The Beginning of The End
Chapter 12

The mortals were nicer than I anticipated, their were more men than women and five young children in the group, others closer to mine and Miya's age. Yet, all of them greeted me with open arms and thanked me for saving her, they were ecstatic to learn we had found the farmhouse and even more happy to learn it had plenty of food for everyone. It would be nice, having others to watch my back and me to watch theirs, and although I found it all rather strange, I was grateful to them all.

The hike back to the farm was painfully slow, but the children weren't very fast, which is to be expected. I doubt that any five and six year olds could make the walk before everything was destroyed. I was pleased to know that each person carried food and essentials, it's a good thing really, with the amount we have, their wouldn't be the need for intense rationing as I had first thought, but it would still be needed to ensure it lasted long enough to scavenge more.

Once everyone was inside, we divided jobs among people, some would cut more logs, others would cook, others would clean. It was a good idea, and hopefully; everyone would stick to it. They divided to rooms between themselves whilst Miya and myself chose the living room along with two males and a female. We would take turns keeping watch on a night, and whilst the windows were boarded up, we decided it would be best to keep light to a minimum just in case. We didn't want any attention from the hounds, not even from other survivors.

The bigger the group means the bigger the problems that come with one, including having to be wary about those that would steal what we have. Any outsiders would need to be screened, everyone would have to agree to let them in.

I yawned, collapsing onto my back as Miya took her place by the window, watching between the gaps in the wood. "Who knew socialising was so exhausting." I moaned, rolling onto my side to watch the fire.

"Speak for yourself, I love being around people." Miya chuckled, shooting a sideways glance my way. "Thank you Elora, I know you had your doubts."

"I did." I admit, watching as the flames devoured the wooden logs. "But that doesn't mearrator'rttast you. I know we raven known each other nong, duch like t ̄THINK we are friends. That you would trust me too."

"I would." Miya nodded with a finality that left no room for argument. "You've more than proven that you would stick to your word. Not many would these days."

"Amen to that." One of the males chuckled as he walked into the room, stepping over a sleeping female as he handed me and Miya a coffee. "Thought you girls might need something strong. But coffees all we got."

"Thank you." I smiled, taking a long sip of the soothing liquid. "Oh how I would kill for a vodka right now."

"Nah, more of a whiskey person myself." He laughed. "I'm Jeremy."

"Of course you'd pick whiskey you're a man." I laughed quietly, reminding myself that their were people trying to sleep. "I'm Elora."

Jeremy faked offence as he placed a hand over his chest and gasped. "How dare you assume my alcohol preference."

"Ah yes, but she was right." Miya laughed, holding her cup with both hands. "I miss rum the most, it was sweet but with a kick that was enough to knock me on my ass." "Anything could knock you on your ass." I laughed, "not hard to floor a hobbit."

A cushion came flying at my face, causing me to turn in order to protect my coffee as all three of us laughed, the sound echoing slightly.

"How dare you!" Miya gasped out between fits of laughter. "You aren't much taller than me!"

"Yes, but she is taller." Jeremy laughed, clutching his side.

"Don't you gang up on me, I introduced you to each other!" Miya scolded, her eyes suddenly hard

Jeremy and I looked at each other before bursting out into fits of laughter once again, my stomach starting to hurt little by little.

"You guys are going to be the death of me!" I shunned, clutching my stomach and tears fell from my eyes.

"Only the best for our Elora." Miya countered, a bright smile lighting up her entire face.

I smiled back, my heart warming, no one had treated me like this, not even back before everything was destroyed. I only had my parents back then, but now I have a whole group of people that are beginning to care about me, and a friend who would go to the ends of the earth for me if I asked. I had never felt so happy, so content with what I had, who knew it would take the end of the world to finally replace where you belong?