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Isla debated against giving her name. Wasn't there a rule against it? Someone with your name can control you. They know a tool and connection to manipulate you with. Understanding breeds power. But ultimately, common sense wore out. "Isla," her voice was a low growl.

The Timekeeper gave a brisk nod. "Helena." Hm. Isla glanced at Leona, who seemed dead on her feet. She barely hid a sneer of disgust. She's so weak. Why does she get all the praise?

"Yeah, where are the rooms?" She desperately prayed for her own space. Please, please please, don't make this any more unbearable than it is.

"The sleeping quarters are over there." 'Helena' angled with her head to the opposite end of the room.

Isla squinted.

"...We're sleeping in the dining area?"

"There are only two rooms. I doubt you want to sleep in my study."

"I would much prefer that, thank you very much-"

"I doubt you would say that if you had any understanding of this situation." Helena ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She seemed to do that a lot. A nervous tic, perhaps? "Please, sleep. I do not have patience right now."

---

Leona's eyes started to darken the skin around them. Tiredness overtaking her that she simply got up and shuffled over to the pointed spot. Kneeling she fell into a small curled ball in her robe and slept abruptly. Her book heavy against her back protecting it to the outside as the rest of her body remained covered. She slept in a semi-awake but deep enough sleep to keep aware of her surroundings and to properly rest as well. She listened on for movements and such.

A heavy weight compressed the other end of the worn mattress. Her breath was hot against Leona's ear. "I don't like this place," she murmured to her. "I don't like it at all." And then she turned on her side and was silent, sounding fast asleep.

The Timekeeper had left.

---

Leona woke a few hours later in the darkness. Day had yet to break as she shifted around. Finding Isla next to her, she guessed that she didn't feel comfortable enough with Helena enough to share the study with her. They needed real bedding and stuff here. She was tired of living just the bare minimum. This place was chock full of things she could use. She got up and started looking around in the space. She debated if she wanted to start working on food, and then nodded to herself when she thought about the energy she would need to explore the area around them. She walked over to the pantry and looked at the contents. Not much she could work with. Well, she could if she wanted to waste energy already. Leona decided against it. She headed for the door and worked her way up the stairs.

Backtracking the way they came till she was outside. The sun was in a state of perpetual light yet it was low in the sky. They must be in a region on the planet where sunlight was constant. That must be why Helena's living area was so deep. She studied the area around her. Finding a path, she followed it with her dagger now pulled out in case any danger arose. She wandered.

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Third Person POV

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Hmm..

This place truly was beautiful.

The 'morning' was as hot as the 'evening' before. But a cool wind pooled, circling around her ankles, tickling her ears- it was a bit of a relief. Perhaps the weather cycles had different phases? A rainstorm, or perhaps hail...

A rabbit hopped out of the bushes. It gazed at her with enormous blue eyes, blinked a few times, then spread bloody fangs in a malicious smile.

The bunny rabbit leapt straight for her throat.

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Isla

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Isla stirred awake at 5AM, as was her custom. Her vision adjusted swiftly, and she took a few cautious glances, taking in her surroundings. Ah yes- the events of yesterday. She frowned a bit to herself. Something felt off...

Oh, yes. Her 'sister' was gone. Good. She didn't need the competition.

She adjusted herself into a sitting position. Helena was at the table, sharpening some shears. She did not look up.

Isla decided to try venturing a comment.

"Where's Leona?"

"She left early. I presume she wanted to explore." Helena's eyes remained on the stone as she slid it by the metal. It was probably sharp enough to use as a murder weapon by now.

"Hm. Should I go with her?" Would you approve of that?

"If you wish."

Isla scowled. It didn't seem like she'd get anything out of this woman. But that was more affirmative than silence, which she may as well have heard. She stood up. "I'll go after her," she declared. Helena nodded, picking up another stone and running it over the blade.

Isla didn't even think she saw her leave. She headed up the stairs, hand on the staff at her side. She didn't trust this place not to be booby trapped. Helena seemed like the kind of teacher who'd like to unexpectedly test their reflexes.

The door opened easily, despite her concerns. The morning air had a cool wind. Isla enjoyed it for a few seconds, then restarted her pace. She had to find Leona quickly. Before she headed back.

---

Leona was ready for danger as her dagger swept quickly towards the oncoming rabid thing. I swift motion and the rabbit was once again on the ground. Bleeding profusely from the throat where she caught it at. Eye for an eye, neck for a neck. Heh. That's an ingredient she could use. She dug a hole near the tree and then split the belly of the rabbit to allow the blood to drain. Tying it up with some vines to the tree and just out of reach for other creatures, she continued to browse around the flora for any edible items to gather. Thinking... She pulled a few more vines down and braided herself a bag to place the item into as she shuffled about low on the ground foraging.