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I like how everyone is tiptoeing around the fact that the reason for all of the snow persistent ice is Torben, who is involved with the trolley.
Torben and his tea. I chuckle to myself.
Vane arrives late, garnering a volley of hearty hellos in his direction. I greet him personally and thank him for everything he has done so far for me.
“I’ve done nothing but help a female in need.”
“ I appreciate that. Some would not care.”
Vane’s lip curls into a snarl. “Those who are that callous should not have the privilege of breathing.”
Oh dear.
“Don’t worry about Vane,” Issa says. “He is very passionate about making sure the females of a community are protected.”
“It is safe to say we all believe that,” Eddie interjects. “But this brings up a good segue?—”
Issa gives Eddie one of those librarian looks. The kind that tells patrons to keep quiet without saying a word. “Eddie, at least let her get settled down with a meal and then speak on business.”
I assure them that they aren’t imposing. “Don’t worry I love talking about this sort of thing. That is actually one of the reasons why I sought out a new place such as Avalon Vale. I thought perhaps there would be new opportunities in entrepreneurial ship that I couldn’t find in the many jobs I had back home.
Eddie claps his hands making everyone jump. Torben shift slightly so that he is positioned even closer to me.
“This is what I’m talking about,” Eddie says. “This is what gives us hope. This is exactly what we need. Please, Miss Seitta, get comfortable and tell us more of your thoughts.”
“Only if you all call me Val.” I look to Tor to see what he thought and he just gives me a nod of encouragement.
“I believe your coffee is ready and you have plenty of sandwiches to choose from,” he says. “You’re doing great.”
It’s surreal being able to share a meal with a bunch of people who respect each other while also looking so different.
They ask for opinions about drawing humans into Avalon Vale. Eddie says there’s a divide usually between those who are native here—as in, Earth native—and those from the other side.
There’s no need for him to clarify where the other side is. The other side of the Obsidian Rift, the schism in reality that introduced a whole lot of beings into this side of the veil.
We normally only see the others in myths and legend. But in the last fifty years or so, bigger things started to invade culminating in the Rift Wars.
Most of the Othersiders or Otherkin who reside on Earth, whether out in the open or veiled behind the mist have fought valiantly to keep us away from being collateral damage. Unsung heroes of forgotten wars. Only the oldest of us even remember what it was like before the rift portals are regulated as they are now.
For the most part, the average human can forget that monsters even exist.
Eddie continues. “I want Avalon Vale to be different. Instead of having a community behind the mist, we should be welcoming outsiders. You, Val, are a perfect example. Look at how compatible you are. The house prefers you to any other Otso.”
“All except Mama Bear, I’d imagine,” Torbin says.
Eddie nods in concession. “Just so! With Val chosen, the house clearly believes she is a worthy matriarch. I look around this table even, and wonder is there even that much of a difference? This is exactly what will set apart. Though we have our difference, we all share our traditions. This makes us stronger.”
Before the mayor goes into what looks like a political campaign, I stick my hand up for attention. “I have a suggestion.” All eyes look at me and I take a deep breath, clutching my coffee mug for strength. “I’m curious about the waitlist for Avalon Vale. What would happen if Avalon Vale is open to the public fully?”
Vane answers for the group. “We do need to protect those who are here. Even though we do not fear humans we do not want any complication if any unpleasantness rises.”
I can read between the political niceties. They do not want to have an incident that causes sentiment against monsters. Humans can barely tolerate each other. Let alone Othersiders. I understand the caution.
I continue on. “I can understand the need for technological compatibility and also the need to keep your current residents and allies safe. However, why not invite the community of people you want. Create an event that allows for others to feel like they are welcome. I know for me, I felt like I was intruding coming here.”
I pluck another fluffy roll from the backet in front of me, shredding little pieces off of it. “If you build and have the space and amenities and the events humans will come. There are more who wish for a new life and a new opportunity than those who are potentially afraid of Otherkin.”
I stuff the pieces of roll in my mouth. My point offered, and now done.
