Chapter Text
Luz stared at the scene before her with a sense of awe. Her eyes filled with stars as she looked around, taking in all the sights and sounds.
Looking back at her mama and Mami she began to hop impatiently. They were taking too long and Luz was getting restless. All the while she had an excited smile was stretched across her face. Her little brother toddled up next to her, a similar look in his eyes.
“Come on!” Luz cried out, not even trying to hide her impatience or excitement. King hopped in place and punctuated her cry for their moms to go faster with a few insistent hops.
Eda just rolled her eyes at her kids, reaching a hand down to ruffle Luz’s messy mop of brown hair and pat King’s skull. They weren't even that far behind, Eda making sure to not let the two stray too far ahead.
Camila just laughed softly. Having long since gotten used to how Luz got in situations like this. Though she couldn’t deny that she was also excited about what they were doing. This was the first time they’d be seeing the market, and no, the brief bits when they first arrived or went to the healers didn’t count.
“Kids, trust me, the market isn’t going anywhere. We have no reason to rush.”
Luz just looked at her mama like she had said something incomprehensible. “But I want to see all the cool witchy stuff!” Stamping her feet into the ground. "What if I miss something!?” She then let out a small gasp, “what if King wants to see something!?" She added as she pulled King into her side. The tiny demon let out a squeak of surprise, though quickly looked up at Eda with the same expression Luz wore.
Trying to hold back a laugh, Eda snorted. "Babes, how big do you think the marketplace is? And I doubt King even knows enough about the market to know of anything he’d want to get."
Holding her arms out Luz shrugged. Making an ‘I don't know' sound. Though did add on after with a, “he wants toys!” which the small demon confirmed with a rapid nod of his head.
"There’s no way to see every part of the market in one trip, it's way too big," Eda explained. "And we can maybe stop at a toy store after-”
Eda stopped as the kids began to cheer. Though quickly cut them off as she continued, “I said ‘maybe.’ We’ll only go if you’re good, okay?” Hearing that the two kids nodded.
“Oh?” A teasing voice came up behind Eda, surprisingly strong arms pulling her down into a half squat. “Don’t I get a say on where we go?” Camila’s voice came next to her ear, sending a surprised shiver down the witch's spine. Eda’s pale complexion quickly turned a light pink at the teasing lilt of Camila’s tone.
Turning around to meet her girlfriend, Eda began to stammer out a response, “C-Cami, of course, you have a say on where we go!” She had no idea why she was acting like this, old quick flings had tried similar things in the past to little success, but here was Camila who had thrown her completely off balance.
Camila just let out a giggle at the flustered state she’d sent Eda into, hiding her mouth behind her hand as she did so. Looking at Eda with a bemused smile. Eda feared that her heart would give out right then and there with how hard it was hammering in her chest
King and Luz watched the whole interaction. Noting their mama’s flustered look and giggling to themselves. If Eda had noticed she would have said something but her mind was preoccupied at the moment.
“Did you have any places in mind?” Eda asked, completely forgetting that Camila also had no idea of what could be in the marketplace. her voice was almost as quick as the rapid beating of her heart.
“Mmm, I can’t say I do,” Camila replied with a tilt of her head. “But I’ll let you know if anything catches my eye, alright?” The teasing smile faded slightly, the only hint being the slight upturn to the corners of her lips.
“Right, okay!” With that Eda shook her head, clearing her thoughts and refocusing. “But, before we do anything, we gotta go meet a witch about some Elixirs!"
Eda led her family through the bustling marketplace. Weaving in and around the various demons and witches that populated it. Luz stared in amazement at the wonderful and wild variety of the demons. Camila didn't stare, knowing how uncomfortable it could be. But she would still sneak quick glances. Each time having to double-take as what she saw was wilder than her craziest dreams.
The Bonesborough market held an air of liveliness and surprisingly controlled chaos. While not overly packed, it held this indescribable energy that made it seem like it had a life of its own. One that Camila could feel herself becoming drawn into.
Everywhere She looked Camila found something new that would catch her eye. A fantastical cacophony of sight and sound. The constant hum and murmuring of shoppers were background noise to it all.
Realizing she'd fallen behind Camila did a quick jog to catch back up. Once she was next to Eda she asked, "is it always like this?"
"The market? Yeah more or less," Eda answered. "It really depends on the time of year and what's going on. During hiems and aestas it can get downright wild," Eda continued with a small reminiscent chuckle. Remembering some especially hectic and fun years.
"The isles use Latin for things like that?" Camila asked with rapt attention, Luz mirroring her as she stared at Eda.
"Latin? We've always just known it as old savage script," Eda answered with a shrug. "But yeah, we use it for a lot of stuff."
The conversation continued on like that. Eda, doing her best to explain something about the Demon Realm, or Isles as Camila and Luz asked her questions. With Eda every so often stopping to point out points of interest, such as particularly good places to eat out, or the odd corner that working-class Bards would sometimes play at. The pair hung off her every word, as Eda spoke about each place with a sense of love and familiarity.
Camila couldn’t wait till they had time to actually explore the market, not to mention the city. The way that Eda described every place painted a picture of a place with a rich and vibrant history. And knowing Eda and her past, no doubt a number of those stories would involve her in some way or another.
Camila wondered if Eda would react the same way if she tried showing her around Gravesfield. Gravesfield was nice, don’t get her wrong, but she doubted it would hold the same kind of star power that a place like Bonesborough had, let alone the Boiling Isles.
Well, maybe they could check out the old Historic District of Gravesfield, but Camila doubted Eda would enjoy that. She didn’t seem like the kind of person that would find dusty old history interesting. Plus there was the fact that the town's history was built on witch hunting….
Camila doubted Eda would enjoy that part.
‘Then again, Eda does seem like the person to get a kick out of something like that. Knowing her she’d probably spend the whole time making fun of the witch hunters.’
Camila found herself smiling at the thought. The picture of Eda laying into some dead jerks who used their fear and prejudices to hurt innocent people. Honestly, Camila found the idea oddly cathartic. Besides, now that she’s met and known a real-life witch, she can say that the witch hunters were wrong about them being evil.
Though Camila considered the fact that she was now dating a witch that she might be a bit biased. For all she knew, she managed to pick the best witch there was to date.
As Eda talked Camila found herself becoming less interested in their surroundings and more in the orange-haired witch. She knew she cared about Eda, there was no doubt about it, but as she watched Eda that love began to grow stronger with each passing moment.
The way that Eda’s eyes would crease as she half laughed at an old memory. Only to stop herself and promise to tell the story when she showed them the place that had sparked the memory. Or the way her hands seemed to move a mile a minute, half flailing wildly as she gestured enthusiastically at some small detail. A laugh, seemingly ready at a moment's notice.
Eda was someone that moved and breathed with an unmistakable love and joy for the world around her.
Here was someone that loved with her entire being. A bright and brilliantly vibrant love that radiated off her in waves. And Camila wished for nothing more than to stay within the vicinity of that aura.
Part of Camila wondered if she was falling too fast. Though would she even care if she was? Being with Eda made her happy.
Part of Camila wondered if Eda would have even cared about someone like her if it wasn't for Luz. It was clear to anyone that looked at Eda that she had lived a rich life. One filled with vibrancy, and countless amazing things.
Camila on the other hand had never done anything worthwhile or of note. And until meeting Eda her life had been mundane, and repetitive. The most exciting thing that ever happened to her in the last few years was the party that resulted in Luz. And now she wondered if that even counted as Eda was also a part of that.
Before that the last time her life could be considered anything of interest was during High School, and truthfully that was a time that Camila preferred to try and not think about. The whole experience, while more than a decade in the past had left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Next to Eda, Camila couldn’t help but feel this sickly sense of inadequacy.
Apparently, Camila had made a face as she had gotten lost in thought. As Eda had stopped and turned to face her. Concern lining her face as she spoke, “you okay, cami?” Luz and King looked at her with similar expressions.
Wanting to not worry them Camila waved her hand, quickly putting a small back on her face. “Sorry, I’m all good. Just got lost in thought, nothing to worry about.” Camila hoped that Eda would buy that, she had enough things to worry about. The last thing she needed on her mind was Camila’s pointless worrying.
Eda stared at her for a moment, an indescribable expression on her face, though in the end, she said nothing. Turning her focus back towards showing off the city around them.
Though every so often Camila would catch Eda glancing at her, with the same expression from before.
As they walked Camila felt something brush against her hand, and as she looked down she saw Eda reaching her own out towards her. Eda still had that look of concern, but softer now. Like she was asking if Camila wanted to talk later.
Smiling at her girlfriend's apparent concern Camila gave the tiniest nod. Wordlessly threading her fingers between Eda’s and clasping their hands together.
***
After a bit, Eda stopped in front of a small hole-in-the-wall shop. With old wooden shutters, and chipped yellow paint. The name 'Mr. ELIXIR' was displayed above the store window, in swooping script against a light blue backdrop.
Through the window, Camila could spot shelves stocked with flasks, vials, and bottles. All holding some manner of colourful liquid. And farther back a few miniature cauldrons could be seen.
Without even waiting Eda walked up to the counter, and called out into the store. "Hey, Mortan!" Her knuckles knocked against the wooden counter. Eda waited for only a second before adding on an "I need to see you!"
The sound of someone knocking things over, and half cursing could be heard behind some shelves. After a beat of silence a scrawny-looking witch with long brown hair, and a funnel on his head appeared. Panting slightly before shooting Eda a look, though his expression quickly softened into a tired smile.
"What do you need, Eda?" He asked as he began reorganizing a few over-the-counter potions that were on display. His attention was half split between his task and talking to Eda. “You’re not due to refill your prescription for another week.”
“Hey Funnel-boy, your pops not in today? And I’m here for some other stuff,” Eda replied. She gestured to Camila to hand her the prescriptions that V had given them.
As Camila handed Eda the papers she looked at Morton, raising an eyebrow as she said, “Funnel-boy?”
Morton just looked at Camila tiredly, blinking a few times as he sighed. “Yep, that’s what Eda calls me,” he replied as he reached a hand out in a greeting. Camila took it, giving it a firm handshake. “Mortan Lavo, and you are? And how do you know Eda?”
“I’m Camila, and…” Camila looked at Eda for an answer. They hadn’t exactly discussed whether or not they were ready to make the fact they were dating publicly known. She had no issues, but didn’t know how Eda would feel.
Eda beat her to the punch as she draped an arm over Camila’s shoulder. “She’s my girlfriend~,” Eda stated with a cool grin.
Mortan looked at the two of them slightly shocked before shifting into a smile. “Wow, that’s amazing! I’m happy to hear that.”
Mortan then turned towards Eda, as he took the papers from her. “And dads out dealing with business related matters. So he left me in charge while he’s gone.”
Eda hummed in acknowledgement as Mortan started to look over the prescriptions. “Wow, can’t believe he’s letting you handle the shop while he’s away…” Eda had a tiny expression of shock at that. Before half grinning and wiping an imaginary tear from her eye.
“I remember when I first saw you here, like a little witchlet playing dress-up~,” Eda cooed jokingly.
“I was fifteen!” Mortan shot back. His face flushed red with embarrassment, as he Almost threw the papers back at Eda. “You make it sound like I was five when I started here!”
Eda just cackled at that.
Camila watched the two go back and forth like this, with playful banter and familiar teasing. Turning to Eda she quietly asked, “how do you know him?”
A small wistful smile crossed Eda’s face as she heard the question. “When things first got bad for me, the Lavos' were one of the few witches or demons that offered me any help."
Mortan just huffed in annoyance as he finished looking over the prescriptions. His eyebrows raised with mild concern as he noticed the curse targeting elixir. "Eda, this curse Elixir is for a witchlet, what do you need it for?"
Eda stopped laughing as she heard Mortan ask his question. Looking around she leaned in, levelling a glare at the young potioneer. "It's for my kid, okay, that's all you need to know, 'Funnel boy'.
Mortan could tell that Eda wasn't messing around. He'd never heard her use his nickname in such a way. For a moment He'd felt actual genuine fear when talking to the wild witch. Something he'd not felt since he first met Eda.
That fear was quickly taken over by a sensation of bewilderment as he quickly registered what Eda had just said. "Wait, you have a kid?!" Mortan looked at Eda flabbergasted.
Wordlessly Eda just pointed over to her girlfriend and daughter.
Mortan's gaze shifted over to Camila who had at this point picked up Luz. Mortan blinked a few times, his brain still not fully grasping this reality where Eda Clawthorne apparently had a kid.
Luz just looked at him with her big brown eyes. Her Head tilted with a quizzical expression on her face that quickly shifted into a smile. Her one free arm waved at him excitedly.
Okay, make that an extremely cute kid, Mortan noted to himself.
Mortan gave Luz a small wave and a smile in return. “Sorry for not noticing you till now.” Luz apparently wasn’t that bothered as she just gave him an even bigger smile.
Chuckling at Luz’s enthusiasm, Mortan went about gathering the things needed for the family's order. Speaking to them as he grabbed ingredients, flasks, and other items. "Let me tell you, I do not envy you," he said to Luz.
"Why?" Luz asked, confused.
Mortan went to reply but stopped as he could feel golden eyes boring holes into him. His own eyes flickered to the side as he saw Eda giving him a withering glare.
Mortan swallowed the growing lump in his throat, his hands were clammy and he'd nearly broken into a cold sweat. He stopped to pick his next words carefully. Though He doubted that Eda would actually do anything.
Though he wasn't entirely sure about that, and didn't feel like testing the wild Witch's patience like that.
"Because elixirs like yours always taste funny," Mortan responded with a dry, nervous laugh. Luz and Camila just looked at him confused.
Clearing his throat Mortan looked at the three of them. "I should be able to get almost everything brewed and ready within the next few hours," Mortan started. Using a spell circle to begin placing things onto the counter behind him. "Unfortunately the curse suppressant elixir will take a little more time. Luckily since it's the same as yours, Eda, we can start brewing it in larger batches.
Eda nodded at this. Turning to Camila and Luz as Mortan dipped into the back of the store. Now fully focused on brewing up their potions.
"Well, it sounds like we have some time to kill. Did any of you want to check anything out?" Eda asked her family. Even King who at this point had sequestered a portion of her hair and fallen back asleep. "We still got some time before going to see Hexside."
Before Camila could respond Luz cried out excitedly, "toy store!" Causing the two women to jump in shock.
Laughing at her daughter’s enthusiasm Camila replied, "I think we got one place to check out. And I have some places I wanted to take a look at if we had the chance."
Eda nodded with a smile as she began guiding her family back through the market. Golden eyes searching for the nearest toy store.
***
A small chime could be heard as Camila entered a rather large shop. She was carrying Luz, who was clutching a large, plush, skeletal canine. Eda entered soon after them, with a bag containing some toys for King, and the tiny demon sleeping in her hair.
Camila looked around with an expression of momentary awe on her face. Everywhere she looked she could see some kind of strange or fantastical creature. Some she could vaguely recognize as things related to animals on earth. Other ones she couldn’t even dream of.
Mammal-like critters scampered and scurried around in their enclosures. From a pile of what looked like sleeping ferrets. Each with two heads and an extra half a dozen sets of legs. To large hellish-looking felines with sharp, dripping tusks, no eyes, and large bristly manes. The bristles of their manes subtly shifted as things moved around them.
There were even a few canine-looking beasts lazing about and play-fighting. Though the ones that had caught Camila’s attention seemed to hide in the darker corners of the store. Basking in the shade laying on their sides.
As the light passed through the windows Camila swore she could see what looked like fungus growing out of a few.
Camila had asked if they could check out a Boiling Isles pet shop or shelter. Interested in what kinds of things would be considered suitable as pets in a place so filled with danger.
They'd barely even entered but Already Camila felt like she was in heaven. It was everything she could dream of and more.
Camila had always loved animals; it was part of the reason why she had become a veterinarian. Though she especially loved and adored the kinds that others would have considered weird, or off-putting. Viewing the snakes, rats and all the others that society would call gross with a sense of fondness.
Camila understood why she felt this way when looking at those kinds of animals. A feeling of kinship over being seen as weird or undesirable. To be misjudged, labelled as something that you weren’t just for how you looked or the ways you acted when taken out of context.
“I think I saw some rats behind the school earlier!”
“What? Oh my god, that’s so disgusting!”
“Right, and get this, apparently Noceda hangs out there. Gross right?”
“I mean, that’s not surprising. It’s not like she has anywhere else to spend her time~.”
“Yeah, and let's be honest here, is there really any difference between her and those rats?”
Yeah, Camila was far too familiar with such a feeling.
Not wanting to let the sudden influx of bad memories ruin her good mood Camila grabbed Eda by the wrist. Dragging the other woman along as she headed deeper into the store. “Come on! I want to see what else they have!”
Eda followed the shorter woman with slightly stumbling feet. Only able to partially keep up with Camila’s pace. Eda didn’t mind it that much though as she was too busy enjoying the view she was seeing.
Camila looked beyond ecstatic as she went through the aisles. Stopping every few feet to stop and stare at something new. Her eyes held this warm sparkle, and a smile never left her face. Laughing and letting out soft cooes of affection at even the weirdest of beasts the store had to offer.
All the while giving off this feeling of awe and this infectious giddiness that seemed to well up around her.
As Eda watched Camila wave to some gluttoads with Luz she felt a warm sensation blooming in her chest.
Here was a woman that loved undeniably. Who saw beauty and worthiness in creatures that even some on the isles would consider pests, or undesirable. Who looked at the weirdness, quirky and bizarre and flocked to it. Embracing it with this undeniable, and unmistakable warmth, and compassion.
Camila was made of love. That was a fact that Eda felt was undeniable as she stared at her. Every part of Camila, from her smile to the gentleness in which she cared for Luz, or the way she would do a sharp intake of air before bursting into a fit of childish giggling. All that and so much more showed a woman that breathed and moved with love.
And as Eda watched her girlfriend she couldn’t help but feel that warm feeling grow even stronger. As she realized that part of Camila had looked at her, and decided that a portion of that love was for Eda. This small but incredibly intimate and personal part of that seemingly infinite pool was meant for her. Was meant for someone like Eda.
Eda swallowed a lump in her throat that had built up, and wiped a few tears that were threatening to break as Camila turned to look at a few of the isles birds. She didn’t know who she was meant to thank for bringing her and Camila together, but Eda could thank them every day and that still wouldn’t be enough to express how much she loved Camila.
Camila at this point had stopped to look at a few terrariums with Luz. The two of them peered into the glass as they tried to spot whatever was kept inside. As she did she excitedly ushered Eda over with a frantic wave of her hand. “Come here and check this out!” Camila’s excitement was infectious as even though Eda knew most of the isles beasts she still went over to look.
As the three of them peered into the glass a smooth but gravelly voice called out to them. “You folks find anything you like?”
Peeling her face away from the glass, Camila looked up to see a stocky-looking elderly witch. Her skin was pale and decorated with numerous scars, sunspots, and freckles. She had thick, greying brown hair. Kept out of her face by a monstrous-looking hair clip that reminded Camila of the jaws of a horror movie monster. With messy bangs falling over her forehead.
The woman wore simple clothes. A plain long sleeve black top, casual light brown slacks, and simple shoes. All tied together with a plain grey apron and well-worn brown gloves.
Camila could almost swear she could see tattoos under the witch's sleeves, but every time she looked closer it felt like they moved.
The most striking part of her was the fact that she had what looked like crossbow bolts pierced through the lobes of her ears.
Looking closer Camila noticed the clearly hand-stitched logo that resembled the shop's logo on the shirt.
Giving a small wave of her hands Camila answered the witch, “oh so many things I can’t even begin to count!” Camila was practically bouncing on her feet as she spoke.
The woman seemed to find Camila’s response infectious as her tone shifted slightly to match Camila’s energy. “Well I’m glad to hear that! Are you here for anything in particular? Or are you just doing some general browsing?”
“Oh we were just looking,” Camila replied with a slightly disappointed look in her eyes. A look that Eda picked up on far too quickly.
“We could get something if you wanted!” Eda cut in. Her words had left her mouth before she had any real time to think them through.
Camila just looked at her with a brief expression of shock before a smile found her face again. Lightly swatting at Eda’s shoulder as she let out a small laugh. “Thank you but I’d rather wait before committing to taking care of something from here.”
“But-”
“It’s fine, I’ll manage to live without one of these adorable babies okay,” Camila had cut Eda off before she could continue. “And don’t pout, you’re acting more upset about this then I am,” she couldn’t help the affectionate teasing tone in her voice.
“Fine, but if you ever change your mind let me know okay.”
“I will remember that, and thank you for offering it was very sweet of you,” Camila replied. “But I’d rather just focus on getting accustomed to the isles before committing to something like this, okay?”
“Yeah okay that’s a good point. Plus we’ll probably have a lot to handle just with these two little hell-raisers,” Eda replied as she pointed to Luz and King before placing a kiss on Luz’s forehead with a comically exaggerated “Mwah!” Earning a small fit of giggles from Luz.
Camila just smiled and shook her head at Eda’s charming theatrics.
“Well don’t you all look sweet,” The elderly witch said as she rested her chin on her hand. Her other arm was used to carry a large, reptilian, slug-like beast. Barely even breaking a sweat as she effortlessly supported the massive creature with only one arm.
As she walked closer her eyes widened as she got a better look at Camila and Luz.
The witch’s face split into a surprised grin before she spoke, “well I’ll be a Slither-beasts nanny, you folks are human!” She looked at Luz and Camila with reserved excitement.
“Is that okay?” Camila asked with mild hesitation. The witch seemed nice but she still felt it would be better to be safe.
The witch just gave a nod of her head as she ushered them to follow her further into the store. Leading them to a section filled with larger reptilian and amphibious beasts. All the while the beast rested its head on her shoulder. Sleepily gazing at Luz from over the witch's shoulder as it let its long, barbed tongue unfurl out of its mouth.
Luz stared back smiling. Sticking her tongue out in response.
“Oh, that’s perfectly alright with me. I was just surprised is all,” the witch replied as she placed the lizard slug into a large enclosure. Letting it drag itself to an outcropping of rocks near a small pond.
Dusting her hands off the witch turned to the four of them, “so what brought you into my humble little shelter? Cause I’m flattered but I can’t help but feel like there’d be more interesting places for you to check out.”
Eda couldn’t help but snort at that. Covering her mouth as she tried and failed to stifle a laugh. Collecting herself Eda wrapped her arm around Camila as she pulled her into her side. Giving the shorter woman's shoulder a small squeeze as she spoke. “This was the first place she wanted to see.”
“Wait? Really?” The witch’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as Eda explained the situation to her. She looked at Camila as she waited for a response. Seeing Camila give a nod the witch’s face shifted to a small smile.
“This was our first time exploring Bonesborough and the sign caught my attention,” Camila began to explain. “I just love animals you see. I even work with them in the human realm. So When I couldn’t help but want to see what kinds of animals the demon realm had.”
“Well ain’t that rather sweet of ya! Well come on, and let me show you around,” The witch ushered Camila and the rest to follow her. “I got some absolute darlings that I think you’d love to meet!”
Following behind Camila asked a follow-up question, “you said this was your shelter. Do you run all of this yourself?”
“Yep. I built every part of this shelter, manage it, and take care of every beast here.” The witch said with pride.
Suddenly she stopped abruptly and spun on her heels. Her hands were raised and a flustered look spread across her face. “Oh, where are my manners? I haven’t even introduced myself! Names Elizabeth dracroal,” Elizabeth introduced herself as she held her hand out for a handshake.
“I’m Camila,” Camila replied as she returned the handshake. “And this is our daughter Luz and son King,” she continued gesturing to the two of them.
“HI!” Luz waved her free arm ecstatically at Elizabeth. Almost squirming out of Camila’s arms with how hard she was moving. King just continued to sleep in Eda’s hair, seemingly undisturbed by everything going on around them.
“Well, aren't they both adorable?” Elizabeth smiled as she looked at the two kids “And energetic by the looks of it,” she said with a laugh as Camila corrected her hold on Luz.
“You don’t know the half of it,” Eda added as she tussled Luz’s messy hair. “And I’m Eda, but I’m sure you know that already,” Eda added with a lopsided grin. Striking a pose.
Elizabeth looked at Eda and returned the grin as she spoke, “oh I’m more than familiar with you and your work.”
As Elizabeth continued to lead them she stopped suddenly. Turning to check on a random enclosure. Frowning as she opened it. Reaching in she gently pulled out a sickly beast that looked like a mixture of a seal, and a mole. It let out a shallow wheezing breath as she held it.
Camila looked at the creature with worry and shock. She was positive that they were sick just by looking at them.
“I’m so sorry, but I have to try and deal with this,” Elizabeth apologized as she began carrying the beast to a small section at the back of the shelter. Her voice and pace were now frantic, and her eyes were rapidly looking back down at the beast every few seconds.
Before Eda could stop her Camila grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Following Elizabeth. The look of worry had shifted to determination.
As they entered behind Elizabeth she looked up at them in shock. She had laid the sick beast onto a small table. “What are you still doing here?!”
“I wanted to help okay. I wasn’t just going to leave .”
“But how can you help?” Elizabeth
“I told you I work with Animals right? Well I’m a Vet, an animal doctor.”
Elizabeth's eyes seemed to light up at that news. “Really?” Seeing Camila nod she looked like she was trying to choke back tears. A smile of relief broke across her face at that.
“Thank you! My partner normally takes care of this sort of stuff but she’s out right now and I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
“I can’t promise I’ll be much help,” Camila said as she felt the beast's forehead. Pulling her hand away almost immediately as she felt how hot it was. Since I’m not familiar with their biology, but I’ll try to do my best to help.”
“Just having another set of hands is more than enough,” Elizabeth replied. Gratitude in her voice. “Just until my wife returns from running errands. I just sent her a quick emergency hext so she won’t be long”
“Could you help me rub this onto them?” Elizabeth asked as she pulled out a tub filled with mud mixed with various herbs. “It won’t fix what’s wrong, but it’ll help ease their fever.”
Camila handed Luz over to Eda and rolled up her sleeves. Eda went to say something but stopped as she saw the fierce, determined expression on Camila’s face. She could tell that there was nothing she could say or do to persuade Camila from helping out.
Checking her scroll Eda saw that they still had plenty of time to make it to Hexside.
Sighing, Eda found a nearby chair and plopped down into it. She didn’t let herself get too comfy just in case they needed her, but by the looks of it, the two of them had things covered.
Eda stared at her girlfriend with a smile as she began lathering mud onto the terralion. “She really is made of love huh?” Eda muttered fondly under her breath.
Luz meanwhile stared at her mom with stars in her eyes. She knew that her Mami helped animals but this was the first time she’d ever really seen her in action.
“Mami is so cool!”
The room fell into silence as Elizabeth and Camila worked together. Both Eda and Luz were completely enraptured as they watched Camila work. Camila despite not knowing about the terralion's biology had managed to help out tremendously. By the time Elizabeth’s wife came bursting in they had gotten the terralion's fever down to manageable levels.
Elizabeth and her wife thanked Camila immensely for her help and told her to come by anytime. Especially if she ever wanted to learn more about the isles' various fauna.
As they excited the shop Camila couldn’t help but feel a swelling of pride. She had just helped a sick animal from another dimension. She wondered what she could have done if she had her vet equipment, or knew more about their biology.
“You good Cami?” Eda's voice called out to her. Looking up Camila gave Eda a look of confusion.
“You had this look in your eye.”
“Oh, yeah I’m okay,” Camila replied a bit flustered at apparently having gotten lost in thought like that. “I was just thinking about how nice it was to help out is all.”
“Well, you were amazing in there,” Eda said matter of fact. Luz cheered the same sentiment. Camila blushed slightly at the praise.
Checking her scroll again Eda saw how late it had gotten. “Come on, if we’re fast we can make it to Hexside right before classes let out.” Eda whipped out Owlbert and ushered Camila to get on. Camila quickly complied and soon they were flying off towards Hexside.
The entire flight there was a small inkling of an idea forming in Camila’s mind. Wondering if she could start learning more about the beasts of the isles.