I shouldn't have said yes. There's going to be so many people. Cara thought to herself as she trekked through the cold night air. Astrid had told her earlier where the event was going to take place. It was in a grove of trees, tucked away into one of the corners of the compound. She made her way across the deserted town. Slowly noises started raising up from the corner. Guitar melodies, laughter, chatter, all of it melded together into the sounds of a party.

As Cara approached, she watched as the orange fire light casted a sinister glow on bare, gnarled branches that swayed with the wind. They scraped against the fence like angry, hungry fingernails clawing for they're next meal. That's not comforting looking at all. Maybe it's a sign that I should just turn back and leave. She mused to herself internally. Her body seemed to completely bypass the idea as it continued forward into the festivities.

She noticed there was one large bonfire in the center, its flames licking the air well above her head. Around that, she could make out various smaller fires spread across the snow covered ground. A few burn barrels were mixed in. The snow melted away wherever there was a fire, leaving glistening brown grass behind.

She stood by the main fire, feeling the heat on her face from even ten feet away.  She started on the right, walking counterclockwise in the shadows to find Sterling and Astrid. Cara passed multiple campfires with people giggling and gossiping together. What they had to gossip in such a small town was no clue to her. She continued on her way, sliding from shadow to shadow until she found them. They were resting in old lawn chairs around campfire closest to the corner of the fence.

Astrid was looking away from Sterling, her jaw set tightly in an angry scowl. Next to Sterling sat a small bag of potato chips. Cara walked out to them, sitting on a lawn chair that had been dragged up to the fire. She watched as desperation grew on Sterling's face.

"Baby?" Astrid stayed quiet, her gaze not wavering from its spot away from her partner. What did the big oaf do now?

"Honey cakes?"

"..."

"Sugar Bottom?"

"..."

"Sweet sunlight goddess?" Cara's hand found its way to her mouth to keep her from snorting at the nickname. These are getting worse and worse.

"Fart Bomber?"

"..."

"Snuggaluffagus?"

"..."

"Vagina Muncher?" Sterling! She scolded internally as her eyes darted between the feuding pair. Astrid stayed as stony silent as ever.

"Shmoopie?"

"..."

"My most favorite ho?"

"Sweet talking me into forgiving you isn't going to bring my food back, Sterling." Cara eyes widened. This was all over the potato chips? Not to mention that was the nickname that got a response out of her? Astrid turned to send a glare towards the boy when she noticed Cara.

"Cara! When did you get here!?" she exclaimed, her mean gaze turning into a bright smile.

"Back when... you were ignoring Sterling," she uttered out, surprised once again at the sudden change of attitude. Astrid's grin stayed plastered on her face.

"Sterling who?" She answered, smugness lacing her tone.

"Look, Astrid!" Sterling's voice interrupted, slight irritation evident. "I'm sorry! I didn't realize you'd get so pissed about me eating your potato chips. You're the best lesbian friend I could ask for, and I couldn't ask for one better!" he tried saying, turning almost helpless. She turned to look at him, her eyes shining with victory.

"Damn straight! Wait, no... Damn gay!" Sterling's expression lit up with her words.

"You forgive me?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

"I'll think about it," Astrid answered, her response light and cheerful. She already has. Sterling realized that as well, and he failed at trying to hide the grin of relief on his face.

"So!" Astrid started up, clapping her hands as she turned toward Cara. "What do you want to learn? I'm sure there are some things you don't know about this whole place that you want to know." Cara's eyes wandering upwards in thought, her chin landing on her palm.

"First off, what is the point of this... party?" she questioned, looking around at the other fires that lit up the citizens. Astrid nodded her head at the question.

"It's a little get together of sorts that Margret put together. It happens once a month, and it's supposed to help knit the community together, so they're strong as one for if... unfortunate events happen." Cara raised an eyebrow at Astrid's explanation.

"If unfortunate events happen? What could happen in Ryseden?" Cara asked incredulously. Astrid and Sterling shared a shifty look.

"There's a rival community of ours that's nearby. We fight over the scavenging rights of the city nearby. We both are about equal distance from it. Usually whenever our runners come across them..." she drifted off, her fingers lacing together as she looked down.

"They die. Every time," Sterling finished for Astrid. "Her sister was taken hostage and killed by them." Astrid nodded her confirmation. Taking in a shaky breath. It was obvious that talking about the event still hurt her.

"This other town, what are they like? What do they call themselves?" Cara questioned, surprised at the amount of protectiveness she felt. Here I go again, getting attached. Why can't I just stay a lone wolf?

"They call themselves Solaris. We don't know too much about them. As said before no one survives an encounter with them. Clearly though, they're out gunning us. Maybe even have more men. If we ever fought them, it would be a uphill battle for us, despite our stocked armory," Sterling continued, shaking his head in dismay.

"Well, do the people here know how to fight? Can they take a stand against Solaris? If they ever attacked here, we'd have the home field advantage! It would be an easy win." Astrid and Sterling shared another look, showing that they knew something she didn't. She watched the exchange with wary eyes. What am I missing out here...?

"Ryseden is more than unprepared for an attack against anyone, especially Solaris," Astrid answered this time, her voice for once grave and angry.