Cherry Blossom Snow

No Turning Back

Mia made arrangements with her comrades to meet at the Red Lion at the earliest available opportunity. Mia gathered intelligence through Nanette and her connections about the King and his schedule. Once a meeting time was confirmed, Mia prepared to depart for the Red Lion. Evangeline sat nearby, her brow furrowed in concentration as she struggled to fasten the leg braces that would enable her to stand and walk with greater ease. Mia, ever attentive to her needs, offered a helping hand, her touch gentle yet reassuring as she assisted Evangeline with the cumbersome task.

"You shouldn't force yourself to come along if you're not feeling up to it," Mia offered, her voice tinged with concern as she helped Evangeline with her leg braces.

Evangeline shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "I want to help, and you said I can." Curiosity getting the better of her, Evangeline couldn't help but ask, "What is this meeting about, anyway?"

"I want to introduce you to some other people who are very dear to me," Mia replied with a soft smile. "I figure that it would help for them to hear your account of the incident at Trafalgar Square."

"Trafalgar Square." Evangeline pondered the potential impact of her story. "And you believe that this will help to change things for the better?"

"I do. I have confidence in my comrades," Mia assured her.

"Then I'm glad to help," Evangeline replied.

"Everything you do for me helps more than you know," said Mia. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Evangeline couldn't help but voice another concern. "That reminds me, how do you think my parents will react when they realize the government isn't paying them to house you anymore?"

Mia was taken aback. "What? When did that happen?"

"The King's cost-cutting measures," Evangeline explained.

"I'm not even going to worry about that right now," Mia decided, choosing to focus on the task at hand. "That's a problem for future me."

"If you say so."

As they arrived at the Red Lion, Evangeline's confusion was palpable, her brow furrowing with uncertainty as she surveyed their surroundings. "Are you sure this is the right place?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

"Quite sure," Mia reassured her, a hint of anticipation dancing in her eyes as she opened the door.

As Mia and Evangeline entered, Alice approached. "Welcome," she greeted them warmly. "You must be Evangeline."

"I am indeed Evangeline," Evangeline replied, "although I am unsure that I must be."

"I don't know if you recall, but we've met before."

"Met before. I remember. Mia tried to start a fight."

Alice chuckled softly. "She's an interesting person, to say the least, and she definitely keeps some interesting company. You should introduce yourself to them."

Dalziel, Caoimhe, Susan, and Devara sat around a table waiting.

"These are the people you wanted me to meet?" Evangeline asked.

"Indeed they are," Mia replied.

"And is it fair to assume that when you disappear without notice, often for hours at a time, it is to meet with these people?"

Mia nodded. "You've already met Devara, but the time is long overdue for you to meet the others."

Evangeline took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she cautiously approached the table where Mia's comrades sat. Mia stood beside her, providing a reassuring presence.