Safe Haven

Her Destination

Reina let out a sigh of relief as she put the last of the supplies in her suitcase. It was filled to the brim with her necessities, as well as some books. She could argue that those are necessities too, though!

She plopped on the ground, tired from preparing for her trip. Staring at the ceiling above, she stretched her legs, moving to get her paws back on the ground and ready to go.

Reina's dad approached the door, steadily walking forward into her room with a smile on his face. His gaze met Reina's.

"How do poffins and berry juice for breakfast sound?" He asked, curious, crossing his paws and sitting patiently.

"That sounds good!" Reina replied, much more eager than she let on. She knew fully well that he planned for this because poffins and berry juice taste the best together, and they don't even upset her stomach!

Her dad left her room already, and she could hear the sound of pots and pans rattling in the kitchen. She grabbed the handle of her stuffed suitcase with her mouth, and teeth clamped down. With a few steps backward, she dragged the suitcase forward, closer to the door.

-

He put the poffins in the microwave, all wrapped in a paper towel. When the microwave started, his paw steps guided him to the refrigerator, taking the necessary berries to crush them into juice.

He'd been worried about Reina.

He knew it would be hard for her to live in the Guild, away from him. And it would be hard for him, too--what would he do if she needed help? He let out a pained sigh, unable to think of a solution. He was only able to rely on hope and the trust he had in his daughter.

-

Reina sat at the dinner table, paws plopped on the chair she scooted inwards to fit comfortably. She sat patiently, excited for the breakfast her dad was preparing--A question formed in her mind.

"So... Do you think they have a library? The guild I mean." Reina asked her father, in a tone elevated just enough to carry across the kitchen where her dad cooks. She heard a click of his tongue as he thought.

"Well, I'd imagine so. Guild members don't just go out on adventures--they have to research, too." He explained, turning his head back and smiling at his daughter.

"Yeah, you're probably right. I just hope it's good!" She stated, excitement filling her voice. Oh she could jump with joy just thinking about it! A guild member who had access to an extensive library who could also go on adventures! It sounded like a lot of hard work and a load of fun!

"Well, breakfast is served! Why don't you come and get a plate so we can eat?" Reina's dad told her, and she could hear the sink turning on.

"Don't wash dishes yet! I can help with those after we eat." Reina explained worriedly. He stopped, and she smiled up at him, "Time to dig in!"

-

She'd been pulling this heavy suitcase for hours, tired and unmotivated to keep moving forward. How long had they been traveling?  Her stomach tossed and turned. Suddenly she wished she hadn't packed so much, and hadn't decided to go to the Guild at all.

"Hey, dad?" Reina started, worried eyes darting between her father and the ground. Her father stopped walking and sat on the ground, motioning with his paw for her to sit as well. She complied.

"What's bothering you, Reina?" He asked, both curiosity and worry filling his voice.

"Well..." Reina began, losing her words. She stirred for a moment, lost on what to say. Her father waited patiently as she figured it out. She knows!

"I'm just worried about the guild and how I'll fit in. I don't know," She paused, lost for words again, before continuing, "I don't know how I'll talk to everyone else like I talk to you..." She said finishing her sentence.

"Well, you can take baby steps" Her father explained. He stirred the dirt below them with an unsheathed claw, pondering for words. Almost as she does. "It'll be hard at first and--well--it'll probably be hard for a while. And sure it may never go fully away, but you'll get better. Does that make sense?"

It didn't make sense. It didn't make sense why she couldn't just get better. Why she can't just be like everyone else? It was frustrating, if anything.

"I guess, I..." she hummed. The words come to her soon after, "I just wish I could be like them, now." She told him honestly. It was true. She wished she could simply be like everyone else. Able to talk, so freely, loosely, like liquid. But no, she was like a rock. Stuck in place and unable to move without the push from others. It was unfair.

Her father made eyes at her, sad ones.

"I understand, dear. I was like you when I was younger, and--" He paused. "Well, I still am, I suppose. I've just improved with time. And patience" He explained. Soon after, he scooted over to sit closer to Reina. It brought her comfort even if just a little.

"Yeah, I suppose." She said. It feels dry, maybe even a bit jealous. I wish I could have had that time to be patient and ready. To be better.

"I know you're upset. But you'll do SO amazing, Reina. And I'll be visiting, you know?" He smiled down at her, pelt brushing against hers as he lifted his legs and began to stretch, a yawn escaping his mouth.

"Thank you..." she sniffled, but just a little. The tears hadn't come just yet, and she wouldn't let them. "Could you carry my bag the rest of the way?" She asked, a little guilty feeling creeping its way to her.

"Yes, of course! We haven't gotten that much longer though." He says matter-of-factly. As she gazed forward, peeking over the hill, she saw the start of buildings making up the town the Guild resides in. Stars seemed to light up in her eyes.

"NO WAY!!!" Reina exclaimed as she started to run, stones and dirt beneath her paws ignored as she set her sights on the town ahead of her.

Her destination.