Nothing More Than Us[A Plague Tale: Innocence]

Recovered, but at what cost?

The Château was the perfect hideout for everyone, and everyone had their own role around. The only time that no one liked the way the castle functioned was when it rained. The rain would seep through the walls and cause their small living quarters to leak, especially on the pouring nights. Rodric said that he would fix it one day, and today was that day that he would do so with Hugo, who handed him the tools when requested. Denice watched them silently for a few, but she truly needed a better distraction. Otherwise, the girl swore that she would fall apart worse than these walls.

Luckily, the girls offered to take her on one of their trips down to the river. Mélie had warmed up nicely to the third girl that joined their family.

A bit of girl time was something she probably needed, where her womanly emotions would not feel like such a burden on the others. She learned to trust the others over the course of weeks. Not just with the girls, but the boys too. All were entertaining and were there when she needed them. It felt weird to her, but she welcomed the new feeling. She could tell they were all close—like some family—and she noticed how close Amicia and Mélie were. Maybe she could make them an official trio of feminine power.

"Don't think I've been fishing before," she told the girls candidly and followed close behind, but nearly beside them. "I've cooked it, but not fished for it myself. Is it fun?"

"It's fun once you get the hang of it!" Mélie responded, excitingly. This was the first trip out with Denice but her third fishing with Amicia. "Some might call it men's sport, but it's quite fun, actually. And you can catch some pretty damn good food if you're lucky enough. Right, Amicia?"

Amicia nodded. "Mélie taught me how to fish too. I was in the same position as you before I met her."

Mélie winked. "Maybe you both can pay me back later for the lessons then if you're so keen on them."

Amicia rolled her eyes. 'Don't listen to her. She always wants to be paid back for something."

"Damn right."

They walked down a small path that luckily wasn't too muddy from the previous night's rain. There was still a bit of cold in the air as though it would still rain, but it still felt like the right temperature right in between. Not too hot, nor cold. Enough that you didn't have to layer up clothing, but if you did, it would not matter. Mostly, it was the wind that rattled the multi-colored leaves in the trees that was on either side of the path. Denice was enjoying the time out, and the clear air seemed to heal her soul and cleanse her body from any bad thoughts. She hadn't thought of her mother for a while when she went out with the girls.

"How often do the boys come fishing?"

"Not too often. Arthur hates it, and Rodric and Lucas are always busy sticking their noses in their work," Mélie answered, pushing up some branches that pushed out into the narrow path, allowing for both Denice and Amicia to walk by before she took the rear. "It's always a luxury to get away from male energy."

"Does your brother like fishing?" Denice asked Amicia.

"He hasn't gone, though he is excited to one day. I hope to teach him like how Mélie taught me. When he feels better one day."

Hugo's brother was sick. Denice did not know what he was sick with, but she knew that he had to stay near Lucas in case something were to happen.

The walk continued on for a little while. Denice had never walked a long distance. It gave her a feeling she had not felt when she was cramped up back at home: the Château was still somewhat cramped for her, but at least when she felt trapped, she could walk outside. There was no window she would be forced to look out of when she was feeling lonely. It was only getting better since her injuries had healed over the weeks. Her bruises had gone away, and the only trace of the attack was her slightly crooked nose, that probably would not be able to be put back in place.