Author's Note: It's Furbkins! I'm an ironic follower of Winx Club, but I've always been intrigued by the story behind Flora and Helia's relationship. It had way too many holes for my liking, so I thought I'd add my own spin to the missing links!
Seclusion was neither an option nor a choice.
HELIA
I was curled up in one corner on my room, my eyes trained on the blank pad before me. I sketched furiously with sure, careful strokes, recreating the elegant profile of the bird perched on the open windowsill, gracing my ears with its lovely morning song. The air that drifted through the window was earthy and fresh, tickling my nose as I laid down the pencil and the sketch pad onto the daybed and I closed my eyes, enjoying the rare moment of tranquility.
"Helia?"
I opened my eyes again, and looked up. An elderly man stood at the doorway with a scepter clutched in one hand, and the other hand rested against his back. His dark eyes were hooded and tired-looking, and they reminded me of what I had been through all this while. My uncle was strained and weary; and he certainly wasn't getting any younger. "Yes, Uncle?"
His eyes trailed over my room, taking note of the lone luggage case standing in the middle of my room and he nodded. "Good. I see you're packed. We'll be departing shortly. We've got to make it back in time for the reopening of Red Fountain,"
I closed my eyes again, indicating that I got the message. I heard departing footsteps, and I opened my eyes yet again. I picked up my sketchpad, and threw the pencil into a case, mixed in with various art supplies. I put both the pad and the case into the duffel bag on my bed, and zipped it close.
How long had it been? Since I got pulled out of Red Fountain, to pursue art school? Well, at least that's the story we've been feeding to everyone who asked.
It's been two hard years, I told myself. Two long and difficult years that I was finally ready to leave behind.
"Helia? We're leaving!" the faint sound of my uncle's voice alerted me.
"Coming,"
I was ready to start a new life.