Ella sat in Defiance drinking whatever concoction they could make into coffee at the NeedWant. She was one of "those." The ones that the few stronger people stayed for. She liked to think that she could survive in the Badlands, but she simply saw that it was no better risk than simply staying. She had overheard Berlin and Amanda talk about staying to help protect the ones too weak to make it. Ella had just wrinkled her nose at the thought. It made them sound like a burden, but she tried to put the guilt aside by thinking that Amanda and Berlin were simply looking for a cause. That they were just looking for someone to protect. They just wanted to keep Defiance around.

Which was hard considering that the mining town no longer had a mine. It seemed like a ghost town at times. Ella couldn't decide if that made her feel safer or more in danger. It did mean less business. She sold some handmade recycled items to some vendors. The few people she saw on a regular basis. There was one of them left and they were overflowing with stock as it was. Not to mention, that there was less than ideal conditions to go to the scrapyard with her one friend: A Sensoth named Bob. Well, it's what she called him. One of the people she sold to was stolen from before he sold items Ella made, therefore unable to pay Ella. He gave her Bob. It took a long time and about a week of paying for him to stay at the NeedWant, but trust was soon established and she put together a large bed that took up half of her little house. But she felt safer with a big teddy bear bodyguard.

The only thing that bothered her was that now with the lower population, she wasn't able to blend in as much. She avoided the Hollows and when she felt an inkling of tension, she got into her little home that she made sure was near the lawkeeper's office. She heard and saw little passings of something that she really didn't want to ask for more details about. She just knew they were hardened people and she was glad to have them around protecting her.

She was one of the few in the dimly lit NeedWant at the moment. It was mid-day, so they let in the natural light and the tree be the main lighting, conserving energy. So she overheard Amanda tell the staff there. She looked over and Amanda didn't seem particularly frenzied, so she sighed deeply and convinced herself that there was no need to run unless other, less anxious for nothing people ran. She looked over to Bob being seduced by a few of the staff and smirked. Poor thing barely understood what they were doing. She cleared her throat finally and when an Irathiant boy came over, she spoke softly, "Please leave Bob alone. He's in my employ and I wish him to stay near." Mostly, she was worried that Bob would be dragged into something he knew nothing about. He was a younger Sensoth as Doc Yewll told her, and more innocent than most. As in he was not battle hardened. He did have the natural instinct to protect.

That is what Ella wanted. Someone who wouldn't cause trouble or be cold about harming. Just someone to protect her. And she made sure to care for him like a brother. When they finally left them alone she smiled at Bob, "Hungry?" He grunted with a nod and she ordered him some food and just continued drinking her coffee when she saw Irisa walk in. There was one of a few ways to see Irisa enter. She was either pissed, looking for someone, or pissed with a gun looking for someone. That last one usually had Ella skittering out the door. She was just pissed today. Ella watched her, and the girl just plopped down and sulked. Ella took a deep breath and relaxed. The staff also knew very well to leave Irisa alone.

After a few minutes, Ella heard a sniff. From Irisa. She blinked and looked over. She never knew Irisa even cried. The girl was so cold, even to her own adopted father. She got a shot of bravery and walked over with her coffee and winked at Bob as a signal to jump in if Irisa was going to take anything out on her. "A... Are you alright?"

"No." Irisa grumped but didn't say more and Ella just stood there. Finally she sat down. Irisa didn't seem to object, nor did she speak. It was awkward but eventually, it eased. Irisa seemed to know Ella was there and was seeming to be more than tolerant of it. Ella finally just sipped at her coffee silently, finding a similar quiet comfort sitting there with Irisa as she did with Bob.

Finally Ella thought of something to say, "Welcome back," She spoke softly, too shy to look up.

Irisa had stopped sniffing and blinked, "Thank you. You're not scared of me?"

Ella chuckled, "I was worried about you."

"Well, don't be."

Ella gave a soft smile, "If only it were that easy." Blushing feeling that she sounded a bit more familiar than she intended, she added, "Fear and worry are who I am. I'll leave you alone if you want, though. Do you want me to leave you alone?"

Irisa furrowed her brow and lifted one at the same time, noticing the woman's timidness. She seemed vaguely familiar. Like a wall of the NeedWant, but that was it. "Why are you still here?"

The question felt rude, but from overhearing Irisa with others, it was just her way. Ella shrugged, "No more safer out there, is it?"

Irisa was quiet a moment and looked down, "Good point. Do you fight?" Irisa looked at her and her posture, clothes, and not at all toned body told her the answer, "Just be sure to have a safe place to hide."

Ella nodded, "I've avoided many dangers that've come through here."

"Even me."

Ella tilted her head, "You seem to only go after those who deserve it. I've done nothing to deserve your wrath."

Irisa looked at her shocked, "You do hide well if you don't know the story of what I've done."

"Oh, I've heard the stories, but they seem nothing more than legends now."

"Please tell me you didn't read the book."

Ella chuckled, "Yep, but books are just books. I won't believe anything until I hear it from the person themself." Ella then wrinkled her nose, "But I have a feeling I don't wanna know."

"You don't."

Ella smiled. "Seems we'll get along just fine then."

Irisa made a snorting sound and they sat there in comfortable silence.

This is how it was for a few days. One day, the Tarrs brought in the baby and Ella noticed Irisa's eyes follow the baby like a hawk. "What's wrong?" Ella and Irisa never really talked and Ella didn't realize she'd asked until she said it, "Sorry. Never mind."

"I don't trust them with someone so innocent."

"Isn't it their grandchild?"

Irisa didn't answer and Ella tilted her head. She didn't know what was going on, but she reached out without thinking and put a hand on Irisa's, "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

For some reason, to Ella's surprise, Irisa didn't stab her hand. Still, she didn't want to push, but still make Irisa understand that she had a shoulder to lean on. Without questions.

"I think it's best I not know."