"You go in; I'll hide around back, and then when you cozy them up to me then I'll appear. Wait, what are you doing? Why are you holding my hand?"
"I'm scared and so are you. Can you come in with me? Please!! What if they don't accept me…what if they don't accept…us!! I can hear their voices coming from within. They may accept or they may not. Whatever happens I just want you to know that even if they are truly my kind; these past few days with you; I consider you mine."
"Scarlett, just breathe. In and out let's go. One….out….two…out. Again! One…..out…..two….out. You feel better?"
"Actually yes I do. Thank you."
"Let's go then."
"Who goes there? Speak now or else we'll take you prisoners for trespassing. There are not many who know of our hideout so who are you? Are you of the old king and queen or are you a half-breed?"
"My…my….my name is…"
"Speak up girl and calm down. Why did you come? Are you lost?"
"No, maam, I am not lost. My name is Scarlett from the clan Omachu."
"Liar!! All the Omachus are dead. They died in the war. GUARDS!!!"
"Wait, wait, wait!! My mother was named Willow and I heard that she served mightily. I am a half-breed just like you."
"HOLD!! Willow you say? Could you possibly be talking about general Willow of the eighty seventh battalion?"
"You know of her?"
"Know of her? She was the best in her class and could outfight any. She fought bravely and died heroically. Did you not know your mother?"
"You talk kindly of her and she seemed esteemed highly, but I just wish I knew her like you did. She died when I was just an Eww. I didn't remember much of her, but I do know that as she died there in my lap; around her neck was a beautiful ruby necklacke that held the inscription: W.I.L.L.O.W. Willow!! The war took a lot out of us, but I'm here to make it right."
"How? What could a fox from the last line of Omachus have that the rest of us don't?"
"I have Queen Jade standing beside me now. She seeks your forgiveness and humbly hopes that you will help her regain her throne."
"Ha! Ah! Ha! Haa! You intend to mock us with your lies? The only time we want to see Jade is when her lifeless head stares back at us….on a poll!! Now tell us why you brought forth this Ass to our humble and sacred abode? Have you come to sacrifice?"
"Ass! I didn't bring no….Jade what are you doing? Why are you disguised? Did I tell you not to be afraid?"
"Why are you talking to that donkey of yours? I can't hear what you're saying, girl. Can this donkey of yours speak? Is it a spirit animal….or is it mute?"
"No, your Nightly. She is not mute but just shy. I found her wandering off and rescued her."
"Donkey, can you back up what she says?"
"Hee ahh!!"
"She's mute!! Guards, bring her to the fire so that we may feast!!"
"Wait, she's not mute. She just needs to be broke in."
" Silence child!! I have heard enough. Prepare the fire and open the gates!!"
"Jade, I hope you know what you're doing because I sure don't."
"What is she doing? Why is she talking to that donkey as if it were alive. She is so weird."
"Don't listen to them. Just stay looking straight and keep walking."
"Go in there. Here you'll sleep for the night and tomorrow we'll celebrate. A guard will be stationed outside your door all night so don't try anything funny. Goodnight! Don't let the bed bugs bite."
"Aagh, bed bugs!! They hurt, they hurt!! Scarlett! Jade!! Scarlett!! Jade!! Where are you girls? Girls!! Girls!! Girls!! Where are you? Oh no. The windows open. I'll have to shut that up tight. Wait just a splinter. Somethings out there."
"What's out there? Can you see anything?"
"No, Jade, I cannot see a thing. We wouldn't even be in this mess if it weren't for….you. Huh, that's odd!!"
"What?"
"Tracks!!"
"We shold follow them."
"No! Nevaeh, you stay here. I'll go out and search alone. They're still fresh. Girls, I'm coming."
"Stop!"
"What? Jade, we can escape and leave. We don't belong here."
"Scarlett, just wait. Kerina will come for us. Close the window and get down slowly."
"How are you so sure she'll come?"
"I just do. I can feel it in my bones."
"Grr!!"
"Well the only thing I can feel in my bones is nothing. I'm hungry and there is nothing in this dump to eat."
"You're hungry, little girl? Why didn't you say so? I shall fetch something for you."
"How? Even if you get past the guard, the chances of you being spotted are too high. I won't let you put your life in danger just for me. I'll just wait till morning."