Flora, Chatta, and Mirta appeared on the receiving platform of the transport station on Linphea. The building was made of natural wood, and all advanced technology had been carefully hidden from the traveler's view.
Mirta looked around in wonder at the natural beauty of the town. Wooden and rock buildings, and people traveling on giant leaves... it was very different from her home.
Flora took Mirta's elbow and turned her to a side street. "We go this way," she explained, "Do you want to walk or fly?"
"How far is it?" asked Mirta, staring at a huge, colorful flower with a sweet smell that sat at the corner of the intersection.
"About a mile," answered Flora.
"Let's walk. If just the town is this incredible, what will I see on the way to your house?" Mirta turned her attention to the street ahead.
Flora smiled to herself. Electing to walk meant Mirta's still mostly-hidden Nature Fairy self was being affected, and trying to come out. It was a good sign.
As they reached the edge of town, Mirta was still looking at the amazing flora and fauna. "Too bad Bloom had to go home. She would have loved to see this."
"Yes, she would. Her mom is a florist, and I think she's picked up some of that interest from her," answered Flora, and almost instantly regretted it. The Winx girls had tried not to mention families around Mirta, since only a month and a half had passed.
Apparently Mirta hadn't noticed. Her attention was taken by a huge flower, almost a tree, with white petals and green spots. The smell was pleasant and attractive. She started walking toward it.
"Wait!" called Flora, "Don't get too close! It's carnivorous, and has grabbing vines!"
"Huh?" said Mirta, distracted by the scent. She took one step too many.
Vines mostly hidden by old leaves on the ground suddenly rose up and grabbed her around the legs. She fell, and the flower began pulling her to it. She screamed and grabbed at the ground, finally getting a grip on a root sticking up. The vines started picking her up, but her work-enhanced strength allowed her to hang on.
"Whatta we do? Whatta we do!" shouted Chatta, but she was too scared to get closer.
Flora transformed into fairy form, and flew above the flower. She created a small blue ball between her hands and tossed it up. "Hidden Sun!" she shouted. Dust from the path and elsewhere swirled up and around the ball, becoming denser and darker, until the flower was hidden in darkness.
Thinking it was night, the vines let Mirta go, and relaxed. The petals closed, and the flower went to sleep.
Flora landed beside Mirta, helped her get untangled from the vines, and held her arm while they went back to the path.
"Whew, thanks, Flora, that was close!" said Mirta, giving her a hug.
"It's okay, don't worry about it," said Flora with a smile. She reverted to human form. "You've only been here ten minutes, and can't expect to know what's dangerous and what isn't."
"I'm glad you're okay too!" said Chatta, "Three cheers for Flora!"
For the rest of the trip, Mirta was much more cautious, and asked Flora about every plant she saw.
At the end of the path it widened into a lush green lawn dotted with trees. A stone path led the way to the house. It was large, and the one-story structure spread out to the edge of the lawn. Birds and other animals could be heard, and in the background was the sound of water.
Smiling broadly, Flora made a short, formal bow to Mirta. "This is my home. Welcome! May you find peace, love, and friends within, and let your burdens be relieved!"
At Mirta's confused look, Flora explained, "In my culture, that is a traditional greeting when someone comes here for the first time."
"I see. Thanks! I'll try to be a good guest," said Mirta.
They walked up the path to the door, which Flora opened without hesitation. "Mom? Dad? I'm home!" she shouted.
"Hey!" said Chatta, indignantly.
"WE'RE home," Flora amended, to Chatta's satisfaction and Mirta's amusement.
From the back of the house came Flora's parents. Her dad was tall, muscular, and red-headed; her mom pretty, with the same leaf-green eyes Flora had. Her mom's hair was a darker brown, and there were strands of white in it. They were in their early forties. Both were naturally tanned like Flora.
Both were wearing comfortable clothes in natural colors, and it made Mirta feel self-conscious for her witch-punk look. But the couple didn't seem to mind.
Flora's mom went to Mirta. "I'm Ivy, dear," she said, giving Mirta a hug, "I'm so sorry about what happened to you. It's terrible. You're welcome to stay until it's time to go back to Alfea."
"My name's Rowan," said Flora's dad, shaking her hand, "And I agree. Stay as long as you wish."
A red-faced Mirta mumbled "Thank you."
"Where's Rose?" Flora asked her father.
"Mmmm... I think she's taking a nap right now," he replied.
"Come on, I'll show you to your room," said Flora to Mirta.
They walked down the wood-paneled hall, and Flora pointed out rooms of interest. She stopped in front of a partially open door and peeked inside. There was her younger sister Rose, asleep on her bed. Her light auburn hair spread over a couple of pillows. Mirta got a look, and judged her to be about eight years old.
"This is yours," Flora said quietly, gesturing. Directly across the hall was a closed door. Mirta went inside, followed by Flora who closed the door so they could talk normally.
The room had a four-poster queen-sized bed with tables to each side, a dresser and chest-o-drawers, and a closet. A large window facing south provided light, and lamps were placed in strategic points for night. It was wood-paneled and comfortable, but had that unlived-in feeling that can be found in guest rooms. Living plants in bowls had been set on the table tops.
"This is beautiful!" exclaimed Mirta. She pulled a small cube out of her pocket, and when she dropped it to the floor it expanded to a single suitcase. Flora took it and put it in the closet.
Flora clasped her hands together in front of her, and smiled at the half-witch. "Are you hungry? Thirsty? What would you like to do?"
"Tell the truth, a nap sounds awfully good to me. After that walk and the plant, I'm tired," she replied. She sat on the bed and took off her boots.
"Okay, that's probably a good idea anyway," replied Flora, "I'll wake you for dinner, in about four hours."
"Thanks," said Mirta, lying down and sighing.
Flora let herself out, but left the door open a crack.
wcwcwc
At Cloud Tower, the students had to be on guard constantly, even asleep, lest enemies get the drop on them. Mirta woke suddenly, having the distinct feeling of being watched. Judging by the light from the window at least a couple of hours had passed.
She listened, but could hear nothing like footsteps sneaking up on her. She rolled over facing the door and sat up. Standing in the door was a young girl with reddish hair and the same leaf-green eyes as Flora. The girl took a step back at Mirta's sudden action.
"Oh, you must be Rose," she said, yawning and trying to smile.
The girl nodded, looking worried. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. It's probably time I got up anyway," Mirta replied. She noticed Rose stood like she was ready to run if Mirta made a wrong move.
"C'mon in," she said, waving to Rose, "I don't bite... very hard." She smiled to show she was joking.
Hesitantly Rose came in and approached Mirta as she put her boots on.
"Hi, I'm Mirta," she said, holding out her hand.
Rose studied the extended hand a second, then shook it.
"See, I told you I don't bite," said Mirta.
Rose smiled wanly. "Are you really a witch?" she asked.
Mirta was saved from trying to simplify a complex answer by Flora stepping in and announcing dinner. The smell of food came in with her, and Mirta's stomach growled.
This make Rose giggle and relax a bit, which Mirta was glad to see. She didn't want the girl being afraid of her.