Preparation

Lunaira paused for a moment, her expression softened. Lithe fingers moved without thought, wiping off the salty crystals that streaked down now burning red cheeks. A fleeting nostalgia caressed her heart. How many times had Ori done this for her? Or how many times had Lunaira done this for the others?

There have been so many tears over the years. So many locked rooms and fits of depression. It never felt easier when brought to these conflicting sensations. Ignoring her own phantom aches for the sake of others was natural just like breathing was.

Bonding with fellow lost souls without being consumed by so many negative overwhelming thoughts? That… was a completely different monster to struggle against. Still, Lunaira refused to shy away. If anything, she embraced the hardships. Doing her utmost to help just like how she herself received support when she needed it.

"We may not all be entirely human since magic fills our bodies just as much as air and water, but we have feelings. We all know what it means to be in pain. That is why we stand together, even amidst bickering." At that, the older of the two pulled them into a tight, loving hug. Choked sounds escaped Marrow, now fully free.

"Wh-what are you doing to me? Another spell?" The sobs came faster, the hug felt warmer. Though at this moment it was hard to tell who felt it first. Heartbreaking sounds released, louder than the soft coos of reassurance. The twenty-four- year- old pulled away a bit, far enough to where she can swipe another tear from Marrow's face. Her own face held a gentle smile.

"The moment those soldiers attacked, you lost what it meant to love and feel safe. For both Graves's sake and yours, you chose to be a protective predator instead of frightened prey. For the last two weeks, you have clung to that mindset out of habit. Unable to let go of those fears to the point of hostility. Mama Ori has given you a second chance, just like the rest of us. These tears symbolize your grief." The proof was held out delicately on top of a single black nail.

"Your frustration is a sign of restraint. You want to let go, but since childhood you've had to endure the dark sides of humanity. Those that care only for themselves stamped you into the ground with you just having to deal with it. Now you are thrown into a ride full of different emotions where you're overwhelmed, willing to do whatever you need to in order for the past to not be repeated."

Not a single thing that left her lips since this conversation began was a lie. This entire time, she had experienced the core of Marrow's being. Learning far more about the girl than she had while observing her in the last two weeks. She resumed to rub the tears off such an innocent, bloated face with her ripped shirt.

"I swear on my life that the promises Mama Ori gave you are not false. She is a compassionate magician that knows better than anyone how it feels to hurt when thrown into the unknown. She made this circus to find those who were like her and give them a better life. One that's not shackled by negativity."

Unable to stop the streams of grief and stuffed sniffles with her already soaked shirt, Lunaira snapped her fingers, pulling out of thin air, a handkerchief. Gently she soothed the soft fabric all over those wet cheeks. Only for bony fingers to wrap around her wrist to halt her mother hen advances. The grip was tight, with tremors shaking both girls.

"What does she get out of this Lunaira? What's the point of putting up shows, doing magic tricks for a bunch of humans that would rather see us dead!?" It was the loudest anyone (with probably the exception of Graves) had heard her. It was the most surprising thing Lunaira had witnessed, so much so that Marrow ducked her head away. The albino tried to peer into her ashamed eyes to no avail.

Instead, she could only sit there while her junior bowed her head, intent on observing their shadows. Following her gaze, the oldest member of Ori's troupe took note of their silhouettes morphing into odd shaped specters. Then she saw Marrow clench and unclench her fists, tension high as the sun above them glowed brighter, their shadows darker.

Magic buzzed nervously in transparent wisps while the birds above chirped high, pitched songs. They overpowered the rest of nature's nagging noises, but eventually, in an amount of time neither of them could not possibly tell, Lunaira decided to give her a reply. With that same tender, serious tone that she used a handful of times throughout the entire conversation.

"Her desires are to bring joy to the world. We are her stars in the night sky, guiding a world that desperately needs light in the darkness. We protect the people, enchanting them with the very things they tend to fear. We attack those with ill will that hide in the most wicked of shadows. The Supernaturals that prey on the unprepared innocent." Those long nails gently pushed Marrow's head up. Her purple pupils met her fellow circus companion's, surrounded by a halo of sunshine.

There was so much she wanted to tell her. So many promises she wished to give to ensure that both Marrow and Graves felt comfortable here. It took everything within her to nip those thoughts before they could verbally sprout. It wasn't time yet. The child that was with her was completely overcome with her emotions.

Ready to shatter within an instance of uncared treatment. Lunaira halted an oncoming sigh. In due time, she would reveal more. For now though, her priority was to ensure that Marrow knew why she was here. What being within Ori's circus meant.

"We are not asking you to change overnight. However, you don't need to prove yourself to anybody, or run your bones into the earth. We need you, Marrow. You and Graves. More importantly, however, we want you two happy. Our circus is our safe haven, the people within it our home. There is no need to force yourself into it if you don't wish for it. The choice of life is yours to decide."

Saying all she felt she needed to say, Lunaira rose from her position. Wincing as that numb feeling spread throughout her legs. Content formed when she felt Marrow's relief wash through her. Appeased, she finally allowed herself to pull away, creating some distance. Her head had finally ached to the point where she had to step away. Forcibly cutting off the use of her magic before the pressure became even worse.