Safe Harbor

| 16 |

As soon as my feet hit the soft sand, a delicious scent wafts through my nostrils, making my stomach rumble uncontrollably. It smells amazing; ten times better than anything I've smelled at Grimley's tavern, or even anything at home. I crane my neck around, searching for the source of the smell, when I see a bonfire; smaller than the one in the Dining Room, burning, with what looks like fish and even some vegetables roasting overhead. Even more bizzare is the sight of who's watching over it; a small girl who can't be a day over ten. Next to her, the other kids from before; the ones that came to greet us, mill around, each of them prepping other food and chatting amiably. The food smells so delectable I can practically taste it. Only then do I realize exactly how hungry I am.

Just then, my ears pick up the sound of music, and once again, I swivel my head around in confusion. Finally, right by the waves are a group of boys pounding away at what looks like a large old paintcan, a half broken bucket, and other odds and ends that make no sense when put together. But the noise they make from them is astounding; they pound away at their make-do drums without a care in the world, and that makes me smile. Around them, the younger kids also contribute; some of them clapping their hands together, trying to keep up with the beat, some of them clicking small, smooth pebbles gifted from the waves of the ocean together like maracas, and still others doing their own thing. It's a melody like none other; something I'm completely postiive no orchestra or band could ever dream of recreating. The beat has no clear pattern or style but it couldn't matter less: it reverberates furiously, in my ears and in my heart nonetheless.

Henry chuckles, obviously sensing my awe and wonder. "Soak it all in, mate," he says into my ear so I can hear him better. "This is all for the welcoming of you and your friends," he explains. "This is your day."

Before I can even respond to him, two small little girls rush up to my side, giggling and grinning like crazy. One has fiery, lava-like red hair, while the other is pale blonde. They have necklaces made of what looks like seashells hanging from their necks and brightly coloured flowers tucked behind their ears, and I can't help but smile at how adorable they look.

"Hullo there!" The red haired one exclaims, looking immensely pleased to see us.

I turn to Henry, sure she's talking to him, but he laughs and shakes his head. "Avalie's not talking to me, she's talking to you!" He tells me, and the girl-- Avalie -- nods enthusiastically, agreeing.

"You're Alex, right?" The blonde one continues, with a matching grin on her face. "I'm Rosalie!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you meet you both," I say, crouching down to their level to greet them properly. The happiness in their eyes confuses and welcomes me at the same time; I just can't believe how excited they seem to meet me, of all people.

"You, as well!" They chirp. Just then, Avalie springs forward, dropping one of the very same seashell necklaces around her and Rosalie's neck around mine securely. Before I can say or do anything else, the two little girls have grabbed onto my hands and are beginning to lead me off. I half turn, looking at Henry with what I know must be a confused look, but he laughs it off once more.

"I'll see you later, mate!"

Avalie and Rosalie tug on my arms insistently, and I allow them to lead me over to a large log by the very edge of the forest, next to a very colorful, vibrant tree. I smile widely, seeing my other friends are already there, seated comfortably and chatting amongst themselves. All of the boys, like me, wear the intricate seashell necklaces, and all of the girls instead, wear the same colorful flowers in their hair, reminding me of a Hawaiian luau.

Seated on the very edge isn't my best mate, like I'd expected, but rather, an ever silent, ever quiet Georges. Avalie and Rosalie lead me over to him and I take a seat, not before thanking the girls profusely, to which they giggle at and run off.