rivers upsetting her. The food for Odette was a good idea; which reminded Aria she would need to stock Serenities new house with some food if she was moving there soon. More so if she was going to be supplying Odette with food as well until she was on her feet.

”We can let her decide; the girl has already had one choice forced on her.”

Aria wasn’t going to make the decision on whether Odette should stay or not. The girl had a god already took away the girls freedom of choice once; Aria wouldn’t continue to do so. Aria turned her gaze back to Odette.

”You have the choice; and the time to choose. You do not need to answer now.”

It was a lot to take in for the girl; it would be silly to expect an answer so quickly. Aria remained quiet as Serenity went on to explain, she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall as she listened with a blank expression on her face. Aria had a good guess as to why they were brought here. But so far only Roxanne was the one who knew her fears on the matter. It wasn’t something she would share with a new comer; especially since the information as so sensitive. Aria only responded with a nod when Serenity looked for a confirmation on where or well when they were from.

”That is both correct and incorrect; the history of this time line varies too much for it to be the same timeline. There are key points in history that differ that have made drastic changes to the present. Let us only hope this continues to be the case.”

Arias eyes softened with the knowledge that Odette had fiancé that was left behind in her home world. She shared in the girl’s worries about how her own dear ones fared after she had been fated over a year ago. But the fact that they were not alone was true.

”I was conducting a count of fated people when I first arrived along with continuing that number with the amount of fated recorded to stay in the gallows in tavern. I’ve counted over 300 in just a year; I’m more then sure there are more that have yet to be counted.”

[Roxanne]

Roxanne felt sorry for Odette. This was the first time she had witnessed someone being fated over. It wasn't a problem when it happened to her, Teair Nova was not much different from Feyurlun, and actually she was beginning to prefer it. The only real person she cared for prior to her arrival, was already here, Aria. She could see how this would be very difficult coming from a world like Serenitys' and Odettes' where they had actual lives with families and strange sounding things like 'plumbing' and 'electricity'. Whatever those are. Perhaps she'd ask about it later.

She noticed when Serenity left the room and raised a brow, finding the timing quite curious. As the topic shifted, Serenity returned and Roxanne took that as confirmation of her suspicion concerning the topic of Rivers. She knew that Serenity was also upset with Rivers, but for a very different reason it would seem. For Roxanne, it was not about Rivers leaving, it was about the betrayal beforehand, which of course Serenity knew nothing about. Perhaps he had wronged her in some other fashion that the half demon was unaware of. In any case, that was not the main issue at hand.

Serenity's explanation was much better than anything Roxanne could have come up with herself and she gave the other woman an encouraging smile, listening as she continued. When Serenity looked to them for confirmation, Roxanne nodded. "It's as Aria said; that's almost right," she added in agreement, her tail twitching idly around the bottom front of the chair.

As Odette mentioned her fiancee, the half demon gave her a sympathetic look. "I am sorry, but Serenity is right. There is no way back that we have found and some of us have been here almost a year already. Whatever life you had is gone. The people you loved, you likely will not see again. It is a harsh reality but it is the truth," she added, probably not helpfully. Her attempts at comfort were so far at the opposite end of the scale, it was almost amusing.

"This world, from what I've heard, is very different from yours," Roxanne added. She could see Odette's unease whenever the girl looked her way and noted it also when Aria had healed her. "This world has its own wonders, some good and some not so much. Magic is something I can see you're unfamiliar with; it's what Aria just used to fix your leg. It can be used to do so many different things and almost anyone can learn, even Serenity has learned," she explained, then continued. "When you look at me...I make you uncomfortable, correct? I could change, but that would make you more uncomfortable, I promise," she paused, smiling gently at the poor girl. "We will help you adjust to these things. It will be a lot to take in; I can see it already is. Some do not have the luxury of time to make this adjustment, we will make sure you do as much as we are able," Roxanne finished. She wondered if Aria would be displeased with her little speech but wasn't particularly concerned. The half demon was blunt, it was her nature.

[Odette]

Odette made a hum of disappointment at Serenity’s words but the feeling quickly passed.

“It is a place of great longing for most, but I grew fatigued from it all. I left very young to be in Russian ballet and unless you have taste in fashion and the money to spend, it really could not be for you. ” Odette gave a timid smile towards the girl, as if to indicate you didn’t miss much there.

She was still a little dismayed that all had waved off her apologizes for ruining the gowns, they didn’t even seem to have a quiet annoyance about it, but then again Odette was a very materialistic person.

She then watched the woman stride off into what Odette presumed to be the kitchen area when the others spoke. Despite her now weaning delirium she realized she might have walked in upon more than just moving. Her eyebrows waggled just a bit when she undertook that this Rivers fellow was the cause of disturbance amongst Serenity and the others but she knew it not to be any part of her matter so she left it be.

When Serenity handed her the loafs after returning from the kitchen, a flash of disgust crossed her face but she graciously took in the bread. She simply detested bread in any form and was considering just setting it aside but knew the basics of how the body works and that she must replenish her energy in order to regain iron cells. She also didn’t wish to appear rude so she nibbled at it with dignity.
Feeling better she was able to hold up her face much better and hid her emotions as much as she could muster, she could see the looks on the others face and that they could tell she was losing it. She sucked in a deep breath and took another sip of water and shook her head softly, shaking off the distress.

She turned her head towards Serenity as she sat beside her and listened attentively, processing all of which she spoke of with a robotic expression. When she had finished speaking Odette nodded her head and pursed her pink lips. She may be of slim build but inside she could be iron.

“ I see…” No way home…Henrie-her fiancé- would be forever lost to her...Odette sighed but only felt slightly heartbroken. She loved the man of course, as much as Odette could, but she was more infatuated with his wealth and now she held nothing but what was in her ballet bag. She would miss his strong arms and hearty laughter, they were such a comfort but if she was being honest with herself if he hadn’t been stuffed with euros she wouldn’t of been his bride to be.

She looped back to the more important issues at present and swallowed all the information down like she did the bread-it had to be done even if she detested it all so. It was infuriating to learn that she had been plucked from her own life for no good damn reason, but it was also reassuring to know that many others had suffered the same way and to think how diverse and rich all the culture here would be! So many eras… she eyed Roxanne so many strange things..
Odette then responded;

“ You are not wrong, I was born in 1921 and it had been the year 1943 before here. I…I can do not a thing about myself , that I now know. So.. I will not be afraid.” This last statement was moreover an assertion for herself but she did shudder slightly in horror at the mention of no modern plumbing-was she to relieve herself in a hole? Again, this look faded and she leaned in slightly to Serenity’s hand-she could only deny her need for comfort so much.

Odette again was a little enthralled by the nature of what this world was appearing to be as Aria mentioned the spliced timelines. She bowed her head in gratitude towards her as she left the choice of her dwelling upon her. Disregarding the needing of time she replied;

“I do not wish to burden you but I would not like to remain here…I am not used to so much nature and emptiness, is there a place in …Teair Nova I could find lodging within? I will make my own way, you have done much already.”

Her eyebrows raised at the mention of so many transported souls…again to her it was a comfort to know she held no isolated stature.
Odette was a little taken aback by the bluntness of Roxanne’s words as she spoke after Aria, but it did make her like her a bit more. Cut to the point so what must be known is known and dealt with-it was the sort of instruction she required at present.

She chuckled softly at her remark that things were different in her world
“ I have not seen much of this planet but I can agree mine and this differs greatly. I would tell you what they were but you would have not a clue of their meaning! Another time for stories perhaps. And for magic…it’s not that I don’t know what it is, it was just never real where I come from. ” Odette’s faced blushed a vibrant red against her pale flesh when Roxanne acknowledged her discomfort at her presence

“ I am sorry…you look so beastly and the only things like you in my world are fables of evil demons but I can see you are nothing of the sort.” Her faced showed a bit of puzzlement when she remarked she’d be more uncomfortable if she “changed” but let it slide.

“ Again, you owe me nothing and given so much already. Your time is your own, just point to the nearest hotel and I will leave your hair!” Odette hated being pitied and thus fortified her brave face, feigning the confidence she attempted to display. She did not truly want to be abandoned, at least in the middle of nowhere!

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity smiled bitterly. A taste for fashion would be putting it mildly darling. I live for it. And trust me… I had the money. She sighed, wishing she’d made the time to visit it while she had the chance. Serenity blinked back to reality, watching as Odette almost refused the bread but thought better of it. Liking it or not was not a matter when you were bleeding out. The girl leaned into her hand, confirming that she was of a future time to Serenity.

It will take some getting used to. She looked to the other women as they spoke their parts, but Odette seemed insistent on leaving them. Not to be pushy, or doubt you, but I think it would be best if one of us stayed near you for the time being. You don’t know this world at all, and if you venture somewhere you shouldn’t, or speak to someone you shouldn’t, you could die. We’d like to prevent that if possible. She looked to Aria for help, knowing full well Odette wouldn’t survive on her own.

[Deleted]

Aria nodded agreeing with Serenity; there was a large chance that Odette would not survive. Evident by the fact she could get through haven without being taken out by a stationary rock. However if they forced there help on the girl it would likely back fire. So when Serenity turned to her for help she sighed.

”It is Odette’s choice whether she wishes to rely on us for a little longer or branch out and try to make her own way. If you wish Odette there is an inn called Gallows Tavern in the third district of the city. There is a charity funded for newly fated; you will get lodgings and a room. Calix the owner is willing to take on extra help for extended stays.”

Aria chuckled when Odette mentioned demons in her world.

”More often then not that can be the case here to; Roxanne has just had different influences on her young life that makes her bearable to the rest of us.”

Aria smiled kindly at the girl, and gave a wink to Roxanne.

”Odette, if your uncomfortable with charity perhaps it might make you more comfortable to know there is another reason in which helping you helps us. Uneducated fated people often don’t know or don’t want to learn the customs of the world that they have been brought in. There is already bad blood between the native born and the fated; if more fated can show that they can adjust to the world our situation may improve….Tell me in your time do they have a monarchy?”

[Roxanne]

Roxanne listened to Odette as she explained her situation. A woman who could not do a thing on her own, who would yet prefer to make her own way but still asked for lodging. What an interesting bundle of contradictions. She nodded in agreement when Aria mentioned the Gallows Tavern. That would be a good place for her. "How will we get her to the tavern though? We can't leave her to cross the forest alone. She'd never make it," Roxanne asked, curious more than concerned.

Serenity also made a good point and Roxanne frowned as the other woman spoke. She didn't really want to babysit Odette but she would if Aria needed her to. She had offered, after all. "Serenity is right Odette. There are worse things than me out in the forest and even some humans are questionable. The main city is 3 or 4 days travel from here, and that's if you're familiar with the area and don't run into things like gorge hounds, novites, or ruaals," Roxanne pointed out, naming a few of the nastier beasts skulking around the forest. She was aware Odette wouldn't know them but the other two would and was a good reminder.

Odette's response to Roxanne's words was the more amusing of her speech so far and the half demon didn't hide her grin or the chuckle that followed. "That is true, I probably would be just as lost in your world. As for your apology, there is no need. I am a demon and if you weren't uncomfortable with me here, I'd worry about your sanity," she said, laughing. The half demon wasn't doing a good job of hiding her amusement with Odette's uneasiness. Aria's follow up comment about her being 'bearable' was amusing and Roxanne gave her a smirk in return.

Aria continued, explaining the situation with the Fated further with Roxanne nodding in agreement. She hadn't thought about the monarchy but that could be a real problem if this girl stepped on any noble toes, literally or figuratively. It was a delicate situation, mostly because it would be rude to tie her up and stuff her in a closet somewhere pending proper education and training. Roxanne sighed. "Well Odette, you're mostly informed of the dangers now so what's your decision? I should add that there's a few ways to get you to the city. We could escort you on foot, which is very dangerous and will take a few days. We could also fly you there. Between Aria and myself, we could have you in the city in a matter of an hour or so," she explained, then looked at all the luggage Serenity had packed. "Serenity, how did you get here? and, more importantly, how are you getting back with all of this?" she asked, curious.

[Odette]

Odette eyed Serenity doubtfully, looking her over top to bottom-if she lived for fashion as she had said it didn’t really transfer over too well here, but then again her choices could be utterly limited and since most things here were from an older era the fashion here would be totally out of date by Odette’s standards. She kept these prudish thoughts to herself though, she was trying to make friends here not get on their bad sides with a snide comment. She was already getting a bad rap as a damsel whom couldn’t take care of herself, she didn’t need any extra bruises upon her character.

As the women all discussed what should be done with her, her face turned hard and she straightened her back out of Serenity’s hand and a bit of colour returned to her face. She would not be a floundering guppy anymore, the whole rock incident was just a case of bad timing-she was just spat out of a vortex into completely different surroundings that were not built for her high-heeled shoes after all. Odette would prove to these ladies that she was not an incompetent shmuck if it was the last thing she did.

“ I know when to hold my tongue but the entirety of this did not strike me until now… I suppose I do need to learn what the customs are… I don’t intend to shove off your help, it’s just… I’ve never needed to depend on someone before and it is new to me to seek assistance. Please try to understand, the frail thing that stumbled in here is not who I am. ” She said to Serenity and turned to her gaze to the others in the room, it was an earnest and sincere look.
After Aria spoke Odette mulled it over and responded ”I would like to travel with you all if it is not much of a hindrance, I am very willing to intake all this world has to offer me and I don’t want to rattle any cages ! And yes, there is a queen and many underlings of such royal standards in my country although the same is not true in other parts of my world. Why do you ask? “

Most of what Roxanne said irked Odette, she was spotlighting her to be like a helpless babe! In truth, that was what she had appeared to be but hadn’t Roxanne ever heard of bad luck or unfortunate circumstances? A little huff of air came out and Odette arched an eyebrow high at the demon girl but did not voice her irritation. At the mention of all the beastly creatures her expression softened, Odette may be resourceful, agile, and graceful when not in a total spiral of confusion, but she was no fighter and especially not against creatures she’d never heard of before. She returned the girl’s grin even though it blew her mind slightly to believe she was an actual demon-she had always thought they were malevolent fairytales, but here one stood, fiendish in appearance but she was laughing it totally screwed with the black and white category she had associated with good and evil.

“ Your world is just danger it would seem! I do agree then that it would be best if I remained in your company until I learned how to traverse everything this world has to offer…” Odette eyes widened at the thought of flying, they could not possibly have an aircraft if they had no interior plumbing! Then her gaze fell against Roxy’s wings and an amused look spread against her features. How thrilling this whole planet was going to be!

“ And a flight through the clouds would be interesting indeed…would I just…hop on your back and away we go or….?” Odette didn’t see how Aria could be of help in the flight department but perhaps she had more magical tricks up her sleeves but time would tell.