Preparation

"I see a bunch of idiots messing around." In all honesty Lunaira wasn't shocked by her answer. If anything, she laughed despite the hostility that licked underneath the sixteen-year old's words. From what little time she's spent with the girl, her blunt honesty was Marrow's signature trait. All work, no play.

A bit refreshing compared to people Lunaira had come across in the past. Still, as quick as it came, her amusement left. Unable, and unwilling to simply shake off what she just felt, the snow-haired companion countered her observation. Her tone quieted when she did so.

"What I see, young Marrow, is a group of boys comfortable around each other. Able to find comradery while working. Graves is able to intermingle with ease among his group in spite of his shy, timid nature. I remember two weeks ago the boy squeaked instead of spoke. Yet there he is, obviously nervous-but smiling while lifting crates. Even better, he's keeping Kail from getting into trouble, much to my personal relief."

For once, Lunaira received no rebuttal from her fellow circus member. In fact, Marrow was speechless as she stared at her family with that new perspective. Of course, the white haired maiden said nothing, giving time for Marrow to soak in those observations. All those furious emotions she felt from her didn't vanish completely.

The weight that burdened such delicate shoulders on this earth didn't ease at all. If anything, it was bottled up, replaced with deep sorrow that stung all the more the longer Marrow stared at her kin. Immediately Lunaira could tell where those tidbits of emotions were going. Combined with the knowledge she had of her junior; she could imagine where her thought process was going.

How her younger cousin was more comfortable in the company of strangers than with her. She was wondering why she was still so miserable, while he wasn't. It didn't help that his red eyes were full of mirth, the polar opposite of the teen's own dark vermillion orbs. That wasn't what Lunaira intended.

She didn't want her struggling recruit to feel unwanted, or like she was unimportant. It was ok to be cautious, natural even. She had only brought up Graves to help relieve the girl of that overwhelming paranoia. So, she had to halt those envious, pained thoughts before it got any worse.

Lunaira gently settled her palm on the shorter girl's head. Despite opening her mouth in protest from the action, Marrow was silent. It was as if the magician had casted a spell on her. Said spellcaster didn't of course, however it was clear that her companion was rattled by the unexpected act.

Incredibly touch starved to the point that the slightest kindness left her vulnerable. A relatable feeling if she were honest. It took years of hugs from Ori before she herself felt used to the idea of affection. For a moment, it felt like Lunaira was looking into a warped mirror. Still this gave the leading member of their group the opportunity to talk without interruption, again in soft, hushed tones.

"Change is difficult, it's unpredictable, and it does not always lead to reliable results. But…you're not alone Marrow. This is your first show since joining us. It's ok to be nervous or make mistakes. We've all been there. Everyone here has been in your shoes in some way, shape, or form."

Though she could not form any sounds, she saw Marrow immediately deny her statements by shaking her head. Goosebumps were seen prickled over pale flesh. Lunaira felt chills clung to bones, yet she wasn't done. Raising her free curled limb, she encased the both of them in a light white glow. Together they saw within their minds whatever Lunaira envisioned.

"You and Graves were forced to fend for yourselves after soldiers raided your home. Living on the streets day by day, searching for whatever scraps of food you could find." Marrow choked from what she saw. Lunaira was now in front of her, sadness and empathy within keen purple.

She felt bad bringing up such tragic memories. By doing this, she was festering those still fresh wounds, however she kept going anyway. As cruel as it was, Lunaira had a reason for bringing up her past. Her attention turned to her fellow members. Her family. Who…unfortunately did not have lives that were any better before joining Ori and her on their travels.

"Dusty ran away from his mother after she tried killing him while drunk. Kail was experimented on by his father, a healer seeking immortality, now he is always at constant risk of falling ill. Then there's Coco and Momo, who were sold as slaves after being kidnapped." She pointed to each specified individual with her black painted nails.

Their eyes trailed each member. The visions still came with each sentence. Horrific sightings of younger versions of the people they journeyed with struggling through their problems. The visual scenes kept coming, each more detailed than the last.

"What about Dante? He had been accused of a crime he didn't commit yet was imprisoned for two years without a trial. Illese was accused of being a Supernatural-leading to her lover nearly succeeding in drowning her. It took her a year to recover emotionally from her trauma. Then there's poor Bastian. He lost his fiancé from an actual rampaging Supernatural that had succeeded in killing dozens in his hometown. Him, being one of the few survivors to live and tell the tale."

All throughout Lunaira's rant, she took note of how Marrow sat there. Unlike before she was willingly unable to move or say anything. Though this time, frustration and anger didn't course through her, but realization. As well as guilt.

It twisted in agonizing wisps while the two of them took in the group that stood a bit aways, the real ones. Her body quaked, overwhelmed. When Marrow did have something to say, it came out in a marveled whisper.

"How…can they be like this? If their past was truly so unfortunate then how can they be so happy? Their smiles are so carefree." Lunaira saw just as well as she did that the group were even laughing without a care in the world.

Ignorant of the internal torment they were somewhat indirectly causing. The confusion returned in full force, though it wasn't as negative as it was before. Something that made the white-haired magician smile slightly. Her voice was just as low.

"We all know how you feel, Marrow." That did not answer the previous questions presented to her. In all honesty, Lunaira had no intention of answering it. It was not something she really could.

She could tell that annoyed the younger. Still, she released the braided captive, the light that wrapped around them left their figures. Lunaira waited patiently, seconds ticked on with tense silence. Another small, insecure pair of questions came.

"Why…are you telling me this Lunaira? Why reveal such personal secrets?" Marrow met her face once more. Of course, once more, Lunaira allowed her to analyze her being from top to bottom.

So young and still looked lost. Hopelessly desperate when she did not find what she had been looking for in Lunaira's eyes. These questions-unlike the previous could be answered with confidence. With resassurance.

"These aren't secrets, but stories of survival. Of new beginnings. You could've gone up to any one of them, and they would've told you with no concern. You're sixteen, Marrow, Graves thirteen. Such ages should not hold so many burdens. Mama Ori saw your pain and sorrow, taking you in in the desire to relieve that. When she brought you to us, we accepted you with no questions asked. Blood or not, the moment you are brought into this troupe, you are family."