Tributes

Chapter Thirty

"Come on my dear," Helian said cheerfully, steering the new tribute into the tribute rooms. Two sets of eyes looked up at her, making her falter in the doorway. Or possibly the size of the room make her falter. It was a little hard to tell. "Time to meet the others," Helian coaxed, gesturing to the room which only actually had Chris and Julia in. 

Julia was curled up next to Chris on the sofa knitting while Chris carved into a piece of wood, careful not to let the wood carving fall on Julia's wool. They looked comfortable together but the image faded slightly as Heilan saw Chris's eyes. They looked wary and tired. Julia's knees were against Chris and Heilan could see a fresh cut on Chris's hand from where he'd flinched as they entered. Chris looked down at the cut and grimaced. 

"A new tribute!" Julia grinned, slapping Chris's hand as he raised it to suck at the cut. "Finally another girl!" she exclaimed happily, putting down her knitting. 

"Kid though," Chris grumbled, reaching for a rag from his tools and putting it over his hand instead. "Hello," He added, nodding towards her politely. Helian walked over to him calmly switching places with Julia as she went to sweep Anna up and into the room. Chris tensed as Heilan sat next to him. 

"I'm fifteen," She defended, her eyes glaring annoyed but still cautious. She was not a child to be mocked or cooed at. Julia was quick to gather her up and sit her down in the room. Anna sitting gingerly on the other sofa. 

"Helian, what is the average age of the tributes normally?" Chris asked the fae, not actually looking at him.

"Typically 19 to 22," Heilan shrugged, reaching over to take Chris's cloth-covered hand. Chris let him but Heilan could smell fear rolling off him. "There is usually one like you who is older, and maybe one or two who are younger. You lot aren't the first to be a little unusual though," He explained while gently healing the cut and holding Chris's hand firmly. "Luke was the youngest in his group, he was 13 while the next one up was 18 so he got babied a lot," Heilan chuckled softly. 

"No wonder he's so spoiled," Julia chuckled. "That man doesn't know when to hold back," She rolled her eyes. "So, what's your name?" She asked gently.

"Anna," Anna admitted, fiddling with her hair. "Is it only us so far?"

"No," Julia shook her head. "The boys are off somewhere with their teachers," she explained. "The twins are youngest at 10, then there is Paul at 13. So it's nice to have someone a little older," she smiled. 

"How much do you want to bet that Silas has another fight with Abel?" Heilan commented, smiling at the groans it produced from both Julia and Chris. They weren't sure who was getting worse. Silas or Abel. The more Abel learned how to use his powers, the more things went wrong and set Silas off. "Still bad then?"

"I think Kayden is hoping they will calm down once they have an afternoon to run about. I'm praying as well," Chris commented tiredly,  subtly trying to take his hand back but Heilan held firm. He shifted his leg so it was against Chris's and leaned against him slightly. Chris tensed up but stopped fighting the hold. "When Master said I was going to have to be a role model to them, he didn't mention I had to be their father as well," Chris exhaled, trying to relax a bit. 

"Because I got warnings of being a mother," Julia shot back.

"The twins fight a lot?" Anna asked gently, slowly relaxing at the tone they were all speaking in. It seemed all of the tributes were fine so far. It was a little concerning to hear there were three younger ones in this situation too but Julia and Chris both seemed unconcerned for the most. Which meant it wasn't too bad for them. Chris and Heilan's interactions were interesting though.