After countless hours of flying in a plane, the three Defenders finally arrived in Scotland. After leaving the airport, Ballista led her friends around the busy cities and into the less populated areas. They came to a more "ancient" part of Scotland, filled with forests and ruined castles, then finally made it to their destination.

Ballista's sister actually lived in a castle. She wasn't Scottish royalty or anything, though. She had always been interested in her heritage, and thus moved to Scotland and had the large fortress built.

Anyways, the three travelers crossed over the lowered drawbridge to the castle's front doors. Ballista adjusted the bag on her back, knocked on the doors, then waited.

"What's your sister's name, again?" Crocness inquired.

"Flora," Ballista replied.

Thorne snorted. "Sounds joyful."

Suddenly, the heavy, wooden doors opened, and taking their place was a tall girl in her twenties. She had strawberry blonde hair tied into a braid and green eyes. She wore an emerald green dress with sea blue lining. Her dress was so long that no one could tell what kind of shoes she wore. When she saw Ballista, she smiled wide, then walked outside on the wooden bridge to greet her.

"Ballista!" she cried in a "watered-down" Scottish accent, hugging the huntress. "It's good to see you!"

Ballista returned the hug, then replied, "It's good to see you, too, Flora."

Thorne's scowl hardened. This girl's too cheery for my taste.

Flora let go of and beamed at her older sister. "I'm so glad you made it! Isn't this great? The whole family's gathering here tonight for a reunion in my homeland!"

The Splatalot huntress crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You realize we were both born in Canada, right?"

Flora nodded. "Aye, but my heart belongs here in Scotland."

The huntress kinda gave her sister a wierd look, then unfolded her arms. "Kay."

Flora looked past her sister. She started back a little when she saw the other two Defenders, but didn't freak out otherwise.

"Who is this...fine lad? And fine lass?"

The huntress stepped back a few feet. "Crocness and Thorne," the huntress explained, pointing to each one as she said their names. "They work alongside me in the Kingdom of Splatalot."

Flora lifted her head a little. "Ah, so these are two of your hideous coworkers you've been telling me about."

Crocness (and even Albert) glared at the Splatalot huntress.

"Oy, who are you calling hideous?" Thorne snarled, glaring at both Ballista and her younger sister.

Ballista laughed. Thorne shook his head and cast his hateful glare at the ground. An awkward pause shortly followed afterwards. Fortunately, though, Crocness broke it by announcing her departure.

"I'll be off, then. Can't keep Nessie waiting."

Flora blinked. "Um...alright...? But feel free to join us in the reunion, tonight. A friend of Ballista is always welcome."

The half-human, half-huntress nodded. "I'll see you guys later," she stated, turning on her heels.

Flora and Ballista bid her farewell. Thorne kept silent, but watched her as she prowled away. He kept his eyes on her until he couldn't see her anymore.

After exchanging a few quiet words with her sister, Flora turned to Thorne. She smiled. "You too; feel free to join us, tonight. It'll be fun."

The alchemist scowled. "You ain't gonna make we wear a kilt if I come, are ya?"

Ballista smirked.

Flora shook her head. "Nay, just come as you are...chainmail and all."

Thorne glanced to the side, then crossed his thick arms. "I'll consider your invitation."

A/N: Once the action starts, I think this will get better. I can't wait to get there!