Through the Looking Glass |Open|

   Olwen sat alone, surrounded by the flowers that had only recently opened up to the sun. Their lively colors stained the Earth, the life was practically dripping off of their petals as they soaked in the morning sun. The sky was bright blue and the sun sat high in the clouds, the warmth from the light kept her from shivering though when a cloud would sneak in front of the sun, the light would fade and Olwen would feel the goosebumps form on her pale skin. Her black dress did little to protect her from the cold, but she was fine with feeling the cold every once in a while. 

   She ran her hands up and down her arms and legs as the sun hid from her, blue eyes taking in the beautiful area that surrounded her. She plucked her earphones from her pocket and put one into her ear, the violent music came out that someone like her enjoyed while many people would be shocked by such a quite girl listening to such angry music. Opinions like that had disappeared from her life a long time ago. 

   Olwen closed her eyes and lay her head down on her arms, completely stretched out on the grass and probably hidden from anyone who would walk past without a second glance. Such peace was something she needed after the traumatic events that went down in the labyrinth. She had nearly killed someone and had helped Tucker succeed in doing so, just thinking about it made her music loose the comforting affect it had on her before she remembered the looks in their eyes, the thoughts in their heads and how they were even alive made her feel like ending their lives was a mercy. A single tear rolled down her face at the idea of those monsters having once been normal people who were caged and beaten like animals. None should suffer such a fate. 

Adelaide peeked into the rose garden, another spot that she had heard so much about but never was able to explore. The beauty of the flowers shocked her, and she nearly turned right around and went back inside. She had learned many times that most pretty things only made her in pain, especially if part of their beauty was their rich, saturated color. And these roses were hardly an exception to the rule she had made so long ago. A rule for her own safety. But after looking at the red flowers for nearly a minute, she decided that they were not making her migraine worse than it already was. This rose garden was filled with the tracks of people, glowing brightly with footprints of all colors. And they only made her headache worse.

The blond 14 year-old made her way deeper into the garden, making sure the keep her steps slow and her mind wandering. It always seemed to be the best way to diminish the pain. She had been with these nearly constant headaches for almost a full year now, and had to learn her own coping mechanisms. The only thing that truly banished the pain from her brain was when she was alone in a cave for those few years…But bats were not absurdly tasty and she would prefer to at least attempt making friends. Even if she did not have previous experience in doing such a feat.

Adelaide spotted a girl lying down ahead of her. She seemed to be listening to music, because she had earphones on. Her long black hair looked relatively neat. Adelaide thought briefly of her own curly locks, free to do as they please as long as they did not stray into her face. But her navy bandana prevented that, the piece of cloth being rolled into a headband substitute. Her black dress matched her hair nicely, almost beautifully, but that was not what caught Adelaide’s attention. What the young girl noticed the most was the small tear rolling down her cheek. Adelaide took a few cautious steps forwards, getting closer to the girl. “Why are you crying?” She asked sweetly, forgetting completely about the headphones in the girl’s ears.

  Olwen jolted upwards, scared silly by the sudden appearance of another student. Her tear quickly disappeared and she pulled out her earphones, a bit angry that this girl would startle her like this.  "I have my reasons for crying and you don't need to know them."  In truth, Olwen never wanted to speak another word about the labyrinth, maybe someday to a close friend but not here to a complete stranger.  Olwen sat up and ran her fingers through her hair. Just by looking at this girl she could tell that she was much younger and could be a very new addition to the school. 

   Olwen sat with her knees pulled into her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs, the cold was already getting to her with the sun being hidden by some devious clouds. She couldn't say that she now felt bad for talking like that to the girl, but she rather hoped that she would just forget about it and move on so that they could have a normal conversation. "I'm Olwen Lithisi, who are you?"
   
 
  

Adelaide took a couple steps back, her eyes wide in surprise. And being typical Adelaide, a rock managed to lodge itself under her foot. And she fell. Hard. Landing right on her back-side, she let out a short ‘huff!’ as she put down her hands to attempt to decrease the eminent pain in her rear. She looked back to the other girl, her face bright red in embarrassment. Why did she have to make a complete idiot of herself in this other girl, who was obviously another student? She was having a bad enough time making friends already, the only other person she had befriended being a somewhat awkward, shy, kind boy who was also new to the school. But then again, that friendship also started with someone falling on their back-side, so maybe it would become a sign if inevitably becoming friends.

Adelaide found almost no use in standing once she heard the girl’s words. She ducked her head in apology, her blush growing only larger. She had not only interrupted this girl’s music listening time, but also her own crying. And it was hardly fair for that girl. Adelaide should have never intervened. “I-I’m sorry,” She muttered. But as soon as the girl continued speaking, Adelaide raised her head a bit. She was not mad? The small girl was internally cheering. She was not mad! “”I am Adelaide Lorelie Abbey. I just came to this school, so I really do not know anyone.” She said. She almost instinctively looked down to the girl’s feet. Her tracks were pretty, being a soft, navy blue. They were unique to any track Adelaide had seen, but then again, all tracks were unique.

Olwen rubbed her eyes, being sure to wipe away any tears that still lingered on her face. She didn't feel bad about using such a tone on a young girl, she had needed to know that that topic was none of her business. To be honest, Olwen wished that her memories of the times down there could be erased from her mind. But no such power existed in the world, so she would deal with it. Olwen sat up straighter and brushed her hair back, the thick stuff kept blowing into her face and sticking for some reason. She never understood hair. 

The girl Adelaide was indeed very young, her voice was not yet matured and still had the childish tone to it. Olwen guessed that she was about three or four years younger than she was and likely to be very new to Foresta. Adelaide's words proved her theory correct and Owl could hear the fear behind her voice; she was a new student without anyone to talk with or have to help her around campus. Olwen felt her fists tighten, while they had gotten off on a bad start she hoped that some of the earlier conversation could be forgotten. 

Adelaide looked down at Olwen's feet, a strange place to stare but it was better than the eyes. Olwen had always felt rude not looking into other peoples eyes while they stared expectantly into hers, it's not like she didn't want to; she just didn't want to hear their every thought. "You may have no friends but you have me so that's something. Don't forget that we all started out like you, so stop worrying about it and make some friends, Adelaide."

OOC: Retiring the thread! PM if ya'll want it revived!