Alone
It's the second day since the men left on the campaign and the camp is weirdly silent. No men chatter, laugh or fight. It's oddly disturbing and I found myself thrown off by the lack of noise.
Outside my shelter speaks more of the same. I spy two men hunched over the cooking pot and another playing quiet games with the kids in their quarter.
Nervous energy crackles through the air like electricity and I realise the people left behind are worried for the fate of the camp.
Found family.
I make my way over to the cooking pot and the two men greet me. It's Kai and Gideon if I remember correctly. They both give me strained smiles and Gideon serves me a plate of breakfast.
"Do you know how long everyone will be gone?" My voice rings loudly in the silence and a small part of me feels embarrassed.
Kai shrugs and smiles, "could be all day or they could be back in a couple hours.
You never really know how a campaign is going.
"
Gideon seems to pick up on my anxiety and also smiles comfortingly, "it's always hard the first time they go without you.
Everyone is usually fine and even if someone is injured Caspian is there to help.
Don't worry, just try to take your mind off of things. "
Easier said than done but I nod at them all the same.
I finish my breakfast alone at my spot by the fire before making my way over to the kids quarters.
Gray is playing hide and seek with them and when he spots me he grins widely and places a finger on his lips.
"Hmm I wonder where Pasha has gone? Is he under here.
.. nope. What about over here... no. Oh he's too tricky for me I'll never find him.
"
I giggle quietly as I noticed Pasha's feet peeking out from behind a shelter.
Gray laughs as well and sneaks up the opposite side of the shelter.
Pasha's small scream echoes around as Gray surprises him, "Found you! "
Gray is older, he looks around 65. He's the unofficial babysitter for the kids when campaigns are on because he's too old to go on one himself. All the kids seem to love him and seeing him play with them makes my heart happy.
Soon he's found all of them and Bobbin and Oliver declare they're bored so Gray brings everyone in a circle to do some rock painting.
Anya and Pasha sit together, Pasha whispering quietly in Anya's ear as she nods and smiles softly.
My heart squeezes as I watch Anya nudge her head against Pasha's shoulder.
Oliver and Bobbin sit next to each other, both of them painting their rocks to look like people in the camp.
It's messy and I love it.
Leo and Wren are sitting more calmly together but their paintings are just as chaotic as the younger ones.
Gray is sprawled casually next to me trying to paint a forest scene on his rock.
It's surprisingly good and I appreciate Gray taking the time to talk to me.
"I heard about the school, Juliette. You must be eager to get started.
" His voice is rough in a comforting way - like a hug from your favourite grandfather.
"Yes very eager. I'm not sure what supplies we've already got in camp though.
I'll have to talk to Caspian about what's available.
"
Gray nods in thought, "I was wondering if you'd like some help with the school?
I can't do mathematics but I used to be an astronomer in Boral and I can write and read as well as the next person.
"
I nod excitedly, "Yes! That sounds amazing!
Oh this will be so exciting."
"If you'd like I can organise the supplies for the school.
I've still got some connections in Boral who would be happen to lend me a hand.
You get the curriculum sorted and the schedule and I'll sort everything else out. "
I can't help but pull Gray into a side hug. I'm so grateful for the support and I'm excited to work together with him. He'll be an asset considering his close relationship with the kids already and the fact that he won't constantly be pulled away for campaigns.
I look around at all the kids rock painting their hearts out and I can't help but feel I'm finally where I belong.
Still the knot of worry hasn't abided and I realise it's because I haven't laid eyes on them. I make my way subtly from the campfire not entirely sure why I'm sneaking around.
Once I'm outside the main shelter - the place where I came when I first arrived - I hesitate.
What if they don't want to see me? Or find my useless fretting annoying?
Flashbacks of the King begin to overwhelm me and I force myself to knock.
It's a sharp sound and it's enough to snap me out of my stupor.
Nobody answers so I push the door open a crack. Then all the way. Then I'm standing in the middle of the entryway wondering what the hell I'm doing.
Slowly I make my way into the heart of the shelter.
The first bedroom I pass is neat and now that I know the men better I recognise it as Caspian's.
A first aid kit sits on a nice wooden shelf and other medical herbs sit in jars around the room.
A large tapestry hangs on one wall filled with bright colours and beautiful people. The bed doesn't look slept in.
The next bedroom I pass I recognise as Bjorn's. His clothes are sprawled on the dresser rather than in the dresser and a large homemade cooking book sits on his desk. Balls for Foyeball are shoved in the corner and a lute is leaning carefully on the wall.
By the time I reach Nik's bedroom my heart is racing and I begin to regret every decision I've ever made up until this point. The door isn't fully shut so I push it softly.
Three men lay before me - a tangle of naked limbs and panted moans. I stand stock still not fully able to process what's going on.
Caspian is lying on his back sprawled in the middle of the bed moaning and demanding more as Bjorn thrusts roughly into him.
Nik is watching their joining with heated eyes as he feeds his cock into Caspian's mouth until he gags.
"Fuck Bjorn. Look at how this little whore takes it.
" Nik's voice is heated and Bjorn grunts in agreement. Caspian whimpers around Nik's cock.
Nik looks up and his eyes widen as he sees me in the doorway. I snap back to myself, my cheeks so red I think I'm going to explode. Nik's eyes are still locked on mine as his back arches and he moans loudly. Caspian underneath him swallows frantically before pulling off him with a sigh.
I run out of the room, out of the shelter and don't stop until I'm in my own bedroom with the covers fully over my head.
Well.
I think they're okay.