"Don't cry, don't cry. Strong girls don't cry, right?", attempted Lilly to coax the girl.
Obviously, this approach worked a lot better. Remi tried to get her emotions under control. Deep breaths left the girls mouth, slowly replacing the sobs.
Lilly was impressed. For a small girl in an unfamiliar environment Remi was doing quite well.
After she calmed down a bit, Remi turn and faced the ceiling. Lilly felt the young girl's thoughts churning. She took her hand away, giving Remi some space.
A few seconds later the young girl faced Lilly and Mihva. The butterfly beast cutely hid behind Lilly, only showing her head and wings. Her curious and nervous appearance could melt anyone's heart. Especially a little girl's.
A quiet giggle could now be heard from behind the golden mask.
"Are you Mihva? You saved us?"
"Mihva, Mihva. Yes!"
Lilly was impressed as she could visibly see Remi's tense body relaxing bit by bit. The young girl had obviously matured a lot in a short moment. She didn't show any fear towards Mihva.
But maybe this also came from her inexperience. How many beasts could she have encountered in her short life? Maybe an adult would be more wary in her place.
"Then I have to thank you for saving my life, Mihva!"
A joyful smile formed on the butterfly's face. She was happy that her friend didn't reject her because of her race. Her body appeared from behind Lilly, sitting next to the young woman.
"Thank, thank. You don't need to thank me.", stated Mihva bashfully.
Finally, the mood in the room had turned for the better. The three women all felt comfortable around each other.
Careful not to boss around the little girl, Lilly asked another question:
"So, Remi. Now that you are fine, what do you want to do? Can we help you somehow?"
The young girl hesitated slightly. Her fingers nervously tapped on the bed.
"This… can we… leave?"
Lilly smiled wryly. Obviously, it wasn't so easy to get the young girl's trust. It was impressive, however, that Remi could analyze the situation, understanding that the butterfly race might not want them to leave.
"Don't worry. Everyone here is really kind. They naturally let us go."
"Kind, kind.", stressed Mihva with a nodding head.
"Then I would like to go please. I need to find the True Children of Light. They promised to help me grow stronger."
Noticing Remi's obsession with getting stronger, Lilly sighed lightly. Their parents had told the siblings that one needed strength to live a good life in this universe. But hearing such a wish from a little girl put those words in another perspective altogether.
"Can I… ask why you are so focused on getting stronger?", asked Lilly cautiously.
Remi obviously hesitated before answering vaguely:
"Mom and Dad have a lot of trouble because I'm useless. Only if I grow stronger can I prove everyone that they are wrong!"
Lilly and Mihva both sighed as they heard the young girl's pure emotions. Impressed by Remi's will, Lilly patted her shoulder. With a solemn voice she praised her young friend:
"I think Remi is already very strong! One of the strongest people I know in fact.
Not many would be able to endure hardship as good as you!"
Remi's body shuddered slightly. She looked in Mihva's and Lilly's serious faces. Chaotic emotions once again hit her. She thought of all those difficult days. All the discrimination. The terrifying travel through the Frozen Hell.
Suddenly some tears once again ran down her cheeks. The poor girl was overwhelmed by her emotions. All those pent-up feelings suddenly gushed out.
Not able to hold back anymore, Remi threw herself in Lilly's arms.
The young woman was slightly surprised, but she only sighed with sympathy. Strongly hugging the young girl, she silently supported her.
Mihva also felt some tears well up in her eyes. Listening to the young girl reminded her of al those dead butterflies from a few days ago. She also wished to be more useful, protecting her race from any harm.
The empathetic woman was affected by Remi's emotions. A few silent tears also ran down her cheeks. She hesitated slightly, but also leaned her body forward. She carefully embraced Lilly and Remi.
Smiling wryly, the young Rottal freed one hand to caress Mihva's shaking body as well. Lilly wondered how she ended up in this strange situation.
While her two new friends were crying in her embrace, Lilly also wasn't completely unaffected. Her thoughts drifted back to life in the village. Only after losing it did she know how precious those days were.
Lilly didn't cry, however. She had already adapted over the last few weeks, knowing that no one was to blame here. From everything she overheard from time to time living in peace was a luxury seemingly no one had in this universe. Lilly was only wondering if she would ever be able to go back to those days. Mybe only strength could bring her peace one day.
Quiet sobs were the only noise left in the room. The three women embraced each other, supporting each other as they sorted out their emotions. A strong bond formed between them at this moment. A bond which might hold for a long time. A bond which might have far reaching effects in the future.
Only after a few minutes did Remi and Mihva finally calm down. They separated again, swiping away their tears. They grew slightly embarrassed as they noticed the water gathering on Lilly's waterproof leave dress.
A moment later a snort came from Remi. The young girl held her hands to her mouth, her shoulders shaking. Suddenly she could hold back anymore. Carefree laughter sounded out.
Lilly and Mihva quickly felt the child's laughter affect them. It brightened their mood. A second later the two women didn't hold back, clearing their minds with loud laughter.
Being the first to calm down, Lilly watched her friends with a bright smile.
"So, Remi. Mihva wanted to show me around the place. Do you want to come with us? We will also go to a place where you can learn life and death magic, if this is useful for you.", offered the redhead.
Now feeling much closer to the two women, Remi nodded clearly.
"Sounds good. But I won't be able to learn much. I'm more talented in the four elements."
Lilly raised an eyebrow while Mihva's eyes lit up with those words.
"Remi, Remi. You want to learn about the four elements? Then you are at the perfect place! We were once known as the four element butterfly race. Although we didn't have to learn spells like the intelligent races, we still possess a collection related to the four elements. I'm sure aunty will allow you to take a look!"
Remi was delighted for a second before remembering something.
"This… we will see.", answered the young girl hesitatingly.
Lilly and Mihva were both surprised. They thought this would be perfect for Remi, but the young girl wasn't enthusiastic.
Lilly understood that Remi still seemed to hide something, but she wouldn't press for answers. Everyone had their secrets. Well, at least as long as a certain rank seven beast doesn't find out about them…
Somewhere close to the tree trunk Loiava was just overseeing her race's medical efforts when she suddenly sneezed violently. The gentle woman raised an eyebrow wondering who would curse her behind her back.
Meanwhile the three friends were ready to set off. Remi finally left the bed wearing a similar dress as Lilly. To Mihva's delight the young girl did a little spin, stating how much she liked the dress.
In a good mood Lilly, Mihva, and Remi left the room. Instantly the young girl's eyes lit up. She greedily observed the beautiful nature around them. As someone born on Hex, she was even more oblivious than Lilly. She didn't know that nature could create such a paradise.
The young girl marveled at the massive tree they were standing on. She feasted her eyes on the colorful flowers. She watched the lively river in astonishment.
Following slowly behind the enthusiastic young girl, Mihva and Lilly lightly conversed. Soon the trio arrived near the tree's trunk. Here, the butterfly race had purposely cleared all leaves so they could easier travel up and down.
Her eyes following the tree trunk, Lilly observed the two sovereign butterfly race's life. She watched busy butterflies entering and leaving all kinds of rooms growing out of the tree trunk. They fluttered through the air, carrying a huge variety of materials.
Most butterflies didn't enlarge their bodies. Lilly wasn't sure if they couldn't do so or didn't want to. Only the black armored, solemn looking butterflies seemingly always kept their large bodies.
As she observed those, Lilly could feel the dangerous aura they emitted. The young woman knew that the butterfly race was preparing for war. She prayed for them not to lose too many members. By now the beautiful race already had a place in Lilly's heart.
After observing the lively scene for a few seconds, Lilly suddenly noticed a problem. She turned to Mihva, a teasing smile on her lips.
"Mihva? Any idea how we should get down?"