{o} riffraff, street rat

Soleil

The easy physicality is something Soleil has dearly missed and been unfairly deprived of since her arrival in Caido. Though Luka was raised the same way, and as such is reliable in his constant presence, the Halenani girls are rather perfunctory in their touches. Whether it's a reluctance to lay too heavy a claim to a child you can't raise on your own, or a desire to not grow too attached, Soleil doesn't know. It may very well be societal, but all she knows is that Paige's easy touches soothe something hurt inside her that has been aching for so many days now she has forgotten it used to not.

It makes the exploration of the tide pool unfortunate in the sense that she doesn't want to be so far away - even a mere few feet - but the older girl is full of wisdom and information that helps bridge the physical gap. Looking up to the very distant shadow of mountains on the horizon, Soleil bites her lip. "Do you think my family's there, then?" The topic has been danced around enough for Sol to understand, even in her youth, that the locals here don't think her family is in this world at all, but Soleil can't help but hope. Holding the shells closer to her chest, focusing on the sand that rubs against her fingertips, the girl banishes those hopes and tries to think about things like decorations instead. "I've never made either of those. Let's do it!" Spinning, she hurries back to Paige with her goods, laying them out carefully on the log next to the older girl so they can peruse them together - and determine what may yet be needed for these projects.

everyone around her seemed brighter and better
for having known her

Paige

Paige wasn't sure how to answer the question. She didn't know if Sol's family was there. Nor did she know that Maeve had already written to Sah, mentioning the children who came through the portal with amber eyes, unaware that they were in fact his. So Paige does what she does best. She smiles brightly, offering her hand out to the girl to help her back up onto the rocks, "Why not? Caido is a big place and your family could be anywhere. For all we know they're in Halo just waiting for you." And in this case, it was true, something Paige would later be incredibly grateful for. At least Sol wouldn't have to experience further heartbreak and disappointment.

"Sure, we can make both of them." It's quick work discovering they need a few more shells and Paige helps her collect them this time before they load up her bag, heading back to their home. The rest of the afternoon is spent making windchimes and dreamcatchers, snuggled up beside each other on the floor, forgetting all about lost families and not worrying about the future.

~FIN <3~

Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind
They count me out time and time again