EMBER

INVERIE PART TWO

I yawn and stretch sitting up groggily.

"Morning sleepy head." Temi brushes the red locks from my eyes as I blink rapidly adjusting to the dim light in the room. The curtains are drawn but the light falling inside the room is as melancholic as I feel. She gives me a small smile I don't return.

She is already dressed in black denim jeans and a really bright orange t-shirt that makes my eyes hurt. She looks like somebody hit her with orange. And her paleness doesn't help much. Her golden blue eyes are twinkling. I wonder why she's so cheerful considering previous events.

"Because it's beautiful outside. Get ready breakfast is already outside. Join us in a few."
With that she stands up and happily skips away leaving me really confused. The mind link bugs me sometimes.

After having a war with my hair that am generally victorious, teeth brushed I get out of the too pink room that looks like someone painted with cotton candy.

The others are awake too I guess. The small corridors are crowded with people. I take care not to draw attention to myself which is hard as their eyes naturally gravitate to my features. I scowl.

Finally I manage to exit the Old Forge lodgings once again admiring the peat stove as I walk past the other inmates gobbling down breakfast.

The day is over cast and has taken on a broody air quality reflecting me. Somewhat terrifying even but that doesn't sway the high spirits of the tourist congregation as they chat about the climbs they are going to have.

Silhouetted are the peaks of Ladhar Bheinn, Beinn Bhuidhe, Luinne Bheinn enticing and captivating but also exuding an aura danger.  The Loch Nevis is also gray adding to the melancholic spirit of the already depressing morning. I wonder what got Temi high, I want to have some too.

I take in a huge gulp of cold fresh air. I can see why Temi is elated a little. This is her scene. Water and mountains complete her life. I look longingly at the green forests. I wish I could just go in and disappear there forever. Be lost in the dangerous depth of beauty that is mother nature.

The water is enticing but the magnetic danger it exudes is exactly what scares me but pulls Temi in. I move to the picnic tables where Temi, Jake, Emmeline, Shen, Karim and Thoren are already seated with a food platter before them.

I spot them immediately with their dark sunglasses and white canes. People are trying to not look and avoid them but I can tell they are watching.

Thoren raises his head and glues his gaze on me as I make my way to them. I feel the pull behind the dark glasses. I can't stop the butterflies hatching in my stomach. I try not to blush.

Jake and Temi scoot making space in between them. Well maybe I'll sit with Thoren later. I plunk myself in between them annoyed with their clear intentions to keep me away from Thoren.

"You okay? Sleep well?" Jake looks at me very concerned as he passes me a bowl of aromatic tomato soup and homemade garlic bread. I dip my bread and take a bite.

"Mmmhmmm."
I sigh closing my eyes. The taste is of organic heavenly delight. I didn't even realize I was this hungry as I make short work of my meal. It suits the cold morning. It makes me feel warm inside.

"Slow down. Death by choking isn't exactly flattering." Shen mumbles between bites of smoked salmon. I give him a look as I eye his salmon. Looks mighty mouthwatering.