wc:502
The stranger was quick to recognize his accent, apparently having heard the same Italian lilt on Savina’s words. He nodded, indicating that she had been correct in her assumption. It was an easy thing to catch, considering how rare this way of speaking was in this area. More than likely all the Italian speakers in the area were related to the sprawling Marino family in one way or another. “Si, she is my sister.” A light smile worked its way to his features. “We may have left Italia, but it will never leave us,” he joked with a half-hearted laugh. The male had not thought of his homeland in some time. There was far too much trouble brewing to allow for much reminiscing of peaceful days. He was so mired in his thoughts of the terrible conflict that he had not been able to afford himself any small bit of comfort for too long.
She introduced herself as Adele, confirming his assumption that she had been a recent addition to the Dreamer ranks. “Good to meet you, Adele.” Amber gaze regarded the small rodent that scampered to the girl’s lap as she spoke. The fighting and the raids had brought awful days indeed to members of Crimson Dreams. Ehno’s ears slowly pulled back at the thought of all that they’d gone through in the last few weeks. Adele had only been here a few days, but those few days had proved to be some of the worst the conflict had to offer. They may have been sweetly blessed with the return of Anu, but just as swiftly fate had seen fit to snatch up Cambria to take her place. Ehno was almost sick with worry for his gentle niece. The newest Dreamer seemed to have her own way of considering these last few terrible days. He forced half a smile to his lips. “Wise words from your father,” he said, hesitating a moment. “It’s just hard for me to focus on the good while all the bad things are still crashing down around us.”
He shrugged slightly and watched in silence as the girl added yet another flower to her simple chain. The Marino blinked and came back to his senses as the girl spoke again, turning his gaze to sea-green eyes. This comment brought a more heartfelt smile to the male’s lips. Such a simple wish—a naïve view of the world, maybe, but it had its own charm. It was a surprising attitude, a refreshing change from the negativity plaguing the pack of late. “Wouldn’t that be nice…” he said, considering it. “Crimson Dreams, the peaceful garden.” He shook his head and laughed, leaning back slightly. “We were peaceful, once. Before all this. Never stuck our noses where they didn’t belong and avoided conflict whenever possible.” The recent raids had been a staggering slap in the face from reality, creating such a drastic change. Adele deserved to know that Crimson Dreams had not always been trapped amid such swirling chaos.