After World Chronicles: Angel Awakens

Tent City

ANGEL

The family who aided me is with a larger group. I continue to trail behind them, not wanting to draw attention from the guards patrolling the area if I wander off on my own. Once we are well inside the walls the group begins to set up camp within the bounds of tent city. 

Tent city is exactly as the name suggests.  It's a sea of tents that stretches in clusters in every direction as far as the eye can see.  Most of the tents are dull colored, blending in with the grayish-brown earth they are set up on.  A few are pops of color, blues or reds.  Some tents are tiny, with only enough room for one, while others are more elaborate.  I remember staying in the Rebel Camp.  We lived in tents because we could pack up and go whenever we needed to.  My adoptive mother Lexi and I stayed in a tent that was somewhat elaborate, with enough space inside to make it feel like a home.

The girl and boy come up to me as I continue walking past the group, and call out for my attention.

"Hey!" calls the boy, jogging up beside me, his face open, friendly and curious.

"Where are you going?" the girl chimes in from my other side.

I stop to offer my gratitude and a smile to my rescuers.

"You didn't give me a chance to thank you before," I tell them. "I don't know why you helped me, but I owe you my thanks."

The boy shrugs and blushes, looking away. The girl puts her hands on her hips and considers me.

"Your welcome," she declares, flipping a golden braid over one shoulder.

"We wanted to help you because you're like us," the boy says candidly, and I worry for the casual way he admits his angel heritage. He must not be aware of how dangerous it is to do so.

"That's not something to talk about with strangers," I say carefully, not wanting to alarm them or scare them away.

"And we wouldn't if you weren't like us," the girl assures me. "We could be kin. Why should we be strangers?"

Her assessment makes me smile. I highly doubt there's a family link, the disparity in our appearances doesn't support this. Friends are always welcome though.

"I don't even know your names," I tell them, "and you never asked for mine, either."

"Well, what is your name?" the girl demands.

"I'm Angel," I share. "And you both are...?"

"In trouble for not doing your share of set up!" a firm voice behind me declares. Two heads whip in the direction of their older sister.

"But..." the boy begins to whine, guilt written all over his sweet features.

"No buts. Finish your jobs first, then you can socialize with our new friend," I turn to the young woman, who is about my age, maybe a year or two older.  Her arm is outstretched, finger pointing as she indicates she wants her siblings to go and get busy with their chores.

"I shouldn't hold you up," I say, hoping the two aren't really in trouble. "I just wanted to offer my gratitude at the assistance before."

The girl reaches out to lay her hand on my upper arm. "Join us over day," she offers. "The sun will rise soon and you'll need shelter."

"I couldn't impose," I begin to protest.  They have already done so much to help me, and now they offer more. 

"Nonsense," she cuts me off. "There's enough room in our tent, and we have food to share. Where else are you going?"