So, I think I know what's gonna happen in this chapter, but I don't, like, know. I mean, I know what's gonna happen next, but I don't know in what order everything's gonna happen, you know? Anyway, I hope you like this chapter! (I'm still so happy that the Black Ravens are part of this... EVEN IF I DID HURT POOR SOCKET. I'M SORRY, BABY. *huggles*)

Ahem. Enjoy.

It was rather late when the ship arrived in Maine. The group made their way the the Tritons' house, where they were met by a rather shocked Mr. and Mrs. It didn't take much for the children to be graciously accepted. After a quick, quiet dinner, Mrs. Triton rushed off to prepare their rooms, Westley dutifully assisting. Emmy and Mr. Triton were busy at the dishes.

They waited in the parlor, sitting silently, shifting uncomfortably on the fancy sofa. Flora sat on a separate seat, watching them quietly, wishing she could do more to help. Luke, sitting beside Arianna and Tony on another seat, offered tea, water, and small talk, trying to be a good host. All his offers were turned down by the Ravens' rough attempts at politeness, and he eventually ran out of things to ask. Everything was awkwardly quiet, but in a deep, sad sort of way.

At last, their saving grace came in a knock on the front door. Westley's quick footsteps could be heard clicking on the floor as he went to answer. Everyone waited to see who had arrived.

The butler appeared in the doorway. "Owen White is here to see you."

Flora felt her heart skip. She'd almost forgotten about him. Her hand rose instinctively to check the condition of her hair.

Luke stood, glancing uncomfortably at the others. "I'll be right back," he murmured, then followed Westley out into the entryway.

Flora could hear the two voices at the door, but she couldn't understand what they were saying. Her cheeks flushed anxiously. Trying to act casual, she started talking. She hadn't really met anyone besides Socket, so she thought she'd ask everyone's names.

At first, she was only answered by a few strange looks, but they spoke up eventually.

"Crow."

"None of your beeswax."

"The name's Scraps. This here's Badger."

Badger nodded his head.

"I'm Wren, and this is my brother Socket, but you know him."

Socket smiled.

"My name's Tweeds."

"Marilyn."

"Louis."

"I'm Arianna, and this is-"

"I'm Tony," the boy cut in. "What's yours?"

She smiled. "I'm Flora."

Tony smiled back, a bit shyly. "That's pretty."

"Thanks," Flora answered quietly.

"Are you Luke's girlfriend?" Tony asked, eyebrows raised, his voice rather easy for such a touchy question.

Flora's cheeks went bright red. She shook her head. "No. We're just friends."

Tony's smile broadened. "Oh. Okay." He glanced at Arianna, grinning.

Just then, Luke returned, Owen beside him. "Erm... Owen, this is Marilyn, Badger, Scraps, Socket, Wren, Crow, Nabby, Louis, Tweeds, Tony, and Arianna," he said, introducing each by the order in which they sat. "Everyone, this is Owen."

Owen scanned the small crowd, giving a small wave. "Hey," he smiled.

Flora saw that something was troubling Owen. By the way he looked at the others, she quickly realized that Luke had told him about their situation. Although the whole thing was extremely sad, she couldn't help the warm feeling in her heart when she saw Owen's genuine compassion.

Luke went back and sat by Arianna. Owen looked for a place to sit, and Flora scooted over, making space beside her. He took the spot, his eyes smiling as he glanced up at her.

"So," Owen started, "you guys got to take the boat here?"

Socket nodded enthusiastically. "Yup."

"Nice," he smiled back. "I've heard it's pretty great."

"It's alright," Crow shrugged.

"Oh, Crow," Wren scolded. "You know you liked it."

"It was real nice," Socket assured him. "Have you ever rode on it?"

Owen shook his head. "Nah, but I might someday. Is the food any good?"

Scraps straightened. From the look on his face, you might've thought someone asked what color the sky was. "It was amazing."

Marilyn scoffed. "You think all food is amazing."

"Only when it is, which it was, thank you very much."

Owen chuckled. "I'll take your word for it."

As they talked, Flora watched in happy amazement. It was remarkable how Owen could just come in and get everyone talking and smiling in minutes. Even Crow wore a crooked piece of a grin. She realized that even she was smiling, but perhaps a different sort of smile. As she watched Owen work, her admiration for him only grew.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Mrs. Triton entered. "Alright. Your rooms are ready when you are."

Just as the smell of food makes a stomach growl, the thought of sleep made all eyelids that much heavier.

Socket yawned. "I'm ready."

Wren giggled. "Me too."

Westley smiled. "I'll show you to your rooms."

They all stood to follow the butler, Luke staying beside Arianna, Tony and Socket stopping to wish Owen and Flora goodnight. They left, leaving Flora and Owen alone in the parlor.

Owen glanced up at Flora. "So, do you, uh... wanna go for a walk?"

Flora felt her heart stop. "What?"

"You know," Owen quickly added, "just to talk."

"Oh. Sure." Her skin felt hot as her and Owen walked out the door into the night.

I was gonna continue, but... Nah. Hope you liked it!

God bless!

-LittleBrotherSocket