I awoke with a monster of a headache. The sunlight creeping in, it hit my eyes, making it impossible to sleep. I rolled over, a tangled mess in the blankets and let out a roaring yawn.

Peeking open my eyes, I stared out at the room around me. Mountains books everywhere, covering the floors and the armoire under the window. Stacks of them, this room seemed to serve as a store for them. Maybe Luca's friend was a big reader. My makeshift bed covered most of the floor not containing books.

It was warm under the covers, I didn't want to get up. My stomach felt sick, thinking about yesterday. I wouldn't think of yesterday, not now.

I rubbed my eyes, freeing myself from the mess of blankets. Kicking them away, I wandered to my pack. I shuffled through it, frowning. I didn’t have a change of clothes. I guess I was wrong about having everything I needed. This wouldn’t do. My clothes were in a sorry state. Maybe there was a town close by where I could barter for some, or even maybe Luca's friend had some old clothes I could borrow so I could wash mine. Either way I'd figure it out.

Getting to my feet I wandered to the door. Turning it open I got a good waft of something cooking. My stomach grumbled, at the wonderful smell. I went down the hall following after it. I really could use a proper meal.

Finding the stairs I stepped down them. The great room down below was amazing in the daylight. Wood crafted furniture, animal skin rugs, and a large stone fireplace. It was really the perfect little rustic cottage.

A rather tall, broad shouldered man stood in front of the fire. Working on whatever was smelling so good, he tended the flames. Maybe in his late twenties, early thirties, if I had to guess. His dark bronze skin,reflecting the glow of the flame. He wiped a bead of sweat from his bald forehead before turning to me. I suddenly felt a little self conscious intruding in his home.

"Good morning Luca's mysterious guest." He wore a big welcoming grin. Walking over to me, he gave me little time to be nervous.

"I'm Broc son of Ulric, ex-captain of the guards in Manic." He shook my hand with a strong grip, "Kinda going through a career transition presently. Not that the details matter." He said relaxing, his grip.

I grinned at him, taken aback by his friendly demeanor, "I'm Phynley, but almost everyone calls me Phyn."

"Nice to meet you Phyn." He said, checking back with his food over the fire. "You like venison?" He asked, stirring the pot. "Yes." I nodded, "Although I think I'm hungry enough right now to eat anything ." I salivated at the bubbling stew.

"Well I'll make sure I give you an extra share then." He smiled, taking a seat beside the fire.

"So how do you know Luca?"

The question threw me off. I wasn't sure if I should talk about my past. "It's a long story." I said, keeping it brief, "I've known him for quite awhile. How do you know him?"

Broc chuckled, "He lost me my position in Manic. He just showed up one day spouting doomsday predictions. I was the only one who took him seriously, helped him get out of the city." He explained, scratching his chin. "You see my Mom always told stories of such people, people who dream of the future or whatever else. It's all beyond me though, I could tell it was no joke when I met him." He mused. I nodded, leaning against the chair. Thinking of the catastrophe prediction, sent shivers down my spine.

"Speaking of Luca, he's just out back chopping firewood. This is going to be ready in about a minute if you wanna go get him." Broc said, stirring the stew once more. "Sure, I can do that." I offered in a polite tone.

I slowly walked to the door. Slipping out, I was greeted by sunshine. A wonderful warmth on my skin. I pushed my hair back behind my ears, cautiously going around the house. Out back probably meant behind the house.

Watching the forest as I did, imagining it as a setting for one of my stories. Shadows and magic creatures, hidden behind the branches.

I followed the wall of the house. Hearing the sound of breaking wood I turned the corner to see Luca. He was struggling with this last piece of wood. His axe stuck in it half way through it. He pulled on it with a bit of effort, freeing it before he looked up and saw me.

"Phyn."

He paused for a second surprised. His hair being its messy self, poking out funny.

"Luca, Good morning." I gave him a half grin.

"Morning? it's nearly noon." He laughed.

"Guess I slept in." I shrugged.

He shot me a smile before relining up the piece of wood and swinging his axe down. It split, falling off the block. He looked back up resting down the axe.

"Broc says It's time to eat or whatever." I relayed my message. Luca chuckled, scratching his head, "So you've met Broc."he echoed.

"Yes, he was very friendly."

"Ya he is. He's a bit much." Luca said as he rolled his eyes. I laughed, crossing my arms, "Maybe a bit."

"Let's go see what's cooking." He offered, picking up the bundle of wood he cut. He led the way as we made our way back to the front. Stomping up the porch steps, we went back inside. Broc was setting the table when we walked in, straightening the cutlery with the bowls.

"Going extra fancy eh Broc? You never set the table for me." Luca smirked, putting the firewood down.

"Well you are also not a young lady, trapped in a tiny house with two poor mannered men." Broc replied, finishing his adjustment. "I'm trying to be considerate." He restated. Luca shook his head. I smiled at the exchange.

"Trust me this is much nicer than I'm used to. No need to fuss." I assured him. All of us found spots at the table. Broc shot Luca a smirk, "I like this one, she's actually grateful for what I do."

Luca rolled his eyes, "Ya whatever I was chopping wood for you this morning."

"Cause I told you too, that doesn't scream gratefulness." Broc scoped a full bowl of stew, sliding it in front of me. I didn’t hesitate to eat. I spooned up heapings of it till my stomach didn’t feel like an empty pit. It had been too long since I had a proper meal. I pushed my empty bowl back, looking up to surprised faces.

"Wow you really scarfed that down." Broc said, "I’m not that great of a cook. Did you forget to eat yesterday or something?" He chuckled. I looked up at him nervously, it was kinda true.

"Oh no really?" He said with a voice full of pity. My face went red, looking back to my empty bowl nervously. They both gave me the same sad eyes. I didn't want to be pitied.

"It wasn't that bad. I had a lot going on." I would avoid the fact that food was kept from me.

"Well that's why they invented seconds." Broc said, filling up my bowl again. I was grateful for the change of subject. I decided for the sake of my stomach that I should probably eat this one a little slower.

"Is there a town close by here?" I asked, looking up from it. "I realized I left all my other clothes back where I was before." I clarified my reason. Broc nodded, "There is a town out past the forest, but you won't have time to make it out there today. I may have something you can wear in the meantime. It will be a little big but it should work." He offered.

"Thanks." I said, happy to have a solution.

"Good stew Broc." Luca said with a grin, " See I'm working on being grateful."

I laughed, Broc shook his head in fake disappointment. "Luca likes to push my buttons that's all."

Luca grinned, "Oh It's definitely mutual."

"Enough about our witty banter, tell us about you, Phyn." Broc leaned forward, waiting. I frowned, looking at Luca, I didn't know what to say or how much he knew.

"Well I grew up in a little town on the west coast of Tetrad. Been moving around a lot the last half a decade. I don't have any place I call home now. I guess I'm just a drifter." I shrugged hoping that answer was good enough. That I wouldn't have to explain, wizards, or teleporting, or my criminal history. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I didn't have much else to say.

Broc frowned crossing his arms, "No, no, no. Not where you've lived, who you are. Who is Phynley?" He corrected, confusing me to a greater degree. "Um I'm not sure." I answered, taken aback by the question. "How can I sum up myself in a short answer?"

Broc tilted his head, "Just tell me one thing than." He replied. "Well...um, I like to tell stories I guess." I offered, not knowing what else he would want to know. "Now that's something, a storyteller. I'll remember that" He nodded.

"How about you Luca." Broc said, still chewing. Luca turned surprised, "You know me already." He frowned, avoiding the question. "Ya but I can't just put Phyn on the spot." Broc argued decidedly "Fine." Luca muttered, "I like to learn and read, I guess." Broc chuckled, "That's an understatement. I'm sure you've seen all the books already Phyn. All the ones upstairs are his." Luca shrugged. All those books were Luca 's. It was surprising. I didn't know many people who could read, let alone own a collection of books. I could only read a little, mostly just stuff I picked up from sign posts, or the letters Malachi had me deliver. I got the general pattern, still wasn’t good at it.

"How about you Broc, who are you?" I returned the question to him. He thought for a second, his dark brown eyes looking to the ceiling. "I'm a fighter, a protector, and a bringer of laughter." He smiled, satisfied with his answer. I grinned, he was prepared with a response.

"Bringer of chores if you ask me…" Luca muttered. Broc glared at him. Luca grinned wide.

Finishing our meals, Broc stood and started stacking the bowls. "Luca go get some water to wash the dishes. I'm going to get Phyn something else to wear and then the two of you can clean up the dishes. Does that work for everyone?" Broc asked, looking at both of us. I nodded getting to my feet. Luca slipping back outside.

"Follow me." Broc said heading to the stairs. I scampered after him, more than happy to find something else to wear.

Stomping up the stairs, Broc took me down the hall to the furthest room from the stairs. Opening the door, he went in and walked directly up to a large dresser in the corner. "Let's see what we have here." He mumbled, shuffling through it.

I took a moment to look around the room. It was a big space, a large window on the outside wall made it bright. A large bed in the middle and a large deer skin rug. It was decorated much like the rest of the house, rustic but comfortable. "How long have you lived here?" I asked, as I waited. He stopped searching for a second, "I've owned this place for a few years, I've only recently taken up permanent residence. After losing my position in Manic I lost the perks that came with it. This was the only piece of land left in my possession." He explained, pulling out a large tawny brown shirt and a belt.

"You think this will work as a dress for you?" He asked, eyeing Its size for me. I stared at it, taking it from him, "Ya it should do."

"And I'm guessing you'll want some trousers with that too." He stopped thinking. "Mine will be way too big, but Luca might have an extra pair." He said walking out of the room and into another.

"Shouldn't you ask him first," I asked, following.

"Luca literally borrowed my house without asking, so I think I can borrow a pair of pants from him." He walked back out, handing me a dark brown pair.

"Ok so feel free to change into these and then come down and help Luca with the dishes." He ordered very politely. "I think Luca will get a little grouchy if I make him do all the work." He explained, chuckling.

I smiled, going back into my room. Shutting the door behind me I quickly got out of my old clothes, putting on the new. The pants were a little baggy and I had to roll up the sleeves quite a bit but they were nice. Good quality, practical material, much nicer than anything I had ever owned, even if they were plain. I tied the belt around my waist, satisfied with the look. It felt good to be in clean clothes.

I walked back out of the room, down the hallway. I could hear Broc and Luca talking as I got closer. "Apparently Mrs. Wesley up the road has had some issues with wolves, I'm going to see if I can take care of that. I probably won't be back till at least supper, if not later." His voice echoed through the hall. "Ok sounds fair." Luca stated dryly.

"Also why didn't you tell me this morning that your friend was a girl?" Broc said in a teasing tone. "Seems like a pretty big detail to leave out."

There was silence after that, I froze.

"Cause it wasn't important and I knew you'd make it a bigger deal than it is."

"She's a lovely young lady and you have my blessing." Broc responded slyly. My face went red. "It's not like that." Luca was quick to interject.

Broc laughed, "Ya really? Cause I've hardly seen you so much as look at another girl but you were swooning over her like a lovesick puppy." Broc said, challenging him. I almost snorted, Luca wasn't swooning over me.

"Stop it Broc." Luca's voice turned serious, "You don't know what you're talking about. She needs my help right now and I need hers. This is all about big picture future stuff I don't have time to worry about anything else." he echoed. He needed my help? Emery's weird cryptic words came to mind something about me being an important piece in the puzzle. With Luca's looming prophecy and Augustine's psychotic shadow group, I was scared at how I fit into all of this.

"Just don't chase all the joy away Luca, life is short." Silence being Luca's only reply. I felt odd to overhear them, an invasion of privacy.

They were quiet now so I figured it wouldn't be as awkward for me to reappear. I stepped down the stairs, coughed briefly to make my presence known. Broc all packed and ready to go, presumably wolf hunting.

"Luca knows the procedure, I've got to step out for a bit. You two behave." He pointed at both of us, stepping out. Luca wearing a neutral expression, he sighed. Standing by the wash bin, the door shut leaving Luca and I alone.

"Wash or dry?" Luca asked, picking up the dry cloth.

"Wash, I don't know where anything goes."

“Yes, that makes an easy decision.” He nodded, taking his spot.

The dishes we used were soaking inside the soapy water. I knelt by it pulling out the wet rag and squeezing it out. I looked over to him, he was standing by waiting for clean dishes. I scrubbed out the first bowl and tossed it in the next basin to be rinsed.

"That place yesterday, you lived there?" Luca asked casually.

"Ya, I had my own place at the camp, a tiny cabin, pretty run down." I echoed, starting on the next dish. Luca dried it and stacked it with others.

"Will you miss it?" He asked, studying my expression. I frowned, debating it.

"Maybe, it was a bad situation. Everything came to a head before you showed up."

I looked back down at the dishes, drawing my focus away. I didn't want to get upset again. I still couldn’t shake the guilt.

"How so?" He asked, stopping. I met his gaze. Did he really want to know?

"I did something very stupid and it came back to bite me. There was nothing left for me there. You don't need to feel bad for coming when you did. It was a relief if anything." I muttered, keeping my eyes on the soapy water.

"I'm sorry it turned out like that." Luca's voice came out clear.

"You don't have to be. It was my own fault."

I tightened my grip on the basin, "You shouldn't be so kind to me." I looked up at the water and locked on his gaze. I was tired of hiding what kind of person I was. Might as well let him be disappointed now, rather than later.

"I'm not a good person Luca. I'm not worthy of your compassion."

He frowned, his eyes locked in thought. I ignored it and picked up the next bowl.

"Merle's right when he calls me a thief. I got to the camp by stealing things. I work with criminals, I am a criminal. I ruin everything I touch. You don't want to waste your kindness on me." I spoke with almost no emotion. I kept the guilt and anger inside, pushing it down.

Luca stared at me, still with his frown, unaffected by my speech.

"We've all done things we regret in order to survive. I've stolen things too, if you want me to list off all the mistakes I've made, I can. You're the same as me Phyn. If you are not worthy of compassion neither am I."

I dropped the bowl back in the soapy water. Blinking back angry tears. How could I respond to something like that? He didn’t get it.

I kept scrubbing to fill the silence. Mostly distracting myself from my own emotions.

"I'm not kind to you cause I pity you Phyn." Luca's voice broke back in, "I'm kind to you because I genuinely like you as a person. You and me, we're made of the same stuff."

I looked at him slightly surprised by his remark. "What does that mean?" I almost snorted. I hid the fact that my hands were shaking.

"We're both fighters Phyn, we do what it takes." He smirked, tossing me his rag, "And what it takes now is getting rid of the leftover water from the wash bin."

I stepped out of the way watching him struggle to carry it out the door. "You want help?" I asked following him. "No I'm good." He said unconvincingly. "Mostly." He nervously laughed, spilling some water before he managed to dump out the basin. He laughed, setting it down. He took a breath, surveying his surroundings.

Both fighters, I didn’t know if I agreed. I didn't feel like a fighter. Then again, I guess I was always fighting to survive. Maybe in that sense I could agree.

"Broc’s going to be out for a while. So I figure we could go on a little adventure. Nothing big, I'll just wanna show you around the forest. You know, do something normal for once." He squinted against the sun, leaning the basin against the wall.

"Normal sounds good to me."

I drew my eyes back to the forest. The shadows intriguing my curiosity.

"Where to?"

"That's a secret." A grin widening across his cheeks.

"I guess I should've anticipated that."

"Oh you really should've." he winked, his head turning towards the forest path. The unknown standing right in front of me.