almost - post war storm au

Chapter One - Mare

I wake up to an empty bed, like usual. Last I talked to Cal, he said they'd be letting him come home for a while. The fighting has slowed down, at least that's what he was allowed to say.

I slide out of bed, making it neat like Cal would do. I pull up my hair, tightening it into a hair tie. I'll have to wake up Emery and Hayden for school soon. Don't forget Clara. My niece is staying with us until Shade and Diana get back with Cal. They're alive and well, thankfully. I can't bear the thought of losing any of them.

I would've gone with them, but Hayden and Emery need me here. Diana needed justice for those Reds in the Prairie. Shade, being Shade, wanted to keep Diana alive, even though she's perfectly capable of doing that herself.

Cal, however, is a bit more complicated. He's always been compassionate and it makes him a good leader. Even if Silver Court thought kindness a weakness. Cal wanted to help those unfortunate Reds who are still living under a Silver boot. He won't admit it, but Cal needed a break from Maven. The two got in a fight before Cal left. Maven, thankfully has had his mind fixed by a newblood whisper. But he still thinks of the things he has the time to care about before the things that are too risky. Cal is the opposite, after he was free of the crown and Norta became a democracy, no risk has been to great. If it means saving others, Cal will gladly risk his life. I just wish he would take a break and be with me.

I open the door to Emery's room. "Em... time for school."

Emery groans, lying face-first on her bed. She takes after Cal in looks, but me in personality. It makes for some tricky arguments. Even more so now that's she's thirteen. "Has Dad come home yet?"

I bite my lip. Soon. "Not yet, he'll be here before you know it though."

Emery sits up, black curls a mess. She smoothed her hair back and I click on a lamp. She blinks rapidly, her eyes a constant reminder of her father.

"Come on," I say this time, harder. Emery is not going to be tardy today. "Get up and get moving."

"I am," Emery mumbles, standing. She sleepily waves me out the door. "Go before I get naked."

"It's nothing I haven't seen before -"

"Mom!"

I smile and head to the guest room where Clara's been sleeping. She's self-sufficient, always trying to prove that she can handle herself, just like her mother. It's that or it's an eighteen thing. "Already ready, Mare."

Clara's pulled her hair up in a bun and is already dressed. "Okay then, go eat." I motion to the kitchen and my niece quirks me a smile. "Any tests today?"

"Not that I haven't studied for," She chirps, heading out the door.

I don't bother to wake up my oldest, Hayden. He's an early riser, like his dad. I make sure Emery's moving and go to my own breakfast. Hayden and Clara are already done, having grabbed a protein bar and juice. They joke softly together, being three years apart they sure get along well.

Hayden perks up at the sight of me. "Anything?"

"Not yet.." I say and Hayden deflates. He and Cal are close, the two are the family's source of puns. "Em! Hurry up!"

Hayden snickers and calls to his sister. "Yeah, Emery!"

I check the clock, Maven wanted to talk to me today.

Clara rolls her eyes and grabs her stuff. "We better get going... Bye!" She gives me a quick hug as Emery rushes down the stairs, pulling on a jacket.

I hand Emery some food, and kiss the top of her head. "You need to wake up earlier, Em, alright? Love you and have a great day!"

"I will, love you too!" She calls before racing after Clara.