Sonja might have grown up in her father’s castle turned fortress as a child, but she’d also joined deathdealer squadrons for camping in tents beneath the stars, and spent time locked away in small cabins aboard ships the few times she’d joined ventures sailing to the New World to visit Amelia’s budding new settlement at the time. She’d lived in opulence at one point of her life, but she’d also slept on hard earth when it was necessary. The little cottage the two of them faced held promise to be a true home and shelter, something she’d not truly had before either. Places to rest, but never to call home.
The structure made her think of the plans she and Lucian had for themselves once, they’d wanted something simple and away from others. Somewhere they could be free. Fate had other plans, but she still faced living in a quaint little cabin deep in nature away from civilization. It needed repairs, the foundation at least was strong. The doors were replaced, and beds brought in for herself and the young girl at her side. She’d have to patch the roof and replace the flooring, find more candles and lanterns, perhaps some gardening tools.
Eve could go out during the day, and could enjoy the garden in a way she could not outside of the few night blooming flowers that decorated the heavy foliage that strained to bring their new home down. The elder pulled another handful of thorny brambles down and tossed them aside to the rapidly growing pile of them, pausing to wipe the sweat from her brow and watch the young girl for a moment.
A hybrid child, unable to be returned to her parents due to the danger of their world, raised in captivity by cruel lycan scientists. Sonja was too tired of people to be able to live among them, her age and the trauma she had endured made her too wary to tolerate civilization. Eve however, had never experienced anything outside the Antigen laboratory. Everything was a new experience, and perhaps overwhelming for her. The vampiress had no idea what education if any, had been offered to the young girl. She’d teach her what she could, help her learn to be a person and not see herself as the test subject she’d been forced to be. She had no plans to wander the world, and no intentions to reintroduce herself to the vampire covens. No, it was better for her to be here, this piece of paradise was theirs and Eve needed companionship, she was sure.
“I think....the wood that is too old to be kept, I’ll use it to make garden beds. We can grow flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs...whatever you like. You can attend to it during the daytime, play in the sunlight as you wish.” She did not bother to mention that she’d have to be careful if she did, as Sonja would be asleep and unable to help if something occurred.
“I’ll have to venture into the nearest city, get us some supplies for it, and more candles. Is there anything you’d like me to look for when I do?” Sonja would leave it to her to decide, she could ask for anything and she would find it. If the girl wanted to come with her, humans would be less likely to regard her suspiciously than if either of them were on their own. It would be easier to find Eve clothes she liked and fit her if she came with, but if she wanted to remain behind her at their cabin, Sonja would simply surprise her.
The cabin wasn’t much, but it was theirs and it was home. It was satisfying to see it quickly take shape for them, but there was still work to be done.
