"I wasn't going to hurt you I swear," eyes downcast, she began retreating to a large tree, Watena clutched tightly to her chest like a life line "I just wanted to play."

Gale said nothing as she bumped gently into the trunk of the tree and slid down among its roots, curled up into a tiny ball. Tentatively, he took a step towards her, then another, and another, until he was crouched in front of her. His common sense was screaming at him to leave her and run, but his body would not obey. Instead, he found himself laying a comforting, if slightly restraining hand on her bony shoulder.
"How old are you?" Surprised by the question slightly, Mercy turned her large eyes to him, being careful to reveal no emotion as she answered.
"Seventeen." Casually, she started stroking her doll's hair, returned to its normal long black state, her face relaxed and... "loving?" Gale thought. Out loud though, he asked-
"How long have you had that doll?"
"Since I can remember. Watena has been my only friend, I guess." After a short pause she added "Well, there's Lavinia too. But I wasn't allowed to talk to her, otherwise she would get in trouble. And I don't want anyone to hurt anymore." A single tear slid down her cheek and she brought her hand to her face to catch it. When she held her wet fingers in front of her face she seemed scared; staring at the salty water in horror. Determined to find out more about her, Gale pressed on.
"Who's Lavinia? Mercy?" He had to shake her shoulder gently to draw her atention to him again, as she was still staring at her glistening hand. Still not looking at him she answered.
"Lavinia is my silent friend. She doesn't talk to me, because she isn't allowed."
"What do you mean, she isn't allowed?" Bringing a finger to her lips, she made a slight pout and finally turned her big blue eyes to Gale, who was frowning slightly.
"She's an avox;"
"Oh." Was all that Gale could manage. He had not expected that, had not expected that at all.

Yeah she's a little bit odd; to put it lightly. Please keep the reviews coming, I like getting feed-back. =P