More interestingly, it begged the question that if Eva felt different to the mythologicals, enough that some might not consider her fully human, would othermyeinlike Chirron and Mist present the same way in their senses?
"How exactly do I feel different?" Eva asked, wanting to understand.
It was more than a desire. It was an imperative. There was still so much about herself and what she could do that remained a mystery.
She'd had her differences shoved in her face so many times that eventually she stopped paying attention to them. Instead, choosing to bury them deep and pretend they didn't exist.
Only, that need to hide herself had led to her feeling stifled. Crippled by her inability to accept.
It seemed wrong some stranger understood this piece of her when she didn't.
Brisa's forehead wrinkled in thought. "I told you, didn't I? You feel like the sun, but more sparkly, and I don't feel the need to take a nap when I'm in your presence."
Eva pondered those words, falling into thought and barely noticing as she left Brisa behind.
"Hey! Where are you going?" Brisa asked, chasing after Eva.
With every couple of steps, Brisa's wings spread, lifting her and carrying her forward in an odd leap and glide.
Brisa stopped as they approached the most western edge of camp and the small crackling fire that was there. Caden sat on one side, preoccupied with something he held in his hands. On the other side, Van lay on his back, his arms crossed behind his head as he stared into the night sky.
Brisa waved at a spot in the darkness, unaware of the startled glances being shot her way. "Hey, Merc. What are you doing up there?"
Van's expression tightened into a troubled mask as the darkness beside him stirred. A low curse left him as he sat upright.
A Tenrin appeared, his face disgruntled as he glared at Eva's companion.
Van was quick to wipe the scowl from his face as he sent a mocking smile toward the Tenrin before waving the way Brisa had. "Merc. It's nice to meet you. Why don't you join us?"
The Tenrin sneered before focusing on Brisa. "You are not supposed to be here."
Brisa puffed out her chest. "The Caller is here. I wanted to meet her."
The Tenrin shook his head reproachfully. "Covath will be displeased."
Brisa looked sulkily down at her feet. "What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
"I will not lie to the flock lord."
Brisa mumbled something to herself, making Eva bite her lip to hide her smile. It wasn't funny. Or at least, it shouldn't have been.
Knowing Covath, he could very well use this as an excuse to accuse Eva of corrupting one of his flock.
Then where would Eva be? Nowhere good; that's where.
Only, Eva couldn't quite bring herself to chase off the youth. There was something about Brisa that reminded her of her little sister. She had the same insatiable curiosity as Elis. The same ability to cause frustration and laughter without even trying.
The reminder of her sister made Eva's levity fade. She couldn't help but wonder how Elis was doing these days. Did she miss her? Was she safe?
"Return," Merc ordered.
"But—"
"Now. You are too young to be here. I will not ask again."
Grumbling to herself, Brisa nodded a goodbye at Eva and the fire fox before her wings carried her into the night sky.
"You'd be wise not to try to influence our young," Merc informed Eva with a serious look.
