Life, Death, and Time - A Books Of Beginning Collection

Savages AU

- Kate, Michael, and Emma were born to Richard and Clare Wibberly in the late 1800's. Soon after, they were separated from their parents at young ages and placed in an orphanage under mysterious circumstances.

- They spent ten years going from orphanage to orphanage, often suffering cramped and unsanitary conditions, and threats of being thrown out on the street if they misbehaved. It was hard on all of them, especially when they began to show signs of magical ability. They hid it, but it wasn't easy, especially for Kate, who had to take on the role of parent to her little siblings.

- The summer of 1899, right as Michael is about to turn 13 (Emma is 12 and Kate is 15) they are at an orphanage in Baltimore, and something goes wrong. Maybe Emma mouthed off once too often. Maybe Michael's magic caused something strange to occur, like all the curtains being shredded. Whatever it was, it ended with the Crumleys throwing the Wibberly siblings out.

- Alone in the world, with no one to help them, Kate knows she needs to find somewhere safe. She and her siblings scrounge for money and find they have enough to take the train north. They go to New York, thinking such a large city must have fellow magic users who can help them.

- They've been in the city for a grand total of two days, frequenting the magical quarter and searching for anyone who can help them, only to be rejected again and again, when they meet Jake and Beetles.

- The two joking boys aren't very helpful at first, but eventually explain that they know where magical kids in need can find a home. Desperate, the Wibberlys follow him back to the church, where they're introduced to Henrietta Burke.

- Henrietta offers to take them in, provided they help out as requested, and keep their magic under control. While the Wibberlys aren't quite sure what to make of this thief gang, they can tell this is a good place and they really need somewhere to go. So, they accept her offer.

- The three are introduced to Abigail, who is Emma's age and helps them get settled in, while making some interesting and sarcastic comments, of course. Abigail decides quickly that she likes the newcomers very much - Kate seems especially kind, and Emma reminds her of herself.

- Though the savages, as they learn this group is called, are very strange, for the first time in a long time, the Wibberly siblings feel safe.

- Emma pretty much loves it right away. She and Abigail become fast friends and she's excited by all the possibilities (especially for getting into trouble). Michael is a bit more skeptical, being a shy rule follower not used to all of this chaos. 

- The kids flock to Kate almost immediately, asking her to help button coats or reach shelves or bandage scrapes. She's almost the oldest kid there, and her motherly nature makes these magical children gravitate towards her. She's more than happy to help them, and is quickly becoming attached to this new group she and her siblings have gained.

- It's a few days after their arrival that the Wibberly siblings meet the boy who helps lead the savages, Rafe. They've heard about him from Abigail, and it would be lying to say they weren't curious. After hearing his story from their new friend, they're even more curious. After all, no one knows what it's like to lose everything and have to become independent too fast like the Wibberly siblings do. 

- Michael and Emma meet him together and it goes over well. They remind Rafe of a lot of children he's welcomed to the church before and he's always willing to take in people in need.

- Rafe meets their older sister soon after. He's expecting her to be like her sibling - a little afraid, a little excited, and a little confused. Instead, he finds her helping an eight year old girl lace up her boots.